Chapter M (1)

MADNESS.—This dreadful CANINE malady, with its consequences, when communicated to the human frame, will be found enlarged upon under the head DOG in the first Volume.

MAIN.—The main is a principal term used in the fashionable and _destructive_ nocturnal game of HAZARD, at which so many immense fortunes have been squandered away, and so very few realized. The person who is the holder of the BOX containing a PAIR of DICE, being _set_ by an individual, or any part of the company, what money he, or they, may propose, and the money staked, (or, as it is _technically_ called, _covered_,) he, the CASTER, (that is, the _holder_ of the box,) shaking the dice, throws them out upon the table: if the surface of both display a number above _four_, and not over _nine_, that number is then publicly announced "the MAIN" by the GROOM PORTER, (who is the officiating attendant upon the company and the game;) but the Caster throwing _under_ four, or _over_ nine, at the first throw, it is then called aloud, "No main;" and the Caster repeats his throw till a number appears between _four_ and _ten_, whenever which happens, (as for instance, _eight_,) the Groom Porter instantly vociferates, "Eight is the main, eight;" and it is called the MAIN, because it is the _main_ for the _company_ against the next throw of the CASTER, which is called the CHANCE; as being _his own_ against the main previously thrown, and by both which the CASTER and the SETTERS must abide, when main and chance are thrown; though either party may _draw_ their _money_, upon not approving or fancying the main, provided they declare it before the _chance_ is _thrown_. The Caster throwing _eight_ or _twelve_, the very next throw to the main of eight, is said to "nick it," and wins the money. If he throws SEVEN for a MAIN, and immediately follows it with another seven, or an eleven, he nicks again, and wins likewise. Six and twelve are a nick to six; five and nine nick themselves, and win when they follow in succession, as described of _eight_. If, after throwing the main, the CASTER at the _next_ throw produces _under four_, they are called CRABS; he then loses, and his box-hand is said to be out, and he passes it to his next neighbour; when bets are made round the table according to fancy; some that the "Caster throws in;" others, that "he throws out;" exclusive of the constantly standing business, of SETTING the CASTER what money he requires before he throws a main; when which, and the chance, are both thrown, and declared by the Porter, the odds are _laid_ and _taken_ in every part of the room, as opinion may prompt, or judgment dictate. These odds are regulated upon a scale of equity, from which there can be no departure; it being an invariable principle of the game, that any person laying an unfair bet, or deviating from the _fixed odds_, can never win. Every minute particular of the game cannot be reduced to paper here, or indeed perfectly understood from theory; but a farther elucidation will be found under its proper head, HAZARD.

MAIN OF COCKS.—When two parties, whether individuals, or an aggregate composed of gentlemen in one county, agreeing to fight a COCK-MATCH with an individual, or the gentlemen of another, the MATCH invariably consists of an _odd_ number of BATTLES; as twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one; which match once made, and the cocks weighed, is then called a MAIN of COCKS: when fought, and finished, the winner of the ODD battle (or _more_ a-head) is the winner of the main. Whenever a MATCH is made between parties of respectability and honour, the following agreement is drawn up, and reciprocally entered into.

ARTICLE FOR A COCK-MATCH.

Articles of agreement made the 1st of May, 1803, between A. B. of —— in the county of —— on one part, and C. D. of —— in the county of —— on the other. FIRST, the said parties mutually agree, that each shall produce, shew and weigh, at the COCKPIT ROYAL, in Saint James's Park, on the 1st day of June next, beginning at the hour of six in the morning, FORTY-ONE COCKS; none to weigh _less_ than three pounds six, nor more than four pounds eight ounces; and as many of each parties cocks as come within two ounces of the other parties cocks hereby stand engaged to fight for TEN GUINEAS a battle; that is, five guineas _each_ cock; in as equal divisions as the battles can be divided into (as pits or day's play) at the COCKPIT ROYAL aforesaid; and that the parties cocks who win the greatest number of main battles out of the number aforesaid, shall be entitled to the sum of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS odd battle money. And it is farther agreed, that the sum is to be made STAKES into the hands of E. F. Esq. in EQUAL shares between the parties aforesaid, before the _first_ pair of cocks are brought to PIT. And the said parties further agree to produce, shew, and weigh, on the said day of weighing, FIFTEEN COCKS for bye battles, subject to the same weight as the main cocks before mentioned, and those to be added to the number of main cocks unmatched; and as many of them as come within one ounce of each other, shall fight for TWO GUINEAS a battle, (that is, one guinea each cock,) to be as equally divided as can be, and added to each pit or day's play with the main of cocks: and it is also agreed, that the balance of the battle money shall be paid at the end of each pit or day's play; and to fight in fair reputed SILVER SPURS, and with fair hackles; and to be subject to all the usual rules of COCK-FIGHTING, as is practised in LONDON and at NEWMARKET; and the profit of the Pit, or day's play, to be equally divided between the said parties, after all charges are paid and satisfied that usually arise thereupon. As witness our hands, this first day of May, 1803.

A. B. C. D.

Witness C. H.

RULES FOR MATCHING AND FIGHTING.

In MATCHING (with relation to the battles) it is an invariable rule, that, after the COCKS of the MAIN are weighed, the MATCH BILLS are compared, to see that they are equally correct.

In WEIGHING, it is to be observed, that every PAIR of COCKS of _dead_ or _equal_ weight falling together, are to be separated, and matched against others coming within the limited weight of each other; provided that it appears the main can be enlarged, by adding thereto, either one battle or more thereby.

In FIGHTING, it is to be mutually understood, that the MAIN BATTLES begin to be fought with the _lightest_ pair of cocks, proceeding in succession with the next in weight upwards to the end; so that every lighter pair may fight earlier than those that are heavier.

In farther elucidation of this SPORT, See COCKING, COCK-MATCH, COCKPIT ROYAL, and GAME COCK.

MALLENDERS.—The DEFECT or DISORDER so called, is a large flat scab, or more properly an accumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,) seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee, just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered, and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state, little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become inveterate, with deep-seated _cracks_, from whence oozes a greasy kind of _ichor_, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon the part, as to affect the _elasticity_ of the TENDONS; in which state the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every effort he makes to avoid it.

Those horses having the greatest quantity of hair upon their legs are the most subject to this malady, where it remains a long time obscured from the eye of the MASTER; as it is not to be expected, a discovery will be made, and communicated, by a servant, in palpable proof of his own _neglect_ and _indolence_. If the part inveterately affected is covered with hair, either totally or partially, it must be taken off as close as possible, before any attempt at cure is made; that done, a patient fomentation of hot gruel, a decoction of linseed, or mallow roots and leaves, should be persevered in for a quarter of an hour daily, letting, however, the process of soft soap and warm water be adopted on the first day, continuing one of the before-mentioned fomentations every day after. When the scabs or eschars are completely softened, got loose, and begin to exfoliate, the parts may be well impregnated with camphorated SPERMA CÆTI LINIMENT every day after the fomentation; but not before the part is made properly dry to receive it. If the subject is supposed to have an acrimonious tendency in the blood, or displays the least appearance of cutaneous eruption in any other part of the body, the best method will be to put him upon a course of ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, which he will consume with his corn without farther trouble.

MALLOWS,—as well as MARSH-MALLOWS, are ingredients so useful and efficacious in fomentations, and emollient cataplasms, upon various unexpected emergencies, that the house of a SPORTSMAN in the country should never be without them.

MALT, GROUND—is an article of the utmost utility when incorporated with an equal quantity of bran, and given in a mash to horses labouring under cough, bodily debility, (from over fatigue,) or disease; it possesses the property of invigoration, is highly nutritive; and, by its attracting fragrancy, horses are induced to take it in small quantities, during the progress of dangerous diseases, when they refuse every other kind of food. Mashes thus made, and given nightly, are useful in promoting CONDITION, as well as a proper vehicle for ALTERATIVE powders, or during the operation of PHYSIC.

MANEGE.—The MANEGE is a term used in a synonymous sense with equestrian academy, or riding school; implying not only the receptacle itself, but the instructions there to be derived from those who profess to teach the ART of HORSEMANSHIP by riding the great horse. There are many of this description, and of much celebrity, in and round the Metropolis, replete with every convenience for the accommodation of gentlemen, and the breaking of horses; and for ladies also, who have the advantage of riding under cover at all seasons of the year. In every MANEGE a centrical spot is appropriated to the regulating the round or volts, in which is fixed a pillar; and to this horses are occasionally fastened in their first lessons. Other pillars are likewise placed in pairs at the sides of the manege, for the more perfect completion of their volts and airs.

The MANEGE may be properly divided into the GREATER and the LESSER; or, in the precise words of a modern writer, "the grand and petit manege: the former, or management of the great horse, intended purely for the purposes of parade and shew; the latter, confined solely to the _utile_ of military tactics. The grand manege consists in teaching a horse, already perfectly broke in the common way, certain artificial motions, the chief of which are called the _terra a terra_, _demi-volt_, _corvet_, _capriole_, _croupade_, _balotade_, and the step and the leap; which last is a motion compounded of three airs; namely, the _terra a terra_, _corvet_, and the _leap_, by which the motion is finished. When a horse is perfect in all these, he is styled a full dressed, or maneged horse.

"The _petit manege_ is that drilling, or training, by which the army riding-masters fit the horse for military service in the ranks. The chief objects of it are, to set him upon his haunches, and make him rein well; to give him a cadenced pace; to teach him to rein back, or retreat; to move sideways, to stand fire, and to leap. After these, a horse will soon become capable of all the necessary military evolutions. The common business of our town riding-schools, is to teach grown gentlemen and ladies, and to set ill-broken horses upon their haunches. It is well known that the grand manege has been long out of fashion in this country; and farther, that it has for years past been upon the decline in every other. I look upon it as a relict of that superstition in all things, which is the characteristic of barbarous times. It is unnecessary to any good or useful purpose, because all such, whether of parade or business, may be fully answered by the common, rational, and uninjurious management; whereas there is always more or less cruelty practised in completing the full-dressed horse; such, for instance, as severe whippings, the meaning of which the horse cannot possibly comprehend, and which are therefore unnatural and illegitimate measures; the labour and irritation also are excessive; and, after all, the natural paces of the horse are spoiled, and he is rendered unfit for common business; the only compensation for which is, that he has learned sundry harlequin tricks; two of which are, to _skip_ like a GOAT, and kick up _behind_ like an ASS."

MANE—is the name by which the long hair is called hanging from the neck of a horse, and extending from the back of his ears to his withers: a handsome full mane adds much to the natural beauty of a well-formed horse, and is of course preserved, not more in respect to ornament, than its utility in mounting, to the ease and agility in which it affords material assistance.

MANGE IN HORSES.—The disorder so called, and with which only horses of the inferior sort are affected, originates in an impoverished state of the blood, occasioned by a want of proper healthy food, and a constant exposure to the elements in the severity of the winter season. When arrived at a certain degree of virulence, it becomes infectious, particularly as the warmer months of summer advance; and of this contagious property no doubt can be entertained; the LAW having provided a remedy, that no such horse shall be suffered to go at large, upon any lair, common, or parochial pasture, where there is a possibility of communicating the infection. The subjects of it are generally in a state of wretched emaciation, bearing the external appearance of leprosy, or partial excoriation: the leading symptoms are a perpetual itching behind the ears, down the mane on each side the neck, and at the insertion of the tail near the rump. These parts, from incessant rubbing to allay the irritation, are soon divested of the hair, to which a dirty kind of scurf appears, bearing upon its surface a malignant oily sort of moisture, which soon degenerates into variegated-coloured scabs, constituting a confirmed mange; which, the longer it is permitted to continue unrestrained in its progress, the more difficult a cure is to be obtained.

As the MANGE is principally a cutaneous disease, by which the skin only is materially affected, so the cure must chiefly depend upon external applications; prescriptions for which may be amply supplied from either _old_ books, or _new_ Veterinarians; neither of these being now difficult of attainment. If the disease has arisen from an impoverished state of living, and a consequent acrimonious state of the blood, altering its property, by a change of aliment, and more liberal invigoration of the system, will greatly tend to the promoting a speedy obliteration. Should a horse in high HEALTH, FLESH, and CONDITION, have received the disease by infection, BLEEDING, evacuants, or alteratives, should be brought into use in aid of external applications.

MANGE IN DOGS—will be found fully treated on under a continuation of the head HOUNDS, in page 485 of the first Volume.

MANGER—is the name by which the trough is called that is fixed in all stables, and from whence a horse eats his corn or mashes; it is usually placed under his rack, from which he receives his hay; and this, in well-managed stables, is not deposited there in large quantities, but in light proportions, and at stated periods. It is an excellent and healthy custom, though, perhaps, not much in practice, to let all MANGERS, in constant use, have a substantial scrubbing with soap, brush, and boiling water, once a month; the absolute necessity for which may be seen by making an occasional observation upon the _filthy_ state of mangers in general, particularly at INNS upon the ROADS, and LIVERY STABLES in the METROPOLIS.

MARE—is the well-known feminine of the HORSE, but not held of equal value with the masculine in respect to the gender, which is not only troublesome, but found to be productive of temporary debility at certain seasons of the year. Mares are evidently weaker, and less adequate to severe work, during the time they give proof of a desire to copulate, than at any other; which, perhaps, is the principal reason why GELDINGS are so generally preferred, as far as they can be obtained. Notwithstanding this partiality, MARES are not without their advocates, and have their conveniencies: in cases of LAMENESS, or other occurrences in the long list of _casual ills_, they, of course, become appropriate to the purpose of PROPAGATION, without much loss being sustained. Those, however, who expect to derive either pleasure, emolument, or a gratification of ambition, from BREEDING, must be a little prudent and circumspect in the shape, make, distinct points, and general symmetry, of the MARE, before they too hastily embark in so critical, and so truly expensive, an undertaking. Although it is a maxim universally admitted, that an equal degree of precaution should be used in respect to the HORSE, it is doubly and trebly necessary with the mare; because strict observation has demonstrated, that nearly, or full _two_ out of every _three_ FOALS, display, in their appearance, more of the DAM than the SIRE: and that there are more FILLIES than COLTS fallen every year, will not admit of a doubt.

A variety of opinions are held, and occasionally propagated, upon the best and most proper age for putting a mare to horse: that a FILLY covered in her third year, will produce a fine healthy foal in her _fourth_, is sufficiently known; and that BROOD MARES bring forth excellent stock from their _twentieth_ to their _twenty-fifth_ year, is equally true; but if the two extremes are avoided (when it can be conveniently done so) the produce may most likely come some few shades nearer perfection. In the _first_ instance it is fair to infer, that the component parts may not have reached the extreme points of STRENGTH and MATURITY; and that in the _latter_, from the natural effect of AGE, the frame is verging upon _decay_; and that the LACTEALS from whence the NUTRIMENT for the FOAL is to be obtained, must be _contracted_ in proportion.

The best and most approved season for letting the mare take the horse, where the produce is bred for general purposes, is from the first week in MAY to the last in JUNE; as then the offspring is dropt in APRIL or MAY in the following year, and are the properest months a foal can fall in, to have the advantage of all the summer for growth and expansion, preparatory to the drawback of WEANING, and the ensuing severity of the winter. Mares during the time of GESTATION, are liable, but very little subject to ABORTION; reasonable work, and moderate exertions, affect them but slightly in that way; nor does the disappointment but seldom happen, unless by some severe, cruel, or inhuman treatment. MARES are the most uncertain of all animals in bringing forth from the time of conception. Numerous attempts have been made to discover the precise time of a mare's carrying her foal, which, however, does not yet appear to have been ascertained to a certainty. Long-standing opinions and authority, transmitted from one posterity to another, has established at eleven months and as many days as the mare happens to be years old: strict attention, in a variety of instances, to both the LUNAR and CALENDAR months, has proved the uncertainty of this calculation, and left them, in those events, dependent upon neither _one_ or the _other_. Certain it is, they go many days longer with a COLT FOAL than they do with a FILLY; and cases frequently occur, where a mare carries her foal within a few days of the twelve months.

MARK!—a term used by SPORTSMEN, particularly in COVERT SHOOTING, where they are necessarily separated from each other; when one of the party, having _sprung_ a PHEASANT, or _flushed_ a COCK, (at which he either did not get a _shot_, or missed his _aim_,) he then vociferates the signal, MARK! in a hope his companion may get a shot, or _mark_ the spot near where he alights, to insure a better chance of his recovery. It is also used in partridge shooting, where hedges or hedge-rows interrupt the sight, or divide the parties.

MARK IN THE MOUTH.—The black cavity in the TEETH of a HORSE, by which his age is correctly known till seven years old, is called the _mark_; when which is obliterated, the age can be no longer precisely ascertained. DEALERS adopt a successful mode of _deception_, by which the young and inexperienced are frequently imposed upon. See BISHOPING and COLT.

MARK ANTHONY,—the name of a horse of some celebrity as a RACER, and equal to any horse of his time: he was bred by MR. C. BLAKE, and foaled in 1767: he was got by that known good horse _Spectator_ (who was got by _Crab_) out of _Rachel_, (who was got by _Blank_;) her dam by _Regulus_, grand-dam by _Soreheels_. He acquired some reputation as a STALLION, and was the sire of several good runners.

MARSK—was a horse whose distinguished celebrity arose more from chance than any peculiar merits of his own. He was bred by the then DUKE of CUMBERLAND; was foaled in 1750; got by _Squirt_, (who was got by Bartlet's _Childers_;) dam by _Blacklegs_, grand-dam by _Fox Cub_. Although his blood and racing ability stood fairly admitted, yet, so far from having acquired any reputation as a STALLION, he was permitted to COVER common mares at the Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, for only _half-a-guinea_, which was the GROOM'S FEE. Precisely at this period (in the year 1763) _Spilletta_, the dam of _Eclipse_, having proved _barren_ for two or three years in succession, a new experiment was made, and she was covered by both _Shakespeare_ and _Marsk_ in the same season; when stinted, and some time after perceptibly in foal, it was uncertain who was to be declared the SIRE, till the produce falling to correspond with the last leap from _Marsk_, he became (from _Eclipse's_ astonishing powers) loaded with honours, publicly acknowledged the sire with an enhanced reputation, and a constantly increasing _seraglio_; from which time he continued a stallion of the first eminence, and produced a progeny of winners by much too long for introduction under this head. _Spilletta_ afterwards produced _Proserpine_ by _Marsk_, foaled in 1766; and that well-known horse _Garrick_, foaled in 1772; both excellent runners.

MARTIN, OR MARTERN,—is an animal inhabiting woods and bushy coverts, rather inferior in size to a domestic cat, but longer in the neck and body, having a head and tail corresponding in make and shape with the FOX, but not so sharp-pointed in the ears. They are nearly as expert in climbing trees, and leaping from one to another, as a squirrel; they breed in the hollows of trees, and produce four, five, and even six, young at a time. They live upon poultry, game, and birds: most probably the casual food of the FOX is taken by the MARTIN also. As, by their great agility in climbing, they become a most destructive enemy to PHEASANTS, so by their SCENT they are frequently the subject of much mortifying disappointment to a field of expectant sportsmen. When found amidst the bushes, the general burst of the finding hounds is as great as when a FOX is _unkenneled_, and so continues, till, being closely pressed, some friendly tree (probably clothed with ivy) suddenly terminates the _deceptive_ chase.

MARTINGAL.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed a HEADSTALL martingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and having SWIVEL RINGS at the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and are used to keep down the head of a hard-mouthed or _high-staring_ horse, that he may see the ground upon which he is to move with less danger to the _neck_ of the RIDER. The headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous practice, and should only be used with COLTS in breaking; for if a horse once _stumbles_ in action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost inevitably comes to the ground.

MASH—is a name given to a kind of universal PANACEA for horses during a course of PHYSIC, or labouring under COUGH, COLD, or DISEASE. Mashes are differently made, according to the necessity which occasions their being brought into use: some are made with BRAN and HONEY; others with equal parts of OATS and BRAN, with or without honey; but the most fragrant, useful, attracting, and invigorating, is made from GROUND MALT, with such proportion of BRAN as will disunite the glutinous adhesive property of the MALT, and reduce its sweetness enough to prevent a satiety by its clamminess in mastication. Malt mashes (and the liquid pressed from them) horses will generally take in different dangerous disorders, as FEVERS, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, STRANGLES, &c. when they will take (spontaneously) no other kind of FOOD or NUTRIMENT. Mashes should be always made of ingredients perfectly SWEET, without the least taint of _mustiness_, and in pails or vessels free from every possibility of _grease_; they should also be prepared with water _boiling hot_, which being once stirred together, may then be covered down till of a proper warmth to be placed in the manger; which should never be of greater heat than _new milk_ from the cow, unless in cases where a FUMIGATION may be required to relax and take off a stricture from the glandular parts, and promote a discharge from the nostrils.

MASTER OF THE HORSE—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in possession of his MAJESTY'S confidence, and honored with his personal approbation. The department of the MASTER of the HORSE is of very considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than almost any other appointment in the GIFT of the CROWN. The Master of the Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the establishment of the KING'S STABLES and their contents. It is within his official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal retinue in which HORSES, CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majesty whenever they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and in all PROCESSIONS of STATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables, yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The establishment of the ROYAL HUNT is also officially announced in the department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.

MASTER OF THE STAG HOUNDS. See KING'S HOUNDS.

MATCH COCK.—A cock intended to fight in a MATCH, must not be less in weight than three pounds six ounces, or exceed four pounds eight: if either less than the _first_, or more than the _latter_, he cannot be shewn or brought to the SCALE. See MAIN of COCKS.

MATCH IN RACING—is a BET made between the OWNERS where only _two_ horses are concerned, one of which must become the winner. For explanatory particulars, see HORSE RACING. Horses are said to MATCH (for a carriage) when they correspond, and constitute a similitude in height, marks, action, and color. A HUNTING MATCH (generally termed a steeple chase) is made by parties, to ride their own horses across a country to some point agreed on, encountering all difficulties, and taking the LEAPS in _stroke_: this kind of match is, upon most occasions, run with a few couple of hounds; a person going forward with a DRAG to the spot appointed where the match is to be decided.

MATCHEM—was a horse the most eminent of his time as a RACER, and for many years was the most esteemed STALLION in the kingdom. He was bred by MR. FENWICK, foaled in 1748; got by _Cade_, dam by _Partner_, grand-dam by _Makeless_, great grand-dam by _Brimmer_, &c. &c. He produced an annual succession of winners (many of them excellent runners) too long for enumeration.

MERCURY—is become an article of so much medical utility with HORSES, as well as with the human species, that it seems entitled to some mention here, being a specific much talked of, but not universally understood. Mercury (alias quicksilver) is an opaque silver-colored mineral fluid, appearing to the eye like melted TIN or LEAD; it is heavier than any other fluid, and does not congeal in the greatest degree of natural cold ever yet known. This mineral is met with in its fluid form in the earth, or extracted by art from certain metallic ores. There are considerable mines of it in HUNGARY and SPAIN; but the greatest quantities are brought from the EAST INDIES. The use of mercury was but little known till within the last century; and its more subtle preparations, with their efficacious properties, of a much later date. The ancients looked upon it as a confirmed corrosive poison, though perfectly void of acrimony, taste, and smell. Experiments have been made, and instances proved, of its having been lodged for years in cavities of both bones and fleshy parts, without the least injury, or smallest sensible or perceptible effect. Taken into the human body in its crude and undivided state, it passes through the intestinal canal unchanged, and has not been found to produce the least inconvenience.

Notwithstanding the _mildness_ and _inactivity_ of QUICKSILVER in its crude and undivided state, yet, when resolved by FIRE into FUME, or otherwise divided into very minute particles, and prevented from re-uniting by the interposition of proper substances, or combined with mineral acids, it has very powerful effects, affording the most violent POISONS, and yielding the most excellent and salutary remedies, of any with which the medical world are acquainted. There are now (introduced upon the broad basis of experimental practice) a variety of mercurial preparations, some of which are given internally; others are introduced (or rather insinuated) into the habit by external application, either in a liquid solution, or in an unctuous form: in whatever way it be administered internally, or applied externally, it evidently possesses the power of solving all stagnant fluids, liquifying the viscid juices which obstruct the finer vessels, and most minute passages; and has been known, by patient perseverance, to obliterate cancerous affections, and schirrosities of dangerous magnitude. The fundamental effects of mercury (or rather mercurial preparations) do not depend upon the increase of the sensible evacuations; as its gradual introduction into the habit (or system) of either man, or beast, may be so managed, by judicious proportions, as to promote excretion through the different emunctories, without perceptibly deranging the frame of one or the other.

Thus much being introduced upon the properties of mercury and its preparations, as applicable to the convenience of those who may not have entered into medical disquisition, it becomes necessary to advert to its use, now become so evidently efficacious in many of the disquietudes and disorders to which horses (as well as ourselves) are so constantly liable. The only modes by which it can be with prudence and safety administered to a horse, is either in a course of PURGATIVES, in the form of CALOMEL incorporated with the cathartic ingredients, or introduced as an ALTERATIVE, by throwing _daily_ very small quantities of that article into the system; or the better alternative (if meant as an alterative) of giving the ÆTHIOP'S MINERAL, in doses of two drachms each, every morning, mixed up with a cordial ball. Much DANGER, and many LOSSES, having recently occurred with individuals from a too free use of _calomel_ in PURGING BALLS, where horses, from a certain degree of constitutional irritability, or a want of proper care and attention during their physic, have died in the most excruciating agonies, with only _two_ or _three_ drachms (unless erroneously weighed in the shops) of calomel; it certainly will be the most PRUDENT, evidently the most SAFE, to adopt the three gradational quantities of a drachm, a drachm and a half, or two drachms, according to the size, strength, and constitution, of the horse, taking care never to exceed that quantity even with the strongest.

MERCURY—was the name of a horse, that, as a RACER, and afterwards a STALLION, stood very high in sporting estimation. He was bred by the late COLONEL O'KELLY; foaled in 1778; was got by _Eclipse_ out of a TARTAR mare, who was likewise the dam of _Whitenose_, _Maria_, _Antiochus_, _Venus_, _Jupiter_, _Adonis_, _Lilly of the Valley_, _Volunteer_, _Bonnyface_, and _Queen Mab_. After having acquired considerable celebrity as a good runner, and proved himself equal to any horse of his time, he became a favourite STALLION in the possession of LORD EGREMONT, where he has produced a numerous progeny, including a very great number of winners, many of much note; and amongst the rest, the following celebrated horses, some of whom are stallions in high reputation: _Calomel_, _Sublimate_, _Hippolyta_, _Mercutio_, _Old Gold_, _Precipitate_, _Quicksilver_, _Young Mercutio_, _Felix_, _Cinnabar_, _Mother Bunch_, _Hermes_, _Pill Box_, _Silver_, _Transit_, _Gohanna_, _Caustic_, _Stadholder_, _Buckingham_, &c. &c.

MESHES—are the vacancies in all kinds of NET-WORK, of which there are various sorts, with their meshes of different dimensions; as the _gate-net_, _flue-net_, _tunnel-net_, _drawing-net_, _casting-net_, &c. &c. as adapted to their distinct uses, for taking either FISH or FOWL.

MEUSE—is the opening at the bottom of quick-set and other hedges, as well as in the bushy underwood of COVERTS, through which HARES take their _track_, when going to, or coming from, FEED during the _night_. At these meuses the expert and experienced POACHER fixes his _wires_ (commonly called snares) with so much security, and confidence of success, that he generally insures a tolerable proportion to his own share, according to the stock of the country.

MEWING—is an old forest term for a STAG'S shedding his horns.

MEWS—is a receptacle for horses and carriages, appropriated to no other use whatever. The buildings consist of stables and coach-houses only, with conveniencies above for the residence of coachmen and their families. In all the newly-erected squares and streets at the western extremity of the Metropolis, most of the houses are so constructed, that the master and servants have access to the stables by a communication at the back of the dwelling-house, without the inconvenience of passing through the streets.

MOLTEN GREASE.—This disorder is defined by every writer in succession, a solution of the FAT with which a horse may abound, when brought into sudden and _excessive_ action; that in its state of liquefaction, a great part falls upon the intestines, there becomes in a certain degree incorporated with the contents, and is more or less discharged in an oily state with the excrements. This is proved by long experience to be a well-founded description of both the case and the cause, which very frequently prove fatal, and that in a short time, without the lest relief or alleviation to be obtained from medicine. The leading symptoms are preceded by an agitated trembling, with sudden starts or motions, as if frightened in the stall; this is succeeded by violent fever, with great heat and clamminess of the mouth, a shortness of breath, and difficulty of respiration, beyond description, bearing no ill affinity to the most distinguishing symptoms of a horse labouring under an inflammation of the lungs. The great hope of cure must depend upon plentiful bleeding without delay, and that to be repeated at short intervals, till the blood is divested of its sizey, viscid, and inflammatory appearances. If not soon relieved by such medical interposition as may be thought most applicable to the state he is in, great bodily debility speedily ensues, the frame gradually declines in flesh, and becomes emaciated, the skin adheres to the ribs, the solids begin to relax, the legs to swell; and if the blood and juices are not properly corrected, by a judicious mode of medical management, a general decay may be expelled in _glanders_, _farcy_, or some one of the diseases which terminate fatally.

MOON EYES.—Horses said to have MOON EYES, or to be MOON-BLIND, is one of the relics of former superstition, when certain defects of the eyes were ridiculously supposed to have been influenced for _better_ or _worse_, by the increasing or declining state of the MOON. Such opinions seem now to be wearing away, and verging upon oblivion, in proportion as the structure of the parts, as well as the remedies to relieve, become more perfectly comprehended by the indefatigable researches of VETERINARIAN investigation.

MOOR GAME.—See GROUSE, HEATH FOWL, and GAME.

MORTIFICATION.—This state, in a PHYSICAL sense, with either MAN or BEAST, is the total cessation of vital heat in any part of the body or extremities, which then becomes, insensible, and is followed by putrefaction. When a mortification arises from some external injury done to the part, it is not preceded by a gangrene, but is produced by an absolute stagnation of the blood and juices, and all the injured parts become insensible and putrid at the same time, without any previous inflammation. A mortification arising from some internal cause, or a deficiency of natural heat, comes on in the same manner, but is more tardy in its progress, although it exhibits similar appearances; but the nature of the disease may be readily discovered. When an external injury is the cause, if an incision is made early in the diseased part, it will be found insensible, and nothing but extravasated blood will be discharged. In all cases of MORTIFICATION, the disease, with its concomitant symptoms, proceeds with a rapidity that sets every medical interposition and exertion at defiance, till DEATH closes the scene.

MOTION.—A horse is said to be of easy motion, when he has a fine length of forehand, goes off the ground lightly with his head up, gliding his hind-legs under his carcase in action, without the straddling spring for which rough-going horses are so remarkable.

MOUTH.—The good or bad mouth of a horse depends upon the pliability of his temper, and his obedience to the bit. Some horses (particularly those of violent and refractory dispositions) are so truly insensible to every effort of even the best riders, that hardly any kind of bit can be invented to reduce them to subjection; while, on the contrary, there are those, and even blood horses, of such good temper, and constitutional docility; that they may be regulated instantaneously to any purpose, by the most tender bearing of a common snaffle.

MULE.—The MULE is that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between an ASS and a MARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by the HORSE with a SHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility, consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanent under labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the same care of _when young_, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse. Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long journies without displaying the least fatigue.

The MULES bred in SPAIN, with a proper attention to their intentional use, whether for travelling or shew, are bred between very large he-asses and Spanish mares; these are exceedingly tall, stately, and their colour inclining to black. A still larger kind are, however, produced by these asses out of Flanders mares, some of which have been known to reach seventeen hands high, and of equal apparent strength to our common carriage horses; but they are much stronger than horses of their own size, will bear infinitely greater hardships, and are kept at a much less expence; as well as an additional recommendation, that they are not so subject to diseases, which is a material consideration to the justification of their more general use. They are found equally fit for the saddle, as for the more laborious employments of draft and agriculture; they are remarkably docile, are easily broke, and walk or trot with ease to themselves and to the rider.

It has been already remarked, under the head MARE, that foals more frequently take after the DAM than the SIRE, and this is perceptibly striking in MULES; for those bred between an ASS and a MARE, invariably partake more of the nature of the _latter_ than the former; being in general of good formation, lively, swift, and tractable; inheriting only the good qualities of the ass, as his strength, patience, and perseverance, under fatigue; while, on the other hand, those bred betwixt a horse and a she-ass, are more of the nature of the latter, dull, heavy, sluggish, ill-formed, and small in size. What few mules are produced in this kingdom, at least the major part, may be probably bred more from chance than design, by the common intermixture and unrestrained association of asses with mares, upon the large wastes and commons in various parts of the country, where they are frequently seen in the act of propagation. Of mules, it is to be observed, that, although such intermediate animal is produced between the two which generate the third, there the prolific property ceases, and propagation goes no farther. Thus it is with a part of the feathered creation; it is known by those who breed, that a cock goldfinch, or a linnet, will pair with a hen canary, and produce young; but in that offspring the power of procreation entirely ceases, and they are therefore termed MULES.

MUTE—is a sporting term, applied to a HOUND when he pursues his GAME by the scent, without giving _tongue_. As some are by much too free, and give tongue too hastily, when in a state of uncertainty, acquiring thereby the degrading denomination of a _babbler_; so there are others equally tardy in proclaiming the certainty when known. Hounds of each description are considered injurious to the discipline and desirable excellence of the pack, and are generally rejected so soon as their imperfections are known, and too much confirmed for reformation.

MUZZLE.—Muzzles are made of leather, and are of two sorts; the one called a _dressing_, the other a _setting_, muzzle. The first is of the same form as the last, but of different construction, having a few straps crossing each other transversely, and so united as to be about nine inches in depth, and of a shape to cover the nose of the horse so high; to which are annexed two straps; one of which passes up the cheek on each side, and buckles at the top of the head behind the ears; the use of this is to dress such horses in as are disposed to vice with the teeth, as well to prevent the MANGER from _injury_, as the GROOM from _danger_. The other is in little use, except in TRAINING STABLES; its form is not unlike the exact shape of a common water-pail, being made of the thickness of substantial leather, having a number of round holes punched in every part of it, for the free admission of air, and is brought into use on those nights _preceding_ a horse's RUNNING engagement on the following day; as well as before taking a SWEAT, or running a TRIAL. It is called a SETTING-MUZZLE, because, when put on, the horse is said "_to be set_," (that is, to fast;) and the intent is to prevent his consuming the litter, or obtaining more food than what the training-groom has a perfect knowledge of.

N.

NABOB—was a horse of much temporary note, and considered one of the best country plate horses of his time; he was bred by MR. SWINBURNE, and foaled in 1753; was got by _Cade_, dam by _Crab_, grand-dam by _Childers_. Although he was a known good runner, he never as a STALLION produced any racers of much celebrity.

NAG—is rather a provincial than a general term, and varies a little in its signification, according to the county, or part of the kingdom, in which it is used. In the most common country acceptation, it implies a RIDING horse or ROADSTER, in contra-distinction to a _carriage_ or _cart-horse_. A "complete nag" may be considered a kind of horse beyond the line of mediocrity, and bordering upon the idea of a moderate hunter. A "smartish nag" is what the opulent farmer rides to market; and a "tightish little tit" is a well-bred galloway of SPEED and ACTION, which, in a state of purity and perfection, are always difficult to be obtained.

NARROW CHESTED.—A horse is so called, whose breast is so narrow (when standing before him) that the fore-legs gradually extend wider in proportion as the eye accompanies them nearer the ground; so that, in a front view, they bear the form of two legs of a common country washing-stool, where the legs are inserted in the narrow part of the wood at the top, and are four or five inches more in width at the bottom. Horses of this description are invariably weak before; and when put into hard work, or severe exertions, are the very sort of which so many upon the roads are seen in a "CHEST-FOUNDERED" state; which see under that head, where it will be found fully explained.

NARROW HEELS.—Enlarged upon under "HEELS NARROW," which SEE.

NAVEL-GALL—is an injury sustained upon the centrical part of the back-bone, corresponding with that part below, from whence it originally derived its present denomination. It is always occasioned by the _pad_ of the SADDLE being in itself too wide, (and deficient in stuffing,) letting the _iron_-work of the _tree_ come into contact with the SPINE; or from the long and constant use of a roller in the stable, till having lost the elasticity of its stuffing, it then becomes sufficiently _hard_, particularly with too tight buckling, to occasion the injury, which is often productive of much trouble, long vexation, and tedious disappointment. It is a disgrace to the rational part of the world, that cases should occur from neglect, indolence, or inattention, which may, with no more than just and necessary caution, be so easily prevented. A navel-gall, in the first instance, if immediately attended to upon the earliest discovery, (if that be so soon as the injury is sustained, or in its recent state of inflammation,) will mostly submit to mild astringent repellents, repeated at short intervals; and the contents of the inflammatory tumefaction will be absorbed into the circulation. But "as it is the curse of fools to be secure," so an impatient _repetition_ of the _cause_ occasions a constantly increasing addition to the injury, till the renewed HEAT and FRICTION upon the part constitute an eschar, or leather-like substance, upon the surface, which being separated, or coming spontaneously away, displays a _foul_, if not an INVETERATE ulcer, and requires no small share of Veterinary skill to insure a successful termination.

NEAR-SIDE.—The near-side of a horse is the LEFT SIDE, and of course the side on which the rider goes to mount. The right-side of the horse is always called the OFF-SIDE; but the _right_ side, or the _left_ side, is never so termed, when speaking of a horse. It is the invariable custom to say, that horse is lame of the "_near_-leg before;" the other, is evidently defective in the "_off_-leg behind."

NECK.—The neck of a horse has been so often enlarged upon under a variety of different heads, that little or nothing is left useful, entertaining, or instructive, to introduce upon the subject. All that can be required, will be found largely explained by referring to "HORSE" and "FOREHAND," where, if it is not already remarked sufficiently, it may be here more forcibly inculcated; that a horse with a short neck, is in general lower before than behind; that he is never easy in action; carries his head low, and lifts his legs with difficulty; is much addicted to tripping, or rather _blundering_, and with that pleasing perfection (so gratifying to the sensations of his rider) is always in danger of FALLING; in addition to which, it may be observed, that a horse of this formation is neither fleet or handsome.

NEEDLE-WORMS—are small white worms with a sharp-pointed head, having their seat in the rectum of a horse, from whence they are frequently discharged with the dung, but are difficult to dislodge and extirpate entirely. By their unceasing action, (twirling and twisting in the dung when expelled,) it is natural to conceive, how very much they irritate, disquiet, and distress an animal where they have acquired possession; of this there needs no greater proof, than the excrements frequently and suddenly coming away in a liquified state, as if the horse was under a course of physic. And this is evidently the cause why horses eternally teazed and persecuted with these diminutive enemies, always appear low in flesh, rough in the coat, sunk in the eyes, and depressed in the spirits: eternally labouring under internal disquietude, they derive but little advantage from REST, or nourishment from FOOD. They are sometimes not only reduced, but eradicated, by ANTIMONIALS; but as this is not always to be relied on, MERCURIAL PHYSIC is justified upon the broad basis of experience, as the only _infallible_ mode of extirpation.

NEIGHING—is an exclamatory sensation (or vociferation) by which the horse evinces either anxiety, suspense, or pleasure; but the passion he feels is expressed with much more force and energy in the two first, than in the latter, which is ejaculated with low and gradual vibrative sounds, too expressive to be mistaken by even the inexperienced naturalist, or least attentive observer. Being separated from a companion with whom he has been accustomed to stand in the same stable, and to accompany each other abroad, his inquiries are loud and incessant upon the road or in the field; and if made upon a RACE COURSE, amidst a _thousand_ horses, they are so completely masters of their _own language_, that they can instantly distinguish the exclamation of _each other_ from the innumerable NEIGHINGS of all the rest. Finding themselves answered, at whatever distance, they display their eagerness to get together; and as they approach each other, the pleasure becomes perceptible in the way before described, and by the experienced sportsman so perfectly understood.