arising from it, although imperceptible in itself, causes lameness, which is, in fact, rheumatism. In looking into the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal,' where there is an article upon 'Artesian Wells,' by M. Arago, I find that in this supposition I am partly borne out by the opinion of Aristotle, which is there quoted; he considered that a central heat is produced by the increased humidity arising from water pent up in the inside of the earth, and which finds its easiest escape through that body which is the most porous; this water was supposed by him, and also by many other philosophical inquirers, to be filtered through the various strata of soil from the sea, and not composed of rain-water, as has been conjectured by some persons, as it has been attested that rainwater never penetrates very deep into the ground; but whether that is the case or not, it makes no sort of difference to what I wish to prove. M. Arago goes on to say, 'that Seneca mentions, in his questions on natural history, that rain, however abundant it may be, never penetrates into the soil above ten feet; he states that he is certain of this, from having made many careful experiments with this object in view. It becomes a question whether we must not have recourse to internal vapours in explaining the existence of fountains which are situated far above the level of the sea, whilst their source is also deep under a vast extent of soil. According to the experiments of the great number of naturalists who have recently engaged in these researches, the permeability of the earth would be decidedly inferior to the limit assigned by Seneca. Thus Marriotte maintains that, in cultivated lands, the heaviest rains of summer do not penetrate above six inches. Lahire, also, has observed, that in soils covered with vegetation, they on no occasion penetrate more than two feet; and he has likewise stated, concerning a bed of naked earth, eight feet thick, that not a drop of water had penetrated to the leaden plate which supported it, during the fifteen years it had been exposed to every atmospheric vicissitude. Buffon has supplied the results of a similar experiment; for he mentions having examined in a garden a bed of earth more than nine feet high, which had been undisturbed for many years, and he noticed that the rain had never penetrated more than four feet deep. These observations would be of the deepest import in the question concerning the origin of fountains, if the surface of the globe were covered with a layer of vegetable earth of the thickness of two or three yards. But the very reverse of this is the fact; and every one knows that, in many places, the superior layer is sand, and that sand allows water to percolate as if it were a sieve.' At any rate, whether Aristotle is right or not, this appears to support my argument, that the water, which causes this moisture, is filtered either one way or other, and from this we may fairly conclude that the vapour which I before spoke of finds its exit by the same passage. About ten years since the Albrighton hounds (then under the management of Mr. Walter Gifford) had been removed to a new kennel which was built for them; as soon as it had been used a short time, the hounds became lame in their shoulders, it being suspected to be kennel-lameness; among others, one remedy was tried, which was to dig out the lodging-rooms for several feet, and fill them up with cinders; it need hardly be said that it was of no avail; if good stiff clay had been rammed down, the result might have been different; the situation was upon a sandstone rock. The hounds continued to shew lameness for several years, when Sir Thomas Boughey, Bart. purchased the pack, and a removal to a fresh and healthier kennel, put a stop to the increase of the disease, although many which have been long lame never recovered. Some years since Mr. Foljambe built a new kennel for his hounds upon a dry sandy situation, at Beilby; they became lame, many remedies were tried, even the changing the aspect of the courts, but without any beneficial consequences. In a conversation I had with Mr. Foljambe upon the subject, in the autumn of 1840, he told me that he was thoroughly convinced that the situation was the sole cause of kennel lameness existing in hounds; his "From the French province of Artois, where extensive researches were carried on for the discovery of subterranean water." "The kennels were formed from the rooms of the old mansion-house." were invariably afflicted with the malady, if they remained at Beilby after the damps of autumn came on; but by being removed to his hunting kennel, five miles distant from that place, they were prevented from being attacked by this dreadful complaint. To such an extent has this rheumatic affection shewn itself during some seasons at the Beilby kennels, that the bitches heavy with whelp, when running at large, have been greviously attacked, and even puppies, when only a month or six weeks old, have been completely distorted in their limbs, and consequently destroyed. Lord Kintore's hounds have also been martyrs to this curse on hound-flesh for a long period; and his Lordship, after fighting against it for ten years, is fully convinced that the situation of his kennel, at Gask, is the only cause for the existence of kennel lameness in his pack. I am happy to say that the kennel has been condemned, and a new one is to be erected at some distance from the old site. I could enumerate many kennels subject to this dreadful calamity, even where they are situated upon healthy-looking spots of ground; and I could also mention some instances where they are, to all appearance, damp, but which are, at the same time, free from all sorts of diseases. It is truly disgusting to see what make-shift places some masters of hounds are content with, by way of kennels, where the floors, not even covered with bricks, are allowed to remain saturated with filth and urine. I always make it a rule, when travelling, to visit all kennels contiguous to my line of march, whether in England or on the Continent; and during these inspections I have sometimes witnessed extraordinary scenes, both at home and abroad. Sheep, and even pigs, are placed in some kennels during the time that the hounds are absent for a few weeks, by way of keeping them well aired and sweet. But what beat everything I ever saw, by way of making the most of an enclosure, was at the Duke of Nassau's kennel, on the Rhine, where ten or twelve hives of bees were kept in the yard amongst a large collection of deerhounds, pointers, and other dogs. The attendant informed me that the bees seldom stung their companions; I have no doubt that they kept at a respectful distance, verifying the old adage about 'burnt bairns.' "Many of my readers will, I dare say, remember the old Woodland kennels, at Brigstock, in Northamptonshire, built under the direction of the the late Lord Spencer, by the celebrated Dick Knight (his Lordship's huntsman). The last time I was in them was in 1835, when they were in the same condition in which they were in early days, anything but a convenient place for hounds; there was always a peculiar appearance on the floors, as if the wet settled on the bricks: but it was considered by Charles King (huntsman to Lord Althorp) as one of the healthiest situations for hounds in the world. Jack Stevens, who also used it when with Mr. Osbaldeston, for eight or nine seasons, told me he never knew hounds to do better, in the whole of his experience, than at Brigstock. The kennels are built upon a clay, the substratum of which is marl. There is a small kennel at Downside, in Somersetshire, built so close to a trout-stream, that it actually runs through the yards, upon a rock, but then the rock is of freestone, and not of sandstone; this is a particularly healthy place for hounds. Mr. Hall, who occupied it when I saw it, declared it was equally so with his other kennel, which was far superior, both in size and convenience. The kennels at Butler's Marston, occupied for many years by the Warwickshire hounds, were built upon a white clay; the country near them after rain was always knee deep in mud, yet no lameness was ever visible. The Holderness kennels, at Bishop Burton, may also be mentioned as another instance of soundness on apparently wet land: so much for situations. From these few instances of many, then, it may be fairly presumed that the best place to build a kennel upon is a clay, or strong sound ground, devoid of sand veins, sandstone rocks, or springs; let the spouting and ventilating be particularly attended to, and if shoulder-lameness, or any other disease, breaks out, the owner may come to a fair conclusion that there is some hidden cause for the malady, of which the writer of these pages is at present unable to give an account." 65 TURF REGISTER. It is not thought convenient to give the details of the running at the Minor Meetings. 'BATH AND BRISTOL SPRING MEETING. WEDNESDAY, April 21st.-The Lansdown Trial Stakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft.; for three and fouryear-olds three-year-olds, 7 st. 10 lb.; and four, 9 st. 7 lb.; maiden horses allowed 2 lb.; the winner to pay £5 to the Judge; one mile and a quarter (seven subscribers). Mr. Houldsworth's ch. c. Hampton, by Langar, out of Medea, three years old, walked over. The Ladies' Silver Cup, value 30 sovs., added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for horses not thorough-bred; three-year-olds, 9 st. 5 lb.; four, 10 st. 12 lb.; five, 11 st. 7 lb.; six and aged, 12 st.; mares and geldings allowed 3 lb.; horses having won the value of £50 once, 3 lb. ; twice, 5 lb.; and thrice, or oftener, 7 lb. extra; and the winner of £100 at any one time, 5 lb. in addition to the above extra weights; the second horse to save his stake; gentlemen riders, members of a foxhunting or racing club; one mile and a half and a distance (eight subscribers). Mr. Sadler's b. g. by Jack Tar, out of Variety, four years old (Mr. W. Sadler) Parr) Mr. E. Schobell's b. h. Cracksman, by Pickpocket, five years old (Mr. Tongue) 1 2 3 4 A Sweepstakes (Handicap) of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft., with 20 sovs. added by the Committee; heats, one mile (five subscribers). Mr. J. Dixon's ch. f. Lady Georgiana, by Defence (half-bred), four years old, Mr. Gough's b. g. Greenfinch, late Waterdine (h.-b.), four years old, 8 st. 5 lb. Mr. Haddy's b. g. by Eden, six years old (half-bred), 8 st. 10 lb. The Bath Stakes (Handicap) of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., and only 5 if declared before the 1st of March, with 20 sovs. added by the Committee; the winner to pay £5 to the Judge; one mile and a half and a distance (three subscribers). Mr. Nattle's b. h. Cracksman (half-bred), five years old, 8 st. 2 lb. The Dyrham Park Handicap Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 sovs, added by the Committee; for horses of all denominations; gentlemen riders; one mile and a half and a distance (four subscribers). Mr. Bennett's The Whisperer, by Firman, three years old, 9 st. 12 lb. (Mr. Parr) A Hack Stakes of 2 sovs. each, with 15 sovs. added by the Committee; 11 st. 7 lb. each; thoroughbred horses to carry 10 lb. extra; gentlemen or tradesmen to ride; one mile; the winner to be sold for £40 (seven subscribers). Mr. John Haddy's b. g. by Eden, six years old (Mr. W. Sadler) THURSDAY, 22nd.-A Sweepstakes (Handicap) of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft., with £20 added by the Committee; heats, one mile and a half (five subscribers). Mr. E. Scobell's b. h. Cracksman, five years old, 9 st. 7 lb. (Roger's) The York Stakes, being a forced handicap of 5 sovs. each, with £20 added by the Committee; heats, one mile (four subscribers). Mr. W. Sadler's ch. g. Petulant, four years old, 9 st. 7 lb. (Mr. W. Sadler) A Hurdle Race Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 15 added by the Committee; 11 st. 7 lb. each; a winner of a hurdle race or steeple-chase in 1840 or 1841, 7 lb. extra; the winner to pay for the hurdles, &c.; heats, one mile and a half and a distance, with three leaps in each heat (five subs.) Mr. Newcombe's Cannon Ball (owner) Mr. Williams's b. g. Charles XII. (Mr. Davis) 1 1 2 2 BURTON CONSTABLE HUNT RACES.-WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21ST. The Farmers' Purse of 15 sovs., added to à Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, p.p.; the second horse to receive 3 sovs. out of the stakes; horses three years old to carry 9 st.; four, 10 st. 11lb.; five, 11 st. 6 lb.; six and aged, 12 st.; cocktails allowed 5 lb.; there will be six hurdles in each round, not to exceed three feet eight inches; horses that have won a hurdle race or steeple-chase in the year 1841 to carry 7 lb. extra; if two, 10 lb. extra; heats, once round and a distance (three subs.) Mr. W. Caley na. The Romp, by Record, six years old (Mr. W. B. Lamplugh) ... Mr. Oxtoby's gr. c. by Falcon, dam by Young Ardrossan, grandam by Sir Mr. E. Baxter's b. m. sister to Hamlet, by Young Phantom, aged 1 2 1 3 1 2 2 dr. The Norwood Stakes of 10 sovs., added to a Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, p.p.; three-year-olds, 9 st.; four, 10 st. 8 lb.; five, 11 st. 4 lb.; six and aged, 11 st. 11 lb.; the second horse to receive 3 sovs. out of the stake: thorough-bred horses to carry 7 lb. extra; a winner of any race to carry 7 lb. extra; heats, once round and a distance, three to start, or no race (three subscribers). 1 1 Mr. E. Baxter's b. c. Tournament, by Contest, three years old (Mr. J. Peck) ... Mr. G. Reynard's ch. m. Marchioness, by Granby, dam by Tancredi, five years 2 dr. 3 2 The Ladies' Purse of 15 sovs., added to a Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, p.p; the second horse to receive 3 sovs. out of the stakes; three-year-olds to carry 9 st.; four, 10 st. 11 lb.; five, 11 st. 6 lb. ; six and aged, 12 st.; cocktails allowed 5lb.; there will be six hurdles in each round, not to exceed three feet eight inches; horses that have won a hurdle race or steeple-chase in the year 1841 to carry 7 lb. extra; if two, 10 lb. extra; heats, once round and a distance (four subscribers). Mr. R. Collison's br. m. by Falcon, dam by Young Phantom, four years old (W. Mr. E. Baxter's b. m. sister to Hamlet, by Young Phantom, aged DURHAM RACES. THURSDAY, April 22nd.-The Craven Stakes of 10 gs. each, with 20 sovs. added; three-yearolds, 6 st. 10 lb.; four, 8 st. 3 lb.; five, 8 st. 11 lb.; six and aged, 9 st.; mares and geldings allowed 5 lb.; mile and a half (three subscribers). Mr. Hesletine's b. m. The Shadow, five years old (Hesseltine) The Two-year-old Stakes of 10 gs. each, with 20 sovs. added from the Racing Fund; colts, 8 st. 3 lb.; fillies, 8 st.; three quarters of a mile (three subscribers). Mr. J. Osburne's b. c. Skipton, by Stockport, dam by Swiss (G. Francis) The Maiden Plate of £50, given by the Members for the Northern Division of the County, for horses that never won £50 at any one time, in plate or stakes; three-year-olds, 7 st. 5 lb.; four, 8 st. 3 lb.; five and upwards 8 st. 12 lb.; mares, &c., allowed 3 lb.; two mile heats. Mr. Osbaldeston's gr. c. by The Saddler-Fickle, four years old (Hessel- FRIDAY, 23rd-The Hunters' Stakes of 5 gs. each, with 25 added by W. Russell, Esq., for horses not thorough-bred, that have been regularly hunted during the whole of the season with the Brancepeth or Wynyard and Durham foxhounds; gentlemen riders; 12 st. each; two miles (five subscribers). Mr. A. L. Maynard's Nimrod, by President, six years old (owner) ... Mr. Thomas Maw's b. m. Queen of Pats, six years old Betting: even on Grenadier. A capital race, and won by half a neck. The Durham Stakes of 5 gs. each, with 25 added by W. C. Harland, Esq., one of the Members for the city of Durham, and £10 from the fund; three-year-olds, 6 st. 10 lb.; four, 8 st. 3lb.; five, 8 st. 10 lb.; six and aged, 9 st.; a winner of £50 at any one time, in plate or stake, before the day of naming, 3 lb. extra; of two, or more, 5 lb.; mares &c., allowed 3 lb.; two miles (five subs.) 12 st. each; heats, one mile, over hurdles 4 feet high. SATURDAY.-The Hurdle Race Stakes of 5 gs. each, with 10 sovs. added, for horses of all ages; TUESDAY, April 27th.-Match, 100 sovs., 8 st. 3 lb. each; mile and a half. bolted. received. The Trial Stakes of 5 sovs. each, p.p., with 20 added by the Club; four-year-olds, 11 st. 4lb. ; five, 11 st. 11lb.; six, 12 st. 31b.; and aged 12 st. 6 lb.; half a mile (nine subscribers). Hon. Mr. Sandilands's Nubian, six years old (Capt. Richardson) Mr. J. O. Fairlie's The Hydra, six years old (Capt. Pettat) Lord Eglinton's Zoroaster, five years old (Sir F. Johnstone) Mr. J. O. Fairlie's Leopold, aged (owner) Mr. J. O. Fairlie's Crinoline, four years old (Capt. Campbell) Lord Waterford's Confusion, aged (owner) Betting: 6 to 4 agst. Nubian. 1 2 0 0 The Three-year-old Stakes of 20 sovs. each, p.p.; colts, 8 st. 3 lb. ; fillies, 8 st.; one mile and a half (four subscribers). Mr. Alexander's b. or br. c. Archer, by Jerry (J. Cartwright) Mr. Meiklam's br. f. Georgiana, by Jerry-Margaretta (S. Templeman) Betting: even on Teflis. The Pebble Stakes of 5 sovs. each, p.p., with 50 added by Sir Hugh Campbell, for horses not thorough-bred; three-year-olds, 9 st. 10 lb.; four, 11 st. 6 lb.; five, 12 st. 2 lb.; six, 12 st. 7 lb. ; and aged, 12 st. 10 lb.; once round (seven subscribers). Mr. Alexander's ch. m. Anna, by Corinthian, out of Miss Annie, five years old, 8 st. Lord Eglinton's ch. g. Zoroaster, five years old, 8 st. 10 lb. (T. Lye) |