STAG,—the sporting term for a young GAME COCK during his second year. For the whole of the first year, he is called a _chicken_; from which time to the completion of the second, he is a STAG; and from thence forward, a COCK. In regular matches and mains for considerable sums of money, very few are brought to Pit before they are of that age; unless it is made, and so agreed on both sides, in which case it is called a stag main, or main of stags. See COCKING, GAME COCK, and COCK-PIT ROYAL.
STAG-EVIL—is a disorder of the most distressing kind, to which horses of the draught kind are more particularly subject: it partakes of the paralytic stroke and spasmodic affection, coming on suddenly, without the least previous indication of approaching disease. The muscles become so instantaneously contracted, that the head is raised to its utmost heigth, the jaws are fixed, the neck stiff and immoveable, the eyes are turned upwards, leaving only the whites to be seen; the palpitations of the heart are exceedingly violent, and the laborious heavings of the flank incessant. This disorder, difficult as it is in its cause to define, is always more or less dangerous, in proportion to the mildness or severity of the attack. If it proceeds from a profuse flux of _blood_ to the BRAIN, in consequence of too great and powerful exertions, plentiful bleeding, and nervous stimulants, will be the most expeditious and likely means to relieve.
When its symptoms are so exceedingly severe and alarming, that the jaws are locked, and no medicines can be administered by the MOUTH, recourse must be had to _collateral_ aids. Strong hot fomentations, with a decoction from the most fragrant aromatic garden herbs, under the _jaws_, behind the _ears_, and both sides the _throat_, followed by fumigations from _myrrh_, _ammoniacum_, and _assafœtida_, grossly powdered, and sprinkled upon a hot iron, or fire-shovel, held below the _nostrils_; glysters of gruel, in which _valerian root_ has been boiled, and _assafœtida_ dissolved, with an addition of _liquid laudanum_ and _olive oil_ to each, and repeatedly frequently; are the only means, properly persevered in, that can afford any hope or expectation of success. These exertions are in general too much trouble for the lower order of the Veterinary tribe, who fly to their _favourite_ and _contemptible_ introduction of a ROWEL, many hours before which can become productive in its effect, death closes the scene, and relieves the subject from its accumulated misery.