The Field Book by W H Maxwell

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Title: The Field Book
or Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom compiled from
the best authorities ancient and modern

Author: W. H. Maxwell

Release Date: December 9, 2016 [EBook #53702]

Language: English

Character set encoding: UTF-8

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THE FIELD BOOK.

DONCASTER RACE FOR THE GREAT ST LEGER STAKES, 1832.

THE

FIELD BOOK:

OR,

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

OF THE

United Kingdom;

COMPILED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES,

ANCIENT AND MODERN.

BY

THE AUTHOR OF “WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST.”

“The sylvan youth,

Whose fervent blood boils into vehemence,
Must have the chace.”—Thomson.

“What is a gentleman without his recreations?”—Old Play.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY EFFINGHAM WILSON,

ROYAL EXCHANGE.

1833.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY BRADBURY AND EVANS,

WHITEFRIARS.

INTRODUCTION.

――◀▶――

In presenting the Field Book to the Sporting World, some explanation respecting the motives that led to its publication, are
deemed necessary.
An enthusiastic admirer of rural sports from boyhood, the Compiler sought with avidity after any book connected with his
favourite recreations, from which either amusement or information might be obtained. The older authors, with the exception of
a few pages of quaint and curious anecdote, were generally formed of barbarous theories, whose absurdities had long since
caused them to be disregarded. The more modern, whether confined to a particular subject, or professing to be repertories of
British Sports, were too frequently overloaded with hackneyed and unimportant matter, and merely reprints of treatises for
years before the public, and differing from their predecessors in nothing but the name.
But had there been nothing objectionable in the execution of sporting works, as they appeared during the last century, the
total change in everything connected with the British field, would render them now of little value, but to point a contrast
between the past and present systems. Without reverting to the times when jockeys rode in tie-wigs, and men would not
venture to a trout-stream unless furnished with a velvet cap; when country gentlemen deserted their ladye-loves ere cock-
crow, to see the sun rise above a fox-cover; when no pond-fish could resist a bait prepared with a dead-man’s finger; and a
sucking-mastiff, stuffed with snails and judiciously roasted, was a sovereign remedy for a shoulder-slip;—without reverting to
these times, what changes have not occurred within our own recollections? The mystic arcana of old professors have vanished
before practical and scientific improvement, and the Sporting World has undergone a total revolution, and produced a new
order of men and things.
While, however, expressing these convictions, the Compiler would not undervalue many of the useful and intelligent writers
and collectors who have preceded him. With allowances for their times, and the false theories then received, which modern
science has exploded, where will more information be found than in the “Rural Sports,” “Thoughts on Hunting,” “Essay on
Sporting,” and other contemporaneous works? It is of the copyists of these writers that the Compiler would complain, who,
adopting everything, good and bad, from these originals, without a single addition of their own, have dosed the public ad
nauseam, re-vending the same wares again and again, without even the redeeming grace of acknowledging the sources of their
spoliations.
To produce a short and lucid compendium of all matters connected with the field, and which might be considered interesting
to the sportsman, has been the object of the present compilation. All that appeared valuable in the old school, as far as was
compatible with the progress of modern science, has been retained; while in established improvements, the more recent
systems have only been attended to. Where, however, ancient and modern principles were opposed, and the point at issue
was doubtful or consequential, authorities in support of the conflicting theories are quoted, and the reader can use a
discretionary power in his adoption.
To convey simple information and avoid scientific display, has been the Compiler’s wish; and the plainest of the received
authorities have accordingly been preferred. Hence, White of Exeter, and Bewick, have been principally followed in the
veterinary and ornithological departments; while the more erudite pages of Blaine and Percivall, Cuvier, Montagu, and Rennie,
have contributed much that was valuable. In canine descriptions and diseases, Brown and Blaine have been selected. On
piscatory subjects Daniel forms the text-book, while Davy and modern artistes of the angle have not been overlooked. In
sporting antiquities the Compiler has consulted Strutt; in falconry he has chosen Sebright. Upon the breeding and management
of game, Moubray has been his Mentor. From Jesse and White of Selborne much that was curious in natural history and
animal economy has been extracted. In the mechanical department he has received assistance from several leading gun-
makers; and upon numerous subjects of general interest to the sportsman, in Colonel Hawker he acknowledges a Magnus
Apollo. Finally, many anonymous works and writers, either not essentially sporting or of minor name, have been extensively
quoted in the pages of the Field Book.
Having stated the principal sources from whence the compilation has been made, it may be observed that as it was an object
to embrace British sports generally, considerable difficulty arose in compressing a necessary portion of information upon these
varied pursuits, within the small compass of a single octavo. A second volume, or one of larger size, was objectionable; and
although the smallest sized type consistent with comfort to the reader has been employed, it is feared that many a sin of
omission will be laid at the Compiler’s door. From the difficulty attendant on alphabetic arrangement, some articles also were
omitted in their proper place, and must be sought for in the Appendix. All the compiler can say in apology is, that when the
Field Book is found summary or imperfect, the necessity of compression must be recollected, and a reference to a competent
authority will enable the reader to find all that he requires. The Compiler would here remark, that the books and authors
mentioned above, will be found of infinite service in their respective departments; and many of them are indispensably
necessary to him who would possess a well-appointed stable and a healthy kennel.
One subject introduced into the pages of the Field Book, might to some appear anomalous. Yacht-sailing has been slightly
noticed; and had the limits of the work permitted, it should have held the prominent place to which it is so well entitled. While
hill or forest bounds the sporting adventurers of other lands, the “deep, deep sea” is made subservient to the pastimes of
Great Britain; and the flag, which in war bore “the battle and the breeze,” in peace sweeps over the blue wave which owns its
power, and would almost prove that the elements themselves cannot bound the sportive enterprise of the true-born Briton.

London, April 8, 1833.

THE FIELD BOOK;

OR,

SPORTS AND PASTIMES OF THE BRITISH

ISLANDS.

ABDOMEN, s. A cavity commonly called the lower venter or belly.

Wounds of the Abdomen, or Belly, may occur to horses in leaping hedges, or pales, or be inflicted by the horns of a cow.
Sometimes the tendinous covering of the belly is ruptured, while the skin remains entire; the gut then protrudes and forces out
the skin into a tumour. This is a rupture of the belly, and is thought incurable. I have known one very large rupture cured by
cutting out a piece of the skin which covered it, and then sewing up the wound and supporting it with a bandage. In some
accidents the skin also is divided, with its peritonæal covering; the gut then comes out, and the wound is of a very dangerous
nature, and still more so if the gut itself is wounded. The first thing to be done is to put the gut back, taking care to remove any
dirt or other matter that may be sticking to it; for which purpose, should it be found necessary, it may be washed with warm
water. If the gut cannot be returned, from its being full of air, the opening in the belly may be carefully enlarged to the
necessary size. After the gut is returned, the skin only should be stitched up; and a cushion of several folds of old linen and
tow being placed on the wound, should be kept in its situation by means of a wide bandage rolled round the body, and
carefully secured. The animal should then be copiously bled, have his bowels emptied by clysters, and his food restricted to
grass or bran mashes, and that in moderate quantity.

ABERDEVINE, s. (Carduelis spinus, CUVIER).

Size of the redpole, (Fringilla linaria,) or between that and the linnet. Length rather more than five inches; bill reddish-white,
tipped with blackish brown; eyes, umber-brown; head, greenish black; over each eye a pale streak of dingy primrose-yellow;
neck, back, wings, and tail, oil-green, paler, and more yellow, on the lower parts of the back towards the tail coverts. The
feathers of the back and wings are streaked down the middle with a tint formed of blackish-green and hair-brown; sides of
the head, throat, breast, and under parts, pale wax-yellow, inclining to sulphur-yellow; middle of the parts below the breast
very pale wine yellow, passing into white; across each wing are two bands of primrose yellow, and between them one of
black; part of the quills and tail edged with pale gamboge-yellow: legs and feet pale flesh-red. The head of the female is of a
brownish-colour, inclining to grey where the male is black; cheeks and sides of the neck siskin green or oil green; and all the
rest of her plumage is of a more dingy colour than in the male.
These birds are of so mild, gentle, and docile a disposition, that they become quite tame almost immediately after they are
taken. They may be taught many pretty tricks, such as to open the door of their cage, draw up their food and water, and
come to the hand to be fed at the sound of a little bell or a whistle. Their food is the same as that of canaries, and they are
managed in the same manner.—Montagu.

ABSCESS, s. A morbid cavity in the body.

ABSORBENTS, s. MEDICINES WHICH NEUTRALISE THE ACID MATTER IN THE BOWELS OR STOMACH.

Potash, soda, magnesia, chalk, &c., are commonly employed.

ABSTERGE, v. To cleanse by wiping.

ABSTERGENT, a. Cleansing; having a cleansing quality.

ACACIA CATECHU, s. AN EXTRACT FROM THE INNER WOOD OF THE ACACIA; A POWERFUL TONIC AND

astringent, and useful in diarrhœa and diabetes.

ACCIDENT, s. That which happens unforeseen; casualty, chance. (Vide GUN.)

ACCIPITER, s. A GENUS OF THE FALCON FAMILY THUS CHARACTERISED. BILL SHORT. NOSTRILS

SOMEWHAT OVAL. SHANKS ELONGATED AND SMOOTH. SHINS PLATED WITH SCALES, THE SUTURES
scarcely perceptible.—Vigors.

ACETATE, s. THE SALT FORMED FROM A COMBINATION OF ACETIC ACID WITH ALKALIES OR METALLIC

OXIDES. ACETATES ARE LARGELY USED IN VETERINARY PRACTICE, AS THOSE OF AMMONIA, LEAD,
&c.

ACETATE OF ALUMINE (in dyeing)

Is prepared by pouring acetate of lead into a solution of alum, on which a double decomposition takes place; the sulphuric
acid combines with the lead, and the sulphate of lead precipitates in the form of an insoluble powder, while the alumine
combines with the acetous acid, and remains in the liquor.
This mordant gives a richer colour than alum.
Lime is also sometimes employed as a mordant, but it does not answer so well in general, not giving so good a colour. It is
used either in acetate of lime water, or as a sulphate of lime dissolved in water.
A solution of indigo in the sulphuric acid is used for dyeing wool. This is called the Saxon blue, and it gives a very beautiful
colour.
To dye by the sulphate of indigo, dissolve one part of indigo in four parts of concentrated sulphuric acid; add to the solution
one part of dry carbonate of potash, and dilute the whole with eight times its weight of water. Boil the wool for an hour in a
solution of five parts of alum, and three of tartar, for every thirty-two parts of cloth. The wool is then to be put in a bath of
sulphate of indigo, diluted according to the strength of shade required, and kept till it has acquired the desired colour. The use
of the alum and tartar is not to act as mordants, but to facilitate the decomposition of the indigo; and the alkali is added to the
sulphate for the same reason.

ACID, a. Sour, sharp.

ACIDS, s. IN VETERINARY PRACTICE ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE CLASSES, MINERAL, VEGETABLE, AND

ANIMAL. Mineral ARE SULPHURIC, NITRIC, AND MURIATIC. Vegetable, ACETIC (VINEGAR), AND
TARTARIC (CREAM OF TARTAR). MURIATIC ACID IS COMMONLY CALLED SPIRIT OF SALT. SULPHURIC,
oil of vitriol.

ACTION, s. THE ACCORDANCE OF THE MOTIONS OF THE BODY WITH THE WORDS SPOKEN. IN sporting

parlance, it is used to describe the movements of a horse.

ADDER, s. A serpent, a viper, a poisonous reptile.

Adders or vipers are found in many parts of Europe; but the dry, stony, and in particular the chalky countries abound with
them. These animals seldom grow to a greater length than two feet; though sometimes they are found above three. The ground
colour of their bellies is a dirty yellow; that of the female is deeper. The whole length of the back is marked with a series of
rhomboid black spots, touching each other at the points; the sides with triangular ones; the belly entirely black. It is chiefly
distinguished from the common ringed snake by the colour, which in the latter is more beautifully mottled, as well as by the
head, which is thicker than the body; but particularly by the tail, which, in the viper, though it ends in a point, does not run
tapering off to so great a length as in the other. When, therefore, other distinctions fail, the difference of the tail can be
discerned at a single glance.
The adder differs from most other serpents in being much slower, as also in excluding its young completely formed, and
bringing them forth alive. The kindness of Providence seems to be exerted not only in diminishing the speed, but also the
fertility, of this dangerous creature.
The adder is capable of supporting very long abstinence, it being a well ascertained fact that some have been kept in a box six
months without food; yet during the whole time their vivacity was not abated. They feed only a small part of the year, but
never during their confinement; for if mice, their favourite diet, should at that time be thrown into their box, though they will
kill, yet they will never eat them. When at liberty they remain torpid throughout the winter; yet, when confined, they have
never been observed to take their annual repose.
They are usually taken with wooden tongs, by the end of the tail, which may be done without danger; for, while held in that
position, they are unable to wind themselves up to hurt their enemy; yet, notwithstanding this precaution, the viper-catchers

are often bitten by them; but, by the application of olive oil, the effect is safely obviated.
William Oliver, a viper-catcher, at Bath, was the first who discovered this admirable remedy. On the first of June, 1735, in the
presence of a great number of persons, he suffered himself to be bit by an old black viper, brought by one of the company,
upon the wrist, and joint of the thumb of the right hand, so that drops of blood came out of the wounds. Being willing to
satisfy the company thoroughly, and trusting to the speedy effects of his remedy, which was nothing more than olive oil, he
forbore to apply anything till he found himself exceedingly ill, and quite giddy; in about an hour and a quarter after the first of
his being bit, a chafing dish of glowing charcoal was brought in, and his naked arm was held over it as near as he could bear,
while his wife rubbed in the oil with her hand, turning his arm continually round, as if she would have roasted it over the coals;
he said the poison soon abated, but the swelling did not diminish much. Most violent purgings and vomitings soon ensued; and
his pulse became so low and so often interrupted, that it was thought proper to order him a repetition of cordial potions; he
said he was not sensible of any great relief from these; but that a glass or two of olive oil, drank down, seemed to give him
ease. Continuing in this dangerous condition, he was put to bed, where his arm was again bathed over a pan of charcoal, and
rubbed with olive oil, heated in a ladle over the charcoal. From this last operation he declared that he found immediate ease,
as though by some charm: he soon after fell into a profound sleep, and, after about nine hours’ sound rest, awaked about six
the next morning, and found himself very well.

In every quarter of the globe but Europe, dogs are exposed to the venomous attacks of snakes, whose bite is instantly mortal.
The viper is the only animal of this kind in Britain capable of inflicting a wound attended with serious consequences, and to
which dogs become exposed when hunting. In these cases, the bitten part swells enormously, and the animal expresses great
distress and suffering: at length he becomes affected with torpor, or, in some cases, with convulsions, when death commonly
ensues. But it is not often that these bites are fatal, particularly when proper means are resorted to for obviating the effects.
These means consist in freely rubbing the bitten part with volatile alkali, or with the spirit of hartshorn mixed with oil; giving
also seven, ten, or twelve drops of the volatile alkali, or otherwise forty drops to a large dog, of the spirit of hartshorn, in a
teaspoonful or two of sweet oil, every hour, until the amendment is evident.

The venomous stings of hornets, wasps, and bees, may be relieved by applying the vegetable blue used to colour linen.
Laudanum also, or vinegar, or brandy, will, either of them, often remove the pain and inflammation speedily.
—Buffon—Blaine.

ADHESIVE, a. Sticking, tenacious.

ADHESIVE, OR STICKING PLASTER, IS MADE WITH DIACHYLON, A SMALL PORTION OF RESIN, AND A

STILL LESS OF COMMON TURPENTINE—OR WITH DIACHYLON AND GALBANUM. STICKING PLASTER IS
EMPLOYED TO KEEP THE EDGES OF A FRESH WOUND TOGETHER; BUT IN HORSES, WHEN THE WOUND
is extensive, this is done more effectually by suture, that is, by sewing up the wound.

AËRIE, s. A nest of hawks, or other birds of prey.

The following account of the robbery of an aërie is given by Mr. Bullock:—“On the 10th of June, 1812, they were seen in
their aërie on the tremendous cliff called the West Craigs, in the Isle of Hoy, (one of the Orkneys,) the towering rocks of
which rise to the perpendicular height of 1200 feet from the sea. About one third of the way down this awful abyss, a slender
pointed rock projected from the cliff, like the pinnacle of a Gothic building: on the extremity of this is a hollow scarcely of a
sufficient size for the purpose for which these birds had fixed on it, i. e., a place of security for rearing their young; the
situation was such as almost to defy the power of man to molest their habitation; yet, with the assistance of a short slender
rope, made of twisted hogs’ bristles, did the well-known adventurous climber, or rocksman, ‘Woolly Tomson,’ traverse the
face of this frightful precipice, and, for a trifling remuneration, brought up the young birds.
“After a fatiguing scramble up the sides of the mountain, we arrived at the place from whence we could see the aërie beneath;
the distance was so great that the young eagles appeared no larger than pigeons. After placing us in a secure situation on a
projecting ledge of the rock, Tomson left us, carrying his rope in his hand, and disappeared for upwards of half an hour;
when, to our great joy, we discovered him creeping on his hands and knees up the spiry fragment, on which lay the unfledged
eaglets; when, knowing he was then in our sight, he knelt on the top, and looking towards us, waved his hat. At this time it
was impossible to see the situation he was in without trembling for his safety; the slender point of the rock on which he knelt
was at least 800 feet above the surges of the Atlantic, which, with unbroken violence, were foaming beneath him. Yet he
deliberately took from his pocket a cord, and tying the wings of the young birds, who made some resistance with their bills
and talons, he put them into a basket, and began to descend, and in a few minutes the overhanging masses of stone hid him
from our view. The old birds were in sight during the transaction, and made no attempt to defend, but, soaring a quarter of a
mile above, occasionally uttered a short shrill scream, very different from their usual barking noise. Had they attempted a
rescue, the situation of the climber would have been extremely dangerous, as the slightest deviation or false step would have
precipitated him into eternity, a misfortune that a few years since befel his brother on the same spot, when in his company.
“After waiting in a most painful state of suspense for near an hour, our climber suddenly made his appearance, and, laughing,

presented his prize.”

“In Doomsday Book a hawk’s aërie is returned among the most valuable articles of property; which proves the high
estimation these birds were held in at the commencement of the Norman conquest.”—Bullock—Strutt.

ÆTHIOP’S-MINERAL, s. A MEDICINE SO CALLED, FROM ITS DARK COLOUR, MADE OF QUICKSILVER AND

sulphur ground together in a marble mortar.

AGE, s.

Age of a Horse.—The age of a horse may be discovered by certain marks in the front teeth of the under jaw until he is eight
years old, about which period they are generally worn out. An experienced person can, however, judge of a horse’s age
pretty nearly by the countenance and general appearance of the animal, as well as by the length of the teeth and form of the
tushes. Between the second and third year a colt begins to change his sucking or colt’s teeth, as they are termed, for
permanent teeth, which are larger, and of a different form and colour. The sucking teeth are small, and of a delicate white
colour. When a colt is three years old, or between the second and third year, he changes his two front teeth, above and
below; between the third and fourth year the two next are changed; and between the fourth and fifth year the two next, or
corner teeth, are changed. About the end of the fourth year, or a little later, the tushes appear. Mares have seldom any tushes.
At five years old the horse has a full mouth of permanent or horse teeth, and the corner teeth are those by which the age is
ascertained after that period: they have a remarkable hollow or shell-like appearance when they first come up; but by the time
the horse has completed his fifth year they have acquired some size, and look more like the other teeth. There is a cavity on
their upper surface, at this period, of a dark or blackish colour. At six years old the cavity is much diminished, and at seven it
is still less; at eight it has entirely disappeared, or if any mark remain, it resembles rather the eye of a bean. The tushes at five
years old have two concavities withinside them, converging upwards, and terminating in the point of the tooth: at six, one of
these concavities is lost; that is, the one next the grinder: at seven, the other is diminished, but not quite gone: at eight, it is
generally gone, but not always: afterwards the tush gradually gets more round and blunt. These are the changes by which the
horse’s age is usually determined; but they are subject to variations, and the only certain method of ascertaining the age, after
six, is by a reference to the breeder. The length of the teeth is no criterion whatever; nor can the countenance be depended
upon until the horse becomes very old and grey. The marks in the upper teeth have been thought to indicate the age: the
marks in the two front teeth disappearing at eight, in the two next at ten, and in the corner teeth at twelve.

The general signs of age, unconnected with the animal’s teeth, are easily distinguishable. The head grows lean and fine; the
features look more striking; the hollows over the eyes deeper; the eyes themselves grow irritable, and twinkle; the cheeks
become lank; the gums and soft palate pale and shrunk; the sub-maxillary space is capacious; and grey hairs make their
appearance in various places, more particularly over the eyes and about the face. In regard to the body generally, it also
makes a more striking display of its shapes, than in any former part of life; the neck grows thin and fine; the withers grow
sharp, and give an appearance of increased length and obliquity to the shoulder; the back sinks; the quarters assume a more
blood-like turn, and seem to lengthen; tumors of all kinds, spavins, splents, windgalls, &c. generally become in part or wholly
absorbed; the legs feel sinewy and free from puff, though they may evince instability and weakness. Now-a-days it is not
often that we meet with horses thus advanced in years; still more rarely with any that have grown decrepit from age.

The horse, if properly treated, will live to a great age. The best time of his life is considered to be betwixt that of five and ten
years, although there have been instances where he has proved highly serviceable until twenty years; and it is on record, that
some horses have wrought till upwards of thirty years old. Mares are said to be aged at seven years old, and horses at eight.

The Age of Dogs.—These animals do not, like horses and cattle, present any exact criterion of their age; nevertheless,
attention to the following appearances will assist us in determining the matter. At about four years, the front teeth lose their
points, and each of them presents a flattened surface, which increases as the age advances; they likewise lose their whiteness.
In dogs fed much on bones, and in those who “fetch and carry,” these teeth suffer very much, and are sometimes broken out
while the dog is yet young. The holders, or tusks, are also blunted by the same causes. At seven or eight, the hair about the
eyes becomes slightly grey. Gradually, likewise, a greyish tint extends over the face; but it is not till ten, eleven, or twelve
years, that the eyes lose their lustre: when they become dim, general decay proceeds rapidly, though the life of some dogs is
extended to fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen years; and I have seen a mother and son vigorous at twenty and twenty-one years
old. Although such instances as the latter must be considered as rare, yet even these have been exceeded, if I might depend
on my authority; for I once saw a small French dog, which I was assured had reached his twenty-fourth year, and which, at
the time I saw him, was still vigorous and lively. I am not aware that much difference exists between the various breeds, as to
the age they arrive at: spaniels, however, I have observed, are usually long lived; while terriers, on the contrary, I have seldom
observed very old. The usual life of the dog may be considered as ranging between twelve and fifteen years: domestication
has tended, in some degree, to curtail the period, but not so much as might have been expected, considering the powerful
operation of artificial habits.—White—Percival—Brown—Blaine.

AGED, a. OLD, STRICKEN IN YEARS. WHEN HORSES PASS THAT PERIOD OF LIFE WHEN THEIR AGE IS NOT

discoverable by the teeth marks, they are commonly termed aged.

AGISTOR, s. ANCIENTLY AN OFFICER WHO ATTENDED UPON THE KING’S WOODS AND FOREST LANDS, TO

RECEIVE AND TAKE IN CATTLE, &C. BY AGISTMENT; THAT IS TO DEPASTURE WITHIN THE FOREST, OR
to feed upon the pannage, &c. This officer was constituted by letters patent.

AIM, v. To endeavour to strike with a missile weapon.

AIM, s. The direction of a missile weapon; the point to which the thing thrown is directed.

AIR, v. To expose to the air; to take the air; to warm by the fire.

AIR-BLADDER, s. A BLADDER FILLED WITH AIR, AND USED IN LAKE FISHING TO BUOY THE ENDS OF NIGHT

lines and mesh nets.

AIR-CELLS OF BIRDS.

The lungs of birds have several openings, communicating with corresponding air-bags or cells, which fill the whole cavity of
the body from the neck downwards, and into which the air passes and re-passes in the process of breathing. This is not all:
the very bones of birds are hollowed out with the design of receiving air from the lungs, from which air-pipes are conveyed to
the most solid parts of the body, and even into the quills and plumelets of the feathers, which are hollow or spongy for its
reception. As all these hollow parts, as well as the cells, are only open on the side communicating with the lungs, the bird
requires only to take in a full breath to fill and distend its whole body with air, which, in consequence of the considerable heat
of its body, is rendered much lighter than the air of the atmosphere. By forcing this air out of the body again, the weight
becomes so much increased, that birds of large size can dart down from great heights in the air with astonishing velocity. The
structure of insects is not a little analogous.—Ins. Trans.

AIR-GUN, s. A species of gun charged with air instead of powder.

The air-gun, although long known, has never been much used, as its slight report is the only advantage it can possess over
fire-arms, while its danger and inefficiency are admitted. Fatal accidents have occurred in charging it, and every attempt to
remedy the danger has been unsuccessful. In the old principle, the globe or ball which forms the receiver has frequently blown
up while the air was being pumped in, and loss of life or severe injury resulted. Latterly, the attention of several
experimentalists has been directed to its improvement. One of them, Mr. Laing, of the Haymarket, imagined he had overcome
the great objection; and by a very ingenious alteration, in which the globe was done away with, and the air-receiver
transferred to the stock of the gun, he hoped thus to have removed the danger. But in this he was sadly disappointed. While
trying the improved air-gun, the receiver burst, injured him severely, and induced him to abandon any farther experiments with
this dangerous instrument.
Indeed, the manifest inferiority of the air-gun to the rifle, would, independently of its danger, prevent it from coming into
general use. As an instrument, it is extremely troublesome to shoot with, and liable to constant derangement. Its power is very
weak, and in accuracy of aim the rifle is far superior. Even the advantage of slight report in the discharge is now comparatively
done away with, in consequence of the recent introduction of the small-bore rifles for rook and rabbit shooting; which, from
the trifling quantity of powder used in charging, are scarcely louder than the air-gun.
Purday, whose reputation as a rifle maker is deservedly high, has brought them to great perfection; and some beautiful guns of
this description may be seen at his manufactory, which, though so small in the gage as to require bullets eighty to the pound,
are perfect alike in execution and workmanship.
With respect to the Air-cane, though a more recent invention, it is only necessary to say, that it has all the disadvantages of
the air-gun, with much weaker power, and a greater liability to get out of order. It is a mere toy, and, certainly, a very
dangerous one.

Formerly, poachers were in the habit of using air-guns to destroy pheasants in the preserves. The instrument made no noise,

and the operator preferred the boisterous, rainy night, when the moon was nearly at the full; the wet did not in the least affect
the discharge of this implement, and the keepers knew a common gun could not be effectually employed in such tempestuous
weather; besides, the report caused immediate alarm, and frequent detection. Vast numbers of pheasants were carried off,
before this practice was discovered.
The late Mr. Tyssen was partial to an air-gun for shooting rooks, rabbits, &c., and was using one at Donyland Park, in Essex,
when the screw of the valve gave way, as the servant was pumping the air into it; the copper ball fortunately took such a
direction, that no one was hurt; but, in passing through the trees, it cut off some considerable branches. This accident
staggered his confidence in the security of their principle, and from the best informed persons he consulted upon the subject,
he was convinced there was no certainty of their being safe, and he wisely relinquished the air-gun, with all its asserted
superlative properties.—Daniel.

AIRY, a. COMPOSED OF AIR; RELATING TO THE AIR; HIGH IN AIR; LIGHT AS AIR; GAY, SPRIGHTLY, FULL OF

mirth, lively.

ALCOHOL, s. A highly rectified spirit of wine.

ALKALI, s. Any substance which combines with an acid, and produces a salt.

Alkalies form one of the classes of saline bodies, and are of three kinds: the vegetable alkali—kali, or potash,—the mineral
alkali—soda, or natron,—and the volatile alkali, or ammonia. Alkalies are distinguished by their changing blue vegetable
colours to a green, and yellow to orange; by combining rapidly with acids, and forming with them neutral salts—and by
rendering oils miscible with water. Vegetable and mineral alkalies, not being evaporable, except in a high degree of heat,
are termed fixed: and ammonia, being evaporable in a low temperature, obtains the name of volatile alkali.—White.

ALKALINE, a. That which has the qualities of alkali.

ALLSPICE, s. JAMAICA PEPPER, A POWERFUL CORDIAL AND CARMINATIVE; THE DOSE FROM TWO TO

THREE OR FOUR DRACHMS. MR. BRACEY CLARKE, IN A BOOK HE HAS PUBLISHED ON FLATULENT OR
SPASMODIC COLIC, OR GRIPES, STRONGLY RECOMMENDS A TINCTURE OF ALLSPICE IN PROOF
spirit, as an effectual remedy for that disorder. The dose about 4 to 6 oz. in water.

ALLURE, v. To entice to any thing.

ALOES, s. A PRECIOUS WOOD USED IN THE EAST FOR PERFUMES, OF WHICH THE BEST SORT IS OF

HIGHER PRICE THAN GOLD; A TREE WHICH GROWS IN HOT COUNTRIES; A MEDICINAL JUICE
extracted from the common aloes tree.

Aloes is the inspissated juice of a plant of the same name, and is an effectual purgative for horses. It is intensely bitter, and
strong and unpleasant to the smell.
Socotrine aloes is grown in the island Socotra, and is safer in its operation than the other kinds. It is of a dark reddish or
brown colour, opaque, and less disagreeable to smell than the others. It formerly sold at a high price, and was therefore liable
to adulteration. Barbadoes aloes is a coarser medicine, liable to produce griping, and other unpleasant effects; but it is a safe
and efficacious purgative. It is darker coloured, less brittle, and of a stronger and more disagreeable smell—more active than
the Socotrine; and considered more certain in its operation. Every kind of aloes is liable to produce bad consequences if given
too largely, or if the horse be treated improperly while under its effect. There is a peculiarity in the horse’s intestines which
renders them more liable to be injured by purgatives than those of other domestic animals, and therefore cathartic medicines
should be prepared by persons of judgment and experience.
Cape aloes is rather transparent, very brittle, easily powdered, in this state of a bright yellow colour; the odour arising from it
is not so strong as the Barbadoes, but stronger and less agreeable than the Socotrine. This kind is sold at a much lower price
than the others, but is so weak and uncertain in its effect, that it is seldom employed in veterinary medicine. The dose of
Socotrine aloes is from five to nine, Barbadoes from four to six, and Cape from six to ten drachms.
Aloes operates more speedily when united with soap, or any of the fixed alkalies. In old books cream of tartar is prescribed
with aloes, under the supposition that it prevented griping, but soap is preferable.
Aloes is sometimes given as an alterative in doses of one or two drachms. It is also an ingredient in Friar’s balsam, and
compound tincture of myrrh; preparations much used by farriers.—White.

ALPINE SPANIEL (Canis Alpinus), s.

The spaniel of St. Bernard exceeds all others of the same tribe in size and beauty. He generally reaches two feet in height at
the shoulders, and is upwards of five feet from the nose to the tip of the tail. His coat is much more curled than that of either
the springer or the cocker, and his hair is very closely set, with short woolly fur at the roots; his feet like those of all the dogs
of cold climates, are protected from the possibility of being cut by the frost, by being covered with a thick fur, which, besides,
enables him to climb those almost inaccessible ridges of ice which are so numerous on the Great St. Bernard. There is a
peculiarity about the corners of the eyes of this dog which is attributed to the snow, and the high Alpine regions which he
inhabits.
In point of intelligence, the Alpine spaniel may be reckoned at least equal to any of the species; and he has the greatest
aptitude for learning anything to which he may be trained. He is peculiarly adapted to those stormy regions, the Swiss Alps;
and Providence, in the wisdom of its arrangements, seems to have placed him where he was to be most serviceable to
mankind.
These dogs are kept by the monks of the monasteries of the Swiss Alps for the express purpose of searching, during heavy
snow storms, for travellers who may have fallen into cavities or pits, in which situation, without timely assistance, they would
soon be starved or frozen to death. The practice is to send them out in pairs, and being perfectly conversant with the nature of
their employment, they traverse a great extent of the adjoining country. By marks in the snow, but principally from the scent
formed from the breath of persons so situated exhaling through the drift, they discover the pit that contains the buried traveller;
in which case they instantly return and give the alarm, when assistance being procured, these sagacious animals lead the
benevolent monks to the relief of the unfortunate individual.

The following anecdote appears to be well authenticated:—In crossing the mountain St. Gothard, near Airola, the Chevalier
Gaspard de Brandenberg and his servant were buried by an avalanche; his dog, who escaped the heap of snow, did not quit
the place where he had lost his master: this was fortunately not far from the convent; the animal howled, ran to the convent
frequently, and then returned; struck by his perseverance, the next morning the people from the house followed him; he led
them directly to the spot, scratched the snow, and after thirty-six hours passed beneath it, the Chevalier and his domestic
were taken out safe, hearing distinctly, during their confinement, the howling of the dog, and the discourse of their deliverers.
Sensible that to the sagacity and fondness of this creature he owed his life, the gentleman ordered by his will, that he should be
represented on his tomb with his dog; and at Zug, in the church of St. Oswald, where he was buried in 1728, they still show
the monument, and the effigy of the gentleman, with the dog lying at his feet.—Brown—Daniel.

ALTERATIVES, s. Gentle medicines which act gradually upon the constitution.

Those commonly employed are nitre, antimony, sulphur, resin, and Æthiop’s mineral, exhibited in combination. Laxative
Alteratives are substituted for purgatives: diuretic are recommended for reducing or preventing swellings of the leg; and
diaphoretic to increase insensible perspiration, and assist the coating of the horse.

ALUM, s. A saline body, composed of sulphuric acid, alumine, and potash.

It is used internally as an astringent, in diarrhœa, diabetes, &c., and externally as a remedy for grease. When burnt it is
efficacious in cleansing ulcers, and for this purpose usually combined with red precipitate.
Alum is produced by placing a quantity of crude alum in an iron ladle, and keeping it over a slow fire until the watery particles
are evaporated, and the mass becomes a light and pulverisable substance.

ALUMINOUS, a. Relating to alum, or consisting of alum.

AMAUROSIS, s. A DIMNESS OF SIGHT, NOT FROM ANY VISIBLE DEFECT IN THE EYE, BUT FROM SOME

DISTEMPERATURE IN THE INNER PARTS, OCCASIONING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF FLIES AND DUST
floating before the eyes.

In horses, this disease is caused by a pressure of blood upon the nerve of the eye; and in the earlier stages may be relieved by
bleeding, but when of long standing it is incurable.

AMBLE, v. To move upon an amble, to pace; to move easily; to walk daintily.

AMBLE, s. An easy pace.

AMBLER, s. A pacer.

AMBURY, s. A bloody wart on a horse’s body.

The removal of amburies, or warts, is commonly effected by a tight ligature of silk; but, in every case, no matter where the
wart may be, the use of the knife is preferable. Some farriers touch them with arsenic, mixed with a little soft soap; but this is a
dangerous method, and often produces a serious degree of inflammation and sloughing.
Farriers generally endeavour to get rid of wens by blistering, but this never answers; and sometimes they use arsenic and
soap; but this is not only very dangerous, but generally ineffectual also. The knife is the safest, most expeditious, and most
effectual remedy for wens, and every kind of encysted tumour. When a considerable artery is opened in cutting out a wen, the
bleeding may be stopped by tying it, by means of a tenaculum or a crooked needle, or the bleeding vessel may be laid hold of
by a pair of forceps and tied.

AMERICAN GAME, s.

The woodcocks are, in all respects, like those in England, except that they are only about three-fifths of the size. They breed
here, and are in such numbers, that some men kill twenty brace or more in a day. Their haunts are in marshy places or woods.
The shooting of them lasts from the 4th of July, till the hardish frosts come. Here are five months of this sort, and pheasants
and partridges are shot from September to April.
The snipes are called English snipes, which they resemble in all respects, and are found in great abundance in the usual haunts
of snipes.
The grouse is precisely like the Scotch grouse. There is only here and there a place where they are found; but they are, in
those places, killed in vast quantities, in the fall of the year.
As to the wild ducks and other water-fowl, which are come at by lying in wait, and killed most frequently swimming or sitting,
they are slaughtered in whole flocks. An American counts the cost of powder and shot. If he is deliberate in everything else,
this habit will hardly forsake him in the act of shooting. When the sentimental flesh-eaters hear the report of his gun, they may
begin to pull out their white handkerchiefs, for death follows the pull of his trigger, with perhaps even more certainty than it
used to follow the lancet of Dr. Rush.
The plover is a fine bird, and is found in great numbers upon the plains and in the cultivated fields of the islands. Plovers are
very shy and wary, but they have ingenious enemies to deal with. A waggon or carriage of some sort is made use of to
approach them, and then they are easily killed.
Rabbits are very abundant in some places. They are killed by shooting, for all here is done with gun—no reliance is placed
upon a dog.—Cobbett.

AMES-ACE, s. Two aces thrown at the same time on two dice.

AMMONIA, s. A VOLATILE ALKALI, PRODUCED FROM BONES OR SAL AMMONIAC, AND OTHER MINERAL

SUBSTANCES. Carbonate of ammonia, A STIMULANT AND CORDIAL. Drop ammoniac, AS AN
expectorant, is given successfully in doses of two, three, and four drachms.

AMPHIBIOUS, a. That which can live in two elements.

ANAS, s. The generic name of the duck tribe.

The Duck, a genus thus characterised. Bill middle size, strong, straight, more or less depressed, covered with a thin skin, often
more raised than broad at the base, which is either furnished with a fleshy substance or quite smooth, always depressed
towards the point, which is rounded, blunt, and clawed, margins of the two mandibles toothed with plates, of either a flat or a
conical form. Nostrils almost at the surface of the bill, at some distance from the base, somewhat oval, half closed by the flat
membrane which lines the nostril. Legs short, feathered to the knees, drawn back towards the belly; three toes before, wholly
webbed; hind toe free, articulated higher up on the flank, without a membrane, or having only the rudiments thereof. Wings of
middle size; the first quill either as long as the second or rather shorter.
Temminck divides the genus into four sections. 1. The Goose; 2. The Swan; 3. The Duck. A. Ducks having the hind claw
naked. B. Ducks having the hind claw covered with a loose membrane.