Chapter M (6)

There is no pursuit, game, or amusement, in which a proficiency is to be obtained, can require a nicer eye, a steadier hand, a cooler head, or a more philosophic patience, than the SPORT before us. Sportsmen of experience waste neither their _time_ nor their _labour_; they well know, according to the description not long since given, where to find the game, according to the time of the day; and are seldom seen hunting their dogs in unlikely places. They cover the ground slowly and deliberately, that none should remain unbeaten, or birds be left behind: when a dog stands (or makes his point) the master should for a moment _stand still_ also; the general stillness settles the dog more firmly to his point, and the birds are more likely to lie. If the gunner hurries up, (as many frequently do,) it hurries the dog also, and not only makes him impatient, but the game probably gets up _out of shot_; or, what is equally productive of mortification, he himself gets up to the point so flurried, and out of breath, that he finds it impracticable to take regular aim; and when he _fancies_ he does, the bodily _tremor_ he is in renders the shot ineffectual. To become a steady and good shot, some few short rules are unavoidably necessary, the principal of which is cool deliberation: those of too warm, hasty and impetuous a disposition, should retain in memory a single line from the immortal bard;

"WISELY and _slow_; they STUMBLE who run _fast_."

When the dog has enjoyed his point sufficiently, whether the birds are walked up, or rise spontaneously, the gun should never be raised to the shoulder till the whole covey are _patiently_ surveyed, and the very bird fixed upon, at which the aim is intended to be taken; this once done, and the eye not removed from the devoted _victim_ till the instrument of death is brought to bear, the sight _once_ caught, and the _motion_ with the _trigger_ made in the critical and corresponding _twinkling_, success in most instances must eventually ensue. It may not be inapplicable to remark, that the progress to perfection is greatly retarded, amongst the _juvenile_ branches of SPORTING SOCIETY (when shooting in company) by invariably and emulatively (but very inconsiderately and imprudently) endeavouring to obtain the FIRST shot: the error being mutual, so is the disappointment; probably _both_, or all, _miss_; to which nothing ensues but a _vacant stare_ of mortification, not to add disgrace: but if a bird _happens_ to fall, it is productive of clamour, and general jealousy: it is claimed by all: and personal acidities, from such trifling circumstances, have sometimes arisen about a _paltry partridge_, that have continued during the lives of the parties. The prudent and patient who shoot in company, will be circumspect in every motion; they will not take aim at the _first bird_ which happens to rise, (to be confused by those who are rising,) or fix upon a bird on the left hand when a companion is on _that side_, and the bird going off directly _across him_. The right hand man and the left should take invariably birds on their own distinct sides; but when they go off in a _direct line_, circumstances and proceedings must be regulated accordingly.

GROUSE SHOOTING differs but little from the preceding, excepting its being more laborious, and taking place in the hotter months, and in the more hilly or mountainous countries. This species of game is not universally dispersed, like the partridge, over the face of the kingdom, but a native inhabitant of some particular district in wild, remote, or peculiar situations. They were some few years since to be plentifully seen in many parts of WALES, and in the NEW FOREST of HAMPSHIRE; but they are now very much reduced, and rarely to be found; at least not in sufficient numbers to render it a sport worth pursuing. In the northern counties bordering upon the Tweed, and in various parts of Scotland, they are so numerous, that many of the most opulent and eager sportsmen make very long and expensive journies, to satiate themselves, and weary their dogs, with an unrestrained and unlimited profusion of sport. The grouse is larger than the partridge, and, when full grown, weighs from twenty to two-and-twenty ounces. The plumage is variegated, and beautifully composed of black, red, and white; the tail being similar to that of the partridge, but a little larger when extended in flight.

The GROUSE perseveringly adhere to those mountains and moors which are covered with heath, seldom or ever descending into the lower grounds. They fly in _packs_, consisting of four or five brace; and indulge upon intervening tracts of soft mossy ground, particularly in the hotter months of the year. The cackling noise of the cock may be heard at a considerable distance; and when once the dog makes his point, he is commonly the first bird upon wing. Upon the POINTER'S being first observed to _stand_, it is instantly necessary to keep the eye forward; for if the birds are perceived to _erect_ their heads, and _run_, it is considered an infallible sign they will _not lie well_ during that day; in which case there is no alternative, but to head the dog, and, if possible, keep pace with them, so as to be within shot when they rise; if which advantage is not taken, many a long and laborious day may be undertaken without the consolation of a single bird. As the time for this sport commences in the sultry season, and generally in parts of the country remote from expeditious means of conveyance, they do not very frequently reach the Metropolis; at least in such a recent state as to be perfectly attracting: they are (particularly if not killed remarkably clean) very soon disposed to _putridity_; and if required or intended to be sent to any great distance, they should be drawn as soon as convenient after they are shot, and the vacuum filled up with fine heath or herbage for the journey.

COCK (or WOODCOCK) SHOOTING is of a different and most entertaining description, when and wherever a plenty for the sport can be found. The woodcock is a bird of passage, and found frequently in a greater or less degree about the second, third, or last week of October. Their annual arrival in this country is more or less protracted by the uncertainty of the _wind_ and _weather_ at that particular season; the east and north-east winds (with a foggy heavy atmosphere) bring them over in the greatest plenty. Upon their first arrival, they have the appearance of being nearly exhausted, and drop under the nearest offered protection to the sea-shore; high trees, hedge-rows, small copses, heath, tufts of bushes and brambles, are equally acceptable. After rest, and such refreshment as the situations where they fall afford, they separate, and almost singly explore their way into the country more in-land, and fall in such woods, coverts, copses, or shaws, as are most applicably attracting or convenient to the length of their flight; varying the situation in future according to the accommodation they find, or the country they are in. No one part of the coast is more remarkable for their arrival in immense flights than another; Wales, Sussex, Norfolk, and to the extreme points of the north of Scotland, are, at different periods, supplied with equal plenty: in all or either of which, eight or ten brace (immediately after a flight arrives) have been killed out of one covert in a morning by a single gun.

The dogs used for this sport are the small COCKING SPANIEL; though they are frequently found by pointers, who make their point upon winding the bird, but not quite so staunch as to the more confirmed species; of which game the cock in a certain degree seems to partake. The woodcock, when _flushed_, rises heavily from the ground; and in an open glade, is so easily brought down, that even a _moderate_ shot must be ashamed to _miss_; but when sprung in a lofty oaken or beechen wood, he is obliged to tower almost perpendicular above their tops, before he can attain sufficient height to take his flight in a horizontal direction; and this kind of vermicular flight he makes with such rapidity, (turning and twisting to avoid the trees,) that it is almost impossible to seize a moment for shooting with any tolerable prospect of success. As partridge shooting requires an almost systematic silence for the production of sport, so cock shooting admits of the reverse: for the greater the noise, the greater probability of success. Well-bred spaniels immediately _quest_ so soon as they come upon _haunt_, as well as the moment a cock unexpectedly springs; this is the distinguishing trait of their utility, as it gives timely notice to every one of the party, and each individual has sufficient opportunity to be upon the _watch_.

Those who enter into the true spirit of this sport, and where cocks are likely to be found, seldom set out for a complete day's adventure, without being previously provided with a MARKER excellently qualified for the purpose in which he is engaged. And an assistant of this description becomes the more necessary, as a cock will very frequently suffer himself to be found, and shot at, _four_ or _five_ times in the same covert; and when absolutely driven out, will sink beyond the outer fence, and gliding a short distance almost close to the ground, will drop in some adjoining ditch.

WOODCOCKS are seen in this country till about the first, and sometimes the second, week in MARCH: this, however, depends entirely upon the openness or severity of the season: if the winter has been accompanied with long and sharp frosts, they suddenly disappear within a few hours, (as by a kind of magical mystery,) and none to be found, with occasionally (and that but seldom) an exception of a disconsolate individual at or near some warm or sheltered SPRING which has not _frozen_. They are fullest of flesh during the months of DECEMBER and JANUARY to the middle of FEBRUARY, from which time, as the spring sun gets warmer, they decline in _weight_ to the time of their departure.

SNIPE SHOOTING is a sport the best calculated to try the persevering _fag_ and _bottom_ of a SPORTSMAN of any yet recounted; if he is not possessed of all the _fortitude_, _patience_, and indefatigable _exertion_ of a WATER SPANIEL, he had better never be induced to make the embarkation, at least with any sanguine expectation of success. To _wet_, _dirt_, and _difficulty_, he must be habitually inured: in body he must be invulnerable; with a constitution impregnable to the united attacks of morbidity, and a mind most perfectly at ease. Thus armed at all points for _land_ or _water_, _moor_ or _mire_, _swamps_ or _bogs_, SNIPE SHOOTING (where they are to be found in plenty) is a most excellent diversion; and some spots, particularly in a heath country, intersected by moors, swamps, and bogs, (as a celebrated scope called EEL MOOR, near Hartford Bridge, upon the western road,) the sport is so incessant, that those who visit the place in open hazy weather, may shoot so often in succession, as to have frequent occasions in the same day to wait till the barrel cools. SNIPES are of two kinds, one being full double the size of the other, and is called a WHOLE SNIPE; the smaller is called a _jack_, and of course somewhat more difficult to _kill_. Both sorts are found upon the same ground, and sometimes close to each other. They are birds of passage, and vary but little with the _flights_ of WOODCOCKS in the time of their arrival, which is generally about the _first_ plentiful _rains_ in AUTUMN. They are said to breed mostly in the low and swampiest parts of GERMANY and SWITZERLAND; although it is certain numbers do not return with the greater bodies in the spring, but remain here during the summer, and breed in the _marshes_ and _fens_, where their nests are often found in the month of June with four and five eggs in each. POINTERS only are made use of in this sport; and it is rather remarkable, that, notwithstanding this species of bird is so diminutive in proportion to the game that a dog is constantly accustomed to, he stands equally staunch to even the _jack_, (the least of the two) as to either PHEASANT, HARE, or PARTRIDGE. Snipes, the moment they are upon wing, fly against the wind, encountering which, they go off in such a _twisting_ and _twirling_ direction, that they are _then_ a very difficult object to _aim_ at; but by waiting with patience till they take their intended line, the shot may be made with a much greater probability of success. They cannot be said to be in season before NOVEMBER, or after FEBRUARY; for killed at any other time of the year, they mostly appear with a branny _scurf_ upon their bodies, as if _diseased_, or in a state of emaciation.

These are the different kinds of shooting only which comprize the pleasure of the gentleman sportsman, and in which the better kind of sporting dogs (POINTERS, SPANIELS, and SETTERS) are used. Shooting of _wild-fowl_, _rabbits_, &c. are principally the amusement of those who are not particular in their objects of pursuit; but equally prepared for whatever may come in their way, from a PHEASANT to a _tom-tit_, or from a SOLAN GOOSE to a _dab-chick_. The scientific and systematic rules of shooting in the field are so generally known, and universally comprehended, in respect to the length of the gun, the mode of charging, the distance for firing, and some other trifling minutia, dependent upon contingencies, that a single line must be unnecessary in elucidation; except a salutary hint to the young and inexperienced, never to let others do for them _with the gun_, what they can do for themselves. It should be the particular province of the person who shoots, to charge his own gun, and to be punctually precise in drawing the charge at his _return_: a retrospective survey of the most melancholy and shocking accidents which the last few years have produced, will demonstrate to any humane and reflecting mind, the danger of letting either GUN or PISTOL remain loaded in a dwelling-house, where, by the single inadvertency alone, any individual of the family is perpetually liable to instantaneous destruction.

SHOULDER-LAMENESS,—in a horse, is a defect in the scapularian muscles, or at the ligamentary junction of the fore thigh-bone with the concave point of the shoulder blade, upon which many, and some opposite opinions have been obstinately maintained: and there are not wanting at the present moment, those who _affect_ to believe, and presume to affirm, "there is no such thing as a shoulder lameness in _any_ horse." The absurdity of this ridiculous and contemptible assertion, can only be equalled by the unparalleled ignorance and illiteracy of those who make it: strangers to the anatomical structure of parts, they are inadequate to the comprehension of their uses, and the purposes to which they become intentionally appropriate. In direct confutation of such futile opinion, it is most indisputably ascertained, that injuries are frequently sustained in the shoulders, from which _incurable_ lameness often ensues. Such accidents and misfortunes happen to horses in different ways: some by unforeseen circumstances, which no human prudence can prevent; others (equal, if not superior in number) by carelessness, inhumanity, inattention, or neglect. Lameness in the shoulder may be occasioned by the horse's being too suddenly _stopped_ and _turned_ upon uneven ground; sliding, stumbling, or flipping down, in a distorted position of either fore leg; turning too rapidly in a narrow stall, or too quick, sudden and short into a stable. That all which may be the better understood, by those who are anxious for information, and open to conviction, it is necessary, for the accommodation of every comprehension, to observe, that the blade or shoulder-bone not being fixed to the body by articulation, but by apposition adhering to the ribs, and firmly fastened thereto by corresponding muscles _above_ and _below_, the animal, in undergoing any of the casualties before recited, sustains the injury described; in which the tendons or coats of those muscles are strained and relaxed; and as the extension has been more or less violent, so will the case be more or less dangerous and perplexing.

Cases constantly occur, where, by a slip, a cavity in the road or pavement, a rolling-stone, or any other cause, the leg of a horse is unavoidably thrown into a distorted and unnatural position, from whence ills ensue; the ligamentary junction, and muscular support, may be singly or conjunctively injured, in proportion to the magnitude of the cause by which the accident was sustained. In most occurrences of this description, some difficulty arises in the endeavour to discover the precise _seat_ of _injury_, which is not, by the most judicious and observant investigator, always to be decisively ascertained: amidst such doubts, strict examination should be made to discriminate with certainty between a LAMENESS in the SHOULDER, and a _defect_ in the _foot_; and this investigation is the more indispensibly necessary to be made, because, in strict verification of the ancient adage, "Doctors differ," instances are numerous, where one practitioner _vehemently_ affirms the lameness to be in _one part_, and his veterinarian opponent as _violently_ pronounces it to be in another. There is, however, one kind of clue, if properly attended to, which will generally lead to a ready distinction between a lameness in the foot and an injury in the shoulder; by getting twenty yards before the horse, so as to face him, and having him brought forward with increased action, fixing the eye at the foot, and bringing it gradually up to the chest, the imbecile effort at the _point_ of the SHOULDER attended with pain, and the consequent _bow_ or _drop_ of the _head_, (as if going to fall,) will evidently demonstrate whether the seat of injury is there. On the contrary, in most lamenesses of the FOOT, the subject makes an attempt rather to hop, or to touch the earth lightly with the joint affected, than to give it equal support with the rest upon the ground: a horse lame in the foot, displays it most, the more he is ridden or driven; but a horse who has received an injury in the shoulder, demonstrates it less and less, the more he gets into a perspiration.

SIDE-SADDLE.—The saddle upon which women ride is so called. The injuries horses sustain by the use of these saddles, when not properly attended to, exceed conception. It is well known by those who are much in public, and make their occasional observations as they ride, that most of the women about the Metropolis (who, it may be presumed, are taught in the schools) ride exceedingly _ill_, and to a spectator, most mortifyingly _ungraceful_; or, in words more expressive and explanatory, they bear near their _whole_ weight upon the swivel-clog _stirrup_ of the SADDLE, and little or none upon the back of the horse. The evident effect of this is, that the saddle, which should preserve a due and consistent equilibrium, compulsively preponderates with the weight of the injudicious RIDER, and has a constant bearing friction upon the WITHER on the off side, from whence originates inflammation, bruise, tumor, formation of matter, and not infrequently FISTULA, as a finishing consolation to the concern. When a comparison is made between the equestrian ability of the FINE LADIES in the environs of London, and the _bounce-about_ self-taught damsels of the country, the former sink extremely in comparative estimation. The best and most certain means of insuring safety with a saddle of this description, is to have a hollow on the inside the pad which comes in contact with the off side the wither, so formed, as to admit of no bearing on that side at all. This is readily accomplished, by ordering a vacuum of the size of an inverted tea-cup, with elastic quilting to surround the edge, which taking a regular, equal and circular bearing, so completely protects the wither, that it is impossible an injury can be sustained.

SIGNS OF DISEASE—are various in horses, as influenced by the different sensations originating in the peculiar disorder of which they are the prognostics. One leading sign of internal pain or disquietude in a horse is, the _refusal_ of his FOOD, a drooping of the _head_, a dulness of the _eyes_, a general bodily _lassitude_, and a seeming dislike to _action_. These are evident signs of indisposition, and should always prove an immediate stimulus to necessary examination, which cannot be made too soon, as many horses are totally lost for want of proper attention at the commencement of disease. Those just mentioned, are not considered symptoms of severity, or such as hold forth indications of SPEEDY DANGER; but they are of consequence to justify such early counteraction, as the nature of each particular case may render a matter of prudence and precaution. Much information may be collected from the state of the pulse, the warmth or coldness of the ears, the parching heat, clammy viscidity, or fleshy smell of the mouth, the heaving of the flank, the white or inflamed state of the eye-lids, and the glassy appearance of the eyes themselves; all which appertain to cold, fever, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, or affections of the liver. A horse's being in excruciating pain, looking back to his flank incessantly on either one side or the other, laying, or rather _dropping_, down suddenly, extending his extremities to the utmost, groaning at the same time, then raising his head as he lays, and pointing the nose to his flank, rolling over in his stall, and hastily rising, are all symptoms of cholic, and of that kind termed inflammatory, occasioned by indurated excrements in the intestinal canal, which, if not properly and expeditiously removed, produce MORTIFICATION, and, of course, death.

If the body is greatly distended, having the same symptoms, it is then called the flatulent cholic, and proceeds from the confined collection and retention of _wind_; to the immediate relief of which, flank and belly rubbing by two good strong men (one on each side) will greatly contribute. Constantly striding, and endeavouring to stale without success, denotes defect in the sphincter or neck of the bladder: discharging the urine by dribblings, in small quantities, and often, may be considered some injury sustained in the KIDNIES, particularly if the urine is in any degree tinged with blood. Glandular tumefactions under the jaws, with a soreness of the throat, if the horse is young, may be supposed an attack of the strangles; if an aged horse, who is known to have had _that_ disorder, GLANDERS may probably ensue. A dry parched tongue, wrinkled at the sides with constant heat, is a palpable proof of fever; a raw and fleshy smell from the same, confirms it: a putrid fœtid smell from the nostrils, attended with a slimy discharge, equally glutinous and offensive, denotes a consumption of the lungs. A horse constantly dejected, with a gradually declining appetite, and inattention to those about him, bearing his head constantly to his right side, may be suspected of an inflammation of, or a tumefaction in, the LIVER, affording an additional and strongly corroborating symptom, if there is a palpable _yellowness_ upon the original white of the eyes. This latter is also a distinguishing trait of jaundice.

Horses, when first attacked with fever, or an inflammation of the lungs, are observed to have alternate fits of _shivering_ for the first two or three hours. Although a horse's coat may be _rough_ and _hollow_ from a cold stable, neglect, and ill looking after, it is sometimes a proof that all is not right _within_. If a horse is observed to strike his foot petulantly, and repeatedly, against his belly, threatenings of CHOLIC may be apprehended: but if at the same time he frisks his tail, and draws it in close to his quarters, irritation in the rectum is the cause; and the pain in the body, and itching at the anus, are produced by WORMS. In addition to the signs of disease, a few words may be applicable upon the signs of health; and although the horse's VIGOUR, STRENGTH, and SPIRITS, will, upon nearly all occasions, unerringly demonstrate this, yet some few shades of instruction and precaution may be acquired from a little attention to the secretions of, and discharges from, the body.

A HORSE or MARE in high health, seldom varies much in the colors or quantities of what are termed the excrementitious discharges from the body; as they are in general a tolerable criterion of the real state it is in. The dung from a horse in good condition for work, free from a viscid or diseased affection of the blood, and the various disorders and humours dependent thereupon, will be mostly observed of a pale yellow, moderately united in firm bright globules, rather brittle than adhesive, with a shining slippery surface, but perfectly free from a glutinous viscid slime. If the dung is _hard_, _black_, and _offensive_, when it falls, the body is overloaded, the habit is costive, and it has been too long retained; if covered with the gluey slime before described, it is a sufficient proof of internal foulness, and most probably of impending disease. When a horse is labouring under a dangerous disease, some occasional assisting information may be derived from the URINE as it _falls_, and much more if caught, and set by to subside. If it comes away limpid and colourless, remaining in that state after being set by, it is not considered a symptom of a very favourable complexion; but if it comes away red, or of a turbid yellow, with an oily skin upon its surface, and afterwards deposits a kind of brickdust sediment, with a kind of strong or terebinthinate effluvia, it may be considered a good sign, and is very frequently the harbinger of a _speedy_ recovery.

If, during the progress and various changes of disease, it should assume different appearances, first of the healthy, and then the opposite aspect, the case is doubtful, and danger may be apprehended; as it affords sufficient demonstration, there is a powerful struggle in the system, and the morbid miasma is not subdued. The best state of a horse's urine, when in HEALTH and CONDITION, is of a yellowish tinge, moderate consistence, a strong smell, rather grateful than offensive, and a penetrating property: these, in the aggregate, may be concluded indications of _spirits_, _strength_, and _vigour_; the reverse, (in any serious degree,) slight symptoms of disquietude, or impending disease. After all the inculcations that can possibly be introduced under this head, the most judicious and experienced practitioner will sometimes find it extremely difficult to distinguish, with certainty, between one internal disease and another; having nothing to assist him in the discovery but his own judgment, and the most predominant symptoms at the _moment_, many of which are common to other diseases. Notwithstanding these uncertainties, and the doubts which may arise between one and the other, it is the duty of every Veterinarian to acquire as perfect a knowledge as possible of DIAGNOSTICS; for although his incessant inquiries may not render him an _infallible_ guide in every case without exception, it will afford him the gratification of a distinguished superiority over those who have neglected to avail themselves of the same advantages.

SINEWS—is the fashionable and common term for the tendinous coat of the muscles extending from the back of a horse's knee to the fetlock joint, when which is in any degree elongated by _strain_, _twist_, or any other accident, the horse is then said to be broken down in the BACK SINEWS. The sinews or tendons are liable at all times to violent spasmodic contractions (see CRAMP) not only in any one of the extremities, but throughout the whole body; the immediate and remote causes of which are hitherto undiscovered, and will most probably remain so, in respect to _certainty_; although there are not wanting speculators of _mental fertility_, who attribute them to various causes, without having, perhaps, in the whole number, fixed upon the _right_. One class of these _suppose_, convulsive contractions of the tendons are occasioned by _surfeits_, or the want of proper evacuation; another, from too plentiful and repeated bleedings, too violent purgings, or too hard labour; assigning for a reason, "that these fill the _hollowness_ of the SINEWS with cold windy vapours, which are the only great causes of convulsions." Where they occur from accidental causes, and casual injuries, as in wounds, perforations, or instrumental incisions, the origin is obvious, and in a certain degree points out the immediate road to local relief. When a tendon has been in part divided, or only punctured, a succession of painful and most alarming symptoms invariably ensue, and relief can only be obtained by early application to the best opinion, and most experienced judgment, that can be produced; with the very slender and mortifying consolation, that not one in twenty (if severely injured) ever after proves of any permanent utility.

SIR PETER TEAZLE,—the name of the most celebrated STALLION at present in the kingdom; his blood, performances, and progeny, being reckoned inferior to none, and superior to most of those who have ever appeared upon the turf. He was foaled in 1784; bred by the EARL of DERBY, got by _Highflyer_, dam (_Papillon_) by _Snap_, grand-dam by _Regulus_, who was got by the GODOLPHIN ARABIAN. At three and four years old he was the best of his time, beating every opponent, and winning stakes to a great amount. The second day of the Craven Meeting at NEWMARKET in 1789, when four years old, he won a subscription of 50 guineas each; beating _Meteor_, _Pegasus_, and _Gunpowder_; and received forfeit from _Bustler_, _Rockingham_, _Poker_, _Patrick_, _Schoolboy_, _Harlot_, and three others. In the first October meeting of the same year, he broke down, when running against _Cardock_, _Driver_, _Schoolboy_, and _Gunpowder_, with the odds in his favour; immediately after which he was announced as a stallion for the ensuing year at 10 guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom. In 1794 his get began to appear. A bay filly of Mr. Clifton's won 120 guineas at Catterick, and 140 guineas at Knutsford. Another of Mr. Tarleton's won 100 guineas at Preston, and 40_l._ 10_s._ at Nottingham; and the afterwards celebrated _Hermione_ won 80 guineas at Newmarket, the Oaks stakes of 50 guineas each (31 subscribers) at Epsom, 50_l._ at Lewes, and 50_l._ at Reading.

In 1795, _nine_ winners appeared, amongst whom _Hermione_ (then MR. DURAND'S) won 100 guineas at Epsom; the gold cup, 40 guineas, and 100 guineas at Oxford; 45 guineas at Egham, and the Queen's 100 guineas at Chelmsford.

In 1796 _twelve_ winners started. _Ambrosio_ (three years old) won 150 guineas, and 50_l._ at York; 275 guineas at the same place; and the St. Leger stakes of 25 guineas each (15 subscribers) at Doncaster. _Brass_ won 300 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. A brown colt of Sir F. Standish's won 200 guineas, and the Prince's stakes of 500 guineas, at the same. _Hermione_ won the two King's plates at Newmarket, and 50_l._ at Guildford. _Parisot_ won the Oaks stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas each, 42 subscribers.

In 1797 his reputation as a stallion continued increasing; eleven of his produce obtained 33 stakes, plates, &c. _Ambrosio_ won the first class of the Oatland stakes of 50 guineas each, (12 subscribers,) beating _Stickler_, _Gabriel_, _Play or Pay_, _Frederick_, _Trumpeter_, _Parrot_, and _Cannons_; 100 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hermione_ won the third class of the Oatlands, 50 guineas each, (12 subscribers,) beating five others; and the King's plate at Newmarket, and 50_l._ at Epsom; the King's plate, and 60 guineas, at Lewes; and the King's 100 guineas at Canterbury and at Warwick. _Honest John_, 100 guineas at York, and 100 guineas at Richmond. _Petrina_ won three fifties at Newcastle, Knutsford, and Northampton. _Shepherd_, two fifties at Durham. _Stamford_ (3 years old) 200 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Newmarket, 200 guineas at Epsom, 280 guineas at Stamford, and the gold cup at Doncaster. _Welshman_ won 100 guineas at Chester, 50_l._ and 50 guineas, at Knutsford, and a sweepstakes at Tarporley.

In 1798, _Ambrosio_ won eight stakes and plates, amounting to 1625 guineas. _Black George_ won 180 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Chester, 45 guineas at Newcastle, and 50_l._ at Knutsford. _Demon_, 100 guineas at Chester, and 60 guineas at Tarporley. _Honest John_, 200 guineas at York, and 134_l._ at Richmond. _Pentacrue_, 50_l._ at Dumfries, and 50_l._ at Ayr. _Petrina_, the gold cup at Chesterfield, and the King's 100 guineas at Lincoln. _Sir Harry_ (three years old) the Derby stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas each, 37 subscribers. _Stamford_, 233_l._ 15_s._ and the Ladies' Plate at York; the gold cup, and 100_l._ at Doncaster.

In 1799 seventeen started, who were the winners of 37 subscriptions, sweepstakes, and plates. _Ambrosio_ won 50_l._ at Newmarket, 225_l._ at York, and 200 guineas at Doncaster. _Archduke_ (three years old) won 400 guineas at Newmarket, and the Derby stakes, 50 guineas each, 33 subscribers, at Epsom. _Black George_, 50 guineas at Newcastle, and 70 guineas at Litchfield. _Expectation_ (three years old) 100 guineas and a handicap plate at Newmarket. _Fanny_, 140 guineas at Doncaster. _Knowsley_, 60 guineas at Catterick; 120 guineas, and the stand plate, at York. _Lady Jane_, 25 guineas at Preston, two fifties at Cardiff, 50_l._ at Hereford, and 50_l._ at Abingdon. _Parisot_, 800 guineas at Newmarket. _Petrina_, 50_l._ at Warwick, and 50_l._ at Shrewsbury. _Polyphemus_, 50_l._ at Shawbury, and 50_l._ at Northampton. _Princess_, 50_l._ at Epsom, 50_l._ at Brighton, and 50_l._ at Reading. _Push-forward_, 50_l._ at Penrith, and 50_l._ at Carlisle. _Roxana_, 100 guineas at Catterick, 300 guineas, and 100 guineas, at York, and 80 guineas at Beverley. _Sir Harry_, the Claret stakes of 1100 guineas at Newmarket. _Stamford_, the King's 100 guineas and the Ladies' Plate at York.

His constantly increasing reputation as a stallion produced an annual increase of winners. In 1800 fifteen of his get started, and were the winners of _thirty-nine_ sweepstakes, subscriptions, matches, and plates; the principal of which were, _Agonistes_, (three years old) 140 guineas at York, 220 guineas at Newcastle, the produce stakes of 100 guineas each at Preston, and 160 guineas at Malton. _Expectation_ (then four years old) won _ten_ prizes, 150 guineas, 35 guineas, 32½ guineas, and 25 guineas, at Newmarket; 50 guineas, and the Jockey Club Plate, at the same; the Pavilion stakes of 25 guineas each (6 subscribers) at Brighton; 200 guineas, and 60 guineas, at Lewes, and the Gold Cup at Oxford. _Fanny_, the great produce sweepstakes of 100 guineas each at York, (22 subscribers;) seven she beat, and fourteen paid half forfeit, so that she won 1400 guineas in less than eight minutes. _Knowsley_ (the Prince of Wales's) won the King's 100 guineas at Guildford, Winchester, Lewes, and Litchfield, with 80 guineas also at Lewes. _Robin Red-breast_, 50_l._ at Bridgenorth, 50_l._ at Newcastle, 50_l._ at Nantwich, the King's 100 guineas at Warwick, and 50_l._ at Litchfield. _Sir Harry_, 200 guineas, and 550 guineas. _Sir Solomon_ made a very conspicuous figure, as will be seen under that distinct head.

In 1801 and 1802 he seems to have attained, in his progeny, the very summit of all possible celebrity: during the former there appeared fifteen of his produce, who were the winners of 44 sweepstakes, subscriptions, and plates, of which the most eminent were _Agonistes_, who won 100 guineas at Newcastle, the King's Plate, 216_l._ 5_s._ and the Ladies Plate, at York; the Gold Cup, of 170 guineas value, at Richmond; 120 guineas at Malton, and the King's 100 guineas at Carlisle. _Haphazard_, 90 guineas at Catterick, 50_l._ at Preston, 60_l._ at Knutsford, 50_l._ at Pontefract, 100_l._ at Doncaster, and 50_l._ at Carlisle. _Lancaster_, 50 guineas at York, two fifties and 100 guineas at Morpeth. _Lucan_, 100 guineas at Newmarket. _Sir Harry_, 400 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket, 235 guineas at Ascot, and the King's Plate at Winchester. _Telegraph_, 100 guineas, and 50_l._ at Newmarket, and 45 guineas at Bibury.

In the last year, 1802, sixteen of his get were the winners of 41 prizes; of which _Agonistes_ won 1000 guineas at Newcastle. _Attainment_, 50_l._ at Newcastle, and 45_l._ at Nantwich. _Duxbury_, 250 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Haphazard_, 50 guineas at Catterick, 250 guineas, and 268_l._ 15_s._ at York, 92_l._ at Richmond, the Doncaster stakes of 10 guineas each (13 subscribers) with 20 guineas added by the Corporation of Doncaster, and the King's Plate of 100 guineas at Carlisle. _Lancaster_, 50_l._ at Middleham, 50_l._ at Manchester, 150 guineas at York, 50_l._ and 50 guineas at Preston. _Lethe_, 1000 guineas, and 50_l._ at York, 1000 guineas at Edinburgh, and 100_l._ at Montrose. _Lucan_, 50_l._ at Newmarket, 130 guineas at Bibury, 50_l._ at Oxford, 50_l._ at Bedford, and 50_l._ at Newmarket. _Pipylin_, 150 guineas at Newmarket, and 65_l._ 15_s._ at Nottingham. _Ransom_, 50_l._ at Stamford, and 50_l._ at Canterbury. _Robin Red-Breast_, 100 guineas at Newmarket. _Sir Simon_, 50 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Goodwood: and _Wilkes_, 50 guineas at Newmarket.

Thus the united blood of _Herod_, _Blank_, _Snap_, and _Regulus_, are proved equal, if not superior, to every other junction or cross ever introduced. SIR PETER TEAZLE is now only nine years old, in high health, and just announced to cover the present season (1803) forty-five mares at Knowsley, near Prescot, Lancashire, at FIFTEEN GUINEAS each mare, and fifteen shillings the groom.

SIR SOLOMON,—the name of a horse of much recent racing reputation: he was got by SIR PETER TEAZLE, dam (_Matron_) by _Florizel_, who was got by _Herod_. _Sir Solomon_ was bred by Earl Fitzwilliam, foaled in 1796, and started for _six_ different three year old stakes, (in the name of _Tankersley_,) always running in a capital form, and in a good place, but without winning once in that year. He was then purchased by MR. JOHNSON, and started 1800 for the King's Plate at Nottingham (with his new name) which he won easy, beating _Welter_, _Honeycomb_, and _Coniac_; and the next day a 50_l._ plate. At York he won the King's hundred, beating _Applegarth_, and _Honeycomb_. In 1801, he won five times out of the six stakes and plates he started for. He won the Stand Plate at York, beating those famous horses _Chance_, _Cockboat_, and _Timothy_; the King's Plate at Newcastle, with the gold cup and 130 guineas at the same; the gold cup at Nottingham, and 500 guineas at Doncaster. In 1802 he won the gold cup, value 100 guineas, and 60 guineas in specie, at Newcastle. A subscription of 25 guineas each, nine subscribers, and 268_l._ 15_s._ at York, (beating the famous _Cockfighter_,) 50_l._ and 70 guineas, at Lincoln. He was since purchased by Mr. Lumley Saville, and is announced to cover the present season, 1803, (10 guineas a mare, and 10_s._ 6_d._ the groom,) at Rufford, in Nottinghamshire.

SITFAST.—A sitfast is an eschar upon the side of a horse, which having been originally a warble, from the pressure and friction of the girth-buckle, (indiscreetly permitted to come upon, or near to, the edge of the pad,) is, by a repetition of the injury, converted into a _sitfast_; or, in terms of easier comprehension, a circular or oblong space of the integument, so completely cauterized by the repeated heat and friction, that it bears all the appearance of a piece of burnt leather inserted upon the spot. When, by carelessness and neglect, it has acquired the state now described, there is but one mode of cure, which is instrumental extirpation. The edge being raised so as to admit of being taken hold of by either FORCEPS, or common PINCERS, it may be separated from the substance to which it adheres, by any common operator, and healed in a few days, almost as soon, and with as little difficulty, as the most trifling and superficial laceration.

SKITTISH.—A horse is said to be SKITTISH, who is considerably above himself both in _spirit_ and _condition_; displaying much more of pleasure in exercise, and the enjoyment of air and conditional freedom, (from the narrow confines of a stable,) than the least tendency to habitual _vice_. A skittish horse will jump two or three feet at the flight of a sparrow, or dance a _saraband_ upon the rumbling approach of a carriage: he is (unless weary with work) always alive with _gaiety_ and _motion_, without the least intentional injury to those who ride or drive him. There are those who confound the terms, and consider a SKITTISH and a STARTING horse one and the same thing; but they are in the eye of accuracy by no means _synonymous_.

SKYSCRAPER,—the name of a horse of much present celebrity: he was bred by the late DUKE of BEDFORD, and got by _Highflyer_ out of _Everlasting_. In the Craven Meeting, at Newmarket, 1789, when two years old, he received forfeit from three for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each across the flat. The same Meeting he beat Mr. Fox's _Maid of all Work_ across the flat for 500 guineas. The second Spring Meeting (then three years old) he won the Prince's Stakes of 100 guineas each, eight subscribers; the Derby Stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas each, thirty subscribers. At the same place he received 70 guineas compromise from the Earl of Egremont's _Tag_. In the first October Meeting he received 250 guineas forfeit from Mr. Ladbroke's _Magpie_, two middle miles of Beacon Course, for 500 guineas, half forfeit. In the second October Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, from the Ditch-in, nine subscribers. The next day he won the 50_l._ Plate for three year olds, beating _nine_ others. The same week he received 122½ guineas forfeit in a Post Match with Lord Derby. In the Houghton Meeting he received 130 guineas compromise from Mr. Fox's _Sister to Lethe_, 300 guineas, _half forfeit_. The same week he received 130 guineas compromise from Mr. Fox's _Braggadocio_, across the flat, for 300 guineas, _half forfeit_.

In 1790, at the first Spring Meeting, he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, (half forfeit,) fourteen subscribers, of which nine paid forfeit. In the same week for the Claret Stakes of 200 guineas each, _half forfeit_, he received from his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's _Sujah ul Dowlah_, his Royal Highness the Prince's _Deir Sing_, Duke of Orleans's _Jericho_, Lord Egremont's _Calomel_, and Sir C. Bunbury's _Glaucus_. In the first October Meeting he received 100 guineas forfeit from _Montezuma_. In the same Meeting he won half a subscription of 30 guineas each, (seven subscribers,) beating the famous _Escape_, then the property of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

In the first Spring Meeting of 1791, he won the renewed 1400 guineas, a subscription of 200 guineas each, half forfeit; beating _Pipator_; fourteen having paid forfeit. In the second Spring Meeting he received 150 guineas forfeit of four, for a sweepstakes of 300 guineas each, over the Beacon. The first Spring Meeting, 1792, he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, beating those famous horses _Coriander_, _Gustavus_, and _Toby_, with the odds ten to one against him at starting. At Stockbridge he won 50_l._ beating _Thalia_. He won the King's Plate at Winchester; walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers, at Bedford; won the King's Hundred in the first October Meeting at Newmarket, beating _Skylark_; and in the second a subscription of 60 guineas, beating _Skylark_ and _Espersykes_, with the odds against him at starting. In 1793 he started but twice, and was beat each time by the celebrated _Coriander_. In 1794, on the first day of the first Spring Meeting at Newmarket, he won a 50_l._ plate, beating _Serpent_ and _No Pretender_; about which time the DUKE of BEDFORD beginning to reduce his racing establishment, _Skyscraper_ appeared no more on the turf. He has hitherto covered at Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire; but is now announced for the ensuing season, 1803, at Tytherton, near Chippenham, Wilts, at TEN GUINEAS a mare, and _half a guinea_ the groom.

SLOT.—The impression of a deer's foot upon the earth, so as to be perceptible, is then called _a slot_; and when, in consequence of storms, rain, sleet, or extreme drought, the hounds cannot carry on the scent, the huntsman and his assistants have no alternative, but to avail themselves of every possible clue and information from the SLOT, to prevent the disgrace of the HOUNDS being _beat_, and the deer _lost_.

SMITHFIELD—is the name of a most celebrated spot in the Metropolis, from which a SPORTSMAN is not likely to derive either _pleasure_ or _emolument_; unless it is in the purchase of diseased or emaciated subjects for his HOUNDS. To those in remote parts of the kingdom, it may not be inapplicable to be informed, that Smithfield is the great CATTLE MARKET for the consumption of the infinite body of inhabitants in the cities of London, Westminster, their suburbs, and the environs for some miles round. The principal days are MONDAY and FRIDAY in every week; on which some hundreds of OXEN, in a state of perfection for slaughter, and thousands of SHEEP and LAMBS, are constantly transferred to supply the immense demand. The afternoons of those days are principally appropriated to the purchase and sale of _aged_, _crippled_, and _worn-out_ horses; the greater part of whom are only fit to receive sentence from the INSPECTOR, previous to their being delivered to the _nacker_, (or slaughterman,) unless it is _some few_, with still remaining strength enough to drag the carts of the industrious about the inferior streets, with a supply of vegetables in the summer, and potatoes in the winter, for the accommodation of the lower classes of society.

SNAFFLE.—The simplest and plainest BRIDLE-BIT is so called: it consists of only a single mouthpiece, having a joint in the middle, with a cheek of different lengths at each extremity, and an eye annexed to receive the reins; when which are added, it is then called a SNAFFLE (or single-reined) BRIDLE. When snaffle-bits are made very large in the mouth for breaking colts or fillies, they are then called MOUTHING-BITS.

SNAP,—the name of a horse, as a STALLION, formerly held in high estimation: he was bred by the late EARL of SANDWICH; foaled in 1750; got by _Snip_; dam by _Fox_, grand-dam by _Bay Bolton_; from which the blood of both sire and dam may be traced to most of the Barbs and Turks ever brought to this country. There were also three others of this name, distinguished by different appellations; as Lord Chedworth's _Snap_; Wildman's _Snap_; and Latham's _Snap_. The first was got by _Old_ _Snap_; his dam by _Dormouse_, grand-dam by _Mixbury_. The second by _Old Snap_; dam by _Regulus_, grand-dam by Bartlet's _Childers_; going on both sides directly into Arabian blood. The third by _Snap_, dam by _Cade_, grand-dam by _Old Partner_.

SNIPES—are well known to the sporting world in winter shooting, and are of two sorts; one nearly as large again as the other, though precisely the same in shape, make, feather, and formation. They frequent the same places, subsist on the same food, and are frequently found near to each other. The larger is called a _whole snipe_; the smaller, a _Jack_; the latter of which is not very easily killed, at least by an indifferent shot; of which some proof was recently given by a gentleman of Easthampstead, in Windsor Forest, who very warmly entertained his friend with a description of "a _Jack snipe_ he had found upon the heath, which had afforded him sport for _six weeks_; and he did not at all doubt but he would serve him for sport during the season, if he was not _taken off_ by a frost; and what was still more _convenient_, he always knew where to find him within a hundred yards of the same place." They are birds of passage, supposed to breed principally in the lower lands of Switzerland and Germany, though some (particularly the _Jacks_) remain and breed in the fens and marshy swamps of this country, where their nests with eggs and young are frequently found. They arrive here sooner or later in the Autumn, regulated in respect to time by the wind and weather, but never appear till after the first rains; and leave this country in the spring, so soon as the warmer sun begins to absorb or exhale the moisture from the earth, and denote the approach of Summer.—See SHOOTING.

SNORTING.—is a cartilaginous propulsion of sound from the nostrils of a horse, which he avails himself of at different times, to signify sensations _seemingly_ opposite to each other. Upon being led from the light, through a gloomy passage, to a still more gloomy stable, he is frequently observed to SNORT either from fear or surprize; meeting or coming suddenly upon a new, strange or unnatural object, he snorts from absolute dread of injury; taken into a stable or out-house smelling musty, from foul dung and confined air, he snorts with dislike, and enters with reluctance: but snorting in the field at exercise, or in the CHASE with HOUNDS, may each be considered a proof of pleasurable gratification.

SOILING,—in the more confined signification, applies merely to the supplying a horse with grass, clover, tares, lucern, fain-foin, or rye, cut green, and brought to the stable for his daily consumption; but in a more general acceptation it extends to the act of turning him out in a plentiful pasture, and in the genial season, when and where he may enjoy all the advantages of which the frame is susceptible. It cannot but be known, that liberty, so dear to us, and to every part of the creation, must be equally so to the horse: to have his limbs free from restraint, to expand his frame, and roll upon the earth, to snort and snuff the ambient air, and to have his coat cleansed and purified by the dew of heaven, is to the horse a state of nature, and a life of luxury. Thus free and uncontrouled, although they are equally subject to, yet they are seldom known to be afflicted with pain or disease, in any degree equal to those who are confined within the limits of a small and offensive stable.

To constitute occasional revulsion, to correct acrimony in the blood, to purify the juices, to invigorate the frame, and reanimate the system, it is absolutely necessary the horse should have his annual run of _six weeks_ or two months in a luxuriant pasture, and at a proper season of the year, if either his frame or health is thought worthy protection. In the Metropolis, and in large towns, where the environs are entirely appropriated to HAY FARMERS and COW-KEEPERS, no such convenience can probably be obtained for any pecuniary consideration whatever; in which predicament the only alternative to be adopted, is to supply them with green food daily, and this is termed SOILING in the STABLE. Even this process, simple as it is, requires some previous precaution. The article with which the Metropolis, and other cities and large towns, are supplied, are mostly _tares_, (in some countries called _vetches_;) though _clover_ is at some-times, and in some places, to be procured; but whether one, or the other, it is absolutely necessary the supplies should be fresh, and, if possible, never more than thirty or six-and-thirty hours off the scythe; from which time (particularly if laid in a heap) they begin to heat exceedingly fast; and when once the juices are exhaled, become tough, turn black, and rapidly approach putrefaction.

This, however, must be admitted a very inferior substitute for natural pasture; as repeated experiments, and constant observation, hesitate not to pronounce the NATIVE (in its nutritive and exhilarating property) superior to every _artificial_ grass hitherto introduced. The quantities of the latter grown in various parts of the kingdom (and in some it cannot be avoided) is immense; but no doubt need be entertained of the nutritious superiority of the native meadow grass, whether green or dry, if it is cleanly cultivated, and well got in. It is very much the custom in and about London, to send horses to what are called the SALT MARSHES in Essex, from whence some arrive in tolerable condition; but where, from their contiguity to town, or other causes, the land is overstocked, and the summer dry, they come up in a state of wretched emaciation, as if passing in mournful procession to some neighbouring dog kennel. Those marshes, at a proper distance from town, where they are free from offensive filth, and the pasture plentiful, are remarkable for their peculiar property of attenuation, in altering the property of the blood, promoting the secretions, purifying the system, and invigorating the frame. They are well known to act as perfectly as the most powerful antimonial or mercurial alterative, in obliterating the remains of cutaneous disease; and this is readily accounted for by their first effects, which is for many days equal to a state of medical purgation; to which, however, the subject soon becomes superior in health, strength, and an accumulation of flesh; demonstrating the process to have been a very salutary interposition.