,—in its most common and comprehensive signification, might be supposed to imply racing in general between either MEN or HORSES; it is, however, in fashionable acceptation, applied principally to the latter, which is a most noble, exhilarating and fascinating enjoyment, to all classes of people, in all parts of the kingdom, during the summer season, when every other field sport is buried in a temporary oblivion, and every species of GAME, HOUNDS, and HUNTERS, are legally at REST. Racing, in itself, is a harmless privileged pleasure, so immediately congenial to the disposition of the people of this country, that each revolving year seems to produce its increasing attraction. From the great alacrity with which it is followed, the rapture with which it is enjoyed, and the genial season at which it takes place, it should seem to have been instituted under the peculiar dispensation of Providence; where the annual meeting of old and long-parted friends, in every distinct district in succession, "makes the heart glad;" and where MIRTH seems to have taken possession of every face, from the PRINCE to the peasant, who one and all dispel sorrow, and set care at defiance. In full confirmation of this unexaggerated representation, a SUBSCRIPTION is locally raised in various CITIES, TOWNS, and districts, amongst the NOBILITY, GENTRY, and independent inhabitants, to constitute and encourage so rational and happy a scene, in which the poor industrious rustic may innocently partake, and cheerfully enjoy one day of rest from his labour.
The money thus collected (by a person who is previously appointed Clerk of the Course) is then delivered into the hands of NOBLEMEN or GENTLEMEN resident in the neighbourhood, who generally feel themselves honoured by the solicitation of the subscribers to undertake the office of STEWARDS, and who exert every degree of personal influence to encourage and promote a kind of jubilee, in which the happiness of every heart, and the pleasing reflection of every mind, is absolutely absorbed for a circumference of many miles. The RACING FUND having reached its utmost point of accumulation, is divided into purses (called PLATES) of FIFTY POUNDS each, and announced for horses of different ages and qualifications, in the provincial newspaper of the particular district in which the plates are given; as well as in "The Racing Calendar," where all such advertisements appear. Various particulars respecting the minutiæ of RACING will be found under the different heads of Horse Racing, Jockey Club, King's Plate, Newmarket, Training, and Turf; it being impracticable to bring so great a variety of distinct combined, and complicated matter, into any one single point of view.
RACK
.—The railed convenience constructed above the MANGER in a stable for the reception of the HAY is so called. It should be so formed, as to have alternate openings at the bottom, for the dust and seeds to pass through: and although it is become a practice exceedingly prevalent, to have the rack on one side, instead of the center of the stall, there is no good or rational plea can be advanced in justification of such innovation: on the contrary, it compulsively accustoms the horse to stand with his hind-quarters mostly on one side of the stall, by which his bedding is constantly and inevitably deranged almost as soon as it is set fair.
RAILS LAND
,—are birds of passage, of a simply beautiful variegated plumage, in size about midway between a whole snipe and a PARTRIDGE, partaking, in an equal degree of formation, between both, in respect to the shape of the body, head, and beak, which are in a direct line of mediocrity between the two. They are found singly in different parts of England (but very thinly scattered) in the months of July, August, and September, in the standing CORN and CLOVER, but principally in the latter, where, when found, they are prejudicial to pointers, by their incessantly running, while the dog continues drawing (in a kind of walking pursuit) till patience being quite exhausted, the dog is induced to play the SPANIEL, and make a springing effort before they can be forced to take wing; when once upon which, it must be a very indifferent shot who does not bring them down. Though a very scarce bird in the centrical parts of the kingdom, (being much more plentiful in counties upon the coast,) they are exceedingly numerous in Ireland, and particularly near the capital; there they are called CORN-CREAKS, found in every standing grass-field during the months of May and June, where corn-creak shooting is in almost equal practice with PARTRIDGE or SNIPE shooting in this country.
RAKING
—is the old and ridiculous (or rather unnatural) custom of oiling the hand, and introducing it at the SPHINCTER of the ANUS, to extract the indurated dung, when the horse labours under severe inflammatory cholic, arising from previous constipation. The only reason adduced to justify the practice is, its being one means of obtaining immediate relief; and if that relief could be readily obtained to a certainty, the adoption could not with propriety be so totally condemned. The fact is, that this custom, like many others in the old code of VETERINARY LAW, is only a powerful shield for the protection of indolence; for one glyster would do more in liquifying and bringing away the hardened fæces, than back-raking (as it is called) would effect in an hour: but one makes the show of business, which is what the lower class of SMITHS and FARRIERS prefer in general, to the most useful and expeditious execution.
RANGER
.—This is an office of trust, appertaining to the LAWS of a FOREST, where there are generally two, as principal and deputy ranger; to the latter of whom the executive department more materially extends: it is his peculiar province to take occasional cognizance of all matters within the limits (or what are termed purlieus) of the forest, and to make presentation of all offences and offenders at the proper courts when held. This is also an office of honor, greatly superior to KEEPERS, BAILIFFS, and other subordinates.