Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

The DUKE OF BEDFORD'S is an immense establishment, upon a scale of too much extent for particular description, as it includes TENNIS-COURT, RIDING-HOUSE, &c. &c. in one stone-fronted building, of 266 feet in length; with two wings of stables, containing stalls for 36 hunters; and eleven loose houses, for horses sick or lame. As the DOG-KENNEL, however, is the only part entitled to notice under this head, it will create no surprise that the richest subject should possess the most complete in England. It is in length 405 feet, having the boiling-house in the centre, with feeding rooms adjoining, and a granary behind. On the right of the centre are apartments for two KENNEL-KEEPERS, two long lodging rooms for the hunting hounds, with flues running along the walls, to preserve an equal temperature in the severity of the winter season; spacious yards to each, furnished with a fountain in the middle, for the dogs to drink at; and water-cocks fixed at proper distances, to cleanse the pavement, when it may be required: adjoining to these, are seven hospitals for sick and lame hounds, with yards to each. On the left are divisions for litter, straw, &c. eleven apartments for bitches and puppies, with yards to each; eleven ditto for bitches in pup, with yards also; and a large division for bitches at heat. In the front is a large reservoir of water, which supplies the fountains, and different cocks in the several yards within. Behind the whole is a large airing-ground, flesh-house, and all requisite conveniencies. The huntsman's dwelling-house is a handsome building adjoining. The number of hunting hounds kept in the kennel are usually from sixty to seventy couple.

The kennel of SIR WILLIM ROWLEY is by no means equal to the external grandeur of the two already described, but replete with every internal convenience that an establishment upon a somewhat smaller scale can possibly require: it is situate about half a mile from the family mansion, from the garden of which it constitutes a picturesque appearance. It is erected in a valley of the park, a spot well adapted to the purpose, being equally defended from the cutting easterly winds, and the heat of the sun in its meridian, by a thick skirting of park and forest trees. Not having the advantage of a rivulet to water the courts, that want is amply supplied by a pump, which, by means of different cocks, turns the water to every part of the premises; consisting of the HUNTING-KENNEL, or principal lodging-room, which is 20 feet by 18 in the clear, 18 feet high, and paved with flag-stones. The beds, or benches, which cover almost the whole area, are of original and most admirable contrivance, being lathed like some bedsteads, and all made to fold up with joints, for the convenience of washing the floor beneath them. This room, by means of a flue of peculiar construction, is heated to any required temperature; and the hounds, after severe chases, and in wet weather, are rendered dry and comfortable in a much less time than they could be by any other means.

There is also a kennel, or lodging-room, for the young hounds, of the same dimensions as the former, and possessing the same conveniencies, except the flue, which here would have been superfluous. Several small kennels for bitches in a state of gestation; as well as a proportional number for those with puppies. A paved court to the hunting-kennel. A feeding-house; one half of which is open, the other under cover. A paved court to the kennel for the young hounds. A pump, and stone water cisterns. A large grass-yard for airing the hounds belonging to the hunting-kennel, containing about an acre and three quarters; in which are a variety of lime, chesnut, and other trees, forming an excellent shade for the hounds during the summer season. The young hounds have a similar convenience. To these are annexed twelve small kennels for puppies, well constructed for the purpose. The hunting-hounds generally consist of about THIRTY-SIX COUPLE; and the establishment is conducted in such a style of punctuality, order, and excellence, that it is universally acknowledged equal to any, and inferior to none, upon a similar scale, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.

Next to the choice of a proper spot for, and a judicious, as well as a convenient, construction of the KENNEL, the management of the hounds, _when there_, becomes a matter of serious consideration, and requires a FEEDER of strict sobriety, indefatigable industry, invariable punctuality, great humanity, personal fidelity to his employer, and a constant attention to the business in which he is engaged; as upon him in a great degree depends the health and preservation of the hounds. MR. BECKFORD observes (in great proof of his practical knowledge and personal experience) that no part of a hunting establishment goes on _so well_, as when the MASTER becomes an occasional SUPERINTENDANT of his own concerns. He says, as the sport in the field depends on the exquisite sense of smelling so peculiar to the hound, so care should be taken to preserve it; and cleanliness is the surest means. The keeping of the kennel _sweet_ and _clean_, cannot, therefore, be too strongly inculcated, and impressed upon the mind of the FEEDER; if he seems habitually disposed to deviate from which, he is not at all calculated for the office he has undertaken.

The preparation for feeding, as boiling the meat, mixing the meal, and getting it ready at the hours agreed on, is a matter that the _HUNTSMAN_ will of course take care (on his part) never to have neglected; but there are other considerations, equally important, which become entitled to attention. Hounds cannot be properly fed by a _single_ person; two are (for a variety of reasons) unavoidably necessary; and those two should be the FEEDER and the HUNTSMAN; as hounds should be drafted and fed according to their state of flesh and condition. Some are much more voracious than others, and will require a greater portion of food; others look and work well, with half the quantity: the eye of the huntsman should discriminate between the opposite descriptions; in want of which attention, the pack will never be of equal appearance. When any of the hounds are observed to be low in flesh, off their appetites, bad feeders, or kept under by the old and master hounds, it will be matter of advantage to draft them, and let them feed under less restraint. Young and impatient feeders, fall into the very common fault of feeding hounds with their meat _too hot_: it is both a prevalent and injurious error, that should be totally abolished.

MR. BECKFORD is of opinion, that hounds poorer than the rest should be fed again, and that they cannot be fed too often; as well as that those hounds which become too fat, _if any_, should be drafted off, and not permitted to fill themselves. All hounds (particularly young ones) should be often called over in kennel; their names become more familiar to them; and it teaches them obedience; this lesson is practised, or should be, at the time of feeding. Hounds should all be let out into the airing ground, to empty them themselves after feeding, to prevent an unnecessary accumulation of filth, and consequent effluvia, in the kennel. It may be a custom with some, to shut up the hounds for two or three hours after they return from hunting _before_ they are FED; if so, it is more entitled to contempt than imitation; no plea can justify the practice; they should have their meat ready for feeding immediately on their return; once gratified, they enjoy their rest _undisturbed_, the best and most natural foundation for a renovation of strength. Plenty of vegetables, boiled in the copper meat, once a week, is a custom in most kennels; as it is also to throw in a pound or two of sulphur, (in proportion to the number,) particularly in the summer season, when there is a greater tendency in the blood to morbidity, particularly to cutaneous diseases.

During the hot months, when hounds do not work, they require but a small proportion of substantial food, compared to what is necessary in the severity of the HUNTING SEASON; flesh may then be given very sparingly; the less it is used in the summer, the less likelihood there will be of seeing that malignant and unwelcome visitor, the MANGE, amongst them. Various opinions have been promulgated upon the best, cheapest, and most nutritious, food for the support of hounds in general; but experience seems to have justified the consistency of occasional changes, according to the different seasons, and the different degrees of work; without adhering too closely to one particular mode, unassisted by such deviations as circumstances may render not only prudent and proper, but sometimes unavoidable. Horse flesh, sheep's trotters, raspings, greaves, bullock's paunches, (in a scarcity of flesh,) oat-meal, and barley-meal, constitute the principal articles upon which hounds are known to subsist; although they are differently prepared, and differently administered, according to the judgment, experience, whim, or caprice, of the parties concerned. It is, however, universally admitted, after a number of fair and impartial trials, that in respect to the two meals, they act much more profitably and advantageously, when used in a mixed state of nearly equal proportions, than when either is given alone.

MR. BECKFORD says, his feeder, who was a good one, and of much experience, mixed the meal in _equal_ quantities; that the oatmeal he boiled for half an hour; and then put out the fire, adding the barley-meal, and mixing both together: his reason for boiling one, and not the other, was, that boiling made the oat-meal THICK, and the barley-meal _thin_; and that when he fed with the barley-meal _only_, it should not be put into the copper, but mixed up with the scalding liquor, in a proper tub, or hogshead, kept for the purpose. There are many little things within the department of the FEEDER, which, if neglected, become of serious consequence. Nice observation should be made upon the state of the BITCHES at all times; upon the least indication of their going to HEAT, they should be _instantly_ removed; a few hours delay may be the destruction of some of the best hounds in the kennel. After their return on a hunting day, he should observe whether there are any hounds who have sustained injuries in the feet by thorns, flints, &c. in which case a fomentation of warm pot-liquor, (or bran and water,) followed by a washing with cold vinegar, or salt and water, will generally effect a speedy cure. Hounds seriously LAME, or palpably SICK, should be separated from the rest, and placed where they can be more at ease, and have better attention.

KENNEL—is a sporting term for the spot in which a FOX deposits himself after his nocturnal depredations, and to which he retires about the dawn of day: being found by the hounds in drawing covert, he is then said to be _unkennelled_, and the chase begins. When safe in some _burrow_, or _hole_, below the surface, he is then said to lie at EARTH.

KIBES,—in horses, are the _cracks_ which appear in the HEELS during the severity of the winter season, and are much more the consequence of _neglect_, or a want of knowledge in the stable discipline, than the effect produced by changes in the weather; which may in general be counteracted by the means in constant practice with those who proceed systematically, and take the same care of their horses, as prudence prompts them to take of themselves. They proceed mostly from being left with _wet_ legs, which, in very COLD or FROSTY weather, occasions such a tightness and rigidity of the skin, that, when brought into sudden and brisk action, it bursts asunder, (in a greater or less degree,) according to the texture of the skin, or the constitutional irritability of the horse. These soon become exceedingly painful; and if the weather should repeatedly vary from short _frosts_ to alternate _thaws_, and the horse continue in use, the constant insinuation of the sharp particles of small gravel and sand of the dirty roads, is productive of such excruciating sensations, that the subject refuses food, and does not lay down for many days and nights in succession: when even _gently_ compelled to move, he lifts up the limb in so much misery, that it is with the greatest reluctance he brings it again to the ground; on the contrary, keeps it so long suspended, that it is expected he must inevitably fall over in his stall. If worked in this state, he comes out of the stable as if completely crippled; and every day's delay in the attempt at relief, must be a culpable protraction of cure: palliatives (with work) will prove _deceptive_; rest should be adopted, and cure obtained. This can only be effected by poultices made of LINSEED POWDER, milk, and a little olive oil, applied immediately after comfortable softenings with warm gruel, and a small sponge: an ALTERATIVE POWDER in a mash nightly, and the use of camphorated SPERMA-CÆTI LINIMENT, night and morning, when the poultices are left off, will be found greatly to assist the general intent.

KIDNEYS.—The horse is always liable to local injuries, as well as permanent disorders, of these parts. Inflammation and ulceration are also produced by different means: some proceed from external causes, as BRUISES and BLOWS; being too heavily laden with burdens, or drawing too heavy weights; both which should be equally attended to, and guarded against. The distinguishing symptoms of diseased KIDNIES, are a palpable weakness of the hind part of the _back_ and _loins_, a painful sinking of those parts upon pressure, a difficulty of staling, which is generally voided partially in small quantities, and frequently with short groans of internal disquietude: in slight affections, the urine is white, but turbid; in severe cases, very high coloured, as if tinged with blood: there is mostly a heaviness of the eyes, debility of body, a loathing of food, and a tendency to symptomatic fever. From whatever cause an injury may arise, or from whatever state of the body a disease of the parts may proceed, BLEEDING largely is the first step to speedy relief, and the prevention of danger. The _quality_ and _quantity_ of MEDICINE must be regulated by the shades, as well as the duration, of the disorder, according to consequences likely to ensue. Warm glysters of gruel and olive oil occasionally; mashes, made of ground malt and bran, for food; and thin gruel for drink, in which GUM ARABIC should be dissolved, to lubricate the passages, and sheath any asperity with which the parts may be affected. Should the weakness of the loins increase, the difficulty of staling continue, the urine become more thick and fœtid, the strength more reduced, and the frame emaciated, one or both the kidneys may be considered in a state of ulceration, and cure cannot be expected.

KILLING GAME.—The privilege of KILLING GAME (in any way whatever) is now dependent upon a two-fold qualification; in want of BOTH which, the transgressor renders himself liable to a DOUBLE, and in want of _either_, to a _single_ penalty; which, divested of technical ambiguity, and the complicated abstrusity of the GAME LAWS in their present extended state, is reduced to the following state of simplification, adapted to every comprehension.

In different Acts of Parliament during the reigns of JAMES the First, CHARLES the Second, and Queen ANNE, the landed possessions necessary to constitute a qualification to kill game, (exempt from pains and penalties,) have varied materially, in proportion to the gradual alteration in the value of money, which has continued to diminish in a corresponding degree. The landed qualification established by the 23d Charles the Second, c. xxv. and still adhered to, is the possession of LANDS, TENEMENTS, or other estates of inheritance, of the CLEAR yearly value of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS. Or, for term of life, A LEASE or LEASES for ninety-nine years, or any longer term, of the CLEAR yearly value of ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY POUNDS. Persons not so qualified, either killing, or going in pursuit of game with an intent to kill, and being convicted upon the OATH of _one_ witness, before a Justice of the Peace, forfeits FIVE POUNDS for each offence; half to the informer, and half to the poor of the parish where the offence is committed.

Thus far a line is drawn between the QUALIFIED and the _unqualified_, in respect to LANDED privilege, upon former Acts of Parliament; clearly defining who possessed a LEGAL RIGHT to pursue and KILL GAME under such sanction, and who were the persons prohibited from so doing, and liable to the penalty before described. In addition to which distinction, it has been enacted by successive Acts in the present reign of George the Third, That every person who shall use any DOG, GUN, NET, or other engine, for the taking or killing of game, (except a game-keeper acting under a deputation duly registered,) shall every year, previous to his using the same, deliver his name and place of abode to the CLERK of the PEACE of the county where he shall reside, and take out an annual CERTIFICATE, or licence, bearing a stamp, for which three guineas are to be paid. This licence, when obtained, does not authorize _unqualified_ persons to kill game, but leaves them still liable to the PENALTY of FIVE POUNDS for each offence, as already described. The penalty for killing game without having procured the ANNUAL CERTIFICATE, is TWENTY POUNDS to either the qualified or unqualified; so that the _unqualified_, prosecuted to conviction, is in a predicament of only five pounds worse than the QUALIFIED, the penalty being twenty pounds with one, and five-and-twenty with the other. Any person in pursuit of game, having his name and place of abode demanded by another, who is possessed of a certificate, and refusing to tell the same, is liable to a penalty of FIFTY POUNDS. See GAME-KEEPERS, and GAME LAWS.

KINDLE.—A doe rabbit is said to KINDLE when she brings forth her young.

KING FERGUS,—the name of a horse bred by the late COLONEL O'KELLY; he was foaled in 1775; was got by _Eclipse_, dam (Tuting's Polly) by _Black and all Black_, grand-dam by _Tartar_, great grand-dam by _Old Starling_. He was of great celebrity, and continued for many years a stallion of the first eminence. He was the sire of a great number of good racers, amongst which were those celebrated runners _Hambletonian_, _Overton_, _Beningbrough_, _Sir Solomon_, _Warter_, _Johnny_ (Durand's,) _Garswood_, &c. &c.

KING'S HOUNDS.—His Majesty's STAG HOUNDS pass under this denomination, as a part of the royal establishment continued in every successive reign without variation. The kennel in which they are kept is situate near the RACE COURSE upon ASCOT HEATH; at the distance of two short miles from which is SWINLEY LODGE, the official residence of the MASTER of the STAG HOUNDS, an appointment seldom conferred but upon one of the peerage, and is considered an office of honor, with a salary of 2000_l._ _per annum_. The presence of the Master of the Stag Hounds in the field is not a matter of necessity, but choice, except when his Majesty hunts, and then his personal attendance is indispensible; his badge of office is a pair of gold dog couples, which hang suspended from a belt on his left side. The HUNTSMAN has a handsome residence at the kennel, with a salary of 125_l._ a year; to whom there are six assistants, (called YEOMEN PRICKERS,) each having a salary of 104_l._ with the royal livery richly ornamented, and an annual supply of saddles, bridles, horse-cloths, and the necessary stable appendages; but they find their own horses.

The hunting season commences on HOLYROOD-DAY, the 25th of September, and continues every Tuesday and Saturday till the first week in May; with the exception of Christmas and Easter weeks, when they hunt _three_ times in _each_. Holyrood-Day, and Easter-Monday, are the two grand days of the year for company, when the field is exceedingly numerous. His Majesty has also a PACK of HARRIERS, which are kept at the Little Park Lodge near Windsor, and with these he hunts constantly in Windsor Great Park, and the surrounding neighbourhood; they are, however, a private concern of his Majesty's, and not included in the regular Crown establishment.

KING'S PLATE.—Those called KING'S PLATES, are a free gift from his Majesty of 100 guineas each; and it is believed were originally granted as a means of exciting such a degree of emulation, as would probably tend to national advantage, by improving the breed of horses in general; as well as to afford an annual pecuniary advantage (by an additional influx of company) to such CITIES and TOWNS as enjoy the royal favour. NEWMARKET, as the superior spot of sporting celebrity, is particularly honoured, having two in the first SPRING, and one in the first OCTOBER meetings. KING'S PLATES are also given at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Guildford, Winchester, Ipswich, Burford, Chelmsford, Nottingham, Lewes, Edinburgh, York, Canterbury, Warwick, Lichfield, Richmond, (Yorkshire,) Lincoln, Salisbury, Ayr, Carlisle, and Ascot Heath; the whole of which, except the last, are run for by horses or mares of different ages, carrying such weights as shall be appointed by the MASTER of the HORSE, or whoever he may delegate for that purpose.

The KING'S PLATE of 100 guineas, given at ASCOT, and always run for on the first day, (invariably Whit-Tuesday fortnight,) is only for horses which have regularly hunted with his Majesty's STAG HOUNDS the preceding season, and must have been well up with the hounds, at their running up to, taking, or killing, TEN DEER, as an indispensible qualification, without having which they cannot be permitted to start. At the conclusion of the chase, when the deer is secured, those who intend to qualify for the plate apply to the HUNTSMAN, and a ticket is delivered to the rider, bearing the arms of the Master of the Stag Hounds, and the seal of the royal hunt; when which ten tickets are obtained, the horse has secured his qualification, may then be withdrawn from the field, and is not obliged to appear again till the DAY of ENTRANCE at Sunning-Hill Wells, where and when the tickets must be produced, in confirmation of his being duly qualified to START. For the accommodation of the sporting world at large, horses of all ages are permitted to run, carrying the following weights; four years old, 11st. 2lb. five years old, 11st. 9lb. six years old, 11st. 12lb. and aged, 12st. Mares allowed 4lb. The best of three four-mile heats.

The following Rules are, by his MAJESTY'S COMMAND, to be strictly observed by the OWNERS and RIDERS of all such HORSES, MARES, or GELDINGS, as shall run for his Majesty's Plates at Newmarket.

KING'S PLATE ARTICLES.

Every person that putteth in a horse, mare, or gelding, for the said plate, is to shew such horse, mare, or gelding, with the marks, name, and name of the OWNER, to be entered at the King's stables in Newmarket the day before they run, and shall then produce a certificate under the hand of the breeder, specifying his exact age the grass before.

Every horse, mare, or gelding, that runneth, is to start between the hours of one and four in the afternoon; and to be allowed half an hour between each heat to rub.

Every horse, mare, or gelding, that runneth on the wrong side the POSTS or FLAGS, or is distanced in any of the HEATS, shall have no share of the said PLATE, nor be suffered to start again.

The horse, mare, or gelding, that winneth any two heats, winneth the PLATE; but if three several horses, mares, or geldings, win EACH of them a HEAT, then those three, and only they, to run a fourth; and the horse, mare, or gelding, that winneth the fourth heat, shall have the plate.

And each horse, mare, or gelding's place, as he or they come in by the ending-post each heat, as first, second, or third, &c. shall be determined by such judges as shall be appointed for that purpose by the MASTER of the HORSE. And in case any horse, mare, or gelding, shall be then, or after prove to be, _above_ the age CERTIFIED the grass before, the owner or owners of such horse, mare, or gelding, shall be rendered incapable of ever running for any of the King's Plates hereafter.

As many of the RIDERS as shall _cross_, _jostle_, or _strike_, or use any other foul play, as shall be judged by such person or persons as shall be appointed by the MASTER of the HORSE, such rider shall be made incapable of ever riding any horse, mare, or gelding, for any of his MAJESTY'S PLATES hereafter; and such OWNERS shall have no benefit of _that_ plate; but such owners may be permitted to run any horse, mare, or gelding, for any other of his Majesty's free Plates in future.

Every RIDER shall, immediately after each heat is run, be obliged to come to the ENDING-POST with his horse, mare, or gelding, then and there to alight, and not before, and there to WEIGH to the satisfaction of the judges appointed for that purpose.

And in case of neglect or refusal thereof, such WINNERS and RIDERS shall be immediately declared _incapable_ of RUNNING or RIDING any more for this or any of his MAJESTY'S PLATES in future.

And should any difference arise relating to their ages, or in their running, or to these his MAJESTY'S ORDERS, the same to be determined by such person, or persons, as shall be appointed by the MASTER of the HORSE. And these Articles are to continue in force, unless altered by COMMAND of his MAJESTY.

For the better and more certain prevention of any fraud, or misapplication, the winner of a KING'S PLATE is to receive from the CLERK of the COURSE, a certificate signed by the STEWARD of the RACE where such plate is won, countersigned by himself also, which being presented to the LORD LIEUTENANT of the COUNTY, it obtains his signature likewise: when thus sanctioned, it becomes payable at sight to BEARER (if properly endorsed by the winner) at the office of the CLERK of his MAJESTY'S STABLES, in the KING'S MEWS, LONDON. The Lord Lieutenant of a county being out of the kingdom, the signature of any person regularly deputed by him is sufficient. The certificate of winning the PLATE at ASCOT requires only the signature of the MASTER of his MAJESTY'S STAG HOUNDS, instead of the Lord Lieutenant of the County.

KNEE OF A HORSE—is the centrical joint of the leg, where the fore-thigh is united to the shank-bone. Its formation is of such strength, that a LAMENESS, by _twist_, _distortion_, or any other injury, is hardly ever sustained in this part, but by the accident of falling; which frequently happens, and, if attended with a _blemish_, very much reduces the previous value of the horse. Prominencies in a pavement, or rolling stones upon a road, are sometimes the occasion of such misfortunes, even to those who are in general exceedingly sure-footed, and of the most valuable description. Custom has, however, introduced, of late years, such an unprecedented degree of precaution in an examination of the KNEES, that the slightest touch cannot be expected to pass unnoticed amidst so much scrutinizing inspection; and if once appearances are sufficient to justify _a doubt_, the object immediately sinks in estimation, however superior he may be in other respects and qualifications. This being so great a disadvantage when a horse is to be _sold_, it evidently points out the absolute necessity of a minute examination before he is _bought_, as a want of it may produce considerable loss, and serious reflection. Loss of hair upon the knees, when not too severely affected, may sometimes be restored by a daily application of very strong camphorated liniment.