The Sporting Dictionary and Rural Repository, Volume 2 (of 2) / Of General Information upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field

When a candid comparison is made between their dangerous and laborious employment and their disproportioned emoluments, it must be admitted by every mind of liberality, they are the worst paid for their drudgery of any set of men in the universe. Hence arises that sterile apathy in the business, which is so much the subject of general indignation and universal contempt; and is the only well-founded reason, why there are so few men of education, or intellectual ability, to be found amidst the daily increasing number who profess the practice. Custom, too, has excluded them from any respectable weight in the scale of society; thereby rendering the obstacles to worldly elevation too numerous, and too uncertain, for even the most laudable and spirited emulation to encounter, with even a distant probability of success. These considerations readily reconcile it to reason, why (upon the most moderate calculation, taking the kingdom in general from one extremity to another) there are not more than one in every hundred, who exists by the practice of SHOEING and FARRIERY, that can speak with precision upon the property of the MEDICINE he prescribes; or elucidate, with propriety, the probable process, or ultimate effect, of the OPERATION he recommends.

In such predicament, probably anxious to do good, without the personal power to EFFECT it, they may be impartially considered "men more sinned against than sinning;" and, in many instances, much more entitled to the commiseration of the enlightened, than the contemptuous indifference they so frequently receive. Happily, however, for the vocation itself, much more happily for the community at large, improvement in the PRACTICE of FARRIERY has at length become an object of national consideration; and the institution has been repeatedly honored with PARLIAMENTARY CONTRIBUTIONS; under which predictive ray of reformation, part of the present generation may probably not only derive future advantage, but live to see the former system rescued from the ignorance and barbarity by which it has been for so many centuries disgraced. The great hazard arising from the practice of the injudicious or ill informed, is their possessing an unrestrained power of plunging into a bold and inconsiderate use of the most dangerous medicines, the present operation and ultimate effect of which they so little understand, and are so absolutely unable to explain.

It is no uncommon thing to hear of bleeding, rowelling, purging, glystering, and blistering, nearly all taking place (with the same subject) within the space of twenty-four hours; and could a thousandth part of the poor unfortunate animals so rashly annihilated, but rise, and recite, the load of medical combustibles and contrarieties by which they were destined to their long and last sleep, what a complicated history of the MATERIA MEDICA would be brought to light, and what a scene of professional knowledge displayed, to form the basis of REFORMATION, with that long list of sublime disquisitionists, who, waving the disgraceful appellations of smith and farrier, are becoming VETERINARY SURGEONS in almost every remote corner of the kingdom! One great and almost invincible error amongst the veterinarian fraternity (of whom there are many juveniles now to be seen) is their superficial survey, and hasty decision, in cases of the utmost magnitude; anticipating the prognostics, without even descending to examine the predominant symptoms of DISEASE. Passionately fond of affecting infallibility, they rashly promise more than they find themselves able to perform; and thus by their own weakness, voluntarily exposed, are frequently compelled to retract to-morrow, what they have most inconsiderately asserted to-day; thereby overwhelming themselves with a load of professional disgrace, from which there seems no sanguine prospect of speedy extrication.

Smiths and FARRIERS in general, being unfortunately ignorant in the peculiar property of each particular medicine, is not a greater misfortune, than their being absolute strangers to the medicines themselves, thereby becoming the standing dupes of adulteration. The warehouses and shops of inferior druggists, it is well known by men of experience, are by no means remarkable for professional purity; in some obscure corner of which is generally a reservoir of rubbish, admirably adapted to the prise and practice of FARRIERS, with whom a custom so laudable has been established for time immemorial, and from the palpable pecuniary effects upon both parties is not likely to be abolished.

Pheasant shooting may be considered the most laborious, and least entertaining, of the whole, unless in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hampshire, and some other counties, where the large tracts of lofty woodlands, and corresponding underwood, contribute so materially to their annual increase and preservation. This sport is mostly pursued with the small springing spaniel, whose eager tongue, the moment he touches scent of the foot, or winds the bird, gives "early note of earnest preparation." Pointers of great strength, and high courage, hunted with a bell, are frequently instrumental to good sport, and great success; but they must be fast goers, and once knowing their business, not readily disposed to stop, or draw slowly; if so, the bird will frequently rise in the highest part of the covert, or at such a distance, that an open shot will but seldom be obtained, particularly in a country thin of game. Those who wish to preserve well-bred and well-broke pointers in a state of unsullied excellence, will not accustom them to covert hunting, but invariably use their spaniels in one of the sports for which they were so evidently intended.

Partridge shooting is, to a contemplative mind, of a much more entertaining description; for the objects of pursuit being found in the open fields, every part of the sport is seen and enjoyed. Partridges are not in equal abundance every year, but depend in a great degree upon the state of the weather during the time of laying the eggs, as well as the time of HATCHING; which is almost invariably between the middle and the end of June. When the months of May and June are dry, birds are in general exceedingly numerous, and proportionally strong upon wing by the commencement of the SHOOTING SEASON; but when heavy and dreadful rains fall, as they frequently do during the HAY HARVEST, the destruction is incredible. Such continued rains not only chill the eggs during incubation, but drown numbers of the young almost so soon as they are out of their shells. Wet seasons also are destructive to ANTS, upon which, and their eggs, young partridges and pheasants principally subsist. Partridges so soon as the corn is cut down, and they are in a great degree deprived of the shelter and protection under which they were bred, display a most wonderful timidity and dread of danger; to which the whole covey are induced by the unceasing anxiety of the HEN for the safety of her young.

Thus incessantly alive to perpetual fear, they change their situation repeatedly in the course of the day; as well to insure security from all probable danger, as to supply the calls of nature. In the first part of the shooting season, while the stubbles of WHEAT and BARLEY are fresh, and not rendered too bare, or too much beaten by cattle, they are to be found in either one or the other, both late at night, and early in the morning: after feeding in which, (if not disturbed by the approach of those in pursuit of them,) by a signal from the hen, they rise gently, as it were, in a cluster, and glide or skim along with as little flutter as possible to the nearest turnips, standing clover, rushy moors, or grassy low coverts, in some of which, during the middle of the day, they are always to be found; and not unfrequently near a watry ditch, or running stream; as it is at this time, and only once a day, they take this part of their sustenance: but as there are many hilly countries in which water is but rarely to be found, it is natural to conclude, their wants in this respect may be amply supplied by the morning dewdrops with which vegetation so plentifully abounds.

The dogs peculiarly appropriate to and used in this sport, are principally POINTERS, at least with those who rank as SPORTSMEN, and have too high a respect for its character to degrade the order; and it is never pursued with greater consistency, or enjoyed with greater ecstasy, (or more success,) than when too many guns, or too many dogs, are not seen in the field together. Any number above two of the former, and two brace of the latter, in one company, evidently denote much more of poaching rapacity, and an intentional annihilation of GAME, than of SPORTING equity. Double-barrelled guns partake a little of the same impression, being admirably calculated to promote the very scarcity so much and so constantly complained of. The art of SHOOTING FLYING, in which numbers are so exceedingly expert, and which, in fact, may be so easily attained, is not, in general, acquired with that facility by young sportsmen, which might naturally be expected. This is entirely owing to the timidity, volatility, anxiety, and impatience, of the mind, at the very critical moment when all should be quiet and calm within; but at the impressive crisis, when the point takes place, and the animal is fixed seemingly immoveable, under an instinctive impulse, which instantaneously excites in the human frame a most aweful sensation, (the heart palpitating with HOPE, FEAR, and SUSPENSE,) the birds rise, and with so much noisy rapidity, that the mind and body being equally agitated, no particular bird is singled for the AIM, at the instant of pulling the trigger, and the whole escape.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snipe shooting is a sport the best calculated to try the persevering fag and bottom of a SPORTSMAN of any yet recounted; if he is not possessed of all the fortitude, patience, and indefatigable exertion of a WATER SPANIEL, he had better never be induced to make the embarkation, at least with any sanguine expectation of success. To wet, dirt, and difficulty, he must be habitually inured: in body he must be invulnerable; with a constitution impregnable to the united attacks of morbidity, and a mind most perfectly at ease. Thus armed at all points for land or water, moor or mire, swamps or bogs, SNIPE SHOOTING (where they are to be found in plenty) is a most excellent diversion; and some spots, particularly in a heath country, intersected by moors, swamps, and bogs, (as a celebrated scope called Eel Moor, near Hartford Bridge, upon the western road,) the sport is so incessant, that those who visit the place in open hazy weather, may shoot so often in succession, as to have frequent occasions in the same day to wait till the barrel cools. Snipes are of two kinds, one being full double the size of the other, and is called a WHOLE SNIPE; the smaller is called a jack, and of course somewhat more difficult to kill. Both sorts are found upon the same ground, and sometimes close to each other. They are birds of passage, and vary but little with the flights of WOODCOCKS in the time of their arrival, which is generally about the first plentiful rains in Autumn. They are said to breed mostly in the low and swampiest parts of Germany and Switzerland; although it is certain numbers do not return with the greater bodies in the spring, but remain here during the summer, and breed in the marshes and fens, where their nests are often found in the month of June with four and five eggs in each. Pointers only are made use of in this sport; and it is rather remarkable, that, notwithstanding this species of bird is so diminutive in proportion to the game that a dog is constantly accustomed to, he stands equally staunch to even the jack, (the least of the two) as to either PHEASANT, HARE, or PARTRIDGE. Snipes, the moment they are upon wing, fly against the wind, encountering which, they go off in such a twisting and twirling direction, that they are then a very difficult object to aim at; but by waiting with patience till they take their intended line, the shot may be made with a much greater probability of success. They cannot be said to be in season before November, or after February; for killed at any other time of the year, they mostly appear with a branny scurf upon their bodies, as if diseased, or in a state of emaciation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1795, nine winners appeared, amongst whom Hermione (then Mr. Durand's) won 100 guineas at Epsom; the gold cup, 40 guineas, and 100 guineas at Oxford; 45 guineas at Egham, and the Queen's 100 guineas at Chelmsford.

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

In 1797 his reputation as a stallion continued increasing; eleven of his produce obtained 33 stakes, plates, &c. Ambrosio won the first class of the Oatland stakes of 50 guineas each, (12 subscribers,) beating Stickler, Gabriel, Play or Pay, Frederick, Trumpeter, Parrot, and Cannons; 100 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. Hermione won the third class of the Oatlands, 50 guineas each, (12 subscribers,) beating five others; and the King's plate at Newmarket, and 50l. at Epsom; the King's plate, and 60 guineas, at Lewes; and the King's 100 guineas at Canterbury and at Warwick. Honest John, 100 guineas at York, and 100 guineas at Richmond. Petrina won three fifties at Newcastle, Knutsford, and Northampton. Shepherd, two fifties at Durham. Stamford (3 years old) 200 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Newmarket, 200 guineas at Epsom, 280 guineas at Stamford, and the gold cup at Doncaster. Welshman won 100 guineas at Chester, 50l. and 50 guineas, at Knutsford, and a sweepstakes at Tarporley.

In 1798, Ambrosio won eight stakes and plates, amounting to 1625 guineas. Black George won 180 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Chester, 45 guineas at Newcastle, and 50l. at Knutsford. Demon, 100 guineas at Chester, and 60 guineas at Tarporley. Honest John, 200 guineas at York, and 134l. at Richmond. Pentacrue, 50l. at Dumfries, and 50l. at Ayr. Petrina, the gold cup at Chesterfield, and the King's 100 guineas at Lincoln. Sir Harry (three years old) the Derby stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas each, 37 subscribers. Stamford, 233l. 15s. and the Ladies' Plate at York; the gold cup, and 100l. at Doncaster.

In 1799 seventeen started, who were the winners of 37 subscriptions, sweepstakes, and plates. Ambrosio won 50l. at Newmarket, 225l. at York, and 200 guineas at Doncaster. Archduke (three years old) won 400 guineas at Newmarket, and the Derby stakes, 50 guineas each, 33 subscribers, at Epsom. Black George, 50 guineas at Newcastle, and 70 guineas at Litchfield. Expectation (three years old) 100 guineas and a handicap plate at Newmarket. Fanny, 140 guineas at Doncaster. Knowsley, 60 guineas at Catterick; 120 guineas, and the stand plate, at York. Lady Jane, 25 guineas at Preston, two fifties at Cardiff, 50l. at Hereford, and 50l. at Abingdon. Parisot, 800 guineas at Newmarket. Petrina, 50l. at Warwick, and 50l. at Shrewsbury. Polyphemus, 50l. at Shawbury, and 50l. at Northampton. Princess, 50l. at Epsom, 50l. at Brighton, and 50l. at Reading. Push-forward, 50l. at Penrith, and 50l. at Carlisle. Roxana, 100 guineas at Catterick, 300 guineas, and 100 guineas, at York, and 80 guineas at Beverley. Sir Harry, the Claret stakes of 1100 guineas at Newmarket. Stamford, the King's 100 guineas and the Ladies' Plate at York.

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

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

In the last year, 1802, sixteen of his get were the winners of 41 prizes; of which Agonistes won 1000 guineas at Newcastle. Attainment, 50l. at Newcastle, and 45l. at Nantwich. Duxbury, 250 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. Haphazard, 50 guineas at Catterick, 250 guineas, and 268l. 15s. at York, 92l. at Richmond, the Doncaster stakes of 10 guineas each (13 subscribers) with 20 guineas added by the Corporation of Doncaster, and the King's Plate of 100 guineas at Carlisle. Lancaster, 50l. at Middleham, 50l. at Manchester, 150 guineas at York, 50l. and 50 guineas at Preston. Lethe, 1000 guineas, and 50l. at York, 1000 guineas at Edinburgh, and 100l. at Montrose. Lucan, 50l. at Newmarket, 130 guineas at Bibury, 50l. at Oxford, 50l. at Bedford, and 50l. at Newmarket. Pipylin, 150 guineas at Newmarket, and 65l. 15s. at Nottingham. Ransom, 50l. at Stamford, and 50l. at Canterbury. Robin Red-Breast, 100 guineas at Newmarket. Sir Simon, 50 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Goodwood: and Wilkes, 50 guineas at Newmarket.

Thus the united blood of Herod, Blank, Snap, and Regulus, are proved equal, if not superior, to every other junction or cross ever introduced. Sir Peter Teazle is now only nine years old, in high health, and just announced to cover the present season (1803) forty-five mares at Knowsley, near Prescot, Lancashire, at FIFTEEN GUINEAS each mare, and fifteen shillings the groom.