  CADE—was a horse of the best blood, speed, and bottom, ever bred in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by the Godolphin Arabian; dam (Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat most horses of his time, and was afterwards, as a STALLION, the sire of Changeling, Matchem, Young Cade, Mercury, Merryman, Cadormus, Bold, Bywell Tom, Victim, Turpin, and a long list of et ceteras; through the channels of whose different progenies his blood is to be found in almost every stud of celebrity from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. CADENCE,—divested of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in horsemanship, what time is in music, uniformity in manners, or consistency in conduct: a horse complete in his cadence, is to be considered perfect in his action. CALKING, or Corking,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at the heels of horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot be done without, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however, cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, without CALOMEL—is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildest preparation of mercury: it is in general use in private practice, and a certain specific for the obliteration of worms in HORSES, when added in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls. CAMPHIRE—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste, accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels, though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is bad. It should be kept in a glass stopper CAMPHORATED SPIRITS—is a prescription standing in the Dispensatory of the London College of Physicians, and is thus prepared. "Take of camphor two ounces; rectified spirit of wine, one quart; shake frequently till the camphor is dissolved." It is a very useful embrocation in slight strains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter season. CAMOMILE.—The flowers are so useful in fomentations, that no good sportsman in the country should ever be without them in the house. CANKER,—a diseased state of the foot of a horse, originating in a neglected thrush, which having acquired a corrosive property by its retention, continues to rot and destroy the surrounding parts, till, by a judicious separation of the fungus from the sound parts, fresh granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed. CANKER—in the ear of a dog, is mostly occasioned by injury from bushes in beating or hunting covert, and might be easily cured at first with a little Friar's balsam, or tincture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid eschar forms upon the surface, when which is separated by accident (as it repeatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very slight touch with the butter of antimony, is the surest and best mode of destroying the foundation of inveteracy, and healing the wound. CANKER—in the mouth of a horse, invariably proceeds from an injury sustained from severe and improper jerks of the bridle by the passion and petulance of the rider: in the seat of the wound or laceration, is formed a sort of insensible slough, which either a little burnt alum, or borax powdered fine, and sprinkled upon the surface, will soon separate, and bring away: the part will afterwards promote its own cure. CANTHARIDES.—Spanish flies, the principal ingredient in every composition prepared for the purpose of blistering; some of which are in the form of ointments; others, less powerful, are applied as liquids, and called liquid blisters. CAPARISON—is mostly used as a military term, appertaining to cavalry regiments, and applicable to the apparatus of every individual; the CALF—is the male produce of the stag and hind: they are the largest of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appellation of RED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.) in contra-distinction to fallow deer, bred in parks, and called BUCK and DOE; their produce a fawn. CALLS—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement. CAPON;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation) so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven, eight, and even nine pounds weight. CARP—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds, CARMINATIVES—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if possible, have been too long in the shop, as some of them lose their property by long keeping. CARROTS—are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention, and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their flesh, and fine in their CART HORSES.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful breed of horses to the utmost The Suffolk punches are a considerably coarser kind of horse, less uniform in shape, and less constant in colour; they run greatly into a mealy chesnut, or roan sorrel, having mostly a blaze in the face, with a white mane and tail; they are very staunch to their work, and the hardiest, perhaps, of any horse brought into use. These qualifications Of the Clydesdale or Scotch horses it is said, "they are probably as good and useful a draft horse as any we are possessed of; larger than the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to sixteen hands and a half high; strong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a restive horse being rarely found amongst them. In shape, plain made about the head, sides, and hind legs; mostly grey or brown; said to have CASTING NET.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a bell in its shape; but when cast in the water, or spread on the ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in its utmost circular extent; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom, incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist: when the leads have CASTING the Hair;—an almost obsolete (or provincial) term for a horse's shedding his coat. CASTRATION—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art (if not so famous) as the Italians. There are two modes of operation; one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for the Presuming upon the possibility of the cauterized eschar coming away by chance or accident, and the profuse hÆmorrhage that might probably follow, before the apparatus could be again collected, and the horse reduced to a proper position for securing the arteries from a farther effusion of blood, the following mode is now adopted. The horse being cast, and the incision made through the scrotum, as before described, the spermatic cord is then secured by passing across it a slit stick up close to the body, which is secured at each end with the waxed thread used by shoemakers: this acting as a tourniquet upon the artery, the separation and dissection is then made with the knife; after which a few pledgets, of warm digestives, are introduced; no cautery at all applied; a trifling inflammation, with In respect to the age and season most applicable, and best adapted, to the operation, custom and experience seem to have left no room for improvement: twelve or thirteen months old is the best time to perform the operation, and in the months of April, May, or June, that either extreme of heat or cold may be equally avoided. In the last seven years, several practitioners of the new school (to shew the superiority of art over NATURE) held forth the theory of castrating horses of any age, without the least confinement or rest, the subject being permitted to go directly about his business as usual. This proposition was too surprising, and too alluring, not to obtain converts; numbers acquiesced; theory was in a variety of instances reduced to practice; and the practice soon proved (to the mortification of the owners) the truth of the adage, "Dead men tell no tales." ,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no particular cause of origin has been yet decisively ascertained. The faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye, which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course preventing vision." Doctor Hunter says, "it is when an inflammation in CATHARTICS—are synonimous with purgatives, and include all medicines of that description. CAUSTICS—are medicines which externally constitute a destruction of the texture (or superficies) of the parts to which they are applied. Caustics are of different kinds, and of various powers, according to the reduction, or extirpation, for which they are intended. The actual cautery, CAVESON—is an article used in the breaking of colts, as well as in the manege: it consists of a semi-circle, of iron or blocked tin, passing round the nose, about five inches above the nostrils, having three hinges or joints, concave on the inside, and covered with leather, list, or woollen cloth. This has three swivel rings, one in the center of the noseband, and one on each side; to all or either of which the reins are affixed, that he may be accustomed, in the ring, to pace either to the right or left. The caveson is mounted with a headstall, somewhat similar to the headstall of a bridle: and to the rings on each side the caveson, are straps long enough to be buckled to the sides of the saddle, that his head may be kept in a proper position (when bearing upon the colt's bit) to render him pliable, and to insure a good mouth. CHACE.—A chace is, in general acceptation, considered a receptacle for game, interspersed with fern, thickets, underwood, and probably with small coverts, for its preservation. It is understood to be superior to a park, but inferior to a forest, having none of those laws for its protection. It is not unfrequently the property of a subject, and is then protected by its own manorial rights and privileges. Chaces there are, also, the property of the Crown; and those are generally regulated by the FOREST LAWS, as is the case with Cranbourne Chace, situate in Windsor Forest. CHASE.—The chase, as well as other pleasures of equal attraction, has had its most inveterate opponents, as well as its equally determined devotees. Various and vehement have been the declamations against it; equally numerous, and equally energetic, have been the expostulations in its defence. That it was practised, and enthusiastically enjoyed, by the ancients, as perseveringly pursued by the moderns, and will be continued to the end of time, (in opposition to every species of puritanical rigidity,) will not admit of the least contrariety in opinion. The CHASE, taken in a general point of view, includes the chase of every description, and implies a pursuit of GAME (or vermin) found in a state of natural liberty, with a body (called a pack) of hounds, who follow the object, whatever it may be, by the scent left on the ground, (from which an The CHASE, in this its most comprehensive meaning, implies hunting of every kind, whether STAG, FOX or HARE, (with either or all of which, the otter is not of sport or magnitude sufficient to be put in competition.) These three different kinds of chase afford equal sport, but in a more distinct and different way from each other; most admirably adapted to the different inclinations, dispositions, and personal sensations, of the various admirers who enter into its spirit, according to the different stages of life and gradations of age. Fox hunting, it must be admitted, is most applicable and exhilarating to the fire and impetuosity of unrestrained juvenility, or manhood more matured; where, perhaps, the pleasure is enhanced only in proportion to the difficulties of the day, upon the military principle of "the more danger, the more honor." Stag hunting may probably be more adapted to the taste or prudence (or more appropriate to the wishes) of the SPORTSMAN, who having past the meridian of life, has long since discovered the value of time, and knows how to appreciate its loss: he wishes to insure a chase of two or three hours to a certainty, without employing perhaps double that time before the game is found; with the additional chance of exploring a dull and dreary journey of fifteen or twenty miles home, in a dirty country, with no other consolation, than a great deal of riding, but a blank day. Hare hunting is, in the estimation of the sporting world, held in a certain degree inferior to the other two, (so far as hard riding and personal courage is concerned;) because the exercise is not so violent, nor is the chase of equal duration. Indeed, strong advocates for STAG and FOX hunting hold this sport exceedingly cheap, and satirically say, "it is better calculated for the initiation of juveniles, the entertainment of women, and the amusement of those gentlemen in the more advanced stages of life, who, like the old woman in the farce, is highly pleased with the sound of the fiddle, though no longer able to dance." Hare hunting, however, though not so attracting to those who wish to recount the difficulties, the toils and vicissitudes of the day, after a long chase, yet to the contemplative mind of reflection, much more of the minutiÆ CHALLENGE—is a term used for the first tongue of a hound after throwing into covert, to draw either for fox, or an out-lying deer. Upon the challenge of a single hound, if he is staunch, and to be relied on, a general silence ensues; ears are all open for a repetition, and every eye for a view; the huntsman (who well knows how far to depend upon the truth of the declaration) instantly encourages the pack to the promised point, by "hark to Gamboy!" "hark to Galloper!" or whatever may be the name of the favourite hound so to be relied on. The hounds by this means are immediately rallied to the precise spot, and ready to go off in a body with their game, as a lucky find frequently follows an unexpected challenge; more particularly in the present fashion of going to covert, at a time of day when our predecessors of only one generation past used to return. CHAFFING,—so called, is a loss of hair, and laceration of the skin, by the pad of the saddle having got too hard in the stuffing from constant use, and for want of timely circumspection. It is also frequently occasioned by the extreme heat and There cannot be a more prudent precaution in either sportsman or traveller, than an occasional inspection of the stuffing of the saddle, which invariably gets hard with constant use: it should sometimes be beat and softened with a stick, afterwards lightly raised in every part with the point of a packing needle, and made smooth and free from lumps upon the surface, by which means every chance of injury will be avoided. Nothing can be productive of more anxiety than a sore back of the horse, either to the traveller on his journey, or a sportsman in the field; or any thing more mortifying, than to recollect such injury originated in the neglect of the master, and not in a fault of the horse. The backs of some well-bred and thin-skinned horses, particularly young ones, are subject to chaffing and warbles upon very slight occasions; CHARGE—was a favourite part of former practice in farriery, and consisted of compositions in the form of an adhesive mass, which being plastered upon the part afflicted, was there left to act as a corroborant, an emollient, a discutient, a repellent, or, in fact, to effect any purpose intended, or that the case might require. These preparations were applied in different states, and were denominated hot or cold charges, according to the mode in which they were laid on. As, however, no great proofs of their efficacy were ever established, or any authenticated records of their utility known, they seem to have glided out of modern practice, and been totally superseded by the more rational introduction of penetrative stimulants, in fomentations, embrocations, &c. which come into more immediate contact with the affected parts, where injury has been sustained. CHEST—is the part of a horse comprehended in the side view, from his wither to the bottom of his ribs near the elbow, at the upper part of the fore arm; and is perfectly understood, when we CHEST-FOUNDERING,—a debility in the shoulders, chest and fore-quarters of a horse, seemingly less understood, and certainly less explained hitherto, than any one disorder or defect to which the horse is incident. Those who have written upon this subject, evidently echo each other; as they literally and individually say, "it proceeds from hard labour, whereby the horse becomes surfeited; so that, upon the whole, it is no more than a severe cold, and is to be managed accordingly." These are, in fact, the very words of Bracken, who precedes it with this remark: "Most authors agree it is so;" giving no opinion of his own, beyond its originating in a "severe cold," and is to be "managed accordingly." He says, "the signs are a staring coat, and heaving of the flanks more than common." That a chest-foundered horse may happen to have a staring coat, or a heaving of the flanks, from some different or remote cause, cannot be denied; A horse said to be chest-foundered, is almost invariably contracted in the breast between the points of the shoulders; becoming narrower there, as if there was a wasting of those particular parts. If you put him into a trot, he moves his legs one before the other with great difficulty, as if they were internally connected, and prevented farther extension by two latent links of a chain. When pressed to a gallop, the case becomes instantly decisive; he labours to get his legs from under him without success; a general constriction pervades the whole of his fore parts; and his action may, with much more propriety, be termed jumping than galloping. Although no one author has given a proof he ever bestowed an explanatory thought, or condescended to transmit a single line, upon the absolute cause of this very common defect, yet it by no means seems sufficiently involved in ambiguity, to render fair conjecture, or professional opinion, a matter of the least difficulty. As the disorder is invariably fixed upon those subjects who have done the most expeditious and constant work, without having been ever known to affect those who have done little or none; so it is natural to conclude, the intercostal and subclavian muscles must have sustained injury, CHILDERS—was distinguished from four others in succession of the same name, by the appellation of the Devonshire, or Flying Childers, having been the fleetest horse ever bred or trained in this kingdom, and said to have ran a mile in a minute. The fact, however, was not so; he went the fourth Bartlet's Childers was likewise bred by Mr. Childers, and was own brother to Flying Childers. Hampton Court Childers was got by the Devonshire Childers, dam (Duchess) by the Newcastle Turk; and was likewise bred by Mr. Childers. Smale's Childers was bred by Mr. Smale, and foaled in 1726. He was got by Bartlet's Childers; dam by the Byerley Turk. Childers, commonly called Grey Childers, was bred by Lord Chedworth, and got by the Devonshire Childers; dam by Sir W. Wharton's Commoner. CHOLIC.—The disorder so called in horses, is properly divided into two kinds, and should be carefully attended to in the attack, before medicines are administered in one, which might have been more applicable in the other. One species of cholic (which is the most common) originates in a retention of confined air, from having been supplied with too much flatulent provender, or too much water, at an improper time. This disorder, in general, soon submits to warm, cordial, anodyne medicines, accompanied by friction and flank rubbing; seldom terminating in death, though always accompanied with symptoms of danger. The other is produced by hardened fÆces plugging up the intestinal canal, and frequently proves fatal: the least delay is dangerous, and too much expedition cannot be used to obtain relief. In the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," they will be found distinctly described, and the mode of cure explained. CLICKET—is the sporting term for the act of COPULATION with both HARES and FOXES. During the first warm weeks in February, when the males and females seek each other, they are then said to be CLICKETTING; or that at this particular season they go to CLICKET. After conception, they are said to be knit; when the DOE HARE or VIXEN FOX will make the most powerful and persevering efforts before the hounds to save their lives. Jack hares and DOG FOXES at this season generally fly their country, and lead long chases. CLYSTERS—are, in a variety of cases, and upon many emergencies, so truly and so expeditiously useful, (without the least danger of being injurious,) that their salutary effects cannot be too well known, or too generally understood. They are differently prepared, from a decoction of the aromatic garden herbs, as marshmallows, camomile flowers, and wormwood, gruel, a handful of salt, and half a pint of oil; or, indeed, from any of the prescriptions with which books upon physic and farriery are generally loaded. When prepared, and of a proper warmth, they are gently conveyed into the body through a wooden pipe, to which is fixed a large bullock's bladder, containing the clyster to be injected. The pipe having been previously moistened upon the surface, with either sweet oil or lard, is then insinuated within the sphincter of the anus; when which is effected, the string hanging from the bladder (and to the other end of which the cork is annexed, that plugs up the internal mouth of the pipe confined in the bladder) is steadily pulled with the right hand, while the left is employed in keeping the pipe in its proper situation, and supporting the bladder with its contents: upon the cork's being withdrawn, and a free passage made for the clyster, the hands are pressed moderately, and in motion upon the bladder, so as to force the whole into the body; when which is done, the pipe is gently taken away, and the effect of course is waited for, or repeated, if necessary. The COAT.—The coat of a horse (which the hair is called) is not only an object of sporting exultation when the horse is in fine condition, but, to the judicious and penetrating eye, is in a great degree indicative of the state of health. Nothing will so soon demonstrate the ability, the care and attention of the GROOM, as the coat of his horse. If the coat is observed to become suddenly rough, standing different ways, with a dusty hue underneath, and the hair to look harsh and bristly upon the surface, the blood is then sizey, and tending to an unhealthy state; the porous system has been collapsed by some chilling exposure to wet or cold; the integument COCKING—was formerly a sport so exceedingly prevalent (from the great and perpetual variety it afforded in betting) that matches were constantly fighting between different counties, as well as opulent individuals, and at most of the horse-races in every part of the kingdom, for very considerable sums of money. This practice, however, like every other species of sporting, in the course of time, opened so great a field for villainy amongst the subordinates, who become unavoidably instrumental, (as feeders, setters-to, and assistants,) that, in addition to the incredible expence of breeding, walking, feeding, matching, removing and carrying cocks from one walk to another, collecting them when brought up to fight, injuries sustained upon their walks, consequent disappointments when taken up, with a long train of collateral considerations, have very much reduced both the sport and the breed in every part of England. When all the leading expences are brought into one point of view previous to a MAIN of COCKS being placed in the pens, and the aggregate of expenditure annexed to the match money, (then to be deposited,) COCKNEY—is the distinguished appellation by which those gentlemen are honoured, who, being natives of the Metropolis, are supposed never to have very far exceeded the vibrative limits of St. Paul's clock, or Bow bell. The term, however, well known as it is, would not have been entitled to a place in this collection, had it not been thought necessary to communicate to the sporting world, a derivation so very little known. A citizen of the above description making an excursion with his COCK-FEEDER—signifies a person whose occupation it is to collect, handle and feed a pen of cocks, to fight such main or match as may be made or agreed on, by those who deposit the battle money, and are called the MASTERS of the MATCH. These find or procure the cocks, of which the feeder takes charge; and to his judgment is submitted the entire management of selecting, rejecting, feeding, physicing, sweating, sparring, weighing, cutting out, (alias trimming,) and bringing his bag and cock to the pit; where, upon delivering it to the setter-to, his function ceases in respect to that particular cock, till death has sealed his disgrace, or success proclaimed his victory. COCK-MATCH;—an agreement and article entered into by opposite parties, to shew any number of cocks (as "twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one) on each side in the main and ten in the byes, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and fifty the odd." The cocks so agreed to be matched, are under the management of their different feeders till the day specified in the article for their being shewn and weighed; which day is, upon most occasions, the day but one preceding the day on which the main begins to be fought. This ceremony is attended to with the most scrupulous nicety on each side; every cock is weighed precisely to a quarter of an ounce; his colour described almost to a feather; his marks in the eye, the right and left norrel, the in right and out left in the feet, are all taken down in writing with the same accuracy as the weight; the whole being entered in the match-bills to be produced, read, and compared, with the cocks as they are brought to pit at the commencement of every battle. The number of cocks having been shewn and weighed on each side, the match-bills containing their weights are compared; and all those who are either dead weights, or within an ounce of each other, are said to fall in, and are called main battles; in contra-distinction to those who do not come within the ounce of each other, and are thrown into the byes; which are generally fought for a trifling sum, That the match may be the better understood, let it be supposed that A stands engaged with B "to shew twenty-one cocks on each side, ten guineas a battle, and fifty the MAIN or odd battle." Of these fifteen fall into the main; and the remaining six are thrown into byes, and fight for two guineas a battle. It is in such case a custom to fight a part of the byes, both before and after such part of the main as is fought on each day, whether it is finished in one day, or is a long main of many days duration. The match being concluded, we find A has won nine main battles and two byes; B six main battles and four byes; when the winning and losing will stand precisely thus: A having three battles ahead in the main, is a winner of fifteen guineas upon the single battles; and winning the main also, he wins the twenty-five guineas upon that event; making himself the creditor for forty guineas: but in the byes, B having the advantage of four battles to two Cocks of middling size, and adequate powers, are always considered the sharpest and best fighters; in confirmation of which opinion, custom has established the match weights from three pounds six ounces to four pounds eight; none to be shewn and weighed in the main under the former, or above the latter, unless an extension to either a lower or a higher weight should be agreed on by the parties. Sometimes (but very seldom) a short match, of a different kind, takes place, and is termed a "shag-bag" match, (or battle;) which is no more (the battle money having been previously agreed on) than "turning the cock out at the bag's mouth" in the pit, to meet his opponent, without ever having been brought to the scale, or the weight of his adversary ascertained. In weighing the cocks, and making the match-bill, it is an invariable rule to begin with the lightest pair, who are to fight first, and so continue according to their weight upwards; such successive pair being heavier than the former, so that the heaviest pair of cocks is fought the last. Various sums being betted upon a match (or main) soon after it is made, it may not be inapplicable to observe, that those who lay the odds in any proportion, as five to four, six to four, two to one, (or whatever odds may be laid,) either upon the main or a single battle, is always entitled to the privilege of choosing his side, although it may not be mentioned; and this right he is possessed of in consequence of laying the odds. COCKPIT,—a place appropriated entirely to the purpose of COCK-FIGHTING, for which it is erected; it is usually of an oblong or circular form, surrounded with seats, to which the spectators pay for admission; and in great mains, or subscription matches, the FEEDERS generally agree with the masters of the match to receive the whole of this door money, (equally divided between them,) as their compensation for the fortnight or three weeks they are engaged in feeding the cocks. COCKPIT ROYAL.—The cockpit royal is considered sanction sufficient for the diversion of COCK-FIGHTING in every part of the kingdom. It The cockpit is circular, and completely surrounded with seats six tier deep; exclusive of a rail, with standing room all round the summit of the uppermost seat; forming, in the whole, a perfect amphitheatre. The centrical circle upon which the cocks fight is a raised mound of earth, (surrounded with boarding,) about twenty feet in diameter, and should, according to the technical term of the sport, be covered with a fine green turf, denominated sod; in conformity with the general acceptation of the word in the sporting world, where by "the sod" is implied COCKING. By "the turf," RACING is equally On each side the circular mound, at its extremity, and exactly opposite to each other, are two small seats for the setters-to; who retire to those seats during long fighting, or when ordered by the betters and spectators so to do. Directly over the centre is suspended from the dome, by a chain, a very large circular branch, containing a great number of candles, affording a profusion of light; for nearly all the matches fought here are very unnaturally decided by night, the company going to pit at six o'clock in the evening. At the hour previously agreed on, the bags containing the cocks are brought into the pit by the FEEDERS, or who ever they may appoint: they are there received by persons called the setters-to, whose qualifications depend upon a quick eye, a light hand, and agile heel; without the whole of which, celebrity can never be acquired in their way. The cocks being taken from the bags, are most scrupulously compared in feather and marks with the original description entered in the match-bill Bettings now take place of every kind, as well upon the battle then fighting, as upon the main (meaning the odd battle) of the first three, the first five, &c. Bets made upon the "LONG MAIN," imply the winner of the match at its termination, Persons taking these bets, whether for large or small sums, should, if the odds in fighting come to two or three to one in favor of the cock they have backed, immediately take such odds, which is called "hedging," (alluding to a fence for the bet,) and the party then stands the chance of winning a certain number of pounds to the losing of nothing! In a cockpit, the faculties of every man, who sports his money, must be feelingly alive, to escape the most villainous depredations. The family, who exist only by the most abandoned and unprincipled scenes of infamy, are always prepared to deny their bets when they lose, particularly with noviciates; There are certain rules and laws of custom to be observed in fighting; the most material of which it is necessary to explain. When once the cocks are pitted, neither of the SETTERS-TO have the privilege to touch or handle his cock, so long as they continue to fight, unless their weapons hang in the mat, they are entangled with each other, are got too close to the edge of the pit, or have left off fighting while the umpire or law-teller can count forty; when, in either of those cases, each setter-to instantly handles his cock, bringing them beak to beak in the middle of the pit: if one cock has refused If, during a battle, (either by long fighting or a cut down blow,) any person offers to bet ten pounds to a crown, or throws his hat, glove, or handkerchief, into the pit, which is the same thing, and so understood, though not a word is spoken, the teller immediately begins to tell forty in a deliberate manner, When the cocks are first shewn in the hands of the setters-to, and either refuses to face, that is, to fight, it is deemed no battle, upon the equitable principle, that no man can lose where he has no chance to win. There are frequently disputes between the setters-to respecting which cock is in for the law in his favour, during the changes which sometimes happen by the various changes in setting-to during the long law; as well as disputes amongst the spectators concerning bets made, and misunderstandings during the heat of battle; to prevent litigation, and long-standing animosity, it is an invariable rule, that all disputes are to be decided by a majority of the pit; but in all pecuniary altercations, —is the place to which a game chick is removed, from the place where he was bred, (and where he walked under his sire,) to the spot where he is to remain till taken up to fight; this is called his walk, of which he is the master, not walking under any other cock. They are commonly sent out to walk at six or seven months old, previous to which they have their combs and gills taken off, and are marked in the eyes, norrils, and feet. At this age they are called chickens; when turned of a year old, they are termed stags; and at two years old, COCKS. COFFIN-BONE.—This bone is situate at the lower extremity of the foot, deposited in the membranous mass with which the box (or coffin) of the hoof is lined, and is in nearly the shape of the hoof itself: in the centre of the coffin-bone is a concavity, COFFIN-JOINT,—the joint situate below the fetlock, and just above the union of hair and hoof; this is the part universally known by the term coffin-joint; but, in fact, it is not in reality so; for this being formed by the upper part of the coronet with the lower part of the fetlock-bone, leaves the whole coronary bone between the spot described and the coffin-bone. The coffin-joint is buried in the body of the hoof, and is formed by the convex junction of the coronary bone with the concave part of the coffin-bone, as explained in the article preceding. COLD.—A COLD is evidently occasioned by some sudden transition from heat to cold, a long exposure Cold is much more likely to be acquired in a horse by neglect or indiscretion, than by the effect of chance: it is certainly prevented with more ease than it can be cured; and those who ride or drive their own horses, have this in constant recollection; those who ride or drive the horses of others, have seldom any such recollection at all. Horses are hardly ever known to get colds under the eye of the MASTER, but unluckily he cannot be employed in the eternal superintendance of a servant, nor can he carry the horse in his pocket. Colds unattended to upon the first attack, not unfrequently degenerate to something worse, displaying its progressive virulence upon the eyes, the lungs, or in glandular tumefactions. Colds (in general thought very little of) cannot have their probable tendencies too soon counteracted, particularly when it is remembered, that if the blood is previously in a state of sizey viscidity, an inflammation of the lungs may very speedily follow, and carry off the patient in two or three days, in opposition to every medical endeavour that can be made to prevent it. A COUGH is generally one of the first and most distinguished symptoms of cold; for the collapsion of the porous system having thrown the perspirative matter upon the blood, its circulation through the finer vessels of the lungs becomes proportionally retarded, and constitutes the obstruction and consequent irritation (or tickling) which almost incessantly excites the cough; to relieve which, all writers agree, that bleeding is the first step to be taken: this to be followed by cordial balls, malt mashes, thin gruel, &c. &c. the particulars of which may be found fully explained in the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," or "Compendium of Farriery," by the present Author. COLOUR.—Strange notions have formerly prevailed, and much hypothetical writing and reasoning have been equally produced, to collect sufficient criterions to decide upon, for a proof that the strength and constitutional stamen of the horse depended as much or more upon his colour than his formation. Sound judgment, and rational reflection, would, however, induce a well-founded reason to believe, there is more of fancy or fallacy in such suggestion; and that the old maxim still stands upon firm ground, "a GOOD horse can't be of a bad colour." The bright and the dark bay, the jet black, the chesnuts, the browns, and the dappled greys, are Whatever may be the colour of the horse, it is a practice with old sportsmen, and good judges, to reject white heels, and white hoofs, if they can be avoided: experience has proved, beyond all fear of contradiction, that white heels are more tender, and white hoofs more subject to defects, and susceptible of injury, in thrushes, corns, and sand-cracks, COLLEGE VETERINARY,—an equestrian establishment for the improvement of farriery: it is situate about a mile north-east of Tottenham-Court Road, at Camden Town, in the parish of St. Pancras, and will be explained more at large under the head, Veterinary College. COLT,—in the general sense, and immediate acceptation of the term, implies a produce from Horse and Mare, without adverting for the moment to either the masculine or the feminine gender; but in a more contracted point of view, (as well as in just and sporting-like phraseology,) it is meant to convey an unequivocal idea, that the produce being A COLT, is really so, that is a horse colt,) in contra-distinction to the opposite gender, invariably called a filly. The bone and growth of a colt depends greatly upon two circumstances: the first, his being foaled late or early; that is, early in April, or late in June; as well as the difference of As COLTS of any description (except for THE TURF) are seldom taken in hand, at least offered for teeth To face Page 153, Vol. 1?? AGE by the TEETH. Colts' teeth are, in whiteness and appearance, not inferior to polished ivory; are individually smooth upon the surface, or seat of mastication, and so continue till some time between two and a half and three years old; when, a few weeks sooner or later, (depending entirely upon their having been late or early foals,) but within the space of time specified, he sheds the two middle teeth of the SIX in the under jaw: these are pushed forward, and succeeded by two of a stronger formation, deeper in color, fluted, as it were, or having small grooves from top to bottom, with a natural black cavity in the centre, as represented in figure the first of the Plate, when the colt will be found rising THREE YEARS OLD. Some time in the last half of the fourth year, the same process takes place with the teeth on each side the two in the centre, (already described to have undergone the change;) so that at four years old we find a repetition of (or addition to) the first two, at which particular period he becomes possessed of FOUR horse teeth in the middle, and one colt's tooth only on each side, as will be observed in the second figure of the Plate, where is represented the mouth of a colt when FOUR YEARS OLD off, which he should be properly called till the fall of the leaf; after that time it is the custom to say, he is RISING FIVE. At this time, that is, some time in the autumn, as September, October, or November, (depending a little upon his having been a late or early foal,) he sheds the two remaining outside or corner teeth, the successors to which continuing to push out till the May or June following, when he is full in the mouth, FIVE YEARS OLD, and then called a horse. During the course of this year, the single teeth, called TUSKS, seated beyond the corner teeth upon the bars, appear; and proper attention to the infantine or advanced state of this projection, will evidently demonstrate the fifth year of age; notwithstanding any trifling variation, or singular exception, to the law of Nature already laid down; In the space of the last six months of the sixth year, the cavity of the two middle teeth of the SIX (already described to have succeeded the two in the first change at three years old) gradually fill up, and when turned of SIX YEARS OLD, retain a faint remains of the original black mark, but is nearly or quite smooth upon the surface. In the last half of the SEVENTH YEAR, when the horse is termed "six off," (or rising seven,) the teeth on each side the two centrical, last described, become gradationally possessed of the same appearance; and when SEVEN YEARS are fully attained, the two outside or corner teeth only bear any mark of the original cavity. At this period the HORSE is said to be aged; and from this time to the completion of his eighth year, the faint mark in the corner teeth continues gradually to disappear (varying a little in different subjects) till quite obliterated, when the AGE by the TEETH is no longer a matter to be relied on, but becomes totally dependent upon As the curious, but very common, operation of Bishoping has been properly explained under that head, so another deception, in full practice by the fraternity of horse-dealers, must not be forgotten; they consider it a LAW of PRIVILEGE, and never omit an opportunity of gratifying their professional sensations. By referring to figure the second of the Plate, (where the teeth represent the state of the mouth at four years old off,) may be seen the four centrical teeth with the black cavities, and the two COLT'S TEETH at the corners, without any mark at all. In this state they are frequently purchased of the simple harmless BREEDER in the country; but they are very seldom a few hours in the possession of a DEALER, before the fertility of his imagination is at work to rectify the deficiencies, and to anticipate the very intent and effort of Nature. The two corner COLT'S TEETH just described, are immediately wrenched from their sockets, with even a common door key, or the first iron instrument that can be found applicable for the purpose; and this is done as a substitute for the impending exfoliation, by way of giving earlier opportunity for When a HORSE is considerably advanced in years, but still full in the frame, and fresh upon his legs, it is a general rule, even with the best and most experienced judges, to form an opinion tolerably accurate by the length of his TEETH; but this can by no means be considered infallible; as some horses carry a mouth so much better than others of a less age, that it can constitute no certain criterion of decision. CONDITION—is a word in frequent use with the sporting world, to express the state of a horse in respect to his health and external appearance. If low in flesh, rough in his coat, hollow above the eye, and depressed in his spirits, he is then said to be "very much out of condition." But, on the contrary, if full of good sound flesh, his skin loose Experience has so fully confirmed this fact, and custom has so firmly established the great prudence of prevention, that much disgrace and mortification is incurred by both MASTER and groom, who are so unfortunate as to have horses out of condition; and this is so perfectly understood in the present state of equestrian emulation, that the necessity for occasionally cleansing the frame by BLEEDING, PURGING, DIURETICS, or a course of ALTERATIVES, is not only almost universally acknowledged, but generally practised by every judicious and well informed SPORTSMAN in the kingdom. CONSTIPATION—implies that state of the bowels, when, for want of the necessary secretion of mucus, their excrementitious contents acquire a degree of solidity bordering upon induration; the dung becomes too hard and adhesive, foetid in effluvia, and dark or nearly black in appearance. A horse in such state should not be long neglected; inflammatory cholic and consequent danger may ensue; or an indurated mass may be formed in the intestinal canal, which no medicine may have the power to move in time to prevent mortification. Too nice attention cannot be paid to a horse's regular evacuations: if the body is evidently foul, he should be proportionally physicked. Circumstances not rendering that perfectly convenient, opening mashes might be adopted, and continued nightly (or oftner) till the constipation is removed. CONSUMPTION.—A consumption is a disorder to which horses are very much subject, particularly the carriage horses of the great and opulent: these fall victims to the unmerciful ambition of nocturnal grandeur, in the four, five and six hours street-waiting in the most dreary nights of the most dreary winter. Consumptions originate in colds, which being ill managed or neglected, constitute an increasing viscidity of the blood; this preternatural consistence renders it more languid in its circulation; and it is, of course, proportionally impeded in its progress through the finer vessels of the When brought into motion, the flanks heave, and the cough comes on in proportion to the increase of action and circulation: the pain thus produced soon excites profuse perspiration: by the efforts of snorting, sneezing, and blowing, to relieve himself from the load under which he labours, CONVULSIONS—are a spasmodic affection of the muscular parts of the body, occasioned by extreme pain acting upon the irritability of the nervous system; and generally proceed from cholic, inflammation of the kidnies, strangury, worms preying upon the internal coat of the stomach, a fullness of the vessels, and too great a flux of blood to the brain; as well as a variety of causes, many of which are, perhaps, very far beyond the utmost extent of human investigation. Whenever they come on, the scene becomes truly distressing; they may be considered almost invariably certain indications of approaching dissolution, instances being exceedingly rare of a horse's recovery. COMPRESSION—is a term meant to convey the idea of an injury sustained in the foot of a A hoof in the state described, holds forth, in its appearance, ample proof of compression upon the parts constituting the internal structure of the foot; the membranous mass, the nut and coffin-bone, thus pressed upon by the surrounding stricture, occasions a torpidity, and consequent defect in action, by no means dissimilar to the hobbling gait of an infant in pain from the tightness and rigidity of new leather shoes. Horses whose feet are thus destructively reduced, are generally those to whom neither MASTER or MAN ever condescends to look: if proper injunctions were laid upon the shoeing smith, at each time of performing the operation, such a scene of devastation could never ensue. When COOLERS—are such medicines as, by their attenuating property, tend to divest the blood of its viscidity, and to counteract threatened inflammation. They are always useful in plethoric appearances: when a horse is evidently overloaded, and above himself in flesh, when the legs are full, round, and all the vessels are palpably distended, cooling medicines, and gentle exercise, are the direct means of obtaining relief. Bleeding should take the lead, followed by a course of diuretics, mild or strong, according to the size and strength of the subject. Nitre, incorporated with half its weight of gum Arabic in powder, and dissolved in the water, is an excellent article of this description. CORNS,—as they are called, would be much more properly denominated bruises, and are of infinite trouble to those who implicitly submit to the Corns mostly originate in the shoe having swerved a little from its proper seat upon the wall or crust of the hoof, and becoming, as it were, indented upon the outer sole, occasions a bruise, appearing to have ramifications of extravasated fluid in very fine and oblique directions: the shoe being permitted to press upon this part, (become irritable by the injury it has sustained,) produces pain and impediment to action. Upon the discovery that such has taken place, the remedy is as simple as the cause by which it was occasioned. The shoe being carefully removed, take from the surface of what is miscalled a corn, just enough to leave the part free from pressure by the shoe; moisten once externally CORDIALS,—medically considered, are the very reverse, in their property, of what has been said under the subject of "coolers:" they are warm aromatic articles, which stimulate to action the internal coat of the stomach, enliven the circulation, invigorate the frame, expel wind, strengthen the digestive powers; and are, perhaps, without exception, the best and most useful discovery yet made for the prevention and cure of colds in horses, as well as of some other disorders arising from an impoverished state of the blood. Horses subject to incessant fatigue in all weathers, particularly in the wet and dirty months of winter, should never be without the occasional interposition of a warm malt mash, or a CORDIAL BALL, after long journies or severe chases, whenever circumstances may render either or both necessary; the first being given at night, the latter in the morning. After a previous bleeding, these means may be considered infallible in a cold and cough, and never known to fail, if properly persevered in and attended to. The cordial balls are also exceedingly useful, where a horse is off his appetite, either from being overworked, or from the very common and very injudicious custom with weak servants, or penurious masters, CORIANDER,—the name of A HORSE who acquired much celebrity by his performances upon the TURF for six years in succession. He was bred by Mr Dawson, and was got by Pot8oo's out of Lavender, who was got by Herod; her dam by Snap, out of Sweet William's dam by Cade. He was foaled in 1786. In 1789, when three years old, he beat Jericho, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas, and Sir W. Aston's Marcia, two year old course, 100 guineas. First Spring meeting, 1790, he beat Buzzard, seven stone each, 100 guineas. Second spring meeting he beat him again for the same sum. He beat Egbert and Isabel, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each; and Shovel, Glaucus, Alexander, and Sir Thomas, a sweepstakes of 50 guineas each; Baronet, Nimble, Egbert, and Sir Pepper, paying forfeit. He walked over for the King's hundred at Ipswich; and beat Lord Barrymore's Pellegrine the two middle miles of the Beacon for 200 guineas. In 1791 he won a subscription purse, beating Spear, Isabel, Ruffian, Black Deuce, and Mouse. When rising six years old, he received forfeit from Sir C. Turner's Weathercock, and won the King's plate at Guildford, beating Enchanter and Braggadocio; also the King's plate at Nottingham, beating Young Cicero. In 1793 he won the aged plate at Newmarket, beating Dragon, Halbert, and Halkin. He won the King's plate also, beating the Duke of Bedford's Skyscraper. Second spring meeting, he won the Jocky Club plate, beating Skyscraper, Bustler, Cardock, and Pipator; and on the same day won the weight for the aged plate, beating Huby, VolantÉ, and Eager. In the same meeting he beat Buzzard the Beacon Course for 200 guineas. In 1794, when aged, he won THE WHIP and 200 guineas, beating Creeper, ten stone each, over the Beacon. He won 50l. at Chelmsford, beating Sweeper, and Portland; likewise 50l. at Northampton, beating Triumvirate, and a son of Faggergill. At Newmarket, in October, he won the aged plate, beating Quetlavaca, Exciseman, and CORNER TEETH—are the four teeth at the extremities of each row in both the upper and the lower jaw, situate between the middle teeth and the tushes: the corner teeth in the lower jaw, are those which the horse sheds when four years old off, and rising five: these not spontaneously exfoliating in time to accommodate the pecuniary propensity of the dealer, he possesses the means and the practice of selling a four year old colt for a FIVE year old horse; and this is so constant, that there is with that class nothing dishonest considered in the custom. CORONET—is the part surrounding the foot of the horse just above the junction of hair and hoof: the bone from which the name is derived, bears great affinity in form to a ducal coronet, and is situate between the lower part of the fetlock-bone COVEY of Partridges—consists of the cock, hen, and their produce of that year before they are broken, and so continue to be termed till killed down too thin to bear the appellation: they are then distinguished by the small numbers they are found in; as, a leash, (three;) two brace, (four;) &c. COURSE of Medicine,—so called where the case is chronic, requiring a rectification in the animal oeconomy, or an alteration in the property of the blood. Chronic cases are disorders of some continuance, (producing symptoms of disquietude more than of danger,) and are thus called to distinguish them from those which, proceeding rapidly, terminate sooner, and with more alarm. Cholic, STRANGURY, FEVER, &c. in horses, are acute diseases: on the contrary, grease, surfeit, and some others, may with propriety be termed CHRONIC, and can only be completely eradicated by such course of medicine as shall be considered applicable to the state of the frame, and the origin of the disease. COURSING—is a species of sport that a celebrated writer has traced to great antiquity; "it having been treated on by Arrian, who flourished A. D. 150." The same author, the Rev. Mr. Daniel, in his elegant and truly entertaining publication upon "Rural Sports," says, "In our country, during the reign of King John, greyhounds were frequently received by him as payment in lieu of money, for the renewal of grants, fines, and forfeitures, belonging to the Crown. The following extracts prove this Monarch to have been exceedingly partial to this kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions five hundred marks, ten horses, and ten leashes of greyhounds. Another, in 1210, one swift running horse, and six greyhounds." "In the days of Elizabeth, when she was not disposed herself to hunt, she was so stationed as to see the coursing of deer with greyhounds. At Cowdrey, in Sussex, the seat of Lord Montecute, (now Lady Montague's,) A. D. 1591, one day after dinner, the Queen saw from a turret sixteen bucks, all having fair law, pulled down with greyhounds in a lawn before the house." Coursing was formerly extended to the DEER, the FOX, and the HARE; and much ceremony was observed in park and paddock coursing with the former, The meetings at Swaffham are held on the second Monday in November, and the first Monday in February, unless prevented by frost or snow, in which case they are then held the first open Monday in or after November, and the first open Monday in February; and not later. The Ashdown Park meeting to be held at the Red Lion at Lambourn, annually, the second Monday in November. The LAWS of COURSING were arranged in the reign of Queen Elizabeth by the Duke of Norfolk, and were sanctioned by the acquiescence of the nobility, gentry, and sporting world, who then followed the diversion; and have since been considered Rules.—A hare never to be coursed by more than A BRACE of greyhounds. The hare-finder to give the hare three soho's! before he put her from her form; to give notice to the dogs, that they may attend to starting. The hare to have twelve score yards law before the dogs were loosed, unless the small distance from cover would not admit it without danger of immediately losing her. The dog who gave the first turn, if there was neither cote, slip, nor wrench, during the course, WON. A cote is when a greyhound goes endways by his fellow, and gives the hare a turn. A cote serves for two turns, and two trippings or jerkins for a cote: if the hare did not turn quite about, she only wrenched, and two wrenches stand for a turn. If there were no cotes given between a brace of greyhounds, but that one of them served the other at turning, then he that gave the hare most turns, won; and if one gave as many turns as the other, then he that bore the hare, won. If one dog gave the first turn, and the other bore the hare, he that bore the hare, won. A go-by, or bearing the hare, was equivalent to two turns. If neither dog turned the hare, he that led last to the covert, won. If one dog turned the hare, served himself, and turned her again, it was as much as a cote; for a cote was esteemed two turns. If all the course was equal, the dog that bore the hare, won; if the hare was not borne, the course was adjudged dead. If a dog fell in a course, and yet performed his part, he might challenge the advantage of a turn more than he gave. If a dog turned the hare, served himself, and gave divers cotes, and yet in the end stood still in the field, the other dog, if he ran home to the cover, although he gave no turn, was adjudged the winner. If by accident a dog was rode over in his course, the course was void; and he that did the mischief was to make reparation for the damage. If a dog gave the first and last turn, and there was no other advantage between them, he that gave the odd turn, won. He that came in first at the death, took up the hare, saved her from being torn, cherished the dogs, and cleansed their mouths from the fleak, was adjudged to have the hare for his trouble. Those who were appointed judges of the course, were to give their decision before they departed from the field. Exclusive of the county clubs and local societies established for the annual enjoyment of the diversion upon a larger scale, COURSING has its devotees, who are as energetic in its defence, as its most enraptured advocate can possibly be, for what he calls the inexpressible pleasures of the chase: taken, however, in a more extensive point of view, it is held in nearly an equal estimation with angling, when —will be sound satisfactorily explained under the head Constipation; to prevent which, regular exercise, great friction, flank rubbing, and frequent changes of food, will greatly contribute. CRACKS—in the heels of horses, during the winter season, are found only in stables where the master seldom or ever condescends to appear. These trifles are too frequently attributed to a defect in the constitution of the horse, when, with more propriety, they might be fixed upon a want of constitutional punctuality in the groom. Horses left with wet legs and heels after chase or journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or in frost and snow, constitute the evil to a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured, (or broken in various places,) upon being brought into action the following day: this, with the irritation and friction occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel and extraneous matter in the dirty roads, soon produce enlarged lacerations of the most painful description. The prudent part of the world CRAMP—is a most extraordinary spasmodic muscular contraction of some particular limb, where the stiffness and rigidity of the part exceeds belief. To those who have never been accustomed to such cases, they are serious and alarming; for the strength of two men is inadequate to the task of rendering the affected limb pliable and active. The cause is sometimes not to be ascertained; but it has frequently arisen from a horse, in a high state of perspiration, having been placed in a current of cold air, or a damp stable, and in a few minutes found not able to move. Standing still two or three days in succession without exercise, after long and constant travelling, is likewise known to produce it. But whatever cause it may have originated in, the direct road to relief is still the same. Instantaneous BLEEDING, hot fomentation with a decoction of aromatic herbs, immediately followed up by strong friction with an old stable horse-brush, and this by an embrocation of camphorated spirits, half a pint, incorporated with one ounce of oil of CREST-FALLEN.—A horse is said to be crest-fallen, when the part running from the withers to the ears, and upon which the mane grows, is impoverished, and wasted, from the natural prominence of its beautiful curve, to a state of reverse hollowness or indentation. This is generally accompanied by a total emaciation, brought on by very bad support, or neglect under different degrees of disease. The firmness and corresponding curve of the crest is almost invariably a tolerable criterion of the health and condition of the horse; and a judicious inspector seldom omits this part of the examination. If the flesh upon the crest is firm, solid, and not flabbily soft, or fluctuating, it is a good sign of constitutional strength; but a horse having a low, bare, indented crest, will always have a poor, weak, and impoverished appearance, doing his owner no credit. This defect, however, proceeds more from penurious keep, and temporary starvation, than any cause or defect in Nature, and CRIB-BITING—is a habit acquired by some horses, of incessantly biting the manger, and gulping the wind; which appears, from observation, to be more prejudicial to character, than to bodily exertion. It is said, "young horses are most subject to it; and that it is often occasioned by uneasiness in breeding of teeth, and from being ill fed when they are hungry. The bad consequences are wearing away their teeth, spilling their corn, and sucking the air in such quantities, as will often give them the cholic or gripes." It is certain a crib-biter never appears high in flesh, or so full in condition as horses that are not so; and so prejudicial is it considered by many, that they will not admit a horse to be perfectly sound if sold with this infirmity. Opinions vary upon the difference it makes respecting the labor and fatigue a horse of this description can undergo; some asserting that "the defect keeps him weak, languid, and unable to endure much work:" while others as strenuously insist upon its being in no way whatever prejudicial. "Who shall decide when doctors disagree?" CROPPING—is the operation of taking off the ears, which was till very lately performed with CROWN-SCAB—is a partial appearance about the coronet of a horse, varying in different subjects, according to the state of the object diseased. It partakes a little of the disorder called grease, to which, if unattended to, it would soon degenerate; being a species of that defect, but in an inferior degree. In some it appears as a scurfy eruption, raising the hair, and turning it different ways, from whence soon oozes a kind of oily ichor, foetid in smell, and greasy in appearance: in others, the discharge is thinner, and more watery, according to the greater or less degree of morbidity in the frame, or acrimony in the blood. It has been a practice with the old school to counteract its effects by vitriolic lotions, slight styptics, and strong repellents: scientific disquisition will not, however, justify such treatment, but recommend daily mollification with warm oatmeal gruel and a soft sponge; when which is wiped gently dry with a soft linen CUB.—A young fox is so called during the first year. CURB—is a callous enlargement, approaching ossification, and is situate at the lower junction of the bones, at the hind part of the hock, originally attended with stiffness, and lastly with lameness and pain. Curbs are evidently produced by kicks, blows, sudden turns or twists, riding too hard (or drawing too much weight) up hill: they should be attended to on their first appearance, when they soon submit to the usual modes adopted for extirpation. Mild blistering frequently succeeds, particularly where the operation is twice performed; but when the case is of long standing, a few slight feather strokes with the firing-iron may be necessary to confirm the cure. CURB.—The chain is so called, which is the part of the bridle-bit fixed to one cheek, and passing under the lower-jaw (and above the beard or chin) to the other. By the rein being fixed to rings or loops, at the lower extremity of the bit, this chain, called curb, constitutes a fulcrum; and the harder such rein is pulled, the harder will be CURRY-COMB,—a well known stable utensil, in constant use for the cleaning of horses. They are much more applicable to post and draft horses, than to horses of superior description, the fineness of whose coats, and the tenderness of whose skins, occasion much uneasiness to them during the prickly persecution, and to whom good, sweet, clean straw-bands are greatly preferable; it being matter of fair doubt, whether more horses are not lamed in the stable under the dancing ceremony of the curry-comb, than by accidents upon the road, or strong exertions in the field. CRUPPER,—a leathern convenience, or long strap, annexed to the hinder part of the saddle, having at the other extremity a loop to pass under the tail; by which the saddle is prevented from getting forward, and bringing the rider upon the neck of the horse. Such aid is by no means required with horses well made, and uniformly proportioned: they are rarely brought into use, but where a horse is lower before than behind; and are in so much disrepute with amateurs and connoisseurs, that a CUTTING.—Explained under Castration. CUTTING in Action,—in the manege called interfering, is lacerating the round inside projecting part of the fetlock-joint, with the edge of the shoe, upon the foot of the opposite leg. This arises much more frequently from the indifference or neglect in the owner, than from any imperfection or defect of the horse; more horses cut from being broke and put into work too young, rode too long journies in a day, or over-worked when weary, than from any cause whatever. Some horses, it is true, cut from their formation, particularly those narrow in the chest. Carriage horses, too, very frequently cut behind; but this must in a great measure be occasioned by the projecting parts and cavities in the pavement, for all which the surest footed horse existing cannot be prepared. |
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