The historie of foure-footed beastes Describing the true and liuely figure of euery beast, with a discourse of their seuerall names, conditions, kindes, vertues (both naturall and medicinall) countries of their breed, their loue and hate to mankinde, and the wonderfull worke of God in their creation, preseruation, and destruction. Necessary for all diuines and students, because the story of euery beast is amplified with narrations out of Scriptures, fathers, phylosophers, physitians, and poets: wherein are declared diuers hyerogliphicks, emblems, epigrams, and other good histories, collected out of all the volumes of Conradus Gesner, and all other writers to this present day. By Edward Topsell.

OF THE HORSSE.

WHen I consider the wonderfull worke of God in the creation of this Beast, enduing it with a singular body and Noble spirit, the princi∣pal wherof is a louing and dutifull inclination to the seruice of man. Wherein he neuer faileth in peace nor Warre, being euery way more neare vnto him for labour and trauell: and therefore more deare (the food of man onely excepted:) we must needes account [ 10] it the most noble and necessary creature of all foure-footed-beasts, before whom no one for multitude and generality of good qualities is to be preferred, compared or equaled, whose commendations shal appeare in the whole discourse following.

It is called in Haebrew Sus, & a Mare Susah,* 1.1 the which word some deriue from Sis signifi∣ing ioy, the Syrians call it Rekesh and Sousias, the Arabians Ranica, and the Caldeans Ra∣makim, Susuatha, the Arabians Bagel, the Persians Asbacha, the Grecians Hippos, and at this day Alogo, the Latines Equus, and Caballus, the Italians and Spaniardes Cauallo, the French Cheuall, the Germans Kossz, the Bohemians Kun, the Illirians Kobyla, the Polo∣nians Konij.

[ 20] It is also profitable to consider the reason of some of these names, both in the Latine & Greek tong: and first of all Equus seemeth to be deriued, Ab aequalitate, from equality,* 1.2 because they were first vsed in Charets and draughtes, and were ioyned together being of equall strength, Legs and stature, Caballus seemeth to be deriued from the Greeke word Caballes, which was a common name for ordinary Hackney-horsses, and Horsses of carri∣age, whereupon Seneca commendeth Marcus Cato, that in his triumph of Censorship, Vno Caballo contentum et ne toto quidem, partem enim sarcinae ab vtroque latere dependentes occupabant. That is to say, that he was contented with one Horsse for his own saddlel, and yet not totally one neither, for the packes that hung on either side of him, possessed the greatest part, and the true deriuation of his word, seemeth to accord with Caxe, which sig∣nifieth [ 30] a manger, and Alis aboundance, because riding Horsses are more plentifully fed, and these Horsses were also vsed for plowing, according to the saying of Horac;

Optat ephippia bos piger optat arace Caballus.

The Grecians call it Hippos, which seemes to be deriued from standing vpon his feete, and this beast onely seemeth to be one of the number of them, which are called Armenta.

And besides all histories are filled with appellatiue names of horsses, such as these are Alastor, Aethon, Nicteus, and Orneus, the Horsses of Pluto. Aetha a Mare of Agamemnon remembred by Homer. Aethion, Statio, Eous, Phlego, Pyrois: the Horsses of the Sun;* 1.3 Lam∣pus, Podargus, Xampus, Arnon, the horsses of Erymus: by whose ayde Hercules is saide to ouercome Cygnus, the Sonne of Mars. Balius, Xanthus, and Pedasus, the horsses of Achil∣les, [ 40] Boristenes, for whom Adrianus made a graue (as Dion writeth) Bromius, Caerus, Calydon, Camphasus, Cnasius, Corythe, and Herpinus, two names of Brittaine horsses cited by Martial and Gillius. Cylarus the swift horsses of Castor, Dimos, and Phobos, the horsses of Mars. En∣riole, Glaucus, and Sthenon, the horsses of Neptune, Parthenia, and Euripha, Mares belong∣ing to the Sentaurs of Hippodamia, slain by Ornomaus. Harpe, another Mare Phoenix, and Corax: the horsses of Eleosthenes. Epidaminus, who wan the prizes in the sixty sixe Olimpi∣ade, and caused a statue to be made in Olympus, and his said horsses and Charriot called Pantarces, and beside these, other Cnacias and Samus.

Also Podarces, Rhoebus, Strymon, Tagus, Theron, Thoes, Volneris, which was a horsse of Prasinum, and it is reported that Verus the Emperor so much affected this horsse, that he [ 50] not onely caused him to be brought into his owne Pallace, and to haue his meate alway giuen in his presence, but made of him a picture with a manger, wherein were Grapes and Corne, from whence came the first Golden horsses or prizes of chiualry;

Primus equum volucrem Massyli muuera regis Haud spernenda tulit:

[illustration]

Vnto these may be added the affected names of Poets in loue of their fauorites, as Rho∣landus, Vegiantinus, Baiardus, the horsse of Rainaldus, Rubicanus of Argalifas, Hippogrysus of Rugertus, Frontinus and Fratalatus of Sacrapan, and Rondellius of Oliuerius.

The Epithits that belong to horsses, are either generall or particular,* 1.4 the general may be rehearsed in this place, such as these are following: brasse-footed, continuall, horne-footed, sounding-footed, foming, bridle-bearer, neighing, maned, dusty, four-footed, fretting, saddle-bearing, watery, or sweating, whole-footed; and many such others both among the Greekes and Latines, which howsoeuer they may containe diuers Alegories in them, and therefore may seeme to be figuratiuely set downe, yet I thought good be∣ing [ 10] of other opinion to reckon them heere in the beginning, that so the reader may con∣sider, that I would be vnwilling to omit any thing in this story, which might any way tend to the dignity of the subiect we intreat of, or the expressing of his nature. Wherefore, wee will firste of all beginne with the description of the naturall partes of a good Horsse.

The haire of a horsse falleth off euery yeare, the neather eye lid or browe hath no long haires growing vpon it, and therefore Nicon that famous painter of Greece, when hee had most curiously limbed forth a horsses perfection, & faild in no part of nature or art,* 1.5 but onely in placing haires vnder his eie, for that onely fault h••e receiued a disgracefull blame.

[ 20] The haire of the manes ought to be long, that part which groweth betwixt the eares, vpon the Temples, hanging downe betwixt the eyes, the Graecians tearme Procomion, the Latines Caprona, and in English it may be called a fore-top, which is graunted to horsses not onely for ornament sake, but also for necessitie to defend their eies.* 1.6 The horsses are naturally proud of these lockes and manes, as may appear by those mares which are kept for procreation of mules, by copulation with Asses, which at the first despise to ingen∣der with those shaueling and short haired Stallions.

Wherefore their keepers shaue off their manes, and their fore-tops, afterwards leading them to the waters, wherein while the Mares behold their owne deformity, they grow so shamed, deiected, and discouraged, that euer after they admit with quietnesse the Asses to couer them. Therefore it is neuer good to cut the mane or the fetter-lockes except [ 30] necessity require, for the mane and fore-top is an ornament to the Necke and head, and the fetter lockes to the Legges and feete: and he that keepeth horsses must as well regard to haue them comely for outward grace, as stronge and able for necessary labour. Many vse to cut the Neckes of their riding Horsses euen, as they doe of their drawing Horsses, which thing although it may seeme to be done for greater encrease, and farther groweth of haire, yet is it vnseemely for an honest rider: some againe cut it to stand compasse like a bow, and many vse the Armenian fashion, cutting the mane by rowes, leauing some lon∣ger then other, as it were the batlements of a Church; but the best fashion of all is the Persian cut, whereby the one halfe of the thicknesse is cut away on the left side, and the o∣ther on the right side smoothly turned ouer and combed, according to the saying of Vir∣gill: [ 40]

Densa iuba & dextro iactata recumbit in armo.

But if the Horsse be double maned and so the haire fall halfe on the one side, and halfe on the other, then cut all the middle haires away, and leaue both the sides whole: for such was the inuention of the Parthians. In a Coult or young foale the hinder part is hier then the fore part, but as he grows in yeares, so likewise the forepart groweth higher then the hinder.

This beast hath two bones in his head, and other two discending from his forehead to the Nostrils, two inferior Gumbes, or Cheeke-bones, forty teeth, that is to say, foure and [ 50] twenty grynders, foure canyne, and twelue biting teeth; there are seauen crosse ribbes in his Necke, and seuen from his raines to his hole, his taile hath twelue commisures, and two Ragulae in his fore-shoulders, from his shoulders to his Legges other two, from his Legges to his knees two moe, in his knees there are twoo supporters, and from the

shin, to the Articles two mo, there are sixteene small bones in the bottome of his hoofe, and but one in his brest, in the inward parts there are six and twenty ribs, from the hinder parts to the top of his reynes,* 1.7 the two grinding bones; and from them to the hinder part of the head there are two moe, and two little ribbes from the vpper part of the thigh to the Gamba, and from thence to the haire of the pasternes, there are two, and the little ones to the hooues sixteene, so all the bones in number are accounted a hundred and se∣uenty.

Now it followeth to declare the measure and number of the members; there are twelue steps or degrees in the roofe of his mouth, his tongue is halfe a foot long, the vp∣per [ 10] lip hath twelue ounces, the vnder lip fiue, euery one of the cheeks ten: from the fore∣locke to the Nostrils he hath one foot in length, his two eares containe six ounces, and his eies foure ounces a peece. From his fore-locke to the Mercurius, there are contained 8. ynches, the backbone containeth three and thirty crosse ribs. From the conuulsial of the reines, to the top of the taile, are twelue commissures, the length of his Sagula containeth also twelue ounces, from his shoulders to his legges six, from his legs to his knees a foote in length, from the Articles to the hooues foure ounces, in his whole length sixe feete. And this is the stature of a couragious and middle horsse, for I know there are both big∣ger and lesser.

The quality and the measure of the nerues of sinnewes is this, from the middle nost∣rils through the heade necke and backe bone, is a dubble file or thred to the toppe of the [ 20] taile, which contayneth twelue foot in length. The two broad sinnews in the necke do con∣taine foure-foot, from the shoulders to the knees, there are two sinnewes, from the knee to the bottome of the foot there are foure sinnewes, in the fore-legs there are ten sinnews in the hinder legges there are other ten sinnewes, from the reynes to the stones there are foure sinnewes, so the whole number of them amounteth to thirty foure. Consequently the number of the vaines is to be declared. In the pallet or roofe of the mouth, there are two vaines, vnder the eies other two, in the brest other two, and in the legges other two, foure vnder the pastrones, two in the ancles, foure in the crowne of the pastrones, foure out of the thighes, two out of the loines, two out of the Gambaes, one out of the tayle, and two in the wombe or Matrix, so the whole number is nine and twenty. [ 30]

There are certaine vaines aboue the eies which are diuided in horsses, wherin they are let blood, by making to them small incisions the blood also is taken out of the vaines, in the pallet or roofe of the mouth. There was an auncient custome of letting horsses blood vpon Saint Steuens day, by reason of many holy daies one succeeding another, but that custome is now growne out of vse: Also some take blood out of the Matrixe vaines, but that is not to be admitted in geldings, because with their stones they lose a great part of their heat, excepting extreame necessity, but out of the pallat bloode may bee let euery moneth and stallions when they are kept from mares, if the vaine of their mouthes bee opened, fal into blindnes, although it is no good part of husbandry to let them bleed that yeare, wherein they admit copulation, for the vacuation of blood and seede, is a dubble [ 40] charge to nature.

But the Organicall vaine of the necke, is the best letting of blood, both in stoned and gelded horsses. The later leaches make incision in the great vaine called Fontanella, and in Inen Thymus or Iugulis. The eies of a horsse are grey, or glassy, and it is reported by Au∣gustus, that his eies were much more brighter then other mens, resembling horsses: these eies see perfectly in the night, yet their colour varieth as it doth in men, according to the caprine and glazie humor. And sometimes it falleth out, that one, and the same horsse hath two eies of distinct colours. When the eies of a horsse hang outward, he is called Ex∣ophthalmos. Such faire eies are best, for Bucephalus the horsse of Alexander had such eies, but when the eies hang inward, they are called Coeloph-Thalmoi, and the Parthians count [ 50] them the best horsses,* 1.8 whose eies are of diuers colours, and are therefore called Heteroph Thalmoi, because the breed of that horsse was said to take the beginning from the Parthi∣ans, and the reason why the people loued these horsses was, because they were fearefull, and apt to run away in warres.

The eares of a horsse, are tokens and notes of his stomacke, as a taile is to a Lyon,* 1.9 his teeth are changed, yet they grow close together like a mans. It is a hard thing for a Horsse to haue a good mouth, except his stallion teeth bee pulled out, for when he is chafed or heated, he cannot be helde backe by his rider, but disdaineth the bridle: wherefore after they be three yeare and a halfe old, those teeth ought to be pulled forth. In old age, a hor∣ses teeth grow whiter, but in other creatures blacker.

A mare hath two vdders betwixt her thighes, yet bringeth foorth but one at a time: many of the Mares haue no paps at al, but only they which are like their dammes. In the heart of a Horsse there is a little bone, like as in an Oxe, and a Mule, he hath no gall like [ 10] Mules, and Asses, and other whole-footed-beastes, howsoeuer (some say) it lyeth in his belly, and others that it cleaueth to his liuer, or to the gut-colon. The smal guts of a horse lie neare that gut, that so oneside of his belly may bee free and full of passage; and from hence it commeth, that the best Horsses, when they runne or trauel hard, haue a noyse or rumbling in their belly. The hip-bone of a horsse is called by some the Haunch, as the A∣rabians say, the taile, (because therwith he driueth away flies) is called Muscarium, it ought to be long, and ful of haires. The legges are called Gambae of Campo, signifying treading: the hooues of a horsse ought neither to be high nor very low, neither ought the horsse to rest vpon his ancles, and those horsses which haue straight bones in the Articles of their hinder knees, set harde on the grounde, and weary the ryder: but where the bones are [ 20] short in the same places, as they are in Dogges, there the horsse also breaketh, and woun∣deth one legge with another, and therefore such horsses are called Cynopodae. They haue also quicke flesh in their hooues, and their hooues are sometimes called hornes, vppon which for their better trauel, men haue deuised to fasten yron plates or shooes. This hoof ought to be hard and hollow, that the Beast may not bee offended, when he goeth vppon stones; they ought not to be white, nor broade, but alwaies kept moist, that so they may trauel the better, hauing strong feet, hard and sound hooues, for which cause the Grae∣cians call them Eupodes.

Forasmuch as it is requisite for euery man to prouide him horsses of the best race,* 1.10 and their kinds are diuers in most places of the world, so the coursers of horsses do many [ 30] times beguil the simpler sort of buyers, by lying and deceiptful affirmation of the wrong countries of the best horsses, which thinge bringeth a confusion: for there are as many kinds of horsses as nations, I will therefore declare seuerally the countries breeding the horsses, for the Region and aire maketh in them much alteration, that so the reader may in a short view see a muster of horsses made of all nations. The wildernes of Arcauania,* 1.11 and Etolia is as fit for feeding of horsses as Thessalie. The horsses of the Greekes, Armenians, and Troians are fit for war, of the Greekish I wil speake more afterward.

Alexandria was wont to take great delight in horsses and combats of horsses:* 1.12 Appolo∣nius writeth Lib. 5. Aethiopia (as it is reported) breedeth horsses hauing wings and horns. Varro commendeth the Apulian horsses, and Volatteranus writeth, that they and the horsses of Rosea are most fit for warre: he meaneth aboue all the horsses of Italy. There haue bene [ 40] very fruitful pastures in Arcadia for cattell, especially for breeding horsses and Asses that are Stallions, for the procreation of Mules, and the breed of the Arcadian horses excelleth. The same man prefereth the horsses of Thessalia & the Grekish horsses, for they are sound of their feete and heade, but not of comely buttockes, they haue their backe bone whole,* 1.13 great, and short.

The latter two I might haue referred to the whole body of the horsse.* 1.14 The horsses of Armenia are very necessary and conuenient for war, for they and the Capadocians do breed of the Parthian horsses, sauing their heads are somewhat bigger. Of the Hackney or com∣mon horsses, I wil say more afterward where I touch the difference of horsses, and of their [ 50] pace. The Barbarian horsses are the same as the Lybian horsses. Vegetius commendeth the horsses of Toringa and Burgundia after them of Vonusci. Brittaine breedeth little horsses & amblers. Of horsses that are celebrate of the Calpian mountaine, See in the Spanish. The horsses of Cappadocia and Armenia haue their breed of the Parthians, but their heades are bigger, and are of a most famous nobilitie, for that country before any other land,* 1.15 is most commodious for the nourishing of horsses, according to the verses of Nemesian:

Cappadocumque not as referat generosa propago, Armata & palmas nuper grex omnis auorum.

The Cappadocians do pay to the Persians euery yeare, beside siluer, a thousand and fiue hundred Horsses, &c. The Medes haue the doble of these, and they Sir-name the Cappado∣cians horsses famous and swift, for he saith, that whiles these are young, they are accoun∣ted weake by reason of their young teeth, and their body feeding on milke, but the older they grow,* 1.16 so much the swifter they are, being very couragious and apt for war and hun∣ting, for they are not afraid of weapons, neither to encounter with wilde beasts. Mazaca is a citty of Cappadocia, scituate vnder the mountaine Argaeus now called Cesarea, as Euse∣bius [ 10] remembreth in his Chronicles, and from that citty commeth the Mazacenian horsse for the Cappadocian horsse.* 1.17 And not onely the countrey, but the citty it selfe sometime was called Cappadocia from this citty or walled towne I suppose the horsses of Mazaca were so called, which Oppianus calleth Mazaci, of these also and more, I will set downe these verses of Nemesian:

Sit tibi praeterea sonipes Maurusia tellus Quemque coloratus Mazax deserta per arua Ne pigeat quod turpe deformis & aluus Q••oque iubis pronos ceruix diuerberet armos Paret in obsequium lentae moderamine virgae. Q••in & promissi spatiosa per aequora campi, Paulatimque, auidos post terga relinquunt. Cum se Threicius Boreas super extulit antro, &c His etiam emerito vigor est iuuenilis in aeuo. Non prius est animo quam corpore passa ruina. Quem mittit modo sit gentile sanguine firmus, Pauit, & assiduos docuit tolerare labores Est illis, quodque infrenes, quod liber vterque, Nam flecti facilis, lasciuaque colla secutus Verbera sunt praecepta fugae, sunt verbera freni. [ 20] Cursibus acquirunt commoto sanguine vires, Haud secus effusis Nerei per caerula ventis, Horum tarda venit longi fiducia cursus: Nam quaecunqne suis virtus bene floruit annis.

And peraduenture Nemesianus vnderstood certaine horsses of Lybia, by the name of the Mazacion horsses, when as he ioyns them with the Maurasian horsses, and cal them painted Mauzacion horsses, which agreeth not with Cappadocian, writing also, that they are ruled with a stroke of aire insteed of a bridle, which thing we haue reade in Authors writing of [ 30] the Masylian horsses in the countrie of Lybia, and whereof we will speak when we discourse of the Lybian horsses. But the Cappadocian horsses are swift and lusty in their old age, as it is related by Oppianns. Againe if Mazacian horsses be the same that the Cappadocian are, what is the reason why Oppianus doth name them apt, vnlesse peraduenture euerie Mazaci∣an horsse is a Cappadocian, and not otherwise. The horsses of Chalambria, are so named of a place in Lybia,* 1.18 the Cheonian horsses are the same with the Aprirolan horsses. The Colopho∣nians and Magnetians do bestow great labour in breeding of horsses, for the Colophonians dwell in a plaine, as I haue read in a certaine Greeke author Strabo lib. 14. writeth that the Colophonians in times past did abound with sea-forces, and haue much excelled in horsse∣men, that wheresoeuer in anie nation there was waged warre, they hired and required the [ 40] aide of the Colophonian horsse-men, and so it was made a common prouerbe: Colophonem addidit Erasmus. The horsses of Creet are commended by Oppianus and else-where. From their loines vpward they are as bigge as the Cyrenian horsses, with well set thighes, excel∣lent for the soundnes of their feet, and holding their breath a long time in riding, and ther∣fore fit for single races or in chariots.

* 1.19The Epean horsses, are remembred of Oppianus, and the Epeans are a people of Achaia, and the Achaian horsses are commended of the same. The Lipidanean kinde of horsses is more excellent; and he preserreth the Thessalian horsses before those of Epidaurea, but the Epieotian horses are biting and stubborne: Absyrtus saith, that the Epieotian horses, & the Samerican and Dalmatian, although they are stubborne and wil not abide the bridle, [ 50] and besides are base and contemptible, yet they are bold in war and combats, and there∣fore the Epieotian horses and the Sicilian despise not if their qualities and comely parts be aparant in them, although sometime he hath run awaie from the enemie, as the poet saith:

Quamuis saepe fugaille verso egerit hostes, Et patria Epirum referat.

Epiria and Chaonia, is also a part of Epirus Alpestrian, although sometimes it be taken for the whole country of Epirus. The horsses of Chaonia are commended, as Gratius remem∣breth, writing of the Sicylian horsses, in these verses to this effect, that no man hath pre∣sumed to striue with the Chaonians, and the Achaian hand doth not expresse their deserts:

Queis Chaonia contendere coatra, Ausit, vix merita quas signat Achata palma.

There are a people of Arabia called Erembi, which some some call Ichthyophagans,* 1.20 and Trogloditans. Vegetius in the thirde place commendeth the Frisian Horsses for swiftnesse and long continuance of course, after the Hunnian, Burgundians. The French horsse is the [ 10] same that the Menapians, and S. Hierom writeth, that wordly men are delighted with the French geldings, but Zacharies Asse loosed from his bandes, reioyceth good men. Lu∣cius Apuleius hath commended the French beasts, for if the young sole be deriued of a ge∣nereous kind, it is an argument it wil proue a noble beast.

The Gelanoian horsses are a kind of base horsses not fit for warre, whether this name proceed of a strange contrey, I haue no certaine knowledge thereof. There is a certaine riuer in Sicilia called Gelas, of which country the horsses are of great value and much set by. And also the Gelons are a people of Scythia, who in their flight fight vpp∣on horsses, of which Lucanus writeth to this effect. Massagetes quo fugit equo, fortesque; Geloni. And Virgill, Bisaltae quo more solent, acerque; Gelonus. Cum fugit in Rhodopen, aut in [ 20] deserta Getarum. Et lac coueretum cum sanguine potat equino, signifying thus much that the Massagetes and valianut Gelons flie away vpon horsses like the Bisaltans, when they flye into Rhodope, or into the wildernesse of the Gelans, and drinke milke mixed with horsse-blood for hunger and famine. But these fearefull horsses are not meet for war. Germania hath greater horsses and hard trotters, whose pace is very hard and troublesome. The Ge∣tican horsses runne most swiftly. The horsses of the Greeks haue good sound broad feet,* 1.21 and of a great body, a comely fine head, their forepart somewhat high of stature, straight and well compacted, and of a wel fashioned body, but the ioyning of their buttockes not so agreeable and answerable to the rest: they are most swift and couragious, yet notwith∣standing in all Greece the Thessalian horsses are most esteemed,Nemesianus writeth also of the Greekish horsses. Greece therefore yeeldeth choice horsses,* 1.22 and well hoofed. [ 30] In Heluetia the horsses are fitted and very expect in war, and especially the Algecian hors∣ses, which will last and continue a long time.

In Spaine also the horsses are of a great stature of body, well proportioned and strait, hauing a fine head, the ioynts of their bodies very well deuided, set a part, and ready or flexible, simple and short burtockes, but not very strong and comely. They are stronge and able to sustaine the vndergoing or compassing of iourneyes, neither are they slender bodied or subiect to leannesse, but they are nothing nimble for course, as shall appeare by the words of the Authors following, neither are they spurred when they are ridden:* 1.23 from their growing euen to their middle age, they are pliant and easie to be handled, af∣terward they waxe wilde and biting. The Cappadocian horsse is renowned, the like, or [ 40] the next triumph or victory haue the Spanish horsses in running the ring. Neither doeth Siuilia yeeld horsses inferior for the ring then those: and Affrica is accustomed to bring foorth the most swift Horsses by copulation with the Spanish bloode to the vse of the saddle.

Oppianus saith that their Iberan horsses are more excellent, and do so much surre-passe other horsses in swiftnesse, how much the Eagle or the winding Hawke in the ayre, & the Dolphin in the sea excelleth other birds and fishes, but they are smal and of little strength and no corage (although Absyrtus affirmeth) if you read him well, that they are of a great stature of bodie, they being rid but a little way do loose their swiftnes of pace, they are [ 50] of a comely body, but their hooues are not hollow or hard.

The Spanish horsses are desired of great Princes and Peers:* 1.24 & the Maguates because their opinion is that they are swift and nimble, and out of Spaine they are respected for lightnes and elegancy. The iudgement of the auncients for the general breed of horsses was this, that the greatest horsses are bred from the third climat, to the end of the sixt and most of al in Spaine, yet we haue seene stronger and bigger horsses bred in the seuenth

climat, and those more able to indure labor then those that are vnder the thirde or fourth climat.

The Horsses of the Celliberans somewhat a dusty colour: and they chaung if they bee transported into the farther Spaine,* 1.25 and the Parthian Horsses are like them in regard they excel in nimblenes and dexterity of running, wherof Martial writeth thus, Videbis altam li∣ciane Bilbilim equis & armis vobilem: which Bilbilis is a Citty of Celiberia. Of the Callacians and Genntes we will speake also in the Spanish Horsses that are bred in the Calpian Moun∣taine afterward,* 1.26 when wee entreate the differences of Horsses according to their de∣gree.

The Hunnes bring vp their Horsses hardly, able to indure cold and hunger, and they [ 10] haue great and crooked heads, staring eies, straight Nostrils, broad chappes, and strong and rough Neckes, and long manes downe to their Legges; great ribbes, straight backs, bushy tailes, strong shankes or Legges, small feete, full and wide hoofes, their flankes hollow, and all their whole body full of holes. There is no fatnesse in their hanch or but∣tocks, they haue no strings in their sinnewes or arteries, and they exceede in length more then in highth, hauing great bellies hanging downe, big-boned and leannesse (which is a deformitye in other Horsses) in these it shewed their statelinesse: their courage is mo∣derate and wary, and these are able to indure woundes. These Hunnian Horsses else where he calleth them Hunnican Horsses, and the same in times past Hunnes: but they are called a daies Vngarian Horsses. [ 20]

The companies or armies of Hunnes, wandering vp and downe with most swift horses filled al things with slaughter and terror. They are biting & kicking horsses, as most Panno∣nicks are (for they call Panonia at this day Hungaria) of which there is a prouerbe of Malig∣nity sprung vp, Non nisi irritati aut opin••one offensae metu ferociunt: that is to say. They wax not ferne or rage not,* 1.27 but either by opinion or fear of offense affirming that the Pannoni∣ans are very fit for War. There is not any that can hold and constrain or draw the bridles in, or loose them forth, that rydeth an Indian Horsse when hee praunseth and runneth violently, but such a one that hath beene trained vppe from his childhood in the skill of Horsses: these men haue accustomed to hold them with the bridle, and also to break their wilfulnesse by snaffles or bits, and those that are well skilled in handling Horsses do, com∣pell [ 30] them from their vnrulinesse, and restraine them within a small cyrcuit. Yet notwith∣standing to make this circle and finish it, it requireth the help of hands, and it is a great skil belonging to horsemen.

They which are most skilfull of this art, and cunning dooers of it, know very wel how to bring their course into a circle, whose compasse is not to be regarded chiefely when it can beare but two Souldiers fighting together at one time.* 1.28 There are among the Indi∣an Psyllans (for there are also other Affricks of that name) Horsses bred no bigger then Rams, and they say that in Indian there are Horsses with one horne, of which horne drin∣king cups may be made, hauing this vertue in them, that if you put poyson into them and a man drinke thereof it shall not hurt him, because the horne doth driue away or expell the [ 40] euill or poyson. Whereof you shall see more at large in the History of Monocerotes: and Aelianus himselfe else where, and Philes following him, write the same thing of a cup made of the horne of an Indian Asse, hauing one horne.

The Istrian Horsses are of good able feete, very straight, whole backt, and hollow, but swift of course.* 1.29 The Moores Horsses (saith Oppianus) are most excellent, as well to holde out long courses, as also to indure hard labours: the Lybians next vnto these are of a most durable celerity: they are shaped alike, except that the Lybian horsses are big, and of a longer body, hauing thicker ribs and sides, and their brest is larger before on their crest: they can easily abide the heate of the sun and daily thirst.

[ 50] Affrica hath beene accustomed to put the most swiftest horsses of the Spanish blood to the vse of the saddle: and (Liuius saith) in Lib. 23. that it was a custome to the Numidi∣ans, being in battell to leade two horsses together, and in manner of vauters often∣times, in the most sharpe conflict could leap from the weary horsse to a fresh, (so great was the dexterity of the rider and the docibility of the beast.) From Tunis of Affrica, Mas∣salia, and Numidia, there are also brought very singular horsses, passing for running, which

the common people call Barbary horsses. The Massylians (a people of Lybia) haue verie good horsses, which they gouerne with a rod without a bridles, from whence Virgill in his fourth of his Aeneidos calleth them vntamed and wilde Numides: and Siluis saith also; The Numides a nation hauing no skil of the bridle, do leap vp and downe here and there and euery where, as Martiall writeth:

Hic passim exultant Numidae gens in scia freni Quis inter geminas per ludum nobilis aures Quadrupedem fllectit non cedens virga lupati.

[ 10] Also the rod rules the Massilian horsse: the same Nemesianus writeth of those which hee calleth Mazacians (as I haue before spoken of the Cappadocian horsses.) The Dorcadian hor∣ses although they are of a marueilous swiftnes, yet they are inferior to the Lybian horses in running. The Lybian Mares are taken with a pipe, and by these allurements they are made tame and leaue off all wilde qualities, and whither soeuer the pipe shal allvre them, thither they follow, and the shepheard when he stands, they leaue of marching forward, and if he sing more pleasantly, they are so delighted with it, that they cannot hold teares. The Shepheards of these flockes, make their shepheards pipe of the tree (called Rhodo∣daphus) the sound whereof delighteth those that go before the heard. Gratius also writeth [ 20] to that effect;

Fingit equos Pisis Numidae &c. Audax & patiens operum genus ille vigebit Centum actus spatijs atque eluctabitur iram Nec magni cultus sterilis quodcunque remisit Terra sui tenuesque sitis producere riui.

Although the place be not perfect, yet that is spoken concerning the Numidian and Ly∣bian horsses, is manifest as well by the wordes of Oppianus before recited, as also by that which Aelianus setteth downe: for (saith he) I haue heard these thinges touching the Ly∣bian horsses of the men of that nation, that of all other horsses they are the swiftest, and [ 30] that they haue no sence of their labors, being lanke by reason of their slendernes and thin∣nesse of their shape, and are wholy of themselues fit to endure their maisters negligence, for their maisters giue them no meat or fodder, neyther doeth any man rubbe or dresse them with the curry-combe after they haue labored or traueld; neither do they lay anie litter or straw for them to lie on, nor pare their hooues, but so soone as they haue ended their iourney, leaping off their backes, they turne them to seeke their foode: and in like manner the men of Lybia worne with leanesse, and al besmeard with filth, do ride on hor∣ses of this sort.

The horsses and Oxen of Affrica, which dwell between Getulia and vs, are as ours, that is, hauing longer lips (the interpreter translates it hooues.) Their kinges take delight in [ 40] troopes of horsses, so that there are numbred to him euery yeare one hundred thousand Coltes.

The Chalambrian Libians are before spoken of, and the Nasauions we will speake of here after. Barbarie breedeth very fewe Horses, but the Arabians which inhabite in the desart, and the people of Libia doe breed very many, and they do not so much accustome them to iourneyes and warfare, as to Hunting, and feeding them with Camels milke only twise a day and night, whereby they keepe them fine, but very leane, and in the time of grasse, they turne them out to feede in the fielde, but they ride not on them.

[ 50] The Horsses of Massilia are equall with the Libians. The people of Magnetia haue been renowned in feeding and bringing vp Horses, and they are very skillfull in combate on Horse-backe (as Lucanus saith.) The Magnetians are famous for Horsses, and the nation of Nycaia for Oares: Magnetia is a contrey of Macedonia, bordering vppon, Thessalie, so the Citty and countrey of Asia lyeth toward Maeandrus. Opianus commendeth the Magnetian Horsses. The Moores sight often on Horse-backe with speares, but their Horses are naked and their bridles made of rushes.

The Massylians following the Lybians (for the most part) are furnished after that maner, and they resemble others, hauing little horsses, both swift, obedient, and easily to be ru∣led with a rod.

* 1.30The collars of their horses are made of wood or haire, whereby the bridles hange The principall horsses of Barbarie are not swift, but in respect they liue on fodder they are more handsome and better in flesh, which they vse in eminent daunger when it stan∣deth them vpon to escape the rage of their enemies. Thus far I haue related the words of Oppianus,* 1.31 touching the norishing of horsses, among the Lybians, where he sheweth that they are all alike, both in shape and other proportion. Touching the Nemesian horsses, they are all one with the Maurans and Marusans (as Strabo witnesseth) calling them nimbe and [ 10] swift kinds amongst the Moores.

The Sicilians are swifter then the Moores, and the Moores are of a more valiaunt cou∣rage then the Sicilians, or some such like other thing, who are furnished with yellow co∣lours, and shew to the eye most shining and splendant, and which is more they only de∣sire the roaring of a Lyon, for which when they come to other wilde beasts by way of hunting, he commendeth them to be excellent: then he sayth that the yellow is the best colour.

In the country of Mauritania are great store of Lyons, and of the Nazacanos wee haue spoke of before sufficiently. The Median horsses are of exceeding greatnesse, and the men of that countrey are so bewitched with the rich attire and shape of their bodies,* 1.32 [ 20] and also their horsses being so loose with super fluity or rankenes, that the horses take de∣light in their maisters, both in greatnes and infairenes of body, and such costly furniture vpon their backes,* 1.33 that they seeme to perceiue their owne stature and comelines. The Medes euery year by way of custome pay 3. thousand horses. Herodotus also calleth the Nisean horses the Medes, wherof more shalbe spoke afterwards. The Menapians amongst our countrimen the onely men, which I suppose were once cald French of Caesar and the Rugians, (as warriours for the most part are in estimation. I also find that the Rugians in∣habited that country which is now called Rugerland, and that Paulus Diaconus remem∣breth them lib. 1.

Touching the affaires of Longobardus, there are that say they departed into Mechelbur∣gia. [ 30] These are the right off spring of the Germaines (saith Althametus) they are counted as Germaines, both in language and vertue. Gratius writeth of the Marcibians, saying the Marcibians scarce yeld their tough necke to the sword. Virgill also declareth Mycenia to be a countrie of moste notable horses: and Gratius commendeth a horse fit for huntinge highly in these verses:

Consule Penei qualis prefunditur amne Thessalus aut patriae quem conspexere mycaenae Glaucum nempe ingens nempe ardua fundit in auras Orura quis Eleas potior lustrault arenas? Ne tamen hoc attingat opus iact antior illi [ 40] Virtus quam siluas duramque lacessere martem.

The Mylian horsses were once great in estimation (as Camerarius writeth; Also the Mesa∣monians are a people of Lybia, liuing as spoilers of the ships of Syrtea. Of all these horses beforsaid, the Missaean horse is the goodliest, and fittest to cary the body of a King, they are of a passing good shape, an easie pace, and verie submissiue to the bridle; hauing a lit∣tle head, and a long and thicke mane, with yellow or browne haires hanging downe on both sides: Armenia is verie fit for feeding horses, wherin is a certain meddow called Hip∣poboans by which they make their iourney which passe from Persia and Babylon into the Caspian border, in which place they feede fiue hundred Mares which belong vnto their [ 50] King.

The Misaean horses (written with Iota and simple Sigma, as Eustathius writeth) are the most excellent and best; some say that they haue their generation from Germanie, others out of Armenia, but they haue a certaine kind of shape like the Parthians.

In India most of their liuing creatures are far greater then in other places (except horses) for the Misaean horsses, do exceede the Indian horsses, as Herodotus writeth) in his sea∣uenth

booke, describing the Persian horsse. Behind the speares (saith he) came ten Hor∣ses in most sumptuous furniture, which were Nisaeans, so called, because there is a great field named Nisaeus in the countrey of Medica, which yeeldeth horsses of a great stature. After these followed Iupiters chariot drawne with eight horsses, after which Xerxes was caried in a chariot drawne by Nisaean horsses, and by how much the greater the Lybian Elephant is then the Nisaean horsse, so much greater are the Nisaean horsses then the In∣dian (as the same man saieth) in his first booke: but the king was about to offer a white horse, that is of the Nisaean horses, hauing a better marke as some expounded.

There are that say that Nisaeus is a plane of Persis, where the most famous and notable horsses are bred. Some interpret it to they yellow [ 10] Nisaean horsse, because all the horsses of Nisaean are of this colour. Betweene Susinax and Bactria, there is a place which the Greeks call (Nisos) in which the most singular fine horsses are bred. There are also that suppose they are had from the red sea, and al those to be of a yellow colour. Herodotus writinge of Nisaeus maketh it a part of Media. Orpheus also writeth that there is a place in the red Sea called Nisa. Stephanus also maketh mention of (Nysaean Pedion) with the Medes, of which people the horsses are so called. Coelius Rhodiginus reproued a certaine man which tran∣slanted the Islandish horsses for the Nisaean horsses. Plutarchis saith that Pirrhus had an apparition of a Nisaean horsse armed and furnished with a rider, that Alexander the great was captaine thereof.

[ 20] The Medes haue Colts of a most noble kind of horsses, which (as auncient writers do teach vs, and as we our selues haue seene) men when they beginne the battell with a fierce encounter are wont to prance valiantly, which are called Nisaean horses.

Touching the Paphlagonians about the education of their horsses see more among the Venetians: The Parthian horses are of a large body, couragious, of a gentle kinde and most sound of their feet. Concerning those horsses which haue but one eye, commended among the Parthians, and of those which are distinguished by diuersitie of colors, from those that come forth first, I haue spoke already out of Absyrtus. The Armenian and Par∣thian horsses are of a swifter pace then the Siculians, and the Iberi swifter then the Parthi∣ans, whereof Gratius writeth to this effect:

[ 30] Scilicit & Parthis inter sua mollia rura Musit honor veniat Caudini saxa Taburni Gargamdue trucem, aut ligurinas de super Alpes Ante opus excussis caedet vnguibus; & tamen illi Estanimus, funget que meas senissus in artes Sed iuxta vitium posuit Deus.

That is to say among the Parthians there hath remained honor for their soft Countries, but let him come to the Rockes of Caudmus, Tabernus and too rough Garganus, or vppon the Ligurian Alpes, then he will quickly shake off his hooues: and make a shew of great [ 40] valiantnes. The horses of the Celtibarians are somwhat white, and if they may be brought into Spaine they change their colour. But the Parthians are alike, for they excell all others in nimblenes and dexterity of running: How the Parthians do make their pace easie in the trotters and hard footing horsses, after the manner of geldings, shall bee declared after∣wards, for persia preferreth these horsses aboue the censure of their patrimonies, aswell to cary, (hauing an easie pace) and being of most excellent dignity: As for their pace it is thicke and short, and he doth delight and lift vp the rider being not instructed by art, but effecteth it by nature.

Amongst these ambling nagges, (called of the Latines among the common sort Toto∣narij) their pace is indifferent, and whereas they are not alike, they are supposed to haue [ 50] something common from both; as it hath bin prooued: whereof Vegetius writeth in this manner.

In a short iourny they haue the more comelines and grace in going, but when they trauel far they are impatient, stuborn, and vnles they be tamed wil be stuborn against the rider; and that which is a more greater maruell, when they are chafed, they are of a delightfull

comelines, their necke turneth in manner of a bow, that is seemeth to lie on their brest. The Pharsalian mares euermore bring foales very like their Syre, and therfore very well so named, Equae probae, we read of the Phasian horsses which receiue their name (from the the marke or brand of a bird so named) or else because of their excellent beauty and com∣linesse.

The Rosean horsses Varro so nameth of Rosea, which Volatteranus writeth to be most fit for war:* 1.34 and this Rosea otherwise Roscea, Festus saith, that it is a country in the the coasts of the Reatiens, so called, because the fields are said to be moist with that dew. The horsses of Sacae if they happen to throw down their rider, they forthwith stand stil that they may get vp againe Vegetius hauing commended the Persian horsses saith, that the Armenians [ 10] and Sapharens do follow next.* 1.35 This Saphirine verily is an Island in the Arabian coast, and the people of Sapiria lie beside Pontus. The horses of Epirota, Salmarica, and Dalmatia, al∣thogh they wil not abide to be bridled, yet they snew that they are warlicke by their legs.

* 1.36The Sardinian horsses are nimble and fair, but lesser then others. The Sarmatican kinde of horsses is feat and wel fashioned in this kind, very fit for running, vnmixt, hauing a wel se•• body, a strong head, and a comely necke. Some horsses they cal Aetogenes, from a certaine marke which they haue in their shoulders and colour, which the Sarmatians doe take vnto themselues as very good, with which they doe contend about their cruelty, wherefore they imploy them in warlicke outrodes, but those that beare the Eagles marke in their buttockes and taile, they are disallowed of them, and they report that they marke [ 20] them so because they wil not vse them, by reason least the rider shold quickly be destroy∣ed or run into some trouble.

* 1.37The Sarmatians when they entend any long iourneyes, the day before they keepe them fasting, giuing them a little drinke, and so they wil ride them a hundered and fifty miles continually going. These horsses are very fit for war, and many of them are sounde gelded in ther tender age, and they say they neuer loose their teeth. It is a custome of Scythia and Sarmatia to geld their horsses to make them more gentle: they are swift, litle, and fierce, but very stubborne and vntamed, neither doeth Circo, (scituate neare Sicili••) breed horsses inferior to the Spanish, as Vegetius writeth. The Epirotan and Siculian hor∣ses are not to be despised, if they were well bred and educated, they want not comelinesse [ 30] and good qualities.

The Siculian horsses are most swift. Litlybaeum is a promontory of Sicilia lying towards Lybia, which a certaine verse maketh more plain but as I vnderstand it is the three-clift∣topt-mountaine Aetna, which casteth forth fire, and couereth the carcasse of Euceladus the Gianut, lyeng there vnder, (whereof Oppianus writeth) and some others also. But (saith he) the Armenians and Parthians haue swifter coursers by farre, then the Siculians. Now, let vs heare Gratius himselfe, discoursing of the Siculian horsses, as wel as of the Lybycan.

Sic & strymonio f••cilis tutela Bisaltae, Possent Aetnaeas vtinam seferre per artes. [ 40] Quiludus Siculis: quid tum si turpia colla Aut tenuis dorso curuatur spina? per illos Cantalus Graijs Agragas, vict aeque fragosum Ne broden liquere ferae. O quantus in armis Ille meis, cuius docties pecuaria faetus Suff••cient queis Chaontas contendere contra Ausit vix merita signat Achaia palma.

But as for Gratius I suspect the place to be vnperfect; for Agragas is a mountaine of Sici∣lia, hauing a towne scituate in the top of it bearing the same name, where their auncestors w••re wont to nourish and bring vp the best horsses. There is also in Sicilia a mountain cal∣led [ 50] Mebrodes,* 1.38 which some thinke to be so called by reason of the plentie of dear, but they haue no author for it, and as for the printed booke of Gratius, I finde it expresseth it not so wel as Virgill setteth it downe, saieng, that Agragas was a breeder of most couragious and notable horsses: but yet Serutus saith, (according to Pindarus) that the Agrigentines in times past sent their horsses to the iusting or combates of Graecia, returning with victorie

from thence, and we haue also read that in Cappadocia whole troopes of horsses haue bin destroyed. The men of Delphos by the answere of Apollo got herds and great store of hor∣ses from Agrigentine, and those were excellent. Aristophanes calleth those great Aetnean horsses (Canthiari) either of the greatnesse of the mountaine, or else great Canthars are bred in it, or of the horsses of Aetna, being notable for swiftnesse and running. The hor∣ses that are bred in Creet and Cappadoeia are also most excellent.

In Greece there are most notable horsses of Thessalie, which Absyrtus saith be the best in all Greece. The words of Gratius the Poet speaking of the Thessalian horsses are before re∣cited. The mares of Admetus were the most excellent,* 1.39 but as Homer reporteth the Thessa∣lian were before them. The Solitude or wildernes of Arcauanus is as commodious to feed [ 10] horsses, as Thessalia. It is certaine that Thessalia excels with horsses, from whence Xerxes is said to haue made a combat, that he might try his horsses there where he vnderstoode the best breed of Greekish horsses to be, and from whence this prouerbe arose, Decerne∣tur equa Thessalia (:Viz:) let the Thessalian Mare be tried by battaile, a prouerbe of ex∣cellent worth, because in old time the chiefest praise was of the Thessalian Mares: which is very apparant by the Oracle that was deliuered to the Aeginensians. Suidas relateth (but I know not out of what author) that Thessalia hath excelent horsmen; Thrasia expert shoo∣ters, and India light armor: so hath likewise Creet and Caria.

Erasmus writeth that Thessalia is most fit to feed horsses, who do far excel the Arcadi∣ans and Epidaures as Strabo witnesseth lib. 8. Caesar was said (when he was dictator) to haue [ 20] made the first shew among the Romaines of the Horsses, fighting against buls,* 1.40 and killing them, whereof Lucianus writeth thus:

Thessalius sompes bellis feralibus omen.

That is to say: the Thessalian horsse is profitable for fence and deadly conflicts. There is also in Thessalia a citty (named Pella) from whence I deeme the Pellaean horsses are so cal∣led of Gratius, yet there be other places called Pella (as Macedonia and Achaia) wherof Gra∣tius writeth thus:

Spadices vis Pellaei valuere Cerauni Et tibi deuotae magnum pecuaria Cyrrae [ 30] Phaebe decus nostras agere in sacraria tousas.

Which (Cerani) are mounts of Epirus, and Cyrrha is a Towne of Phocis scituate at the foot of the hil Parnassus, where Appollo Cyrrhaeus was worshipped. The Tyrrheans being excel∣lent warriors are commended of Oppianus out of the Islands of the Tyrrhenean sea (especi∣ally Corsica and Sardinia) there be very short horsses, but they are of good courage and gentle withall.

The Thracian horsses are foule and ill-shapen, being rough al ouer their bodyes,* 1.41 and hauing very great shoulders, which in the Greeke is named (Calomysten) such a one as wil cast downe the rider on the ground from off his backe, they are crook-backt, or bunched [ 40] out; or els of diuers kinds; and therefore they haue an vnsure and reeling pace, and their course is yery vnconstant. Absyrtus saith, the Thracian horsses are the best. The Thuringe∣an horsses are neighbors to Hessis, which Pliny and Volatteranus supposed, are called (Me∣diterranean Cimbri.)

There be some that suppose the Venetians to discend from a people of Paphlagonia, (called Venetaus) which after the destruction of Troy came to these places, and by these they make an argument, coniecturing it to be good, in regard they are wholy imployed about breeding horsses, which at this time faileth altogether, but in former daies they were very careful to follow their businesse about the training vp of young mules, whereof Homer writeth. And Dyonisius the Tirant of Sicilia ordained, that the breede of horsses [ 50] should be fetcht from hence, to make warlike combats with them, that among the Grae∣cians the excellencie of the Venetian breede should remaine, and that a great while after that breed of horsses got the praise. Vuallachus this daie is called of the Saxones a gelded horse, & brought out of that countrie which sometimes was called Dacia. The Lycospades and Lycophotians shal be spoken of heerafter.

Of the choice of good Horsses,

PAladius aduiseth to obserue foure things in choyse of a Stallion horsse, the forme or outward proportion, the colour, the merrit, and the beau∣ty, all which are necessary to be obserued in the choise of Coltes or el∣der Horsses, that they may be of a generous race, hauing soft legs, lofty paces, gent••e treading, such as will lead the way, and be not affraid of a∣ny [ 10] water,* 1.42 bridge, nor suddain noises; hauing a gentle necke, a sharpe head, a short bel∣ly, a fat backe, a dapple colour, nimble eares, thicke mane lying on the right side, a dub∣ble bone discending by his loins, a sounding hoofe, and legs that cannot stand stil, which Virgill expresseth in these words:

Nec non & pecori est idem delectus equino Tu modo quos in spem statuis, summittere gentis Precipuum iaminde a teneris impende laborem Continnue pecoris, generosi pullus in aruis Altius ingreditur, & mollia crura reponit. Primus & íre viam, & fluuios tentare minaces [ 20] Audet, & ignoto sese committere ponti: Nec vanos horret crepitus, illa ardua ceruix Argutumque caput, breuis aluus, obesaque terga Luxuriatque toris animo sum pectus honesti Spadices glaucique color, deterrimus albis Et giluo: tam si qua sonum procul arma dedere Stare loco nescit micat auribus & traemit artus Collectumque praemens voluit subnaribus ignem Densa iuba & dextro tactata recumbit in armo Ac duplex agitur perlumbos spina cauatque Tellurem & solido grauiter sonat vngula cornu. [ 30]

Varro sheweth that at the first foaling of a colt, a man may obserue by certain signes how he will proue when he is in perfection:* 1.43 for if he be cheareful, bold, and not terrified at a∣ny strange sight, if he run before the company, be wanton and contend with his equales in course, and ouer-run them: if he leape ouer a ditch, go ouer a bridge, or through wa∣ter, and being prouoked appeareth meeke, these are the most true signes of an elegiable Colt.

Also it is to be considered, whether they rise quickly, being stird from their rest, and run away speedily, if their bodies be great, long, full of muscles, and sharpe, hauing a lit∣tle head, blacke eies, open aad wide nostrils, sharpe pricked eares, a soft and broad neck, not long, a thicke mane curled, and falling on the right side, a broad and ful breast, large [ 40] shoulders, and shoulder-bones, round ribs, a little belly, a dubble backe-bone, or at the least not thin, bunchie or extended; his loines pressed downewards, broad, and well set, little and smal stones, a long taile, with curled haire, highe, straighte and equal legges, round knees not great, nor bending inward, round buttockes, brawny and fleshy thighes, high,* 1.44 hard, hollow, and round hooues, wel set to the crowne of their pasterne, hauing vaines conspicuous and apparant ouer al his body. That colt which at the time of his foa∣ling hath the moste highest legges, is likelyest by common reason to proue most able and noble in his age, for of al the ioynts in the body the knees and legges grow least, and they which haue flexible ioynts in their infancy, wil be more nimble and flexible in their [ 50] age.* 1.45 And thus much for the parts of a colt. Now, in the next place we must likewise take consideration of a horsse vntamed, and ready for the saddle. For the outward partes of his bodie saith Xenophon, yeeld euident signification of his minde, before he be backed.

Plato willeth that the state of his body bee straight, and articulate, his head bony, his cheekes little, his eies standing out, and not sunke into his head, flaming like blood, looking cruelly if the body be blacke, but blacke eies if the body be white doe argue a gentler and

better disposition: short and little eares, the crowne of his head greater then the residue, broad Nostrils, whereby he not onely looketh more terribly but breatheth more easily, for when one Horsse is angry with another, in their rage they are wont to stretch out their Nostrils vehemently.

The beake or snout of a Horsse, ought not to stand out like a swynes, but to bend downe a little crooked, the head to be so ioyned to the necke, as it may bend more com∣modiously, that is, if the necke be small next to the head, so will the necke stand before the rider, and his eies appeare before his feete: and although he bee full of stomacke, yet will he neuer be violent or stiffe necked. It ought also to be considered, whether his cheek∣bones be sharpe, tender, or vnequall, standing one aboue another, for their imparity ma∣keth [ 10] the Horsses necke to be hard, and stubborne.

The backe-bone aboue his shoulders higher commodious to set the saddle vpon, & his whole body the better compacted, if the backe bone be duble, and smooth; for then shall the rider sit more easily, and the forme of the Horsse appeare more delectable. A large brest sheweth his comlinesse and strength, making him fit to take longer reaches without doubling of his Legges, because in a broad breast the Legs stand further asunder: large side or ribbes swelling out aboue the belly, for they shew the ability of the Horsse both to his food and worke, a round euen belly and his loines being broad and short, causeth the forlegs to be lifted vp more easily, and the hinderlegs to follow, for the smal loines do not onely deforme, but enfeeble and oppresse the Horsse, therefore the loines ought to bee [ 20] duble, the ribbes broad and fleshy, agreeable to the breast and sides, buttocks sollide and broad, with a long taile reaching downe to the heeles of his hinder Legges. Thighes full of sinnewes, the bones of his Legges thicke like the postes of the whole body, but that thicknesse ought neither to be of vaines nor flesh, for then they are quickly inflamed and wounded, when they trauile in rough and sharpe waies: for if the flesh be cut a little, the commissures parte asunder, and causeth the Horsse to halte, and aboue all other thinges haue a regard to his feet, and therin especially to his hoof, for being thick, it is better then being thin, likewise if they be hard, causeth the pasterne to stand higher from the ground, for so in their pace the soft and hard parts of the foote doe equally sustaine one another, and the hard hoofe yealdeth a sound like a Simbal, for the goodnesse of a horse appeareth [ 30] by the sound of his feete.

Now on the contrary side it is good also to set downe the faults and signes of reproba∣tion in Horsses, and first of all therefore, a great and fleshy head, great eares, narrow No∣strils, hollow eyes, a long necke, a mane not hairy, a narrow breast, hollow shoulders, narrow sides, and little fleshy sharpeloines, bare ribs, hard and heauy Legges, knees not apt to bend, weake thighs, not strong, crooked legs, thin, full fleshy, plaine and low hoofs, all these things are to be auoided in the choise of your Horsse.

[ 40] Of the choise of Stallions and breeding Mares.

NOw in the next place let vs consider the choise of Horsses and Mares ap∣pointed for breede and procreation, and we haue shewed already that in a stallion we are principally to consider the colour, forme, merit, and beau∣ty. This Stallion is called in Italy Rozzone, in France Estalon, in Germany Ein Springhengst, and in Latine Admissarius quia ad generandam sobolem admittitur, bicause he is sent to beget and engender. The Graeci. Anabates or Ocheutes.* 1.46 First of all therefore to beginne with the colour: that Horsse is best which is of one continued colour, although oftentimes (as Rufus saith) Horsses of a despicable colour proue as [ 50] Noble as any other.

The cheefe colours are these; bay, white, carnation, golden; russet, mouse-colour, fleabitten, spotted, pale and blacke: of all these the blacke or bay is to be preferred. Op∣pianus maketh distinction of Horsses by their colour in this manner, the gray or blewish spotted is fittest for the hunting of the Hart, the bright bay for the Beare and Leopards, the blacke with flaming eies against the Lyons. The naturall colour of the wilde Horsses

are an ashe colour with a blacke strake from the head along the backe to the taile, but a∣mong tame Horsses there are many good ones of Black, White, Browne, Red, and flea∣bitten colour. But yet it is to be remembred that seldome or neuer Coultes be foaled white, but rather of other colour, degenerating afterward by the increase of their age for such Horsses are more liuely, durable, and healthy, then other of their kinde, and there∣for Plutarch commendeth a white Horsse of Sylla for his swiftnes of foot and stomacke: a∣mong al colours,* 1.47 first the blacke, then the bay, next the white, and last the gray are most commended.

Camerarius commendeth a certain colour cald in Latin Varius and may bee englished da∣ple [ 10] gray, because of the diuers in-textures of colours, which although many nations doe disalow, yet vndoubtedly, that colour (saith he) is a signe and argument of a good nature, constituted and builded vpon a temporate commixture of humors. Where black, white, and yellow haires appeare, so that the sight of one of these is nothing inferiour to the eque∣striall party coloured caparisons: Among Horsses which are diuers coloured, they which haue stars in their forehead, and one white foote, were most commended; such were the Thrasian Horsses not admitted in copulation, of which Virgill speaketh in this manner;

—Thracius albis Portat equus buolor moculis vestigia primi Alba peda, frontemque ostentans arduus albam.

Blacke Horsses also which haue one russet or swart spot in their faces, or else a black toung [ 20] are highly commended for generation, but the pale coloured Horsses are no waies to be admitted to couer Mares, because their colour is of no acount: & likewise it is seldom seen that the Fole proueth better then the sire. The bay colour hath bin receiued without ex∣ception for the best trauailers, for it is supposed that Baudius (amongst the Latines) is de∣riued of Vadium quia inter, coetera animalia fortius vadat; because among other creatures he goeth most surelye.

It is also behoouefull that in a Stallion Horsse, the mane bee of the same colour with the body.* 1.48 Horsse-keepers haue deuised to make their Mares conceiue strange colours, for when the Mares would go to the horse, they paint a Stallion with diuers colours, and so bring him into the sight and presence of the Mare; where they suffer him to stand a good [ 30] while vntill she perfectly conceiue in her imagination the true Idea and ful impression of those pictures, and then they suffer him to couer her; which being performed she concei∣ueth a Foale of those colours: In like manner, Pigeons conceiue younge ones of diuers colours.

The Germans to mingle the colour of horses haires (especially to bring blacke among white) take the roots of fearue, and of sage, and seeth them together in leigh, and then wash their horsses all ouer therewith. For the making of their horsses white, they take that fat which ariseth from the decoction of a moule in an earthen pot, and there withal anoint the places they would haue white. Also they shaue off the haires, and put vpon the balde place crude hony, and Badggers grease, which maketh the haires to arise white: and ma∣ny [ 40] other meanes are vsed by horsse-leatches, as afterward shalbe shewed. In the olde age of a horsse his hair doth naturally change white, aboue all other beasts that we know, and the reason is, because the brain-pan, is a more thin and slender bone, then the greatnesse of his body would require, which appeareth by this, that receiuing a blow in that place, his life is more indangered then by hurting any other member, acording to the obserua∣tion of Homer:

Et qua fetae haerent capiti laetaleque vuluus Precipae sit equis.

And thus much shall suffice for the colour of a Stallion: now followeth the form or out∣ward proportion of the body,* 1.49 which ought to be great and solide, his stature aunswerable to his strength, his sides large, his buttockes round, his breast broad, his whole body full [ 50] and rough, with knots of muscles, his foot dry and solide, hauing a high hoofe at the heele. The parts of his beauty are these, a little & dry head, the skin almost cleauing to the bons, short & pricked eares,* 1.50 great eies, broad nostrils, a long and large mane and taile, with a so∣lid and fixed rotundity of his hoofes, & such an one, as thrusteth his head deepe into the water when he drinketh, his ribs and loines like an Oxes, a smooth and straight backe, his

or hippes long, broad, and fleshy, his Legges large, fleshy and dry, the sinnewes and ioynctures thereof great and not fleshy neare the hoofes: that the hinder part of his bo∣dy be higher then his forepart, like as in a Hart, and this beauty better appeareth in a leane body then in a fat, for fatnesse couereth many faults; the former parts are thus expressed by Horace:

Regibus hic mos est vbi equos mercantur, opertos Inspiciunt, nesi facies vt saepe decora. Molli fulta pede est, emptorem inducat hiantem Quod pulchri clunes, breue quod caput ardua ceruix.

[ 10] If you will make triall of your stallion whether he be fit for procreation, Hipparchus teach∣eth you this experiment: presse the genytall member with your two fingers, and with lockes of Woll draw out his seede which being so drawne out, if it cleaue and hang toge∣ther, so as it will not be cut nor easily parted, it is a demonstration of a good Stalion, but if it hang not together like birdlime, but easily go asunder like milke or whay, such a Horse is not to be admitted to couer your Mares.* 1.51 When Horsses be olde among other faultes they engender Foales lame in their feete, and therefore they are to be kept and not to be admitted to copulation nor War, for his rage is like a weake fire among wet stuble accor∣ding to these verses:

—Morbo grauis aut segnior annis [ 20] Deficit, abde domo, nec turpi ignosce senecta Frigidus in venerem senior frustraque laborem Ingratum trahit: & si quando ad praelia ventum est Vt quondam in stipulis magnus sine viribus ignis In cassum furit.

Therefore it behooueth that a Stalion Horsse be not vnder three yeares old when he co∣uereth a Mare, and it is best for him to beginne at fiue,* 1.52 for so he will indure in generation not onely till he be twenty yeare old, but also to thirty or forty yeares, as in some coun∣tries hath beene often proued. They are not to bee admitted to couer aboue fifteene in one yeare at the most, and a young Horsse not aboue ten or twelue in one yeare; the resi∣due [ 30] may be suffered with obseruation of their strength and nature.

The King of Babilon beside his Horsses War had eight hundreth Stalions, which were admitted to couer sixe thousand Mares, so that euer one had twenty a peece,* 1.53 ther is also a place in Syria neare Apamia, where in one plot of ground were nourished thirty thousand Mares, & three thousand Stalions (as Coelius saith) so that euery Stalion had an hundreth Mares to couer (in that place) which number exceedeth the proportion of na∣ture. It is also to be remembred that Stalions are to be seperated from Mares al the yeare long, except at the time of procreation, and then also he must be largely fed according to these verses.

His animaduersis, instant sub tempus, & omnes Impendunt cur as denso distendere pingui, [ 40] Quem legere ducem & pecori duxere maritum: Florentesque secant herbas, fluuiosque mini strant, Farraque: ne blando nequeant superesse labori: Inualidique patrum referant ieiunia nati. Ipsa autem macie tenuant armenta volentes. Atque vbi concubitus primos iam nota voluptas Sollicitat, frondesque negant, & fontibus arcent. Saepe etiam cursu quatiunt, & Sole fatigant: Cum grauiter tunsis gemit area frugibus: & cum [ 50] Surgentum ad Zephyrum paleae iactantur inanes. Hoc faciunt, nimio ne luxu obtusior vsus Sit genitali aruo, & sulcos oblimet inertes. Sed rapiat sitiens Venerem, interiusque recondat.* 1.54

It is also to be obserued, that the males which are designed for procreation be not ouer much labored, for then he wil be the more weake for generation, nor yet suffered to bee

to idle, for then a certaine fleamie humour is increased in them, which likewise disableth them in copulation, and thus much for the males.

Almost al the same things which haue bin said of the male, belong to the female, except the belly of the female ought to be greater,* 1.55 but if there be any whit speckles or spots in the eies of the female, such as are not contracted by accident, but breede in them by nature▪ such a one is refused for breede, for a Horsse borne of such a Mare, when he commeth to be olde, will likewise be affected with the same-blindesse: but if it bee a female, by reason of her yearely purgation, she may peraduenture auoid that mischiefe.

It behooueth therefore that the Mares appointed for race, be wel compacted, of a de∣cent [ 10] quality, being faire and beautifull to looke vpon, the belly and loines being great, •• age not vnder three nor aboue ten yeares old.* 1.56 Concerning their admission to generation, it is to be remembred, that the Latines haue a proper tearme to signifie the appetite of the female to the male, which they call (Equire) that is, (Horssing) and they continue in that lust sixty daies together, the signes whereof are these: They forsake their company, run∣ning not toward the East and West, but the contrary, to the North and South: neither permit they any body to come neare them, vntill they either bee wearied or meete with the male, and if they meet with a female like themselues, they ioyne neare to her, and seeme to reioyce at her society, lifting vp the taile, changing of the voice, and sending forth of her secretes, a certaine thin humour, somewhat like the seede of a horsse, which is called Hippomanes. [ 20]

They also make water more often then at other times, so that among al the females of the world,* 1.57 there is none beside a woman, that is more greedy of procreation then a Mare, because they want a menstruous purgation and yet eat aboundance of meat, which Virgill expresseth, setting downe their vnlimitable rage, which carrieth them ouer mountaines and riuers, in the time of this fury.

Scilicet ante omnes furor est insignis equarum Et mentem venus ipsa dedit, quo tempore Glauci Potniades malis membra absumpsere quadrigae Illas ducit amor traus Gargara, transque sonantem Ascantum, superant montes & flumina tranant. [ 30]

Also at that time, their genital hangeth forth more then at other times, but if their manes be shorne off, their lust is extinguished. It is reported also by Columella that in Spaine, in the Mountain Tagro which reacheth into Portugall vpon the Ocean, there be Mares which rage so far in lust, that by their ardent desire of copulation they conceue by the Southwest wind, without the company of a horsse, (euen as Hens do lay Egges being not trode by a Cocke) which are called Hypenemia, but those Foales liue not till they be aboue three year old. And it is the property of these Mares (saith Auicen) by kicking against the wind with their hinder legs, to open their owne wombe, and to receiue in that delectable aire, wher∣withall they are satisfied.

Also he saith, that he heard of an old man, which was borne in the Ile of Pealtupha, that [ 40] the Mares therof neuer cease running, from thone end of the Iland to the other, when the rage of their lust is vppon them; which thing is elegantly described by a Poet, how they turne themselues to the West, standing vpon the rockes, and there draw in the cold aire, which oftentimes maketh them conceiue, wondering that they conceiue not rather by the east sunrising or South, then by the westerly wind bordering vpon the north, the Poets words are these:

Continuoque auidis vbi subdita flamma medullis, Vere magis (quia vere calor redit ossibus) illae Ore omnes versae in Zephyrum, stant rupibus altis [ 50] Exceptamque leues auras: & saepe sine vllis Coniugijs vento grauidae (mirabile dictu) Saxa per, & scopulos, & depressas conualles Diffugiunt, non Eure tuos neque Solis adortus: In Boream Caurum{que} aut vide Nigerrimus auster Nascitur, & pluuio contristat frigore coelum.

Sometimes Horsses and Mares admit copulation at two yeare old, but those Foales neuer proue excellent, but at three yeare old or thirty monthes, they suffer coniunction safely and with profit, because they cease to loose their teeth.* 1.58 They continue in their generati∣on, bearing euery second yeare, the male vntill he be thirty yeare olde, and the female as long as she liueth; but the male ingendereth yearely; And it is reported of a horse in O∣pus, that couered a Mare after he was forty yeare old, being onely holp vp and down from the Mare.

Pliny, Oppianus, Aelianus, and Aristotle, doe confidently affirme,* 1.59 that when the King of Scythia had all his generous breede of Horsse destroyed by a pestilence (except one of his [ 10] best Mares and a Stallion which was a Foale of that Mares) being desirous to continue the breede, caused his horsse-keeper to put the Sonne and Mother together, but the Horsse refused copulation with his owne parents. Afterward the Horsse-keeper coue∣red the Mare with artificiall skinnes, and likewise dressed the Horsse in such manner, as one could not know the other, wherupon being brought together the second time, the Stallion couered his owne mother: Afterward the Horsse keeper discouered them, the one to the other, whereby they knew the fraude, and grew guiltye in themselues, of ince∣stious commixtion; Whereupon they tooke no other reuenge vppon themselues, but ranne to the top of a high rocke, and there successiuely threw downe themselues, one af∣ter another, so ending their miserable daies, & preuenting their Maisters hopes; to teach al mankind, that they ought not to seeke to thriue by sins against nature, the like is before [ 20] rehearsed of a male Camell.

The very like story is reported of a Horsse in the coasts of Rea, yet this is not held to be ge∣nerall: for beasts (as Aristotle saith) do promiscuously couer one another; the father the Daughter, the Sonne the mother, the Brother the Sister, and this maketh them to be per∣fect beasts; and the stories before recited may be true, yet are they extraordinary: other∣wise the common rule of Ouid remaineth true. That it is not a filthy thing for beasts to ob∣serue no degrees of nature.

—Coeunt ani malia mullo Caetera delectu, nechabetur turpe iuuencae Ferre patrem tergo, fit equo sua filia coniux.

[ 30] The best time of the yeare for the ioyning of Horsses and Mares for copulation, is from the vernall aequinoctiall to the summer solstice, because then the Coults which are foaled in due time, haue the greene herbes and all the warme weather for the succour of their in∣fancy: and if the Mare (after shee hath beene once couered) refuse the male, let her rest tenne daies, and then bring her to the male againe; if shee refuse the second time, you may take it for graunted, that she is filled already. Wherfore seeing it is knowne certain∣ly that a Mare goeth twelue months with young, it is an easie matter so to order the time of her copulation,* 1.60 that her foale may alwaies be deliuered in a warme and seasonable time of the year: for which cause there is an invention for stiring vp of the lust both in the male and female: the Hymenaean shepherds, by the sweetnesse of songs vpon their pipes, stirred [ 40] vp their Horsses and Mares to copulation, but the more assured way is, to follow the di∣rection of Columella and Absyrtus, to prouoke them by naturall meanes, like as Buls and Kyne.

And first of all for the male, giue him the taile of a Hart burned, mingled with wine, and annoint therewithall his stones and generall member, and so shal the dul Stallion be more prone to venery; also there is a kind of Satirium, which they giue to them in drinke, or the powder of a horsses stones: likewise if the female refuse, take shrimpes beaten softe with water (as thicke as hony) therewithal touch the nature of the Mare in hir purgation, and afterwards hold it to her Nose, or else take hennes dunge mixed with Rozen and [ 50] Turpentyne, and annoynt the secrets of the Mare, which shall so far increase her lust, as it cureth the lothsomnesse better then the shrimps, and increaseth lust.

But you must regard, that no leane and ill fauoured Mare be annointed, because the horse is quickly wearied from his lust, and so delighteth only to be tickled therewith with∣out doing any thing.

Other againe doe first of all bring some vulger horsse to the Mare, who prouoketh

and stirreth her to lust, and when he is neare the very facte of filling her, they lead her a∣way, to a more generous Stallion, to be couered by him: And so if none of these meanes do preuaile with her, they doe rub her secrets with a Nettle, and that causeth her to suffer the Horsse to enter.

Democritus also saith that it is in our power to cause our Horsses to bring forth males or females;* 1.61 for if we suffer them to couple when the North winde bloweth, or the third day before the full Moone, or bind his leaft stone, hee shall get a male; but if when the South wind bloweth, or three daies after the full Moone, or binde the right stone of the Horsse, it will proue a female.

Also if at the time of copulation, the Horsse leape off from the Mare on the right side, [ 10] it is a token it will be a male, but if on the left side, it wil be a female. Carnall copulation is most acceptable to Horsses, and lesse grieuous vnto them then to Neate, for there is no kind (man only excepted) that is so venereous and nimble in generation as is a Horsse or Mare.

The males know their females with whom they liue, although they haue bine but a few daies together; and if strange females fall into their company, they expell them away by biting, feeding single and alone with their female by themselues; but if any male or other stone Horsse come within their walke, then presently they make force at him; if their fe∣male stir from them, they restraine her by biting: and in this time of their rage, they nei∣ther regard the rider, nor their aduersary, nor the bridle, nor cruell stripes, nor steep hills, [ 20] nor rocks, or caues of the earth, if they wind the amorous sauour of their fellowes; accor∣ding to the saying of Virgill in these verses:

Nonne vides, vt tota tremor pertentet equorum Corpora, si tantum not as odor attulit auras? Ac neque eos iam frena virum, nec verbera saeua, Non scopuli, rupes{que} cauae, atque obiect ae retardant Flumina, correptos vnda torquentia montes.

It hath beene also receiued, that a barren mare shal conceiue if you take a bunch of leeks bruised small and put into a cup of Wine and twelue French flies called Cantarides in wa∣ter, put them two daies together into the genitall of a mare, like a Glyster, and afterwards [ 30] put her to a Horsse anointing her secre••s with the said ointment two seuerall times, when the horse leaps down from her; or else they take Nyter, Sparrows dung, Rozen, and Tur∣pentine, thrusting the same into the mares genitall, whereby it hath been proued, that fe∣cundity oftentimes followed.

Also some vse Syler of the mountaines to procure conception in Mares and Cowes, and the true signe of conception is, when their nature (that is) the fluent humour, out of their secrets ceaseth for a month, or two, or three: and Pliny saith that when a mare is fil∣led she changeth her colour, and looketh more red, which is to be vnderstood not of her haire, but of her skinne, lips and eies, her haire standing more full then before. Then let them be seperated from the males,* 1.62 exempting them from moist places, cold, and labour, [ 40] for all these are enemies to her foaling, and cause abortement.

Likewise they must not haue too much meate nor too little, but onely a tempe∣rate dyet and softe lodging, their better ordering is elegantly described in Virgill in these verses

Non illas grauibus quisquamiug a ducere plaustras, Non saltu superare viam, sit passus & acri Carpere prata fuga: sluuiosque innare rapaces. Saltibus in vacuis pascant: & plena secundum Flumina, & viridissima gramine ripa: Spleuncaeque tegant: & sacra procubet vmbra. [ 50]

This is most certaine that if a Woman in her flowers, touch a mare with foale (or some∣times doe but see her) it causeth to cast her foale, if that purgation, be the first after her virginity:* 1.63 In like manner, if they smell of the snuffe of a candle, or eat bucke-mast or Gar∣tian. The Egyptians when they wil describe a woman suffering abortement, they picture a Mare treading vpon a Wolfe, for if a Mare kicke at a Wolfe or tread where a Wolfe

hath troad, shee casteth her foale: If an asse couer a Mare, which a horsse hath formerly filled, there followeth abortment, but if a horsse couer a Mare, which an Asse hath former∣ly filled, there followeth no abortment, because the horsses seed is hotter then the Asses, If a Mare be sicke of abortment or foaling, Pollipody mingled with warme water giuen hir in a horne, is a present remedy.

The Scythians when they perceiue their Mares to be quicke with foale,* 1.64 they ride vp∣on them, holding opinion that thereby, they cast forth their foales with lesse paine and difficulty. They carry their young one in their wombes as hath beene already said, twelue moneths, but sometimes they come at eleuen moneths and ten daies, and those are com∣monly males, for the males are sooner perfected in the womb then the females, and com∣monly [ 10] the females are foaled at twelue months or ten daies, and those which tary longer are vnprofitable and not worth education. A Mare is most easily deliuered of her young among other beasts, and beareth most commonly, but one at a time, yet it hath been seen that twins hath proceeded from her. At the time of her deliuery, shee hath lesse purgati∣on of blood, then so great a molde of body can affoorde, and when she hath foaled,* 1.65 shee deuoureth her seconds, and also a thing that cleaueth to her foales fore-heade, being a piece of blacke flesh called Hippomanes, neither doth shee suffer her young one to sucke vntill she haue eaten that, for by smelling thereunto, the young and old horsses, or other of that kind would fal mad, and this thing haue the imposters of the world, vsed for a Phyl∣tre [ 20] or amorous cuppe, to draw Women to loue them, Virgill speaketh thus of it;

Quaeritur & nascentis Equi de fronte reuulsus Et matris praereptus amor.

And againe,

Hinc demiem Hippomanes vero quod nomine dicunt Pastores. Lentum distillat ab inguine virus Hippomanes, quod saepe malae legere nouercae Miscueruntque herbas & non innoxia verba.

This poison made into a candle (Anaxilaus saith) in the burning thereof, there shall bee a presentation of many monstrous horsse-heads. There is verie great poison contained in [ 30] this Hippomanes, for the Arcadian Phormis made a horsse of brasse at Olympia, and put Hi∣pomanes into the same, and if the horsses at any time had seene this brazen horsse, they weare so farre inraged with lust, that no halters or bands could hold them, but breaking all, runne and leaped vpon the said brazen horsse, and although it wanted a taile, yet wold they forsake any beautiful Mare and runne to couer it; neither when they came vnto it, and found it by their heeles to be sounding and hard brasse, woulde they despaire of co∣pulation, but more and more, with noise of mouth, rage, and endeuor of body, labor to leape vpon the same, althogh the slippery brasse gaue them no admission or stay of abod vpon the backe of that substance, neither could they be drawne from the saide brazen I∣mage, vntil by the great strength and cruel stripes of the riders they were forcibly driuen [ 40] away.

Some thinke this little peece of flesh to cleaue to the fore-head, others to the loynes, and many to the genitals: but howsoeuer it is an vnspeakeable part of Gods prouidence, to make the Mares belly a sepulchre for that poison, for if it should remaine in the males as in the females, the whole race of horsses would vtterly perish and be destroied throgh rage of lust, for which cause the keepers and breeders of horses; do diligently obserue the time of their Mares-foaling, and instantly cut off the same from the Colte, reseruing it in the hoofe a Mare, to procure the Stallions to carnal copulation, and the Colt from which they cut this piece of flesh, they sacrificed it, for it is manifest faith Elianus, that the Mare will neuer loue that foale, from whence shee hath not eaten and consumed this peece of [ 50] flesh.

And this poison is not onely powerful in brute beasts, but also in reasonable men, for if at any time by chance or ignorantly they tast heereof, they likewise fall to be so madde and praecipitate in luste, raging both with gestures and voice, that they caste their lustfull eyes, vppon euerie kind of Women, attempting wheresoeuer they meet them

to rauish or ingender with them: and besides because of this oppression of their minde, their body consumeth and vadeth away: for three daies after the Colt is foaled hee can hardly touch the ground with his head. It is not good to touch them, for they are har∣med by often handling, onely it is profitable, that it be suffered with the damme in some warme and large stable, so as neither it be vexed with cold, nor in daunger to be oppressed by the Mare thorough want of roome. Also their hooues must be looked vnto, least their dung sticking vnto them burne them, afterward when it waxeth stronger, turne him out into the field with his damme, least the Mare ouer-mourne her selfe for want of hir foale, for such beasts loue their young ones exceedingly. [ 10]

After three daies let the Mare bee exercised and rid vppe and downe, but with such a pace as the foale may follow her, for that shall amend and encrease her milke. If the Colt haue soft hooues, it will make him runne more speedily vppon the hard ground, or else lay little stones vnder their feet, for by such meanes their hooues are hardned, and if that preuaile not, take swines grease, and brimstone neuer burned, and the stalkes of Garlicke bruzed and mingled all together, and therewithall anoint the hooues.

The mountaines also are good for the breeding of Colts for two causes, first for that in those places their hooues are hardned, and secondly by their continual ascending and discending, their bodies are better prepared for induring of labour: And thus much may suffice for the educating and nursing of foales. For their weaning obserue this rule, first se∣perate them from their dams twentyfoure houres togither, in the next morning let them [ 20] be admitted to sucke their belly full, and then remoued to be neuer more suckled: atv. moneths old begin to teach them to eat bread or hay, and at a yeare old giue them barly and bran, and at two yeares old, weane them vtterly.

Of handling, taming, or breaking of Horsses.

THey which are appointed to breake horsses, are called by the Graecians Eporedicae, Hipodami, and Hipocomi, the Latins [ 30] Equisones, Arulatores, and Cociones, in Italian Io Cozone. Ab∣syrtus is of opinion that foales are to be vsed to hand, and to be begun to be tamed at eighteene moneths old, not to be backed but onely tied by the heade in a halter to a racke or maunger, so that it may not be terrified for any extraordi∣nary noise, for which cause they vse them to brakes, but the best time is at three yeares old, as Crescetiensis teacheth in many chapters, wherefore when they begin to be handled, let him touch the rough partes of his bodie, as the mane and other places, wherein the horsse taketh delight to be handled: neither let him bee ouer seaueare and Tyrannous, [ 40] and seeke to ouercome the beast by stripes, but as Cicero saith, by faire meanes or by hun∣ger and famine.

Some haue vsed to handle them sucking, and to hange vp in their presence bits and bridles, that so by the sight and hearing the gingling thereof in their eares, they might grow more familiar. And when they came to hand to lay vpon their backes a litle boy flat on his belly; and afterward to make him sit vpon him formally, holding him by the head, and this they do at three yeare old, but commit him to no labor vntill he be foure yeare old, yet domesticall and small horsses for ordinarie vse are tamed at two yeare olde, and the best time for the effecting heereof, is in the moneth of March.

It is also good in riding of a young horsse to light often, and to get vp againe, then [ 50] let him bring him home and vse him to the stable, the bottome whereof, is▪ good to be pa∣ued with round stones, or else planks of oake, strewing litter vpon it when he lieth down, that so he may lie soft and stand hard. It is also good to be regarded, that the plankes bee so laid, as the vrine may continually run off from them, hauing a little close ditch to re∣ceiue it, that so the horsses feet may not be hurt thereby, and a good maister of horsses

must oftentimes go into his stable, that so he may obserue the vsage of this beast. The manger also ought to be kept continually cleane for the receiuing of his prouender, that so no filth or noisome thing be mingled therewith: there ought also to be partitions in it, that so euery beast may eat his owne allowance, for greedy horsses do not onely speedily rauen vp their owne meat, but also rob their fellowes. Others againe haue such weake stomackes that they are offended with the breath of their fellowes, and will not eate ex∣cept they eat alone.

The racke also is to be placed according to their stature, that so their throat may not be too much extended, by reaching high, nor their eyes or head troubled, because it is [ 10] placed too low. There ought also to be much light in the stable, least the beast accusto∣med to darkenesse, be offended at the Sunne light, and winke ouer much, being not able to indure the beams when he is led abroad, but yet the stable must be warme and not hot; for althogh heat do preseru fatnes, yet it bringeth indisgestion and hurteth a horsses na∣ture, therefore in the Winter time the stable must be so ordered, as the beast may not be offended or fall into diseases by ouermuch heat or suddaine cold▪* 1.66 In the Summer time let them lodge both night and day in the open aire. This also in stabling of your horsses must be auoided, namely the sties of Swine, for the stinke, the breath, the gruntling of hogs, is abhominable for horsses, and nature hath framed no simpathie or concorde betwixte the noble and couragious spirite of a horsse, and the beastlie sluggish condition of a [ 20] Swine.

Remoue also far awaie from your horsses stables all kind of fowle, which were woont to haunt those places, to gather vp the remnant-graines of their prouender, leauing be∣hind them their little fethers, which if the horsse licke vp in his meat, sticke in his throat, or else their excrements which procureth the loosenes of his bellie.

It must also be regarded, that the stable must be kept neat, sweet, and cleane,* 1.67 so as in absence of the horsse, it may notly like a place for swine: The instruments also, and imple∣ments thereof, such as are the horsse cloathes, the curri-combes, the mane-combes, sad∣dles and bridles be disposed and hung vp in order behind the horsse, so as it maie neither trouble him eating or lieng, nor yet giue him occasion to gnaw, eat, and deuour them to their owne damage or hurt, for such is the nature of some wanton horsses, to pul assunder [ 30] and destroie whatsoeuer they can reach.

They are therefore oftentimes to be exercised and backed, and principally to bee kept in a good diet, for want of food deiecteth the spirit of the noblest horsse, and also maketh the meane horsse to be of no vse; but on the contrary, a good diet doth not onelie make a meane horsse to be seruicable, but also continue the worth and value of the best, which thing Poets considered, when they fained that Arion the horsse of Neptune and some o∣thers were made by Ceres the Goddesse of corne, which any meane witted man may in∣tetpret to signifie, that by abundance of prouender the nature of horsses was so farre ad∣uanced aboue ordinary, that like the sonnes of the Gods they perform incredible things: whether therefore they eat chaffe, or hay, or grasse, or graine, according to the diuersi∣ties [ 40] of countries, let it be wholesome, cleane, fresh, and sweet, without dust, grauel, mu∣stines, or euill smell.

In the morning giue them barley or prouender, a little at a time in distinct or seueral portions, twice or thrice one after another, so as he may chew and eke disgest it thorogh¦ly, otherwise if he rauen it in, as he wil do hauing much at a time, he rendreth it in his dung whole and not disgested. About three houres after he hath eaten his prouender, giue him a little of hay, and three houres after that his dinners allowance of graine, as in the mor∣ning, and afterwards about two or three a clock hay againe, and then some drink: last of all giue him his allowance of prouender for Supper, with a bottle or two of hay, which [ 50] ought to be more plentiful than the former seruings: & yet these rules are not to be vnder¦stood as though they might not be altered, for the times prefixed may be preuented if o∣casion require. Their best prouender is oats and barley, yet barly ingendreth the thinner and better blood, and therefore it is to be preferred, only the measure of the prouender is lefte to the discretion of the horsse-keeper, and there is no meate more wholsome for a horsse, than barly and chaffe, because it wil make him ful of life, and also able to indure la∣bor, yet not ouer fat.

In England in many place•• they giue their horsses bread made of Fitches, beans, and pease. When one is to make a iourney on horsse-back, let him not giue his horse to much prouinder the noone before, but somewhat the more hay, and bread steeped in wine, and also let him serue him sooner at night than ordinary, that so the beast may take the more rest. There be which refuse to giue horsses wet prouender or steeped bread, because they conceiue that it will breed in them loathsomnesse of meat; but the truth is, a reasonable horsse-keeper preuenteth that mischeefe, and besides, the meat of a horsse is altogither so drie, that the beast himselfe is indangered to be sicke of that disease; and therefore it is as safe to giue him moistened foode sometimes, as well as to giue him bread mingled with salt.* 1.68 [ 10]

When a horsse is weary or sweateth, let him not drinke nor eat prouender, but after he is walked a litle while, giue him hay, first of al couering him with a large cloath, and re∣member, that hay is not to be cast before a horsse, as it is out of the reeke, but first of all, it must be pulled, and shaken betwixt the handes, for the auoiding of dust, and other filth. Restrain the horsse as much as you may from eating the litter vnder his feet, for euen the best meat so defiled is vnholsome. It is also good sometimes to suffer him to picke vp his meat on the ground betwixt his forelegs, that will make his necke to grow thinner, lean∣ner, and more comely. Let his necke be fast bound in the stable with a Letherne collar, and bind with a manicle his fore-legge to the hinder leg on the contrary side, and so shal his legs be preserued in more health, because they cannot mooue out of their place but [ 20] with difficulty.

Concerning the drinke of horsses, something more is to be added in this place, and namely brackysh and troubled water, such as runneth softly, as in great pondes, is fittest for horsse, because that water, being hot and thicke nourisheth better, but the swift Wa∣ter is colder,* 1.69 and therefore more vnholsome, but yet in hot times (as in Summer) the sweet and clearer water is more conuenient if custome bee not against it. And because a horsse (except he drinke freely) can neuer be fat, let his mouth oftentimes be washed within with salt and wine, and that will make him eat and drinke more liberally: and yet the running water is more wholsome for horsses, because whatsoeuer is moueably fluent, is lesse subiect to poyson then that which standeth still; but if a horsse sweat or be weary, it [ 30] is not safe to let him drinke any thing, except he first stale, for in such cases followeth di∣stention.

And it is better to turne or lead forth your horsse to water, then to bring it vnto them. And if at any time necessity cause this to be done, then let the Water be very cleare and fresh.

His stable or lodging ought to be ordered, as neither it offend him by cold in winter, nor yet thorough heat in Summer, for both these extremeties are pernicious: and ther∣fore when the weather is extreame colde, then must the horsses backe and belly be coue∣red with a cloath, and when on the contrary it exceedeth in heat, then must his litter be ta∣ken away. Also in heate he must bee couered with linnen to auiode flies, and in cold [ 40] with woollen to helpe nature: likewise it is good toward night to picke, cleanse, and open his hooues, with some artificiall instrument, and to thrust into the hollow cow-dung, or in defect thereof horse-dung with a little strawe, that so he may not shake it out againe, but this is not good to be done euerie daye, but rather euery second day, and it is good to mingle therewith sewet or greace, or els a new laide Egge with warme ••shes. In auncient time they vsed not to shoo their horsses with yron, vntill the daies of Catullus, who remembreth this custome, saying:

Ferream vt soleam tenaci in voragine mula:

So that it seemeth that this deuise was first of al inuented for mules. These horsse-shooes, [ 50] ought to be round like his feet, and not heauy, least the horsses nimblenes be thereby hin∣dered; & great care must be had in nailing or seting thē on, least the tender and fleshy part of the foot be thereby pierced.* 1.70 Another charge of a horsse-keeper is to keepe his horsses lippes soft, tender, and gentle, so as he may more sencibly feele his bit: and for this cause let him often rub them with his hands and warme Water, and if neede require with oyle

also: and in handling of a horsse this must be obserued for a generall rule, that neither he come to the horsse right before his face, nor behind his taile, because both these are dan∣gerous to the rider; least by his heeles or mouth hee harme him, but on his side he may safely set vpon him or handle his horsse, and when he leadeth him, he must likewise goe on his side.

Likewise good and painefull dressing of a horsse is no small meanes to retaine him in in sound and perfect health: and therfore he must often be touched with the curry-comb, and afterward with a handfull of strawe, so as the hand may follow the stroke to lay the haire smooth: and their fashion was in old time to brush ouer their horsses with a little tone [ 10] linnen instrument made like a sword, whereby they excusse all dust from the beast: and heerein it is wisedome to beginne at the head and mane, and so to descende to other parts, and to touch the horsses backe gently: he may wash the head and mane because it being so bony it is daungerous least the combe offend and greeue the beast, except it be layed on very tenderly, but it is not good to wash the legges, because daily washing softneth the hoofe by sliding downe of the Water, and therefore it is sufficient onely to stroke them downe with his hands.

The neather part also of the belly is not to be kept ouer clean, for the more it is clensed with water, the more is the horsse pained therein:* 1.71 when a horsse is dressed it is good to bring him out of the stable, that so in the open ayre hee may be tyed in a longer halter, [ 20] and seeme to be at liberty, whereby he shall be brought to more cleannesse and tractable gentlenesse, standing vppon some smooth stones, till all the dust and loofe haires both by the combe and brush be driuen away, and in the meane time the stable be emptied, and this is to be performed before the horsses watering. You must also regarde the skin wherein the horsses yard runneth be kept cleane, for if it be stopped it hindereth vrine, and maketh the horsse sicke, and when your horsse is in dressing, let him haue before him no manner of meat either of hay or prouender.

Let them be ledde to the Water twice a day, and wash therein both legges and bel∣ly, except in the Winter time, wherein it is not safe to wet the beast so often: and if there be in them any appearance of sicknesse and infirmity, or if you haue any purpose to giue [ 30] vnto them any kinde of medicine, then must you altogether forbeare to Water them.

Some vse to wash their horsses legges with warme wine-lees to refresh their ioyntes and sinnewes after hard iournies, which custome seemeth very allowable:* 1.72 other vse in∣steed thereof warme dish-water out of the kitchin, and the backes they wash with colde water and salt.

Vnderneath their tails and neare their yards, you shal find them in the Summer time to be much annoyed with flies, and therefore it is a needefull part of the horsse-keepers watch-fulnes to looke in those places and driue them away, for so his charge will take the better rest.

[ 40] And euermore there must be nourished a mutuall beneuolence betwixt the horsse and horsse-keeper, so as the beast may delight in the presence and person of his attendant; and for this cause he may be kept from hunger, wet litter, cold in the winter, and flies in the Summer; and furthermore a dilligent caution must be had, that the beast be not pro∣uoked thorough ouer much severity, for if the horsse by his keepers violence be often dri∣uen to his racke and maunger to auoid stripes, either he hurteth his shoulders or legges by his owne weight or force, or else groweth into a trembling at the presence of a man, and so neuer yeeldeth any louing obedience; or els faleth into some furious and vnreclai∣mable euill qualities.

[ 50] The master therfore ought often to enter into his stable, and take a view of his horsses vsage, whereby the beast wil quickly take notice of him, especially if he haue but one, for it is a great follie and peece of ill husbandry to trust Seruantes and not to ouer-see them. Cato was wont to say:

Frons occipitio prior:

That is, As the forehead is before the nape of the necke, meaning thereby that nature

hath set him highest and formost, which should not hide himselfe, but take his place vp∣pon him and discharge it, for it is not safe or any part of wisdome, to see by another mans eies; or worke altogether by Deputies.

Men must also be affraid of lending their horsses, for the Germans haue a pretty pro∣uerbe, that they will not trust their wiues at great feasts out of their sight, for commonly they learne some euill fashion or other more then they had before, and so much more horsses (after lending) returne home againe to their maisters with alteration of strength and quality. [ 10]

Of adorning and furnishing horsses.

I Cannot approue them that cut off their horsses taile, or fore∣top; one receiued beginning from an ignorant perswasion of increasing the strength of the Horsses backe,* 1.73 and the other from an immagined comelines, by triming it with ribben or some deuised knot, or that it hindred the horsses sight. In the first, the beast is wronged and depriued of his helpe againste flies, and decency of his hinder parts, and in the second na∣ture acused, for not adorning the horsses forhead with more [ 20] gawdy and variable coloured hairs, and prouiding a bunch of haire to weaken his eyes: but neither of these are tollerable, for a wise man once to ima∣gine, and therefore I will not spend any more time to confute this vaine adorning of Horsses.

Let the horsse-keeper take heed that he harme not the beast when he putteth on his bridle, for a little negligence quickly bringeth a great offence, by touching, wringing, and oppressing any tender part in the horsses head or mouth. He must alway put on his bridle on the left side, and if the horsse of his owne accord do not open his mouth to the bit, then musthe gently open his mouth with one finger, and so put it vppon him; and if [ 30] by that meanes he open not his mouth, then presse or wring his lip vpon his great canine tooth, which thing causeth any horsse to open his mouth.

Also it must be regarded that the horsse in leading be not drawne after you, for so will he be made hard headed, vnwilling to follow: againe his cheekes must not be pinched by the bridle, least the skin grow sencelesse, and also it must not hange long or loose in his mouth, for so he will be alway biting his bit, and giue lesse obedience to his Rider.

Camerarius writeth that he hath seene some put salt vpon their bits, whereof the horse licking or tasting, became more willing to take it into his mouth: and for the better per∣formance heereof, it is necessary to obserue by often triall, what kind or fashioned bitt•• best beseemeth and fitteth the horsses mouth, and finding it, keepe him thereunto conti∣nually: [ 40] and when it is put on, neither wring his cheekes, or let him rowle it betwixt his teeth.

The saddle also must be so fastned to his backe, as that it may not turne or rowle vpon the same; wherefore he which layeth it thereupon, most come on the left side, and gent∣ly without violence or noise, set it vpon the beast: so as neither girths, peytrill, sturrops, trappings, or crupyard, fall betwixt the backe and saddle, neither couering therewith the horsses wither, nor yet touching his hips or loynes.

First of all let the peytrill on the breast be buckled, then the girths in order neere the forelegs, not vpon the belly, for vpon the belly they wil be sliding off, and that is against the rules of riding; for Bene equitant qui bene cingunt, that is to say; they ride well which [ 50] bind fast: and this ought to be done in an open place, where both the rider and the horse may haue more liberty: wherewithal a generous and great stomacked beaste is much de∣lighted: neither must he be tyed or drawne too hard till the rider be seated. Looke also often to the girthes, that they wring not the sides, or pul of the skin.

Of riding and sitting on horsebacke.

WHen you are to get vp and mount on horesebacke, take hold on the lo∣wer part of the bridle neere the bit, with the lefte hand, with such a di∣stance as may both keepe him from rising, nor giue him offence if you take aduantage to get into the saddle, and with the right hand take the raines on the toppe of the shoulders and the mane, and so hold them as you giue no checke to the Horses mouth in mounting: there are other [ 10] rules for this among riders, wherewithall I will not meddle, onely it is good to vse your horsse to backing, both sadled and bare, aswel from the plaine ground, as from blocks and risings, inuented for the ease of man.

Therefore before you goe to Horssebacke, first stroke your Horsse and make much of him with gentle words, or other conuenient sound which the Horsse vnderstandeth, and so will he stand more willingly til you be on his backe: for this thing, there is in Plutarch an excellent story of Alexander the great, when Bucephalus was first of all presented to his father King Phillip, by a Thassalian (called Phillonix:) For when the King was perswaded to go forth into the fielde to try the qualities of this beast, which was so highly cōmended for rare partes, and valued at such a price, as none but a King might yealde for him▪ then the [ 20] Horsse beganne to snort, and kicke, and to admit no man to come vnto him within the length of the rains, but kept aloft like a wild and vntamed Horsse; yealding no obedience to voice or other signes of the riders: whereat the King fel exceeding angry, and bid them lead away the vnruly and vntamed Horse: Alexander being present, complained of the ignorance and fearefulnesse of the riders, and that they were the cause why such a gene∣rous and gallant beast was no better manned. At the hearing wherof, King Phillip smiled, and yet so carried himselfe as though he had not heard the words of his Sonne, vntill A∣lexander repeated his saying the second time; whereunto his father replyed, what (sir Boy) will you make your selfe more skilfull then these old cunning riders? will you lay on them an imputation of feare and ignorance? yes (said Alexander) I will aduenture to handle this [ 30] Horsse better then any other: yea but (saide Phillip) what punishment then wilt thou vn∣dergoe if thou faile and performe not what thou hast said? What punishment (said Alex∣ander) why I will giue them the price of the Horsse: Whereat the King laughed and strok vp the Wager, and so had Alexander the raines of the Horsse deliuered to him, who pre∣sently turned him about against the Sun-rising, that so he might not bee terrified with the shaddow of the beholders, and so led him vp and downe softly two or three turnes, and at last wan the Horsse to hand, which he gently stroked and applauded: and when he had got∣ten perfect intelligence and vnderstanding of the Horsses stomacke, he cast off his cloake, and addressed himselfe to mount on his backe, so holding the raines and bearing his hand and whole body as he did not checke or pinch the Horsses mouth: so he inclined him first [ 40] of al to lay away his stirred and angry minde, and afterward paced him to and fro gently which the Horsse indured: At last he put Spurs vnto him, and made him runne, leap, car∣rier, and curuet, to the terror at the first of all the beholders, & afterward to their singular admiration and praise of himselfe: which caused the company or traine to applaude this fact, and forced the old man his father, to send forth teares for ioy: and when Alexander desended from his Horsse, hee could not containe himselfe, but he must needes goe kisse and embrace such a Sonne; whereby it is manifest, that when a man is to ride on a gene∣rous spirited Horsse, hoshal bend him to endure the burthen by gentlenesse and familiari∣ty, so as the beast may still know and loue his rider.

[ 50] Likewise when the maister mounteth, it is requisit that the seruant be on the other side of the horsse to hold the stirrop, for so shall he get vp more surely and set himselfe mor softly.

Some Horsses are taught to bend their knees to take vp their aged and sick Maisters,* 1.74 that so they may be the lesse offended in ascending to their backs, and this custom (saith Pollux) did first of al begin among the Persians.

The ancient Germans were so singularly exercised in Horsmanship, that standing vpon the ground and holding a Speare of launce in their handes, they mounted without other stirrop or vantage vppon their Horsses backs; and not onely when they were ordinarily attired in common garments, but then also, when they were armed (tho Iulius Caesar take from them all glory of chiualry) yet now adaies the inuention of Saddles with stirrops, is most easie both for Horsse and Horsseman, being then better the Pelethronian inuention time.

When the Rider is in his Saddle, and is well seated, he must not sit as in a Chaire or cha∣riot, bended together, but rather keepe his body vpright, onely bowing outwardly his knees, for so shal he be better able to defend himselfe, or offend his aduersary; for he must [ 10] rather seeme to stand then to sit on horsebacke.

The Rider or maister of Horsses must spare his Horsse in the heate of Summer, (about Dog daies) and in the colde of Winter,* 1.75 and neuer at any time to ride past the twylight of the euening. The Horsse being empty, is more prone to make water then being full, and therefore must not be hindered in that desire: and alway after his staling, ride him not too fast, vntil his nerues which were extended to let forth the vrine be contracted, set∣led and drawne together againe.

If in the winter time a horsse be to passe ouer a foord of water (which wil ascend vp aboue his belly) let him stale first of al,* 1.76 least he fall into the strangury, and also be a little eased of his loade.

There is no beast that reioyseth more in celerity and swiftnesse then a horse, because so [ 20] soone as he is turned out of hand, he instantly runneth away speedily, and doth walke soft∣ly as at other times: and this is a pleasure to them, except when they are prouoked aboue their desires: and the counsel of Xenophon when you are to ride fast or for a wager, is this; bend the vpper part of the body forward, stretching out the hand that carrieth the raines; now drawing it in, and then letting it at length againe; and therefore it is good in such ca∣ses to vse short raines, and if the Horsse in his course stretch forth the raines of his owne accorde, then is it a signe of an vnskilfull Rider, or of a weake and tireable horsse.

* 1.77Adde not Spurs but in great necessity, but guide and prouoke him with voice and riding rod, for quick and good metled Horsses, are by the Spur made fierce; and gentle natu∣red [ 30] beastes made sluggards like Asses, which by often beating seem to neglect and dispise stripes.

You must also shorten and lengthen your iournies and times of ridings, so as they may neither be certaine to the beast, nor yet ouer long; and specially after a long iourney, take a shorter if you ride vpon the same horsse.

First of all let him be vsed to plaine and equal waies, and if he be to leape or goe vppe•• hill, it was a precept of the old Graecians, that then the Rider must lay the raines in his necke.

If the Horsse at any time be either more fierce or sluggish then ordinary, he may be holp by these meanes. Wildenesse and fiercenesse of Horsses, is like to anger and rage in [ 40] men, and therefore occasions of offence in word and deede must be auoided: therefore assoone as the Rider is vpon his backe, let him rest a little before he set forward, and then also let the horsse moue but his own pace: for as men are offended with sudden violence and imperious gestures, so also are horsses: but if the horsse being stirred to his race, bee more forward and whot then ordinary, he must be gently restrained by the bridle; and it is better to qualifie their rage in long and spacious direct iournies, then in often wind∣dings and turnings.

But if any man be so simple as to thinke that by length of iourney or race, his horsse wil be more meeke, because he may be tyred, hee deceiueth himselfe, for as rage in man inuenteth hurtful reuenge, and turneth into malice by continuance, so also in horsses it [ 50] procureth a headlong ruine (if it be not preuented) both to horsse and rider: and there∣fore if your horsse be of a generous spirit, neuer prouoke him to ferocity, for as they are wilde and fierce, so are they wicked and harmefull.

It is also better to vse light and gentle bridles then heauy and sharpe, except

the rider can by his art so frame the sharpe, as the gentle bitte: and also the rider must so frame himselfe in his art of ryding, that in the commotion of his Horsse, hee may not touch any member or part of him, but onely his backe whereupon he sitteth.

He must also learne his different termes, to incite and stir vp his Horsse to run forward, which the Graecians call (Clogmos) or else to restraine him and keepe him in which they call (Poppysmus) the one closeth the lippes, and the other toucheth the palat.

If the Horsse be fearefull of any thing, you must shew the thing to him plainly, that so by custom he may learne not to be skittish, and let him smell thereunto, till he learne not to be afraid, but if men beate them, they do but feare them more; for while they are so ill [ 10] handled, they suspect that the things wherof they are afraid are the cause of their stripes. In like sort when they go on the one side, or turne back againe, it is good to vse the spurs, because they encrease their terror and peruersenesse; and therefore as peaceable encou∣ragement and friendly perswasion is the best meanes to perswade a man in his feare, the like course must be taken with a Horsse, that so he may goe straight on without doubt or trembling; and learne not to account any thing horrible to his nature.

When a Horsse is so tyred and wearied in his iourney that a man would iudge him vnfit for any labour, take off his Saddle and burthen, and put him into some stable or greene fielde, where he may tumble and towle ouer and ouer, and he shall easily recouer. In ancient time, if horsses were to be trauailed through snow, they made them bootes of [ 20] sackcloth to weare in their iourney.

Of the disposition of horsses in generall.

AMong the flockes or heardes of Horsses, there is not a Cap∣taine or leader going before or gouerning the residue, as a∣mong Oxen, Sheepe, and Elephants; because the nature of these is more instable and moueable it being a swift and high spirited beast, and therefore hath receiued a body furnished [ 30] with such members as are apt to be swaied by such spirit: for Lactantius truly obserueth in them a desire of glory, because after victory, the conquerours exsult and reioyce, but the conquered or ouercome, mourne and hange downe their heades: which thinge Virgill expresseth in this verse;

Insultare solo, & gressus glomerare superbos.

But more plainely Ouid, the triumph of the conquering horsse, saying:

Hic generosus honos & gloria maior equorum Nam capiunt animis palmā, gaudentque triumpho Seu septem spatijs circo mexuere coronam. [ 40] Nonne vides victor quanto sublimius altum Attollat caput, & vulgi se venditet aura, Celsaue cum caeso decoratur tergaeleone Quam tumidus, quanto{que} venit spectabilis actu: Compes••atque solum, generoso concita pulsu, Vngula sub spolijs grauiter redemitis opimis.

And Pliny affirmeth that when they are ioyned together in chariots, they vnderstand theyr encouragements of glory and comendation: and therefore there is not any beaste of so [ 50] high a stomach as a horsse.

Of the naturall disposition of horsses.

THey loue wet places and baths, for which cause they are called Philolutra, they al∣so loue musicke as hath beene already declared, and the whole hoaft or Army of

the Sybarites, taught their Horsses to daunce at the sound of a Pipe: and Coelius writeth heereof in this manner; So great (saith he) was the riot and wantonnesse of the Sybarit••, that at their common feastes they brought in horsses to daunce before men; which thing being knowne by the Crotoniatae, they offered them Warre, and agreed vppon the fight: whereupon, in the day of battell, the Crotoniats brought with them diuers▪ Pipers and Minstrils, who vppon a signe giuen to them, sounded their instruments, whereupon the Sibaritan horsses came running & dancing among their aduersaries, and so betraied them selues and their riders to the enemy.

The like story is reported by Athaeneus, of the people (called Cardiani) for they also taught their Horsses to daunce vpon their hinder Legges, and to worke many straunge [ 10] feates with their forefeete, at the hearing of certaine measures played vpon Pipes.

The Bisaltans waged Warre against the Cardians, and they had to their Captaine a certaine man (called Onaris) who when hee was a Boy was sold to Cardia, and there hee serued with a Barber: In the time of his seruice he oftentimes heard, that the Oracle had foretold,* 1.78 how the Cardians should be ouercome by the Bisaltans, and therefore he to pre∣uent the worst ranne away from his maister, and came home safe to Bisalta his owne coun∣try, and was by his countrey men created Captaine of all their warlike forces: he vnder∣standing what trickes the Cardians taught their Horsses in dancing, brought out of Cardis certaine Pipes, and taught diuers Bisaltans to sound and play the measures vpon them, which the Cardians taught their Horsses: whereupon when as they ioyned battell with the [ 20] Cardian Horsses (for all the force of the Cardians lay in their Horses) he commanded his piping Bisaltans to sounde their musicke, which the Horsses vnderstood, who presently stood vp vpon their hinder legges, and would not fight any more or goe any further, so as they were ouerthrowne by their aduersaries.

* 1.79They haue also a singular pleasure in publike spectacles; and therefore haue beene ob∣serued to be prouoked not only by pipes or such instrumentall musicke, but also by songs or vocall harmony, by variety of colours, and by burning Torches: Dion also Writeth that he saw a Horsse taught to know and to do reuerence to a king.

And Textor affirmeth that he saw a Horsse at Paris at the triumphs, tilt, and Turna∣ments made for the marriage of Lewes the twelueth to Mary, a Lady of Brittaine, which [ 30] being commaunded by his Ryder to salute the Queene, presently did bend both his knees vnto her, and then rose againe running away as fast as a bird could flye.

Homer seemeth also to affirme that there are in Horsses diuine qualityes, vnderstanding things to come, for being tyed to their mangers they mournd for the death of Patroclus, and also fore-shewed Achilles what should happen vnto him: for which cause Pliny saieth of them, that they lament their lost maisters with teares, and foreknow battailes, Virgill writeth thus of the horsse of Pallas:

Post bellatrix equus, positis insignibus Aethon Lachrymans, quisque humectat grandibus ora.

Accursius affirmeth, that Caesar three daies before he died found his ambling Nag weeping in the stable, which was a token of his ensewing death, which thing I should not beleeue, [ 40] except Tranquillus in the life of Caesar, had related the same thing, and he addeth moreo∣uer, that the Horsses which were consecrated to Mars for passing ouer Rubricon, being let to run wilde abroad without their maisters, because no man might meddle with the horses of the Gods, were found to weepe aboundantly and to abstaine from all meat. Whereof their could be no cause giuen, but the loue of their former maisters. It is also reported of Rodatus, a captain to Charls the great, who after the death of the Emp. was made a Monk, his horse would neuer suffer any to come on his back except his maister, who likewise had abstained from riding many yeares: But it happened that certaine Pagans, brake in vpon the said monastery, whereupon poore Rodatus went vnto his horse, who after many years discontinuance, willingly tooke vp his aged maister vpon his back, and so carried him vntil [ 50] he ••riumphed ouer his aduersaries, and no maruaile for dogs and horses are most louing to men, if they be brought vp carefully, and liberally, they recompence the good turnes of their benefactors. It is obserued in the nature of horses that they seldome hurt a man or child, except in their madnes, yet are there malitious horses, as well as men. It is reported by Pliny and Tzetzes, that when a foale hath lost his dam, the residue of the Mares which giue suck, bring it vp, and that they are seldom found at variance, except the barren mares pull away the foales from the naturall dams.

For there is no creature so louing to their young ones, as are Mares, neither any so desi∣rous of young: for which cause, when they are barren themselues, they labour to steale them away from others.

They which were wont to runne rases, would performe it vpon Mares,* 1.80 newly deliuered of Foals, they tyed vp the Foals at home, and led the Mares to the begining of the race, making the end thereof at the Foales stable; and so putting the Beast forward, she run∣neth homewardes more speedily for the remembrance of her Foale.

Of the feare of Horsses and their enemies [ 10] in nature.

HOrsses are afraid of Elephants in battaile, and likewise of a Cam∣mell, for which cause when Cyrus fought against Cra••sus, he ouer∣threw his Horsse by the sight of Camels, for a Horsse cannot a∣bide to looke vpon a Camell. If a Horsse tread in the foot-path of a Wolfe, he presently falleth to be astonished; Likewise, if two or more drawing a charriot, come into the place where a Wolfe hath troad, they stand so still as if the Charriot and they were frozen to [ 20] the earth, sayth Aelianus and Pliny. Aesculapius also affirmeth the same thing of a Horsse, treading in a Beares footsteps, and assigneth the reason to be in some secret, betwixt the feete of both beastes.

We haue shewed already, that if a Mare strike a Wolfe,* 1.81 or treade in the footsteppes thereof, she presently casteth her Foale; and therefore the Egyptians, when they signi∣fie a Woman suffering abortement, picture a Mare kicking a Wolfe. The Dextanian Horsses being not gelded, dare fight with Lyons, but being gelded, like al other Horsses,* 1.82 they are so afraid of Lions, that no stripes, nor Spurs, is able to bring them in their pre∣sence, the Caropion Horsses excepted.

Al kind of Swine are enemies to Horses, the Estridge also is so feared of a Horse,* 1.83 that the Horsse dares not appeare in his presence. The like difference also is betwixt a Horsse and [ 30] a Beare. There is a bird which is called Anclorus which neyeth like a Horsse, flying a∣bout, the Horsse doth many times driue it away, but because it is somewhat blind, and cannot see perfectly, therfore the horsse doth oftentimes ketch it, and deuoure it, hating his owne voice in a creature so vnlike himselfe.

It is reported by Aristotle, that the Bustard loueth a Horsse exceedingly, for seeing other Beastes feeding in the pastures, dispiseth and abhorreth them, but as soone as euer it see∣eth a Horsse, it flyeth vnto him for ioy, although the Horsse run away from it:* 1.84 and there∣fore the Egyptians, when they see a weake man driuing away a stronger, they picture a Bustard flying to a horsse. Horsses are also taught to leape, if a man take him by the rains, and go ouer the ditch before him, holding him fast, and pulling him to him. But if he be [ 40] vnwilling, then let another come behinde him and strike him with a Whip, or with a rod, so will he leape ouer without delay; and thus when you haue vsed him to leape empty, like∣wise accustome him loaded. First ouer smaller and then ouer greater hedges. But at the beginning let him leape in softe ground, and being wel practized in harder, and when he beginneth to leape, let the Rider put Spurres vnto him, for so will he performe his leape with more safety to himselfe and the rider; and by custome hee may leape, and runne as wel downe the hil as vp hil; and therefore the Persians, and Nodrisians vse and accustome their Horsses to run both down hil, and vp hil.

These Epethits following, do serue and expresse the nature of Horsses: ful of stomach, generous, magnanimious, strong, ardent, sharpe, couetous, fierce, bolde, threatening, [ 50] terrible, foaming; such were the Horsses of Arcauania, Argose, Mysene, Aria, Elis, Epid. Spaine, Thesalt, Farsalis, of which country was Bucephalus, the Horsse of Alexander. Balla∣sia, a prouince addicted to Mahomet, hath many of these excellent, great, and swift horsses, whose hoofes are so hard, that they neede no yron shooes, although they trauaile ouer rocks and mountaines.

The Arabians also haue such horses, and in the kingdom of Senega, they haue no breed of Horsses at all, by reason of the heate of their Countrey, which doth not onely burne vp all pasture, but also cause Horsses to fa••l into the strangury; for which cause they doe buy Horsses very deare, vsing in stead of hay, the stalkes of Pease dryed and cut asunder, and Millet seede, in stead of Oates, wherewithall they grow exceeding fat, and the loue of that people, is so great to Horsses, that they giue for a Horsse furnished, nine bond-slaues, or if it please them well, fourteen; but when they haue bought their Horsses, they send for Witches, and obserue therein this ceremony.

They make a burning fire with stickes, putting therein certain fuming Herbes, after∣wardes [ 10] they take the Horsse by the bridle, and set him ouer this smoking fire, annointing him with a very thinne oyntment, muttering secretly certaine charmes, and afterwardes hanging other charmes about their Necke in a red skinne, shut them vp close for fifteene daies together: then did they bring them forth, affirming that by this meanes, they are made more valiant, and couragious in war.

The loue and knowledge of Horsses to men.

ANd to this discourse of Horsses belongeth their nature, ei∣ther of louing or killing men. Of the nature of Alexanders [ 20] Horsse before spoken off called Bucephalus, is sufficiently said, except this may be added, that so long as he was naked and without furniture, he would suffer any man to come on his backe, but afterwardes being sadled and furnished, hee could endure none but Alexander his maister: For if any o∣ther had offered to come neare him, for to ride him, he first of all terrified him with his neighing voice, and afterwardes troad him vnder foot if he ran not away. When Alexander was in the Indian Warres, and ryding vpon this Horsse in a certaine battaile, performed many valiant acts, and through his own improuidence, fell into an ambush of his foes, [ 30] frō which he had neuer bin deliuered aliue, but for the puisancy of his Horsse, who seeing his maister beset with so many enemies, receiued the Dartes into his owne body, and so with violence pressed through the middest of his enemies, hauing lost much bloude, and receiued many woundes, ready to die for paine, not once staied his course till hee had brought his maister the King safe out of the battell,* 1.85 and set him on the ground; which be∣ing performed in the same place hee gaue vppe the ghoast and dyed, (as it were com∣forting himselfe with this seruice) that by his owne death hee had saued the life of such a King: for which cause, after Alexander had gotten victory, in that very place where his Horsse died he built a citty and called it Bucephalon.

* 1.86It is also reported that when Limus the Emperour would haue had his Horsses to teare [ 40] in pieces his Daughter, because she was a Christian, he himselfe was by one of them bit∣ten to death. Neocles the Sonne of Themistocles perished by the biting of a Horsse: neither heerein onely is the nature of Horsses terrible, because also they haue been taught to teare men in pieces: for it is said that Busiris and Diomedes did feede their Horsses with mans flesh, and therefore Hercules tooke the like reuenge of Diomedes, for hee gaue him to his Horsses to be eaten: of Diomedes were these verses made,

Vt qui terribiles programen habentibus herbis, Impius humano viscere pauit equos.

The like also is reported of Glaucus (the son of Sysiphus) who fed Horsses with mans flesh at Potnia a city of Boeotia, and afterward when he could make no more prouision for them, [ 50] they deuoured their maister: whereof Virgill writeth thus;

Et mentem venus ipsa dedit quo tempore Glauci, Potniades malis membra absumpsere quadrigae.

But this is thought a fiction, to expresse them which by feeding and keeping of Horsses, consume their wealth and substance: and thus much for the natural inclination of Horses.

Of seuerall kindes of Horsses.

THere be seuerall kinds of horsses which require a particu∣lar tractate by themselues, and firste of all the martiall or great warlicke horsse, which for profit the poet coupleth with sheepe:

Lanisierae pecudes & equorum bellica proles.

[ 10] The parts of this horsse are already described in the Stalli∣on, the residue may be supplied out of Xenophon and Oppi∣anus. He must be of a singular courage and docibility, with out maime, fear••, or other such infirmity.

He must be able to run vp and down the steepest hils, to leap, and bite, and fight in battail, but with the direction of his rider: for by these is both the strength of his body and mind discouered; and aboue al, such a one as will neuer re∣fuse to labor, though the day be spent: wherefore the rider must first look to the instituti∣on and first instruction of his horsse, for knowledge in martiall affaires is not naturall in men or horsses, and therefore except information and practise adorne nature, it cannot [ 20] be, but either by feare or heady stubbornes, they will ouerthrow themselues and their ri∣ders. First of all they must not be geldings, because they are fearefull, but they must bee such as wil reioyce and gather stomacke at the voice of musicke, or trumpets, and at the ringing of armour: they must not be afraid of other horsses, and refuse no combate, but be able to leape high and far, and rush into the battell, fighting (as is said) with heeles and mouth.

The principall things which he must learne are these:* 1.87 first to haue a lofty and flexible necke, and also to be free, not needing the spur; for if he be sluggish and need often agi∣tation too and fro by the hand of the rider, or els if he be full of stomacke and sullen, so as he will do nothing but by flattery and faire speeches, he much troubleth the mind of the rider: but if he run into the battell with the same outward aspect of body, as he doth vn∣to [ 30] a flocke or company of Mares, with lowde voice, high necke, willing minde, and great force, so shall he be both terrible to looke vppon, and valiantly puissant in his combate. Wherefore the rider must so cary his hand, as the reynes may draw in the horsses necke, and not so easily, as in a common trauelling gelding, but rather sharply to his greeuance a little, by which he wil be taught as it were by signes and tokens to fight, stand still, or run away.

The manner of his institution may bee this:* 1.88 after the dressing and furnishing of your horsse as aforesaid, and likewise the backing, first of al moue, stir, or walk your horsse gent¦lie, vntil he be wel acquainted with the cariage of your hand and whole body, and after∣ward accustome him to greater and speedier pace or exercise, vse him also to run longer [ 40] races, and also by drawing in your hand to stay or stop suddenly: for there are horsses so instructed that they can stay themselues in their speediest course vpon an instant, without any circumambulation, shaking off the violence of their course, like an ordinary trotting nag, by mounting vp a little with their forefeet.

And alway it is to be remembred that after the mounting on horsse-backe, you must first of al begin on the left hand, bending your hand that waie, and also to the right hand when you would haue your horsse to turne on that side. And aboue all other things horsses are deligh••ed w•••••• crooked, bending and round courses, such as are in circles and Rings, and he must be accustomed 〈…〉〈…〉 other horsses, leauing them behind him,* 1.89 and likewise turning toward them and making at them with his face to them: but headlong and preci∣pitate [ 50] courses, such as hunters make without guiding body, hand or horsse, are euermore to be avoided, for manie men haue perished from their horsses, as the Poets witnesse of Nipheus Leucagus, Liger, Clonius, Remulus, Amycus. And also among the Historiographers. Agenor, Fulco of Ierusalem, Phillip, son of Ludonicus Crassus king of France, and Bela king of Pannonia.

Of Horsse-men, and the orders of Chiualry and Knight-hood.

THe principal horsse-men of the world celebrated in stories, for training, ruling, and guiding their horsses according to the art of warre, may for the dignity of Knight-hood (wher withall they are honoured) and from whom that Equestrial order is deriued, be recited in this place. It is manifest by S••∣pontinus [ 10] that the Romaine Equestrial order, was in the mid∣dle betwixt the Senatours and the common people,* 1.90 for at the first the••e was no difference betwixt Equites and Indices, for both of them had for a badge, cognisaunce, or note of their honour, power to weare a ring of gold, and in the con∣sulship of Marcus Cicero the title was turned to Equestriall or name of a knight or man at Armes, by that meanes reconciling himselfe to the Senate, and affirming that he was de∣riued from that order, and from that time came the Equester ordo, being as is said before the people, and recorded after the people, because of the latter creation thereof: yet had they not their beginning at this time, but onely now they firste came into the orders of [ 20] the common-wealth; for they were called (Celeres) vnder Romulus, of one Celer, who at the command of Romulus slew Remus, and he was made the chief iudge of three hundred. They were afterward called Flexumines, eyther because they swayed the minds of them whom they iudged, or else which is more probable, because of martialling and instruct∣ing their horsses for war: afterward because they tooke a great company of horsse-men, without all aide of footmen,* 1.91 at the citty Trossulum in Thuscia, they were called Trossulai, and Trossuli, and yet some ignorant persons honored with the title of Trossuli in remem∣brance of that victory, were ashamed thereof as vnworthy their dignities.

They were forbidden to weare purple like as were the Senators, and their golden Ring was a badge both of peace and war. The maister of the horsse among the Romains called [ 30] by the Graecians Hipparchus, and by the Latines Magister Equitum, was a degree of honor next to the Dictator, and Marcius the Dictator made the first maister of horsse-men, who was called Spurius,* 1.92 and set him in place next to himselfe. These Equestrial men or knights of state were wont to be publicans at the least, and it was ordained that no man should be called into that order, except both he, his father, and grand-father, were free men, and were worth in value, twenty thousand pound; Turon and Tiberius made this law, but after¦ward it grew remisse and not obserued, whereby both bond men and Scribes were rewar∣ded with this dignity from the Emperour, for Orations and pleasing speeches: yet were the Decuriall iudges chosen out of this rank; for indeed by primary and institution, they were the flower and seminary of the Roman gentry. Pliny complaineth that this dignity [ 40] which was wont to be a reward for military men, who had aduentured their liues for the honor of their country, was now bestowed corruptly, and for mony vpon meane bribing persons. It should seeme they had euery one a horsse of honor giuen to him for his note, for if one of them had grown fat and vnweeldy, not able to manage and gouern this hors, it was taken from him. And Cato took away the horse from Scipio A••iaticus, because he had intercepted mony, & from hence cam the terms of their allowance, as Equistrae aes, for that mony which was paid for a horse to one kni. & pararium aes, for a double fee to an Equest∣rial man.* 1.93 Among the Athenians the highest order was of them which were 〈…〉〈…〉 medimni, which had plowd so much land as had sowd 〈…〉〈…〉 of corn, & the next de∣gree were their Equites, knights, or horssemen, because for the defence of their citty, they [ 50] were able euery one to norish a horsse of war. There wer of these in ancient time but 6. C▪ and afterward they were increased vnto 1200. and the sacrifices which wer made for they pomps and triumphs,* 1.94 were called Hippades: and they had liberty to norish their long ha•• which was forbidden to other men, and their tax to the sacrifice was at the least halfe a ta∣lent, (which is at the least 300. crowns) and this sacrifice was made for the health of thei••

horsses: there were two maisters created ouer these, to wage and order war, and ten in∣ferior gouernours or wardens to look to the prouision and norishing of horsses. Among the Lacedemonians they had foure gouernments. The monarchy for the kings, the Ari∣stocraty for the old men, the Olygarchie for their Ephori or commissioners, the Democratye for their young men, with gouerned, managed, and instructed horsses. Nestor that anci∣ent knight was commended for this skill, and had therefore giuen him the title of Hip∣potes.

Among the Chalcidensians there was not a rich man but they took him into this order, and the Cretians likewise did euer highly account hereof, and made it their highest degree of [ 10] honor, for euen the Romans did sometimes gouern whole prouinces with no other then these, and Egipt had this in peculiar, that no other order, no not a Senator might be pre∣sident or gouern among them. The Achaeans had this degre in high estimat, like as the Ger¦mans their Bataui or states. The Cittizens of Capua were and are disguised with a perpetu∣ity of this honour, because in the Latines war, they did not reuolt from the Romans, and among all other the Gaditan wer most honored herewith, for at one time and for one bat¦tel they created 400. This title hath spred and adornd it selfe with many more degrees, as that among the French Caballarij and Equites aurati, and such as are knights of Ierusalem and diuers other, some for religion, and some for feats of armes: whereas the Persians v∣sed a certain kind of garment in warre, called Manduas, from hence commeth the knights [ 20] vper garment to be called a mantel, for al the Persians were horssemen. The noblest hor∣ses and such as coulde run most speedily and swiftly were ioyned together in chariots for races, courses, spectacles, games, and combats, for great values and prizes.

—Nempe volucrem Sic laudamus equum: facili cui plurima palma Feruet, & exultat rauco victoria circo.

And againe Ouid saith:

Non ego nobiluim venio spectator equorum

And Horace:

N••c te nobilium fugiat certamen equorum Primus in certamine.

There was one Anniceris a Cyrenian most skilful in this practise, and according to the vain [ 30] humors of men, was not a little proud heerof, and for his loue to Plato would needs in the Academy shew him and his schollers his skill, and therefore ioyning his horsses and cha∣riot togither, made many courses with such an euen and delineat proportion, that his hor∣ses and wheeles neuer wandered a hair bredth from the circle or place limited, but alway kept the same road and footsteps, whereat euery one marueiled: but Plato reproued the dubble diligence and vaine practise of the man, saying to him in this manner: It cannot be, that a man which hath trauelled and laboured so much in an art or skil of no worth or vse in the common wealth, that euer he can addict his mind to graue, serious, and profi∣table businesse, for while he applyeth all his parts and powers of body and soule to this, he is the lesse able and more vnapt to those thinges which are alone more worthy of admi∣ration. [ 40]

The ancient custome was to vse other mens horsses in this combate, and therefore in the funerall of Patroclus, Homer bringeth in Menelaus, vsing the horsse of Agamemnon. There were foure seuerall places wherein these games of horsses and chariots were wont to bee obserued and kept, and they were called after these places, Olympia, Pythia, Nemea, and Isthmia, and of all these the Olympiads were the cheefe whereof all stories are full, for they were celebrated in Olympus euery fifte yeare inclusiuelie, that is, after the end of euery fourth yeare.

[ 50] The writers of Chronicles do agree that the games of Olympus were first instituted by Hercules in the 2752. yeare of the world, beginning the worlde from Noahs flood, and they beginne to record and number the first Olympiad to be about the 3185. yeare of the world, about seuenteene yeare before the building of Rome.

There were of these Olympiads, 328. and the last of these by computation or account fell abovt the yeare of our Lord 534. after the birth of Iesus Christ, the blessed Sauior of the world.

The perfection of these games began the twenty fiue Olympiad, at what time Pagondas the Theban was pronounced victor: for then were swift horsses brought into the games, and were called (Teleioi) that is, perfect in agility and growth: and these are called by Pin∣darus (Monampycia,) afterwarde came in Synoris with two horsses, and in succession both Colts, Mares, and Mules: their courses are thus expressed by Virgill,

Ergo animos aevumque notabis, Et quis cuique dolor victo, quae gloria palmae. Nonne vides? cum praecipiti certamine campum [ 10] Corripuere, runt que effusum carcere currus: Cum spes arrectae inuenum: exultantiaque haurit Corda pauor pulsans, illi instant verbere torto, Et proni dant lora: volat viferuidus axis. Iamque humiles, iamque elati sublime videntur Aera per vacuum ferri atque assurgere in auras, Nec mora, nec requies: vt fuluae nimbus arenae Tollitur: humescunt spumis, flatuque sequentum: Tantus amor laudum tantae est victoria curae. Sin ad bella magis studium turmasque feroces: Aut Alphaea rotis prelabi flumina Pisae. [ 20] Et Iouis in luco, currus agitare volantes Primus equi labor est animos atque arma videre Bellantum lituosque pati tractu{que} gementem Ferre rotam & stabulo frenos audire sonantes

And Horace expresseth it in this maner:

Sunt quos curriculo paluerem Olympicum Collegisse iuuat, metaque farindis Euitata rotis palmaque nobilis Terrarum dominos euehit ad deos.

Women were wont to be excluded from these games, vntill Cynisca the daughter of Ar∣chidamus [ 30] king of the Spartans, first of all other women nourished and trained horsses for these currule and Charyot games, and when she brought her horsses to Olympus, she ob∣taind the prize, therfore her horses wer consecrated to Iupiter Olympus, and their figures remained in brasse in his Temple.

* 1.95It is also said that Echerates a Thessalian ouercame in the Olympian games with a Mare great with foale: And it is also reported that Miltiades the son of Cimon Stesagora (one of the tenne captaines of Athens) ran away from Pisistratus the Tyrante, and in the time of his absence, he was twice victor at Olympus by foure Mares, the first time he bestowed the glory vpon his cozen German Miltiades, his mothers brothers sonne, and the second time he tooke it to himselfe, for which cause he was slaine by the sons of Pisistratus, his Mares [ 40] were also buried ouer against him, with an inscription that they had won four games in O∣lympus, so that it appeared, hee ranne diuers times and neuer missed victory. At Athens they obserued these courses with horsses in honor of Theseus, and called the place of the running, Hippodromus.

The Latines call it Stadium, and Curriculum, and it was appointed in some plain valley, according to the prouerbe; Equus in planiciem, in the middest whereof was a building called (Circus) whereon the beholders stood to looke vpon the pastime, and there were al∣so places to containe the horsses and Chariots, till they were turned out to run, (called Carceres) according to the verses of Silius

Sic vbi prosiluit piceo de carcere preceps [ 50] Ante suos it victor Equus.

And Horace also

Vt cum carceribus missos rapit vngula currus Instat equis auriga suos vincetibus, illum Preteritum temnens exstremos inter Enutom.

And heereof came the pouerbe (A carceribus ad calcem) signifieng, from the beginning of

the race to the latter end. Eurithonius inuented a chariot called Harma, and was the firste that euer ran in Olympus with foure horsses in the same, of whom Virgill writeth thus:

Primus Erichthonius currus & quataeior ausis Iungere Equos rapidisque insistere victor.

And from hence came the tearme Quadriga for a chariot with foure horsses. There was a chariot in Athens drawne by one horsse, and the games thereof were called Polemysteri••, Likewise at Rome in the Consuall-feasts celebrated for the honour of Neptune, they ran with horsses both ioynd and single.

There were likewise games at Rome, called Aequitia, and Equiria, celebrated euery yeare, the twelfth of the calenders of May, wherein after the horsses they coursed Foxes [ 10] tyed to peeces of wood set on fire, this is called in Latine also, Tarneamentum, and in Ita∣lian by Scoppa, Hagiostra, and in French Formierim. There is also a playe with horsses for children cald Troya, first inuented by Ascantus when he besieged Alba, & by him broght and taught to the Romaines, of which Virgill speaketh, saying:

Incedunt pueri, pariterque ante ora parentum Frenatis lucent in equis, Cornea bina ferunt praefixa hastilia ferro: Pars laeues humero pharetras. Tres equitum numero turmae, ternique vagantur Ductores: pueri bisseni quenque secuti. [ 20] Signum clamore paratis Aepytides longe dedit, insonuitque flagello, Olli discurrere pares, atque agmina terni Diductus soluere choris, rursusque vocati Conuertere vias, infestaque tela tulere. Inde alios ineunt cursus, aliosque recursus Aduersis spatijs, alternos{que} orbibus orbes Impediunt pugnaeque cient simulacha sub armis. Et nunc terga fugae nudant: nunc spicula vertunt Infensi; facta pariter nunc pace feruntur. [ 30] Hunc morem cursus, atque haec certamina primus Ascanius, longam muris cum cingeret Albam Retulit, & priscos docuit celebare Latinos. Hinc maxima porro Accepit Roma, & patrium seruauit honorem: Troiaque nunc pueri, Troianum dicitur agmen.

Of the greatest Horsse-maisters, and nourishers of Horsse.

[ 40] IT is reported of King Salomon, that he had forty thousand sta∣bles of horsses, for chariots, and twelue thousand for warre. The Lybians when they went to warre, did fight out of their chariots, and therefore they were said to fight vpon two hor∣ses. The Centaures were the first that euer taught men to fight on horsse-back, and the Roman Turnia consisted of two and thirty horsse-men, the Captaine whereof was called Beeurio. The people of Nomades called Surgatij, brought eight thou∣sand horssemen at one time into the field, which neither vsed armor, nor brasse, nor yron, except only their daggers, and a rope of leather thonges, [ 50] wherewithall they entred the battaile, and ioyning with their enemie, they made certain ginnes, or loopes thereupon, which they cast vpon the necks of horsses and men, and so with multitudes drew them vnto them, in which draught they strangled them.

The Indians vse the very selfe same Armour on horsse-backe that they do on foot, but yet they lead empty horsses and chariots to leape vp and down vpon, and to refresh their

fighting horsses, and the number of their horsse-men were at one time, fourescore thou∣sand.

When Pharnuches the Arabian, was riding on horsse-backe, there was a Dogge ran betwixt his horsses legges, wherewithall the horsse being amazed, suddainely leaped vp∣right, and cast off his Rider, who being brused with the fall, fell into a consumption: whereupon the Seruantes at the commaundement of their Maister, brought the saide horse into the place where he cast his Rider, and there cut off his legges aboue the knees. There was also a fashion for horsses to sight in battailes without bridles: For Fuluius Flac∣cus, when the Romaines ouerthrew the Celtiberians in Spaine, caused them to pull off their bridles from their horsses, that so they might runne with all voilence, without restraint [ 10] of Riders vpon their enemies; whereupon followed victory: for many times it falleth out that the horsse hath more courage then his Rider, wherefore a good horse-man must haue skill to annoy his enemie, and defend himselfe; and likewise, to make his horsse to come off and on without feare or dread, according to necessity.

There is a prouerbe in Greeke, (Choris hippeis) that is, (Seorsim equites) the horssemen are assunder, whereof Suidas giueth this reason: when Datys inuaded the territory of the Athenians ranging and destroying at his pleasure, no man daring to abide his forces, at his departure, the Ionians climed vp into trees, and signified vnto the Athenians, that the horssemen had broken ranke and were assunder. Whereupon Miltiades set vpon the sca∣tered [ 20] company, and obtained a noble victory.

Of fighting in warre vpon Horsses.

THe most cruell and fearefull kind of fight, is the arming of horsses, which were called in auncient time Catafracti, and Clibanarij, and Acatafracti, and Ferentarij, fighting first of all with speare, and afterwardes with sword and shielde, ca∣sting sometimes also Dartes at one another, and bearing bowes to shoot arrowes, their horsses making roome for [ 30] them, which way soeuer they went: for with sharpe pikes and other crooked-keene-cutting-instruments, fastened to their armour or Chariot-wheeles, in the violence of their course, they wounded, killed, ouer-turned, or cut assunder whatsoeuer flesh came in their reach.

The auncient horsse-men of the Romaines had no brest-plates, (as Polibius affirmeth) and therefore they were naked in their fore parts, prouiding for the daunger that was be∣hind them, and defending their breasts by their owne celerity: their shieldes were made of Oxe skinnes plighted and pasted togither, being a little round in compasse like the fa∣shion of a mans belly. [ 40]

There was also great vse of swift horsses in Warre, for the Romaine souldiors caryed with them two horsses a peece,* 1.96 being taught and exercised like Indians, when they had neede to flie, to leape vpon their empty horsse, for the sparing of their other: and they were therefore called Amppiphi, being apt to carry their maisters out of danger, and from hence (Aelianus saith) the Romaines tooke the patterne of their Phalanx, (called Antisto∣mus▪ which they vsed to terrifie the Barbarians, setting their horses in a doubble front, so as they appeared headed both waies: and this was also the custome of al the▪ Germaines, when the number of their horsse-men was not equall, they mingled the foot-men, with their light horses,* 1.97 who being experienced to runne suddainely with the horse-men, lea∣ped into the battaile, and surprized the enemies flying away: and the same fashion did [ 50] the Spaniards also vse (Strabo saith,) for the terrifieng of their enemies, making the foot men to fall into the battell among the horse-men.

Those which did shoot Darts on horsebacke, were called Hippotoxotiae, and therefore Aristophanes in his discourse of byrds, calleth Hawkes by that name, for the resemblance betwixt them and horses, bearing these Riders. The hawkes are so called in the swiftnes of

their course; & because the talants of the Hauke are crooked like bowes. Arianus writeth that the horse-men of Alexander carried speares in their handes, fourteene cubits long; whereunto I cannot consent, for eight cubits is a common size, as much as any Souldier on horse-backe is able to vse.

In battaile there are wings of Horse-men, which are so called, because like Wings they couer and protect the Army. And there were also Legionary Horse-men, because they were ioyned to the Legions of Souldiers, and the company of Elephants, Foot-men, and Horsse-men which were wont to goe before the King, were called Agema. A company of Horsses set like a Tower in a Quadrangular forme in a fielde, was called (Pergus.) The [ 10] Armour of Horsses on his front or fore-part, is called (Prometopidia) vpon the eares (Paro∣tia) vpon the cheekes (Paria) vpon the brest (Prasternidia) vpon the sides (Parapleuridia) vpon the loines (Parameridia,) vpon the Legges (Paracnemidia..) And the time of arming a Horsse is knowne of euery Souldier.

Of Riding.

THe Meades, Persians, and Armenians, were the first that in∣uented the art of riding and shooting, (as Strabo saith,) [ 20] Pausanias cald Neptune Hippeos for no other cause, but that it was supposed he was the first inuented the art of riding. Pollidorus ascribeth it to Bellerophon. Lysias the Orator sai∣eth that the Aamazonian Women were the first of all mor∣tall creatures that first aduentured to backe Horsses. O∣thers ascribe it to the Centaures: But to leaue the inuenti∣on, and come to the Art. Damis in the life of Apollonius, setteth downe the sum of the Art of riding, which briefely is this. To sit straight vpon his Horsse, to rule him valiantly, to turne him with the bridle which way soeuer he pleaseth, to beate him when hee is stubborne, to auoyde Ditches, Gulfes, and Whyrpooles when he rideth through Waters; going vp a hill, to lengthen [ 30] the raines, and to restraine and draw them in going down the hill; now and then to stroke his haire, and not alwaies to vse stripes.

Martial hath an excellent Epigrame vppon one Priscus a rash-headed-hunter, who nei∣ther feared Hedges, Hils, Dales, Ditches, Rockes, Riuers, nor other perils; vsing a bridle to his Horsse but none to his affections, and therefore he telleth him, that he may sooner break a Hunters necke, then take away a Hares life: for ther are deceits in the rocks, hils, and plaine fieldes, to shake the rider from horsebacke to the earth. Thus followeth the Epigram.

Parcius vtaris moneo rapiente veredo Prisce, nec in leopores tam violentus eas. [ 40] Saepe satisfecit praedae venator, & acri Decidit excussus nec rediturus equo. Insidias & campus habet: nec fussa, nec agger, Nec sint saxa licet, fallere plana solent. Non deerunt qui tanta tibi spectacula praestent: Inuidia fatised leuiore cadunt. Si te delectant animosa pericula, Thuscis (Tutior est virtus) insidiemur apris. Quid te frena iuuant temeraria? Saeptus illis [ 50] Prisce datum est equitem rumpere, quam leporem.

The best place for riding, is a barren and plaine Country. It is reported of Claudius, that when he had roade a great way in the Country vpon his enemies and met no body, he re∣turned backe againe into his owne Campe, and blamed the sluggishnesse of his enemies, because no one of them was seene abroad.

It is reported by Aristotle, that the further a man rideth, the more apt hee shall be to

weepe; and the reason is, because of all the motions of the body, riding is the wholsomest, both for the stomach, and for the hippes; for a man must not sit on horsebacke, as if hee were carried in a coach; but rather keepe his backe-bone vpright, not onely to be moued by his Horsse that beareth him, but also by himselfe; and therefore hee must sit close to the Horsses hips, extending his Legges to the vttermost, vsing not onely his eies to looke before him, but also lifting vp his neck to help his sight: for so the soft pace of the Horsse doth corroborate the spirit aboue al other exercises; likewise, the body and stomack; al∣so it purgeth the senses, and maketh them sharp; yet sometimes by the violent course of a Horsse, the breast of a man, or some other part about the raines receiue damage, (as some [ 10] haue obserued:) yet is it not so much to be ascribed to the motion of riding, as to the vn∣easie pace, or rather to the vneasie seat of the rider.

The Scythians aboue all other Nations haue the loosest and broadest bodies; and the reason is, because they wrap not their children in swadling cloathes as other people, and likewise because they haue no regard vnto their sitting vpon horseback, and lastly for their continual sloath and easie: for the men vse much to ride in Chariots, and Litters, before they get on horsebacke, but after they are accustomed thereunto they ride so much, that their hips and bones fal ful of ache, and they are also thereby made vnfit for generation, because in a iourney of an hundred Miles they neuer light to ease themselues and their beastes.

These men hereafter named, were excellent riders & tamers of Horsses. Antomedon, ser∣uant [ 20] of Achilles, Idaeus, seruant to Paraimus; Metiseus seruant to Turnus; Myrtilus seruant to Ocnomaus; Ceberes seruant to Darius; Anniceris, seruant to Cyreneus; Picus to Mesapus; and Lausus Silius remembreth Cyrnus, Durius, Atlas, and Iberus.

The instruments of Riding appertaining to a Horsse.

A Good rider must consider the hardnesse or softnesse of his Horsses mouth, that so hee may temper his bit; for a stiffe [ 30] necked horsse, is not so much to be guided by rod and Spur, as by bit, and bridle: wherefore it must sometime be hard, & sometimes gentle. The hard bits are called Lupati, because they are vnequal, and indented like to a wolues teeth, where∣vnto the Horsse being accustomed, groweth more tractable and obedient to a gentle bit. According to the saying of

Ouid: Tempore pareot equus, lentis, animosis habenis Et placido duros, accipit ore lupos. And Virgill againe speaketh to like effect: prensisque negabunt Verbera lenta pati, & duris parere lupatis [ 40] Asper equus, duris contunditur, ora lupatis.

And Silius saith:

Quadrupedem flectit, non cedens virga lupatis.

There is also another instrument made of yron or Wood (called Pastomis) and englished (Barnacles) which is to be put vpon the horsses Nose, to restraine his tenatious fury from biting, and kicking, especially at such time, as he is to be shod or dressed. The Indians wer wont to vse no bridles, like the Graecians and Celts, but only put vpon their horses mouth a piece of a raw Oxe skin, fastened round about, containing in it certaine yron pricks stan∣ding to the Horsses lips, putting a long a round trench through his mouth, to the edge whereof they fasten the raines, wherewithall they guide the beast. The Turkish Horsses, [ 50] and Spanish Iennets haue bits, with open circles in the middle, consisting of leather, or I∣ron, to restraine the Horsses fury. The raines are (called Habenae) because they make the horsses, Habeles, that is, tractable, and rulable, to be turned, restrained, or put forward, at our pleasure, according to the saying of Cilius;

Ferrato calce, atque effusa, largus habena, Cunctantem impellebat equum. And Virgill: Ipse ter aducta, circum caput egit habena.

Neither is there any Horsse, swift, or slow, noble, or vnnoble, that can be guided without these, which must be held continually in the hand of the rider, they must not be vnequal, one longer then another, neither thicke, neither weake, nor brickle.

There was a certaine Golden chaine (called Ampix) wherewithall the fore-tops of Hor∣ses were wont to bee bound or tyed vp, and thereupon Homer calleth the Horsse of Mars, (Crysampix) and from hence came that custome of womens frontlets, to be adorned with gold and pretious stones. There are also other ornaments of Horses called trappings, and in Latine (Phalerae) deriued from Phalon in Greeke, signifying bright, because they were wont to put a great deale of Gold and Siluer on them, (as Liuius saith) which Horsses so trapped, were presents for great Princes: And there is a kind of Achates stone, wherwith∣all [ 10] the Indians do adorne their Horsse trappings: and it was apparent in Homers time, that they vsed little Bels, or sounding pieces of Brasse to bee fastened to their horsses bridles and trappings; they hanged likewise Iewels, and pearles to the breast of their Horsses, which Virgill expresseth in this manner:

Instratros ostro alipdes, pictisque tapetis Aurea pectoribus, demissa monilia pendent Tecti auro, fuluum mandunt, sub dentibus aurum.

A good horse-man must also haue a paring knife, wherewithall to purge and open his Horsses feet; this is called by Rusius (Rossneta) and by others Scalprum. There is a kind of Manicle for the pasternes of Horsses, (called Numella.) Moreouer a good rider must pro∣uide [ 20] him stirrops, (called Subsellares and Staphae) which although it bee but a new deuise, yet are they so necessary for euery Ryder, as without them they cannot long continue. They must not be made to straight for the foot, because that then they doe not onley hin∣der motion in that part, and so make it benummed and colde, but also giue occasion of great hurt to the Ryder in case the Horsse fall, except he can so temper himselfe to put but a very little part of his foote therein.

There are also Spurs requisit to a Rider (called Calcaria) because they are fastened to the heele of a man, wherewithall he pricketh his dull Horsse when he would haue him ha∣sten the iourney; and the Greekes deriue it from Muops, signifieng a pricking flye, from imitation of which creature it may seeme they tooke this inuention: but this must bee re∣membred, [ 30] that they are prepared for the dull and sluggish Horsse, and not for the free and full of life; for such a Horsse being pricked therwith runneth forth rather with rage & disdaine then for loue of the iourney, and many times the torment thereof maketh him by kicking out of his heeles to cast off his rider.

Lastly, he must haue regard to his Saddle, whereon hee must sit: for the Barbarians did vse to ride vpon bare Horsses backes, but since that time, the wiser sort of horse-men haue inuented a seate for their owne security. Martiall writeth heereof thus:

Stragula succincti, venatur sume veredi, [ 40] Nam solet a nudo, surgere ficus equo.

Of hunting Horsses.

HVnting Horsses because of their swiftnesse, were wont to be called (Veredi) according to the saying: Sunt et veredi, cursu pernices; Al∣though they vse this kind also for posts, and performance of spee∣dy iournies. The males are much better then the females, and ther∣fore they seldome vse Mares in hunting, because they are not so well able to leape, or endure the woodes, for which cause Gratius writeth in this manner of them;

[ 50] Restat equos finire notis, quos arma Dianae Admittant: non omne me as genus audet in artes Est vitium ex animo: sunt quos imbellia fallant: Corpora: praeueniens quondam est incommoda virtus.

Oppianus in his discourse of hunting horsses, (as wee haue said already) aduiseth to make

choise of them by the colour, vnto whom Gratius consenteth saying:

Venanti melius pugnant color, optima nigri.

They that are of blewish colour, hauing variable spotted Legs (he saith) are fittest to hunt Harts: they that are of a bright gray, to hunt Bears, and Leopards; they that are bay, or of a readish colour, to hunt the Boars; they that are blacke, hauing glazen eyes, are good against Lyons: and thus much for the hunting Horsses.

Of coursers or swift light running Horsses. [ 10]

AFter the vse of Wagons, and Chariots, which men had in∣uented for their ease in trauel, & growing to bee weary ther∣of, by reason of many discommodities, they came also to the vse of single Horsses, which therefore they called coursers, and now a daies a Horsse for Saddle, whereupon men per∣forme their iournies; and the Poets say the inuenter heerof, was Belerophon the Son of Neptune, to whom his father gaue Pegasus the flying Horsse, which therfore they describe with winges, and place for a star in heauen like an Angell, because [ 20] of his incredible celerity: others attribute it to the inuention of Sesostris, otherwise called Sesonchosis, a K. of Egypt, some to Orus, when he waged war against his brother Typhon; For these horsses, are no lesse profitable in war, then in peace, although none vse them in these daies, but common Souldiers, yet in auncient time the greatest nobles rode vpon them. The Emperor Probus had one of these Horsses, which was nothing comely nor very highe, yet would he endure ordinary iournies, to run a hun∣dred mile a day, whereupon his maister was wont to say merily, that hee was better for a flying, then a fighting Souldier. The Horsses of Spaine are of this kinde, which they call Iennets, of Genibus theyr knees, because when the rider is on their backs, he must hold his knees close to the Saddle and sides, for his better ease. Like vnto these are the Barbary [ 30] Horsses, whom they geld, to keepe them from the hardnesse of the Nerues, which happe∣neth vnto them in their heate and trauell. There are a kinde of Horsses called Lycospacles, and the reason of this name is, as some say; because when they were Foales, they escaped the teeth of Wolues, being set on by them: and therefore they run the more speedily to their dying day, for the wounds of Wolues makes a Horsse light-footed; but this is not likely, for feare cannot put that into them which is not bred of nature, euen as we say, that Vlisses by auoyding Circes cup, or Cyclops, was therfore made wise, but rather on the con∣trary, because he was wise, therefore hee did auoide Circes cup; so likewise wee say, that these Horsses are not lighter of foot, nor fuller of courage, because they were set vpon by Wolues, and deliuered by feare, but because nature hath framed them, nimble, valiant, [ 40] and couragious; therefore they did auoide the Wolfe.

Aelianus also saith that these Horsses, had a wonderfull knowledge, and sagacity, to discerne betwixt Graecians and other nations; for when a Graecian came vnto them, they loued them, stood stil, and tooke meat at their hands, but if a Barbarian, or stranger came vnto them, they discerned them by their nose, as a dog doth the foot-steps of a beast, lif∣ting vp their voice, they ranne as fast away from them as they would from any rauening beast. These loued not onely their familiars, but aboue all other things, to be neate, fine, and cleauely in Chariots: For if at any time they came through water, drawing of a Cha∣riot they tooke a pride in clensing themselues from all durte and filthinesse cleauing to their legs or face. And that which is more strange, they were vnwilling in race, to be stai∣ed [ 50] or taken out therof, as appeared by this story, related by Festus. There is saith he in Rom a great gate called Ratumena, which tooke his name from the death of a young man, an Hetrurian, whoe perished there in a race of chariots, being conqueror, because his horses would not stay vntill they came into the Capitoll, and saw the framed earthen Chariots which were placed in the porch of Iupiters Temple by the Romans, and were appointed to

fashioned in earth by the hand of a cunning potter, the which being wrought in earth, and put into the furnace, they grew so great that they could not bee taken out whole; at the sight of these, the Horsses of Ratumena stood stil, but first of al, their maister was slain in the course by falling off.

The horsses of Tartaria are so incredibly swift, that they will goe twentye Germaine miles in one day. There was a race of Horsses at Venice (called Lupiferae) which were excee∣ding swift, and the common fame is, that they came vpon this occasion. There was a cer∣taine merry fellow which would become surety for euery man, for which hee was com∣monly Iested at in the whole Citty. It fortuned on a day, as he trauailed abroade in the [ 10] Woodes, that he met with certaine hunters that had taken a Wolfe, they seeing him as∣ked him merrily if he would be surety for the Wolfe, and make good all his damages that he had done to their flocks, and Foales, who instantly confessed hee would vndertake for the Wolfe, if they would set him at liberty, the hunters tooke his word, and gaue the Wolfe his life, whereupon he departed without thankes to the hunters.

Afterward in remembrance of this good turne, he brought to the house of his surety a great company of Mares without marke or brand, which he receiued, and branded them with the image of a Wolfe, and they weretherfore called (Lupiferae) from whom descen∣ded that gallant race of swift horsses among the Veneti: vppon these ride the postes, carry∣ing the letters of kings and Emperors to the appointed places, and these are said to refuse [ 20] copulation with any other Horsses that are not of their owne kind and linage.

The Persian horsses are also exceeding swift, which indeede haue giuen name vnto all others. The messengers of the great Cam King of Tartaria, haue their postes so appoin∣ted at euery fiue and twenty miles end, of these running light horsses, that they ride vpon them, two or three hundred miles a day; And the Pegasarian coursers of France, by the like change of horsses, run from Lyons to Rome in fiue or sixe daies.

The Epethits of a swifte running corser are these, winged or wing-bearing, Larke-footed, breathing, speedy, light, stirred, couetous of race, flying, sweating, not slow, victorious, rash, violent, and Pegasaean. Virgill also describeth a swift and sluggish horsse most excellently in these verses; sending one of them to the Ring, and victory of running, without respect of Countrey or foode, they are to be praised for enriching his maister, [ 30] and the other for his dulnesse to the mill, the verses are these following,

—Nempe volucrem. Sic laudamus equum, facili cui plurima palma Feruet, & exultet vanco victoria circo. Nobilis hic, quocunque venit, degramine cuius Clara fuga ante alios, & primus in aequore puluis Sed venale pecus Corithae, posteritas & Hirpini, sirara, iugo victoria sedit, Nil tibi maiorum respectus, gratia nulla Vmbrarum, dominos pretijs mutare iubentur [ 40] Exiguis, tritoque trahunt Epirhedia collo. Segnipedes, dignique malam versare Nepotis.

One of these swift light horsses is not to be admitted to race or course vntil he be past three yeare old, and then may he be safely brought to the ring and put to the stretching of his legs in a composed or violent pace as Virgill saith:

Carpere mox gyrum inicipiat gradibusque sonare. Compositis, sinuetque alterna volumina crurum.

Pliny affirmeth that if the teeth of Wolues be tyed to these horsses it wil make them neuer to giue ouer in race, and when the Sarmatians were to take long iournies, the day before [ 50] they gaue their horsses very little drinke and no meat at al, and so would they ride them an hundred and fifty miles out right.

The Arabians also in many regions vse to ride vpon Mares, vpon whom they perform great iournies, and King Darius did also fight his battailes vpon Mares which had foales;* 1.98 for if at any time their affaires went to wrack & they in danger, the Mares in remembrance of their foales at home would carry them away more speedily then any other horsse, and thus much for the light or swift horsses.

Of the Gelding.

THey haue vsed to lib their Horsses and take away their stones, and such an one is caled in Latine Canterius or Cantherius, which is de∣riued of Cauterium because they were seared with whot irons, or else from the stronger boughes or branches of Vines so called be∣cause they were pruned. In French Cheual Ogre, Cantier, Cheuron, [ 10] and Soppa doth interpret the Spanish Ianetto to be a Gelding. It is said of Cato Censorius that he was carried and rode vpon a Gelding, and of these the Turkish Horsses receiue the greatest commendations.

* 1.99Forasmuch as many Horsses by their seede and stones are made very fierce, truculent, and vnruly, by taking away of them, they are made seruiceable and quiet which before yealded vnto man very little profit: and this inuention may seeme first of all to be taken from them which fed diuers together in one heard, being taught the intollerable rage of their stoned Horsses towards their Colleagues and guides; for abating wherof they tooke from them their male-parts.

* 1.100Of the manner heereof you may reade plentifully in Rusius, and hee affirmeth that the Scythians and Sarmatians, who keepe all their Horsses in heardes, were the first deuisers [ 20] thereof: For these people vsing to robbe and forrage, were many times by the neighing of their vnruly Horsses discouered; for their property is to neigh not onely at Mares, but also at euery stranger that they see or winde, and for Males they were so head strong that they would diuers time cary away the ryder perforce and against his will to his owne de∣struction, in the rage of their naturall lust.

* 1.101If they be gelded vnder their dams when they sucke, it is reported by some, that from such their teeth neuer fal away, and beside in the heate of their course their nerues are not hardened, for which cause they are the best of all to run withall.

They vse to geld them in March in the beginning of the spring, afterward being wel nourished they are no lesse strong, able and couragious then other vnlibbed, also there is [ 30] a pretty prouerbe Cantherius in Fossa, a Gelding in a Ditch, which is then to be vsed, when a man vndertaketh a busines which he is not able to manage, for a Horsse can do much in a plaine,* 1.102 but nothing at al in a Ditch. It is reported that Iubellius, Taurea, and C. Assellius, fought a combate on Horse-backe neare the Citty (Capua,) and when one had prouoked another a good while in the plaine fieldes, Taurea descended into a hollow way, telling his fellow combatant, that except he came downe vnto him, it would be a fight of Horsses and not of Horse-men, Whereunto Assellius yealded and came downe into the Ditch: at whom his aduersary iested, asking him if he did not know that a Gelding cold do nothing in a ditch, from whence came the common prouerbe aforesaid.

There is also another prouerbe (Anthenius in Porta.) A Gelding in the gate, to signifie a [ 40] a man who after he had vndertaken the performance of some great exploit, his hart faileth in the very enterance, for it is reported of one (Sulpecias Galba) who riding out of the Cit∣ty,* 1.103 his horse tyred in the gate.

There is likewise another adage in Plautus which is this: Crete haec mulier cantherino ritu astans somniat. That is to say, this Woman sleepes standing like a new dressed Horsse, and is applied against them which in a kind of foolish iesture shut their eies when they talke or worke: and thus much for the Gelding.

Of carriering Horsses for pompe or Triumphe. [ 50]

THe nature of these Horsses is to lift vp themselues and rise before, standing vpon their hinder Legges, which is not possible for any to doe without a generous and gallant spirit, and also nimble and strong loines to beare vp the hinder Legges, for it is not as many suppose that this power of rising before from the softnesse of his Legges, but rather from his loines and

hips betwixt his hinder Legs, for when his mouth is a little checked with the bridle he pre∣sently bendeth his hinder pasterns and Ancles, and so lifteth vp his fore parts, that his bel∣ly and yard doe appeare, and in doing heerof the rider must not beare his hand hard, but giue him the bridle, that so he may doe it willingly and with greater grace of the behold∣ders.

There are some which teach Horsses to lift vp themselues by knocking their pasternes with a rod, which the Horsse vnderstandeth as wel as he doth his race, when hee is stroke on the back by the rider. And in teaching of a Horse this feat, it must be obserued, that he neuer haue rest vntil he haue learned it, and that at certain signes and tokens,* 1.104 he be taught [ 10] of his owne accord to performe diuers and sundry iestures: but if after long riding and copious labor, he begin to vnderstand his maisters pleasure, and rise twice or thrice toge∣ther, then you may giue him the raines, nothing doubting but that hee vnderstandeth and wil be obedient to the pleasure of the rider. And in this kind he is acounted the best caree∣ring Horse, which wil rise high & oftnest together; neither is there any quality so comen∣dable in a Horse as this, or that so draweth and (as it were) so imprisoneth the eies of old & young, and other beholders, for which cause Marshall Horsses for seruice of war, are to be instructed herein; And thus much for this Horse.

Of load or Pack-horsses.

[ 20] WHere they keep Horsses in heards and flocks, they haue some which are not fit for the saddle, nor for the wars, and therefore are to be employed for the carring of burthens, or to the cart; althogh as Festus saith) mules were first vsed for carrying and draught; but for as much as all Nations haue not Mules, they are therfore inforced to vse Horsses, and for this purpose the Geldings are much better then the stoned Horsses; wher∣fore the countrymen of most nations take Horsses, for this purpose, after they be old, past breeding, or haue some other blemish in winde or lim, wherby they are disabled to trauell vnder a man: for so great is the greedines of our age, that horsses are not spared so long as [ 30] they be able to liue; according to the common prouerbe (Assinis equis Mulis feriae nullae) Horsses, Mules, and Asses, keepe no hollidaies: where the law of God concerning the Sa∣both is not obserued; for the nourishing of horsses doth counteruaile the charges. A∣mong these may be remembred those little Nags called Hinni & Ginni spoken of already in the discorse of Asses, wherof som are generated betwixt a Horse and an Asse, and others fal to be very little, through some sicknesse which happeneth vnto them in their dams bel∣ly: these are vsed with shorne manes according to the saying of Propertius: huc mea deton∣sis aucta est cynthia manuis. They are vsed for pleasure, to carry the young sonnes of noble men and Gentle men. There are also horsses called (Equifunales, because in their triumphs [ 40] they were led with a halter next after the triumph.

Of wilde Horsses, the Sea-horse, and the Hart-horse (called Hippellaphus.)

IN the daies of Gordianus there were brought to Rome forty wilde Horsses, and in the map of Gordianus wood, there were pictured three hundred. They are called in Latine Equiferi, and in Greek Hippagroi, they abound in Spain, & in the Alpes, and in the deserts of Aethiopia there are many of them, which haue two long venomous teeth standing out of their mouth: they differ also in their hoofes from other Horses, for they are [ 50] clouen-footed like Harts, and they haue a long mane growing all a long their backe to their taile:* 1.105 And if at any time the inha∣bitants take them by ginnes and other slights, they fall so sullen that they abstaine from meate and drinke disdaining to be kept in any seruitude or bondage, the Wilde Horsses

of India haue but one horne:* 1.106 In the Alpes they are of an ash-colour, with a blacke list downe their backes. The wilde horsses of Scythia, neare the Riuer Hypanis, are cleane white. The wilde horsses of Syria liue in flockes and heards togither, and in euery hearde they haue one Captaine or Maister ouer the residue, and if it Fortune that any of the younger horsses leape vpon a Mare, this captaine-horsse runneth after him, neuer giuing ouer till he hath bit off his stones.

There are wilde horsses in Brushia which are like to other horsses in all parts, excepting their backes,* 1.107 which are so soft and weake, that they cannot endure to be fat vppon, ney∣ther are they easily tamed, and the people of the country eat their flesh: In Polonia there is a kinde of wilde horsse which hath hornes like a Hart, and therefore I take it to bee the same which is called Hypellaphus, whose picture is heere described as it was taken heere in England, by that learned Physitian Docter Cay.

The figure of HIPELLAPHVS.

[illustration]

THis beast was brought out of Norway, hauing a mixt form, betwixt a Hart and a Horsse, hauing a wel compacted body, a long and leane leg, a clo∣uen hoofe, a short taile, and in all parts you would iudge him to be a Hart, but in his head and eares you would iudge him to be a mule, & in his horns a Roe, the vpper lip hanging ouer the neather almost as much as an Elkes: his mane like a horses, but thinner and standing more vpright, without other altera∣tion: from their shoulders to their taile, they haue a like bristling mane growing on the backe bone, as longe as their other haire, a bunch vnder their chappes, and vppon that a bunch or shagie haire, the hair about their shoulders is more longer than ordinary,

but their neckes so short that they can neither drinke their drinke nor eat their meat vpon the ground, except they bend downe vpon their knees. The males in this kind doe onely beare hornes, and such as do not grow out of the Crownes of their head, but as it were out of the middle on either side, a litle aboue the eies, and so bend to the sides: They are sharp and full of bunches like Harts, no where smooth but in the tops of the speers, and where the vaines run to carry nutriment to their whole length, which is couered with a hairye skin: they are not so rough at the beginning or at the first prosses specially in the for part as they are in the second, for that onely is full of wrinckles; from the bottom to the middle they growe straight, but from thence they are a little recurued; they haue onely three speers or prosses, the two lower turne awry, but the vppermost groweth vpright to hea∣uen, [ 10] yet sometimes it falleth out (as the keepers of the saide beast affirmed) that either by sicknes or else through want of food, the left horn hath but two branches: In length they are one Roman foot and a halfe, and one finger and a halfe in bredth, at the roote two Ro∣man palmes. The top of one of the hornes is distant from the top of the other three Ro∣man feet and three fingers, and the lower speere of one horne is distant from the lower of the other, two Roman feet measured from the roots: in substance and collor they are like to Harts hornes, they waied together with the dry broken spongy-bone of the forehead, fiue pound and a halfe, and halfe an ounce, (I meane sixteene ounces to the pound:) they fall off euery yeare in the month of Aprill like to Harts, and they are not hollow. The bredth of their fore-heads betwixt the hornes is two Roman palmes and a halfe, the top of [ 20] the crown betwixt the horns is hollow on the hinder part, and in that siecel lieth the brain which discendeth downe to the middle region of the eies.

Theyr teeth are like Harts, and inwardly in their cheekes they grow like furrowes, bigger then in a Horsse; the tooth rising out sharp aboue the throat, as it should seeme that none of his meate should fall thereinto vnbruised. This beast in his young age is of a mouse or Asse colour; but in his elder age it is more yellowish, especially in the extreame partes of his body: the haire smooth but most of all on his legges, but vnder his belly, in the inner part of his knee, the top of his Neck, breast, shoulders, and back-bone, not so smooth: In heigth it was about 22. handfuls and three fingers, being much swifter then any horse, the female beareth euery yeare as the keeper said in Norway two at a time, but in England it [ 30] brought forth but one.

The flesh of it is blacke, and the fibere broad like an Oxes; but being dressed like harts flesh and baked in an Ouen, it tasted much sweeter. It eateth commonly grasse, but in eng∣land seldome after the fashion of horsses, which forbeare hay when they may haue bread; but leaues, rindes of trees, bread and Oats, are most acceptable vnto it. It reacheth natu∣rally thirty hand breadths high, but if any thing be higher which it doth affect: it standeth vp vpon the hinder legs, and with the forelegs there imbraseth or leaneth to the tree, and with his mouth biteth off his desire.

It drinketh water and also English Ale in great plenty, yet without drunkennesse; and there were that gaue it wine, but if it drinke plentifully it became drunk. It is a most plea∣sant [ 40] creature being tamed, but being wilde is very fierce, and an enemy to mankind, per∣secuting men not only when he seeth them by the eie, but also by the sagacity of his nose following by foote more certainly then any horse, for which cause they which kept them neare the high waies, did euery yeare cut off their hornes with a saw: It setteth both vpon horse and foot-men; trampling and treading them vnder foot whom he did ouermatch, when he smelleth a man before hee seeth him, hee vttereth a voice like the gruntling of a Swine being without his female: it doth most naturally affect a woman, thrusting out his genital (which is like a Harts) as if it discernd sexes. In Norway, they cal it an Elke or Elend, but it is plaine they are deceiued in so calling it, because it hath not the legges of an Elke, which neuer bend, nor yet the hornes, as by conference may appeare. Muchlesse can I [ 50] beleeue it to be the Hippardius, because the female wanteth hornes, and the head is like a Mules; but yet it may be that it is a kind of Elke, for the hornes are not alwaies alike, or ra∣ther the Elke is a kind of Horsse-hart, which Aristotle calleth Arrochosius of Arracotos a re∣gion of Assya, and heerein I leaue euery man to his iudgment; referring the reader vnto the former discourses of a Elke and the Tragelaphus.

OF THE SEA-HORSE.

[illustration]

[ 10] [ 20]

THe Sea-horsse, called in Greeke Hippotomos, and in Latine Equus Fluuiatilis; It is a most vgly and filthy beast, so cal∣led because in his voice and mane he resembleth a Horsse, but in his head an Oxe or a Calfe; in the residue of his bo∣dy a Swine, for which cause some Graecians call him som∣times a Sea-horsse, and sometimes a Sea-oxe, which thing hath moued many learned men in our time to affirme, that a Sea-horsse was neuer seene; whereunto I would easi∣ly [ 30] subscribe (saith Bellonias) were it not that the auncient figures of a Sea-horsse, altogether resembled that which is heere expressed; and was lately to bee seene at Constantinople, from whom this picture was taken. It liueth for the most part in Nilus, yet is it of a doubtful life, for it brings forth and breedeth on the land, and by the proportion of the Legges it seemeth rather to bee made for going, then for swimming: for in the night time it eateth both Hay and frutes, forraging into corne fieldes, and deuouring whatsoeuer commeth in the way; And there∣fore I thought it fit to be inserted into this story. As for the Sea-calfe, which commeth sometimes to land onely to take sleepe, I did not iudge it to belong to this discourse, be∣cause it feedeth onely in the waters.

This picture was taken out the Colossus In the Vatican at Rome, representing the Ri∣uer [ 40] Nylus, and eating of a Crocadile: and thus I reserue the farther discourse of this beast vnto the History of Fishes, adding only thus much, that it ought to be no wonder to con∣sider such monsters to come out of the Sea, which resemble horsses in their heads, seeing therein are also creatures like vnto Grapes and swords.

The Orsean Indians do hunt a beast with one horne, hauing the body of a Horsse, and the head of a Hart. The Aethiopians likewise haue a beast, in the necke like vnto a Horsse, and the feet and legs like vnto an Oxe. The Rhinocephalus hath a necke like a Horsse, and also the other parts of his body, but it is said to breath out aire which killeth men. Pausani∣as writeth▪ that in the Temple of Gabales there is the picture of a Horsse, which from his [ 50] breast backwards is like a whale. Lampsacenus writeth, that in the Scythian Ocean, ther are Ilands wherein the people are called Hippopodes, hauing the bodyes of men but the feete of Horsses, and the Lamya heereafter to be declared, hath the feete of a Horsse, but in o∣ther things the members of a Goat: and thus much for the seuerall kinds of Horsses, both for them that are properly so called, and also for any other which like bastards retaine any resemblance of nature with this Noble and profitable kind of beast.

Of the diet of Horsses and their length of life.

HAuing thus discoursed of the kinds of horsses, and their seueral accidents, and vses, both for War, and peace, pleasure, and necessity; now likewise it followeth, that we should proceed to their dyet, and manner of feeding: wherein wee are first of all to consider, that the naturall constitution of a Horsse, is whot and temperate. Whot, because of his Leuity,* 1.108 and Veloci∣ty, [ 10] and length of life; temperate because he is docible, pleasant, and gentle towardes his maister and keeper. He therefore that will keepe Horsses, must prouide for them aboun∣dance of meate, for all other cattell may be pinched without any great danger, only hor∣ses can endure no penury. (Varro saith) that in feeding of Horsses, we must consider three things; first of all what foode the country wherein wee liue doth yeald; secondly when it must be giuen: thirdly, by whom, but specially the place of feeding Horsses is to be con∣sidered, for although Goates can liue in the Mountaines, better then in the greene fields, yet Horsses liue better in the greene fieldes, then they can in the Mountaines. For which cause when we chuse pasture for horsses, we must see that it be fat, such as groweth in med∣dowes, [ 20] that in the winter time it may be sunny, & in the summer it may be open and cold, neither so soft vnder foot, but that the Horsses hoofes may feele some hardnesse, for hor∣ses, Mules, and Asses, do loue wel greene grasse, and fruits, yet principally they grow fat with drinking; When they are in the stables, let them haue dry hay.* 1.109 A Mare when shee hath foaled giue herbarly, and generally at all times in the Winter season Bullimung, or a mixture of al kinds of graine is fit for them in the house, according to these verses of Ne∣metian:

Inde vbi pubentes, calamos durauerit aestas Lactentesque vrens herbas siccauerit omnem Mensibus humorem, culmisque armarit, aristas Ordea tum, paleasque leues, praebere memento [ 30] Puluere quin etiam, puras secernere fruges Cura sit, atque toros, manibus, percurrere equorum Gaudeat, vt plausu, sonipes, letumque, relaxet, Corpus, & altores, rapiat per viscera succos, Id curent famuli, comitumque animosa iuuentus.

We haue shewed already, that they must haue straw, or litter to lie vpon, and Pollux doth set downe the kinds of meates for Horsses, as Barly, Hay, or French wheat, rise, and hay; for hard and dry meat is fittest for Horsses, because it doth not fill them with wind; but al green meat is the lesse aproued, by reason of inflamation. Three-leaud-grasse is also good [ 40] for horsses, especially if they be young, for chaffe, hay, grasse, and Oats, are their natu∣ral and pleasing foode: and although grasse be moist, yet in the young age of a Horsse, he delights in moist meates, for they stretch out his belly, and encrease his growth, but when he is elder, then ought he to be nourished with dryer foode; as chaffe, barly, Oates, and such things. For although chaffe, by reason of their drynes make not a Horsse fat, yet doe they preserue him in perfect strength, for al hard things which are disolued with difficulty, do retaine their force of nutriment longer, but softer meats do not so; therefore the best diet or habitude for Horsses is to retaine the meane betwixt fatnesse and leannes. For fat∣nesse ministreth many humors to the nourishment of sicknesse, and leannesse diminisheth naturall strength, maketh the body deformed. In some countries they giue their horsses vine [ 50] branches in the Autumne, to moue their bellies, and increase their strength.

The hearb Medica which aboundeth in Media, is very nourishable to Horsses, but the first stalkes are refused, saith Aristotle, the residue being watered with stincking Water,* 1.110 is most commodious. In Italy they fat their horsses with Trifoley, in Calabria with Sulla, or Arthritica, and the Thrasians, neare the Riuer Strymon, with a greene Thistle.

In the spring time giue your younger Horsses Bullimung for many daies together, for that will not onely make them fat, but also purge their bellies: for this purgation is most necessary for Horsses, which is called soyling, and ought to continue ten daies together, without any other meat, giuing them the eleuenth day a little Barly, and so forward to the fourteeneth; after which day, continue them in that diet ten daies longer, and then bring them forth to exercise a little, and when as they sweat, annoint them with Oyle, and if the weather bee colde, keepe a fire in the stable: And you must remember when the Horsse beginneth to purge, that he be kept from Barley and drinke, and giue him greene meat, or Bullimumg, wherof that is best that groweth neare the Sea side.

But if the Horsse goe to soile in Aprill, after fiue daies bring him forth, and wash him [ 10] all ouer with Water, then wiping his haire from all wet and filth, and loose haires, poure vpon him Wine and Oyle, pressing it smooth vppon his backe, downe to his skinne, so let him be wiped all ouer againe and carried into the stable, to be dieted with Masline, or Bul∣limung as before, except he be troubled with the Glaunders, and then he must not feed on it in the daye time, least through the heate of the Sunne, he fall into the Mange or into madnesse.

It is also requisite that while we feede our Horsses with green Corne, they be let blood in the vaines of the breast, and also cutte in the roofe of their mouths, that so those places being emptied which were stuffed with corruption, the vacuety may be replenished with better blood; a Horsse thus dieted shall not onely liue in more health and free from sick∣nesse, [ 20] but also be more stronge to vndergoe his labour.

With the blood that commeth out of him, mingled with Niter, Vineger, and Oyle, you shall annoint him all ouer, if so be he bee subiect to the Glaunders, or to the Mange, and then keepe him in the stable fiue daies together, suffering no curri-combe to come vpon him, vntill the sixt day, feeding him in the meane time with greene Corne, or Bulli∣mung; and then bring him forth againe, washing him al ouer with water, and rubbing him with a hard whisp, vntill the humor or moistures be wholy wiped off, and he fed as before fourteene daies together.

If you please not to keep him in the stable, then in the spring time, turne him out in some meddow, or greene pasture, and there let him feed at his owne pleasure; for it hath bin of∣ten [ 30] proued, that such a dyet hath recouered many sicke Horsses.

It is reported of the Horotae, and Gedrusij, and men of Freeseland, the Macedonians, and Lydians, doe feede their Horsses with fishes: Likewise the Paeonians which inhabit about Prasius neare the Mountaine Orbelus, doe feede their Horsses and all cattell which they yoake with fishes.

Concerning the drinke of Horsses we haue spoken elswhere, and therefore we shal not need to say anything of it heere, except that the drinking much, and the horsse thrusting his head in deepe into the troubled water, is an vnfalible signe of his goodnesse; and the custome of some is, for to giue their horsses mashes made of water and corne sod toge∣ther or else, Beare, Ale or Wine, by drinking whereof, they encrease their spirits and [ 40] stomach.

Albertus saith, that some to make their Horsses fat, take Snailes, and beate them in pie∣ces, so putting them into their meates whereby they grow to a false fatnesse, which is ea∣sily disolued. By eating of blacke Hellibor, Oxen, Horsses and Swine, are killed: and thus much for the foode of Horsse.

Concerning the voice of Horsses, the Latines call him Hinnitum, and the Graecians, Phruma, and Phrumatesta; but this is certaine, that from their very foaling, the females haue a shrill and sharper voice then the males, which is fuller, and broader, vntill they be two yeare old, and after copulation their voice encreaseth, so continuing vntill they bee twenty yeare olde, after which time, it falleth, and decreaseth againe. [ 50]

The length of a Horsses life, (according to Aristotle) is eighteen or twenty yeares, and if they bee well it ended and regarded in their youth: It hath been found, that some haue liued vnto fiue and twenty,* 1.111 or thirty year old. The femals liue longer then the males, because of their generation, for the immoderate lust of Horsses, shortneth their daies. And it hath beene found that a Mare hath liued to forty, or fifty yeares, and a Horsse to

three and thirty: wherefore I do leaue the relation of Pliny and Atheneus, to be censured by the Reader, who affirme, that horsses in their time, liued threescore or seauenty yeares.

Albertus also affirmeth, that a Souldiour told him for a certaine truth, that he knew a horsse which liued till he was three score yeares olde, and at that age, did seruice in the field. And August. Niphus also affirmeth, that the Riders of Ferdinand the first, told him, there was a horsse in their maisters stable of seuenty yeare old. The age of a horsse may be known by his teeth, and the Persian, Bohemian, Epirian, & Sycilian horsses, liue longer then the Spanish or Numidian. In their years, the female neuer groweth after fiue, nor the male [ 10] after 6. in height or length, so as the male are soner perfited in the womb then the femals, on the contrary the females do sooner grow to their perfection after their foalling then the males.

The males haue more teeth then the females, and in each sex they which haue fewest teeth, liue not so long, and in their old age, their teeth grow white. Now their age is dis∣cerned by their teeth on this manner, the first foure, that is two aboue, and two beneath, be changed, after they be thirty yeare olde, and a yeare after the foure next are changed in like manner, againe after another yeare, foure more are chaunged, so that after foure yeare, and six months, he looseth no teeth, except the canine, which commeth again in the fift and sixt yeare; so that afterwards their age cannot be diserned, because in the sea∣uenth yeare, they are al filled; An other vnfained note [ 20] of their age, is the hollownesse of their temples, and their eye-lids beginning to wax gray, and their teeth hanging out of their mouths. They also haue litle blackes in the middle of their teeth. Some trye the age of their horsses, as a wise and learned man writeth, by considering twelue teeth, sixe aboue, and six beneath, for the old horsses haue longer and thinner teeth, which are black at the top, and there are certaine broaches or wrinckles in their teeth, which being filled, the marke is said to be out of their mouth.

Some try the age of their horsses by their cheekes, for they pull vp the skin from the bones, and if it will quickly fal backe againe into his former place, they take it for an assu∣red token of the horsses youth: but if if it stande out and fal slowly downe, then on the [ 30] contrary, they iudge the horsse to be old, and thus much for the age and dyet of horsses.

Of the vses of Horsse-flesh, Mares milke, and other parts.

TThere were certaine people in Scythia, which were called Hippophagi, because they liued vpon horsse-flesh; such also were the Sarmatians and the Vandals: likewise in Scythia the lesse, neare Taurica Chersonnessus, the people do not onelie eat the flesh of horsses, but also their milk, and make cheese [ 40] thereof. Athaeneus also affirmeth, that the manner of the an∣cient Persians was, vpon the feasts of their natiuities to rost an Oxe, an Asse, a Horsse, and a Cammell whole, and so set them before their guests.

Inlike sort, they eat horse-flesh and Camels-flesh at Da∣mascus, and in Pollonia wilde horsses, especiallye that part, which groweth vnder the mane. The Sarmatians make meat of Millet seed, and mingle it with Mares milk, or with blood taken out of the vaines of their legs, wherewithall they make puddings,* 1.112 and this is their chiefe food. So likewise doe the Tartarians, who hauing a horsse sicke, cut off his vl∣cer or wound, and so kil him and eat his flesh. The Gothes also in the daies of Virgill did [ 50] drinke the blood of horsses, as appeareth by these verses:

Profuit incensos, aestus auertere & inter Ima fertre pedis, salientem sanguine venam Bisaltae, quo more solent, acerque Gelonus Cumfugit in Rhodapem, atque indeserta Getarum Et lac concretum, cum sanguine potat equino.

The poets do also faine, that Pelias, the Sonne of Tirus and Neptune, was educated by a Mare, and Metabus brought vp his Daughter Camillus with Mares milke, because she was borne wilde, hee also bredde her among the bushes, according to these verses:

Hic natamindumis, interque horrentia lustra Armentalis equae & lacte ferino Nutribat, teneris immulgens vbera labris.

The Tartarians drinke Mares milke, which they dresse like white wine, and call it Churnis, [ 10] whereof Paulus Venetus rehearseth this story. The king of Tartar saith he, nourisheth a∣boue ten thousand milke white horsses and Mares, and euery yeare, vppon the eight and twenty day of August, they obserue a solemn feast, wherein the milk of these white mares is dressed and set forth in comely vessels.

Afterward the king taketh a bowle full thereof, and poureth it on the ground rounde about him, being so taught by his Magitians, to offer sacrifice to the goddes of his coun∣try: For they perswade him, that the gods licke vp that milke spilt on the ground, and af∣terwards the king drinketh vp the residew, and besides him no body that day, except it be of the kings lignage, or of the country of Horiach (for the people of that country, haue liberty to tast thereof that day,) because of a battaile which once they obtained for the great Cam. [ 20]

The property of this milke is to loosen the belly; and because it is thin and hath no fat in it, therefore it easily discendeth, and doeth not curdle in the stomacke, and it is sayde that the Scythians can keep it twelue daies togither, therwithal satisfying their hunger, & quenching their thirst, and thus much shall satisfie for the naturall discourses of horsses; heereafter followeth the morrall.

The morrall discourse of Horsses, concerning fictions, pictures, and other deuises.

ANd first of al for the morral dignity of horsses, ther is a cele∣stiall [ 30] constellation called Hippos, according to these verses of Arratus thus translated:

Huic Equus ille iubam quatiens fulgore micanti Summum contingit caput aluo stellaque tungens vna.

The Latines call this starre Pegasus, and they say that hee is the sonne of Neptune and Gorgon; Medusa with striking his foot vpon a Rock in Hellicon a mountaine of Baeotia, opened a fountaine, which after his name was called Hippocrene. O∣thers tell the tale in this sort, at what time Bellerophon came [ 40] to Praetus the sonne of Abas the king of the Argiues, Antia the kinges wife fell in loue with her ghuest, and making it knowne vnto him, promised him halfe hir husbands kingdome if he woulde lie with her, but he like an honest man abhorring so foule a fact, vtterly refu∣sed to accomplish the desire and dishonesty of the lustfull Queene; wherupon shee being affraid least he should disclose it vnto the king, preuented him by her owne complaint, enforming the king that he would haue rauished her: when the king heard this accusation (because he loued Bellerophon wel,) would not giue punishment himselfe, but sent him to Scheno••eas the father of Queen Antia, that he in defence of his daughters chastity might take reuenge vpon him, who presently cast him to Chimaera, which at that time depopu∣lated all the coast of Lycia: but Bellerophon by the helpe of the horsse Pegasus did both o∣uercome [ 50] and auoide the monster, and being weary of his life perceiuing that there was no good nor truth vpon the earth, determined to forsake the world and flye to heauen: who comming neare to Heauen, casting downe his eies to the earth, trembled to see how farre hee was distant from it, and so his heart fainting for feare, fell downe backe∣warde and perished, but his horsse kept on his flight to heauen, and was there

placed among the stars by Iupiter. Euripides telleth the tale otherwise, for hee saith that Chiron the Centaure had a Daughter nourished in the mountaine Pelius which was called Theas and afterward Hippe, because of her exceeding hunting on horsse backe, shee was perswaded by Aeolus (the sonn of Hellen, a Nephew of Iupiters, to let him lie with her, wherupon she conceiued with child, and when the time of her deliuerance cam, she fled from her father into the woods, for feare the losse of her virginity should be knowne vn∣to him, but hee followed her to see what was the cause of his Daughters departure, whereupon shee desired of the Goddes that her father might not see her in trauaile, her prayer was graunted, and shee after her deliuery, was turned into a mare, and placed a∣mongst [ 10] the stars.

Others say that shee was a prophetesse, and because she reuealed the counsels of the Goddes, was therefore metamorphized in that shape in the place aforesaid. Others say, that because shee gaue ouer to worship Diana, she lost her first presence: but to returne to the first tale of Bellerophon, who after the death of Chimaera, growing proud for his va∣lor attempted to fly to heauen, but Iupiter trobled his horsse with a fury, and so he shook off his rider, who perished in the field, Alecus apo tese alese, because of his error: and Pe∣gasus was placed in heauen.

But to come nearer to the description of the poetical horsse, Albertus Magnus and some others say, that it is a beast bred in Aethiopia, hauing the head and feete of a horsse, but horned, and wings much greater then the winges of an Eagle, which he not doth lift [ 20] vp into the aire like a bird, but onely stretcheth them out when he runneth, whereby his only presence is terrible to all creatures, vnto whom he is enemy, but especially to men: but for the truth heereof (although Pliny and some others seeme to affirme as much) yet will I set downe nothing for trueth and certainety, because as the poets call euery swifte horsse volutres, and Alipedes, so the errour of that figure, hath rather giuen occasi∣on to the framing of this newe Monster Pegasus, then anye other reasonable Ali∣gory.

Likewise I knowe no cause why the poets shoulde faine, that Ceres was turned into a Mare, and hidde hir selfe in the heards of Oncius, Neptune falling in loue with her, fol∣lowed her to those fields, and perceiuing that hee was deceiued, turned himselfe also [ 30] into a horsse, and so had to doe with her, whereat Ceres was greeuously offended, and fell into a very great fury, for which cause shee was called Erinnis: yet afterwardes shee washed her selfe in the Riuer Ladon, laying aside al her rage and fury, at the fulnes of time she brought foorth Arion.

And the Arcadians also had a certaine Denne, wherein they had a great remem∣brance of this rauishment of Ceres, sitting in a Denne, wherein they say she hidde hir selfe from all creatures, and whereunto they offer diuine worship. They picture her in a colts skinne, sitting like a woman in all parts, with a long garment downe to her ancles, but the head of a horsse with the pictures of many Dragons, and other such wilde beasts, hold∣ing in one of her hands a Dolphin, and in the other a Doue.

[ 40] By all which it is not easie for euery man to knowe and conceiue their meaning, that plenty of food signified by Ceres, doth not only maintaine men, Fowls, Beasts, and Fishes, but also the immoderate vse therof draweth men to inordinate lust and concupisence, and that the Goddes of the Heathen were more rather to be accounted beastes then men.

Diana also among the Arcadians was called Eurippa, for the finding out of those Mares which Vlysses had lost: which Vlysses erected a statue for Neptune the greate Ryder, and they say that Hippolitus being torne in pieces by Horsses through the loue of Diana, and skill of Aesculapius, by the vertue of certaine Hearbes hee was restored [ 50] vnto life againe: Whereupon Iupiter being sore vexed and angry with Aesculapius

for such an inuention, deluding as it were the fury of the Goddes, killed him with light∣ning; and thrust him downe to hell, because no wretched man woulde feare death if such deuises might take place: which fact Virgil describeth in these verses:

At Triuia Hippolitum secretis alma recondit Sedibus & nymphae Aegeriae nemorique relegat Solus vbi in siluis Italis ignobilius aeuum Exigerit, versoque vbi nomine virbius esset Vnde etiam Triuiae templo lucisque sacratis Cornipedes arcentur equi quod litore currum [ 10] Et iuuenem Monstris pauidi effudere marinis.

The Poets also do attribute vnto the night, blacke horsses, and vnto the day white. Homer saith, that the names of the day-horsses are Lampus & Phaethon, to the moon they ascribe two horsses, one blacke and another white, the reason of these inuentions, for the day and the night is, to signifie their speedy course or reuolution by the swiftnes of horsses, and of the darkenes of the night by the blacke horsses, and the light of the day by the white, and the Moone which for the most part is hidde and couered with earth,* 1.113 both encreasing and decreasing, they had the same reason to signifie her shadowed part by a black horse, and her bright part by a white one.

The like fixtion they had of H••c••te, whom Ausonias calleth Tergemina, because shee is described with the heade of a Horsse,* 1.114 a Dogge, and a wilde Man, the horsse on the right [ 20] hand, the Dogge on the left hand, and the wilde man in the middle: whereby they decla∣red, how vulgar, illiterate, and vnciuilized men, do participate in their conditions, the la∣bors and enuy of brute beasts.

We may also read in the Annales of Tacitus, that in his time there was a Temple rai∣sed to Equestriall fortune, that is, for the honor of them which managed horsses to their owne profit, and the good of their countrey, and that Fuluius the Praetor in Spaine, be∣cause he obtained a victory against the Celtiberians, by the valiant diligence of his horsse∣men, was the first that builded that temple. Likewise, there was another temple in Baeotis for the same cause dedicated vnto Hercules.* 1.115

The auncient Pagans call the Godde of Horsses H••ppona, as the Godde of Oxen B••∣bona. [ 30] It is also apparant, that many Nations vse to Sacrifice horsses, for at S••lentinuma horsse was cast aliue into the fyre and offered to Iupiter. Likewise the L••cedemonians sacri∣fyced a horse to the winds:* 1.116 at Rome also they sacrificed a horse to Mars, & therof cam the terme of Equus October, which was sacrificed euery yeare in October in Campus Martius. This horsse was often taken out of a chariot, which was a Conqueror in race, & stood on the right hand, assone as he was killed som one caried his taile to a place called Regia, and for his head there was a continuall combate betwixt the inhabitants of the streetes (Subur∣ra) and (S••c••auia) which of them should possesse it: for the Suburans would haue fastened it to the wal of Regia, and the Sacrauiens to the Tower Mamillia.

The reason why they sacrifyced a horse, some haue coniecturd because the Romans [ 40] were the off spring of the Troyans, and they being deceiued by a horsse, their posterity made that Sacrifice for punishment of horsses: but it is more reasonable, that because they Sacrificed a conquering horsse,* 1.117 they did it onely for the honour of Mars (the god of victorie) or els because they would signifie, that flying awaie in battell was to be puni∣shed by the example of sacrificing of a swift horsse.

The Carmani did also worship Mars, and because they had no horsses to vse in warre, they were forced to vse Asses, for which cause they Sacrificed an Asse vnto him. There is another fable amongst the Poets, that the Methimnaeans were commaunded by the Ora∣cle to cast a Virgin into the Se•• to Neptune, which they performd: now there was a yong [ 50] man whose name was (Ennallus) which was in loue with the said Virgin, and seeing hir in ••he Waters, swum after her to saue her, but both of them were couered with the waters of the Sea, yet after a certaine space, Ennallus returned backe again, and brought newes that the virgin liued among the pharies of the Sea, and that he after that he had kept Nep∣tunes horses, by the helpe of a great waue, escaped awaie by swimming; for the poets fain that Neptunes chariot was drawn by horsses of the sea, acording to these verses of Gilius:

Non aliter quotiens perlabitur aequora curru Extremamque petit Phaebaea cubilia Tethyn Fraenatis neptunus equis.

They also faine that the Sunne is drawne with two swift white Horsses,* 1.118 from whence came that abhomination, that the Kings of Iudaea had erected Horsses and Chariots in honor of the Sunne, which were set at the entrance of the Temple of the Lord; which Horsses were destroyed by Iosias, as we reade in holy Scripture.* 1.119 And the manner of their abhominati∣on was, that when they did worship to the Sunne, they roade vpon those Horsses from the entrance of the Temple to the chamber of Nethan-melech. The Persians also sacrificed a [ 10] Horsse to Apollo according to these verses of Ouid:

Placat equum Persis, radij hyperiona cinctus Ne detur sceleri victima tarda deo.

And for this cause the Masagetes sacrificed a horsse (the swiftest of all Beasts) vnto the sun, the swiftest of all the Gods. Philostratus also recordeth, that Palamedes gaue charge to the Graecians to sacrifice to the Sunne rising a white horsse. The Rhodians in honor of the Sun did cast yearly away into the Sea, the Chariots dedicated to the Sunne, in imagination that the Sunne was carried about the World in a Chariot, drawen by sixe Horsses.

As the Army of the Persians did proceede forward on their iournie,* 1.120 the fire which they did (call holy and eternall) was lifted vp on Siluer alters: Presently after this, there followed the Wise-men, and after those wise-men came 165. young men, being cloathed [ 20] with as many red little-garments as there are daies in the year: Instantly vpon the same, came the holy Chariots of Iupiter, which was drawne by white Horsses: after which, with a resplendant magnitude the Horsse of the Sun was seene to appeare (for so it was called) and this was the manner of their sacrifice.* 1.121

The King of Indians also (as is said) when the daies began to waxe long, he descended downe to the Riuer Indus, and thereunto sacrificed black Horsses and Buls, for the Buls in ancient time were consecrated to the riuers, and horsses also were throwne therinto aliue,* 1.122 as the Troians did into Xanthus.

The Veneti (which worshiped Diomedes with singuler honor) did sacrifice to him a whit horsse: when the Thebanes made war on the Lacedaemonians,* 1.123 it is said that Caedasus apeared [ 30] in a vision to Pelapidas, one of the Thebane Captaines, and told him that now the Lacedae∣monians were a Laeuctra, and would take vengance vpon the Thebanes, and their Daughters; Whereupon Pelapidas to auert that mischiefe, caused a young foale to be gallantly attired, and the day before they ioyned battel, to be led to a Sepulcher of their virgins, and ther to be killed and sacrificed.

The Thessalians obserued this custome at their marriges and nuptial sacrifices, the man tooke a Horsse of War armed and furnished, which he led into the Temple, after the sa∣crifice ended he deliuered the raines of the bridle into the hands of his Wife who led the same Horsse home againe, but for what signification or cause this rite was obserued,* 1.124 Aeli∣anus which relateth the story sheweth not, but saieth he referreth himselfe to the Thessali∣ans [ 40] to declare their owne reasons of this obseruation, and thus much shall suffice concer∣ning the sacrificing of Horsses.

Another moral-honor done vnto them was their burial;* 1.125 For we haue shewed already that Volucer the Horsse of Verus the Emperour was honourably buried, the Mares of Ci∣non which had won three games at Olympus, were likewise interred neare his owne body. The Scithians at the burial of their kings vsed for to strangle one of his harlots, his cupbe∣rer, his Cooke, his Horsse-keeper, his messenger, and also Horsses and other cattell; and after a yeare they do this the second time; taking fifty of his dearest seruantes which were natural Scythians and strangled them; Likewise fifty of his best Horsses, out of whose bel∣lies they pul out their bowels and guttes, and filling their bellies vppe againe with chaffe, they sowe them vp: then make they halfe an arch vpon two posts standing vpright, and [ 50] likewise the other halfe vpon two other postes ouer the kings graue; Likewise fastening in the earth diuers other sharp posts vpon which they put the fifty horsses, so fastening them with thicke pieces of timber al along their neck and back, so that the shoulders of the hor∣ses rest vpon the fore-arch and their bellies on the hinder, their legs standing vpward, then

bridle they the horsses, and stretch foorth the reynes of their bridles vnto the poastes of the earth, afterwards vpon euery one of the dead horsses they lay a dead man, putting a stake through his backe out of his necke, and the ne••ther part of the said stake they fast∣en in the poste, which pierceth or goeth thorough the horsse, and thus hauing compas∣sed about the graue of their king, with such horsses and horsse-men, they depart, leauing both one and the other to the consumption of nature, and after this manner did they bu∣ry all their kings.

Adrian buried his hunting horsse, Enomaus his Mares, Partheria and Eripha. Like∣wise Miltiades,* 1.126 Euagoras, and Augustus the Emperor: At Agrigentum also there are many Piramides erected vpon the sepulchres of horsses, and thus much shal suffice for the buri∣all [ 10] of horsses.* 1.127

* 1.128We haue shewed you already how men and women haue bin transformed into hor∣ses, according to the fiction of the Poets, as of Saturne, Iupiter, Neptune, Ceres, Hippes, and Ocyrrhoes the daughtrrs of Chiron.* 1.129 In like sort there haue beene predictions or osten∣tations of things to come, taken from a Wolfe, a Fox, and a Serpent, and a Horsse, which were called Auspicia Pedestria.

Dreames also haue beene declared by horsses, for Publius Vatinius in the Macedonian warre, comming towards Rome in the night time, supposed he saw two yong men of ex∣cellent beauty to meet him, and tell him that Perses the king was taken by Paulus, which thing he declared to the Senate, but was by them put into prison as a contemner of the [ 20] Maiesty and honor of that Captaine, but afterwards it appeard by the letters of Paul that Perses was taken that very day; whereupon Vatinius was deliuered out of prison, and re∣warded with land and liberty.* 1.130

It also apeareth that the same day that Castor and Pollux washed away the sweat of them selues and their horsses, in the lake of Iuturne, that they watched for the safety of the Ro∣man Empire, and their Temple which was ioyned to the same fountain being fast locked, vpon a suddaine flew open without the hand of man.

Aenaeas also in Virgill saith, that he knew war woulde follow by the appearance of foure horsses, which in a green field set vpon a whole campe, whereuppon in Virgill he speaketh thus to Anchises. [ 30]

Quatuor hic, primum omen Equos in gramine vidi Trudentes campum late candore nouali Et pater Anchises bellum o terra hospita partes Bello armantur equi, bellum haec armenta minantur Sed tamen ijdem olim curru succedere sueti Quadrupedes & fraena iugo concordia ferre Spes est pacis ait.

Lucan also speaketh to the same purpose that horsses presage warre;

Primus ab aequorea percussis cuspide saxis [ 40] Thessalicus sonipes bellis feralibus omen Exiluit.

Alexander also writeth, that the Germans were wont to bring vp white horsses which wer neuer vsed to labour, by whose neighing they were forewarned of warres, and of other strange euentes. It is vulgarly knowne how Darius came to the kingdome of Persia, after it was agreed amongst the seuen princes, that he whose horsse did first neigh in the mor∣ning in a place appointed, should be saluted king, Ebares his rider in the night time tooke one of the Mares which he knew his maisters horsse loued, and ledd her into the suburbs, and there tied her, afterward he brought thither Darius his horse, and led him about hir 2. or three times, and at length suffered him to couer her, and so ledde them both away to∣gither. [ 50]

In the next morning the princes met as soone as day brake, and road vp and down the subburbs, vntil at last they came to the place where the Mare of Darius was tied the night before, whereunto the horsse of Darius ran neighing strongly, and presently it thundered and lightned in a cleere day: whereuppon the residue of the princes alighted from their horses, and did reuerence to king Darius, whom by diuine appointment was thus aduan∣ced to the Scepter.

Although there be some that say Ebores by handling of a Mares genitall and keeping his hand warme, vntill they came to the place aforesaide, there stroking the Nostrils of his maisters horsse, caused him thus to neigh and win the kingdome, yet I rather incline to the former opinion which was related by Herodotus in his Thalia.

There haue also beene horsses of strange fashions, for as we haue shewed already, that a Mare did bring forth a Hare, so also (Liuy sayth) an Oxe did bring foorth a Foale.* 1.131 Nero did shew certaine Hermaphrodite mares, wherewithall his chariot was drawne, which was a thing worth the sight, that the Monarcke of the worlde should sit vpon Monsters.

Iulius Caesar had a horsse which had clouen hooues like a mans fingers, and because he was foaled at that time when the south-sayers had pronounced that hee should haue the [ 10] gouernment of the world, therefore he nourished him carefully,* 1.132 and neuer permitted any man to backe him but himselfe, which afterwards he dedicated in the Temple of Ve∣nus, for he conceiued, that such a strange beast bredde in his owne flocke was a prediction vnto him of great honor. The Palatine of Vilua had a horsse soled with fiue legs,* 1.133 and Hen∣ry the count-Palatine had likewise a horsse with sixe legs: Thus much may suffice for the monster horsses.

In the next place it is good to enquire what the Centaures are, who are described by the Poets to haue their forepar••like men, and their hinder part like horsses,* 1.134 the occasion wherof is thus related by Pindarus: that Centauru the Sonne of Ixion, committed bugge∣ry wich the mares of Magnetia, vnder the mountaine Pelius, from whence came that mon∣strous [ 20] birth in the vpper part resembling the father and in the neather the mother. These faith he possessed the mountaines and desart places of Thessaly, being giuen to all man∣ner of Latrociny and Depraedation. They were called also Hippocentauri: And some saye that they were first of all nourished by the Nimphes in the mountaine Pelius, who after∣wards being the first that tamed horsses, were thought to be halfe men, and halfe horses, because they were seene backward, and from hence came the fable that they were tamed by Hercules, which was one of his greatest labours: But yet that no man may wonder or thinke it impossible that such monstrous creatures should haue existence in nature, these authorities following may perswade sufficiently.

[ 30] Plutarch in his banker of wisemen, affirmeth, there was a horsse-keeper which broght into the house of Periander an infant or rather a monster which he had got vpon a Mare, which had the head, necke, hands and voice o•• a child, and the other partes like a horsse, Diocles presently iudged it to bee a monster, and signified contentions and strifes in the world. But Thales told Periander he was of another opinion, namely, that it was no mon∣ster, but a meere naturall birth from such a copulation, and therefore aduised Periander, that either he should keepe no riders, or els let them haue wiues.

Claudius Caesar also writeth, that in the time of his raigne there was such a one borne in Thessaly, which dyed the same day it was borne: and Pliny that he afterwards saw it sea¦soned in hony, brought out of Egypt to be shewed to the Emperor. These Centaures Ho∣mer calleth Feray, that is Ferae, wilde persons. The Lapithae and the Centaures are said to be [ 40] very like the one to the other and were also once very louing, but they fell afterwards to deadly war, by reason the Centaures in a banket being drunk, offered to rauish the famals of the Lapithae, for which cause the Lopithae slew them in their iealosie, wheron fell a mortal war, whereby the poets signifie how intemperancy in men & beasts doth not only bring with it other sins, but also causeth much slaughter. And so I conclude the story of Cen∣taures, holding it possible that such should be generated by vncleane and vnnaturall co∣pulation, but vnpossible that they should liue long after birth, and therefore the Centaurs of the Poets are nothing els but men sitting on horssebacke, mistaken for one entire crea∣ture which were diuided, and so I conclude with the verse of Horace:

Humano capiti cernicem pictor Equinan [ 50] Hoc monstrum puto Centaurus foret.

Of the statues and figures of Horsses.

IT is was no smal dignity that the ancient Cephalenes did stamp their mony with the picture of a horsse, for surely from them it came,* 1.135 that coine was firste of all called currant, because of the ymage of a speedy horsse, wherewithall it wes imprinted. Textor also writeth, that amongest the auncientes there was a custome to make the Character of a horsse in the forehead of [ 10] a boud-slaue, there was also ymages of horssemen and horsses renowned in many countries for the honor of both, such were the statues of the Amazons (cald Hippiades (who by Lysias the Oratour are saide to be the first that euer backed horsses: Such was the statue of Claelia, Quintus Martius; Tremulus, Domitianus, and manye other both men and women: for the Romaines had the Equestriall statues in great reuerence and ceremony, no doubt in imitation of the Graecians, but with this difference, that they pictured none but the swift horsses, but the Romans, horsses and chariots, and from hence came the custome to haue chariots in triumph.

But this custome to haue six horsses in a chariot was brought in last of all by Augustus. [ 20] Aristolemus pictured the chariots and wagener. Pisicrates the woman Pitho, with a wagon. Eut••••crates the sonne of Lysippus expressed the Equestriall combate at the Oracle of Tro∣ph••nium with singular art, also many Chariots of Medea, the horsse and his cariage: there were also 〈…〉〈…〉 chariots at Rome in the porch of Iupiters Temple, as we haue shewed before in the discourse of chariots.

When Constantinus the great took a view of the citie of Rome, and passing from place to place, came at length to Forum Traiani, the most exquisite building of all the world, he st••od amazed at the admirable frame of Giants, which were lineally deciphered therein, whereof disparing to imitate any part of that worke, he chose onely to erect the picture of such a horsse & prince,* 1.136 as in the middle of the same was erected, in remembrance of Tra∣iane▪ [ 30] and so much he intimated to his followers: close by him stood that princely Hormis∣da••a (a persian) who made the Emperor this answere: Ante imperator stabulum tale condi iu∣••eto si vales: Equus quem fabrica••e disponis ita late succedat vt iste quem videmus: O Noble Empe. before you make such a horsse, first of all builde such a stable; that your worke in all parts may be correspondent to this which you propose vnto your selfe to imitate.

M••••••llus the Macedonian raised two porches which were compassed about with two horsses, without inscription or dedication, which now are compassed with the porches of Octauia, & the row of Equestrial statues in the front of the said buildings, now the grea∣test ornament of that place, he also brought out of Macedonia. And it is said that Alexan∣der the great caused Lysippus (that singular workeman) to frame the pictures of all those [ 40] knights which in his company were slaine at the Riuer Granicum, and also to place his owne picture amongst them.

In the citty of Rome there are two mountaines called Equilini, in one of them are the ba••hes of Dic••lesian, and the great Marble horsses, with two men halfe naked, holdinge their reines, being most singular workemanship, whereof one hath this inscription in la∣tine letters Opus Praxitelis, the vvork of Praxitiles, the other Opus Phidiae the vvork of Phi∣dias: and it is cleare, that they were brought thither by Tyridates king of Armenia, for whose entertainment Nero caused the Theatre of Pompey to be couered all ouer with gold in the space of one daie.* 1.137 The story of the Troian horsse is vulgarlie known, which is also ca∣led Equus Durateus, or Durens, wherein Graecian princes hid themselues, when they [ 50] tooke Troy, according to these verses:

Nec cum duratens Troianis pergama partu Inflammascit Equus nocturno graiugenarum.

The truth whereof standeth thus, the Graecians making shew that they had vowed a vow vnto Pallas, framed a horsse of so great bignes, that it coulde not be taken into Troy, ex∣cept

the gates were pulled downe; and this they placed hard to the wals of Troy: Sinon (the counterfet runagat) being then within the wals among the Troyans, perswaded them to pull downe their wals and pul in that wooden horsse; affirming that if they could get it, Pallas would stand so friendly to them that the Graecians should neuer be able to mooue warre against them: wherefore they pull downe their gates, and part of their wall, and by that meanes do bring the horsse into the citty: while the Troyans were thus reuelling and making merry with themselues, and not thinking of any harme might ensue vpon them, the leaders of the Graecian army who by deceit all this while kept themselues close hid, (euer since which time the Graecians are tearmed of all nations deceitfull) on a suddaine [ 10] rose out of their lurking places, and so going forward inuaded the citty, being destitute of any defence, and by this meanes subdewed it.

Others are of opinion, that the poets fiction of the Troyan horsse, was no other but this, that there was a mountaine neare Troy called Equus, and by aduantage thereof Troy was taken, whereunto Virgill seemeth to alude, saying;

Instar montis Equum diuina Palladis arte Aedificant.

For they saie that Pallas and Epeus made the horsse, and therefore I coniecture, that the Troian horsse was nothing else but an engine of war, like vnto that which is called Aries: For (Pausanias saith) that Epeus was the inuenter, thereof. And Higintas saith, that the [ 20] Troyan horsse was Machina oppugnatoira, a deuise of war, to ouerthrow the wals.

Of this horsse there was a brazen image at Athens in Acropolis, with this inscription, Chaeridemus, Fuangeli filius caelenenatus dicauit. When Alexander looked vpon his own picture at Ephesus which Apelles had drawne with all his skill, the king did not commend it according to the worth thereof: It fortuned that a horsse was brought into the roome, who presentlie neighed at the picture of Alexanders horsse, smelling vnto it as to a liuing horsse, where at Apelles spake thus to the king:

Ho men Hippos eoice sou graphicoteros Cata polu.

That is to say: the horsse is a better discerner of truth then you.

[ 30] There was one Phormis which went from Maenalus in Arcadia into Scicilia, to serue Gelon the Sonne of Dinomenes, vnder whom and his brother Hiero he arose to great estate of wealth, and therefore he gaue many guifts to Apollo at Delphos, and made two brazen horsses with their riders at Olympia, setting Dionisius the Graecian vpon one, and Simon E∣genenta vpon the other.

Aemilius Censorinus (a cruel Tirant in Scicilia) bestowed great gifts vpon such as could in∣uent new kind of Torments; there was one Aruntius Paterculus, hoping to receiue from him some great reward made a brazen horsse, and presented it to the Tirant: to include therein such as he should condemne to death: at the receipt whereof Aemilius which was neuer iust before, first of all put the author into it, that he might take experience how cur∣sed a thing it was to minister vnto crueltie.

[ 40] Apelles also painted Clytus on horsse-backe hastening to war, and his armour bearer reaching his helmet vnto him, so liuely, that other dumb beasts were affraid of his horsse. And excellent was the skil of Nealces who had so pictured a horsse foaming that the be∣holders were wont to take their handkerchefs to wipe it from his mouth: and thus much for the morrall vses of horsses.

Of the seuerall diseases of Horsses and their cures.

[ 50] SEeing in this discourse I haue principally aymed at the pleasure, delight, and profitte of Englishmen, I haue thought good to discource of the diseases of horsses and their cures in the words of our owne countrymen M. Blundevile, and M. Markham, whose works of these matters are to be recorded like the Il∣liads of Homer in many places and seuerall Monumentes, to the the entent that enuy or Barbarisme may neuer be able to burie them in obliuion, or neglect to root them out of the world, without the losse of other memorable labors.

Wherefore good Reader, for the ensuing Tractate of diseases and cure; compiled by them, after that I had read ouer the labors of C. Gesner, and compared it with them, find∣ing nothing of substance in him, which is not more materially, perspicuously, profitably, and familiarly, either extracted or expressed by them, in a method most fitting this Hy∣story, I haue thoght good to follow thē in the description of the disease and the remedy, first (according to time) declaring them in the words of M. Blund. and afterwards in the words of M. Markam methodically one after the other in the same place: wherwithal I trust the liuing authors will not be displeased, that so you may with one labour examin both; and I hope, that neither they nor any of their friends or Schollers shall receiue any iuste [ 10] cause of offence, by adding this part of their studies to our labors, neither their bookes imprinted, be any way disgraced or hindered, but rather reuiued, renobled, and honou∣red. To beginne therefore (saith Maister Blundeuill) after the discourse of the nature of a horsse followeth those things which are against nature, the knowledge whereof is as need fully profitable as the other. Things against nature be those whereby the heathfull estate of a horsse-body is decayed, which are in number three. That is, the causes, the sicknes, and the accidentes; of the two first in order, and the other promiscuously as neede re∣quireth.

Of causes and kinds thereof.

THe causes of sickenes be vnnaturall affects, or euill disposi∣tions [ 20] preceding sicknesse, and prouoking the same, which of themselues do not hinder the actions of the bodye, but by meanes of sicknesse comming betwixt.* 1.138 Of causes, some be called internal, and some Externall. Internall be those that breede within the body of the beast, as euill iuice. Ex∣ternall be those that chance outwardly to the body, as heat, cold, or the stinging of a Serpent, and such like. In knowing the cause of euery disease, consisteth the chiefe skill of the Ferrer. For vnlesse he knoweth the cause of the disease, it is [ 30] impossible for him to cure it wel and skilfully. And therefore I wish al Ferrers to be dili∣gent in seeking to know the causes of all diseases, as wel in the parts similer, as instrumen∣tall▪ and to know whether such causes be simple, or compound: for as they be simple or compound, so do they engender simple or compound diseases.

Of sicknesse what it is, and how many generall kinds there be, also with what order the diseases of Horsses are heerein declared. And finally, of the foure times, belonging to euery sicknesse.

SIcknes is an euill affect contrary to nature, hindring of it selfe, some action [ 40] of the body. Of sickenes there be three generall kindes, whereof the firste consisteth in the parts simyler; the second in the parts instrumental: and the third in both parts togither. The first kind, is called of the Latines In∣temper••es, that is to say, euill temperature, which is either simple or com∣pound. It is simple, when one quality onlie doth abound or exceed too much, as to be too hot or too cold; it is compound, as when manie qualities do exceed, as when the body is too hot and too drie, or too cold and too moist. The second kind is called Mala constitutio, that is to say, an euil state or composition, which is to be considered, eyther by the shape, number, quantity, or sight of the member, or part euell affected or diseased. The thirde [ 50] kind is called Vnitatis solutio, that is to saie, the loosening or diuision of the vnitie, which as it may chaunce diuerslie; so it hath diuers names accordinglie: for if such solution or diuision be in a bone, then it is called a fracture, if it be in anie fleshie part, then it is called a wounde or vlcer; in the vaines a rupture, in the sinnews a conuulsion or crampe, and in the skin an excoriation.

Againe, of diseases, some be called long, and some sharpe and short, called of the La∣tines, Morbi accuti, which be perillous, and do quickly kill the body. The long, do tarrye longer by it. Yet moreouer there is sicknes by it selfe, and sicknes by consent. Sicknesse by it selfe, is that which being in some member, hindereth the action thereof by it selfe. Sicknesse by consent, is deriued out of one member into another, through the neighbor∣hood and community that is betwixt them: as the pain of the head which commeth from the stomacke.

Thus the learned Physitians which write of mans body, do diuide sicknesse. But Absir∣tus writing of horsse-leach craft, saith of that sicknes or rather malady (for so he termeth [ 10] it, vsing that worde as a generall name to all manner of diseases that be in a horsse) there be foure kinds: that is to say, the moist malady, the dry malady, the malady of the ioynts, and the malady betwixt the flesh and the skin. The moist malady is that which we call the Glanders: the dry maladie is an incurable consumption, which some perhaps would call the mourning of the cheine, but not rightly, as shall well appeare vnto you heereafter: The malady of the ioynts comprehendeth al griefes and sorances that be in the ioyntes: And the malady betwixt the flesh and the skin, is that which we call the scab: vnto which foure kindes of maladies Vegetius addeth three others, that is, the Farcine, the paine of the Reynes or Kidneys, and the cankered Mangenesse, most commonly called of the old writers the Leprosie; and so maketh seauen kinds of maladies, vnder which all other par∣ticular [ 20] diseases are comprehended.

Againe, Laurentius Russius, vseth an other kind of diuision of sicknes. Of horsses disea∣ses (saith he) some be naturall, and some accidentall. The natural be those that do come either through the excesse, or lacke of engendring seed, or by error of nature, in missor∣ming the young, or else by some defect of the damme or sire, in that perhaps they be di∣seased within, and haue their seed corrupted.

The accidentall diseases be those that come by chaunce, as by surfetting of cold, heat, and such like thing. But forasmuch as none of these writers doe follow their owne diuisi∣ons, nor handle the partes thereof accordingly: to auoide their confusion, and to teach plainely: I thought good and profitable therefore to vse this my owne diuision and order [ 30] heere following.

First then, of diseases some be inward, and some be outward. The inward be those that breede within the horsses bodie, and are properly called maladies and diseases, whereof some do ocupy al the wholebodie, and some particular parts or members of the body.

Of those then that occupie all the body, and not be accident to any priuate mem∣ber, I do first treat, as of Agues, of the Pestilence, and such like, and then of those that be incident to euery particluar member, beginning at the head, and so proceede orderly throughout all the members, euen downe to the sole of the foot, obseruing therein so nie as I can, the selfe same order that Galen vseth in his booke, De locis male affectis, decla∣ring first, what manner of disease it is, and how it is called in English, and also in Italian, because the Kings stable is neuer without Italian riders, of whome our Ferrers haue bor∣rowed [ 40] many names, as you shal perceiue heerafter. Then the causes whereof it proceeds, and the signes how to know it, and finally, the cure and diet belonging to the same, and because I find not inward diseases enow to answeare euery part of the body, I doe not let to enterlace them with outward diseases, incident to those partes, yea rather, I leaue out no outwarde disease belonging to anie particular member, and to the en∣tent you maie the better know to what diseases or sorances euerie part or member of the horsses bodie is most commonly subiect. And note by the way, that I call those outward diseases that proceede not of any inwarde cause, but of some outwarde cause, as when a horsse is shouldered by meanes of some outward cause, or his backe galled with the sad∣dle, or his sides spurgalled, or his hooue cloid with a naile, and such like, which properly [ 50] may be called sorances or griefes.

Thirdly, I talke of those diseases as wel outward as inward, that maie indifferently chance in anie part of the bdie, as of Impostumes, cankerous Vlcers, Woundes, Fistules, Bur∣ninges, Brousinges, Breaking of bones, and such like. Fourthly, because most diseases are healed either by letting of blood, by taking vp of vains, by purgation, or els by caute∣risation,

that is to say, by giuing the fire: I talke of those foure necessary things seuerally by themselues; and finally, I shew you the true order of paring and shooing all man∣ner of hooues, according as the diuersity of hooues require: and to the intent you may the better vnderstand mee, you haue the perfect shapes of all necessary shooes, plainely set forth in figures before your eyes. Thus much touching mine order which I haue hitherto obserued.

Now it is necessary to know, that to euery disease or malady, belongeth foure seuerall times, that is to say, the beginning, the increasing, the state, and declination, which times are diligently to be obserued of the Ferrer, because they require diuers applying of me∣dicine: for that medicine which was meete to be vsed in the beginning of the disease, per∣haps [ 10] is not to be vsed in the declination thereof: and that which is requisite, and very needefull, to be applyed in the state or chiefest of the disease, may be very dangerous to be vsed in the beginning. And therefore the Ferrer ought to be a man of iudgement, and able to discerne one time from another, to the intent he may apply his medicines rightly. Hither of causes and sicknesse in generall. Now it is also meete, that we speake in generall of signes whereby sicknesse is knowne.

Of the signes of sicknesse in generall.

* 1.139SIcknesse according to the learned Physitians, is knowne foure man∣ner [ 20] of waies: first by inseparable or substantiall accidents, as by the shape, number, quality, and sight of the part or member diseased. For if it bee otherwise formed, or more or lesse in number or quantity, or else otherwise placed then it ought to be, then it is not well. Secondly, sicknesse is knowne by alteration of the quality, as if it be too hot, or too cold, too moist, or too dry. Thirdly, when the action of any member is hurt or letted, as when the eie-sight is not perfect, it is a manifest signe that the eie is euill affected or sicke. Likewise, when there breedeth no good blood in the body, it is an euidēt token that the liuer is not wel. Fourth∣ly, [ 30] sicknesse is known by the excrements that come from the beast, as by dung, or stale: for if his dung be too strong of sent, full of whole Cornes, or of Wormes, too hard or too soft, or euill coloured, it is a token that he is not well in his body: so likewise if his stale be too thicke, or too thinne, too white, or too red, it betokeneth some surfet, raw digesti∣on, or else some griefe in his reynes, bladder or stones. But Vegetius saith, that it is best knowne, whether a Horsse be sicke or not, or toward sicknesse, by these signes heere follo∣wing: for if he be more slow and heauy in his trotting, or gallopping, harder of Spurre, then he was woont to be, or spreadeth his litter abroad with his feete, often tumbling in the night season, fetching his breath short and violently, loud snuffling in the Nose, and c••••ting out vapors at his Nostrils, or lyeth downe immediatly after his prouender, or ma∣keth [ 40] long draughts in his drinking, or in the night season is now downe, and now on foot, or if in the next morning he be very hot in his pasternes, or betwixt his eares, or that his eares hang more then they are wont to doe: againe, if his eye-sight be dim, and his eies hollow in his head, his haires standing right vp, and his flanks hollow and empty, whenso∣euer two or three of these signes doe concur together, then it is to be thought, saith Vege∣tius, that the Horsse is not well, and therefore hee would haue him immediatly to bee se∣parated from his companyons that bee whole, and to bee placed by himselfe vntill his disease bee perfectly knowne and cured, and especially if it bee any contagious dis∣ease.

I haue seene diuers Ferrers heere in England to vse that for the triall of a Horsses sick∣nesse▪ [ 50] which I neuer read in any Author, that is, to feele his stones, whether they be hot or cold, and to smell at his nostrils, and so by the sauour thereof to iudge what sicknesse the Horsse hath. Truely I thinke that no euill waie, if they can discerne with their sense of smelling, the diuersity of sauours, that commeth out of his Nostrils, and then aptly apply the same to the humours whereof such sauours bee bred, and so orderly to seeke

out the originall cause of his sickenes. But I feare mee, that more Ferrers smell without iudgement, than with such iudgement, and no maruell why, sith that few or none be ler∣ned, or haue beene brought vp with skilful maisters. But from hence forth I trust that my trauaile, will cause such Ferrers as can read, and haue some vnderstanding already, to bee more diligent in seeking after knowledge then they haue bin heeretofore, whereby they shall be the better able to serue their countrey, and also to profit themselues, with good fame, wheras now for lacke of knowledge they incurre much slander.

Of the Feauer and the diuers kinds thereof [ 10] in a horsse.

I Thinke it will seeme straunge vnto some, to heare that a horsse should haue an Ague or Feauer, but it was not strange vnto the men of olde time, as to Absyrtus, Hierocles,* 1.140 Xenophon, Vegetius, and such like olde Souldiors, thoroughlie experimented in horsses griefes. A Feuer, according to the learned Phisitians, is an vnnaturall and immoderate heat, which proceeding first from the hart, spreadeth itselfe thoroughout all the arteries and vaines of the bodie, and so letteth the actions thereof.

Of Feauers there be three generall kindes, whereof the first, is that which breedeth in the spirites, being inflamed or heated more than their nature requireth. The second [ 20] breedeth in the humors, being also distempered by heat. The third in the firme parts of the body, being continually hot. What spirits and humors be, hath beene told you be∣fore in the keepers Office. Of these three generall kinds doe spring many other speciall kinds, as Quotidians, Tertians, Quartanes, Feauers Hectique, and very many others, whereunto mans body is subiect, whereof none of my Authors do treat, vnlesse Vegetius, who speaketh somewhat of a Feauer Quotidian, of a Feauer continuall, and also of a fea∣uer Accidentall. He speaketh also of Summer, Autumne, and Winter Feauers, without making any great difference betwixt them, more then that one is worse than another, by reason of the time and season of the yeare, so that in effect all is but one Feauer. Where∣fore according vnto Absirtus opinion, I will breefely shew you first the causes whereof it [ 30] proceedes, and then the signes how to know it, and finally how to cure the same.

The Feauer chaunceth sometime by surfetting of extreame labour or exercise, as of too much trauelling, and especially in hot weather, of too swift gallopping and running, and sometime by extreame heat of the Sunne, and also by extreame cold of the ayre, and sometime it breedeth of crudity or raw digestion, which many times happeneth by ouer greedy eating of sweet green corne, or of such prouender as was not throughly dried nor clensed: for after such greedy eating, and specially of such meat, neuer followeth perfect digestion. The signes to know a Feauer be these. The horsse doth continually hold downe his head, and is not able to lift it vp, his eies are euen blown so as hee cannot easily open them: yea and many times they be watering, the flesh of his lippes and of all his bodye is lush and feeble, his stones hange low, his body is hot, and his breath is very hotte and [ 40] strong, he standeth weakly on his legges, and in his going draweth them lazily after him, yea hee cannot goe but very softly, and that staggering heere and there he will lie downe on his side, and is not able to turne himselfe or to wallow; he forsaketh his meat both hay and prouender, and is desirous of nothing but of drinke, which as Absirtus saith, is an as∣sured token of a Feauer: he also sleepeth but little. The cure and diet. Let him blood in the face and Temples, and also in the pallate of his mouth, and the first day giue him no meat, but onely warme drinke, and that by little and little. Afterward giue him continu∣ally grasse, or else very sweet hay wet in water, and let him be kept warme, and sometime walke him vppe and downe faire and softly in a temperate ayre, and then let him rest, and when you see that he beginnes to amend, giue him by little and little at once barly faire sifted and wel sodden, and also mundified, that is to say, the huske pulled awaye, like as [ 50] when you blanch Almonds.

Of diuers sorts of Feuers, according to Vigetius, and first of that which continueth but one day.

THe Feauer of one day called by the Geeek name Ephemera, or els by the Latin name Diaria, chaunceth many times through the rashnesse and small discreti∣on of the keeper, or some other that letteth not to ride a horsse vnmeasura∣bly, either before or after watering, whereby the horsse afterward in the sta∣ble entreth into an extreame heate, and so falleth into his Feuer, which you shall know [ 10] partly, by his waterish and bloodshotten eyes, and partly, by his short, violent and hot breathing, and panting.

Moreouer, he will forsake his meate, and his Legs wil wax stiffe and feeble. The cure. Let him haue rest all the next day following, and be comforted with warme meate, then let him be walked vp and downe saite and softly, and so by little and little brought againe to his former estate.

Of the Feauer continuall.

THe Feuer continuall, is that which continueth without intermission, and is called [ 20] in Italian by the Latine name Febris continua, which springeth of some inflamation or extreame heate, bredde in the principall members or inwarde partes, about the heart, which is knowne in this sort. The Horsse doth not take his accustomed rest, where∣by his flesh dothfal away euery day more and more, and sometime there doth appear hot inflamations in his flankes, and aboue his withers. The cure. Purge his head by squirting into his Nostrils mans vrine, or the Water of an Oxe that hath beene rested a certaine time, to the intent such water may be the stronger, and then giue him the drinke writen in the next Chapter.

Of the Feuer taken in the Autumne, that is to say, at the [ 30] fall of the leafe.

IF a Horsse chance to get a Feauer at the fall of the leafe, cause him immediatly to be let blood in the necke vaine, and also in the third furrow of the roofe of his mouth, and then giue him this drinke. Take of Iermander foure ounces, of Gum dragant, and of dryed roses, of each one ounce, beat them all into fine powder, and put them into a quart of Ale, adding thereunto of Oyle oliue foure ounces, and of Hony as much, and giue it the Horsse lukewarme.

Of the Feuer in Summer season. [ 40]

A Feuer taken in Summer season is much worse then in any other time, and especially if it be taken in the Dogge daies, for then the accidents be more furious.* 1.141 The signes be these: his artires wil beate euidently, and hee will shed his seede when he staleth, and his going wil be vnorderly. The cure. Let him blood in a vaine that he hath in his hinder hanch, about foure fin∣gers beneath the fundament, or if you cannot finde that vaine, let him blood in the necke vaine, toward the withers, and if it be needefull you may giue him also this drinke. Take the iuyce of a handfull of Parslein mingled with Gum dragant, with Ensens, and a fewe [ 50] Damaske roses, beaten all into fine powder, and then put thereunto a sufficient quantity of ale made sweete with Hony.

Of the Feuer in winter.

FOr the Feauer in Winter, it shall be good to take the powder of the drugs last mentioned, and with a quill or reede, to blowe it vp into his left Nostrill to make him to neese. It shall be good also to let him bloode in the necke vaine,* 1.142 and in the palat of the mouth, and then to giue him one of these drinkes heere following. Take of Ireos sixe ounces, of round Pepper one ounce, of Bay-berries, and of the seede of Smallage, of each one ounce, and let him drinke them with sodden Wine. [ 10] Or else take a pint of good Milke, and put therein of Oyle foure ounces, of Saffron one scruple, of Myrrhe two scruples, of the seede of Smallage a spoonefull, and make him drinke that: or make him this drinke. Take of Aristoloch, otherwise called round Hart∣wo••t one ounce, of Gention, of Isop, of Wormwoode, of Sothernwood, of each one ounce, of dry fat Figs sixe ounces, of the seede of Smallage three ounces, of Rue a hand∣full, boile them all in a cleane vessell with Riuer Water, vntill the third part be consumed, and when you see it looke blacke and thicke, take it from the fire, straine it, and giue the Horsse to drinke thereof lukewarme.

As touching his dyet, let his water be alwaies lukewarme, wherein would be put a little Wheat meale, and remember to giue him no meate so long as his fit continueth. And [ 20] because in all Agues it is good to quicken the naturall heate of the Horsse, by rubbing and fretting his body, it shall not be amisse in some faire day to vse this friction, called of the ancient writers Apotorapie, which is made in this sort. Take of Damaske Roses one pound, of olde Oyle a pinte, of strong vineger a pinte and a halfe, of Mintes and Rue beaten into powder, of each one ounce and a halfe, together with one olde dry Nut, beate them and mingle them together, then being strained and made lukwarme, rub and chafeal the hor∣ses body therewith against the haire, vntill he beginneth to sweate, then set him vp in the warmest place of the stable, and couer him well.

[ 30] Of the Feuer which commeth of raw digestion, or of repletion.

YOu shall know if the Feuer proceedeth of any such cause, by these signes heere fol∣lowing. The Horsse will blow at the nose more then hee is accustomed to doe, see∣meth to fetch his winde onely at his nose, and his breath will bee short, hot and dry; you shall see his flanks walke, and his backe to beate. The cure. Cause him to be let blood aboundantly in the head, and palat of his mouth, and by squirting warme vineger in the morning into his nostrils, force him to neese: and if hee bee costiue, let his fundament be raked, or else giue him a glister to ease the paine in his head. And as touching his dyet, [ 40] giue him but little prouender, or hay, neither let him drink much nor often, but betwixt times. But in any wise let him be well rubbed and chafed, and that a good while together, and if you vse the friction declared in the last chapter before in such sort as there is said, it shall do him very much good.

Of the Feuer accidentall comming of some vlcer in the mouth or throat.

THe Horsse not being well kept and gouerned, after that he hath beene let blood in the vpper partes: yea, and also besides that of his owne nature is subiect vnto the [ 50] distillation in his throate, or partes there about, the painefull swelling or vlcer wher∣of, causeth the Horsse to fall into a grieuous Ague. Whereof, besides the former reme∣dies apt to purge humors, it shall be necessary also, to let him bloode in the vaine of the head, and in the palat of his mouth, and to bee short in all those places where the disease causeth most griefe. And if the Horsse bee so sore pained as he cannot swallow downe

his meate, it shall bee good to giue him lukewarme water, mingled with Barly meale, or wheat meale, and besides that, to make him swallow downe seuen sops sopped in wine one after another, at one time: some vse at the second time to dip such sops in sweet sallet oile. Thus far Vegetius.

Of the Pestilent Ague.

IT seemeth by Laurentius Russius, that Horsses be also subiect to a pestilent feuer, which almost incureable,* 1.143 is called of him Infirmitas Epidimialis, that is to say, a contagious and [ 10] pestiferous disease, whereof there dyed in one yeare in Rome aboue a thousand Hor∣ses, which as I take it came by some corruption of the aire, whereunto Rome in the chiefe of Summer is much subiect, or else corrupt humors in the body ingendered by vnkinde food, by reason perhaps, that the City was then pestered with more horse-men then there could be conueniently harbored or fed. Laurentius himselfe rendereth no cause therof, but onely sheweth signes how to know it, which be these. The Horsse holdeth down his head, eateth little or nothing, his eyes waterish, and his flanks doe continually beat. The cure. First giue him this glister. Take of the pulpe of Coloquintida one ounce, of Dragantum one ounce and a halfe, of Centuary and Wormwood, of each one handfull, of Castoreum halfe an ounce, boile them in water, then being strained, dissolue therein, of Gerologun∣dinum sixe ounces, of salt an ounce and a halfe, and halfe a pound of Oyle oliue, and mi∣nister [ 20] it lukewarme with a horne, or pipe made of purpose. Make also this plaister for his head: take of Squilla fiue ounces, of Elder, of Castoreum, of Mustard seed and of Euforbi∣um, of each two ounces, dissolue the same in the iuyce of Daffodill, and of Sage, and laie it to the Temples of his head next vnto his eares, or else giue him any of these three drinks heere following; take of the best Triacle two or three ounces, and distemper it in good wine, and giue it him with a horne; or else let him drinke euery morning the space of three daies, one pound or two of the iuyce of Elder rootes, or else giue him euery morning to eate, a good quantity of Venus haire, called of the Latines Capillus Veneris, newly and fresh gathered, but if it be old then boile it in water, and giue him the decoction thereof to drink [ 30] with a horne.

Martins opinion and experience touching a Horsses Feuer.

THough Martin haue not seene so many seuerall kindes of feuers, to chance to Horsses,* 1.144 yet he confesseth that a Horsse will haue a feauer, and saith that you shal know it by these signes. For after the Horsse hath beene sicke two or three daies, if you looke on his tongue, you shall see it almost raw and scalt, with the heate that coms out of his body, and he wil shake and trem∣ble, [ 40] reele and stagger when his fit commeth, which fit wil keepe his due howers, both of comming and also of continuance, vnlesse you preuent it by putting the horsse into a heat, which would be done so soone as you see him begin to tremble, either by riding him, or tying vp his Legs, and by chasing him vp and downe in the stable, vntil he leaue shaking, and then let him be kept warm, and stand on the bit the space of two houres, that done, you may giue him some hay, by a little at once, and giue him warme water, with a litle ground mault twice a day, the space of three or foure daies, and once a day wash his tongue with Alom water, vineger, and Sage. But if you see that all this preuailes not, then purge him with this drinke, after that he hath fasted al one night. Take of Aloes one ounce, of Aga∣ricke halfe an ounce, of Lycoras and Annis seedes of each a dram, beaten to powder, and [ 50] let him drinke it with a quart of white wine lukewarme, and made sweet with a little Hony, in the morning fasting, and let him be chafed a little after it, and be kept warme, and suffe∣red to stand on the bit meatlesse two or three houres after, and he shall recouer his health againe quickly.

Of sicknesse in generall, and the Feuer.

IN general, sicknes is an opposit foe to nature, warring against the agents of the body and minde, seeking to confound those actions which vphold and maintaine the bodies strength and liuely-hood:* 1.145 Who coueteth to haue larger definition of sicknesse, let him reade Vegesius Rusius, or excellent Maister Blundiuile, who in that hath bin [ 10] admirably well-deseruing plainefull. For mine owne part, my in∣tent is to write nothing more then mine own experience, and what I haue approued in Horsses diseases most auaileable: and first of the Feuer or Ague in a Horsse, though it bee a disease seldome or not at all noted by our Me∣channicall Horsse Farriors, who cure many times what they know no••, and kill wher they might cure, knew they the cause: yet I haue my selfe seene of late (both by the demon∣strate opinions of others better learned, and by the effects of the disease) some two Hor∣ses which I dare auouch were mightily tormented with a Feauer: though diuers Leeches had thereof giuen diuers opinions, one saying it was the bots, by reason of his immode∣rate languishment: another affirmed him to be bewitcht, by reason of his great shaking, heauinesse, and sweating: but I haue found it and approued it to be a Feuer, both in effect, [ 20] nature, and quality, the cure whereof is thus: for the originall cause of a Feuer, is surfet, breeding putrifaction in the blood: then when his shaking beginneth, take three new laide Egges, breake them in a dish, and beate them together, then mixe thereto fiue or sixe spoonefuls of excellent good Aqua vitae, and giue it him in a horne, then bridle him, and in some Close or Court, chafe him til his shaking cease and he beginne to sweat: then set him vp and cloath him warme. And during the time of his sicknesse, giue him no water to drinke, but before he drinke it, boile therein Mallowes, Sorrell, Purslaine, of each two or three handfuls.

As for his foode, let it bee sodden Barly, and now and then a little Rye in the sheafe to clense and purge him, chiefely if he be drye inwardly and grow costiue. This I haue pro∣ued [ 30] vneffectlesse for this disease, and also much auaileable for any other inward sicknesse proceeding either of raw digestion, too extreame riding, or other surfet. Diuers haue written diuersly of diuers Agues, and I coulde prescribe receiptes for them, but since I haue not been experimented in them al, I meane to omit them, intending not to exceede mine owne knowledge in any thing.

Of the Pestilence.

THe Pestilence is a contagious disease, proceeding as Pelagonius saith, som∣time of ouermuch labour, heate, colde, hunger, aad sometime of sudden [ 40] running after long rest, or of the retention or holding of stale or vrine,* 1.146 or of drinking colde water whiles the Horsse is hot and sweating, for all these things do breede corrupt humors in the Horsses body, whereof the Pesti∣lence doth chiefely proceede, or else of the corruption of the aire, poysoning the breath, whereby the Beastes should liue, which also happeneth sometime of the corruption of e∣euill vapors and exhalations that spring out of the earth, and after great floodes or earth∣quakes, and sometime by meanes of some euill distillation or influence of the Planettes, corrupting sometime the plants and fruits of the earth, and sometime diuers kinde of cat∣tell, and sometime both men, Women and children, as wee daiely see by experience. It seemeth that this euill or mischiefe in times paste came suddenly, without giuing any war∣ning, for none of mine Authors doth declare any signes how to know whether a Horsse [ 50] hath this disease or not, but onely affirme, that if one Horsse do▪ die of it, al his fellowes that beare him company will follow after, if they bee not remedied in time: so that as far as I can learne, the sudden death of one or two, first, must bee the onely meane to knowe that this disease doeth reigne. And the remedy that they giue is this. First separate the

whole from the sicke: yea, and haue them cleane out of the aire of those that be dead, the bodies whereof as Vegetius saith, if they be not deep buried, will infect al the rest. And let them blood as wel in the neck, as in the mouth, & then giue them this drink: take of Gen∣tian, of Aristoloch, of Bay berries, of Myrrhe, of the scraping of Iuory, of each like quan∣tity, beate them into fine powder, and giue as well to the sicke as to the whole, whome you would preserue from this contagion, euery day a spoonefull or two of this powder in a pinte of good wine, so long as you shall see it needefull. This medicine before rehear∣sed, is called of the ancient writers Diapente, that is to say: a composition of fiue simples, and is praised to be a soueraigne medicine and preseruatiue against al inward diseases, and therefore they would haue such as trauell by the way, to carty of this powder alwaies a∣bout [ 10] them.

There be many other Medicines which I leaue to write, because if I should rehearse euery mans medicine, my booke would be infinite, I for my part would vse no other then either that before expressed, or else wine and treacle onely.

Of the diseases in the head.

* 1.147THe head is subiect to diuers diseases according to the diuers partes thereof: for in the pannicles or little fine skins cleaning to the bones, and couering the braine, do [ 20] most properly breed headach and migram. Againe in the substance of the braine (which in a Horsse is as much in quantity as is almost the braine of a meane hog) do breede the Frensie, madnesse, sleeping euill, the palsey and forgetfulnesse. Finally, in the ventri∣cles or celles of the braine, and in those conducts through which the spirits annimall doe giue feeling and mouing to the body, do breede the turnsick or staggers, the faling euill, the night mare, the Apoplexy, the palsie, and the conuulsion or Cramp, the Catarre or Rheume, which in a Horsse is called the Glaunders, but first of headach.

Of headeach.

THe headeach, either commeth of some inward causes: as of some cholerick humor, [ 30] bred in the pannicles of the braine, or else of som outward cause, as of extream heat or cold, of some blow, or of some violent sauour. Eumelus saith, that it commeth of raw digestion: but Martin saith most commonly of cold: the signes be these. The Horsse will hang downe his head, and also hang downe his eares, his sight will be dimme, his eies swollen and waterish, and he will forsake his meat. The cure. Let him bloode in the palat of his mouth. Also purge his head with this perfume. Take of Garlike stalkes a handfull, all to broken in short pieces, and a good quantity of Frankencense, and being put into a chafingdish of fresh coales, holde the chafingdish vnder the Horsses Nostrils, so as the [ 40] fume may ascende vp into his head: and in vsing him thus once or twice, it wil make him to cast at the nose, and so purge his head of al filth. Pelogonius saith, that it is good to pouer into his Nostrils wine, wherein hath beene sodden Euforbium, Centuary, and Franken∣cence.

Of the frenzy and madnesse of a Horse.

THe learned Physicians do make diuers kindes, as well of frensie, as of mad∣nesse, which are not needefull to be recited, sith I could neuer read in any Author, nor learne of any Ferrer, that a horsse were subiect to the one halfe of them. Absiruus, Hierocles, Eumelus, Pelagonius, and Hippocrates, do write [ 50] simply de furore & rabie: that is to say, of the madnesse of a Horsse. But in∣deede vegetius in his second booke of horseleach-craft, seemeth to make foure mad passi∣ons belonging to a Horsse, intituling his Chapters in this sort, de Appioso, de Frenetico, de Cardiacis, de Rabioso, the effects wherof though I feare me it wil be to no great purpose, yet to content such as perhaps haue read the Author as wel as I my selfe, I wil heere briefly re∣hearse the same.

When some naughty blood (saith he) doth strike the filme or pannacle of the brain, in one part onely, and maketh the same grieuously to ake, then the beast becommeth Appi∣osum, that is to say, as it seemeth by his owne words next following, both dul of mind and of sight. This word Appiosum, is a strange word, and not to be found againe in any other Author, and because in this passion, the one side of the head is onely grieued, the Horsse turneth round, as though he went in a Mill. But when the poyson of such corrupt blood doth infect the mid braine, then the Horse becommeth Frantike, and will leape and fling, and wil run against the wals. And if such blood filleth the vaines of the stomach, or breast, then it infecteth as well the heart as the brain, and causeth alienation of mind, and the bo∣dy to sweate, and this disease is called of Vegetius, Passocardiaca, which if Equus Appiosus [ 10] chance to haue, then he becommeth Rabiosus, that is to say, starke mad. For saith he, by ouermuch heat of the liuer and blood, the vaines, and artires of the heart are choked vp, for griefe and paine whereof the Horsse biteth himselfe, and gnaweth his owne flesh.

Of two sorts of mad horses, I beleeue I haue seene my selfe heere in this Realme. For I saw once a black Sweathland Horsse (as I tooke him to be) in my Lord of Hunsdons stable at Hunsdon, comming thither by chance with my Lord Morley, which Horsse would stand all day long biting of the manger, and eat little meate or none, suffering no man to aproch vnto him, by which his doings, and partly by his colour and complexion, I iudged him to be vexed with a melancholy madnesse, called of the Physitians, Mania, or rather Melancholia, which commeth of a corrupt Melancholy, and filthy blood or humor, som∣time [ 20] spred throughout al the vaines of the body, and sometimes perhaps remaining only in the head, or else in the spleene, or places next adioyning. The other mad Horsse was a Roane of Maisters Ashleies, maister of the Iewell house, which with his teeth crushed his maisters right forefinger in pieces, whilest he offered him a little hay to eate, whereby hee lost in a manner the vse of his whole hand, to the great griefe of al his friends, and also of al the muses, which were wont to be much delighted with such passing sweete musick as that his fine quauering hand could sometime make vpon diuers instrumentes, but especially vpon the Virginals.

This Horsse I say though he could eat his meat, drinke his drink, and sleepe: yet if hee were neuer so little offended, he would take on like a spirit, and both bite and strike at any [ 30] man that came nigh him: yea and would bite himselfe by the shoulders most terribly, pul¦ling away lumps of flesh, so broad as a mans hand: and whensoeuer he was ridden, he was faine to be musled with a mussell of iron, made of purpose to keep him from biting either of his rider or himselfe, which no doubt proceeded of some kinde of frenzy or madnes, whereunto the Horsse was subiect, by meanes that hotblood (as I take it) abounded ouer∣much in him. But now as touching the causes, signes, and cure of Horsses madnesse, you shal heare the opinion of old writers: for Martin neuer tooke such cure in hand. Absirtus, and the other Authors before mentioned say, that the madnesse of a Horsse commeth ei∣ther by meanes of some extreame heat taken by traueling, or long standing in the hot sun, or else by eating ouer many fitches, or by some hot bloode resorring to the pannicles of [ 40] the brain, or through aboundance of choler remaining in the vaines, or else by drinking of some very vnwholsome water. The signes bee these, he wil bite the manger, and his owne body, and run vpon euery man that comes nigh him, he will continually shake his eares, and stare with his eies, and fome at the mouth: and also as Hipocrates saith, hee will forsake his meat and pine himselfe with hunger.

The cure. Cause him to be let blood in his Legs aboundanly, which is doone (as I take it) to diuert the bloode from his head. Notwithstanding it were not amisse, to let him blood in the Neck and brest vains. Then giue him this drinke: take the roots of wild Cow∣cumber, and boile it in harsh red wine, & put thereunto a litle Nitre, and giue it him with a horn lukwarm: or if you can get no Cucumber, then take Rue, & Mints, and boile them [ 50] in the wine. It were not amisse also to adde thereunto a handfull of blacke Elleborus, for that is a very good herbe against madnes. Eumelius saith, that if you giue him mans dung in wine to drink 3. mornings together, it wil heale him: also to take of black Elleborus 2. or 3. handfuls, & boile it in a sufficient quantity of strong vineger, & therwith rub and chafe both his head and all his body once or twice a day, for the oftner his head is rubbed the

better, and often exercise is very profitable to al his body. Some againe would haue the skin of his head to be pierced in diuers places with an hot iron, to let out the euill humors: but if none of all this will preuaile, then the last remedy is to geld him of both his stones, or else of one at the least, for either that wil heale him or else nothing. As touching the di∣et and vsage of a mad Horsse, the Authors doe not agree, for some would haue him kept in a close, darke and quiet house, voyde from all noise, which as Absirtus saith, will either make him madder, or else kill him out of hand. His diet would be thin, that is to say: with∣out any prouender, and that daie that he is let blood and receiueth his drinke, they would haue him fast vntill euen, and then to haue a warme mash of Barly meale: yea, methinkes [ 10] it were not amisse to feed him only with warm mashes and hay, and that by a little at once vntill he be somewhat recouered.

Another of the Head-ache.

* 1.148THe Head-ache as most are opynionated, proceedeth of cold and rast digestion, the cure is, take a Goose feather annointed with Oyle de bay, and thrust it vp into the horsses nostrils, to make him neese, then take a wreath of Pease-straw or wet hay, and putting fire thereunto, hold it vnder the horsses nose, so as the smoke may ascend vp into his head, then being thus perfumed, take a knife and pricke him in the pallat of the mouth, [ 20] so as he may licke vp and chaw his own blood, which done, haue great care in keeping his head warme, and doubt not his recouery.

Of the sleeping euill.

* 1.149THis is a disease forcing the beast continually to sleepe, whether he wil or not, taking his memory and appetite cleane away, and therefore is called of the Physitians Le∣thargus, it proceedeth of aboundance of flegme moistening the brain ouermuch It is easie to know it, by the continuall sleeping of the Horsse. The cure of this disease ac∣cording [ 30] to Pelagonius, Vegetius, and others, is in this sort. Let him bloode in the necke, and then giue him this drinke: Take of Camomile and Motherwort, of each two or three handfuls, and boile them in a sufficient quantity of water, and put thereunto a little wheat bran, salt and vineger, and let him drinke a pinte of that euery day, the space of three or foure daies together. It is good also to perfume and chafe his hed, with Time & Peniroy∣all sodden together in vineger, or with Brimstone and feathers burned vpon a chafingdish of coales vnder his nose: and to prouoke him to neese, by blowing pepper and Pyrethre beaten to powder, vp into his nostrils: yea and to annoint the palate of his mouth, with Hony and Mustard mingled together, and in his drinke, which would be alwaies warme water, to put Parsly seede, and Fennell seede, to prouoke vrine. His Legs also would bee [ 40] bathed, and his hooues filled with wheat bran, salt, and vineger, sodden togither, and laid too so hot as hee may indure it, and in any case suffer him not to sleepe but keepe him waking and stirring, by continual crying vnto him, or pricking him with some sharp thing that cannot passe through the skin, or else by beating him with a whip, and this doing he shall recouer.

Another of the sleeping euill.

* 1.150THe sleeping euil in a horsse, differeth nothing from that which the Physitians cal the Lethargy in men, for it prouoketh the horsse to sleep continually, without disisting, robbing his memory and appetite of their qualities: the knowledge thereof is easily [ 50] knowne by his drowsinesse, and the cure in this sort: Let one stand by him, and either with fearefull noise or stripes, perforce keepe him waking: then let him bloode vnder the eies, and in the necke, and then take a leafe or two of the best Tobacco, which being dryed and beaten to powder, with a quill blow it vp into his nostrils, and giue him to drinke vineger, salt, and Mustard mingled well together, to which if you put a little Honye, it shall not

be amisse: and also when he drinketh any water, put thereto either Fennel-seedes, Anny-seedes or Pepper.

Of a Horsse that is taken.

A Horsse is said to be taken, when he is depriued of his feeling and mouing,* 1.151 so as he is able to stir no manner of way, but remaineth in such state and forme, as he was taken in. Which disease is called of the Physitians by the Greeke name Catalepsis, and in Latine Deprehensio, or Congelatio and of Vegetius, Sideratio, which also calleth those beasts [ 10] that haue this disease I••••••enta sideratitia. The physitians say, that it commeth of aboun∣dance of Phlegme and choler mixt together, or else of melancholy blood, which is a cold dry humor opressing the hinder parts of the brain. But Vegetius saith, that it coms of some extreame outward cold, striking sodainely into the empty vaines, or some extreame heate or raw digestion, or else of some great hunger, caused by long fasting. It is easie to knowe by the description before mentioned.

As touching the cure, Vegetius saith, that if it come of colde, then it is good to giue him to drinke, one ounce of Laserpitium, with Wine and Oyle mixt together, and made lukewarme: if of heat, then to giue it him with water and hony: if of crudity, then to hea••e him by fasting: if of hunger, then by feeding him well with Pease. But Martin saith, that [ 20] this disease is called of the French-men Surprins, and it commeth (as he saith) most chiefly of cold taken after a heat, & he wisheth a horsse that is thus taken, to be cured in this sort. First to be let blood on both sides of the breast, and then to be put in a heat either by con∣tinuall stirring and molesting him, or else if he wil stir by no meanes, then to bury him all saue the head in a warme dunghil, and ther to let him lie vntil his limbs haue some feeling. And before you so bury him, it shall be good to giue him this drinke. Take of Malmsie three pints, and put thereunto a quarterne of Suger, and some Cinamon and Cloues, and let him drinke it good and warme, and vntill he be perfectly whole, let him be kept warm, and often exercised and walked vp and down in the stable, and thinly dieted, and drink no∣thing but warme water, wherein if you put some Fennell and Parsly seed, to prouoke him [ 30] to vrine, it shal be the better. And if he cannot dung, let him bee raked, and haue a glister made of the broath of Mallowes and fresh Butter.

Another of a Horsse that is taken.

A Horsse which is bereft of his feeling, moouing or stirring, is said to be taken, and in sooth so he is, in that he is arrested by so vallainous a disease, yet some Farriors,* 1.152 not wel vnderstanding the ground of the disease, conster the word taken, to bee striken by some Plannet or euill spirit, which is false, for it proceedeth of too great aboundance of fleme and choler, simboliz'd together, the cure is thus. Let him blood in his spur vains, and his breast vaines, [ 40] and then by foulding him in aboundant number of cloaths, driue him into an extreame sweat, during which time of his sweating, let one chafe his legs with oyle de bay, then after he hath sweat the space of two houres, abate his cloaths moderatly, and throughly after he is dry, annoint him all ouer with Oyle Petrolium, and in twice or thrice dressing him he wil be sound.

Of the Staggers.

THis is a dizzinesse of the head, called in Latine vertigo, and of the Italians as I re∣member Capistura. It commeth of some corrupt bloode,* 1.153 or grosse and tough hu∣mors [ 50] oppressing the brain, from whence proceedeth a vaporous spirit, dissolued by a weake heat, which troubleth all the head. The signes be these; dimnesse of sight, the ree∣ling and staggering of the Horsse, who for very pain wil thrust his head against the walles, and forsake his meate. The cure according to Martin is thus.

Let him blood in the temple vaines, and then with a knife make an hole an inch long ouerwart his forehead, hard vnderneath his fore-top, and raise the skinne with a Cornet, thrusting it vpward towards the head-stale a good handfull, and then put in a taint dipt in Turpentine and hogs greace molten together, renewing the taint euery day once vntill it be whole, and do the like vpon the ridge of the rumpe, but methinkes it were better to do the like, in the powle of his head, or nape of his necke, for so should the euil humors haue both waies the easier and speedier passage: and as touching his dyet, let him haue conti∣nually warme drinke, and mashes, and once a day be walked vp and downe faire and softly to exercise his body.

Of the Staggers. [ 10]

THe Staggers is a dizy disease, breeding frenzy in a Horsse, which if it be not instant∣ly helped,* 1.154 is mortall: the cure is thus. Let him blood in the temple vaines, and then aply to his temples cloath in the iuyce of Garlike, and Aqua vitae mixt together: if you crush Garlike and put it in his eares, it is excellent: or if you slit his forehead, and loosening the skin from the bone, taint it with Turpentine and Sallet-oyle, it will vndoub∣tedly help him.

Of the falling euill.

* 1.155THis is a kind of convulsion or crampe, called of the Latins by the Greek name Epi∣lepsia, [ 20] in Italian, Il morbo caduco, depriuing the beast at certaine times, and for a cer∣taine space of the vse of feeling, hearing and seeing, and of al the other senses. And although it be a disease that hath bin seldome seene to chance vnto Horses of this Coun∣trey, yet it appeareth by Absirtus, and also by Vegetius, and diuers others, that Horsses be subiect therunto. For Absirtus writing to his friend Tiberius Claudius saith, that vnto hor∣ses chanceth many times the falling sicknesse. The signes whereof are these. The Horsse will fall down suddenly, partly through the resolution of his members, and partly through distension of his sinnewes, and al his body will quiuer and quake, and somtime he wil fome at the mouth. Vegetius againe writeth in this sort: by a certain course of the Moone hor∣ses and other beasts many times do fal, and die for a time as wel as men. The signs wherof [ 30] are these. Being fallen, their bodies will quiuer and quake, and their mouths will fome, and when a man would thinke that they would die out of hand, they rise suddenly vp and fal to their meat. And by feeling the gristle of their Nostrils with your finger, you shall know whether they wil fal often or not: for the more cold the gristle be, the oftner, and the lesse cold it be, the seldomer, they wil fal. The cure.

Let him bloode aboundantly in the necke vaines, and within fiue daies after let him blood againe in the temple vaines and let him stand in a warme and darke stable, and an∣noint al his body with comfortable ointments, and his head and eares with Oyle of Bay, and liquid Pitch or Tar, mingled together. And also put some therof into his eares, and [ 40] and then make a Biggen for him of some soft warm skin, as of a sheepes skin, or els of can∣uas, stuffed vnderneath with woll, and make him this purging drink. Take of Radish roots two ounces, of the root of the herb called in Latine Panax or Panaces, and of Scammony, of each one ounce, beate al these things together, and boile them in a quart of Hony, and at sundry times as you shal see it needefull, giue him a good spoonefull or two of this in a quart of Ale lukewarme, whereunto would be put three or foure spoonefuls of oyle. It is good also to blow the powder of Motherwort, or of Pyrethrum, vp into his nostrils, and if the disease do continue stil for al this, then it shal be needeful to pearse the skinne of his forehead in diuers places with a hot iron, and to let out the humors oppressing his braine.

of the night Mare. [ 50]

THis is a disease oppressing either man or beast in the night season when he sleepeth, so as he cannot drawe his breath, and is called of the Latines Incubus. It commeth of a continual crudity or raw digestion of the stomach, from whence grosse vapors

ascending vp into the head, do oppresse the braine, and al the sensitiue powers, so as they cannot do their office, in giuing perfect feeling and mouing to the body. And if this dis∣ease chancing often to a man, be not cured in time, it may perhaps grow to a worse mis∣chiefe, as to the faling euil, madnesse, or Apopelexy. But I could neuer learne that Hor∣ses were subiect to this disease, neither by relation, nor yet by reading, but only in an old English writer, who sheweth neither cause nor signes, how to know when a horsse hath it, but onely teacheth how to cure it with a fond foolish charme, which because it may per∣haps make you gentle Reader to laugh, as wel as it did me, for recreation sake I will heere rehearse it. Take a flint stone that hath a hole of his owne kinde, and hang it ouer him, and [ 10] write in a bill.

In nomine patris, &c. Saint George our Ladies Knight, He walked day, so did he night, Vntill he her found, He her beate, and he her bound, Till truely her troath she him plight, That she would not come within the night, There as saint George our Ladies knight, Named was three times, saint George.

[ 20] And hang this scripture ouer him, and let him alone: with such proper charmes as this is, the false Friers in times past were wont to charme the mony out of plaine folks purses.

Of the Apoplexy.

THe Apoplexy, is a disease depriuing all the whole body of sense and mouing. And if it depriue but part of the body, then it is called of the Latines by the Greeke name Paralysis, in our tongue a palsie. It proceedes of cold, grosse, and tough humors,* 1.156 op∣pressing the braine all at once, which may breed partly of crudities and raw digestion, and partly by meanes of some hurt in the head, taken by a fall, stripe, or otherwise. As touch∣ing [ 30] Apoplexy, few or none writing of horsleach-craft do make any mention thereof: but of the Palsie Vegetius writeth in this manner. A Horsse (saith he) may haue the palsie as wel as a man, which is knowne by these signes. He will go grouelling and sideling like a Crab, carrying his necke awry, as if it were broken, and goeth crookedly with his legs, beating his head against the wals and yet forsaketh not his meate nor drink, and his prouender see∣meth moist and wet. The cure. Let him blood in the temple vaine, on the contrary side of the wrying of his necke, and annoint his necke with comfortable ointment, and splent it with splents of wood to make it stand right, and let him stand in a warme stable, and giue him such drinks as are recited in the next chapter following. But if all this profiteth not, then draw his necke with a hot yron on the contrary side: that is to say, on the whole side, [ 40] from the neather part of the eare downe to the shoulders, and draw also a good long strike on his temple, on that side and on the other temple make him a little star in this sort,* and from his raines to his mid backe, draw little lines, in a manner of a ragged staffe, and that will heale him.

Of the Crampe or convulsion of the sinnewes. and Muscles.

A Conuulsion or crampe, is a forceable and painefull contraction or drawing toge∣ther of the sinnewes and Muscles which doe happen sometime through the whole body, and sometime but in one part or member only. And according as the body [ 50] may be diuersely drawne, so do the Physitians, and also mine Authors that write of horse∣leach craft, giue it diuers names. For if the body be drawne forward, then they call it in Greeke Emprosthotonos, in Latine Tensio ad anteriora. And if the body be drawne backe, it is called in Greeke Opisthotonos, in Latine Tensio ad pesteriora.

But if the body be starke and straite, bowing neither forward, nor backward, then it is called simply in Greeke Tetanos, in Latine Distensio or Rigor: which names also are appli∣ed to the like conuulsions of the necke. Notwithstanding, Vegetius writing of this diease, in••ituleth his chapters de Roborosis, a strange terme, and not to be found againe in any o∣ther A••thor. A conuulsion as I said before, may chance as well to one part or member of the body, as to the whole body: as to the eie, to the skin of the forehead, to the rootes of the to••gue, to the iawes, to the lips, to the arme, hand or Legge: that is to say, whensoe∣uer the sinnew or muscle seruing to the moouing of that part, is euill affected or grieued. Of which conuulsions, though ther be many diuers causes: yet Hippocrates bringeth them [ 10] all into two: that is to say, into fulnesse and emptinesse: for when a conuulsion procee∣deth either of some inflamation of superfluous eating or drinking, or for lacke of due pur∣gation, or of ouermuch rest and lacke of exercise, all such causes are to be referred to re∣ple••ion or fulnesse. But if a conuulsion come by means of ouermuch purging or bleeding, or much watching, extreame labor, long fasting, or by wounding or pricking of the sin∣newes, then al such causes are to be referred vnto emptinesse. And if the conuulsion pro∣ceede of fulnesse, it chanceth suddenly, and all at once, but if of emptynesse, then it com∣meth by little and little, and leisurely.

Besides these kindes of conuulsions, there is also chancing many times in a mans sin∣gers, Legges and toes, another kind of conuulsion, which may bee called a windye con∣uulsion, for that it proceedes of some grosse or tough vapor, entred into the braunches [ 20] of the sinnewes, which maketh them to swell like a Lute string in moyst weather, which though it be very painefull for the time, yet it may bee soone driuen away, by chafing or rubbing the member grieued with a warme cloath. And this kind of conuulsion or cramp chanceth also many times to a Horsses hinder Legs, standing in the stable.

For I haue seene some my selfe, that haue had one of their hinder Legges drawne vp with the crampe almost to the belly so stiffe and hard, as no man hath beene able to stir it, neither could the Horsse himselfe set it0 down to the ground of a long season, which I think might be soone remedied: first by continuall chafing, fretting, or rubbing his Legs with a good wispe, and then by tying vp the other hinder Legge, or else the forelegge on the fore side, when by he should be forced to set down the pained Leg. Thus far I haue discour∣sed [ 30] of the conuulsion of sinnewes, and of the causes therof, according to the opinions of the learned Physitians. Now I wil briefly shew you the causes, signes, and cure thereof, according to the doctrine of mine Authors that write of horseleach-craft.

Absirtus saith, that this disease doeth come, either by driuing the Horsse into a sweate when he halteth, or for that he hath troden vpon some naile, or by taking cold after iour∣nying and sweating in Winter season, whereby his lippes are clung together, or by long lying and rest after sweating, whereby the sinnewes of his forelegges be nummed, or by hauing some stripe of his priuy members, or by long trauelling in the colde Mountaines, where snowe and Ise doth abound. For Theomnestus Writeth, that comming out of Pao∣nia, with the King and his army, and passing ouer the Mountaines to goe into Italy, there [ 40] fell such aboundance of snow, as not onely many Souldiers dyed, sitting still on their hor∣ses backs, with their Weapons in their handes, being so starke and stiffe, and cleauing so fast to their Saddles, as they cold not easily be pulled out of them: but also diuers horsses in their going were so nummed as they could not bow their legs: yea and some were found s••arke dead, standing stil on their feete, and few Horsses or none escaped at that time free from this conuulsion, of sinnewes, insomuch that Theomnestus his owne Horsse which he loued dearely, was sore vexed therewith. The signes to know whether a Horsse bee trou∣bled with the conuulsion in the sinnewes or not, bee these.

His head and necke will be so stiffe and starke as hee can bow it no manner of way, his eares wil stand right vp, and his eies will be hollow in his head, and the fleshy parts therof [ 50] in the great corners, will be turned backward, his lips will be clung fast together, so as hee cannot open his mouth, and his tongue so nummed as he can neither eate nor drinke, his backbone and taile wil be so stiffe, as he cannot moue it one way nor other, and his Legs so stiffe, as they will not bow, and being layed hee is not able to rise, and specially on his hinder Legges, but falleth downe on his buttockes, like a Dogge when hee sitteth on the

ground, and by meanes of the conuulsion in his backe, his bladder also for neighbour∣hoode sake, suffereth, whereby the Horsse cannot stale but with great paine. The cure. Put him into a sweat, either by burying him all saue the head in some warme dunghill, or if he be a horsse of price, cary him into a hot house, where is no smoak, and let him sweat there. Then annoint all his body, heade, necke, legges, and all with oyle of Cypres, and oile of Bay mingled together. Or else with one of these ointments. Take of Hogs-greace two pound, of Turpentine halfe a pound, of Pepper beaten in powder one dramme, of new Wax one pound, of olde Oyle two pound, boile all these together, and being made very warme, annoint all his body therewith. Or els with this ointment. Take of new wax one pound, of Turpentine foure ounces, of oile de Bay as much, of Opopanax two oun∣ces, [ 10] of Deeres sewet and oile of Storar, of each three ounces, melt al these together, and annoint all his body therewith.

It is good also to bath his head with the decoction of Fitches, or els of Lupines, and make him this drink. Take xx. graines of long Pepper, finely beaten into powder, of Ce∣dar two ounces, of Nitre one ounce, of Lacerpitium as much as a Beane, and mingle all these together with a sufficient quantity of white Wine; and giue him thereof to drinke a quart euery Morning and Euening for the space of three or foure daies, or else this drink. Take of Opopanax two ounces, of Storar three ounces, of Gentian three ounces, of Man∣na Succ••rie, three ounces, of Myr one scruple, of long Pepper two scruples, giue him this with old Wine; or make him a drinke of Lacerpitium, Cumin, Annis seed, Fenegreeke, [ 20] Bay berries, and old oyle.

In old time they were wont to let him bloode in the Temples, which Absirtus doth not alow, saying that it will cause the sinnewes of his lips to dry vp, so as the horsse being not able to moue them, shall pine for hunger. As touching his diet, giue him at the first warm mashes, and such soft meat as he may easily get down, and wet haie, bringing him to har∣der food by little and little. And in any case, let him be kept very warme, and ridden or walked once a day to exercise his legges and lims. Theomnestus cured his horsse, as he sai∣eth, by placing him in a warm stable, and by making a cleer fire without any smoak round about him, and the horsse not being able to open his iawes of himselfe, hee caused his mouth to be opened, and put therein sops dipt in a confection called Entrigon conditum, [ 30] and also annointed al his bodie with a medicine or ointment called Acopum (the making whereof herafter followeth) dissolued in Cypres oile, which made him to fal into a sweat, and being before halfe dead and more, brought him againe to his feeling and mouing, so as he did rise and eat his meat.

Of the Crampe or convulsions of the Sinnewes or Muscles.

[ 40] A Convulsion or cramp, is a forcible drawing together of the sinnewes, sometimes vniuersally ouer the whole body, as I haue seene one horsse in my life time, and sometimes but in one part or member, as I haue knowne and helpt diuers. These convulsions haue two grounds, name∣ly, either natural, or els accidental: natural, as proceeding of cold win∣die humours ingendred in the body, and dispersed into those partes, worke there the effects of greeuance. Accidental, is by wounding or pricking the sinnews of which immediatly ensueth a convulsion. If it be naturall, and the disease generally dis∣persed; then the cure is thus: dig a great deep hole in some old dunghil, & there bury him all saue the head, so he may sweate there for the space of two houres at the least, then take him out, and annoint his body all ouer with Narueoile, Turpentine, and Deares su∣et [ 50] mingled together on the fire, and bathe his heade in the iuice of Rue and Camo mile.

Then giue him to drinke old Ale brewd with Sinamon, Ginger, Fenecreeke and long Pepper: of each three ounces. As for his dyet, let it be warme mashes, sodden wheat and hay, thoroughly carded with a paire of wool cards: let him be kept verie warme and ay∣red abroad once a daie at the least.

If this convulsion be not onely in one member, then it is sufficient if euery daye with hard ropes of hay or straw you rub and chafe that part exceedingly, and apply there to a little quantity of the oyle Pepper. If the convulsion be accidentall, proceeding of some hurt, whereby the sinnews is wounded or prickt, then shal you incontinently take vp the sinnew so wounded, searching the wound with great discretion, and cut it cleane insun∣der, then shal you endeuor to heale vp the same with vnguents, plaisters & balms, as shall be hereafter mentioned in the chapters of wounds and vlcers, of what kind or nature soe∣uer.

Of the cold in the head.

ACcording to the cold which the horsse hath taken, is new or old, great or small, and [ 10] also according as humors do abound in his head, and as such humors be thicke or thin,* 1.157 so is the disease more or lesse daungerous. For if the horsse casteth little or no matter out of his nose, nor hath no very great cough but onely heauy in his heade, and perhaps lightly cougheth now and then, it is a signe that he is stopped in the head, which we were wont to call the pose. But if his head be ful of humors congeald by some extream cold taken of long time past, and that he casteth fowle filthy matter out at the nose, and cougheth greeuously, then it is a signe that hee hath either the Glaunders, or the Stran∣gullion, mourning of the cheine, or consumption of the lungs. For all such diseases doe breed for the most part of the Rhueme or distillation that commeth from the head. Of [ 20] the cures whereof we leaue to speake, vntill we come to talke of the diseases in the throat, minding heere to shew you how to heale the pose or colde before mentioned.

Martin saith, it is good to purge his head, by perfuming him with Frankencence, and also to prouoke him to neeze by thrasting two Goose feathers dipt in oyle de Bay vp in∣to his nostrils and then to trot him vppe and downe halfe an houre, for these feathers will make him to cast immediatly at the nose. Laurentius Russius would haue him to be perfu∣med with Wheat, Penneroyal, and sage sodden well togither and put into a bag so hot as may be, which bagge would be so close fastened to his head, that all the sauour thereof may ascend vp into his nostrils, and his head also would be couered and kept warme: and to prouoke him to neeze, he would haue you to bind a soft clout annointed with sope, or [ 30] els with Butter and oyle de Bay vnto a sticke, and to thrust that vp and downe into his no∣strils, so high as you may conueniently goe, and let him be kept warm and drink no cold water. Yea, it shal be good for three or foure daies, to boile in his water a little Fenegreek, wheate meale, and a few Annis seeds. And euerie daie after that you haue purged his head by perfuming him, or by making him to neeze, cause him to be trotted vp and downe, either in the warme Sunne, or els in the house halfe an hour, which would be done before you water him, and giue him his prouender.

Of the cold in the head.

THe pose or cold in a horsse, is the most generall disease that hapneth, and [ 40] is the easiest perceiued, both by stopping, ratling in the nose, and cough∣ing,* 1.158 the cure thereof is in this sort: If it be but newly taken by some care∣lesse regard, and immediately perceiued, you shal need no other remedy but to keepe him warme euery Morning and Euening after his water, to ride him forth, and to trot him vp and downe very fast till his cold break, and then gently to gallop him a little, which moderate exercise with warme keeping will quickly recouer him againe; but if the cold hath had long residence in him, and still encreaseth, then you shall giue him this drinke three daies togither. Take of strong Ale one quart, of the best Treakle six penniworth, of long Pepper and graines, of each as much beaten to powder, [ 50] of the iuice of Garlicke two spoonefuls, boile all these togither, and giue it the horsse to drinke, so warme as he may suffer it, and then trotte him vp and downe by the space of an houre or more, and keepe him warme, giuing him to drinke no cold water.

Of the diseases of the eies.

HOrsses eies be subiect to diuers griefes, as to be waterish or blood-shotten,* 1.159 to bee dim of sight, to haue the pin and web, and the haw, whereof some comes of inward causes, as of humors resorting to the eies, and some of outward, as of cold, heate, or stripe.

Of weeping or watering eies.

[ 10] This, as Laurentius Russius saith, may come sometime by confluence of humors, and sometime by some stripe, whose cure I leaue to recite, because it doeth not differ much from Martins experience heere following: take of Pitch, Rosen and Mastick, a like quantity, melt them togither. Then with a little sticke, hauing a clout bound to the end thereof, and dipt therein, annoint the Temple vaines on both sides, a hand ful aboue the eies, as broad as a Testern, and then clap vnto it immediately a few flockes of like co∣lour to the horsse, holding them close to his head with your hand, vntill they sticke fast vn∣to his head, then let him blood on both sides (if both sides be infected) a handfull vnder the eies. Russius also thinketh it good to wash his eies once a day with pure white wine, and then to blow therein a little of Tartarum, and of Pomis stone, beaten into fine pow∣der. [ 20]

Of watering eyes.

WAtering eies commeth most commonly in some stripe or blowe, and the cure is thus. Lay vnto his Temples a plaister of Turpentine and Pitch molten together,* 1.160 then wash his eies with white Wine, and afterward blow the pouder of burnt Allome into the same.

Of bloud-shotten eies, also for a blow, or itching and rubbing in the eies.

[ 30] Martin neuer vsed any other medicine, then this water heere following, wherewith he did alwaies heale the foresaid griefes: take of pure Rose water, of Malmesie,* 1.161 of Fennel water, of each three sponfuls, of Tutia as much as you can easily take with your thumbe and finger, of cloues a dozen beaten into fine powder; mingle them toge∣ther, and being luke warme, or cold if you will, wash the inward part of the eie with a fea∣ther dipt therein twice a day vntill he be whole. Russius saith that to bloudshotten eies it is good to lay the white of an Egge, or to wash them with the iuice of Selidonye.

Another of blood-shotten eies, or any other sore eie, comming of rume of other humor.

[ 40] FOr any sore eye make this water, take of the water of Eye-bright, of Rosewater,* 1.162 and Malmesey, of each three spoonefuls, of Cloues 6. or seauen beaten to fine powder, of the iuice of Houselicke two spoonefuls, mix all these togither and wash the horsses eies therewith once a day, and it will recouer him.

Of dimnesse of sight, and also for the pin and web, or any other spot in the eie.

IF the horsse be dim of sight, or hath any pearle growing in his eie, or thin film couering the ball of his eie, than Russius would haue you take of pomis stone of Tartarum, and of sal Gemma, of each like weight,* 1.163 and being beaten into [ 50] very fine powder to blow a little of that in his eie, continuing so to do euerie daie once or twice, vntill he be whole. Martin saith, that hee alwaies vsed to blow a little sandiuoire into the eie once a day, which simple he affirmeth to be of such force, as it will breake any pearle or web in short space, and make the eie very cleare and faire. Russius amongst a number of other medicines, praiseth most al the powder of a blacke flint stone.

Of the Pin and Web, and other dimnesse.

* 1.164FOr to cure the Pinne, Web, Peatle, Fylme, or other dimnesse, vse this meanes follo∣wing: Take of Sandiuere, the powder of burnt Allom, and the powder of black Flint∣stone of each like quantity: and once a day blow a little thereof into the horsses eye, and it will weare away such imperfect matter, and make the eie cleere.

Of the Haw, called of the Italians, Il vnghia de gli occhi. [ 10]

THis is a gristle couering sometime more then one halfe of the eie. It proceedeth of grosse and tough humours,* 1.165 discending out of the heade, which Haw, as Martin saith, would be cut away in this sort. First pull both the eyelids open with two seue∣rall threds, stitched with a needle to either of the lids. Then catch holde of the Haw with another needle and thred, and pull it out so far as you may cutte it round the bredth of a penny, and leaue the blacke behind. For by cutting away too much of the fat and blacke of the eie, the horsse many times becommeth blear eied. And the haw being clean taken away, squirt a littie white wine or beere into his eie. [ 20]

Another of the Haw.

A Haw is a grosse grissell growing vnder the eye of a horsse, and couering more then one halfe of his sight;* 1.166 which if he bee suffered will in short time perrish the eie: the cure is thus, Lay your thumbe vnder his eie, in the very hollow, then with your fin∣ger pull downe the lid, and with a sharpe needle and thred take hold of the haw, and pluc∣king it out, with a sharpe knife cut it away the compasse of a penny, or more, that done, wash the eie with a little Beere.

Of Lunaticke eies. [ 30]

VEgetius writeth De oculo lunatico, but he sheweth neither cause nor signes thereof, but onely saith that the old men tearmed it so,* 1.167 because it maketh the eie sometime to looke as though it were couered with white, and sometime cleare.

Martin saith, that the horsse that hath this disease, is blind at certain times of the Moone, insomuch that he seeth almost nothing at all during that time, and then his eyes will look yellowish: yea, and somewhat reddish, which disease according to Martin, is to be cured in this sort. First vse the plaister mentioned before in the chapter of waterish or weeping eies, in such order as is there prescribed, and then with a sharpe knife make two slittes on [ 40] both sides of his head an inch long, somewhat towardes the nose, a handfull beneath the eies, not touching the vaine: and with a cornet loosen the skinne vpward the breadth of a groat, and thrust therein a round peece of leather, as broad as a two penny peece, with a hole in the middest to keepe the whole open, and looke to it once a day, that the matter may not be stopped, but continually run the space of ten daies, then take the leather out, and heale the wound with a little flax dipt in the salue heere following: Take of Turpen∣tine, of hony, of wax, of each like quantity, and boile them togither, which being a little warmed, wil be liquid to serue your purpose, and take not away the plaisters from the tem¦ples vntil they fal away of themselues, which being fallen, then with a smal hot drawinge yron, make a starre in the midst of each Temple vaine where the plaister did lie. Which [ 50] star would haue a hole in the middest made with the button end of your drawing yron.

Another of lunaticke or moone eies.

* 1.168OF these Lunaticke eyes, I haue knowne diuers: they are blinde at certaine times of the Moone, they are very redde, fiery, and full of filme: they come with

ouer-riding, and extraordinary heat and fury, the cure of them is thus: Lay vppon the Temples of his head a plaister of Pitch, Rozen, and Mastick molten togither very excee∣ding hot: then with a little round yron made for the purpose, burne three or foure holes an inch or more vnderneath his eies, and annoint those holes euery day with Hogges greace, then put it in his eies euery day with a little Hony, and in short time he wil reco∣uer his sight.

Of the Canker in the eie.

[ 10] THis commeth of a ranke and corrupt blood discending from the head into the eie. The signes. You shall see red pimples, some small, and some great, both within and without vpon the eye-lids, and al the eye will looke redde,* 1.169 and be full of corrupt matter. The cure according to Martin is thus. Firste, let him blood on that side the necke, that the eie is greeued, the quantity of a pottle. Then take of Rochalum, of greene Coporas of each half a pound, of white Co∣poras one ounce, and boile them in three pints of running water, vntill the halfe be con∣sumed, then take it from the fire, and once a day wash his eie with this water being made luke warme with a fine linnen cloath, and clense the eie therewith so oft as it may look raw, continuing thus to do euery day vntill it be whole.

[ 20] Of diseases incident to the eares, and poll of the head, and first of an Impostume in the eare.

IMpostumes breed either by reason of some blow or brusing, or els of euil humors congealed in the eare by some extream colde, the signes bee apparant, by the burning and painefull swelling of the eare and part thereabout. The cure according to Martin is in this sort. First, ripe the impostume with this [ 30] plaister. Take of Lineseed beaten into powder, of wheat Flo∣wer, of each halfe a pint, of hony a pint, of Hogges greace or barrowes greace one pound. Warme al these thinges togither in an earthen pot, and stir them continuallie with a flat stick or slice, vntill they be thoroughly mingled and incorporated togither, and then spreade some of this plaister being warme vpon a peece of linnen cloath, or soft white leather, so broad as the swelling and no more, and lay it warme vnto it, and so let it remaine one wholeday, and then renewe it with fresh ointment, continuing so to doe vntill it breake, then lance the sore, so that it may haue passage downeward, and taint it to the bottome with a taint of flax dipt in this ointment: take of Mel Rosatum, of oyle oliue and turpen∣tine, [ 40] of each two ounces, and mingle them togither, and make him a biggen of Canuas to close in the sore, so as the taint with the ointment may abide within, renewing the taint once a day, vntill it be whole. But if the horsse haue paine in his eares, without any great swelling or impostumation, then thrust in a litle blacke wooll dipt in oile of Camomile, and that will heale it.

Of the Poll euill.

THis is a disease like a Fistula growing betwixt the eares and the poll or nape of the necke, and proceedeth of euill humors gathered togither in that place, or els [ 50] of some blow or bruse, for that is the weakest and tenderest part of all the head, and therefore soonest offended, which rude Carters do little consider whilst in their fury they beat their horsses vpon that place of the head with their whippe∣stocks, and therefore no horsse is more subiect to this disease then the cart horsse, and this disease commeth most in winter season. The signes. You shall perceiue it by the swelling

of the place, which by continuance of time will breake it selfe, rotting more inward then outward, and therefore is more perilous if it be not cured in time, and the sooner it be ta∣ken in hand the b••••ter. The cure according to Martin is thus. If it be not broken, ripe it with a plaister of hogges greace laid vnto it so hot as may bee, and make a biggen for the Poll of his head to keepe it from colde, which biggen would haue two holes open, so as his eares may stande out, and renew the plaister euery day once vntill it breake, keeping the sore place as warme as may be.

And if you see that it will not breake so soone as you woulde haue it, then there as it is softest and most meetest to be opened, take a round hot yron, as big as your little finger, [ 10] and sharpe at the point, and two inches beneath that soft place, thrust it in a good deepe∣nesse vpwarde, so as the point of the yron may come out at the ripest place, to the intent that the matter may discend downeward, and come out at the neather hole, which would be alwaies kept open, and therefore taint it with a taint of Rax dipt in hogs greace, and lay a plaister of hogges greace also vpon the same, renewing it euery day once the space of foure daies, which is done cheefely to kill the heat of the fire.

Then at the foure daies end, take of Turpentine halfe a pound, cleane washed in nine sundry waters, and after that throughly dried, by thrusting out the Water with a slice on the dishes side, then put thereunto two yolkes of Egges, and a little saffron, and mingle them well together: that done, search the depth of the hole with a whole quil, and make [ 20] a taint of a peece of spunge, so long as it may reach the bottome, and so bigge as it may fill the wound, and annoint the taint with the aforesaide ointment, and thrust it into the wound, either with that quill, or else by winding it vp with your finger and thumbe, by li∣tle and little vntill you haue thrust it home: and then lay on the plaister of hogges greace made luke warme, renuing it euery day once or twice vntil it be whole. But if the swelling cease, then you need not to vse the plaister, but onely to taint it, and as the matter de∣creaseth, so make your taint euerie daye lesser and lesser, vntill the wounde bee perfectly whole.

Of the Ʋiues.

* 1.170THe Viues be certaine kirnels growing vnder the horsses eare, proceeding of some [ 30] rancke or corrupt bloode resorting to the place, which within are ful of little white grains, like white salt kirnels. The Italians cal them Viuole, which if they bee suffered to grow, Laurentius Russius saith, that they will greeuously paine the horsse in his throat, so as he shal not be able to swallow his meat, nor to breth. They be easie to know, for they may be felt and also seene: The cure according vnto Martin, is in this sort: First drawe them right down in the midst with a hot yron, from the root of the ear so far as the tip of the eare wil reach, being puld down: and vnder the root againe draw two strikes on each side like a broad arrow head, then in the midst of the first line launce them with a launcet, [ 40] and taking hold of the kirnels with a paire of pinsons, pul them so far forward, as you may cut the kirnels out without hurting the vaine; that done, fil the hole with white salte. But Hierocles would haue them to bee cured in this sort: take a peece of spunge sowsed wel in strong Vineger, and bind that to the sore, renewing it twice a day vntil it hath rotted the kirnels, that done, lance the neathermost part where the matter lieth, and let it out, and then fill it vp with salt finely braied, and the next day wash al the filth away with warm wa∣ter, and annoint the place with honie and fitch-flower mingled togither. But beware you touch none of the kirnels with your bare finger for feare of venoming the place, which is verie apt for a Fistula to breed in.

Another of the Ʋiues. [ 50]

THe Viues be certaine kirnels, growing vnder the horsses eare, which come of cor∣rupt blood,* 1.171 the cure is diuersly spoke and written of, but this is the best mean which I haue tried: that if you finde the kernels to enflame and greeue the horsse, take a handful of Sorrel, and lap it in a Bur-docke leafe, and roast it in the hot embers like a war∣den,

then being taken out of the fire, apply it so hot as may be to the fore-part, suffering it to lie thereunto the space of a day and a night, and then renew it, till such time that it ripen and break the sore, which it wil in short space do. When it is broken and the vilde matter taken away, you shal heale vp the sore place with the yolk of an Egge, halfe a spooneful of hony, and as much wheat-flower as wil serue to make it thicke, plaister-wise, which being bound thereunto, wil in three or foure daies heale the same.

Of the Cankerous Vlcer in the nose.

[ 10] THis disease is a fretting humor, eating and consuming the flesh,* 1.172 and making it al raw within, and not being holpen in time wil eat through the gristle of the nose. It com∣meth of corrupt blood, or else of sharp humors ingendered by meanes of some ex∣treame cold. The signes be these. He wil bleede at the nose, and al the flesh within wil be raw, and filthy stinking sauours, and matter wil come out at the nose. The cure according to Martin is thus. Take of green Coporas, of Allum, of each one pound, of white Copo∣ras one quarterne, and boile these in a pottle of running water, vntil a pint be consumed, then take it off, and put thereunto halfe a pinte of hony: then cause his head to be holden vp with a drinking staffe, & squirt into his nostrils with a squirt of brasse, or rather of Elder, some of this water being lukewarme, three or foure times one after another, but betwixt euery squirting▪ giue him liberty to hold downe his head, and to blow out the filthy mat∣ter, [ 20] for otherwise perhaps you may choke him. And after this it shal be good also without holding vp his head any more, to wash and rub his Nostrils with a fine cloute bound to a white sticks end, and wet in the water aforesaid, and serue him thus once a day vntill he be whole.

Of bleeding at the nose.

I Haue seen Horsses my selfe, that haue bled at the nose, which haue had neither sore nor vlcer in their Nose, and therefore I cannot choose, but say with the Physitians, that it commeth by means that the vaine which endeth in that place, is either opened, broken or settered. It is opened many times by meanes that blood aboundeth too much, or for [ 30] tha•• it is too fine, or too subtill, and so pierceth through the vaine. Againe it may be bro∣•••••• by some violent strain, cut or blow. And finally, it may bee fretted or gnawn through, by the sharpnesse of the blood, or else of some other humor contained therein. As tou∣ching the cure, Martin saith, it is good to take a pinte of red Wine, and to put therein a quartern of Bole Armeny, beaten into fine powder, and being made lukewarm, to poure the one halfe therof the first day into his nostril that bleedeth, causing his head to bee hol∣den vp, so as the liquor may not fal out, and the next day to giue him the other halfe. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••his preuaileth not, then I for my part would cause him to be let blood in the brest vaine, 〈…〉〈…〉 same side that he bleedeth at seueral times: then take of Frankencense one ounce, of Aloes halfe an ounce, and beate them into powder, and mingle them throughly with [ 40] the whites of egges, vntil it be so thick as hony, and with soft Hares haire, thrust it vp into his nostrill, filling the hole so full, as it cannot fall out, or else fil his Nostrils ful of Asses dung, or Hogs dung, for either of them is excellent good to restraine any fluxe of blood.

Of the bleeding at the nose, or to staunch Fluxe of blood in any sort.

I Haue knowne many Horsses in great danger by bleeding,* 1.173 and I haue tryed diuers re∣medies for the fame, yet haue I not found any more certaine then this: take a spoone∣ful or two of his blood, and put it in a Sawcer, and set it vpon a chafingdish of coles, & ••et it boile til it be al dryed vp into powder, then take that powder, and if hee bleede at the ••e, with a Cane or quil blow the same vp into his Nostrils: if his bleeding come of any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or other accident, then into the wounde put the same powder, which is a present ••••edy. New Horse-dung or earth, is a present remedy, applyed to the bleeding place, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are Sage leaues bruised and put into the wound.

* 1.174Of the diseases in the mouth, and first of the bloudy rifts or chops in the palat of the mouth.

THis disease is called of the Italians, Palatina, which as Laurentius Russius saith, com∣meth by eating hay or prouender that is full of pricking seedes, which by continual pricking & fretting the furrowes of the mouth do cause them to rankle, and to bleed corrupt and stinking matter, which you shal quickly remedy, as Martin saith, by washing first the sore places with vineger and salt, and then by annointing the same with hony.

Of the bladders in a Horsses mouth, which our old Ferrers were wont to cal the Gigs. The Italians call them Froncelle. [ 10]

THese be litle soft swellings or rather pustuls with blacke heads, growing in the inside of his lips, next vnto the great iaw-teeth, which are so painful vnto the horse, as they make him to let his meat fal out of his mouth, or at the least to keepe it in his mouth vnchawed, whereby the horsse prospereth not. Russius saith, that they come either by eat∣ing too much cold grasse, or else pricking, dusty, and filthy prouender. The cure wherof, according to Martin, is in this sort. Slit them with a launcet, and thrust out all the corrup∣tion, and then wash the sore places with a little vineger and salt, or els with Alum water.

Of the bladders in a Horse mouth.

* 1.175SOme Horsses will haue bladders like paps growing in the inside of their lips, next to [ 20] their great teeth, which are much painful: the cure whereof is thus. Take a sharp paire of shears, and clip them away close to the gum, and then wash the sore place with run∣ning water, Allum and hony boiled together, til it he whole.

Of the Lampasse.

THe Lampasse, called of the Italians Lampascus, proceedeth of the aboundance of blood, resorting to the first furrow of the mouth, I meane that which is next vnto the vpper foreteeth, causing the said furrow to swell so high as the Horsses teeth, so as he cannot chew his meate, but is forced to let it fall out of his mouth. The remedy is to cut al the superfluous flesh away, with a crooked hot iron made of purpose, which eue∣ry [ 30] Smith can do.

Another of the Lampasse.

THe Lampasse is a thick spungy flesh, growing ouer a horsses vpper teeth, hindering the coniunction of his chaps,* 1.176 in such sort that hee can hardly eat: the cure is as fol∣loweth. Cut all that naughty flesh away with a hot yron, and then rub the sore well with salt, which the most ignorant Smith can do sufficiently.

Of the Canker in the mouth.

THis disease as Martin saith, is a rawnesse of the mouth and tongue, which is full of [ 40] blisters,* 1.177 so as he cannot eat his meate. Which proceedes of some vnnaturall heate, comming from the stomach. For the cure whereof, take of Allum halfe a pound, of Hony a quarter of a pinte, of columbine leaues, of Sage leaues of each a handfull: boile al these together in three pints of water, vntill a pinte be consumed, and wash the sore places therewith so as it may bleede, continuing so to do euery day once vntill it be whole.

Another of the Canker in the mouth.

THis disease proceedeth of diuers causes, as of vnnaturall heat of the stomach, of foule [ 50] feeding,* 1.178 or of the rust or vennome of some bit or snaffell, vndiscretly lookt vnto: the cure is thus. Wash the sore place with strong vineger, made thick with the powder of Al∣lum, two or three daies together, euery time vntil it bleede, which will kill the poyson and vigor of the exulcerated matter: then make this water, take of running water a quart, of Allum foure ounces, of Hony foure or fiue spoonefuls, of Wood-bineleaues, of Sage-leaues,

and of Collombine-leaues, of each halfe a handful, boile al these together til one halfe be consumed, then take it off, and euery day with the water warmed, wash the sore vntil it be whole.

Of the heat in the mouth and lips.

SOmetime the heat that commeth out of the stomach breedeth no Canker, but maketh the mouth hot, and causeth the horse to forsake his meat. The cure wherof,* 1.179 as Martin saith, is in this sort. First, turne vp his vpperlip, and iagge [ 10] it lightly with a launcet, so as it may bleede, and then wash both that and al his mouth and tongue with Vineger and salt.

Of the tongue being hurt with the bit or otherwise.

IF the tongue be cut or hurt any manner of way, Martin saith, it is good first to wash it with Allum water, and then to take the leaues of black Bramble and to chop them togi∣ther small with a little lard, that done to binde it vp in a little clout, making it round like a ball, then hauing dipt the round end in hony, rub the tongue therewith: continuing so [ 20] to do once a day vntil it be whole.

Of the Barbles, or Paps vnderneath the tongue.

THese be two little paps, called of the Italians Barbole, growing naturally (as I thinke) in euery Horsses mouth vnderneath the tongue, in the neather iawes, which if they shoot of any length, Russius saith, that they wil hinder the Horsses feeding, and therefore he and Martin also would haue them to be clipt away with a paire of sheeres, and that don, the Horsses mouth to be washed with vineger and salt.

[ 30] Of the paine in the teeth and gums, of the Wolfes teeth, and Iaw-teeth.

A Horse may haue paine in his teeth, partly by discent of humors from his head, down into his teeth and gums, which is to be perceiued by the ranknesse and swelling of the gums, and partly hauing two extraordinary teeth called the wolfes teeth, which be two little teeth growing in the vpper iawes, next vnto the great grinding teeth, which are so paineful to the Horse, as he cannot endure to chaw his meat, but is forced either to let it fal out of his mouth, or else to keepe it stil halfe chawed, whereby the Horse prospe∣reth not, but waxerh leane and poore, and he wil do the like also when his vpper Iaw-teeth be so far growne as they ouerhang the neather Iaw-teeth, and therewith be so sharp, as in [ 40] mouing his iawes they cut and race the insides of his cheeks, euen as they were raced with a knife. And first as touching the cure of the paine in the teeth, that commeth by meanes of some distillation: Vegetius saith, it is good to rub al the outside of his gums with fine chalke and strong vineger mingled together, or else after that you haue washed the gums with vineger, to strew on them of Pomegranate piles. But methinkes that besides this, it were not amisse to stop the temple vains, with the plaister before mentioned, in the chap∣ter of weeping and waterish eies. The cure of the Wolfes teeth, and of the iaw-teeth ac∣cording to Martin is in this sort. First cause the horsse head to be tyed vp to some rafter or post, and his mouth to be opened with a cord, so wide as you may easily see euery part thereof.

[ 50] Then take a round strong iron toole, half a yard long, and made at the one end in al points like vnto the Carpenters gouge, wherewith he maketh his holes to be bored with a wimble or augor, & with your left hand set the edge of your toole at the foot of the wolfs teeth, on the outside of the iaw, turning the hollow side of the toole downward, holding your hand steadily, so as the toole may not slip from the foresaid tooth: then hauing a mallet in your

right hand strike vpon the head of the toole one pretty blow, and therwith you shal loosen the tooth, and cause it to bend inward: then staying the midst of your toole vpon the hor∣ses neather iaw, wrinch the tooth outward, with the inside or hollow side of the toole, and thrust it clean out of his head:* 1.180 that done, serue the other Wolfes tooth on the other side in like manner, and fill vp the empty places with salt finely braied. But if the vpper iawe-teeth do also ouerhang the neather teeth, & so cut the inside of his mouth as is aforesaid, then keeping his mouth stil open, take your toole and mallet, and pare al those teeth shor∣ter, running alongst them euen from the first vnto the last, turning the hollow side of your toole towards the teeth so shal not the toole cut the inside of his cheekes, and the backe or [ 10] round side being turned toward the foresaid checkes, and that doone wash all his mouth with vineger and salt, and let him go.

Why the diseases in the necke, withers, and backe, be declared heere before the diseases in the throate.

HAuing hitherto spoken of the diseases incident to a horsses head, and to al the parts thereof, natural order requireth that we shold now discend into the throat, as a part next adiacent to the mouth. But forasmuch as the diseases in the throate haue not onely afinity with the head, but also with the lungs and other inward parts, which are ma∣ny times grieued by meanes of distillation comming from the head, and through the throat: I wil speake of the diseases, incident to the necke, withers, and backe of a Horsse, [ 20] to the intent that when I come to talke of such diseases, as rheumes and distillations doe cause, I may discourse of them orderly without interruption.

Of the Cricke in the necke.

BEcause a Cricke is no other thing but a kind of conuulsion, and for that we haue spo∣ken sufficiently bofore of al kinds thereof in the chapter of conuulsion: I purpose not heere therefore to trouble you with many wordes, but onely shewe you Russius opinion, and also Martins experience therein. The cricke then called of the Italians Scima or Luter∣do [ 30] according to Russius, and according to Martin is, when the Horsse cannot turne his neck any maner of way, but hold it stil right forth, insomuch as he cannot take his meate from the ground but by times, and that very slowly, Russius saith it commeth by meanes of some great weight laid on the horsses shoulders, or else by ouermuch drying vp of the sinnewes of the necke. The cure whereof according to Martin is in his sort. Draw him with a hot iron from the root of the eare on both sides of the necke, through the midst of the same euen down to the breast, a straw deep, so as both ends may meet vpon the breast: then make a hole in his forehead, hard vnder the fore-top, and thrust in a cornet vpwarde betwixt the skin and the flesh a handfull deepe, then put in a Goose feather, doubled in the midst and annointed with Hogs-greace to keepe the hole open, to the intent the matter [ 40] may run out the space of ten daies. But euery day during that time, the hole must be clen∣sed once, and the feather also clensed and fresh annointed, and so put in again. And once a day let him stand vpon the bit one houre or two, or be ridden two or three miles abroad by such a one as wil beare his head, and make him to bring it in. But if the Cricke be such as the Horsse cannot holde his necke straite, but cleane awry, as I haue seene diuers my selfe: then I thinke it not good that the Horsse be drawne with a hot iron on both sides of the necke, but onely on the contrary side. As for example, if he bend his head toward the right side, then to draw him as is a foresaid onely on the lefte side, and to vse the rest of the cure as is aboue saide, and if neede bee you may splent him also with handsome staues meete for the purpose to make his necke stand right. [ 50]

Of Wennes in the neck.

A Wen is a certaine kirnell like a tumor of swelling, the inside whereof his hard like a gristle, and spongious like a skin ful of wrets. Of Wens, some be great, and some be small. Againe, some be very painefull, and some not paineful at all. The Physitians say, that they proceede of grosse and vicious humors, but Vegetius saith that they chance

to a Horsse by taking cold, or by drinking of waters that be extreame cold. The cure ac∣cording to Martin is thus: take of Mallowes, Sage, and red nettles, of each one handful, boile them in running water, and put therunto a litle butter, and hony, and when the herbs be soft, take them out and all to bruise them, and put thereunto of oile of Bay two ounces, and two ounces of Hogs-greace, and warme them together ouer the fire, mingling them well together; that done, plaister it vpon a piece of leather so big as the Wen, and lay it to so hot as the Horse may endure it, renewing it euery day in such sort, the space of eight daies, and if you perceiue that it will come to no head, then lance it from the midst of the Wen downward, so deep as the matter in the bottom may be discouered and let out, that doone, heale it vp with this salue: take of Turpentine a quarter, and wash it nine times in [ 10] faire new water, then put thereunto the yolk of an egge, and a little English Saffron bea∣ten into powder, and make a taint or rowle of Flax, and dip it in that ointment, and lay it vnto the sore, renewing the same euery day once vntil it be whole.

Of swelling in the necke after bloodletting.

THis may come of the fleame being rusty, and so causing the vaine to rankle, or else by meanes of some cold wind striking suddainely into the hole. The cure according to Martin is thus. First annoint it with oyle of Camomell warmed, and then lay vpon it a lit∣tle hay wet in cold water, and bind it about it with a cloth, renewing it euery day the space [ 20] of fiue daies, to see whether it wil grow to a head, or else vanish away. If it grow to a head, then giue it a slit with a lancet, and open it with a Cornet that the matter may come out. Then heale it vp, by tainting it with Flax dipt in Turpentin and Hogs-greace molten to∣gether, dressing it so once a day vntil it be whole.

How to staunch blood.

IF a Horsse be let blood when the signe is in the necke, the vaine perhaps will not leaue bleeding so soone as a man would haue it, which if any such thing chance, then Russius saith, it is good to binde thereunto a little new Horse dung tempered with chalke and [ 30] strong vineger, and not to remooue it from thence the space of three daies, or else to lay thereunto burnt silke, felt, or cloath, for al such things wil staunch blood.

Of the falling of the Crest.

THis commeth for the most part of pouerty,* 1.181 and specially when a fat Horse falleth a∣way sodainely. The cure according to Martin is thus. Draw his Crest the deepnes a straw, on the contrary side with a hot iron, the edge of which iron would be halfe an inch broad, and make your beginning and ending somewhat beyond the fall, so as the first draught may go all the way hard vppon the edge of the mane, euen vnderneath the [ 40] rootes of the same, bearing your hand right downward, into the neckeward, then answer that with another draught beneath, & so far distant from the first as the fal is broad, com∣passing as it were al the fall, but stil on the contrary side: and betwixt those two draughts right in the midst, draw a third draught, then with a button iron of an inch about, burne at each end a hole, and also in the space betwixt the draughts, make diuers holes distant three fingers broade one from another: that done, to slake the fire annoint it euery day once, for the space of nine daies with a feather dipt in fresh butter moulten. Then take Mallowes and Sage, of each one a handfull, boile them well in running water, and wash the burning away vntill it be raw flesh, then dry it vp with this powder. Take of hony halfe a pinte, and so much vnslect lime as wil make that hony thicke like paast: then hold it in a [ 50] fire-pan ouer the fire vntil it be baked so hard as it may be made in powder, and sprinkle that vpon the sore places.

Of the falling of the Crest.

THe falling of the Crest is occasioned most commonly through pouerty: yet somtimes I haue seen it chance through the il proportion of the crest,* 1.182 which being hye, thicke and heauy, the necke thin and weake vnderneath, is not able to support or sustaine it vp, how euer it be there is remedy for both: if it proceede of pouerty, first try by good keeping to get it vp a∣gaine, but if it wil not rise, or that the originall of the disease be in the il fashion of the crest, then let this be the cure: First with your hand raise vp the Crest as you would haue it stand, or rather more to that side from which it declineth, then take vp the skin betweene [ 10] your fingers on that side from which the Crest swarueth, and with a sharpe knife cut away the breadth of very neere an inch, and the length of foure inches, which doone stitche vp the skinne together againe with three or foure stitches, and by meanes of strings, weights, or other deuises, keepe the crest perforce leaning on that side, applying thereunto a plai∣ster of Deeres sewet and Turpentine, boiled together, till the sore bee healed: and at the selfe same instant that by this maner of insition you draw together and straiten the skin on that side, you shal in this sort giue liberty to the other side, wherby the crest may the easier attaine to his place: Take a hot yron made in fashion of a knife, the edge being a quarter of an inch broad, and therewith from the vpper part of his crest vnto the neather part of the same extending towardes his shoulder, draw three lines in this forme, | | | and the [ 20] same anoint daily with fresh butter, vntil such time as it be perfectly whole. | | | By this manner of cure, you may make any laue-eard Horsse, to be as pricke eard | | | & com∣ly, as any other Horse whatsoeuer.

Of the manginesse of the maine.

THe manginesse proceedeth of rankenesse of blood, or of pouerty, of lowsines, or else of rubbing where a mangy Horsse hath rubbed,* 1.183 or of filthy dust lying in the mane for lacke of good dressing. The signes be apparant by the itching and rubbing of the Horsse, and the scabbes, fretting both flesh and skin. The [ 30] cure according to Martin, is thus: take of fresh grease one pound, of quicksiluer halfe an ounce, of Brimstone one ounce, of rape oyle halfe a pint, mingle them together, and stir them continually in a pot with a slice, vntill the quicksiluer be so wrought with the rest, as you shall perceiue no quicksiluer therein. That done, take a blunt knife, or an old Horsse∣combe, and scratch all the mangy places therewith vntill it bee raw and bloody, and then annoint it with this ointment, in the sunshine if it may be, to the intent the ointment may sinke in: or else hold before it a fire pan or some broad bar of iron made hot, to make the ointment to melt into the flesh And if you see that within the space of three dayes after, with this once annointing, he leaue not rubbing, then marke in what place he rubbeth, and dresse that place againe, and you shall see it heale quickly. [ 40]

Of the falling of the haire of the mane.

IT falleth for the most part, because it is eaten with little Wormes, fretting the rootes in sunder, which according to Martin you shall remedy in this sort. Annoint the mane and Crest with sope, then make stronglie and wash all the mane and Crest withall, and that wil kill the wormes, within twice or thrice washing.

Of griefes in the withers.

TO a horsses withers and backe, do chance many griefes and sorances, which [ 50] as Russius saith, do sometime proceed of inward causes, as of the corrup∣tion of humors, and sometime of outward causes, as through the galing and pinching of some naughty saddle, or by some heauy burthen laide on the horsses-backe or such like. And of such griefes some be but superficiall

blisters, swellings, light gals or brusings: and be easily cured. Some againe do pierce to the very bone, and be dangerous, and especially if they bee nigh the backe bone; let vs first then shew you the cure of the smaller griefes, and then of the greater.

Another of blistrings, or small swellings in the withers or backe and gallings.

WHensoeuer you see any swelling rise, then Martin woulde haue you to bind a litle hot horse dung vnto it, and that will asswage it. If not,* 1.184 then [ 10] to pricke it round about the swelling, either with a fleame, or els with a sharpe pointed knife not too deepe, but so as it may pierce the skin, and make the blood to issue forth. That done, take of Mallowes or else of smallage, two or three handfuls, and boile them in running Water vntill they be so soft as pap: Then straine the water from it, and bruse the hearbs in a trean dish, putting thereunto a little Hogges greace or els sallet oile, or sheepes sewet, or any other fresh greace, boile them and stir them togither, not frying them hard, but so as it may be soft and supple, and then with a clout laie it warme vpon the sore, renewing it e∣uerie daie once vntill the swelling be gone. For this will either driue it awaie, or els bring it into his heade, which lightlie chaunceth not, vnlesse there bee some gristle or boane [ 20] perished.

Russius biddeth you, so soone as you see any swilling rise, to shaue the place with a ra∣sor and lay thereunto this plaister: take a little wheat flower and the white of an egge bea∣ten togither, and spreade it on a little clout, which beeing laide vnto the swelling two or three daies and not remoued, wil bring it to a heade, and when you come to take it off, pull it away so softly as you can possible, and whereas you see the corruption gathred to∣gither, then in the lowest place thereof, pierce it vpwarde with a sharpe yron somewhat hot, that the corruption may come out, and annoint the sore place euerie day once with fresh butter, or Hogges greace, but if the skinne be onely chafed off, without anie swel∣ling, then wash the place with water and salt, or els with warme Wine, and springle this [ 30] pouder thereon: take of vnsleact lime beaten into fine pouder, and mingle it with honie vntil it be as thicke as any paast, and make rolles or bals thereof, and bake them in a fire-pan ouer the fire, vntil they be so hard as they may be brought to pouder, for this is a ve∣rie good pouder to drie vp anie galling or sore. The pouder of Mirre or burnt silke, fealt, or cloath, or anie olde post, is also good for such purposes, but whensoeuer you vse this pouder of lime and honie, let the place be washed, as is aforesaide.

Of great swellings and inflammations in a Horsses withers.

IF the swelling be verie great, then the cure according to Martin is thus. First drawe [ 40] round about the swelling with a hotte Iron, and then crosse him with the same yron in maner of a checker, then take a rounde hot yron hauing a sharpe point, and thruste it into the swelling place on each side vp toward the point of the withers; to the intent the matter may issue downward at the holes.

That done, taint both the holes with a taint dipt in hogges greace to kil the fire, and also annoint al the oth••r burnt places therewith, continuing so to doe vntil the swelling be asswaged, renewing it euery day once, vntil the fiery matter be clean fallen away, and then taint him againe with washed Turpentine mingled with yolkes of Egges and Saffron in such manner as hath beene aforesaide, renewing the taint euerie day once vntill it bee whole.

If you see that the swelling for all this goe not away, then it is a signe of some impostu∣mation [ 50] within, and therefore it shal be necessary to lance it, and to let out the corruption; then take of Hony halfe a pinte, of Verdigrease two ounces beaten to powder, and min∣gle it together with the Hony, then boyle them in a pot vntill it looke red, then being luk∣warme, make either a taint or plaister, according as the wound shal require, renewing the

same euery day once, vntil it be whole. But the sore may be so vehement, that for lacke of looking in time, it will pierce downeward betwixt both shoulders toward the intrailes, which is very daungerous: yea, and as Russius saith, mortall, because the corruption of the sore infecting the lungs and h••rt (which be the vitall partes and chiefe preservers of life) the body must needs decay. And therefore Martin would haue you to fil the hole with the salue last mentioned, and to thrust in afterwarde a peece of a spunge, as well to keepe the hole open, as also to sucke out the corruption, renewing it euery day once, vntill it be whole.

Of the hornes or hard knobs growing vnder the saddle [ 10] side.

THis is a dead skin like a peece of leather, called of the Itallans Corno, that is to say, a horne, for that it is hard vnder hand, and commeth by meanes of some straight sad∣dle, pinching the horsse more on the one side than on the other: or els on both sides equally.* 1.185 The cure whereof according to Martin, is in this sort: Annoint them with fresh butter or Hogges greace, vntil they be mollified and made so soft as you may either cut-them, or pull them away, and then wash the wound with mans stale, or with white wine, and dry it with powder of vnsleact lime mixt with hony.

Of Wennes or knobs growing about the saddle [ 20] skirts.

THese be great harde knobs growing most commonly betwixt two ribs, apparant to the eie, which by their hardnesse seeme to come of some old bruse, and are called of Italians le Curf. The cure whereof, according to Martin is thus. First mollifie them, by annointing them with Hogges greace euery day once or twice, the space of eight daies, and if you perceiue that it will come to no head with this, then lance it from the middle downeward, that the matter may come out: then taint it with washed Turpentine, yolkes of Egges, and safforon mingled togyther as is aforesaid, renewing the taint euery daye [ 30] once vntill it be whole.

Of the Nauill gall.

THe Nauill gal is a bruse on the backe behind the saddle right against the Nauill of the horsse, and thereof taketh his name. It commeth either by splitting of the saddle be∣hind, or for lacke of stuffing, or by meanes of the hinder buckle fretting that place, or else by some great weight laid on his backe: you shal perceiue it by the puffed vppe, and spungy flesh, looking like rotten lightes or lunges, and therefore is called of the Italians Pulmone, or Pulmoncello. The cure whereof according to Martin, is thus. Cut it rounda∣bout [ 40] with a sharpe knife or rasor euen to the bone, leauing no rotten flesh behinde: that done, take the white of an Egge and salt beaten togither, and lay that plaister wise to the sore vpon a little towe, renewing it once a day the space of two daies. Then take of hony a quarterne of a pint, and of Verdigrease an ounce beat into powder, and boile them to∣gither in a pot, stirring it still vntil it looke redde, and being luke warme, make a plaister with to••e and clap it to the wound, washing and clensing well the wound first with a little warme Vineger or white wine, continuing it once a day, vntill it begin to heale and skin, then dry it vp, by sprinkling thereon this pouder following. Take of hony a quarterne, and as much of vnslect lime as will thicken the hony like vnto paast, and in a fire pan ouer the fi••e, stir it stil vntil it be hard baked, so as it may bee beaten into pouder, but before [ 50] you throw on the powder, wash the wound first with warme Vineger, continuing so to do vntill it be perfectly skinned and whole.

Of the swaying of the backe.

THis is called of the Italians, Malferuto,* 1.186 and according to Russius and Martins opi∣nions, commeth either by some great straine, or else by heauy burthens: you shal perceiue it by the reeling and roling of the horsses hinder parts in his going, which will falter many times, and sway sometimes backward, and sometime sideling, and be rea∣dy to fall euen to the ground, and the horsse being laide, is scant able to get vp. The cure according to Martin is thus. Couer his backe with a sheeps skin, comming hot from the sheepes backe, laying the fleshy side next vnto his backe, and lay a howsing cloath vpon [ 10] the same to keepe his backe as warme as may be, and so let it continue, vntil it beginne to smel: then take the old skin away, and lay a new vnto it, continuing so to do the space of three weekes. And if he amend not with this, then draw his backe with a hot yron out on both sides of the ridge of his backe, from the Pitch of the Buttockes, vnto a handful with∣in the saddle, and let euery line be an inch distant one from another, and then againe o∣uerthwart checker-wise, but let not such stroks be very deep, and so burned as euery one looke yellow, then lay on this charge following. Take pitch one pound, of Rozen halfe a pound, of bole Armony halfe a pound made in powder, and halfe a pinte of Tarre, and boile all these togither in a pot, stirring it vntill euery thing bee molten and thoroughlie mingled togither, then being luke warme, dawbe al the burning therewith very thicke, [ 20] and thereupon clap as many flockes of the horsses colour, as you can make to abide on, and remoue it not before it falaway it selfe, an if it be in Summer, you may turne him to grasse.

Of the weakenesse in the backe.

IT doth appeare by Laurentius Russius, that there is an other kind of weakenesse in the backe, called in Italian le gotte, or morsecatura de le reni, that is to say, the fretting or bi∣ting of the reines, which as the said Russius saith, proceedeth of abundance of humors, resorting to that place, whereby all the hinder partes of the horse doe leese their feeling [ 30] and strength, and the horsse falleth downe on the ground: yea, and such humors resor∣ting to the hart, do suffocate the same, and in two or three houres do cause the horsse to die. The remedie according to Russius, is in this sort: Let him blood abundantlie in the necke, and draw his backe with a hot yron, in such sort as is declared in the last Chapter. He saith also it is good to make him swim through a riuer, and to rowell him on his han∣ches, nigh the huckle bones; and to make the haire to grow againe, it is good as he saith to aynoint the place with hogges greace, and three leaued grasse stamped together.

Of Hydebound.

[ 40] HIdebound, is when the skinne cleaueth so fast to the horsses backe, that a man can∣not pul it from the flesh with his hand, which Ruellius calleth Coriago: it commeth meth for the most part of pouertie, or els when the horsse after some great heate hath beene suffered to stand long in the raine or wet weather, for that wil cause the skinne to shrinke, and to cling to his ribs. It is knowne by the leannesse of the horsse, and gantnes of his bely, and by fast sticking of the skin vnto the ribs when you pul at it with your hand. The cure according to Martin is thus. Let him blood on both sides the bellie in the flanke vaines betwixt the flanke and the girding place: that done, giue him this drinke. Take a quart of white Wine, or els of good Ale, and put thereunto three ounces of good sallet oyle, of Cummin one ounce, of Annis seedes two ounces, of Licoras two ounces, bea∣ten [ 50] al into fine powder, and giue it him luke warme with a horne. And when he hath drunk let one standing at his huckle-bone, rub him hard with his hand along the back, and ouer∣thwart the ribbes the space of halfe an houre: that done, set him in a warme stable, and let him stand in litter vp to the belly, and couer all his backe and ribs with a sacke first tho∣roughly soked in a tub of cold water, and then well and hard wroung, and ouer that caste

another cloath, and girde it fast with a surcingle, stuffing him well about the backe with fresh straw, continuing thus to doe euery day once the space of a weeke, during which time giue him no cold water but luke warme, and put therein a little ground mault. The wet sacke wil cause the backe to gather heat it selfe, and the skin to loosen from the flesh, and if you will bestow more cost, you may annoint all his body with wine and oile min∣gled togither, according to the opinion of the old writers, which no doubt is a very com∣fortable thing, and must needs supple the skinne, and loosen it from the flesh.

Of the diseases in the throat and lungs, and why the griefes of the shoulders and hippes be not mentioned before amongst the griefes of the [ 10] withers and backe.

* 1.187SOme perhaps would looke heere, that for so much as I haue declared the diseases of the necke, withers and backe, that I should also follow on now with the griefes of the shoulders and hips. But sith that svch griefes for the most part doth cause a horse to halt, and that it requireth some skill to know when a horse halteth, whether the fault be in his shoulder, hip, legge, ioynt, or foot, I thinke it is not good to seperate those parts assun∣der, specially sith nature hath ioyned them togither, that is to say, the shoulders to the forelegs, and the hips to the hinder legges. And therefore according to natures order, I will treate of them in their proper place: that is to say, after that I haue shewed al the di∣seases [ 20] that be in the inward horses body, not onely aboue the midriffe, as the diseases of the throat, lungs, breast, and hart, but also vnder the midriffe, as those of the stomacke, liuer, guts, and of all the rest And first, as touching the diseases of the throat, the Glaun∣ders, and Strangullion, to al horses is most common.

Of the Glanders and Strangulion, so called according to the Italian name, Strangui••lion.

MOst Ferrers do take the Glanders and Strangullion to bee all one disease, but it is not so, for the glanders is that which the Physitians call Tronsillae, and the Stran∣gullion [ 30] is that which they call in Latine Angina, in Greeke Synanchi, and we com∣monly call it in English, the squinnancy, or Qunzie. Tronsillae, is interpreted by them to be inflammations of the kirnels, called in Latine Glandes the Italian Glandulae, which lie on both sides of the throat, vnderneath the roote of the toongue, nigh vnto the swallowing place, of which word Gland••••, or Gl••ndulae, I thinke we borrow this name glanders. For when the horse is troubled with this disease, hee hath great kirnels vnderneath his iawes, easie to be seene or felt, paining him so, as he can not easily swallow down his meat, which commeth first of cold distilation out of the head: But if such kirnels be not inflamed, they will perhaps goe away of themselues, or else by laying a little hot horse-dung and strawe vnto them, the warmth thereof wil dissolue them, and make them to vanish away. [ 40]

But if they be inflamed, they will not go away but encrease and wax greater and greater, and be more painful euery daie then other, and cause the horsse to cast continually filthie matter at his nose: The cure whereof according to Martin is thus: First ripe the kirnels with this plaister. Take of bran two handfuls, or as much as will thicken a quart of wine or Ale: then put thereunto halfe a pounde of hogges greace, and boile them togither, and lay it hot to the sore with a cloath, renewing it euery day vntil it be ready to breake, then lance it, and let out al the matter, and taint it with a taint of flax dipt in this salue: Take of Turpentine, of hogs greace, of each like quantity, and a little waxe, and melt them togi∣ther, and renew the taint euerie daie vntil it be whole. Laurentius Russius saith, that this di∣sease is verie common to colts, because in them doth abound flexible moisture, apt to be [ 50] dissolued with euerie little heat, and to turne to putrifaction: and therefore if the horse be not ouer young, he would haue you first to let him bloode in the necke vaine, and then to lay vnto the same sore a ripening playster, made of Mallowes, Linseeds, Rew, Worm∣wood, ground Iuy, Oile of Baies, add Dialthea, and to annoint his throat also, and all the sore place with fresh butter: and the sore being ripe, to lance it, or els to rowel it, that the matter may come forth.

But the kernels wil not decrease, then pul them away by the rootes, and to dry vp the vlcerous place with an ointment made of vnslect lime, Pepper, Brimstone, Nitrum, and oile Oliue. It shall be also good to purge his head by perfuming him euery day once, in such sort as hath beene before declared. And let the horsse be kept warm about the head and stand in a warme stable, and let him drinke no cold water: but if you see that after you haue taken away the kirnels, the horsse doth not for all that leaue casting filthy matter at the nose, then it is to be feared, that hee hath some spice of the mourning of the Chine, for both diseases proceed of one cause, and therefore I thinke good to speake of it heere presently.

[ 10] But first I will set downe a drinke which I haue seene prooued vppon a horse that I thought could neuer haue bin recouered of the same disease, and yet it did recouer him in very short space, so as he trauelled immediately after many miles, without the helpe of any other medicine.

A drinke for the Strangullion or Glaunders.

TAke of warm milk as it commeth from the Cow a quart, or instead there∣of a quart of new Beere or Ale warmed, and put thereunto of moulten Butter the quantity of an Egge: and then take one head of Garlicke,* 1.188 first [ 20] clean pilled and then stamped smal, which you must put into the milke or drinke being made luke warme, and giue it the horse with a horne, and immediately after the drinke be giuen, catch hold of his tongue with your hand, and ha∣uing broken two raw Egges either vpon his foreteeth, or against the staffe wherewith his head is holden vp, cast those broken Egges, shels and all into his throat, making him to swallow downe the same, that doone, ride him vp and downe till he beginne to sweate, then set him vp couered warme with an old couerlet and straw, not suffering him to eate nor drinke for the space of two or three houres after, and let his drinke for the space of two or three daies, bee somewhat warme, whereinto it is good to put a handfull or two of bran or ground malt, and in giuing the said drinke, it shall not be amisse to poure some [ 30] thereof into either nostrill.

Of the mourning of the Chine.

THis word mourning of the Chine, is a corrupt name borrowed of the French toong, wherein it is cald Mote deschien, that is to say, the death of the backe. Because many do hold this opinion that this disease doth consume the mar∣row of the backe: for remedy whereof, they vse strange kinds of cures. For some taking it to be a rheume, go about to stop it, by laying a strictiue, or binding char∣ges to the nape of the necke. Some againe, do twine out the pith of the backe with a long wire thrust vp into the horsses head, and so into his necke and backe, with what reason I [ 40] know not. Well, I know that few horsses do recouer that haue this disease. Some againe thinke that the lungs of the horse be rotten, and that the horse doth cast them out at his nose. But Martin saith, that he hath cut vp diuers horsses which haue been iudged to haue dyed of the mourning of the chine, but he could find neuer either back or lungs to be pe∣rished, but onely the liuer, and most commonly that side of the liuer, which answeareth the nostrill whereat he casteth, whereof we will talke in his proper place, when we come to speake of the diseases in the Liuer. The Italians do call this disease Ciamorro, the olde Authors do cal it the moist malady, whereof Theomnestus maketh two differences. For in the one the matter which he doth cast at the nose is white, and doeth not smell at all: and in the other, that which he casteth is filthy and sticking corruption. They proceed both of cold humors congealed in the head, but more abounding in the one then in the other; [ 50] by reason perhaps that the horsse was not cured in time: for of colde first commeth the Pose, and the cough, then the Glanders, and last of all the mourning of the chine. When the horse casteth matter at the nose that is not stinking, he may easily be cured by such re∣medyes as haue beene before declared in the chapter of the Pose: but if the matter be ve∣ry

filthy and stincking, then it is very harde to cure. Notwithstanding, it shall not grieue me to write vnto you heere, the experience of Theomnestus, and of Laurentius Russius. Theomnestus cure is thus. Take of Water and hony called of the Physitians Hydromel, a quart, and put thereunto three ounces of oyle, and powre that into his nostrill euerye morning the space of three daies: and if that do not profit him, then let him drinke eue∣ry day, or once in two daies, a quart of olde wine, mingled with some of the medicine or rather the precious meate, called of the olde writers Tetraphramacum, and that will re∣store him to his former estate. Laurentius Russius saith, that of al diseases ther is non more perillous, nor more to be suspected, th••n the rheume which commeth of cold, for hor∣ses [ 10] haue large Conduites, and are full of moisture, and therefore if colde once enter, it findeth matter inough to worke on, to breede continuall distillation, as well outwardly at the nose, as inwardly, descending downe to the vitall part in such sort, as it doth not suffocat the same.

The signes according to the said Russius be these, the horse doth cast matter continu∣ally at the nos••, sometime thinne and sometime thicke, his nostrils, eares, and al his out∣ward parts, wil be cold to the feeling, his eyes, head, and all his body heauy, and he will cough, and haue smal appetite to his meat, and lesse to his drinke, and sometime he will tremble and shake: his cure is in this sort. Purge his head, partly by perfuming him, and partly by making him to neeze in such sort, as hath beene before taught in the chapter of the pose, which waies of perfuming and purging his head as they bee good, so doeth [ 20] Russius praise these two heere following to be most excellent: the first is this: Take of the stalkes of Vitis alba otherwise called Brioni, or wilde Vine, two or three good hand∣fuls, and being brused, put them into a linnen bagge, and fasten the bagge to the hor∣ses head, so as he may receiue the scent vp into his nostrils, without touching the hearb wi••h his mouth, and this will cause the humors to run downe aboundantly. The second medicine; Take of Euforbium beaten into fine powder, three ounces, of the iuice of Betes one pound, of Swines blood halfe a pound, boile al these togither vntil they bee thr••ughly mingled togither, and liquide like an ointment, and then take it from the fire and put thereunto one ounce more of Euforbium and mingle them againe thoroughly togither, and preserue the same in a box, to vse at needefull times in this sort: Make two [ 30] stiffe long rowles or tampins of linnen clowtes, or such like stuffe, sharpe pointed like su∣ger-loues: which tampins are called of the physitians in Latine Pessi, and being annoin∣ted with the ointment aforesaid, thrust them vp into the horsses nostrils, and let them a∣bide therein a pretty whilk, then pul them out, and you shal see such abundance of mat∣ter ••••me forth at his nose, as is marueilous to behold: Russius also praiseth verye much this medicine heere following.

Take as much of the middle barke of an Elder tree, growing on the water side, as will fil a new earthen pot of a meane size, putting thereunto as much cleere water as a pot wll hold, and let it boile vntil one halfe be consumed: and then to be filled vppe againe with fresh water, continuing so to doe three times one after another, and at the last time that [ 40] the one halfe is consumed, take it from the fire, and straine it throgh a linnen cloth. Then take two partes of that decoction, and one part of hogges greace, or Butter, and being warmed againe togither, giue the horsse to drinke thereof one horneful, and poure ano∣ther hornefull into his nostril that casteth, and whensoeuer you giue him this medicine, let the horse bee empty and fasting, and keepe him without meat also two or three hours after, for this is a very good drinke for anye sicknesse that commeth of cold. Moreouer, open the skinne of his foreheade, and of his temples, and also of his taile with a sharpe hot yron, that the corrupt humours may yssue outward. That done, take hot brickes, or else a pan of fresh burning coales, and hold it nigh vnto his belly and flankes, to the en∣tent [ 50] that they may bee thoroughly warmed, and being so warmed annoint them al ouer with oyle de Bav, or Dialthea, to defend his body from the cold, and let his head be well couered, and al his bely kept warme. Yea and it were good to bath his head sometime, as Russius saith, with a bath made of Rew, Wormewoode, Sage, Iuneper, Bay leaues, and Hysop. And let his drinke be warme water mingled with Wheat meale; yea, and to make it the more comfortable, it were good as Russius saith, to put thereunto some Cinamon,

Ginger, Galingale, & such hot pieces. And his meat in Winter season would bee no other but sodden corne, or warme mashes, made of ground Malt and wheat bran: in summer season if he went to grasse, I think it would do him most good, so that he go in a dry warm ground, for by feeding alwaies downeward, he shall purge his head the better as Russius saith. Thus much of the Glanders, and mourning of the Chine. Now we wil speake som∣what of the strangullion, according to the opinion of the Authors, though not to the sa∣tisfaction perhaps of our English Ferrers.

Of the strangullion or Squinancy.

[ 10] THe Strangullion, called of the Latines Angina, according to the Physitians, is an in∣flamation of the inward partes of the throate, and as I saide before, is called of the Greeks Synanchi, which is as much to say in English as strangling, wherof this name strangullion as I thinke is deriued for this disease doth strangle euery man or beast, and therefore is numbred amongst the perilous and sharp diseases called of the Latines Morbi accuti, of which strangilng the physitians in mans body make foure differences. The first and worst is, when no part within the mouth nor without, appereth manifestly to be infla∣med, and yet the patient is in great perill of strangling. The second is, when the inwarde parts of the throat onely be inflamed. The third is, when the inward and outward partes of the throat be both inflamed. The fourth is, when the muscles of the necke are infla∣med, [ 20] or the inward ioynts thereof so loosened, as they straiten thereby both the throat, or wesand, or wind-pipe: for short breath is incident to all the foure kinds before recited, and they proceede all of one cause: that is to say, of some collerick or bloody-fluxion, which comes out of the branches of the throat-vaines into those parts, and there breedeth some hot inflamation. But now to proue that a horse is subiect to this disease, you shall hear what Absirtus, Hierocles, Vegetius, and others doe say, Absirtus writing to his friend a certaine Ferrer or horse-leach, called Aistoricus, speaketh in this manner. When a Horse hath the strangvllion it quickly killeth him, the signes whereof be these. His temples will be hollow, his tong will swell and hang out of his mouth, his eies also will be swollen, and the passage of his throat stopt so as he can neither eat nor drinke. All these signes be also confirmed by [ 30] Hierocles.

Moreouer, Vegetius rendereth the cause of this disease, affirming that it proceedeth of aboundance of subtile blood, which after long trauell will inflame the inward or outward muscles of the throat or wisand, or such affluence of blood may come, by vse of hot meats after great trauell, being so alteratiue, as they cause those parts to swell in such sort as the Horse can neither eat nor drinke, nor draw his breath. The cure according to vegetius, is in this sort.

First bath his mouth and tongue well with hot water, and then annoint it with the gal of a Bull, that done giue him this drinke. Take of old oyle two pound, of olde wine a quart, nine figs, and nine Leekes heads well stamped and braied together. And after you haue [ 40] boiled these a while before you straine them, put therunto a little Nitrum Alexandrinum, and giue him a quarte of this euery morning and euening. Absirtus and Hierocles would haue you to let him blood in the palate of his mouth, and also to poure wine and oile into his nostrils and also giue him to drinke this decoction of Figs and Nitrum sodden toge∣ther, or else to anoint his throat within with nitre oyle and hony, or else with hony & hogs dung mingled together, which differeth not much from Galen his medicine, to be giuen vnto man. For he saith, that hony mingled with the powder of hogs dung that is white, and swallowed downe, doth remedy the squanancy presently. Absirtus also praiseth the oyntment made of Bdellium, and when the inflamation beginneth somwhat to decrease, he saieth it is good to purge the horse, by giuing him wild Cocumber, and Nitre to drink. Let his meat be grasse if it may be gotten, or else wet hay, and sprinkled with Nitre. [ 50] Let his drinke also be lukewarme water, with some barly meale in it.

Of the Cough.

OF Coughes, some be outward and some be inwarde. Those bee outward which doe come of outward causes, as by eating a feather, or by eating dusty or sharpe

straw and such like things: which tickling his throate, causeth him to cough: you shal per∣ceiue it by wagging and wrying his head in his coughing, and by stamping somtime with his foote, laboring to get out the thing that grieueth him, and cannot. The cure accor∣ding to Martin is thus. Take a Willow wand, rowled throughout with a fine linnen clout, and then annoint it all ouer with hony, and thrust it downe his throat, drawing your hand to and fro, to the intent it may either driue down the thing that grieueth him, or else bring it vp, and do this twice or thrice, annointing euery time the sticke with fresh hony.

Of the inward and wet cough.

OF inward Coughs some be wet and some be dry. The wet cough is that commeth [ 10] of cold, taken after some great heat giuen to the Horsse, dissoluing humors, which being afterward congealed, do cause obstruction and stopping in the lungs. And I call it the wet cough, because the Horse in his coughing, will voide moist matter at his mouth after that it is once broken. The signes be these. The Horsse will be heauy, and his eies wil run a water, and he wil forsake his meate, and when he cougheth, he thrusteth out his head, and reacheth with great paine at the first, as though hee had a dry cough, vntill the fleame be broken, and then hee will cough more hollow, which is a signe of amend∣ment. And therfore, according to Martins experience, to the intent the fleam may breake the sooner, it shal be necessary to keepe him warme, by clothing him with a double cloth, and by littering him vp to the belly with fresh straw, and then to giue him this drinke: take [ 20] of barly one peck, and boile it in 2. or 3. gallons of faire water, vntil the barly begin to burst, and boile therewith of bruised Licoras, of Annis-seedes, or Raisins, of each one pound, then straine it, and to that liquor put of hony a pinte, and a quarterne of Sugar candy, and keepe it close in a pot to serue the horse therwith foure seuerall mornings, and cast not a∣way the sodden barly with the rest of the strainings, but make it hot euery day to perfume the horse withal, being put in a bag, and tyed to his hed, and if the horse will eat of it, it shal do him the more good. And this perfuming in winter season would be vsed about ten of the clocke in the morning, when the Sun is of some height, to the intent the horse may be walked abroad, if the Sun shine, to exercise him moderatly. And vntill his cough weare a∣way, [ 30] faile not to giue him warm water, with a little ground mault. And as his cough brea∣keth more and more, so let his water euery be lesse warmed then other.

Of the dry cough.

THis seemeth to come of some grosse and tough humor cleauing hard to the hollow places of the lungs which stoppeth the wind-pips, so as the horse cannot easily draw his breath, and if it continue, it wil either grow to the pursick, or else breake his wind altogether. The signs be these. He wil cough both often, drily, and also vehemently, with∣out, voiding at the nose, or mouth. The cure, according to Martin, is in this sort. Take a [ 40] close earthen pot, and put therein three pints of strong vineger, and foure egs, shels and all vnbroken, and foure Garlike heads cleane pilled and bruised, and set the pot being very close couered in some warme dunghill, and there let it stand a whole night: and the next morning with your hand take out the egges, which will be so soft as silke, and lay them by, vntill you haue strained the Garlike and Vineger through a faire cloath, then put to that liquor, a quarterne of hony, and halfe a quarterne of Sugarcandy, and two ounces of Ly∣coras, and two ounces of Annis-seedes, beaten al into fine powder. And then the Horsse hauing fasted al the night before, in the morning betwixt seuen and eight of the clocke, open his mouth with a cord, and whorle therein one of the egges, so as he may swallow it downe, and then immediately poure in after it a horneful of the aforesaide drinke, being [ 50] first made lukewarme, and cast in another egge, with another horne full af drinke, and so continue to do, vntill he hath swallowed vp all the egges, and drunke vp all the drinke: and then bridle him, and couer him with warmer cloathes then he had before, and bring him into the stable, and ther let him stand on the bit, at the bare rack, wel littered vp to the bel∣ly, the space of two houres. Then vnbit him, and if it be in winter, offer him a handfull of

wheaten straw: if in summer giue him grasse, and let him eat no hay,* 1.189 vnlesse it be very wel dusted, and sprinkled with water, and giue him not much thereof. And therefore you shal need to giue him the more prouender, which also most be wel clensed of al filth and dust, and giue him no water, the space of 9. daies. And if you perceiue that the cough doth not weare away, then if it be in winter, purge him with these pilles. Take of lard two pound laid in water two houres: then take nothing but the cleane fat thereof, and stamp it in a mor∣ter, and thereto put of Licoras, of Annis-seeds, of Fenegreeke, of each beaten into pow∣der three ounces, of Aloes in powder two ounces, of Agerick one ounce. Knead these to∣gether like paast, and make thereof six bals as big as an egge. Then the horse hauing fasted [ 10] ouer night, giue him the next morning these pilles one after another, anointed with hony and oile mingled together in a platter, and to the intent he may swallow them down whe∣ther he wil or not, when you haue opened his mouth catch hold of his tong, and hold it fast while you whirle in one of the pil••, that done, thrust it into his throat with a roling-pin, & then let his tongue go vntill he hath swallowed it downe: then giue him in like manner all the rest of the pilles, and let him stand on the bit warme cloathed and littered, the space of three houres at the least, and after that, giue him a little wet hay, and warme water with a little ground mault in it to drinke, and let him drinke no other but warme water the space of a weeke. And now and then in a faire sunny day, it shall be good to trot him one houre abroad to breath him.

[ 20] Of the fretized, broken and rotten lungs.

THis proceedeth as Absirtus and Theomnestus saith, either of an extreame cough, or of vehement running, or leaping, or of ouer greedy drinking after great thirst for the lungs be inclosed in a very thin filme or skin, and therefore easie to be broken, which if it be not cured in time, doth grow to apostumation, and to corruption, oppres∣sing all the lungs, which of old Authors is called Vomica, and Supp••ratio. But Theomnestus saith, that broken lungs, and rotten lungs, be two diuers diseases, and haue diuers signes, and diuers cures. The signes of broken lungs be these. The Horse draweth his wind short, and by little at once, he will turne his head often toward the place grieued, and groneth in [ 30] his breathing, he is afraid to cough, and yet cougheth as though he had eaten small bones. The same Theomnestus healed a friends horse of his, whose lunges were fretized, or rather broken as he saith, by continual eating salt, with this manner of cure here following. Let the Horsse haue quiet and rest, and then let him blood in the hanches, where the vaines appeare most: and giue him to drinke the space of seuen daies barly or rather Otes sodden in Goates milke: or if you can get no milke, boile it in water, and put therein some thicke collops of larde and of Deeres sewet, and let him drinke that: and let his common drinke in winter season be the decoction of wheat meale, and in summer time, the decoction of barly, and this as he sayth wil binde his lungs againe together. Vegetius vtterly disalloweth letting of blood in any such disease as this is, & all maner of sharp medicynes, for feare of [ 40] prouoking the cough, by means wherof the broken places can neuer heale perfectly. And therfore neither his medicines nor meat would be harsh, but smooth, gentle and cooling. The best medicine that may be giuen him at all times is this: take of Fenegreeke, and of Linceede, of each halfe a pound, of Gum dragagant, of Mastick, of Myrrhe, of Sugar, of Fitch flower, of each one ounce. Let all these things be beaten into fine powder, and then infused one whole night in a sufficient quantity of warme Water, and the next day giue him a quarte of this lukewarme, putting thereunto two or three ounces of oile of Roses, continuing so to do many dayes together, and if the disease be new, this wil heal him: yea and it will ease him very much although the disease be old, which is thought vncurable. And in winter season so long as he standeth in the stable, let him drink no cold water, and let his meat be cleane without dust, but in summer season it were best to let him runne to [ 50] grasse, for so long as he eateth grasse, a man shalscantly perceiue this disease. Thus much of broken lungs.

Of putrified and rotten lungs.

THe signes to know whether a Horsses lungs be putrified or rotten, according to Theomnestus are these. The Horsse will eat and drinke greedilyer then he was wont to do, he shal be oftner vexed with a cough, and in coughing he will cast little lumps of matter out at his mouth. The cure whereof according to Theomnestus, is thus. Giue him to drinke euery morning, the space of seuen daies the iuyce of Purslain mingled with Oyle of Roses, and ad thereunto a little tragagantum that hath been layed before in steep [ 10] in Goates milke, or else in Barly or Oten milke, strained out of the corne. When the A∣postume is broken, then a very strong vile and euill sauour will come out of his Nostrils: for remedy whereof, it shall be good to giue him the space of seuen daies this drink here following: take of the roote called Costus two ounces, and of Casia or else of Cinamon three ounces beaten into fine powder, and a fewe Raisins, and giue it him to drinke with wine. But Vegetius would haue him to be cured in this sort and with lesse cost I assure you. Take of Frankincense and Aristoloch, of each two ounces, beaten into fine powder, and giue him that with wine, or else take of vnburnt Brimstone two ounces, and of Aristoloch one ounce and a halfe beaten into powder, and giue him that with wine. And hee would haue you also to draw his breast with a hot iron, to the intent the humors may issue forth outwardly. [ 20]

Of shortnesse of breath.

A Horsse may haue shortnesse of breath, by hasty running after drinking, or vpon a full stomach, or by the discending of humors vnto his throat or lungs, after som ex∣treame heate dissoluing the said humors, which so long as there is nothing broken, may in the beginning be easily holpen. The signes bee these. The Horsse will continually pant, and fetch his breath short, which wil come very hot out at his nose, and in his brea∣thing he will squise in the nose, and his flanks will beate thicke▪ yea and some cannot fetch their breath vnlesse they hold their neckes right out and straight, which disease is called of [ 30] the old writers by the Greeke name Orthopnoea. The cure. Let him blood in the neck, and giue him this drinke, take of wine, and oile, of each a pint, of Frankincense halfe an ounce, and of the iuyce of Horehound halfe a pinte. It is good also to poure into his throate ho∣ny, butter and Hogs-greace moulten together, and made lukewarme. Tiberius saith, it is good to giue him whole egges, shels and all, steeped and made soft in vineger: that is to say, the first day three, the second day fiue, and the third day seuen, and to power wine and and oile into his nostrils. I for my part would take nothing but Annis-seedes, Licoras, and Sugarcandy, beaten all into fine powder, giue him that to drinke, with wine and oile ming∣led together. [ 40]

Of the Pursicke.

THis is a shortnes of breath, and the horse that is so diseased is called of the Italians, Cauallo pulsiuo, or Bolse, which I thinke is deriued of the Latin word Vulsus, by chan∣ging V. into B. and I think differeth not much from him that hath broken lungs, cal∣led of vegetius and other old writers vulsus, for such shortnesse of breath coms either of the same causes, or else much like, as aboundance of grosse humors, cleauing harde to the hollow places of the lungs, and stopping the wind-pips. And the wind being kept in, doth resort downeward as Russius saith, into the Horsses guts, and so causeth his flanks to beat continually without order: that is to say, more swiftly and hier vp to the backe, then the [ 50] flankes of any Horsse that is sound of wind. And if the disease be old, it is seldome or ne∣uer cured, and though I finde many medicines, prescrided by diuers Authors, fewe or none do content me, vnlesse it be that of Vegetius, recited before in the Chapter of broken lungs. And if that preuaileth not, then I thinke it were not amisse according to Russius to purge him with this drinke, heere following: take of Maiden haire, of Ireos, of Ash, of Li∣coras,

of Fenegreeke, of Raisins, of each halfe an ounce, of Cardanum, of pepper,* 1.190 of bit∣ter Almonds, of Baurach, of each, two ounces, of nettle seede, and of Aristoloch, of each three ounces, boile them al together in a sufficient quantity of water, and in that decocti∣on dissolue halfe an ounce of Agarike, and two oun▪ of Coloquintida, together with two pound of Hony, and giue him of this a pinte or a quarte at diuers times: and if it be too thick make it thinner, by putting therunto water wherin Licoras hath beene sodden, and if neede be you may also draw both his flankes crosse-wise with a hot iron, to restraine the beating of them, and also slit his Nostrils, to giue him more aire. And if it bee in summer turne him to grasse, if in winter let him be kept warme, and giue him now and then a little sodden wheat. Russius would haue it to bee giuen him three daies together and also newe [ 10] sweet wine to drinke, or else other good wine mingled with Licoras water.

Of a Consumption.

A Consumption is none other thing but an exulceration of the lunges, proceeding of some fretting or gnawing humor, descending out of the head into the lungs. And I take it to be that disease which the old writers are wont to cal the dry Malady: which perhaps some wold rather interpret to be the mourning of the chine, with whom I intend not to striue. But thus much I must needes say, that euery Horsse hauing the mourning of the Chine, doth continually cast at the nose, but in the dry Malady it is contrary. For [ 20] all the Authors that write thereof affirme, that the Horsse auoideth nothing at the Nose. And the signs be to know the dry Malady, according to their doctrin, be these. His flesh doth cleane consume away, his belly is gaunt, and the skinne thereof so harde stretched, or rather shrunke vp, as if you strike on him with your hand it will sound like a Tabar, and he will be hollow backt, and forsake his meat, and though he eateth it, (as Absirtus saith) yet he doth not digest it, nor prospereth not withall, he would cough and cannot but hicking∣ly, as though he had eaten small bones. And this disease is iudged of all the Authors to be incurable. Notwithstanding, they say, that it is good to purge his head with such per∣fumes as haue beene shewed you before in the Chapter of the Glanders, and also to giue him alwaies Coleworts, chopt small with his prouender. Some would haue him to drinke [ 30] the warme blood of sucking pigs new slaine, and some the iuyce of Leekes, with oile and wine mingling together. Others praise wine and Frankincense, some oyle and Rue, some would haue his body to be purged and set to grasse.

Of the consumption of the flesh, and how to make a leane Horse fat.

MArtin saith that if a Horse take a great cold after a heat it wil cause his flesh to wast, and his skin to wax hard and dry, and to cleaue fast to his sides, and hee shall haue [ 40] no appetite vnto his meat, and the fillets of his backe wil fal away, and all the flesh of his buttocks, and of his shoulders, will be consumed▪ The cure whereof is thus. Take two sheepes heads vnflead, boile them in three gallons of Ale, or faire running water, vntill the flesh be consumed from the bones, that done, strain it through a fine cloth, and then put thereunto of Sugar one pound, of Cinamon two ounces, of conserue of Roses, of Barberries, of Cherries, of each two ounces, and mingle them together, and giue the Horsse euery day in the morning, a quart thereof lukewarme, vntil all be spent: and after euery time he drinketh, let him be walked vp and downe in the stable, or else abroade if the weather be warme, and not windy, and let him neither eate nor drinke in two houres after, and let him drinke no cold water, but lukewarme, the space of fifteene daies, and let [ 50] him be fed by little and little, with such meate as the Horse hath most appetite vnto. But if the horse be nesh and tender, & so wax lean without any apparant griefe or disease, then the old writers would haue him to be fed now and then with partched Wheat, and also to drinke Wine with his water, and eate continually wheate bran mingled with his prouen∣der, vntill hee waxe stronge, and hee must be often dressed and trimmed, and lye softe,

without the which things his meat will do him but little good. And his meat must be fine and cleane, and giuen him often and by litttle at once. Russius saith, that if a Horsse eating his meat with good appetite, doth not for al that prosper, but is stil leane: then it is good to giue him Sage, Sauin, Bay berries, Earth-nuttes, and Boares greace, to drinke with wine: or to giue him the intrals of a Barbell or Tench, with white Wine. He saith also that sodden Beanes mingled with Branne and Salt, will make a leane Horsse fat in very short space.

Of griefe in the breast.

* 1.191LAurentius Russius writeth of a disease called in Italian Grauezza di petto, [ 10] which hath not beene in experience amongst our Ferrers, that I can learn. It coms, as Russius saith, of the superfluity of blood, or other humors dis∣solued by some extreame heat, and resorting down the breast, paining the Horsse, so as he cannot well go. The cure whereof according to Russius is thus. Let him bloode on both sides of the breast in the accostomed vaines, and rowell him vnder the breast, and twice a daye turne the rowells with your hand, to mooue the humours that they may yssue forth, and let him goe so roweled the space of fifteene daies.

Of the paine of the heart called Anticor, that is to say, Contrary to the heart. [ 20]

THis proceedeth of aboundance of ranke blood bred with good feeding & ouermuch rest: which blood resorting to the inward parts doth suffocate the heart, and many times causeth swellinges to appeare before the breast, which will grow vpwarde to the necke, and then it killeth the Horsse. The signes. The Horse will hang downe his head in the manger, forsaking his meate, and is not able to lift vp his head. The cure according to Martin is thus. Let him blood on both sides aboundantly in the plat vaines, and then giue him this drinke: take a quart of malmesie, and put thereunto halfe a quarterne of Sugar, and two ounces of Ci∣namon, and giue it him lukewarme, then keepe him warme in the stable, stuffing him well [ 30] about the stomach that the wind offend him no manner of way, and giue him warme wa∣ter with mault alawies to drinke, and giue him such meate as he will eate. And if the swel∣ling do appeare, then besides letting him blood, strike the swelling in diuers places with your fleame that the corruption may goe forth: and annoint the place with warme Hogs greace, and that wil either make it to weare away or else to grow to a head, if it be couered and kept warme.

Of tired Horsses.

BIcause we are in hand heere with the vitall partes, and that when the Horsses be tyred with ouermuch labour, their vitall spirits wax feeble, I thinke it best to speak of them [ 40] euen heere, not with long discoursing as Vegetius vseth, but briefely to shew you how to refresh the poore Horsse hauing neede thereof, which is doone chiefely by giuing him rest, warmth and good feeding, as with warme mashes and plenty of prouender. And to quicken his spirits, it shall be good to poure a little oyle and vineger into his Nostrils, and to giue him the drinke of sheeps heads recited before in the Chapter of consumption of the flesh, yea and also to bath his Legges with this bath: take of Mallowes, of Sage, of each two or three handfuls, and a Rose-cake: boile these things together, and being boy∣led, then put vnto it a good quantity of butter or of Sallet-oyle. Or else make him this charge: take of Bole Armony and of Wheat-flower of each halfe a pound, and a little Ro∣zen beaten into powder, and a quart of strong vineger, and mingle them together, and [ 50] couer all his Legs therewith, and if it be summer, turne him to grasse.

Of the diseased parts vnder the midriffe, and first of the [ 0] stomacke.

THe old Authors make mention of many diseases incident to a horses stomacke, as loathing of meat, spewing vp his drinke, surfetting of prouender, the hungry euil, and such like, which few of our Ferrers haue obserued: and therefore I wil breefely speake of as many as I thinke necessary to bee knowne, and first of the loathing of meate.* 1.192

[ 10] Of the loathing of meat.

A Horsse may loath his meat through the imtemperature of his stomack, as for that it is too hot or too cold. If his stomacke be too hot, then most common∣ly it will either inflame his mouth and make it to breake out in blisters, yea and perhaps cause some cancker to breed there. The cure of all which things hath beene taught before. But if he forsake his meat onely for very heat, which you shall perceiue by the hotnesse of his breath and mouth, then coole his stomack by giuing him cold water mingled with a little Vineger and oile to drinke, or else giue him this drinke. Take of milke, and of wine, of each one pinte, and put thereunto three ounces of Me•• Ro∣satum, and wash al his mouth with Vineger and salt. If his stomacke be too colde, then his [ 20] haire wil stare and stand right vp, which Absirtus and others were wont to cure, by giuing the horse good wine and oile to drinke, and some would seeth in wine Rew, or Sage, some would adde thereunto white Pepper and Mirre, some woulde giue him Onions and Roc∣ket seed to drinke with wine, Againe there be other somewhich prescribe the blood of a young Sow with old wine. Absirtus would haue the horse to eat the green blades of wheat, if the time of the yeare wil serue for it. Columella saith, that if a horsse or anie other beaste, do loath his meate it is good to giue him wine, and the seede of Gith, or else Wine and stampt garlicke.

Of casting out his drinke.

[ 30] VEgetius saith, that the horse may haue such a Palsie proceeding of cold in his stomack as he is notable to keepe his drinke, but many times to cast it out again at his mouth. The remedy whereof is to let him blood in the necke, and to giue him cordiall drinkes, that is to say, made of hotte and comfortable spices, and also to annoint al his breast and vnder his shoulders with hot oyles, and to purge his head, by blowing vp into his No∣strils, pouders that prouoke neezing, such as haue beene taught you before.

Of surfetting with glut of prouender.

THe glut of prouender or other meat not digested, doth cause a horse to haue great [ 40] paine in his body, so as hee is not able to stande on his feete, but lyeth downe, and waltereth as though he had the Bots. The cure whereof according to Martins expe∣rience, is in this sort. Let him blood in the necke, then trot him vppe and downe for the space of an houre, and if he cannot stale, draw out his yard, and wash it with a little white wine, luke warme, and thrust into his yard either a brused cloue of Garlicke, or else a lit∣tle oile of Cammomile, with a wax candle. If he cannot dung, then rake his fundament, and giue him this glister. Take of Mallows two or three handfuls, and boile them in a pot∣tle of faire running water, and when the mallows be sodden, then straine it, and put there∣vnto a quart of fresh Butter, and halfe a pinte of oile Oliue; and hauing receiued this gli∣ster, lead him vp and downe, vntill he hath emptied his belly, then set him vp, and keepe him hungry the space of three or foure daies, and the hay that he eateth, let it be sprinke∣led [ 50] with water, and let him drinke water, wherein should be put a little bran, and when he hath drunke, giue him the bran to eate, and giue him little or no prouender at al, for the space of eight or ten daies.

Of another kind of surfetting with meat or drinke, called of vs, foundering in the body. [ 0]

THis disease is called of the old writers in Greeke Crithiasis, in Latine Hordiatio, it commeth as they say, by eating of much prouender suddainely after labour, whilst the horse is hot and panting,* 1.193 whereby his meate not being digested, breedeth e∣uill humors, which by little and little do spread thoroughout his members, and at length do oppresse all his body, and doe cleane take away his strength, and make him in such a [ 10] case, as he can neither goe, nor bow his ioyntes, nor being laide, he is not able to rise a∣gaine, neither can he stale but with great paine. It may come also, as they saie, of drinking too much in trauelling by the waie when the horse is hot, but then it is not so dangerous, as when it commeth of eating too much.

But howsoeuer it commeth, they saie all, that the humours will immediatelie resorte downe into the horses legges, and feet, and make him to cast his hooues: and therfore I must needs iudge it to be no other thing but a plaine foundering, which word foundering is borrowed, as I take it, of the French word Fundu, that is to say, molten. For foundering is a melting or dissolution of humors, which the Italians cal Infusione. Martin maketh di∣uers kindes of foundering, as the foundering of the bodie, which the French men call most commonly Morfundu, and foundering in the legs and feet, also foundering before [ 20] and behind, which some Authors doe denie, as Magister Maurus, and Laurentius Russius, affirming that there are fewer humors behind than before, and that they cannot easily be dissolued or molten, being so far distant from the hart, & the other vital parts. Where∣unto a man might answere, that the natural heat of the hart doth not cause dissolution of humors, but some vnnaturall and accidentall heate, spred throughout all the members, which is daily proued by good experience. For we see horses foundered not only before or behind, but also of al foure legs at once, which most commonly chanceth either by ta∣king cold sodenly after a great heate, as by standing stil vpon some cold pauement, or a∣broad in the cold wind, or els perhaps the horse trauelling by the way, and being in a sweat [ 30] was suffred to stand in some cold water whilst he did drinke, which was worse then his drin∣king: for in the mean time the cold entering at his feet, ascended vpward, and congealed the humors which the heat before had dissolued, and thereby when he commeth once to rest, he waxeth stiffe and lame of his legs But leauing to speak of foundering in the legs, as wel before as behind, vntil we come to the griefs in the legs & feet, we intend to talk here only of foundring in the body, according to Martins experience. The signes to know if a horse be foundered in the body, be these. His haire wil stare and he wil be chil, and shrug for cold, and forsake his meat, hanging down his head, and quiuer after cold water, and af∣ter 2. or 3. daies he wil begin to cough. The cure, according to Martin is thus. First scour his belly with the glister last mentioned, and then giue him a comfortable drink made in this sort. Take of Malmsie a quart, of Sugar halfe a quartern▪ of hony halfe a quarterne, of [ 40] Sinamon halfe an ounce, of Licoras and Annis seedes, of each two spoonfuls, beaten into fine powder, which being put into the Malmsie, warme them togither at the fire, so as the hony may be molten, and then giue it him luke warm: that done, walke him vp and down in the warme stable the space of halfe an houre, and then let him stand on the bit 2. or 3. houres without meat, but let him be warme couered, and wel littered, and giue him hay sprinkled with a little water, and clean sifted prouender by a little at once, and let his water be warmed with a little ground Malt therein. And if you see him somewhat cheered, then let him blood in the neck, and also perfume him once a day with a little Frankincense, and vse to walke him abroad when the weather is faire and not windy, or els in the house if the [ 50] weather be foule: and by thus vsing him you shal quickly recouer him.

Of the hungry euill.

THis is a verie great desire to eat, following some great emptinesse, or lacke of meate, and it is called of the olde Authorus by the Greeke name Bulimos, which is as much

to say, as a great hunger proceeding, as the Physitians say, at the first of some extreame outward cold, taken by long trauelling in cold barren places, and especially where snow aboundeth, which outward cold causeth the stomacke to be cold, and the inward powers to be feeble. The cure according to Absyrtus and Hierocles, is in the beginning to com∣fort the horses stomacke, by giuing him bread sopt in wine. And if you be in a place of rest, to giue him wheat flower and wine to drinke, or to make him cakes or bals of flow∣er and wine kneaded togither, and to feed him with that, or with wine and nuttes of pine trees. Hierocles saith, if any such thing chaunce by the way whereas no flower is to be had, then it shall be best to giue him wine and earth wrought togither, either to drinke or else [ 10] to eate in bals.

Of the disease in the liuer.

ALl the olde Authors speake much of the paine in the liuer, but none of them do declare whereof it commeth, or by what meanes, sauing that Hippocrates saith, that some horses get it by violent running vpon some stony or hard ground. I for my part thinke that the liuer of a horse is subiect to as many diseases as the liuer of a man, and therefore may be pained diuersly. As sometime by the intemperatnesse of the same, as for that it is perhaps too hot, or too cold, too moist, or too dry: sometimes by meanes of euill humors, as choler, or flegme abounding in the same, according as the liuer is ey∣ther [ 20] hot or cold: for heat breedeth choler, and cold, flegme, by means of which intem∣perature proceedeth all the weakenes of the liuer. It may be pained also sometime by ob∣struction and stopping, and sometime by hard knobs, inflammation, Apostume, or vlcer bred therein, sometime by consumption of the substance thereof. The signes of heate and hot humors, be these, loathing of meat, great thirst, and loosenes of belly, voiding dung of strong sent, and leannesse of body. The signes of cold, and cold humors be these: ap∣petite to meat without thirst, a belly neither continually loose nor stiptike, but betweene times, no strong sent of dung, nor leannesse of body, by which kind of signes, both firste and last mentioned, and such like, the weakenesse & greefe of the liuer is also to bee lear∣ned and sought out. Obstruction or stopping most commonly chanceth by trauelling or laboring [ 30] vpon a full stomacke, whereby the meat not being perfectly digested, breedeth grosse and tough humours, which humours by vehemency of the labour, are also driuen violently into the small vaines, whereby the liuer should receiue good nutriment, and so breedeth obstruction and stopping. The signes whereof in mans body is heauinesse and distension, or swelling, with some griefe in the right side vnder the short ribs, and espe∣cially when he laboureth imediately after meat, which things I beleeue if it were diligent¦ly obserued, were easie enough to find in a horse, by his heauie going at his setting forth and often turning his head to the side greeued. Of an olde obstruction, and especially if the humors be cholericke, breedeth many times a harde knob on the liuer, called of the Physitians Schirrus, which in mans body may be felt, if the body bee not ouer fat: and it [ 40] is more easie for him to lie on the right side than on the lefte, because that lying on the left side, the weight of the knob would oppresse the stomacke and vitall partes verye sore, by which signes methinkes a dilligent Ferrer may learne, whether a horse hath any such disease or not. The inflammation of the liuer commeth by meanes that the blood either through the abundance, thinnesse, boiling heat, or sharpenes thereof, or else through the violence of some outwarde cause, breaketh out of the vaines, and floweth into the bodie of the liuer, and there being out of his proper vessels doth immediatly putrifie and is in∣flamed, and therewith corrupteth so much fleshie substaunce of the liuer as is imbrewed withall; and therefore for the most part, the hollow side of the liuer is consumed: yea, and sometime the full side.

[ 50] This hotte bloody matter then is properlie called an inflammation, which by naturall heate is afterwarde turned into a plaine corruption, and then it is called an Impostume, which if it breake out and run, then it is called an Vlcer, or filthie sore: Thus you see, of one euill Fountaine may spring diuers greefs, requiring diuers cures. And thogh none of mine Authours, nor anie other Ferrer that I know haue waded thus farre, yet I thought

good by writing thus much,* 1.194 to giue such Ferrers as be wise, discreet and diligent, occa∣sion to seeke for more knowledge and vnderstanding than is taught them, and methinkes that it is a great shame, that the Ferrers of this age should not know much more than the Ferrers of old time, sith that besides that, the olde mens knowledge is not hidden from them, they haue also their own experience, and time also bringeth euery day new things to light. But now to proceede in discoursing of the liuer according to the Physitians doc∣trine as I haue begunne, I say then of an inflammation in the hollowe side of the liuer, the signes be these: loathing of meat, great thirst, loosenes of belly, easie lyeng on the right side, and paineful lyeng on the left. But if the inflammation be on the full side or swelling side of the liuer, then the patient is trobled with difficulty of breathing, with a dry cough [ 10] and greeuous paine, pulling and twitching the wind-pipe, and to lie vpon the right side is more painful than the left, and the swelling may be felt with a mans hande. But you must vnderstand by the way, that al these things last mentioned be the signes of some great in¦flammation, for smal inflammations haue no such signes, but are to be iudged onely by griefe vnder the short ribs and fetching of the breath.

The signes of Apostumation is paineful and great heate. The signes of Vlcerations is decrease of the heat with feeblenes and fainting. For the filthy matter flowing abroad with euil vapours corrupteth the heart, and many times causeth death. The signes of the consumption of the liuer, shal bee declared in the next chapter, and as for the curing of al other diseases before mentioned, experience must first teach it ere I can write it. Not∣withstanding, I cannot thinke but that such things as are good to heale the like diseases [ 20] in mans body are also good for a horse, for his liuer is like in substaunce and shape to a mans liuer, differing in nothing but onely in greatnesse. And therefore I would wish you to learne at the Physitians hands, who I am sure first, as touching the weakenes of the Li∣uer, proceeding of the vntemperatenes thereof, wil bid you to heale euery such vntem∣peratnes by his contrary; that is to say, heat, by colde, and drinesse by moisture: and so contrary: And therefore it shal bee verye necessary for you to learne the qualities, na∣tures, and vertues of hearbs, drugs, and al other simples, and how to apply them in time. And for to heale the obstruction of the liuer, they wil counsel you perhaps to make the horse drinkes of such simples as these be, Agrimony, Fumitory, Camomile, Worme-wood, Licoras, Annis seeds, Smallage, Persly, Spiknard, Gentian, Succorie, Endiue, [ 30] Sperage, Lupins, the vertues whereof you shall learne in the herbals: but amongest all simples, there is none more praised than the liuer of a Woolfe beaten into powder, and mingled in any medicine that is made for any disease in the liuer.

The cure of an inflammation consisteth in letting blood, and in bathing, or fomenting the sore place with such hearbes and oyles, as may mollifie and disperse humors abroad, wherewith some simples that be astrigent would be alwaies mingled: yea, and in al other medicines that be applyed to the liuer, for any manner of diseases. Simples that mollifie and disperse be these: Linseed, Fenegreeke: Camomel, Annis seedes, Meliot: and such like things. Simples astringent be these: Red Rose leaues, Bramble leaues, Wormwood, [ 40] Plantaine, Mirrhe, Masticke, Stirax, and such like. Apostumes are to be ripend and voi∣ded. Vlcers must be clensed, and scowred downward either by the belly or by Vrine: and therefore the vse of such simples as prouoke vrine in such case is necessary: The olde wri∣ters of horseleach craft do say, that when a horse is greeued in his liuer, he wil forsake his meat, and his body wil waste, his mouth wil be dry, his tongue rough and harsh: yea, and it wil smel, and he wil refuse to lye on that side where his griefe is. The cure whereof accor∣ding to Absirtus is in this sort. Let him drink stampt Ireos with wine alayed with water. Hee praiseth also an hearbe much like vnto Calamint: called of Pliny, Polymoria, or let him drinke Sauerie with wine and oyle. I thinke that Agrimony or liuer-woort is as good as the best of them. Absirtus would haue his body to be chafed with wine and oile mixt to¦gither: [ 50] and to be wel littered that he may lie soft: and his prouender that should be gi∣uen him to be steeped first in warme water: and now and then some Nitrum to be put in his drinke.

Of the consumption in the Liuer.

I Beleeue that no inward member of a horse doth suffer so much as the lungs and liuer, and that not so much by continual as by vnordinate, and vntimely trauaile, labour,

and exercise, whereby either the horses lunges, or his liuer do most commonly perish, and is consumed: yea, and sometime both. Of the consumption of the lungs, we haue talked sufficiently before: therefore let vs shew you heere the causes whereof the con∣sumption of the liuer proceedeth. The Physitians say, that it may come of anie humour, but chiefelie and most commonlie of cholericke matter, shed throughout the substance of the liuer, which putrifieng by little and little, and leisurely, doeth at length corrupt and perish all the substance of the liuer, which thing in mans body doth first proceede, as the physitians say, either by eating corrupt meates, or else by continuall drinking of sweet wines.

[ 10] But methinkes that the consumption of a horses liuer, should come by some extream heat, inflaming the blood, which afterward being putrified, doeth corrupt and exulce∣rate the substance of the liuer. For after inflammation, as I saide before, commeth Apo∣stumation, and then exulceration, which is very hard to cure, because the substance of the liuer is spongeous like vnto the Lunges. And whilst the liuer is so corrupted, there can bee no good digestion, for lacke whereof the body receiueth no good nutriment, and therefore must needes also languish and consume. The signes according to Mar∣tin be these.

The horse will forsake his meat, and wil stande stretching himselfe in length, and ne∣uer couet to lie downe, and his breath will be so strong, as no man can abide it, and he wil [ 20] continually cast yellowish matter at the one nostrill, or else at both, according as one or both sides of the lyuer is corrupted, and on that side that he casteth most, he will haue vn∣der his iaw, euen about the midst thereof a knob or kirnell as much as a Walnut, which when Martin findeth, hee committeth his carcasse to the Crowes, taking him to bee past cure. But if he were let blood in time, and had such drinkes giuen him, as are good to comfort and strength the liuer, he thinketh that the horse might be recouered. I neuer read any medicine for the wasting of the liuer, as I remember, but this onely diet, which I found in an olde English booke. Let him drinke for the space of three daies no other thing but warme wort, and let him eate no other meat but Oates baked in an ouen, and let him stand meatlesse the first night before you giue him the woort: But I thinke it were [ 30] not amisse to put into the wort that he drinketh euery morning some good confection or powder made of Agrimony, red Rose leaues, Saccharum, Rosaceum, Diarchadon, Abba∣tis, Diasantalon, Licoras and of the liuer of a Woolfe, and such other simples as doe comfort and strengthen the liuer, or else to giue him the same things with Goates milke lukewarme.

Of the diseases in the Gall.

IN my opinion the gall of a horse is subiect to diuers diseases, as wel as the gal of a man, as to obstruction, whereof commeth the fulnesse and emptines of the bladder and likewise the stone in the gall. But obstruction may chaunce two manner of waies: First, when the waie, whereby the choler should pro∣ceede [ 40] from the liuer vnto the bladder of the gall as vnto his receptacle, is stopped, and thereby the bladder remaineth empty, whereof may spring diuers euill accidents: as vo∣mitting, the lax or bloody flix. Secondly, when the way whereby such choler should ys∣sue forth of the bladder of the Gall downe into the guts is shut vp, wherby the bladder is ouer full and aboundeth with too much choler, which causeth heauinesse, suffocation, belching, heat, thirst, and disposition to angrinesse. The signes of both kinds of obstructi∣on in the gall is costiuenes and yellowishnes of skin infected with the yellow Iaundis. The stone in the gall which is somewhat blackish proceedeth of the obstruction of the con∣duites of the bladder, whereby the choler being long kept in, waxeth dry and turneth at length to harde grauell or stones, whereof because there is neither signes nor any gree∣uous accident knowne to the Physitians, I leaue to talke anie farther thereof, and the ra∣ther [ 50] for that none of mine Authors do make anie mention of the gall at all. Notwithstan∣ding to giue some light vnto the lerned Ferrers, and that they may the better vnderstand the inward partes of a horse, I thought good to write thus much, thinking it no time lost while I may profit them anie way.

Of the diseases in the Spleene.

THe Splene, as I haue said before in many places, is the receptacle of melancholy, and of the dregs of blood, and is subiect to the like diseases that the liuer is, that is to say, to swelling, obstruction, hard knobs, and inflamation: for the substance of the splene is spongeous, and there sort apt to sucke in al filth and to dilate it selfe, where∣fore being ful it must needs swel, which wil appeare in the left side vnder the short ribs, and such swelling causeth also shortnesse of breath, and especially when the body doth [ 10] labour or trauel. It is painful also to lie on the right side, because the splene being swollen so oppresseth the midriffe, and especially when the stomacke is ful of meat, and the pati∣ent hath worse disgestion than appetite, and is troubled with much winde, both vpwarde and downeward. Moreouer the vapor of the humor doth offend the hart, making it faint and causeth al the body to be heauy and dul, and if such swelling be suffered to go vncu∣red, then if it be a melancholy humor, and abounding ouer-much, it waxeth euery day thicker and thicker, causing obstruction not onely in the vaines and artires, which is to be perceiued by heauinesse and greefe on the left side, but also in the splene it self, where∣as by vertue of the heat it is hardned euery day more and more, and so by little and lit∣tle waxeth to a hard knob, which doth not only occupy al the substance of the splene, but also many times al the left side of the wombe, and thereby maketh the euil accidents or [ 20] griefes before recited much more than they were.

Now as touching the inflammation of the splene which chaunceth very sildome, for so much as euery inflammation proceedeth of pure blood, which sildome entereth into the splene: I shal not need to make many words, but refer you ouer to the chapter of the Liuer, for in such case they differ not, but proceeding of like cause, haue also like signes, and do require like cure. The old writers say, that horses be often▪ greeued with griefe in the splene, and specially in Summer season with greedy eating of sweet green meats, and they cal those horses Lienosos, that is to say splenetike. The signes whereof (say they) are these, hard swelling on the left side, short breath, often groning, and greedy appetite to [ 30] meat. The remedie whereof according to Absirtus is to make a horse to sweat once a day during a certaine time, by riding him or otherwise trauelling him, and to poure into his left nostril euery day the iuyce of mirabolans mingled with wine and water, amounting in alto the quantity of a pint. But methinks it would do him more good, if he drank it as Hie∣rocles would haue him to do. Eumelius praiseth this drinke: take of Cummin seed and of hony, of each six ounces, and of Lacerpitium as much as a beane, of Vineger a pint, and put al these into three quartes of water, and let it stand so al night, and the next morning giue the horse thereof to drinke, being kept ouer night fasting. Theomnestus praiseth the decoction of Capers, especially if the barke of the root thereof may be gotten sodden in water to a sirrop. Or else make him a drinke of Garlick, Nitrum, Hore-hound, and worm-wood, [ 40] sodden in harsh wine: and he would haue the left side to be bathed in warme water and to be hard rubbed. And if al this wil not helpe, then to giue him the fire which Absir∣tus doth not allow saying the splene lyeth so, as it cannot easily bee fired, to do him anye good. But for so much as the liuer and splene are members much occupied in the ingen∣dring and seperating of humors, many euil accidents and griefes doe take their first be∣ginning of them, as the Iandis, called in a horse, the yellowes, drinesse of body, and con∣sumption of the flesh, without any apparant cause why, which the Phisitians call Atrophis also euill habite of the bodie, called of them Chachexia, and the Dropsie. But first wee will speake of the Iaundis or Yellowes. [ 50]

Of the Yellowes.

THe Physitians in a mans body do make two kinds of Iandis: that is to say, the Yel∣low proceeding of choler dispersed throughout the whole body, and dieng the skin yellow, and the blacke proceeding of melancholie, dispersed likewise throughout the whole bodie, and making al the skin blacke. And as the yellow Iaundis commeth for

the most part, either by obstruction or stopping of the cundits belonging to the bladder of the gall, which (as I said before) is the receptable of Choler, or by some inflamation of the liuer, wherby the blood is conuerted into choler, & so spreadeth throughout the bo∣dy: euen so the black Iandis cōmeth by meane of some obstruction in the liuer-vain, that goeth to the splene, not suffering the spleene to do his office, in receiuing the dregs of the blood from the liuer, wherin they abound too much, or else for that the spleene is already too ful of dregs, and so sheddeth them backe againe into the vaines. But as for the blacke Iandis they haue not bin obserued to be in horses as in mē, by any of our Ferrers in these daies that I can learn. And yet the old writers of horseleach-craft, do seeme to make two [ 10] kindes of Iandis, called of them Cholera, that is to say, the dry Choler, and also the moist choler. The signs of the dry choler, as Absirtus saith, is great heat in the body, and costiue∣nesse of the belly, wherof it is said to be dry. Moreouer, the horse wil not couet to lie down, because he is so pained in his body, and his mouth will be hot and dry.

It commeth, as he saith, by obstruction of the cundit, wherby the choler should resort into the bladder of the gal, and by obstruction also of the vrin vessels, so as he cannot stale. The cure according to his experience, is to giue him a glister made of oile, water and Ni∣trum, & to giue him no prouender, before that you haue raked his fundament, and to po∣wer the decoction of Mallowes mingled with sweet wine into his nostrils and let his meate be grasse, or else sweet hay sprinkled with Nitre and water, and he must rest from labor, & be often rubbed. Hierocles would haue him to drinke the decoction of wild coleworts sod∣den [ 20] in wine. Again of the moist choler of Iandis, these are the signes. The horses eies will looke yellow, and his nostrils will open wide, his eares and his flanks wil sweat, and his stale will be yellow and cholerick, and he wil grone when he lieth downe, which disease the said Absirtus was wont to heale, as he saith, by giuing the Horsse a drinke made of Time and Cumin, of each like quantity stampt together, and mingled with wine, hony, and water, and also by letting him blood in the pasterns. This last disease seemeth to differ nothing at all from that which our Ferrers cal the yellowes. The signs wherof, according to Martin, be these. The Horse will bee faint, and sweat as hee standeth in the stable, and forsake his meat: and his eies, and the inside of his lips and all his mouth within will be yellow. The cure whereof according to him is in this sort. Let him bloode in the Necke vaine, a good [ 30] quantity, and then giue him this drinke: take of white wine, of Ale a quart, and put there∣unto of Saffron, turmericke, of each halfe an ounce, and the iuyce that is wroong out of a handfull of Celendine, and being lukewarme, giue it the Horse to drinke, and keepe him warme the space of three or foure daies, giuing him warme water with a little bran in it.

Of the Yellowes

THe yellowes is a general disease in horsses, and differ nothing from the yellow-iandise in men: it is mortall, and many horses die thereof: the signes to know it is thus:* 1.195 pull downe the lids of the horsses eies, and the white of the eie will bee yellow, the inside of his lips wil be yellow, and gums, the cure followeth. First let him bloode in the palat of the [ 40] mouth, that he may suck vp the same, then giue him this drink: take of strong Ale a quart, of the greene ordure of Geese strained, three or foure spoonefuls: of the iuyce of Salen∣dine as much, of saffron halfe an ounce, mix these together, and being warme, giue it the horse to drinke.

Of the euill habit of the body, and of the dropsie.

AS touching the drines and consumption of the flesh, without any apparant cause why,* 1.196 called of the Physitians as I said before Atrophia, I know not what to say more then I haue already before in the chap. of consumption of the flesh, and therefore resort thither. And as for the euil habit of the body, which is to be euil colored, heauy, dul, & of no force, strength, nor liuelines, commeth not for lack of nutriment, but for lack of good nutriment, for that the blood is corrupted with flegme, choler, or melancholy, proceeding either fro [ 50] the spleene, or else through weakenesse of the stomach or Liuer, causing euill digestion, or it may come by foule feeding: yea, & also for lacke of moderate exercise. The euill habit of the body, is next cosin to the dropsie, whereof though our Ferrers haue had no expe∣rience, yet because mine old Authors writing of horselcach-craft do speak much thereof:

I thinke it good heere briefely to shew you their experience therein, that is to say, how to know it, and also how to cure it. But sith none of them do shew the cause whereof it pro∣ceedes, I thinke it meete first therefore to declare vnto you the causes therof, according to the doctrin of the learned Physitians, which in mans body do make three kinds of drop∣sies, calling the first Anasarca, the second Ascites, and the third Timpanias. Anasarca, is an vniuersall swelling of the body through the aboundance of water, lying betwixt the skin and the flesh, and differeth not from the disease last mentioned, called Cachexia, that is to say, euill habit of the bloode, sauing that the body is more swoln in this then in Cachexia, albeit they proceede both of like causes as of coldnesse and weakenesse of the liuer, or by [ 10] meanes that the hart, spleene, stomack, and other members seruing to digestion, by grie∣ued or diseased. Ascites is a swelling in the couering of the belly, called of the Physitians, Abdomen comprehending both the skin, the fat, eight muscles, and the filme or panicle cal∣led Peritoneum, through the aboundance of some whayish humor entred into the same, which besides the causes before alledged, proceedeth most chiefely by means that some of the vessels within be broken or rather cracked, out of the which, though the blood be∣ing somewhat grosse cannot yssue forth▪ yet the whayish humor being subtil, may run out into the belly, like water distilling through a cracked pot.

Timpanias called of vs commonly the Timpany, is a swelling of the aforesaid couering of the belly, through the aboundance of wind entred into the same, which wind is ingende∣red of crudity and euill digestion, and whilest it aboundeth in the stomach, or other intrals [ 20] finding no yssue out, it breaketh in violently through the smal cundits among the panicles of the aforesaid couering, not without great paine to the patient, and so by tossing to and fro, windeth at length into the space of the couering it selfe. But surely such wind cannot be altogether void of moisture.

Notwithstanding, the body swelleth not so much with this kinde of dropsie as with the o∣ther kind called Ascites. The signs of the dropsie is shortnes of breath, swelling of the bo∣dy, euil colour, lothing of meat, and great desire to drinke, especially in the dropsie called Ascites, in which also the belly wil sound like a bottle halfe ful of water: but in the Timpanie it wil sound like a Tabar. But now though mine authors make not so many kinds of drop∣sies, [ 30] yet they say al generally, that a horse is much subiect to the dropsie. The signs accor∣ding to Absirtus and Hierocles, be these. His belly, legs, and stones, wil be swollen, but his back, buttocks, and flanks, wil be dryed and shrunke vp to the very bones.

Moreouer, the vaines of his face and temples, and also the vaines vnder his tong wil be so hidden, as you cannot see them, and if you thrust your finger hard against his body, you shal leaue the print therof behind, for the flesh lacking natural heat wil not returne again to his place, and when the horselyeth down he spreadeth himselfe abroad, not being able to he round together on his belly, and the haire of his back by rubbing wil fal away. Pela∣gonius in shewing the signs of the dropsie, not much differing from the Physitians first re∣cited, seemeth to make two kinds therof, calling the one the Timpany, which for difference sake may be called in English the wind dropsie, and the other the water dropsie. Notwith∣standing [ 40] both haue one cure, so farre as I can perceiue, which is in this sort. Let him bee warme couered, and walked a good while together in the sun to prouoke sweat, and let all his body be wel and often rubbed alongst the haire, & let him seed vpon Colworts, smal∣l••ge, and Elming boughs, and of al other thinges that may loosen the belly, or prouoke vrin, and let his common meat be grasse if it may be gotten, if not, then hay sprinkled with water and Nytrum. It is good also to giue him a kinde of pulse called Cich, steeped a day and a night in water, and then taken out, and laid so as the water may drop away from it. Pelagonius would haue him to drink Parsly stampt with wine, or the root of the herb called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Latin Panax, with wine. But if the swelling of the belly wil not decrease for al this, then slit a litle hole vnder his belly a handful behind the nauil, & put into that hole a hollow reed [ 50] or ••ome other pipe, that the water or wind may go out, not al at once, but by litle and little at diuers times, and beware that you make not the hole ouer wide, least the caule of the bel∣ly fal downe thereunto, and when al the water is cleane run out, then heale vp the wound as you do al other wounds, and let the horse drinke as little as is possible.

Of the euill habit of the stomacke.

IF your horse either by inward sicknes, or by present surfet, grow to a loath of his meate,* 1.197 or by weakenesse of his stomak cast vp his meat and drinke, this shall be the cure for the same: first, in all the drinke he drinks, let him haue the powder of hot spices, as namely of Ginger Annis-seeds, Lycoras, Sinamon, and Pepper, then blow vp into his Nostrils the powder of Tobacco to occasion him to neese, instantly after he hath eaten any meat, for an houre together after, let one stand by him, and hold at his Nose a piece of sower Leuen steept in vineger, then annoint all his breast ouer with the Oyle of Ginnuper and Pepper [ 10] mixt together.

Of the diseases of the guts of a Horse, and first of the Colike.

THe guttes of a Horse may be diseased with diuers griefes as with the Collick,* 1.198 with costiuenesse, with the Lax, with the bloody-flixe and wormes. The collick is a gree∣uous paine in the great gut, called of the Physitians Colon, whereof this disease ta∣keth his name, which gut, because it is very large and ample, and ful of corners, it is apt to receiue diuers matters, and so becommeth subiect to diuers griefes. For somtime it is tor∣mented [ 20] with the aboundance of grosse humors gotten betwixt the panicle of the said gut, and sometime with winde hauing no yssue out, sometime with inflamation, and sometime with sharp fretting humors. But so far as I can learn, a horse is most commonly troubled with the colike that commeth of wind, and therefore our Ferrers do tearm it the wind co∣like. The signes whereof be these. The Horse will forsake his meat, and lie downe and wal∣low and walter vpon the ground, and standing on his feet he will stamp for very paine with his fore-feet, and strike on his belly with his hinder foot and looke often towards his belly, which also towards the flanks wil swell, and seeme greater to the eie then it was wont to be. The cure wherof according to Martin, is in this sort: take a quart of Malmesie, of cloues, pepper, Sinamon, of each halfe an ounce, of Sugar halfe a quarterne, and giue it the horse [ 30] lukewarme, and annoint his flanks with oyle of Bay, and then bridle him and trot him im∣mediately vp and downe the space of an houre, vntil he dung, and if he will not dung then rake him, and if neede be prouoke him to dung, by putting into his fundament an onyon pilled and iagged with a knife crosse-wise, so as the iuyce thereof may tickle his funda∣ment, and for the space of three or foure daies let him drinke no cold water, and let him be kept warm. Russius was wont to vse this kind of cure: take a good big reede a span long or more, and being annointed with oyle, thrust it into the horses fundament, fastning the outward end therof vnto his taile, so as it cannot slip out, and then hauing first annointed & chafed al the horses belly with some hot oyle, cause him to be ridden hastily vp & down some hilly ground, and that will make him to voide the winde out of his belly through the [ 40] reed: which done, let him be kept warm and fed with good prouender, and warm mashes made of wheat meale, and fennell seed, and let him drink no cold water vntil he be whole. Absirtus would haue you to giue him a glister made of wilde Cucumber, or else of hens dung, Nitrum, and strong wine.

Of Costiuenesse, or belly-bound.

COstiuenesse is when a horse is bound in the belly and cannot dung, which may come by glut of prouender, or ouermuch feeding and rest, whereof we haue talked suffici∣ent before, also by wind, grosse humors, or cold causing obstruction, and stopping in the [ 50] guts. The cure whereof, according to Martin, is in this sort. Take of the decoction of Mallowes a quarte, and put thereunto halfe a pinte of Oyle, or in stead thereof, halfe a pinte of fresh Butter, and one ounce of Benedicte laxatiue, and poure that into his fun∣dament with a little Horne meete for the purpose, that doone, clappe his taile to his fundament, holding it still with your hand, whilest another doth leade him in his hand,

and trot him vp and downe,* 1.199 that the medicine may worke the better, and hauing voyded all that in his belly, bring him vnto the stable, and there let him stand a while on the bitte wel couered, and warme littered, and then giue him a little hay, and let his drinke be war∣med, it shall not be amisse also to giue him that night a warme mash.

Of the Laxe.

THe Italians call this disease Ragiatura, and the Horse that hath this disease Cauallo Arragiato, or Sforato. It may come through the aboundance of cholerike humors [ 10] discending from the Liuer or gall, downe to the guts. But Russius saith, that it com∣meth most commonly by drinking ouermuch colde water immediately after prouender, or by sudden trauelling vpon a ful stomach, before his meat be dygested, or by hasty run∣ning, or galloping immediately after water. If this disease continue long, it wil make the Horse very weake and feeble, so as he shall not be able to stand on his legs. Notwithstan∣ding, sith nature feeling her selfe oppressed, endeuoureth thus to ease her selfe by expel∣ling those humors that grieue her, I wold not wish you suddenly to stop it, least som worse inconuenience grow thereof. But if you see that the Horse looseth his flesh, and waxeth more dul and feeble then he was wont to be, then giue him this drinke often experimen∣ted by Martin, and that shal stop him: take of beane-flower, and of bole Armony of each a quarterne, mingle these things together in a quart of red wine, and giue it him lukwarm, [ 20] and let him rest and be kept warme, and let him drinke no cold drinke but lukewarm, and put therein a little beane flower, and let him not drinke but once a day, and then not ouer much for the spece of three or foure daies.

Of the bloody-flixe.

IT seemeth by the old writers, that a horse is also subiect to the bloody Flixe. For Absir∣tus, Hierocles, and Democritus, say all with one voice, that the guts of a horse may be so exulcerated, that he wil voide bloody matter at his fundament: yea, and his fundament [ 30] therwith will fal out, which disease they cal Disenteria, which is is as much to say, as a pain∣ful exulceration of the guts, vnder the which, the old men as it seemeth by the wordes of Hierocles, and Absirtus, would comprehend the disease called of the Physitians Tenasmus, that is to say, a desire to dung often, and to do but little, and that with great paine: And also another disease called Procidentia ani, that is to say, the falling out of the fundament, which the Physitians do account as seueral diseases. Notwithstanding, for somuch as Dy∣senteria, and Tenasmus, do spring both of like causes: yea, and also for that the falling out of the fundament hath some affinity with them, I wil follow mine Authors, in ioyning them altogether in this one chapter.

The Physitians make diuers kindes of bloody-flixe, for sometime the fat of the slimy filth which is voided, is sprinkled with a little blood, sometime the matter that voydeth is [ 40] mixt with the scraping of the guts, and sometime it is waterish bloode, like water wherein flesh hath beene washed, and sometime blood mixt with melancholy, and sometime pure blood, and by the mixture of the matter you shall know in mans body, whether the vlce∣ration be in the inner smal guts or no, if it bee the matter and blood wil be perfectly mixt togither, but if it be in the outward guts, then they be not mingled together, but come out seuerall, the blood most commonly following the matter. Of this kind is that disease called before Tenasmus, for that is an vlcer in the right gut seruing the fundament and doth pro∣ceede euen as the Flixe doth of some sharpe humors, which being violently driuen, and hauing to passe through many crooked and narrow waies, do cleaue to the guts, and with their [ 50] sharpenesse fret them, causing exulceration and grieuous paine. The flixe also may come of some extreame cold, heat or moistnesse, or by meane of receiuing some violent purgation, hauing therein ouer much Scamony, or such like violent simple, or through weakenesse of the Liuer, or other members seruing to digestion. Now as touching the fal∣ling out of the fundament, the Physitians say, that it commeth through the resolution or weakenesse of the muscles, seruing to draw vp the fundament, which resolution may come

partly by ouer-much straining, and partly they may be loosened by ouermuch moisture, for which cause children being ful of moisture are more subiect to this disease then men. And for the selfe same cause I thinke that Horsses hauing very moyst bodyes be subiect thereunto. Thus hauing shewed you the causes of the diseases before recited, I wil shew you the cure prescribed by the old writers. Absirtus would haue the fundament on the outside to be cut round about, but so as the inward ringe thereof be not touched, for that were dangerous and would kil the horse, for so much as his fundament would neuer abide within his body, and that done, he would haue you to giue him to drinke the powder of vnripe Pomgranat shels, called in Latine Malicorium, together with wine and water, which [ 10] indeede because it is astringent is not to be misliked: but as for cutting of the fundament, I assure you I cannot iudge what he should meane thereby, vnlesse it be to widen the fun∣dament, by giuing it long slits or cuts on the outside, but well I know that it may cause more paine, and greater inflamation. And therefore methinkes it were better in this case to follow the Physitians precepts, which is first to consider whether the fundament being fallen out bee inflamed or not, for if it bee not inflamed, then it shall bee good to an∣noynt it first with Oyle of Roses somewhat warmed, or else to wash it with warme red wine.

But if it be inflamed, then to bath it wel, first with a spunge dipt in the decoction of Mal∣lowes, Camomile, Lineseede and Fenegreek, and also to annoint it wel with oyle of Ca∣momile [ 20] and Dill mingled together, to asswage the swelling, and then to thrust it in againe faire and softly, with a soft linnen cloth. That done, it shall be good to bathe all the place about with red wine wherein hath beene sodden Acatium, Galles, A corne cups, parings of Quinces, and such like simples as be astringent, and then to throw on some astringent powder made of bole Armony, Frankincens, Sanguis Draconis, Myrrh, Acatium, and such like: yea, and also to giue the Horsse this drinke much praised of all the old writers. Take of Saffron one ounce, of Myrrh two ounces, of the hearb called in Latine Abrotonum, na∣med in some of our English herbals Sothernwood, three ounces, of Parsly one ounce, of garden Rue, otherwise called herb Grace three ounces, of Piritheum, otherwise called of some people spittlewort, and of Isope of each two ounces, of Cassia which is like Cyna∣mon, [ 30] one ounce. Let al these things be beaten in fine powder & then mingled with chalk and strong vineger wrought into paast, of which paast make little cakes, and dry them in the shadow, and being dryed, dissolue some of them in a sufficient quantity of barly milk, or iuyce called of the old writers, and also of the Physitians, Cremor Ptisane, and giue to the Horse to drinke thereof with a horne, for the medicine, as the Authors write, doth not onely heale the bloody-flixe and the other two diseases before recited, but also if it be gi∣uen with a quart of warme water it will heale al griefe and pain in the belly, and also of the bladder, that commeth for lacke of staling. And being giuen with sweete wine it will heale the biting of any Serpent or mad dog.

Of the Wormes.

[ 40] IN a Horsses guts do breed three kindes of wormes, euen as there doth in mans body,* 1.200 though they be not altogether like in shape. The first long and round, euen like to those that children do most commonly voyde, and are called by the generall name wormes. The second little worms hauing great heads and small long tailes like a needle, and be cal∣led Bots. The 3. be short and thick like the end of a mans little finger, and therefore be cald Troncheons: and though they haue diuers shapes according to the diuersity of the place perhaps where they breed, or else according to the figure of the putrified matter whereby they breede: yet no doubt they proceede all of one cause, that is to say, of a raw, grosse and flegmatike matter apt to putryfaction, ingendred most commonly by foule feeding, and as they proceede of one selfe cause, so also haue they like signes, and like cure. The usignes be these. The Horse wil forsake his meate, for the Troncheons and the Bots wil co∣uet [ 50] alwaies to the maw and paine him sore. He will also lye downe and wallow, and stan∣ding he will stamp and strike at his belly with his hinder foote, and looke often toward his belly.

The cure according to Martin is thus: take of sweet milke a quart, of hony a quarterne,

and giue it him lukewarme, and walke him vppe and downe for the space of an houre, and so let him rest for that day, with as little meate or drinke as may bee, and suffer him not to lye downe. Then the next day giue him this drinke: take of berbe Grace a handful, of Sauin as much, and being wel stampt, put therunto a little Brimstone, and a little foote of a Chimny, beaten into fine powder, and put all these things together in a quart of wort or Ale, and there let them lye in steepe the space of an houre or two, then straine it well through a faire cloath, and giue it the Horsse to drinke lukewarme, then bridle him and walke him vp and downe the space of an houre: that done bring him into the stable, and let him stand on the bit two or three houres, and then giue him a little Hay. Laurentius Russius saith, that it is good to giue the Horse the warme guts of a young hen with a salt [ 10] three daies together in the morning, and not to let him drinke vntill it bee noone. Some say that it is good to ride him hauing his bit first annointed with dung comming hot from the man: some againe vse to giue him a quantity of Brimstone, and halfe as much Rozen beaten into powder and mingled together with his prouender, which he must eate a good while before he drinketh.

I haue found by often triall, that if you giue the horse with a horne a good pretty dish∣full of salt brine, be it flesh brine or cheese brine, it wil kil any of the three kinds of worms, and make the horse to auoide them dead in short time after.

Of Wormes in generall. [ 20]

BEsides the Bottes, there are other Worms, which lie in the great paunch or belly of a Horse, and they bee shining, of colour like a Snake, sixe inches in length,* 1.201 great in the midst and sharpe at both endes, and as much as a spindle: they cause great paine in a Horsses belly, as you shall perceiue by his continu∣all striking of himselfe on the belly with his foot, the cure is thus: Giue him two or three mornings together new Milke and Garlike boyled together, or chopt hay in his prouen∣der either of both will serue: it killeth the wormes and maketh them to void.

Of the paine in the kidneynes. [ 30]

MEthinkes that the Kidnies of a Horse should be subiect to as many griefes as the kidnies of a man, as to inflamation, obstruction, Apostumes and Vlcers,* 1.202 and specially to obstruction that commeth by meanes of some stone or grauell gathered together in the kidnies, whereby the Horse can∣not stale but with paine, for I haue seene diuers horsses my selfe that haue voided much grauell in their stale, which without doubt did come from the kidnies, but my Authors doe referre such griefes to the bladder and vrine, and write of no disease but onely of the inflamation of the kidnies, which is called of them Nephritis, and so it is cald of the Physitians. It commeth as they say by some great straine ouer some ditch, or else [ 40] by bearing some great burthen. The signes whereof be these. The Horse will go rolling behinde and staggering, his stones will shrinke vp, and his stale will be blackish and thick. I think this disease differeth not from that which we called before the swaying of the back when we talked of the griefes in the backe and loines, and therefore resorte thither. The cure of this disease, according to the best of the old writers is in this sort. Bath his backe and loines with wine, Oyle, and Nitrum warmed together, after that you haue so bathed him, let him be couered with warme cloathes, and stand littered vp to the belly with straw, so as he may lye softe, and giue him such drinkes as may prouoke Vrine, as those that bee made with Dill, Fennell, Annis, Smallage, Parsly, Spikenard, Myrrhe and Cassia. Some say it is good to giue him a kind of pulse called Cich with Wine. Some againe doe praise [ 50] Ewes Milke or else Oyle and Deeres sewet molten together and giuen him to drink, or the roote of the herbe called Asphodelus, Englished by some Daffadill, sodden in wine.

Of the diseases belonging to the bladder and vrine of a Horse.

HIerocles saith, that a horse is subiect to three kinds of diseases incident to the blad∣der or vrine, the firste is called Stranguria, the second Dysuria, the third Iscuria. Stranguria, otherwise called in Latine Stillicidium, and of our old Ferrers, accor∣ding to the French name Chowdepis, is when the horse is prouoked to stale often, and voideth nothing but a few droppes, which commeth as the physitians say, either through the sharpenes of the vrine, or by some exulceration of the bladder, or else by meanes of some Apostume in the liuer or kidnies, which Apostume being broken, the matter resor∣teth downe into the bladder, and with the sharpenes thereof causeth a continuall prouo∣cation of pissing.

[ 10] Dysuria is when a horse cannot pisse but with great labour and paine, which for diffe∣rence sake I wil cal from hence forth the paine-pisse. It may come sometime through the weakenesse of the bladder and colde intemperature thereof, and sometime through the abundance of flegmatike and grosse humours, stopping the necke of the bladder. Ischu∣ria, is when the horsse cannot pisse at all, and therefore may be called the pissupprest, or suppresseion of vrine, whether you will: methinkes alwaies that the shorter and the more proper the name is, the better and more easie it is to pronounce.

It may come as the Phisitians say, by weaknesse of the bladder, or for that the Water conduit is stopt with grosse humors, or with matter discending from the liuer or kidnies, or with the stone: yea and sometimes by meanes of some inflammation or hard knobbe [ 20] growing at the mouth of the conduit, or for that the sinnewes of the bladder is nummed, so as the bladder is without feeling: or it may come by retention, and long holding of the water, most of which causes Hierocles also reciteth, adding thereunto that it may chaunce to a horse thorough ouer-much rest and ydlenes, and also by meanes of some extreame cold, and especially in winter season, for the which warmth of the fire is a present reme∣dy. But now mine Authors do not shew for euery one of these three kinds of diseases se∣uerall signes, but onely say, that when a horse cannot stale, he wil stand as thogh he would stale, and thrust out his yard a little, and also for very paine, stand beating his tail betwixt his thighes.

Neither do they seeme to appoint seuerall cures, but do make a hochpoch, mingling them altogither, some of them praising one thing and some another: For some say it is [ 30] good to mingle the iuice of leekes with sweete smelling wine and oile together, and to his right nostrill, and then to walke him vp and downe vpon it, and that will make him to stale. Some say it is good to giue him Swallage seed, or else the root of wilde Fennell sod∣den with wine to drinke, or to put fine sharpe Onions, cleane pilled, and somewhat bru∣sed into his fundament, and to chafe him immediately vppon it, either by riding him or otherwise, and that shall cause him to stale presently. It is good also to bath al his back and loines with warme water.

The scraping of the inward parts of his owne hooues beaten into powder and mingled with wine and powred into his right nostril will make him to stale, if you chafe him vpon it, and the rather as Hierocles saith, if you carry him to some sheepes coat or other place [ 40] where sheepe are wont to stand, the smel of whose dung and pisse, without any other me∣dicine as he saith, will prouoke him to stale,

Some will giue the horsse white Dogges dung dried and mingled with salt, wine, and Amoniacum to drinke, some hogges dunge onely with Wine, and some the dregges of horse-pisse with wine, and many other medicines which I leaue to rehearse for feare of being too tedious, and especially, sith Martins experience doeth follow heere at hand, a∣greeing in all points with Laurentius Russius cure, which is in this sort. First draw out his yard and wash it well in white wine, and scoure it well, because it will be many times stop∣ped with durt and other baggage togither, and hardned like a stone, and then put a little oile of Cammomile into the conduit with a wax candle and a brused cloue of Garlick, and that will prouoke him to stale. And if that will not helpe. Take of Parsly two handfuls, of [ 50] Coriander one handfull, stampe them and straine them with a quart of white wine, and dissolue therein one ounce of cake-Sope, and giue it luke warme vnto the horse to drinke and keepe him as warme as may be, and let him drinke no cold water for the space of fiue or six dayes, and when you would haue him to stale, let it be eyther vpon plenty of strawe,

or vpon some greene plot, or els in a sheeps coat, the sauor whereof wil greatly prouoke him to stale, as hath bin aforesaid.

Of pissing blood.

PElagonius saith, that if a horse be ouermuch laboured, or ouercharged with heauy burthen, or ouer fat, he will many times pisse blood, and the rather as I thinke, for that some vaine is broken within the horses body, and then cleere blood will come forth many times, as the Physitians say, without any pisse at all. But if the blood be per∣fectly mingled togither with his stale, then it is a signe that it commeth from the kidnies hauing some stone therein, which through vehement labour, doeth fret the kidnies and [ 10] vaines thereof, and so cause them to bleed, through which while the vrine passeth, must needs be infected and died with the blood. It may come also by some stripe, or from the muscle that incloseth the necke of the bladder. The cure, according to Pelagonius, Absir∣tus, Hierocles, and the rest, is thus. Let the horse blood in the palate of the mouth, to con∣uert the blood the contrary way, then take of Tragagant that hath been steeped in wine, halfe an ounce, and of Poppy seede one dram and once scruple, and of Stirax as much, and twelue Pineaple kirnels: let all these things be beaten and mingled wel togither, and giue the horse thereof euery morning, the space of seauen daies, the quantity of a hasell∣nut distempered in a quart of wine: methinkes that the quantity of a Walnut were too little for so much wine. Some write that it is good to make him a drinke with the root of [ 20] the hearbe Asphopelus, which some call Daffadil mingled with wheat flower and Sumach sodden long in water, and so to bee giuen the horse with some wine added thereunto, or make him a drinke of Goats milk and oile, straining thereunto a little Fromenty. Anato∣lius saith that it good to giue the horse three daies togither, sodden beanes cleane pilled whereunto would be added some Deeres sewet and a little wine.

Of the Colt euill.

* 1.203THis name Colt euil, in my iudgement, doeth properly signifie that disease, which the physitians cal Priapismus, which is a continual standing together, with an vn∣natural swelling of the yarde proceeding of some winde, filling the artires and hol∣low sinnew or pipe of the yard, or else through the abundance of seed, which do chance [ 30] oftentimes to man, and I think sometime to stoned horses. Notwithstanding Martin saith that the colt euil is a swelling of the sheathe of the yard and part of the belly thereabout, caused of corrupt seed, comming out of the yard, and remaining within the sheath where it putrifieth. And geldings most commonly are subiect to this disease, not being able for lacke of natural heat, to expel their seed any further. For horses, as Martin saith, are siel∣dome troubled with this disease because of their heat, vnlesse it be when they haue beene ouer trauailed, or otherwise weakened. The cure, according to him, is thus. Wash the sheath cleane within with Luke-warme Vineger, then draw out his yard and wash that al∣so: that done ride him into some running streame vppe to the belly; tossing him therein too and fro to alay the heat of the members, and vse him thus two or three daies and hee [ 40] shal be whole.

Another of the Colt euill.

THe Colt euill is a disease that commeth to stoned horses, through rankenes of na∣ture and want of vent, it appeareth in his cod and sheathe, which wil swell excee∣dingly,* 1.204 the cure is nothing, for if you wil but euery day, twice or thrice driue him to the mid-side in some Pond or running riuer, the swelling will fall and the horse wil doe wel. If the horse be of yeeres, and troubled with this griefe, if you put him to a Mare it is not amisse, for standing stil in a stable without exercise, is a great occasion of this disease.

Of the mattering of the yard. [ 50]

IT commeth at couering time, when the horse and mare both are ouer-hot and so per∣haps burne themselues. The cure according to Martin is thus. Take a pinte of white wine, and boile therein a quarterne of roche Alome, and squirt thereof into his yarde three or foure squirtfuls, one after another, and thrust the squirt so far as the liquor may pierce to the bottome, to scowre away the bloody matter, continuing thus to do once a day vntil he be whole.

Of the shedding of seed.

THis disease is called of the Physitians Gonorrhea,* 1.205 which may come sometime tho∣rough aboundance and rankenesse of seed, and sometime by the weakenes of the stones and seed vessels not able to retaine the seed vntill it be digested and thickned. Vegetius saith, that this disease will make the horse very faint and weake, and especially in Summer season, For cure whereof, the said Vegetius would haue the horse to be ridden in∣to some cold water, euen vp to the belly, so as his stones may bee couered in water, and then his fundament being first bathed with warme water and oile, he would haue you to [ 10] thrust in your hand and arme euen to the very bladder, and softly to rubbe and claw the same, and the parts thereabouts, which be the seed vessels: that done to couer him warm that he take no cold, and euery day he woulde haue you to giue the horse hogges dung to drinke with red wine vntil he be whole. I for my part, if I thought it came of weakenes, as is aforesaide, which I would iudge by the waterishnesse of the seed and vnlustines of the horse, would giue him red wine to drinke, and put therein a little Acatium, the iuyce of Plantaine, and a little Masticke, and bath his backe with redde Wine and oyle of Roses mingled togither.

Of the falling of the yard.

[ 20] IT commeth as I take it, through the weakenes of the member, by meanes of some re∣solution in the muscles and sinnewes seruing the same, caused at the first (perhaps) by some great straine or stripe on the backe. It may come also by wearines and tiring. For remedy whereof, Absirtus was wont to wash the yard with salt water from the sea if it may be gotten, and if not with water and salt, and if that preuailed not, he would al to pricke the outmost skinne of the yard with a sharpe needle but not deepe, and then wash all the prickes with strong Vineger, and that did make the horse as he saith, to draw vp his yarde againe immediately: yea, and this also will remedy the falling out of the fundament. Pela∣gonius would haue you to put into the pipe of his yard, hony and salt boiled togither and made liquid, or else a quicke fly, or a graine of Frankencense or a cloue of Garlicke clean [ 30] pilled, and somewhat brused, and also to powre on his back oile, wine, Nitre made warm and mingled togither. But Martins experience is in this sort. First wash the yarde with warm white wine, and then anoint it with oyl of Roses and hony mingled togither, and put it vp into the sheath, and make him a cod-peece of Canvas to keepe it still vp, and dresse him thus euery day once vntil it be whole. And in any case let his backe be kept warme, ei∣ther with a dubble cloath, or else with a charge made of bole Armonie, Egges, wheate-flower, Sanguis Draconis, Turpentine, and Vineger, or els lay on a wet sacke, which being couered with another dry cloath wil keepe his backe very warme.

[ 40] Of the swelling of the Cod and stones.

ABsirtus saith, that the inflammation and swelling of the cod and stones, commeth by meanes of some wound, or by the stinging of some Ser∣pent, or by fighting one horse with another. For remedy whereof, hee was woont to bath the cod with water wherein hath beene sodden the roots of wilde Cucumber and salt, and then to annoint it with an oint∣ment made of Cerusa oile, Goates greace, and the white of an Egge. Some againe would haue the cod to be bathed in warme Water, Nitrum and Vineger togither, and also to be annointed with an ointment made of chalke, or of potters earth, Oxe dung, cumin, Water and Vineger, or else to be annointed with the iuice of the herb [ 50] Solanum, called of some night-shade, or with the iuyce of Hemblocke growing on dung∣hils: yea and also to be let bloud in the flankes. But Martin saith, that the swelling of the cods commeth for the most part after some sicknesse or surfetting with colde, and then it is a signe of amendment. The cure according to his experience is in this sort. First let him blood on both sides the flanke veines. Then take of oile of Roses, of Vineger of each halfe

a pinte, and halfe a quarterne of Bole Armony beaten to powder. Mingle them togither in a cruse, and being luke-warme, annoint the cods therewith with two or three fea••hers bound togither, and the next day ride him into the water so as his coddes may be within the water, giuing him two or three turnes therein, and so returne faire and softly to the stable, and when he is dry annoint him againe as before, continuing thus to do euery day once vntil they be whole. The said Martin saith also, the cods may be swollen by meanes of some hurt or euil humors resorting into the Cod, and then he would haue you couer the cods with a charge made of Bole Armony and Vineger wrought togither, renewing it [ 10] euery day once vntil the swelling go away, or that it breake of it selfe, and if it breake then taint it with Mel Rosatum, and make him a breech of Canuas to keepe it in, renewing the taint euery day once vntil it be whole.

Of incording and brusing.

THis terme incording is borrowed of the Italian word Incordato, which in plain En∣glish is as much to say as bursten,* 1.206 and might be more rightly tearmed of vs vncod∣ded. For when a horse is bursten, his guts falleth downe into the cod making it to swell. The Italians as I take it did cal it Incordato because the gut followes the string of the stone called of them Ilcordone, or Lachorda, whereof Incordato seemes to be deriued with some reason. According to which reason we should cal it rather instringhed than inchor∣ded, [ 20] for Chorda doth signifie a string or chord. Notwithstanding, sith that incording is al∣ready receiued in the stable, I for my part am very well content therewith, minding not to contend against it. But now you haue to note, that either man or beast may be bursten di∣uersly, and according to the names of the partes greeued, the Physitians doe giue it di∣uers names: for you shall vnderstande, that next vnto the thicke outward skinne of the belly, there is also another inward thin skin couering al the muscles, the Caule, and the guts of the belly, called of the Anatomists Peritoneum, which skin commeth from both partes and sides of the backe, and is fastened to the midriffe aboue, and also to the bot∣tome of the belly beneath, to keepe in al the contents of the neather belly. And therefore [ 30] if the skin be broken, or ouer sore strained or stretched, then either some part of the caule or guts slippeth downe, sometime into the cod, sometime not so farre.

If the gut slip downe into the cod, then it is called of the Physitians by the Greek name Enterocele, that is to say, gut-bursten. But if the caule fall downe into the cod, then it is called of the Physitians Epiplocele, that is to say, Caule-bursten. But either of the diseases is most properlie incident to the male kind, for the femal kind hath no cod. Notwithstan∣ding they may be so bursten, as either gut or caule may fal downe into their natures, han¦ging there like a bag: But if it fal not downe so lowe, but remaineth aboue nigh vnto the priuy members or flankes, which place is called of the Latines Inguen, then of that place the bursting is called of the physitians Bubonocele, whereunto I knowe not what English [ 40] name to giue, vnlesse I should cal it flanke-bursten: Moreouer the cod or flanke may bee sometime swollen, by meanes of some waterish humour gathered together in the same, which is called of the physitians Hydrocele, that is to say, water-bursten, and sometime the cod may be swollen by meanes of some hard peece of flesh cleauing to the thin skins or panicles of the stones, and then it is called of the physitians Sarcocele, that is to say, flesh-bursten.

But forasmuch as none of mine Authors, Martin nor anie other Ferrer in these daies that I knowe, haue intermedled with anie kind of bursting, but onely with that wherein the gut falleth downe into the cod: leauing all the rest apart, I wil onely talke of this; and that according to Martins experience, which I assure you differeth not much from the [ 50] precepts of the old writers: But first you shal vnderstand, that the gut bursten, and flanke bursten, doth proceed both of one cause, that is to say, by meanes that the skinne, called before Peritoneum, is either sore strained, or else broken, either by some stripe of another horse, or els by some strain in leaping ouer an hedge, ditch, or pale, or otherwise: yea and many times in passing a carier, through the carelesnes of the rider stoping the horse so∣denly without giuing warning, wherby the horse is forced to cast his hinder legs abroad,

so straineth or bursteth the skin aforesaid, by meanes whereof the gut falleth downe into the cod. The signes be these. The horse will forsake his meat, and stand shoring and lean∣ning alwaies on that side that he is hurt: and on that side, if you search with your hande, betwixt the stone and the thigh vpward to the body, and somewhat aboue the stone you shall find the gut it selfe big and hard in the feeling, whereas on the other side you shal find no such thing. The cure according to Martin is thus. Bring the horse into some house or place that hath ouer head a strong balk or beame going ouerthwart, and strew that place thicke with strawe: then put on foure pasternes with foure ringes on his feete, and then fasten the one end of a long rope to one of those Ringes, then thread all the other rings with the loose end of the Rope, and so drawe all his foure feete togither, and cast him on [ 10] the straw.

That done, cast the rope ouer the baulke, and hoise the horse so as he may lye flatte on his backe, with his legs vpward without struggling. Then bath his stones well with warme Water and Butter molten togither, and the stones being somewhat warme, and wel mol∣lified, raise them vp from the body with both your hands being closed by the fingers fast togither, and holding the stones in your hands in such manner, worke downe the gut in∣to the body of the horse, by striking it downward continually with your two thumbs, one labouring immediately after another, vntill you perceiue that side of the stone to bee so so smal as the other, and hauing so discorded, that is to say, returnd the gut into his right [ 20] place; take a list of two fingers broad throughly annointed with fresh butter, and tie his stones both togither with the same so nigh as may bee, not ouer hard, but so as you may put your finger betwixt. That done, take the horse quietly down, and lead him faire and softly into the stable, whereas he must stand warme, and not be stirred for the space of 3. weekes. But forget not the next day after his discording to vnloosen the list and to take it away, and as wel at that time as euery day once or twice after, to cast a dish or two of cold water vp into his cods and that wil cause him to shrinke vppe his stones and thereby re∣straine the gut from falling downe, and at the three weekes end be sure, it were not amisse to geld the stone on that side away, so shall he neuer be encorded againe on that side. But let him not eat much nor drinke much, and let his drinke be alwayes warme.

[ 30] Of the botch in the graines of a horse▪

IF a horse be full of humours and then suddenly laboured, the humours will resort into the weakest parts, and there gather together and breede a botch, and especially in the hinder parts betwixt the thighes, not farre from the cods. The signes be these. The hin∣der legges wil be al swollen, and especially from the houghes vpwarde, and if you feele with your hand you shal find a great kind of swelling, and if it be round and hard it wil ga∣ther to a head. The cure according to Martin is thus. First ripe it with a plaister: take of Wheat-flower, of Turpentine, and of hony, of each like quantity, stirring it together to make a stiffe plaister, and with a cloth lay it vnto the sore, renewing it euery day once vn∣til [ 40] it breake or waxe soft, and then launce it as the matter may runne downeward: Then taint it with Turpentine and Hogges greace moulten togither, renewing it euery daye once, vntil it be whole.

Of the diseases incident to the wombe of a Mare, and specially of barrennesse.

IT seemeth by some writers, that the wombe of a Mare is subiect to certaine diseases, though not so many as the wombe of a Woman, as to ascent, descent, falling out, convulsion, barrennesse, aborsment, yea Aristotle and others do not let to write, that [ 50] menstrual blood doth naturally void from the Mare, as from the Woman, though it bee so little in quantity, as it cannot be well perceiued. But sith none of mine Authors haue written thereof to any purpose, nor any Ferrer of this time that I knowe, haue had any experience in such matters I wil passe them all ouer with silence, sauing barrennes, where∣of I promised before in his due place, to declare vnto you the causes and such kind of cure

for the same, as the old writers haue taught. A Mare then may be barren through the vn∣temperatenesse of the wombe or matrix, aswell for that it is too hot and fiery, or else to cold and moist, or too dry, or else too short, or too narrow, or hauing the necke thereof turned awry, or by meanes of some obstruction or stopping in the matrix, or for that the mare is too fat or too leane, and many times mares goe barren, for that they be not well horsed. Wel, the cure of barrennesse that commeth through the fault of the matrixe or wombe according to the old writers is thus. Take a good handful of Leekes, stamp them in a morter with halfe a glasseful of wine, then put thereunto twelue Flies, called of the Apothecaries Cantharides, of diuers colours, if they may be gotten, then straine altoge∣ther with a sufficient quantity of water to serue the mare therewith two daies together, [ 10] by powring the same into her nature with a horn or glister-pipe made of purpose, and at the end of three daies next following offer the horse vnto her that should couer her, and immediately after that she is couered, wash her nature twice together with cold water.

Another receipt for the same purpose.

TAke of Nitrum, of sparrowes dung, and Turpentine, of each a like quantitye well wrought together and made like a suppository, and put that into her nature, and it wil cause her to desire the horse and also to conceiue. Hippocrates saith, that it is good also to put a nettle into the horses mouth that should couer her. [ 20]

Of the Itch, Scabbe, and manginesse in the taile, and falling of the taile.

* 1.207IN springtime horses many times are trobled with the troncheons in their fun¦dament, and then they wil rubbe their taile, and breake the haire thereof, and yet in his taile perhaps, shal be neither itch, scurffe nor scabbe: wherefore if you rake the horse wel with your hand annointed with Sope, and search for those tronchens and pul them cleane out, you shal cause him to leaue rubbing: and if you see that the haire doe fal awaie it felfe, then it is a signe, that it is either eaten with [ 30] wormes, or that there is some scurffe or scab fretting the hair, and causing such an itch in his taile as the horse is alwaies rubbing the same. As touching the wormes, scurffe or scab, it shalbe good to annoint all the taile with sope, and then to wash it cleane euen to the ground with stronge lie, and that wil kil the wormes, and make the haire to growe a∣gaine. And if much of the taile be worne awaie, it shall bee needefull to keepe the taile continually wet, with a spunge dipt in faire water, and that will make the haire to growe very fast. But if the horses taile be maungy, then heale that like as you do the manginesse of the maine before rehearsed. Againe, if there breed any Canker in the taile (which wil consume both flesh and bone, and as Laurentius Russius saith, make the ioyntes to fall a∣way one by one) it shall be good as Martin saith, to wash all his taile with Aquafortis, or [ 40] strong water made in this sort: take of greene Coporas, of Alum, of each one pounde, of white coporas, a quarterne. Boile al these things togither in three quartes of runninge water in a strong earthen pot, vntil one halfe be consumed, and then with a little of this water being made luke-warme, wash his taile with a little clout, or Flax bound to the end of a sticke, continuing so to do euery day once vntil it be whole.

Of the Scabbe.

THe Scab is a foule scurffe in diuers parts of a horses body, & commeth of pouerty or il keeping, or many times by going amongst woodes wherein they are infected with water boughes: it is most incident to olde horses, which wil die thereof, and [ 50] chiefely in the spring time when the newe blood appeares: the cure whereof I haue spo∣ken before.

How to know when a horse halteth before in what part his griefe is.

Being now come to talke of the griefes in the shoulders, legs, hips, houghes, ioyntes,

and hooues, causing the horse most commonly to halt: I thinke it good first to shew you the way how to find in what part of his legs the horse is grieued when he halteth either be∣fore or behind. And first you haue to consider that if a horse halteth before, it must be ey∣ther in his shoulders, in his legs, or in his feet. If it be in his shoulders and new hurt, the horse wil not lift that leg, but traile it nigh the ground. If it be old hurt, he wil cast that Leg further from him in his going then the other, and if he be turned on the foreside, then he wil halt so much the more. If a horse halteth in the leg, it is either in the knee, in the shank, or els in the pastern ioynt, if it be either in the knee, or pastern ioynt, he will not bow that leg in his going like the other, but go very stifly vpon it. If he halteth in the shank, then it [ 10] is by means of some splent, wind-gal, or such apparant griefe, apt to be seen or felt. If he halt in the foot, it is either in the cronet, heele, in the toe, in the quarters, or sole of the foot. If it be in the cronet the griefe wil be apparant, the skin being broken or swolen some man∣ner of way: if in the heele, as by ouerreach or otherwise, then he wil tread most on the toe: if vpon any of the quarters, then going on the edge of a bank or hilly ground, he will halt more then on the plain ground, and by the horses comming toward you, and going from you vpon such edge or banck, you shall easily perceiue whether his griefe be in the inward quarter or in the outward quarter: the quarter is to be vnderstood, from the mid-hooue to the heele.

If he halt in the toe, which is not commonly seen, then he wil tred more vpon the heele. [ 20] If the griefe be in the sole of his foot, then he wil halt al after one sort vpon any ground, vn∣lesse it be vpon the stones. And to be sure in what part of the foote the griefe is, it shall be good first to make him go vpon the plain ground, and then vpon a hard & stony ground: yea, and also a banky ground. Thus hauing declared vnto you in generall, how to know in what part a horse is grieued when he halteth before: I thinke it meete first to shew you or∣derly all the particular griefes and sorances, whereunto the fore-parts of a horse is subiect, together with the causes, signs and cure thereof. That done, I will speak of halting behind, and shew you first generally where the griefe is, and then particulary declare vnto you e∣uery griefe incident to the hinder parts of a horse. And lastly, I will speake of such griefes and sorances as are commonly in both parts, that is to say, as wel to the forelegs and fore-feet, [ 30] as to the hinder legs and hinder feet.

Of the griefe and pinching in the shoulder.

THis commeth either by laboring and straining the Horse too young, or else by some great burthen; you shal perceiue it by the narrownes of the brest, and by consuming flesh of the shoulders, insomuch as the forepart of the shoulder bone wil sticke out, and be a great deal higher then the flesh. And if it be of long continuance, he wil be very hollow in the brisket towards the armeholes, and he wil go wider beneath at the feet, then aboue at the knees. The cure according to Martin is thus. Giue him a slit of an inch long with a sharp knife or rasor vpon both sides an inch vnder the shoulder bones: then with a Swans [ 40] quil put into the slit, blow vp first the one shoulder and then the other, as big as can possi∣ble, euen vp to the withers, & with your hand strike the winde equally into euery place of the shoulders. And when they be both ful, then beat al the windy places with a good ha∣sel wand or with both your hands, clapping vpon the places puffed vp with wind, so fast as they can walke one after another ouer al the shoulder: then with a flat slice of iron, loosen the skin within from the flesh: that done, rowel the two slits or cuts with two round rowels made of the vpper leather of an old shoo, with a hole in the middest that the matter may yssue forth, and let such rowles be 3. inches broad, and so put in as they may lie plain and flat within the cut: then make a charge to lay vpon the same in this sort.

Take of Pitch, and rosen, of each one pound, of tar halfe a pinte, boile these things alto∣gether in a pot, and when it is somwhat cooled, take a sticke with a wollen clout bound fast [ 50] to the end thereof, and dip it into this charge, and couer or daube al the shoulder there∣with. That done, clap thereunto a pounde of Floxe of such colour as the Horse is, or as nigh vnto the same as may be, euery other day clense both the woundes and rowels, and put them in againe, continuing thus to do the space of fifteene daies.

Then take them out, and heale vp the wounds with two taints of Flax dipt in Turpentine, and hogs grease molten together, renewing the same euery day once, vntil the wounds be whole. But let the charge lye stil, vntill it fal away of it selfe, and let the horse run to grasse, vntill he hath had a frost or two.

Of the wrinching of the shoulder.

THis commeth sometime by a fal, and sometime by turning too suddenly in some in euen ground, or by rash running out of some doore, or by some stripe of another [ 10] horse, or by some sudden stop in passing a Cariere: you shal perceiue it in his going by trailing his legs vpon the ground, so close vnto himselfe as hee can possible. The cure, according to Martin is thus. Let him blood the quantity of three pintes, on the breast in the palat vaine, receiuing the blood in a pot, and thereunto put first a quart of strong vi∣neger, and halfe a doozen broken egges, shelles and all, and so much wheat-flower as will thicken all that liquor. That done, put thereunto bole Armony beaten into fine powder one pounde, Sanguis Draconis two ounces, and mingle them altogether, so as the flower may not be perceiued, and if it be too stiffe, you may make it more liquid or soft, with a little vineger. Then with your hand daube al the shoulder from the mane downward, and betwixt the fore-bowels all against the haire, and let not the horse depart out of that place, vntill the charge be surely fastned vnto the skin. [ 20]

That done, carry him into the stable, and tie him vp to the racke, and suffer him not to lie down al that day, and giue him a little meat, dieting him moderatly the space of fifteen daies: during which time, he may not stir out of his place, but onely to lye downe, and e∣uery day once refresh the shoulder point with this charge, laying still new vpon the olde, and at the fifteene daies end, lead him abroad to see how he goeth, and if he be somewhat amended, then let him rest without trauelling, the space of one month, and that shal bring his shoulder to perfection. But if he be neuer the better for this that is done, than it shal be needeful to rowell him with a leather rowell vpon the shoulder point, and to keepe him rowelled the space of fifteene daies, renewing the rowel, and clensing the wound euery o∣ther day, and then walke him vp and downe faire and softly, and turne him alwaies on the [ 30] contrary side to the sore, and when hee goeth vpright, pul out the rowell and heale the wound with a taint of flax dipt in Turpentine, and hogs greace molten together. And if al this will not serue, then it shal be needful to draw him checker wise with a hot iron ouer all the shoulder point, and also make him to draw in a plough euery day two houres at the least, to settle his ioynts for the space of three weekes or a month, and if any thing wil help him, these two last remedies wil help him, and make him to go vpright againe.

Of splaiting in the shoulder.

THis commeth by some dangerous sliding or slipping, wherby the shoulder parteth [ 40] from the breast, and so leaues an open rift, not in the skin, but in the flesh and filme next vnder the skin, and so he halteth & is not able to goe, you shal perceiue it by trailing his legge after him in his going. The cure according to Martin is thus. First put a paire of strait pasternes on his fore-feet, keeping him stil in the stable without disquieting him. Then take of Dialthea one pound, of sallet-oyle one pinte, of oyle de bayes halfe a pound, of fresh butter halfe a pound, melt al these things together in a pipkin, and annoint the grieued place therwith, and also round about the inside of the shoulder, and within two or three daies after, both that place and all the shoulder besides wil swel.

Then either prick him with a lancet or fleame, in al the swelling places, or else with some [ 50] other sharp hot iron, the head whereof would be an inch long, to the intent that the cor∣ruption may run out, and vse to annoint it stil with the same ointment. But if you see that it wil not go away but swel stil, and gather to a head, then lance it where the swelling doth ga∣ther most, and is soft vnder the finger, & then taint it with flax dipt in this ointment: take of Turpentine and of hogs grease of each two ounces, and melt them together, renewing the taint twice a day vntil it be whole.

Of the shoulder pight.

THis is when the shoulder point or pitch of the shoulder is displased,* 1.208 which griefe is called of the Italians Spallato, and it commeth by reason of some great fal forward rush or straine. The signes be these. That shoulder point wil sticke out further then his fellow, and the Horse will halt right downe. The cure according to Martin is thus. First make him to swim in a deepe water vp and down a doozen turnes, and that shal make the ioynt to re∣turne in his place. Then make two tough pins of ashen wood as much as your little finger, sharp at the points, each one fiue inches long: that done, slit the skin an inch aboue the [ 10] point, and an inch beneath the point of the shoulder, and thrust in one of the pins from a∣boue downward, so as both ends may equally stick without the skin. And if the pin of wood wil-not easily passe through, you may make it way first with an iron pin. That done, make other two holes crosse to the first holes, so as the other pin may crosse the first pin right in the midst with a right crosse, and the first pin would be somewhat flat in the midest, to the intent that the other being round, may passe the better without stop and close the iuster together.

Then take a peece of a little line somwhat bigger then a whipcord, and at one end make a loope, which being put ouer one of the pins ends, wind the rest of the line good & straite [ 20] about the pins ends, so as it may lye betwixt the pins ends and the skin, and fasten the last end with a pack needle and a pack thread, vnto the rest of the cord, so as it may not slip: and to do well, both the prickes and the cord would be first annointed with a little hogs greace. Then bring him into the stable, and let him rest the space of 9. daies, but let him lye down as little as may be, and put on a pasterne on the sore leg, so as it may be bound with a cord vnto the foot of the manger, to keepe that legge alwaies whilest he standeth in the stable more forward then the other. And at the nine daies end take out the prickes, and annoint the sore places with a litle Dialthea, or with hogs grease, and then turn him out to grasse.

Of the swelling of the forelegs after great labor.

[ 30] GReat labor and heat causeth humors to resort down into the legs making them swel, The cure whereof, according to Martin is thus. Bath them with buttered beere or els with this bath here following: take of Mallovves 3. handfuls, a rose cake, Sage one hand∣ful: boile them together in a sufficient quantity of vvater, and vvhen the Mallovves bee soft, put in halfe a pound of butter, and halfe a pinte of Sallet-oile, and then being some∣what vvarme, vvash the svvelling thervvith euery day once, the space of three or 4. daies. And if the swelling wil not go away with this, then take Wine lees, and Cumin, and boile them together, and put thereunto a little wheate-flower, and charge al the swelling there∣with, and walke him often: and if it will not serue, then take vp the great veine aboue the [ 40] knee on the inside, suffering him not to bleed from aboue, but al from beneath.

Of the Foundering in the forelegs.

THe cause of this griefe is declared before in the Chapter of foundering in the body, whereas I shewed you, that if a horse be foundred in the body, the humors wil imme∣diatly resort downe into his legs, as Martin saith within the space of 24. houres, and then the horse wil go crovching al vpon the hinder legs, his forelegs being so stiffe, as he is not able to bow them. The cure whereof, according to Martin, is in this sort. Garter each leg immediatly one handful aboue the knee, with a list good and hard, and then walke him or chafe him, and so put him in a heat, and being somewhat warmed, let him blood in both [ 50] the breast vaines, reseruing the blood to make a charge withal in this manner.

Take of that bloode two quartes, and of Wheate-flower halfe a pecke, and sixe Egges, shelles and all, of bole Armony halfe a pounde, of Sanguis Draconis halfe a quarterne, and a quarte of stronge Vineger: mingle them altogether, and charge all his shoulders, Breast, Backe, Loynes, and Forelegges therewith, and then walke him

vpon some hard ground, suffering him not to stand still, and when the charge is dry, re∣fresh it againe. And hauing walked him three or 4. houres together, lead him into the sta∣ble, and giue him a little warm water with ground mault in it, and then a litle hay and pro∣uender, and then walke him againe, either in the house, or else abroad, and continue thus the space of foure daies: and when all the charge is spent, couer him well with a housing cloth, and let him both stand & lye warme, and eat but little meat during the foure daies. But if you see that at the foure daies end he mendeth not a whit, then it is a sign that the humor lies in the foot, for the which you must search with your butter, paring all the soles of the fore-feete so thin as you shall see the water yssue through the sole. That done, with your butter, let him blood at both the toes, and let him bleede well. The stop the veine [ 10] with a little hogs-grease, and then tacke on the shooes, and Turpentine molten together, and laid vpon a little Flax, and cram the place where you did let him blood hard with tow, to the intent it may be surely stopt. Then fil both his feet with hogs grease, and bran fried together in a stopping Pan, so hot as is possible. And vpon the stopping clap a piece of lea¦ther, or else two splents to keepe the stopping. And immediatly after this, take two Egges, beat them in a dish, and put therto bole Armony, and bean-flower somuch as wil thicken the same, and mingle them wel together, & make therof two plaisters, such as may close each foot round about, somwhat aboue the cronet, and bind it fast with a list or roler, that it may not fall away, nor be remoued for the space of three daies, but let the sole be clen∣sed, and new stopped euery day once, and the cronets to be remoued euery two daies, con∣tinuing [ 20] so to do vntill it be whole. During which time, let him rest vnwalked, for feare of loosening his hooues. But if you see that he begin to amend, you may walke him faire and softly once a day vpon some soft ground, to exercise his legs and feet, and let him not eat much, nor drink cold water. But if this fundering breake out aboue the hooue, which you shal perceiue by the loosenesse of the coffin, aboue by the cronet, then when you pare the sole, you must take al the fore-part of the sole cleane away, leauing the heeles whole, to the intent the humors may haue the freer passage downeward, and then stop him, and dresse him about the cronet as is before said.

Of Foundring. [ 30]

OF all other sorances, Foundering is soonest got, and hardlyest cured: yet if it may be perceiued in twenty and foure houres,* 1.209 and taken in hand by this meanes heere∣after prescribed, it shal be cured in other twenty and foure houres: notwithstand∣ing, the same receit, hath cured a horse that hath bin foundred a year & more, but then it was longer in bringing it to passe. Foundering commeth when a horse is heated, being in his grease and very fat, and taketh thereon a suddaine cold which striketh downe into his legs, and taking away the vse and feeling thereof. The signe to know it is, the horse cannot go, but wil stand cripling with al his foure legs together: if you offer to turne him, he wil couch his buttocks to the ground, and some Horses haue I seene sit on their buttocks to [ 40] feede.

The cure is thus: Let him blood of his two breast vaines, of his two shackle vains, and of his two vaines aboue the cronets of his hinder hooues: if the vaines wil bleed, take from them 3. pints at least, if they wil not bleed, then open his neck vain and take so much from thence. Saue the blood, and let one stand by and stir it as he bleeds lest it grow into lumps, when he hath don bleeding, take as much wheat-flower as wil thicken the blood, the whits of 20. Egges, and three or foure yolkes, then take a good quantity of Bolea•• minacke, and a pinte of strong vineger, incorporate al these wel together, and withal charge his backe, necke, head, and eares: then take two long rags of cloath and dip in the same charge, and withal garter him so straite as may be aboue both his knees of his forelegs, then let his kee∣per [ 50] take him out to some stony causie, or high-way paued with stone, and there one follo∣wing him with a cudgel, let him trot vp and down for the space of an hour or two or more that don, set him vp and giue him some meat and for his drinke let him haue a warm mash: some three or foure houres after this, take off his garters, and set him in some pond of wa∣ter vp to the mid-side, and so let him stand for two houres, then take him out and set him

vp, the next day pul off his shooes, and pare his feet very thin, and let him blood both of his heeles and toes, then set on his shooes again and stop them with hogs grease and bran boiling hot, and splint them vp, and so turne him out to run, and he shall be sound.

Of the splent as well in the inside or outside of the knee, as other where in the Legges.

THis sorance to any mans feeling is a very gristle sometime as big as a Walnut, and sometime no more then a Hasel nut, which is called of the Italians, Spinella,* 1.210 and it commeth, as Laurentius Russius saith, by trauelling the horse too younge, or by op∣pressing [ 10] him with heauy burthens offending his tender sinnewes, and so causeth him to halt. It is easie to know because it is apparant to the eye, and if you pinch it with your thumbe and finger, the horse will shrinke vp his leg. The cure whereof according to Mar∣tin, is in this sort.

Wash it wel with warm water, and shaue off the haire, and lightly scarifie al the sore pla∣ces with the point of a rasor, so as the bloode may yssue forth. Then take of Cantharides halfe a spoonefull, and of Euforbium as much, beaten into fine powder, and mingle them together with a spoonefull of oile de bay, and then melt them in a little pan, stirring them well together, so as they may not boile ouer, and being so boiling hot, take two or 3. fea∣thers, and annoint all the sore [ 20] place therewith. That done, let not the Horse stir from the place where you so dresse him for one houre after, to the intent he shake not off the oint∣ment. Then carry him fair and softly into the stable, and tye him as he may not reach with his head beneath the manger, for otherwise hee wil couet to bite away the smarting and pricking medicine, which if it should touch his lips, would quickly fetch of the skin. And also let him stand without litter all that day and night.

The next day annoint the sore place with fresh butter, continuing so to do euery day once for the space of 9. daies, for this shal allay the heate of the medicine, and cause both that, and the crust to fall away of it selfe, and therewith either cleane take away the splent, or at the least remoue it out of the knee into the leg, and so much diminish it, as the Horse shal goe right vp, and halte no more through occasion thereof. Laurentius Russius would [ 30] haue the splent to be cured by fiering it longst wise and ouerthwart. I haue seen the splent to be cleane taken away thus, first hauing clipt away the haire growing vpon the hard place, you must beat it with a good big stick of hasill almost a foot long, in which sticke somwhat distant from the one end thereof would be set fast a sharp pricke of a little piece of steele, to pricke the sore place therewith, once or twice to make the bloode yssue out, neuer lea∣uing to beat it first softly, and then harder and harder vntil it waxeth soft in euery place to the feeling, and to thrust out the bloud, partly with the sticke, leaning on it with both your hands, and partly with your thumbs: that done, wind about the sore place with a piece of double red wollen cloth, holding it so as it may lye close thereunto, then feare it vpon the cloth with the flat side of your fearing iron, made hot, and not red-hot, but so as it may [ 40] not burne through the cloth, that done, take away the cloth, and lay vpon the sore a peece of shoomakers wax, made like a little cake, so broad as is the sore place, and then sear that into his Legs with your searing iron, vntill the wax be throughly molten, dryed, and sun∣ken into the sore: that don, seare another piece of waxe in like manner into the sore, vntill it be dryed vp, and then you may trauell your horse immediatly vpon it if you will, for he will not halt no more.

Of the splent.

A Splent is a sorance of the least moment, vnlesse it bee on the knee, or else a through Splent, both which cannot bee cured: A Splent is a spungy harde grissell or bone,* 1.211 growing fast on the inside of the shin-bone of a Horsse, where a little making stark [ 50] the sinnewes compels a Horsse somewhat to stumble: the cures are diuers and thus they be. If the splent be young, tender, and but new in breeding, then cast the horse, and take a spoonefull of that Oyle called Petrolium, and with that Oyle rubbe the Splent till you make it soft, then take a fleame, such as you let a horse bloud withall, and strike the splent

in two or three places, then with your two thombes thrust it hard, and you shal see crusht matter & blood come out, which is the very Splent, then set him vp and let him rest, or run at grasse for a weeke or more: others for a young Spleent do thus: take a hasell sticke and cut it square, and therewithall beate the splint till it be soft, then take a blew cloath and lay vppon the splent, and take a Taylors pressing yron made hot and rub it vp and downe vpon the cloath ouer the splent and it shall take it cleane away. But if the splent be old & great and growne to the perfection of hardnesse, then you must cast the Horse and with a sharp knife slit down the splent, then take Cantharides and Euforbium, of each like quan∣tity, and boyle them in Oyle debay, and with that fill vp the slit, and renewe it for three [ 10] daies together, then take it away, & anoint the place with Oyle debay, Oyle of Roses or Tar, vntill it be whole.

Of a Malander.

* 1.212A Malander is a kinde of scab growing in the forme of lines, or strokes, o∣uerthwart the bent of the knee, and hath long haires with stubborne rootes, like the bristles of a Bore which corrupteth and cankereth the flesh, like the rootes of a child as scabbed head: and if it bee great it will make the Horse to go stiffe at the setting forth, and also to halt. This dis∣ease proceedeth sometime of corrupt bloode, but most commonly for [ 20] lacke of cleane keeping, and good rubbing. The cure according to Martin, is thus. First wash it well with warm water, then shaue both haire and scab clean away, leauing nothing but the bare flesh, whereunto lay this plaister. Take a spoonefull of Sope, and as much of lime: mingle them together, that it may be like paast, and spread as much on a clout as will couer the sore, and binde it fast on with a list, renewing it euery day once the space of two or three daies, and at the three dayes end, take away the plaister and annoint the sore with oyle of Roses made lukewarme, and that shall fetch away the crust▪scurfe, bred by meanes of the plaister, which being taken away, wash the sore place well euery day once with his owne stale, or else with mans vrine, and then immediately straw vpon it the pow∣der of burnt oystershels, continuing thus to do euery day once, vntill it be whole. [ 30]

Another of the Mallander.

A Mallander is a peeuish sorance and commeth of ill keeping, it is on the fore-legs, iust on the inside,* 1.213 at the bending of the kne, it will make a horse go stark, & stumble much the cure is in this sorte. Cast the Horse, and with some instrument pluck off the dry scab that wil sticke thereon, and rub it till it bleede, then take and bind it thereto for three daies, in which space you shall see a white asker on the sore, then take that off, and annoint it with oyle of Roses or fresh butter, vntill it be throughly cured. [ 40]

Of an vpper attaint or ouerreach vpon the backe sinnew of the shanke, somewhat aboue the ioynt.

THe Italians call this sorance Atrincto, which is a painefull swelling of the maister sinnew, by meanes that the Horse doth sometime ouerreach, and strike that sinnew with the toe of his hinder foote, which causeth him to halt. The signes be apparant by the swelling of the place, and by the hor∣ses halting. The cure, according to Martin, is thus: wash the place with warme water, and shaue all the haire so farre as the swelling goeth, and scarifie euery part of the sore place lightly with the point of a rasor, that the bloode may yssue forth. Then [ 50] take of Cantharides and of Euforbium, of each halfe an ounce, mingle them together with halfe a quarterne of Sope, and with a slice spread some of this oyntmentouer al the sore, suffering him to rest there as you dresse him for one halfe houre after, and then you may carry him into the stable, and there let him stand without litter, and tyed as hath beene said before in the Chapter of the spleene, and the next day dresse him with the same

ointment once againe, euen as you did before. And the thirde daye annoint the place with fresh Butter, continuing so to do the space of nine daies, and at the nine daies end make him this bath. Take of Mallowes three handfuls, a Rose-cake, of Sage an handfull. Boile them togither in a sufficient quantity of water. And when the Mallowes be soft, put in halfe a pounde of Butter, and halfe a pinte of Sallet oyle, and then being somewhat warme, wash the sore place therewith euery day once, the space of three or foure dayes.

Of a nether taint.

THis is a little bladder ful of ielly, much like vnto a wind-gal, not apparant to the eie,* 1.214 [ 10] but to the feeling, growing in the midst of the pasterne, somewhat aboue the frush. It commeth by a straine, or else by some wrench, or by any ouer-reach, and maketh the horse to halt. The signes be these. The neathet-ioynt toward the Fewterlocke will be hot in feeling, and somewhat swollen. The cure, according to Martin is in this sort. Tie him aboue the ioynt with a list somewhat harde, and that will cause the bladder to appeare to the eye. Then lance it with a sharpe pointed knife, and thrust out al the ielly. That doone, lay vnto it the white of an Egge, and a little salt beaten together, and laid vppon Flaxe or Towe, and binde it fast vnto the sore, renewing it once a day the space of foure or fiue daies, during which time let him rest, and then you may boldly labour him.

[ 20] Of an Ataint.

AN Attaint is a griefe that commeth by an ouer-reach,* 1.215 as clapping one legge vppon another, or by some other horses treading vpon his heels, the cure is: take a sharp knife and cut out the ouer-reach, that is, if it be neuer so deepe like a hole, cut it plain and smooth, howe broade soeuer you make it, then wash it with Beere and Salt, and lay to it Hogges grease, Wax, Turpentine, and Rozen, of each like quantity boiled and mingled togither, and this wil in few daies heale him, be it neuer so sore.

Of an ouer-reach vpon the heele.

[ 30] THis is a cut, so as the skinne hang••s downe at the heele, made with the toe of the hinder foot, and is apparant to the eie, and it wil cause the horse somewhat to halt. The cure whereof according to Martin is thus. Cut away the skinne that hangeth downe, and binde a little Flaxe dipt in the white of an Egge, mingled with a little bole Armony, renewing it euery day once the space of three or foure daies, and that will heale it.

Of false quarters.

THis is a rifte sometime in the outside, but most commonly in the inside of the [ 40] hooue, because the inside is euer the weaker part, which sides are commonly cald quarters, and therof this sorance taketh his name, and is called a false quarter, that is to say, a crased or vnsound quarter, which name indeed is borrowed of the Italians, cal∣ling it in their toong Falso quarto. It commeth by euil shooing, and partly by euil paring. The signes be these. The horse wil for the most part halt, and the rift wil bleed, and is ap∣parant to the eye. The cure according to Martin is thus. If the horse halt, then pul off the shooe, and cut so much away on that side of the shooe where the griefe is, as the shooe being immediately put on againe, the rift may be vncouered. Then open the rift with a Rosenet or drawer, and fil the rift with a role of Towe dipt in Turpentine, Waxe, and Sheepes sewet molten, renewing it euery day once, vntil it be whole: And the rift being [ 50] closed in the top, draw him betwixt the haire and the hooue with a hot yron ouerthwart that place, to the intent that the hooue may shoote al whole downeward, and when the horse goeth vpright, ride him with no other shooe, vntil his hooue be throughly harde∣ned againe.

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Of halting behind, and where the griefe is.

* 1.216IF a horse halt behind, the griefe must either be in the hip, in the stiffle, in the hough, in the hamme, in the legge, in the neather ioynt, pasterne or foot. If he halt in the hippe of a new hurt, the horse wil go sideling, and not followe so well with that legge as with the other. But if it be old hurt, the sore hippe wil shrink and be lower then the other. And is best seene, when hee goeth vp a hil, or vpon the edge of some banke, so as the woorste legge may go on the higher side, for then he wil halt so much more, because it is paineful vnto him to go so vneuenly wrinching his legge. If the griefe bee in the stiffle, then the [ 10] horse in his going wil cast the stiffle ioynt outward, and the bone on the inside wil be farre bigger than the other.

If the griefe bee in the hough, then it is by meanes of some Spauen, or some other hurt apparant to the eie. And the like may be said of the ham, wherein may be seene the Selander, or such like apparant sorance, causing the horse to halt: If the griefe be eyther in the leg, pasterne or foot, then you shal finde it by such signes as haue bin taught you before. And therefore let vs now speake of those sorances, that are properly incident to the hinder legs.

Of the String-halt.

THe String-hault is a disease that maketh a horse twitch vp his legge sodenly, and so [ 20] hault much, it commeth sometimes naturally, and sometimes causually, by means of some great cold whereby the sinnewes are strained: the best cure thereof, is to dig a pit in some dunghil,* 1.217 as deepe as the horse is hie, and set the horse in, & couer him with warme dung, and so let him stande the space of two houres, then take him out and make him cleane, and then bath him al ouer with Traine-oile made warme, and it wil help him.

Of a horse that is hipped, or hurt in the hippes.

THe horse is said to be hipt, when the hip-bone is remooued out of his right place, [ 30] which griefe is called of the Italians Mal del ancha. It cummeth most commonly by some great stripe or straine, slipping, sliding, or falling. The signes be these. The horse wil halt, and in his going he wil go sideling, and the sore hip wil fal lower than the other, and the flesh in processe of time will consume cleane away. And if it be suffred to run so long, it wil neuer be restored vnto his prestine estate. The best way as Martin sayth to make him go vpright, is to charge his hip and backe with Pitch and Rozen molten to∣gither, and laid on warme, and then some flox of his owne colour to be clapped vppon the same, and so let him run to grasse, vntil he go vpright. But the sore hip wil neuer rise againe so high as the other. If the horse be not hipped, but onely hurt in the hip, and that newly, then first take of oile de Bay, of Dialthea, of Nerual, of Swines-greace, melt them [ 40] altogither, stirring them continually vntil they be throughly mingled togither, and an∣noint the sore place against the haire with this ointment euery day once, the space of a fortnight, and make the ointment to sinke wel into the flesh, by holding a hot broad barre ouer the place annointed, weauing your hand too and fro, vntil the ointment be entred into the skin. And if at the fortnights end, you see that the horse amendeth no whitte for this, then slit a hole downward in his skin, and an inch beneath the hip-bone, making the hole so wide, as you may easily thruste in a rowel with your finger, and then with a little broade slice or yron, losen the skin from the flesh aboue the bone, and round about the same, so broad as the rowel may lye flat and plaine betwixt the skin and the flesh, which rowel would be made of soft Calues-leather, with a hole in the midst like a ring, hauing [ 50] a thred tied vnto it, to pul it out when you would clense the hole, and if the rowel be row∣led about with flax fasttied on, & anointed with thointment vnder written, it wil draw so much the more: and thrust in the rowel first double, and then spred it abroad with your finger. That done, tainr it with a good long taint of flax or tow dipt in a little Turpentine and hogs-greace molten togither and made warme, and cleanse the hole and the rowel euery day once, and also renew the taint euery day for the space of a fornight.

And before you dresse him, cause him euery day to be ledde vp and downe a foot pace a quarter of an houre, to make the humors come downe, and at the fortnights end pul out the rowel, and heale vp the wound with the same salue, making the taint euery day lesser, and lesser vntil it be whole. And so soone as it is whole, draw with a hot yron crosse lines, of eight or nine inches long, right ouer the hip-bone, so as the rowelled place may bee in the very midst thereof, and burne him no deeper, but so as the skin may looke yellow and then charge al that place, and ouer al his buttocks with this charge. Take of pitch one pound, of Rozen halfe a pounde, of Tarre halfe a pinte: Boile them together, and then being good and warme, spred it on with a clout tied in a riuen sticke: and then clap on a [ 10] few flockes of the horses colour. And if it be in Summer, let the horse runne to grasse a while, for the more he trauelleth at his owne wil, the better it is for him.

Of stiffling, and hurts in the stiffle.

THe horse is said to be stiffled, when the stiffling bone is remoued from the place: but if it be not remoued nor loosened, and yet the horse halteth by meanes of some griefe there, then we say that the horse is hurt in the stif∣fle, and not stiffled. The stiffle commeth by means of some blow, or some great straine, slipping or sliding. The signes be these. If he be stiffled, the [ 20] one bone wil sticke out farther than the other, and is apparant to the eie. Martin woulde haue you to cure the stiffle in al points like vnto the shoulder-pight, sauing that the pins need not bee so long, because the stifling place is not so broad as the shoulder, and stan∣ding in the stable, let him haue a pasterne with a Ring on his forelegge, and thereunto fa∣sten a cord, which cord must go about his necke, and let it be so much strained, as it may bring his forelegge more forward than the other to keepe the bone from starting out. But if the horse bee but hurt in the stiffle with some stripe or straine, then the bone wil not stand out, but perhaps the place may be swollen. The cure according to Martin is thus. First annoint the place with the ointment mentioned before, euery day once the space of a fortnight, and if the horse amend not with this, then rowel him with a hearen rowel, [ 30] or else with a quil, and let the neather hole be somwhat before the sore place, and clense the hole euery daye, by turning the rowel, continuing stil to annoint the place with the ointment aforesaid, and that wil make him whole.

Of foundering behind.

THis happes most commonly when a horse is very fat, and hath his greace moulten within him, which is soone done with euery little heate. You shal perceiue it by his going, for he wil be afraide to set his hinder feet to the grounde, and he wil bee so weake behind, as he wil stand quiuering and shaking and couet alwaies to lie downe. The cure, according to Martin is thus. First garter him aboue the houghes, and then force [ 40] him to go awhile to put him in a heat, and being somewhat warme, let him bloode in the thigh vaines, reseruing of that blood a pottle, to make him a charge in this sort. Put vnto that blood, of Wheat-flower and of Beane-flower, of each a quarter of a pecke, of Bole Armony one pound, of Sanguis Draconis two ounces, six Egges, shels and al, of Turpen∣tine halfe a pound, of Vineger a quart. Mingle al these thinges togither, and therewith charge both his hinder Legges, his Reynes, and Flankes, al against the haire. And if the horse cannot dung, lette him be raked, and giue him this glister: take of Mallowes three handfuls, and boile them wel in faire Water from a pottle to a quart. Then straine it and put thereunto halfe a pounde of Butter, and of Sallet Oyle a quarter of a pinte, and ha∣uing emptied his belly, giue him also this drinke to comforte him; take of Malmesie a quart, and put thereunto a little Cinamon, Mace, and Pepper, beaten into fine powder [ 50] and of Oyle a quarter of a pinte, and giue the horse to drinke of that Luke-warme with a horne.

That don, let him be walked vp and downe a good while togither if he be able to go: if not, then tie him vp to the racke, and let him be hanged with Canuas and ropes, so as he

may stand vppon the ground with his feet: For the lesse he lieth the better, and pare his hinder feet thin, vntill the deaw come out, and tacking on the shooes againe, stoppe the hooues with bran and hogs greace boiled togither, and let both his feet hauing this geere in it, be wrapped vp in a cloath euen to his pasternes, and there tie the clout fast. Let his diet be thinne and let him drinke no colde water, and giue him in winter wet hay, and in Summer grasse.

Of the dry Spauen.

* 1.218THe dry Spauin called of the Italians Spauano or Sparauagno, is a great hard knob as [ 10] big as a Walnut growing in the inside of the hough, hard vnder the ioynt, nigh vn∣to the maister vaine, and causeth the horse to halt, which sorance commeth by kind because the horses parents perhaps had the like disease at the time of his generation, and sometime by extreame labour and heat dissoluing humors which do descend thorough the maister vaine, continually feeding that place with euil nutriment, and causeth that place to swel. Which swelling in continuance of time becommeth so hard as a bone, and therefore is called of some the bone-Spauen. It needeth no signes or tokens to knowe it because it is very much apparant to the eie, and therefore most Ferrers doe take it to be incurable.

Notwithstanding, Martin saith, that it may bee made lesse with these remedies heere [ 20] following. Wash it with warme water, and shaue off the haire so farre as the swelling ex∣tendeth and scarifie the place, so as it may bleed. Then take of Cantharides one dozen, of Euforbium halfe a spoonefull, breake them into powder, and boile them togither with a little oile de Bay, and with two or three feathers bound togither, put it boiling hot vpon the sore, and let his taile be tyed vp for wiping away the medicine; and then within halfe an houre after, set him vp in the stable, and tie him so as he may not lie downe al the night for feare of rubbing off the medicine, and the next day annoint it with fresh butter, con∣tinuing thus to do euery day once the space of fiue or sixe daies, and when the haire is growne againe, draw the sore place with a hot yron. Then take another hot sharpe yron like a Bodkin, somewhat bowing at the point, and thruste it in at the neather end of the [ 30] middle-line, and so vppeward betwixt the skinne and the flesh to the compasse of an inch and a halfe.

And then taint it with a little Turpentine and Hogges-greace moulten together and made warme, renewing it euery day once the space of nine daies. But remember first im¦mediately after his burning to take vppe the maister vaine, suffering him to bleed a little from aboue, and tie vp the vper end of the vaine, and leaue the neather end open, to the intent that hee may bleede from beneath vntil it cease it selfe, and that shal diminish the Spauen, or else nothing wil do it.

Of the Spauen, both bone and blood. [ 40]

DOubtlesse a Spauen is an euil sorance, and causeth a horse to hault princi∣pally in the beginning of his griefe,* 1.219 it appeareth on the hinder Legges within, and against the ioynt, and it will bee a little swolne, and some hor∣ses haue a thorough Spauen, which appeareth both within and without. Of the Spauen there are two kindes, the one hard the other soft: That is: a bone-Spauen, and a blood-Spauen, for the bone-Spauen I holde it harde to cure, and therefore the lesse necessary to be dealt withal, except very great occasion vrge, and thus it may be holpen.

Cast the horse and with a hot yron slitte the flesh that couereth the Spauen, and then [ 50] lay vpon the Spauen, Cantharides and Euforbium boyled together in oile de Bay, and an∣noint his legges round about, either with the oile of Roses, and with Vngue••tum album camphiratum. Dresse him thus for three daies togither, then afterwarde take it awaye and for three daies more lay vnto it onely vpon Flaxe and vnsleact lime, then afterward dresse it with Tarre vntil it be whole.

The Cantharides and Euforbium, wil eat & kil the spungy bone, the lime wil bring it clean away, and the Tarre wil sucke out the poison, and heale al vp sound: but this cure is dan∣gerous, for if the incision be done by an vnskilful man, and he either by ignorance or by the swaruing of his hand, burne in twaine the great vaine that runnes crosse the Spauen, then the horse is spoiled.

Now for the blood Spauen that is easily helpt, for I haue knowne diuers which haue beene but newly beginning, helpt onely by taking vppe the Spauen vaine, and letting it bleed wel beneath, and then stop the wound with Sage, and Salt, but if it be a great blood Spauen, then with a sharpe knife, cut it as you burnt the bone Spauen, and take the Spa∣uen [ 10] away, then heale it vp with Hogges-greace and Turpentine onely.

Of the wet Spauen, or through Spauen.

THis is a soft swelling growing on both sides of the hough and seemes to goe cleane through the hough, and therefore may bee called a through Spauen. But for the most part the swelling is on the inside, because it is continually fed of the master vain, & is greater than the swelling on the outside. The Italians cal this sorance Laierda, or Gierdone, which seemeth to come of a more fluxible humor, and not so viscous or slimy as the other Spauen doeth, and therefore this waxeth not so harde, nor groweth to the nature of a bone as the other doeth, and this is more curable [ 20] then the other. It needes no signes, because it is apparant to the eie, and easie to know by the description thereof before made: The cure according to Martin is thus. Firste wash, shaue, and scarifie the place as before. Then take of Cantharides halfe an ounce, of Eufor∣bium an ounce broken to powder, & Oyle de Bay one ounce, mingle them wel together colde, without boiling them, and dresse the sore therewith two daies togither, and euery day after, vntil the haire be growne againe, annoint it with fresh Butter. Then fire him both without and within, as before, without tainting him, and immediately take vp the maister veine, as before: and then for the space of nine daies, annoint him euery daye once with Butter, vntil the fiered place beginne to scale, and then wash it with this bath. Take of Mallowes three handfuls, of Sage one handful, and as much of red nettles, boile [ 30] them in water vntil they be soft, and put thereunto a litle fresh butter, and bath the place euery day once for the space of three or foure daies, and vntil the burning be whole, let the horse come in no wet.

Of the Selander.

THis is a kind of scab breeding in the ham, which is the bent of the hough, and is like in al points, to the Malander, proceeding of like causes, and requireth like cure, and therefore resort to the Malander.

[ 40] Of the hough boonie, or hard knob.

THis is a round swelling boony, like a Paris bal, growing vpon the tippe or elbow of the hough, and therefore I thought good to cal it the hough-boonie. This sorance commeth of some stripe or bruse, and as Martin saith, is cured thus. Take a round hot yron somewhat sharpe at the ende like a good bigge bodkin, and let it be somewhat bending at the point. Then holding the sore with your left hande, pulling it somewhat from the sinnewes, pierce it with the yron, being first made red hot, thrusting it beneath in the bottome, and so vpward into the belly, to the intent that the same ielly may yssue downeward out at the hole, and hauing thrust out al the ielly, taint the hole with a tainte [ 50] of Flaxe dipt in Turpentine, and Hogges greace moulten together, and also annointe the out-side with Hogges greace made warme, renewing it euery daye once vntill the hole be ready to shut vp, making the taint euery day lesser and lesser, to the intent it may heale vp.

Of the Curbe.

* 1.220THis is a long swelling beneath the Elbow of the hough, in the great sinnewe behind, and causeth the horse to halt, after that he hath been a while laboured and thereby somewhat heated. For the more the sinnew is strained, the grea∣ter griefe, which againe by his rest is eased. This commeth by bearing some great weight when the horse is younge, or else by some straine or wrinch, whereby the tender sinnewes are greeued, or rather bowed (as Russsius saith (whereof it is, called in I∣talian Curba a Curuando, that is to say, of bowing, for anguish whereof it doth swel, which [ 10] swelling is apparant to the eie, and maketh that legge to shew bigger than the other. The cure according to Martin is thus: Take of wine-Leeze a pinte, a porringer ful of Wheat flower, of Cumin halfe an ounce, and stirre them well togither, and being made warme charge the sore 3. or 4. daies, and when the swelling is almost gone, then draw it with a hot yron, and couer the burning with Pitch and Rozen moulten together, and lay it on good and warme, and clap thereon some flockes of his owne colour, or so nigh as may be gotten, and remoue them not, vntil they fal away of themselues. And for the space of nine daies let the horsse rest, and come in no wet.

Another of the Curbe. [ 20]

* 1.221A Curbe is a sorance that maketh a horse to halt much, and it appeares vpon his hin∣der legges, straight behind vpon the cambrell place, and a little beneath the Spa∣uen, and it wil be swolne as big as halfe a Walnut, the cure followeth: Take a small cord and bind his legges hard aboue it, and beneath it, then beat it, and rub it with a hea∣uy sticke til it growe soft, then with a fleame strike it in three or foure places, and with your thumbes crush out the filthy brused matter, then loose the corde, and annoint it with Butter vntil it be whole.

Of the paines. [ 30]

* 1.222THis is a kinde of scabbe, called in Italian, Crappe, which is full of fretting matterish water, and it breede••h in the pasternes for lacke of cleane keeping and good rub∣bing after the horse hath beene iournied, by means wherof the sand & dirt remai∣ning in the haire, fretteth the skin and flesh, and so breedeth a scab. And therefore those horses that haue long haire, and are rough about the feet, are soonest troubled with this disease, if they be not the cleanlier kept. The signes be these. His legs wil bee swollen and hot, and water wil yssue out of the scab, which water his hot and fretting, as it wil scalde off the haire and breed scabs, so farre as it goeth. The cure, according to Martin is thus. First wash wel al the pasternes with Beere and Butter warmed togither, and his legs be∣ing [ 40] somewhat dried with a cloth: clip away al the haire, sauing the fewter lockes. Then take of Turpentine, of Hogges-greace, of hony of each like quantity, mingle them to∣gither in a pot, and put thereunto a little Bole Armony, the yelkes of two Egges, and as much Wheat-flower as wil thicken the things aforesaid, and make it plaister-like, and for that cause it had need to be very wel wrought and stirred togither. Then with a slice strike some of the plaister vpon such a peece of linnen cloath as wil serue to go round about the pasterne, and bind it fast on with a rowler, renewing it once a day, vntil it be whole, and let not the horse be trauelled nor stand wet.

Another of the paines. [ 50]

PAines is a sorance that commeth of hot ill humors of il keeping: it appeareth in the Fetlockes,* 1.223 and wil swel in the Winter time, and wil send foorth a sharpe water: the haire wil stare, and the cure is thus: Wash them euery day twice or thrice with gun-pouder and Vineger, and they wil be whole in one weeke at the most.

Of Mules or kibed heeles, called of the Italians Mule.

THis is a kind of scab breeding behind, somewhat aboue the neather ioynt, growing ouerthwat the fewterlock, which commeth most commonly for being bred in cold ground, or else for lack of good dressing, after that he hath bin labored in foule mire and dirty waies, which durt lying stil in his legs, fretteth the skin, and maketh scabby rifts, which are soone bred, but not so soone gotten away. The anguish wherof maketh his legs somtime to swell, and specially in winter and spring time, and then the horse goeth very stif∣ly, [ 10] and with great pain. The sorance is apparant to the eie, and is cured according to Mar∣tin in this sort. Take a piece of linnen cloth, and with the salue recited in the last chap. make such a plaister as may couer al the sore place, and binde it fast on that it may not fall off, re∣newing it euery day once vntil the sore leaue running, and beginneth to wax dry, then wash it euery day once with strong water, vntill it be cleane dryed vp, but if this sorance be but in breeding, & there is no raw flesh, then it shal suffice to anoint it with Sope two or three daies, and at the three daies end to wash them with a little Beefe broath or dish water.

Of Frettishing.

FRettishing is a sorance that commeth of riding a horse, til he sweat, and then to set him [ 20] vp without litter, wher he taketh suddenly cold in his feet, & chiefely before:* 1.224 it appears vnder the heele in the hart of the foot: for it will grow dun, and wax white and crumbly like a Pomys, & also in time it wil show, by the wrinckles on his hoofe, and the hoofe wil grow thicke and brickle, he wil not be able to tread, on stones or hard ground, nor well to trauel but stumble and fal: the cure is thus: Take and pare his feet so thin as may be, then rost two or three Egs, in the Embers very hard, & being extream hot taken out of fire, crush them in his foot, and then clap a piece of leather theron, and splint it that the Egges may not fal out, and so let him run and he will be sound.

[ 30] Of sorances or griefes that be common to all foure feet.

HItherto we haue declared vnto you the causes, signs and cure of all such griefes as are properly incident, either to the forelegs, or hinder legs: now therefore we speake of those griefes that be common to them both, and first of windgals.

Of Windgalles.

THe windgall called of the Italians Galla, is a bladder full of corrupt ielly,* 1.225 whereof some be great and some bee small, and do grow on each side of the ioynt, and is so painfull, and especially in summer season when the wether is hot and the waies hard, as the horse is not able to trauell but halteth downe right. They come for the most part [ 40] through extreame labor and heat, whereby the humors being dissolued, doe flow and re∣sort into the hollow places about the neather ioynts, and there be congealed and couered with a thin skin like a bladder. They bee apparant to the eie and therefore neede no other signes to know them. The cure whereof according to Martin is thus. Wash them with water and shaue off the haire, scarifie them with the point of a rasor, and dresse them with Cantharides in the selfesame manner as the splent in the knee was taught before, and an∣noint them afterward with butter vntil the skin be whole. And if this will not heale it, then draw them with a hot iron like a ragged staffe. That done slit the middle line which passeth right downe through the windgall with a sharpe knife, beginning beneath and so vpward the length of halfe an inch, to the intent you may thrust the ielly out at that hole, then lay vnto it a little pitch and rozen molten together, and made lukewarme, and put a few floxe [ 50] on it, and that will heale him. And you may dry vp the windgall in such manner as heere followeth. First chop off the haire so far as the windgall extendeth, and hauing striken it with a fleame, thrust out the ielly with your finger. Then take a peece of red wollen cloath and clap it to the place, and with a hot broad searing iron seare it, so as the iron may not burne through the cloth, which is don to dry vp the humors.

Then hauing taken away the cloth, lay vnto the place a peece of shoomakers waxe made like a flat cake, about the breadth of a testorn, and with your iron not made ouer hot, streek softly vpon it too and fro, vntill the said wax be throughly melted into the sore. Wherup∣on lay a few flox, and let him go. Which flocks will afterward fall away of their owne ac∣cord.

Of Windgals.

WIngals are easie to cure, they be little swellings like blebs or bladders, on either side the ioint next vnto the feuter-locks, as wel before as behind, and they come through [ 10] the occasion of great trauell,* 1.226 in hard, grauelly, or sandy waies. The cure is. Take Pitch, Ro∣zen, and Mastick, of each like quantity, melt them together, and with a stick lay it round a∣bout the horses legs, and whilest it is hot lay flocks theron: the nature of this plaister, is ne∣uer to come away whilst there is any windgall on the Horses legs, but when they are dried vp, then it will fall away of itselfe.

Of wrinching the neather ioynt.

THis commeth many times by treading awry in some cart root or otherwise. The signs [ 0] be these. The ioynt will be swollen and sore, and the horse will halt. The cure whereof according to Martin is thus: take of Dialthea halfe a pounde, and as much of Neruall. [ 20] Mingle them together and anoint the sore place therewith, chafing it well with both your hands that the oyntment may enter, continuing so to do euery day once, vntill the oynt∣ment be all spent, and let the horse rest. But if this will not preuaile, then wash it with warm water and shaue away all the haire sauing the fewter-lock. Scarifie it and lay to it Cantha∣rides, and heale it as you do each splent in the knee.

Of enterfering.

BIcause enterfering is to be holpen by shooing, wee purpose not to speake of it, vntill we come to talke of the order of paring and shooing all manner of hooues. [ 30]

Another of Enterfering.

ENterfering is a griefe that commeth sometimes by ill shooing, and somtimes natural∣ly, when a horse trots so narrow that he hewes on leg vpon another, it appeareth both before and behind, betweene the feete against the fet-lockes, and there is no remedy but shooing him with shooes made thin and flat on the outside, and narrow and thicke with∣in.

Of the shakell gall.

IF a horse be galled in the pasterns, with shakell, locke pasterne, or halter, anoint the sore [ 40] place with a little Hony and Verdigrease boiled together, vntill it looke red which is a good ointment for all gallings on the withers and immediatly strow vpon the ointment, being first laid vpon the leg, a little chopt flax or tow and that will stick fast, continuing so to do euery day once vntill it be whole.

Of hurts in the legs, that commeth by casting in the halter or collar.

* 1.227IT chanceth many times, that a Horsse hauing some itch vnder his eares, is de∣sirous to scratch the same with his hinder foote which whilest he reacheth too and fro, doth fasten in the coller or halter, wherewith the more that he striueth [ 50] the more he galleth his Legges, and many times it chanceth for that he is ty∣ed so long, by means wherof being laid, and the halter slack about his feet, rising perhaps or turning he snarleth himselfe so as he is not able to get vp, but hangeth either by the neck or Legges, vvhich sometimes are galled euen to the hard bone.

Russius calleth such kinde of galling Capistratura, which he was wont to heale with this

ointment heere following, praising it to be excellent good for the cratches, or any scab, bruise, or wound: take of oile Oliue one ounce, of Turpentine two or three ounces, melt them together ouer the fire, and then put thereunto a little wax, and work them well togi∣ther, and annoint the sore place therwith. Martin saith it is good to annoint the sore place with the white of an egge and sallet-oile beaten together, and when it commeth to a scab, annoint it with butter being molten, vntill it looke browne.

Of the Cratches or Rats tailes, called of the Italians Crepaccie.

[ 10] THis is a kind of long scabby rifts growing right vp and down in the hinder part, from the fewterlock vp to the Curb, and commeth for lacke of cleane keeping, and is easily seene if you take vp the horses foot, and lift vp the haire. The cure according to Martin is thus. Take of Turpentine halfe a pound, of hony a pint, of hogs-grease a quarterne, and 3. yolks of Egs, and of bole Armony a quartern, beaten into fine powder, of bean flower halfe a pinte, mingle all these well together, and make a salue thereof, and with your finger annoint all the sore places, sheading the haire as you go, to the intent you may the easier find them, and also to make the salue enter into the skin, and let the horse come in no wet, vntill he be whole.

[ 20] Of the Scratches.

SCratches will cause a horse to halt sore, and they come only by naughty keeping, and they appeare in the pasterns vnder the Fetlocks, as if the skin were cut ouerthwart,* 1.228 that a man may lay in a wheat-straw: the cure is thus: bind vnto thē (the haire being cut cleane away) black Sope and Lime kned together, for three daies, then lay that by, and annoynt the place with butter, and heale the sore with Bores greace and Tar mixt well together.

Of the Ring-bone.

[ 30] THis is a hard grisle growing vpon the cronet, and sometime goeth round about the cronet, and is called in Italian Soprosso. Laurentius Russius saith, that it may grow in a∣ny other place of the Leg, but then we cal it not a Ring-bone, but a knot or knob. It com∣meth at the first either by some blow of another Horse, or by striking his owne foote a∣gainst some stub, or stone, or such like casualty. The paine whereof breederh a viscous and slimy humor, which resorting to the bones, that are of their owne nature colde and dry, waxeth hard, cleaueth to some bone, and in processe of time becommeth a bone. The signes be these.

The Horse will halt, and the hard swelling is apparant to the eie, being higher then any place of the cronet. The cure according to Martin is thus. First wash it well with warme [ 40] water, and shaue away all the haire, so as the sore place may be all discouered. Then scari∣fie it lightly with the point of a rasor, so as the bloude may yssue forth. Then if the sore be broad, take of Euforbium one ounce, of Cantharides halfe an ounce, broken into fine pow∣der, and of Oyle de Bay one ounce, and if the sore bee but little, the one halfe of this may serue. Boile these things together, stirring them continually least it run ouer, and with two or three feathers, lay it boiling hot vnto the sore, & let not the horse stir from that place for halfe an houre after, then carry him into the stable, both vsing and curing him for the space of nine daies, in such order as hath been said before in the chapter of the splent. But when the haire beginneth to grow again, then fire the sore place with right lines from the pasterne downe to the coffin of the hooue, and let the edge of the drawing iron be as thick [ 50] as the backe of a meat knife, and burne him so deepe as the skinne may looke yellow: that done, couer the burning with pitch and rozen molten together, and clap thereon flox of the Horsses owne colour, or somewhat nigh the same, and about three daies after, lay a∣gaine some of the last mentioned plaister, or oyntment, and also new floxe vpon the olde, and there let them remaine, vntill they fall away of themselues.

But if these ring-bones, or knobs, breede in any other place, then in the cronet, you shal cure them, as is before said, without firing them.

Of the Ring-bone.

THe Ring-bone is an il disease, and apeareth before on the foot aboue the hoofe, aswell before as behind,* 1.229 and will be swolne 3. inches broad, and a quarter of an inch or more of height, and the haire will stare and wax thin, and will make a Horse halt much, the cure is. Cast the Horse, and with an iron made flat and thin, burne away that gristle which an∣noies him, then take wax, Turpentine, Rozen, Tar, and hogs-grease, of each like quantity, [ 10] mingle them together plaister-wise, and with it cure the sore: this plaister wil also cure a∣ny other wound or vlcer whatsoeuer.

Of the Crowne-scab.

THis is a kind of filthy and stinking scab, breeding round about the feete vpon the cro∣nets,* 1.230 and is an eluish and painful disease, called in Italian Crisaria. It seemeth to come by meanes that the Horse hath bin bred in some colde wet soile, striking corrupt humors vp to his feet, and therefore the horse that hath this griefe is worse troubled in winter then in summer. The signs be these. The haire of the cronets wil be thin and staring like bristles, [ 20] and the cronets wil be alwaies mattering, and run on a water. The cure according to Mar∣tin is thus. Take of sope, of hogs-grease, of each halfe a pound, of bole Armony a little, of Turpentine a quartern, and mingle them all together, and make a plaister and bind it fast on renewing it euery day once, vntill it leaue running, and then wash it with strong vine∣ger being lukewarme euery day once vntill ••he sore be cleane dryed vp, and let him come in no wet, vntill it be whole.

Of hurts vpon the cronet crossing one foot ouer another, which the Italians call Supraposte.

MArt▪ saith wash it wel with white wine, or with a little stale, & then lay vnto it the white [ 30] of an Egge mingled with a little chimny soot and salt, and that will dry it vp in three or foure daies, if it be renewed euery day once.

Of the quitterbone.

THis is a hard round swelling vpon the cronet, betwixt the heele and the quarter, and groweth most commonly on the inside of the foot, and is commonly called of the Italians Setula, or Seta. It commeth by meanes of grauell gathered vnderneath the shooe, which frerteth the heele, or else by the cloying or pricking of some naile euell dry∣uen, [ 40] the anguish whereof looseneth the gristle, and so breedeth euill humors, wherof the quitterbone springeth. The signes be these. The horse will halt, and the swelling is appa∣rant to the eie, which in foure or fiue daies comming to a head, wil breake out with mat∣ter at a little deep hole like a Fistula. The cure acording to Martin is thus. First burn about the quitterbone with a hot iron, in manner of halfe a circle, and then with the same yron draw another right strike through the midst thereof. Then take of Arsenicke the quantity of a Bean beaten into fine powder, and put it into the hole, thrusting it downe to the bot∣tom with a quil, and stop the mouth of the hole with a littletowe, and bind it so fast with a cloth, and cord, as the Horse may not come at it with his mouth, and so let it rest for that day. And the next day, if you see that the sore looketh blacke within, then it is a signe that [ 50] the Arsenicke hath wrought well and done his part.

Then to allay the burning thereof, taint the hole with flax dipt in hogs grease, and tur∣pentine, molten and mingled together, and couer the taint with a bolster of tow dipt also in the ointment aforesaid, continuing so to do euery day once, vntil you haue gotten out the core. Then shall you see whether the loose gristle in the bottom be vncouered or not, and if it be vncouered, then feele with your finger, or with a quil, whether you be nigh it

or not. And if you be, then raise the gristle with a litle crooked instrument, & pul it clean out with a paire of small nippers, meete for the purpose. That done, taint it againe with a full taint dipt it the aforesaid ointment, to asswage the anguish of the last dressing, and stop it hard, to the intent that the hole may not shrinke together or close vp, and the next day take out that taint, and taint it anew with the salue or ointment taught in the chap. of the shakell gall, renewing it euery day once vntil it be whole keeping alwaies the mouth of the sore as open as you may, to the intent that it heale not vppe too fast, and let not the horse in any wet, nor trauell, vntill he be perfectly whole.

[ 10] Of the Quitter-bone.

QVitter-bone is a round hard swelling vpon the cronet of the hoofe, betwixt the hoofe and the quarter, and for the most part, groweth on the inside of the foot: the origy∣nall effect therof is the fretting of grauell vnderneath the shooe, which bruiseth the heele,* 1.231 or else by meanes of some stub, or the pricking of some naile, through the paine whereof the grissell is loosened, breeding euill humors, which be indeede the ground of the Quit∣ter-bone: it is to be known by the horsses halting, and by the apparant swelling to the eie of that part, which in 3. or 4. daies will grow vnto a head and breake, euacuating great a∣boundance of filthy matter at a little hole, the cure is thus. Take a hot yron, made in fashi∣on of a knife, and with it burne out the flesh, in compasse of a Moone till you come to [ 20] feele the grissell, then burne it out too: then take Vardigrease, fresh Butter, and Tar mol∣ten together, and dippe fine Tow therein, stop vp the hole, then lay thereon a Sear-cloth of Deere-sewet and wax, and so let him rest for the first day: the next day, take of Melrosa∣rum, oyle of roses, wax, and Turpentine, of each like quantity, infuse them al on the fire together, and with the salue dresse the sore morning and euening, till it be whole. But if you find any proud flesh to grow, then forget not to lay thereon some red lead, or Vardi∣grease: and withall, haue an especiall regard, that the vpper part of the wound, heale not faster then the bottom, for feare of fistulating.

[ 30] Of the Grauelling.

THis is a fretting vnder the foot, most commonly in the inside,* 1.232 and sometime in the outside, and sometime in both sides together of the heele. It commeth by meanes of little grauell stones getting betwixt the hooue, or calking, or spunge of the shooe, which by continuall labor and treading of the Horse, doth eat into the quicke, and the ra∣ther, if his heele be soft and weake, or that the shooe doe lye flat to his foot, so as the gra∣uell being once gotten in, cannot get out. The signes be these. The horse will halt, and co∣uet to tread all vppon the toe, to fauour his heele. The cure according to Martin is thus. First pare the hooue, and get out the grauel with a cornet, or drawer, leauing none behind for if you doe, it will breede to a quitterbone. That done, stop him with Turpentine and [ 40] hogs-grease molten together, and layd on with a Towe or flax, and then clap on the shooe to keepe in the stopping, renewing it euery day once vntill it bee whole. And suffer the horse to come in no wet, vntill he be throughly whole. If a grauelling be not well stopt to keepe downe the flesh, ir wil rise higher then the hooue, and not onely require more bu∣sinesse in bolstering it, but also put the horse to more paine.

Of grauelling.

GRavelling is a hurt will make a horse to halt, and commeth of grauell and little stones,* 1.233 that goeth betweene the shooe and the hearte of the foote, the cure is: take off the shooe, and let him be well pared, then set on the shooe againe, and stop it with Pitch, Ro∣zen, [ 50] and Tallow, and this shall help.

Of Surbating.

THis is a beating of the Hooue against the ground, called of the Italians Sobatitura, it commeth somtime by means of euill shooing, lying too flat to his foote, or by going

barefoote, and sometime by the hardnesse of the grounde, and high lifting of the Horse. And those Horsses that bee flat footed, the coffins whereof are tender and weake, are most commonly subiect to this sorance. The signes be these: the Horse will halt on both his forelegs, and goe stifely and creeping, as though he were halfe foundered. The cure, according to Martin is thus: take off his shooes, pare him as little as may bee, and if the shooes be not easie, that is to say, long, large, and hollow inough, then make them so, and then tacke them on againe with foure or fiue Nailes. That done, stop his feete with branne, and Hogs-greace boyled together, so hot as may be, and also couer all the coffin round about with the same, binding all in together with a cloath, and a list fastened about [ 10] the ioynt, renewing it euery day once, vntill it bee whole, and giue the Horsse during that while warme water, and let him stand dry and warme, and not be trauelled, vntil he be whole.

Of a pricke in the sole of the foote, by treading on a naile, or any other sharpe thing that doth enter into the foote.

THe signes be these. If a man be on his backe when he treadeth on any such thing, he shall feele that the Horsse will lift vp his foot, and couet to stand still to haue helpe. And if it chaunce at any other time,* 1.234 the halting of the Horse, and the hurt it selfe will shew. The cure according to Martin is thus. Pull off the shooe, and pare the foote, [ 20] and with a drawer vncouer the hole, making the mouth so broade as a two penny peece, then tacke on the shooe againe. That done, stop it, by powring into the hole Turpentine and Hogs-greace molten together, and lay some flaxe, or Towe vpon it, and then stop all the Horsses foote with Horse-dung, or rather with Cow-dung, if you can get it, and splent it either with stickes, or else with an old shooe sole, so as the stopping may abide in, renewing it euery day once vntill it be whole, and let the Horsse come in no wet. If this be not well cured, or looked to in time it will cause the hooue to breake aboue, and to loosen round about, and perhaps to fall cleane away. But if you see that it begins to break aboue, then make a greater yssue beneath by opening the hole wider, and taking more of the sole away, that the flesh may haue the more liberty. Then take of bole Armony halfe a quar∣terne, [ 30] Beane-flower, and two Egges. Beate them, and mingle them well together, and make a plaister thereof vpon Towe, and lay it round about the cronet, bind it fast on, and so let it remaine the space of two daies, and then renew it againe, not failing so to do euery two daies vntill you see it waxe hard and firme aboue. For this plaister being restrictiue, will force the humors to resort all downeward, which must be drawne out with Turpentin and Hogs greace as before, vntill it leaue mattering, and then dry it vp with burnt Alum, beaten to powder, and strowed vpon it, with a little Flaxe laid againe vpon that, continu∣ing so to do euery day once, vntil it be hardened, and let not the Horse come in any wet, vntil he be whole.

Of accloyd or prickt. [ 40]

ACcloyd is a hurt that commeth of shooing, when a Smith driueth a Naile in the quicke,* 1.235 which will make him to halt, and the cure is, to take off the shoo, and to cut the hoofe away, to lay the sore bare: then lay to it wax, Turpentine, and Deere-sewet which wil heale it.

Of the Figge.

IF a Horse hauing receiued any hurt, as before is said by nail, bone, splent, or stone, or otherwise in the sole of his foot, and not be well dressed and perfectly cured, there will grow in that place a certaine superfluous piece of flesh, like a Figge: and it will haue little [ 50] grains in it like a fig, and therefore is rightly called of the Italians Vn fico, that is to say a fig. The cure whereof according to Martin is thus. Cutte it cleane away with a hot iron, and keepe the flesh downe with Turpentine, hogs greace, and a little wax laid on with Towe or flax, and stop the hole hard, that the flesh rise not, renewing it once a day, vntil it be whole.

Of a Retreat.

THis is the pricking of a naile, not wel driuen in the shooing, and therefore pulled out againe by the Smith, and is called of the Italians, Tratta messa. The cause of the pricking may be partly, the rash driuing of the Smith, and partly the weakenes of the naile, or the hollownes of the naile in the shank. For if it be too weake, the point many times bendethawry into the quicke when it should go right forth. It slatteth and shiuereth in the driuing into two parts, wher∣of one part raceth the quick in pulling out, or else perhaps breaketh cleane assunder, and [ 10] so remaineth stil behind, and this kinde of pricking is worse than the cloyeng because it wil ranckle worse, by reason of the flaw of yron remaining in the flesh. The signes bee these. If the Smith that driueth such a naile be so lewd, as he wil not looke vnto it before the horse depart, then there is no way to know it, but by the halting of the horse, and ser∣ching the hooue first with a hammer by knocking vpon euery clinging. For when you knock vpon that naile, where the greefe is. The horse wil shrinke vp his foote. And if that wil not seru, then pinch or gripe the hooue with a paire of pinsons round about vntil you haue found the place greeued. The cure according to Martin is thus. First pul off the shooe, and then open the place greeued with a butter or drawer, so as you may perceiue by feeling or seeing, whether there be any peece of naile or not, if there be, to pul it out, [ 20] and to stop the hole with Turpentine, Wax•• and Sheepes sewet moulten together, and so poured hot into the hole, and then lay a little Towe vppon it, and clap on the shooe a∣gaine, renewing it thus euery day, vntil it be whole, during which time, let not the horse come in any wet, and it must be so stopped, though it be but prickt without any peece of naile remaining. And if for lack of loking to it in time, this retreat cause the houe to break aboue, then cure it with the plaister restrictiue in such order as is mentioned in the laste place sauing one before this,

Of Cloying.

[ 30] CLoying is the pricking of a whole naile called of the Italians Inchiodatura, passinge through the quicke, and remaining stil in the same, and is clenched as other nailes be, and so causeth the horse to halt. The greeued place is knowne, by searching with the hammer and pinsons, as is before said: If the horse halt immediately, then pul off his shooe, and open the hole, vntil it begin to bleed, and stop it with the ointment aforesaid, in the same page of the Retreat, and clap on the shooe againe, and the hooue may be so good, and the harme so little, as you may trauel him immediately vppon it: but if it bee ranckled, then renew the stopping euery day once, let him come in no wet, vntil it bee whole.

[ 40] Of loosening the hooue.

THis is a parting of the hooue from the cronet, called of the Italians, Dis∣solatura del vnghia, which if it be round about, it commeth by meanes of foundering, if in part, then by the anguish caused by the pricking of the canel naile, piercing the sole of the foot, or by some quitterbone, Retreat, Grauelling, or Cloying, or such like thing: The signes be these. When it is loosened by foundering, then it will breake first in the fore-part of the Cronet, right a∣against the toes, because the humor doth couet alwaies to descend towards the toe. A∣gaine when the pricking of a canel naile or such like cankered thing is the cause, then the hooue wil loosen round about, equally euen at the first. But when it proceedeth of any of [ 50] the other hurts last mentioned: then the hooue wil breake right aboue the place that is offended, and most commonly wil proceed no further. The cure, according to Martin, is thus. First, of which soeuer of these causes it proceeds, be sure to open the hoofe in the sole of the foot, so as the humor may haue free passage downeward, and then restraine it aboue with the plaister restrictiue before mentioned, and in such order as is there writ∣ten,

and also heale vp the wound, as is before taught in the chap. of a pricke in the sole of the foot.

Of casting the hooue.

THis is when the coffin falleth clean away from the foot, which commeth by such cau∣ses as were last rehearsed, and is so aparant to the eie, as it needeth no signes to know it. The cure, according to Martin is thus. Take of Turpentine one pound, of Tarre halfe a pinte, of vnwrought Wax halfe a pinte. Boile all these thinges together, and stirre them continually vntil they be throughly mingled, and compact together. Then make a boote of leather with a good strong sole meete for the horses feet, to be laced or buckled about [ 10] the pasterne, and dresse his foot with the salue aforesaid laid vpon flaxe or Tow, and bol∣ster or stuffe his foot with soft flaxe, so as the boot may greeue him no manner of waye, renewing it euery day once vntill it be whole, and then put him to grasse.

Of the hooue bound.

THis is a shrinking of all the whole hooue. It commeth by drought, for the hoous perhaps are kept to dry, when the horse standeth in the stable, and sometime by meanes of heate,* 1.236 or of ouerstraight shooing. The Italians call the horse thus greeued Incastellado. The signes be these, The horse [ 20] wil hault, and the hooues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be hotte, and if you knocke on them with a hammer, they wil sound hollow like an empty bottle, and if both the feet be not hooue-bound, the sore foot will be lesser than the other indeed, and appeare so to the eie. The cure according to Martin is thus. Pull off the shooes, and shooe him with halfe moone-shooes called Lunette, the order and shape wherof you shall find among the Ferrers, and rase both the quarters of the hooue with a drawer, from the coronet vnto the sole of the foot, so deepe as you shall see the dew it selfe come forth. And if you make two rases on each side, it shall be so much the better, and inlarge the hooue the more. That done, an∣noint all the hooue about, next vnto the coronet round about, with the ointment pres∣cribed before in the chapter of casting the hooue continuing so to do euery day once vn¦til [ 30] he begin to amend for the space of a moneth, and if he goeth not well at the months ende, then take off the halfe shooes and pare all the soles, and frushes, and all so thinne as you may see the deaw come forth, and tacke on a whole shoo, and stop al the foot with∣in with hogs greace and bran boiled together, and laide hot to the foot, renewing it dai∣ly once the space of nine daies, to the intent the sole may rise. But if this will do no good then take away the sole cleane and clap on a whole shoe, and stop the foot with nettles and salt brayed together, renewing it once a day but not ouer hard, to the intent the sole may haue liberty to rise, and being growne againe, let him be shod with the lunets, and sent to grasse.

Of the running Frush. [ 40]

THe Frush is the tenderest part of the hooue towardes the heele, cal∣led of the Italians Fettone, and because it is fashioned like a forked head, the French men cal it Furchette, which word our Ferrers, ei∣ther for not knowing rightly how to pronounce it, or else perhaps for easinesse sake of pronuntiation, do make it a monasillable, & pro¦nounce it the Frush, in which Frush breedeth many times a roten∣nesse or corruption proceeding of humours that commeth out of [ 50] the legge, whereby the legge is kept cleane from the windgals and all other humours and swellings by meanes that the humors haue passage that way. Not∣withstanding the discommodity of the sorance is greater than the commodity, because it maketh the horses feet so weak and tender▪ as he is not able to tred vpon any hard ground The signes be these.

The horse wil hauls, and specially when the passage of the humour is stopt with anye grauel gathered in the Frush, and not being stopt it wil continually runne, the sauour whereof wil bee so strong as a man is not able to abide it, and in some places it wil looke raw. The cure according to Martin is thus. First take off the shooe and pare away all the corrupt places and make them raw, so as you may see the water yssue out of the raw pla∣ces, then tack on the shooe againe, being first made wide and large inough. That done, take of foote one handfull, of salte as much, bruse them well togither in a dish, and putte thereunto the white of three Egges, and temper them togither, and with a little Towe dipt therein, stop all the foote and especially the Frush, and splent is so as it may not fall [ 10] out, renewing it once a day the space of seuen daies, and then he will bee whole. During which time let the horse rest, and come in no wet, at the seauen daies end leaue stopping him, and ride him abroad, and alwaies when he commeth in, let his sore foote be cleane washed, that no grauell remaine therein, without doing any more vnto him.

Of the Frush.

THe Frush is the tendrest part of the sole of the foot, which by humors distilling ma∣ny times downe from the legges, occasion inflamations in that part,* 1.237 which may ea∣sily be perceiued by the impostumation of the same: the cure is, first hauing taken off the shooe, pare away all the corrupted and naughty matter, vntil the sore looke rawe, [ 20] then naile on a hollow shooe made for the same purpose, and take of soote a handeful, of the iuyce of House-licke and of Creame with the white of an Egge or two, as much as wil thicken the same: with this stop vp the sore, and splint it, so as it may not fal out, re∣newing it vntil it be whole: but during the cure, haue regard that the sore foot touch not any wet, for that is very much hurtfull.

Of diseases or griefes indifferently incident to any part of the body, but first of the Leprosie or vniuersall man∣ginesse, called of the old writers Elephantia.

[ 30] THis is a cankered manginesse, spreading ouer all the body, which commeth of a∣bundance of melancholy, corrupt and filthy blood. The signes be these, The horse will be al maungy and scuruy, ful of scabs, and rawe plots about the necke, and e∣uil fauoured to looke on, and alwayes rubbing and scratching. The cure according to Martin is thus. Let him blood the first day in the one side of the necke, and within 2. daies after that, in the flanke vaines, and last of all, in the vaine vnder the taile. Then wash all the sore places with salt brine, and rubbing them hard with a wispe of strawe hard twisted, so as they may bleed well, and be all raw. That doue, annoint the place with this ointment: take of Quicke-siluer one ounce, of Hogges-greace one pound, of Brimstone beaten into powder a quarterne, of Rape oyle a pinte. Mingle these thinges well together, vntill the [ 40] Quicke-siluer be throughly incorporated with the rest, and hauing annointed all the raw places with this ointment, make it to sinke into the flesh, by holding and weauing vp and downe ouer it, a hot broad barre of yron, and then touch him no more againe, the space of two or three daies, during which time, if you see that he rubbeth still in any place, then rub that place againe with an old horse-combe, to make it raw, and annoint it with fresh ointment. But if all this will not helpe, then with a hot yron and blunt at the point, so big as a mans little finger, burne all the mangy places, making round holes, passing only tho∣rough the skin, and no further. For which intent it shall be needefull to pull the skinne first from the flesh, with your left hand, holding it still vntil you haue thrust the hot yron thorough it, and let euery hole bee a spanne off one from another, and if neede be, you may annoint those holes with a little sope, and let the horse be thinne dieted, during his [ 50] curing time.

Of the Farcin, called in Italian of some, Il verme, and of some Farcina.

THis is a kind of creeping vlcer growing in knots, following along some veine, and it proceedeth of corrupt blood ingendred in the body, or else of some outward hurt, as

of spurgalling, or the biting of some other horse, or of biting of ticks, or of hogs lice, or such like causualties: Or if it be in the legges, it may come by interferring. It is easilye knowne, partly by the former description, and also it is apparant to the eie. The cure, ac∣cording to Martin is thus. Let him bloud in that vaine where it commeth, as nigh the sore place as may be, and let him bleed well, then fire euery knot one by one, taking the knot in your left hand, and pulling it so hard as you can from his body to the intent you maye the better pierce the knot, with a blunt hot yron, of the bignesse of a mans fore-finger, without doing the body any hurt, & let out the mater, leauing none vnburnd, be it little or much. That done, annoint euery knot so burned with Hogges-greace warmed euery day [ 10] once, vntill the coares be ready to fall away, and in the meane time prepare a good quan∣tity of old Vrine, and when you see the coares ready to fal, boile the vrine, and put there∣in a little Coporas and salt, and a few strong nettles, and with that water being warm, wash out all the coares and the corruption.

That done, fill euery hole immediately with the powder of slect lime, continuing thus to do euery day once, vntill the holes be closed vp, and if any be more ranker than other, fill those with Verdigrease, and during this cure, let the horse be thinly dieted, that is to say with straw and water onely, vnlesse it be nowe and then to giue him a loafe or breade. For the lower he be kept, the sooner he will be whole. And in any wise let his necke be yo∣ked in an olde bottomelesse paile, or else with short staues to keepe him from licking the sores, and the lesse rest he hath the better. Or do thus. Take a good great Dock-root clean [ 20] scraped, and cutte thereof fiue little rundels or cakes to be vsed as followeth. First with a knife make a slit right down in the horses forhed three inches longe, then with a Cornet loosen the skinne within the flesh, so as you may easily put therein fiue rundels of Docke, that is to say, two on each side of the slit one aboue another, and put the fift rundle in the very midst betwixt the other foure: that done, fasten to each of the slits two short shoo-makers ends, to serue as laces to tie in the foresaide rundles, so as they may not fall out, and clense the sore euery day once, for the vertue of the root is such, as it will draw al the filthy matter from any part of the body: yea, though the Farcin be in the hinder Legges, which matter is to be wiped away from time to time, and new rootes to be thrust into the the slit according as you see it needefull. [ 30]

Of the Farcion.

THe Farcion is a vilde disease, ingendred of ill bloud, flegmaticke matter, and vn∣kindly feeding, it appeareth in a horse like vnto little knottes in the flesh, as bigge as a Hasell Nutte,* 1.238 the knottes will encrease daily and inflame, impostume, and breake and when the knots amount to threescore, they wil euery night after breed so many more till they haue ouer-runne the horses bodye, and with the poison, which is mighty and also strong, soone bring gim to his death: This disease is very infectious and dangerous for some horses, yet if it be taken in any time it is easie to be holpen: the cure thereof is in [ 40] this manner. Take a sharpe Bodkin and thrust it through the neather part of his nose, that he may bleede: or if you will to let him bloude in the necke-vaine shall not be amisse: then feele the knots, and as many as are soft launce them and let them runne, then take strong Lye, Lime, and Allum, and with the same bath all his sores, and it shall in short space cure him. There is also another manner of curing this disease, and that is thus: Take a sharpe launce-knife, and in the top of the horses forehead, iust betweene his eies, make a long slit euen to the scull: then with a blunt instrument for the purpose lose the flesh from the scalp a pretty compasse: then take Carret-rootes cut into little thinne round pieces, and putte them betweene the skinne and the scull, as many as you can, then close vp the wound, and once a daie annoint it with fresh Butter: This is a most sure and approued way to cure the [ 50] Farcion, for looke how this wound thus made, shall rot, waste, and grow sound, so shall the Farcion breake, drie vp, and be healed, because all the poison that feedeth the disease shall be altogether drawne into the fore-head, where it shall die and waste away. The onely fault of this cure is, it will be somwhat long, and it is a foule eie-sore vntil it be whole. Some vse to burne this sorance, but that is naught and dangerous, as who so proues it shal find.

A most approued medicine to cure the Farcion.

TAke of Aqua-vitae two spoonfuls, of the iuyce of hearbe of grace as much,* 1.239 mingle them together, then take of plegants or Bals of Flax or Toe and steepe them there∣in, and stop them hard into the Horses eares, then take a needle and a thread, and stitch the tips of his two eares together, by meanes whereof he cannot shake out the me¦dicine, and vse him thus but three seuerall mornings, and it will kill any Farcion whatso∣euer, for it hath bin often approued.

[ 10] Another medicine of the same.

SLit euery hard kernell with a sharpe knife, and fill the hole with an ointment made of old Lard, Sope, and gray Salt, for that will eat out the coare, and cause it to rot, and so fall out of the one accord.

Of the Canker, called of the Italian Il Canero.

A Canker is a filthy creeping vlcer, fretting and gnawing the flesh in gret breadth. In the beginning it is knotty, much like a Farcine,* 1.240 and sprea∣deth it selfe into diuers places, and being exulcerated, gathereth togi∣ther [ 20] in length into a wound or sore. This proceedeth of a melancholy and filthy blood ingendered in the body, which if it be mixt with Salt humors, it causeth the more painefull and greeuous exulceration, and sometime it commeth of some filthy wound that is not cleanly kept, the corrupt matter whereof cankereth other clean parts of the body. It is easie to be knowne by the descrip∣tion before. The cure whereof, according to Martin is thus. Frst let him blood in those vaines that be next the sore, and take inough of him. Then take of Alum halfe a pound of greene Coporas and of white Coporas of each one quarterne, and a good handfull of Salt: boile all these things togither in faire running water, from a pottle to a quart. And this water being warme, wash the sore with a cloath, and then sprinkle thereon the pow∣der [ 30] of vnslecked lime, continuing so to do euery day once the space of fifteen daies: and if you see that the lime do not mortifie the ranke flesh, and keepe it from spreading any fur∣ther then take of blacke Sope halfe a pounde, of Quicke-siluer halfe an ounce, and beate them together in a pot, vntill the Quicke-siluer be so well mingled with the Sope, as you can perceiue none of the Quicke-siluer in it. And with an yron slice, after that you haue washed the sore with the stronge water aforesaide, couer the wound with this ointment, continuing thus to do euery day once, vntill the Canker leaue spreading abroad. And if it leaue spreading, and that you see the ranke flesh is mortified, and that the edges begin to gather a skin, then after the washing, dresse it with the lime as before, continuing so to vntil it be whole. And in the dressing, suffer no filth that commeth out of the sore, to re∣maine [ 40] vppon any whole place about, but wipe it cleane away, or else wash it away with warme water. And let the horse during this cure, be as thinly dieted as may be, and tho∣roughly exercised.

Of the Fistula called of the Italians Fistula.

A Fistula is a deepe hollowe crooking vlcer, and for the most part springes of maligne humors, ingendered in some wound, sore, or canker, not throughly healed. It is ea∣sie to know by the description before. The cure according to Martin is thus. Firste, search the depth of it with a quill, or with some other instrument of lead, that may be bo∣wed [ 50] euery way, meet for the purpose. For vnlesse you find the bottome of it, it wil be very hard to cure: And hauing found the bottome, if it be in such a place as you may boldely cut and make the way open with a launcet or rasor, then make a slit right against the bot∣tome, so as you may thruste in your finger, to feele whether there be any bone or gristle perished, or spungy or loose flesh, which must be gotten out, and then taint it with a taint

of flaxe dipt in this ointment. Take of hony a quarterne, and of Verdigrease one ounce beaten into powder. Boile them together, vntill it looke redde, stirring it continually, least it runne ouer, and being luke warme, dresse the taint wherewith, and bolster the taint with a bolster of flax. And if it be in such a place, as the taint cannot conueniently be kept in with a band, then fasten on each side of the hole, two ends of Shoomakers thread right ouer the bolster to keepe in the taint, which ends may hang there as two laces, to tye and vntie at your pleasure, renewing the taint euery day once vntill the sore leaue mattering. And then make the taint euery day lesser and lesser, vntill it be whole. And close it vp in the end, by sprinckling thereon a little slect lime. But if the Fistula be in such a place as a man can neither cut right against the bottome, or nigh the same: then there is no reme∣dy, [ 10] but to poure in some strong water, through some quill, or such like thing, so as it may goe to the very bottome, and dry vp all the filthy matter, dressing him so twice a day, vn∣till the horse be whole.

Of an Aubury.

THis is a great spungy Wart full of blood, called of the Italians, Moro, or Selfo, which may grow in any place of the body, and it hath a root like a Cocks stone. The cure ac∣cording to Martin is thus. Tie it with a thred, so hard as you can pull it, the thred will eate by little and little in such sort, as within seauen or eight daies, it will fall away by it selfe. And if it be so flat as you can binde nothing about it, then take it away with a sharpe hotte [ 20] yron, cutting it round about, and so deepe as you may leaue none of the root behind, and dry it with Verdigreace. Russius saith, that if it grow in a place full of sinnewes, so as it can∣not be conueniently cut away with a hot yron, then it is good to eat out the core with the powder of Resalgar, and then to stop the hole with flax dipt in the white of an Egge for a day or two, and lastly, to drie it vp with the powder of vnslect lime and hony, as before is taught.

Of Wounds.

VVOunds commeth by meanes of some stripe or pricke, and they are properly called wounds, when some whole part is cut or broken. For a wound accor∣ding [ 30] to the Phisitians, is defined to be a solution diuision, or parting, of the whole; For if there be no solution or parting, then methinkes it ought rather to be cal∣led a bruse then a wound. And therfore wounds are most commonly made with sharpe or piercing weapons, and bruses with blunt weapons. Notwithstanding, if by such blunt wea∣pons, anie part of the whole be euidently broken, then it ought to be called a wound as wel as the other: Of wounds some be shallow, and some be deepe and hollow: Againe, some chance in the fleshy partes, and some in the bonye and sinnewie places: And those that chaunce in the fleshy parts, though they be verie deepe, yet they be not so dangerous as the other, and therefore we will speak first of the most dangerous: If a horse haue a wound newly made, either in his heade, or in any other place that is full of sinnewes, bones, or [ 40] gristles: first Martin would haue you to wash the wounde well with white wine warmed: That done to search the bottome of the wound with some instrument meete for the pur∣pose, suffering it to take as little winde in the meane while as may be.

Then hauing found the depth, stop the hole close with a clout, vntill your salue be rea∣die: Then take of Turpentine of Mel Rosatum, of Oile of Roses, of each a quarterne, and a little vnwrought Waxe, and melt them together, and if it be a cut, make a handsome rol of cleane picked Towe, so long and so bigge as may fill the bottome of the wound, which for the most part is not so wide as the mouth of the wound: then make another role grea∣ter than that to fill vp the rest of the wounde, euen to the harde mouth, and let both these rolles be annointed with the ointment aforesaid Luke-warm. But if the hurt be like a hole [ 50] made with some pricke, then make a stiffe taint, such a one as may reach the bottome, an∣nointed with the aforesaid ointment, and bolster the same with a little Towe: And if the mouth be not wide inough, so as the matter may easily runne forth, if it be in such place you may do it without hurting anie sinnew, then giue it a pretie slit from the mouth down¦ward, that the matter may haue the freer passage, and in anie wise haue a speciall regarde,

that the taint may be continually kept in by one meanes or other, as by binding or staying the seine with the ends of shoomakers thread as is aforesaid. And if the hole be deep, & in such place as you may not cut it, then make your taint of a spunge, and so long as it may reach to the bottom, and the taint being made somewhat full, with continuall turning and wrying of it, you shall easily get it downe, and then dresse the wound with this twice a day, clensing the wound euery time with a little white wine lukewarm. For this spunge, anoin∣ted with the ointment aforesaid, will both draw and suck vp all the filthy matter, and make it so faire within as is possible: and as it beginneth to heale, so make your taint euery day lesser and lesser, vntill it be ready to close vp, and neuer leaue tainting it, so long as it will [ 10] receiue a taint, be it neuer so short. For hasty healing of woundes breedeth Fistulas, which properly be old wounds, and therefore must be cured like Fistulas.

Of wounds in the fleshy parts.

VSe the same ointment and maner of proceeding as before. And if the wound be large then to keep in the taint or roles, you shal be fain to put two or 3. shoomakers ends on each side of the sore, leauing them so long as you may tye them together, and loosen them when you will like laces.

Of old Vlcers or wounds.

[ 20] TO cure an old Vlcer, as Fistula, Gall, or Botch or any new receiued wound, these are the best salues and most approued in mine experience: take of hony halfe a pinte, of Deeresewet two ounces, of Vardigrease beaten into powder as much, boyle al these ex∣ceeding wel vpon the fire, then with the same lukewarme, taint or plaister any venemous sore, and it wil recure it. If you take of wax, Turpentine, oyle of Roses, of hogs-grease, of each like quantity, and halfe so much Tar as any one of the other simples, melt al these to∣gether, and being well incorporated together, either taint or plaister any wound, and it will heale it. Also, if you take the greene leaues of Tobacco bruised, and put them into a greene wound, they will heale it: the ashes of Tobacco burnt, if they be strewed vpon a∣nye sore that is neere skinning, it will also skin it perfectly, and it will incarnate well, if the [ 30] vlcer be not too deepe and dangerous. There bee many other salues, plaisters, and vn∣guents which I could set downe, but since I haue experienced these for most effectuall I omit the others as superfluous.

Of an hurt with an arrow.

IF the horse be hurt with an arrow, taint the hole with hogs grease and Turpentine mol∣ten together, renewing it euery day once vntil it be whole.

Of pulling out shiuers or thornes.

[ 40] MArtin saith, that if it bee not very deepe, sope being laid vnto it al night will make it to appear, so as you may pul it out with a paire of nippers. But if it be very deep then you must open the place with a knife or lancet, and get it out, and afterward heale vp the wound as hath beene taught you before. Russius saith, that the rootes of reed being stampt and mingled with hony will draw out any thorne, or shiuer: and so will snailes, as he saith, being stampt and wrought with fresh butter, and if the place be swollen, he saith it is good to mollifie it with Hogs-grease and hony, which wil asswage any new swelling, that com∣meth by stripe or otherwise.

Of bruisings or swellings.

[ 50] MArtin saith▪ First prick it with a fleame. Then take of wine lees a pint, as much wheat-flower as will thicken it, and an ounce of cumin. Boile them together, and lay this somewhat warme vnto it renewing it euery day once vntill the swelling either departe or else come to a head. And if it do, then lance it, and heale it vp as a wound.

Of sinnewes cut, prickt, or bruised.

* 1.241TAke of Tar, and Bean-flower, and a little oile of Roses, and lay it hot vnto the place. And if this do no good, then take Wormes and sallet-oile fryed together, or else the ointment of worms, which you shall haue at the Apothecaries, and one of these will knit ir againe, if it be not cleane asunder.

How to cure a wound made with harquebush-shot. [ 10]

MArtin saith. First seeke with an instrument whether the pellet remain within or not, and if it do, you must get it out with an instrument meete for the purpose. Then to kill the fire. Take a little vernish, and thrust it into the wound with a feather, an∣nointing it well within with the feather, and after that, stop the mouth faire and softly with a little soft flax, to keepe the wind out, and on the outside, charge all the swelling with this charge: take of bole Armony a quarterne, of Lineseede beaten into fine powder halfe a pound, of beane flower as much, and three or 4. broken egges, shels and all, and of Tur∣pentine a quarterne, and a quart of vineger, and mingle them well together ouer the fire, and being somewhat warme, charge all the sore place with part thereof, and immediatly clap a cloth, or a piece of leather vpon it, to keepe the wound from the cold aire, continu∣ing [ 20] both to annoint the hole within with vernish, and also to charge the swelling without, the space of foure or fiue daies, and at the fiue daies end, leaue annointing of it, and taint it with a taint reaching to the bottom of the wound, and dipped in Turpentine and hogs-grease molten together, renewing it euery day twice vntill it bee throughly killed, which you shall perceiue by the mattering of the wound, and by falling of the swelling: for so long as the fire hath the vpper hand, no thicke matter will yssue out, but onely a thin yello∣wish water, neither will the swelling asswage. And then take of Turpentine, washed in nine seuerall waters, halfe a pound, and put thereon three yolkes of egges, and a little Saffron, and taint it with that ointment, renewing it euery day once vntill the wound be whole. [ 30]

Of burning with Lime, or any other fiery thing.

MArtin saith. First wash away the Lime, if there bee any, with warme water. Then kill the fire with oyle and Water beaten together, dressing him so euery daye vntill it be all raw, and then annoint it with hogs grease, and strew thereupon the powder of slec∣ked lime, dressing him so euery day once vntill it be whole.

Of the biting of a mad Dog.

IF a Horse be bitten with a mad dog, the venom of his teeth will not onely paine him ex∣treamely, [ 40] but also infect all his blood, and make him to dye mad. The cure according to the old writers is thus. Take of Goats dung, of flesh that hath laide long in salt, and of the herbe Ebulus, called of some Danewort, of each halfe a pound, and xl. walnuts. Stamp all these things together, and lay thereof vnto the sore, and this will sucke out the venom, and heale the wound. It is good also to giue the Horse Treacle, and Wine to drinke: yea, and some would haue the sore place to be fiered with a hot iron.

Of hurts by tuskes of a Boare.

IF a horse be hurt with the tuske of a Boare, lay Vitriol, and Coporas thereunto, and the [ 50] powder of a dogs head being burned, but let the tong be first pulled out and cast away.

To heale the biting or stinging of Serpents.

LAurentius Russius saith. Take a good quantity of the herb called Sanicula, stamp it, and distemper it with the milke of a Cowe, that is all of one colour, and giue him that to drinke, and that will heale him.

Another medicine for the same purpose.

MAke a plaister of Onions, hony and salt, stampt and mingled together, and lay that to the sore place, and giue the horse wine, and treacle to drink. Absirtus would haue you to giue him white Pepper, Rue, and Time, to drinke with wine.

Of drinking of horseleaches.

[ 10] IF a Horse chance to drinke horseleaches, they will continually sucke his bloud, and kill him. The remedy, according to Absirtus, is to poure oyle into the Horses mouth which will make them to fall away and kill them.

Of swallowing downe hens dung.

IF a horse swallow downe hens dung in his hay, it will fret his guts, and make him to void filthy matter at the fundament. For remedy whereof, Absirtus would haue you to giue him drinke made of smallage seede, wine, and hony, and to walke him throughly vpon it, [ 20] that he may empty his belly.

Of Lice, and how to kill them

THey be like Geese Lice, but somewhat bigger, they will breede most about the eares, necke, and taile, and ouer all the body. They come of pouerty,* 1.242 and the horse will bee alwaies rubbing, and scratching, and will eate his meate, and not prosper withall, and with rubbing he will breake all his mane, and taile. The cure according to Martin is thus. An∣noint the place with sope and quicksiluer, well mingled together, and to a pound of sope, put halfe an ounce of quicksiluer.

[ 30] Of Lousinesse

THere be Horsses that will be Lousie, and it commeth of pouerty, cold, and il keeping,* 1.243 and it is oftnest amongst young horses, and most men take little heed vnto it, and yet they will dye thereon, the cure is, to wash them three mornings together in Stau-aker and warme water.

How to saue horsses from the stinging of flies in Summer.

ANnoint the Horsses coat with oyle, and Bay berries, mingled together, or tie to the [ 40] headstall of his collar, a sponge dipt in strong vineger, or sprinkle the stable with wa∣ter, wherein hearb Grace hath bin laid in steepe, or perfume the stable with Iuie, or with Calomint, or with Gith burned in a pan of coles.

Of bones being broken out of ioynt.

FEw or none of our Ferrers do intermeddle with any such griefes, but do refer it ouer to the bone setter, whose practised hand, I must needes confesse, to be needful in such businesse. Notwithstanding, for that it belongeth to the Ferrers art, and also for that the old writers do make some mention therof, I thought good not to passe it ouer altogither [ 50] with silence. Albeit, they speake odlye of fractures in the legs beneath the knee. For they make little mention or none of bones aboue the knee, taking them to be incurable, vnlesse it be a rib, or such like. If a bone then be broken in the leg, it is easie to perceiue, by fee∣ling the roughnesse and inequality of the place grieued, one part being higher then ano∣ther: the cure whereof, according to Absirtus, and Hierocles, is in this sorte.

First, put the bone againe into his right place. That done, wrap it about with vnwasht wooll, binding it fast to the leg with a small linnen roller, soked before in Oyle and vine∣ger mingled together And let that roller be laid on, as euen as is possible, and vpon that lay againe more wooll, dipt in oyle and vineger, and then splent it with three splents, binding them fast at both ends with a thong, and let the horses leg be kept straight, and right out, the space of forty daies and let not the bonds be loosened aboue 3. times in twenty daies, vnlesse it shrinke, and so require to be new drest, and bound again. But faile not euery day once, to poure on the sore place, through the splentes, oyle and vineger, mingled toge∣ther. And at the forty daies end, if you perceiue that the broken place be sowdered toge∣ther again with some hard knob or gristle: then loosen the bonds, so as the horse may go [ 10] faire and softly, vsing from that time forth to annoint the place with some soft greace or ointment.

Of broken bones.

I Haue not for mine owne part had any great experience in broken bones of a Horse, be∣cause it chanceth seldom,* 1.244 and when it doth chance, what through the horses brutish vn∣rulinesse, and the immoderate maner of the act, it is almost held incurable, yet for the lit∣tle experience I haue, I haue not found for this purpose any thing so soueraine or absolut good, as oyle of Mandrag, which applyed, conglutinateth and bindeth together any thing especially bones being either shiuered, or broken. [ 20]

Of bones out of ioynt.

IF a Horses knee or shoulder be clean out of ioynt, and no bone broken, Mar∣tin saith the readiest way is,* 1.245 to bind all the foure legs together, in such sort as hath bin taught before in the chap. of incording, and then to hoise the Horsse somewhat from the ground, with his heeles vpward, so shal the weight and peise of his body, cause the ioynt to shoot in again into the right place: for by this means he pleasured not long since a friend and neighbor of his, who going with his cart from S. Albo••s▪ towards his owne house, his Thiller fell and put his shoulder cleane out of ioynt, [ 30] so as he was neither able to rise, nor being holpen vp, could stand on his Legs: to which mischance Martin being called, made no more adoe, but taking his friendes Cart-rope, bound the horses legs all 4. together, and with a leuer being staid vpon the Cart-wheele, they putting their shoulders to the other end, hoised vp the horse clean from the ground, the peise of whose body made the bone to returne into his right place, with such a loude k••ack or crack, as it might he heard a great way off, and the Horse immediatly had the vse of his leg, so as he drew in the cart, and went also safe home without complaining thereof euer after.

Certaine receipts of plaisters, very good for broken bones, taken out of the old Authors, writing of horse-leach-craft. [ 40]

TAke of Spuma argenti, of vineger, of each one pound, of Sallet-oyle halfe a pound, of Amoniacum, and Turpentine, of each 3. three ounces, of waxe, of Rozen, of each two ounces of Bitumen, of Pitch, of Vardigrease, of each halfe a pound. Boile the vineger, oile and Spuma argenti together, vntill it wax thick, then put thereunto the Pitch, which being molten, take the pot from the fire, and put in the Bitumen, without stirring it at al, and that being also molten, then put in al the rest, & set the pot again to the fire, and let them boile al together, vntil they bee all vnited in one. That done, straine it, and make it in a plaister forme, and this is called Hierocles plaister. [ 50]

Another receit for broken bones.

TAke of liquid Pitch one pound, of wax two ounces, of the purest & finest part of Fran∣kincense one ounce, of Amoniacum foure ounces, of dry Roses, and of Galbanum, of each one ounce, of vineger two pints. Boile first the vineger and Pitch together, then put

in the Amoniacum, dissolued first in vineger, and after that al the rest of the aforesaid drugs and after they haue boyled together, and be vnited in one, straine it, and make it plaister∣wise, and this is called Emplastrum flauum, that is to say, the yellow plaister.

An ointment for broken bones.

TAke of old Sallet-oile a quart, and put therunto of hogs-grease of Spuma nitri, of each one pound, and let them boile together, vntil it begin to buble aboue, & let this oint∣ment be very warm when you vse it. Hitherto of al the diseases belonging to a horse. Now [ 10] therefore my promise was made vnto you to speake of those things wherein the cure of al diseases do consist, that is to say, in letting bloud, in taking vp of veines, in purging, and in giuing the fire: yea, and also order it selfe bindeth me to treat of the said things present∣ly, and first of letting blood.

In how many veines a horse may be let bloud, and to what end.

AS touching the order, time of the yeare, Moone, and day, and other circumstances belonging to letting of blood, we haue sufficiently spoken already in the keepers of∣fice, [ 20] in the 22. chap. It resteth therefore here to shew you what veines should be opened when the horse is sick of any disease, according to Vegetius opinion. But first I will rehearse vnto you once again, in how many veines a horse may be let blood, and the rather for that I followe Vegetius. A Horse then may bee let blood in the two Temple vaines. Item, in the two eie vaines, which are easie to finde in the face of the horse, somewhat beneath the eies.

Item, in the two pallat veines of the mouth. In the two necke vaines. Item in the two plat vaines which bee in the breast. Item, in the two forethigh vaines. Item, in the foure shakell vaines before. Item, in the two toe vains before. Item in the two side veines, which may bee otherwise called flancke veines. Item in the taile veine. Item in the two haunch [ 30] veines. Item in the two hough veines. Item, in the foure shakell veines behinde. Item, in the two toe veines behind, so that by this accout, a horse may be let blood in 3••, veines. All which veines are easie inough to know, because that euery one lyeth in a little gutter, which by feeling softly with your finger, you shall finde immediatly. And Vegetius saith, that if a Horse be pained with any griefe in his head, as with ach, heauinesse, frenzy, fal∣ling euill, or such like, then it is good to let him blood in the temple veines with a fleame. If his eies be waterish, blodshotten, or grieued with pin, web, or hawe, then it is good to strike the eie veine with a fleame. If he haue any heauinesse or wearinesse of body, or bee diseased in the throat with the strangullion, quinzy, or swelling of the artires, either within or without, then it is good to let him bloud in the mouth, in the palat veines with a Cor∣net. If he be vexed with an Ague, or with any other disease, vniuersally hurting his body, [ 40] then let him bloud in the necke vaines. If his griefe be in the lungs, liuer, or in any other inward member, then let him blood in the breast veines, which we called before the palat veines. If he be grieued in the shoulder, then let him blood in the forethigh veins, aboue the knee with a lancet, and that very warily, because that place is full of sinnewes, and if he be grieued in his ioynts, then let him bloud in the shakell veines, and that warily, be∣cause that place is also full of sinnewes.

And if he be foiled on his forefeet by foundering or otherwise, then let him blood in the toe veins, making way first with your drawer, or cornet in the hoofe to come to the veine. If he bee diseased in the kidnies, reines, backe, or belly, then let him bloud in the flancke veines, and in his taile, if he hath any griefe in his hips, or houghs, then let him blood in the hip or hough veines, and if his hinder legs, ioynts, or feete, be grieued, then let him [ 50] blood in the shakell veines, and toe veines, as is aforesaid.

The order of taking vp vaines, and wherefore it is good.

* 1.246THe order obserued by Martin is in this sort. First, if the Horsse be very curst and shrewd, then cast him vppon a dunghill, or some straw, then ha∣uing found the veine that you would take vp, marke well that part of the skinne which couereth the veine, and pull that somewhat a side from the veine with your left thumb, to the intent you may slit it with a Rasor, with∣out touching the veine. And cut not no deeper then onely through the skinne, and that [ 10] longste wise, as the veine goeth, and not aboue an inch long. That done, take away your Thumbe, and the skinne will returne againe into his place, right ouer the veine, as it was before.

Then with a cornet vncouer the vaine and make it vp, and heing bare, thrust the cor∣net vnderneath it, and raise it vp, so as you may put a shoomakers thread vnderneath, somewhat higher then the cornet, to knit the vaine when time is. And if your cornet had a hole in the small end to put in the thread, it should be the easlier done.

Then the cornet standing so still, slit the vaine longst wise that it may bleede, and hauing bled somewhat from aboue, then knit it vp with a sure knot, somewhat aboue the slit, suf∣fering it to bleed onely from beneath, and hauing bled sufficiently, then knit vp the veine also beneath the slit with a sure knot, and fill the hole of the vein with Salt, and then heale [ 20] vp the wound of the skinne with Turpentine, and Hogs-grease molten together, and laid on with a little Flax. The taking vp of veines is very necessary, and doth ease many griefes in the Legges: for the taking vp of the forethigh veines easeth Farcins, and swellinges of the Legges, the taking vp of the shakell veines before, easeth the Quitter-bone and swel∣ling of the ioynts, scabs, and cratches. The taking vp of the hinder veines helpeth the Farcin, swellings, and both the spauens, the taking vp of the shakel veines behind, helpeth swelling of the ioynts, the paines, and kibed heeles, and such like diseases.

Of purging with Purgation, or Glister.

PVrgations is defined by the Physitians, to be the emptiyng or voiding [ 30] of superfluous humors, annoying the body with their euill quality. For such humors bring euill iuyce and nutriment, called of the Physitians Cacochimia, which when it will not be corrected or holpen with good dy∣et, alteration, nor by the benefit of nature and kindly heat, then it must needes be taken away by purgation, vomit or Glister. But forasmuch as Horsses are not wont to be purged by Vomit, as men be, I will speake heere onely of Gli∣sters and purgations. And first because a Horse is grieued with many diseases in his guts, and that nothing can purge the guts so well as a Glyster, and especially the thicke guts, I wish that our Ferrers would learne to knowe the diuersity of Glysters to what end they▪ [ 40] serue, and with what drugs or simples they should bee made, for as the disease requireth, so must the Glister bee made, some to allay griefes and sharpnesse of humors, some to binde, some to loosen, some to purge euill humors, some to clense Vlcers: but our Fer∣rers vse Glisters, only to loosen the belly and for no other purpose: yea, few or none do that vnlesse it be Martin, and such as he hath taught, who is not ignorant that a Glister is the beginning of purgation. For a Glister, by clensing the guts, refresheth the vital parts and prepareth, the way before. And therefore whensoeuer a Horse is surfeted and full of euill humors, needing to be purged and specially being pained in the guts, I would wish you to begin first with a Glister, least by purging him by medicine vppon the sudden, you [ 50] stir vp a multitude of euill humors, which finding no passage downeward because the guts be stopt with wind and dregges, do strike vpwardes, and so perhaps put the horse in great danger.

But now you shall vnderstand that Glisters be made of foure things, that is to say, of de∣coctions, of Drugges, of Oyles, or such like vnctious matters, as butter and soft grease, and fourthly of diuers kindes of salt to prouoke the vertue expulsiue. A decoction is as

much to say as the broath of certaine hearbes or simples boiled together in water till the third part be consumed.

And sometime instead of such decoction, it shalbe needfull parhaps to vse some fat broth as the broth of Beefe or of Sheeps heads, or Milke, or Whay, or some other such like li∣quor, and that perhaps mingled with Hony, or Sugar, according as the disease shall re∣quire, the Glister to be either Lenitiue, that is to say, easing paine: or Glutinatiue, that is, ioyning together: or else Abstersiue, that is to say, cleansing or wiping away filthy mat∣ter, of which decoction of broath being strained, you shall need to take three pintes or a quart at the least. And then into that you may put such drugges as shall bee needefull to the weight of three or foure ounces, according as the simples shall bee more or lesse vio∣lent. [ 10] Of Oyle at the least halfe a pinte, and of Salt two or three drammes, and then to bee ministred Luke-warme with a horne or pipe made of purpose, when the horse is not alto∣gether full panched, but rather empty, be it either in forenoone or after-noone. And as touching the time of keeping glisters in the body, you shal vnderstand, that to glisters ab¦stersiue halfe an houre or lesse may suffice: to glisters Lenitiue a longer time if it may be and to glisters Glutinatiue, the longest time of all is most needfull.

Of Purgations.

PVrgations for men may be made in diuers sorts and formes, but horses are wont to [ 20] be purged onely with pilles, or els with purging powders put into Ale,* 1.247 wine or some other liquor. But the simples whereof such pils or powders be made, would be chosen with iudgement and aptly applyed, so as you may purge away the hurtfull humours, and not the good. Learne first therefore to know with what humour or humours the horse is greeued, be it Choler, Flegme, or Melancholy, and in what part of the body such humors do abound: then what simples are best to purge such humors, & with what property, quali¦ty, and temperament they be indued. For some be violent and next cousins to poison, as Scamony, or Coloquintida. Some againe are gentle, and rather meat than medicines, as Manna, Cassia, Whay, Prunes, and such like. And some againe be neither too violent, nor too gentle, but in a meane, as Rhewbarbe, Agaricke, Sene, Aloes. The olde men did vse [ 30] much to purge horses with the pulpe of Coloquintida, and sometime with the rootes of wilde Cowcumber, and sometime with the broathe of a sodden Whelpe mingled with Nitrum, and diuers other thinges whereof I am sure I haue made mention before in the curing of horses diseases.

Notwithstanding I would not wish you to be rash in purging a horse after the old mens example. For as their simples many times bee very violent, so the quantities thereof by them prescribed are verie much, and dangerous for any horse to take in these daies, in the which neither man nor beast, as it seemeth, is of such force or strength as they were in times past. And therefore whensoeuer you would purge him with such like kindes of Pur∣gations as Martin vseth, wherof you haue example before in diuers places, and whensoe∣uer [ 40] you list for knowledge sake to deale with other simples, to proue them first vpon such Iades as may well be spared. For whosoeuer mindeth to purge a horse well, that is, to do him good and no hurt, had neede to consider manie things: as the nature of the horses di∣sease, and the horses strength: also the nature, strength and quantity of the medicine that he ministreth: the Region, or Countrey the time of the disease, the time of the yeere and daie. For as the diseases and euill humors causing such diseases are diuers, so doe they re∣quire to be purged with diuers medicines, diuerslie compounded, wherein consisteth a point of Art to be learned at the Physitians hands, and not at mine.

Againe, weake, delicate, and tender Horses, may not be purged in such sorte, as those that be of a strong sturdie nature. And therefore in such cases the qualitie and quantity of [ 50] the simples is not a little to be considered, neither is the hotnesse or coldnesse of the Regi∣on to be neglected, nor the time of the disease. For some require to be purged in the verie beginning some, not vntill the matter be throughlie digested: and though the disease pro∣ceed perhaps of colde and cold humors, yet a man may not Minister such hot thinges in Summer, as he would do in Winter, nor in the contrarie ease, such cold thinges in Win∣ter

as he would in Summer. And therefore the time and season of the yeare is also to bee obserued: yea the day and time of the day. For the more temperate the day is the better, not in an extreame hot day, for making the horse to faint, nor yet when the winde blow∣eth in the cold North, for that wil stop and hinder the working of the medicine, but rather in a temperate moist day, when the wind is in the South, if it may bee, for that will further and helpe the working of the medicine, and make the body loose and soluble.

Againe for a horse, whether you purge him with pils or drinke, it is best for him (as Mar∣tin saith) to take them in the morning, after that he hath fasted from meat and drinke al the night before. And hauing receiued his medicine, let him be walked vppe and downe, one houre at the least, and then set him vp, and suffered to stand on the bit two or three houres [ 10] without any meat, but in the meane time see that he be well littered, and warme couered: and at three houres end, offer him a little of a warme mash made with Wheate meale, or with bran, or else with ground mault. Giue him little meat or none vntill he be purged: all which thinges haue bin shewed you before in diuers places, and therefore I thinke it not good to be tedious vnto you with often recitall thereof.

Of Cauterization, or giuing the fire, aswell actuall as potentiall.

FOrasmuch as the fire is iudged of all the olde writers to be the chiefest remedy, and as it were the last refuge in all diseases almost whereunto a horse is subiecte, I thought [ 20] good therefore to talke of it in this place, and the rather, for that fewe or none of our Ferrers vnlesse it be Martin, or such as haue beene taught, do know howe to giue the fire, or to what end it serueth. But first you shall vnderstand, that according to the learned Chi∣rurgians, yea, also according to my old Authors, there be two kinds of Cauterie, the one actuall, and the other potential. The Cauterie actual is that which is done onely by fiering of the greeued place with a hot yron. The potentiall Cauterie is done by applying vnto the greeued place, some medicine corosiue, putrifactiue, or causticke. But we will speake first of the actuall cautery, shewing you wherefore it is good, then of what mettell and fa∣shion your instrument should be made, and finally how and when to vse them.

Auicen saith, that an actuall cauterie moderately vsed, is a noble remedy to stoppe co∣ruption [ 30] of members, to rectifie the complexion of the same, and also to staunch bloode. How be it you must beware (saith he) that you touch not the sinnewes, chordes, or liga∣ments, least the member be weakened, or that the crampe insueth. Vegetius also writing of horse-leach-craft, praiseth the actuall cavterie very much, speaking in this sort. The actuall cautery saith he, bindeth together parts losened, it doth attinuate parts blowne and puffed vp, it drieth vp superfluous moisture, it looseneth, and diuideth euill matter gathered to∣gether into knots, it asswageth old griefes, it rectifieth those parts of the body that are co∣rupted by any manner of way, reducing them to their pristine estate, and suffereth no su∣perfluity to grow or increase, for the skinne being opened with a hot yron, all kind of cor∣ruption by vertue of the fire is first digested and ripened, and then dissolued, so as the mat∣ter [ 40] doth yssue out at the holes, whereby the member or part before offended is nowe hea∣led, and eased of all paine and greefe: yea the holes being once closed and cleane shut vp, that place is stronger and better knit, and couered with a tougher skin that euer it was be∣fore. Now as touching the instruments whereof, and of what fashion they should be made you shall vnderstand, that Vegetius and the other old writers would haue them to be made of copper, praising that mettell to be far better to burne with, that yron. The chirurgians for mans body do praise gold and siluer, but as for the fashion of the yrons, it is to bee re∣ferred to the kinde of sore place and grieued, wherewith you haue to deale, according to the diuersity whereof, the instruments are to be made of diuers fashions, as some with sea∣ring yrons with sharpe edges, and some with blunt and broade edges, some like right, and [ 50] some like crooked Bodkins, and some like hookes and sickles, and some with a great but∣ton, and some with a smal Button at the one ende, in making whereof, the Ferrers iudge∣ment is most needfull, who ought to be so skilfull as he may be able to make al maner of y∣rons that he should occupy, and to alter them according as need shall require. And there∣fore I thought good onely heere to speake of the common drawing yron, and of the

button yron, like in forme to those that Martin vseth, referring all the rest to your owne iudgement, and specially sith you haue bin fully instructed before of what sort they shold be made meet to serue your turne in any disease: Nowe, as touching the vse of the instru∣ments, two things are specially to be considered, that is the heating of the yron, and the bearing of the hand. For the backe of the yron may not be red hot, but onely the edge, for feare of yeelding too much heat. And therefore though it be made red hot at the first, yet it shall be good before you occupy it, to cool the backe of the instrument in water, and as touching the bearing of the hand more euenly and lightly it is donne the better, and that according as the finenesse and thinnesse of the skin shall require, which is to be iudged by [ 10] the haire. For if the haire be short and fine, then it is a signe of a fine skinne, if longe and rough, then it betokeneth a thicke skinne. The fine skinne requireth the lighter hand, and not to be burned so deepe as the thicke skinne, yet both must be burned vntill they looke yellow.

But the fine skinne will looke yellow with lesser burning, then the thicke skinne. For the thicke skinne with his long haire doth choke the fire, and therefore requireth a more heauy hand: yea, and more often heating of the instrument than the thinne skinne doeth, and be sure to draw alwaies with the haire, and not against the haire, in what forme and in what manner of lines hath beene taught you before: for those must be made either long, short, deepe, shallow, right-crooked, or ouer-thwart, according as the disease doeth re∣quire: [ 20] you haue learned also how to alay the heat of the fire, after such drawing. And ther∣fore I haue no more to say heere, but onely to admonish you acccording to Vegetius pre∣cepts, not to fire anie sinnewie place, nor bone that is broken or out of iointe, for feare of weakening the whole member, nor to bear so heauy or vneuen hand, as you should there∣by deforme or misfashion any part of the horse, nor be too hasty in giuing the fire, but to attempt first all other conuenient remedies, and when nothing else will helpe to make the fire your last refuge, and yet not so much to neglect it and abhorre it, like the ignoraunt sort, as you will not vse it when need requireth, for lack whereof many horses go lame, and vncured of diuers diseases. P••••ctise your selus therefore in giuing the fire at needful times with iudgement and discretion, so shall you do it to the horses benefit, and to your owne [ 30] great praise and profit.

Of Cauteries potentiall.

CAuteries potentiall, as Iohannes Vigo saith, are medicines Corosiue, Putrifactiue and Causticke. This word Corosiue, is deriued of the Latine word Corrodo, which is as much to saie, as to gnaw and frette, and of such Corosiues, some be simple and some compounde. The simple as Vigo saith, be such as these be, Roche Alum, as well burnte as not burnt, spunge of the Sea somewhat burnt, Lime, redde corall powder of Mercury. Compound corosiues be these, Vnguentum A∣postolorum, Vnguentum aegyptiacum, Vnguentum Ceraceum. Medicines putrifactiue, called of [ 40] the learned sort, Septica according to Auicen, be those that haue strength to corrupte the complexion of the member, and to induce any scarre like dead flesh, causing great pain: yea and Feuers, & therefore ought not to be ministred, but to strong bodies and in strong diseases, as in Carbuncles, Cankers, Vlcers, and such like, and they bee these, Arsenicke sublimat resalgar, and other medicines compound therwith. Siluius also addeth thereunto Sandaraca, Chrysocolla, and Aconitum, but he doth not agree with Auicen in the description of the putrifactiue medicines: For he saith, that they haue little paine or none, neither bee they so hot and drie as those that are called Escharotica: that is to say crustiue: which be hot in the forth degree and do breed a crust and scarre, and cause great paine, as vnslect lime, and the burned dregges of wine: wherefore it seemeth that Auicens description belongeth rather to the crustiue than to the putrifactiue medicines.

[ 50] Notwithstanding, I must needs say that our Chirurgions and also Ferrers, do find both Arsenicke and Resalgar, to be so sharpe, hotte, and burning things, as when they minister the same to any part of the body, they are forced to alay the sharpenesse thereof: the chi∣rurgians with the iuyce of Plantaine or Daffadill, or else of House-leeke, the Ferrers with

Hogges-greace. Medicines causticke: that is to say burning, are those whose operation are most strong and inclineth to the natute of the fire, and yet more easily alayed as Vigo wri∣teth, than the medicines putrifactiue, and therefore may be more safely vsed. They bee made as he saith of strong lie, called Capitellum, or Magistra, of Vitriolae Romanae, Sal Nitri, Aqua fortis, of this sort be al those which Vigo calleth the blistering medicines, as Apium, Cantharides, Ciclamine, Onions, strong Garlicke, Melanacardinum, the stones or graines of Vitis alba, otherwise called Brione. Moreouer, Vigo maketh euery one of these cauteries potentiall to excel one another, as it were by certaine degrees, saying, that corosiues bee weaker then putrifactiues, and putrifactiues be weaker then causticke, and therefore coro∣siues [ 10] worke in the vpper part and in soft flesh, Putrifactiues in hard flesh and deepe. But caustickes haue power to breake the skin in hard flesh and do enter most deepely. The vse of the moste part of which thinges haue beene taught you before in sundry places, accor∣ding to Martins experience.

And therefore I leaue to trouble you any further, wishing you that are desirous to know any more of those matters, to read Taugantius writing De piroticis. And Siluius de medica∣mentorum compositione. And Iohn Vigo writing of surgerie, Englished but few yeares since. But the old writers so farre as I can iudge by the wordes of Absirtus, and others, that write or horseleachcraft, do applie this worde causticke, to such medicines as are astrictiue and binding, called of Martin and other Ferrers in these daies, binding charges, as may well appeare by the composition and vse heere following, recited by Vegetius in this sort. [ 20]

The receipt of a Causticke vsed by Chiron, to dry vp the superfluous moisture and to bind parts loosened, and to strengthen parts weakened.

TAke of Bitumen Iudaicum two pounde, of Bitumen Apolonij two pounde, of the purest part of Frankencense six ounce, of Bdellium Arabicum two ounces, of Deares sewet 2. pound, of Populeum two ounces, of Galbanum two ounces, of the drops of Storax two oun∣ces, of common wax two pound, of Resin Gabial one pounde, of Viscus Italicus three oun∣ces, of Apoxima two ounces, of the iuice of hipsop two ounces, of the drops of Armoniake [ 30] two ounces, of pitch one pound.

Another Causticke vsed by Pelagonius, to dry vp swellings, Bladders, Windgals, and splents in the Legges and ioynts.

TAke virgin wax one pound, of Rozen two pound and a halfe, of Galbanum three oun∣ces, of Asphaltum Iudaicum two pound, of Mirrhe secondary two pounde, of Bitumen one pound, of Armoniacke six ounces, of Costus six ounces. Boile all these things together in an earthen pot, sauing the Asphaltum, Armoninack & Costum: which being first ground [ 40] like fine flower, must be added vnto the other thinges, and after that they haue been boiled and cooled, and then boiled al together againe, and well stirred, so as they may bee incor∣porated together, and made all one substance. These kindes of emplaisters or ointmentes ought in my iudgement to be so called, as I said before, rather binding charges, than cau∣slike medicines, because there be no such extreame corosiue or burning simples in these, as are before recited. Notwithstanding I refer my iudgment to those that be better lerned, and so end for being ouer tedious. For if I would, I could take very good occasion heere to speake of diuers others other medicines, whereof some are called Anodina, easing paine and griefe. Martin calleth them Linoges, which are made of Lineseede, Cammomile, soft [ 50] greace and such like things, as are hot in the first degree, some againe are called Narcotica, that is to say, astonying or bringing to sleepe, as those that are made of Opium, Mandrago∣••a, Popie, and such like cold and grosse things. And some are called Sarcotica, that is, bree∣ding flesh, as Barly flower and Frankencense. And many other kinds of emplaisters, oint∣ments, waters and salues, which would occupy a booke of no smal volume, to bee written hereafter by some other perhaps, if not by my selfe. And in the meane time, let this that I haue already written suffice.

Of the Anticor.

AN Anticor, commeth of superfluity, of euill blood or spirit in the artires, and also of inflammation in the liuer, which is ingendered by meanes of too choise keeping,* 1.248 and ouermuch rest, which choaketh the vital power, and occasion vnnaturall swel∣lings in the brest, which if they ascend vpward and come into the necke, they are instantly death: the cure thereof is in this sort. Let him bleed so as he may bleed abundantly, then with a sharp knife in diuers places cut the swelling: which done, set a cupping-glasse ther∣on, and cup it till the glasse filled with foule water fall away it selfe: then giue the Horse to [ 10] drinke three mornings together a pinte of Malmesie well stirred with Sinamon, Lycoras, and a little Bezar stone, and during his sicknes, let his drinke bee warmed, and mingled with either Bran or Malt.

Of the Cords.

THe Cords is a disease that maketh a horse stumble, and many times fall, and they a∣peare in a horses forelegs, this is the cure thereof. Take a sharpe knife, and cut a slitte euen at the tip of his nose, iust with the point of the grisle, open the slit being made, and you shall perceiue a white string, take it vp with a Bores tooth, or some crooked bod∣kin, and cut it insunder, then stitch vppe the slit and annoint it with Butter, and the horse [ 20] doubtlesse shall be recouered.

Of the Millets.

THe Millets is a griefe that appeareth in the Fetlockes behinde, and causeth the haire to shed three or foure inches long, and a quarter of an inch in bredth, like as it were bare and ill to cure, but thus is the cure: First wash it well with strong lye, and rub it till it bleede, then binde vnto it Hony, vnslect lime, and Deares sewet, boiled and mingled together, this do for the space of a weeke, and it shall be whole.

[ 30] Of the Serew.

A Serew is a foule soraunce, it is like a Splent, but it is a little longer, and is most com∣monly on the outside of the fore legge, as the splint is on the inside, the cure is thus. Take two spoonefuls of strong Wine-Vinegar, and one spoonefull of good Sallet-oyle, mingle them together, and euery morning bestow one houre in rubbing the sorance with it altogether downeward til it be gone, which will not be long in going.

The medicines arising out of Horses.

[ 40] THe Graecians haue written nothing at all concerning wilde horses,* 1.249 because in their country there was none of them v∣sually bredde or gotten: yet notwithstanding the same wee ought to thinke that all medicines or anye other thinges, which do proceed from them, are more strong in operati∣on, and haue in them greater force and power then anye common horses haue, as it falleth out in all sortes of other beasts.

The blood of a horse (as Pliny affirmeth) doth gnaw into [ 50] deade flesh with a putrifactiue force, the same vertue hath the blood of Mares, which haue bin couered by horses: Also the bloode of a horse (but e∣specially of one which is a breeder) doeth verye much make and helpe againste im∣postumes, and small bunches which do arise in the flesh. Moreouer it is said that the bloud of a young Asse is very good against the Iaundice, and the ouer-flowing of the gall, as al∣so the same force and effect is in the blood of a young horse. The horse-leaches do vse the

blood of horses for diuers diseases which are incident vnto them, both by annointing or rubbing the outward parts, as also within their bodies.

Furthermore if one do cut the vaines of the pallet of a horses mouth, and let it runne downe into his belly,* 1.250 it will presently destroy and consume the maw or belly-worms, which are within him. When a horse is sicke of the pestilence, they draw blood out of the veines in his spurring place, and mingling the same vpon a stone with salt, make him to licke it vp. The blood of a horse is also mingled with other medicines, and being annointed vpon the armes and shoulders of men or beasts,* 1.251 which are broken or out of ioynt, doth very much helpe them. But a horse which is weary or tyred, you must cure after this manner. Firste, draw some bloude out of his matrixe or wombe, and mingle it with Oyle and Wine, and [ 10] then put it on the fire till it bee luke-warme, and then rubbe the horse all ouer againste the haires.

If the sinnewes of horses do wax stiffe or shrink in together, it is very necessary that the sicke parts should be annointed with the hot bloode which doeth proceede from him,* 1.252 for horses also which are fed in the field vse their flesh and dung, against the biting and stinging of Serpents.

We do also find that the flesh of horses being well boiled is very medicinable for di∣uers diseases.* 1.253 Moreouer it is very vsuall and common with the women of Occitania to take the fat or greace of horses to annoint their heades to make the haire of their heads multi∣ply and increase, and certaine later Phisitians do mingle the marrow of a horse with other [ 20] ointments for a remedy against the crampe.

The marrow of a horse is also very good to loosen the sinnewes which are knit and fast∣ned together, but first let it be boiled in wine, and afterwards made cold, and then anoin∣ted warmly either by the fire or Sun. If a horse do labor in what kind of impostume which they vulgarly call the worme, either any where as well as in the nose, they do open the skin with a searirg yron, and doe sprinkle Verdigreace within the horses mouth being brent, there being added thereunto sometimes the seed of Hen-bane.

The teeth of a male horse not gelded or by any labor made feeble, being put vnder the head or ouer the head of him that is troubled or starteth in his dreame, doth withstand and resist all vnquietnes which in the time of his rest might happen vnto him.* 1.254 Pliny also doeth [ 30] assent that flower dooeth heale the sorenes of a horses teeth and gums, and the clefts and chinkes of a horses feet.

The teeth also of a horse is verye profitable for the curing of the Chilblanes which are rotten and full of corruption when they are swollen full ripe.* 1.255 Marcellus saith that the toothe of a horse being beaten and crushed into very small powder, and being sprinkled vppon a mans genitall doth much profit, and very effectually helpe him: but the teeth which were first ingendered in a horse haue this vertue in them, that if they should touch the teethe of man or woman who are molested and grieued with the tooth-ache, they shal presently find a finall ende of their paine: if in the like manner a childe doe kisse the nose or snowt of a horse he shal neuer feele paine in his teeth, neither at any time shall the childe be bitten by [ 40] the horse.* 1.256

The teeth which do first of all fall from horses, being bound or fastned vpon children in their infancie, do very easily procure the breeding of the teeth, but with more speed and more effectually if they haue neuer touched the grovnd, wherefore the poet doth very wel apply these verses, saying;

Collo igitur molli dentes nectentur equini Qui prima fuerint pullo crescente caduci.

It is also said that if the haire of a horse be fastned vnto the house of a mans enemy, it wil be a meanes that neither little flies or small gnats shall flie by his dwelling place or aboad. The tongue of a horse being neuer accustomed vnto wine,* 1.257 is a most present and expedient me∣dicide [ 50] to alay or cure the milt of a man or Woman (as Caecilius Bion reporteth vnto vs, that he learned it of the Barbarians.) But Marcellus saith, that the horse tongue ought to be dried and beaten into small pouder, and put into any drinke except Wine onely, and foorthwith it will shew the commodity which riseth thereuppon, by easing either man or Woman, of the paine of the spleene or milt: diuers also do thinke that a horses tongue vsed after this

manner, is a good meanes or preseruatiue against the biting of Serpentes or any other ve∣nemous creatures.

But for the curing of any sores or griefes in the inward partes, the genitall of a horsse is most of all commended: for as Pliny supposeth, this genitall of a horse is very medicina∣ble for the loosing of the belly, as also the bloud, marrow, or liuer of a Goate, but these thinges doe rather dry vp and close the belly (as before we haue taught) concerning the Goat.* 1.258

In the heart of Horsses there is found a bone, most like vnto a dogs tooth, it is saide that this doth driue away all griefe or sorrow from a mans heart, and that a tooth being pulled [ 10] from the cheekes or iaw bones of a dead horse doth shew the full and right number of the sorrowes of the party so grieued. The dust of a horse hoofe annointed with oile and water,* 1.259 doth driue away impostumes and little bunches which rise in the flesh in what part of the body soeuer they be; and the dust of the hoofe of an asse annointed with oile, water, and whot vrine, doth vtterly expell all wens and kernels which do rise in the neck, arme-holes, or any other part of the body, of either man or woman.

The genitall of a gelded horse dryed in an ouen, beaten to powder, and giuen twice or thrice in a little whot broath to drinke vnto the party grieued, is by Pliny accounted an excellent and approued remedy for the secunds of a woman. The foame of a horse, or the dust of a horse hoofe dried, is very good to driue away shamefastnes, being annointed with [ 20] a certaine titulation.* 1.260 The scrapings of the horses hoofes being put in wine and poured in∣to the horsses nostrils, do greatly prouoke his vrin. The ashes also of a horsses hoofe, being mingled with wine and water doth greatly ease and helpe the disease called the collicke or stone: as also by a perfume which may be made by the hoofes of Horses being dryed, a child which is still borne is cast out.

The milke of Mares is of such an excellent vertue, that it doth quite expell the poyson of the Sea-hare, & all other poison whatsoeuer, drink also mingled with Mares milk, doth make the body loose and laxatiue. It is also counted an excellent remedy against the falling sicknesse, to drinke the stones of a Boare out of Mares milke or water.* 1.261 If there be any filth or matter lying in the matrice of a woman, lether take Mares milke boiled and througly [ 30] strained, and presently the filth and excrements will void cleane away. If so be that a Wo∣man be barren and cannot conceiue, let her then take Mares milke (not knowing what it is) and let her presently accompany with a man and she wil conceiue. The milk of a Mare being drunk doth asswage the labor of the matrice, and doth cause a still child to bee cast forth. If the seede of hen-bane be beaten small and mingled with Mares milke, and bound with a Harts skin, so that it may not touch the ground, and fastened or bound to a woman they will hinder her conception.

The thinnest or latest part of the milke of a Mare doth very easily, gently, and with∣out any danger purge the belly. Mares milke being daily annointed with a little hony doth without any paine or punishēnt take away the wounds of the eies being new made. Cheese made of Mares milke doth represse and take away all wringings or aches in the belly what∣soeuer. [ 40] If you anoint a combe with the foame of a horse wherwith a young man or youth doth vse to comb his head it is of such force as it will cause the haire of his head neither to encrease or any whit to appeare. The foame of a horse is also very much commended for them which haue either pain or difficulty of hearing in their ears, or else the dust of horse-dung being new made and dryed, and mingled with oyle of Roses. The griefe or sorenes of a mans mouth or throat, being washed or annointed with the foame of a Horse which hath bin fed with Oates or barly, doth presently expell the paine of the sorenesse, if so be that it be 2. or 3. times washed ouer with the iuyce of young or greene Sea-crabs beaten small together: but if you cannot get the Sea-crabs which are greene, sprinkle vpon the griefe the smal powder which doth come from dried Crabs which are baked in an Ouen made of brasse, and afterward wash the mouth where the paine is and you shall finde pre∣sent [ 50] remedy. The fome of a horse,* 1.262 being 3. or 4. times taken in drinke doth quiet expell and driue away the cough. But Marcellus doth affirme that whosoeuer is troubled with the cough, or consumption of the lunges, and doth drinke the foame of a Horse by it selfe a∣lone without any drinke shall finde present help and remedy: but as Sextus saith the horse

will presently die after it. The same also being mingled with hot water and giuen to one who is troubled with the same diseases,* 1.263 being in manner past al cure, doeth presently procure health,* 1.264 but the death of the horse doth instantly ensue. The sweat of a horse being mingled with wine and so drunke, doth cause a woman which is very big and in great labor, to cast a still childe.* 1.265

The sweat of any beast, (but as Albertus saith) onely of a horse, doth breed wind in a man or womans face being put thereupon,* 1.266 and besides that, doth bring the squince or squincy, as also a filthy stinking sweat. If swords, kniues, or the points of speares when they are red fire hot, be annointed with the sweat of a horse, they will be so venemous and full of poison, [ 10] that if a man or woman be smitten or pricked therewith,* 1.267 they wil neuer cease from bleeding as long as life doth last If a horse be wounded with an arrow, and haue the sweat of another horse, and bread which hath bene brent, being mingled in mans Vrine, giuen him to drink, and afterwards some of the same, being mingled with horse-grease put into the wounde, it will in short time procure him ease and helpe. There are some which wil assure vs, that if a man be troubled with the belly wormes, or haue a Serpent crept into his belly, if hee take but the sweate of a horse being mingled with his vrine and drinke it, it will presently cause the wormes or the Serpent to yssue forth.

* 1.268The dung of a horse or Asse which is fedde with grasse, being dried and afterward dip∣ped in wine, and so drunke, is a very good remedy against the bitings and blowes of Scor∣pions. The same medicines they doe also vse, being mingled with the genital of a Hare in [ 20] Vineger, both against the Scorpion, and against the shrew-mouse. The force is so great in the poyson of a madde Dogge or Bitch that his pargeted Vrine doth much hurt, especially vnto them that haue a sore bile vpon them, the chiefest remedy▪ therefore against the same is the dung of a horse mingled with Vineger, and being warmed put into the scab or sore. The dung aswel of Asses as of horses either raw, colde, or burned, is excellent good against the breaking forth or yssues of the blood.* 1.269

The dung of Horses or Asses being newe made or warme, and so clapped and put to a green wound doth very easily and speedily stanche the bleeding. If the vaine of a horse bee cut and the blood doe yssue out in too great aboundance, apply the dung of the same horse vnto the place where the veine is cut,* 1.270 and the bleeding wil presently cease, wherefore the [ 30] poet doth very wel expresse it in these verses following;* 1.271

Sine fimus manni cum testis vritur oui Et reprimit fluidos miro medicamine cursus.* 1.272

The same doth also very wel driue away the corruption in mens body which doth cause the blood to stinke if it be well and iustly applyed vnto the corrupt place: The same also beeing mingled with oyle of Roses,* 1.273 and new made, and so applied vnto the eares, doeth not onely driue away the paine, but also doth very much helpe for hearing; There is another remedy also for the hearing, which is this, to take the dunge of a horse which is new made, and to make it hot in a furnace,* 1.274 and then to poure it on the middle of the heade against the V••••la, [ 40] and afterward to tie the aforesaid dunge, in a linnen or wollen cloath vnto the toppe of the head in the night time.* 1.275

The dung of a young Asse when he is first foaled, giuen in Wine to the quantity or mag∣nitude of a Beane, is a present remedy for eyther man or Woman who is troubled with the Iaundice or the ouer-flowing of the gall: and the same property hath the dung of a younge horse or Colte when hee is new foaled. But the dunge of an olde horse, being boiled in faire water,* 1.276 and afterward strained and so giuen to the party to drinke, who is troubled with Water in his belly or stomacke, doth presently make vent for the same.

There is also an excellent remedy against the Collicke and stone, which is this, to take a [ 50] handfull of the dung of a horse which hath bene fedde with Oates and Barley, and not with grasse,* 1.277 and mingle verye vvell it with halfe a pinte of Wine, all which I do gesse will amount vnto the waight of eighteene ounces, and then boyle them altogether vntil halfe of them bee boyled or consumed away, and then drinke the same by little and little vntil it bee all drunke vp, but it will be much better for the party that is troubled to drinke it vp altogether if he be able.

There is moreouer a very good and easie way by horse-dung to cure the Ague or quar∣terne feauer, which is thus, to burne the aforesaid dung,* 1.278 and to mingle the very dust it selfe thereof in old wine, and then beat it vnto small powder, and so giue it vnto the party who is troubled therewith, to drinke or suck without any water in it, and this wil very speedily pro∣cure ease and helpe. If that a woman supposeth her childe which is in hir wombe to be dead,* 1.279 let her drinke the milt or spleene of a horse in some sweet water, not to the smel, but to the tast, and she wil presently cast the childe. The same vertue is in the perfume which is made of a horses hoof, as also in the dry dung of a horse: There are some which do vse this means against the falling sicknes, or the sicknes called Saint Iohns euil,* 1.280 that is to mingle the water or vrine which a horse doth make with the water which commeth from the Smiths trough, [ 10] and so to giue it the party in a potion: There is a very good helpe for cattell which do void blood through their Nostrils or secret parts which is this,* 1.281 to make a paast of Wheat-flower and beat it and mingle it togither with Butter and Egges in the vrine of a horse which hath lately drunke, and afterward to giue that paast or poultes baked euen into ashes to the beast so grieued. To prouoke vrine when a mans yard is stopt, there is nothing so excellent as the dung or filthe which proceedeth from the vrine which a horse hath made, being mingled with wine, and then strained, and afterwards poured into the nostrils of the party so vexed. There are certaine Tetters or Ring-wormes in the knees of horses, and a little aboue the hooues in the bending of these parts, there are indurate and hardned thicke skins,* 1.282 which be∣ing [ 20] beaten into small powder and mingled with Vineger, and so drunke, are an exceeding good preseruatiue against the falling sicknes:* 1.283 the same is also a very good remedy for them which are bitten with any wilde Beast whatsoeuer. By the Tetter or Ring-worme which gro∣weth in a horses knees or aboue the hoofes beaten and mingled with oyle, and so poured in the eares, the teeth of either man or woman which were weake and loose, will be made ve∣ry strong and fast. The aforesaid Tetter without any mingling with oyle,* 1.284 doth also heal and cure the head-ache and falling sicknes, in either man or woman. The same also being drunk out of Clarret Wine or Muscadel for forty daies togither, doeth quite expel and driue a∣way the collicke and stone. If that any man do get and putte vp the shooe of a horse beeing stroake from his hoofe as he trauaileth in his pace which doeth many times happen,* 1.285 it wil [ 30] be an excellent remedy for him against the sobbing in the stomacke called the hicket.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The seueral names of hor¦ses.
• * 1.2

  The deriua∣tion of sun∣dry names.
• * 1.3

  Claudian
• * 1.4

  The epithits of Horsses.
• * 1.5

  The naturall outward and inward parts of Horsses.
• * 1.6

  Aelianus.
• * 1.7

  Ʋe••etius
• * 1.8

  Coelius.
• * 1.9

  Aristotle.
• * 1.10

  The Horses of diuers no∣tions.
• * 1.11

  Oppianus
• * 1.12

  Apolonius Horses with hornes and winges
• * 1.13

  Ruellius
• * 1.14

  Absyrtus
• * 1.15

  Ʋegetius.
• * 1.16

  Strabo.
• * 1.17

  Suetonius
• * 1.18

  Varrius
• * 1.19

  Strabo
• * 1.20

  Oppianus
• * 1.21

  Aelianus.
• * 1.22

  Absyrtus
• * 1.23

  Ruellius
• * 1.24

  Camerarius.
• * 1.25

  Albertus
• * 1.26

  Strabo
• * 1.27

  Ʋegetius
• * 1.28

  Aelianus
• * 1.29

  Oppianus.
• * 1.30

  Strabo.
• * 1.31

  Leo Assric••iu••
• * 1.32

  Absyrtus
• * 1.33

  Aelianus
• * 1.34

  Coelius
• * 1.35

  Aelianus.
• * 1.36

  Ʋegetius
• * 1.37

  Pliny.
• * 1.38

  Hebrodon
• * 1.39

  Strabo
• * 1.40

  Textor.
• * 1.41

  Ʋolatteran:
• * 1.42

  The mem∣bers of an eli¦gble horsse.
• * 1.43

  signs to chuse a good Colt.
• * 1.44

  Columella Varro Albertus.
• * 1.45

  Of the chois of a horse vn backed or ne¦uer ridden.
• * 1.46

  Of the color.
• * 1.47

  ••••r••nus
• * 1.48

  Artificial ••eane•• to m••ke Mares conceiue the best colourd Colts.
• * 1.49

  The forme
• * 1.50

  The beautye of a Stallion.
• * 1.51

  The age of a Stallion.
• * 1.52

  Collumella.
• * 1.53

  Palladius.
• * 1.54

  Absyrtus
• * 1.55

  The choise of Mares
• * 1.56

  The copula∣tion of horses and Mares.
• * 1.57

  Aristotle. Albertus.
• * 1.58

  Pliny
• * 1.59

  A history of a stallion to his own dam
• * 1.60

  The meanes to procure horsses to co¦pulation.
• * 1.61

  To ingender a male or fe∣male.
• * 1.62

  The ordring of a Mare with foale. Varro Palladius.
• * 1.63

  Orus.
• * 1.64

  Aristotle. The time of their going with young.
• * 1.65

  Aristotle
• * 1.66

  Ʋegetius
• * 1.67

  Camerarius
• * 1.68

  Camerarius
• * 1.69

  R••s••ius
• * 1.70

  Pollux.
• * 1.71

  Camerarius
• * 1.72

  Ʋegetius
• * 1.73

  The furnitur of a horse & his triming.
• * 1.74

  Xenophon.
• * 1.75

  Russius
• * 1.76

  Absirtus
• * 1.77

  Pollux.
• * 1.78

  A History.
• * 1.79

  Solinus
• * 1.80

  Aristotle.
• * 1.81

  Orus.
• * 1.82

  Oppianus
• * 1.83

  Cardan.
• * 1.84

  Aelianus.
• * 1.85

  Gillius
• * 1.86

  Textor.
• * 1.87

  Xenophon.
• * 1.88

  The institu∣tion of a war¦licke horsse.
• * 1.89

  Men haue pe¦rished by rash¦nes in riding.
• * 1.90

  The honour of horsse∣manship.
• * 1.91

  Festus.
• * 1.92

  Suidas.
• * 1.93

  The Atheni∣an orders.
• * 1.94

  Aristophanes Coelius Suidas.
• * 1.95

  Pliny.
• * 1.96

  D••••n.
• * 1.97

  Alexander.
• * 1.98

  Vartomanus.
• * 1.99

  Grapaldus.
• * 1.100

  Camerarius
• * 1.101

  Camerarius.
• * 1.102

  L••••i••s
• * 1.103

  Vestus
• * 1.104

  Xen••ph••••.
• * 1.105

  Oppianus
• * 1.106

  Albertus.
• * 1.107

  Aristotle
• * 1.108

  Russius
• * 1.109

  Palladius.
• * 1.110

  Mathaeolus Dioscorides
• * 1.111

  The time of theyr life.
• * 1.112

  Mat••michou Pau••venetus
• * 1.113

  Textor.
• * 1.114

  Heltodorus
• * 1.115

  Coelius
• * 1.116

  Gyraldus
• * 1.117

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.118

  Idolatry by the pictures of Horsses
• * 1.119

  Munster.
• * 1.120

  The ceremo¦ny of the Per∣sians going to war
• * 1.121

  Coelius
• * 1.122

  Varrmus
• * 1.123

  Strabo
• * 1.124

  Plutarch.
• * 1.125

  The burial of Horses
• * 1.126

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.127

  Aelianus.
• * 1.128

  ••••iny.
• * 1.129

  ••••lus Predictions 〈…〉〈…〉 by horses
• * 1.130

  ••••ler. Max.
• * 1.131

  Of Monster horse.
• * 1.132

  Pli••ius
• * 1.133

  Dion. Coelius
• * 1.134

  Of Centaurs
• * 1.135

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.136

  Amianus
• * 1.137

  C••pontinus
• * 1.138

  Blundevile
• * 1.139

  ••••undevile
• * 1.140

  Blundev••••e
• * 1.141

  Blundevile
• * 1.142

  Blundevile
• * 1.143

  Blundevile
• * 1.144

  Blundevile
• * 1.145

  Markham.
• * 1.146

  Blundevile
• * 1.147

  Blundevile
• * 1.148

  Markham.
• * 1.149

  Blundevile
• * 1.150

  Markham.
• * 1.151

  Blundevile
• * 1.152

  Markham.
• * 1.153

  Blundevile
• * 1.154

  Markham.
• * 1.155

  Blundevile
• * 1.156

  Blundevile
• * 1.157

  Blundevile
• * 1.158

  Markham.
• * 1.159

  Blundevile
• * 1.160

  Markham.
• * 1.161

  Blundevile
• * 1.162

  Markham.
• * 1.163

  Blundevile
• * 1.164

  Markham.
• * 1.165

  Blundevile
• * 1.166

  Markham.
• * 1.167

  Blundevile
• * 1.168

  Markham.
• * 1.169

  Blundevile
• * 1.170

  Blundevile
• * 1.171

  Markham.
• * 1.172

  Blundevile
• * 1.173

  Markham.
• * 1.174

  Blundevile
• * 1.175

  Markham.
• * 1.176

  ••arkham.
• * 1.177

  ••lundevile
• * 1.178

  Markham.
• * 1.179

  Blundevile
• * 1.180

  Blundevile
• * 1.181

  Blundevile
• * 1.182

  Markham.
• * 1.183

  Blundevile
• * 1.184

  Blundevile
• * 1.185

  Blundevile
• * 1.186

  Blundevile
• * 1.187

  Blundevile
• * 1.188

  Blundevile
• * 1.189

  Blundevil••
• * 1.190

  Blundevile
• * 1.191

  Blundevile
• * 1.192

  Blundevile
• * 1.193

  Blundevile
• * 1.194

  Blundevile
• * 1.195

  Markham.
• * 1.196

  Blundevile
• * 1.197

  Markham.
• * 1.198

  Blundevile
• * 1.199

  Blundevile
• * 1.200

  Blundevile
• * 1.201

  Markham.
• * 1.202

  Blundevile
• * 1.203

  Blundevile
• * 1.204

  Markham.
• * 1.205

  Blundevile
• * 1.206

  Blundevile
• * 1.207

  Blundevile
• * 1.208

  Blundevile
• * 1.209

  Markham.
• * 1.210

  Blundevile
• * 1.211

  Markham.
• * 1.212

  Blundevile
• * 1.213

  Markham.
• * 1.214

  Blundevile
• * 1.215

  Markham.
• * 1.216

  Blundevile
• * 1.217

  Markham.
• * 1.218

  Blundevile
• * 1.219

  Markham.
• * 1.220

  Blundevile
• * 1.221

  Markham.
• * 1.222

  Blundevile
• * 1.223

  Markham.
• * 1.224

  Markham.
• * 1.225

  Blundevile
• * 1.226

  Markham.
• * 1.227

  ••••undevile
• * 1.228

  Markham
• * 1.229

  Markham.
• * 1.230

  Blundevile
• * 1.231

  Markham.
• * 1.232

  Blundevile
• * 1.233

  Markham.
• * 1.234

  Blundevile
• * 1.235

  ••••rkham.
• * 1.236

  Blundevile
• * 1.237

  Markham.
• * 1.238

  Markham.
• * 1.239

  Markham.
• * 1.240

  Blundevile
• * 1.241

  Blu••••evile
• * 1.242

  Blundevile
• * 1.243

  Markham.
• * 1.244

  Markham.
• * 1.245

  Blundevile
• * 1.246

  ••••••ndevile
• * 1.247

  Blundevile
• * 1.248

  Markham.
• * 1.249

  Pliny.
• * 1.250

  Theomnestus
• * 1.251

  Ʋeg••tius
• * 1.252

  Pliny.
• * 1.253

  Furnerius.
• * 1.254

  Albertus
• * 1.255

  Marcellus.
• * 1.256

  Sextus.
• * 1.257

  Pliny
• * 1.258

  Plinius
• * 1.259

  Plinius
• * 1.260

  Marcellus.
• * 1.261

  Hippocrates
• * 1.262

  Rasis
• * 1.263

  Marcellus
• * 1.264

  Rasis
• * 1.265

  Albertus.
• * 1.266

  Rasis
• * 1.267

  Rasius
• * 1.268

  Dioscorides. Pliny
• * 1.269

  Marcellus
• * 1.270

  Russius.
• * 1.271

  Pell••ganius.
• * 1.272

  Albertus.
• * 1.273

  Aes••ulapius.
• * 1.274

  Marcellus.
• * 1.275

  Pliny
• * 1.276

  Sextus
• * 1.277

  Empiric••s.
• * 1.278

  Marcellus
• * 1.279

  Pliny
• * 1.280

  Plinyus
• * 1.281

  Empiricus.
• * 1.282

  Dioscorides
• * 1.283

  Galen.
• * 1.284

  pliny.
• * 1.285

  Magi,