stallion at Raby Castle, at five guineas; but his price was afterwards advanced to ten guineas. DAISY CUTTERS. Horses which skim along the surface with a straight knee, or which go so near the ground as frequently to touch it. DAKER HEN. See CORN CRAKE. DALMATIAN, or COACH DOG. Is an animal of great beauty, being DAMASCUS ARABIAN (The) first covered at Newmarket, in 1766, at one guinea; in 1767, in consequence of Signal's superior running, the first of his get that started, he was raised to five guineas, and afterwards to ten guineas. The advertisements described him "to be of the purest Arabian blood," &c. He was sire also of Flush, Mungo, Trump, Atom, Little Joe, Mufti, Pigmy, Magpie, &c. DAPING. See DIBBING. DAPPLE BLACK. Is a black horse that has spots and marks which are blacker and more shining than the rest of the skin. When bay horses have marks of a dark bay, we call them dapple bays; so of grays. DARLEY ARABIAN. Mr. Darley, a merchant settled at Aleppo, and a member of a hunting club there, procured a courser from the deserts of Arabia, which he sent to England as a present to his brother, a Yorkshire gentleman, about the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne: he is one of those few horses on the purity of whose blood we can place positive reliance. This Arabian was sire of Flying Childers, of never-dying fame; he also got Bartlett's Childers, Old Almanzor; a white-legged horse belonging to the Duke of Somerset, full brother to Almanzor, and thought to be as good, but meeting with an accident, he never ran in public; Dædalus, a very fast horse; Dart, Skipjack, Manica, Aleppo, good horses, though out of indifferent mares; Cupid, Brisk,Gander, Kitty Burdett, Smockface, Old Whimsey, &c. &c. He did not cover many mares except Mr. Darley's. An original portrait of this horse, accidentally discovered by the removal of a panel in one of the rooms of the mansion, is in the possession of H. Darley, Esq. Aldeby Hall, Yorkshire, an engraving from which has been lately published. The Darley Arabian was a bay, about fifteen hands high, with white fetlocks behind, and a blaze in his face. DASHING (among Foxhunters). When a man charges a fence (which no other word can express so fully), on the other side of which it is impossible to guess what mischief awaits him, but where his getting a fall is reduced as nearly as possible to a moral certainty.-Note to Billesdon Coplow. DEBILITY. A state of emaciation, weakness, and inertness of the animal powers. It may be either permanent or temporary. The diseases of debility in the horse are asthma, dropsy, grease, palsy, &c. The most prevalent cause, however, is the too common practice of working colts at two or three years old, by which an innumerable train of diseases is engendered and fostered, | and as reeds and grass, with bushes, and the services of the animal very are allowed to grow in wild luxuriconsiderably abridged. ance, the interior of the pond is entirely hidden from view. In length of time, by continued cultivation, the appearance becomes similar to a plantation for game in an extensive marshy waste; indeed, in most places, it is much used by hares, and occasionally by foxes. DECOCTION. By the process of boiling the medicinal properties of roots, barks, &c. are communicated to water. The most common way is to boil the ingredients till the water is half consumed; the liquor, which, properly speaking, is the decoction, being afterwards strained off. DECOY. There are very few or no objects of sporting attraction so replete with pleasing varieties, and so abounding with characteristics of extraordinary instinct, as the whole of the operations affecting this ingenious occupation. The wild scenery, the secluded situation required, the proximity of the sea or extensive range of waters, the liabilities of the season, the difficulties of access, and the distances from the residences of the neighbourhood, are all subjects of strong interest, and never fail to excite in the mind of an ardent lover of nature an enthusiastic feeling. It is fortunate when a situation is found where Nature has supplied the growth of willows and underwood of any sort; otherwise you are obliged to plant around the piece of water selected for the purpose of a decoy, which is mostly of an acre or two, to give a general effect of shelter. The slips, or pipes as they are called, are about twenty feet long, forming a designed curve, and gradually narrowing to the end. These are hooped over, and then covered with strong netting. The number of these apertures is regulated in course by the extent of the pond, always having sufficient to face the point of most winds that blow; for only those can be worked with effect which are opposite to the blast. Between each pipe, and the whole length of it, a shade of reeds, about six feet high, is erected for the purpose of concealment to the attending man, with a few small loop-holes to peep through. Round the whole a high bank is raised; The decoy birds are wild-ducks, bred on the spot, which become domesticated by the most constant and regular supply of food, and are kept within a moderate number by killing them off when the season is over. At the commencement of winter these birds begin, by an unaccountable instinct, to take their wheels of flight, leaving home at the reflux of the tide and returning about high water, rarely unaccompanied with a numerous flock of new acquaintance. These excursions are closely watched by the keeper both night and day, always being prepared to greet the return with plenty of corn. This keeps all quiet till day-light (if a night flight), when his delicate work commences, but seldom successfully without a brisk wind. When the pipe is fixed upon to work at, a small quantity of oats or hemp-seed is thrown at the mouth, which, accompanied with a pleasing whistle, induce the old birds to rush forward, and if a good number of foreigners should follow, he by degrees supplies the food more within, till the body has reached beyond the turn to exclude them from the pond. At that critical moment he runs to the front, and showing himself, with a shout, the birds fly to the end, where, cooped up in a very small space, a most ludicrous scramble and squalling take place. A helper, being ready, has then only to take them by the neck, and, being expertly educated in Jack Ketch work, twists away till even hundreds are thrown into a pit-hole purposely prepared. It scarcely ever occurs that the old birds are to be thus entrapped. Being familiar at business, they take good care to keep in the rear; or, if | of lighted peat in your mouth, used impelled by numbers and eagerness as a cigar, that you can wipe away the stigma of animal odour. Without this safeguard you cannot approach within a quarter of a mile. To enumerate or describe the different beauties rewarding the anxious task, is not easy; but it embraces in few words the whole of the duck kind. Yet there is an exception, though of the same family, of singular curiosity-the dun-bird—which, although in general companionship, is rarely to be taken in this manner. He is certainly the sultan of flavour, and may be hailed as the first in the rank. This may render his sagacity or instinct more refined perhaps; but, be it as it may, different traps become necessary to secure him. On the side of the rivers at the evening dusk, a high net is erected on poles, in the neighbourhood of the decoys, when in the flights of these highminded creatures they get entangled. far into the pipe, they then dive, beating a safe retreat in that way. The great pride of a decoy-man is not only to possess an expert helper, but an assistant of another description -a dog-which through the whole of the movements is no mean performer. He is accustomed to wait upon his master at all times, who, by teaching him playful ways, brings him as it were to amuse the decoys. They then not only become used to his gambols, but delight in them, and will dash after his tricks whenever they are exhibited. We are told, in print of authority, these animals are made use of to rouse the lethargic and sleepy habit of the strangers, and that they fly to the dog to scare him away from disturbing their quiet repose; but to us this is not evident, firmly believing it to be the daily practice with the domestics that works the magic with the new comers. These observations are genuine, and drawn from the book of experience. When the work begins, a signal is given to little Venus, or Daphne, or Mercury, and she or he flies to the call, skips around the skreens, jumping and shaking the tail, and pricking the ears the eyes sparkling with pleasure, and bursting with ardour to give salute with the tongue; but no babbling it is all forbearance, though full of fire; and it is only by frolicsome freaks the whole pond is attracted, exciting a general rush to get at the dog. This is one of the principal means of having a well peopled pipe. The breed is pecu-flight; and even with these happy liar to itself, and perfectly nondescript in appearance the veriest of curs, but in sagacity a spanielsmall, of great vivacity, the active energies are surprising, and the animation with which the part is acted is as extraordinary as it is amusing. The wonderful power in the fowl, of nasal discrimination, renders the schemes of their enemies delicately dangerous, and it is only by the aid At the first blush of this account, it is natural to conclude that a decoy is good for gold as well as for ducks; but there are many contingencies in waiting, and many's the time and oft, that, with plenty saluting your eyes and ears, disappointments arise, leaving the carriers empty, and lords of the markets in despair. First, you must have cold weather without frost: then you must have the wind at east, and with a breeze: then you must have birds with good humour, and inclined to vary their taste with new friends: and, last of all, you must have skill, luck, and a great combinations, neither oats, dog, peat, nor winds will do. I have seen the whole congregation floating in the centre in close column, casting their heads to the air, as it were watching the clouds with one eye, and laughing at you with the other. A little farther, strange, though true: I have known some years successful to overflow, and others barren to hopes-having the same quantity, the same weather, and the same experience. In 1795, the Tillingham decoy in Essex netted, after every expense, upwards of eight hundred pounds; and in 1799, ten thousand head of widgeon, teal, and wild-ducks were caught in a decoy of the Rev. Bate Dudley, in the same county. The general season for catching is from the end of October to February. By the 9th Ann, ch. 25, and 10 Geo. II. ch. 32, to take or drive away any wild-duck, teal, widgeon, or other water-fowl in the moultingseason, between the 1st of June and the first of October, is punishable with a fine of five shillings, to be levied by distress; in default to be imprisoned, whipped, and kept to hard labour. The right in the property of decoy-ponds was settled in the Court of King's Bench in November term, 1810, when it was determined that disturbing a decoy by firing a gun in the neighbourhood, to frighten away the wild-fowl which had been decoyed by the tame birds, constituted a trespass. Decoys are usually let at a certain annual rent; but improvements in drainage are gradually exterminating these ancient distinctions of the fenny districts. Thirty thousand francs have been paid for the produce of Lake St. Lambert, near Paris, for one season. received a compromise from Mr. Panton's Falcon of 132 gs. having been matched over B. C. 300 gs. h. ft., Delpini to have carried 8 st. 7 lb., Falcon, 8 st. 2lb. In the same meeting he won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. B. C. beating Collector, Hardwicke, and Tar. In the second spring meeting he was beat by Rockingham. At York, however, in August, Monday 21st, he won a subscription of 25 gs. each, four miles, ten subs. carrying 8 st. 5 lb. beating Verjuice and two others, four years old each, 7 st. 7 lb. On Wednesday, he won 50l., given by the city, added to a subscription purse for five years old horses, &c. carrying 8 st. 7 lb. four miles, beating Pitch, Leveret, and Posthumous. The next day, he won another subscription purse for six years old, 8 st. 10 lb. and aged horses, 9 st. four miles, giving his year to Mr. Garforth's noted mare, Faith, and Mr. Wentworth's Glancer. After winning, Mr. Tattersall led him to the post for the jockey to weigh, pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket, with which he wiped the nostrils of the son of his favourite HIGHFLYER, and then kissed him. At the Craven meeting, 1787, for a sweepstakes of 50 gs. each, D. C. he ran second to Rockingham, beating Fox and Marplot. Drone, Oberon, and Pilot also started, but were not placed. Delpini started twice in 1788, viz. at the Newmarket Craven meeting, DEER. See HART, HIND, FALLOW, RED, ROE DEER, &C. DEER-HAYES. Nets for catch- and at York, in August, but proved ing deer. unsuccessful. Delpini was after DEFAULT (now universally call-wards a stallion in Yorkshire; he ed FAULT). A term in hunting, when the hounds have lost the scent. DELPINI (first called HACKWOOD). A gray colt, foaled 1781, bred by the Duke of Bolton, was got by Highflyer out of Countess by Blank. In 1784, he won the Bolton stakes at Newmarket, he was afterwards sold to Sir Frank Standish; and in 1785, he won twice, 200 gs. and 300 gs. at the same place. In 1786, first spring meeting, Delpini was sire of many valuable racers, &c. and died at York, July 30th, 1808, aged twenty-seven. DIAMOND, br. by Highflyer, dam by Matchem; grandam Barbara, by Snap, great grandam Miss Vernon, by Cade, sister to the Widdrington mare, by Partner. After a brilliant career (his memorable match over the B. C. at Newmarket, against Hambletonian will not soon be forgotten, though unsuccessful in the result), Diamond was sent to France in the spring of 1818, | are so large as to cover the bars. A where he died; he was foaled in bit with a cannon, croupe, or cut will effect it. 1792. A DIBBING FOR TROUT. mode of angling resorted to in those rivers that are much overhung with trees, and where it is totally impossible to throw the fly. A dibbing rod should be rather stiff, and about eighteen feet in length, with a line of strength sufficient to bring a heavy fish to land without the assistance of a net or gaff. This mode of fishing is successful for trout and chub. DIGGING A BADGER. Dislodging or raising him out of the earth. DIOMED, ch. bred by Sir Charles Bunbury, 1777, got by Florizel, dam by Spectator; grandam, sister to Horatius, by Blank ChildersMiss Belvoir. In 1780, at three years old, this pride of the Barton stud, won 2500 gs., 700 gs., 500 gs., 80l., 100 gs., and 160 gs. at Newmarket, and the Derby stakes at Epsom, of 1125 gs. (being the first year of their establishment), beating Bondron, by Eclipse, and seven others. In 1781, 250 gs., 330 gs., and the Claret stakes of 2100 gs. at Newmarket. In 1782, he started once only, and was beat by Sir John Lade's Crop, by Turf. In 1783, he won the king's plate at Guildford; he did not start afterwards. Diomed covered, in Sussex, at five guineas; he was afterwards removed to Barton, where the price advanced to ten guineas. He was sire of Grey Diomed, Valiant Victor, Glaucus, Laïs, Montezuma, Anthony, Charlotte, Mademoiselle, Playfellow, Quetlavaca, Sir Cecil, Whiskers, Michael, Monkey, Tom, Bella Donna, Dalham, Little Pickle, Foreigner, Robin Grey, Fanny, Guatimozin, Habakkuk, Young Diomed, Adela, Cedar, Switch, Greyhound, Laurentina, Poplar, Wrangler, &c. &c. In 1799, Diomed was sent to Virginia, in North America. DISARM (the lips of a horse), is to prevent them from taking off the pressure of the mouth, when they DISTANCE. In racing two hundred and forty yards are a distance. See RACING. DISTEMPER. This disease is generally caused by sudden transitions from heat to cold, where the animal, in a state of excessive perspiration, and overcome by great exertion, is immerged in cold water, or (as is too frequently the abused practice) drenched with buckets full, by way of refreshing the horse. The general symptoms are severe cough or catarrh, excessive drowsiness, moisture from the eyes and nostrils, quick pulse and breathing, quinsey in the throat, universal debility, &c. The best remedy is immediate and free bleeding; then turn out the animal to a well enclosed and sheltered pasture, where, in due process of time, with the assistance of wholesome grass, and good air, the disease will be effectually removed. If the horse cannot conveniently be stirred from the stable, he should be fed on light bran mashes, and very small portions of the very best hay; if grass could be obtained, it would be much better. The best medicine is nitrate of potass (nitre), to be given in three doses; the first in the morning, the second at one o'clock in the afternoon, and the third at night, in the quantity of half an ounce to each dose. Clysters should also be served sufficiently frequent to keep the body in a free and cool state. The above regimen and treatment should be continued until the animal be in a state of perfect convalescence; then very small proportions of oats, well bruised and wetted, may at intervals be allowed him. Vaccination also is found to be an effectual remedy or rather preventive of distemper. When the distemper arises from worms, the most effectual vermifuge that can be used is tin filings or powdered glass, and half a drachm of either may be given twice a day. DIVERS. These birds frequent |