Chapter V (2)

WEIGHT FOR AGE.—In racing advertisements, propositions of different kinds appear, in respect to the weights which are to be carried by the horses who are a year younger or a year older than each other. Such announcements vary, in some degree, between the weights of one place of sport and another; but as the GOLD CUP weights at OXFORD are considered a fair criterion of equity, they are here introduced in explanation.

st. lb.

Four year olds carry 7 7 Five year olds 8 7 Six year olds 9 0 And aged 9 4

WEIGHT FOR INCHES.—When a plate is advertised to be run for by horses "to carry weight for inches," it is then called a GIVE and TAKE PLATE, which see.

WEIGHT TO THE SCALE.—Bringing the proper weight to the scale immediately after _each heat_, is in racing a very important consideration. Whatever weight by the conditions, in either plate, match, sweepstakes, or subscription, a horse is appointed to carry, the rider or jockey must have ascertained before the Stewards, or Clerk of the Course, by the scales and weights publicly affixed to the starting-post of every race ground for that purpose. So soon as each and every heat is ended, such rider or jockey is to ride his horse up to the scales, there to be weighed in immediate succession; and any rider or jockey neglecting so to do, dismounting before he reaches the scale, or not bringing his full weight when there, the horse in either case is deemed equally _distanced_, and can start no more for that plate or prize, whatever may be its denomination.

WENS—are enlargements which may appear upon any of the soft or fleshy parts of a horse's body, and are technically termed encysted tumours; but divided into different kinds, which are thus distinguished. One, upon separation, is found to contain a substance somewhat similar to boiled rice, curds, or a bread poultice; a second, a glutinous adhesive coagulum, nearly resembling honey when not in a state of absolute fluidity; a third, in which the substance has every appearance of suet in its progress from the butcher's to the tallow chandlers; and a fourth, with the contents a little like half-melted grease. The only mode of extirpation (where it can with safety be ventured upon) is by the knife; but if, in performing the operation, every part of the cyst or bag is not completely removed, it will always be liable to enlarge again, and render abortive all that may have been done before. Whenever the tumour is so extirpated, the wound is to be dressed in the usual way, and a favourable incarnation and union of parts will soon be obtained.

WHEEZING—is that seeming difficulty of respiration through the nostrils of a horse, which is by some attributed to a wrong cause; suspecting it to be a contraction or narrowness between the bones and cartilages of the nose. This, to a more nice or accurate observer, does not appear to be the case; on the contrary, attentively investigated, it appears there is very little, if any, doubt to be entertained of its being a defect in the natural inflation of the lungs. Admitting this, it is then a gradational relative to the asthmatic and thick-winded tribe, where some of the finer vessels are obstructed, become impervious, or tubercles formed. In the latter, cure cannot be expected; alleviation may be obtained by a patient perseverance in mild mercurial alteratives; and in all the different shades of these affections of the lungs, originating in plethora and a viscid sizy state of the blood, frequently unloading the vessels of their contents by bleeding, attenuating the blood by antimonials, and enlivening the circulation by pectoral cordial detergents, are the only means upon which an expectation of permanent relief can be entertained.

WHIM PLATE,—in the language of the TURF, is where the horses who run carry weight for age, and weight for inches.

WHIP.—Sporting whips are of two kinds; one of which, having a handle with a hook, and a long thong, is called a hunting-whip; being useful in assisting to manage the hounds. A light straight single-stem whip, is called a jockey whip, being the sort used on the turf.

WHIP—is the name of a horse of some reputation as a racer, but was withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion, at five years old. He was bred by MR. DURAND; foaled in 1794; got by _Saltram_, dam by _King Herod_, and was the favourite for the Derby in 1797, and expected to win it easy, had he been well enough to have started. He was tried to have so much speed, as to be able to give many colts of the same year from twenty to thirty pounds. The first time he started, he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, the New Mile at Ascot, beating three others; and afterwards a 50_l._ plate for three year olds at Reading. In 1798 he won 50_l._ at Ascot Heath. In running for the gold cup at Oxford, against _Diamond_, _Stickler_, _Johnny_, and _Oatlands_, he ran out of the Course, when supposed to be winning to a certainty. At Brighton he won a 50_l._ plate, beating _Combatant_, who had the day before won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (17 subscribers,) beating seven others. At Canterbury he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, (five subscribers,) which was the last time he started; having since been advertised to cover at five guineas a mare, and five shillings the groom.

WHIPPER-IN—is an assistant subordinate to the huntsman in every hunting establishment, which, if upon a well-regulated scale of any magnitude, is never considered complete with _less_ than _two_. One of these has a shade of superiority, and is called the _first_; the other, the _second_, whipper-in. The first, upon all and every occasion, is considered as a second huntsman, empowered to act with his authority upon every emergency, and at all times during temporary separation in the chase, or unavoidable absence. Notwithstanding this delegation of power, it is his duty to remain strictly obedient to the huntsman, and to execute all his injunctions with the most cheerful alacrity; and however largely he may be qualified in other respects, it is impossible he can ever become a _good_ whipper-in, if he is in possession of a _bad_ temper. It is absolutely indispensible that he should be a natural philosopher in respect to patience and self-denial, as it is so peculiarly his province to act an inferior part, unless when circumstances occur to bring him more forward upon the canvass; the moment which cease, he must contentedly retire again from the front, to his former station in the background of the picture.

MR. BECKFORD, after a profusion of the most observant experience, admitted an excellent whipper-in to be preferable to an excellent huntsman; and as the opinion he believed was entirely new, he felt himself in some degree called upon to explain it. He had no doubt but he should have better sport, and kill more foxes, with a moderate huntsman, and an excellent whipper-in, than with the best of huntsmen without such assistance. For he considered, that, in general sporting acceptation, it might probably be conceived, that a good huntsman might always make a good whipper-in; not such, however, as he meant; his talent must be _born with him_. His reasons were, that good hounds (and bad he would not keep) oftener need the one than the other; and genius, which, in a whipper-in, if attended by obedience, (his first distinguishing requisite,) can be productive of no ill, is, in a huntsman, a dangerous though a desirable quality; and if not accompanied with a large share of prudence, blended with humility, will oftentimes retard and spoil the sport, as well as tend materially to hurt the hounds.

It has been erroneously conceived, by some theoretic and _newly-entered_ sportsmen, that it is the business of a whipper-in to attend closely upon the huntsman, to receive his commands, and execute his orders; which is by no means the case. If he is on the opposite side of the covert to the huntsman, he is in his proper place; and if within hearing of his _halloo_, he is near enough; for that is the signal it is the province of the whipper-in to obey. The second whipper-in may occasionally attend upon the huntsman, to act as a field _aid de camp_, when he is not required by circumstances to be active elsewhere. The first whipper-in should of course be qualified to hunt the hounds, if necessary: nothing can be better calculated to keep a huntsman within the bounds of decency and good manners; as they in general are by no means deficient in the assumption of imaginary consequence, when once they have imbibed an opinion of their own superiority.

When hounds are taken from the kennel, it is the place of the first whipper-in to go before, and of the second to come at some distance behind them. If permitted to follow too near, however great the necessity may be, the poor animals will never be allowed time to empty themselves; for these juvenile whippers-in, upon their initiation, conceive it their proper element to be always in a gallop, and incessantly whipping the hounds whenever they can get at them. The first whipper-in should be of light weight, great agility, quick conception, of much personal fortitude, and an excellent horseman. With these qualifications, he has it always in his power to exert and display his ability to advantage. While the huntsman slicks close to his headmost hounds, the whipper-in can give proof of his judgment in various ways: he can _clap forward_ to any great earth that may be open; he may _sink the wind_, to view and halloo a fox when the scent fails, or keep him off _his soil_: he may avail himself of the first opportunity to _stop_ the _tail hounds_, and get them forward; and he has it constantly in his power to assist the hounds, if he has penetration to discover where, and at what time, it is most wanted. The making and keeping a pack steady, depend entirely upon him; as it is not the province of a huntsman either to _rate_ or _flog_ a hound, if it can consistently be avoided.

During the chase, whenever it may be necessary to stop the hounds, the whipper-in should always be at their head before he begins to make the attempt. _Rating behind_ can effect but little; and if they are running riot in covert, it may prevent him from knowing which are the aggressors. Whippers-in are frequently in the extreme, and continue rating long after they find that rating will not avail: a hound should never be struck, unless he is first made sensible what it is for: if they were a little less hasty, and more disposed to reflection, they would never strike a hound that did _not_ deserve it, and would strike those hard who do. In fact, the experience of every additional season affords ample conviction, that a whipper-in seldom distinguishes sufficiently the degrees of offence which a dog may have committed, to proportion his punishment accordingly; and such is the prevalence of custom, that when only riding a hound, to turn him after the huntsman, he is rated (if not flogged) as severely as if he had been guilty of the greatest possible offence.

A whipper-in is generally so exceedingly pleased with his own powers of vociferation, that he is incessantly _rating_ some one hound or another, and then as industriously endeavours to _flog_ him; without asking himself the question, whether it is likely a hound thus rated will not naturally feel inclined to avoid the whip. It is certainly the most consistent, whenever a hound may deserve correction, to whip him first, and to rate him afterwards. The getting forward the tail hounds is a material and necessary part of the chase, in which a whipper-in, of energy and judgment, can always give proof of his ability. Where there are two whippers-in, the _first_ is often justified in getting forward, when the huntsman, from accident, or unforeseen and unavoidable obstructions, may be prevented from being up with the hounds; but the _second_ has no right whatever to be forward, so long as a single hound is known to have been left behind. Most huntsmen cast an eye of jaundiced jealousy at a whipper-in, particularly if his merits have attracted the attention of his employer; upon a presumption he may have a rival in his subordinate, who may, upon any indiscretion or disobedience of his own, have a fair chance of becoming his successor; a circumstance that sometimes a little cankers the basis of unanimity. After these accumulated remarks upon the personal qualifications and official efforts of a whipper-in, it may with truth be affirmed, if he is innately bold, active, and energetic; a prudent, careful, and steady horseman, with a quick ear, and clear voice; with attentive knowledge, and observation to distinguish where he can be the most useful; not possessing the simple conceit of killing a fox without the huntsman, but, on the contrary, feel disposed to assist him all he can; such a one may be considered completely perfect in his department, and will seldom or ever be long out of employment.

WHELPS.—The produce of hounds during their first months are termed _whelps_; the young of other sporting dogs are in general called _puppies_. Those who are intent upon forming a hunting establishment, will, in laying the foundation, recollect, that hounds are very frequently to be purchased for considerably less money than they can be bred. The pack once obtained, breeding then becomes indispensibly necessary for the proper support of the stock, and the acquisition of superior excellence; by possessing the annual convenience of entering young, and rejecting old, till the body become perfectly complete. The business of breeding is considered so very material to the sporting reputation of the establishment, that, by amateurs and professed sportsmen, it is conducted with a systematic circumspection, and most judicious discrimination. Uniformity in size, shape, make, colour, speed, and constitution, are leading perfections, which should never be lost sight of. MR. BECKFORD, who seems to have understood the chase much better than any writer that has ever promulgated an opinion upon the subject, has laid down some precautionary rules, from which the emulous and the prudent will seldom deviate.

In a well-regulated and extensive hunting establishment, no less than nine or ten couple of whelps should be annually bred to keep up a regular supply: the distemper sometimes making dreadful havoc amongst the whelps, as well as age and infirmities amongst the old hounds, if a proper number of recruits were not always ready, much mortifying disappointment might probably ensue. Whenever it can be so contrived, the whelps should appear between the second or third week in February, and the middle of the month of March; they have then nothing to encounter from the cold severity of the winter season, and the ensuing summer to bask, expand, and grow in. It is on all hands admitted injudicious to breed from hounds with palpable imperfections: weak hounds, babblers, skirters, slow, and tardy-tongued hounds, should always be rejected. An old dog should never be put to an old bitch; nor should either dog or bitch be in an unhealthy state, lest the offspring should be eventually affected.

WHISKEY,—the name of a most excellent runner, whose recent performances on the turf laid the foundation of his present celebrity as a stallion of much promised reputation. He was bred by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; foaled in 1780, and got by _Saltram_ out of _Calash_, (who was got by _Herod_;) her dam (_Teresa_) by _Matchem_. In 1792, when three years old, in the July Meeting at Newmarket, he won a sweepstakes of 200 guineas, eight subscribers; and 50_l._ at Bedford. First October Meeting, a post sweepstakes of 1000 guineas each, three subscribers. The next day a subscription of 200 guineas each, eleven subscribers. Second October Meeting, a subscription of 20 guineas each, six subscribers. In the Houghton Meeting, he beat Sir F. Standish's _Sir John_ across the flat, staking 150 to 100 guineas. In 1793 (then Mr. Durand's) he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The next Meeting he beat _Halbert_ a match over the Beacon for 200 guineas. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a 50_l._ plate; and won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. He was then withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion at five guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom. Two of his get started at only two years, and were both winners. In 1799, _Clarissa_ appeared, and at two years old won 150 guineas, and 120 guineas, at Brighton. _Pamela_, three years old, 50_l._ at Brocket Hall; 200 guineas at Epsom; and 50_l._ at Ipswich. In 1800, two others appeared, each two years old, both winners at Newmarket. In 1801, _Eleanor_ started, and won 250 guineas, 700 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Derby and Oaks Stakes, both at Epsom, amounting to 1475 guineas. _Julia_ won the July Stakes, 40 guineas, and 450 guineas, at Newmarket; and _Whiskerandos_ won three prizes at Newmarket, Brighton, and Egham. In 1802, _Whirligig_ won seven prizes; _Julia_, six; _Eleanor_, three; _Gig_, two; and _Orlando_, 100 guineas, at Newmarket. Under the increasing merits of which progeny, his price as a stallion is advanced to double the original sum; standing announced to cover for 10 guineas a mare the present season, 1803, at Great Barton, near Bury St. Edmund's.

WHITE-FOOTED HORSE—is always considered an indication of future weakness in the feet; such horses, in general, having hoofs which become soon brittle and battered; or an outer sole so thin at the bottom, that it compulsively submits to the propulsive force of the membranous mass within, and soon forms a preternatural prominence upon the surface, rendering the foot not only weak, but exceedingly difficult to shoe, without pressing upon the part requiring to be protected.

WHITE HOUND.—A hound perfectly white is hardly ever bred up for the chase; not more on account of their being considered weaker in constitution than hounds of a variegated description, than their contributing less to the uniformity of the pack. The hounds in the highest estimation to constitute beauty, are brown, liver-coloured, or yellow pied; either of those having a proportional participation with the white, and of these the most are now bred. There are, however, some instances, where hounds entirely of a black, or sandy tan, are admitted, and prove the _crack_ or leading hound of the pack.

WIDGEON—is a species of wild fowl, inferior in size to the wild duck, but considerably larger than the teal. They afford little or no sport to the gunner, being but rarely found, except in the utmost severity of the winter, and then only in certain particular fens and marshes in some few different parts of the kingdom. Those with which the markets of the Metropolis are supplied, are caught in the same manner as wild-ducks. See DECOY.

WILD BOAR.—This animal was formerly a native of Britain, and held in such high estimation, that those convicted of killing or maiming them in the time of William the Conqueror, were punished with the loss of their eyes. Charles the First procured wild boars from the continent, and had them turned down in the New Forest to promote the breed; but they were entirely destroyed in the civil wars that ensued. Hunting the wild boar is considered a magnanimous sport with the grandees of those countries in which they abound; but it partakes in no degree of comparison with the exhilarating sport, and enlivening scenes, displayed in the different kinds of chase in our own country. Wild boars are sought after, and tried for, in the largest and thickest woods and coverts, (having angular and cross rides cut through them for the purpose of the chase,) in the same way by which stags are roused, or foxes unkenneled, in this country. The dogs used for the sport, are slow and heavy, much more like a cross between a mastiff and a wire-haired lurcher, than any species of the hound kind. When the boar is once roused, more by the incessant noise and clamour of the multitude than any peculiar property of the dogs, he goes moderately off, not much alarmed at, or seemingly afraid of, the exultations of his pursuers. During the chase (if it is worthy to be termed so) he frequently turns round to face the dogs, and offers to attack them; again proceeds; again turns; and they for a while keep each other _at bay_: the same ceremony is renewed, till at length the boar becomes completely tired, refusing to go any farther. The serious conflict then begins in earnest. His defence being strong, and wonderfully powerful, before, the dogs (particularly the young ones) endeavour to attack him behind, in which attempt some lives are frequently lost; but during the struggle, the hunters get up, and put a period to his existence with their spears.

WILD DUCK.—See DECOY.

WILD-GOOSE CHASE,—is neither more or less than a metaphorical allusion to the _uncertainty_ of its _termination_. This originated in a kind of chase (more properly match) formerly decided in the following way. Two horses having started at the place appointed, continued to race by the side of each other, till one having obtained the lead, was entitled to proceed in whatever direction the rider pleased, (either by shortening or prolonging the distance to the winning spot previously agreed on,) according to the qualifications of his horse. This kind of chase so frequently terminated in _tired_ or _spoiled_ horses, without a decision, that it was long since changed to a _train scent_, (that is, a drag across the country;) better known by the denomination of a _steeple chase_.

WIND BROKEN.—The disorder or malady so called, is (with the most experienced) discovered by a quick and irregular heaving of the flanks, accompanied by a great and palpable difficulty of respiration after brisk exertion. The usual mode of examination with dealers, is to try the perfect or imperfect state of the wind, by a cough compulsively excited: this is effected by forcibly pressing the gullet, just below the under jaw, at the junction of the head with the neck; from which pressure, if a strong, clear, healthy cough immediately proceeds, the wind may be considered sound, and naturally good; but, on the contrary, should it prove a wheezing husky attempt to cough, terminating with a kind of distant moan, or groan, the horse is asthmatic, and unsound, if not completely broken-winded; in which state most horses may be discovered, from the noise they make in their difficulty of respiration during either a sharp trot or moderate canter; from which they have acquired the common appellation of _roarers_, which is understood to imply a certainty of BROKEN WIND; which see.

WINDGALLS—are soft and flatulent or fluctuating tumours, seated on one or both sides the back sinews, above the fetlock-joint of a horse, and principally upon the fore-legs; but with horses who have been immoderately worked, they frequently appear upon the hind-legs also. They generally make their appearance upon subjects who have been brought into labour too young, and before the vessels have acquired a proper strength and elasticity. Permitted to continue long, without counteraction, they soon possess a rigid inflexibility, which is never to be subdued. Whenever they are first perceived, early means should be adopted, to prevent a farther protrusion of the integument. Plentiful impregnations of the best white wine vinegar, followed by powerful repellents of camphorated spirits, incorporated with a sixth part of saturnine extract; or a strong solution of alum in water, assisted by a moderate woollen bandage; will sometimes obliterate them _entirely_, provided they are attacked in their infancy, and the mode thus adopted patiently persevered in.

WITHERS.—The part of a horse so called, is the superior point of the shoulders, situate above the blades, precisely at the termination of the mane, from whence the back begins. Upon the good or ill formation of the withers, the symmetry, strength and value of the horse materially depend. If the subject is well made in the withers, with a gradually advancing forehand, long and proportionally erect, it produces a commanding majestic dignity in the fore quarters, generally accompanied with a corresponding uniformity behind. A horse of this description is almost invariably sure-footed, and an admirable goer in all his paces: on the contrary, if he is defective in this particular point, he is lower _before_ than _behind_, and is proportionally reduced in estimation and intrinsic worth. A horse low in the withers, is mostly short in the forehand also; forcible indications of a deficiency in speedy action, an habitual tendency to the _perfection_ of _stumbling_, and the equally mortifying memento of not being able to carry a saddle in its proper place, without the pleasing appendage called _a crupper_.

The withers are constantly liable to injury, from saddles being wide in the tree, or coming too far forward, which letting the internal part of the pummel come into contact with the projecting point of the withers, mischief (from the pinching, pressure, or friction) frequently ensues, terminating in inflammation, laceration, tumefaction, maturation, and sometimes fistula, which see. Injuries sustained in this part by either of the means before mentioned, should never remain unattended to: a repetition of the cause, from neglect or inattention, is likely to render that serious and severe, which might, by a contrary conduct, have proved only a slight and temporary inconvenience. When such a circumstance has unluckily taken place, and is attended to without delay, cool repellents, and mild astringents, will generally effect an early obliteration; but it should be retained in memory, that the part once bruised acquires an additional degree of tenderness and irritability, which will render the cure more tedious and difficult, should the bruise be inconsiderately or inattentively repeated.

WITHER-WRUNG.—A horse is said to be wither-wrung, when he sustained the origin of the injuries described under the last head.

WOLF.—The wolf, although not now to be found among us, was once a very destructive native of this country, and the whole were ultimately destroyed by mandate from the Crown. Naturalists universally agree in an opinion, that the wolf and dog were originally of the same class; and argue, from its external form, that it is in every respect what the dog was in its natural state of freedom. Although completely annihilated in this country, they are to be found in great abundance in every other, from whence they are speculatively imported, and may be seen in the menageries of those by whom they are established for the sole purpose of public exhibition. In respect to the degree of similitude between the two, impartial inspection must admit the perceptible shades of difference: the shape of the head differs materially; and the eyes being more obliquely seated, affords an aspect of the most savage ferocity. The ears of the wolf are sharp and erect; the tail long, bushy, and bending inwards from its hind legs; its body is of stronger formation than the body of any species of dog; its jaws and teeth evidently larger, and more powerful; and its hair both coarser and thicker. The internal structure of the dog and wolf is precisely the same in every particular; the latter copulate in the same manner, and their sudden separation prevented by the same means. The time of gestation also varies but little, if any; and, from the various experiments recited by the late celebrated Dr. Hunter, there is left no room to doubt, that the wolf and dog will copulate, and produce an intermediate species, capable of subsequent propagation.

In all ages, the wolf has been considered the most savage enemy of mankind; and at most times, and in all countries, rewards have been offered for its destruction. When pressed with hunger, from repeated disappointments, the wolf becomes doubly courageous from necessity; braves every danger, and will attack the very animals under the protection of the human species. The horse alone seems to possess the power of superiority; all inferior animals have no alternative to unconditional submission, and inevitable destruction. Even man himself has frequently fallen a victim to its rapacity; and it is said, upon the best authorities, that when once they have feasted upon human blood, they become the more incessantly rapacious in the pursuit of it. The wolf, from his muscular strength, is enabled to carry off a sheep in his mouth, and even run with it in that manner: his bite is dreadfully severe, and the keener, the less it meets with opposition; but when powerfully refilled, he is exceedingly cautious and circumspect, never fighting when nearly upon an equality, but under the most absolute necessity. The wolf is hardier, and more robust, than the dog, but less alive to the powers of intellectual discrimination: he is almost incessantly prowling in search of prey, and is himself, of all animals, the most difficult to conquer in the chase.

Every possible means were adopted, many centuries since, to rid this country of so rapacious a despoiler. KING EDGAR attempted to effect it in England, by remitting the punishment of certain crimes on producing a certain number of wolves' tongues: and in Wales, the tax of gold and silver was commuted for an annual tribute of their heads. Some centuries after which, they had increased to such a destructive infinity, as to become again an object of royal attention, and great rewards were once more held forth for their destruction. EDWARD the FIRST issued his royal mandate to Peter Corbet, to superintend and assist in the destruction of them in the several counties of Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Salop, and Stafford. In other counties, certain persons held their lands upon condition of hunting, taking, and destroying, a number of wolves annually, in proportion to the quantity of land so held. They were so numerous in Scotland about the middle of the fifteenth century, that they completely overrun the country, to the incessant destruction of the flocks, and the immense losses of the community; nor were they, with every indefatigable exertion of the natives, extirpated till the year 1680, when the _last wolf_ is recorded to have fallen by the hand of the then famous Sir Ewen Cameron. Ireland in those times suffered by their immense numbers in an equal degree with England, Scotland, and Wales, and for a much longer duration, as they were not perfectly annihilated in that country till the earlier part of the last century.

WOLVES' TEETH.—Those so called, are the natural teeth of the horse, enlarged by a preternatural growth, so as to lacerate the fleshy internal part of the cheek by the prominence of their ragged edges, or by the upper grinders overhanging the lower; they catch the wrinkled parts (called flaps) between them in the act of mastication, occasioning so much pain, that some horses are considerably reduced in flesh by a compulsive abstinence, eating no more than merely sufficient to keep the frame in a state of subsistence. With horses labouring under such infirmity or imperfection, there is no relief to be obtained, but from a proper file, and the hand of a steady operator.

WOODCOCK.—This is a bird of passage, with a simply variegated plumage, having a long bill, peculiarly appropriated to the purposes of insertion and suction, from which its subsistence is principally derived: it is rather inferior in size to the partridge, varying in weight, according to the condition it may be in, and the season in which it is killed, being rarely less than eight, or more than eleven ounces in the scale. They arrive in this country some time in the month of October; but whether early or late, depends entirely upon the prevalence of the winds by which they are brought over. The east and north-easterly winds (particularly when accompanied by fogs) are the most favourable for their arrival: reaching our shores fatigued with flight, they drop under any tree, shrub, or bush, bearing the appearance of covert: after rest and refreshment, they in longer flights disperse themselves in the different woods, copses, shaws, and hedge-rows, in various parts of the country, selecting chiefly such parts as seem best calculated for the singularity of their accommodation. They are by no means remarkable for remaining long in one place, or even in the same neighbourhood; on the contrary, they never continue more than ten or twelve days in any particular spot, though favourably adapted to their reception.

The woodcock is a very clumsy waddling walker, as is the case with every kind of fowl having short legs and long wings: when flushed, he rises heavily from the ground, and makes a considerable noise before he can gather wind sufficient for flight. If found in a rushy spot, a ditch, or a hedge-row, from whence he is obliged to present an _open_ mark, he frequently slowly skims over the ground, and is very easily shot; as, indeed, is the case elsewhere, provided any obstruction does not arise from intervening branches of trees, and boughs of underwood, which, in cock and covert shooting, must always be expected. After a plentiful arrival, they afford excellent sport, and may be found as well with pointers as with spaniels, (the pointers being hunted in the covert with bells:) but cock shooting, with spaniels is almost universally preferred, as it is more enlivening and exhilarating to _hear_ the spaniels occasionally in _quest_, rather than pursue so pleasing a scene with the solemnity of a general silence.

WOODPECKER—was a horse whose blood and performances rendered him, as a racer, and stallion, of the most distinguished celebrity. He was bred by Sir C. Davers; foaled in 1773; got by _Herod_, dam (_Miss Ramsden_) by _Old Cade_, grand-dam by Lord Lonsdale's Bay _Arabian_. His winnings are now become too remote to give in the detail. As a stallion, his progeny are infinite; amongst the principal of which the following have been the most conspicuous. In 1789, _Bullfinch_ won 300 guineas, 100 guineas, 20 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. _Chanticleer_, 650 guineas, 500 guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cormorant_, 135 guineas, 62 guineas, 40 guineas, 200 guineas, 300 guineas, 62½ guineas, 300 guineas, and 75 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_, 100 guineas, 150 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. _Seagull_, 35 guineas, and 800 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, 62 guineas, 250 guineas, 200 guineas, 20 guineas, 200 guineas, 400 guineas, 160 guineas, and 300 guineas, at Newmarket. _Swallow_, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Woodlark_, 50_l._ at Stockbridge, and the King's Hundred Guineas, at Winchester, and Salisbury.

In 1790, twenty-seven of his get started, and were the winners of _seventy-eight_ subscriptions, sweepstakes, matches, and plates. _Bat_ won 100 guineas, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. A bay filly out of _Camilla_, 200 guineas, 143 guineas, and 200 guineas, at the same. _Buzzard_, 100 guineas, 50 guineas, 200 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Chanticleer_, 300 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 152 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cormorant_, 50_l._ 100 guineas, 200 guineas, 400 guineas, 200 guineas, and 60 guineas, at Newmarket. _Dragon_, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 450 guineas, 100 guineas, 88 guineas, 45 guineas, 200 guineas, and 200 guineas, at the same. _Griffin_, 300 guineas, 120 guineas, and 125 guineas, at Newmarket. _Isabel_, 50_l._ 100 guineas, 300 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Newmarket. _Mrs. Candour_, 50 guineas, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at the same. _Pecker_, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Seagull_, 200 guineas, 500 guineas, and the Grosvenor Stakes, at Newmarket; the Oatlands Stakes, of 100 guineas each, nineteen subscribers, and 500 guineas, at Ascot Heath; 60 guineas, 250 guineas, 200 guineas, and 300 guineas, at Newmarket; and _Tom Tit_, 50_l._ at Stamford, 97_l._ 5_s._ 0_d._ at Nottingham, and 50_l._ at Derby.

In 1791, twenty-two of his produce started, and were winners of fifty-eight prizes. _Buzzard_ won 250 guineas, 200 guineas, 120 guineas, and 300 guineas, at Newmarket, and two fifties at Chesterfield. _Chanticleer_, 150 guineas, 200 guineas, the Grosvenor Stakes, 100 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cormorant_, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 300 guineas, 100 guineas, and 80 guineas, at Newmarket. _Dancing Master_, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 130 guineas, at Newmarket. _Dragon_, the Claret and Fortescue Stakes, the Jockey Club Plate, the 140 guineas, 50_l._ 1000 guineas, the Prince's Plate, and 70 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Stockbridge. _Isabel_, the Queen's 100 guineas at Chelmsford, and the King's Plate at Lincoln. _Pecker_, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and the Give and Take Plate, at Newmarket. _Seagull_, 600 guineas at Newmarket; and _Tree Creeper_, 200 guineas, 50 guineas, 60 guineas, and 50_l._ all at Newmarket. In 1792, _Bustard_ won 200 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 50_l._ and 100 guineas, at Newmarket, and 200 guineas, 37½ guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 50 guineas, at the same. _Chanticleer_, 100 guineas, 500 guineas, 500 guineas, 500 guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket. _Dragon_, 275 guineas, the Whip (with 400 guineas,) and 300 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_, 100 guineas at Newmarket, and the Bowl at Salisbury. _Ostrich_, 80 guineas at Newmarket, 50_l._ at Brighton, and the King's Plate at Canterbury. _Rover_, 50 guineas, and 90 guineas, at Exeter; and 50_l._ at Dorchester. _Tree Creeper_, 100 guineas, the second class and main of the Filly Stakes, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Prince's Stakes of 50 guineas each, _half forfeit_, seventeen subscribers, at Brighton.

In 1793, _Buzzard_ won the Craven Stakes, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 60 guineas, 100 guineas, and 60 guineas, at Newmarket; and a two year old bay filly of Lord Grosvenor's, the July Filly Stakes at Newmarket, and the Orleans Stakes at Brighton. In 1794, _Buzzard_ won the Craven Stakes, 50 guineas, the Jockey Club Plate, 200 guineas, 50_l._ and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Jack_ of _Newbury_, 50_l._ at Bath, 40 guineas at Tewksbury, and 60 guineas at Abingdon. _Paroquet_, 300 guineas at Newmarket; and _Seagull_, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, and 105 guineas, at the same. In 1795, _Atropa_ (at two years old) won 400 guineas at Newmarket. _Colibri_, (two years old,) 50 guineas, and 75 guineas, at Brighton; 200 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 80 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Ida_, 100 guineas at Ascot Heath, 50_l._ and 50 guineas at Brighton, and 50_l._ at Lewes. _Shoveller_, 150 guineas at Ascot; and _Pecker_, 500 guineas at Newmarket. In 1796, nine of his get started, and received nineteen prizes. In 1797, six were the winners of ten. In 1798, three only started, and were winners of five. In 1799, _Vivalde_, three years old, won 300 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket, and 100 guineas at Stamford; and _Thrush_, only two years old, 100 guineas, 50 guineas, and 45 guineas, at Newmarket. In 1800, _Ephemera_ won the Oaks Stakes, of 50 guineas each, (twenty-four subscribers,) at Epsom, and 50_l._ at Newmarket. _Sophia_, 100 guineas at Brighton. _Thrush_, 100 guineas, and 20 guineas, at Newmarket. _Vivalde_, 200 guineas, and 45 guineas, at Newmarket; 50_l._ at Epsom; and 50_l._ at Reading. In 1801, _Crazy Poetess_ won 100 guineas at Lewes. _Cocoa-Tree_, the Brocket Stakes of 100 guineas at Brocket Hall; 100 guineas, 75 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket; and _Anna Maria_, 60 guineas at Epsom. In 1802, _Mystery_ won 60 guineas, and 50_l._ at Goodwood, and 50 guineas at Epsom; _Paulo_ winning a 50_l._ plate at Northampton. So that, upon a review of Woodpecker's progeny, he has proved himself inferior to but very few of his predecessors.

WORMS—are known to be of different kinds; and when any one particular species has taken possession of the stomach, or any part of the intestinal canal, in a horse, they not only occasion extreme pain, or perpetual disquietude, but become inveterate opponents to health, and constant enemies to flesh and condition. Some horses, of strong constitution, will bear their persecuting pinchings for a great length of time, before they give external proof of internal depredation; others, from less patience, or greater irritability, are very early in their indications. Symptoms of worms are various, and not unfrequently deceptive: those most relied upon are a largeness of the belly, with a leanness of the flesh; an unkind and hollow slaring of the coat, a flaccidity of the skin, a dryness of the mouth, a fœtidity of the breath, an occasional looking towards the flank on either side, or stamping with one hind foot or the other when in pain. A kind of straw-coloured sulphureous scurfy stain at the sphincter of the anus, is considered a certain and invariable sign; but ocular demonstration (which very frequently happens) removes the matter beyond all present doubt, and subsequent disappointment.

The sorts with which horses are most commonly afflicted, are as follow: _Botts_, a short circular worm, with a shelly kind of coat, picked at one end, and nearly round at the other, not unlike the silk-worm in its dormant state: these adhere closely to the internal coat of the stomach, causing the most excruciating pains as they increase in numbers, and are sometimes so numerous and destructive as to occasion the _loss of life_; instances of which have been proved by an examination of the viscera after death; of which a case is described in Page 132 of "A Compendium of Farriery," by the present Author, published in 1796. These take their seat also in the rectum, (the large intestine nearest the anus,) where they are seen adhering to the interstices as close to each other, during the moments of evacuation, as a swarm of bees; and five or six may be twitched off at a time with the fingers and thumb, just at the critical contraction of the sphincter.

There is also a large dark worm comes from horses, having a black head, and in its formation precisely the same as the grub-worm, so destructive to the roots of strawberries in certain dry seasons; but that these are of a cream coloured white, and the former of a brownish yellow, which tinge may probably be derived from the excrements in which they have been ingulfed. A third is the long white worm, from six or seven to fourteen inches long, equally picked at both ends, but larger in circumference towards one end than the other; these are prolific in the body beyond description, and when completely dislodged by medical specifics, are evacuated in putrified masses exceeding credibility. The fourth are a greenish small worm, with a perpetual vermicular motion, which, by its continual twisting and twirling in the intestinal canal, so irritates the animal, that he sometimes evacuates suddenly, and in a state so lax, that these worms are frequently expelled with the dung in great numbers, and seen working in all directions upon its surface, exactly similar to the exertions of an eel when thrown upon the grass from its native element.

Numerous are the quackeries and nostrums recommended by the _il-literati_, from old books, and unenlightened practice, long since buried in oblivion; but more particularly since the discovery of those grand specifics, MERCURY and ANTIMONY, which may be comparatively said to contain an equal degree of merit with the remaining conjunctive parts of the whole Materia Medica. After all the various experiments made, and minute observations collected, it does not appear that any mode, but mercurial purgation, will be productive of actual and infallible extirpation. Instances are numerous, where they have been evacuated in large quantities (and in many cases completely eradicated) by the advertised Antimonial Alterative Powders of the Author; but MERCURIALS are certainly entitled to priority, upon the well-founded plea of infallibity. Worms are as common with dogs as with horses, and may as certainly be cured by the same proportional means.

WORMING OF DOGS,—when whelps, or puppies, is believed by some to prevent their wanton and destructive propensity in play when young; and by others, to render unnecessary any fear of their receiving the canine infection of _madness_ during their lives: the latter, however, is too slender a foundation for any decisive opinion to be erected upon. The operation of worming is simply this; underneath the tongue is a frænum (or bridle) by which the motion of the tongue is regulated; the exterior skin of this is to be delicately slit superficially with a lancet, when a tendinous substance, called _the worm_, will be perceived: the point of a small probe, awl, or large needle, should then be insinuated beneath its center, to raise it up, when, with very little force, one end will come away; this taken hold of, with a linen cloth, or handkerchief, the other end will soon come away under gentle extraction. Too sudden force, or violence, must not be used, lest the worm should be broken, and a part left behind in the attempt.

WORMWOOD.—This plant is of two sorts, distinguished by the names of Roman and Common Wormwood: both have their properties of utility; but the former is esteemed the most efficacious of the two. It has a strong but fragrant smell, and is intensely bitter to the taste: it powerfully resists putrefaction, and is highly useful in antiseptic and emollient fomentations; consequently well worthy a place in the garden of every rural sportsman, to be ready upon unexpected emergencies. Experiments have been made with this article dried, powdered, and given to horses in balls, for the cure of worms; but it does not appear to have acquired reputation for any specific or infallible effect in their extirpation.

WOUNDS—are well known to be occasioned by various means; and, in the strictest signification, imply an accidental separation of parts, or solution of continuity, by some sharp instrument, suddenly and accidentally, or wilfully introduced. In all recent wounds casually encountered, and in a bleeding state, (if not deeply seated,) little more is required, or can indeed be effected by the most expert practitioner, than to absorb the flux of blood, and then to bring the edges of the wound as nearly into contact with each other as circumstances will admit, either by suture or bandage, where the seat of injury will admit of such process; which is not always the case; wounds sometimes happening where the edges of the separated parts cannot be brought into _any_ degree of union, and the cure can only be effected by incarnation. In some circumstances, wounds are sustained in such singular situations, and across such large muscles, that the insertion of stitches, to secure the edges, would prove of no effect, as the whole would inevitably rupture upon every exertion of the horse, in either laying down or getting up.

Wounds of magnitude vary so much in appearance, as influenced by the healthy or morbid state of the body, the proper or improper mode of treatment, or even the changes in the weather, that no precise and invariable plan can be derived from books, or inculcated by the pen, but what must necessarily become subject to such alterations as prudence may prompt, or the judicious practitioner point out. In all wounds of the smaller kind, and where neither the arteries or the tendinous parts are affected, dressings of mild digestive or other emollient unguents, upon pledgets of lint, with a soft bed of tow, and proper covering for the whole, will promote a speedy incarnation, when cicatrization will follow of course. Wounds of other kinds are produced by different means, and require modes of treatment in a degree adapted to their magnitude, and the causes by which they have been occasioned. See ABSCESS, FISTULA, and STRANGLES.

Y.

YARD-FALLEN—is what some horses are constitutionally subject to, and frequently display it in a state of weariness, or bodily lassitude, denoting no indisposition, and to which no ill appertains. If the yard is seen to drop, and continue so any length of time, in a state of flaccid debility, (the horse being in other respects healthy, and free from pain,) it indicates a previous injury, sustained by pinch, pressure, or some other means, upon that part in the groins; or by slip, strain, stroke, or bruise upon the back, by which the internal organs are severely affected. From whatever cause such debility may have been derived, the restorative and invigorating system is the only rational plan to be adopted; nursing in all such cases is preferable to a paltry and unnecessary profusion of medicines: the latter may be proper for an interested individual to recommend, but is too inconsistent for a man of sense to adopt. Good mashes, prepared of malt and bran, equal parts, solutions of gum arabic in oatmeal gruel and water, for common drink thrice a day, and a cordial ball night and morning, for two or three days in succession, are the best and simplest means that can be brought into use upon such an occasion.

YARD FOUL.—A foulness within the sheath is what happens with most geldings; but some generate or form much more filth than others. This collection, for want of being occasionally relieved, and cleaned out, so nearly plugs up the orifice, that the yard, in its vapid state, has not the power to protrude itself for the purpose of evacuation, and the urine falls dribbling from the sheath; a circumstance that in itself points out the necessity of occasional cleansings, to prevent so unpleasant an obstruction.

YELLOWS—is a disorder in horned cattle, denominated the _yellows_; but in horses, as well as in the human species, it is distinguished by the appellation of JAUNDICE, which see.

YEOMAN-PRICKER—is a part of the royal retinue annexed to his Majesty's hunting establishment. Of these there are SIX, whose official department it is to be subordinate to the huntsman, and execute his orders in all matters relative to the STAG HOUNDS, whether at their exercise and airings, or during the chase; full and explanatory particulars of which will be found under the separate and distinct heads of KING'S HOUNDS, and STAG HUNTING.

THE END.

_Printed by T. Maiden, Sherbourn Lane._

TAPLIN, VETERINARY SURGEON,

AUTHOR OF _The Gentleman's Stable Directory_; (2 VOLS.) "A Compendium of Farriery," and "Multum in Parvo;"

REMOVED FROM EDGEWARE ROAD, TO _SLOANE SQUARE_,

Begs to make his most grateful Acknowledgements to those Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have continued to honour him with their Patronage during the _fourteen years_ he has been energetically employed in endeavouring to promote a Reform in the former _cruel_ and _erroneous_ System of Farriery. It is the greatest ambition of his life to have seen that endeavour fully accomplished. Since the original Publication of his "GENTLEMAN'S STABLE DIRECTORY," he has exultingly surveyed, not only the Institution, the Erection and the Establishment of the VETERINARY COLLEGE, but the almost incredible increase of VETERINARY SURGEONS in every Town; and _Veterinary Druggists_ in every Street of the Metropolis. Many of these, with a certain degree of Professional Fertility, not only do him the _honour_ to imitate his long-established HORSE MEDICINES; but others, with a degree of Liberality _peculiar_ to _themselves_, offer to supply the Public with "_cheap_ and _efficacious_" Horse Medicines, for even _half_ what Mr. Taplin's GENUINE Ingredients can be obtained at the first Commercial Houses in the City of London. To the judicious and enlightened this _Mystery_ will sufficiently explain itself. Mr. Taplin, so long honoured by the Countenance and Support of the most distinguished and opulent Characters, never indulged a momentary Idea of dispensing _Cheap_ Medicines, because his Principles would never permit him to put his Hand dishonourably into the Pockets of his best Friends; nor would his well-known Attachment to the Animal, allow him to prepare a single Article upon the genuine Property and expected probable Efficacy of which, he is not only ready at all times to pledge his Reputation, but his Existence. The honour of supplying near _six hundred_ Gentlemen, (a List of whom may be seen,) exclusive of his different Agents, preclude the necessity of pestering the Public with perpetual Advertisements; rendering it at the Commencement of every Season, only necessary to communicate respectful Information, that Gentlemen residing in any part of the Kingdom, addressing their Commands to MR. TAPLIN, Sloane-Square, LONDON, shall have their Medicines immediately dispatched by whatever Conveyance they may please to appoint.

_List of Medicines, with their Prices._