Maison rustique, or The countrey farme· Compyled in the French tongue by Charles Steuens, and Iohn Liebault, Doctors of Physicke. And translated into English by Richard Surflet, practitioner in physicke. Now newly reuiewed, corrected, and augmented, with diuers large additions, out of the works of Serres his Agriculture, Vinet his Maison champestre, French. Albyterio in Spanish, Grilli in Italian; and other authors. And the husbandrie of France, Italie, and Spaine, reconciled and made to agree with ours here in England: by Geruase Markham. The whole contents are in the page following

CHAP. XXVIII.

Of the Carter, on Horse-keeper.

WE haue heretofore spoken of such liuing creatures as are for the profit and vse of men inhabiting Countrie villages: in that which followeth we will speake of those which serue not onely for men inhabiting the said villages, but also for them which inhabite and dwell in Cities and great Townes, as are the Horse, the Mule, and the Asse. I set the Horse before the rest, as being seruiceable for the Peasant and Countrie-drudge, and also affording great ser∣uices to Nobles, Princes, Prelates, and to be short, to all sorts of men, as being the beast which is peerelesse, for his comelinesse, beautie, courage, furniture, profit, and commoditie.

Therefore (I say) let the Carter or Horse-keeper, to whom appertayneth the charge of Countrie horse, be a sober and patient man, louing his beasts well, and ne∣uer beating them: but well may he acquaint them with the lash, the whisking noise of his rod, with his speech, and with his cal: let them not at any time labor more than they well may, either in draught or trauell, let him currie them cherefully and mer∣rily euerie morning, and in Sommer sometimes after noone: he must not giue them to drinke but at ordinarie houres, and after their rest, let him oftentimes vse to wash their feet in Sommer with cold water, and sometime with wine, or the lees of wine for to strengthen them withall, and with vrine if they be dulled or blunted, in the night time putting of their owne dung in the hollow or sole of their hoofe: and if they be chafed or heated, or put out of the loue and desire of their meat, he must wash their throat with Vinegar and Salt: let him not giue them Hay, Prouender, Chaffe, Oats,* 1.1 or Litter, before they be verie well dusted: he must not let them goe without shooes or nailes: and let him be carefull that their traise, cart-saddles, collars, bridles, or other parts of their geares, and harnesse, be not torne, or rent, or rotten. He must al∣so know to sow with small threed, packthreed, and shoothreed, to stuffe and make fast his saddles: to be short, he must be acquainted with the Sadlers trade, as also with the Farriers, and therefore he must neuer be vnprouided of his budget and pouch furnisht with tooles and necessaries about harnesse and saddles, nor yet of his yron stuffe for his beasts feet: as namely needle threed and silke, ••••eame to let bloud with, knife to launce and cut with, corner, buttrys, pincers, hammer, paring-yron, and rape, he must also haue barnacles, pasternes, trauerses, and colling-sheares, with whatsoe∣uer else is needfull to be vsed in any time of occasion or necessitie. He must be ve∣rie carefull to find out the cause vvhen he seeth any one of his Horses halt, of what foot it is, and in vvhat place of the foot being handled or tried, he most complay∣neth himselfe, and to put about his pasternes sometimes Spech-grase, and sometimes dung.

He must also take great heed when his beast doe cast the old hoofe,* 1.2 and haue a new growing, and cause some thing to be giuen him for the helpe of the growth of the new hoofe, and vvhen he hath his throat heated to cause him to be couered, if therewith he haue the cough: and if in trauaile he haue taken cold by raine or tedi∣ous vveather, to giue him then to eat some Fenugreeke or Anise-seed amongst his prouender: to change him vvhen he is past age: and also to take acknow∣ledgement of the loue that one Horse beareth towards another, and accordingly to set them one by another in the Stable appointed for them,* 1.3 which he must euerie morning may cleane in Sommer, carrying out the dung and filth, and letting none remaine, and at night giue them fresh Litter. He must also cast an eye about, and see whether his horses doe grow leane or no, and then to fat them with Fetches boyled in water, and mixed amongst their Oats, as also with millet, pannicke, rice, sodden and mingled with meale of Beanes, and a little Salt; or where these are missing, to take

good sweet Barley chaffe, or Pease pulse well mixt with some drie Beanes, and to giue him thereof good store after euerie watering, or vvhen he newly commeth from his labour; as for sodden Barley, or other boyled corne, they are onely good to loosen the skinne, but the fat which they gather is neuer of any indurance. He must be content to take vp his lodging in the stable, for feare of their falling sicke, intang∣ling themselues in their halters, and growing of his beasts, and let him be carefull and wise in ordering and placing his light in such sort, as that it may be out of daunger, and to locke vp and keepe his harnesse well, and made readie ouer night 〈◊〉〈◊〉 morning, that so when he is to returne to his labour into the field, he be 〈…〉〈…〉 of any thing. If he haue any Mules or young Colts, he must put them by 〈…〉〈…〉, and reserue them for some other labour: and if any of his Horses fall sicke, if it be not of wearinesse, dulnesse, or chafing, he must put him out from among the rest. If he haue any Horse that hath ill propertie or fault,* 1.4 he shall be carefull how to a∣mend it, as if he be fearefull or timerous, or if he will not abide while one getteth vp∣on his backe, or if he will not goe by or into any place, he shall hang within his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some prettie little stone: and if this doe him no good, he shall hoodwinke him, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 behind him at his taile some flame of fire, or some sharpe pricking thing; if he w••••∣nie much, he shall tie to his head a stone with a hole through it: if when a man is vpon his backe, he rise and come aloft, he shall hit him with his rod vpon the fore∣legges: if he lye downe, he must be raised vp againe with rough words and strokes: if he goe backward, you shall tye a cord to his codds, vvhich shall be so long, as th•••• reaching betwixt his forelegges, he which rideth him may hold it in his hand, and when as the Horse shall goe backward,* 1.5 he shall pull it hard with his hand to make him goe forward, for so vvithout all doubt he will goe forthright, and amend his fault: if the Horse be gelded, he must beat his thighs vvith a long staffe taken out of the fire verie hot, and burnt at the end: or he shall giue him feele of his whisking rodd betwixt his eares: if the Horse be hard to shooe, and troublesome to handle and dresse in the stable, he shall put in one or both of his eares a little round pebble, and there make it sure with one or both his hands, and keepe them in his eares, and thus he shall make him as gentle and meeke as a Lambe.

It is also the Carters part to gouerne his heard of Mares and Colts carefully, th•••• no inconuenience may befall them: he shall put them to feed, and shall send the•• to grasse when it shall be due time, and that in large and marish grounds. Notwith∣standing marish ground doth soften their hoofe verie much, and maketh them ten∣der sighted, and begetteth water in their feet: and for this cause I could like the high and hillie grounds better, being such as from time to time haue raine or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dropping downe vpon them, and not drie at any time, and such as are rather voi•• and free, than incombred with vvood or other bodies of trees or legges: and yet fur∣ther, hauing a soft and sweet grasse, rather than a high, great, and strong grasse. And notwithstanding that Mares be not so frolicke nor couragious as Horses be, yet they goe beyond them farre in the race, and stand it out a great deale longer; and againe, they are not so chargeable to keepe as Horses are, for they are not fed with the best hay, they content themselues to run in pastures all the yeare long: true it is, that in Winter, and when the ground is all couered with snow, as also in the time of continuall raine, they must be put in some one house or other, and giue them such Hay as is good to eat, and in Sommer to keepe them in some good coole shadow•••• place, and well growne with good Grasse, and serueth vvith cleare vvaters: but n••∣uer vpon the rough and ragged mountaines, as vvell for that they doe hardly feed there, as also because that such as are with foale can hardly clime without great paine, not come downe without endangering themselues to cast their Colts.* 1.6 You shall not suffer the Mare to take Horse ofter than euerie two yeare, according to the opinio•• of the curious Horsemen; but yet the better experienced allow the conueying of Mar••s euerie yeare, for it keepeth the wombe open, and giueth the Foale a large bed to lye in, to keepe and breed of the best kind, and race, and not to bring in a base and degenerate kind: againe, to see that it be d••ne about mid March▪

to the end, that at the same time that the Mares were couered and horsed, they may easily feed their Colts, hauing tender and soft grasse after Haruest: for about the end of the eleuenth or twelfth moneth they foale, and so their milke is the faster, better conditioned, begetteth also and nourisheth fairer Colts, and such as thriue euen as we our selues would wish. The Stalions also thus attended are the stronger, and doe more abound with a well concocted and slimie nature, and not with a thinne and waterie, and withall, they couer them with more courage, and beget greater Colts, and such as are more hardie and strong.* 1.7 He shall know that the Mares are readie to take Horse, when they yeeld a whitish humor at the place of generation, and that their priuie parts are more swolne than they were wont to be, as also more hot than ordinarie, and eat not so much as they were wont. He shall let her take Horse twice a day, euening and morning, before he let her drinke; and this shall be continued but tenne daies: which past, if she refuse him, he shall put her aside as with foale, and shall take away the Horse, least with his furious rage he make her that she doe not conceiue.

The Horse that is lesse than three yeares old,* 1.8 is not fit to couer Mares, but he may continue good till he be twentie yeare old. The Mare is fit to take Horse when she is two yeares old, that so being three by her foaling time, she may be able to feed it well: but she is nothing worth for this purpose after she is once tenne yeares old: for Horses begotten of an old Mare are loose and heauie. One good Horse is ynough for twentie Mares: which, at such time as he is to couer them, must be well fed, and when the time approcheth, must be fatted with Barly, Fetches, and Ciches, to the end he may the better serue for the purpose: for the stronger and more disposed he shall be to couer them, the stronger will the Colts be which he begetteth. If he haue no courage, but be feeble and out of heart, you must rub the secret parts of the Mare with a new and cleane spunge, and after rub the muzzle of the stalion with the same: If the Mare will not admit the Horse, you must bruise a Sea-Onion, and rub her se∣cret part therewith, for this will warme her: And to haue a Horse of the colour that you would desire, couer the Mare with a couering of the same colour, at such time as the Horse shall couer her.

The Mare whereof we desire to haue a good race,* 1.9 must not be vnder two yeares old, as hath beene said, nor aboue tenne or twelue; and vnderstand withall, that be∣ing of a colder complexion than Horses, so she faileth before them in that worke: she must be well made of bodie, broad spread toward one, hauing a comely and plea∣sant looke, her flanke and rumpe large, well fed, but a little leane, to the end that she may hold her horsing the better: that she haue not trauelled of a long time: that she beare not but euerie two yeares, to the end she may the better feed her Colt. When she is with Colt, you must feed her well, you must not trauell or runne her, nor leaue her to the extremitie of the Cold, but keepe her in house when it raineth and snoweth, and as long as anie great cold weather is, that so she may the better bring forth a perfect Colt.* 1.10 If the Mare be in foaling, or that she hath cast her Colt, you must bruise Polipodie, and mingling it with warme water, cause her to drinke it with a horne.* 1.11 If she haue foaled well, you may not touch her Colt with your hand, for and if you touch it neuer so little, you hurt it. So soone as she hath foaled in the house, you must succour her with drinks of warme water, mingling salt therewith and meale also both euening and morning, for the space of three daies at the least: after this, you must giue her good Hay and sufficient Corne, keepe her cleane with good Litter, that so she may rest at ease; for this her good feeding doth cause her Colt to prosper, and strengtheneth it.

After that the Colt is foaled,* 1.12 it must be left with the Mare in a warme and wide place, to the end that cold may not hurt it, neither yet the Mare, by reason of the straitnesse of the place: and when it shall be stronger, it shall be accustomed to eat Hay, to the end that the dams milke failing, it may haue learned to feed vpon a firmer nourishment: but it shall be let run with the Mare in the pasture, that so she may not mourne for lacke of the sight of her Colt: for commonly Mares are sicke for

the loue of their colts, if they cannot see them. When it shall be eighteene moneths old, you shall begin to waine it, and put it in the house built for col••s, afterward you shall ••ame it, putting a halter about the necke, and that rather of wooll than of coard, that so it may not feele any hard thing to annoy it: and if it will not abide to be tied, you must make it fast with two thongs of leather or of hempe, or with a bridle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the manger, that so it may be acquainted with touching and handling, and that so also it may learne not to be afraid of any noise that shall be made: it vvill be good also to set it amongst others that are alreadie tamed, for seeing them so haltred, it will at length accustome it selfe to subjection: as yet you must speake it faire, and touch it with your hand, sometimes rubbing the backe, head, or bellie, and sometimes the numpe, legges, and feet, sometimes raising it vp, making it cleane, and rubbing it verie mildly and gently; to be short, making so much of it, as vntill it become so tame that it know the boy or horseman that currieth it, and the rider that must backe it, and vvithall vnderstand their vvords and voyces, and smel∣ling him, to know him before he get vpon him: sometimes you shall set a child vp∣on the backe, to the end he may learne to endure to beare one; giue it good hay and good grasse: lead it to water with one alreadie managed and fitted to the hand: af∣ter it hath drunke, giue it Oats, at euening straw it with litter vp to the knees, and in the morning rubbe the legges and the whole bodie with the same litter, and after lead it to drinke. When it is three yeares old, you must breake and acquaint and fit it for such worke as you shall thinke meet. As for example, if you would appoint it and make it serue you sometimes to take a journey vpon, I could wish you to giue it a burning with fire vpon the legges:* 1.13 and this you shall commit to the doing of some skilfull Farrier, especially in the Spring, Autumne, and decrease of the Moone, and at such time as these young horse are full two yeares old: and this must be done as wel in the legs before as behind: such course of burning doth harden and strengthen their loose flesh, being soft and not close set together, it doth bring downe that which is puffed vp: it drieth that which hath much moisture in it: it dissolueth that which is gathered together, it burneth away and wasteth rottennesse if there be any, and healeth old aches, curing and restoring the declined parts of the bodie, lessening that which is growne too great, and not suffering it to grow any further. Add hereunto, that the scabbe, farcie, and other malanders accustomed to seise vpon their leggs, can∣not haue the power to breed vpon them. After you haue thus burnt them with a knobd hot yron, carrie them to pasture, and that at such an houre, as when the deaw is vpon the grasse: for so it will doe them a great deale more good than any thing that a man can giue vnto them in the stable, for so also you shall cause that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the burnings shall appeare lesse, and that if they shew at all, that yet it shall be with good setting out of the legge.

As for that retained opinion amongst our Frenchmen, that the slitting of a horses nosthrils when they are full growne, will make them fit for the course or race, as be∣ing an occasion of more libertie to his wind, or that it will helpe a broken winded horse, it is a me••re fallacie and deception, and hath no such vertue at all, but rather worketh the contrarie, and by dismembring the organ or instrument whereby he draweth vp the aire, doth breed in him a greater difficultie of breathing, the paine∣fulnesse whereof may be perceiued when he standeth still without any trouble or molestation, therefore I would haue all horse-groomes to forbeare the practise, and to hold it rather a disgrace than any benefit, for it is to be vnderstood, that nature hath made euerie thing perfect without want or super••luitie, and to alter any thing in her maine workmanship, is rather to ouerthrow than helpe the building.

If you will geld them and make them Geldings, that so they may liue the more quietly amongst Mares and other Horses, as also for the ••itting of them which desire peaceable Horses, you may doe it, but not before they be a full yeare old, because that then their secret parts doe openly shew themselues, and for the better performance thereof, it vvere better to vvrith about and mortifie their codds altogether with pin∣cers, than to geld them all at once, notwithstanding they be of full and sufficient age▪

〈◊〉〈◊〉 in gelding of them, maine doe die of extreame paine, because you take all away 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them; but if they die not, yet they remaine weakened and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 both in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and strength: whereas if you pinch them onely with Pincers, they are not one∣•••• free from all perill of loosing their life, but also continue the more bold, there re∣••ining vnto them some small parts of the cords and sinewes of the generati••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Yet other of the best French horsemen doe affirme, That to geld a Colt cleane, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 way of incision and calterizing, is the best course that can be taken, and maketh them tend∣der sinest shaped and best mettalled Gelding: for (say they) when anie of the cords 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strings of generation are left behind, then the Gelding proues rammish, Mare∣••••••od, foule headed, thicke neckt, and grossely crested. And of this opinion are all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English Horsemen: to whom we must yeeld, because they are knowne to be Ma∣••••••s of the onely Geldings of the world; and those of whom we most boast, we haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from them, either by gift or purchase. Therefore I leaue to the skilfull Groome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consideration of this action, to chuse that to which he stands most affected.

Furthermore, cause him to be curried by a seruant pertaining and belonging to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 businesses: and being wise, gentle, and louing, that so by such his gentlenesse it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be preuented and fore••eene, that the young Colt doe not learne ill manners, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is so difficult a thing to take from them but one ill qualitie, after that they be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therein. And in this respect it behoueth all the seruants about the Stable handle them kindly, and speake gently vnto their Horses, thereby to make them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and loue them the better. And by such meanes and carriage it is wrought, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they suffer themselues to be gouerned: that they suffer meat to be giuen them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 anie man to lead them to drinke: that they suffer themselues to be handled, tou∣••••ed, curried: to haue their clothes put vpon their backes, either the Linnen one to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Flies away, or else the Woollen one to keepe them warme: and that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to make the same fast with a Sur••ingle, for the better keeping of them on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the morning, when they are to be new curried againe. There must all Litter be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from vnder them, the cleane and whole thrust vnder the Manger, the foule and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, together with the dung, being carried out to the appointed dunghill, neuer ••••••getting to keepe the Stable verie cleane, nor yet to haue it furnished with all man∣•••••• of necessaries, and euerie thing in his place. Yet this euer by the way is to be vn∣••••rstood, that as soone as you haue cleansed your Stable cleane; drest your Horse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, and giuen him such prouender as you thinke meet for him, that then, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you leaue him to his rest, you forget not to put downe his Litter about him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at his pleasure he may lye downe and take his ease, which is to anie Horse as ••••olesome a reliefe as anie whatsoeuer; giuing much comfort to his limbes and ••ewes, making swi••t digestion, and adding such strength and courage to his heart 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vitall spirits, that he is thereby a great deale the better enabled to endure his la∣••••ur, and lesse apt to take surfets, and other mischiefes, much incident to Horses: ••here on the contrarie, when Horses are compelled to stand all day on the bare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 anchers, out of a foolish receiued opinion, to make them hard and of more endu∣••••nce, the Horse taking no delight to lye downe, humors descends into his legges, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swellings doe breed, Spauens, Curbs, Ringbones, and gourding of Sinewes, ••••crease aboundantly: and maine a good beast, for lucre to saue one or two bottles of ••••ggage Straw, is spoyled and made vtterly vnfit for anie seruice. And as I would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you carefull thus to keepe Litter vnder your Horse; so also I would haue you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obseruant, to see that your planchers lye euen and leuell, and not higher be∣••••re than behind, as is the common custome of most men, especially Horse-coursers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such as keepe Horses more for the sale than vse: for albeit the vneuen laying of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 planchers g••ueth to the Horse some more beautie than otherwise he would haue, ••ecting vp his fore-parts higher than his hinder, and so making him shew with a ••••••odly and well-raised fore-head, yet it brings lamenesse, and is therefore euermore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be eschewed. When as the Horses are in currying, it is meet that they should be ••••ed and made fast vnto some high barre set vpright, that so they might haue their ••••ads holden on high, and then after that to currie all their bodie, to rub them with a

cloth, to bath with spunges well, in verie coole water, their head, eyes, lippes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, iawes, nosthrils, m••••e, and taile, and afterward to combe them verie diligently: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when this is done, to rub all their bodies ouer, but especially their legges and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with wispes of straw, well bound and trussed together: for otherwise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will grow full of the Farcie through the slouthfulnesse of the seruants and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe. Aboue all things, they must be looked vnto whether they lacke anie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about their feet, or no: seeing that oftentimes the want but of one naile is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that a Horse casteth his shooe in the mid way, to the great preiudice of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beast, which sometimes thereby is in danger of losing his whole foot, especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he trauelleth in anie rough and stonie ground: for a Horse that hath lost his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and goeth vnshod, hurteth himselfe in a minute of an houre, and so spoileth his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as that it is oftentimes seene to be quite lost, or at least to become vnfit for 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ And when your Horse is thus curried, spunged, rubbed, and well smoothed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••∣uerie offence about him pickt, trimmed, and taken away, you shall then cloth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with such clothes as are necessarie for his health, and answerable to the time and 〈…〉〈…〉 of the yeare, as either with double Clothes, single Clothes, lined Clothes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Linnen, or both together; vsing most in the Winter, fewer in the Spring, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fewest of all in the Summer. Yet for a better satisfaction, and that you may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 know what number or quantitie of clothes you shall vse, you shall view well 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of your Horses bodie, and looke carefully how his haire lyeth, especially vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 necke, and other outward parts which are vnclothed, and if you perceiue that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those places the haire standeth vpright, s••areth, or looks rugged, then you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be assured that the Horse wanteth clothes, and is inwardly cold at the heart: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you shall then encrease his clothes, and not cease so to doe, till you haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his haire to lie straight and smooth; which once perceiued, then you may be 〈…〉〈…〉 that he is sufficiently clad: and you shall by no meanes exceed anie 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Now when you begin thus to encrease your Clothes, if you shall find when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come to your Horse early in the morning, that he ••weateth much, especially in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flanks, at his ••are-roots, and in such like vsuall places, yet notwithstanding his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 still stareth; you shall then know, that such sweating is but a faint naughtie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gendred by corruption of food, or else want of moderate and wholesome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and therefore by no meanes shall you abate anie of his clothes, but rather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, till that naughtie faint sweat leaue him. But if you perceiue that his haire 〈…〉〈…〉 smooth and cleane, and yet notwithstanding he sweateth, then you shall know 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his clothes are somewhat too manie, and you shall abate them till such sweating 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him. This is a most infallible rule, and such a secret as is worthie to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the mind of euerie good Horseman and Groome that intends to keepe their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sound and well prepared for all manner of labour. The Horses dressed and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as they should be, and hauing eaten a little Hay, must be led to water, o∣ther ridden forth a myle or more to their water; which would euer be some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spring or running Riuer: where, after your Horse hath taken one good draugh•• two,* 1.14 you shall bring him forth into some plaine ground, and there gallop him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp and downe (to warme the water in his bellie) a little space, and then bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the water againe, and let him take another draught, then gallop him againe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thus doe till he will drinke no more, and then with all gentlenesse walke him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and softly home to the Stable, and there cloth him vp. This manner of 〈…〉〈…〉 your Horse is of all other the most wholesome, giuing vnto him by this 〈…〉〈…〉 great strength both of wind and bodie, and also dissoluing all those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cold, and tough humors, which are ingendred by the corruption of water when taken without exercise, and lyeth cold and troublesome in his bodie, making 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Horse to quake and tremble; as anie man may perceiue, when at anie time he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to approue the same, and hauing giuen his Horse water, will but lay his hand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on his bodie or buttocke: But this I haue alreadie spoken is at full sufficient 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Horses watering. From whence when they are returned, they shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Oates giuen them well sifted and fanned, and they shall be marked whether 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉 or not, that, if need be, they may be looked in the month, to see whether there be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing to keepe them from eating, or no, and accordingly to take them in cure, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for the common prouerbe is,* 1.15 That Horses goe vpon their feet, but it is their meat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth vphold them, and cause them to endure trauell. It is meet also to giue them ••••metimes some rare and daintie thing which may please them, and may be more than ••rdinarie; for it is all one as when one doth make them so gentle, tractable, and ••ame, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that afterward they will suffer themselues to be gouerned easily: to vse them kindly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and not to beat them, to torment them, or cast them into feare with high speeches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 threatening words, or else by anie other meanes, so long as they be in the Stable: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather to handle them with all meeknesse, as well in word as in touching or hand∣••••g, in what manner soeuer it be.

To fit the Colt for the Saddle,* 1.16 the good Rider must first put vpon his head a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with a Rouler of Wood, not attempting to doe anie other thing at that time, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to leaue him for two or three houres vpon the reines, being of cords, and after such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to take all away for that day: the next day, somewhat late, to put it on againe, 〈…〉〈…〉 so to leaue it for some certaine time: afterward taking him by his reines, he must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him a little out of his place, drawing him along some twentie or thirtie paces 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thence, sometime walking him, and othersome time staying him, still vpon the ••••ddaine, according as he shall see it good, that is, according to the stubbornenesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 frowardnesse, or the easinesse and gentlenesse of the Colt. So soone as he is come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Stable, he shall haue this halter taken from off him, putting him in his accu∣••omed Head-stall, and giue him his rather some Hay to eat, than to lead him to water, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after that to giue him his ordinarie of Oats. The third day he shall not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on his foresaid halter at the accustomed houre, but also a saddle, without stirrups, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or crupper, girding him gently, and in all kind manner fastening and buck∣••ing the same verie lightly: he shall yet doe nothing but lead him out of the Stable by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 halter, handling him alwaies louingly, and leading him with all gentlenesse whi∣••••er he will willingly goe: and after that he is come into the fallowes and plowed ••••rounds, he shall get into them: where hauing taken with him some long small ••hisking wand, he shall first make him to stand still: then afterward he shall make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colt goe a little pace, and from that little, somewhat faster and faster, now and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giuing him a gentle touch or remembrance with his said small rod, which hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then shew vnto him: after making him stand still againe, he shall hold him vp ••ith courteous and friendly words, and rubbing him with his hand, shall carrie him ••acke againe vnto his Stable, and there presently take off his said furniture, and put ••im in his ordinarie Tiall or Head-stall. The fourth day he shall make him readie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he did the day before, and hauing spoken him faire, he shall set a little boy vpon ••im: and if he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he begin not to smite and short, and to take on anie whit at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he shall lead him by the reines out of the Stable, and lead him a pretie way off, ••aking much of him with his hand, and touching his head, necke, and breast: and ••hall lead him to some blocke made to get vp by (and this so long as he is ridden without stirrups:) and there causing the boy to come off, he himselfe shall get vpon him verie lightly, and holding the reines euen in his hand, shall cause one to giue him some small whisking rod, and with it he shall touch or stroake his necke, and ••lacking the reines a little, shall cause him to goe forward softly: if he play anie lea∣••ing tricks, he shall stay him with the bridle, still speaking louingly vnto him: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he groweth quiet, he shall make him goe softly, and set him on by a little ••aster and faster, vntill he make him pace and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hauing done this in good sort for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pre••••e while, he shall bring him againe to his Stable: where, hauing fastened 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Manger, he shall couer him that he take no cold▪ and about an houre after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall take off his saddle and bridle at once, rubbing him with fresh straw, but es∣••••ecially the places wet with sweat: and then couering him with his Cloth, and after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rubbed his legges and feet, he shall let him drinke, and giue him to eat, and shake vp his litter about him. This is the accustomable vse of some of our French Riders for the first breaking of Colts: but it is by others, more expert and induistri∣ous

in the Art, held to be a little too tedious; and they find a neerer way to the end of their purpose,* 1.17 as thus: Hauing made the Colt gentle and louing in the Stable and abroad, obedient and willing to be handled, led forth, and ordered as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleaseth, without affright, dislike, or rebellion; they then at first set a good suffi∣cient Saddle on his backe, with ••••yrrop and styrrop-leathers, which after they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp and downe his sides, a strong crupper, and a good breast-place, which being well gyrt on, they in the morning cause him to be led forth in the Groomes hand, that he may be acquainted and familiar with those ornaments that are about him▪ then, in the afternoone of the same day, they put into his mouth, with strong head-stall and reines, either a good watering trench, or a watering snaffle, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then ouer it a strong soft chasse halter, and so lead him forth with all gentle∣nesse into some new-plowed field, or else some other ground of the like 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and there make the Colt trot a ring of both hands foure or fiue times about the Ri∣der: then the Rider goes to the Colt and cherishes him, and the Groome holding him fast by the chasse halter, neere to the Colts head, with one hand, and staying the styrrop with the other, the Rider offers to put his foot in the styrrop, and with manie leisurable heaues and lifts to take the Saddle, at anie of which if the Colt 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or seeme to be displeased, the Rider shall descend againe, and make the Colt, as before, to trot a ring foure or fiue times about him, and then offer to mount his back•• againe, not ceasing thus to doe, till the Colt with all gentlenesse dot receiue him: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall the Rider and the Groome both cherish him verie much, and then the Groome shal offer to lead the Colt forward; at which if he find fault either in action or co••••∣tenance, or but in the gathering together of his rumpe, legges, and bodie, as though he would leape and plunge, immediately the Groome shall stay him, the Rider shall alight, and, as before, shall compell him to trot his rings about him, and then take his back againe, not ceasing thus to doe, till the Colt with all willingnesse presse forw•••••• and be content to be led with the Rider on his backe whither and which way soeuer the Groome pleaseth: in all which motion, the Rider shall with his voice, and the thrusting forward of his feet hard vpon the styrrop-leathers, encourage and as it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enforce the Colt to goe forward, now and then shaking his rod ouer the Colts head, to make him heare the noise thereof, and ever and anon as the Colt is thus led vp and downe, the Rider shall with his bridle hand stop him, make him stand still, and che∣rish him, then cause him to be led forward againe, and as the Colt growes more and more willing to goe forward, so the Groome shall withdraw his hand more and more from the Colts head, and loosen the chasse halter, insomuch, that the Colt may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no feeling of the Groomes leading him, but may goe forward by the helpe and ••••∣couragement of the Rider onely: then shall the Groome giue the reine of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 halter into the Riders hands, and he shall make the Colt goe forward, euer and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cherishing him when he doth according to his desire, and giuing him threatening words when he doth the contrarie. Thus shall he labour and apply the Colt, till 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will goe forward willingly, gently, and with courage, according to his desire, the Rider euer obseruing, as neere as he can, to make the Colt goe straight forth-right, and by no meanes to turne or twynd him about anie way, contrarie to his owne will, but for this first day to giue him leaue to goe which way he will, not expecting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him anie other obedience, than to goe forward in either pace or trot when the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleaseth, and also to stand still and firme when at anie time he shall be restrain••••. This worke being brought to passe the first day, the Rider shall in the field 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the Colts backe, and hauing cherisht him much, and giuen him a little Gr•••••• or Bread to eat, he shall deliuer him to the Groome, who with all gentlenesse sha•••• lead him home, and there dresse him, cloth him, and feed him well. The next day the Colt being ••adled and bridled as aforesaid, the Groome shall lead him forth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the former place, and there the Rider shall take his backe as he did the day before, and in all points shall make the Colt perfectly repeat ouer his first daies lesson: which when he hath done very willingly and obediently, without compulsion or resistance, then the Groome shall mount the backe of some old staunch Horse or Gelding, and

leading the way before the Colt, shall trot faire and softly round about the field, stop∣ping his Gelding as oft as the Rider stoppeth the Colt, then goe forward againe, sometimes leading the way before the Colt, and sometimes riding cheeke by ioll by the Colt, till he be brought to such perfectnesse, that he will take his way forward how or which way the Rider pleaseth: then they shall ride gently home, and there light neere vnto the Stable dore, and so set vp the Colt, cloth him, dresse, and feed him. Then the third day the Rider shall take the Colts back at the Stable dore, and the Groome his Geldings back, and so ride forth into some plaine High way▪ the smoother the better, the Gelding leading the way to the Colt, and let them so ride straight forth-right at least two myles or more, stopping sundrie times, and cheri∣shing the Colt, and then gently returne home, the Colt sometimes leading the way, and ••ometimes the Gelding, and alighting at the Stable dore as before, set vp the Colt, dresse him, and feed him: And thus if you doe twice or thrice in this third day, it shall be so much the better. The fourth day the Rider shall take out the Colt, and the Groome the Gelding, but the Colt shall then lead the way, and the Gelding shall follow, onely now and then, to giue the Colt encouragement, the Gelding shall come and ride vp to the face of the Colt, and then eftsoones fall back behind him againe. This day you shall, in a large spacious compasse, trot the Colt round, first on the one hand, then on the other, making him bend and come about, according to the bowing of your bodie, or the turning in of your hand, and in euerie motion make your selfe master of whatsoeuer he doth, giuing him a true vnderstan∣ding, that what he doth, is your will, and not his pleasure: and withall, by no meanes forgetting to cherish him when he doth well; not after, but euen in the instant and presentnesse of time, when he performeth your pleasure, that he may thereby know why he is rewarded with kindnesse: and in like manner, when he doth anie thing contrarie to your will, you shall chastise him with the threatening of your voice, and sometimes with the noise and shake of your rod, or when extremitie vrgeth, with a good lash or two with your rod vnder his bellie, in the very selfe-same instant that he offendeth. And when the Colt hath performed all things answerable to your liking, you shall returne home, not the same way that you came forth, but, if conueniently you can, some other way, thereby to breed in the Colt an ignorance of his owne ease: which is the onely meanes to preserue and keepe him from restyuenesse, and other wicked qualities. And being come to the Stable dore, you shall there alight, and che∣rish him, and then set him vp, dresse him, and feed him. And this you shall doe at least thrice in this fourth day. The fifth day hauing sadled, bridled, and girded him as he had beene accustomed, he shall lead him to the place of getting vp▪ and there shall get vpon him, lead him through all manner of Waies, sometimes trotting, some∣times softly, vntill he begin to wax hot: And this order shall be obserued euerie day, yet still encreasing his exercise, making him goe and trot so long as vntill he be wea∣rie; this being the best way to make him lift his legges, and to carrie himselfe hand∣somely in the rest of his parts: not failing thereupon to bring him backe verie softly vnto the Stable, where he shall walke him vntill such time as he leaue sweating, and then he shall set him vp in his place. Yet of the later and more experiencest Horsmen it is thought good not to walke him at all, but presently to set him vp,* 1.18 cloth him well, and giue him litter ynough, with found and drie rubbing: for it is an infallible expe∣riment, that the walking of Horses in the hand is the readiest way to giue Colds, and breed Feuers, because then the humors coole too suddenly; and the vitall parts leauing (as it were) their motions in an instant, the heart and other inward parts receiue the cold aire so vnprouided and vnarmed, that wanting the assistance of their other ser∣uants, which is action and spirit, they are ouercome, and yeeld to the arrest of dulnesse and numbnesse: Therefore it is held best not to walke at all, but rather to house the Horse, and with rubbing, fretting, clawing, & picking, to keepe the ouer-heated parts warme, till they may coole by a moderate temper: and this questionlesse is the safest course for a Horse that is extreamly heated, as the English hunting and running Hor∣ses are. But our French Horses, which are heated by a more deliberate & slower way,

as it were onely but warming the bloud, not melting the grease; I hold it the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and safest way, when you come from riding, and haue made your Horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soundly, then presently to carrie him into the Stable, and taking the Saddle 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whilest one Groome is rubbing and cha••ing his legges (which is action ynough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 keepe him from cold; for it is a perfect rule, That whilest the Groome rubs well, the Horse neuer takes cold) another Groome shall take a piece of a Sword 〈◊〉〈◊〉, two foot and more in length, and with the same he shall with the edge strype 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wype downe the Horse, euen from the tip of his eares to the pitch of his should•••• and cambrell, leauing, so neere as he can, not anie moisture amongst his haires: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clapping on his Clothes, he shall vpon them set the Saddle, and then girding it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gently, take the Horse forth againe, and in his hand walke him vp and downe in the ayre till he be throughly cooled and drie: then he shall take him into the Stable, set him vp, after a little pause feed him, and at a conuenient watering houre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and dresse him, as hath beene before spoken. But to returne to our former d••••∣course: Hee shall hold on this course with the Horse, vntill hee see him throughly woon, and then hee shall cause him to be shooed on his hindermost feet onely, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the end he may carrie him through rough and stonie waies, without hurting of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hoofe: and he shall not vse anie thing else to ride him with, saue onely his whippe and trench, for to make him goe, trot, gallop, runne, flie, turne, leape, to rise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and before: also he shall traine him to scoure ouer small Hills, the tops of Hills, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great high Hills, and againe, to come downe the same verie softly: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 riding him to the places where Mills, Forges, and such other Hammer-workes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as also where there is beating of Linnens, to the end that afterward he may 〈…〉〈…〉 afraid at anie such noise. Hee shall bring him also to the place where are 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Waines, Tumbrels, Carres, Coaches, Charets, Wagons, flockes of Sheepe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Swine, Kine, and Goats; making him likewise to see Lambs and Calues, or other Beasts and Cattell, hauing their throats cut. He shall marke all these things day by day, till he perceiue him readie, and see him certainely with his owne eyes, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth not vse to snuffe and take on at the smels of the foresaid things, and then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall furnish him with all manner of things, and getting vpon him, shall guide 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into manie places, making him to goe by steps, to trot, to leape Ditches, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Riuers, and other Waters. And notwithstanding this, he shall not faile to giue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a kind of pace and going as shall seeme most agreeable vnto him: for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would be trained vnto one manner of pace, and a Courser to another; and so a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Warre, a Curtall, or anie other such Horse, most neere vnto his naturall dis∣position.* 1.19 Of which paces to giue you a little tast and experience, you shall vnder∣stand, that to bring a Horse to a comely, cleane, and a loftie trot, you shall vse to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him vpon new-plowed Lands, or in Wayes that are deepe and heauie, for that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make him twitch vp his legges, and strike them cleane and high: but if you find 〈◊〉〈◊〉 toylesome to your Colt, and that by reason of his young yeares you are afraid to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to so extreame labour, because manie sorances grow thereby, then you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ride him forth into some plaine piece of ground that is much ouer-growne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long Thistles, short Gorsse, Whynnes, or such like sharpe Weeds, among the which you shall ride your Horse a good space twice or thrice a day, and the Thistles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gorsse pricking his shinnes, will make him take vp his legges roundly and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in verie short space bring him to a cleane, easie, and braue trot, although 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Horse had neuer trotted before in all his life: But if you find that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vncomelinesse of his trot commeth out of a naturall carelesnesse, or in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his way, and that by reason of a dull and heauie disposition wherewith he is ••••∣fected, he is not by anie of the former wayes to be reclaimed, then you shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when the nights are most darke and clouded, euen so thicke, that you can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see your hand (for euer the darker the better:) then you shall take out your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ride him into some new-plowed field, where the lands lye most high and ••••••euen, or into the like vncertaine and much worne wayes, and there trot him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 roundly and swiftly, rushing him now ouer-thwart, then end-wise, sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉, sometimes another, not suffering him to take leisure, or regard to his way, ••ow dangerous or false of foot-hold soeuer it be: And although at first (as it is most ••ikely) he will stumble, or be readie to fall, yet doe not you make anie care there∣of, but bearing a good stiffe hand vpon him, strike your spurres hard into his ••••des, and the more he stumbles, the more encrease you the swiftnesse of his pace, ••••nely by no meanes whatsoeuer suffer him to gallop. And thus exercising him ••undrie nights together, you shall not onely bring him to a braue and most gal∣••ant trot, but also breed in him a great height of spirit and mettall, as also it will make him verie hardie and valiant.* 1.20 And if hee were subiect to that intollerable ••••ice of stumbling, yet this manner of riding and correction would amend and ••••ure the same: for you shall vnderstand, that a Horse is, as a man, fearefull and vigilant of his way, and when the sight thereof is taken from him, all his pores and vitall spirits are awakened and stirred vp to preuent the dangers that may happen vnto him: so that when all courses else shall faile, yet this is most assured. But if you would haue your Horse,* 1.21 by reason of your manie occasions to iourney, ••or because your bodie is vnapt and vnable to endure the hard pace of trotting, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amble, which is of all paces whatsoeuer the easiest, you shall understand, that to bring him thereunto, there are but onely two wayes, that is to say, either the Tra∣••ell, or the Hand; the betterhood of which▪ I leaue to your consideration, when your experience hath made triall of them both, and done to neither injurie, but vsed them carefully, artificially, and according to the truth of the rules prescribed. To giue you then a little light what the Tramell is, you shall vnderstand, that it is called a Tramell when a Horses neere fore-legge and his neere hinder-legge, two handfull aboue the pasterne ioynts, are so fastened together with leathers and cords, that he cannot put forward his fore-legge, but he must perforce hale his hinder-legge after it, and so likewise his farre fore-legge to his farre hinder∣legge, and then another flat and soft leather going ouer the fillets of the Horses backe, and fastened to both the lynes on both sides the Horse; which piece of lea∣ther shall hold vp the lynes, that they fall not nor tangle vnder the Horses feet as he goeth. This is called the tramelling of a Horse: and with these you shall first in your hand make him goe softly or swiftly at your pleasure; and when you find that he will take his way perfectly in them, without danger of falling, then you shall take his backe, and ride him thus in the tramels the space of a weeke in some faire, plaine, and smooth Way or Roade: then the next weeke following you shall ride him in vneuen wayes, ouer layes, vp hill and downe hill, and in such like vncertaine places: then the next weeke you shall take off the tramels of one side, and fasten the backe band to the saddle, and to ride him for a day or two: then put on that tramell againe, and take off the other which was on before▪ and so ride him another day or two: then take both cleane away, and so ride him and keepe him to his pace; which he will hardly or neuer forsake, if you haue anie care at all. Now for the speciall respects which are to be obserued in the tramelling of Horses, you shall first obserue, that the leathers which goe about the Horses legges be soft, smooth, and well lyned, neither so strait, that they may offend the maine si∣newes of the legges, nor so slacke, that they may fall off: the buckles with which you make them longer or shorter, must be verie strong also, that they may abide the twit∣ches and straines of the Horse, when at anie time he striketh a false stroake: the lynes which passe betweene these leathers, must be a good round rope made of strong Hemp•• well twound, with a loope at either end whereto to fixe the leathers; and these lynes must be both of a iust and euen length, not one exceeding another a strawes breadth, they must be so fixed to the Horses legges, that they must by no meanes ei∣ther draw them inward, or giue them libertie to stradle outward, but so, as they may keepe the Horse in his true, iust, and naturall proportion. Now if your Horse strike too short, then you shall straiten your lynes halfe an inch at least, for that will make him ouerstrike halfe a foot, and a whole inch a whole foot: and so of the contrary part if he ouerstrike, you shall let forth your tramell in the same maner that you ••ooke it in.

There be some that will put on these tramels, and make the Horse runne an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with them a moneth or two, and when they take them vp, they will amble as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and perfectly, as if they had beene naturall bred amblers: and sure there is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 likelyhood thereof; for a pace that is so giuen without compulsion, is euer the ••••••rest and most vnchangeable. Now for the making of a Horse to amble with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hand, it may be done either in some faire descending ground, or vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lands, and either out of his trot or gallop, as thus: Hauing taken your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 backe, and put him either into a swift trot or a swift gallop, you shall on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chocke him in the weeks of the mouth, and iert his head vp aloft, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to shuffle his feet together, and to strike them confusedly; and thus you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe so oft, till you make him strike an amble: then you shall cherish him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bring him to the smooth ground, and there with the helpe of your hand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 firmely aloft, make him continue his amble: which when at anie time he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to forsake, you shall forthwith toyle him as you did before, and then bring him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the plaine ground chiefely vp the hill, and there hold him to his pace: which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he hath gotten in anie reasonable sort, he will naturally, and for his owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉, seeke to encrease it, and then you shall apply him at least three or foure times 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day, and in one moneth there is no doubt but you shall bring him to that pe••∣fection your owne heart can wish. There is also a third pace, which is neither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nor amble,* 1.22 but is called a racking pace, that is to say, betweene an amble and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trot: and though it and the amble haue both one manner of motion, that is to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, taking vp of both legges of one side together, yet this racking moueth much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and shorter, striking thicke, yet seldome beyond the step of the forefoot. This pace is of some reputed the easiest of all paces: but I leaue that to euerie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mans feeling. Certaine it is, that manie men take much delight therein, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there is no racking Horse but can trot, and so in deepe and filthie wayes are able to make much better riddance of the way: whereas diuers ambling Horses can by no meanes trot, and so lesse able to driue through the myre: or if they doe, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with much toyle, and foule dashing and myring of their Masters. To bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Horse then to this racking pace, the onely best way is held to be sore and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trauell, as much Hunting, Running, and such like, and then when you feele yo•••• Horse begin to be a little wearie, to hold vp your bridle hand, and chocking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Horse in the weeks of the mouth, to make him breake his pace, and to strike a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which his wearinesse, and the ease that the pace bringeth him, will quickly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him doe, then to cherish and nourish him in the same, and by no meanes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him past his strength, or to make him goe faster than of his owne inclination 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is willing to doe, for too much hast in this worke is the onely spoyle thereof▪ And thus in lesse than a moneths hunting or riding of your Horse, you shall bring him to a verie swift and most readie racke; in which the Horse will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so much delight, that you shall not at anie time need to feare his forsaking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same.* 1.23 Lastly, for the bringing of your Horse to a cleane and good gallop▪ you shall vnderstand, that there be two sorts of gallopings: the first, stately 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aloft, the Horse winding vp his legges high, and gathering them round and close together in loftie manner: and this is fit for great Horses which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp for seruice in the Warres, or for the pleasure of Princes and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Personages, which take delight in stirring Horses, which can leape, bound, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 behind, coruet, and other salts of like nature. The other is a swift, smooth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and long gallop, wherein the Horse stretcheth out his bodie to the vttermost length, and carrying his feet neere vnto the ground, swoopeth away swiftly, nimbly, and easily: and this kind of gallop is meet for hunting Horses, running Horses, or Horses preferred onely for labour and trauell. Now to bring a Horse to gallop aloft, which is the first kind of galloping spoken of, you shall daily vse to gallop him as his first riding on new-plowed lands, which are deepe, yet lye flat: and withall, you shall euer obserue to keepe a strait hand vpon his head, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the comelinesse of his reyne, and by no meanes suffering him to gallop 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

but the flower the better; euer and anon with your hand, rod▪ and spurre raising vp his bodie, and making him gather his feet vp roundly together: for it is the pride of his reine, and the flownesse of the gallop, which brings him to the gallantrie and lof∣tinesse of the motion. Now, for the other kind of galloping you shall vse a cleane contrarie course, that is to say, you shall traine your Horse vpon the plainest and smoothest ground you can find, you shall giue him libertie of reine, that hee may stretch forth his bodie and legges, and lay himselfe close to the ground like a Har•• or a Greyhound: and this exercise you shall giue your Horse morning and euening after his water, for then it is most wholesome, and he the aptest to learne and doe as you would haue him. Also it shall be good for you now and then to put him to the height of his speed: for the more you straine him, the more he coucheth his bodie, and the lesse distance euer hee taketh his feet from the ground: to follow the Hounds all the day twice or thrice a weeke: or to giue him a course once a weeke of foure or fiue myles end-wayes, are both verie good waies of training a Horse to this swift gallop: because that length of exercise taketh the fire edge from a Horse, and maketh him more temperate and sober in his doings; whereas the heat and excesse of his courage maketh him praunce and doe things rashly and loftily. Manie other obseruations there be, but these few before rehearsed are fully sufficient to bring a Horse to anie pace the Rider pleaseth.

That Colt,* 1.24 Horse, or Stalion may be iudged to be good, that is great, thicke boned, of a good shape, hauing a small head, and so drie, as that there is nothing of it but skinne and bones: small eares, sharpe and straight: but great eyes, stan∣ding out, blacke and cleane: verie wide nosthrils, puffscompassed vp and great: small iawes, thinne and drie: his throat equally diuided on both sides: a necke some∣what long, and made compasse-wi••e, being thinne neere vnto the head: a short backe, broad and somewhat shrinking downe like a valley: his mane curled, thicke, and long, and hanging downe vpon the right side: a broad breast, open, bosled out, and verie fleshie: his shoulders great and straight, his ribbes round, his chine double, his bellie round trusted, his cods alike great and small, his reines large, and somewhat giuing downe: his taile-long, and tufted with haire, thick•• and curled: his legges matches, thicke of bone, but thinne, drie, and bare of flesh, high and straight: his knee round and small, and not wrested inward: a round buttocke: thicke thighes, long, fleshie, finewie, and strong: a blacke hoofe, hard, high, hollowed, round, good, and open, and rising vp as it should toward the pa∣sternes, and the crowne or top of it verie small aboue: which is cheerefull, quick, gentle, hauing no ill qualitie nor diseases: for they which are of such a nature, a••e verie easie and tractable, and patiently endure anie labour: also hee must not be mad or franticke, fearefull, running backward: hauing the Sciatica, a slacke ea∣ter, not scowring much, not vsed to lye downe in Waters or Riuers: And yet though hee haue lost an eye, or haue beene hurt in anie part of his bodie in anie combate or fight, he is not to be accounted the worse for that, prouided that in the rest of his bodie he be found. Againe, the Horse is to be esteemed for a good Stalion which hath followed the Warres, because he will beget noble and couragious Colts, and such as shall be fierce in all aduentures and difficult and long enterprises: besides, that he be of colour bay, browne, red, dapple gray, wat∣chet, or Mouse colour, which is a certaine note of an actiue and couragious Horse. And to speake in a word of the goodnesse and fairenesse of a Horse: ••ee must haue the eyes and ioints of an Oxe, the strength of a Mule, the foot of the same, the hoofes and thighes of an Asse, the throat and necke of a Wolfe, the ••are and tayle of a Foxe, the breast and haire of a Woman, the boldnesse of a Lyon, the sharpe and quicke fight of a Serpent, the pace of a Cat, light∣nesse and nimblenesse of a Hare; a high Pace, a deliberate Trot, a pleasant Gallop, a swift Running, and bounding Leape and present, and be quicke in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Againe, you shall take it for the best and principallest note of a good Horse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he haue an Ostridge feather on each side his crest:* 1.25 for they are of excellent en••••∣rance, and will seldome or neuer tyre: Againe, to haue the neere foot white be∣hind, the farre foot white before, to haue both feet white behind, or both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whi••e on either side, are all approued markes of a verie good Horse, prouided that all such whites be vnder the pasterne: for to haue them higher, is a signe of an arrand lade. Also to haue a white starre in the forehead, a whi••e rache down•• the face, or a white snip on the nose, are markes of a good Horse; prouided, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the starre be not artificiall, the rache too broad, enclining to baldnesse, nor the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 raw: all which are euill signes. Also a little foot is a signe of swiftnesse, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haire a signe of mettall, a loose throppell a signe of much wind, and a short, well-knit, and vpright pasterne a signe of strength and great endurance. There be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other signes of a good Horse, but none more materiall than these, nor none 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common or easie to be perceiued.

The Carter likewise must haue knowledge of the age of his Horses,* 1.26 to the end he may so set them on worke, as their strength will best beare. The age of Horses is knowne by their feet, hoofes, and specially by their teeth. The Horse for the most part hath eight and twentie teeth. It is true that Aristotle would haue the Horse to haue fortie. He beginneth to haue teeth the first three moneths, and by the end of the first yeare he hath six aboue and as manie below: At thirtie moneths 〈◊〉〈◊〉 changeth two aboue and two below: and at fortie two moneths hee hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 new ones on both sides, which touch those which he had last comming. Wh•••• he is foure yeares old, then the teeth called Dogges-teeth doe fall out, and others come in their place. Before the sixt yeare, the great iaw-bone-teeth that are on the vpper side doe fall out: and in the sixt yeare, those that were first fallen doe grow againe. In the seuenth yeare all the whole number is fulfilled, and they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all hollow: and after this time, no man can certainely know how old a Horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but that about the twelfth yeare there is to be seene in them an extraordinar•••• blacknesse: Adde further, that by how much the Horse groweth older, so his teeth grow longer, except some certaine ones, which are shorter by reason of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eating of his meat; and these shew themselues the more, as they draw neerer and neerer the fore-part of the iaw. The tenth yeare the temples begin to fall and grow hollow, and sometimes the eye-browes doe waxe gray haired; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth make shew of sadnesse and a mine of melancholie in his forehead; he sto••∣peth in his necke; he is heauie of bodie; he hath eyes of a deadly colour; his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gray, that especially of Bay, Blacke, and Roane coloured; as that also of the Chest••nut colour, and other colours standing vpon darke: the gray flea-bitten groweth white, and the white flea-bitten becommeth dapple-gray and somewhat dark••••▪ There are manie wrinkles and plaits in the vpper part of his broome or brushing taile, and they are commonly counted to be as manie yeares old as there is wrin∣kles found in that place. Furthermore, an old Horse skinne drawne ••p with our fingers abideth so a long time, but a young Horses falleth downe against by and by▪ Also the vppermost ioint, at the setting on of a Horses taile close to his bodie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the age of a Horse: for if when you shall handle it, you find the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 standeth out and is easie to be felt, then you shall be assured that the Horse is young: but if the bone be not to be felt, but that the sterne seemeth plaine and smooth, then you shall be assured that the Horse is old; as aboue tenne at the least. Againe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you put your finger into the Horses mouth, and feele his vpper ••ush, if you 〈…〉〈…〉 the inside a little hole sharpe and shellie, then you shall be assured, 〈…〉〈…〉 young, but if it be worne out and smooth, not to be felt, the Horse then is old; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••∣boue eleuen at the least: If the nether ••ush haue a ring (as it were) of new flesh ••∣bout it, which may be discerned from the other flesh, then is the Horse young▪ but if the flesh be all smooth and plaine without difference, and the ••ush a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blunted, then is the Horse enclining to old age; as aboue nine at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

manie other obseruations are held, but ••••one truly certaine but these alreadie re∣hearsed.

It is likewise the charge of a Carter,* 1.27 to haue especiall care of the health of his Horses; whose continuance and terme of life (as saith Aristotle) must be betwixt sixteene and twentie at the least: wherefore, when he seeth them in health, and yet notwithstanding leane, he shall giue them parched Wheat, or of powned Barly the double measure. He shall rub them verie well euerie day all ouer their bodies: assu∣ring himselfe, that it doth more profit them, being often handed and rubbed, than to giue them a great deale of meat.* 1.28 Likewise some say, that the hand feedeth a Horse more than his meat. If they cannot stale, which is knowne by the swelling of the bladder, and about the yard, he shall make them drinke pottage made of a pint of Wine, stamped Garlicke, and tenne whites of egges: or else the iuice of red Coleworts, mixed with white Wine. In the meane time hee must take away from them their Oates and Barly altogether, and to feed them with nothing but their owne and accustomed Fodder and Grasse meat, to see and if they will reco∣uer through the time of the yeare. It will be good also to put within the sheath of their yard a Collirie of Honey boyled with Salt, or else a Gnat or line Flie, or quicke Fleas, or a prettie little piece of Frankincense: as also to lay vnto the Reines and Flankes Oyle mixed with Wine: or else to annoynt his yard with Wormewood stamped and boyled with Vineger; and moreouer, to squirt a Syring full of coole water against his cods.* 1.29 These Medicines are good when the Vrine hath scalded the priuie parts, or when they haue great heat in their Vrine.

The cruell paine of the Head,* 1.30 and rage of the Horse, is cured by the often vse of Smallage and much Branne, in which you shall haue chopped the leaues of Lettuce and Barly straw newly gathered: let him bloud vpon the place where the braine lyeth, or vpon the temples, or vpon both places, and let him stand in a verie darke Stabl••, and such a one as standeth low. You shall know if hee haue paine in his head, by the distilling and dropping downe of water from it, in that his eares-will be withered and hanging, his necke and head heauie and hanging downe.

The ouer-cooled Horse is cured by giuing him to drinke Swines bloud all hot with Wine,* 1.31 or Masticke and Rue boyled with Honey, or a little common Oyle with Pepper. This disease commeth vnto him, when as sweating and being hot, he is set in a cold place, and thereupon it draweth vp his sinewes, and hardeneth his hide: you must set him in a verie hot place, couering him verie warme with coue∣rings downe to the ground, and putting vnder his bellie seuen or eight great thicke stones red hot, you shall quench them there, by casting warme water vp∣on them by a little and little, and oft, that so by this meanes the heat may make him sweat.

The naile in the eye shall be lifted vp with a little small needle of Iuorie,* 1.32 and then cut quite away with Sc••••ars: or else make a powder of a greene Lizard, and Arse∣nicke, put it into the eye, for to fret away the naile.

Against the suffusion there is a singular remedie:* 1.33 an Eye-salue made of the iuice of ground Iuie stampt in a Woodden Mortar: or else the iuice of the berries of Iu••e running along vpon the ground: or the leaues of great Clarie beaten and stam∣ped in a Mortar in Wine, after that you haue let the Horse bloud vpon the veine of the eye that hath the suffusion, and to continue this remedie manie daies eue∣ning and morning: Or else blow into the eye through some Pipe or Quill the bone of Cuttle powned small, or the seed of Rocket whole: or else the seed of the hearbe called Tota bona, and there let it alone, till by his vertue it haue cleansed and taken away the spots: or the powder of the yolke of an egge and salt burnt together, and put into the eye: or the powder of Sal-Armoniake, Myrrhe, Saffron, and the sha∣uings of the Cuttle bone.

[illustration]

The strucken eye is cured by applying vnto it a cataplasme made of bread 〈◊〉〈◊〉 steept in coole water,* 1.34 or bread tosted and steept in white wine: if this doe no good, you must open the head veine.

The bleared eye is cured by an eye-salue made with frankineense,* 1.35 myrrhe, starch, and fine honie: as also by a frontlet made of frankincense & mastick finely powdred

••••nd brayed vvith the vvhites of egges, applied to the brows, and suffered there to lye ••ntill the eyes cease to shed teares, and after to raise the frontale vvith annointing the ••••dges thereof vvith Oyle and warme water beaten together.

The scarres of the eyes are healed with rubbing them vvith your owne fasting ••pittle and Salt,* 1.36 or vvith the powder of the Cuttle-bone mingled vvith burnt Salt, or the seed of vvild Parsnep pouned, and pressed out of a linnen cloth vpon your eye scarres.

All paines of the eyes are cured by annointing them vvith the juice of Plantaine vvith Honie.* 1.37

The Enceur doth bring present death vnto horses:* 1.38 vvherefore you must so soone as euer you see the brest kernell to be swolne, plucke it away immediatly without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 staying: and if in thus pulling of it away, any veine should burst, you must tie it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 both ends with a silke threed: looke how much the kernell shall grow greater, so much greater an impostumation it would make, and not so onely, but therewithall ••••••ause death.

The horse hauing drunke much,* 1.39 or watered verie quickly after his heat and tra∣uaile, and vpon it growing cold, and not being vvalked, doth beget the Auiues, which doe but little differ from the disease called the Kings-euill, because as well in beasts as in man the Kings-euill commeth of too much cooling of water, the throat hauing beene heated, vvhereupon the horse looseth his appetite to eat, and his rest likewise, and his eares become cold: you must presently prouide to helpe him, in taking away the Auiues after this manner: Bend downe the eare betwixt his necke and his chyne, make incision with a knife for the purpose along vpon the hard fleshinesse, which one would say to be nothing but a verie whitesinew: plucke a∣way the white carnositie or fleshie substance: lay to the place as well within as with∣out, a linnen cloth dipt in the white of an egge, couer the horse by and by vvith a good couering, and vvalke him so long as vntill that his eares become warme, gi∣uing him a drinke made with water, salt, and meale, but first causing him to eat a little good Hay: let him rest three daies in the stable, and eat and drinke there: or else make him hot fomentations, and those of such things as are proper in that case, to be applied vnto the part, for to remoue the humour, afterward applie a cataplasme made of Barley meale, and three ounces of Rosin, all boyled in due sort in good strong red wine; and when the matter shall be gathered and readie for suppuration, giue it a gash with a knife, to let the suppurated and ripe matter out, afterward put in the hollow place tents wet in water, oyle, and salt, with bolsters layd vpon them and dipt in the same. This disease craueth a speedie remedie, for and if you stay till the Auiues be gotten vp higher, it is past hope of curing.

The Squinanci••,* 1.40 otherwise called the disease of the throat, and swelling of the tongue, requireth first of all that the horse should be let bloud vpon the veine vnder the tongue, or of the palate of the mouth: after that, a fomentation for the whole mouth, and for the tongue with warme water: then after that, a liniment of the gall of an Oxe, or of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and tartar beaten together with strong vinegar. And as con∣cerning a drinke, you must take of Oyle two pound, of old wine a pottle, amongst all this you shall mix nine fat figges, with nine leekes heads: temper them all well to∣gether, and afterward make a decoction; in the end whereof, but before it be strai∣ned, you shall adde of Salt and Nitre well pouned, so much as you shall see necessa∣rie: of all well strained, you shall make a drinke, which you shall cause him to take with a horne twice a day, that is morning and euening a quarter of a pint at a time. For his meat cause him to eat greene Barley, or Fetchets, or the meale of Barley, a∣mongst which you shall mingle Nitre.

The Strangles of a Horse, or Glandules,* 1.41 vvhich happen vnder his throat, and fall downe from the braine much cooled, are oftentimes cured by pricking him vn∣der the throat in the morning, afterward couer his head vvith some kind of Linnen cloth, and rubbe his throat oftentimes with fresh Butter, but especially the place of his disease.

The Barbes hindering the Horse from eating,* 1.42 by reason of 〈…〉〈…〉 swolne, are healed by making him eat Pease, Beanes, or the stalkes of Pease or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 because that the bruising and breaking of them causeth this swelling to go 〈…〉〈…〉 if the Barbes doe grow there againe, you must cut them out with a verie 〈…〉〈…〉 being likewise verie hot, for thus are they taken out of the hollow of the 〈…〉〈…〉 mouth, and for the rest taken away by burning, you must cut them away 〈…〉〈…〉 of sheares euen to the quicke.

For the excrescence of flesh growing vnder the Horses bodie,* 1.43 you must 〈…〉〈…〉 place, and make incision with some knife fit for the purpose, and then afterwards ••••∣noint it morning and euening with the ointment called Dialthoea.

Flies are kept away from Horses ••ores with pitch and oyle,* 1.44 or grease mingled 〈◊〉〈◊〉 powred vpon them, and then by strawing Fetch flowers vpon them againe.

The disease of the gums and teeth happeneth oftentimes vnto colts when they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 growing their teeth,* 1.45 temper of fullers earth (the best you can come by 〈…〉〈…〉 Remes) in verie strong vinegar, and therewith rubbe their jawes on the outside, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more a great deale in the place where the paine or swelled gums be.

The short winded Horse,* 1.46 or he which cannot easily draw his breath, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath his flankes beating incessantly, and which notwithstanding that he be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, haled, and whipped, will not stirre, but pant verie much, and blow exceedingly▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and which eating of his meat cannot abstaine coughing: this same Horse wil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 euer be cured. It is true that this disease being new, and caused of dust, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 windes, fo••stie hay, or of hauing eaten some kind of dung in his prouender, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••∣medie for it may be, to draw bloud vpon him with a greene withie, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hot vpon his breast and backe the said bloud mingled with wine and Oyle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hauing done this for the space of fiue daies, then the next fiue daies following 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make him take downe Lee at his nosthrils, wherein there is mixt a portion of Oyle, to giue him this drinke after: Mustard-seed well fried, quicke Brimstone, graines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paradise, of each alike much, make them in powder, and make thereof a decocti•••• in honie and water, or else in some composition that is good and thicke, whereof you shall giue him euerie morning the bignesse of a bigge Wall-nut, with sage, and with thicke red wine, but such as is good and noble: or else make him a drinke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cloues, ginger, cummine, fennell-seed, and the roots Galanga, as much of the one 〈…〉〈…〉 the other; all these being powdred, mingle therewith some egges, and a little 〈◊〉〈◊〉, make the Horse to take it downe vvith Wine, holding his head high, to the end 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may swallow the more easily, and not suffering him to hold it downe, at the 〈…〉〈…〉 a good halfe houre, to the end that the drinke may passe through his bowells; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this drinke, you shall giue him fresh grasse, or the leaues of Roses or vvillow 〈…〉〈…〉 temper the heat of the said drinke: but the horse must not haue eaten any thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the space of one halfe day before the taking of this, neither yet must he eat any thing for the like space after the taking of it. Let him vvalke and lead him gently by the head-stall, or else getting vpon him, let him pace him verie softly, that so he may not cast it vp againe: and thus much for the cure of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••vinded horse, if the disease be not growne too old. Which notwithstanding that it should be, yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may relieue it for some time, if you feare him a little vpon both the sides of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to the end that this heat may cause to cease this great panting, vvhich doth paine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his flankes: and if vvithall you slit his nosthrils, that so he may attract and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the aire and his breath, and as easily let it goe: besides these vvaies, I vvould 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you also to giue him to eat, some grapes oftentimes, and to drinke some sweet 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Another singular remedie there is, which consisteth in giuing him a drinke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vvith Agaricke and Fenugreeke tempered vvith red Wine: or else to cause him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swallow the bloud of a little dogge, vvhich yet is not aboue ten daies old: or to take the roots of Gentian, of vvild cucumers, and bitter Almonds, and to poune the••••∣vvith Honie and Water, and to make a drinke thereof; or else to giue oftentimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eat of siluer grasse.

The Cough hath many causes,* 1.47 notwithstanding that vvhich commeth from the

〈◊〉〈◊〉, as from the lungs and parts adjoyning, or else from some other of the inward 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which are noble and principall, and haue accordingly some notable office in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodie; hath not a more soueraigne remedie, than the slitting of the beasts no∣••••hrils, and if after this the beast doe not amend, then to cause him to take downe a ••ood pinte of the drinke following with a horne. Take Fenugreeke and Linseed, of ••••ch a quarter of a pecke, Gum-tragacanth, Olibanum, & Myrrhe, of each an ounce, ••ugar, the oatmeale of great vvild Tare, of each an ounce, all these being vvell pou∣••ed and let run through a bagge, you shall cause it to be infused all a whole night in hot vvater, and the day following you shall giue it to the beast, as hath beene sayd; ••nd this shall be continued, adding thereto a bowle of oyle of Roses, euen to the end of the cure. Some cause fiue egges to be layed to steepe one whole night in strong Vinegar, and the next morning when they see that the shell is become verie ten∣••er and soft, they giue them to the horse to take downe. Furthermore you must ne∣••er draw bloud from the horse in what palce soeuer that it be, but it shall be good to ••iue it vnto him, and to continue the Gum-tragacanth with sweet Oyle.

The ague of a horse is cured by being let bloud vpon the veine,* 1.48 vvhich is found in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 middest of the thigh, to the quantitie of sixe ounces, or about the place vvhich is somewhat about the fundament: but if in neither of those two places, or vvhere they ••annot be found, you must take the necke veine toward the vvind-pipe: if you per∣••eiue that there is need of a drinke, you shall straine a handfull of Purslane, and ••••ingle the juice vvith Gum••tragacanth, fine Frankincense, and a few Prouence Ro∣••••s, you shall make him take it all vvith honied vvater, in some prettie small quanti∣••ie. It is knowne amongst other markes that he hath an ague, if he haue the stopping of his vrine, and his eares become cold, withering and hanging downe.

In the faintnesse of the heart.* 1.49 it is good to keepe the horse verie hot, and to giue him this drinke; Myrrhe two ounces, Gum-tragacanth foure ounces, Safron foure drams, Mehlot in powder an ounce, Mercurie a pound, and fine Frankincense so much as shall be sufficient and proportionable: all these mixt together and made in∣••o powder, shall be reserued for your vse, and that shall be in giuing two good spoon∣fulls thereof with one pinte of water, two spoonefulls of Home, and two bowles of Oyle of Roses. This drinke vvill serue for many daies, euen till the horse doe find himselfe better.* 1.50 And further, know that this drinke is good for those that haue their ••acke or loynes broken, and members verie stiffe.

For the horse that is ouer-heated,* 1.51 you shall cause him to swallow with the horne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Winter three ounces of Oyle, vvith one pinte of red vvine, and in Sommer two ounces of Oyle onely, vvith the like quantitie of Wine that is aboue named.

In the paine of the bellie,* 1.52 vvhich some call the Birth, you shall take the seeds of vvild Rue, or of the garden Rue, you shall poune it well, and vvith hot vvine you shall make him a drinke: vnto this drinke you may adde Cummine and Fennel-seed in like quantitie, and after keepe him hot in some close and vvell couered place: be∣fore you giue him this drinke, you must get vpon his backe, and vvalke him a long time, and that rather in high places, than in low and plaine fields: when you are comming homeward, if the season be cold, you shall cloath him vvith a good vvool∣len cloth, rubbing his flankes vvith Oyle, vntill such time as he be become cold, and doe breake wind. It vvould be good also to conuey into his fundament some hol∣low joynt of a Reed or Rose tree sufficient thicke, and halfe a foot long, annointed vvith common Oyle, and let this same hollow Reed be in such sort fastened vnto his taile, as that it may not by any meanes come forth, and this done then to get vp∣on the horse, and to vvalke him. But howsoeuer things goe, you must let him haue meat of hot qualitie, and to drinke vvater boyled with Cummine and Fennell-seed in equall quantitie, mingling vvith it Wheat meale, and keeping it verie vvarme in a verie clos•• place.

For the difficultie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vr••ne,* 1.53 it is an approued thing to take fiue or nine of the flies called Cantharides, to lap them in a linnen cloth, and applie them to the thigh, and howsoeuer it fareth with him, yet to keepe them there for some time: this will pro∣cure

vrine: but in anie case giue him them not in powder, clister, or drink••. 〈…〉〈…〉 good also to rub his cods with the decoction of Cresses, Pellitorie, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Leekes.

For the sniuell,* 1.54 take Orpin and Brimstone, cast them vpon burning coales, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fume goe vp into the Horses nosthrils, that so the humors congealed aboue in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 braine may be resolued and cast forth.

For the Flying worme,* 1.55 take from him some bloud vpon the veines of the 〈…〉〈…〉 applie a hot ••earing yron verie deepe vnder the throat, and in the hole put 〈…〉〈…〉 plegets vpon them, moystened in the white of an egge, and after let him stand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dayes in the stable.

For the Iauar, take Pepper,* 1.56 as also the leaues of Coleworts, old Swines 〈…〉〈…〉 make an emplaister to be layd vpon the place.

For the Figge,* 1.57 you must pare the hoofe so farre forward, as that you may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reasonable roome and space, betwixt the sole of the foot and the figge, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spunge there, and tye it verie hard, that so the rest of the figge may be 〈…〉〈…〉 euen to the cleft.

For the Wenne,* 1.58 open it when you shall perceiue it to be full of matter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make a plaister of Goole-turdes, wine, salt, and vinegar, and lay vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: be∣ware in any case that there be not in the bottome of it some strange and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing.

For the galling of the backe that is new done,* 1.59 take two great Onions and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 decoction thereof in boyling water, afterward you shall applie it to the sore place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hot as the horse can abide it, all the swelling will be gone away in one night. Other∣wise take salt in powder, and wet it in strong vinegar, putting thereto the yolke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 egge, with all this together you shall rub the place, and you shall see the proofe▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 else wash the place with wine or verie strong vinegar, lay aloft vpon it Lime made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 powder, and mixt with Honie, continue this remedie so long as till the flesh be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe, and the bone couered with it, then to cause the haire to grow vpon it, yo•• must poune the shells of small nuts burned, and being mingled with oile, annoin•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places wanting haire, and it will be ouergrowne in a short time.

For a Horse ••wayed in the backe,* 1.60 or complayning of hauing beene ouerladen, ••••••∣plie vnto the reines of his backe an emplaister made of stone-pitch, with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bole-Armoniake, Dragons-bloud, Olibanum, Masticke, Galles, of each ••∣quall weight: let the plaister be layed somewhat hot vpon the offended part, which you shall not take away vntill it easily forsake the place when you touch it: for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Horse is healed.

For the swellings caused on the Horse backe by the Saddle,* 1.61 open it first with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Knife, afterward lay plegets vpon it w••t in the whites of egges three dayes toge∣ther: and the place if it be swolne and hard, it will be healed with Coleworts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Wormewood, and Beares-breech, bruised together and stamped and bo••••led together with sweet Seame: applie it vnto the place offended and hurt.

For the disease called Graps,* 1.62 which are moules and scabbes on the heeles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 way the scabbes, and them wash the place with the decoction of Mallowes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Mutton Sewer: put the drosse or thicke substance of this vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and bind it fast and close thereto, afterward take it away and annoint the place 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an oyntment made of vinegar, Mutton Sewet, the gum of the Firre tree, and new 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of all alike, and boyle them altogether.

It is a singular good remedie for the Iaundise vvhich followeth: take of ••••∣nicke Corne,* 1.63 and Smallage, of ea••h a pound, boyle them all vvith L••pines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good Honie, and of the whole strayned, make him take a Pine, eight 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••∣gether.

If he be costiuene,* 1.64 he may be helped by drinke or clyster; the drinke shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giue him ordinarily of the powder of vvild Rue, with the seed thereof 〈…〉〈…〉 good red wine: or else take the root of yellow Flower-de-luce, with Annisseed••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Opopa••ax: and of all these beaten together verie small, you shall make 〈…〉〈…〉

or draughts, vvith three ounces of good Red vvine, and as much Oyle oliue, and those on three seuerall dayes. In the clyster you shall put the juice of pale coloured Flower-de-luce in three pound of the decoction of Mallows and Perrie, and into the vvhole you shall put of Sall-nitrum, and the dung of Pigeons, of each an ounce, of Oyle-de-bayes, and Rue, of each three ounces. After the clyster giuen, he must be vvalked a great vvhile, and verie softly. Some Farriers or Horse-leaches haue in this disease made triall of Hares dung, with nine spoonefulls of Honie, and fiue grains of Pepper, to make a drinke to take with the broth of Cich Pease, or Red Cole∣worts.

The Horse oftentimes hauing eaten too much Barley or other prouender that is hurtfull,* 1.65 is troubled vvith the swelling of his flankes, and the rest of his bodie: to take the same away, you must make a decoction of Mallowes, Pellitorie, Beares-〈◊〉〈◊〉, Mercurie, and other soluble hearbes, putting thereto, Bran, Salt, Honie, and Oyle: and hauing vvarmed this decoction, he shall haue a clyster giuen him with a clyster∣pipe, hauing the shanke thereof proportionably great and long: this being well ac∣complished, annoint his bellie with Oyle, and after cause it to be rubbed vvith a round staffe by two men, beginning before, and so going backward, stopping vp his fundament: after this, get vpon him, and vvalke him verie softly, and a long time, vntill that he haue voided, not onely this clyster, but vvithall some part of the dung, which he had in his bodie, and he will be well by and by after.

For bursting, or rupture,* 1.66 some are of opinion that there is nothing so soueraigne as to take seuen ounces of the ashes of the vvood of vine braunches, or of Elme, with three ounces of Oyle oliue, Scallions brayed, seuen in number, Honie three ounces, fresh Butter and Goats Sewe••, of each an ounce, the juice of Plantaine three ounces, vvith old white vvine, or the broth of Cych Pease: this will serue for thrice, to be ta∣ken three seuerall daies together.

To keepe your great Horses that they may not be molested and troubled in great heat,* 1.67 vvith the stinging of Flies: you must rub their haire vvith the juice of leaues of gourdes.

For the farcie of the legges,* 1.68 you must shau•••• the place, and after annoint it with the Oyle of Iuniper for the space of foure daies euening and morning, and let not the horse goe forth to water all the whiles that his haire is not growne againe: or else let him haue a strake vvith an yron, long-waies, and ouerthwhart: otherwise, for the farcie of a horse how hard to cure so euer it be, you must take the roots of common cotton thistle (which is the broad and white leaued thistle) and make him eat them in shiues with his oats, it will heale him without all faile, in lesse than fifteene daies, or three weekes, if it be continually giuen him to eat: and the remedie is verie easie, seeing the horse will willingly eat it.

For clefts which happen betwixt the joynt of the legge and the hoofe,* 1.69 shaue away the haire, wash the place with vvine, annoint it vvith an ointment made of Soot, V••••∣degrease, and Honie pouned and boyled together, mingling therewith in the end some Lime: if the chaps be verie deepe in, ••••are them.

For the scabbe you must let him bloud in conuenient places,* 1.70 according to that place vvhere the disease is: for a conuenient purge, it vvill be good to vse of the powder of the root of vvild Cucumber mingled vvith Sal-nitrum, and giuen in a ••o••ne vvith vvhite vvine: the medicine oftentimes giuen doth purge him of euill hu∣mours: for an ourward remedie, take quicke Brimstone, fat Pitch, Clay of Iudea, called Asphaltu••▪ mingle all together, and dissolue it in new Butter salted, and with this oyntment you shall rub him all ouer his bodie in the greatest heat of the Sunne, and by many persons, and a long time. If you loue not rather to take of vinegar a quarter of a pin••e, of Perrosin foure ounces, Pitch or Gum of the Cedar-tree foure ounces, and mixe them all vvell together in an oyn••ment, vvith mans vrine and vvarme vvater, putting thereto of sweet Seame, and old Oyle, of each three oun∣••••••, make a liniment or cerote, if it like you not, better to vvash him all ouer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 else to foment him vvith vrine and warme vvater, and after to appl••e your lin••∣ment

vpon the places so washed. The hearbe called Rose-baie, or Oleander, boyled in Oyle (I meane the leaues onely) is an exquisite remedie for this disease, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereto fat pitch, vinegar, and waxe: and remember alwaies in rubbing and annoin∣tings to rubbe the beast against the haire. It is also a soueraigne remedie to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him first in the s••abbed place vntill it bleed, and after to wash it with Lee made with one part of Lyme, two of Beane-meale, and three of the ashes of Ash-tree, all these not boyled but steeped onely in the Lee. After the washing, you must annoint the place with an oyntment made of quick-siluer, hellebor, brimstone, alum, colts-foot, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Swines-grease.

When the horse complaineth himselfe,* 1.71 and his flankes be swolne, as also the re•••• of his bodie, by hauing eaten some bad Hay or Prouender, you shall make him this drinke: take the thin skinnes that are in the stomach of three Hens, and drie the•• vvell in an ouen, afterward powder them vvith halfe an ounce of pepper, and fou•••• spoonefulls of Honie, and an ounce of the powder of fine Frankencense, make him take this medicine vvith a pint of vvarme vvine, and to the end that it may loosen his bellie, giue him at the fundament by a clyster sufficient great and long, a clyster of the decoction of Mallowes, Mercurie, Pellitorie, and other loosening hearbes, putting thereto Bran, Salt, Honie, and Oyle.

Against the colicke:* 1.72 take Asarum bacchar, the leaues and roots of Parsley and Fennell, of each one ounce, blacke Pepper two ounces, Horehound an ounce, Soothernwood halfe an ounce, fine Honie a pottle, boile it well, and scum it altoge∣ther, and thereof make trochiskes of the bignesse of Filberts, and with a quarter of a pint of good wine, you shall make the horse to take it in manner of a drinke: and the day that the colicke doth paine him, you shall bruise three or foure spoonefulls of Fennel-seed, and cause him to drinke it downe roundly with wine, and then count him well to cause him to sweat.

For the swelling of the cods or stones, make as it were a pap of strong vinegar, ful∣lers day and salt,* 1.73 to annoint the cods withall twice or thrice a day.

For a Fistula:* 1.74 make the hole wider, seare it, cast into it a salue made of vnquenche Lime, so long as till the core or dead flesh within doe fall out.

For the canker:* 1.75 wash it with strong vinegar, afterward sprinkle vpon it the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 powder of the root Daffodils, Rats-bane, and Vnquencht-lime, put together into •• pot, and burnt to ashes.

For the Iauar in the houghs or hams:* 1.76 seare the places along and ouerthwart with a hot yron, afterward applie thereto a cataplasme made of verie new Oxe dung 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the fire vvith Oyle.

If the horse be cloyed,* 1.77 you must take out the naile, and pare him to the quicke and till bloud come, then making verie cleane the pared place to drop into it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brimstone, or to fill it vp with an oyntment made of Turpentine, Waxe, Oyle, H••∣nie and Salt, all being made verie hot, and a little Cotton also dipped in the same oyntment. Or else (which is an approued thing) to put vpon the hurt place on th•• inside of the hoose of the horse, the leaues of white female Mullein bruised betw•••••• two stones. And in case the maladie be a day or two old, then you must hold the horse foc•• in warme water well salted, and lay and bind aloft vpon the foot a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bran, Swines-grease, and Salt-water: or with small Salt and strong Vinegar, or the powder of gals, or mittles, or of the masticke tree, and then to seare him aboue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to fill vp all the hollow of the foot with Porkes-grease: and hauing thus dressed it so much, and so oft as it shall be needfull: let it be made vp, filling notwithstanding the hoofe on the inside with pitch, and annointing it oftentimes with swines-grease as i•• abouesaid. And to preserue the hoofe in his soundnesse and strength, apply vnto 〈…〉〈…〉 lost a cataplasme made of boyled mallows stampt and mixt with hony and bran: put in the hollow of the hoofe the sewet of a sheepe, and aboue the hoofe his owne dung 〈◊〉〈◊〉

For the horse which halteth because of some stroake giuen him by some other horse vpon his sinews:* 1.78 take of the sewet of a Male-goat a pound, Molibden•• halfes pound, Resin a pound, and Copperas halfe a pound, make an oyntment. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉

••••roken or wounded, or hauing receiued any other kind of wrench in the Knee or ••oynt, by the horse his setting of his foot in some bad and inconuenient place, is hea∣••ed by taking an ounce of Fenugreeke, as much of Linseed, foure ounces of Swines∣grease, all this being boyled together so long as till it be thicke, and much dimi∣••shed.

If the horse interfering doe wound himselfe vpon his hinder feet,* 1.79 you must cut a∣way the haire verie short and bare from the place that is hurt, and rub it with com∣mon salt, tying vpon it some prettie plate of thin Lead, afterward taking that away ••o wash it with Wine.

For the spauin in the hammes: you must,* 1.80 raising the thigh vp on high, tie the veine called Fontanella, and giue it a wound with a flemme to let it bleed, and after to ap∣plie the actuall cauterie, or hot yron vpon the spauin, and to burne it long wise and ouerthwart, and to heale vp the seared place, as in the Iauar.

The chaps are healed,* 1.81 if you burne them at either end with a round hot yron: for his burne will keepe the chaps from going further, and then afterward rubbe them with washed Lard in diuers waters, or with oyle of Bayes mixt with Masticke, Fran∣••incense, Vinegar, and the yolke of an Egge.

The grapes would (when the haire is once taken away) be washed with the deco∣ction of Mallows,* 1.82 of Brimstone, and Mutton-sewet, afterward applying the drossie parts vnto the places, which being taken away, there shall an oyntment be made of new Wax, Turpentine, and Gum-arabecke equally mingled.

For the hornie swelling in the circle of the houghs or hams:* 1.83 you must shaue the disease and put vpon it the drossie parts of the decoction of hollihocke roots stam∣ped: and after that a plaister of Mustard-seed, the roots of Mallows, and Oxe dung, all boyled together with Vinegar.

Cut the head and the taile from a snake,* 1.84 and deuide the rest of the bodie into gob∣bets, roast them on a spit, gather the fat which droppeth, and applie it to the sore or wound.

The disease of the hoofe or the corne: stampe Coleworts that are greene with old Swines-grease,* 1.85 lay it vnto the disease, and get vpon the horse, and ride him indiffe∣rently to the end that the medicine may pearce into it.

For the garrot:* 1.86 plucke away the flesh that is dead with a sharpe instrument, and wash the place with warme Wine, afterward applie plegets thereto moistened in the white of an Egge.

The disease of the necke:* 1.87 pearce the flesh in fiue places on both sides the necke, with an yron sharpe like a Naule, put a Seton through e••erie hole, and let them abide there fifteene daies.

For the palamie:* 1.88 take away the flesh from the palate of his mouth with a very fine instrument, and that in such quantitie as that the humour may easily come forth, af∣terward cleanse and rub his pala••e, with honie of Roses, juice of Chibol••s, Scallions, and burned Wheat.

The courbe: cut the skin alongst the haire,* 1.89 acording to the bignesse of the courbe, applie thereto a linnen cloth, wet in warme Wine, straw vpon it the powder of Ver∣degrease, and thus continue vnto the end of the cure.

For the Knee swollen:* 1.90 take a pinte of strong vinegar, wherein you shall temper a little Salt, of burnt Copper halfe a pound, and of Sinople so much as shall be need∣full and necessarie.

For the Knees that are broken and chapt:* 1.91 take common Oyle, Linseed, ashes of Rie-straw, and all being put together make an oyntment thereof, to annoint the sore place euening and morning vntill it be wh••le.

For the chafings which most commonly happen vnto the necke or backe of a horse carrying Saddle-packs,* 1.92 or Saddle: lay vpon the place the leaues of wild blacke ••ine.

In old and hard tumours make this cerote:* 1.93 Galbanum two ounces, Rosin, and Waxe, of each a pound, Gum-ammoniacke, and blacke Pitch, of each halfe a pound,

and of oyle so much as shall be needfull to incorporate and make vp all the rest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good forme. But if the tumor be broake and hollow, and hath beene an old 〈…〉〈…〉 verie long continuance, then you shall dissolue a quarter of a pound of Allome 〈…〉〈…〉 pinte of running water, and with it first wash the sore verie vvell, and the take V••∣guentum Aegyptiacum, and lay it vpon the sore vvith flax hurds; doe thus once 〈◊〉〈◊〉 twice a day, and the cure will soone be made perfect.

Against the bots or vvormes,* 1.94 make him drinke vvater vvherein Rye hath boy∣led, or mingle amongst his bran some Brimstone: or make ashes of the wood of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Oliue-tree, or powder of dried Wormewood, together with the cornes of raw ••••∣pines, and Centaurie alike much of all, two ounces of the seed of turneps, harts-〈◊〉〈◊〉 one ounce, and vvith vvhite vvine it will serue to take at three times: the day after the three aboue named, you shall make him a clyster of the decoction of Worme∣wood and Rue, putting thereto in the strayned liquor two Oxe-galls, and an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Aloes.

Against the flux of the bellie,* 1.95 which some vse to call the current, there is made a drinke of great seruice and vse of the powder of gals, with red vvine, and the flower of starch tempered together: or else i•• the flux come of taking cold, giue him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dipt in sweet Red vvine and Rose-water; and rub his reines and bellie with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vvine, Oyle of Roses, and a little Salt.

For the flux of bloud passing by vrine,* 1.96 you must let him bloud of the veine of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 breast: afterward make a decoction of Wheat with sweet Seame, and the powder of the rinds of drie Pomegranats, straine them all to make a drinke for to giue him eue∣rie morning, not putting him to any trauell at all. Likewise you shall applie a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 plasme vnto his backe and reines, made vvith Kno••grasse, Bole••armoniacke, and the bloud of the beast, mingled together with strong vinegar or thicke red vvine, which may also serue for them that haue their reines relaxed, or haue beene pricked vvith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lancet.

A restie horse for to make him goe forward,* 1.97 must haue a coarde tyed vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cods, and it must be so long, as that reaching betwixt his forelegs it doe come vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 high, as that the rider may hold it in his hands, and so may pull it hard whe••as the horse should offer to goe backward: but if it be in a Gelding, you must bumbast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 buttocks with a good long sticke taken hot out of the fire, and burnt at the end, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will make him goe: and likewise if you vse the same course in his rearings, it will ••••••∣rect him, and make him leaue them.

If the horse at any time vvith eating of his hay doe eat any venimous beast,* 1.98 as Sc••••∣pion, Spider, or the venimous flie called Buprestis: he must be couered till he 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and then in all hast let him bloud in the roofe of his mouth, which so soone as it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth, shall be giuen him againe to drinke warme, and in such quantitie as it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth; for his meat, giue him leekes and wheat boyled together. Looke more abo•••• in the Chapter of the Neat-heard or Oxe-keeper.

For the stinging of Vipers,* 1.99 a liue Cocke slit through the middest, and applied warme vnto the vvound is much worth: and presently after this, a powder of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of yellow Daffodill, with strong vvine and Salt made all in a drinke for him: or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the root, leaues, and fruit of vvild vine made in ashes, and drunke with good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or else take presently that kind of buglosse, called Echium, and draw out of it a good pint of juice, hauing first watered it vvith vvhite vvine or vvater of Card••us 〈◊〉〈◊〉. It you perceiue that the leafe vvill not yeeld you juice ynough of it selfe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the horse first to drinke that vvhich you haue, and after applie the substance of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hearbe vpon and about the stung place, and couer it.

The Shrew by her biting of the Horse,* 1.100 maketh him oftentimes to dye, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue oftentimes seene both in Horse and Oxen: this is a beast as bigge as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of the colour of a We••ill, vvith a long snout and a short tayle: she fasteneth vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 infecteth most chiefly the cods, and maketh foure small vvounds: for to heal•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 venimous biting, you must cause him presently to take downe through the ••••ose ••••••••leaues stamped or powdred with vvater: and to applie vnto the place that is 〈◊〉〈◊〉

••ummin and Garleeke stamped together: and in case there be any vlcer, you must ••ment the place with Brine, or with the decoction of the Mirtle-tree, and to scatter ••nd sprinkle thereupon the powder of burned Barley, or of a Pomegranat rinde. ••ooke more in the chapter of the Ox-keeper.

The biting of a madde dogge hath for a singular remedie,* 1.101 if it be vsed before it be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies, the flowers of Medicke fodder burned and mixed with old Swines∣••rease, and applied vnto the wound, or else to stampe it with old white Wine, and ••••use him to drinke it. Also the root of the Eglantine-tree made in powder, and put ••pon the wound, or giuen him to drinke with good old Wine. Likewise the Ber∣••ies of Elder-tree, or the juice of the leaues thereof, or of Ashe-tree.

Hens dung swallowed by hap,* 1.102 bringeth frets and wrings in the bellie: for which, ••••ke of old Smallage and drie two ounces, and cause him to drinke them with Wine ••nd Honie: afterward walke him vntill his bellie rumble, and that he begin to dung.

The leane horse may be made fat,* 1.103 if you giue him to eat Fasels or long Pease boy∣••ed in vvater, and mixt amongst his prouender: but and if he should be so weake as ••hat he could not swallow them downe, you must strengthen and get him into cou∣••age againe, making him sup egge-yolkes with sugar in verie good quantitie: warme vvater, mixt with Salt and meale of Millet, and giuen to the horse, doth greatly fat him. Also Panicke, Rice, and Millet boyled, and mixt with Beane-meale and Salt, ••are excellent good, and it would be giuen him foure times a day, but not much at a time, least the horse should cast it vp againe.

It commeth to passe sometimes that Mares are troubled with a kind of rage,* 1.104 that is to say, vvhen they see their owne pictures in the vvater they are taken with loue: and hereupon they forget to eat and drinke, and drie vp their heat or signe of desiring the horse. The signes of this madnesse are manifested by their running thr••••gh the pa∣stures, as if they were spurred, oftentimes looking round about them, as if they sought and desired something. They are cured of this madnesse by being brought vnto the water; for when they see by their shadows how ill fauoured they be, they will forget the first shape which they had beheld before.

For a Horse that is troubled with the Yellowes,* 1.105 you shall first let him bloud in the necke veine and in the roofe of the mouth: then take a quart of Ale, a handfull of Celandine, fine spoonefuls of Honey, three ounces of Cummin seed beaten to pou∣der, a little Saffron, and a handfull of Tyme, boile these together, then straine it, and giue it the Horse to drinke luke warme.

If your Horse be troubled with the Staggers,* 1.106 you shall first let him bloud in the necke veine, and take from him great store of bloud: then take Veri••ice and Bay salt beaten together, with a good prettie quantitie of Assafetida, and dip in Flax hurds therein, stop it hard into the Horses eares, and then bind them vp so as the medicine may by no meanes fall out; and doe thus diuers daies together: and if need require, let him bloud againe the second day on the other side of the necke: let him stand warme, lye soft, and by no meanes drinke anie cold water.

For the Gargyll or Pestilence amongst Horses,* 1.107 take Hennes dung, and mix it ve∣rie well with old vrine, and then boyle them together, and being luke warme, giue the Horse a pint, or a little more, to drinke two or three mornings together: then, as was before said, let him stand warme, lye soft, and by no meanes drinke anie cold water.

If your Horse be troubled with the Cords,* 1.108 take a corued made of the brow-antler of an old Stagges horne, and thrust it vnder the Cord, and twynd it tenne or twelue times about, till the Horse be constrained to lift vp his foot, then cut the Cord asun∣der, and put a little salt into the wound, and wash him after with Beefe-broth, and the cure will be effected.

If your Horse be troubled with a Rhewme descending downe into his eyes,* 1.109 you shall take Bole-armoniake, Terra sigillata, Sanguis Draconis, of each a like quanti∣tie, scrape them, then adde the white of an egge and vineger, so much as will serue to moist them, then spread it vpon a piece of leather plaster-wise, and lay

it to the temples of the Horses head, three or foure daies together, and it will both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and drie vp the rheume.

If a vvarte,* 1.110 or any other naughtie substance shall grow vvithin the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of your horse, you shall take burnt Allome, and vvhite Copperas, and grind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to a verie fine powder, and then vvith a Goose or Swans quill blow some of the po••∣der into the horses eye, and it vvill soone eat away the excression and clense the eye, and make it faire and perfect.

For any straine vvhatsoeuer,* 1.111 vvhether it be in sinew or in bone, you shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bole-armoniack, Vinegar, vvhites of Egges, and Beane-flower, and mix them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together till it come to be a good thicke salue, then spread it vpon a cloth, and lay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exceeding hot to the straine, renewing it once in fiue and twentie houres, and it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cure it.

If your horse be troubled vvith spauens,* 1.112 you shall take a good quantitie of Lin∣seed, and bruise it vvell in a Morter, then mixe it verie vvell vvith Cow dung, and put in into a Frying-pan, and boyle it vvell therein vpon a quicke fire, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hot applie it to the Spauen, not forgetting to renew it once euerie day till it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought the Spauen to a head, and breake it like an ordinarie impostumation; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hauing run two or three daies, you shall lay a plaister of Pitch vpon it, and so heale vp the sore as in case of other vlcers.

Now for as much as to know medicines for diseases is to little or no purpose,* 1.113 ex∣cept a man know the disease, I vvill here in a briefe manner shew you the signes of all the most generall and hidden infirmities that are in horses, therefore first to be∣gin vvith the outward parts: that you may know where the griefe is vvhen at any time a horse halteth, you shall note these few obseruations following, first if he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but his Toe to the ground, it is most certaine that the greiefe is in his hoofe; but if vvhen he halteth, he bend not his pasterne, then be you vvell assured the griefe lyeth in the joynt: If he halt more vvhen you turne him than when he go∣eth right forward, or forbeareth his foot more in the turning than in going, then the griefe questionlesse is in the shoulder or the thigh; or if vvhen he standeth still he setteth one foot a good deale more forward than the other, the griefe is then in the shoulder or vpper parts also, as, in the Knee or Knuckle of the Elbow: If he goe bowing to the ground, and tread his steps verie thicke, the griefe is in the brest: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he halt behind and in his gate set but his Toe to the ground, the griefe is in the foot, or in the sti••le; but if he refuse of touch the ground at all, then the griefe is in the Buttocke. Now to know whereof these griefes doe proceed, you shall vnderstand that if the griefe proceed of a hot cause, then he most halteth when he trauelleth, or is chafed, and the further he goes, the worse and worse he goes: but if it proceed of a cold cause, then he halteth most when he rests or stands still, and at his first going out out of a journey, but after a little chafing he goeth vpright againe. Now if the hor∣ses halt be secret, and as it were halfe vnperce••••able, insomuch that you are incer∣taine vvhether he halteth yea or no, you shall suffer him to runne at the vttermost length of his halter, vvithout any stay or ease of your hand, and then without doubt if he haue any hidden maladie or griefe whatsoeuer, he will easily discouer it: and thus much for the signes of griefes in the outward parts.* 1.114 Now for the signes of griefes in the inward parts, you shall obserue, that if your horse be slower in labour, or dul∣ler of the spurre, or shorter breathed, or if his eares hang downe more than they were wont, of his haire stare, if his flanke be more hollow, if he burne or glow betwixt the eares, if he refuse his meat, or if his mouth be drie and clammie in his trauell, all these are generall signes of inward sicknesse: If a horse hold his head downe in the Man∣ger, be heauie and dimme sighted, it is a signe of a Feauer, headach, hear••ach, foun∣dring in the bodie, or the Staggers.

If a Horse turne his head backe, and looke to his bodie as to the place grieued, it is signe of obstructions in the Liuer, especially when he looketh to the right side, but if he looke further, as to his bellie, then it is a signe of Wormes or Colicke; when thin vvater runneth from his mouth, it is a signe of Staggers, or a vvet Cough▪

•• ••tinking breath, and foule mattar at his nose, is a signe of an Vlcer in the nose: but ••he mattar be white, then the Glaunders; if blacke, then the mourning of the ••yne; if yellow, then the consumption of the Liuer: but if he cast little lumpes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his mouth, then it sheweth rotten Lungs. If the Horses bodie and breath be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and withall he loath his meat, it is a signe of a Feuer, surfet in the Stomacke, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 drie or moist Yellowes. A palpable swelling on both sides the forehead, shew∣•••• the Staggers; betweene the eares, the Poll-euill; vnder the eares, the V••••es; in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mouth, the Flapps, or Lampas; vnder the throat, the Glaunders; in the tongue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Strangles; on the left side, the Spleene; in the bellie and legges, the Dropsie; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the flanke, the Collicke. To cough, or to offer to cough, shewes a Cold, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feather or such like thing in his wezand. To stagger, or goe reeling, sheweth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Staggers: yet if such staggering be behind onely, then it shewes Foundring in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodie, or paine in the Kidneyes: Trembling or shaking shewes a Feuer, or the ••••undring in the bodie: Hollownesse of the backe, shewes the drie Maladie, or the ••ropsie: staling with paine, shewes the Stone: leanenesse and gauntnesse shewes ••ide-bound, Wormes, or a Consumption: loosenesse of bodie shewes an unflamed ••••uer; and costiuenesse, the Yellowes and sicknesse of the Spleene: A Horses dung ••uch stinking, shewes a hot Liuer; not smelling, a cold Liuer; hardly disg••sted, then Consumption, or the drie Maladie: A desire to lye downe on the right side, shewes ••at in the Liuer; on the left, disease in the Spleene: to be oft vp and downe, Bots, or ••ormes: If he spread himselfe when he lyes down, shewes the Dropsie if he groane ••hen he is downe, shewes a sicke Spleene: and not able to rise when he is downe, ••ewes Feeblenesse, Foundring in the bodie or legges, or else Death: To be troubled ••ith Wind, shewes the Collicke; desire to eat, and not to be thirstie, shewes a cold ••iuer; desire to drinke, and not to ••at, a Feuer, or ouer-trauelling; and greedie eating ••nd drinking,* 1.115 shewes rotten Lungs. A further Discourse and more ample Treatise of ••he diseases and curing of Horses, is to be looked for in the Workes of P. Vegetius, ••oncerning the curing of the diseases of Horses; and which I haue translated, or ra∣••her paraphrastically runned ouer in French out of Latine. Looke also into the Chapter of the Oxe-keeper aboue handled.

Notes

• * 1.1

  A farmer must know the worke and trade of a fadler and far∣rier.
• * 1.2

  The casting of hooues.
• * 1.3

  To make clean••ehis horse stable.
• * 1.4

  The faults of Horses.
• * 1.5

  A Horse going backward.
• * 1.6

  The co••••ring of Mares.
• * 1.7

  The signes of the Mares being readie to take Horse.
• * 1.8

  A Horse to co∣uer Mares.
• * 1.9

  A Mare for breed.
• * 1.10

  The Marereadie to foale
• * 1.11

  The Mare that doth foale.
• * 1.12

  To order a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 new 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.13

  To burne the colt with a hot yron.
• * 1.14

  ••xercise after water.
• * 1.15

  A Prouerbe.
• * 1.16

  To breake, or first backe the Colt.
• * 1.17

  The best hand∣ling of Colts.
• * 1.18

  Walking Horses not good.
• * 1.19

  To make a Horse trot well.
• * 1.20

  To helpe stum∣bling.
• * 1.21

  To make a Horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.22

  To make a Horse racke.
• * 1.23

  To make a Horse gallop.
• * 1.24

  Signes of a good Colt, as also of a good Horse.
• * 1.25

  The best marke in a Horse.
• * 1.26

  To know the age of Horses.
• * 1.27

  To order sick•• Horses.
• * 1.28

  Difficultie of vrine.
• * 1.29

  The scalding of the vrine.
• * 1.30

  Paine of the head.
• * 1.31

  The Horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with cold.
• * 1.32

  The naile in the eye.
• * 1.33

  Against the bloud-〈…〉〈…〉, pearl••, and spots in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 1.34

  The 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.35

  The bleared eye.
• * 1.36

  The skarre of the eyes.
• * 1.37

  Paine of the eye.
• * 1.38

  The ••ar••fore or swelling of the kernels of the hart.
• * 1.39

  The auiues.
• * 1.40

  The squinancie or inflamati∣on of the throte.
• * 1.41

  The Strangles.
• * 1.42

  The Barbes.
• * 1.43

  The soupe, or excrescenc•• vn∣der the bellie.
• * 1.44

  To chase away files.
• * 1.45

  The paines of the gums and teeth.
• * 1.46

  The short win∣ded horse.
• * 1.47

  The cough in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.48

  The horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ague.
• * 1.49

  The faintnesse of the heart
• * 1.50

  The broken backe.
• * 1.51

  The horse ouer-heated.
• * 1.52

  Paine in the belli.
• * 1.53

  Difficultie of vrine.
• * 1.54

  For the sniuell.
• * 1.55

  The Flying worme.
• * 1.56

  The Iauar.
• * 1.57

  The Figge.
• * 1.58

  The Wenne.
• * 1.59

  For a galled backe.
• * 1.60

  A horse swayed in the backe.
• * 1.61

  The backe 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.62

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.63

  The iaundise.
• * 1.64

  Costiues.
• * 1.65

  The 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.66

  For a horse that is bursten.
• * 1.67

  The ••••inging of Flies.
• * 1.68

  The farcie.
• * 1.69

  Clefts.
• * 1.70

  For the scabbe.
• * 1.71

  The Horse swelled.
• * 1.72

  The colicke in a Horse.
• * 1.73

  The swellings of the coddes.
• * 1.74

  For a Fistula.
• * 1.75

  For a Canker.
• * 1.76

  The Iauar or scab in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.77

  The Horse cloyed.
• * 1.78

  Alene Horse.
• * 1.79

  The enterfe∣ring of a horse.
• * 1.80

  The spauine.
• * 1.81

  Chaps & Cli••ts.
• * 1.82

  The grapes or scabber.
• * 1.83

  For the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swelling.
• * 1.84

  For the disease called Paumon, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 galle.
• * 1.85

  The disease of the hoofe, or the corne of the f••oat.
• * 1.86

  The garrot.
• * 1.87

  The disease of the necke.
• * 1.88

  The Palamie or bloudie chops in the palate.
• * 1.89

  The courbe, or a long swelling beneath the el∣bow of the hough.
• * 1.90

  The swelling of the Knee.
• * 1.91

  Broken and chapt Knees.
• * 1.92

  Chafings.
• * 1.93

  Old tumours.
• * 1.94

  Wormes and bots.
• * 1.95

  The current.
• * 1.96

  Flux of bloud.
• * 1.97

  The restie horse.
• * 1.98

  Poyson eaten.
• * 1.99

  The stinging of Vipers.
• * 1.100

  The biting of the Shrew.
• * 1.101

  The biting of a mad dogge.
• * 1.102

  Hens dung swallowed by the horse.
• * 1.103

  The leane horse.
• * 1.104

  The raging loue of Mares.
• * 1.105

  Yellowes.
• * 1.106

  Stagger.
• * 1.107

  Pestilence.
• * 1.108

  Cords.
• * 1.109

  Rheume in the Eye.
• * 1.110

  A Warte.
• * 1.111

  A Straine.
• * 1.112

  Spauen.
• * 1.113

  To know disea∣ses by their signes.
• * 1.114

  Signes of in∣ward griefes.
• * 1.115

  The Horse-lea∣cherie of P. Ve∣getius transla∣ted by the Au∣thor.