Sparse

As I am "less an antique Roman than a Dane," I wish to know what authority there is for the use of this word, which is to be found in a leading article of *The Times*, January 8th, 1850? —"A *sparse* and hardy race of horsemen." I should like to see this among the Queries, but I send it as a protest. "Hostis et Peregrinus unus et idem."