CALF
—is the male produce of the stag and hind: they are the largest of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appellation of RED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.) in contra-distinction to fallow deer, bred in parks, and called BUCK and DOE; their produce a fawn.
CALLS
—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement.
CAPON
;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation) so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven, eight, and even nine pounds weight.
CARP
—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds, to the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate: if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers, not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well stocked, the poachers are never deficient in means of procuring themselves a share: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the latter part of the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle the system of supply is as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute description of the art under the head Poaching.
CARMINATIVES
—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if possible, have been too long in the shop, as some of them lose their property by long keeping.