It is much to be lamented, that every horse cause brought before a Court favours more or less of this complexion; in a perfect knowledge of which, the parties concerned strengthen their interest, and select their _necessary_ evidence, with as much pains and eagerness as votes are solicited at an election: and it is not at all uncommon to have a body of evidence produced to SWEAR a horse "_dead lame_" on one side, and a much greater number to prove him PERFECTLY SOUND on the other. In such a glorious _uncertainty_ of the LAW, what reflecting man can indulge a sufficient hope of success, to encounter a load of mental disquietude during the process, with the additional expence of _thrice_ the VALUE of the object in dispute?
LEAD.—The EXTRACT of LEAD is a preparation passing almost universally under the denomination of GOULARD'S EXTRACT, whose properties are acknowledged of great medical utility, and in many cases amount to a specific. See GOULARD, where the effects of this article are more particularly explained.
LEAPING—is a leading perfection in a horse that very much enhances his value as a HUNTER; without which qualification, he is held in no great estimation when shewn in the field. LEAPING, in its general signification, extends to the two kinds called _flying_ and _standing_; a horse perfect in each, with equal temper, and a fair portion of SPEED, is then called a complete or made HUNTER; and if he has a corresponding uniformity of figure, and excellence of action, both his reputation and worth become increased in proportion. There are very few horses of speed and spirit, but what become good FLYING LEAPERS by short practice in the field with hounds, which, indeed, is the only proper place to teach them; but it is not so with STANDING LEAPS which should be taught _coolly_ and _calmly_ at the leaping-bar, with great serenity of temper, patience, and perseverance, by which alone any horse can attain perfection.
LEASH,—the sporting term in use to imply the number THREE, as exceeding ONE, and not reaching TWO brace; for instance, a brace of hares, a leash of pheasants, and two brace of partridges. A brace of pointers, a leash of greyhounds, and two brace of spaniels. Custom, however, in this, as in most other things, admits of deviation and exception; in proof of which we say, a brace of spaniels, a couple and a half of hounds, and two brace of pointers. A brace of snipes, a couple and a half of woodcocks, and two couple of rabbits. It is therefore confident, and sportsman-like, to say, a LEASH of birds, (partridges,) a leash of pheasants, a leash of hares, or any other article where TWO are termed a BRACE; but improper to call _three_ a LEASH, where two of the kind are called a COUPLE.