H.

HACK

.—Any horse appropriated to every kind of purpose, (and upon which no great estimation or value is placed,) it has been the custom for time immemorial to distinguish by the appellation of HACK. Custom, however, has permitted a slight deviation from a practice of long standing, and A HACK is now generally understood to imply the idea of a hired horse; that is, a horse the property of a HACKNEY-MAN, JOB or POSTMASTER, who lets out horses by the day, week, or month, and who is obliged to take out an annual licence for permission so to do, paying FIVE SHILLINGS for the same: doing which without A LICENCE, renders him liable to a penalty of TEN POUNDS.

Hack horses, whether for riding or drawing, used in travelling post, are individually liable to a duty of one penny halfpenny per mile, for as many miles as such horse shall be engaged to travel within a day, or any less time; but where the distance cannot then be ascertained, one shilling and ninepence shall be paid for each horse so hired. This duty is demanded by the person letting the horse or horses to hire, who, upon receiving such payment, shall deliver to the person so hiring, one or more STAMP-OFFICE TICKETS, under a penalty of TEN POUNDS.

HACKNEY

,—in the general acceptation of the word with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse superior to all others upon the score of UTILITY; being rendered subservient to every office of exertion, speed, and perseverance, or, in other words, to all the drudgery and labour of his situation, from which his cotemporaries, the RACER, the HUNTER, and the CHARGER, by the imaginary superiority of their qualifications, and pampered appearance, are always exempt. It is the peculiar province of the HACKNEY to carry his master twelve or fifteen miles in an hour to covert, (where the HUNTER is in waiting,) and sometimes to bring back the GROOM with still greater expedition, whose engagements may probably have occasioned him to be much more in haste than his MASTER. It is in the department of the HACKNEY to encounter and overcome emergencies and difficulties of every description: his constitution should be excellent, and his spirit invincible; he must be enabled to go five-and-twenty or thirty miles at a stage, without drawing bit, and without the least respect to the depth of the roads, or the dreary state of the weather; and if he is not equal to any weight, in these trifling exertions, he will be held in no estimation as a HACKNEY of FASHION.

HACKNEY-MEN

.—Those so called are the proprietors of COACHES, CHAISES, and HORSES, for the accommodation of the public, and of whom may be obtained vehicles of such description for any length of time required. They are subject to a LICENCE ANNUALLY, and various duties upon the different carriages, all which are clearly explained in concise abstracts (called "TAX TABLES") from the Acts of Parliament upon this particular subject.

HAIR

,—with which the frame of the horse is so completely covered, and more familiarly termed COAT, is, in general, indicative of the good or ill state of the horse; not only in respect to health, but to his CONDITION, for whatever work he may be designed. If the subject is sleek in his coat, with a glossy shining surface, soft and pliable in the skin; not tight upon the ribs, as if firmly adhering to the side; no enlargements upon the lower joints of the legs, nor any profuse and faint perspiration upon moderate work, the BLOOD may be pronounced in a HEALTHY STATE, and the horse in fair and GOOD CONDITION.

If, on the contrary, the coat is rough, hollow, staring different ways, of a variegated hue, with a tinge of dust or scaly scurf beneath the surface, the perspirative matter has been thrown upon the circulation by a collapsion of the porous system, the blood is become sizey, and disposed to morbidity, in proportion to the preternatural weight by which it is overloaded, and the obstructions it has to encounter in its passage through the finer vessels, occasioned by the languor of the circulation.

It is no uncommon thing for HORSES in tolerable GOOD CONDITION to go all to pieces, particularly in the autumn months, without the least cause to be assigned, the least reason to be suggested, by either MASTER or GROOM. Certain it is, that to two successive acts of indiscretion, (or error in judgment,) this very prevalent defeat may be attributed, without the least fear of being at all wrong in the conclusion. Grooms and COACHMEN, in general, totally unmindful of the great heat of their stables during the night, throw open the doors immediately upon coming in the morning, (regardless of even frost or snow,) and frequently so continue during the whole ceremony of "mucking out" and carrying away the dung, if not with the addition of stripping and dressing the horses into the bargain.

That the measure of indiscretion may be complete, the ceremony not unfrequently terminates in a three or four gallon pail of hard cold water from the PUMP in the yard or mews; immediately after which, a judicious observer will perceive

"Each particular hair to stand on end,

"Like quills upon the fretful porcupine."

This prevailing practice has frequently laid the foundation of various ills, not one of which were ever attributed to the right cause. Such an accumulation of chilling frigidity immediately succeeding the extreme heat of the night, has often produced diseases without end, at least those which ended only with life. Colds, COUGHS, FEVER, (original or symptomatic,) INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, BAD EYES, BROKEN WIND, SWELLED LEGS, CRACKED HEELS, DROPSY in the chest, with a long list of et ceteras, or even death itself, may be occasioned by circumstances which in themselves appear so trifling, yet they sometimes prove of considerable magnitude, and would attract the necessary attention of any humane man looking after his own horses; but in the present age of duplicity and deception, are very little likely to affect the sensibility or integrity of those looking after the horses of others.

Where a loss of hair has been sustained by some injury, as in broken knees, wounds after being healed, blistering or firing, the growth may be promoted (particularly in slight cases) by reducing three drachms of CAMPHIRE to fine powder, then letting it be well incorporated with two ounces of SPERMA CÆTI OINTMENT upon a marble slab, and a small portion of it well rubbed into the part affected at least once, but it will be better if persevered in twice a day.

HALTER

—is that well-known convenience by which a horse is fastened to the MANGER when confined in a STABLE. Halters are of two kinds; the one prepared of twisted hemp, the other made of LEATHER, having head-stall, throat-straps and buckles, nose-band, &c. and are called double-reined hunting-collars. These are the safest in every respect, and, although the most expensive at first, are proportionally durable, and consequently cheapest in the course of time. Hempen halters are sometimes injurious, in forming swellings, or lacerations, upon the upper part of the head, behind the ears, by the friction of the hard-twisted hemp upon a part naturally tender and easily susceptible. They are, however, now but very little used, except in the stables of inferior inns, and of indigent rustics.

HALTER-CAST

.—This is an accident to which horses are constantly liable, and it very frequently happens; but, in general, from the inadvertency of leaving the rein of the halter of too great a length on either one side or the other: for when the horse is lying down, and has occasion (from itching, or some other cause) to rub his neck or head with the hind foot, it is no uncommon thing to have it get entangled in the halter-rein; which encircling the cavity of the heel, renders it impossible for the animal to extricate himself, unless the halter breaks in his favor; and during these struggles, the heel is sometimes so terribly excoriated, as to become not only a WOUND of much trouble, anxiety, and loss of labour, but often leaves a very vexatious blemish, never to be removed. It is, therefore, a truly necessary part of stable circumspection, to have an occasional eye to a circumstance in itself so seemingly insignificant, when it is recollected, that its omission may be productive of much mortification.

HALTING

—may be considered a limping, or slight impediment to FREE and EASY ACTION, implying some kind of perceptible defect or disquietude, not amounting to absolute LAMENESS. Whenever this irregularity in motion is first observed, and that the legs do not move in corresponding uniformity, or, in other words, as if they were not fellows, an accurate examination should be immediately made to ascertain the CAUSE, that it may be speedily relieved; upon a very fair presumption, that what might produce only a limping or halting in the first instance, might probably become a confirmed LAMENESS by a perseverance in use, without adverting to the proper means of alleviation upon the original discovery of something amiss.

HAM, HOUGH, or HOCK

,—is the joint in the center of the hind leg behind; and although so wonderfully united for STRENGTH and ACTION, is nevertheless the seat of serious injuries, as BLOOD and BONE SPAVINS, CURBS, &c. the major part of which originate much more in improper treatment, by short turns, sudden jerks, or twists, upon the road, or in the stable, than by any accidents or fair mode of usage whatever.

HAMBLETONIAN

;—the name of A HORSE whose performances have ranked him in an equal degree of retrospective celebrity with Eclipse, Highflyer, Diomed, and the most famous runners of the past or present day. He was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, of Skipton, near York, and foaled in 1792; was got by King Fergus; dam by Highflyer; grand-dam by Matchem.—1795. May 5, when three years old, he won a stakes of fifteen guineas each, over Hambleton, (five subscribers,) beating Sober Robin, Tarquin, and another. At York, May 20th, he won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas each, four subscribers. He was then purchased, with all his engagements, by Sir C. Turner, Bart. in whose possession he won, on the 27th of August, at York, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, (six subscribers,) beating Benjamin, Minus, and Maximus. Two days after he won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each, four subscribers. At Doncaster, the 22d of September, he won the St. Leger stakes of twenty-five guineas each, twelve subscribers. The next day he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, four miles, beating Governor, Capsicum, and Bradamant.

1796. At the York August meeting he won a subscription purse of 227l. 10s. beating Spread Eagle, Sober Robin, and another. The next day he won the ladies' plate, beating Lord Darlington's St. George. At this period of his uninterrupted success, he was purchased by Sir Henry Tempest Vane, Bart. and at Doncaster, September 28, won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, beating Sober Robin, Ambrosio, and three others. In the Newmarket Houghton meeting, November 2, he beat Mr. Tatton's Patriot (who was got by Rockingham) over the Beacon Course for 1000 guineas.

1797. Monday in the Newmarket Craven meeting, he won the Craven stakes of ten guineas each, beating Sober Robin, Bennington, Paynator, Hermione, Parisot, Cymbeline, and five others. The same day he received 250 guineas forfeit from Spread Eagle. On Thursday, in the same week, he beat Lord Clermont's Aimator, Beacon Course, 300 guineas. At York, August 23, he won one third of the great subscription of 25 guineas each, (25 subscribers,) to which was added a 50l. plate given by the city. The next day he won another third of the same subscription, with an additional 50l. plate by the City, beating Beningbrough, Trimbush, and Brilliant. At Doncaster, the 27th of September, he won the stakes of ten guineas each, (ten subscribers,) with twenty guineas added by the Corporation; and on the 29th received 100 guineas forfeit from Mr. Sitwell's Moorcock.

In 1798 he was slightly lame, and never started.

1799. Monday, in the Craven meeting at Newmarket, he beat Mr. Cookson's famous horse Diamond, over the Beacon, for 3000 guineas, with the odds of five to four in his favour, on account of his superiority in size and strength; it being jocularly observed by the rider of Diamond at starting, that it seemed "a little like a race between a mare and her colt." This match was the greatest in popularity ever known from one extremity of the kingdom to the other, and was decided before one of the fullest meetings ever seen at Newmarket. It was won by no more than three parts of a length, to effect which the winner had felt the utmost force of the spur; and, it was generally believed, if they had then one hundred yards farther to have ran, Diamond would have been the winner; in proof of the justice of which opinion, Mr. Cookson challenged a repetition of the match, which was declined.

At Doncaster the same year, he won the renewed stakes of ten guineas each, (fourteen subscribers, with twenty guineas added by the Corporation,) beating eight of the best horses in the north of England. In 1800 he won the great subscription at York, with 50l. given by the City, which was the last time he started. He once ran out of the Course, soon after starting, when running three miles over York, 1797, for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each against Deserter and Spread Eagle; and paid one forfeit to Sterling (from being amiss in 1792) at Newmarket; but NEVER WAS BEAT. He is now a stallion in high repute near Leeds, in Yorkshire, at TEN GUINEAS, and half a guinea the groom.

HAND

—is the term for a mode of measurement by which the height of A HORSE is ascertained. A HAND (so called originally from its breadth) is four inches; three hands is consequently one foot; and A HORSE OF FIFTEEN HANDS is exactly five feet high; and so above or below in proportion; as thirteen hands three inches; fourteen hands and a half; or fifteen hands three inches and a quarter; as the measure may be. This, at the entrance of horses for GIVE and take plates, is regulated to a most scrupulous nicety by means of a standard, so curiously constructed, as to ascertain the exact height to the eighth of an inch, where horses are MATCHED to carry WEIGHT for inches.

Bridle-hand: the left hand is so termed, in contra-distinction to the right, which is called the WHIP-HAND; and the most experienced jockies in racing, always take the whip-hand, if possible; it being considered a point in their favour; that is, because they have not only an advantage in the turns of the course, but their adversaries circumscribe a larger circle of many lengths in a FOUR MILES race, exclusive of their having an unrestrained use of THE WHIP, should it come to a severe push at the run in.

There are many sporting phrases in which the word HAND becomes particularly emphatic. To say a horse is LIGHT in HAND, implies his being playful, lively, champing his bit, firm upon his haunches, and not dwelling upon the ground with his fore feet. A horse is HEAVY in HAND, when, bearing his weight upon the bit, and lifting his fore legs with reluctance, he goes boring on, with no other sensation to the rider, than an eternal fear of his pitching upon his head. A vicious horse, breaking away with his rider, seems a dreadful sight to a spectator, but can never be attended with misfortune, if the rider is a good HORSEMAN, and has him "well in hand," which is, in fact, the power of "gathering him together," or stopping his career at pleasure.

Although the left is technically termed the BRIDLE-HAND, yet a good horseman, or experienced sportsman, will use either right or left with the most perfect ease and dexterity; to effect which with the greater freedom, young horsemen should constantly practise an exchange of the reins from one hand to the other in their daily excursions. The hand should be delicately alive to every motion of the horse; for it is the judicious management of one, that is to constitute entirely the good or bad mouth of the other. A horse is supposed to gallop awkwardly (if not unnaturally) when he strikes into that pace with his left leg foremost; to prevent which, bear the rein to the left, with the bridle-hand, and the horse invariably sets off with the right leg.

Hand-gallop is that easy kind of pacing adapted to the aged and infirm, who wish to obtain every possible degree of motion, most consonant to bodily ease; it is the degree of equestrian action synonimous with, and more universally known by, the denomination of CANTER; which is, in fact, the slowest, or most contracted gallop, and can only be enjoyed by those who possess horses of good temper, and well broke for the purpose.

A COLT said to be "taken in hand," implies his being brought from his wild state of nature, to be handled, quieted, led about, and stabled, previous to his being broke in for the SADDLE or HARNESS.

A horse's FORE-HAND includes the fore quarters, from the withers upwards to the tip of the ears; the principal beauty and attraction of which depend entirely upon the length and curvilinear form of the neck, which increases or diminishes his marketable value, in proportion as it is well or ill formed.

HANDICAP

—is a sporting term, applicable to either MATCH, PLATE, or SWEEPSTAKES, in the following way:

A, B, and C, put an equal sum into a hat. C, who is the handicapper, makes a match for A and B, who, when they have perused it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out closed; then they open them together, and if both have money in their hands, the match is confirmed; if neither have money, it is no match: in either of these cases, the handicapper C draws all the money out of the hat: but if one has money in his hand, and the other none, it is then no MATCH; and he that has the money in his hand, is entitled to the whole deposit in the hat.

A HANDICAP PLATE is the gift of an individual, or raised by SUBSCRIPTION, for which horses are generally declared the day before running, at a certain hour, by written information privately delivered to the Clerk of the Course, whose province it is to make out the list, and hand it to the Steward of the Race; when the weight each horse must carry is irrevocably fixed, (by whoever the steward may appoint), and appears in the printed lists of the following morning. Horses thus entered, and declining the weight appointed for them to carry, are of course permitted to be withdrawn, without any forfeit or loss.

HANDING

—is sometimes used to express the HANDING of a COCK during his battle in the pit. It is, however, considered merely provincial, and peculiar only to some particular parts of the country; the hander of the cocks being now more generally known by the denomination of a SETTER-TO.—See Cockpit Royal.

HANDLING

,—a term applied by COCKERS to the judicious handling of a COCK, when brought up from his walk, to ascertain whether he is in proper condition to be placed in the PENS, and prepared to fight in either the MAIN BATTLES, or the byes. This is done by a particular mode of taking the girt of the body by grasp, to discover the shape and substance, the bone, the probable strength, as well as the firmness or flaccidity of the flesh; upon the aggregate of which so much depends, that in proportion to these qualifications, he is ACCEPTED or rejected accordingly.

HARBOUR

—is a sporting term, applicable solely to DEER, and used only in STAG HUNTING; when going to covert, and drawing for an out-lying deer; upon finding, it is customary to say, We UNHARBOUR a stag, (or hind.) As with HARRIERS, We find or start a HARE; or with fox hounds, We unkennel a FOX.

HARE

.—This small, harmless, inoffensive animal affords a greater diversity of sport in the field, and a greater degree of luxurious entertainment upon the table, than any species of GAME in this, or, probably, in any other country. The form, shape, and make of the HARE is too universally known to require description; but the most curious naturalists describe, and affect to believe, there are four kinds of hares in different parts of the kingdom. The fact is not so; the species is strictly the same; but they are known to differ in size, speed, substance, and somewhat in colour, according to the soil, climate, fertility, or sterility, of the country where they are bred.

Hares in hilly and mountainous countries are smaller, but more fleet than any other; those who are the natives of low, wet, marshy ground, or moors, are larger, but less firm and delicious in flesh, as well as less nimble in action. Hares bred in open countries, diversified with woods, parks, and arable lands, are in size between both, and afford the best coursing before GREYHOUNDS, as well as the longest chases before HOUNDS. Every part of the hare is admirably formed for the promotion of speed; which, in conjunction with other natural advantages, greatly enables her to evade the pursuits and stratagems of her numerous enemies.

The sense of SMELLING, as well as of HEARING, the hare possesses in a more exquisite degree than any other animal; the latter of which may be justly attributed to the great length, and singular formation, of the ears, so well adapted to receive the slightest vibration of sound, which even the earth is so well known to convey. Its sense of smelling is so incredibly nice, that the hare can wind an enemy (either man or beast) at a considerable distance, particularly in the stillness of the night; this is evidently occasioned by the elastic formation of the nostrils, and the depth of the division between both, from whence has arisen the appellation of a hare-lip, with which defect some of the human species are afflicted, in consequence of fright to the mother during the early months of pregnancy. The ears seem to be the regulators of almost every action; for during the chase one is always erect, the other horizontal; unless in suddenly coming upon an unexpected object, when they are for a moment both erect; but, upon turning and renewing her speed, they invariably resume their former position.

The EYES of the HARE, from the peculiar prominence of their formation, enable her to distinguish objects in almost every direction, without altering the position of either her head or her body; and it is remarkable, that their sight in a straight forward line seems less perfect than in any other. The natural timidity of the hare is excessive; she exists in perpetual fear, and is tremblingly alive to every breeze that can possibly produce alarm. Formed entirely for RUNNING, she either possesses no power, or makes no attempt to walk, but in her slowest motion proceeds by JUMPS. The food of the hare varies with the season, and consists chiefly of young clover, green wheat, short sweet grass in parks or upon lawns; and in the winter, parsley, turnip greens, and other succulent plants. During severe frosts, or deep snow, they make no small havock amongst young fruit-trees and fragrant shrubs, by nibbling the bark, thereby retarding their growth, if not (as is frequently the case) promoting their destruction. It is asserted by Mr. Daniel, in his publication called "Rural Sports," that the plantations of a GENTLEMAN in the county of Suffolk, had suffered so much in this way, that, in defence of his improvements, he felt himself under the necessity of destroying his HARES, when no less than five hundred and forty brace fell victims on the occasion.

The almost perpetual and incredible destruction of HARES, by HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, and the nocturnal net and wire of the poacher, (as well as the infinite increase to supply that destruction,) having occasioned suggestions, that they possess the property of SUPERFŒTATION, it becomes immediately applicable to introduce a remark or two under that head. We are told by Mr. Daniel, that "Sir Thomas Brown, in his Treatise on Vulgar Errors, asserts this circumstance from his own observation: and Buffon describes it as one of this animal's peculiar properties, introducing an idea of hermaphrodite hares; as well as that the males sometimes bring forth young; that they are alternately MALES and FEMALES, occasionally performing the functions of either sex." Nothing can be more contemptible and ridiculous than such conjectures; they are the very essence of mental fertility; and it must suffice to admit, that Sir Thomas Brown and Buffon were not inquisitive sportsmen, or not scientifically acquainted with the parts necessary to generation.

For want of information so very easily to be obtained, some one of these speculative writers promulgated an erroneous assertion, every day liable to the most palpable confutation; "that in the formation of the genital parts of the MALE HARE, the testicles do not appear on the outside of the body, but are contained in the same cover with the intestines." It should seem these authors write more to SURPRIZE than to INSTRUCT, or that they knew little of the subject they wrote upon; as nineteen sportsmen out of every twenty, who have handled hares in the field, or taken them up before the hounds, can demonstrate the contrary; as the testicles, when the hare is full grown, are not only prominently perceptible externally, but of considerable size for so small an animal.

The natural fecundity of HARES almost exceeds belief; they continue to breed for nine months out of the twelve; and leverets (young hares) are frequently found and chopped by the hounds in January, when the winter has been mild. The doe hare goes a month after conception, and at her first produce seldom brings forth more than two, afterwards three, and sometimes four. Whenever the number exceeds two, it is a received (and generally believed just) opinion, that each of the young has a white star in the forehead, which, however, is gradually obliterated as they approach maturity. The dam is supposed to suckle them about one-and-twenty days; but takes care to separate them before that time, and deposits them individually in such forms as she has previously prepared for their reception, at a considerable distance from each other; but so situate, that she can afford maternal protection to the whole. Their prolific powers, and perpetual increase, will create no surprise, when we are respectably informed, that a brace of hares, (the doe pregnant when shut up) were inclosed in a large walled garden, and proper aliment supplied for their sustenance; when at the expiration of TWELVE MONTHS the garden was searched, and the produce was fifty-seven hares, including the original brace turned down: this fact alone demonstrating the certainty, that the females begin to breed when, or before, they are six months old.

The length of a hare's natural life is limited to six or seven years, and they reach their full growth in eight or nine months. The male is by much the smallest, seldom exceeding in weight five or six pounds; but the females, particularly in some very rich and fertile counties, weigh from seven to eight: some few instances have been known of their weighing nine pounds, after being paunched. The hare is supposed to be in gentle motion all night during the summer months, and a great part of it in the dreary nights of winter; during the length of which their works are of such immense perplexity, (in heads, doubles, and circles,) that little expectation is entertained of finding a hare by the trail, unless the field is taken early in the morning, soon after she is gone to seat; which is seldom, if ever, before the dawn of day; and in the summer months, very frequently not till long after day-light.

The HARE till full grown is called A LEVERET, and at any age is very difficult to be found sitting; so nearly does the downy fleak (when close contracted) approach the colour of the ground. In this position the old and experienced SPORTSMAN will declare the gender of the hare before it is started. The head of the male is short and round, the whiskers longer, the slit in the nose wider, the shoulders more ruddy, and the ears shorter and broader, than those of the female; the head of which is long and narrow; the ears long, and sharp at the tip; the fur of the back of a dingey hue, inclining to black, and of superior size to the male. When a hare is observed in its FORM, it may be easily ascertained, by the ears only, whether it is a BUCK or DOE; and this is a useful kind of knowledge, particularly at the latter part of the season, when no man, but a hardened poacher, or pot-hunting sportsman, would turn out a female hare before either HOUND or GREYHOUND, where there is a chance of destroying a leash, or two brace, by the wanton destruction of one.

If the hare found sitting is A BUCK, the ears will be seen drawn close in a parallel line with each other, directly over the shoulders, pointing straight down the back; but if A DOE, the ears are distended on each side of the neck, having a space between them in the centre. In the chase, a Jack hare, (as the male is sportingly termed,) after the first ring or two, particularly in the spring months, flies his country, goes straight forwards, and affords a good run, but generally falls a victim to his own fortitude at its termination. The female hangs closer to her native spot, depending more upon her instinctive efforts, in heading, doubling, soiling, and squatting, than speed for her preservation.

Hares bred upon the downs, or in hilly countries, are always the stoutest, and best enabled to escape from GREYHOUNDS; of which they are so conscious, that they always make for the nearest rising ground, so soon as started. When so severely distrest that they plainly perceive there is no other means of escape, they will take to a brick or wooden drain for security, or even run to earth, if one should luckily present itself in the emergency. They are thought to foresee a CHANGE in the WEATHER, and to regulate their sitting accordingly. After harvest they are found in stubbles, banks of hedges, woods, and thickets; during the fall of the leaf, they seat themselves more in open fields; and when the severity of winter begins to decline, warm, dry, hilly fallows are hardly ever without them. As one species of GAME, they are held in high estimation; and, notwithstanding the utmost efforts, by every degree of interdiction, with all the pains and penalties that successive parliaments could devise, from Richard the Second to the present day, for their preservation, and appropriation to the use of the superior classes, yet no laws ever proved more fallacious or deceptive; for the infinity of POACHERS, with which every rural district abounds, and the alacrity with which STAGE COACHMEN and COUNTRY HIGLERS supply their friends, will never let any inquirer be in want of A HARE, who has his five shillings in hand as a means of retribution. This INSUFFICIENCY of the LAW to check nocturnal depredation, and progressive infamy, is most sincerely to be regretted; but experience has long held forth ample conviction, that regret cannot produce redress.

HARE-HUNTING

—is a well-known sport, of very ancient and enthusiastic enjoyment, reported, by the most celebrated ANTIQUARIES, to have been established more than two thousand years before the Christian æra. Various opinions have been occasionally promulgated, and perseveringly supported, (by cynical rigidity, and religious severity,) upon the "cruelty of the chase;" which, however, is now never likely to be shaken in either theory or practice, as to almost every PACK OF HOUNDS in the kingdom there are clerical devotees, who are by no means unworthy MEMBERS of the CHURCH.

Hare-hunting, though universal in every part of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is in the highest estimation in those open and champaign counties where, from want of covert, a STAG or FOX is never seen. Here the hares are stouter, more accustomed to long nightly exercise, more frequently disturbed, more inured to severe courses before GREYHOUNDS, and hard runs before hounds; consequently, calculated to afford much better sport than can be expected in either an inclosed or woodland country. There are three distinct kinds of hounds, with which this particular chase is pursued, according to the soil and natural face of the district where it is enjoyed. The large slow SOUTHERN HOUND is adapted to the low swampy, marshy lands, so conspicuous in many parts of Lancashire; as well as those in Norfolk, and various others bordering upon the sea. The small, busy, indefatigable BEAGLE seems appropriated by nature to those steep, hilly and mountainous parts, where it is impossible for the best horse and boldest rider to keep constantly with the hounds. The hounds now called HARRIERS, and originally produced by a cross between the SOUTHERN HOUND and the DWARF FOX, are the only hounds to succeed in those open countries, where, for want of covert, the hare goes five or six miles an end without a turn; as is frequently the case in many parts of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and other counties; constituting chases very superior to many FOX HOUNDS, hunting beechen coverts and woodland districts.

Hare-hunting, when put in competition with the pursuit of STAG or fox, is much more gratifying to the ruminative and reflecting mind, than either of the other two; as it affords a more ample field for minute observation upon the instinctive sagacity of the GAME, and the patient, persevering fortitude of the HOUND, in the various heads, turns, and doubles, of the chase. Hence it is that hare-hunting is principally followed, and most enjoyed, by sportsmen in the decline of life; but with the younger branches it is held in very slender estimation, as they in general appreciate the excellence of sport more by the difficulty in pursuing it, than by its duration. Hare-hunting, in a woody or inclosed country, is such a perpetual routine of repetition within a small sphere, affording no more than a continual succession of the same thing, that with a zealous rider, and a high-mettled horse, it soon palls upon the appetite of both. Young men, from emulative motives, (naturally appertaining to their time of life,) feel a pressing propensity to encounter obstacles, and surmount difficulties, where the effect of vigour and manly courage can be displayed, and consequently prefer the kind of chase where personal fortitude, and bodily exertion, are brought more to the proof; and where, by covering a larger scope of country, and with a much greater proportional rapidity, a more pleasing and extensive variety is obtained.

Another cause of mortification constantly presents itself to young sportsmen with HARRIERS, or BEAGLES, in the field: a valuable horse, or a bold rider, are equally unnecessary in HARE-HUNTING, and this is eternally brought to an incontrovertible proof; for after a burst of five minutes, in which a perfect hunter has an opportunity of displaying his speed, and, after clearing some dangerous leaps, a sudden turn or double of the HARE, brings him by the side of a rustic upon a poney of five pounds value, who is nine times out of ten as forward as himself. The infinite time lost in finding, where hares are not in great plenty; the frequency of faults; the persecuting tediousness of cold hunting; and the injury done to HORSES in drizzling dreary days, during hours of slow action, are great drawbacks to the pleasure this species of hunting would otherwise afford.

Moderate sportsmen will never avail themselves of immoderate means to occasion a contraction of their own sport, by a wanton or unnecessary destruction of hares; too great a body of hounds should never be brought into the field, or any unfair modes adopted during the chase: pricking a hare in the paths, or upon the highways, as well as placing emissaries upon the soil, are paltry, mean, and disgraceful artifices, that no genuine, well-bred, HONEST SPORTSMAN, will ever permit; but candidly acknowledge, if the HOUNDS cannot kill her, she ought to ESCAPE. In respect to numbers, less than TWELVE, or more than EIGHTEEN couple ought never to be brought from the kennel to the chase; nor, indeed, seldom are, unless with those who think much less of SPORT, than of personal pride and ostentation.

Mr. Beckford, who is a perfect master of this subject, has so completely investigated, and minutely explained, every particular appertaining to the chase of both HARE and FOX, that as it is absolutely impossible to suggest an idea, or communicate a thought, but what must carry with it the appearance of plagiarism; it will be more candid, (evidently more honest) to introduce occasional passages in his own words, as language more expressive, by which they will be infinitely better understood. He says, "By inclination he was never a hare-hunter; but followed the diversion more for air and exercise than amusement; and if he could have persuaded himself to ride on the turnpike road to the three mile stone, and back again, he never should have thought himself in need of a pack of harriers."

He then apologizes to "his brother HARE-HUNTERS for holding the sport so cheap, not wishing to offend; alluding more relatively to his own particular situation in a country where hare-hunting is so bad, that it is more extraordinary he should have persevered in it so long, than he should have forsaken it then." Adding, "how much he respects hunting in whatever shape it appears; that it is a manly and a wholesome exercise, and seems by nature designed to be the amusement of a Briton." He is of opinion that more than twenty couple of hounds should never be brought into the field; supposing it difficult for a greater number to run well together; and a pack of harriers can never be complete who do not. He thinks the fewer hounds you have, the less you soil the ground, which sometimes proves a hindrance to the chase.

Custom has greatly varied in the practice of HARE-HUNTING during the last thirty years: at that time the hounds left the kennel at day-light, took trail upon being thrown off, and soon went up to their GAME; which having the pleasure to find by their own instinctive sagacity, they pursued with the more determined alacrity: a brace or leash of hares were then killed, and the sport of the day concluded, by the hour it is now the fashion for the company to take the field. As the trail of a hare lays both partially and imperfectly when it gets late in the day, so the difficulty of finding is increased, in proportion to the lateness of the hour at which the hounds are thrown off; hence it is that HARE-FINDERS, so little known at that time, are now become so truly instrumental to the sport of the day.

Although their services are welcome to the eager and expectant sportsman, yet it is on all hands admitted, they are prejudicial to the discipline of hounds; for having such assistance, they become habitually idle, and individually wild: expecting the game to be readily found for them, they become totally indifferent to the task of finding it themselves. Hounds of this description know the hare-finder as well as they know the HUNTSMAN, and will not only, upon sight, set off to meet him, but have eternally their heads thrown up in the air, in expectation of a view HOLLOA!

With all well-managed packs, they are quietly brought up to the place of meeting; and when thrown off, a general silence should prevail, that every hound may be permitted to do his own work. Hounds well bred, and well broke to their business, seldom want assistance. Officious intrusions frequently do more harm than good: nothing requires greater judgment, or nicer observation in speaking to a hound, than to know the critical time when a word is wanting. Young men, like young hounds, are frequently accustomed to babble when newly entered, and, by their frivolous questions or conversation, attract the attention of the hounds, and insure the silent curse of the HUNTSMAN, as well as the contemptuous indifference of every experienced sportsman in the field.

Whenever a hare is turned out of her form, or jumps up before the hounds, a general shout of clamorous exultation too frequently prevails, by which the hare's intentional course is perverted, and she is often headed, or turned into the body of the HOUNDS to a certain death; when, on the contrary, was she permitted to go off with less alarm, and to break view, without being so closely pressed at starting, there is no doubt but much better runs would be more generally obtained. Individual emulation, or individual obstinacy, invariably occasions horsemen in hare-hunting to be too near the hounds, who, being naturally urged by the rattling of the horses, and the exulting zeal of the riders, often very much over-run the scent, and have no alternative but to turn and divide amidst the legs of the horses, so soon as they have lost it; and to this circumstance may be justly attributed many of the long and tedious faults which so frequently occur, and render this kind of chase the less attracting.

Gentlemen who keep HARRIERS vary much in their modes of hunting them; but the true sportsman never deviates from the strict impartiality of the chase. If a hare is found sitting, and the hounds too near at hand, they are immediately drawn off, to prevent her being chopped in her form: the hare is then silently walked up by the individual who previously found her, and she is permitted to go off at her own pace, and her own way. The hounds are then drawn over the spot from whence she started, where taking the scent, they go off in a style of uniformity, constituting what may be fairly termed the consistency of the chase. Others there are who never can, or never will, resist the temptation of giving the hounds a view, and never fail to tell you, both HARE and HOUNDS run the better for it. In addition to this humane method of beginning the chase, every advantage is taken of the poor affrighted animal's distress, amidst all its little instinctive efforts for the preservation of life. The hounds, instead of being permitted to run the soil, and kill the hare by dint of their own persevering labour, are constantly capped from chase to view; and the object of the sport most wantonly and uncharitably destroyed; for nothing less than a miracle can effect its escape.

Those of nicer sensations enjoy the sport, but enjoy it much more mercifully; and would rather see their own hounds occasionally beaten, than, by any unfair or unsportsman-like introduction, kill their hare. These never permit a profusion of vociferous assistance from the huntsman, who is enjoined to an almost silent execution of his own duty, that the hounds may not be prevented (by his noise) from a strict and attentive performance of theirs. If they throw up, upon a dry or greasy fallow, a footpath, a highway, or a turnpike-road, a thousand busy bustling endeavours are to be self-made for a recovery of the scent, before any one effort is permitted to assist in lifting them along; and even then, not till every patient and persevering struggle has failed of success. The sportsman of this description admits of no device, stratagem, or foul play whatever; the HOUNDS must hunt the hare; they must go over every inch of ground she has gone before them; they must hit off their own checks, recover their faults; and, by cold hunting, pick it along, where, in passing through a flock of sheep, the ground has been foiled, and the chase proportionally retarded. Early and extensive casts are unjust, unless upon some unexpected or unavoidable emergency; as the repeated interventions of sheep, or intersections of roads, or fallows in a dry season; when it would be impossible to make the least progress in getting the hounds along without assistance.

When hounds come to a check, not a horse should move, not a voice should be heard: every hound is eagerly employed, exerting all his powers for a recovery of the scent, in which, if not officiously obstructed, they will most probably soon succeed. At such times there is generally, and unluckily, some popinjay in the field, who, unfortunately for himself, never speaks but upon the most improper occasion; rendering, at such moment, the judicious observation of Mr. Beckford truly neat and applicable, that "when in the field, he never desires to hear any other tongue than a HOUND." Whenever assistance to hounds is become unavoidably necessary, and the chase cannot be carried on without, sound judgment, and long experience, are necessary to speedy success. Casts cannot be made by any fixed, certain, or invariable rules, but must, at different times, be differently dependent upon the chase, the soil, the weather, and the kind of country you are hunting in. It may, in one instance, be prudent to try forward first; in another, to try back; as it may be judicious, or necessary, to make a small circular cast at one time, and a much larger at another; and although to one of the field, circumstances may appear, in either instance, to have been nearly the same, yet they have not been so in the "mind's eye" of the HUNTSMAN, (or the person hunting the hounds,) upon whose superior knowledge, or circumspection, the good or ill effect of the experiment must depend.

None, but weak or inexperienced sportsmen, ever presume to obtrude their opinions when hounds are at fault; those who do it, soon find the interference is ill-timed, and that it only excites a contemptuous indifference. Strangers cannot be too cautious and circumspect in the field, if they wish to avoid just reproofs, and not to encounter rebuffs: some there are, whose hard fate it is to become conspicuously ridiculous upon every occasion that can occur, and to such, unfortunately for them, occasions are seldom wanting. During the chase, they are riding into, over, or before, the HOUNDS; and at every check, asking some vexatious, trifling question of the HUNTSMAN; or entering into a frivolous conversation with what seems to them the most vulnerable subject of the company. Officious individuals of this description, whose error too frequently originates in a certain degree of personal pride, and unbounded confidence, should learn to know, that "the post of honour is a private station;" as well as that an old pollard in a painting, might be admirably calculated to form a respectable object in the back-ground, but never intended by the artist to become a principal figure in the front of the picture.

HARE NETS

—are of two sorts, one of which will be found described under the head "Gate-nets;" the other are called PURSE-NETS, and are exactly in the form of cabbage-nets, but of larger and stronger construction. These occasionally afford collateral aid to the former; for being fixed at the different meuses (either in hedges, or to paling) where HARES are expected to pass, and the ground being scoured by a mute lurcher, as there described, the destruction is certain. These nets are the nocturnal engines of old and experienced POACHERS, doing more mischief where hares are plenty, in one night, than the wire manufacturers can accomplish in a week.

"HARK FORWARD!"

—is a sporting exclamation, well known in the practice of the field, and affords to every distant hearer, authentic information, that the hounds are a-head, and going on with the chase. It sometimes happens, that, in very large and thick coverts, no man or horse existing can be in with the hounds; at which times (particularly in stormy weather) recourse must be had to every means for general accommodation. The best sportsmen are often thrown out for miles, and not unfrequently for the day, by various turns of the CHASE in COVERT, and then breaking up the wind on a contrary side, leaving every listening expectant in an awkward predicament, if not relieved by the friendly communication of "HOIC FORWARD!" from one to another, enabling the whole to continue the sport.

HARE-PIPES

—were instruments so curiously constructed, to imitate the whining whimper of A HARE, that, being formerly found a very destructive nocturnal engine in attracting the attention of hares, and bringing them within the certain possession of the POACHER, their use was prohibited (by particular specification) in every Act of Parliament for the preservation of game, from the reign of Richard the Second, to the present time; although it is natural to conclude, there is not now such an article to be seen, or found in the kingdom.

HARRIERS

—are the species of hound appropriated solely to the pursuit of the HARE, and from thence derived their present appellation. The breeding experiments so long made, and the various crosses so repeatedly tried, by the best judges in the kingdom, seem at length to have centered between the old southern and the dwarf fox hound. Mr. Beckford, whose "Thoughts" no sensible man, or judicious sportsman, will presume to dispute, was entirely of this opinion, and proved it by his practice; for he says, "his hounds were a cross of both these kinds, in which it was his endeavour to get as much bone and strength, in as small a compass as possible. It was a difficult undertaking. He bred many years, and an infinity of hounds, before he could get what he wanted, and had at last the pleasure to see them very handsome; small, yet very bony: they ran remarkably well together; ran fast enough; had all the alacrity that could be desired, and would hunt the coldest scent. When they were thus perfect, he did as many others do—he parted with them."

Notwithstanding the criterion of excellence thus laid down, the same sort of hound (as a harrier) is by no means applicable to every soil: the southern hound will be always in possession of THE SWAMPS, as will the beagles of the mountainous and hilly countries. Those who delight in seeing hounds bred and drafted to a certain degree of uniformity, in size, bone, strength, and speed, strictly corresponding with the opinion of Mr. Beckford, will not find it time lost, to take the field with the harriers of his Majesty, kept at Windsor: they are, as they ought to be, the best pack, and the best hunted, this day in the kingdom. See the Frontispiece; where every MAN, HORSE, and HOUND, is individually a portrait.

HART

—is the sporting term synonimous with Stag, (which SEE,) and was, in all forest laws and records, constantly in use to signify the same. At present, however, it is considered almost obsolete, and never so expressed in sporting report, or conversation.

HART ROYAL

.—A stag hunted by KING or QUEEN, obtaining his perfect liberty by beating the hounds, was formerly called a hart royal; and proclamation was immediately made, in the towns and villages of the neighbourhood where he was lost, that he should not be molested, or his life attempted by any farther pursuit; but that he should continue in a state of unrestrained freedom, with power to return to the FOREST or CHACE from whence he was taken at his OWN FREE WILL. This ceremony is, however, discontinued, and bids fair to be buried in a perpetual oblivion; as two instances have recently occurred worthy recital: one in the neighbourhood of High Wycombe, where the STAG was killed before the hounds, by a rustic, during the heat of the chase, in which the King at the time was personally engaged. And another at Mapledurham, near Reading, where the deer was wantonly shot, as he lay in a willow bank near the Thames, two days after he had beaten the hounds; yet it is publicly known, that no steps were taken to prosecute the offenders, which probably originated in his Majesty's clemency.

HAUNCH and HIP

—of a horse, have been hitherto (but not with strict propriety) used in a similar sense: nice observers might say one begins where the other ends, or that one immediately succeeds the other. The haunch is that part of the hind quarter extending from the point of the hip-bone, down the thigh to the hock; but as it is a part well known, and but little subject to partial disease or accident, it lays claim to no particular description. The term of "putting a horse upon his haunches," implies the making him constantly fix the principal weight of the frame upon his hind quarters, by which practice he bears less upon the bit, and becomes habitually light in hand. Horses hard in mouth, and heavy in hand, frequently undergo the ceremony of being put upon their haunches in the trammels of a RIDING SCHOOL, where, by too severe and inconsiderate exertions, sudden twists, distortions, and strains, are sustained in the HOCKS, which terminate in CURBS and SPAVINS never to be obliterated.

HAUNCH of VENISON

—implies the hind quarter of a FALLOW DEER, (either buck or doe,) cut in a particular form for the table. The hind quarter of a STAG, or HIND, also passes under the same denomination; but it is more applicable to form a distinction, and call the former a haunch of venison; the latter, a haunch of red deer.

HAW

.—The haw is that cartilaginous part of a horse's eye, plainly perceptible at the inner corner next the forehead, which internally constitutes a circular groove for the easier acceleration of the eye in its orbit. When confined within its natural and proper sphere, it is but just in sight, when taking a front view of the horse; but when it has acquired a preternatural degree of enlargement, it protrudes over part of the orb, partially obstructs the sight, particularly in that direction, and constitutes no small disfiguration of the horse. Ingenuity heretofore suggested the possibility of extirpation with the knife, which operation has been frequently performed, but with too little success to justify a continuance of the practice. It having been found, that when the haw was taken away by a regular process, and by the hand of the most expert OPERATOR, yet the eye, for want of its former support, was observed to become contracted in the socket, and a total deprivation of sight to follow, evidently demonstrating "the REMEDY worse than the DISEASE;" as well as to convince us, it is sometimes more prudent

"—— to bear those ills we have,

Than fly to others that we know not of."

HAWKS

,—as birds of prey, are divided into two sorts, called long and short winged hawks: of the former there are ten, and of the latter eight; but their names, and particular description, is so remote from the language and manners of the present time, and their use so nearly obsolete, that the least animadversion would prove entirely superfluous.

HAWKING

—was some centuries since a sport of much fashion and celebrity; the HAWKS being as regularly broke and trained to the pursuit and taking of game, as are the best SETTERS and POINTERS of the present day. It is, however, so completely grown into disuse, and buried in oblivion, that there does not appear the least glimmering of its ever attaining a chance of SPORTING resurrection.

HAY

—is the well-known article of grass, cut in its most luxuriant and nutritious state during the months of June and July; when the succulent parts, tending most to putrefaction, being extracted by the powerful rays of the sun, it acquires (if the season should prove dry, and favourable for the operation) a degree of fragrancy nearly equal to a collection of aromatic herbs. Hay, in this state, is a most attracting sort of ALIMENT to horses of every description, and is so truly grateful to the appetite, that it is often accepted when corn is refused. Of hay there are different kinds; as MEADOW hay, CLOVER hay, and SAINFOIN. The first is called natural grass, as the spontaneous produce of what is termed pasture land: the two latter are deemed artificial, as being cultivated upon arable land, and affording crops of only BIENNIAL and TRIENNIAL duration; when the fertility of which is so far exhausted, as to render a crop of the ensuing year an unprofitable prospect, the land is ploughed up, to undergo its regular routine of cultivation, when crops of this description are renewed, by sowing the seed previously preserved for the purpose.

Fine, rich, short, fragrant meadow hay, has by much the preference with the SPORTING world; as well as with all those who employ horses in light work, and expeditious action: it varies much in its property; not more in respect to the manner in which it is made, than to the soil it is produced from. Those who are anxious for the HEALTH and CONDITION of their horses, are always as judiciously circumspect in the choice of their hay as their corn; experimentally knowing, as much depends upon the excellence of one as the other. Hay produced from rushy land, or mossy moors, is always of inferior quality, and impoverishes the blood of the horses who eat it, in proportion to its own sterility. Those who inconsiderately purchase cheap hay upon the score of economy, will have to repent their want of liberality. Whether it is coarse, and barren of nutritious property, or ill-made, musty, and repugnant to appetite, the effect sooner or later will be much the same; and those who imprudently make the experiment, will soon find, that horses ill-kept, and less fed than nature requires, for the support of the frame, and the supply of the various secretions by the different emunctories, will soon display, in their external appearance, a tendency to disease.

Clover hay is produced in most counties in the kingdom; it is generally sown with BARLEY, sometimes with OATS, and least of all with WHEAT: it constitutes, upon dry ground, a profitable and convenient pasture in the autumn, and affords its general crop the following season. If luxuriant, it is mown twice in the same summer; but the second crop is not considered equal in value to the first. This hay is said, by those who ought to be the best enabled to judge and decide, superior to every other as to its nutritious property: this may be admitted in a certain degree, so far as its increasing the crassamentum of the blood, and proportionally promoting its viscidity; rendering horses who are constantly fed upon it (for instance, farmers horses) fuller in flesh, duller in action, and thicker in the wind, than those who are supported upon food of a lighter description. Although well calculated for slow and heavy draft horses, it is by no means adapted to those of expeditious action; for the blood thus thickened, becoming more languid or tardy in its circulation, would, when propelled through the vessels with great and sudden velocity, in hunting, or journies of speed upon the road, inevitably lay the foundation of different inflammatory disorders.

Sainfoin is rather an article of necessity than choice, and very little known in some parts of England, where nature has been more liberal in her diversity of vegetation: it is principally cultivated in the upland counties, where neither a meadow, stream, or rivulet, is to be seen for a great number of miles in succession. Many very extensive farms in the lower counties west of the metropolis, feel the want of pasture land, not having a single acre of meadow or natural grass in possession. Necessity, the mother of invention, has, however, so amply furnished a variety of substitutes, that their horses, and stock of every kind, seem equal, upon the average, to what is produced in any other part of the kingdom.

HAYS

—are a particular kind of nets for taking RABBITS and HARES, the use of which are proscribed in almost every Act to be found in the penal statutes for the PRESERVATION of GAME. They are made from sixty to one hundred and twenty feet long, and six feet deep; constituting the most destructive engine of any ever yet invented to strip a country, by the mode in which they are used. They are only in the possession of POACHERS of the first magnitude, (in the neighbourhoods of PARKS, HARE WARRENS, and PRESERVES,) by whose desperate and determined nocturnal exertions the WHOLESALE trade of the metropolis is invariably supplied.

HAYWARD

—is a manorial parochial officer, appointed to preserve the privileges, and protect the rights, immunities, and cattle, of those who are entitled to commonage of certain lands, wastes, &c. He derives from his appointment, authority to drive his district at stated periods, well known in its vicinity; to impound strays, and to prevent nuisances of diseased cattle; or any other impropriety of cattle breaking bounds, and destroying fences, of which it comes within the intent of his office to take cognizance. To all which there are certain local fees appertaining, according to the custom of the country, for the support of an office very wisely instituted to prevent trifling law-suits and paltry litigations.

HAZARD

—is, beyond a doubt, the most fashionable and fascinating GAME ever yet invented for the expeditious and instantaneous transfer of immense sums from one hand to another. It is a GAME of CHANCE; and, when fairly played, is the FAIREST upon which a stake can possibly be made, from one guinea to a THOUSAND, or to any amount whatever; the winning or losing of which is decided with so much rapidity, that the adventurer can never be more than a few moments in suspense, although he may be many years in REPENTANCE. Hazard is the game of nocturnal celebrity, by which the best estates have been impoverished, and immense property destroyed: it is played with a box and pair of dice, and is of considerable antiquity, as noticed by Shakespeare in Richard the Third, whom he has made to say,

"Slave, I have set my life upon a CAST,

"And I will stand the HAZARD of the DIE."

The person holding the BOX is called the Caster, who having been set as much money by the surrounding company (or any individual) as he proposes to throw for, and the STAKE or STAKES being deposited within a centrical circle upon the table, he then throws the dice from the BOX, and whatever number appears upon the surface is termed "the MAIN;" and so vociferated loudly by a person called the Groom Porter, who stands above the rest, and whose business it is to call the main and chance, furnish fresh dice when demanded, and to receive the money for a box-hand when due. So soon as the main is declared, which, in fact, is the number by which the Caster's opponents must abide for themselves, the Caster throws a second time, and this number is called the chance, being his own chance against the main previously thrown; and so named, because it is the number of the MAIN of the PLAYERS against the chance of the individual who is the Caster, and makes stakes against the whole, or any part of the rest.

The main and chance being proclaimed by the Groom Porter, odds are generally laid between the throws (upon the termination of the event) according to the numbers opposed to each other, and according to the scale by which all bets upon the game are regulated, and strictly observed. The Caster may, or may not, engage in any of these bets, which he very frequently does, as a hedge (or fence) to his own stakes, when the odds are six to four, or TWO to ONE, in his favour: at any rate, he continues to throw the dice in succession, till either the main or chance appears: if the main is first thrown, those who "set the Caster" draw their money; the Caster is then said to have "thrown out," and passes the box to his next neighbour: on the contrary, should he have thrown his own chance first, he is then the winner, and of course not only draws all the money he staked and betted, but continues to HOLD the BOX, and throw a "new main" for any sum he wishes to be set, in which a Caster is never known to be disappointed.

When a Caster has thrown in (that is, has won) three times in succession, it is termed "a BOX HAND," and he then pays half a guinea to the Groom Porter, for the privilege of playing, the use of box and dice, negus, &c. provided for the accommodation of the company. The box continues in the Caster's possession so long as he continues to throw in, (paying an additional half guinea every third time of winning;) but the first time he loses, he resigns the box to the player sitting next to him, unless he requests, and is permitted to renew his own play, which is then called taking "a back hand." There are more minute distinctions, as well as a fixed table of the odds during the play; but they are too long for insertion; and could not be so clearly comprehended by theory, as understood by practice.

HEAD

.—The correct formation of a horse's head is so indispensibly necessary to the striking symmetry and corresponding uniformity of the whole, that its make should never be inadvertently overlooked in a hasty purchase. The head, the crest, the curve of the neck, and the entire of the forehand, are what may be termed the predominant features, or distinguishing traits, which alone seen, hold forth, in general, a tolerably just idea of what may be expected to follow. In the present state of equestrian improvement, the beauty of a horse's head is too well known to require a literary description: nor would the word itself have been introduced, but to remind every class of sportsmen, that those who purchase a horse too thick in the jole, or a head too large for the BODY, must never expect to be complimented upon the beauty of the acquisition.

HEAD, pain in

.—Horses, it is supposed and admitted, may be subject to pains in the head; and that such pains may proceed from causes it is impossible to explore. As, therefore, every attempt at definition must rest upon conjecture, it is evidently better not to advance opinions founded upon uncertainty, by which many may be misled, none either INSTRUCTED or ENTERTAINED. For symptoms, see Ears.

HEAD of a DEER

. See Antlers.

HEAD-STALL

—is the part of a caveson, bridle, or hunting-rein halter, which passes round, and on each side the head of the horse, and to which the reins of either are affixed, for use in the field or on the road, and for safety in the stable.

HEATH-FOWL

—are a species of GROUSE, (passing under the denomination of BLACK GAME,) of which there are different sorts, individually expressed in the various acts of successive Parliaments for the preservation of the game; as "GROUSE, HEATH-COCK, MOOR-GAME, or any such fowl." To prevent the general destruction that must evidently follow, if game of this description was pursued and taken at all seasons of the year without restraint, the Legislature has wisely provided a remedy by the following prohibition, exclusive of the penalties annexed to other Acts for killing without the necessary qualifications.

By the 13th George Third, c. lv. s. 2, No person shall kill, destroy, carry, sell, buy, or have in his possession, any HEATH-FOWL, commonly called black game, between the tenth day of December and the twentieth day of August; nor any GROUSE, commonly called red game, between the tenth day of December and the twelfth day of August; nor any BUSTARD between the first day of March and the first day of September, in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the FIRST OFFENCE, a sum not exceeding TWENTY, nor less than ten pounds; and for the SECOND, and every subsequent offence, a sum not exceeding THIRTY, nor less than twenty pounds: One moiety thereof to go to the INFORMER, the other to the poor of the parish.

HEAVIER

.—A STAG deprived of his testicles by CASTRATION, is then called a HEAVIER, which operation is occasionally performed, that a supply may not be wanting for the CHASE during the time of rutting; in which the STAG is perpetually ranging from one HIND to another, for three weeks or longer; not allowing himself the comforts of FOOD, SLEEP, or REST. Towards the termination he becomes lean, languid, and dejected; when, having executed the task prescribed by Nature, he withdraws himself from society, to seek repose and food. At this period he is so ill-adapted for SPORT with the HOUNDS, that the operation of castrating was adopted as an alternative to the temporary suspension of the ROYAL CHASE.

It is worthy of remark, that if a stag undergoes the operation when his horns are SHED, they never grow again; on the contrary, if it is performed while the horns are in perfection, they will never exfoliate; and it is equally remarkable, that being deprived of only one testicle, the horn will not regenerate on that side, but will continue to grow, and annually shed on the other, where the single testicle has not been taken away. Heaviers are of great strength, and stand a long time before hounds; for which reason the hunting establishment of his Majesty in Windsor Forest is never without a regular succession.

HEAVY in HAND

.—A horse is said to be heavy in hand, when, from want of spirit, he goes sluggishly on, bearing his whole weight upon the BIT; as if the hand of the rider alone prevented his pitching upon his head; and this to a good horseman is one of the most unpleasing defects a HORSE can possess. Horses of this description should be rode in a Weymouth bridle, (see Bit,) and constantly made to feel the CURB rein; when at the same moment, that useful monitor the spur should be brought into brisk and sudden contact with the body; a perseverance in which practice will be found the only mode to remedy the inconvenience. See Hand.

HEELS

.—The heels of a horse, critically speaking, imply only that part of the hoof which is the very reverse of the toe; seated behind, and forming the back of the foot, across the widest end of the frog, extending from one point of the heel to the other. Custom has, however, so far extended both the idea and the expression, that in the present general acceptation of the word, it is admitted to include the feet as high as the fetlock-joint; so that the heels are subject to accidents, inconveniencies, defects, and blemishes, as CRACKS, SCRATCHES, OVERREACHES, GREASE, &c. The heels of a horse, to be good, should be high, (that is, of a proper length from the hair above to the ground below,) firm, and substantial, open on each side the frog, and never should be cut down too low by the destructive instrument of the SHOEING-SMITH; an error in both judgment and practice, to which may be justly attributed the frequent failure in the back sinews; for where the heels are unnaturally reduced, and the tendons in part deprived of their support, they have evidently to encounter a preternatural distension, by which the elasticity is partially destroyed, and some of the fibrous coats consequently ruptured.

HEELS NARROW

—is a defect, or inconvenience, to which HORSES are constantly subject; but they are produced much more by the officious obtrusions of ART, than any deficiency in the original formation of NATURE. Horses with narrow heels are generally those who have had very little attention paid to the state of the feet, by either MASTER or man, during the operation of SHOEING; and where the journeyman smith too often, from absolute idleness, affixes a shoe too narrow to the FOOT, and then, to increase the injury, reduces the FOOT to the dimensions of the shoe.

This grievance is much easier prevented than remedied; for when once a destruction of parts has been inconsiderately occasioned, a REGENERATION may not be easily obtained. The cruel and invincible practice of applying the hot shoe to the FOOT (by way of fitting it) during the act of shoeing, contributes in no small degree to the contraction of the heel; and when this injury is once sustained, great care and constant attention become necessary to solicit a renovation. Whether it has been occasioned by the fatal operation of the cutting-knife, the fashionable back-stroke friction of the rasp, or the fiery effect of the hot shoe when conveyed from the FORGE to the foot, the direct road to relief is precisely the same: nightly stopping with any applicable composition calculated to mollify the bottom of the hoof, and to promote its expansion, with a plentiful impregnation of sperma-cæti oil daily, are the only sure and certain means by which the heels can be restored to their original and proper formation.

HEELER

—is the person who affixes the deadly weapon called A SPUR (made of either steel or silver) to the heel of a GAME COCK, when taken from the pen previous to his being carried to the COCK-PIT to fight his battle. A hard-hitting cock, who is perpetually fighting with effect, and gives his adversary no time to stand still, or look about him, is likewise called A HEELER.

HELPS, or AIDS

,—are terms appertaining solely to the MANEGE and RIDING-SCHOOL, little known elsewhere, and totally unconnected with the sports of the field. Professors technically describe seven helps necessary to complete the lesson given to a horse; as the VOICE, WHIP, BIT, CALVES of the LEGS, the STIRRUPS, the SPUR, and the GROUND.

HEROD

,—commonly called King Herod, was the first horse of his time as A RACER, and afterwards as A STALLION. He was bred by the then Duke of Cumberland, and got by Tartar out of Cypron, who was got by Blaze; he was foaled in 1758, and, after beating every horse that could be brought against him at four, five, and six years old, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and transmitted a greater progeny to posterity, than any other horse in the whole annals of sporting, unless Eclipse and Highflyer (his son) are admitted upon the score of equality.

HIDEBOUND

—is an impoverished state of the frame and system to which horses are frequently reduced, and partakes much more of neglect in food and stable discipline, than of constitutional defect, or acquired disease. A horse said to be HIDEBOUND has the appearance of being emaciated; the coat is of a dingy variegated hue, staring different ways, with a scurfy dust underneath; the skin is of an unpliable rigidity, seeming to adhere closely to the internal parts, denoting a deficiency of the fluids, an obstruction of the porous system, and a languor in the circulation.

The whole, or any part of these, may originate in various causes; as a short allowance of good and healthy food, or a profusion of bad. Nothing will produce it sooner than hard work with bad keep, and a constant exposure to all weathers, in the severity of the winter season. Musty oats, mouldy hay, and winter straw-yards, are generally the harbingers of this appearance, which in all cases is very easily removed: good stable discipline, in wisping and dressing, regular daily exercise, a few mashes nightly of ground malt and bran, equal parts, followed by a cordial ball every morning, or an antimonial alterative powder nightly in the mash, will soon be found to answer every expectation, and restore the subject to good condition.

HIGHFLYER

—was the name of a late celebrated HORSE, that, taken "for all in all," (as a RACER and a STALLION,) far exceeded any other ever known in this kingdom. He was foaled in 1774; was got by Herod out of Rachel, who was got by Blank; her dam by Regulus, &c. He was purchased of the breeder, when a colt rising two years old, by the late Lord Bolingbroke, and was then thought to be getting too large and unpromising for any capital performances upon the turf. It was, however, observed by the training groom, that he displayed astonishing powers in some of his first trials; and it was upon his suggestion Highflyer was immediately named in the most capital sweepstakes and subscriptions then open; winning all which with the greatest ease, he was at the very zenith of his celebrity as A RACER, when Lord Bolingbroke, disgusted with the villainous deceptions and variegated vicissitudes of THE TURF, as well as declining daily in his health, Highflyer was purchased of his Lordship by Mr. Tattersal, who fixed him as a stallion at a farm of his own near Ely, in Cambridgeshire, where his success soon stamped the spot with the name of Highflyer Hall, which it will most probably ever retain. Here he covered for some years at THIRTY GUINEAS; and from the almost incredible number of mares he was permitted to cover, it was concluded he produced to his owner no less than from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds a year, for many years in succession. His progeny of winners only exceeded THREE HUNDRED in number, who received, in subscriptions, plates and sweepstakes, above a THOUSAND PRIZES. Amongst the most celebrated of his get were Escape, (who once sold for 1500 guineas,) Euphrosyne, Bashful, Maid of all Work, Plutitia, Sir Pepper, Sir Peter Teazle, Skylark, Skyrocket, Skyscraper, Spadille, Rockingham, Toby, Thalia, Walnut, Old Tat, Vermin, Skypeeper, Grouse, Oberon, Screveton, Diamond, Sparkler, Guildford, Moorcock, and Stickler: of whom several are now stallions in the highest reputation at ten and fifteen guineas each.

HIND

—is the female of the species called RED DEER, the male of which is termed A STAG: the offspring of both is, during its first year, called A CALF; and these only are the deer hunted by the King's stag-hounds.

HIP-SHOT

.—The DEFECT so termed is an injury frequently sustained in the HIP JOINT, but not always with the same degree of severity. It is a ligamentary twist, or distortion, by which the junction of the bones is materially affected, but not amounting to absolute DISLOCATION; although it may proceed from a variety of causes, in sudden shocks from the different prominences of, or cavities in, an uneven and irregular pavement; BLOWS, STRAINS, or WRENCHES, (in drawing heavy loads,) as well as by SLIDING, or FALLING; yet there is little doubt but it occurs much oftner from carelessness, inattention, and brutality, either by a violent blow from the post of the stable door, in being hastily led in or out, than by any other means whatever. Let what will be the cause, a cure is seldom completely effected; for as the injury is not only deeply, but critically seated, so if the horse, after any medical means have been used, is turned out to obtain strength, a repetition of work generally produces a relapse of the injury originally sustained.

HOCK, or HOUGH

.—The joint of the leg behind, corresponding with the knee before, is so called. Its office, in sustaining the principal weight, and various turns of the body, renders it liable to injuries, which, when they happen, are not unfrequently both severe and permanent. Bone spavins, BLOOD SPAVINS, and CURBS, are of this description.

HOLD

—is a term of trifling import, yet, as it appertains to the important act of propagation between the HORSE and the MARE, its emphatic signification cannot be omitted. When a mare has taken the horse, that is, when copulation is completed, a doubt generally arises, whether the MARE will hold; that is, whether she sufficiently retains the male semen to constitute CONCEPTION. The mare being brought to the horse on the ninth day, from the first time of covering, if she again receives the horse, that alone is held a sufficient proof she did not hold before: she is, nevertheless, brought again to the horse at the end of another nine days, and when she has refused twice to take the horse, she is then said to be STINTED, and no doubt entertained of her being in FOAL.

HOOF

.—The hoof of a horse is that hard and horny substance at the lower extremity of the legs, coming into contact with the ground, and upon which are placed shoes, made of iron, for the preservation of the feet. The hoof, to be perfect and uniform, should nearly circumscribe five eighths of a circle, with a transverse line from one point of the heel to the other, as if a segment of three eighths was taken away; in addition to which form, it should be solid in substance, smooth to the hand, and free from the contracted rings, or wrinkles, similar to those upon the horns of cattle, by which the age is ascertained.

Hoofs are very different in both property and appearance, and a great deal of this depends upon the manner in which they are treated. The well-known and well-founded adage, that "Doctors differ," was never more verified than in the subject before us; previous to the necessary remarks upon which, it will be proper to point out the distinct or opposite texture and property of such hoofs, before we advert to the most applicable mode of treatment for each. The hoofs of some horses are so naturally dry, and so defective in animal moisture, that they gradually contract, become apparently compressed, and narrow at the heel, as well as acquire a degree of brittleness hardly to be believed; in which state splinters are frequently scaling off from the EDGES of the HOOF, at many places where the nails are unavoidably inserted to secure the position of the SHOE, for the preservation of the FOOT.

These are the species of hoof much more susceptible of injury than any other, particularly of SANDCRACKS; defects which, when they happen, very much reduce the value of the horse if offered for sale; not more in respect to the BLEMISH, than the perpetual apprehension and expectation of his becoming irrecoverably LAME. Hoofs of this description should be plentifully impregnated with sperma-cæti oil every night all round the foot; and the bottom should be stopped with a composition of stiff cow-dung, and the skimming of the pot in which fat meat has been boiled, previously preserved, and well incorporated for that purpose. It has been asserted by those who speculate, and propagate the report of fancy for FACT, that "unctuous or greasy applications are prejudicial to the feet," of which indefinite, vague and imperfect expression, the weak and wavering happily avail themselves, and boldly declare, under sanction of the equivocal mutation in meaning, that every thing greasy is injurious to the HOOFS.

It is a degree of justice that so egregious an absurdity should be exposed. Without descending to a minute and scientific analyzation of the hoof in its animated state, to ascertain how far it is, or is not, a POROUS substance, it becomes only necessary to demonstrate its possessing the property of ABSORPTION from external application. That this may be the more clearly comprehended, let it be remembered, if a single drop of SPERMA-CÆTI OIL is left upon a quire of white paper, it will, by its penetrative property, pass through each leaf of the quire, till every particle of its moisture is exhausted, where it terminates in a space little larger than the point of a needle: from whence it is fair to infer, this article, in a state of perfect liquefaction, will insinuate itself into, or go through, any possible substance where a liquid can be supposed to pass: this admitted, upon clear and indisputable proof, it becomes necessary to proceed to its effect upon the dry, hard, contracted, brittle hoof of the HORSE.

If the foot is held up from the litter with the hand, and with the stable-brush well impregnated with oil, so as to be left tolerably wet upon the surface, persevering patience (by holding the foot from the ground a few minutes) will prove, that the oil with which the hoof was so plentifully basted, has nearly DISAPPEARED, although no drop has fallen to the ground. What will the rigid disputant, or cynical Sceptic, oppose to this fact, when asked what is become of the OIL so recently laid on? From the fertile resources of "EXHALATION," "EVAPORATION," or even "running off," he can derive no assistance to support him in the erroneous opinion he has formed; and perhaps an obstinacy, from time and custom become habitual, will not permit him (till his judgment is more matured by experience) to admit, that it is lost to the eye, and taken up by ABSORPTION. This, however, is the fact, and to the incredulous, who are open to conviction, and willing to make the experiment, it will appear, that this treatment of the hoof, and the STOPPING previously mentioned, (if nightly persevered in,) will, in less than THREE SHOEINGS, completely restore and improve the most brittle and battered hoofs in the kingdom. So much cannot be said of unctuous or greasy substances; for, from their confidence, not possessing the property of penetration, they can add none to the EXPANSION of the HOOF; from the dry and preternaturally contracted state of which the defect generally arises; and by the additional growth and distension of the hoof alone can be relieved.

HOOF-BOUND

.—See Compression and Heels Narrow.

HORSE

—is the name of the most beautiful, the most useful, and the most valuable, animal, this or any other nation has to boast: the majestic extent of his formation, the graceful ease of every motion, the immensity of his strength, the smooth and glossy surface of his skin, the pliability of his temper, and, above every other consideration, his rapidity of action, and general utility, render him highly worthy the care, attention, and pecuniary estimation he is now held in from one extremity of the earth to the other. He is the most spirited and most powerful of all creatures; yet the most generous, docile, grateful and obedient to the purposes of man as an individual, as well as to all the agricultural and COMMERCIAL advantages of society at large. He may be justly termed the great main-spring of PLEASURE to one class, and of PROFIT to the other; without whose aid, the eternal routine of both must come to immediate termination, constituting a CHAOS very far beyond the most fertile imagination to conceive or describe.

The natural history, the form, and general utility, of the horse, is become so perfectly familiar to every eye, that the less will be required upon those points in explanation. The various pleasurable purposes, and useful talks, to which horses are appropriated in this country, has long since demonstrated the consistency of cultivating, by select and judicious propagation, each particular kind of stock, so as to render it individually applicable to the use for which it is intended. The numbers annually produced, and annually destroyed, within the circle of our own isle (even in time of peace) exceed common conception, and of which no computation can be tolerably formed. The long list constantly bred for, and engaged upon, the TURF; the SPORTS of the FIELD; the national establishment of MILITARY CAVALRY; the carriage horses of the opulent, rattling through every street of every city and large town in the kingdom; the thousands employed in AGRICULTURE, as well as all the DRAFT work of the METROPOLIS; in addition to the infinity annexed to MAIL and STAGE COACHES, as well as to the POST WORK, and those useful drudges denominated ROADSTERS, in the possession of every class of people, constitute an aggregate that in contemplation excites the utmost admiration.

The constantly increasing OPULENCE, or the constantly increasing LUXURY, has rendered the demand for horses so very superior to the example of any previous period, that no comparative statement of former and present value can hardly be ascertained. The fashionable rage for expeditious travelling, and of being conveyed at the rate of EIGHT or NINE miles an hour from one part of the kingdom to another, is the absolute furor of the times, and supported at an immense expence by those whose peculiar personal pride prompts them to display the advantages resulting from opulence, and the privileges from ostentation; to the incessant misery and premature destruction of thousands, whose services would be insured for years by a more moderate and HUMANE mode of treatment. The incredible increase of light carriages of every description, has opened such a field for the use of horses of airy form, and easy action, that they are now in eternal request, at more than double, and in many purchases TREBLE, what they were to be obtained for no more than twenty years since.

The different kinds of horses bred for various purposes, pass under the denomination of RUNNING HORSES, HUNTERS, CARRIAGE HORSES, CART HORSES, ROADSTERS, and HACKS. The first are propagated in the racing studs of the most opulent characters, and appropriated entirely to the decision of sporting engagements upon the TURF; many of which, after having displayed their powers in this way, then become HUNTERS of the first class, and are frequently sold at three and four hundred guineas each. Carriage horses, with which the gay and fashionable are now whirled through the western streets of the metropolis with the most incredible velocity, were formerly considered the good, safe, substantial English hunter, and might forty years since have been purchased for thirty or five-and-thirty pounds, which was at that time about the current value: they are not now, however, from the constantly accumulating demand, and incessant destruction, to be procured in a state of youth and purity, at less than nearly three times that sum. Cart horses of great size, strength, and adequate powers, are principally furnished by the midland and northern counties, for the coal and corn trade, as well as the commercial purposes of the city and suburbs, where they command an incredible price: small and inferior sorts are bred in, and dispersed through, almost every other county in the kingdom. Roadsters and HACKS may be supposed to include that great infinity of all sizes, descriptions, and qualifications, with which every road, every common, and every pasture, seem so plentifully to abound.

If superior judgment and circumspection were ever truly necessary in the selection and purchase of a HORSE, they are become doubly so, when the object of pursuit is proportionally difficult of attainment. To direct the eye, to form the judgment, and to check the natural impetuosity of the young and inexperienced purchaser, some few remarks are indispensibly necessary to shield him from the rock of fascination, upon which so many have repentantly foundered. The mind of man should never be more itself, never more adequate to the task of cool deliberation and patient observation, than in the simple examination of a horse for sale. Deception in dealing is so truly systematic, and so truly honorable in the present age, that the mind cannot be too closely fortified for all events: whether the subject is to be sold by AUCTION, or by private contract, the property of a GENTLEMAN, or the offer of a dealer, the ground of self defence should be precisely the same.

It is the fixed and invariable rule with every DEALER, to affect, at first, a perfect indifference respecting the horse he wishes most to get rid of; and he always makes a point of never giving the unequivocal price of any horse till he has been seen out of the stable; during which time of shewing out, he, as well as his emissaries and attendants, are occasionally engaged in watching most attentively every trait of the intentional purchaser's countenance, anxious for a single sign of approbation, by which to regulate the magnitude of his demand; asking five, ten, fifteen, or twenty guineas more than he originally intended, in proportion as he finds the enquirer fascinated with his object of perfection, and disposed to purchase. Before the horse is brought out, it is in vain to entreat the ceremony of "figging" may be dispensed with; it is declared a custom of honor amongst the fraternity, and must be complied with.

This prelude performed, and his stern thrown upon his back like the tail of a squirrel, he is literally driven into action; the WHIP (with which he is privately alarmed in his stall twenty times a day) cannot be permitted to lay dormant even upon the present occasion, particularly when its flaggellating flourish can be displayed to so great an advantage; the irritating severity of the lash, so retentively dreaded, he furiously flies from, and affords an attracting specimen of speed you may look for in vain upon any future occasion. After this curious exhibition of his ACTION, the horse still trembling with a dread of the deadly instrument waving in his sight, it will be proper to make a minute and careful examination of his shape, make, PROBABLE PERFECTION, or possible blemishes and defects, if the horse is permitted by the DEALER to stand quiet, a favor which is not always to be obtained.

This done, place yourself directly opposite to the horse's head at two yards distance, in which position, casting your eyes upon his ears, and dropping them gradually from one point to another, you command, at a single view, the effect of his countenance, the good or bad state of his EYES, the breadth of his breast, the fate of his KNEES, the appearance of SPLENTS, as well as the growth and uniformity of the FEET. Changing your place to a side view, at similar distance, you have there the curve of the CREST, the circumference of the BONE, the depth of the CHEST, the length of the BACK, the strength of the LOINS, the setting on of the TAIL, and the fashionable finish of the hind quarter; without which, individually perfect, he cannot be in possession of the symmetry that is known to constitute a handsome and well-bred horse.

Looking at him behind, it is instantly perceived, whether he stands well upon his legs, and is formed wide, firm and muscular across the GASKINS, or narrow and contracted, bearing what is termed a "bandy-hocked" or "cat-hammed" appearance. The same moment affords opportunity to observe, if BLOOD SPAVINS are perceptible within side, BONE SPAVINS without, or CURBS on the back of the HOCK; as well as SPLENTS upon any one of the legs, and whether he cuts either behind or before. If blood or bone spavin is observed, it is necessary to recollect (however attracting the object may be in other respects) they sooner or later produce LAMENESS to a certainty; and although they are not deemed absolutely incurable, they open a field to the disquietude and anxiety of BLISTERING, firing, &c. with the additional and consolatory ultimatum of a farrier's bill. Splents are by no means so critical, or dangerous, if seated forward upon the shank-bone, and not likely to interfere with, or vibrate in the action of the tendon, passing under the denomination of the "back sinews;" in which case, a good and otherways valuable horse need not be declined for so slight a cause, where no injury is like to be sustained.