Chapter M (3)

PIGEONS—are the well-known domestic birds, of which there are only TWO sorts entitled to attention here, as affording equally nutritious support for the frame, but _neither_ calculated to excite sport in the field, or emulative attraction in their destruction. The two different kinds are distinguished under the denomination of WILD and TAME; the former are bred in COTES and DOVE-HOUSES, (such as are seen at the rustic mansions of the great, and at large farms in open countries;) the latter in less numbers upon a smaller scale, and in receptacles of smaller construction, affixed to out-offices, barns, stables, or upon a pedestal; in either of which situations, they have their provision mostly before them. The WILD or dove-house pigeons, as they are called, breed only once a year _generally_; though there are many in the same flock who produce a second, or what is termed a harvest or autumn flight. Those called TAME pigeons, who are still more domesticated, have a greater degree of fecundity, and continue to breed a pair every month or five weeks during the year, except the three most severe and dreary months of winter.

For the protection of this species of property against the wanton attacks of the idle and ill-designing, it is enacted, by the 2d of George the Third, c. xxix. That any person who shall _shoot at_, or by any means kill or take, with a wilful intent to destroy, any PIGEON, he shall, on conviction thereof, by confession, or oath of one witness, before one Justice, forfeit 20_s._ to the prosecutor; and if not immediately paid, such Justice shall commit him to the house of correction, for any term not exceeding three months, nor less than one, unless the penalty be sooner paid. Persons who are convicted on this Act, shall not be convicted on any former Act; and prosecutions under _this_ must be commenced within TWO MONTHS after the offence was committed.

PIGEON-SHOOTING—is a sport principally resorted to at that season of the year when guns are laying dormant, and game of every other kind is, by the privilege of Parliament, permitted to enjoy its rest. Pigeon-shooting is a match between two individuals, or any fixed number on each side, and is decided by one, or the other, killing the greatest NUMBER of PIGEONS within an _equal_ number of shots. The match made, and the place agreed on where it is to be decided, the dove-house pigeons are provided in proportion to the parties who stand engaged to shoot; of which there are generally four, five, or six, on each side; and as every individual feels disposed to shoot at least five or six times, less than eight or ten dozen are hardly ever procured for the occasion.

Previous to the commencement of the match, an open spot is fixed on, agreeable to the arbitrators, one appointed by _each_ side; here TWENTY YARDS are measured with accuracy, and both extremities correctly marked. At one end a hole is made in the earth, in which is deposited a small box, about eight inches deep, six inches wide, and a foot long; its surface two inches above the level of the ground, with a sliding-lid running in a groove: to the front of this lid is affixed a string, or small cord, of one or two-and-twenty yards in length, which extended, will reach a little beyond the precise distance of _twenty yards_, where each of the parties concerned will afterwards stand to shoot. The preliminaries adjusted of having taken _the toss_, to determine which side is to take _the lead_, and all parties ready, a PIGEON is lodged in the BOX, and the runner (as he is called) resuming his post, by the side of the person whose turn it is to shoot, he is there ready to pull the STRING annexed to the SLIDER, and give liberty to the bird, the moment he is ordered by the SHOOTER so to do. It is a fixed rule, that the GUN is never to be advanced to the SHOULDER till the bird is upon _wing_; this is to be decided (as well as every other cause of dispute) by the persons appointed; and every pigeon so shot at, must fall to the ground within ONE HUNDRED YARDS of the BOX, or it is not admitted a BIRD KILLED, but a _shot missed_. The first person having shot, (_hit_ or _miss_,) he is succeeded by one of the opposite side; and they continue to shoot in alternate rotation till the match is decided according to the original terms upon which it was made, in respect to the number of pigeons to be shot at by each distinct party, when those who kill the most are declared the winners, and entitled to the stakes made.

PILOT.—There have been three horses of this name; two of which were excellent racers, and esteemed equal, as plate horses, to any of their time. The first was bred by SIR CHARLES BUNBURY; foaled in 1762; got by _Snap_, dam by _Cade_, grand-dam by _Crab_, out of Lord Portmore's _Abigail_. The second was bred by Sir H. Harpur; foaled in 1770; got by _Dainty Davy_, dam by _Blanck_, grand-dam (_Dizzy_) by the famous and original _Driver_. The third was bred by the late Counsellor Lade; foaled in 1782, and got by the above, dam by _Marske_, grand-dam by _Regulus_. The two last won a great number of fifty-pound plates annually for several years in succession, and afterwards proved very excellent country stallions.

PLAY OR PAY,—a description of BET so made. Whether the subject of such _bet_ be MAN or HORSE; the object _a race_, or a _boxing_ match; either party being present at the time and place appointed, ready to perform _their_ part of the engagement previously entered into; the other _not_ appearing, or appearing, and _then_ and _there_ refusing to enter into the contest, upon the event of which the article or bet was originally formed, can lay no claim whatever to the stakes deposited; and the holder stands justified in handing such stakes over to the WINNER, having sufficient evidence in justification on his own part, to prove that it was _bona fide_ a "PLAY or PAY" bet.

PLAY OR PAY,—the name of a horse of much recent and racing celebrity, the property of MR. DURAND. He was bred by MR. PARKER, and got by _Ulysses_ out of _Tiffany's_ dam. In 1794, at three years old, (in the name of _Mars_,) he won 50_l._ at Epsom, beating _six_ others. At Stockbridge, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, nine subscribers. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eight subscribers. In 1795, when four years old, he beat Mr. Turner's _Tim Tartlet_, two miles for 200 guineas. The next day he beat Mr. Cauty's _Alderman_, two miles for 50 guineas. He won also 50_l._ at Guildford; a sweepstakes of 15 guineas each at Stockbridge, seven subscribers: the next day a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, eight subscribers. At Egham he walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers. The next day he won a 50_l._ plate, beating _Pandolpho_ and _Serpent_. In 1796, when five years old, he won the Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, at Newmarket, beating _eleven_ others. 50_l._ at Ascot Heath. In 1797, then six years old, he won 50_l._ at Epsom, beating five others. 50_l._ at Lewes, beating _Gohanna_ and _Keren-happuch_. 50_l._ at Abingdon, beating _Keren-happuch_, _Paroquet_, and _Roland_. In consequence of having been so _hard run_ for FOUR years in succession, he started SEVEN times in 1798 without _once_ winning. In 1799, he won 50_l._ at Epsom, beating _Yeoman_ and _Midnight_. 50_l._ at Guildford, beating Mr. Lade's _David_, and two others; and 50_l._ at Egham, beating Lord G. Cavendish's horse by _Jupiter_; after which he was purchased by Mr. Dashwood, in whose possession, at nine years old, in 1800, he beat Mr. Whaley's _Post Boy_, four miles over Ascot, for 100 guineas, and walked over at Egham for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, three subscribers: after which he appeared no more on the turf.

PLEURISY—is a disorder in the horse so nearly allied to an INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, that probably the most judicious and experienced VETERINARIAN would not, without much difficulty, be enabled to distinguish between one and the other. The predominant symptoms are sudden and violent: he first becomes heavy, dull, and oppressed; soon shews great difficulty of respiration, pants exceedingly; is distressed with an almost incessant painful endeavour to cough: the mouth continues, from the commencement of the attack, hot, parched, and dry: at this time he is exceedingly restless, frequently laying down, and as suddenly rising; but as the disorder advances, he stands in his stall so overwhelmned with fever, pain, and bodily oppression, that he displays no wish or desire to vary his position, but stands fixed in one posture, resigned to his fate. As the disease approaches nearer its crisis, a slimy saliva appears in the mouth, and a ropy viscid discharge from the nostrils. This being one of the disorders so rapid in its progress, and so destructive in its effects, as sometimes to set all efforts to relieve at defiance, every necessary means of counteraction should be most expeditiously adopted upon the first discovery of the attack.

It is in general produced by some sudden and powerful revulsion; as an instantaneous change from _heat_ to _cold_, in which the perspiration becomes so severely checked by a collapsion of every pore, that NATURE sustains a shock, productive of almost immediate and perceptible _morbidity_. Journies of speed, and afterwards standing still in cold rains, or sharp winds, as well as being supplied with _water_ when in a high state of PERSPIRATION, are probably the principal causes from which the disorder is mostly known to arise. The direct road to cure is too plain and unequivocal to admit of different opinions. BLEEDING, and that both largely and repeatedly, must be submitted to, if circumstances require it; no hope of relief can be expected without it. It is no uncommon thing to bleed a horse _four_ or _five_ times in as many days, and his recovery to be justly attributed to that important mode of subduing inflammation. Gruel, impregnated with small quantities of NITRE and GUM ARABIC, should be the common drink. Mashes, of ground malt and bran, should be placed in the manger boiling hot, that the head, throat, and glands, may derive every possible advantage from FUMIGATION, to assist in taking off the pulmonary stricture, and promoting a plentiful discharge from the nostrils, which is one of the leading proofs that the disease has reached its crisis, and may be considered the first indicative expectancy of recovery. In the greatest bodily debility, when no food is taken, a cordial ball, dissolved in gruel, should be given (with a horn in small quantities at a time) twice a day. Equal parts of the wort squeezed from the malt, and good clean-boiled sweet gruel, should be patiently held before the horse _twice_ or _thrice_ in every hour for some minutes: from the great internal heat, he is frequently induced to swallow a quart or two at each time; although, if offered and taken away _in haste_, he might invariably decline it. It is only by such persevering attention, both NIGHT and DAY, any expectation of cure can be entertained.

PLUMAGE.—The feathers upon every kind of fowl, wild or tame, is so termed: if speckled, or interspersed with different streaks, or opposite lights and shades, it is then called variegated plumage. If a GAME COCK is bred perfectly WHITE, he is called a SMOCK.

POACHERS—are those determined destructive nocturnal depredators, by whom the game is so shamefully reduced in opposition to all LAW, and defiance of all ORDER, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. This head cannot be better elucidated, than by transcribing literally, from the recent work of a writer of much celebrity, his judicious remarks upon the subject.

"It is, perhaps, among that description of persons well known by the name of _poachers_, that the greater number of those are trained to rapine, who infest every rural neighbourhood with their petty thefts, and whose dexterity almost bids defiance to precaution. Accustomed, in the ensnaring of game, to the secresy of fraud, and committing their depredations amidst the silence of night, those horrors, and that consequent dread, which frequently deters from the commission of great offences, gradually lose their effect. Solitude and darkness, which have wherewithal to appal the human mind in its first deviations into guilt, are divested of their terror in those pilfering pursuits; and the consequence is sufficiently well known to all, who, in the capacity of magistrates, are called to sit in judgment on the delinquency of public offenders. It is to this initiation they ascribe their subsequent enormities.

"When guilt, however venal, becomes, by repetition, familiar to the mind, it is not in the power of the ignorant and uneducated to restrain its excesses; they cannot arrest their career of iniquity; they cannot chalk out the line of wrong beyond which they will not pass. Confining their first nocturnal excursions to the snaring of HARES, and netting of PARTRIDGES, whenever they have a less booty than _usual_, they are tempted to compensate the deficiency by petty plunder of some other kind, and the _log-pile_, the _stack_, the _fold_, the _hen-roost_, all in turn, pay tribute to the prowling vagabond, who fills as he can that void in his "capacious bag," which has been left by his want of success as a POACHER.

"The great evil is, that a culprit of this class, feeling no compunction in the early stage of his guilt, proceeds carelessly to a state of the most complete degeneracy. GAME is a species of property of which he has so indistinct a conception, that he scarcely thinks he has committed a moral injustice in the various stratagems by which he has contrived to obtain it; he sees not that the claim of a stranger is better than his; he knows not whence that absolute right in another to that which he has taken is derived; his companions, to whom he recounts his manœuvres, are more likely to applaud his cunning than to reprove his crime. Thus the remorse of conscience being but slight and feeble in the outset, the wretch is encouraged by degrees to trample on the laws with greater boldness, and at last suffers as a FELON."

That these facts are fairly stated, and the natural inferences judiciously drawn, must be candidly and universally admitted. Previous, however, to the conclusive remarks requisite under this head, it becomes directly applicable to introduce a few passages from another writer of equal eminence, who, in his animadversion upon the well-founded principle of the GAME LAWS, observes, "that, in a highly cultivated, well-peopled country, no animal can properly be considered as wild; all are supported by the property and labour of those who cultivate the soil. Some, from their peculiar instincts, are, indeed, less capable than others of being appropriated, and therefore, like lands uninclosed, are held as a joint property. But he who has no land, and consequently contributes nothing to their maintenance, is no more entitled to any use of them, than the inhabitant of one parish is to a right of commonage on the waste lands of another; and he who chuses to reside in a town, and to keep his property in money, has no more a pretence to seize to his own use a HARE, or a PARTRIDGE, than a sheep or a goose, from him who has chosen to vest his property in land. In the former, as in the latter case, he ought to tempt the owner to sell what is wanted."

Thus much is introduced from the speculative opinions of respectable writers upon the political and equitable basis of the GAME LAWS, which every rational observer, and good subject, will probably admit _ought to be obeyed_; although the great and infinite body of POACHERS, and that much greater infinity their ABETTORS, seem to be of a direct opposite opinion. However just, proper, and political, such laws may have been in their formation, and laudable in their continuance, little reliance can be placed upon the _deceptive_ expectation of a reduction in the number of POACHERS, sanctioned and supported, as they are, by _thousands_ in the METROPOLIS, and the middle classes of people in every CITY, TOWN, and VILLAGE, from one extremity of the Island to the other. If there is one of his Majesty's subjects so weak or inexperienced, as to suppose any one species of game is _difficult_ to be obtained, he must be deplorably ignorant in the common occurrences of life, and requires to be informed, that the wholesale _art_ and _trade_ of poaching is carried on almost "as public as the noonday sun" during the whole of the season; and no one of that commercial and opulent body in the city, or epicure in the suburbs, sits down without game at his table whenever he pleases to order it: it is not the business of a steward, butler, or housekeeper, to expostulate upon what may be immediately obtained for MONEY, with a consolatory verification of the school-boy's well-known adage, that "one good turn deserves another;" and money in one hand can invariably procure game for the other.

There have always been two opinions held respecting the policy and prudence of the GAME LAWS, between two classes of people equally opposite to each other, the HIGHEST and the _lowest_; in support of which, it has been the persevering practice of the former, to enact laws for the protection of what they conceive their RIGHT; and the latter have been as invariably engaged (from one generation to another) in devising plans to counteract and undermine it: thus the _cunning_ of one is engaged in a perpetual war with the POWER of the other, and most probably centuries only can ascertain the victory. Here the eye of impartiality will naturally advert to a passage from a writer lately quoted who is of opinion, that "a person having _no land_, and who chooses to keep his property in _money_, has no more right to a HARE or PARTRIDGE, than he has to the _sheep_ or _goose_, from him who has chosen to vest his property in LAND." This writer, probably, in his hasty zeal to exalt the LANDED interest above its proper weight in the scale of WEALTH, had totally forgotten (or never knew) that great national depositary of immensity, called the BANK of ENGLAND, situate in the CITY of LONDON; the millions eternally in motion through the medium of COMMERCE, and moving in all directions, to every quarter of the globe; as well as the EAST and WEST INDIA possessions, to an extent of riches beyond conception.

All these, to gratify the _self-importance_ of the holders of a _little land_, the learned writer had found it convenient to bury in oblivion. _Sir Roger de Coverley_ would most probably have said, (could he have been at this moment consulted upon the subject,) "MUCH may be said on BOTH sides." In saying which, he would have spoken wisely; for it cannot be conceived, that every individual of the infinity of STOCK-HOLDERS, who loyally place an implicit faith in the stability of Government, and embark all their property to support it, (in many instances from FIVE to FIFTY or a HUNDRED THOUSAND pounds each,) does not feel himself _equally_ affected with the appetites of a GENTLEMAN, as he who possesses 100_l._ a year in LAND; and not feeling more disposed to sacrifice at the _shrine_ of SELF-DENIAL than his neighbour, finds it necessary to avail himself of all the comforts and advantages to be derived from his MONEY, that the other does from his LAND; under which candid and impartial consideration it is fair to conclude, that so long as there shall be a natural propensity to good living, and the delicacies which Providence has so plentifully bestowed; so long as the monied THOUSANDS of the METROPOLIS shall incline to believe they are _entitled_ to a _participation_; and so long as GAME shall be _bred_, and human degeneracy in the lower classes of society continue; so long will POACHERS continue undiminished, in opposition to every means that the utmost limits of human wisdom can suggest for their extirpation.

POINT.—A horse standing in his stall, or elsewhere, with one fore-leg at some distance before the other, is always concluded, by the most experienced, to have sustained some irreparable injury either in the SHOULDER, or the ligamentary junction of the COFFIN and CORONARY bones, concealed in the box (or cavity) of the hoof. This is in a considerable degree to be relied on; but there are many instances in which a horse accustoms himself to awkward positions, and they become habitual: some stand with either the _near_ or the _off_ fore-leg eternally before the other, and are as perfectly sound as any horses in the kingdom. To say, therefore, from a horse's manner of standing, that he is lame, would be as absurd as to say any man could not be either a good dancer, or fencer, because he stood, when disengaged from both, in a careless, lounging, ungraceful attitude.

POINT—is the position of a POINTER, when standing seemingly fixed and immoveable at the game before him; at the moment of observing which, particularly with young or unsteady dogs, the natural ejaculatory caution of "TO HO!" "HAVE A CARE!" transpires; not more as an injunction of _steadiness_ to the dog standing, but as a communicative mode of enjoining the attention of every dog in the field to the first who has obtained the point.

POINTER.—The pointer is that species of dog well known to contribute more to the contemplative pleasures and pursuits of a sportsman, than any other in the canine catalogue. This peculiar breed, on account of their universality and general utility, have been so incredibly crossed, re-crossed, bred _in_, and bred _out_, to gratify the various opinions, (as prompted by fancy, caprice, or speculation,) that they are now to be found of all sizes, and all qualifications; from the slow, short-headed, heavy-shouldered remains of the original Spanish pointer, (who will tire in half a day's work,) to the cross of _in_ and _in_ with a FOX HOUND, of which none are ever known to tire; many of them having speed enough to catch a leveret three parts grown, when they jump up before them. Pointers, forty or fifty years since, were hardly ever seen but entirely white, or variegated with liver-coloured spots; except the then DUKE of KINGSTON'S black and white, which were considered superior to every breed in the kingdom, and sold for most extravagant sums after his death. They are now, from the constantly increasing attachment to field sports, to be seen of every description, from pure white, and a flea-bitten blue or grey, to a universal liver-colour, and a perfect black. In a choice of pointers for general use, that is for _every_ species of GAME, the extremes in _size_, as well as in _speed_, are better avoided, and the line of mediocrity adhered to: overgrown, heavy dogs, soon get weary in the hot and early part of the season: the smaller sort have also their inconveniencies in hunting in very high turnips, heath, broom-fields, &c.

As some advantages have been obtained by the various crosses, both in respect to speed, and the durability of fatigue, so something has been sacrificed on the score of patient forbearance, and olfactory sensibility; the gradational shades of one species introduced by _every_ change having so diversified the original stock, that a much greater degree of trouble is requisite in breaking now than formerly, to bring a POINTER of _perfection_ into the field. The impatient volatility of some men probably prompted them to indulge a design of introducing a breed of pointers, with speed sufficient to outstrip the rapidity of their own imaginations, that they might enjoy the unprecedented and supreme felicity of _hunting_ and _shooting_ at the same time; hence, perhaps, arose the emulative struggle for a superiority of _speed_ in addition to POINT, which, it must be acknowledged, has at length reached the very summit of perfection. POINTERS are never considered complete, unless they are perfectly staunch to "BIRD, DOG, and GUN;" which implies, first, standing singly to a _bird_ or a _covey_; secondly, to _backing_ (or pointing instantaneously _likewise_) the moment he perceives another dog to STAND; and lastly, not to _stir_ from his _point_, upon the firing of any gun in company, provided the GAME is neither _sprung_ or _started_ at which _he_ made _his_ original point.

The art of breaking pointers for the field, was, twenty or thirty years since, looked upon as a very mysterious and difficult piece of business; many (called dog-breakers) deriving a subsistence from the employment: the charm, however, has been long since broken, and the process is known to be so exceedingly simple, that a tolerable well-bred pointer puppy may have the foundation of all his future perfections theoretically inculcated in the VERY KITCHEN or PARLOUR of his MASTER, before he is taken into the field. This is so truly and practically possible, that it may be done with _two_ or _three_ _brace_ together in a large room, or small yard, with no other assistance, than the alternate words of "TO-HO!" "TAKE HEED!" and "HAVE A CARE!" (with the small field whip in hand to impress attention,) although meat is tossed before them in every direction; when not a dog will stir till the signal of "HIE-ON" is heard, which they eagerly _obey_; but are as _instantly_ stopped at the very moment of seizing their meat, by either of the cautions previously mentioned. Young dogs, having thus imbibed the principles upon which they are to act, have nature, and their instinctive impulse, to point out their practice when brought into the field: few are seen who hunt too little, the major part are inclined to range too much, and then it is that the cool and steady patience of the experienced sportsman becomes necessary to check the impetuosity. Juvenile gunners frequently spoil young dogs, by keeping them under as little restraint as they wish to be kept themselves; and too often let them break away out of all reasonable distance, till they acquire a habit of inattention and disobedience, of which some are with very great difficulty, if ever, divested.

When brought into the field, they should be taught to traverse every yard of the ground, (in proper lengths, and at proper distances,) so that none be left unbeaten; and this should be done with as few words, and as little noise, as possible. Short verbal signals, low vibrative whistles, and the motion of the hand to the _right_ or _left_, are all that's useful; more does mischief: one steady shot of this description, with a brace of pointers _obedient_ to _command_, and staunch to DOG and GUN, will kill more game in any country, than a noisy crew with three or four brace of dogs before them. All young pointers should not be permitted to deviate from the proper rule of quartering the ground before them; that is, to cover a line of fourscore yards _transversely_ in the front of his master, taking forty yards to his right, and re-passing him, take the same distance to the left; and in such proportions as not to let his crossings and re-crossings be more than five-and-twenty or thirty yards from each other. If a brace of pointers are in the field, they should alternately cross the same beat, by _meeting_ and _passing_ each other; but never beat the same way in a parallel direction.

Those who wish pointers to bring the GAME when _killed_, will find it very easy of attainment, by teaching them to fetch and carry before they take the field; it is an amusement they are much delighted with, and never forget: it has, however, one chance of inconvenience annexed to the experiment, if they become hard-mouthed, and take to _breaking_ both flesh and feather; it is a fault, or rather a crime, never obliterated, but with incessant trouble and severity. It is a practice with some to hunt their pointers in coverts, with bells about their necks, both in COCK and PHEASANT shooting; those who do it, hold their pointers (at least their excellence) in very slender estimation, as it invariably reduces their speed; renders them slow, tardy, undisciplined, and inclined to hang and puzzle, by constantly drawing upon the foot of the pheasant, or upon a hare in covert, when one happens to start before them; in a persevering pursuit of which, high-spirited dogs, full of blood, are subject to fits, and of long duration: cutting off half an inch of the tail, or bleeding in the roof of the mouth, is the only extemporaneous remedy in the field. Previous to the beginning of the season, that is, a fortnight before the commencement, each dog should have two doses of physic about four days apart; after which proper attention should be paid to the provision, which should be of a sweet and healthy kind, to preserve as much as possible their faculties in full perfection. From the hardness and heat of the ground in the first weeks of September, it sometimes happens, that the feet become lacerated, inflamed, and exceedingly sore; when which is observed, a plentiful washing, with warm gruel and a sponge, will afford considerable relief; in an hour or two after which, the application of some weak salt and water, or cold white-wine vinegar, will harden the surface, and probably prevent a repetition.

POLE-CAT.—The pole-cat is a species of vermin, partaking, in some degree, of the figure and propensities of the MARTIN and the FERRET; or rather between both. It is smaller than the one, and considerably larger than the other; is an inhabitant of the bushy coverts in the neighbourhood of lonely farm-houses; to the POULTRY, EGGS, and DOVE-HOUSES, of which they are constant and destructive enemies. The effluvia, or rather _stench_, arising from their bodies is so truly offensive, that it has long since laid the foundation of the well-known proverbial expression of "_stinking_ like a POLE-CAT."

POLL-EVIL,—in its first stage, is a tumefaction formed upon the poll of a horse immediately behind the ears, and is, in general, occasioned by a blow, bruise, or, perhaps, sometimes by the heavy weight and constant pressure of old harsh, stubborn harness-halters; as it is a kind of casual defect, or misfortune, with which only draught-horses are known to be much affected. Upon its discovery, when in an early state, repulsion may be attempted by mild restringents, as a few minutes patient fomentation with HOT VINEGAR and a sponge, followed by a slight application of CAMPHORATED SPIRITS; not evidently submitting to which at a _third_ or _fourth_ repetition, but continuing to increase, and display symptoms of impending maturation, those appearances must be immediately encouraged by proper means, and every attempt at repulsion instantly discontinued. Hot fomentations with gruel, immediately succeeded by emollient poultices of linseed powder, milk, and a small quantity of turpentine well incorporated; or bread, milk, and white lily root, bruised to a paste, and applied of a proper warmth, are the best modes of expediting suppuration; when which takes place, no small share of Veterinary knowledge, and professional punctuality, is requisite to obtain a sound and perfect cure.

POMONA.—There have been three well-bred mares of this name: the first bred by LORD CLERMONT, foaled in 1769, got by _Squirrel_, dam by _Young Cade_, grand-dam by _Rib_, out of Grisewood's _Lady Thigh_. The second was bred by the late DUKE of CUMBERLAND, foaled in 1775, got by _Herod_, dam by _Snap_, grand-dam by _Regulus_. This mare was the dam of several runners, including _Nina_, _Spear_, _Gardener_, and _Halbert_. The third was bred by MR. O'KELLY, foaled in 1783, got by _Vertumnus_ out of _Helen_, (who was got by _South_,) the dam of _Paris_, _Saturn_, _Lady Thigh_, _Troy_, _Golden Apple_, &c.

POST MATCH—is a term in RACING, where it is only necessary to insert the age of the HORSES in the Articles, and to run any horse of that age, without declaring what horse, till he appears at the post.

POT8OO'S,—the name of a horse whose performances as a RACER, and progeny as a STALLION, will transmit his celebrity to succeeding generations in various directions: he was bred by the late LORD ABINGDON, foaled in 1773, and got by _Eclipse_ out of _Sportsmistress_, the dam of _Lexicon_, _Jocundo_, _Roscius_, _Siddons_, _Peg Woffington_, _Sir Thomas_, and _Sulky_. This horse was so named to gratify a little pique against the late COLONEL O'KELLY, in allusion to the place of his nativity, ironically called the _Land_ of POTATOES. Upon the turf he proved himself equal to any horse of his time: as a STALLION, few, if any, have stood in higher estimation. Exclusive of an infinity of annual winners, who have ran as COLTS and FILLIES for large stakes, but without a name, he is the SIRE of _Parsley_, _Smack_, _Telescope_, _Turnip-top_, _Asparagus_, _Coriander_, _Flea_, _Misseltoe_, _Tiny_, _Alderman_, _Gumcistus_, _Cayenne_, _Chigwell_, _Golden Rod_, _Triptolemus_, _Cynthius_, _Druid_, _Emma_, _Guy_, _Lady_, _Lilliput_, _Polyanthus_, _Vesper_, and _Waxy_. _Aurora_, _Capsicum_, Sister to _Druid_, _Doricles_, _Edwin_, _Kidney_, _Mealy_, _Vixen_, and _Warwick_. _Doubtful_, _Faunus_, _Lambourn_, Brother to _Lilliput_, _Oliver_, _Molly Maybush_, _Rowland_, _Thereabouts_, _Golden Dab_, and _Yorkshire Bite_. _Dutchess of Limbs_, _Outcast_, _Schedoni_, _Trip-it_, _Dr. O'Liffey_, _Scrub_, _Snuff-box_, _Worthy_, _Champion_, _Crazy Jane_, _Canterbury_, _Lampedo_, and _Trifle_.

PRECIPITATE,—a horse of much recent celebrity, whose name was truly applicable to his descent. He was bred by LORD EGREMONT, foaled in 1787, got by _Mercury_, (a son of _Eclipse_,) dam by _Herod_, grand-dam (_Maiden_) by _Matchem_, out of Mr. Pratt's _Old Squirt_ mare. In the first Spring Meeting at NEWMARKET 1790, when three years old, he won the first class of the PRINCE'S STAKES of 100 guineas each, beating _Thunderbolt_, _Chanticleer_, and _Sir Pepper_; four having paid forfeit. In the same week he won the BOLTON STAKES of 50 guineas each, beating _Dragon_, _Chambooè_, and _Palafox_; seven paying forfeit. Second Spring Meeting, he won the third class of the PRINCE'S STAKES of 100 guineas each, beating _Thunderbolt_; seven paying forfeit. In the same week he received 100 guineas forfeit from Lord Grosvenor's _Rhadamanthus_. In 1792 he won 50_l._ at Guildford, beating _Doge_, _Thunderbolt_, _Seringapatam_, and _Stout_. The next day 50_l._ at the same place, beating _Cardock_ and _Griffin_. The King's 100 guineas at Lewes, beating _Skyscraper_ at three heats, the first being deemed _a dead heat_; after which he became a stallion in his Lordship's stud at 12 guineas a mare. He is the sire of _Jonquille_, _Petworth_, _Matrannee_, _Rosalba_, Chesnut Colt out of _Bobtail_, Chesnut Colt out of _Rosemary_, _Humbug_, _Lazarus_, _Raginer_, _Apollo_, _Gulliver_, _Tag_, _Louisa_, _Tipstaff_, and many others now in training.

PREVENTION—is in itself a matter of so much magnitude, that it should ever be predominant in the mind of the sportsman and the man of pleasure. PRUDENCE, PATIENCE, and PHILOSOPHY, when properly exerted, are frequently preventives to disease, mental mortification, trouble, expence, and consequent compunction. It is an established and incontrovertible maxim, that PREVENTION is preferable to CURE; under the influence of which impression (if properly attended to) a very great number of those occurrences, accidents, and dangerous diseases, which so constantly happen, might certainly be avoided; as, upon strict investigation, the far greater part may be found to originate in carelessness, neglect, indolence, or inhumanity. Riding or driving horses immoderate and unreasonable journies, without _stopping_ upon the ROAD; riding hunters _hardest_ in the DEEPEST ground, and taking very strong unnecessary leaps in the field; placing horses in a cold stable without immediate attention, when in a high state of perspiration; are amongst the many foundations of disease and disquietude which may be prevented, and are well worthy retention in the memory of those who wish to see their horses in health and good condition.

PRICKED.—A horse is said to be _pricked_, when, in SHOEING, any one of the nails is accidentally or injudiciously driven too near the membranes with which the box of the hoof is lined: this may happen with the most expert operator by a sudden inversion of the point when in its _seeming_ proper direction. A tenderness and halting is also very frequently occasioned by the nails passing _close to_, and pressing _upon_, the internal parts, which, by tight _clinching_, constitutes so great a compression, that pain (particularly in action) inevitably ensues; in which case instantly taking off the shoe, well oiling the hoof, replacing the shoe with more care and less force, will prove it a mere temporary inconvenience.

When a horse is suspected to be pricked, in consequence of going lame immediately after having been shod, and not before, it is then of course natural to conclude some injury has been sustained during the operation of shoeing, and that he does not go lame in consequence of any previous accident. Circumstances thus tending to justify the inference, a careful examination should be made without delay: the nails should be extracted singly in succession; and when the shoe is off, a proper degree of pressure should be made with the PINCERS, to ascertain the _tender_ part. This done, it is too much the custom, particularly with the obstinate of the old school, to recur to their usual practice of devastation, by an immediate and immoderate definition of parts, under the plea of an "absolute necessity for going to the bottom," to _prevent_ what most probably is by no means likely to ensue. If the particular nail is discovered by which the injury has been sustained, opening the spot of its insertion in a very trifling degree upon the surface, and pouring in a small quantity of FRIAR'S BALSAM, or compound TINCTURE of MYRRH, will in general allay the irritability, harden the punctured part, and subdue any tendency to inflammation: on the contrary, should any painful symptoms of impending maturation appear, emollient poultices, and warm digestives, should be applied to the bottom of the foot, to obtain a discharge from that part, that the formation of A QUITTOR may, if possible, be prevented.

PRICKET.—The male produce of the BUCK and DOE (fallow deer) is so called at two years old, when he begins to put forth his head.

PRICKING—is the unsportsmanlike act of _tracking_ a HARE by the points of her feet, upon the paths and highways, when the hounds are _at fault_: it is a common practice, and can only be justified where hares are exceedingly scarce, and difficult to be found, with packs very small in number, or deficient in effect; but it is a custom too mean and degrading to be permitted with hounds of eminence, who must kill their game with a reputation _untainted_, or not kill at all.

PROBE—is a silver instrument used by SURGEONS and VETERINARIANS, in sounding the depth of cavities, sinusses, fistulas, and wounds: they are, upon unexpected emergencies, so very frequently useful in the country-house, or remote residence of a sportsman, that it should never be without _this_, and some _other_ trifling instruments of little expence; exclusive of lint, tow, ointments, tinctures, and a few other cordial and diuretic medicines, for which there is sometimes a sudden and unexpected occasion.

PULSE.—In all dangerous and inflammatory diseases of horses, much information may be derived from the state of the PULSE; in addition to the observations to be made upon the difficulty of respiration, the heaving of the flank, the heat of the mouth, and the state of the eyes. It seems, by the nicest observations, that the pulsations in a healthy horse seldom exceed from forty to forty-five in a minute; exceeding which in any material degree, there is then reason to believe, inflammatory heat is predominant in the frame, and that fever is rapidly advancing in proportion to the increased velocity of the blood. FARRIERS in general, either from a want of attention, or want of judgment, are most culpably deficient in this part of their professional examination; upon a competent proficiency in which, must solely depend the CONSISTENCY, or _impropriety_, of repeated bleedings, in all cases of high and increasing inflammations, where REPETITIONS are absolutely indispensible for the preservation of life.

PURGING—is an operation with horses, upon the propriety, consistency, danger, and utility of which, various opinions have been opposed to each other for half a century past; these, after the public experience of the last fourteen years, seem to have centered in an acknowledged preponderation of its occasional use; and that without its frequent salutary introduction, certain diseases are neither to be prevented or cured. The absolute necessity for sometimes PURGING, is not only now universally admitted, but the practice as generally adopted; the first step to a successful termination of which operation is, to adapt (by every possible degree of precaution) the strength of the physic to the _size_, _state_, and _constitution_ of the HORSE, as well as an eye to the particular cause for which the purgation is become necessary. Proper attention paid to these leading circumstances, and due care observed during its process, no apprehensions of danger need be at all entertained.

It is necessary those who have not been accustomed to the management of horses under so serious an operation, should know, that, from the great length of the intestinal canal, a horse requires a considerable decree of cathartic stimulus to insure excremental expulsion. When the contents of the larger intestines are become indurated by long retention, little work, and a want of exercise, there is then a kind of constitutional tendency to constipation, when, of course, more disquietude or pain will be experienced by the subject, than when the body is in a more favourable and less costive state. The intestines (when extended) exceeding thirty yards in length, and laying compressed in a horizontal position within the frame, and in so small a compass, is the principal, and almost only, reason to be advanced, why the combination of purgative ingredients continue from eighteen to twenty-four hours in the frame, before the fæces are sufficiently softened for the operation to begin.

Exclusive of the various disorders to which horses are subject, requiring a course of physic upon their first appearance, or at their termination, (as may be collected from the works of those who have written professedly upon the subject,) there are many instances, in which PURGING may be very advantageously brought into use, as a critical PREVENTIVE to DISEASE, although there may, at the time, be but little external cause to believe such morbidity is impending. Horses constantly standing in a stable upon full and good keep, with but very little work, and short exercise, generate blood freely, and lose a very trifling proportion of the constantly accumulating contents of the frame, by either perspiration or evacuation. Thus then the vessels, as well as the carcase, become so evidently overloaded, that the whole labours under the rigidity of one universal distension; constituting a preternatural stricture upon the body and its extremities, by which the system of _secretion_ and _excretion_ is partially or universally affected, and the regular routine of the ANIMAL ŒCONOMY proportionally deranged. Under this concise, but explanatory, definition of repletion, and its effects, will be found the necessity for occasionally unloading the body by proper evacuants, and relieving the vessels from the unnatural stricture which reduces the elasticity of the solids, and retards or obstructs the easy circulation of their contents.

PURITY—was a mare of distinguished celebrity originally, but rendered much more so, as the dam of the famous horse _Rockingham_, whose performances will be found under that head. _Purity_ was bred by MR. PRATT; foaled in 1774, and got by _Matchem_ out of the old _Squirt_ mare. She was the dam of _Rockingham_, _Archibald_, _Fitzwilliam_, and a filly by _Highflyer_; as well as others by _Florizel_, _Magnet_, _Paymaster_, and _Saltram_. Her dam (the old _Squirt_ mare) produced many racers of the first class: _Virgin_, _Miracle_, _Dido_, _Conundrum_, _Ranthos_, _Enigma_, _Riddle_, _Miss Tims_, _Pumpkin_, _Maiden_, _Rasselas_, _Purity_, and three others; having continued to breed from 1755 to 1774; during which period of nineteen years, she produced the fifteen colts and fillies here described.

PURSIVENESS—is a disorder, or degree of disease, with a difficulty of respiration, beyond the effect of a common _cold_ and _cough_, but falling short of the malady denominated BROKEN WIND. Pursiveness in a horse bears no ill affinity to the asthmatic complaints of the human species. Although there have been refined distinctions adopted, and definitions attempted, between the symptoms of a cold and the disorder called pursiveness in a horse, yet one is very little more or less than an inveterate stage of the other. The blood having, from some particular cause, become sizey, has consequently passed through the finer vessels with a languor far inferior to the purposes of health; hence obstructions are first formed; and these continuing to increase, tubercles follow. The parts necessary to a free and easy respiration being thus affected, it becomes laborious and oppressive in a proportional degree with the increasing viscidity of the blood, and the length of time it has been permitted to continue in its progress without restraint. The finer vascular ramifications of the lungs being thus partially closed, imperfect respiration ensues; producing those whistling wheezings with which ASTHMATIC horses are observed to be distressed, particularly in _brisk action_, until it progressively terminates in broken wind, which it will inevitably do, unless the proper means of alleviation and cure are earnestly adopted. Frequent bleedings, pectoral detergents, intervening attenuants, and mercurial purging balls, (administered with patient and punctual perseverance,) are the only medical aids from which permanent relief must be expected, or can be obtained.

Q.

QUAILS—are small birds, found, at certain seasons, in corn fields and stubbles, as well as in the standing crops of backward clover: they partake, in a certain degree, of the game species, as spaniels (that are well bred) instantly _feather_, and pointers gradually draw to a doubtful POINT, upon _winding_ them, and STAND FIRM if near to the bird. QUAILS are considered birds of passage, as they are only to be seen in the centrical parts of the kingdom during the four warmest months of the year. They get up before the dog with great reluctance, running till almost weary before they rise. When upon wing, a very moderate shot will bring them down. In those counties where they are found in greater plenty than in some others, they are caught alive, by means of what is termed a QUAIL-CALL and NETS; and sometimes in such numbers, as to be seen at the shops of the London poulterers in cages exhibited for sale.

QUALIFICATION—is both a sporting and parliamentary term for the privilege of killing game, in HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, or by _any_ mode which the qualified party may chuse to adopt; provided it is not repugnant to such other Acts as are still in force for the prevention of POACHING, and those nocturnal depredations by which the game is annually so daringly reduced. This qualification (or exemption from the penalties of former Acts during different reigns) till of very late years, consisted in the full and unrestrained possession of one hundred pounds per annum, issuing from FREEHOLD LAND, or estate, and producing that _clear_ annual sum when _every other_ expence was paid: or, the possession of a LEASEHOLD estate of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum, in right of _self_ or _wife_, for the term of ninety-nine years, or any term beyond that period. In addition to which, it is enacted by an Act of the Legislature during the present reign of GEORGE the THIRD, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any _dog_, _gun_, _net_, or other _engine_, for the _taking_ or _destruction_ of GAME, shall take out an annual certificate, from the CLERK of the PEACE for the county in which he resides, and shall pay for such certificate the sum of THREE POUNDS THREE SHILLINGS, with one shilling to the clerk for his trouble in making it out. See GAME, and GAME LAWS.

QUALIFICATIONS—appertain, in a particular degree, to the subject of RACING upon the TURF, and is used in a certain signification. Plates of 50_l._ are given at numerous places of sport, to be run for on certain conditions; some by COLTS and FILLIES of _three_ years old; some _four_ years old; others _five_ and _six_; and, lastly, for HORSES of all AGES and QUALIFICATIONS. The precise meaning of which is, that a horse equal in AGE to _one_ or _more_ of his competitors, may be very superior in qualifications; in which case it becomes necessary and equitable to bring their abilities more upon an equality, by so encreasing the weight which one is to carry above the standard of the other, that there may be left very little probability of deciding upon the _certainty_ of superiority in SPEED, when the impartial and judicious adjustment of weight is so properly fixed, as to leave an equal hope and expectation of winning the PRIZE for which they are to _start_. To render such mode the less liable to objection, it is mostly the custom to say in the advertisements, a winner of _one_ plate in the present year to carry 3lb. the winner of _two_, 5lb. and of _three_, or _more_, 7lb. extra.

QUARTER (FALSE.)—The DEFECT so called in the _hoof_ of a HORSE, is the renovated part of what has been by some accident previously destroyed; and this effort of nature being inadequate, in its regeneration, to the original formation, the quarter of the heel, in its growth, acquires a kind of spongy puffiness or elasticity, accompanied by a CLEFT or CRACK, which prevents a perfect and undivided union with that part of the hoof uninjured, constituting a tender weakness, as well as a permanent blemish, not to be obliterated during the life of the horse. Notwithstanding which, much depends upon the management during the time the original injury remains in its infant state. A wanton destruction of parts, by the too hasty and injudicious interposition of CAUSTICS and CUTTING KNIVES, frequently does more mischief in twelve hours, than Nature, with all her powerful endeavours, can repair in as many months. When by these, or other means, a false quarter cannot be avoided, it should be occasionally attended to during the progress of its growth: the uneven prominencies should, when becoming luxuriant and irregular, be kept down by gentle erasions with the RASP, and the surface, the cleft, and surrounding part, be plentifully moistened with FRIAR'S BALSAM, TINCTURE of MYRRH, or some such applicable substitute, as may give it a gradational hardening, and effectually reduce the irritability of the parts affected. To relieve the ill-effect of this inconvenience to a certain degree, a BAR-SHOE may be so carefully constructed, as to shield the _tender_ and _weaker_ part of the hoof from PRESSURE; and this can only be done by forming the shoe of such thickness, as to admit of its taking its bearing equally from the sound parts of the hoof, about an inch or two on each side the seat of injury, with strength sufficient to prevent a chance of its indentation upon the tender part intended to be protected.

QUARTERS.—The fore and hind parts of a horse are frequently so called; for instance, such a horse is beautifully formed in his FORE QUARTERS, but he is exceedingly _ill made_ behind; and some are well proportioned in the gascoins, the hip, the rump, and hocks, but are ill formed and low before. The FORE QUARTERS include the head, neck, breast, withers, and fore legs, to the girths; the HIND QUARTERS comprehend the hips, thighs, hams, hocks, and hind legs.

QUEST.—Hounds (beagles or harriers) are said to QUEST, when they first give tongue after coming upon _trail_. Spaniels are said to _quest_ also, when they give tongue in covert, upon coming up to the foot and scent of partridge, pheasant, hare, or cock.

OUICKSILVER—is an article of almost incredible medical utility; a full and explanatory description of which will be found under the head MERCURY.