WILD DUCK.—See DECOY. WILD-GOOSE CHASE,—is neither more or less than a metaphorical allusion to the _uncertainty_ of its _termination_. This originated in a kind of chase (more properly match) formerly decided in the following way. Two horses having started at the place appointed, continued to race by the side of each other, till one having obtained the lead, was entitled to proceed in whatever direction the rider pleased, (either by shortening or prolonging the distance to the winning spot previously agreed on,) according to the qualifications of his horse. This kind of chase so frequently terminated in _tired_ or _spoiled_ horses, without a decision, that it was long since changed to a _train scent_, (that is, a drag across the country;) better known by the denomination of a _steeple chase_. WIND BROKEN.—The disorder or malady so called, is (with the most experienced) discovered by a quick and irregular heaving of the flanks, accompanied by a great and palpable difficulty of respiration after brisk exertion. The usual mode of examination with dealers, is to try the perfect or imperfect state of the wind, by a cough compulsively excited: this is effected by forcibly pressing the gullet, just below the under jaw, at the junction of the head with the neck; from which pressure, if a strong, clear, healthy cough immediately proceeds, the wind may be considered sound, and naturally good; but, on the contrary, should it prove a wheezing husky attempt to cough, terminating with a kind of distant moan, or groan, the horse is asthmatic, and unsound, if not completely broken-winded; in which state most horses may be discovered, from the noise they make in their difficulty of respiration during either a sharp trot or moderate canter; from which they have acquired the common appellation of _roarers_, which is understood to imply a certainty of BROKEN WIND; which see. WINDGALLS—are soft and flatulent or fluctuating tumours, seated on one or both sides the back sinews, above the fetlock-joint of a horse, and principally upon the fore-legs; but with horses who have been immoderately worked, they frequently appear upon the hind-legs also. They generally make their appearance upon subjects who have been brought into labour too young, and before the vessels have acquired a proper strength and elasticity. Permitted to continue long, without counteraction, they soon possess a rigid inflexibility, which is never to be subdued. Whenever they are first perceived, early means should be adopted, to prevent a farther protrusion of the integument. Plentiful impregnations of the best white wine vinegar, followed by powerful repellents of camphorated spirits, incorporated with a sixth part of saturnine extract; or a strong solution of alum in water, assisted by a moderate woollen bandage; will sometimes obliterate them _entirely_, provided they are attacked in their infancy, and the mode thus adopted patiently persevered in.