MUZZLE
.—Muzzles are made of leather, and are of two sorts; the one called a dressing, the other a setting, muzzle. The first is of the same form as the last, but of different construction, having a few straps crossing each other transversely, and so united as to be about nine inches in depth, and of a shape to cover the nose of the horse so high; to which are annexed two straps; one of which passes up the cheek on each side, and buckles at the top of the head behind the ears; the use of this is to dress such horses in as are disposed to vice with the teeth, as well to prevent the MANGER from injury, as the GROOM from danger. The other is in little use, except in TRAINING STABLES; its form is not unlike the exact shape of a common water-pail, being made of the thickness of substantial leather, having a number of round holes punched in every part of it, for the free admission of air, and is brought into use on those nights preceding a horse's RUNNING engagement on the following day; as well as before taking a SWEAT, or running a TRIAL. It is called a SETTING-MUZZLE, because, when put on, the horse is said "to be set," (that is, to fast;) and the intent is to prevent his consuming the litter, or obtaining more food than what the training-groom has a perfect knowledge of.
N.
NABOB
—was a horse of much temporary note, and considered one of the best country plate horses of his time; he was bred by Mr. Swinburne, and foaled in 1753; was got by Cade, dam by Crab, grand-dam by Childers. Although he was a known good runner, he never as a STALLION produced any racers of much celebrity.
NAG
—is rather a provincial than a general term, and varies a little in its signification, according to the county, or part of the kingdom, in which it is used. In the most common country acceptation, it implies a RIDING horse or ROADSTER, in contra-distinction to a carriage or cart-horse. A "complete nag" may be considered a kind of horse beyond the line of mediocrity, and bordering upon the idea of a moderate hunter. A "smartish nag" is what the opulent farmer rides to market; and a "tightish little tit" is a well-bred galloway of SPEED and ACTION, which, in a state of purity and perfection, are always difficult to be obtained.
NARROW CHESTED
.—A horse is so called, whose breast is so narrow (when standing before him) that the fore-legs gradually extend wider in proportion as the eye accompanies them nearer the ground; so that, in a front view, they bear the form of two legs of a common country washing-stool, where the legs are inserted in the narrow part of the wood at the top, and are four or five inches more in width at the bottom. Horses of this description are invariably weak before; and when put into hard work, or severe exertions, are the very sort of which so many upon the roads are seen in a "CHEST-FOUNDERED" state; which see under that head, where it will be found fully explained.
NARROW HEELS
.—Enlarged upon under "Heels Narrow," which SEE.
NAVEL-GALL
—is an injury sustained upon the centrical part of the back-bone, corresponding with that part below, from whence it originally derived its present denomination. It is always occasioned by the pad of the SADDLE being in itself too wide, (and deficient in stuffing,) letting the iron-work of the tree come into contact with the SPINE; or from the long and constant use of a roller in the stable, till having lost the elasticity of its stuffing, it then becomes sufficiently hard, particularly with too tight buckling, to occasion the injury, which is often productive of much trouble, long vexation, and tedious disappointment. It is a disgrace to the rational part of the world, that cases should occur from neglect, indolence, or inattention, which may, with no more than just and necessary caution, be so easily prevented. A navel-gall, in the first instance, if immediately attended to upon the earliest discovery, (if that be so soon as the injury is sustained, or in its recent state of inflammation,) will mostly submit to mild astringent repellents, repeated at short intervals; and the contents of the inflammatory tumefaction will be absorbed into the circulation. But "as it is the curse of fools to be secure," so an impatient repetition of the cause occasions a constantly increasing addition to the injury, till the renewed HEAT and FRICTION upon the part constitute an eschar, or leather-like substance, upon the surface, which being separated, or coming spontaneously away, displays a foul, if not an INVETERATE ulcer, and requires no small share of Veterinary skill to insure a successful termination.
NEAR-SIDE
.—The near-side of a horse is the LEFT SIDE, and of course the side on which the rider goes to mount. The right-side of the horse is always called the OFF-SIDE; but the right side, or the left side, is never so termed, when speaking of a horse. It is the invariable custom to say, that horse is lame of the "near-leg before;" the other, is evidently defective in the "off-leg behind."
NECK
.—The neck of a horse has been so often enlarged upon under a variety of different heads, that little or nothing is left useful, entertaining, or instructive, to introduce upon the subject. All that can be required, will be found largely explained by referring to "Horse" and "Forehand," where, if it is not already remarked sufficiently, it may be here more forcibly inculcated; that a horse with a short neck, is in general lower before than behind; that he is never easy in action; carries his head low, and lifts his legs with difficulty; is much addicted to tripping, or rather blundering, and with that pleasing perfection (so gratifying to the sensations of his rider) is always in danger of FALLING; in addition to which, it may be observed, that a horse of this formation is neither fleet or handsome.
NEEDLE-WORMS
—are small white worms with a sharp-pointed head, having their seat in the rectum of a horse, from whence they are frequently discharged with the dung, but are difficult to dislodge and extirpate entirely. By their unceasing action, (twirling and twisting in the dung when expelled,) it is natural to conceive, how very much they irritate, disquiet, and distress an animal where they have acquired possession; of this there needs no greater proof, than the excrements frequently and suddenly coming away in a liquified state, as if the horse was under a course of physic. And this is evidently the cause why horses eternally teazed and persecuted with these diminutive enemies, always appear low in flesh, rough in the coat, sunk in the eyes, and depressed in the spirits: eternally labouring under internal disquietude, they derive but little advantage from REST, or nourishment from FOOD. They are sometimes not only reduced, but eradicated, by ANTIMONIALS; but as this is not always to be relied on, MERCURIAL PHYSIC is justified upon the broad basis of experience, as the only infallible mode of extirpation.
NEIGHING
—is an exclamatory sensation (or vociferation) by which the horse evinces either anxiety, suspense, or pleasure; but the passion he feels is expressed with much more force and energy in the two first, than in the latter, which is ejaculated with low and gradual vibrative sounds, too expressive to be mistaken by even the inexperienced naturalist, or least attentive observer. Being separated from a companion with whom he has been accustomed to stand in the same stable, and to accompany each other abroad, his inquiries are loud and incessant upon the road or in the field; and if made upon a RACE COURSE, amidst a thousand horses, they are so completely masters of their own language, that they can instantly distinguish the exclamation of each other from the innumerable NEIGHINGS of all the rest. Finding themselves answered, at whatever distance, they display their eagerness to get together; and as they approach each other, the pleasure becomes perceptible in the way before described, and by the experienced sportsman so perfectly understood.
NETS
—are the well-known articles constructed of thread, packthread, and small cord, made of every sort and size, for the various purposes of taking fish, fowl, and game of every denomination; from the GUDGEON to the SALMON, from the SPARROW to the WILD DUCK, and from the RABBIT to the RED DEER: all are destined to bow obedience to human ingenuity. Nets are to be obtained from the makers, of almost every possible description, under a variety of names, according to the distinct use for which each is employed. Of these there are the minnow-net, the casting-net, the landing-net, the draw-net, the drag-net, the bat-folding-net, the tunnel-net, the flue-net, the clap-net, the fowling-net, with a long list of inferiors; the insertion of which here is not likely to prove of the least general utility; each being practically known to those of the different SPORTING or poaching classes with whom they are principally in use.
NEWMARKET
—is the name of a small town, about sixty miles from the Metropolis, and ten from Cambridge. In itself it lays claim to little attention, but is rendered of much celebrity by the beautiful country by which it is surrounded, and the periodical RACING MEETINGS there established; constituting a kind of carnival to the SPORTING WORLD, that, to be properly conceived, must be seen; and to be enjoyed, must be understood. During the whole of each meeting it is a complete MART of BUSINESS in the midst of dissipation, forming a scene of profit and loss, pleasure and anxiety, exultation and despondency, beyond the power of the most fertile pen to depict. Nothing, perhaps, can more nearly equal the general confusion, the various passions, and variegated countenances, (as agitated by the pecuniary sensations of each,) than the contortions of disquietude, and gesticulations of mental misery, upon the Exchange, when some sudden political shock produces a dreadful and unexpected fall in the price of stocks.
Newmarket derived the origin of its brilliancy from King James the First, after whom its pleasures lay nearly dormant, till the gay court of Charles the Second renewed its sport with renovated splendour; having laid the foundation of the present regular meetings, and erected a building for the accommodation of the royal retinue, which is still retained in the possession of the Crown, as a princely residence whenever the Sovereign, or any part of the royal family may be disposed to honor the spot with their presence. The meetings consist of seven in every year, and are thus distinguished: the Craven Meeting; the First Spring Meeting; the Second Spring Meeting; the July Meeting; the First October Meeting; the Second October Meeting; and the Houghton Meeting; during the whole of which (the July and Houghton excepted) the sport generally continues for SIX days, beginning on the Monday, and terminating only with the week. The heath, as it is called, is a most extensive tract of land, and beautifully diversified in its prospects; it contains TWENTY different courses, of various lengths, and almost opposite descriptions, adapted to horses of every age and qualification; where, during the exercise hours in the summer season, may be seen from a hundred and fifty to two hundred of the finest and best bred horses in the kingdom, displaying their various powers in every direction. For farther particulars see "Horse Racing," "Jockey Club," and "King's Plate."
In addition to all which it may not prove inapplicable to observe, that a correct and faithful recital of every Racing Transaction at Newmarket, and every other place of SPORT, is published in the form of a newspaper, once a fortnight, during the whole of the season, from April to November, and is transmitted, free of postage, to individuals (who are SUBSCRIBERS) from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. At the end of each year, it is repeated in a handsome volume upon fine paper, with various additions, including the WINNERS of the different PLATES given by his Majesty; the particulars of the sweepstakes, and subscriptions entered into; and a list of STALLIONS of eminence intended to cover the year ensuing. This most respectable and authentic convenience to the sporting part of the world, is published under the title of "The Racing Calendar," at a subscription of only One Guinea per annum, by Messrs. E. and J. Weatherby, No. 7, Oxendon-Street, near the Haymarket. The latter of whom has likewise accommodated the public with a "General Stud Book," containing the pedigree of almost every HORSE, MARE, and GELDING, of note, that has appeared on the TURF for the last fifty years and upwards; together with some account of the foreign HORSES and MARES from whence is derived the present breed of RACERS in Great Britain and Ireland. This is a most elaborate, useful, and entertaining production, well worthy the attention of every enlightened sportsman in the kingdom.
NICKING
—was formerly considered an OPERATION of much MAGNITUDE, and not without its proportion of danger; and then performed only by such as were considered eminent in the PRACTICE, and expert in the ART. It is now, however, a matter of so little consequence, that anatomical knowledge is not thought at all necessary to the execution; it being a well-known fact, that almost every DEALER (or even his principal servant) is an operator from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. The intent of NICKING is to prevent (by a counteracting power) a horse from depressing his TAIL, and flicking it between his hind quarters; giving him all the appearance of perpetual fear, and constitutional dejection. A horse of this description is held in very trifling estimation, and purchasers are not readily to be found till this operation has been gone through, and the good or bad set of the TAIL ascertained, upon the ornamental part of which, both the figure and proportional value of the subject greatly depend.
This operation, as it was formerly performed, indeed as it is now by common FARRIERS and inexperienced GROOMS, appears one of the most cruel and severe that could possibly originate in the human mind; though in the hands of those well acquainted with the STRUCTURE of the PARTS, having a quick eye, and steady execution, it is a matter so superficial, and attended with so little pain or difficulty, that it does not seem entitled to even serious consideration. In order that the process, and proper use of NICKING, may be the better comprehended by the younger branches of the SPORTING WORLD who have never seen it performed, it becomes directly applicable to observe, that there are in every limb of either the human or brute creation, two sets of muscles, acting in a contrary direction to the other. The office of one is to EXPAND; the other, to CONTRACT: the former are technically termed the EXTENSOR; the latter, the FLEXOR muscles: thus, then, it is, that the extensors possess the power of extending or straightening the limb; the flexors, of relaxing and completely bending it. Of these two sets, the flexors have the greater predominance, and can always overcome the resisting property of their opposites; but when, by an effort of the will, the extensors are brought into forcible action, then overcoming the little resistence that is either made or felt: of this force in the flexor muscles, ample proof may be obtained, by endeavouring to raise the TAIL of an unnicked horse against his will.
The extensor muscles, of course, passing in a longitudinal direction on each side the superior part of the tail, from the spinal bone to the extremity, retains the power of raising the tail at pleasure; the flexors, running in a similar line at the inferior, or lower part, there possess a greater power of counteraction, and render the operation the more necessary, as, by diminishing the power of one, proportional strength is added to the other. Previous to the present expert and easy mode of operation, it was common to see the incisions (or nicks) the breadth of a very large finger, and a small one might be lodged in the cavity. These enormous chasms were made under an expectation of more readily reaching the flexor muscle, which it was the intention to discover and divide; but which, in most cases, had been previously divided, and receded in the first efforts; and sometimes, from the unnecessary destruction of parts, and profuse bleeding, produced alarm, followed by inflammation, frequently danger, and sometimes DEATH. This, however, is, as it ought to be, very much reformed, and not without a substantial reason, when it may be observed, that, upon raising the tail of a horse in its natural state, the two flexor muscles may be clearly seen, and distinctly felt, one on each side the CENTRICAL bone, in common termed the DOCK, laying in a midway direction, between the bone and the edge of the tail where the hair begins. In performing this operation in a superior and masterly manner, the horse having been previously secured, (with hobbles and side-lines,) the tail is to be firmly grasped with the left hand, and turned up with considerable force towards the rump, when a superficial incision is to be made with a crooked pointed knife, directly over the seat of the flexor, which will be instantly perceived of a strong elastic texture, ready for separation by the knife, steadily held for that purpose; the tail being exceedingly firm in hand, by which the separated tendon will have the less power to recede. Immediately after the separation, the lower extremity having lost its elastic support, will be seen to hang full half an inch from the first incision; when a second, a third, and even a fourth, if necessary, is to be made in the same way on each side the tail; it not being a matter at all requisite, that the skin in the middle, passing over the bone, should be divided, or that the wounds on each side should communicate with each other. The incisions being completed, the ends of the separated muscles should be secured with a pair of FORCEPS, or a curved NEEDLE, and when a little drawn out by moderate force, should then be taken off with a pair of scissars, or a knife, as close as they can be conveniently come at. It is a custom with some, to separate the tendon of each incision before they proceed to make another, and this seems to be the most rational and expeditious mode of the two.
In this method of performing the operation, there is a very trifling loss of blood, which is almost immediately suppressed by a pledget of tow, previously prepared, and slightly impregnated with any of the simple styptics, or Friar's Balsam, incorporated with a little Balsam of Peru. Custom has established a rule, which it will most probably be very difficult to affect by any verbal or literary expostulation, which is the affixing an immoderate weight to the tail, to prevent a reunion of the divided tendons, by the continued separation of parts: this, it must be remembered, is the less likely to happen, when one of the divided extremities has considerably receded, and the other is totally taken away. In respect to the precise distances at which the incisions are to be made, that depends upon no fixed rule whatever, but must be regulated by the thick and fleshy formation of the tail, and the height it is required to be carried. The HIGHER it is to be raised, the nearer the first incision is to be made to the BASE, observing to let the NICKS decline gradually the nearer they come to the point of the tail; being particularly careful, that the last is not of equal depth and magnitude with the two nearest the quarters; if so, the subject may be expected to carry it with a curve at the extremity, which will add none to the FIGURE or FASHION of the horse.
Although the most expert operators are exceedingly alert and expeditious in the execution, and in general perform the operation with only a single side-line, leaving the horse in a very unconfined state; yet the absolute necessity for greater precaution cannot be more forcibly inculcated, than by a recital of the following recent accident, which must hold forth an aweful lesson to those who may be induced to ruminate a few moments upon the event. On Sunday morning, October 17th, 1802, as Mr. Welch, a noted and opulent dealer in horses, resident in Oxford-street, in the Metropolis, was NICKING a horse not properly secured, he received so sudden and severe a kick on the BREAST, that threw him to a considerable distance, and instantly deprived him of LIFE. The reflections naturally arising upon the day on which such an operation was performed, open a wide field for religious contemplation; particularly as the sufferer was a man of the most pleasing manners, and personal respectability; having raised himself, by the mere dint of his own merits, from the most subordinate offices of servitude, to a state of perfect affluence.
NIDE
—is the term sportingly applied to the offspring or produce of the COCK and HEN PHEASANT, so long as they continue to clutch or brood together, before they separate, and are able to provide for themselves. To be technically correct, it is usual to say, a nide of PHEASANTS; a covey of PARTRIDGES; a clutch of CHICKENS; a setting of GULLS; and a brood of DUCKS.
NIPPERS
.—The four teeth in the front of a horse's mouth (two above and two below) are so denominated: these are the teeth which expel their predecessors (called colt's teeth) when a colt is two years old off, and rising three. See Colt.
NIPPERS
.—The smaller sized PINCERS of the shoeing-smith are so called.
NITRE
—is an article in too much general use to stand in need of minute description. Its medical properties are of the most universal kind, with respect to the diseases of horses; but it is, on account of its being easily obtained, (for little money,) frequently introduced with the greatest indiscretion. Nitre is an useful assistant in most inflammatory disorders, as it is both of a diuretic and cooling property; it is consequently to be recommended in FEVERS, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, swelled legs, and other defects or diseases, where an additional discharge of urine, or an attenuation of the blood, is to be promoted. Its well-known good qualities have rendered it the more subject to an almost perpetual perversion of the excellent properties it so clearly contains; for, although it never should be given in large quantities without some proper corrector, yet the invincible propensity of COACHMEN and GROOMS to become Veterinarians, renders them completely miserable, unless they can be constantly displaying some specimen of their art; to which nothing can possibly become more happily appropriate, than the profuse administration of NITRE; as it affords a frequent opportunity of preying upon the pecuniary sensations of the master, by means which it is unnecessary to introduce.
NOSEBAND
—is that part of a military bridle, headstall, martingal, or hunting rein-halter, which passing below the under jaw, and round the nose above the nostrils, assists in keeping the other parts of either in their proper position.
NOSTRILS
.—The nostrils of a horse are generally a tolerable criterion of his wind, as well as his blood. A horse having a wide and well-extended nostril, may be supposed to possess a free and easy expansion of the LUNGS: this cannot be more perfectly comprehended, than by adverting occasionally to the shape of horses who RACE, and are thorough BRED; where the form and expansion of the nostrils will be found more than one third the size of such horses as are of common lineage, and inferior description.
O.
OATS
—are the well-known farinaceous grain which is the principal food and support of horses in constant work. After various experiments by NATURALISTS, and the most celebrated AGRICULTURISTS, they are found to convey a greater portion of nutriment to the frame, and invigoration to the system, at less expence, than any other kind of food whatever. The advantages of obtaining the heaviest in weight, the brightest in colour, and the sweetest in hand, are too self-evident to require a single line in elucidation. Oats newly housed, and newly threshed, should be avoided, if possible: not having acquired their proper firmness by TIME, they are more disposed to fermentation when mixed with the juices in the stomach, and then propel the contents of the intestines in a state little short of liquefaction, by their own laxative property. When, from any temporary scarcity, or local consumption, old OATS cannot be procured, and necessity compels the use of new, a few beans may be added; these, by their restringent and nutritious property, will check the effect of the new oats, and prevent the debilitating laxity just described.
OBERON
—is a horse of some recent celebrity: he was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, and foaled in 1790; he was got by Highflyer, dam (Queen Mab) by Eclipse, out of a Tartar mare. In 1793, when three years old, he won the GOLD CUP at Doncaster, value 100 guineas; beating Cayenne, Ninety-three, Skypeeper, Restless, Flora, and Chigwell. The same day he won the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, thirteen subscribers; beating Huby, Restless, and Yarico. In 1794 he won at York, a subscription of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers; beating Yarico, Huby, and Tantararara. In the same week he won the great SUBSCRIPTION PURSE of 277l. 10s. 0d. beating Patriot, Yarico, Young Diomed, Rosalie, Camphire, and Champion. At Malton he was beat in a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, by Lord Fitzwilliam's Evelina, a three-year old by Highflyer, who carried but 5st. 10lb. to whom he ran second: the odds were very high in his favour at starting; and whether he sustained an injury is not publicly known, but he was then withdrawn from the turf.
OFF-SIDE
.—The right-side of a HORSE, if you stand parallel with him, and look the same way, is the OFF-SIDE; as the left is the NEAR-SIDE. When speaking of any part of a horse, it is not usual, in sporting terms, to use the words right or left; but to say the near-shoulder; the off-eye; the near-leg BEFORE, or the off-leg behind.
ONION
—is an article which would not have found its way here, but in consequence of its great utility upon a certain emergency, which entitles its property to be more universally known. No trifling occurrence can possibly occasion more temporary mortification to a SPORTSMAN, than to see his horse labouring under the STRANGURY (or suppression of urine) after the long stage of a journey, or the severity of a chase. In such cases, the first FARRIER is generally called in, who proceeding upon the "KILL or CURE" system of former times, prepares a potion of the most powerful urinary stimulants, plentifully besprinkled with SPIRITS of TURPENTINE, oil of juniper, and other equally mild and efficacious ingredients, frequently laying the foundation of inflammation; when an onion being peeled, and a small clove or two of the inside properly insinuated within the SHEATH, may nineteen times out of twenty be expected to produce the desired effect, without the interposition of any medicine whatever.
OPENING the HEELS
.—The ceremony of opening a horse's heels is sometimes necessary, when they are become contracted by so constantly standing upon the dry litter, and hot dung of stables, in the Metropolis; a circumstance which occurs much less in the country, where the defect is but little known. Although there can be no doubt of a hoof's contracting in a great degree by the means already mentioned, it must be more so, where the hoofs are not OILED or STOPPED for weeks, or, probably, months together. It is, however, a matter of doubt, whether the back-handed stroke of the smith's rasp in SHOEING, is not a more constant or frequent cause of the narrowness of the heels than any other. Let it arise from whatever cause, the remedy with them is always ready; "OPEN THE HEELS;" or, in other words, cut away; first with the BUTTRESS, and then with the drawing-knife, till little or nothing is left to cut: when the basis of bearing is taken away, the heel is let down to the ground, the TENDONS are put upon the STRETCH, the horse, being divested of his natural support, hobbles like a cripple, and there is no remedy, but to wait with patience for a perfect regeneration of parts so wantonly destroyed.
OPODELDOC
—is an article of external use in STRAINS, BRUISES, and other complaints, as well with the human species as with the brute creation. It is prepared by dissolving three ounces of Spanish soap, and one ounce of CAMPHIRE, in a pint of SPIRIT of ROSEMARY. Others dissolve the soap and camphire in rectified spirits of wine, adding OIL of ORIGANUM, and other essential oils. Its excellent properties are universally admitted in its various applications to the human frame; but doubts naturally arise how far it may contribute any great portion of EFFICACY to HORSES, or to any other animal, where the soap again coagulates, and constitutes so matted a mass upon the surface, that it is only with persevering difficulty the hair can be disunited even at the second application.
ORIGANUM, OIL of
,—is a well-known essential oil, extracted from the plant whose name it bears: it is an admirable collateral corroborant, when incorporated with judicious proportions of such other medicines as are proper for STRAINS, or a relaxed state of the TENDONS. If used in too great quantities, or added to heterogeneous articles, it disunites itself almost immediately; and, instead of executing the office of a gentle STIMULANT, penetrating the pores, assumes the power of the milder class of CAUSTICS, occasioning an eschar upon the part impregnated, terminating with a loss of hair.
OROONOKO
—was one of the most celebrated horses of his time: he was bred by the late Lord Portmore; was got by Crab out of Miss Slamerkin; foaled in 1743; and was own brother to Othello, the famous Black and all Black.
OTHELLO
—was the first name of that justly celebrated HORSE, so firmly fixed in the memory of every old SPORTSMAN of the present generation, by the more distinguished appellation of Black and all Black. He was bred by the late Lord Portmore; was got by Crab out of Miss Slamerkin, who was got by True Blue. He was foaled in 1745, and was esteemed the first racer of his time, producing afterwards, as a STALLION, some very famous runners.
OTTER
.—This is called an amphibious animal, living (to a certain degree and length of time) with as much seeming ease in the water, as he does upon land. It is, however, well ascertained, that he cannot exist long under the water, without occasionally reaching the surface for necessary respiration. The favourite and principal food of the otter is fish, of which he consumes, or rather destroys, a very considerable quantity in the neighbourhood of wherever he fixes his residence. This is formed under ground, in the bank of river or lake, and constructed with so much precaution, circumspection, and sagacity, that not without great difficulty can it be discovered. Although fish, in the genial months of summer, are known to be his pleasurable pursuit, and chief subsistence, yet, in the severe and frosty season, he is not without his alternatives, and will then condescend to make a repast upon some one or other of the smaller animals with which the fox indulges himself at all seasons of the year.
OTTER-HUNTING
,—a sport at present so little pursued, was formerly in constant practice, and is said to have been then in great estimation: it is, however, to be presumed, it was in less enlightened times, and long before the different chases of STAG, FOX, and HARE, held forth a speedy prospect of their present perfection. Hounds were then kept and trained for the purpose; and as some proof of the stupidity of the sport, or the somniferous dispositions of those who pursued (or enjoyed) it, an account of the CHASE, if worthy to be termed so, is here literally transcribed from Mr. Daniels' recent publication.
"The sportsmen went on each side the river, beating the banks and sedges with the dogs; if there was an otter in that quarter, his seal was soon traced upon the mud, as the water, wherever it would admit of it, was lowered as much as possible, to expose the hollow banks, reed-beds and stubs that might otherwise shelter him: each hunter had a spear to attack the otter when he vented, or came to the surface of the water to breathe. If an otter was not soon found by the river-side, it was imagined he was gone to couch more inland, and was sought for accordingly; (for sometimes they will feed a considerable distance from their place of rest, choosing rather to go up than down the stream.) If the hounds found an otter, the sportsman viewed his track in the mud, to find which way he had taken. The spears were used in aid of the dogs. When an otter is wounded, he makes directly to land, where he maintains an obstinate defence: he bites severely, and does not readily quit his hold: when he seizes the dogs in the water, he always dives with, and carries them far below the surface: an old one will never give up while he has life; and it is observable, that the male otter never makes any complaint when seized by the dogs, or transfixed with a spear; but the pregnant females emit a very shrill squeal." This sport, as it is called by those who profess themselves its admirers, is still continued in many remote, fenny, and watery districts; but in general is principally confined to those parts where, from local circumstances, the other more noble and exhilarating distinctions of the chase cannot be enjoyed.
OVER-DONE
.—A horse is said to be over-done, when both his FRAME and SPIRITS are so exhausted with fatigue and excessive labour, that he sinks down in his stall almost immediately after reaching the stable; where he extends himself at every extremity, giving evident proof of the struggles nature has to encounter, by the bodily disquietude under which he continues distressed for many hours, and sometimes DAYS, before he becomes perfectly recovered. When a horse is reduced to this state, by a too long continuance at slow or steady work, no doubt of recovery need be entertained with a few days nursing; but if it has been occasioned by a continued and persevering speed with hounds, and a long journey home, danger may be apprehended: instances are infinite, where internal inflammations have arisen, by which existence has soon been destroyed.
OVER-REACH
.—An over-reach is such injury (either cut or bruise) as is frequently sustained in the heel of a horse's FORE-FOOT, by one of the SHOES BEHIND; and this happens during brisk action, in either TROT or GALLOP, where the ground is unexpectedly deep and deceptive: or when a horse is thick in the shoulders, and slow in action before, the hind-quarters are thrown in faster than the fore-legs can get out of the way, by which inactive, or sluggish tardiness, the accident is occasioned much oftener than by any other means.
When neglected, or unattended to, if the injury is severe, ill consequences may ensue; the first step to prevent which is, to wash the part well with warm water, slightly impregnated with vinegar: press upon the wound a linen cloth till quite dry, then apply a pledget of lint or tow, well wetted with FRIAR'S BALSAM, or compound TINCTURE of MYRRH, covering it securely with a proper bandage, with a view to harden the surface, which is the leading object to be attained. This may be repeated the following day, if necessary, to farther close the mouths of such lacerated vessels as continue to ooze a lymph or ichor. If, however, the cut should be of such magnitude as to resist these means of intentional termination, it must be treated as a WOUND, and the horse not permitted to encounter WORK or dirt during its progress and cure. No greasy or unctuous applications should be made, if it can possibly be done without; as the best and most expeditious cure will be made by hardening the surface, and preventing a discharge; unless there is a deep destruction of parts, in which case it cannot be obtained but by incarnation.
ORMOND
,—a horse of much recent racing celebrity, bred by Mr. Wentworth in the north of England, was foaled in the year 1789; got by King Fergus; dam (Miss Cornforth) by Matchem; grand-dam by Sampson; and great grand-dam by Regulus. In the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, 1792, he ran second to John Bull for the great produce stakes of 200 guineas each, across the flat, half forfeit, thirty-five subscribers; beating Hotspur, Whiskey, St. Paul, Lucifer, Guildford, and others. The same year, at York, he walked over for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, five subscribers. In 1793, at York, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, fourteen subscribers. In 1794, at York, he won a fifty pound plate, added to a subscription purse of 227l. 10s. 0d. four miles, beating five others. In 1795, he won, at York, a subscription of 25 guineas each, eight subscribers. The next day but two he won the great subscription purse, value 277l. 10s. 0d. beating Chariot, Constant, and Screveton. After which he appeared but twice on the turf, becoming a STALLION at five guineas each mare, and five shillings the groom.
OVERTON
,—another son of King Fergus, dam by Herod, grand-dam by Snip, great grand-dam own sister to Regulus, was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, and foaled in 1788. At York, in 1792, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The same week he won a fifty-pound plate, added to a subscription purse, beating Rosalind, Storm, Halbert, and two others. The next day he beat Halbert a match four miles, for 300 guineas, giving him a stone. At Doncaster he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value; beating Huby, Rosalind, Smoaker, Gentleman, and Colchis. At York, 1794, he beat Halbert two miles for 200 guineas. After which he was taken out of training, and became a STALLION at Skipton, near York, at TEN GUINEAS a mare. He is the sire of those famous horses Cockfighter and Rolla, bidding fair to become of more considerable celebrity.