So difficult was it, however, to meet with that coincidence of circumstances, necessary to produce this great discrimination, tractability, courage, and obedience, that the price of a well-trained cast of these birds was extremely high, and is recorded, in one instance, to have been no less than the immense sum, in those days, of a thousand pounds. The ladies partook in this interesting sport with the keenest relish, notwithstanding its fatigues and dangers. The cultivation of this island has long been so far improved as to preclude the continuance of this diversion, which requires for its purpose a large tract of uninclosed country; in some parts of Europe it is still in use; in China it is practised, occasionally, for the Emperor's amusement, and conducted with all the form and splendour characteristic of Oriental manners. In England the goshawk is to be seen very rarely; in Scotland it is comparatively frequent; in France and Germany, and Siberia, it is far from uncommon. Various other species of the falcon were in use formerly for the diversion above noticed, especially the jer-falcon, and the kestrel, belonging to the class of the long-winged hawks, and the sparrowhawk, which belonged to the short-winged class, a class less active and rapid than the former. The sparrow-hawk is the terror of pigeons, partridges, and poultry, and commits its depredations with the most astonishing boldness. The male weighs only five ounces, and the female nine, presenting the strongest known case of this sexual difference. For the stone-falcon, see Plate VII. fig. 2. FALCONRY, the art of training all manner of hawks, but more especially the larger sort, called falcons, to the exercise of hawking. FALKIA, in botany, so called in honour of J. P. Falk, professor at Petersburgh, a genus of the Pentandria Digynia class and order. Natural order of Campanacea. Borragineæ, Jussieu. Essential character: calyx bell shaped, fivecleft: corolla bell shaped; stigmas orbicular peltate seeds four-arilled. There is but one species, viz. F. repens, creeping Falkia. FALL, in the sea-langusge, that part of the rope of a tackle, which is hauled upon. Also when a ship is under sail, and keeps not so near the wind as she should do, they say she falls off; or when a ship is not flush, but hath risings of some parts of her decks more than others, it is called falls. FALLING-STAR, in meteorology, phenomenon that is frequently seen, and which has been usually supposed to depend on the electric fluid. Mr. Davy, in a lecture delivered a few weeks since at the Royal Institution, gave many reasons against this opinion: he conceives that they are rather to be attributed to falling stones. It is observable, that when their appearance is frequent they have all the same direction; and it has been remark. ed that they are the forerunners of a westerly wind in our country. FALLOPIAN tubes, two canals of a tortuous figure, but approaching to a conic form, joined to the fundus of the uterus, one on each side. See ANI TOMY. as to FALLOWING, in agriculture, the practice of preparing lands by repeated ploughing, harrowing, &c. so render them fit for the growth of grain. Though by the frequent turning of land, and exposing new surfaces of the soil to the operation and influence of the atmosphere, various changes are effected in the earthy particles, yet one great purpose in fallowing is, to destroy more effectually the weeds, which, in consequence of previous mismanagement, and of over-cropping, have increased to such a degree as to render cultivation for grain no longer profitable. Land being allowed to rest for a season from yielding a crop, and being repeatedly ploughed, the soil expos ed to the influence of the different seasons, and at the same time completely pulverized, its fertility is again somewhat restored, so that, by the application of a smaller portion of manure than would be otherwise necessary, it is rendered fit for again producing valuable crops of grain or grass. It is universally acknow. ledged, that all soils, even those naturally the most fertile, are capable of being rendered unproductive by constant and severe cropping, and that the more improper the modes of cropping are, the sooner, and the more certainly, will a comparative barrenness ensue. Hence the propriety of fallowing, where imperfect modes of culture are adopted. Fallowing, in what may be called the infancy of improvements in agriculture, is also essentially necessary. If land be greatly exhausted, no matter by what sort of previous mismanagement, fallowing is the most expeditious, the most effectual, and, every thing considered, the least expensive method that can be adopted, for re storing its fertility, and rendering it productive. It is the most expeditious, because it is completely done in the course of one season; whereas several years of culture, and a great additional quantity of manure, would be requisite, were any other less effectual mode of tillage adopted. It is the most effectual, because the farmer has it in his power to destroy every weed, to turn over and expose the soil to the influence of the weather in the different seasons, and also to level and straighten the ridges, drain the land, and remove every obstruction to the introduction of better modes of husbandry, none of which could be so conveniently or effectually performed between the harvest of one year and the seed time of the next. Fallowing is also the least expensive method by which the fertility of land greatly exhausted can be restored, and the only one that can be adopted with a certainty of success, for the removal of every obstacle to the introduction of more perfect agriculture. Manure operates more powerfully, when applied to a field that has heen properly summer-fallowed, than when laid on one that has been long under an improper course of cropping. The returns, after fallowing, will be to a certainty greater; and therefore, although the actual expense of fallowing is considerable, yet the crop that succeeds is so much greater as to counterbalance that expense, while those that follow, if properly adapted to the soil, will yield the farmer a proper compensation for his extra trouble and expense. Such is the opinion of Mr. Donaldson, to which Mr. A. Young does not assent; he thinks every advantage is to be obtained by judicious cropping. See AGRICULTURE. FALSE imprisonment, in law. To constitute the injury of false imprisonment, two points are necessary; the detention of the person, and the unlawfulness of such detention. Every confinement of the person is imprisonment, whether in common prison, or a private house, or even by forcibly detaining one in the streets. FLAX, in anatomy, a process of the dura mater, placed between the two hemispheres of the brain, and resembling a reaper's sickle. FAMES, canina, an excessive appetite. See BULIMY. FAMILY, denotes the persons that live together in one house, under the direction of one head or chief manager. It also signifies the kindred or lineage of a perVOL. V. son, and is used by old writers for a hide or portion of land sufficient to maintain one family. FAMILY, in natural history, a term used by authors to express any order of animals, or other natural productions of the same class. FAN, an instrument used in winnowing corn. FARINA, aterm given to the pulverulent and glutinous part of wheat and other seeds, obtained by grinding and dressing. See FECULA. FARINA, fæcundans, among botanists, the impregnating meal or dust on the apises or anthera of flowers, which, being received into the pistil or seed-vessel of plants, fecundates the rudiments of the seeds in the ovary, which otherwise would decay and come to nothing. The manner of obtaining the farina of plants for microscopical observation is this: gather the flowers in the midst of a dry sun-shiny day, when the dew is perfectly off; then gently shake off the farina, or lightly brush it off with a soft hair pencil, upon a piece of white paper; then take a single tale of isinglass between the nippers, and, breathing on it, apply it instantly to the farina, and the moisture of the breath will make the light powder stick to it. If too great a quantity is found adhering to the talc, blow a little of it off; and if there is too little, breathe upon it again, and take up more. When this is done, put the talc into the hole of a slider, and applying it to the microscope, see whether the little grains are laid as you desire, and if they are, cover them up with another talc, and fix the ring, but care must be taken that the talcs do not press upon the farina in such a manner as to alter the form. FARM. See AGRICULTURE. FARRIER, is the designation of the smith who devotes his attention chiefly to shoeing horses, and to curing them of all kinds of diseases. Perhaps it would be difficult to quote any profession, which could compete with this in self-suffici ency and ignorance; nor would it be easy to estimate the damage done by this tribe, who, having a technical jargon peculiarly appropriated to their presumptuous quackery, continue to deceive a large portion of the community, and generally hold a very improper intercourse with grooms, &c. whence not only expensive jobs are unnecessarily created, but the constitutions of the unfortunate animals which are committed to their P care are often very seriously injured. We trust that what we shall state relating to the succeding article will contribute to remove the deception, and to enable every person to form some judgment of the ailings to which horses are subject. The term farrier is derived from the French word ferriere, which relates particularly to the bag of implements used by the marechal, or person who confines his operations to this branch of smith ery. FARRIERY, as may be seen in the preceding article, originally implied nothing more than the art of applying iron, or other substances, to the feet of horses, whereby to defend them from the injuries to which they are subject in travelling on hard surfaces. It was probably owing to the opportunities afforded to the smiths, while shoeing horses, of observing the various diseases of the foot, and consequently of haranguing on the subject, that they, in time, acquired an undue reputation for perfect ability, in not only that particular, but for a general knowledge of whatever related to the animal at large. It will not surprise us to find persons so ignorant as our forefathers of yore were yielding thus implicitly to the presumptuous claims of the farrier; indeed, when we consider how little was known of the art of medicine, and of the very structure of the human frame, it must appear that no other alternative presented itself. But we cannot look back to later dates, without feeling both astonished and ashamed at the indifference, indeed the inhumanity, with which that most useful animal, the horse, has been so long treated. Happily, however, in these days of improvement, when science has in so many instances removed the mists which clouded the vision of our ancestors, and has proportionally enlarged our ideas, the eye of research has been turned towards the sufferings of the brute creation, and a new profession has sprung up, which not only adds to our stock of medical information, but, while it removes that imputation of cruelty, which had too long stained the character of an enlightened age, promises to reward our kindness and assiduity with the most liberal remuneration. In this we allude to the establishment of a Veterinary College, where, under the auspices of the most distinguished and public-spirited characters, the whole art of medicine and of surgery, so far as they relate to horses, &c. together with the true principles of shoeing, and of treating horses while in a state of disease and of health, are publicly taught by a surgeon, who has made them his study, and who has the designation of Professor of the Veterinary Art. Such an establishment, which was not novel on the Continent, was truly a deside. ratum; like most of our important improvements, it was first proposed and acted upon by a foreigner, Monsieur St. Bel, who, in the year 1788, came over from France, and, observing the lamentable want of veterinary knowledge, published proposals for the establishment of a college. The matter was not, however, noticed, until the Agricultural Society of Odiham, in Hants, seeing the vast benefit which must inevitably result from such an institution, agreed to support Monsieur St. Bel. He was accordingly nominated to the professorship, under the patronage of many eminent characters. The Duke of Northumberland was elected president; and the list of vice-presidents was graced with the names of earls Grosvenor, Morton, Oxford, and Rivers, Sir George Baker, Sir T. C. Bunbury, Sir William Fordyce, and the celebrated John Hunter, Esq. Vicinity to London being an important object, and a pure air no less indispensable, Pancras was fixed upon for the scite of the college. Its success, however, was not, in the first instance, much to be vaunted; indeed, its stability became somewhat doubtful, owing to a va riety of causes. The fact seems to be, that St. Bel, though a perfect enthusiast, and to a certain degree skilled in the veterinary art, had not that complete acquaintance with the subject which so conspicuous a situation imperiously demanded; he was also deficient in that peculiar ductility of disposition, and that accommodation to the opinions of others, which in every instance are prepossessing, and, to a man in his situation, were indispensable. He died in 1793, and Messrs. Coleman and Morecroft were appointed joint professors. Both these gentlemen appear to have been highly qualified for the pre-eminent situations they held; Mr. Coleman being a surgeon who had distinguished himself by a work of great merit; and Mr. Morecroft being a medical gentleman who had visited the continent, for the purpose of acquiring as complete an insight into veterinary operations as the schools in that quarter could furnish. The latter, however, ultimately retired, and left Mr. Coleman to fill the professor's chair, which he does with infinite advantage to the public, and with no less credit to himself. A sum is allowed annually by Parliament towards the support of the college, which also derives some aid from the fees of students, and from subscription. The donation of twenty guineas makes a subscriber for life, and the payment of two guineas yearly gives the same title for that term. In either case, the privilege of sending two horses to the veterinary hospital, free of all charges, except for keep, is thus acquired. His Majesty has given considerable importance to the in stitution, by requiring that all veterinary surgeons employed in the army should have passed examination at the college; and he has eminently served the whole of the cavalry corps, by conferring on those surgeons the rank of commissioned offi cers. The various lecturers on medicine and surgery, who have so handsomely contributed their efforts towards the success of this important establishment, have on all occasions vied in promoting its welfare, and in extending its influ ence, by allowing the students to attend at their respective lectures, free of expense, those liberal professors have essentially served the institution. We shall now endeavour to lay before our readers a concise account of the present improved mode of shoeing, and of treating diseases, as practised at the college. The first object which comes under notice is, the mechanical operation of shoeing. It would be entering on too extensive a field, were we to enumerate the various forms that have been recommended, together with the reasons assigned for the supposed superiority of each: we must content ourselves with describing the method now in use. Mr. Coleman has the shoes made three times as thick at the toe as at the heels, because they wear more forward than behind. By this means the heels are less oppressed with weight, and the frog is allowed to come down to the ground: a matter of extreme importance. The nails are all placed forward, four on each side, but not approaching too near the heels, that they may not obstruct the elastic powers of those parts. The old method of fullering, i. e. making a groove in the shoe, being found injurious, by often breaking away the heads of the nails, they are or now counter-sunk in conical wedge-shaped holes, so that they may be driven up close to their thickest parts, and be out of the way of accident. By this means the nails and shoes appear as For horses which go in shafts, or are the toe, and three quarters at the heel; the weight about eighteen or twenty ounces. Light saddle-horses should not have shoes exceeding sixteen ounces; and, unless local circumstances prevail, twelve ounces will be generally found preferable. In order to fit the shoe without causing the horse to stand too much on his heels, the under part of the crust, or wall of the hoof, is pared away, to receive the excess of thickness in front; for the bottom of the shoe ought to be perfectly flat, without any stubs or calkings in front. Paring away the heels is a most destructive practice, except in case of absolute excressence in those parts; nor should the bars (or diagonal ridges) that extend from the heels to the frog, or central projection, ever be cut more than is absolutely proper for the purpose of keeping them in a clean and healthy state. When it is considered how much the elastic power of the heels depends on the bars, which act as a spring between them and the frog, it must appear unreasonable that they should be shaved away, as is too often done by farriers, under the idea of A good open preventing corns: though by such a process corns are created. heel is the indication of a powerful foot; hence the sides of shoes ought not to be When the heels are much contracted. tender, what is called a bar-shoe ought to be applied. By this simple contrivance, which saves them from pressure on uneven surfaces, many a horse has been found serviceable, that must else have been condemned to the slaughterhouse. The frog appears to be the part on which the horse chiefly depends for a spring, or resistance, at the bottom of his foot. If this part does not touch the ground, the whole motion will be derived from the upper parts of the limb, and a very uneasy gait will inevitably follow. This points out the necessity for leaving it fully at liberty to come in con tact with the ground. Some horses have been ruined by inattention to this point, and some few have naturally a defect in that part. To provide against such circumstances, Mr. Coleman uses an artificial frog, which receives the pressure, and gives the greatest firmness to the tread. It is usually but a temporary expedient, as the frog commonly grows, and renders the substitute unnecessary. Having given a general, but very correct outline of the process of shoeing, we shall proceed to a brief statement of the various diseases, &c. which usually come within the farrier's notice, in their alphabetical order. Anasarca, or dropsy of the skin, is generally called the water farcy, owing to the fluid being dispersed through the cellular membrane of the skin. It is known by pits remaining after the skin has been pressed by a finger; and, usually, proceeds from a deficiency of the absorbents, or an excess in the inhalents; from jaundice, hydatides, or previous inflammation. The cure is usually effected by stimulant applications, and by diuretics; smart friction, and gentle exercise, if long continued, are highly serviceable; the food should be nourishing. When only the lower extremities are diseased, rollers dipt in spirits, or in oil of turpentine, will generally remove the complaint. Horses are most subject to anasarca at spring and fall, when shedding their coats. If eruptions take place, the cure is much facilitated: but they ought to be mildly treated, and suffered to heal voluntarily. Ascites, or dropsy of the belly, may be known by the local swelling, which, when gently struck, undulates so as to be sensibly felt by the hand. This complaint arises from the causes just described, and occasions considerable thirst, short breath, and an obvious diminution of urinary discharge. To cure this complaint, every means should be used for strengthening and accelerating the secretion in general, and for promoting the circulation of the blood and fluids. Drastic purges, diuretics, sweating, and in some cases mercury, rarely fail to render important service. This disease, however, is apt to recur, unless the constitution be completely fortified, and the general habit brought into due state. Bleeding, or blood-letting, should be performed with a lancet of a suitable size ; the fleam being very uncertain on large rolling veins; and in the thigh, &c. absolutely dangerous, often producing vio lent inflammation, and sometimes incur able lameness. The jugular-vein is usually opened in common cases; especially when the head is the seat of disease: in other instances the plate-vein, or that within the thigh. In the first case, a piece of thin cord should be passed round the horse's neck a little above the withers, and the part be wetted, so as to shew the vein. The quantity must depend on the case; but one or two quarts for periodical bleeding are enough to be drawn from a full-sized horse in good condition; in some cases, much greater quantities must be taken. When the bleeding is to be stopped, slacken the line, and pass a pin through the lips of the orifice; then taking a few hairs from the tail or mane, or a piece of thread, pass over the head and point of the pin therewith, in an alternate (i. e. a figure of 8) direction, and make fast. Breaking down, as it is usually called, proceeds from a rupture of the suspensory ligaments, and chiefly happens to young horses in training. In this instance the fetlock nearly touches the ground, but the foot can be bent when raised. Few cures are made, though much palli. ation may be effected, by reducing the inflammation in the first instance, raising the limb, especially the heel, so as to throw the weight on the other leg, and to relax the part. By this precaution, added to bleeding, purging, and the use of bracing applications, or eventually by firing, the limb may gradually become equal to very light exercise; but never can be depended upon, or be deemed sound. : Broken wind, this complaint is supposed to proceed from a rupture of the cells in the lungs in the moment of the wind's being expelled from them a check occurs, which gives occasion to a second effort, thus causing a division in the sound: hence the term under which this complaint is known. The causes of this rupture are numerous, but the following are among the most frequent; viz. catarrhs, working after a full meal, or after drinking freely girthing too tight: being suddenly put into hot stables after standing out in a cold air, &c. &c. This complaint, we belive, does not admit of a perfect cure; but, by much care, may be greatly relieved. The food should be compact and nutritious, such as corn and old hay. Carrots are excellent in this case, as are parsnips, and beet roots; probably on account of the saccharine matter they contain. We have heard, that molasses has been given in the water, |