Although the most expert operators are exceedingly alert and expeditious in the execution, and in general perform the operation with only a single side-line, leaving the horse in a very unconfined state; yet the absolute necessity for greater precaution cannot be more forcibly inculcated, than by a recital of the following recent accident, which must hold forth an aweful lesson to those who may be induced to ruminate a few moments upon the event. On Sunday morning, October 17th, 1802, as Mr. Welch, a noted and opulent dealer in horses, resident in Oxford-street, in the Metropolis, was NICKING a horse not properly secured, he received so sudden and severe a kick on the BREAST, that threw him to a considerable distance, and instantly deprived him of LIFE. The reflections naturally arising upon the day on which such an operation was performed, open a wide field for religious contemplation; particularly as the sufferer was a man of the most pleasing manners, and personal respectability; having raised himself, by the mere dint of his own merits, from the most subordinate offices of servitude, to a state of perfect affluence.
NIDE
—is the term sportingly applied to the offspring or produce of the COCK and HEN PHEASANT, so long as they continue to clutch or brood together, before they separate, and are able to provide for themselves. To be technically correct, it is usual to say, a nide of PHEASANTS; a covey of PARTRIDGES; a clutch of CHICKENS; a setting of GULLS; and a brood of DUCKS.
NIPPERS
.—The four teeth in the front of a horse's mouth (two above and two below) are so denominated: these are the teeth which expel their predecessors (called colt's teeth) when a colt is two years old off, and rising three. See Colt.
NIPPERS
.—The smaller sized PINCERS of the shoeing-smith are so called.
NITRE
—is an article in too much general use to stand in need of minute description. Its medical properties are of the most universal kind, with respect to the diseases of horses; but it is, on account of its being easily obtained, (for little money,) frequently introduced with the greatest indiscretion. Nitre is an useful assistant in most inflammatory disorders, as it is both of a diuretic and cooling property; it is consequently to be recommended in FEVERS, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, swelled legs, and other defects or diseases, where an additional discharge of urine, or an attenuation of the blood, is to be promoted. Its well-known good qualities have rendered it the more subject to an almost perpetual perversion of the excellent properties it so clearly contains; for, although it never should be given in large quantities without some proper corrector, yet the invincible propensity of COACHMEN and GROOMS to become Veterinarians, renders them completely miserable, unless they can be constantly displaying some specimen of their art; to which nothing can possibly become more happily appropriate, than the profuse administration of NITRE; as it affords a frequent opportunity of preying upon the pecuniary sensations of the master, by means which it is unnecessary to introduce.