Chapter M (2)

NETS—are the well-known articles constructed of thread, packthread, and small cord, made of every sort and size, for the various purposes of taking fish, fowl, and game of every denomination; from the GUDGEON to the SALMON, from the SPARROW to the WILD DUCK, and from the RABBIT to the RED DEER: all are destined to bow obedience to human ingenuity. Nets are to be obtained from the makers, of almost every possible description, under a variety of names, according to the distinct use for which each is employed. Of these there are the _minnow-net_, the _casting-net_, the _landing-net_, the _draw-net_, the _drag-net_, the _bat-folding-net_, the _tunnel-net_, the _flue-net_, the _clap-net_, the _fowling-net_, with a long list of inferiors; the insertion of which here is not likely to prove of the least general utility; each being practically known to those of the different SPORTING or _poaching_ classes with whom they are principally in use.

NEWMARKET—is the name of a small town, about sixty miles from the METROPOLIS, and ten from CAMBRIDGE. In itself it lays claim to little attention, but is rendered of much celebrity by the beautiful country by which it is surrounded, and the periodical RACING MEETINGS there established; constituting a kind of carnival to the SPORTING WORLD, that, to be properly conceived, must be seen; and to be enjoyed, must be understood. During the whole of each meeting it is a complete MART of BUSINESS in the midst of _dissipation_, forming a scene of profit and loss, pleasure and anxiety, exultation and despondency, beyond the power of the most fertile pen to depict. Nothing, perhaps, can more nearly equal the general confusion, the various passions, and variegated countenances, (as agitated by the pecuniary sensations of each,) than the contortions of disquietude, and gesticulations of mental misery, upon the EXCHANGE, when some sudden political shock produces a dreadful and unexpected _fall_ in the price of stocks.

NEWMARKET derived the origin of its brilliancy from KING JAMES the FIRST, after whom its pleasures lay nearly dormant, till the gay court of CHARLES the SECOND renewed its sport with renovated splendour; having laid the foundation of the present regular meetings, and erected a building for the accommodation of the royal retinue, which is still retained in the possession of the Crown, as a princely residence whenever the SOVEREIGN, or any part of the royal family may be disposed to honor the spot with their presence. The meetings consist of seven in every year, and are thus distinguished: the CRAVEN Meeting; the FIRST SPRING Meeting; the SECOND SPRING Meeting; the JULY Meeting; the FIRST OCTOBER Meeting; the SECOND OCTOBER Meeting; and the HOUGHTON Meeting; during the whole of which (the July and Houghton excepted) the sport generally continues for SIX days, beginning on the Monday, and terminating only with the week. The heath, as it is called, is a most extensive tract of land, and beautifully diversified in its prospects; it contains TWENTY different courses, of various lengths, and almost opposite descriptions, adapted to horses of every age and qualification; where, during the exercise hours in the summer season, may be seen from a hundred and fifty to two hundred of the finest and best bred horses in the kingdom, displaying their various powers in every direction. For farther particulars see "HORSE RACING," "JOCKEY CLUB," and "KING'S PLATE."

In addition to all which it may not prove inapplicable to observe, that a correct and faithful recital of every RACING TRANSACTION at NEWMARKET, and every other place of SPORT, is published in the form of a newspaper, once a fortnight, during the whole of the season, from APRIL to NOVEMBER, and is transmitted, _free_ of _postage_, to individuals (who are SUBSCRIBERS) from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. At the end of each year, it is repeated in a handsome volume upon fine paper, with various additions, including the WINNERS of the different PLATES given by his MAJESTY; the particulars of the sweepstakes, and subscriptions entered into; and a list of STALLIONS of eminence intended to cover the year ensuing. This most respectable and authentic convenience to the sporting part of the world, is published under the title of "THE RACING CALENDAR," at a subscription of only ONE GUINEA per annum, by Messrs. E. and J. WEATHERBY, No. 7, Oxendon-Street, near the Haymarket. The latter of whom has likewise accommodated the public with a "GENERAL STUD BOOK," containing the pedigree of almost every HORSE, MARE, and GELDING, of note, that has appeared on the TURF for the last fifty years and upwards; together with some account of the foreign HORSES and MARES from whence is derived the present breed of RACERS in GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND. This is a most elaborate, useful, and entertaining production, well worthy the attention of every enlightened sportsman in the kingdom.

NICKING—was formerly considered an OPERATION of much MAGNITUDE, and not without its proportion of _danger_; and then performed only by such as were considered eminent in the PRACTICE, and expert in the ART. It is now, however, a matter of so little consequence, that anatomical knowledge is not thought at all necessary to the execution; it being a well-known fact, that almost every DEALER (or even his principal servant) is an operator from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. The intent of NICKING is to prevent (by a counteracting power) a horse from depressing his TAIL, and flicking it between his hind quarters; giving him all the appearance of perpetual fear, and constitutional dejection. A horse of this description is held in very trifling estimation, and purchasers are not readily to be found till this operation has been gone through, and the _good_ or _bad_ set of the TAIL ascertained, upon the ornamental part of which, both the figure and proportional value of the subject greatly depend.

This operation, as it was formerly performed, indeed as it is _now_ by common FARRIERS and inexperienced GROOMS, appears one of the most cruel and severe that could possibly originate in the human mind; though in the hands of those well acquainted with the STRUCTURE of the PARTS, having a quick eye, and steady execution, it is a matter so superficial, and attended with so little pain or difficulty, that it does not seem entitled to even serious consideration. In order that the process, and proper use of NICKING, may be the better comprehended by the younger branches of the SPORTING WORLD who have never seen it performed, it becomes directly applicable to observe, that there are in every limb of either the human or brute creation, two sets of muscles, acting in a contrary direction to the other. The office of one is to EXPAND; the other, to CONTRACT: the former are technically termed the EXTENSOR; the latter, the FLEXOR muscles: thus, then, it is, that the _extensors_ possess the power of extending or straightening the limb; the _flexors_, of relaxing and completely bending it. Of these two sets, the flexors have the greater predominance, and can always overcome the resisting property of their opposites; but when, by an effort of the will, the extensors are brought into forcible action, then overcoming the little resistence that is either made or felt: of this force in the flexor muscles, ample proof may be obtained, by endeavouring to raise the TAIL of an _unnicked_ horse against his will.

The extensor muscles, of course, passing in a longitudinal direction on each side the superior part of the tail, from the spinal bone to the extremity, retains the power of raising the tail at pleasure; the flexors, running in a similar line at the inferior, or lower part, there possess a greater power of counteraction, and render the operation the more necessary, as, by diminishing the power of _one_, proportional strength is added to the _other_. Previous to the present expert and easy mode of operation, it was common to see the incisions (or nicks) the breadth of a very large finger, and a small one might be lodged in the cavity. These enormous chasms were made under an expectation of more _readily_ reaching the flexor muscle, which it was the intention to discover and divide; but which, in most cases, had been previously divided, and receded in the _first_ efforts; and sometimes, from the unnecessary destruction of parts, and profuse bleeding, produced alarm, followed by inflammation, frequently _danger_, and sometimes DEATH. This, however, is, as it ought to be, very much reformed, and not without a substantial reason, when it may be observed, that, upon raising the tail of a horse in its natural state, the two flexor muscles may be clearly seen, and distinctly felt, one on _each_ side the CENTRICAL bone, in common termed the DOCK, laying in a midway direction, between the bone and the edge of the tail where the hair begins. In performing this operation in a superior and masterly manner, the horse having been previously secured, (with hobbles and side-lines,) the tail is to be firmly grasped with the left hand, and turned up with considerable force towards the rump, when a superficial incision is to be made with a crooked pointed knife, directly over the seat of the flexor, which will be instantly perceived of a strong elastic texture, ready for separation by the knife, steadily held for that purpose; the tail being exceedingly firm in hand, by which the separated tendon will have the less power to recede. Immediately after the separation, the lower extremity having lost its elastic support, will be seen to hang full half an inch from the first incision; when a second, a third, and even a fourth, if necessary, is to be made in the same way on _each side_ the tail; it not being a matter at all requisite, that the skin in the middle, passing over the bone, should be divided, or that the wounds on each side should communicate with each other. The incisions being completed, the ends of the separated muscles should be secured with a pair of FORCEPS, or a curved NEEDLE, and when a little drawn out by moderate force, should then be taken off with a pair of scissars, or a knife, as close as they can be conveniently come at. It is a custom with some, to separate the tendon of each incision before they proceed to make another, and this seems to be the most rational and expeditious mode of the two.

In this method of performing the operation, there is a very trifling loss of blood, which is almost immediately suppressed by a pledget of tow, previously prepared, and slightly impregnated with any of the simple styptics, or FRIAR'S BALSAM, incorporated with a little BALSAM of PERU. Custom has established a rule, which it will most probably be very difficult to affect by any verbal or literary expostulation, which is the affixing an immoderate weight to the tail, to prevent a reunion of the divided tendons, by the continued separation of parts: this, it must be remembered, is the less likely to happen, when one of the divided extremities has considerably _receded_, and the other is totally _taken away_. In respect to the precise distances at which the incisions are to be made, that depends upon no fixed rule whatever, but must be regulated by the _thick_ and _fleshy_ formation of the tail, and the height it is required to be carried. The HIGHER it is to be _raised_, the nearer the _first_ incision is to be made to the BASE, observing to let the NICKS decline gradually the _nearer_ they come to the point of the tail; being particularly careful, that the _last_ is not of equal depth and magnitude with the two _nearest_ the quarters; if so, the subject may be expected to carry it with _a curve_ at the extremity, which will add none to the FIGURE or FASHION of the horse.

Although the most expert operators are exceedingly alert and expeditious in the execution, and in general perform the operation with only a _single side-line_, leaving the horse in a very unconfined state; yet the absolute necessity for greater precaution cannot be more forcibly inculcated, than by a recital of the following recent accident, which must hold forth an aweful lesson to those who may be induced to ruminate a few moments upon the event. On SUNDAY morning, October 17th, 1802, as MR. WELCH, a noted and opulent dealer in horses, resident in Oxford-street, in the Metropolis, was NICKING a horse not properly secured, he received so _sudden_ and _severe_ a kick on the BREAST, that threw him to a considerable distance, and _instantly_ deprived him of LIFE. The reflections naturally arising upon the day on which such an operation was performed, open a wide field for religious contemplation; particularly as the sufferer was a man of the most pleasing manners, and personal respectability; having raised himself, by the mere dint of his own merits, from the most subordinate offices of servitude, to a state of perfect affluence.

NIDE—is the term sportingly applied to the offspring or produce of the COCK and HEN PHEASANT, so long as they continue to _clutch_ or _brood_ together, before they separate, and are able to provide for themselves. To be technically correct, it is usual to say, a _nide_ of PHEASANTS; a _covey_ of PARTRIDGES; a _clutch_ of CHICKENS; a _setting_ of GULLS; and a _brood_ of DUCKS.

NIPPERS.—The four teeth in the front of a horse's mouth (two above and two below) are so denominated: these are the teeth which expel their predecessors (called _colt's teeth_) when a colt is two years old off, and rising three. See COLT.

NIPPERS.—The smaller sized PINCERS of the shoeing-smith are so called.

NITRE—is an article in too much general use to stand in need of minute description. Its medical properties are of the most universal kind, with respect to the diseases of horses; but it is, on account of its being easily obtained, (for little money,) frequently introduced with the greatest indiscretion. NITRE is an useful assistant in most inflammatory disorders, as it is both of a diuretic and cooling property; it is consequently to be recommended in FEVERS, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, swelled legs, and other defects or diseases, where an additional discharge of urine, or an attenuation of the blood, is to be promoted. Its well-known good qualities have rendered it the more subject to an almost perpetual perversion of the excellent properties it so clearly contains; for, although it never should be given in _large_ quantities without some _proper_ corrector, yet the invincible propensity of COACHMEN and GROOMS to become VETERINARIANS, renders them completely _miserable_, unless they can be constantly displaying some specimen of their _art_; to which nothing can possibly become more happily appropriate, than the _profuse_ administration of NITRE; as it affords a frequent opportunity of preying upon the pecuniary sensations of the master, by means which it is unnecessary to introduce.

NOSEBAND—is that part of a military bridle, headstall, martingal, or hunting rein-halter, which passing below the under jaw, and round the nose above the nostrils, assists in keeping the other parts of either in their proper position.

NOSTRILS.—The nostrils of a horse are generally a tolerable criterion of his _wind_, as well as his _blood_. A horse having a wide and well-extended nostril, may be supposed to possess a free and easy expansion of the LUNGS: this cannot be more perfectly comprehended, than by adverting occasionally to the shape of horses who RACE, and are thorough BRED; where the form and expansion of the nostrils will be found more than one third the size of such horses as are of common lineage, and inferior description.

O.

OATS—are the well-known farinaceous grain which is the principal food and support of horses in constant work. After various experiments by NATURALISTS, and the most celebrated AGRICULTURISTS, they are found to convey a greater portion of nutriment to the frame, and invigoration to the system, at less expence, than any other kind of food whatever. The advantages of obtaining the heaviest in weight, the brightest in colour, and the sweetest in hand, are too self-evident to require a single line in elucidation. Oats _newly_ housed, and _newly_ threshed, should be avoided, if possible: not having acquired their proper firmness by TIME, they are more disposed to _fermentation_ when mixed with the juices in the stomach, and then propel the contents of the intestines in a state little short of liquefaction, by their own laxative property. When, from any temporary scarcity, or local consumption, _old_ OATS _cannot_ be procured, and necessity compels the _use_ of _new_, a few beans may be added; these, by their restringent and nutritious property, will check the effect of the new oats, and prevent the debilitating laxity just described.

OBERON—is a horse of some recent celebrity: he was bred by MR. HUTCHINSON, and foaled in 1790; he was got by _Highflyer_, dam (_Queen Mab_) by _Eclipse_, out of a TARTAR mare. In 1793, when three years old, he won the GOLD CUP at DONCASTER, value 100 guineas; beating _Cayenne_, _Ninety-three_, _Skypeeper_, _Restless_, _Flora_, and _Chigwell_. The same day he won the DONCASTER STAKES of 10 guineas each, thirteen subscribers; beating _Huby_, _Restless_, and _Yarico_. In 1794 he won at YORK, a subscription of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers; beating _Yarico_, _Huby_, and _Tantararara_. In the same week he won the great SUBSCRIPTION PURSE of 277_l._ 10_s._ 0_d._ beating _Patriot_, _Yarico_, _Young Diomed_, _Rosalie_, _Camphire_, and _Champion_. At MALTON he was beat in a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, by Lord Fitzwilliam's _Evelina_, a three-year old by _Highflyer_, who carried but 5st. 10lb. to whom he ran _second_: the odds were very high in his favour at starting; and whether he sustained an injury is not publicly known, but he was then withdrawn from the turf.

OFF-SIDE.—The _right_-side of a HORSE, if you stand parallel with him, and look the same way, is the OFF-SIDE; as the _left_ is the NEAR-SIDE. When speaking of any part of a horse, it is not usual, in sporting terms, to use the words right or left; but to say the _near_-shoulder; the _off_-eye; the _near_-leg BEFORE, or the _off_-leg behind.

ONION—is an article which would not have found its way here, but in consequence of its great utility upon a certain emergency, which entitles its property to be more universally known. No trifling occurrence can possibly occasion more temporary mortification to a SPORTSMAN, than to see his horse labouring under the STRANGURY (or suppression of urine) after the long stage of a journey, or the severity of a chase. In such cases, the first FARRIER is generally called in, who proceeding upon the "KILL or CURE" system of former times, prepares a _potion_ of the most powerful urinary stimulants, plentifully _besprinkled_ with SPIRITS of TURPENTINE, oil of juniper, and other equally _mild_ and _efficacious_ ingredients, frequently laying the foundation of inflammation; when an onion being peeled, and a small clove or two of the inside properly insinuated within the SHEATH, may nineteen times out of twenty be expected to produce the desired effect, without the interposition of any medicine whatever.

OPENING THE HEELS.—The ceremony of opening a horse's heels is sometimes necessary, when they are become _contracted_ by so constantly standing upon the dry litter, and hot dung of stables, in the Metropolis; a circumstance which occurs much _less_ in the country, where the defect is but _little_ known. Although there can be no doubt of a hoof's contracting in a great degree by the means already mentioned, it must be more so, where the hoofs are not OILED or STOPPED for _weeks_, or, probably, _months_ together. It is, however, a matter of doubt, whether the _back-handed_ stroke of the smith's _rasp_ in SHOEING, is not a more constant or frequent cause of the narrowness of the heels than any other. Let it arise from whatever cause, the remedy with them is always ready; "OPEN THE HEELS;" or, in other words, _cut away_; first with the BUTTRESS, and then with the _drawing-knife_, till _little_ or _nothing_ is left to cut: when the basis of bearing is taken away, the _heel_ is let down to the _ground_, the TENDONS are put upon the STRETCH, the horse, being divested of his natural support, _hobbles_ like a cripple, and there is no remedy, but to wait with patience for a perfect regeneration of parts so wantonly destroyed.

OPODELDOC—is an article of external use in STRAINS, BRUISES, and other complaints, as well with the human species as with the brute creation. It is prepared by dissolving three ounces of SPANISH SOAP, and one ounce of CAMPHIRE, in a pint of SPIRIT of ROSEMARY. Others dissolve the soap and camphire in rectified spirits of wine, adding OIL of ORIGANUM, and other essential oils. Its excellent properties are universally admitted in its various applications to the human frame; but doubts naturally arise how far it may contribute any great portion of EFFICACY to HORSES, or to any other animal, where the soap again coagulates, and constitutes so matted a mass upon the surface, that it is only with persevering difficulty the hair can be disunited even at the _second_ application.

ORIGANUM, OIL OF,—is a well-known essential oil, extracted from the plant whose name it bears: it is an admirable collateral corroborant, when incorporated with judicious proportions of such other medicines as are proper for STRAINS, or a _relaxed_ state of the TENDONS. If used in too great quantities, or added to heterogeneous articles, it disunites itself almost immediately; and, instead of executing the office of a gentle STIMULANT, penetrating the pores, assumes the power of the milder class of CAUSTICS, occasioning an eschar upon the part impregnated, terminating with a loss of hair.

OROONOKO—was one of the most celebrated horses of his time: he was bred by the late LORD PORTMORE; was got by _Crab_ out of _Miss Slamerkin_; foaled in 1743; and was own brother to _Othello_, the famous _Black and all Black_.

OTHELLO—was the first name of that justly celebrated HORSE, so firmly fixed in the memory of every old SPORTSMAN of the present generation, by the more distinguished appellation of _Black and all Black_. He was bred by the late LORD PORTMORE; was got by _Crab_ out of _Miss Slamerkin_, who was got by _True Blue_. He was foaled in 1745, and was esteemed the first racer of his time, producing afterwards, as a STALLION, some very famous runners.

OTTER.—This is called an amphibious animal, living (to a certain degree and length of time) with as much seeming ease in the water, as he does upon land. It is, however, well ascertained, that he cannot exist long _under_ the _water_, without occasionally reaching the surface for necessary respiration. The favourite and principal food of the otter is fish, of which he consumes, or rather _destroys_, a very considerable quantity in the neighbourhood of wherever he fixes his residence. This is formed under ground, in the bank of river or lake, and constructed with so much precaution, circumspection, and sagacity, that not without great difficulty can it be discovered. Although fish, in the genial months of summer, are known to be his pleasurable pursuit, and chief subsistence, yet, in the _severe_ and _frosty_ season, he is not without his alternatives, and will then condescend to make a repast upon some one or other of the smaller animals with which the fox indulges himself at all seasons of the year.

OTTER-HUNTING,—a sport at present so little pursued, was formerly in constant practice, and is said to have been _then_ in great estimation: it is, however, to be presumed, it was in less enlightened times, and long before the different chases of STAG, FOX, and HARE, held forth a speedy prospect of their present perfection. Hounds were then kept and trained for the purpose; and as some proof of the stupidity of the sport, or the somniferous dispositions of those who pursued (or enjoyed) it, an account of the CHASE, if worthy to be termed so, is here literally transcribed from Mr. Daniels' recent publication.

"The sportsmen went on each side the river, beating the banks and sedges with the dogs; if there was an otter in that quarter, his _seal_ was soon traced upon the mud, as the water, wherever it would admit of it, was lowered as much as possible, to expose the hollow banks, reed-beds and stubs that might otherwise shelter him: each hunter had a spear to attack the otter when he _vented_, or came to the surface of the water to breathe. If an otter was not soon found by the river-side, it was imagined he was gone to _couch_ more inland, and was sought for accordingly; (for sometimes they will feed a considerable distance from their place of rest, choosing rather to go up than down the stream.) If the hounds found an otter, the sportsman viewed his track in the mud, to find which way he had taken. The spears were used in aid of the dogs. When an otter is wounded, he makes directly to land, where he maintains an obstinate defence: he bites severely, and does not readily quit his hold: when he seizes the dogs in the water, he always dives with, and carries them far below the surface: an old one will never give up while he has life; and it is observable, that the _male_ otter never makes any complaint when seized by the dogs, or transfixed with a spear; but the pregnant females emit a very shrill squeal." This sport, as it is called by those who profess themselves its admirers, is still continued in many remote, fenny, and watery districts; but in general is principally confined to those parts where, from local circumstances, the other more noble and exhilarating distinctions of the chase cannot be enjoyed.

OVER-DONE.—A horse is said to be over-done, when both his FRAME and SPIRITS are so exhausted with fatigue and excessive labour, that he sinks down in his stall almost immediately after reaching the stable; where he extends himself at every extremity, giving evident proof of the struggles nature has to encounter, by the bodily disquietude under which he continues distressed for many _hours_, and sometimes DAYS, before he becomes perfectly recovered. When a horse is reduced to this state, by a too long continuance at slow or steady work, no doubt of recovery need be entertained with a few days nursing; but if it has been occasioned by a continued and persevering speed with hounds, and a long journey home, danger may be apprehended: instances are infinite, where internal inflammations have arisen, by which existence has soon been destroyed.

OVER-REACH.—An over-reach is such injury (either cut or bruise) as is frequently sustained in the heel of a horse's FORE-FOOT, by one of the SHOES BEHIND; and this happens during brisk action, in either TROT or GALLOP, where the ground is unexpectedly _deep_ and deceptive: or when a horse is thick in the shoulders, and slow in action _before_, the hind-quarters are thrown in faster than the fore-legs can get out of the way, by which inactive, or sluggish tardiness, the accident is occasioned much oftener than by any other means.

When neglected, or unattended to, if the injury is severe, ill consequences may ensue; the first step to prevent which is, to wash the part well with warm water, slightly impregnated with vinegar: press upon the wound a linen cloth till quite dry, then apply a pledget of _lint_ or _tow_, well wetted with FRIAR'S BALSAM, or compound TINCTURE of MYRRH, covering it securely with a proper bandage, with a view to harden the surface, which is the leading object to be attained. This may be repeated the following day, if necessary, to farther close the mouths of such lacerated vessels as continue to ooze a _lymph_ or _ichor_. If, however, the cut should be of such magnitude as to resist these means of intentional termination, it must be treated as a WOUND, and the horse not permitted to encounter WORK or _dirt_ during its progress and cure. No greasy or unctuous applications should be made, if it can possibly be done without; as the best and most expeditious cure will be made by hardening the surface, and preventing a discharge; unless there is a deep destruction of parts, in which case it cannot be obtained but by incarnation.

ORMOND,—a horse of much recent racing celebrity, bred by MR. WENTWORTH in the north of England, was foaled in the year 1789; got by _King Fergus_; dam (_Miss Cornforth_) by _Matchem_; grand-dam by _Sampson_; and great grand-dam by _Regulus_. In the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, 1792, he ran second to _John Bull_ for the great produce stakes of 200 guineas each, across the flat, half forfeit, thirty-five subscribers; beating _Hotspur_, _Whiskey_, _St. Paul_, _Lucifer_, _Guildford_, and others. The same year, at YORK, he walked over for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, five subscribers. In 1793, at YORK, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, fourteen subscribers. In 1794, at YORK, he won a fifty pound plate, added to a subscription purse of 227_l._ 10_s._ 0_d._ four miles, beating five others. In 1795, he won, at YORK, a subscription of 25 guineas each, eight subscribers. The next day but two he won the great subscription purse, value 277_l._ 10_s._ 0_d._ beating _Chariot_, _Constant_, and _Screveton_. After which he appeared but twice on the turf, becoming a STALLION at five guineas each mare, and five shillings the groom.

OVERTON,—another son of _King Fergus_, dam by _Herod_, grand-dam by _Snip_, great grand-dam own sister to _Regulus_, was bred by MR. HUTCHINSON, and foaled in 1788. At York, in 1792, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The same week he won a fifty-pound plate, added to a subscription purse, beating _Rosalind_, _Storm_, _Halbert_, and two others. The next day he beat _Halbert_ a match four miles, for 300 guineas, giving him a stone. At DONCASTER he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value; beating _Huby_, _Rosalind_, _Smoaker_, _Gentleman_, and _Colchis_. At YORK, 1794, he beat _Halbert_ two miles for 200 guineas. After which he was taken out of training, and became a STALLION at Skipton, near York, at TEN GUINEAS a mare. He is the sire of those famous horses _Cockfighter_ and _Rolla_, bidding fair to become of more considerable celebrity.

P.

PACE—is an expression to signify the motion, or progressive action, of a horse, as well as one of the human species. When speaking of a man's pace, it is usual to say, he _walks_, he _runs_, or he goes a _good pace_; which becomes applicable to either, meaning, that he is an expeditious WALKER, a fleet RUNNER, or perhaps _both_. A horse has a great variety of PACES, as a _walk_, _trot_, _amble_, _canter_, _gallop_, _rating-gallop_, and _at speed_; _some_ of which many horses have in great perfection, and are exceedingly deficient in _others_; as for instance, a horse shall be a most excellent TROTTER, who happens to be a shuffling, execrable WALKER; he shall be a gay, airy, light figure in a CANTER, and wonderfully deceptive in _speed_. Good GALLOPERS are very frequently bad TROTTERS; and perfection is very difficult to obtain.

Some years after the death of that famous horse _Eclipse_, which happened on the 27th of February, 1789, MR. CHARLES VIAL DE SAINBEL, Professor of the VETERINARY COLLEGE, published a work, to prove the unprecedented speed, and astonishing powers, of _Eclipse_, proceeded from the peculiarity of his construction. The work was embellished with ANATOMICAL, GEOMETRICAL, and MECHANICAL drawings, to establish and confirm an opinion, that the motion of the horse became proportionally accelerated, by the precise proportions of the subject geometrically described. The work itself was elaborate, sublime, and so remotely abstruse, that its contents were very superior to common comprehension; and as it communicated but trifling information, (and that founded upon conjecture,) it established no satisfactory data to engage public attention. Whatever was advanced upon the supposed effects of the geometrical proportions of _Eclipse_, would but ill apply to the action of the species in general; it being a fact well ascertained by those who are the most practically concerned, and personally interested, that ill-shaped horses of equal blood frequently exceed those of the fairest proportions; and that horses _inferior_ in SIZE shall prove _superior_ in SPEED.

PAD—is a common rustic term for a GALLOWAY, or small horse.

PADDOCK,—in earlier times, signified a PADDOCK enclosed with a wall or paling of an immense height, a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile broad, in which DEER were coursed with GREYHOUNDS, in the same manner as HARES are coursed at present, but with numerous variations in respect to the coursing rules now in use, These paddocks, from their great extent, were seldom seen, but in the ROYAL PARKS, or upon the demesnes of the most opulent and distinguished subjects. The sport itself has been a long time discontinued, and is most probably buried in oblivion; the word paddock applying, in the present time, only to a small enclosure of pasture, having a pale to protect it; or to a small tract of land, surrounding, or appertaining to, a rural mansion, where a few brace of FALLOW deer may be kept, but not of magnitude sufficient to acquire the appellation of a PARK.

PALATE.—The entire roof of the horse's mouth, amongst FARRIERS and SMITHS, is generally distinguished by the simple unmeaning appellation of PALATE; the _ridges_ crossing which are called the BARS: these, when they become too luxuriant and fleshy just behind the nippers, (the upper front teeth,) are then said to constitute a defect called the LAMPAS, which are reduced by repeated scarifications with a lancet, or extirpated by means of a red-hot iron, called the ACTUAL CAUTERY. (See LAMPAS.) In all cases of emergency, particularly upon inflammatory disorders, coming suddenly on in the night, when circumstances may render BLEEDING in the _neck_ a matter of inconvenience, the operation may be instantly and expeditiously performed by lancet, bistoury, fleam, or even a common pen-knife, by passing either three or four times moderately across the bars, when the blood will be observed to flow most plentifully, and by being _swallowed_, is admitted by most of those who have attended to EFFECTS, to have been almost invariably attended with immediate advantage, particularly in the cholic, or a suppression of urine.

PALSY—is a disorder, or rather a species of disorder, so nearly allied to the various degrees of staggers, apoplexy, or deprivation of sense, that the best Veterinary writers do not seem to have laid down any fixed rule, or unerring diagnostic, by which the discriminating shades, or predominant traits, of _each_ are to be precisely ascertained. As the causes may be different of either, so the disorder may be more or less violent, according to the gradational excess of the cause. One attack of the species may arise from a too great and sensible flux of the blood to the brain, producing a severe and rapid inflammation: this, of course, might be introduced by extra exertions of continued speed, or in drawing loads of unreasonable weight; as well as from cruel and inhuman blows about the head; and from the two latter it is, that most of these disquietudes certainly proceed. Where the whole frame is affected, it is then natural to conclude the BRAIN is more particularly the SEAT of DISEASE, and that the whole system is from thence universally affected; but where the attack is partial, affecting only one limb and extremity, or any single part of the frame, it has then more the appearance of spasmodic affection, acting solely upon the muscles of the precise spot so far as they extend; and in the latter case, lay more readily open to a chance of relief by topical application, than where the entire frame and system is affected.

In the former, plentiful bleeding, followed by immediate hot fomentations, prepared from the various aromatic well-known garden herbs; succeeded by almost incessant friction with two able men, whose persevering efforts should alternately relieve each other; rubbing in occasionally stimulative embrocations of camphorated spirits, incorporated with essential oils; will frequently relieve in a very short space of time. In cases where the whole frame is affected, more reliance must be placed upon internal administrations; because the same means applicable to a single limb, or extremity, cannot be brought into perfect use with the whole. BLEEDING, and persevering FRICTION, are as strictly proper in one as in the other; but the extreme irritability of the nervous system should be acted upon and reduced with all possible and proper expedition: camphire, assafœtida, and gum ammoniacum, a drachm each, blended with small proportions of opium, and formed into small balls, with a sufficient quantity of mithridate, or London philonium, should be introduced every _three_ or _four_ hours, till there is a termination of the case one way or the other. The ancient and well-founded axiom, that "dangerous diseases require desperate remedies," cannot be more completely verified than in the different species of this; where no hope or expectation of cure can be derived, but from indefatigable exertion, and the most patient perseverance.

PARK,—in its plain construction, is an extensive tract of ground, or country, enclosed with WALL or PALING, well variegated with WOOD and WATER, for the support of cattle, and preservation of VENISON and GAME. It becomes a park by the privilege of prescription, or by the King's grant. There are many parks in possession of the Crown, (as well as of opulent individuals,) of which WINDSOR GREAT PARK is the largest in the kingdom. It is upon record, that the Park of WOODSTOCK was the _first_ in ENGLAND, formed and enclosed about the year 1124, and bounded by a stone wall _seven miles_ in circumference. The example was followed by Henry EARL of WARWICK; after which park-making became a common practice in different parts of the country.

PARTNER.—There were five famous horses of this name in succession, from _Old Partner_, in 1718, to _Little Partner_, in 1745. The first was called CROFT'S; the second, MOORE'S; the third, GRISEWOOD'S; the fourth, BRIGHT'S; and the last, PEARSON'S. _Old Partner_ was got by _Jigg_, out of a sister to _Mixbury_; he was a most excellent runner, and produced an astonishing progeny of winners; from whom his blood is ramified through most of the studs in the kingdom. He was sire of _Sedbury_, _Tartar_, _Cato_, _Traveller_, _Badger_, GRISEWOOD'S _Partner_, _Little John_, LARKIN'S _Looby_, DUKE OF BOLTON'S _Little John_, _Barforth_, the _Witherington Mare_, VANE'S _Little Partner_, PARKER'S _Lady Thigh_, GRISEWOOD'S _Lady Thigh_, LODGE'S _Roan Mare_, &c. &c.

PARTRIDGES—are those well known timid, harmless, inoffensive branches of the feathered creation, the beautiful variegations of whose plumage, and the nutritive property of whose flesh, have entitled them to the distinguished appellation of GAME, and the honour of parliamentary protection. They begin to pair off from the fragmental remains of COVIES, about the last week in FEBRUARY, and through the month of MARCH; make their nests upon the ground, in hedges, and the banks of hedge-rows principally; though they are sometimes found in fields of CLOVER, but very rarely in standing CORN. The hen usually deposits from fifteen to twenty eggs, and produces mostly a bird from every egg she lays. They hatch about the second or third week in June. The young in the aggregate are called COVIES, and they are known to _run_ almost as soon as they are _hatched_. Although they are sometimes reduced by VERMIN, or unexpected _torrents_ of _rain_, yet from SIX to EIGHT BRACE are generally brought up to fly with the old ones. They are included in every Act of Parliament for the preservation of the game; and the penalty for killing a partridge by any unqualified person, is FIVE POUNDS: if such unqualified person kills a partridge, without having taken out an ANNUAL CERTIFICATE from the CLERK of the PEACE for the county in which he resides, (or where such partridge may have been killed,) he is then liable to a farther penalty of twenty pounds; making a forfeiture of TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS in the whole.

If a person qualified to kill game in right of his property, (that is, by inheritance of a FREEHOLD landed estate of the clear yearly value of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS per annum, or a LEASEHOLD of ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY in his own, or his WIFE'S right,) does so at any one time without having taken out an annual certificate as aforesaid, and for which the sum of THREE GUINEAS has been previously paid, he is then liable to a penalty of twenty-pounds. And _any_ person qualified, or unqualified, killing any PARTRIDGE between the _first_ of FEBRUARY and the _first_ of SEPTEMBER, in any year, is liable to an additional penalty of FIVE POUNDS to those already recited for each offence. It is natural to conceive, that the various modes of punishment annexed to a transgression of what are termed the GAME-LAWS, would have operated to a perfect and complete prohibition: that it may _now_ have nearly reached the zenith of that effect _by day_, is admitted; but that a total suppression of the NOCTURNAL depredators can ever be accomplished, the annual destruction, and almost _public sale_, of game, leave very little reason to expect.

PARTRIDGES, in their natural and infant state, accompany the hen in search of food, obey the cluck of the mother, and are protected by the clutch of her wings, in the same manner as chicken, and other domestic fowl. The hen is so instinctively attached to her young, that she will encounter every difficulty, and face death in every form, to insure _their_ safety: although stupidly timid, and rendered almost insensible by her own fears, upon _other_ occasions, yet great sagacity is observable in her endeavours to preserve her offspring. When they are very young, and unable to save themselves by flight; and in all cases of danger, when approached by that fatal enemy the dog; the hen will rise, and lead him on, by short flights, or rather hoverings, of twenty and thirty yards, but just above the ground, till, having induced him to follow a sufficient distance from the seat of all her fears, she takes a long, and more circuitous route at her next flight; where, after finding she has completely baffled her pursuer, another effort brings her to her young in safety. When separated by danger (whether the approach of the dog and gun in the sporting season, or by other means) even to a great distance, they are invariably brought again together by the inherent property of CALLING, which they possess in so powerful a degree, as to insure a very expeditious recovery of each other. The imitation of this _call_ has been brought to great perfection by the fraternity of POACHERS, who avail themselves of the birds' too great credulity, which is frequently the cause of their destruction.

PASTERN.—The pastern of a horse is the distance between the fetlock and the coronet, which terminates at the junction of hair and hoof. The pastern should be short, strong, and uniform; when long, it is proportionally weak; and the nearer the fetlock is to the ground, the more liable such horse is to be let down in the back sinews, and become lame.

PATTEN-SHOE—was a shoe formerly used with lame horses; but from the palpable absurdity of its adoption, seems now to be nearly banished from modern practice. This shoe was constructed with a ring, circular, or nearly oval, at the bottom, which being fixed upon the SOUND foot, its intentional use was to _compel_ the horse in _all_ injuries to stand upon the lame leg, that a contraction of the muscular parts might be prevented. Happily such ridiculous and ill-founded notions are gliding into oblivion.

PATTERN-SHOE—is a shoe formed upon rational principles, and of a scientific construction, for transmission to any part of the world, as a PATTERN by which the ART of SHOEING may be universally improved, and reduced to one general standard of purity and perfection.

PEDIGREE.—The pedigree (or genealogical descent) of a horse is in the present day so fabricated by _hearsay_, or framed by _fiction_, that nothing less than a well-authenticated certificate, under the hand of the BREEDER, can with propriety be received as an indisputable proof of the PURITY of his BLOOD: and this is the more evidently necessary to a SPORTSMAN, lest he should be induced (relying upon his _deceptive_ pedigree) to enter into a racing engagement, and that too, perhaps, for a sum of much magnitude; the whole of which, with the additional training expences, might be lost for want of that very blood he has been villainously taught to believe he has got in possession. To such an enthusiastic pitch has the desire of pedigree attained, under the fashionable sporting phrenzy of the time, that a horse is absolutely considered of neither value or utility, unless his pedigree is properly attested, and he is known to "carry the catalogue of his endowments by his side." The DEALERS (as well as others) are so well aware of this partiality for _blood_ and _pedigree_, that every common roadster has the _report_ of his _get_ ready prepared, and no purchaser need be without it. Upon the subject of authenticated pedigrees, for near a century past, MR. WEATHERBY'S STUD BOOK is, beyond a doubt, the first publication extant.

The great merit and CREDIT of a PEDIGREE, consists in its continued and undivided chain of proofs on the distinct sides of both SIRE and DAM, up to such links as are eminently connected with the known authority, where no contamination could have taken place. A pedigree of one single descent is amply sufficient, where the reference terminates on _each_ side, in a SIRE and DAM, whose pedigrees and performances are previously known. Instance: _Jupiter_ was got by _Eclipse_, dam by _Tartar_; he is own brother to _Mercury_, _Venus_, and _Volunteer_; sire of _Cardock_, _Halkin_, _Thunderbolt_, _Confederacy_, _Terror_, _Contest_, &c.

PHEASANT.—The pheasant is not only the most beautiful bird in plumage of any bred in this kingdom, but the first in estimation; not more for the sport it affords in the field, than its delicious attraction for the table. They are about one fourth less in size than common poultry, lay nearly the same number of eggs, and bring up their young in the same manner. They principally frequent the WOODS and hedge-rows, are seldom found in the fields, and then but very rarely far from _covert_: when upon WING, they are so exceedingly _slow_ in flight, that he must be an exceeding _bad_ marksman who does not HIT his BIRD. The pheasant is included in every successive Act for the preservation of the game; and although they are less liable than HARES and PARTRIDGES to the destructive depredations of the POACHERS, they suffer considerably by FOXES, MARTERNS, POLE-CATS, and other vermin.

Persons of every description, qualified and unqualified, stand exactly in the same state with respect to PHEASANTS as with PARTRIDGES, so lately described under that head, but with this difference in the legal _season_ for taking or killing: it is enacted by two distinct legislative Acts of the present reign, That any person who shall, under any pretence whatever, _take_, _kill_, _destroy_, _carry_, _fell_, _buy_, or _have in his possession_, any PHEASANT, between the _first_ day of _February_ and the _first_ day of _October_, (unless such pheasant shall have been taken in the proper season, and kept in a mew or breeding-place,) shall forfeit FIVE POUNDS for every PHEASANT so taken, to be paid to the informer, with full costs of suit.

PHÆNOMENON—was one of the most celebrated sons of _Herod_, both as a RACER and a STALLION. He was bred by SIR J. KAYE, and foaled in 1780; was got by _Herod_, dam (_Frenzy_) by _Eclipse_, grand-dam by _Engineer_, out of _Lass of the Mill_, who was got by _Traveller_. His performances upon the _turf_ so strictly corresponded with his name, that the infinity of mares brought to him in the first seasons of his covering, afforded him an opportunity of adding to his reputation in a degree almost beyond former example. He covered in Yorkshire at 10 guineas a mare, and in 1791 produced the following winners: Lord A. Hamilton's Chesnut Colt, who won two fifties; _Freeholder_, who won 100 guineas at York, and a 50 at Stockton; _Mongrel_, who won 25 guineas at Lewes; _Pigeon_, who won 200 guineas at York, 50 at Manchester, 50 at Wakefield, 50 at Boroughbridge, and 50 at Northallerton; _Roman_, 140 guineas at York; _Rosalind_, 700 guineas, and 300 guineas, at York, 300 guineas at Doncaster, and 50_l._ at New Malton; and _Stride_, 600 guineas at York.

In 1792, Lord A. Hamilton's Brown Colt, 120 guineas at Doncaster, and 50_l._ at Penrith; _Charactacus_, 50_l._ at Tenbury; _Comet_, 50 at York, 50 at Hull, and two 50's at New Malton; _Forester_, 50 at Carlisle; _Freeholder_, 50 at Durham; _Heroine_, 300 guineas at Newmarket, 100 guineas and 50 at ditto; _Huby_, 400 guineas and 50_l._ at York, 50_l._ and 50 guineas at Carlisle, and 100_l._ at Doncaster; _Lizard_, 50_l._ at Preston; _Pigeon_, 50_l._ at Catterick Bridge; _Rosalind_, 150 guineas at York, the King's Plate, and 50_l._ at Lincoln; _Squirrel_, 125 guineas at York, 160 at Wakefield, and 100 guineas at Doncaster.

In 1793, _Comet_ won 80 guineas, the Stand Plate, and the King's Plate, at York; _Heroine_, the Queen's Plate at Chelmsford, the King's Plate and 70 guineas at Lincoln; _Huby_, 400 guineas at Newmarket, 175 guineas and 295_l._ at York; _Messenger_, 50_l._ at Manchester; _Restless_, 50_l._ at York, 100 guineas at Preston, and the King's Plate at Carlisle. In 1795, _Ambush_, 50 guineas at Wakefield; _Charmer_, 50_l._ at Catterick Bridge, 50_l._ at Lamberton, and 50 guineas at Stockton; _Gay Deceiver_, 300 guineas at Doncaster; _Heroine_, 50_l._ and 50 guineas at Newmarket, and the King's Plate at Lincoln; _Huby_, two 50's at Stockton, and the King's Plate at Dumfries; _Sheperdess_, 100 guineas at York.

To these excellent runners, in the successive years have been added _Laura_, _Roseberry_, _Caroline_, _Bellissima_, _Wonder_, _Stella_, _Stripling_, _Tartar_, _Hyale_, _Jupiter_, (Mr. Hawke's,) and many others who won large stakes as COLTS and FILLIES, but were never named.

PHYSIC—is a term sometimes given (particularly in the country) to every kind of MEDICINE that can be administered to either MAN or HORSE: the more polished and general acceptation confines it solely to the operation of PURGING, in which sense alone it can be properly understood. It is but a few years (since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory,") that the general necessity for, and palpable utility of, occasionally PHYSICING HORSES, became almost universally admitted. Its salutary effects stand, however, upon too firm a basis to be again shaken by the obtrusion of speculative opinions: there are but _few_, if _any_, remaining, who will presume to arraign or challenge the consistency of annually cleansing full _thirty_ yards of the intestinal canal, replete with INTERSTICES, and appropriated to little other purpose than the excretion of _filth_.

PHYSIC is prepared of different proportions, and of different ingredients, according to the purposes for which it may be designed. If only to soften and remove the accumulated contents of the bowels, and prevent PLETHORA, and its probable _effects_, the MILDEST degree will be sufficient. If the carcase is evidently enlarged, the vessels perceptibly distended, the horse _dull_, _heavy_, and _inactive_, a STRONGER must be brought into use. In cutaneous diseases, SWELLED LEGS of long standing, tendency to GREASE, old obstinate COUGHS and WORMS, mercurial physic had better be adopted; letting the extra care be proportioned to the mildness or severity of the season in which it is given. Under judicious and proper management, there is no more danger in the operation of MERCURIAL than in any _other_ physic, provided it is faithfully prepared, and of the proportions by which safety is in a great degree to be insured; but if given in _immoderate_ quantities, and little attended to during the progress of its operation, _danger_ and _death_ may probably ensue. Neither one, or the other, are, however, known to happen, where a proper degree of circumspection is used by those whose business it is to superintend the subordinates.

PICKER.—A horse-picker is a small iron instrument, so truly convenient upon many emergencies, that a prudent traveller, or experienced sportsman, is hardly ever seen without one annexed to the handle of a knife which he carries in his pocket: its use is to extract stones, pebbles, or flints, from the bottom of the foot, when they are picked up in hunting, or upon the road. They are sometimes so firmly fixed between the inner edge of the SHOE and the FROG, that nothing but very violent force with a hammer can remove them; in such cases, horses are sometimes led a considerable distance to some dwelling-house, before the stone can be extracted; and the foot is probably bruised, or sustains a serious injury, for what might be obtained at a trifling expence, and carried with little inconvenience.