H. (continued 2)

Having proceeded thus far in the examination with strict attention, it becomes equally necessary to descend minutely to the FEET, in search of CRACKS, CORNS, THRUSHES, COMPRESSION of the HOOF, NARROW HEELS, or fleshy protuberances of the inner, and consequent projection of the outer sole. The state of the WIND is next the object of enquiry, which is done by making the customary and critical experiment of pinching the GULLET or windpipe with considerable force, nearly close to, and just behind the jaw-bone: should the horse, upon such pressure, force out a sound substantial cough, (which is sometimes repeated,) the safety of the wind is ascertained: on the contrary, should nothing be produced but a faint hollow wheezing, with a palpable heaving of the flanks, the state of the wind may be justly suspected. Should any doubt arise upon the decision, (which sometimes happens with the best and most experienced judges,) let the horse be put into brisk action, and powerful exertion, when the roaring at a distance, the laboured respiration, and the preternatural heaving of the flank, after a brisk gallop of two thirds of a MILE, will determine the state of the wind, without the least chance of being mistaken.

The EYES, that were only superficially noticed as matter of course in the front view, when the horse was first brought out of the stable, now become the necessary objects of minute, patient, and judicious investigation. If they are clear, full and prominent in the orb, reflecting your own figure from the pupil, without any protrusion of the haw from the inner corner, any inflammatory enlargement of the lids, or any acrid weeping from either, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not only safe, but GOOD. On the contrary, should there appear a seeming sinking of the orbs, with a perceptible indentation, and a wrinkled contraction above the eyelids, they are very unfavorable symptoms, indicating impending ill, and should not be encountered, but with an expectation of certain loss. A small pig eye should be examined with great caution; they are better avoided, if possible, as their future state is not only to be considered exceedingly doubtful, but they are always objected to, and productive of vexatious rebuffs, when a horse is again to be sold. A cloudy muddiness beneath the outer covering of the eye, or a milky thickening upon the surface, denotes present defect, and probability of future blindness; in all which cases, prudence should prevent such subject from becoming an object of attraction.

The AGE, if asked of a dealer, is declared "rising six" or "rising seven;" for it must be held in remembrance, that their horses are never acknowledged younger than "FIVE," or older than "SIX OFF"; and what is still more extraordinary, in addition to this convenience, they possess the sole PATENT for regeneration, having it always in their power to make a ten years old horse SIX, with the very desirable advantage to a purchaser, that he shall never be more (by the mouth) so long as he lives. This extra effort of ART, or renewal of age, passes under the denomination of "BISHOPING," (which see,) where a description of the operation will be found. The AGE of a HORSE by the mouth is not dissimilar to abstract points in politics with coffee-house politicians, largely talked of, but little understood; which circumstance alone has laid open a perpetual field for this eternal and remorseless imposition: to remedy which, as much as the nature of the case will admit, and that a matter of so much utility may with very little attention be perfectly understood, a PLATE is annexed, and accompanied with such explanatory matter, as will render it easy to every comprehension. See Colt.

Having gone through, with precision, all that can possibly present itself upon the score of examination, in respect to age, shape, make, figure, and action, we arrive at the very ultimatum of enquiry, respecting the WARRANTY of his being perfectly SOUND. What that warranty is, and how far it is to extend, requires a more correct and limited line of certainty than seems at present to be understood. BLEMISHES and DEFECTS are supposed by some not to constitute unsoundness, provided the ACTION of the horse is not impeded by their appearance; whilst, on the contrary, it is as firmly urged by the impartial and disinterested, that no horse ought to be sold as, or WARRANTED "perfectly sound," but in a state of natural and unsullied perfection. This criterion is the more necessary to be ascertained, and laid down by some principle of law, because the numerous litigations in every successive TERM demonstrate, that various opinions prevail, according to the INTEREST, CAPRICE, or PECUNIARY convenience, of individuals concerned; to carry, support and confirm which, even the prostitution of TRUTH and HONOR must become subservient. And this "glorious uncertainty of the law" is so clearly comprehended by the Gentlemen of the Long Robe, that when a HORSE CAUSE is coming on in any of the Courts, an observation immediately follows, that "whoever SWEARS the hardest will obtain it."

To prevent suits of such description, (which sometimes happen between gentlemen of equal honor, and strict integrity,) it is much to be wished, some direct and unequivocal mode of distinction could be legally ascertained, how far a general "warranty of soundness" is to extend, and where the line of perfection or imperfection is to be drawn; as for instance, to establish, by LAW or CUSTOM, some fixed and invariable rules, by which the soundness of a horse might so far be insured between BUYER and SELLER, as to render unnecessary such LAW-SUITS as are invariably supported by a subornation of perjury on one side or the other. Nothing, perhaps, could conduce more to a cause so desirable, or tend more to constitute a criterion of equity between all parties, if once established, and mutually understood; that no horse should be deemed SOUND, and sold with such WARRANTY, but in a state of PERFECTION, entirely free from lameness, blemish, and defect, not only at the time of transfer, but never known to have been otherways: admitting which mode of dealing to form the basis of equity between one man and another, an additional observation naturally presents itself, as a collateral consideration clearly implied, though not particularly expressed; that a horse sold bona fide sound, and admitted on both sides to be so at the time of purchase, should have no right to be returned under any plea whatever; for it is universally known, that any horse so sold, must be as liable to fall lame, become diseased, or even to die, in one hour after DELIVERY, as in any other hour of life. Then where can be the equitable consistency of returning a horse positively SOUND when sold, upon the plea of lameness or disease, when the time of attack has been merely a matter of chance between one and the other?

No juvenile or inexperienced purchaser should be too eager and hasty in his pursuits, or too easily fascinated with a seeming object of GENERAL ATTRACTION. It is exceedingly easy to purchase "in haste, and repent at leisure:" none should be instantly allured by sudden show, and short inspection; too much trial cannot be obtained, nor too much patience persevered in during the examination. The sportsman of prudence, and personal experience, never even speaks upon the price, without previously RIDING the subject in question; this he does in a remote and quiet situation, then in a busy one. In the former, mount, dismount, and mount again; survey and critically examine him in a state of nature, when calm, and at a distance from those he knows to be his persecutors as well in as out of the stable: it is for want of these precautions, that there are so many dupes to artifice, who purchase the dullest jades, without adverting for a moment to the furious effect of WHIP, SPUR, and ginger; the dealer's best friends.

As it is by no means a proof of judgment to purchase hastily, so, having once purchased, it should be an invariable maxim never to part too rashly. Innumerable are the instances where horses have been disposed of in the moments of caprice, and precipitately sold for fifteen, twenty, or thirty pounds, that have afterwards produced an hundred or an hundred and fifty guineas. When a horse of promising appearance, and pleasing action, is rode upon trial, great allowance should be made for the state of his mouth: he may not only have been accustomed to a different bit or BRIDLE, but may probably have been some time ridden by a previous OWNER of very different temper and disposition. One man rides with a tight, another with a slack rein: one is a petulant, refractory, impatient rider, who not unfrequently makes his horse so by his own indiscretion; when, on the contrary, a mild, serene, and philosophic rider (who ruminates upon the imperfections of the animal he bestrides, as well as his own) often enjoys the inexpressible satisfaction of making a convert to his own good usage and sensibility; constituting, by such patient perseverance, that very horse a desirable object of acquisition, even to those who had, upon too slight a foundation, or too short a trial, discarded him as unworthy any service at all.

Experience affords ample demonstration, that the tempers of HORSES are as much diversified as the tempers of those who RIDE or DRIVE them; and it will not be inapplicable for the young to be told, or the OLD to recollect, that a great number of horses are made restive and vicious by ill usage, and then unmercifully whipped, spurred, and beaten for being so; in corroboration of which fact, there are numbers constantly disposed of "to the best bidder," as invincibly restive, at the hammer of a REPOSITORY, that would in a few weeks, by gentle and humane treatment, have been reformed to the best tempers, and most pliable dispositions. Those who have been most attentively accurate in observation and experience, well know, that personal severity to horses for restiveness or starting, very frequently makes them worse, but is seldom found to make them better: it is, therefore, certainly more rational, more humane, and evidently more gratifying, to effect subservience by tenderness and manly perseverance (divested of pusillanimity and fear) than by means of unnatural severity, often tending to render "the remedy worse than the disease."

Horses, when at liberty, and in a state of freedom, although they are exposed to the different degrees of heat and cold, (encountering the utmost severity of the ELEMENTS in opposite seasons,) are well known to be in more constant health, and less subject to morbidity, than when destined to the scanty confines of a STABLE, and brought into USE; the causes of which are too numerous, and too extensive, to come within the limits of a work of this kind. It is, however, to be presumed, very many of the SEVERE, DANGEROUS, and, finally, destructive disorders to which they are so constantly subject, and so perpetually liable, are produced much more by a want of care and attention in those who OWN or superintend them, than to any pre-disposing tendency in the animal to disease. In farther elucidation of which, see "Groom."

The disorders to which horses are perpetually incident, may be reduced to a few distinct heads, as the acute, chronic, dangerous, infectious, and accidental; the major part of those partaking of a joint description, and technical complication. For instance, staggers, flatulent or inflammatory cholic, fevers, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, and strangury, may be ranked amongst the acute and dangerous. Glanders and FARCY are admitted to be infectious, and in advanced stages, incurable. The GREASE, SURFEIT, MANGE, ASTHMA, &c. may be termed chronic. Accidents and incidents include colds, coughs, swelled legs, cracked heels, wind-galls, strains, warbles, sitfasts, and a long train of trifles, by far the greater part of which originate in carelessness, inhumanity, and indiscretion. A description of all will be found under their distinct heads; and the means of alleviation and cure must be derived from the most popular practitioners, or the works of those who have written professedly upon the subject of Veterinary Medicine and Disease.

Horses having for so many centuries continued to increase the ease, comfort, pleasure, and happiness, of all descriptions of people, they have at length, by the fertile invention of national financiers, been found equally capable of becoming materially instrumental to the support of Government, in a degree beyond what the utmost effusions of fancy could have formed, as will be seen by the very judicious scale of gradational taxation, accurately copied and annexed. And as there was no other distinct head, where the DUTIES upon CARRIAGES could with propriety be introduced, they are here included also, as no inapplicable addition to requisite information, in which so many are individually concerned.

Duties on Horses.

Duties on Horses for riding, or drawing Carriages.

No. At per horse. Total per Year

£. s. d. £. s. d.

1 2 0 0 2 0 0

2 3 6 0 6 12 0

3 3 12 0 10 16 0

4 3 15 0 15 0 0

5 3 16 0 19 0 0

6 4 0 0 24 0 0

7 4 1 0 28 7 0

8 4 1 0 32 8 0

9 4 1 6 36 13 6

10 4 2 0 41 0 0

11 4 2 0 45 2 0

12 4 2 0 49 4 0

13 4 2 6 53 12 6

14 4 2 6 57 15 0

15 4 2 6 61 17 0

16 4 2 6 66 0 0

17 4 3 0 70 11 0

18 4 3 6 75 3 0

19 4 4 0 79 16 0

20 4 5 0 85 0 0

And so on for any Number.

On Horses and Mules.

Duties on other Horses, and on Mules.

No. At per horse Total per Year

£. s. d. £. s. d.

1 0 12 6 0 12 6

2 1 5 0

3 1 17 6

4 2 10 0

5 3 2 6

6 3 15 0

7 4 7 6

8 5 0 0

9 5 12 6

10 6 5 0

11 6 17 6

12 7 10 0

13 8 2 6

14 8 15 0

15 9 7 6

16 10 0 0

17 10 12 6

18 11 5 0

19 11 17 6

20 12 10 0

And so on for any Number.

Duties on Carriages.

Duties on Carriages with four Wheels, for private Use.

No. At per Carriage. Total per Year.

£. s. d. £. s. d.

1 10 0 0 10 0 0

2 11 0 0 22 0 0

3 12 0 0 36 0 0

4 12 10 0 50 0 0

5 13 0 0 65 0 0

6 13 10 0 81 0 0

7 14 0 0 98 0 0

8 14 10 0 116 0 0

9 15 0 0 135 0 0

And so on for any Number.

Duties upon Stage Coaches, and Post Chaises, with four Wheels, at 8l. 8s. 0d. each.

No.

£. s. d.

1 8 8 0

2 16 16 0

3 25 4 0

4 33 12 0

5 42 0 0

6 50 8 0

7 58 16 0

8 67 4 0

9 75 12 0

Duties on Carriages with Two Wheels.

£. s. d.

Drawn by one Horse 5 5 0 each

Drawn by Two or more 7 7 0

Taxed Carts 1 4 0

HORSE-DEALERS

—are persons who derive their subsistence, and obtain a livelihood, by buying and selling of horses only; and these were become so numerous in both town and country, that, either to restrain the number, or to render the occupation proportionally serviceable to the exigencies of the State, the following duties have been imposed. Every Person exercising the trade or business of a HORSE-DEALER, must pay ANNUALLY, if within London, Westminster, the Parishes of St. Mary-le-Bone, and St. Pancras, in Middlesex, the weekly Bills of Mortality, or the Borough of Southwark, 10l. In any other Part of Great Britain, 5l.

Horse dealers shall cause the words "Licenced to deal in Horses," to be painted or written in large and legible Characters, either on a Sign hung out, or on some visible Place in the Front of their House, Gateway, or Stables; and if he shall sell any Horse without fixing such Token, he shall forfeit 10l. to be recovered by Action; Half to the King, and Half to the Informer. 36th George Third, c. xvii.

HORSEMANSHIP

—is the act of riding with ease, grace, and fortitude. It may be taken in two points of view; as those who, self-taught, become proficients equally with those who derive instruction from the SCHOOLS, of which there are many of established celebrity. Doubts, however, have arisen, and opposite opinions have been supported, whether the sportsman who has acquired the art from nature, habit, and practice, is not, in general, a more easy, graceful, expert, and courageous horseman, than the major part of those who have been in the trammels (and riding the great horse) of the most able and eminent professors. As there are but few of these schools, except in the metropolis, and excellent horsemen to be seen in every part of the kingdom, that circumstance alone seems to justify the presumption, that there is much more of NATURE than of art in the acquisition. However unnecessary the instructions of a RIDING MASTER may be in forming the qualifications and graces of a FOXHUNTER, they become indispensibly requisite to the completion of a MILITARY EDUCATION, in which personal dignity, and adequate authority, must be properly and systematically maintained.

Previous to every other consideration in the art of horsemanship, it is necessary to be well acquainted with every minute circumstance, and regular routine, of stable discipline; to know the name and use of every utensil; to comprehend the application of every distinct part of the apparatus with which a horse is caparisoned, and to understand perfectly the property of each kind of bridle, and the effect they are individually calculated to produce. These are conjunctively of such material import to safety, and such palpable proofs of judicious arrangement and solid judgment, that they may, in the aggregate, be considered the very foundation upon which the reputation of a HORSEMAN is to be formed. Preparatory to mounting, particularly for a journey, or the chase, the experienced SPORTSMAN, feeling for the frailties and inadvertencies of human nature, never trusts too much to the hands and eyes of others, when not deprived of the use of his OWN; but prudently condescends to examine, by the glance of an eye, how far the horse, and appendages, are adequate to the purpose in which he is then going to engage.

This being done, he comes gently up to his horse, opposite the shoulder, on the near (that is the left) side: when facing the wither, he takes the reins of the bridle with a tuft of the mane firmly in his left hand, and of about the same length they are held in when mounted. The horse standing still, (which he should always be accustomed to do when mounting,) and not before, the right-hand is employed in supporting the stirrup on that side, for the reception of the left foot; when which is safely inserted, the right-hand is removed from the stirrup to the hinder part of the saddle, where it forms a support or lever to assist in raising the right leg from the ground, and to pass it gradually and steadily over the body of the horse, where it falls readily into contact with the stirrup on that side. When first the reins are taken in hand, due observance should be made of the medium they are to be held in; that is, not tight enough to make the horse uneasy, and to run back, or slack enough to afford him an opportunity to set off before his rider is firmly SEATED.

When mounted, the body should be easily and pliably erect, inclining rather backwards than forwards; the weight entirely resting upon the posteriors, proportionally relieved by the continuation of the thighs, and an equal moderate pressure of both the legs upon the sides of the horse. To preserve which position free from constraint and stiffness, the proper length of the STIRRUPS is a matter most material to be attended to; for unless they are in length adapted to the stature of the RIDER, it will be impracticable for him to keep a firm and graceful seat, particularly with violent, vicious, or restive horses, upon many emergencies. The general error, particularly with inexperienced horsemen, who have never been accustomed to ride in the early part of life, is having their stirrups ridiculously short, by which they injudiciously conceive they insure their own personal safety; though the opposite is the fact, and with a spirited horse they are always in greater danger; for the knees being lifted above the skirt of the saddle, the thighs are rendered useless, the legs are deprived of their necessary assistance, the rider is left without a seat or fulcrum to sustain his position, and rocking first on one side, then swinging on the other, he is left entirely at the mercy of his horse. That this may be the better reconciled to every comprehension, the stirrups, for ease and safety, should be exactly in this state; that the rider sitting upon his horse (either still or in action) should be able to disengage his foot from the stirrup at a single motion, and by keeping his foot in a direct horizontal position, would have the command and power of recovering or catching the stirrup almost instantaneously, with the slightest effort for that purpose.

These remarks, properly attended to, the body will be found easy, firm, and commanding; divested of all those rockings, jerkings, and twistings, sometimes over the horse's head, at others over his tail, displaying the FEATS of an involuntary attitudinarian, seldom seen but in Hyde Park, or the environs of the Metropolis. The left-hand is termed the bridle-hand, and the left elbow must come nearly into gentle contact with the body, which it has always for its support in any sudden jump, start, or stumble, of the horse; in want of which regular bearing (if required) the hand could not be always equally steady, and would of course frequently, but unintentionally, prove a check to the horse. It is impossible to lay down fixed and invariable rules for the precise distance of the left-hand from the breast, or its heighth from the saddle; horses differ so much in their MOUTHS, that the bridle-hand must be used higher or lower, and the reins longer or shorter in proportion. The right-hand (termed, in racing, the whip-hand) should be held in a kind of corresponding uniformity with the left, acting also occasionally in the use of the reins, and the management of the mouth; and this is the more necessary, as every complete HORSEMAN, or perfect SPORTSMAN, can manage the reins (of even a run-away horse) as well with one hand as the other.

The hand should always be firm, but delicately pliable, feelingly alive to every motion of the mouth; for, by giving and taking properly, the horse has better opportunity to display his spirit, and demonstrate the pleasure he receives, in being encouraged to champ upon the bit. As the necessary qualifications which constitute the excellence of horsemanship can never be derived from theory, and are only to be acquired by PRACTICE, it becomes concisely applicable to make such remarks, and inculcate such general instructions, as may be usefully retained in the memory of those, who, not feeling themselves too confident in their own ability, are content to avail themselves of information resulting from an experience of which they are not yet in possession. After all the trouble and expence of breaking horses, by the best and most expert professors in that way, yet there are numbers possess, by nature, and retain by habit and temper, faults and vices, not only unpleasant and inconvenient, but even unsafe and dangerous, to those who ride them. An impetuous, ill-tempered rider, who is always expecting his horse to do more than nature ever intended, will soon make the animal as petulant and refractory as himself: few passionate riders become good and humane horsemen; great patience, serenity, and some philosophy, is required to meet the variegated and unexpected vicissitudes unavoidably to be encountered in the field, as well as upon the road.

A hot, high-spirited horse, and a fiery, petulant rider, constitute a paradoxical, heterogeneous connection; for as they support a perpetual war between them, and neither feels disposed to submit, so they continue to irritate and render each other worse than they were before. A horse, from natural sagacity, soon discovers the mildness and placidity of his rider, proportioning his own obedience and docility accordingly; of which greater proof need not be adduced, than his absolutely following the master or servant from whom he receives good usage, as well as his being left at different doors totally unconfined, in the midst of populous streets, and thronged with carriages, from whence he will not attempt to stir, till removed by the voice or hand to which he belongs. Horsemen of tenderness and reflection are ever attentive to the animal who contributes so much to their own health, happiness, or emolument; and omit no one opportunity, that presents itself, of promoting their ease and comfort in return. If the horse, from natural shyness and timidity, or probably from ill usage in the possession of a former master, is alarmed at the sight or motion of stick or whip, a rider of this description quiets his fears, by letting it gradually decline behind his own thigh near the flank of the horse: the fool, or the madman, brandishes it before his eyes, in confirmation of his own ignorance or insanity.

Horses who are addicted to starting, do it from fear, and not from opposition; the recollection of which should instantly excite a consideration of pity and tenderness in the rider; but it is much to be regretted, so great is the depravity of the human mind, that nine times out of ten, this very fear (the palpable effect of constitutional timidity) is productive of the most severe and unmerited punishment. It is no uncommon thing to see a much greater brute than the animal he bestrides, most unmercifully beating, whipping, and spurring, a poor creature, for possessing a sensation in common with ourselves. If every one of the human species were to be beat, bruised, and crippled, for being justly alarmed at the appearance of danger, or the sight of unnatural and unexpected objects of surprize, our hospitals could never prove sufficiently capacious to receive half the patients that would be daily presented for admission. If caution, and the apprehension of danger, is thus instinctively interwoven with the very frame of MAN, is it not natural that the HORSE (who has likewise the power of seeing, hearing, and feeling) may be equally alarmed at, and afraid of, impending destruction? Will any, but the most incredulous STOIC, presume to argue, or to doubt, that the horse has not the same susceptibility of pain, and the same dread of dissolution, as ourselves? Has he not the same degree of precaution and circumspection in avoiding calamity when it depends upon himself? Has he not the same fear of being crushed to atoms by the weight of any superior power suspended above himself? Has he not the same fear of being drowned? Is he not equally alarmed if even gently led to the brink of an awful precipice, and does he not instantly retreat with horror? Is he not terrified, even to a deprivation of motion, at the sight of fire? Why then can it create surprize, that he should be afraid of, and alarmed at, a high-loaded broad-wheel waggon upon a narrow road, whose ponderous summit seems to threaten his probable and speedy annihilation?

If then it is thus clearly demonstrated, and must be candidly admitted, that the true cause of a horse's STARTING is fear, what magical effect is violence on the part of the rider to produce? Nothing can more forcibly evince the passion, folly, ignorance, and inhumanity, of the lower classes, than the prevalence of this practice. That horses may be made to pass objects of dislike and dread by such means is not to be disputed; it is only presumed that lenity, patience, and mild persuasion, are the most preferable, and by far the most gentleman-like of the two. It is the business of the rider to conquer, and become master of his horse; but violent passion, and coercive measures, need not be resorted to, till the more lenient attempts have failed. Notwithstanding the idea here inculcated, of not violently and suddenly pressing a horse up to a carriage, waggon, or any other object at which he has started, it is necessary he should be made to know he must pass it, which he may be made to do by a modulated tone of the voice, a moderate and judicious use of the rein, and a proper pressure of one or both legs, as well, or better, than by any forcible means whatever.

The use of the LEGS is a very important consideration, not only in the due correction of a HORSE that starts, but in the AIRS taught in the MANEGE; where the horse is supported and helped by the hands and legs in every action required, from whence he is technically said to perform his airs by AIDS from the rider. When a horse, in starting, begins to fly on one side, for the purpose of turning from the object he wishes to avoid, the instantaneous, strong and sudden pressure of the leg on that side counteracts his spring, and, with the joint exertion of the rein and wrist, immediately brings him straight; at which moment, the same use being made of both legs, as was just before made with one, he has no alternative, but to submit to the determined correction, and soon passes the object of dread or dislike, and proceeds in the way he is required. As the legs are of great utility in the PROPER management of a horse, so they are the very reverse, if improperly brought into action. Nothing sooner denotes the inability of a rider, than to see the legs swinging like a pendulum, and alternately beating against the sides of the horse: if he is a spirited horse, and well broke, he conceives himself intentionally excited to brisker action; if, on the contrary, he is a dull and sluggish goer, it only adds to his habitual callosity.

Humanity having been already mentioned as one of the leading qualifications necessary to constitute the character of a perfect HORSEMAN, or true SPORTSMAN, (which are nearly synonimous), it invariably prompts each to insure, upon all occasions, the necessary comforts for his HORSE, before he bestows a single thought upon his own. It has been wisely observed, that the man who rides fast without a motive, never affords himself time for reflection; and that he who is always in a GALLOP, is either a fool or a madman. These remarks probably originated in an observation resulting from experience, and tolerably correct in the application; that those who ride hardest, are generally the most indifferent about the CARE of their HORSES. Those who act prudently, and with a proper attention to their own interest, will occasionally condescend to take a survey of the stable management within, as well as the enjoyment of pleasure without; upon the old and well-founded maxim, that "the master's eye makes the work light;" with the additional advantage of most probably keeping disease at a distance. The same degree of discretion which regulates the conduct of the young and inexperienced SPORTSMAN in one respect, will regulate it in another: having the health and safety of his horse at heart, he will never hurry him for the first hour in the morning, till time and gentle action has enabled him to unload his carcase; he will never make unreasonably long stages upon the ROAD; ride races, or take unnecessary leaps in the FIELD: at the conclusion of the JOURNEY or CHASE, he will see, that whatever he may think necessary to be done, is so, without implicitly relying upon imaginary punctuality, in ordering it to be done by OTHERS. These suggestions, however, apply more to INNS upon the road, and the LIVERY STABLES in the METROPOLIS, than to the private stables, and regular establishments, of gentlemen having servants of reputation, upon whose fidelity they can fix a firm reliance.

HORSE-SHOE

—is a plate of iron mechanically constructed for the preservation of the foot, and formed of different sizes and thickness, according to the substance, weight, and work, of the horse for whom it is made. See Shoeing and Smith.

HORSE-RACING

—has been a favorite sport with the superior classes for many centuries, but never arrived at any degree of local celebrity till the reign of Charles the Second; who, entering into the spirit of the TURF, and becoming personally present with the full splendor of his court, then laid the foundation of the meetings at Newmarket, which are now become so justly eminent, and where RACING has long since attained the full zenith of perfection. This sport during so many years, had undergone a variety of changes and depressions, according to the temper of the times, the dispositions of the people, and the fluctuation of events; amidst all which, it seems to have been the peculiar province of the great Duke of Cumberland (uncle of his present Majesty) to have become the principal instrument of renovation; having, by incessant exertion, and personal example, raised the spirit of the TURF to a degree of eminence and emulation, the brilliant rays of which will most probably never be totally obscured, till "time itself shall be no more." This, however, was not effected without an immensity of expence, and an incredible succession of LOSSES, to the sharks, Greeks, and black-legs of that time, by whom his Royal Highness was eternally surrounded, and incessantly pillaged; but having, in the greatness of his mind, the military maxim of "persevere and conquer," he was not to be deterred from the object of pursuit, till, having just become possessor of the best STOCK, best BLOOD, and most numerous STUD in the kingdom, beating his opponents "at all points," he suddenly "passed that bourne from whence no traveller returns;" an irreparable loss to the TURF, and universally lamented by the kingdom at large.

This unexpected and severe stroke occasioned a temporary stagnation; and the general gloom, with which all the interested were for some time affected, seemed to threaten a serious suspension, if not a total annihilation; but the STUD being announced for SALE at the GREAT LODGE in Windsor Park, it afforded scope for the most fertile speculations, and those who had lost (by the Duke's death) the most striking and opulent object of their depredations, now found it prudent to form themselves into a family combination and compact, by whose indefatigable industry the sporting part of the public were most shamefully robbed for five-and-twenty years, at all the races of note for fifty miles round London; when finding, in their own phrase, that "the GAME was quite up," their persons were known, and their practices exploded, they disposed of the FAMILY STUD, withdrawing themselves as PRINCIPALS, and acting only as accessories upon private information from the subordinates, upon which the experience of years has proved a handsome subsistence is to be obtained.

These discoveries in almost every direction, roused gentlemen of FORTUNE, HONOR, and INTEGRITY, from the apathy to which they had been inadvertently lulled; and seeing the absolute necessity of a separation from a set of marked unprincipled miscreants, proper means of exclusion were adopted, the RULES of the Jockey Club (which see) were revised and improved; every proper mode being taken to prevent the introduction and election of those, whose characters and property were not known to accord with the principles of the original institution. Here followed another temporary gloom; the deaths of several of the most zealous amateurs and supporters of the turf, in almost immediate succession, caused such a general sterility, that Newmarket was literally in mourning; training-grooms and stable-lads were daily becoming gentlemen at large (or rather wanderers) for want of employment. As casual circumstances frequently effect CONTRASTS, or operate by EXTREMES, so, during the last twelve or fourteen years, RACING has experienced another resurrection; but DEATH, that unrelenting "leveller of all distinctions," has recently deprived us of some of its most experienced devotees, whose STUDS of course are successively coming to the hammer, and indicate at present no certain prospect of increasing popularity. As this subject will be repeatedly treated on, under those heads to which it particularly appertains, it becomes only necessary to introduce the fixed RULES and REGULATIONS, as invariably observed at Newmarket, (which is the standard for the kingdom in general,) by all those who support a character for punctuality and integrity upon the turf.

It is enacted by different Acts of Parliament, That no person whatsoever shall enter, start, or run any HORSE, MARE, or GELDING, for any PLATE, PRIZE, SUM of MONEY, or other thing, unless such horse, mare, or gelding, shall be truly and bona fide the property of, and belonging to, such person so entering, starting, or running the same: nor shall any person enter and start more than one horse, mare, or gelding, for one and the same plate, prize, or sum of money, under the forfeiture of the horse, horses, or value thereof.

Any person that shall enter, start, or run a horse, mare, or gelding, for less value than fifty pounds, forfeits the sum of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS. Every person that shall print, publish, advertise or proclaim any money, or other thing, to be run for, of less value than fifty pounds, forfeits the sum of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS. Every race for any plate, prize, or sum of money, to be begun and ended in one day. Horses may run on Newmarket Heath, in the counties of Cambridge and Suffolk, and Black Hambleton, in the county of York, for less value than fifty pounds, without incurring any penalty.

All and every sum and sums of money paid for entering of any horse, mare, or gelding, to start for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, shall go and be paid to the second best horse, mare, or gelding, which shall start or run for such plate, prize, or sum of money, as aforesaid. Provided, that nothing therein contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to prevent the starting or running any horse, mare, or gelding, for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing or things issuing out of, or paid for, by the rents, issues, and profits, of any lands, tenements, or hereditaments; or of or by the interest of any sum or sums of money chargeable with the same, or appropriated to that purpose.

Every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing whatsoever, shall pay the sum of two pounds two shillings. And be it further enacted, That the owner of every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, shall, previous to the entering or starting such horse, mare, or gelding, pay the sum of TWO POUNDS TWO SHILLINGS, as the duty for one year, into the hands of the Clerk of the Course, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make the entry of such horse, mare, or gelding; and if any owner shall, previous to the starting, neglect or refuse to pay the said sum of two pounds two shillings, for such entrance, to the Clerk of the Course, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make the entry as aforesaid, the owner or owners of every such horse, mare, or gelding, shall forfeit and pay the sum of TWENTY POUNDS.

RULES in RACING.

Horses take their ages from May Day.

1760 yards are a mile.

240 yards are a distance.

Four inches are a hand.

Fourteen pounds are a stone.

When HORSES are matched at CATCH WEIGHTS, each party may appoint any person to ride, without weighing either before or after the race.

Give and take Plates are for horses of fourteen hands high, to carry a stated weight, above or below which more or less is to be carried, allowing seven pounds for every inch.

A Whim Plate is weight for age, and weight for inches.

A Post Match is made by inferring the age of the horses in the articles; and the parties possess the privilege of bringing any horse of that age to the post, without making any previous declaration whatever, of name, colour, or qualifications.

A Handicap Match. See Handicap.

Riders must ride their horses (after running) to the SCALES to weigh; and he that dismounts without so doing, or wants weight when weighed, is deemed a distanced horse.

The HORSE, whose HEAD first reaches the ending POST wins the HEAT.

If a RIDER falls from his horse, and the horse is rode in by a person who is sufficient weight, he will take place the same as if it had not happened, provided he goes back to the place where the other fell.

Horse's plates (or shoes) not allowed in the weight.

Horses not entitled to start, without producing a proper certificate of their age, if required, at the time specified in the articles, except where AGED horses are included; and in that case, a junior horse may enter without a certificate, provided he carries the same weight as the aged.

All BETS are for the best of the plate, where nothing is said to the contrary.

For the BEST of the PLATE, where there are three heats run, the horse is deemed SECOND best who wins ONE.

For the BEST of the HEATS, the horse is second that beats the others twice out of three times, though he does not win a heat.

In all BETS, either bettor may demand STAKES to be made; and on refusal, declare the bet void. A confirmed BET cannot be off but by mutual consent.

If one of the PARTIES is absent on the DAY of RUNNING, a public declaration may be made of the BET upon the Course, accompanied with a demand, whether any person present will make STAKES for the absent party, which proportion not being acceded to, the bet may be declared void.

Bets agreed to be paid or received in town, or at any other particular place, cannot be declared off on the Course.

If a MATCH is made for any particular day, in any meeting at Newmarket, and the parties agree to change the day, all bets must STAND; but if run in a different meeting, the bets made before the alteration are void.

The person who lays the ODDS, has a right to chuse his HORSE or the field.

When a person has chosen his horse, the field is what starts against him; but there is no field, if the horse so named has no opponent.

Bets made for POUNDS, are always paid in GUINEAS.

If ODDS are laid, without mentioning the horse before it is over, it must be determined as the bets were at the time of making it.

Bets made in running, are not determined till the PLATE is WON, if that heat is not mentioned at the time of betting.

Where a PLATE is won by two heats, the preference of the horses is determined by the places they are in at the termination of the second heat.

Horses running on the wrong side of a POST, and not turning back to completely recover their ground, are distanced.

Horses drawn between any of the heats, before the plate is WON, are distanced.

Horses are deemed distanced, if their RIDERS cross and jostle, when the ARTICLES do not permit it.

If a horse WINS the first heat, and all others draw, they are not distanced, if he starts no more; but if he starts again by himself, the drawn horses are distanced.

When BETS are made after a heat upon a subsequent event, if the horse so betted upon does not start, the BETS so made are void.

When three horses have EACH won a HEAT, they only must start for a fourth, and the preference between them will be determined by it, there having before been no difference between them.

No horse can be distanced in a fourth heat.

When the words "play or pay" are included in a BET, it is thus decided: the horse which does not appear, and be ready to start, at the time appointed, is the loser; and the other is the WINNER, although he goes over the Course by himself.

In running heats, if it cannot be decided which is first, the heat is then called a DEAD HEAT, and they may all start again; unless it should happen in the last heat, and then it must be between the two horses which, if either had WON, the race would have been decided; but if between two, that by either winning the race would not have been determined, then it is no heat, and the others may all start again.

Bets made upon horses WINNING any number of PLATES within the year, remain in force till the FIRST DAY of May.

Money given to have a bet laid, not returned, if not run.

To propose a BET, and say "done" first to it, the person who replies "done" to it, makes it a confirmed bet.

Matches and BETS are void on the decease of either party before they are determined.

NEWMARKET COURSES

THE EXACT DISTANCES OF THE DIFFERENT COURSES at NEWMARKET ARE AS FOLLOW.

Miles. Furlongs. Yards.

The Beacon Course is 4 1 138

Last three miles of ditto 3 0 45

From the Ditch-in 2 0 97

The last mile and a distance of B. C. 1 1 156

Ancaster Mile 1 0 18

Fox's Course 1 6 55

From the turn of the lands, in 0 5 184

Clermont Course (from the Ditch) to the Duke's Stand 1 5 217

Across the Flat 1 2 44

Rowley Mile 1 0 1

Ditch Mile 0 7 178

Abingdon Mile 0 7 211

Two middle miles of B. C. 1 7 125

Two Years Old Course 0 5 136

Yearling Course 0 2 147

Round Course 3 6 93

Duke's Course 4 0 184

Bunbury's Mile 0 7 208

Dutton's Course 3 0 0

The New Roundabout Course on the Flat is nearly a mile and three quarters.

The great and leading qualification of a horse bred for the TURF, is the purity of his blood, which can only be insured by the verity of his PEDIGREE, and this, to be authentic, must be signed by the BREEDER, and is in purchase and sale always transferred with the horse. The most distinguishing trait of judgment in racing, is first to ascertain the exact speed of the horse, and then to discover of what precise weight he is master; that he may not be retarded in one, by being overloaded with the other. Attentive experience with the PROFESSORS and AMATEURS for a series of years, has long since fully demonstrated, upon practical proof, (for the trials have been repeatedly made even to the key of the stable-door,) that the celerity is, in certain degrees, to be increased or impeded by the weight the horse has to carry. It will, therefore, be readily conceived, if two horses are tolerably equal in speed, strength, blood, and bone, as well as of the same year, the horse which carries the least weight by only three pounds, must, in the course of FOUR MILES, display the advantage he has over his antagonist; particularly as the longer the race, the more will the horse be affected by the weight he carries; and those who are the best and most experienced judges, hesitate not to affirm, that the addition of seven pounds weight carried by one, where both are thought of equal speed, will, if the ground is run honestly over, make the difference of a DISTANCE (two hundred and forty yards) in the four miles only.

The racing weights most in use for half a century past, have been according to age and qualifications, from about seven stone seven, to nine stone twelve, or ten stone; except in matches with two years old, and yearlings at light or feather weights, and the King's hundreds, for which (till some trifling alterations lately adopted) they carried at six years old TWELVE STONE. There are, however, some NEW CLUBS, lately instituted by NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN of the first distinction, who hold their meetings at Bibury and Kingscote, in Gloucestershire, where the weights are advanced beyond former example to twelve or thirteen stone, upon a well-founded principle of exciting emulation in BREEDERS to pay some attention to BONE as well as to BLOOD; a most judicious and salutary improvement, considering the infinity of weeds that are annually drafted and destined to the hammer of a repository, as objects of neither value, utility, or attraction.

CERTIFICATE of AGE.

Raby Castle, March 1, 1803.

I hereby certify that my Bay Colt, Hap Hazard, got by Sir Peter Teazle, Dam by Eclipse, was bred by me, and that he was no more than Four Years old last Grass.

D——

ARTICLE of a MATCH.

October 12, 1798.

Sir H. T. Vane's B. Horse Hambletonian, got by King Fergus, Dam by Highflyer, now Six Years, carrying 8st. 3lb. is matched against Mr. Cookson's B. Horse Diamond, by Highflyer, (out of the Dam of Sparkler,) now Five Years old, carrying 8st. over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, on Monday in the next Craven Meeting, for 3000 Guineas, Half forfeit; with a Power reserved to alter the Day and Hour, or either, by consent.

H. T. V. J. C.

This match was run on Monday, March 25, 1799, and won by Hambletonian, (five to four in his favour at starting.)—See Diamond or Hambletonian.

PRODUCE MATCH

FOR SPRING MEETING, 1803.

The Produce of Sir T. Gascoigne's Golden Locks, covered by King Fergus, against the Produce of Mr. Fox's Dam of Calomel, covered by Beningbrough, for 200 Guineas each, Half forfeit. Colts to carry 8st. Fillies 7st. 11lb. Last Mile and a Half. No Produce no Forfeit.

Produce Matches, and Produce Sweepstakes, are generally made and entered into during the time such Mares are in Foal.

A POST PRODUCE MATCH

OF 200 GUINEAS EACH.

Colts to carry 8st. 7lb. Fillies 8st. 4lb.

covered by

Mr. Clifton's Expectation ⎫

Mr. Clifton's Eustatia ⎬ Abba Thulle.

Mr. Clifton's Sister to Gabriel ⎭

Mr. Dawson's Sincerity ⎫

Mr. Dawson's Highflyer Mare, ⎪

out of Sincerity ⎬ Coriander.

Mr. Dawson's Blind Highflyer ⎪

Mare ⎭

Each to bring the Produce of one to run over Knavesmire when Four Years old.

ARTICLE for a SWEEPSTAKES.

Oxford, ——

We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, do agree to run for a Sweepstakes of 50 Guineas each, over Port Meadow, on the last Day of Oxford Races next ensuing; the Horses to carry the Gold Cup Weights, viz. Four Years old, 7st. 7lb. Five Years old, 8st. 7lb. Six Years old, 9st. and aged, 9st. 4lb. one Four Mile Heat. The Winner of the Gold Cup to carry 7lb. extra. The Subscribers to name their Horses to the Clerk of the Course on or before the first Day of March next; and the Subscription to close on that Day. The Stakes to be paid into the Hands of the Clerk of the Course before starting, or the Subscription to be doubled. Five Subscribers, or no Race.

HUNTERS SWEEPSTAKES.

Rochester, ——

A Sweepstakes of 10 Guineas each, for Hunters (carrying 12st. one Four Mile Heat, to be rode by Gentlemen) that have never started for Plate, Match, or Sweepstakes, and to be bona fide the Property of Subscribers, and which have been regularly hunted the preceding Season as Hunters, and not merely to have obtained the Name; and that, have never had a Sweat with an Intention to run before the first of May next ensuing. Certificates of their having hunted regularly to be produced (if required) from the Owner or Owners of the Hounds with which they have hunted; and to be named to the Clerk of the Course on or before the first of April next; and the Stakes to be deposited at the same Time, or the Horse not permitted to start.—Six Subscribers, or no Race.

See Jockey Club, King's Plate, Training, and Turf.

HOUGH-BONY

—was a term formerly used to signify an enlargement of the cap of a horse's hock, whether it was only a thickening of the integument, generally termed a callosity, or an ossification just below it. The phrase, however, is now considered entirely obsolete; and the distinction in those defects much better understood by the appellation of BLOOD SPAVIN, BONE SPAVIN, or CURB, as the case may happen to be.

HOUNDS

—are the well-known objects of SPORTING ATTRACTION from one extremity of the kingdom to another; possessing within themselves a fascinating power, or exhilarating property, to which all liberal minds, of congenial sensibility, become imperceptibly and irresistibly subdued; forming that kind of inexplicable temptation, that indescribable vibration of pleasure upon human irritability, that none but those of the most stoical apathy, the greatest mental fortitude, or personal self-denial, can summon sufficient resolution to avoid.

The great variety of hounds with which the country formerly abounded, seem now, by the judicious crosses of succeeding generations, to have been principally reduced to a much more contracted point of view, and center entirely in the denomination of STAG hounds, FOX hounds, HARRIERS, and BEAGLES; each of the four being a degree less in size than the other, with such variations in strength, speed, colour, and tongue, as may have been adopted by the judgment or fancy of the BREEDER. We have been taught, by a maxim of long standing, to believe, "there is no rule without an exception." An author of much celebrity, however, in respect to the breeding of hounds, pays due respect to rule, but does not advert to exception. It is his opinion, "that there are necessary points in the shape of a hound, which ought always to be attended to; for if he be not of a perfect symmetry, he will neither run fast, nor bear much work: he has much to undergo, and should have strength proportioned to it. Let his legs be straight as arrows; his feet round, and not too large; his shoulders back; his breast rather wide than narrow; his chest deep; his back broad; his head small; his neck thin; his tail thick and brushy; if he carry it well, so much the better."

Without animadverting upon the SIZE of any particular kind of hound, as applicable to any particular sort of chase, or to any particular kind of country, but with a view to the aggregate in a general sense, there are, as in all other matters of FANCY, FASHION, or CAPRICE, a variety of opinions. Some there are who profess themselves strenuous advocates for what they term the "busy bustlers," or small hounds, upon a plea, that they are always at work, lose no time, climb hills fast enough for any horse, and get through coverts quicker than any other. Sportsmen of a bolder description are equally strenuous, and perhaps with a greater shew of reason, in the support of large hounds, justly affirming, they will make their way in any country, get better through the dirt than a small one; and that their pursuit can be but little obstructed by whatever fence may present itself in the course of the chase.

Mr. Beckford, whose opinion, and perfect practical knowledge of the subject, has been implicitly bowed to, and acquiesced in, by the best and most experienced judges in the kingdom, has given a decided preference to "hounds of a MIDDLE SIZE;" saying, "he believes all animals of that description are the strongest and best able to bear fatigue;" in corroboration of which he quotes from Somerville, as would have been also done in this place, in confirmation of the same opinion.

———— "But here a mean

Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size

Gigantic; he in the thick-woven covert

Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake,

Torn and embarrass'd, bleeds: but if too small,

The pigmy brood in every furrow swims;

Moil'd in clogging clay, panting they lag

Behind inglorious; or else shivering creep,

Benumb'd and faint, beneath the shelt'ring thorn.

For hounds of middle size, active and strong,

Will better answer all thy various ends,

And crown thy pleasing labours with success."

Next to the consideration of SIZE and SYMMETRY (whatever that may be) should follow a corresponding uniformity of the whole. A pack, to be handsome, should vary little or none in height, and have a pleasing affinity to each other in colour: to be good, they should run well together; and the unison of their musical tongues should constitute a perfect harmony, without a single note of discord. It is well known, that it is not always the lot of the most complete and best selected packs to kill in proportion to their seeming excellence; some are very much superior in qualifications to what they may promise to a stranger at first view; for though of various sizes, and picked up in different counties, (as well as from the hammer,) without the least appearance of consanguinity, or one distinguishing trait of attraction, yet they seldom miss their game. Mr. Beckford mentions a pack of this description who killed twenty-nine foxes without intermission; that when they were running, there was a long string of them, and every fault was hit off by an old SOUTHERN HOUND. When sufficient time has been employed in forming a pack of hounds, they can never be considered in a state of excellence or superiority, unless they go as if they were in harness; that is, when they are running breast high, they should run nearly all a breast; or, in other words, when clear of covert, and crossing a country, the body might nearly be covered with a sheet.

Nothing is a greater disgrace to the MASTER, the HUNTSMAN, or the pack, than to see a parcel of straggling tail hounds, labouring in vain; except a leading hound loaded with a leaden necklace, to restrain his speed, and depress the instinctive impulse of his nature to a level with those who are not his equals. This is a truly unsportsman-like stretch of authority, bordering upon cruelty; and would be much more "honored in the breach than the observance." Hounds of either description had better be parted with, than to encounter constantly a mortification so easily to be removed; and both will be the less likely to happen, the more moderate the number taken to the field. The taking out too many hounds is a frequent error in judgment, always productive of trouble, and sometimes to a most vexatious diminution of sport, to the incessant employment of the whipper-in, whose horse is the greatest sufferer upon the occasion.

Hounds differ much in their properties, according to the crosses in blood, and this is plainly perceptible to a nice observer, as well in their endeavours to find, as in the pursuit of their game; for those retaining most of the southern hound in their blood, are always the most constitutionally tardy in action. The north country beagle, (now called harrier,) with a cross of the DWARF FOX HOUND, has produced a direct contrast to the former, and are generally in use in those open countries where horses can lay by the side of them. The delight of the old southern hound is to dwell upon the scent; the extatic eagerness of the latter is to press it before him. When the former come to a fault, and can carry the scent no farther, they stick their noses to the ground as close together as a swarm of bees, making few or no efforts of their own, unless lifted along by the helping hand and encouraging voice of the HUNTSMAN. The exertions of the latter are instantaneous and indefatigable; they make their cast in different directions, without a moment's pause, and every individual pants with emulation to become the happy instrument of recovery: once hit off, the general struggle for pre-eminence constitutes a scene by far too luxurious for the inadequate representation of literary description.

Opposite as these chases are, they are not without their distinct and different votaries: the tempers of some men, and the age or infirmities of others, render their minds as gloomy as the atmosphere of the winter's day in which they HUNT; to these the solemn knell of the SOUTHERN HOUND is so musically mechanical, that it seems to vibrate in unison with the somniferous melancholy of their own sensations. But with those in the health and pride of manhood, who enjoy the obstacles, and surmount the difficulties, of CROSSING a COUNTRY, in direct contrast to the ruminative pleasure of whipping a thistle, or riding a few rings round a barn, fleet hounds will always have the preference. Hounds of this description, it must be candidly confessed, are, however, drawn too fine in their formation, and so critically refined to speed, that the game, whatever it may be, can stand but a little time before them: unless, from stormy weather, or some other accidental cause, much cold hunting should intervene. And this, in the present rage for improvement, is so much the case with HARRIERS in general, that, in the early part of the season, half the hares found are run up to in the first view; and even after Christmas, when they are supposed to get strong; average chases do not exceed from twenty minutes to half an hour; and by the unprecedented speed of hounds, as they are now bred, the fox chase is contracted in proportion.

Although the breeding, entering, feeding, airing, and general management of hounds, is an entire system, dependent upon personal practice, from a strict and attentive attachment to which alone, excellence can be derived; yet, such rules and salutary regulations as stand high in sporting estimation, may be introduced for the information of those, who, in the infancy of initiation, are anxious to improve their judgment, by blending the theory of the closet with the practice of the field. The spring months are the best in which puppies can be produced; they have then the whole summer to expand and grow in. Some circumspection is necessary in the business of propagation, to prevent an unnecessary destruction; attention should be paid to shape, size, colour, disposition, and qualification, of both the dog and bitch intended to breed from; if the perfection of sire or dam are wished, or expected, to be retained, and displayed, in the offspring. The sporting world are enjoined by the best authority, "on no account to breed from one that is not stout, that is not tender nosed, or that is either a babbler or a skirter: it is the judicious cross that makes the pack complete. The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rectified in another; and if this be properly attended to, no reason can be suggested, why the breeding of hounds may not improve, till improvement can go no further."

Amidst general remarks, it may be remembered, that none but healthy and strong hounds should be bred from: old dogs should never be put to old bitches; and good whelps should never be put to bad walks: stinted in their earliest growth, (by a want of proper nutriment,) the frame becomes impoverished, the loins weak, and they are the less able to encounter that terrible foe, the distemper, whenever it may make its attack. This generally happens from the sixth to the ninth or tenth month, and proves incredibly destructive, which probably may be chiefly owing to the little that is done upon those occasions, by the way of either prevention or cure. Various are the opinions respecting the number of hounds it may be necessary to keep in kennel during the hunting season; and these must be regulated by the kind of country they have to hunt, as one may tire or lame hounds more than another: slippery, marley clay will do the one; the rolling flints of Surrey, Oxfordshire, or Hampshire, never fail to do the other. Those who are prudent, will never take more than from twenty to five-and-twenty couple to the field; to exceed which, would not only be rather unfair, but probably do more harm than GOOD. The number necessary to be taken, is not so material a matter of consideration, as their conjunctive qualifications when there; thirty-five couple of settled, steady, seasoned hounds, will, therefore, admit of hunting three (occasionally four) days a week.

It is a well-founded opinion, that every kennel should have a proper annual supply of young hounds; if this is neglected for two or three seasons, the pack will soon be overloaded with old hounds, and suddenly fall into decay. Industrious, hard-working hounds, seldom continue in full vigour and speed longer than five or six seasons; though there are not wanting instances of deserving favourites having continued the crack hounds of the pack for eight or nine years in succession. A little of this difference may probably proceed from two causes, a variation in constitution, and a contrast in the discipline of the KENNEL; from which Mr. Beckford candidly confesses he never was long absent, without perceiving a difference in their looks at his return. It is also his opinion, that from eight to twelve couple of young hounds, bred annually, would sufficiently supply an establishment not exceeding forty couple; but it is always best to have a reserve of a few couple more than wanted, in case of accidents; since, from the time the draft is made, to the time of hunting, is a long period, and their existence at that age and season very precarious: besides, when they are safe from the distemper, they are not always so from each other; and a summer seldom passes without some losses of that kind. At the same time he hints the absurdity of entering more than are necessary to keep up the pack, as a greater number would only create useless trouble, and more vexation.

No one subject, perhaps, has so nearly exhausted the fertility of human invention, as the infinity of names bestowed upon HOUNDS and HORSES; which have been so numerous and diversified, that a single name can hardly be adopted, which has not been before brought into use. In proof of which, the writer just mentioned has given a list of more than eight hundred appellations, or terms by which hounds may be known: but as the name of each hound should as nearly as possible correspond with the sport, (as well as the most apparent qualification of the individual,) such only are introduced here as are the most musical, and from which a variety for even TWO or THREE PACKS may be selected.

DOGS.

Agent

Aimwell

Amorous

Antic

Anxious

Archer

Ardent

Ardor

Artful

Atlas

Atom

Awful

Bachelor

Bellman

Bluecap

Blueman

Bluster

Boaster

Bouncer

Bragger

Brawler

Brazen

Brilliant

Brusher

Bustler

Captain

Captor

Carver

Caster

Caviller

Challenger

Champion

Charon

Chaser

Chaunter

Chimer

Comforter

Comus

Conqueror

Constant

Coroner

Cottager

Countryman

Coxcomb

Craftsman

Critic

Crowner

Cruiser

Cryer

Damper

Danger

Dabster

Darter

Dasher

Dashwood

Daunter

Dinger

Dreadnought

Driver

Duster

Eager

Earnest

Envious

Factious

Fearnought

Ferryman

Finder

Flagrant

Foamer

Foiler

Foreman

Foremost

Forester

Gainer

Gallant

Galloper

Gamboy

Gazer

Genius

Gimcrack

Giant

Glancer

Glider

Goblin

Growler

Guardian

Guider

Hardy

Harlequin

Harrasser

Headstrong

Hearty

Hector

Heedful

Hopeful

Hotspur

Hurtful

Jerker

Jingler

Jostler

Jovial

Jumper

Lasher

Laster

Leader

Leveller

Lifter

Lightfoot

Listener

Lounger

Lurker

Lusty

Manful

Marksman

Marplot

Match'em

Maxim

Meanwell

Medler

Mender

Mentor

Mercury

Merlin

Merryman

Mighty

Minikin

Monitor

Mounter

Mover

Mungo

Mutinous

Nervous

Nestor

Newsman

Nimrod

Noble

Nonsuch

Noxious

Pageant

Paragon

Partner

Perfect

Petulant

Phœbus

Pilgrim

Pillager

Pilot

Pincher

Playful

Plunder

Prattler

Presto

Prodigal

Prowler

Prophet

Prosper

Prosperous

Racer

Rambler

Rampant

Random

Ranger

Ranter

Rattler

Ravager

Ravisher

Rector

Regent

Render

Restive

Reveller

Rifler

Rigid

Ringwood

Rioter

Rockwood

Router

Rover

Rumour

Rural

Rustic

Sampler

Sampson

Saucebox

Saunter

Scamper

Schemer

Scrambler

Scuffler

Searcher

Sharper

Shifter

Signal

Skirmish

Social

Songster

Spanker

Speedwell

Splendor

Spoiler

Spokesman

Sportsman

Squabbler

Statesman

Steady

Stickler

Stormer

Stranger

Stripling

Striver

Stroker

Strotter

Struggler

Sturdy

Surly

Talisman

Tamer

Tartar

Tattler

Taunter

Teazer

Thrasher

Threatener

Thunderer

Tickler

Tomboy

Torment

Torrent

Touchstone

Tragic

Trampler

Transit

Traveller

Trimbush

Trimmer

Triumph

Trojan

Truant

Trueman

Trusty

Trial

Turbulent

Twinger

Tyrant

Vagabond

Vagrant

Valiant

Valorous

Vaulter

Vaunter

Venture

Vermin

Victor

Vigilant

Villager

Viper

Violent

Voucher

Wanderer

Warrior

Well-bred

Whipster

Whynot

Wilful

Wisdom

Woodman

Worthy

Wrangler

Wrestler

BITCHES.

Active

Actress

Airy

Audible

Baneful

Bashful

Bauble

Beauty

Beldam

Blameless

Blithesome

Blowzey

Bluebell

Bonny

Bonnylass

Boundless

Brimstone

Busy

Bucksome

Captious

Careless

Careful

Cautious

Charmer

Chearful

Comely

Comfort

Crafty

Crazy

Credulous

Croney

Cruel

Curious

Dainty

Daphne

Darling

Dauntless

Dianna

Diligent

Doubtful

Doubtless

Doxy

Easy

Echo

Endless

Fairmaid

Fairplay

Famous

Fancy

Favourite

Fearless

Festive

Fickle

Fidget

Flighty

Flourish

Fretful

Frisky

Frolic

Fury

Gambol

Gamesome

Gamestress

Gaylass

Ghastly

Giddy

Gladsome

Graceful

Graceless

Gracious

Grateful

Guilesome

Guiltless

Guilty

Hasty

Handsome

Harlot

Harmony

Heedless

Helen

Heroine

Hideous

Hostile

Jollity

Joyful

Joyous

Laudable

Lavish

Lawless

Lightning

Lightsome

Lively

Lofty

Lovely

Luckylass

Madcap

Magic

Matchless

Merrylass

Minion

Mischief

Music

Needful

Nimble

Noisy

Notable

Novice

Pastime

Patience

Phœnix

Phrenzy

Placid

Playful

Pleasant

Pliant

Positive

Precious

Prettylass

Priestess

Prudence

Racket

Rally

Rantipole

Rapid

Rapine

Rapture

Rarity

Rattle

Ravish

Reptile

Restless

Rhapsody

Riot

Rival

Rummage

Ruthless

Sappho

Skilful

Specious

Speedy

Spiteful

Spitfire

Sportive

Sprightly

Strumpet

Symphony

Tattle

Telltale

Tempest

Termagant

Terrible

Testy

Thoughtful

Toilsome

Tragedy

Trifle

Trollop

Tuneful

Vengeance

Venomous

Venus

Vicious

Vigilance

Vixen

Vocal

Volatile

Voluble

Wanton

Wasteful

Watchful

Welcome

Whimsey

Wishful

Hounds are constantly liable to those distressing disorders the DISTEMPER and CANINE MADNESS, as well as to that vexatious and troublesome disease called the MANGE. As well with hounds as with horses, prevention, in all cases, is preferable to CURE: unfortunately, there is as yet no mode discovered by which either of the former can be prevented. The distemper, if attended to upon its first appearance, may with as much certainty be counteracted, in the severity of its symptoms, by medical interposition, as the variolus matter is divested of its malignant miasma by the alleviating preparatives previous to inoculation. The only specifics by which a purpose so desirable can be effected, are the preparations of MERCURY blended with small proportions of EMETIC TARTAR, as the judicious practitioner may find applicable to the predominant appearances of the case. It has been observed, and with great reason, that as the universality of the distemper has evidently increased during the last twenty or thirty years, so the more destructive calamity of MADNESS amongst the species has evidently declined.

As it is certain the distemper may be arrested, in the severity of its progress, by timely intervention, so the first symptoms of its appearance cannot be too perfectly explained. It is preceded by a husky dryness in the throat; as if a small bone, or some similar obstruction, was fixed there, from which the animal, by an incessant kind of straining and half cough, seems constantly endeavouring to relieve itself. This is soon followed by a slimy discharge from the nostrils; and an adhesive gummy matter exudes from the eyes: food of every kind is refused; the eyes become sunk and glassy: the carcase, behind the ribs, is invariably contracted, and a stricture is to be observed upon the abdominal muscles, as if bound with a cord. As the disorder becomes more inveterate in its progress, other symptoms ensue; every day demonstrates additional debility and emaciation; eternal strainings to vomit, and those severe and violent, producing nothing more than a mere viscid phlegm or slimy mucus from the glands: a frequent tenesmus, or straining to evacuate by stool, without effect, is also attendant: to this succeeds a distressing weakness of the loins, occasioning a twisting and distortion of the hinder extremities, as if a disjunction of the vertebræ had taken place. If the disorder is not counteracted at or before its CRISIS, spasms and twitchings become perceptible about the head and neck; the discharge from the nose and eyes assume a dry and barky appearance, forming a kind of matted eschar upon the surface; the eyes become more and more sunk, till nearly closed: a ropy slime oozes from each side the jaws, which seem nearly fixed; a drooping dizziness, and frequent disposition to turning round, is commonly seen during this stage; and fits soon follow, which, more or less, continue till, during some one of these paroxysms, DEATH closes the SCENE.

In the earlier stages of the distemper, the well-known powder of Doctor James has been brought into use with success. It may, however, be necessary to premise, that no good effect is to be expected from small and ineffectual doses; they must be large to be efficacious: no relief can be obtained, but by taking off the general stricture, removing the obstructions, promoting the various secretions, and constituting revulsion. When it is so evidently ascertained, that all dogs labouring under the distemper, have both the stomach and intestinal canal disordered, and in a state of extreme irritation, it is natural to advert a little to the filth, dirt, gravel, sand, dry grass, straw, and various other extraneous particles, young DOGS and PUPPIES ravenously swallow with the chance food they happen to pick up: and it is equally worthy attention, that the prelude to visible amendment is generally the discharge of an indurated MASS or PELLET from the ANUS, which, when broken to pieces is found to consist of the before-mentioned articles; and, beyond a doubt, by retarding some secretions, and obstructing others, contributes in no small degree to increase the inveteracy of disease. For explanatory remarks upon CANINE MADNESS and HYDROPHOBIA, see Dogs.

The MANGE, when it has once found its way into a kennel, is a most troublesome, loathsome, and infectious disorder: if it has not been introduced by the latter, it must have originated in an acrimonious and vitiated state of the BLOOD, arising from too long a perseverance in some impoverished or putrified kind of food; a want of proper AIR or EXERCISE; or a culpable deficiency in cleanliness; without all which, health and strength need not long be expected. The mange is a disorder too well known not only in HOUNDS, but every other kind of DOG, to require description; and for the cure of which, AUTHORS, COMPILERS, and EDITORS, of every class, have furnished means in abundance, sulphur vivum, oil of turpentine, gunpowder, ginger, train oil, foot, and a tedious COMBINATION of COMBUSTIBLES, (with various alternatives, in cases of failure,) are recommended to extirpate what may be completely eradicated without half the nastiness or trouble. All that externals can do, may be expected from three plentiful bastings of a very cheap and easily-procured composition, consisting of sulphur vivum, four ounces; white hellebore powder, two ounces; black pepper, very finely powdered, one ounce; sal armoniac, (finely powdered likewise,) half an ounce; oil of tartar, one ounce; and common olive oil, one pint; with which the diseased subject should have every affected part fully and forcibly impregnated with the hand at three different times, three days apart during which process, at the same equal distances of time, three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS of a proper strength (proportioned to the age, size, and strength, of the dog) should be administered, if a sure and speedy cure is to be expected.

The disorder called the RED MANGE does not appear to be nearly allied to what is so well known by the common appellation of MANGE, but to be a species of disease within itself, seated in the skin, and not always infectious amongst dogs laying together, but almost invariably communicated by a BITCH to her LITTER of WHELPS, particularly if she had it upon her during the time she was in pup. This disorder is most malignant in its effect; the incessant and severe itching, which, from all observation, seems accompanied by a burning heat, and this too increased by the perpetual biting and scratching of the tortured animal, gives such parts of the frame as are severely affected, the appearance of having been scalded by some boiling liquor, with a consequent loss of hair. It is this distinct kind of MANGE that so constantly baffles DOG-DOCTORS and dog-mongers of every description, and reduces them to their ne plus ultra, where the fertility of invention can go no further. It is, perhaps, the most deceptive disorder to which any part of the animal world can become unluckily subject; for when it has (seemingly and repeatedly) submitted to, and been subdued by, some of the combination of combustibles before described, it has as suddenly, as repeatedly, and as unexpectedly, made its reappearance with all its former virulence. Great care, nice attention, and long experience, can discover but one infallible mode of perfect eradication. Let half an ounce of CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE be reduced in a glass mortar to an impalpable powder; to this, by a very small quantity at a time, add two ounces (half a gill) of spirits of wine; and, lastly, one pint of rain or river water, and, with a sponge dipt in the solution, let every part palpably affected be well washed, every third day, till thrice performed; then leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony of thrice as before; letting three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS be given at the equal distances stated in the common mange, and no doubt of cure need be entertained, if the mode prescribed is properly and judiciously attended to.

However opinions may vary upon the manner of FEEDING hounds, as well in respect to time, as the occasional changes in, and property of, the FOOD best adapted to the purpose of nutritious SUPPORT, no opposition whatever can arise to the general inculcation of CLEANLINESS, as indispensibly conducive to the preservation of HEALTH, and consequent exclusion of DISEASE. In the acceptation of the word cleanliness, may be included the true intent and meaning of both internal and external circumspection and attention, as well in PHYSIC, and in FOOD, as in the neat and judicious arrangement of the KENNEL; where the conjunctive force of which is wanting, what a train of disease, misery, and wretchedness, frequently ensues! To avoid all which, at the times and seasons found most proper for their introduction, ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, and MERCURIAL PURGATIVES, should be brought into use. Upon this practice Mr. Beckford has given his opinion in the following words.

"I am not fond of bleeding hounds, unless they want it; though it has long been a custom to physic them twice a year; after they leave off hunting, and before they begin. It is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of service to them. If a hound be in want of physic, I prefer giving it in balls. [3] It is more easy to give in this manner the quantity he may want, and you are more certain that he takes it. In many kennels, they also bleed them twice a year, and some people think that it prevents madness. The anointing of hounds, or dressing them, as huntsmen call it, makes them fine in their coats: it may be done twice a year, or oftener, if found necessary."

The necessity of introducing something medicinal for the preservation of health, and prevention of disease, is thus admitted upon the best of all foundations, practical experience; but as medical precision cannot be expected from those who have not made the profession their study, so Mr. Beckford seems to have applied "physic" in a general sense to every kind of MEDICINE, as well to ALTERATIVES as to PURGATIVES; though the term, when used technically, is conceived to imply the latter only. According to this construction, it is to be presumed, Mr. Beckford administered the balls as "physic," when, in fact, they can only be termed antimonial alteratives, calculated to obtund acrimony, and alter the property of the blood. Mercurial purgatives perfectly cleanse the intestinal canal, and correct morbidity at the same time. External applications, called "dressings," are more particularly directed to bodily eruptions, and cutaneous diseases of the skin: in all these, SULPHUR is a principal ingredient, and looked upon as a specific: in fact, its efficacy is too well known to admit of a doubt upon the occasion.

Hounds, as well as HORSES, are rendered subservient instruments to the support of Government, and exigencies of the State. Persons keeping them pay a tax of THIRTY POUNDS per annum.

HOUZING

.—The houzing of a horse is a part of military paraphernalia appertaining to officers of cavalry in general, and the privates of the King's horse guards in particular; consisting of scarlet trappings ornamented with gold lace, fringe, and some part of the insignia of the crown. They are fastened to the hinder part of the saddle, and suspended from the loins, so as to cover the flanks, and a part of the hind-quarters on each side. General and FIELD OFFICERS have their houzings principally manufactured of lions, tigers, or leopard's skins, giving additional magnificence to the stately grandeur of the MILITARY CHARGER.

HUMOURS

.—All chronic disorders in the horse, arising from an impure state of the blood, are with the inferior classes in general denominated "HUMOURS;" as a concise mode of avoiding scientific investigation, or medical ambiguity, and bringing the case immediately home, as they think, to every comprehension. With people of the description alluded to (whether SMITHS, FARRIERS, COACHMEN, or GROOMS) the word humours is conceived so wonderfully comprehensive, that it is by them supposed to convey an infinite idea of every thing, at the very moment it is known, by their superiors and employers, to imply no definite or certain meaning at all. If a horse has swelled legs, they are the effect of "humours." If an inflammation of and defluxion from the eyes, they are equally produced by "humours." Should cracked heels appear (the evident effect of idleness, and want of attention) they too are brought on by "humours." Even thrushes, occasioned in general by equal neglect and want of cleanliness, are also frequently attributed to "humours;" and to sum up the intrinsic value of this professional GEM, even lameness, in a variety of cases, whether behind or before, above or below, is most sapiently, if not SCIENTIFICALLY, attributed to that ne plus ultra of definition, denominated humours.

Thus far upon what HUMOURS are supposed to be; now to what they are. It may readily be conceived by those not professionally informed on the subject, that the BLOOD (which is the very mainspring of existence) must have preserved such kind of equality, consistency, or uniformity, in its component parts, as to constitute a precise standard, necessary to the enjoyment and preservation of HEALTH. This incontrovertible position being admitted beyond all possible ground of controversy, what does it evidently demonstrate? Why, that as much as the BLOOD is enriched above, or impoverished below, that STANDARD, in its property, so in proportion must it approach the kind of disease appertaining to the one extreme or the other. To those whose intellectual rays are open to conviction, not a single line more would be required in explanation; but that the most incredulous, the most obstinate, and the most illiterate, may have equal opportunity of information, let the two different states of the blood, (as just explained,) with their effects, be adverted to. When it has, by a superabundance of food and ease, a neglect of exercise, and a want of the necessary evacuations, acquired a degree of consistence (or thickness) above the criterion already described, it then becomes too heavy and sluggish for its purpose of regular CIRCULATION, and is proportionally inadequate to the task of propelling the perspirative matter to the surface, which being thus compulsively returned upon the blood, adds to its siziness, and promotes its viscidity, jointly tending to such partial stagnation, as soon displays itself in some one of the many disorders to which horses are incident, in the hands of those where prevention is not attended to.

Having taken a survey of the state of the BLOOD, by which swelled legs, grease, foulness, inflammatory tumours, formations of matter in various parts, and one species of farcy, may be produced, it will be necessary to take a short view of it in its contrasted state, when, by a continued series of hard work, with bad keep, a constant supply of unhealthy provender, in musty oats, mouldy hay, or any other article distending the body, without adequate nutriment to the frame, as well as the want of a proper supply, in proportion to the necessary SECRETIONS and EVACUATIONS, will either, or all, tend to diminish the CRASSAMENTUM, or adhesive property of the blood, and in a greater or less degree (according to the cause) reduce it to a serous or weak and watery state, below the standard of mediocrity so clearly explained; when acquiring acrimony in proportion as it has been reduced, the effect seldom rests upon emaciation only, but soon displays itself in some cutaneous eruption, so constantly dependent upon, and appertaining to, an impoverished state of the blood.

This distinction has been introduced, not more to throw some satisfactory light upon the ambiguity of the expression, which it seems so few understand, than to prove the necessity for paying such attention to the general state of a HORSE'S HEALTH and appearance, as may at least be the means of preventing disease, anxiety, trouble, expence, and probably the eventual loss of a useful, or even a valuable, animal, which too often happens for want of a little humane circumspection; when it is then experimentally found REPENTANCE comes too late. As the fertile idea of HUMOURS frequently originates in error, so the error is continued in the medical mode of counteraction; for let the derangement in the animal economy have happened from whichever of the causes described, the system adopted is much the same in all cases, and with all classes, rendering sometimes the remedy worse than the disease. Those, however, who wish to blend instruction with entertainment, deriving advantage from both, will do well to recollect, that whatever DISORDERS (alias humours) originate in plethora, fulness of the frame, and viscidity of the blood, must be subdued by repeated BLEEDINGS, moderate PURGING, regular exercise, a great deal of stable discipline, (wisping, leg-rubbing, &c.) and, if necessary, a concluding course of MILD DIURETICS. Disorders arising from a weak and impoverished state of the blood last described, must be counteracted by an extra addition of nutritive aliment, as mashes of ground malt and bran nightly, as well as the usual supplies of corn by day: an invigorating cordial ball daily should assist the intent; and a course ofANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES be lastly introduced, to give a new complexion to the property of the blood.

HUMBLES

.—The articles so called are some of the internal trimmings obtained in breaking up a DEER, which are always a perquisite of the keeper.

HUNTER

.—A hunter, in its strictest implied signification with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse or mare of superior description and qualifications, appropriated to no other purpose whatever than the enjoyment of the chase. As it is the highest ambition of every SPORTSMAN to be in possession of a HUNTER, numbers are so called, who are by no means entitled to that distinction. Various opinions are entertained respecting the more minute properties of a horse destined to the particular purposes of the field, and this diversity can only be justified by an allusion to the kind of hounds with whom he is intended to hunt. Horses of an inferior description, cross bred, and without a point of perfection, or the property of speed, may be called HUNTERS with harriers; but prove mere roadsters, when brought into the field with either STAG or FOX. One third of a century since, moderate horses were called hunters; and those about HALF BRED went tolerably well up to most hounds; but during the last twenty years, so great has been the rage for improving their speed, that in the present day, any horse may follow the hounds; but BLOOD HORSES only can go by the side of them.

The horses now denominated HUNTERS, are mostly three parts and full bred; for the great number of blood horses not turning out WINNERS, as well as those not trained for the turf, come of course to the hunting stables, and keep up a constant supply. Under the head HORSE, three distinct kinds are mentioned generally, and the purposes to which they are assigned; but no particular description is made of a HUNTER, whose qualifications are properly reserved for this place. A hunter for constant use with fleet hounds, should be well bred on both sides; not less in age than five years old off; from fifteen hands and an inch, to fifteen three and sixteen hands, but not to exceed it: large and heavy horses, in deep or hilly countries, frequently tire themselves. To be handsome, he should be strong in the frame and formation, short in the joints, firm in his fetlocks, quick in the eye, and agile in action. He should have a light airy head, wide nostrils, prominent lively eye, slight curve in the crest, long in the neck, wide in the breast, deep in the chest, high in the withers, straight in the spine, short in the back, round in the barrel, full in the flank, (the last rib coming well up to the point of the hip-bone,) his loins wide, and rather circular than flat; the summit of the hind-quarters, between the fillets and the tail, should nearly form one section of an oval; the tail should be high, and well set on, in nearly a direct line from the back, and not in a drooping degree below the rump: there should be perceptible strength, uniformity and substance in the thighs, and a prominent muscular swell in the exterior of the gaskins; a great length from the hip-bone to the hock, short from thence to the fetlock, which should be nearly round, and well united; the pasterns rather short than long; fore-legs straight, and upright; hoofs, black, and of a strong firm texture; great courage, good temper, and pliability of disposition.

These are the rules by which thousands will admit a HUNTER should be chosen; and they will also as readily admit, the very great difficulty with which horses of such description are to be obtained. However, as such an accumulation of perfections is so rarely to be found in the same object, the most emulous and judicious will be the more anxious to come as near to such criterion as circumstances will permit; but as it is not to be expected the young, any more than the inexperienced, can retain the minutiæ of a description to which they have been so little accustomed, as well as recollecting the force EXAMPLE is said to have beyond precept, the PORTRAIT of a HUNTER is introduced, who, for all the qualifications already described, was repeatedly in the field (with his Majesty's stag hounds) honoured with the royal approbation. He was got by Eclipse, dam by Blank, and possessed every requisite in the field to render himself an object of universal attraction: after HUNTING two seasons, and COVERING one, he was purchased, and taken to America as A STALLION.

Having explicitly laid down the rules by which a horse should be selected for the purpose particularly expressed, some farther hints become necessary for his general management, if a wish is entertained to preserve him in a state of purity; for it is well known, there cannot be a greater stigma annexed to the character of a professed sportsman, than his having a GOOD horse in bad condition. The next great qualification to SPEED and TEMPER in a hunter, is the property of leaping, both standing and flying; without those (in an enclosed country) his leading perfections are very much reduced in the estimation of the field: on the contrary, if he is in the full and unrestrained possession of these additional, and, indeed, indispensible requisites to complete and confirm his character, a purchaser may always be commanded at any price. One great error is generally prevalent in teaching horses to LEAP, by the young, petulant, and hasty, when first they are brought to the BAR, particularly in and round the Metropolis, where an assistant is frequently seen with a whip to expedite what cannot be proceeded upon with too much kindness and circumspection. Young horses driven to a bar with a whip, and once alarmed, are sometimes prevented from becoming good standing leapers during their existence. Instances are very rare of well-bred horses being bad FLYING LEAPERS, particularly with hounds; few, if any, have ever been seen willing to stay behind when the pack were before them; they of course require no other instructions, than what the experience of the field affords them. When horses are intended for the field, they should be brought and accustomed to the bar, previous to their being put upon their mettle, and flurried with hounds; when there, the bar should never be less than three feet from the ground; if lower, it only induces the horse to attempt it with one foot, as if to walk or scramble over it; and this is a bad habit to acquire: he should never be permitted to make an effort, till taught to rest entirely upon his haunches, and to raise slowly and gradually both his feet before at the same moment.

Nothing can be more contemptibly ridiculous, than the absurd practice of clothing the BAR with bushes of furze; and this is generally introduced, under the plausible pretence of making the horse clear his leap; although it is a fact, that almost every horse is terrified in approaching it; and when compelled to take it, or is rather driven over, it is in a JUMP of fear and agitation; not in a cool, temperate, and steady leap of safety, fit to qualify a HUNTER for the FIELD. A horse can only be made a good standing leaper, by affording him ample time to measure his leap before he attempts it; that is, to observe its height, and take the space necessary for the bend of his knees, the contraction of his legs, and his own altitude to cover the leap with certainty; and this a well-taught horse, of tolerable temper, will generally do, if permitted to adopt his own plan, and use his own exertions: but if unnaturally hurried by the petulance, impatience, or inhumanity, of those about him, failure, injury, and disgrace, frequently ensue. The proper covering for a leaping-bar should either be fern, or clean wheat straw, well secured by a strong packthread, bound transversely and longitudinally in a kind of net-work, (bracing equally every way,) which is not only exceedingly durable, but being composed of articles to which the horse is so accustomed, he naturally approaches it, if gently used, and patiently encouraged, without the least fear or agitation.