The compleat gamester, or, Instructions how to play at billiards, trucks, bowls, and chess together with all manner of usual and most gentile games either on cards or dice : to which is added the arts and mysteries of riding, racing, archery, and cock-fighting.

Games without the Tables.

CHAP. XXXII.

Of Inn and Inn.

INn and Inn is a Game very much used in an Ordinary, and may be play'd by two or three, each having a Box in his hand. It is play'd with four Dice. You may drop what you will, Six-pences, Shillings▪ or Guinneys; every Inn you drop, and every Inn and Inn you sweep all; but if you throw out, if but two plays, your Adversary wins all; if three play, that Out is a Bye between the two other Gamesters, which they may either divide or throw out for it. Here you are to observe that Out is when you have thrown no Dubbl••ts on the four Dice; Inn is when you have thrown 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dubblets of any sort, as two Aces, two Deuces, two Kings▪ &c. Inn and Inn is, when you throw all D••bb••••••s, wh••ther all of a sort or otherwise, viz. four Aces,

four Deuces, or four Cinques, or two Aces, two Deuces, two Treys, two Quaters, or two Cinques, two Sixes, and so forth.

Your Battail may be as much and as little as you will, from twenty Shillings to twenty Pounds, and so onward to a thousand, which Battail is not ended till every penny of that money agreed upon for the Battail be won; and it is but requisite, for it is frequently seen that in a Battail of ten pound 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gentle∣man hath been reduced to five Shillings, and yet hath won at last the Battail.

For a Gamester that would win without hazarding much his money, Dice that will run very seldom other∣wise but Sixes, Cinques, Quaters, &c. are very necessary; If those instruments are not to be had, a Taper-box will not be amiss, that as the Dice are thrown in may stick by the way, and so thrown in may stick by the way, and so thrown to advantage. I have heard of one, who having spent the major part of his Pa∣trimony in good fellowship, a••d such pastims as the heat of blood with vigor∣ous youth most prosecute; at length consider'd how he should live here∣after,

and finding but small encourage∣ments at home, and lesser abroad, thought if he could contrive a way to win a considerable sum at play (having been a great loser himself) that should be the basis of his future settlement; after various consultations within him∣self he at length contrived this strata∣gem; He caused a Box to be made, not as they are usual screwed within, but smooth, and procured it to be so well painted and shadowed within that it lookt like a screw'd Box; now this Box was but half board wide at top, and narrow at bottom, that the Dice as aforesaid might stick, and the Box being smooth would come out without tumbling. With this Box he went and play'd at Inn and Inn, by vertue where∣of and his art of taking up and throw∣ing in his Dice into the Box, he got the first night a Thousand pound, and the next night Two hundred a year, with a Coach and six Horses, which Coach and Horses (being very valuable) he sold, but the Estate he lives on to this day with great improvements, and ne∣ver would handle a Dye since, well

knowing how many worthy Families it hath ruin'd.

CHAP. XXXIII.

Of PASSAGE.

PAssage is a Game at Dice to be play'd at but by two, and it is performed with three Dice. The Caster throws continually till he hath thrown Doublets under ten, and then he is out and loseth, or doublets above ten, and then he passeth and wins; high runners are most requisite for this Game, such as will rarely run any other chance than four, five, or six, by which means if the Caster throws Doublets he scarcely can throw out. There is the same ad∣vantage of the Smooth-taper-box afore∣said in this Game, as at Inn and Inn; with the like benefit of the D••ce, whe∣ther by palming, topping, slurring, or knapping.

CHAP. XXX.

Of HAZZARD.

HAzzard is a proper name for this Game; for it speedily makes a man or undoes him; in the twinkling of an eye either a Man or a Mouse.

This Game is play'd but with two Dice, but there may play at it as many as can stand round the largest round Table.

There are two things chiefly to be observed, that is, Main and Chance; the Chance is the Casters, and the Main theirs who are concerned in play with him. There can be no Main thrown above nine and under five; so that five, six, seven, eight and nine are the only Mains and no more which are flung at Hazzard; Chances and Nicks are from four to ten, thus four is a chance to nine, five to eight, six to se∣ven, seven to six, eight to five; and nine and ten a chance to five, six, seven and eight: in short, four, five, six, se∣ven,

eight, nine and ten are chances to any Main, if any of these Nick it not: now Nicks are either when the chance is the same with the Main, as five and five, six and six, seven and seven, and so on, or six and twelve, seven and e∣leven, eight and twelve; where note, that twelve is out to nine, seven, and five; and eleven is out to nine, eight, six, and five; Ames-Ace, and Deuce-Ace, are out to all Mains what ever.

That I may the better illustrate this Game, it will not be amiss to give one example for your better information; Seven's the Main, the Caster throws five, and that's his chance, and so hath five to seven; if the Caster throw his own chance he wins all the money-was set him, but if he throw Seven which was the Main, he must pay as much money as is on the Board; if again Se∣ven be the Main, and the Caster throws eleven, that is a Nick, and sweeps a∣way all the money on the Table; but if he throw a chance, he must wait which will come first; Lastly, if Seven be the Main, and the Caster throws Ames-Ace, Deuce-Ace or twelve, he

is out, but if he throw from four to ten he hath a chance, though they are ac∣counted the worst chances on the Dice, as seven is reputed the best and easiest Main to be flung; thus it is in eight or six, if either of them be the Main, and the Caster throw either four, five, seven, nine, or ten, this is his chance, which if he throw first, he wins, otherwise loseth; if he throw twelve to eight, or six or the same Cast with the Main, he wins; but if Ames-Ace or Deuce-Ace to all he loseth; or if twelve when the Main is either five or nine. Here note, that nothing Nicks five but five, nor no∣thing nine but nine.

Four and Five to Seven is judged to have the worst on't, because Four (called by the Tribe of Nickers little Dick-Fisher) and Five have but two chances, Trey Ace and two Deuces, or Trey Deuce and Quater Ace, where∣as Seven hath three Chances, Cinque Deuce, Six Ace, and Quater Trey; in like condition is nine and ten, ha∣ving but two chances, six trey, cinque and quater, or six quater and two cinques.

Now six and eight one would think should admit of no difference in advan∣tage with seven, but if you will rightly consider the case, and be so vain to make trial thereof, you will find a great advantage in seven over six and eight. How can that be you will say, hath not six, seven and eight eight equal chances? For example, in six, quater deuce, cinque Ace, and two Treys; in eight, six deuce, cinque trey, and two quaters, and hath not seven three as aforesaid? It is confest; but pray consider the disad∣vantage in the doublets, two treys and two quaters, and you will find that six deuce is sooner thrown than two qua∣ters, and so consequently cinque Ace or quater deuce sooner than two treys: I saw an old Rook once take up a young fellow in a Tavern, upon this very score: the bargain was made that the Rook should have seven always and the young Gentleman six, and throw continually; agreed to play they went, the Rook got the first day ten pound, the next day the like sum; and so for six days together losing in all threescore pounds; notwithstanding

the Gentleman, I am confident, had square Dice, and threw them always himself. And farther to confirm what I alledg'd before, not only this Rook, but many more have told me that they desir'd no greater advantage than to have seven always and the Caster to have six. Here note, it is the opinion of most that at the first throw the Gaster hath the worst on't.

Certainly Hazzard is the most be∣witching Game that is plaid on the Dice; for when a man begins to play he knows not when to leave off; and having once accustom'd himself to play at Hazzard he hardly ever after minds any thing else. I have seen an old man about the Age of Seventy play at an Ordinary when his own eyes were so defective, that he was forced to help them with a pair of Spectacles; and having an opportunity one day to speak to him, How a man of his years could be so vain and boyish still to mind play; insisting withall upon the folly of that action to hazzard his money when he had not sight enough remain∣ing to discern whether he had won or

lost; besides Sir, said I, you cannot but hear how you are derided every time you come to the Ordinary; one says, here comes he that cannot rest quiet, but will cry without the rattle of the Dice; another cries, certainly such a one plays by the ear; for he cannot see to play. Let them talk what they will, said the Gentleman, I cannot help it, I have been for above forty years so us'd to play, that should I leave it off now, I were as good stop those Is∣sues about me, which have been in∣strumental in the preservation of my life to this length of time.

To conclude, happy is he that having been much inclined to this time-spend∣ing -money-wasting Game, hath took up in time, and resolved for the future never to be concerned with it more; but more happy is he that hath never heard the name therof.

CHAP. XXXII.

The Art and Mystery of RIDING, Whether the Great-Horse or any other.

AS an Introduction to the Art of Riding, I think it requisite to treat of the taming of a young Colt: In order thereunto, observe, that after your Colt hath been eight or ten days at home, and is reduced to that familia∣rity that he will indure currying with∣out showing aversion thereunto, and will suffer his Keeper to handle and stroke him in what part of the body he thinketh best, then it is time to offer him the Saddle; first laying it in the Manger that he may smell to it, and thereby grow acquainted with it, using all other means that he may not be afraid either at the sight thereof or at the noise of the Stirrops. Having gently put on the Saddle, take a sweet watring Trench washt and anointed with Honey and Salt, and so place it in his mouth, that it may hang directly about his

Tush, somewhat leaning thereon: ha∣ving so done, which must be in a morn∣ing after dressing, then lead him out in your hand and water him abroad, then bring him in, and after he hath stood rein'd a little upon his Trench an hour or thereabout, then un∣bridle and unsaddle him, and give him liberty to feed till Evening, and then do as before; having cherished him, dress and cloath him for the night.

The next day do as you did before, and after that put on him a strong Mus∣role, or sharp Cavezan and Martingal, which you must buckle at that length, that he may only feel it when he jerketh up his head; then lead him forth into some new plow'd land or soft ground, and there having made him trot a good while about in your hand to take him off from wantonness and wild tricks, offer to mount, which if he refuse, then trot him again in your hand, then put your foot in the Stirrup, and mount half way and dismount again; if he seem distasted at it, about with him again, and let him not want correction; but if he

take it patiently, cherish him, and place your self in the Saddle, but stay there a very little while, then cherish him a∣gain and give him bread or grass to feed on; then having seen all things fit and strong without offence to your self and Horse, remount him, placing your self even in the Saddle, carrying your Rod inoffensively to his eye, then let some person having in his hand the Chaff-halter, lead him a little way, then make him stand, and having cherisht him, let him forward again, do this se∣ven or eight times, or so often till you have brought him of his own accord to go forward, then must you stay and cherish him, and having brought him home, alight gently, then dress and feed him well.

Observe this course every day till you have brought him to trot, which will be but three at the most, if you observe to make him follow some other Horsman, stopping him now and then gently, and then making him go for∣ward, remembring his seasonable che∣rishings, and not forgetting his due corrections as often as you find him fro∣ward

and rebellious; and when you ride him abroad, return not the same way home, that you may make him take all ways indifferently: and by these observations you will bring him to un∣derstand your will and purpose in less than a fortnights time.

Having brought your Horse to re∣ceive you to his back, trot foreright, stop and tetire with patience and obe∣dience, be never unmindful of your Helps, corrections and cherishings, which consist in the Voice, Bridle, Rod, Calves of the Legs, and Spurs; the last of which is chief for correction, which must not be done faintly but sharply when occasion shall require it.

Cherishings may be comprehended within three heads, the Voice delivered smoothly and lovingly, as so, so boy, so; then the hand by clapping him gently on the neck or buttock: lastly the Rod by rubbing him therewith upon the Withers or the Main, in which he very much delights.

The next that you are to regard, is the Musrole or Cavezan and Martin∣gale; this is an excellent Guide to a

well-disposed Horse for setting of his head in due place, forming of his Rein, and making him appear lovely to the eye of the Spectator; and withall this is a sharp correction when a Horse yerk∣eth out his Nose, disorders his head, or endeavours to run away with his Rider.

The manner of placing it, is thus: let it hang somewhat low, and rest upon the tender grissel of the Horses nose, that he may be the more sensible of correction; and let it not be strait, but loose, whereby the Horse may feel, upon the yeelding in of his head, how the offence goeth; from and by that means be made sensible, that his own disorder was his only punish∣ment.

You must carefully observe how you win your Horses head, and by those degrees bring his Martingale straighter and straighter, so as the horse may ever have a gentle feeling of the same, and no more, till his head be brought to its true perfecti∣on, and there stay.

When you have brought your horse

to some certainty of Rein, and will Trot forth-right, then bring him to the treading forth of the large rings. If your horses nature be sloathful and dull, yet strong-trot him first in some new plow'd field; but if agil, and of a fiery spirit, then trot him in some sandy ground, and there mark out a spacious large ring, about a hundred paces in circumference. Having walkt him about it on the right seven or eight times, you must then by a lit∣tle straitning of your right Rein, and laying the calf of your left leg to his side, making a half circle within your ring, upon your right hand down to the center thereof, and then by strait∣ning a little your left Rein, and lay∣ing the calf of your right leg to his side, making another semi-circle to your left hand from the center to the outmost verge; which two Semi∣circles contrary turned, will make a perfect Roman S within the ring; then keeping your first large circumfer∣ence, walk your horse about in your left hand, as oft as you did on your right; and then change within your

ring as you did before, to your right hand again; and then trot him first on the right hand, then on the left, as long as you shall think conveni∣ent, either one, two, or three hours, to perfect him in this lesson; and this must be done every morning and evening too, if you ••nd your horse sloathful and dull; other••ise you need not take so much pains with him.

Having taught him to trot the large rings perfectly, which will not require above four or five days; then in the same manner and changes make him gallop the same rings, making him take up his feet so truly and loftily, that no falshood may be perceived in his stroke, but that his inward feet play before his outward, and each of a side follow the other so exactly, that his gallop may appear the best grace of all his motions.

Here note: You must not enter him all at once to gallop this great ring, but by degrees; first a quarter, then a half quarter, &c. ever remembring, not to force him into it with the

spur, but by the lightness and cheer∣fulness of your body let him pass of his own accord into a gallop.

Helps, corrections, and cherishings in the ring-turn, are as aforesaid, the elevation of the voice, and the threat∣ning of the rod, and straitning of the bridle, are good helps, which you must use as you must the spur, rod and leg, for timely due corrections: neither must you ever cherish without de∣sert.

Having made your horse gallop as well as trot the large ring, then teach him to stop fair, comely, and with∣out danger, after this manner: First, having cherisht him, bring him into a swift trot forward about fifty paces▪ then draw in your bridle-hand straightly and suddenly, which will make him gather up his hinder and fore-legs together, and thereby stand still: then ease your hand a little, that he may give backward: which if he doth, give him more liberty, and cherish him: having given a lit∣tle respit, draw in your bridle-hand, and make him go back three or four

paces, at which if he strike, instantly ease your hand, and draw it up a∣gain, letting him come and go till he yeeld and go backward: but if he refuse it, let some person standing by, put him back, and then cherish him, that he may know your intention. Thus every time you stop, make him retire, till you have perfected him in these two lessons at one time.

Have a care that the ground be not slippery where you stop▪ but firm and hard, lest the horse apprehensive of the danger of falling, refuse to stop as you would have him.

When your horse can stop well, and retire, you must then teach him to advance before, when he stoppeth; a lesson that carrieth much grace and comeliness therein; it is performed in this manner: After you have stop∣ped your horse without giving your hand any ease, lay the calves of both your legs hard to his sides, shaking your Rod, and crying, Vp, up; which though he understand not at first, yet by frequent practice, with helps, che∣rishings, and corrections as aforesaid,

he will come to understand your meaning. But be sure you look nar∣rowly to the comeliness of the ad∣vancing, which consists in taking up his legs both even together, bending them inward to his body; next, his advance must not be too high, for fear of his coming over upon you; but let him couch his hinder-loins close to the ground, but by no means suf∣fer him to sprawl or paw with his feet forward. Lastly, he must not ad∣vance for his own pleasure (for that is a great fault) but for yours, ac∣cording to your will and command.

If in advancing he rise too high, ready to come over, or sprawl, or paw; give him not only your spurrs both together, but lash him twice or thrice with your Rod between his ears, and if he advanceth of his own accord, then jerk him over the knees, doing so as often as he commits those faults.

Now the use of advancing is this; it not only graceth all his other les∣sons, but makes his body agil and nimble, and fits him for ready turn∣ing;

it is most used at stopping, and then very gracefully.

In the next place you must teach your horse to yerk out behind, after this manner: As soon as you have made him stop, ••presently give him a good jerk under his belly, near his flank, which will make him under∣stand you in time, though not pre∣sently. At first doing, cherish him much, and having let him pawse, make him do it again, till he will do it as often as you will have him: but with∣all, look to the comeliness of his yerk∣ing, for it is not graceful for him to yerk out his hinder-legs till his fore∣legs be above the ground; and see that he yerk not one leg farther out than the other, but both even toge∣ther, and not too high, or one leg out whilst the other is on the ground.

Helps in yerking, are the constant staying of his mouth on the bridle, the stroke of the Rod under his belly, or a gentle touch thereof on his Rump.

If he refuse to yerk, or doth it

disorderly, then a single spur on that side that is faulty; and lastly, conti∣nual diseasing him till he hath done it.

Now to teach him to turn readily on both hands, is first to bring his large rings into a narrower compass, that is about four yards in circum∣ference, walking your horse therein with all gentleness, and at his own pleasure, till he is acquainted there∣with: After this, carry your bridle∣hand constant, and somewhat straight, the outmost Rein straighter than the inmost, making the horse rather look from the ring, than into it; and thus trot him about, first on the one side, than on the other, making your chan∣ges as aforesaid. Thus exercise him an hour and half, then stop and make him advance three or four times to∣gether, then retire in an even line, afterwards stand still and cherish him: Having pawsed a while to recover breath, exercise him as aforesaid, still endeavouring to bring his trot to all the swiftness and loftiness possible, ma∣king him do his changes roundly and

readily, and causing him to lap his outmost leg so much over his inmost leg, that he may cover it more than a foot over: and thus exercise him seven or eight days, every morning at least three hours, and suffer him only to practice his former lessons once in a morning; in this manner you teach your horse three lessons together, the Terra a Terra, the Incavalere, and the Chambletta.

The turn Terra a Terra in the outmost circle of the straight ring, and the In∣cavalere and Chambletta in the chan∣ges, wherein he is forced to lap one leg over another, or else to lift up the inmost leg from the ground, whilst he brings the outmost over it: This les∣son is so difficult, that a compleat Horseman should think his horse hath never perfectly learn'd it; and there∣fore he must continually practice his horse in trading, trotting, and gallop∣ing these narrow rings; and from thence to pass them about in ground∣salts, as from taking up his fore-legs from the ground both together, and bringing his hinder feet in their place,

and so passing the Ring as often as the strength of your horse and your own reason will allow of.

Thus you see the perfecting your horse in the large Ring will easily in∣troduce him into the knowledg of the straight Ring, and that brings him to turn perfectly, and stopping begets retiring, and retiring advancing.

Having brought your horse to this perfection, take off his Musrole and Trench, and in their stead put on his head a gentle Cavezan, in such manner that it lye on the tender grissel of his nose somewhat near the upper part of his nostrils; put in his mouth a sweet smooth cannon-bit, with a plain watering chain, the cheek being of a large size, let the Kirble be thick, round and large, hanging loosly upon his neather lip, so that it may entice him to play therewith.

Having so done, mount, casting the left rein of your Cavezan over the horses right shoulder, and bear it with your thumb with the reins of the Bit in your left hand; let the right reins of the Cavezan be cast over his left

shoulder, and bear it with your Rod in your hand, and so trot him forth the first morning about two miles in the high-way, making him now and then stop and retire, and gather up his head in its due place; the next day bring him to his former large Rings, and per∣fect him therein with the Bit as you did with the Sanffle in all the foregoing les∣sons, which is more easily done by rea∣son the Bit is of better command and of sharper correction.

The next thing we shall speak of (to avoid every thing that is not very per∣tinent to our purpose) is the Turning-Post, which must be smooth and strong, and very well fixt in the center of the straight Ring, then causing some person to stand at the Post, give him the right rein of your Cavezan to hold about the Post, and so walk or trot your horse about the same as oft as you think fit on your right hand; then change your right rein for your left, and do as before; continue thus do∣ing till your horse be perfect in every turn. Having so done, teach him to manage (the proper posture for a

sword) which is thus performed: Cause two Rods to be prickt in the earth, at what distance as you shall think fit from one another; then walk your horse in a straight ring about the first on your right hand, passing him in an even furrow down to the other Rod, and walk about that also in a narrow Ring on your left hand, then thrust him into a gentle gallop down the even furrow, till you come to the first Rod, and there make him stop (as it were) and advance without pawse or intermission of time; thrust him for∣ward again, beat the turn Terra a Terra about on your right hand; then gal∣lop forth right to the other Rod, and in the same manner beat the turn a∣bout on the left hand; do this as often as you shall think convenient: Though there are many sorts of Ma∣nages, yet I hold but two necessary and useful, and that is this already described, called Terra a Terra, and In∣cavalere or Chambletta, discoursed a∣fore-going. As for the Career, I need not speak much thereof; only this, when you run him forth-right at full

speed, stop him quickly, suddenly, firm and close on his buttock, and mark that you make not your Career too long, nor too short; the one weakens, and the other hinders the discovery of his true wind and cou∣rage; therefore let not the length of your Career extend above six-score yards; and be sure you give him some little warning by your bridle-hand, before you start him, and then stop him firmly and strongly.

Thus much for the War-Horse or great Saddle.

Of the Horse of Pleasure.

IF you will make your Horse to bound aloft, you must first trot him about sixteen yards, then stop him, and when he hath advanced twice, streigthen a little your Bridle-hand, and then give him the even stroke of both your spurs together hard, which at first will only amaze him, but if he have good mettle and courage, he will at length rise from the ground by often doing it; if he doth it, though but little, cherish him very much, then let him pause and give him your spurs again, and if he acts ac∣cording to your desire, cherish him a∣gain, make him do thus three or four times a day, till he is so perfect that he will do it at any time at your spurs command.

Next, teach him to corvet thus; hol∣low the ground a Horse's length, where two walls join together, then place a strong smooth Post by the side of the

hollowness of a Horse's length likewise from the wall, then over against the Post fasten an iron ring at the wall; this done, ride your Horse into the hollow place, and fasten one of the Reins of the Ca∣vezan to the Ring, and the other about the Post; then having first cherished your Horse) make him advance by the help of the calves of your legs, twice or thrice together, then let him pause; after this (cherisning him again) ad∣vance him half a score times together, and daily encrease his advancings, till you perceive he hath got such a habit therein, that he will by no means go forward, but keeping his ground cer∣tain, advance both before and behind of an equal height, and keep just and cer∣tian time with the motions of your legs; and if he raise his hinder legs not high enough, you must have some body be∣hind, who having a rod, must gently jerk him on the fillets, to make him raise his hinder parts. By taking this course, in a few days you will so teach your Horse to corvet, that without any helps at any time and place, you may make him corvet at your pleasure.

I need not speak of the Capriole, since it is the same manner of motion as the Corvet, only it is done forward, gain∣ing ground in the salt, raising his hin∣der parts as high or higher then the foremost.

If you would have your Horse go side-long on any hand, you must draw up your bridle-hand straight, and if you would have him go on the right hand, lay your left rein close to his neck, and the calf of your leg close to his side, making him put his left leg over his right, then turning your rod back ward, gently jerking him on the left hinder thigh, make him bring his hinder parts to the right side also, and stand in an even line as at the first, then make him remove his fore-parts more than before, so that he may as it were cross over the even line, aud then make him bring his hinder part after, and ••tand in an even line again, and this do till by practice he will move his fore-parts an•• hinder parts both together, and go ••ide∣long as far as you please; and if you would have him go on the left hand, do as before.

To conclude, these are the most ma∣terial Lessons requisite to be taught any Horse whatever, either for service or pleasure, which if taught your Horse with care and patience, you may con∣clude your Horse perfect and compleat. But be sure you observe this, that what∣soever Lesson your Horse is most im∣perfect in, with that Lesson ever when you ride begin and end with it; repeat∣ing every one over, more or less, lest want of use breed forgetfulness, and forgetfulness absolute ignorance.

CHAP. XXXVI.

Of RACING.

FOR the compleating a Gentle∣mans delight in the Art of Racing, he is to take special cognizance of these subsequent Rules and Orders.

First, He is to consider what is the most convenient time to take his Horse from grass, which is about Bartholomew-tide, the day being dry, fair, and pleasant; as soon as he is taken up, let him let him

stand all that night in some convenient dry place to empty his body; the next day put him into a stable, and feed him with wheat-straw, but no longer; for though the Rule be good in taking up Horses bellies after this manner, yet if you exceed your time in so doing, this straw will straigthen his guts, heat his liver, and hurt his blood; therefore what you want in straw let it be sup∣plied by riding him forth to water morning and evening, airings, and o∣ther moderate exercise. And for his food, let it be good old sweet Hay, and clothe him according to the wea∣ther and temper of his body; for as the year grows colder, and thereby you find his hair rise and stare about his neck, flanks, or other parts, then add a woollen cloth, or more if need re∣quire, till his hair fall smooth. Where note, That a rough coat shews want of cloth, and a smooth coat cloth enough.

A Race-horse ought to be drest in his resting days twice a day, before his mor∣ning and evening waterings; and must be done after this manner: Curry him

from the tips of his ears to the setting on of his tail, all his body entirely o∣ver with an Iron-Comb, his legs under the knees and gambrels excepted; then dust him and curry him high again all over with a round brush of bristles, then dust him the second time, and rub all the loose hair off with your hands dipt in fair water, and continue rub∣bing till he is as dry as at first, then rub every part of him with a hair-cloth, and lastly rub him all over with a white Iinnen cloth; then pick his eyes, nostrils, sheath, cods, tuel, and feet very clean, then cloa••h him and stop him round with wisps.

There is no better water for a Race-horse, then a running River or clear Spring, about a mile and half from the stable, near some level ground, where you may gallop him afterwards, having scop'd him a little, bring him to the wa∣ter again, then scope him and bring him again, so often till he refuse to drink more for that time; after this, walk him home, clothe and stop him up round with great so••t wisps, and having stood an hour upon the bridle, feed him with

sweet sound Oats, either dryed by age or art: If your horse be low of flesh, or hath a bad stomach, add one third of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to two parts of Oats, and that will recover both.

The next food you shall give him shall be better and stronger, and it is bread, which you must make after this manner: take two bushels of beans, and one of wheat, and grind them together, then boult through a fine Range the quantity of half a bushel of pure meal, and bake it in three loaves, and the rest sift through a Meal-sieve, and knead it with water and good store of barm, and bake it in great loaves; with the courser bread feed your Runner in his resting days, and with the finer against the days of his exercise and greatest la∣bour.

The times of his feeding, upon the days of his rest, must be after his com∣ming from water in the morning, an hour after mid-day, after his evening watering, and at ten a clock at night; but upon his labouring days, two hours after he is throughly cold, outwardly and inwardly, afterwards as aforesaid.

Let his Hay be dry and short; if it be sweet no matter how course it is, for if it be rough it will scowre his teeth. As for the proportion of his food, I need not prescribe a quantity, since you must allow him according to the goodness and badness of his stomach.

His exercise ought to be thrice a week, and it must be more or less ac∣cording to the condition of his body; for if it be foul, exercise him moderate∣ly to break his grease; if clean, you may do as you think fit, having a care that you discourage him not, nor abate his mettle; and after every exercise give him that night, or the next morning, a scouring; the best I know to purge a Horse from all grease, glut, or filth what∣ever, is this, take three ounces of Anni∣seeds, six drams of Cumminseeds, a dram and half of Cathamus, two drams of Fen-greek-seed, and of Brimstone an ounce and half; beat all these to a fine powder, and searse them, then take of Sallet-oyl somewhat more than a pint, a pound an•• half of Honey, and a pot∣tle of white Wine, then with fine white Meal knead it well into a strong paste,

and keep it by you, it will last a long time; when you use it, dissolve a ball thereof in a Pail of fair water, and give it him to drink after exercise, in the dark, lest discolouring the water, the Horse refuse to drink. This is an excellent scouring, and a remedy for all internal distempers.

Now after exercise, cool him a little abroad before you bring him home, then house him and litter him well, rub∣bing him with dry clothes till there be never a wet hair about him, then clothe and wisp him round.

Here note, before you air your Horse, it will be requisite, to break a raw Egg into his mouth, for it will add to his wind. If he be fat, air him before Sun-rise and after Sun-set; but if lean, let him have as much comfort of the Sun as you can, Coursing in his clothes some∣times to make him sweat is not irrequi∣site, so it be moderately done; but when without his clothes, let it be sharp and swift. Let his body be empty before he course; and to wash his tongue and nostrils with Vinegar, or to piss in his mouth e're you back him, is wholesom;

having courst him, clothe him, after he hath taken breath, and ride him home gently.

To be short, what is here defective in the right ordering of a Race-horse, your own judgments may easily supply. All that you have to do, is to be care∣ful when to take him up, how to clothe him and dress him, when and how to feed and water, what and how much exercise is requisite either by airing or by coursing, and his ordering after ex∣ercise, and what scowrings are most re∣quisite; and that I may add a little more to your knowledg, and conclude this subject, take these general Rules and Instructions.

1. Course not your Horse hard at least four or five days before you run your match, lest the soarness of his li••bs abate his speed.

2. Except your Horse be a foul feeder muzzle him not above two or three 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before his match, and the night 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his bloody courses.

3. As you give your Horse gentle courses, give him sharp ones too, that h•• may as well find comfort as disple∣sure thereon.

4. Upon the▪ match-day let your Horse be empty, and that he take his rest undisturbed till you lead him out.

5. Shoo your Horse ever a day before you run him, then the pain of the Ham∣mers knocks may be out of his feet.

6. Saddle your Horse on the Race-day in the stable before you lead him forth, and fix both the Pannel and the Girths to his back and sides with Shoo-makers wax, to prevent all dangers.

7. Lead your horse to his course with all gentleness, and give him leave to smell to other horses dung, that there∣by he may be enticed to stole and emp∣ty his body as he goes.

8. Lastly, When you come to the place where you must start, first rub his limbs well, then uncloath him, then take his back, and the word given, start him with all gentleness and quietness that may, lest doing any thing rashly, you choak him in his own wind.

A Race-horse ought to have all the finest shapes that may be, but above all things he must be nimble, quick, and fiery, apt to fly with the least motion. Long shapes are tolerably good, for

though they shew weakness, yet they assure sudden speed. The best horse for this use is the Arabian Barbary, or his Bastard; not but Gennets are good, but the Turks much better.

Having laid you down all these ad∣vantages for ordering your Racer, from his taking up, to the day of his running, I hope you will make such good use of them, that if upon an equal match you should lay your money on the heels of your horse thus ordered, he shall be so far from kicking away his masters stake, that the nimbleness of his feet shall make it double.

I might here insert the many subtil∣ties and tricks there are used in making a Match, the craft of the Betters, with the knavery of the Riders, but that they are now too generally known by the woful experience of too many Ra∣cing-losers.

CHAP. XXXVII.

Of ARCHERY.

ARchery, as it is a recreation, so it hath been heretofore, and is still in some parts of the world very use∣ful in military affairs, but now quite laid aside by English men for fighting, there being found out more dextrous and speedy ways to kill and destroy one another.

Yet it is not so laid aside, but that it is used by some for pastime, either at Buts or Rovers, and should not be for∣gotten by Citizens, as appears by the continuance of that ancient custom for every Lord Mayor to see the prize performed by shooting annually with the pound Arrow.

Certainly this shooting in the long Bow is very healthful for the body, by extending the limbs, and making them pliant; and it hath been necessary for a Commonwealth, in the defence and preservation of the Conntry; but since

it is so little used now adays, I shall abreviate my discourse.

There are these Rules to be observed for shooting in the Long-bow.

First, He must have a good eye to behold and discern his mark; and knowing-judgment to understand the distance of ground, to take the true advantage of a side-wind, and to know in what compass his Arrow must fly; and a quick dexterity, to give his shaft a strong, sharp, and sudden loose.

Secondly, He must in the action it self stand fair and upright with his bo∣dy; his left foot a convenient stride before his right, both his hams stiff, his left arm holding his bow in the midst, stretcht strait out, and his right arm with his first three fingers and his thumb drawing the string to his right ear, the notch of his Arrow resting be∣tween his fore-finger and middle-fin∣ger of his right hand, and the steel of his Arrow below the feathers upon the middle knuckle of his fore-finger on his left hand; he shall draw his Arrow close up to the head, and deliver on

the instant, without hanging on the string.

The best Bow is either Spanish or English Yew; the best Shaft is of Burch, Suger-chest, or Brazel, and the best feathers gray or white.

There are three Marks to shoot at, Buts, Pricks, or Rovers.

The first is a level mark, and there∣fore you must have strong Arrow with a broad feather.

The second is a mark of some com∣pass, yet most certain in the distance, therefore you must have nimble strong Arrows, with a middle feather, all of one weight and flying.

The last, which is the Rover, is un∣certain, sometimes longer, sometimes sharper, and therefore requires Arrows lighter or heavier, according to the distance of shooting.

If you want strength, by debilitati∣on in the Arm or Back, you may reap the same pleasure by using the Cross-bow, with which you may shoot at Buts, Pricks, or Rovers.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

Of Cock-Fighting.

COcking is a sport or pastime so full of delight and pleasure, that I know not any Game in that respect is to be preferred before it, and since the Fighting-Cock hath gain'd so great an estimation among the Gentry, in respect to this noble recreation I shall here pro∣pose it before all the other Games of which I have afore succinctly discour∣sed; that therefore I may methodical∣ly give instructions to such as are un∣experienced, and add more knowledg to such who have already gain'd a com∣petent proficiency in this pleasing Art, I shall as briefly as I can give you infor∣mation how you shall chuse, breed, and diet the Fighting-Cock, with what choice secrets are thereunto belonging, in order thus.

Of the Choice of the Fighting-Cock.

IN the election of a Fighting-Cock there are four things principally to be considered, and they are Shape, Co∣lour, Courage, and Sharp-heel.

First, as to his shape, you must not chuse him neither too small, nor too large; the first is weak and tedious in his fighting, and the other unweildy and not active, and both very difficult to be matched; wherefore the middle∣siz'd Cock is the proper choice for your purpose, being easily matcht, and is both strong and nimble.

His head ought to be small, with a quick large eye, and a strong back, and (as Mr. Markham observes) must be crookt and big at the setting on, and in colour suitable to the plume of his Feathers, whether black, yellow or reddish, &c. The beam of his leg must be very strong, and according to his plume, blew, gray, or yellow, his Spurs rough, long, and sharp, a little

bending and looking inward.

Secondly, his Colour ought to be ei∣ther gray, yellow, or red, with a black breast; not but that there are many other colour'd pyles very excel∣lent good, which you must find out by practice and observation, but the three former by the experience of most found ever the best, the pide pyle may pass indifferently, but the white and dun are rarely found good for any thing.

Here note, That if your Cocks neck be invested with a scarlet complexion it is a sign he is strong, lusty and coura∣gious; but on the contrary, if pale and wan, it denotes the Cock to be faint, and in health defective.

Thirdly, you may know his courage by his proud upright standing, and stately tread in walking, and if he croweth very frequently in the Pen, it is a couragious demonstration.

Fourthly and lastly, his narrow-heel or sharpness of heel is known no other∣ways than by observation in fighting, and that is, when upon every rising he so hits that he extracts blood from his opponent, gilding his Spurs continu∣ally

and every blow threatning imme∣diate death to his adversary.

Here note, That it is the opinion of the best Cock-Masters, that a sharp-heel'd Cock though he be somewhat false, is better than a true Cock with a dull heel; and the reason is this, the one fights long but seldom wounds, the other carrieth a heel so fatal that every moment produceth an expectation of the Battails conclusion; and though he is not so hardy as to endure the utmost hewing, so commonly there is little occasion for it, being a quick dispatcher of his business; now should your Cock prove both hardy and narrow-heel'd, he is then the best Cock you can make choice of.

To conclude, make your choice of such a one that is of Shape strong, of Colour good, of Valour true, and of Heel sharp and ready.

How to breed a Cock of the Game.

VVHatever you do, let your Hen be of a good complexi∣on, that is to say, rightly plumed, as black, brown, speckt, gray, grissel, or yellowish; these are the right and pro∣per colours for a Hen of the Game;and if she be tufted on the crown it is so much the better, for that argues cou∣rage and resolution, and if she have the addition of weapons they conduce very much to her excellency.

Let her body be large and well po∣ked behind for the production of large Eggs; you will do well to observe how she behaveth her self to her Chic∣kens, whether friendly or frowardly, and take especial notice of her carriage and deportment among other Hens, if she will receive abuses from them with∣out revenge, or show any thing of Co∣wardice, value her not, for you may as∣sure your self her Chickens will be good for nothing.

By the way take this observation, confirmed by the opinions of the best Cock-Masters both ancient and modern, that a right Hen of the Game from a Dunghill-Cock will bring forth very good Chickens, but the best Cock from a Dunghill-Hen will never get a bird that's fit for the Game, where if you intend to have a good breed get per∣fect Cocks for your perfect Hens.

The best season for breeding is from the encrease of the Moon in February, to the encrease of the same in March. Let her nest be so placed that she may not be disturbed by the sight of any other fowl, which frequently so raiseth her choler that the Eggs are in greater danger; let the composure of her nest be made of soft sweet straw, and let it stand in some warm place, for she is a Bird that is very tender.

The next thing that you are to ob∣serve is, whether she turn her Eggs of∣ten or not, if she is remiss therein, you must supply her duty, but if she save you the labour, prize her more than or∣dinary. And that she may not straggle too far from her Eggs being necessita∣ted

to seek abroad for food, and so cool her Eggs, it will be altogether ne∣cessary for you to set by her such ne∣cessary food as you shall think fit with some fair water; and that she may bathe and trim her self at her pleasure: in the place where she siteth let there be sand, gravel and ashes finely sifted.

The Hen hatcheth her Chickens commonly after one and twenty days; observe in the hatching to take those newly hatched, and wrapping them in wool keep them warm by a fire side till the rest are disclosed; being all hatcht put them under the Hen, and be sure to keep her warm, and suffer not your Hen and Chickens to straggle abroad till they are above three weeks old; and let the room wherein they walk be boarded, for all other Flours are either too moist or too cold.

Let their Walk be in some Grass∣court or Green-place, after they are a month old, that they may have the be∣nefit of feeding on Worms, and now and then to scowre themselves with Grass and Chick-weed, but be care∣ful they come not near Puddles or

filthy places, for they engender in birds of this nature venemous di∣stempers, which commonly prove fa∣tal; for the prevention of such ma∣ladies by way of antidote give them every morning before they range a∣broad, the blades of Leeks chopt or minced small and mingled among their usual diet; also it will be requisite to perfume their room with burnt Peny∣royal or Rosemary.

Observe to take this course till their Sexes are distinguishable; as soon as the Comb or Wattels are discernable, or plainly visible to the eye, cut them away, and anoint the sore place with sweet butter, till it be whole. The reasons why their Combs or Wattles should be cut so soon, are these, First if you let them grow till they arrive to their full bigness, and then cut them, there will follow a great flux of blood, and the least loss of blood in feather'd fowl is very dangerous; if much, fre∣quently mortal; moreover to let them grow thus causeth gouty thick heads, with great lumps; whereas if you take them off betime as aforesaid,

they will have heads finely small, smooth and slender.

The time of the separation of the Cock-Chickens is when they begin to fight with and peck one another, till which time you may let them walk with the Hen promiscuously together, but afterwards let their Walks be a∣part, and that Walk is best where he may securely and privately enjoy his Hens without the disturbance and an∣noyance of other Cocks, for which purpose walks at Wind-mills, Water-mills, Grange-houses, Lodges in Parks, and Coney-Warrens, are very good Walks, but that the later is somewhat dangerous, being too frequently haun∣ted with Polecats, and other ver∣min.

Let the place of feeding be as near as you can on soft dry ground, or on boards if the place be harder, as on paved earth, or floors plaister'd, it will so weaken and blunt their beaks, that they will be unable to hold fast.

Here note, That any white Corn is good for a Cock in his Walk, and

so are white-bread tosts steeped in drink, or man's urine, which will both scowre and cool them inwardly.

Let not above three Hens walk with your Cock, for should you suf∣fer more they will tread too much by reason of the heat of their nature, and by often treading they will cons••me their strength, and become so debi∣litated, that though they have courage enough, yet they have not strength to perform their parts as they ought to do in a battel.

Observe the crowing of your Chic∣kens; if you find them crow too soon, that is before six months old, or un∣seasonably, and that their crowing is clear and loud, fit them as soon as you can for the Pot or Spit, for they are infallible signs of cowardise and falshood; on the contrary the true and perfect Cock is long before he obtains his voice, and when he hath got it observes his hours with the best judgment.

Suffer not your Cock to fight a battel till he is compleat and per∣fect in every member, and that is

when he is two years old; for to fight him when his Spurs are but warts comparatively, is no sign of discretion, for you may then proba∣bly know his valour and courage, but you cannot know his worth and good∣ness.

In especial manner take care that your Cocks roosting-Perch be not too small in the gripe, or so ill placed that he cannot sit without stradling, or if it be crooked it is bad, for by these means, a Cock will be uneven heel'd, and consequently no good stri∣ker; and know that a Perch either ma∣keth or marreth a Cock; to remedy or prevent such faults, is to have in your roost a row of little Perches a∣bout eight inches in length, and ten inches from the ground, that the Cock may with more facility ascend, and being up, is forced to keep his legs near together; and here take notice of this maxim amongst the best Cock∣breeders, That the Cock which is a close sitter, is ever a narrow striker.

Let the footstool of the Perch be round and smooth about the thickness

of a mans arm, or if you will have the best form for a Perch, go visit the houses of the most skilful Cock-ma∣sters, and from them all gather what is most necessary for your purpose by making inspection into their feeding-pens and other places; and let the ground underneath the Perch be soft, for otherwise when he leaps down, he will be apt on a rough and hard ground to hurt his feet, insomuch that they will grow knotty and gouty.

Of dieting and ordering a Cock for Battel.

IN the dieting and ordering of a Cock for Battail confisteth all the substance of profit and pleasure; and therefore your cunning Cock-mer∣chants are very cautious of divulging the secrets (as they call them) of di∣eting, for on that depends the win∣ning or losing of the Battel, they knowing very well that the best Cock undieted is unable to encounter the

worst that is dyeted; let others be as niggardly as they please of their ex∣perience and observations, for my part I shall be free and scorn to conceal any thing that may tend to the pro∣pagation of the art and mystery of Cock-fighting; wherefore as to the dyeting and ordering of fighting Cocks take these instructions follow∣ing.

The time of taking up your Cocks is about the latter end of August, for from that time till the latter end of May Cocking is seasonable and in re∣quest, the Summer season being im∣proper by reason of its great heat.

Having taken them up, view them well, and see that they are sound, hard feather'd, and full summ'd, that is having all their feathers compleat, then put them into several pens, having a moving Perch therein, to set it at which corner of the Perch you think most convenient; the fashion and form of these pens you may have at the house of any Cocker, and therefore I shall give you no directions how to make them; only be advised to keep

your Pens clean, and let not your Cocks want either meat or water.

For the first four days after your Cock is pend feed him with the crumb of old Manchet cut into square bits about a handful at a time, and feed him thrice a day therewith, that is at Sun-rising, when the Sun is in his Me∣ridian, and at Sun-setting, and let his water be from the coldest spring you can get it.

Having fed your Cock thus four days, or so long till you think he hath purg'd himself of his corn, worms, gravel, and other coarse feeding, then in the morning take him out of the Pen aud let him Sparr a while with another Cock. Sparring is after this manner: Cover each of your Cocks heels with a pair of Hots made of bombasted rolls of Leather, so cover∣ing the Spurs that they cannot bruise or wound one another, and so setting them down on straw in a room, or green-grass abroad, let them fight a good while, but by no means suffer them to draw blood of one ano∣ther; the benefit that accrues hereby

is this, it heateth and chafeth their bodies, and it breaketh the fat and the glut that is within them, and a∣dapts it for purgation.

Having sparred as much as is sufficient, which you may know when you see them pant and grow weary, then take them up, and taking off their Hots give them a Diaphoretick or sweat∣ing after this manner: You must put them in deep straw-baskets made for the purpose, or for want of them take a couple of Cocking-bags and fill these with straw half ways, then put in your Cokcs severally, and cover them over with straw to the top, then shut down the lids and let them sweat; but do not forget to give them first some white Suger-candy, chopt Rosemary, and Butter mingled and incorporated together, let the quantity be about the bigness of a Walnut, by so doing you will cleanse him of his grease, in∣crease his strength, and prolong his breath.

Towards four or five a clock in the evening take them out of their Stoves, and having lickt their eyes and head

with your tongue, put them into their Pens, and having filled their Troughs with square-cut-manchet, piss therein, and let them feed whilst the Urine is hot; for this will cause their scouring to work, and will wonderfully cleanse both head and body.

After this, diet your Cocks with a Bread made after this manner: Of Wheat-meal, and Oat-meal Flower, take of each a Gallon, and knead them into a stiff paste, with Ale, the whites of half a score Eggs, and some Butter; having wrought the Dow very well, make it into broad thick Cakes, and when they are four days old, cut them into square pieces; I will not advise you to use (as some imprudently do) Li∣quorish, Anniseeds, or rather hot Spices among your foresaid Ingredi∣ents; for they will make a Cork so hot at the heart, that upon the concluding of the Battel, he will be suffocated and overcome with his own heat. In short, that food is best which is most consen∣taneous to his own natural feeding.

The second day after his sparring,

take your Cock into a fair green close, and having a Dunghil-Cock in your arms, show it him, and then run from him, that thereby you may intice him to follow, you permitting him to have now and then a blow, and thus chace him up and down abont half an honr; when he begins to pant, being well heated, take him up and carry him home, and give him this scouring; take half a pound of fresh Butter, and beat it in a Mortar with the leaves of Herb of Grace, Hysop and Rosemary, till they all look like a green Salve, give him thereof a piece as big as a Walnut, and then stove him as aforesaid till evening, and then feed him according to for∣mer prescription.

The next day let him feed and rest, and spar him the next day after; thus do every other day for the first fort∣night, either sparring or chasing, and after every heat a scowring, which will keep him from being faint and pursie.

Feed him the second fortnight as you did the first, but you must not spar him or chase him above twice a week, observing still, that if you heat him

much, you must stove him long and give him a greater quantity of scowring. When well in breath, slight heats, small scowrings, and little stoving will serve the turn.

The third fortnight (which is a time sufficient for ordering a Cock for the Battel) you must feed him as aforesaid, but you must not spar him at all for fear of making his head sore, but you may moderately chase him twice or thrice in that time as aforesaid, then give him his scowring rolled well in brown Su∣gar-Candy which will prevent the scowring from making the Cock sick; now may you let him fight, having first let him rest four days, observing that he come empty into the Pit.

The right way of Cock-matching.

OF all things have a special care how you match your Cock; for should you feed your Cock with ever so much circumspect care and prudence, it will avail nothing if your Cock be over-matcht.

In matching, take notice of these two things; first, the length of Cocks,

secondly, the strength of Cocks; for the length, if your Adversaries Cock be too long, yours shall hardly catch his head, and so be incapable of indan∣gering eye or life; and if he be the stronger, he will overbear your Cock, and not suffer him to rise or strike with any advantage.

The length you may judg of by the eye, when you gripe the Cock by the waste, and make him shoot out his legs, in which posture you shall see the ut∣most of his height, and so compare them together, being herein governed by your judgment, his strength is known by the thickness of his body. Take this for a Rule, That a Cock is ever held the strongest, which is the largest in the garth.

You shall know the dimension of the garth by the measure of your hands, griping the Cock about from the points of your great finger to the joynts of your thumbs, and either of these ad∣vantages by no means give your Ad∣versary; if you doubt loss in the one, be sure to gain in the other: for the week long Cock will rise at more ease,

and the short strong Cock will give the surer blow.

How to prepare Cocks for Fight.

SInce all Cocks are not cast in one mould, the advantages on either side must be reconciled by matching; and having made an equal Match as near as you can, you must thus prepare him to fight:

First, with a pair of fine Cock-shears cut all his main off close unto his neck, from the head to the setting on of the shoulders; Secondly, clip off all the fea∣thers from the tail close to his rump, the redder it appears the better is the Cock in condition. Thirdly, take his wings and spread them forth by the length of the first rising feather, and clip the rest slope-wise with sharp points, that in his rising he may therewith endanger an eye of his adversary. Fourthly, scrape, smooth, and sharpen his Spurs with a Pen-knife. Fifthly and lastly, see that there be no feathers on the Crown of his head for his adversary to take hold of; then with your spittle, moistning his head all over, turn him into the pit to move his fortune.

How to order Cocks after battel, and how to cure wounds.

THe battel being ended, immedi∣ately search your Cocks wounds, as many as you can find, suck the blood out of them, then wash them well with warm urine, and that will keep them from ranckling; after this give him a roll or two of your best scowring, and so stove him up as hot as you can for that night; in the morning, if you find his head swell'd, you must suck his wounds again, and bathe them again with warm urine, then take the pow∣der of herb Robert, and put it into a fine bag, and pounce his wounds there∣with; after this give him a good hand∣ful of bread to eat out of warm urine, and so put him into the stove again, and let him not feel the air till the swel∣ling be fallen.

If he hath received any hurt in his eye, then take a leaf or two of right ground Ivy, that which grows in little tufts in the bottom of Hedges, and hath a little rough leaf; I say, take this Ivy and chew it in your mouth, and spit the juice into the eye of the Cock, and

this will not only cure the present Ma∣lady, but prevent the growth of Films, Haws, Warts, or the like, destructive to the eye-sight.

If after you have put out your woun∣ded Cocks to their Walks, and visiting them a month or two after, if you find about their head any swollen bunches hard and blackish at one end, you may then conclude in such bunches there are unsound cores, which must be opened and crusht out with your thumbs; and after this, you must suck out the corruption, and filling the holes full of fresh Butter, you need not doubt a Cure.

Cures for some distempers in a Cock, Chick, or Hen o'th' Game.

THE Pip is a white thin scale growing on the tip of the tongue, by which means Poultry in general cannot feed, it is very visible to the eye, and proceedeth from foul feeding or want of water; it is cured by pulling off the scales with your nail, and rub∣bing the tongue with salt.

The Roup is a filthy byle or swelling on the rump of the Cock, Hen, &c. and

will corrupt the whole body. It is known by the staring and turning back of the feathers. For the cure, you must pull away the feathers, and open the sore to thrust out the core, then wash the place with water and salt, the Cure is effected.

If your Cock or Hen have the flux which hapneth by eating too much moist meat, you may cure them by giving them scalded Pease-bran; but if they cannot mute, anoint their vents, and give them corn steept in mans U∣rine.

Lice is a common infirmity among them, proceeding from corrupt food, or for wanting of hathing in Sand-Ashes or the like; this Malady you must cure by taking Pepper beaten to powder, & mixing it with warm water, wash them therewith. If they are troubled with sore eyes, take a leaf or two of ground-Ivy, and chawing it well in your mouth, spit the juice thereof into their eyes, and it will presently heal. What other infirmities are incident to these Birds of Game I shall leave, and their Cures, to your own practice and observation.

An excellent and elegant Copy of Verses upon two Cock's-fighting, by Dr. R. Wild.

GO you tame Gallants, you that have a name, And would be accounted Cocks of the Game; That have brave Spurs to shew for't, and can crow, And count all Dunghill breed, that cannot show Such painted plumes as yours, which think on't vice With Cock-like lust to tread your Cockatrice; Though Peacocks, Woodcocks▪ Weathercocks you be If y' are not fighting-Cocks, y'are not for me. I of two feather Combatants will write, And he that means to th' life to express their fight, Must make his ink the blood which they did spill. And from their dying wings must take his quill, No sooner were the doubtful people set, The match made up, and all that would had bet, But straight the skilful Iudges of the Play Brought forth their sharp heel' d Warriors; and they Were both in linnen bags, as if 'twere meet, Before they dy'd to have their winding-sh••et. Into the Pit th••y're brought, and being there Vpon the St••ge, the Norfolk Chanticleer Looks stoutly at his ne're before seen foe, And like a Challenger began to crew, And clap his wings as if he would display His warlike colours, which were black and gray. Mean time the wary Wisbich walks and breathes His active body, and in f••ry wreathes

His comely crest; and often looking down, He beats his angry beak upon the ground. This done, they meet, not like that coward-breed, Of Aesop's; these can better fight than feed. They scorn the Dunghil; 'tis their only prize, To dig for Pearls within each others eyes. They fought so nimbly that 'twas hard to know To th' skilful whether they did fight or no, If that the blood which dy'd the fatal floar Had not born witness of 't. Yet fought they more, As if each wound were but a spur to prick Their fury forward. Lightning's not more quick Or red, than were their eyes; 'twas hard to know Whether 'twas blood or anger made them so. I'm sure they had been out, had they not stood More safe, being wall'd in each others blood Thus they vy'd blows; but yet, alas at length, Although their courage were full try'd, their strength And blood began to ebb. You that have seen A watery combat on the Sea, between Two angry roaring boiling billows, how They ••arch and meet, and dash their curled brow, Swelling like graves, as though they did intend T' intomb each other, ere the quarrel end; But when the wind is down, and blustring wea∣ther, They are made friends, and sweetly run together, May think these Champions such; their blood grows low, And they which l••apt but now, now scarce can go, For having left th' advantage of the heel, Drunk with each others blood, they only reel;

And yet they would fain fight; they came so near Methought they meant into each others ear To whisper wounds; and when they could not rise, They lay and lookt blows int' each others eyes. But now the Tragick part! After this fit When Norfolk Cock had got the best of it, And Wisbich lay a dying, so that none, Though sober, but might venture seven to one▪ Contracting, like a dying Taper, all His strength, intending with the blow to fall, He struggles up, and having taken wind, Ventures a blow, and strikes the other blind. And now poor Norfolk having lost his eyes, Fights, guided only by antipathies. With him, alas, the proverb is not true, The blows his eyes ne're saw, his heart must rue. At last by chance he stumbling on his foe, Not having any strength to give a blow, He falls upon him with his wounded head, And makes his Conquerors wings his feather∣bed. His friends ran in, and being very chary, Sent in all haste to call a Pothecary; But all in vain, his body did so blister, That 'twas not capable of any clister. Physick's in vain, and 'twill not him restore. Alas poor Cock he was let blood before. Then finding himself weak, op'ning his bill▪ He calls a Scrivener, and thus makes his Will: Imp. first of all, let never be forgot. My body freely I bequeath to the pot. Decently to be boil'd, and for its Tomb Let it be buried in some hungry Womb.

Item, For Executors I'••e have none, But he that on my side laid seven to one, And, like a Gentleman that he may live, To him and to his heirs, my Comb I give, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with my brains, that all may know, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oftentim••s his br••ins did use to crow. Item. For comfort of those weaker ones, Whose wives complain of let them have my stones. Fo•• Ladies that are ••ight, it is my will, My Feathers make a Fa••. And for my Bill I'le give a Taylor: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faith 'tis so short I am afraid he'l rather curse me for't. And for that worthy Doctors sake, who meant To give me a Clister, le•• my Rump ••e sent. Lastly, Because I find my self decay, I yeild and give to Wisbich Cock the Day.

FINIS.