DEFECTS
—in horses differ very materially from what are termed BLEMISHES, (which see:) the latter are always considered conspicuous, and easily observed by the eye of experience and judicious inspection. A horse may have defects not so readily to be perceived, and consequently remain a longer or shorter period before they are discovered: he may prove incorrigibly restive, and not happen to display it in a new situation for days or weeks; he may be a seasoned and invincible crib-biter; he may be vicious to dress; a kicker in the night; doubtful in the eyes; aukward in action; troublesome to saddle, and when saddled, more troublesome to ride. Though these are defects, yet the DEALER (proceeding upon the purest principles of integrity) conceives them professional privileges of secrecy, which he is not bound in honor to disclose; affecting to believe, they are totally abstracted from every idea conveyed in the declaration and warranty of being "perfectly sound."
That this matter, however, may be the better and more universally understood, it cannot be inapplicable to introduce the opinion which the late Lord Mansfield held publicly in the Court of King's Bench; "that a restive horse was tantamount to an unsound one; and upon this principle, that if the subject so purchased was evidently restive, and would not, or could not, by fair means, be prevailed upon to go where he was required, he was equally useless with an invalid whose lameness or infirmity prevented him from executing the purposes for which he was purchased." From such authority (founded upon the basis of equity) there can be but little, if any, doubt, an action brought for the recovery of money paid for a restive horse, such horse having been "WARRANTED SOUND," would obtain a verdict. As, however, the proverbial uncertainty of the LAW, the confusion of witnesses, and the caprice of a sleepy jury, are very slender reliances for the man of prudence and honor, who wishes "to do unto others as he would be done unto," the safest method for every purchaser is to take (from the GENTLEMAN as well as a dealer) a proper receipt, upon payment of the money, that such horse or mare is warranted sound and free from vice; by which litigation and law-suits may be prevented.
DELPINI
,—originally called "Hackwood," was bred by the late Duke of Bolton; foaled in 1781; and got by Highflyer out of Countess, who was got by Blank. Delpini proved himself a very capital racer, beating most of the best horses of his year at all ages. He has also acquired some celebrity as a STALLION, being the sire of Kilton, Prior, Skelton, Miss Ann, Tiptoe, Abram Wood, Cardinal, Clymene, Dido, Golden Locks, Dapple, Flutter, Little Scot, Miss Beverly, Nixon, Opposition, Timothy, Agnes, Blue Beard, Camperdown, Duchess, Hopwell, L'Abbé, Laborie, Patch, Stourton, Symmetry, Baron Nile, Maid of the Mill, Slap-bang, Sabella, and many others, all winners.
DIABETES
,—divested of medical dignity, and technical ambiguity, is neither more or less than a profuse, frequent, and involuntary discharge of urine, from a weakness of some of the parts necessary to the secretion and evacuation of that particular excrement. Whatever may have been the cause, whether an injury in the loins, near the region of the kidnies, violent and excessive purging from improper physic, or a relaxed state of the sphincter of the bladder, the road to relief and cure is still the same; invigorants of every kind. Oatmeal gruel for drink, instead of water, in which gum arabic is dissolved, so that four or six ounces may be taken every day; not submitting to which, half an ounce, or six drachms of liquid laudanum, may likewise be given in a little gruel, with a horn, every night and morning.
DIAMOND
—was esteemed for some years the speediest and best bottomed horse in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1792; bred by Mr. Dawson; got by Highflyer out of the dam of Sparkler, and was own brother to Screveton. At three years old he repeatedly ran in handsome with some of the first horses, and was within a length of winning the Derby at Epsom when twelve started, but did no more than receive 50 guineas forfeit from Lark at the second Newmarket Meeting of the year 1795. First Spring Meeting, 1796, he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, six subscribers. In the July Meeting of the same year he WALKED OVER for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each, seven subscribers. In 1797, when Mr. Cookson's, he won the King's hundred at Newcastle, and a 50l. plate the next day at the same place; 50l. at York; the 50 guineas for all ages at Newmarket, beating Yeoman, Play or Pay, Aimator, and others. The next day he won the King's hundred guineas, beating the famous Hermione and Vixen. In 1798 he beat Moorcock, over the Beacon Course, for 200 guineas, Monday in the Craven Meeting. First Spring Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, twelve subscribers. Second Meeting, received a compromise from Lord Clermont's Spoliator. At Oxford he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, with 50 guineas in specie, beating Stickler, Johnny, Oatlands, and Whip; all excellent runners. The King's hundred at Nottingham; the King's hundred at York; and beat Sir H. T. Vane's Shuttle four miles over Doncaster for 1000 guineas: the odds eleven to eight upon Shuttle. In 1799 he was beat half a length the great match by Hambletonian, over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, for 3000 guineas; the odds five to four upon Hambletonian. More money was sported upon this match, and more company went from the Metropolis to see it decided, than ever was known upon any other race in the kingdom. The next day he won the first class of the Oatlands stakes 50 guineas each (ten subscribers) beating eight of the best horses of the year. First Spring Meeting he won the King's hundred, beating Grey Pilot, Lounger, and St. George. Second Meeting won the Jockey Club plate, and 50 guineas, beating Stamford and Lounger. In 1800, First Spring Meeting, he won a subscription 50l. beating Stamford, the famous Coriander, and Wrangler. First October Meeting he received 250 guineas forfeit from Warter. Second October Meeting he beat Hippona over the Beacon Course, 200 guineas. Here ended his career of GLORY by the death of Mr. Cookson; after which he was sold, and taken to Ireland; where being engaged by his owner in a match of much magnitude, he was LAMED by over training in another country, after running five successive years in this, without being lame, or having paid FORFEIT from indisposition, or being once amiss.