Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

This Noble Art being rightly and throughly learnt, qualifies a Gentleman for the three preceding Sports, and is for that Reason placed here, as a necessary Attendant of them. And here we must first examine the Ends & Design of our proposing this Art to our selves, & accordingly lay down as briefly as may be the necessary Rules and Lessons are to be observed and learnt, for the obtaining and prosecuting the same, and I take these to be the usual Perfections we aime at, _To Ride well the great _Horse_, for the Warrs or Service, and the _Horse_ for Pleasure_; of both which as concisely as I can, in their Order.

As a _Preface_ to this, we must begin with _Taming a young Colt_. After you have kept your Colt at home some time, and made him so Familiar with you, as to suffer _Combing_, _Currying_, _Handling_, and _Stroaking_ any part, 'tis high time then to offer him the Saddle, which you must lay in the _Manger_ first, that by its smell, he may not be afraid of it, or the _Styrrups_ Noise. Then gently saddling him (after his dressing) take a sweet _Watring Trench_, anointed with Honey and Salt, and place it in his Mouth so, that it may hang directly over his _Tush_; then lead him abroad in your hand, and Water him; and after he has stood an hour rein'd thus, take off his Bridle and Saddle, and let him feed till Evening; Then do as in the morning; then dress and Cloath him, having _Cherisht_ him before, _i. e._ By the _Voice_ delivered smoothly and gently; or by the _Hand_ by gently stroaking and clapping him on the neck, or buttock; or lastly by the _Rod_, by rubbing it on his Withers or Main.

On the next day as before; and after that, put him on a strong _Musrole_, or sharp _Cavezan_, and _Martingale_; which is the best guide to a Horse for setting his Head in due place, forming the Rein, and appearing Gracefull and Comely; it corrects the yerking out his Head, or Nose, and prevents his running away with his Rider. Observe therefore to place it right, that it be not buckled straight, but loose, and so low, that it rest on the tender Grissle of his Nose, to make him the more sensible of his Fault, and Correction; and so as you see you win his Head, bring him straighter by degrees; let him but gently feel it, till his Head be brought to its true Perfection.

Having observed this well, lead him forth into some soft or new Plowed Land, and to take off his wanton knavish Tricks, trot him about in your hand a good while: Then offer to Mount; if he refuse to suffer you, Trot him again; then putting your foot into the _Styrrop_, mount half way; if he takes it impatient, correct him, and about again; if not cherish him, and place your self a moment in the Saddle, dismount, cherish, and feed him with _Grass_, or _Bread_: All things being well, remount, even in the Saddle, keeping your Rod from his Eye; then let one lead him by the _Chaff-Halter_, and ever and a-non make him stand, and cherish him, till he will of his one accord go forward; then come home, alight gently, and do a good Horsemans Duty, _To dress and feed him well_. This Course in few dayes will bring him to Trot, by following some other Horseman, stop him now and then gently, and forward; not forgetting seasonable _Cherishings_ and _Corrections_, by _Voice_, _Bridle_, _Rod_, _Spurs_.

Being thus brought to some certainty of _Reine_, and _Trotting_ forth-right, then to the _Treading forth of the large Rings_. And here first examine your Horses Nature, before you choose your Ground, for, if his Nature be dull and sloathful, yet strong, then _New-plow'd-Field_ is best; if _Active_, _Quick_, and _Fiery_, then _Sandy-ground_ is to be preferred; in the most proper of which mark out a large Ring, of a Hundred Paces circumference. Now then walk about it on the right seven or eight times, then by a little straightning your right Rein, and laying your left Leg Calf to his side, make a half Circle within the Ring upon your right down to its Center; then by straightning a little your left Rein, and laying your right Leg Calf to his side, make a half Circle to your left hand, from the Center to the outmost Verge, and these you see contrary turned make a Roman S. Now to your first large Compass, walk him about on your left hand, as oft as before on the right, and change to your right within your Ring; then Trot him first on the right-hand, then on the left, as long as you judge fit, and as often Mornings, and Evenings as the Nature of your Horse shall require. In the same manner you may make him to _Gallop_ the same Rings, though you must not enter it all at once, but by degrees, first a Quarter, then a Half-quarter; and the Lightness and Cheerfulness of your Body, not the Spur, must induce him to it.

The next Lesson is to _Stop Fair, Comely, and without Danger_. First see that the Ground be hard and firm, then having cherisht your Horse, bring him to a swift Trot, about Fifty Paces, and then straightly and suddenly draw in your Bridle hand; then ease a little your hand to make him give backward, and in so doing, give him liberty, and cherish him; then drawing in your Bridle hand, make him retire, and go back; if he strike, ease your hand; if he refuse, let some by-stander put him back, that he may learn your intention; and thus he may Learn these Two Lessons at once.

_To Advance before_, when he stoppeth, is thus taught: When you stop your Horse, without easing your hand, lay close and hard to his sides both the Calves of your Legs, and shaking your Rod cry, _Up, Up_; which he will understand by frequent Repetition, and Practice: This is a Gracefull, and Comely Motion, makes a Horse Agile, and Nimble, and ready to Turn; and therefore be carefull in it: That he take up his Legs _Even_ together, and bending to his Body; not too high, for fear of his coming over; not sprawling, or pawing; or for his own pleasure; in these faults correct him with Spur and Rod.

To _Yerk out behind_ is the next Lesson, thus learnt: Presently upon your making him stop, give him a good brisk jerk near his Flank, which will make him soon understand you. When he does it, cherish him; and see he does it comely, for to yerk out his hinder Legs, till his Forelegs be above ground, is not graceful; or one Leg yerk't further out than the other; or one Leg out while the other is on the ground; in this case a single Spur on the faulty side is best. But to help him in Yerking, staying his mouth on the Bridle, striking your Rod under his belly, or touching him on the Rump with it, are reckoned necessary.

To _Turn readily on both hands_, thus: Bring his large Rings narrower, & therein gently walk him, till acquainted. Then carry your Bridle-hand steady and straight, the outmost rather straighter then the inmost Rein, to look from, rather than to the Ring; Trot him thus about, on one side and the other successively, as aforesaid. After some time stop, and make him advance twice or more, and retire in an even Line; then stop and cherish him. To it again, after the same manner, making him lap his outmost Leg above a foot over his inner. And thus the _Terra a Terra_, _Incavalere_ & _Chambletta_, are all taught together. Perfect your Horse in the large Ring, and the straight Ring is easily learnt.

Your Horse being brought thus far to perfection, with the _Musrole_ and _Trench_, now let a gentle _Cavezan_ take their place; with a smooth Cannon-Bit in his Mouth, & a plain watering Chain, Cheek large, and the Kirble thick, round and big, loosely hanging on his nether Lip; and thus mount him, and perfect your Horse with the _Bit_ in all the 'foresaid Lessons, as you did with the _Snaffle_; which indeed is the easier to be done of the two.

To teach your Horse _To go aside_, as a necessary Motion for shunning a blow from an Enemy, is thus: Draw up your Bridle-hand somewhat straight, and if you would have him go on the Right, lay your left Rein close to his Neck, and your left Calf likewise close to his side (as in the _Incavalere_ before) making him lap his left Leg over his Right; then turning your Rod backward, jerking him on the left hinder Thigh gently, make him to bring to the right side his Hinder parts, and stand as at first in an even direct Line: Then make him remove his Fore parts more, that he may stand as it were Cross over the even Line, and then bring his hinder parts after, and stand in an even Line again. And thus you must do, if you would have him go on the Left hand, using your Corrections & Cherishings on the right. Use it, and you may be sure of Perfection.

As for the _Manages_, somewhat have bin spoken of them, there being but two (among many) useful call'd _Terra a Terra & Incavalere_ before treated of; & for the _Carreere_, only take this: Let it not extend in length above six-score yards, give your Horse warning before you start him by the Bridle hand, and running full speed, stop him suddenly, firme and close on his Buttock.

For the _Horse of Pleasure_, these following Lessons are to be learnt. As first to _Bound aloft_, to do which: Trot him some sixteen yards, then stop, and make him twice advance; then straighten your Bridle-hand; then clap briskly both your Spurs even together to him, and he will rise, though it may at first amaze him; if he does it, cherish him, and repeat it often every day, till perfect.

Next to _Corvet_ and _Capriole_ are Motions of the same nature, and in short are thus taught. Hollow the ground between two joyning Walls a Horses Length, by the side of which put a strong smooth Post of the same length from the Wall, and fasten at the Wall an Iron Ring over against the Post: Thus done, ride into the hollow place, and fasten one of the _Cavezan-Reins_ to the Post, and the other to the Ring; then cherish him, and by the help of the Calves of your Legs, make him advance two or three times; then pause, and Cherish him; make him advance again a dozen times more, and then rest; double your Advancings, and repeat them till it becomes habitual to him, to keep his _Ground_ certain, advance of an _equall height_ before and behind, and observe a _due Time_ with the motions of your Leggs. The Inequality of his advancing his hinder Legs, is helpt by a Jerk on the Fillets by some body behind him with a Rod.

The laborious Motion of _going sideways_, being fitter for the War-Horse, than the Horse for Pleasure, usefull for the avoiding a Blow may come from an Enemy, I omit here, refering you to that.

Thus much for those material Lessons which the Rider ought to teach his Horse for _War_ or _Pleasure_, and therefore I shall conclude this Head, with this _Caveat_, _That in whatever Lesson your Horse is most imperfect, begin and end with_; and remember, that _Exercise_ makes things as it were natural; when _Desuetude_ is the forerunner of Forgetfulness, and _Ignorance_ the Consequent of Both.

OF

Cock-fighting

I shall not enlarge on the praises of this Recreation, its _Nobleness_, _Delight_, and _Simplicity_, devoyd of Cheat or Deceit, but what is most material to our purpose succinctly declare. And herein let us first observe the _Choice_ of a _Cock_ of the Game, directed by these four Characters following: That he be

1. Of a strong _Shape_, proud and upright, and for this the _Middle-sized_, neither too small or too large, is best, because most matchable, strong and nimble. His _Head_ small like a _Spar-Hawks_; his _Eye_ large and quick; _Back_ strong, crook't at the setting on, and coloured as the Plume of his Feathers; The _Beam of his Leg_ very strong, and colour'd as his Plume; _Spurs_ long, rough, and sharp, hooking inward.

2. Of a good _Colour_, and herein the Gray, Yellow, or Red Pyle, with a black Breast, are to be preferred; the Pyde rarely good, and the White and Dun never. A Scarlet Head is a demonstration of Courage, but a Pale and wan of Faintness.

3. Of _Courage_ true, which you shall observe by his proud, stately, upright Standing and Walking, and his frequent Crowing in his Pen.

4. Of a _Sharp and ready Heel_, which is (in the Opinion of the best _Cock-Masters_,) of high Estimation; a _Sharp-heel'd Cock, tho somewhat false, is better_ (as dispatching his business soonest) _than a true Cock with a dull Heel_. Enfine choose your _Cock_ endued with all these Qualifications together above mentioned.

For _Breeding_ good Cocks for the Game, or Battel, the best season is from the Moon's Encrease in _February_, to her Encrease in _March_. The _March_ Bird is best. And now first get a _perfect Cock, to a perfect Hen_, as the best Breeding, and see the Hen be of an excellent Complexion (_i. e._) rightly plumed, as black, brown, speckt, grey, grissel, or yellowish; tufted on her Crowne, large bodied, well poked, and having Weapons, are Demonstrations of Excellency and Courage. Observe further her Comportment, if friendly to her Chickens, and revengeful of Injuries from other Hens. _Fortes creantur a Fortibus._

Having placed her _Nest_, private from other Fowles disturbance, and warme, observe your Hen in sitting, if she be busie in turning her Eggs; if remiss, to help her. Set by her Sand, Gravel, Water and necessary food, to prevent her Straggling.

After one and twenty dayes observe her _Hatching_, to take the newly hatcht Chickens, and wrap them in Wool and keep them warm by the fire till all be disclosed; then put them all under her, and let her keep them warm, and let none of them straggle abroad till they are three Weeks, or a Month old; and then let them run in some Grass-plat, or green Court, to pick Wormes, Grass and Chick-weed, to feed and scour themselves; but let them not ramble near Puddles, or filthy Channels; and to prevent any malady, a few Leek-blades minc'd small amongst their Meat is good.

When they are grown so, as that their Sexes may be distinguish't, assoon as the _Comb_ or _Wattles_ but appear, cut them away, and anoint the Sore with sweet _Butter_, till whole. This early cutting them, is highly necessary to prevent Flux of Blood, (which is dangerous in doing it later) and Gouty thick Heads.

When the _Cock_, and _Hen-Chickens_, (going till now promiscuously one with another) begin to quarrel and peck each other, part them and separate their _Walks_: And the best for a _Fighting-Cock_, are private and undisturbed _Walks_, as, _Wind-mills_, _Water-mills_, _Grange-houses_, _Park-lodges_, &c. and their _Feeding-place_ on soft Ground, or Boards; and have for his Meat, _White Corn_, or _White-bread Tosts_, steept in _Drink_, or _Urine_, is good, both to Scowre, and Cool them. And do not debilitate and debauch his Courage and Strength, by having too many _Hens_ to walk with; Three _Hens_ are enough for one _Cock_.

If before they be Six Months Old any of your _Chickens_ _Crow_ clear and loud, and unseasonable, then to the _Pot_ or _Spit_ with them, they are _Cowards_; the true _Cock_ is long ere he gets his Voice, and when he has gotten it, keeps good and judicious _Time_ in Crowing.

Next observe your _Roosting-Perch_, for this makes or marrs a _Cock_; for forming of which, consult the best _Cock-Masters_ Feeding-Pens, and the Perches there, and accordingly proportion your own, therefore I shall not propose any form here; Only pray take care that the ground underneath the Perch be soft, for if the ground be rough and hard, in leaping down he will hurt his _Feet_, and make them Gouty and Knotty.

For the _Dieting_, and _Ordering_ of your _Cock_ for _Battle_, observe these Rules. Let your _Cock_ be full two years Old, then in the latter end of _August_, take up and _Pen_ him, (it being now _Cocking-time_ till the end of _May_) and see that he be sound, hard-feather'd, and full summed. As to the moving _Perch_, and _Pen_, take my foregoing Advice.

The first four dayes after _Penning_; Feed him with the Crumb of Old _Manchet_ cut into square bits, thrice a day, and with the Coldest, and Sweetest Spring-water that can be had. And after you think by this time he is throughly purged of his _Corne_, _Wormes_, _Gravel_, and other course Feeding, take him in the Morning out of the _Pen_, and let him _Sparr_ with another _Cock_ some time to heat and chafe their Bodies, break Fat and Glut, and fit them for Purgation; first having covered their Spurs with Hots of Leather, to hinder their Wounding and drawing Blood of one another.

After they have sufficiently _Sparred_, that they pant again, take them up, and remove their Hots, and prepare them for a Diaphoretick or Sweating Bout thus: Take _Butter_, and _Rosemary_ finely chopt, and _White-Sugar-candy_, mixt together; and give them the quantity of a _Wallnut_; which will scower, strengthen, and prolong Breath: Then having (purposely) deep _Straw Baskets_, fill them half way with _Straw_, put in your _Cock_, and cover him with _Straw_ to the top; lay the lid close, and let him stove till the Evening. At Five a Clock take him out, and lick his Head and Eyes with your Tongue, then Pen him, and fill his _Trough_ with _Manchet_ (as above) and hot _Urine_.

After this, let his _Diet_ be of _Bread_ thus made: Take a _Gallon_ of _Wheat_, and _Oat-meal-flower_, and with _Ale_, half a score _Whites_ of _Eggs_, and _Butter_, work it into a stiff _Paste_; bake it into broad _Cakes_, and when four dayes Old, cut it into square Bits, as abovesaid.

The second day after _Sparring_, bring your _Cock_ into a _Green Close_, and shew him in your Arms a _Dung-hill-Cock_, then run from him, and allure him thus to follow, suffering him now and then to strike the _Dunghill-Cock_, and so Chase him up and down for half an Hour, till he pants again; and thus heated, carry him home, and scower him with half a Pound of _Fresh-Butter_, beaten with the _Leaves_ of the _Herb_ of _Grace_, _Hysop_, and _Rosemary_, to the consistence of a _Salve_, and give him the quantity of a _VVallnut_, then _Stove_, and _Feed_ him as above. And thus for the first _Fortnight_, _Spar_ or _Chase_ him every other day.

The second _Fortnight_, twice a Week will be enough to _Chase_ or _Spar_ your _Cock_: Observing, that you _Stove_ and _Scower_ him, proportionable to his Heating.

The Third and Last _Fortnight_ (for Six Weeks is long enough) _Feed_ him as before, but do not _Spar_ him, but Chase him moderately twice, or thrice, as before; then roll his aforesaid scowring in _Brown-Sugar-candy_, to prevent his being Sick; rest him four dayes, and then to the Pit.

Now, Gentlemen, _Match_ your Cock Carefully, or what you have hitherto done, is nothing. And here Observe the _Length_, and _Strength_ of Cocks. The _Length_ is thus known: Gripe the Cock by the Waste, and make him shoot out his Legs, and in this Posture compare, _And have your Judgment about you._ The _Strength_ is known by this Maxime, _The largest in the Garth, is the strongest Cock._ The Dimension of the _Garth_, is thus known: Gripe the Cock about from the joynts of your Thumb, to the points of your Great _Finger_, and you will find the Disadvantage. _The weak long _Cock_ is the quickest easier Riser, and the short strong one, the surest Striker._

Thus being well Matcht, accoutre him for the Pit. Clip his _Main_ off close to his Neck, from his head to his shoulders. Clip his _Tail_ close to his _Rump_, the Redder it appears the better. His _Wings_ sloping, with sharp Points [ware Eye Adversary:] Scrape smooth, and sharpen his _Spurs_; leave no feathers on his Crown; then moisten his head with Spittle; and now favour us Fortune.

The Battle done search, and suck your Cocks wounds, and wash them well with hot _Urine_, then give him a Roll of your best Scowring, and stove him for that Night. If he be swelled, the next morning, suck and bathe his Wounds again, and pounce them with the Powder of the Herb _Robert_, thro a fine Bag; give him an handfull of Bread in warm Urine, and stove him, till the swelling be down. If he be hurt in his Eye, chew a little ground _Ivy_, and Spit the Juice in it; which is good for _Films_, _Haws_, _Warts_, &c. Or if he hath _veined_ himself in his fight, by narrow striking, or other cross blows, when you have found the hurt, bind the soft Down of Hare to it, will cure it.

When you visit your wounded _Cocks_, a month or two after you have put them to their Walks, if you find about their heads any swollen Bunches, hard and blackish at one end, then there are unsound Cores undoubtedly in them; therefore open them, and with your Thumb crush them out, suck out the Corruption, and fill the holes with fresh Butter; and that will infallibly cure them.

_Cures for Distempers incident to the Cock or Chick of the Game._

For _Lice_, being most common, I begin with; proceeding from corrupt Meat, and want of Bathing, _&c._ Take _Pepper_ beaten to Powder, mix it with warm Water, and wash them with it.

For the _Roup_; a filthy swelling on the Rump, and very contagious to the whole body, the staring and turning back of the Feathers is it Symptome. Pull away the Feathers, open and thrust out the Core, and wash the Sore with Water and Salt, or Brine.

For the _Pip_; visit the mouth, and examine what hinders your _Cocks_, _Hen_, or _Chicks_ feeding, and you'll find a white thin Scale on the Tip of the Tongue, which pull off with your Naile, and rubbing the Tongue with Salt, will cure it.

For the _Flux_; proceeding from eating too moist Meat, give them Pease-Bran scalded, will stop it.

For the _Stoppage of the Belly_, that they cannot mute; Anoint their Vents, and give them either small bits of Bread or Corn, steep'd in Urine of Man.

For the _Eyes_, I have spoken before, and refer you to that; and for other Infirmities, let Practise be your Directory.

And now I have one Word of Advice to him that is a Lover (or would be so) of this _Royal-Sport_; and then have done: _Come not to the Pitt without Money in your Breeches, and a Judgment of Matches_; +Done+ and +Done+ is _Cock-Pitt_ +Law+, and if you venture beyond your Pocket, you must look well to it, or you may loose an Eye by the Battle.

Thus much for _Cock-Fighting_.

Of Fowling.

This is a Recreation so full of _Variety_; that it would take up a great many _Words_ and _Time_ to discover it; but varying indeed from this Design, I shall not dilate on its several parts, but as succinctly as may be, give you some methodical _Instructions_, as may make a man capable of the _Active_ as well as _Passive_ part of this Pleasure, and without the one he cannot have the other.

Now then the _Ingenious Fowler_, like a Politick and sagacious Warrior, must first furnish and store himself with those several Stratagems and Engines, as suit with the diversities of _Occasion_ (_i. e. Time_,) _Place_, and _Game_; or else he cannot expect the _Conquest_.

And first of _Nets_, which must be made of the best pack-thread, and for taking _Great Fowl_, the Meshes must be large, two Inches at least from point to point, the larger the better; (provided the Fowle creep not through;) two Fathom _deep_, and six in _Length_, is the best and most manageable Proportion; Verged with strong Cord on each side, and extended with long Poles at each end made on purpose. But for small _Water-Fowle_; Let your Nets be of the smallest and strongest Pack-thread, the Meshes so big, as for the great Fowle, about two or three foot deep: Line these on both sides with false Nets, every Mesh a foot and half Square. For the _Day-Net_, it must be made of fine Pack-thread, the Mesh an inch square, three Fathom long, and one broad, and extended on Poles according to its Length, as aforesaid.

_Birdlime_ is the next, and thus made. Pill the _Bark of Holly_ from the Tree at _Midsummer_, fill a Vessel, and put to it running Water; boile it over the fire till the _Grey_ and _White Bark_ rise from the _Green_; take it off the fire, draine the Water well away, and seperate the Barks; and take the Green, lay it on some moist floor and close place, and cover it with _Hemblocks_, _Docks_, _Thistles_, and all manner of Weeds; let it lye a fortnight, and in that time it will rot, and turn to a filthy slimy Substance: Then put it into a Morter, beat it till you perceive not what it was; take it out and wash it soundly at some running stream, till the Foulness is gone: Then put it in a close Earthen pot; let it stand four or five dayes, look to its Purging, and scum it: When clean, put it into another Earthen Pot, and keep it close for Use.

Your _Setting-Dog_ comes next, and sayes you must _Elect_ and _Train_ him thus: He must be of exquisite Scent, and love naturally to hunt Feathers. The _Land-Spaniel_ is best, being of good nimble size, and couragious mettle, which you may know by his Breed; being of a good Ranger, _&c._

Having chosen your Dog, begin to _instruct_ him at half a Year old. First make him familiar and acquainted well with your self above others, by feeding him your self, alwayes going abroad with you, and correcting him with _Words_ not Blows. So that he will follow none but you, distinguish your Frowns from smiles, rough from smooth Words.

The first Lesson is, to make him _Crouch and lie down_ close to the ground; and this is done by frequent laying him on the ground and crying _Lye close_; upon his doing well reward him with Bread; and on the contrary chastise him with Words, not Blows.

Next, To _creep to you with his Body and Head close upon the ground_, by saying, _Come nearer, Come nearer_, or the like Words; to understand and do it, entice him with shewing him Bread, or the like: Thrusting down any rising part of his Body or head, and roughly threatning him; if he slight that, a good Jerk or two with a slash of Whip-cord will reclaim his Obstinacy. Repeat his Lessons, and incourage his well doing. And this you may exercise in the Fields as you walk, calling him from his busie Ranging to his _Duty_. And then teach him to follow you close at the heels in a Line or string, without straining.

By this time he is a year old, now (the season fit) into the Field, and let him _range_, [obediently.] If he wantonly babble or causelesly open, correct him by biting soundly the Roots of his Ears, or Lashing. Assoon as you find he approaches the Haunt of the _Partridge_, known by his Whining, and willing, but not daring, to open, speak and bid him, _Take heed_: If notwithstanding this he rush in and _Spring_ the _Partridge_, or opens, and so they escape, correct him severely. Then cast him off to another Haunt of a _Covie_, and if he mends his Error, and you take any by drawing your Net over them swiftly, reward them with the Heads, Necks, and Pinions.

As for the _Water-Dog_, the Instructions above for the _Setter_ will serve; only to fetch and bring by loosing a Glove, or the like, is every mans common Observation, and therefore shall here for Brevities sake omit; only keep a strict Subjection in him, and Observance to your Commands.

I shall say something too of the _Fowling-Piece_ and _Stalking-Horse_, and then to your sports. The longest _Barrel is the best Fowling-Peice_, five and half, or six foot long, with an indifferent Bore, under an _Harquebuse_; and shooting with the Wind, and side-wayes, or behind the Fowl, not in their faces, is to be observed; having your Dog in Command not to stir till you have shot.

A _Stalking-Horse_ for shelter, to avoid being seen by the shie Fowle, is an old Jade trained on purpose; but this being rare and troublesome, have recourse to Art, to take Canvas, stuft and painted in the shape of a Horse grazing, and so light that you may carry him on one hand (not too bigg:) Others do make them in the shape of _Ox_, _Cow_, for Variety; and _Stag_, _Trees_, _&c._

Thus being provided with necessary Engines for prosecuting and effecting so cunning and pleasant a work, _Let's abroad_; and let not the _Ale-House_, _Tavern_, or _Brothel-Houses_, debauch and benumn our Spirits, but let us with the Fowler exhilerate our Minds, refresh our Bodies, & for a little Pains reap a great deal of Pleasure & Satisfaction, whet our Appetites, and get Meat too for them.

Now then according to my proposed Method, let us first examine _Where_ to find our Game? that is, The _Haunts of Fowle_, whether _Land_ or _Water_ Fowle; by which two Characters I distinguish them, because of their Variety and Multiplicity.

The _greater Fowle_, or those who _divide the Foot_, reside by shallow Rivers sides, Brooks and Plashes of Water; and in low and boggy places, and sedgie, Marish, rotten Grounds. They also delight in the dry parts of drowned Fens, overgrown with long Reeds, Rushes and Sedges; as likewise in half-drowned Moors, hollow Vales of Downs, Heaths, _&c._ Where obscurely they may lurk under the Shelter of Hedges, Hills, Bushes, _&c._

The _Lesser_, or Web-footed, _Fowle_, allwayes haunt drowned Fens, as likewise the main streams of Rivers not subject to Freeze, the deeper and broader, the better; (tho of these the _Wild-Goose_ and _Barnacle_, if they cannot sound the depth, and reach the Ouze, change their Residence for shallow places, and delight in Green-Winter-Corn, especially if the Lands ends have Water about them:) _Small Fowle_ also frequent hugely little Brooks, Ponds, drowned Meadows, Pastures, Moors, Plashes, Meres, Loughs, and Lakes, stored with unfrequented Islands, Shrubs, _&c._

_How to take all manner of Fowl or Birds._

For taking the first (I mean the greater _Fowle_) with _Nets_, observe in general this: Come two hours before their feeding hours, Morning and Evening; and spreading your Net on the Ground smooth and flat, stake the two lower ends firm, and let the upper ends be extended on the long Cord; of which the further end must be fastned to the ground, three Fathom from the Net, the stake in a direct Line with the lower Verge of the Net; the other, ten or twelve fathoms long, have in your hand at the aforesaid distance, and get some shelter of Art or Nature, to keep you from the curious and shie Eye of your Game; having your Net so ready that the least pull may do your work, Strew'd over with Grass as it lies to hide it: A live _Herne_, or some other Fowle lately taken, according to what you seek for, will be very requisite for a _Stale_. And you will have sport from the Dawning, till the Sun is about an hour high; but no longer; and from Sun-set till Twilight; these being their feeding times.

For the _small_ (Water) _Fowle_. Observe the Evening is best before Sun-set. Stake down your Nets on each side the River half a foot within the Water, the lower part so plumb'd as to sink no further; the upper slantwise shoaling against, but not touching by two foot, the Water, and the Strings which bear up this upper side fastned to small yeilding sticks prickt in the Bank, that as the Fowle strike may ply to the Nets to entangle them. And thus lay your Nets (as many as you please) about twelve score one from another, as the River or Brook will afford. And doubt not your success. To expedite it however, a _Gun_ fired three or four times in the _Fens_ and _Plashes_, a good distance from your Nets, will affright and post them to your Snares; and so do at the _Rivers_, when you lay in the _Fens_. Thus much in general for _Nets_, I come next to _Bird-Lime_.

_Winter time_ is the most proper for taking all manner of _Small Birds_, as flocking then promiscuously together, _Larks_, _Lennets_, _Chaffinches_, _Goldfinches_, _Yellow-Hammers_, &c. with this _Bird-lime_, made as afore-spoken; only additionally thus ordered. Put to a quarter of a pound of _Bird-lime_, an Ounce of fresh _Lard_, or _Capons-grease_, and let it gently melt together over the Fire, but not Boyl; then take a quantity of _Wheat-ears_, as you think your use shall require, and cut the straw about a foot long besides the Ears, and from the Ear _Lime_ the straw Six inches; the warmer it is, the less discernable it will be: Then to the _Field_ adjacent, carrying a bag of Chaff, and thresh'd Ears, scatter them twenty Yards wide, and stick the _lim'd Ears_ (declining downwards) here, and there; Then traverse the _Fields_, disturb their _Haunts_, they will repair to your Snare, and pecking at the Ears, finding they stick to them, mount; and the _Lim'd_ straws, lapping under their Wings, dead their flight, they cannot be disengaged, but fall and be taken they must. Do not go near them, till they rise of their own accord, and let not five or six entangled lead you to spoyl your Game, and incur the loss of five or six dozen. _Barn-doors_, _Thatcht-Houses_, and such like places, are excellent too for the use of these _Lime-straws_. _A Clap- Net_, and _Lanthorn_, in a dark night rub'd at the Eaves of Houses, is a common practice.

_Lime-Twigs_, is another Expedient for taking of Great _Fowle_, being Rods that are long, small, straight, and pliable, the upper part (apt to play to and fro) being besmeared with _Bird-lime_ warm. Thus to be used, Observe the Haunts of the _Fowle_, have a _Stale_, (a living Fowle of the same kind you would take) and cross pricking your Rods, one into, and another against the Wind sloping, a foot distant one from the other, pin down your _Stale_, some distance from them, tying some small string to him, to pull and make him flutter to allure the _Fowle_ down. If any be caught, do not run presently upon them, their fluttering will encrease your Game. A well taught _Spaniel_ is not amiss to retake those that are entangled, and yet flutter away. Thus likewise for the _Water_, consult the Rivers depth, and let your Rods be proportionable; what is _Limed_ of them being above the Water, and a _Mallard_, &c. as a _Stale_ placed here and there, as aforesaid. You need not wait on them, but three times a day visit them, and see your _Game_; if you miss any Rods (therefore know their Number) some Fowle entangled is got away with it, into some Hole, _&c._ and here your _Spaniel_ will be serviceable to find him.

For _Small-Birds_, a _Lime-bush_ is best; thus, Cut down a great Bough of a _Birch_, or _Willow-Tree_, trim it clean, and _Lime_ it handsomely, within four fingers of the bottom: Place this _Bush_ so ordered, in some quick-set, or dead _Hedge_, in _Spring_ time: In _Harvest_, or _Summer_, in _Groves_, _Bushes_, _Hedges_, _Fruit-Trees_, _Flax_, and _Hemp-Lands_: In _Winter_, about _Houses_, _Hovells_, _Barns_, _Stacks_, &c. A _Bird-Call_ is here also necessary, or your own industrious skill in the Notes of several Birds. _Lime-twigs_ are likewise used, stuck on _Hemp-cocks_, which take vast Numbers of _Lennets_, and _Green-Birds_, that love that _Diet_. An _Owle_ placed near your _Lime-twigs_, is likewise an Excellent _Stale_, for being persecuted by all other _Birds_, they flock about him, and dye with Hatred; I mean, being taken by you, in their eager, and malicious Persecution of poor _Tom_. Some have Natural, others Artificial _Owles_, and with either fear not Success. And thus you may do, in any particular _Game_, with your _Twigs_, and _Stale_ of the same kind, as, _Snipes_, _Felfares_, _Pigeons_, &c.

And here I must not forget the _Farmers_ Advantage, to destroy his _Corn_-destroyers, _Rooks_, but give him this Advice: Take some thick _Brown-paper_, divide a sheet into Eight parts, and make them into the fashion of _Sugar-Loaves_; _Lime_ them a little in the inside, and put some _Corn_ in them (if in _Ploughing_ time, _Wormes_, and _Maggots_) lay _Three_ or _Four Score_ up and down the Land, under (if you can) some Clod, early, before feeding time: Be at some distance, and behold the ensuing Sport. Your _Pigeons_, _Rooks_, _Crows_, &c. comeing to pick out the _Corn_ or _Worms_, the _Pyramidal-snare_ hangs on their heads, they fly straight upright, almost out of sight, and as if some _Gun_ in the Ayr had met with them, down they come tumbling (being spent) and become your Prey.

Thus much in general of taking all manner of _Fowle_, by _Net_, or _Lime_, I come next to know their best Seasons, when to use them, and the first (the _Net_) is from the beginning of _May_, to the latter end of _October_; and the last (the _Lime_) in the _Winter_ only, beginning from _November_, and ending at _May_, in which times, there being no Leaves, your _Lime-Bushes_, and _Branches_ of _Trees_ are of one and the same Hue.

And because Gentlemen who have _Fish-ponds_, wonder they loose so many _Fish_, and are apt to Censure sometimes undeservedly their Neighbours, when it is the insatiable _Hern_, that is the true cause: I shall next lay down the best and most approved way of taking the great _Fish-devouring Herne_, whose _Haunt_ having found, observe this Method to take him. Get three or four small _Roaches_, or _Dace_, take a strong _Hook_, (not too rank) with Wyre to it, and draw the Wyre just within the skin, from the side of the _Gills_, to the _Taile_ of the said _Fish_, and he will live four or five dayes, (if dead, the _Herne_ will not touch it.) Then having a strong Line, of a dark-_Green-Silk_, twisted with Wyre, about three yards long, tye a round stone of a pound to it, and lay three or four such hooks, but not too deep in the Water, out of the _Herne's_ wading; and two or three Nights will answer your Expectation.

And here I thought to conclude this Discourse of _Fowling_, but the young _Tyro_ or _Beginner_ in the Acquest of this Noble Art, pulls me back again, and whispers this Question in my Ear, How to take _Pheasants_, _Partridges_, &c. in particular, by either of the forementioned wayes, as, _Nets_, _Lime_, _Engine_, _Driving_, or _Setting_; because of all _Fowl_ for _Game_, these two are esteemed as the most Gentile, and Profitable? I shall answer his Curiosity, and for his Instruction, propose these ensuing Rules, though what I have said in general of Great _Fowl_ might suffice.

_The severall wayes of taking _Pheasants_._

For to take _Pheasants_ with _Nets_, first find their _Haunts_, or _Coverts_, which are generally in thick, young, well-grown _Copses_, solitary and untraced by Men or Cattle, and not in Old High _Woods_; and never in open _Fields_. Which having assured knowledge of, the next thing is to find out the _Eye_, or _Brood_ of _Pheasants_, wich according to the best Experience is thus. You must learn and understand the several Notes of a Natural _Pheasant-Call_, and how usefully to apply them. In the Morning just before, or at _Sun-rising_, call them to feed, and so at _Sun-setting_: In the _Forenoon_, and _Afternoon_, your Note must be to Cluck them together to _Brood_, or to chide them for straggling, or to notify some danger at hand.

Thus skilled in their _Notes_, and by the Darkness, Solitaryness, and strong undergrowth of the place assured of their _Haunts_, closely lodge your self, and softly at first call; lest being near you, a loud _Note_ affright them; and no Reply made, raise your _Note_ gradually, to the highest; and if there be a _Pheasant_ in hearing, he will answer you, in as loud a _Note_. Be sure it be Tunable. As soon as you are answered, creep nearer to it; if far off, and a single _Fowl_, as you call, and approach, so will the _Pheasant_. Having gotten sight of her, on the _Ground_, or _Perch_, cease calling, and with all silence possible, spread your _Net_ conveniently, between the _Pheasant_, and you, one end of the _Net_ fastned to the _Ground_, and the other end, hold by a long Line in your hand, by which you may pull it together, if strained; then call again, and as you see the _Pheasant_ come under your _Net_, rise and shew your self, and affrighting her, she will mount, and so is taken. Thus if on the contrary you have divers _Answers_, from several _Corners_ of the _Coppice_, and you keep your place and not stir, they will come to your Call, and then having a pair of _Nets_, spread one on each side, and do as before. Your _Nets_ must be made of _Green_ or _Black_ double-twin'd _Thread_, the _Mesh_ about an inch square, between _Knot_, and _Knot_, the whole _Net_ about three _Fathom_ long, and Seven _Foot_ broad, verged with strong small Cord on each side and ends, to lye hollow and compass-wise.

The next way of taking _Pheasant-Powts_, is by _Driving_ thus. Having found the _Haunt_ of an _Eye of Pheasants_, known by the _Barrenness_ of the place, _Mutings_ and loose Feathers, then in the little Pads and Wayes, like Sheep-tracks, they have made, place your Nets (taking the wind with you) a-cross these Paths, hollow, loose and circularly, the nether part fixt to the ground, and the upper side hollow, _&c._ as aforesaid: Then to their _Haunt_, and there _call_ them together, if scattered; then with a _Driver_, an Instrument like that of _Cloath-dressers_, rake gently the Bushes and Boughs about you, the _Powts_ will run, and stop and listen; then give a nother rake, and so you will drive them like sheep into your Nets: Observe in this _Secrecy_, _Time_ and _Leisure_, or you spoyl your sport; _Secrecy_ in concealing your self from being seen by them; and _Time_ and _Leisure_, by not being too hasty.

Lastly for taking _Pheasants_ with the _Lime-Bush_, or Rods, order these, as I have before prescribed; your Rods about twelve Inches long, and your Bush containing not above eight Twigs, with a pretty long Handle, sharpned to stick in the Ground, or Bushes, Shrubs, _&c._ and let it be planted as near the _Pheasants pearching Branch_, as may be. Place your Rods on the Ground, near the Bush; which will help the Bush; for when some are taken below by the Rods, they will scare up the others to get on the Bushes to seek what's become of their Fellows, and there become your Prey themselves. Thus provided, keep close not to be discovered; out with your Call, and use it _Skilfully_ and well, and you need not fear Game. Number the Rods you planted, and if any be missing, some _Pheasant_ is crept away with it, and here let your Spaniel be employed to serve you in finding out the last sanctuary of the poor _Pheasant_, thus shunning his inevitable Captivity and Death.

_For taking Partridge._

As in all the foregoing Sports, the _Place_ where to find them is our first Enquiry, so here (as you did of the _Pheasant_) you must first find the _Partridges Haunt_. Which is mostly in standing-Corn-Fields, where they breed; as likewise in Stubble after the Corn is cut, especially Wheat-stubble till it is trodden, and then they repair to Barley-Stubble, if fresh; and the Furrows amongst the Clots, Brambles and long Grass, are sometimes their lurking places, for Twenty and upward in a Covy. In the _Winter_ in up-land Meadows, in the dead Grass or Fog under Hedges, among Mole-Hills; or under the Roots of Trees, _&c._ Various and uncertain are their _Haunts_. And tho some by the _Eye_, by distinguishing their Colour from the ground, others by the _Ear_, by hearing the Cock call earnestly the Hen, and the Hens answering, and chattering with Joy at meeting, do find _Partridge_; yet the best, easiest and safest way of finding them is (as you do the _Pheasant_) by the Call or Pipe; applying your Notes seasonable, as before prescribed, and they will come near to you, and you may count their Numbers, and to your sport.

Surround your Covy, prepare your Nets, and pricking a stick fast in the ground, tye the one end to it, and let your Nets fall as you walk briskly round without stopping, and cover the _Partridge_; then rush in upon them to frighten them, and as they rise they are taken.

For taking them with _Bird-Lime_, thus. Call first near the _Haunt_; if answered, stick about your _Lime-Straws_ (of which I have spoken before) a-cross in ranks two or three Lands, at some distance from you; then call again, and as they approach you, they are intercepted by the Straws; and to your Prey. This way is used most successfully in Stubble-Fields, from _August_ to _September_: And Rods in Woods, Pastures, _&c._ as for the _Pheasant_.

But lastly, above all (to omit all others) the most pleasant way of taking Partridge is with a _Setting-Dog_ (of which I have spoken before and refer you thither) who having set them, (known by the already mentioned signs) use your Net, as you have heard just now: And by these Rules and Method, the _Railes_, _Quailes_, _Moorpootes_, _&c._ are to be taken; and are for _Hawks_ flight too. And here I must make an end of the most material part of _Fowling_.

For as for treating of all manner of _Singing Birds_, their _Taking_, which in general hath been before observed, their _Preserving_ and _Keeping_, their _Natural Breeding_ and _Feeding_, is a Work of such common Observation, and so differing from the Design of this Treatise of _Violent_ and _Brisk Exercises_, that omitting it altogether here, shall refer you to the Venders of them, whom you may meet with in every Street, and furnish your self at easy rates; and are indeed but _Voces & praeterea Nihil_.

Thus much for _Fowling_.

Of Fishing.

So _Ancient_, so _Innocent_, so _Vertuous_, and so _Useful_ is this Recreation, that all the foregoing Divertisements, must needs give place to this, and however (inadvertently) it comes in here, challenges a Preference, and Acceptance before any Pleasure can by the heart of Man be desired. As for its _Antiquity_ some attribute its Knowledge to _Belus_ Son of _Nimrod_, who first invented all Vertuous Sports; others to _Seth_ and his Sons, he having left it on brazen Pillars engraven with indelible Characters not to be obliterated by the ensuing Flood. _Job_ makes mention of Fishing, who Lived as may be supposed before _Moses_; nor is it questionable, whether the illustrious Patriarchs used not this Recreation. Certain it is, there were many _Fishermen_ before _Christs_ Coming, whose sole Dependance was on this Innocent Art. _Innocent_ indeed and harmless, when the Lamb of God himself _recommended_ it (as I may say) as such, by his Divine Call of four _Fishermen_, to be his Disciples, and by distinguishing & dignifying them with the greatest _Intimacy_ with himself, and chiefest place in the _Apostolical Catalogue_; and by the Inspiration of his Spirit ennobled their Function; he made them Eminent _Fishers of men_. Nay, at the expence of a _Miracle_, he shewed the _Lawful Use_ of Fishing, when the mouth of _Peter's_ Fish he commanded him to take, was the _Tribute-Money's Purse_. And why our Saviour made his first Election of Fishermen, before others, this may be the undoubted Reason: Because he knew such men were naturally of more Contemplative and Serene Minds, of more Calme, Peaceable, and sweet Dispositions; And let me add too in the next place, because it is the School of Vertue (as I may call it) wherein the Primitive Christian Vertues are learnt and exercised. _Patience_ is the immediate Vertue wherewith the _Angler_ is endued, without which the Pleasure doth no longer exist; and attended with her three Sisters compleat his Delight. For _Justice_ directs him to the due Place of Sport, where he may freely exercise his Art, without Injury or Incivility to his Neighbours: _Temperance_ prescribes a _Measure_ to the Action, and moderates and rules the Affections. And lastly _Fortitude_ encourages and strengthens his mind, to support the Labour and undergo with Perseverance all Disappointments, excludes _Passion_ (incident to other Recreations,) at the loss of a Hook, or (perhaps that he never had) a Fish. It makes him not fear Wind nor Weather, nor is his delight sowered at last with _Melancholy_ and Vexation; but tho the Anglers Reward is but a little Fish, for a great deal of Pains, the Contentment and Satisfaction is above that. Finally the _Usefulness_ of it is apparently great; for the cherishing the Body, and cheering the Mind, for diverting Sadness, and calming unquiet Thoughts, for moderating Passions and procuring Contentedness, and begetting Peace and Patience in those that profess and practise it. It has been the Recreation of Gods Saints, and Holy Fathers; and of many Worthy and Reverend Divines, this hath been and is now their beloved Pastime. And so I shall conclude this _Encomium_ of Fishing; Volumes may be written in its praise (in which I am something wanting in the other foregoing Sports, this claiming it as its just due above the rest) but I long to tell you _How_, _When_ and _Where_, you may taste its Delight.

It hath been the Method of this whole Treatise, to divide the several distinct Heads of each Recreation into three Parts, to render the Observations and Rules the more plain and easy, for the prosecuting the Recreation we treat of.

1. _What_ it is we pursue.

2. _Where_ and _When_ to find that we would delight our selves in.

3. _With what_ proper _Mediums_ or Measures we may obtain the desired Effects of our endeavours therein. And in this delightful Scene of Pastime, we now treat of, Fishing, so full of Variety and Choice, I shall observe the same Method.

First then, _What_ we pursue is Fish, distinguished according to their sundry kinds by these following _Names_.

The _Barbel_, _Breame_, _Bleak_, _Bulhead_, or Millers-Thumb;
_Chevin_, _Char_, _Chub_, _Carp_; _Dace_, _Dare_; _Eel_; _Flounder_;
_Grayling_, _Gudgeon_, _Guiniad_; _Loach_; _Minnow_; _Pope_ or
_Pike_, _Pearch_; _Rud_, _Roach_; _Sticklebag_ or Bansticle,
_Salmon_, _Shad_, _Suant_; _Tench_, _Torcoth_, _Trout_, _Thwait_,
and _Umber_. All these Alphabetically thus named are the different
sorts of Fish, in taking which the Angler commonly exercises his
Art. We come next, _Where_ to find them.

I. To know the _Haunts_ and Resorts of Fish, in which they are to be usually found, is the most Material thing the Angler ought to be instructed in, lest he vainly prepare _how to take_ them, and preposterously seek _where to find_ that he prepared for. To prevent which you are first to understand, That as the Season of the Year is, so _Fish_ change their places: In _Summer_, some keep near the Top, others the bottom of the Waters. In _Winter_, all _Fish_ in general resort to deep Waters. But more particularly,

The _Barbel_, _Roach_, _Dace_, and _Ruff_, covet most _Sandy, Gravelly Ground_, the deepest part of the _River_, and the Shadows of _Trees_.

_Breame_, _Pike_, and _Chub_, delight in a _Clay_, and _Ouzie Ground_: The _Bream_ chooseth the middle of the _River_, in a gentle not too rapid Stream: The _Pike_ prefereth still Waters, full of _Fry_, and absconding himself amongst _Bull-Rushes_, _Water-docks_, or under _Bushes_, that under these shelters he may more securely surprize and seize his Prey: The _Chub_ too chooses the same Ground, large Rivers and Streams, and is rarely destitute of some Tree to cover and shade him.

_Carp_, _Tench_ and _Eel_, frequent foul muddy still Waters. The _greatest Eels_ lurk under Stones, or Roots; the _smallest_ ones are found in all sorts of Rivers or Soyls: The _Carp_ is for the deepest stillest part of Pond or River, and so is the _Tench_, and both delight in green Weeds.

_Pearch_ delighteth in gentle Streams of a reasonable Depth, not too shallow; close by a Hollow Bank is their common Sanctuary.

_Gudgeon_ covets Sandy, Gravelly, Gentle Streams, and smaller Rivers; not so much abounding in Brooks. He bites best in Spring, till they spawn, and a little after till _Wasp_ time.