SIR SOLOMON
,—the name of a horse of much recent racing reputation: he was got by Sir Peter Teazle, dam (Matron) by Florizel, who was got by Herod. Sir Solomon was bred by Earl Fitzwilliam, foaled in 1796, and started for six different three year old stakes, (in the name of Tankersley,) always running in a capital form, and in a good place, but without winning once in that year. He was then purchased by Mr. Johnson, and started 1800 for the King's Plate at Nottingham (with his new name) which he won easy, beating Welter, Honeycomb, and Coniac; and the next day a 50l. plate. At York he won the King's hundred, beating Applegarth, and Honeycomb. In 1801, he won five times out of the six stakes and plates he started for. He won the Stand Plate at York, beating those famous horses Chance, Cockboat, and Timothy; the King's Plate at Newcastle, with the gold cup and 130 guineas at the same; the gold cup at Nottingham, and 500 guineas at Doncaster. In 1802 he won the gold cup, value 100 guineas, and 60 guineas in specie, at Newcastle. A subscription of 25 guineas each, nine subscribers, and 268l. 15s. at York, (beating the famous Cockfighter,) 50l. and 70 guineas, at Lincoln. He was since purchased by Mr. Lumley Saville, and is announced to cover the present season, 1803, (10 guineas a mare, and 10s. 6d. the groom,) at Rufford, in Nottinghamshire.
SITFAST
.—A sitfast is an eschar upon the side of a horse, which having been originally a warble, from the pressure and friction of the girth-buckle, (indiscreetly permitted to come upon, or near to, the edge of the pad,) is, by a repetition of the injury, converted into a sitfast; or, in terms of easier comprehension, a circular or oblong space of the integument, so completely cauterized by the repeated heat and friction, that it bears all the appearance of a piece of burnt leather inserted upon the spot. When, by carelessness and neglect, it has acquired the state now described, there is but one mode of cure, which is instrumental extirpation. The edge being raised so as to admit of being taken hold of by either FORCEPS, or common PINCERS, it may be separated from the substance to which it adheres, by any common operator, and healed in a few days, almost as soon, and with as little difficulty, as the most trifling and superficial laceration.
SKITTISH
.—A horse is said to be SKITTISH, who is considerably above himself both in spirit and condition; displaying much more of pleasure in exercise, and the enjoyment of air and conditional freedom, (from the narrow confines of a stable,) than the least tendency to habitual vice. A skittish horse will jump two or three feet at the flight of a sparrow, or dance a saraband upon the rumbling approach of a carriage: he is (unless weary with work) always alive with gaiety and motion, without the least intentional injury to those who ride or drive him. There are those who confound the terms, and consider a SKITTISH and a STARTING horse one and the same thing; but they are in the eye of accuracy by no means synonymous.
SKYSCRAPER
,—the name of a horse of much present celebrity: he was bred by the late Duke of Bedford, and got by Highflyer out of Everlasting. In the Craven Meeting, at Newmarket, 1789, when two years old, he received forfeit from three for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each across the flat. The same Meeting he beat Mr. Fox's Maid of all Work across the flat for 500 guineas. The second Spring Meeting (then three years old) he won the Prince's Stakes of 100 guineas each, eight subscribers; the Derby Stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas each, thirty subscribers. At the same place he received 70 guineas compromise from the Earl of Egremont's Tag. In the first October Meeting he received 250 guineas forfeit from Mr. Ladbroke's Magpie, two middle miles of Beacon Course, for 500 guineas, half forfeit. In the second October Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, from the Ditch-in, nine subscribers. The next day he won the 50l. Plate for three year olds, beating nine others. The same week he received 122½ guineas forfeit in a Post Match with Lord Derby. In the Houghton Meeting he received 130 guineas compromise from Mr. Fox's Sister to Lethe, 300 guineas, half forfeit. The same week he received 130 guineas compromise from Mr. Fox's Braggadocio, across the flat, for 300 guineas, half forfeit.
In 1790, at the first Spring Meeting, he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, (half forfeit,) fourteen subscribers, of which nine paid forfeit. In the same week for the Claret Stakes of 200 guineas each, half forfeit, he received from his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's Sujah ul Dowlah, his Royal Highness the Prince's Deir Sing, Duke of Orleans's Jericho, Lord Egremont's Calomel, and Sir C. Bunbury's Glaucus. In the first October Meeting he received 100 guineas forfeit from Montezuma. In the same Meeting he won half a subscription of 30 guineas each, (seven subscribers,) beating the famous Escape, then the property of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
In the first Spring Meeting of 1791, he won the renewed 1400 guineas, a subscription of 200 guineas each, half forfeit; beating Pipator; fourteen having paid forfeit. In the second Spring Meeting he received 150 guineas forfeit of four, for a sweepstakes of 300 guineas each, over the Beacon. The first Spring Meeting, 1792, he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, beating those famous horses Coriander, Gustavus, and Toby, with the odds ten to one against him at starting. At Stockbridge he won 50l. beating Thalia. He won the King's Plate at Winchester; walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers, at Bedford; won the King's Hundred in the first October Meeting at Newmarket, beating Skylark; and in the second a subscription of 60 guineas, beating Skylark and Espersykes, with the odds against him at starting. In 1793 he started but twice, and was beat each time by the celebrated Coriander. In 1794, on the first day of the first Spring Meeting at Newmarket, he won a 50l. plate, beating Serpent and No Pretender; about which time the Duke of Bedford beginning to reduce his racing establishment, Skyscraper appeared no more on the turf. He has hitherto covered at Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire; but is now announced for the ensuing season, 1803, at Tytherton, near Chippenham, Wilts, at TEN GUINEAS a mare, and half a guinea the groom.
SLOT
.—The impression of a deer's foot upon the earth, so as to be perceptible, is then called a slot; and when, in consequence of storms, rain, sleet, or extreme drought, the hounds cannot carry on the scent, the huntsman and his assistants have no alternative, but to avail themselves of every possible clue and information from the SLOT, to prevent the disgrace of the HOUNDS being beat, and the deer lost.
SMITHFIELD
—is the name of a most celebrated spot in the Metropolis, from which a SPORTSMAN is not likely to derive either pleasure or emolument; unless it is in the purchase of diseased or emaciated subjects for his HOUNDS. To those in remote parts of the kingdom, it may not be inapplicable to be informed, that Smithfield is the great CATTLE MARKET for the consumption of the infinite body of inhabitants in the cities of London, Westminster, their suburbs, and the environs for some miles round. The principal days are Monday and Friday in every week; on which some hundreds of OXEN, in a state of perfection for slaughter, and thousands of SHEEP and LAMBS, are constantly transferred to supply the immense demand. The afternoons of those days are principally appropriated to the purchase and sale of aged, crippled, and worn-out horses; the greater part of whom are only fit to receive sentence from the INSPECTOR, previous to their being delivered to the nacker, (or slaughterman,) unless it is some few, with still remaining strength enough to drag the carts of the industrious about the inferior streets, with a supply of vegetables in the summer, and potatoes in the winter, for the accommodation of the lower classes of society.
SNAFFLE
.—The simplest and plainest BRIDLE-BIT is so called: it consists of only a single mouthpiece, having a joint in the middle, with a cheek of different lengths at each extremity, and an eye annexed to receive the reins; when which are added, it is then called a SNAFFLE (or single-reined) BRIDLE. When snaffle-bits are made very large in the mouth for breaking colts or fillies, they are then called MOUTHING-BITS.
SNAP
,—the name of a horse, as a STALLION, formerly held in high estimation: he was bred by the late Earl of Sandwich; foaled in 1750; got by Snip; dam by Fox, grand-dam by Bay Bolton; from which the blood of both sire and dam may be traced to most of the Barbs and Turks ever brought to this country. There were also three others of this name, distinguished by different appellations; as Lord Chedworth's Snap; Wildman's Snap; and Latham's Snap. The first was got by Old Snap; his dam by Dormouse, grand-dam by Mixbury. The second by Old Snap; dam by Regulus, grand-dam by Bartlet's Childers; going on both sides directly into Arabian blood. The third by Snap, dam by Cade, grand-dam by Old Partner.
SNIPES
—are well known to the sporting world in winter shooting, and are of two sorts; one nearly as large again as the other, though precisely the same in shape, make, feather, and formation. They frequent the same places, subsist on the same food, and are frequently found near to each other. The larger is called a whole snipe; the smaller, a Jack; the latter of which is not very easily killed, at least by an indifferent shot; of which some proof was recently given by a gentleman of Easthampstead, in Windsor Forest, who very warmly entertained his friend with a description of "a Jack snipe he had found upon the heath, which had afforded him sport for six weeks; and he did not at all doubt but he would serve him for sport during the season, if he was not taken off by a frost; and what was still more convenient, he always knew where to find him within a hundred yards of the same place." They are birds of passage, supposed to breed principally in the lower lands of Switzerland and Germany, though some (particularly the Jacks) remain and breed in the fens and marshy swamps of this country, where their nests with eggs and young are frequently found. They arrive here sooner or later in the Autumn, regulated in respect to time by the wind and weather, but never appear till after the first rains; and leave this country in the spring, so soon as the warmer sun begins to absorb or exhale the moisture from the earth, and denote the approach of Summer.—See Shooting.
SNORTING
.—is a cartilaginous propulsion of sound from the nostrils of a horse, which he avails himself of at different times, to signify sensations seemingly opposite to each other. Upon being led from the light, through a gloomy passage, to a still more gloomy stable, he is frequently observed to SNORT either from fear or surprize; meeting or coming suddenly upon a new, strange or unnatural object, he snorts from absolute dread of injury; taken into a stable or out-house smelling musty, from foul dung and confined air, he snorts with dislike, and enters with reluctance: but snorting in the field at exercise, or in the CHASE with HOUNDS, may each be considered a proof of pleasurable gratification.
SOILING
,—in the more confined signification, applies merely to the supplying a horse with grass, clover, tares, lucern, fain-foin, or rye, cut green, and brought to the stable for his daily consumption; but in a more general acceptation it extends to the act of turning him out in a plentiful pasture, and in the genial season, when and where he may enjoy all the advantages of which the frame is susceptible. It cannot but be known, that liberty, so dear to us, and to every part of the creation, must be equally so to the horse: to have his limbs free from restraint, to expand his frame, and roll upon the earth, to snort and snuff the ambient air, and to have his coat cleansed and purified by the dew of heaven, is to the horse a state of nature, and a life of luxury. Thus free and uncontrouled, although they are equally subject to, yet they are seldom known to be afflicted with pain or disease, in any degree equal to those who are confined within the limits of a small and offensive stable.
To constitute occasional revulsion, to correct acrimony in the blood, to purify the juices, to invigorate the frame, and reanimate the system, it is absolutely necessary the horse should have his annual run of six weeks or two months in a luxuriant pasture, and at a proper season of the year, if either his frame or health is thought worthy protection. In the Metropolis, and in large towns, where the environs are entirely appropriated to HAY FARMERS and COW-KEEPERS, no such convenience can probably be obtained for any pecuniary consideration whatever; in which predicament the only alternative to be adopted, is to supply them with green food daily, and this is termed SOILING in the STABLE. Even this process, simple as it is, requires some previous precaution. The article with which the Metropolis, and other cities and large towns, are supplied, are mostly tares, (in some countries called vetches;) though clover is at some-times, and in some places, to be procured; but whether one, or the other, it is absolutely necessary the supplies should be fresh, and, if possible, never more than thirty or six-and-thirty hours off the scythe; from which time (particularly if laid in a heap) they begin to heat exceedingly fast; and when once the juices are exhaled, become tough, turn black, and rapidly approach putrefaction.
This, however, must be admitted a very inferior substitute for natural pasture; as repeated experiments, and constant observation, hesitate not to pronounce the NATIVE (in its nutritive and exhilarating property) superior to every artificial grass hitherto introduced. The quantities of the latter grown in various parts of the kingdom (and in some it cannot be avoided) is immense; but no doubt need be entertained of the nutritious superiority of the native meadow grass, whether green or dry, if it is cleanly cultivated, and well got in. It is very much the custom in and about London, to send horses to what are called the SALT MARSHES in Essex, from whence some arrive in tolerable condition; but where, from their contiguity to town, or other causes, the land is overstocked, and the summer dry, they come up in a state of wretched emaciation, as if passing in mournful procession to some neighbouring dog kennel. Those marshes, at a proper distance from town, where they are free from offensive filth, and the pasture plentiful, are remarkable for their peculiar property of attenuation, in altering the property of the blood, promoting the secretions, purifying the system, and invigorating the frame. They are well known to act as perfectly as the most powerful antimonial or mercurial alterative, in obliterating the remains of cutaneous disease; and this is readily accounted for by their first effects, which is for many days equal to a state of medical purgation; to which, however, the subject soon becomes superior in health, strength, and an accumulation of flesh; demonstrating the process to have been a very salutary interposition.
Those who wish their horses to avail themselves of every advantage to be derived from SOILING, will certainly retain it in memory, that TWO months in the prime and early part of the season, will be preferable to THREE at the latter end: a dry summer, short pasture, and the infinity of flies, and other insects, constitute a very sensible drawback upon the privilege of liberty, as well as upon the restoration of FLESH, and the renovation of STRENGTH. Horses in a plethoric state, with a cough, full of blood, or the relics of disease about them, will most likely come up in a much worse state than when turned out. Horses of this description should undergo bleeding, and proper evacuations, previous to their being set at liberty; as the nocturnal collapsion of the porous system might probably repel the perspirative matter upon the overloaded vessels, and thereby render the remedy (in turning out) worse than the disease.
What is termed a winter's run, although attended with promised advantages in some respects, is not without the chance of loss, anxiety, vexation, and expence, in others: frozen limbs, and an empty carcase, are not calculated much for the promotion of flesh, strength, or purity of condition. A horse, by such, is in possession of his shivering liberty, perhaps in some contracted spot, wretchedly despondent over the effluvia of his own excrements, 'tis true; but how far that may compensate for the want of shelter, food, care, and attention, in the most severe, dreadful and dreary season of the year, must be left entirely to the decision of those whose pecuniary sensations may prompt them to make the experiment.
SOLE
.—The external part of a horse's foot so called is at the bottom, and situate between the frog in the center, and the wall or bearing which totally surrounds the outside. This will be the more perfectly understood by referring to Fig. 2. of the letter A in the Plate of "Demonstrative Shoeing," where the SOLE, the WALL, and the FROG, being accurately represented, will collaterally explain themselves in the following description. The outer sole (as it is called in contra-distinction to the inner, which is its membranous lining) is a sound and horny substance; but not so very firm and impenetrable in its texture, as the hoof, by which it is surrounded, and is evidently intended as a protection to the inferior structure of the foot. The sole, to assist generally in constituting what is considered a well-formed and substantial foot, should be thick, strong, and inclining much more to a hollow, than the least appearance of prominence; for when a shoe is well set, no bearing whatever should be sustained by the sole, but the whole must positively rest upon the crust or wall of the hoof, which may be seen in the line of articulation accurately represented upon the Plate; where, on the inside of the circle, will be observed the sole, Fig. 2. on the outer, the wall or crust, Fig. 1. When the bottom of the foot has what is termed a crowned sole, with a prominence similar to the convex side of an oyster shell, and the sole projecting above the circular wall of the hoof, the horse is tender, sometimes halts, and is tardy in progress: such horses are said to be fleshy-footed, and require great care and attention in shoeing; and unless the shoe is properly arched or hollowed within, to take off every chance of pressure from the prominent sole, pain and subsequent lameness must inevitably ensue.
SORREL
—is the colour by which certain horses are distinguished, and might, without any degree of inconsistency, be termed a red chesnut: they are a colour nearly between a bright bay and a yellow chesnut, giving and taking a tinge or shade either way, having invariably manes and tails red or white. When tolerably well bred, of handsome shape, make, and symmetry, with full silver mane and tail, they are majestic, commanding figures, and are, in general, secured as cavalry chargers for field officers, when they are to be obtained of size and strength for the purpose.
SOUNDNESS
,—in a horse, is of such extensive meaning, and infinite importance to the sporting world, to dealers in horses, and to individual purchasers, that it is exceedingly necessary some criterion should be fixed by which its present undefined meaning should be more properly and more equitably understood; for want of which, more litigation is carried into the Courts at Westminster for the emolument and amusement of the Gentlemen of the Long-robe, than any other subject whatever, the constantly increasing evil of crim. con. excepted. The general custom between BUYER and SELLER is precisely this; the horse is sold with or without certain conditions in respect to SOUNDNESS, and this is done by what is called a WARRANTY on the part of the seller thus: "He is warranted perfectly sound, free from vice or blemish, and quiet to ride, or draw," as either or both the latter may happen to be. A horse sold without a warranty, and taken as he is, is then purchased (and the purchase abided by) with all faults, and cannot be returned under any plea whatever, unless he can be proved to have been glandered at the time of purchase, in which state no horse can be legally sold.
In the strict and equitable sense of the word, a horse, to be perfectly sound, should be completely perfect: he should have no obstruction to sight, no impediment to action, but be in an acknowledged slate of natural purity; neither diseased, lame, blind, or broken-winded: he should not only be free from impediment at the time of sale, but bona fide never known to have been otherwise. Some there are who support a different opinion, and conceive (or pretend so to do) that a horse may be sold warranted perfectly sound, after he has recovered from a palpable lameness: those should recollect, that such horse is always liable to a relapse, or repetition of the injury; and whoever becomes so obstinate as to defend an action brought under such circumstance, will certainly feel the mortification of having a VERDICT pronounced against him, so soon as sufficient evidence has proved such horse to have been lame at any time whatever previous to the purchase.
Some years since, a late Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench laid it down as a rule, and promulgated the opinion, from the bench during a trial then pending, that TWENTY POUNDS was a good and sufficient price for a SOUND HORSE; and whether a warranty was or was not given, was totally immaterial: that sum implied a warranty, not only for the horse's soundness at the time of his being then sold, but that he should continue so for at least three months afterwards; a declaration so truly ridiculous in itself, and so void of every principle of equity, that any man, to make it now, would lay indisputable claim to the appellation of FOOL or MADMAN.
SPANIEL
—is the name of a dog of which there are different kinds; and even these have been so repeatedly crossed, that, unless it is in the possession of sportsmen who have been careful in preserving the purity of the breed perfectly free from casual contamination, the well-bred genuine cocking Spaniel is difficult to obtain. There are four distinct kinds of dog passing under this denomination; the large water Spaniel, and a smaller of the same sort. Of land Spaniels there are two kinds also; the one larger than the other, much stronger in the bone, but with curly waves in the hair; and the small yellow pied springing Spaniel, (used in pheasant and cock shooting,) whose hair is rather long, soft, and delicately pliable, with ears of the same description, reaching, when extended, beyond the point of the nose. The two kinds first mentioned are chiefly confined to the purposes of wild fowl shooting, in moors, marshes, and the neighbourhood of rivers; where ducks, wigeons, teal, coots, moor-hens, dab-chicks, and snipes, are to be found; to all which they are particularly appropriate; not more for their indefatigable industry in finding the game, than for their surmounting every obstacle to recover it, and bring it to hand when killed. They are also of most wonderful sagacity, fidelity, and observation; their olfactory sensations almost exceed belief, by which alone they are taught the most incredible performances. Sticks, gloves, handkerchiefs, coin, or any other article left some miles behind by the owner upon the road, or any remote spot, (totally unknown to them,) they will retrace to any distance upon a signal being given with the hand, and never relinquish the search till they bring it safe to their master.
The large springing Spaniel, and small Cocker, although they vary in size, differ but little in their qualifications, except that the former is rather slower in action; neither catching the scent of the game so suddenly as the latter, or seeming to enjoy it with the same extatic enthusiasm when found. The small cocking Spaniel has also the advantage of getting through the low bushy covert with much less difficulty than the larger Spaniel, and does not tire so soon, whatever may have been the length and labour of the day. Spaniels of each description are frequently used as finders in COURSING with GREYHOUNDS, and are indefatigable in their exertions: from the time they are thrown off in pursuit of game, the tail is in a perpetual motion, (called feathering,) by the increasing vibration of which, an experienced sportsman well knows when he gets nearer the object of attraction. The nearer he approaches it, the more violent he becomes in his endeavours to succeed; tremulative whimpers escape him as a matter of doubt; but the moment that doubt's dispelled, his clamorous raptures break forth in full confirmation of the gratification he receives. And this proclamation may be so firmly relied on, (though in the midst of the thickest covert,) that the happy owner may exultingly boast he is in the possession of one faithful domestic who never tells a lie.
As it is the impulsive principle of this animal to give the most outrageous proof of joy upon finding, or coming upon the foot or haunt of game, so it is his determined disposition never to relax in his perseverance till he brings it to view. It is therefore necessary for all young and inexperienced sportsmen, who take the field with Spaniels, not to be too tardy in their own motions, but to let their agility keep pace with the incessant activity of their canine companions, without which they may expect to cover many a weary mile without a successful shot. Spaniels, when broke for the field, should never be taken out more than one young dog at a time, and that in company with one or more old and seasoned dogs, to whom they will mostly attend in every action, and the sooner acquire the necessary knowledge of the business they are engaged in. If young dogs are taken out alone, and in too great number, their great eagerness, and emulative opposition, frequently occasions them (particularly in covert, where they are safe from correction) to hunt or chase one thing for want of finding another; and in the event of not being corrected when necessary, to become uncertain babblers, and never to be relied upon. The judicious and experienced sportsman will never be seen to hunt Spaniels with Pointers either in or out of covert; for, although it can do little or no injury to the former, it may very materially warp the integrity, if not totally destroy the principles of the latter.
SPARRING
—is a ceremony practised with game cocks during the time they are in feeding (alias training) to fight in any MAIN or MATCH, for which they stand engaged. When COCKS are brought up from their walks, and placed in their pens, some are, of course, too full in flesh; others, as much deficient: in the judgment of equalizing these different degrees, (by reducing the weight of one, and increasing the substance of the other,) does the art of cock-feeding entirely depend. On every second or third day, during the time they are preparing for the match, each cock has a sparring with an opponent of nearly equal weight with himself; and this sham fight continues a longer or shorter time, according to the flesh, weight, and wind, of each cock so exercised, in proportion to the superflux of substance he is required to lose. For the occasion, and that they may not injure each other, they are equally shielded with mufflers upon the parts where their spurs have been sawed off; and that they may be the better inured to labour, and prepared for difficulty, the ceremony takes place upon a truss or two of straw loosely scattered, that, having no firm hold for their feet, they have less power to oppose each other. Cocks too full of flesh, and foggy, that require a great deal of sweating to bring them down to their proper match weight, are sometimes permitted to continue the controversy till nearly exhausted.
SPAVIN-BLOOD
—is a preternatural distension of the vein which runs down the inside of a horse's hock, forming a soft and elastic (or puffy) enlargement, commonly occasioning weakness, if not lameness, of the joint. They are in general produced by sudden twists or strains, in short turns with loads, either in riding or drawing; and not unfrequently by too rapid turning in narrow stalls. The cure is frequently attempted by strong spirituous saturnine repellents, or powerful restringents, with a compress and bandage firmly fixed upon the part: these methods, however, seldom afford more than temporary relief. The former mode of operating, by incision, and instrumental extirpation, is in present practice entirely laid aside; a repetition BLISTER, or slightly FIRING, being the only means relied on to ensure certain obliteration.
SPAVIN-BONE
.—The defect so called, is an enlargement on the outside of the hock, originating in a gristly or cartilaginous protrusion, which increases gradually to a callosity, and ultimately to a perfect ossification as hard as the bone itself. In its early state, but little limping or impediment to action is observed; but as it advances in progress, the lameness becomes proportionally perceptible. A bone-spavin is never known to submit to liquid applications, or solvents of any description; repeated BLISTERINGS, and substantial FIRING, seem the only means by which the enlargement and its painful irritability can be reduced.
SPAYED BITCH
,—is a bitch upon whom an operation has been performed, by which she is deprived the power of generating a farther progeny. An incision being made in the flank, midway between the hip-bone and the belly, the ovaries are extracted through the orifice, and separated from the parts to which they were united: these being returned, the wound is stitched up, and heals in a few days, (if performed by a judicious practitioner,) without farther trouble or inconvenience.
SPEED
—is sportingly applicable to HORSE, HOUND, or GREYHOUND; and upon this depends (in a great degree) the estimation in which they are held. It is customary to say, such a horse has great action, or he is in possession of the gift of going. This is, however, considered applicable only to excellent TROTTERS and hacknies upon the road. Speed is always used in a superior sense, and intended to convey an idea of the greatest rapidity of which the animal is capable, and which enhances his value in proportion to his qualifications. In the art of TRAINING for the TURF, there are ambiguities of such magnitude, that it is averred by those who have made the practical part their study, that one training-groom (from judgment, experience, and observation) shall bring a horse to the post full half a distance better than another, although their speed was considered equal when placed under the racing management of their different superintendants. This is admitted so much, and so truly, an incontrovertible fact, that TRAINING-GROOMS have their lights and shades of reputation and celebrity, in an equal degree with the most eminent artists in the universe. Jockies also are admitted to possess their different degrees of excellence, and to so very great and discriminating a nicety, that when MATCHES are lost by some lengths, and for large sums, offers are frequently made to run the match over again for the same money, or to double the STAKES, provided the WINNING JOCKEY is permitted to ride the losing horse. Thus speed is not always the same, but is evidently dependent upon contingencies, which the utmost human circumspection cannot always either foresee or prevent. The increase of speed with RACE HORSES in this country, is very readily admitted to have been great during the last fifty years; and this is impartially attributed to the introduction of, and judicious crosses from, the Arabian blood with the best bred mares of our own: although the effect of these experiments were held in great doubt for some years, but are now universally acknowledged to have exceeded the utmost expectation, and cannot be supposed to extend much farther.
There are two modes of trial for SPEED, according to the present reformed mode of English racing: the one is to run a mile, which is termed running for SPEED; the other, of going off at SCORE, and absolutely racing the whole four miles, which is called running for speed and bottom. Flying Childers, whose speed was almost proverbial, went one third of a mile in twenty seconds. Firetail and Pumpkin ran a mile in a few seconds more than a minute and a half. Childers ran the distance of four miles in six minutes and forty-eight seconds, carrying nine stone, two pounds; he made a leap of thirty feet upon level ground; and he covered a space of twenty-five feet at every stroke when racing. It was formerly known that any horse who could run four miles in eight minutes, would prove a WINNER of PLATES: this is, however, very materially refined, by judicious crosses in blood, or improvements in training; as Bay Malton ran four miles over York in seven minutes, forty-three seconds and a half. Eclipse ran the same distance over York in eight minutes with twelve stone, though going only at his rate, without any inducement to speed.
The means by which the wonderful velocity of the greyhound can be ascertained are but few: there are, however, well authenticated instances upon record; and as they are again quoted in Mr. Daniels "Rural Sports," are entitled to credibility. In February, 1800, a hare was darted before a brace of greyhounds in Lincolnshire, and upon the distance being measured from her form to where she was killed, it proved upwards of four miles in a direct line; but there having been several turns, as well as some oblique running, during the course, it must have increased the length considerably: this ground was run over in the space of twelve minutes; and the hare fell dead before the greyhounds touched her; which serves to demonstrate the speed and strength of the former. It is known that horses are more distrest (if they keep up) in a moderate COURSE than in a long CHASE; of which an instance lately occurred in the neighbourhood of Bottisham, in Cambridgeshire, from whence the hare being started, took away for the Six Mile Bottom; and although two-and-twenty horses went off with the greyhounds, only one could make a gallop at the conclusion of the course. The hare (who had reached within fifty yards of the covert) dropped dead before the greyhounds; and they were so exhausted, that it was found necessary to bleed them to promote their recovery.
A few years since a hare was suddenly started at Finchingfield, in Essex, when the brace of greyhounds running at her came into contact with so much velocity, that both were killed on the spot. At Offham, in Sussex, a brace of greyhounds coursed a hare over the edge of a chalk-pit, and following themselves, were all found dead at the bottom. The high spirit, persevering speed, and invincible ardour, of the greyhound, not being universally known, (at least to those who have either few or no opportunities to partake of the sport,) it may not be inapplicable to introduce a singular circumstance which occurred in 1792. As Lord Egremont's game-keeper was leading a brace of greyhounds coupled together, a hare accidentally crossing the road, the dogs instantly broke from their conductor, and gave chase, fastened as they were to each other: the pursuit afforded an uncommon and no less entertaining sight to several spectators. When the hare was turned, she had a manifest advantage, and embarrassed the dogs exceedingly in changing their direction; notwithstanding which, she was at length killed at Pikeless Gate, after a course of between three and four miles. In 1796 a similar occurrence took place in Scotland, where a brace of greyhounds, in couples, killed a hare after a course of a mile with intervening obstructions.
Endeavours having been made to acquire some degree of information upon the subject of comparative speed between a greyhound and a RACE-HORSE of superior powers and celebrity, it was at length brought to a decision by absolute matter of chance. It having been previously submitted to the opinion of an experienced sportsman, which would prove to possess the greater portion of speed for a mile, or for a longer or shorter distance, he returned for answer, that, upon a flat, he had no doubt but a first rate horse would prove superior to the greyhound; unless in a hilly country, where he conceived a good greyhound would have the advantage. The information not to be acquired by any direct mode, was brought to trial by an incident which occurred upon the Course of Doncaster in 1800, and was precisely thus.
A match was to have been run between a horse and a mare for one hundred guineas. At the time appointed, the former not appearing, the mare started alone, to insure the STAKES; when, after having ran little more than a mile, a greyhound bitch (to the great admiration and entertainment of the company) took to her from the side of the Course, and continued racing with her the other three miles, keeping her regular line nearly head and head, which produced a most excellent match; for when they reached the DISTANCE POST, five to four was betted upon the greyhound; when they came abreast of the stand, it was even betting; and the mare won by only a head.
The speed of the fleetest and highest bred FOX HOUNDS, was brought to public proof in the well-known match made between Mr. Meynell and Mr. Barry, for 500 guineas a side, and decided over Newmarket in the month of September of the year in which it was run. The hounds of Mr. Barry's (called Bluecap and Wanton) were put in training on the first of August with the famous Will. Crane. Their food consisted only of oatmeal, milk, and sheep's trotters. The ground was fixed on at the time of making the match; and upon the thirtieth of September the drag was taken from the Rubbing-house at Newmarket Town end, to the Rubbing-house at the starting-post of the Beacon Course: the four hounds were then laid on the scent: at the conclusion, Mr. Barry's Bluecap came in first; Wanton (very close to Bluecap) second. Mr. Meynell's Richmond was beat more than a hundred yards; and the bitch never ran in at all. The length of the drag was between eight and ten miles; the time it was crossed in was some seconds over eight minutes. Some tolerable idea, in this instance, may be formed of the SPEED, when there were SIXTY horses started fairly with the hounds, and only twelve were up. Cooper, Mr. Barry's huntsman, was the first; but the mare that carried him was rode blind in the exertion. Will. Crane, who rode Rib, (a King's Plate horse,) was the last of the twelve who came up. The current odds at starting were seven to four in favour of Mr. Meynell, whose hounds were reported to have been fed upon legs of mutton during the time they were in training.
Merkin, a famous bitch, bred by Colonel Thornton, was considered far superior in speed to any fox-hound of her time: she was challenged to run any hound of her year five miles over Newmarket, giving 220 yards, for 10,000 guineas; or to give Madcap 100 yards, and run the same distance for 5000. She ran a trial of four miles, and crossed the ground in seven minutes and half a second. Merkin was sold, in 1795, for four hogsheads of claret, and the seller to have two couple of her whelps.
Madcap, at two years old, challenged all England for 500 guineas. Lounger, brother to Madcap, did the same at four years old: the challenge was accepted, and a bet made to run Mr. Meynell's Pillager for 200 guineas. The parties were also allowed by Colonel Thornton to start any other hound of Mr. Meynell's, and Lounger was to beat both; but, upon his being seen at Tattersal's by many of the best judges, his bone, shape, and make, were thought so superior to any opponent that could be brought against him, Colonel Thornton consented to accept a pair of gold dog-couples as a forfeit to the bet.
SPLENT
—is the term given to an ossified prominence when it appears upon the shank-bone of a horse's fore-leg: they are frequently seen upon the legs of young horses, and are sometimes known to disappear without any application whatever. If they do not make their appearance during the fourth or fifth year, they are seldom seen after that time, unless occasioned by blow, bruise, or accident. They are very rarely productive of lameness or inconvenience, unless they curve towards the back sinews, and vibrate in action. Various are the means too hastily and too rashly brought into use for their extirpation, and many times without the least necessity; for when they are not attended with pain or inconvenience, it must be more prudent to let them remain in a state of dormant inactivity, than rouse them into painful action. If some mode must be inevitably adopted, a spirituous saturnine solvent is the most safe and efficacious application.
SPORTSMAN
—is the appellation, for time immemorial, annexed to any man whose partiality to the SPORTS of the FIELD are universally known: they are evidently marked out for him by the dispensing and benign hand of Providence, for the promotion of health, and the gratification of pleasure, of which, enjoyed with moderation and rationality, he is never ashamed. The name of SPORTSMAN has ever been considered concisely characteristic of strict honour, true courage, unbounded hospitality, and the most unsullied integrity. However the character may have been broken in upon by time, or mutilated by the innovations of fashion, caprice, or folly, the original stock was derived solely from the blood of the true old English country Esquire; who, uncontaminated by the curse of insatiate ambition, is only happy himself in the happiness of his domestic dependents, the corresponding smiles of his tenants who surround his mansion, and an hospitable association with his numerous friends.
His HOUNDS are kept from an instinctive attachment to the sport itself, as well as to perpetuate the respectable and exhilarating establishment of his ancestors, (hitherto transmitted to their posterity without a stain,) and not from the least desire of having his name blazoned through every part of the county in which he resides, for keeping what he has neither PROPERTY to SUPPORT, or spirit to enjoy. Personally frugal, (amidst the most spirited hospitality,) he never suffers his mind to be disquieted by the pecuniary applications of people in trade: having a soul superior to the idea of living beyond his income, and running in debt, it is an invariable maxim, never to let his tradesmen be a single quarter in arrear. The guardian of his own honour, he never affords a chance of its becoming degraded by the officious and unprincipled pride of a subordinate, under the appellation of STEWARD; or to be disgraced, or prostituted, by the barefaced, unqualified denial of a menial bedaubed with lace and variegated finery, under the denomination of a footman.
Innately philanthropic, the true, well-bred, liberal-minded SPORTSMAN is always equally easy of access to friends, neighbours, tenants, and even to necessitous parochial solicitants; and never countenances false consequence amongst his domestics in one department, or impertinent pride in another: by a persevering adherence to which system, his rustic mansion seems the summit of all worldly happiness and earthly gratification: not a dependent but eyes him with the warmest sensations of gratitude; not a servant within, or a labourer without, but looks awefully up to him as their best friend. The pleasures of the field he extensively and judiciously engages in with all the fervency of a well-informed and experienced sportsman; but by no means with all the unqualified enthusiasm, and fashionable furor, of an indiscreet and determined devotee. Capable of distinguishing between the use and abuse of what is so evidently and benignantly placed before him, as an excitement to exhilarating action, bodily invigoration, and general health; he enters into all its spirit, avails himself of all its import; not more as a personal gratification (in respect to sport) than a mental perusal of one of Nature's many instructive volumes, displaying to the ruminative and expansive comprehension, the applicable and coinciding speed of the HORSE; the instinctive impulse, invincible ardour, and corresponding perseverance of the HOUND; the various shifts and evasions of the GAME; and lastly, the firm and manly fortitude of those who join and surround him in the CHASE. These are the distinguishing traits by which the true and generous sportsman may be known: and it must be freely admitted, that so congenial are the feelings, so sympathetic the liberality, and so uniform the hospitality of SPORTSMEN in the scale of universality, that no friendships are better founded, none more disinterested, few more permanent, and none more sincere.