The gentleman's recreation in four parts, viz. hunting, hawking, fowling, fishing : wherein these generous exercises are largely treated of, and the terms of art for hunting and hawking more amply enlarged than heretofore : whereto is prefixt a large sculpture, giving easie directions for blowing the horn, and other sculptures inserted proper to each recreation : with an abstract at the end of each subject of such laws as relate to the same.

How to take, preserve, and keep all sorts of Singing-birds that are commonly known in England. Giving also an account of their Nature, Breeding, Feeding, Diseases of the same, with their Remedies.

IN the preceeding Discourse I have given you a Sum∣mary account of the several ways and artifices which are used to take either Land-fowl, or Fowl properly be∣longing to the Water. Upon second thoughts I look upon this Third part of the Gentlemans Recreation, called a Treatise of Fowling imperfect, if I add not now what I omitted before; a small Essay as to the Taking, Preser∣ving, and Keeping all sorts of Singing-birds commonly known in these his Majesties three Kingdoms. They are thus called.

• The Nightingal.
• The Black-bird.
• The Wood-lark.
• The Linnet.
• The Chaff-finch.
• The Rob. Red-breast.
• The Starling.
• The Tit-lark.
• The Bull-finch.
• The Canary-bird.
• The Throstle.
• The Skie-lark.
• The Gold-finch.
• The Green-finch.
• The Wren.
• The Red-start.
• The Hedgesparrow.

Lastly, their Diseases and Cures.

Of the NIGHTINGAL.

ACcording to the judgment of most men, the Nightingale carries the Bell from all other Sing∣ing-birds, opening her charming Mouth not onely sweetly, but with much variety of pleasant Notes: It is but a small Bird, yet hath a loud voice; which made the Poet call her-----Vox, & praeterea nihil. They are so well known, a description of them would be need∣less; and are not onely esteemed of here, but in Italy and other parts.

They appear to us at the latter end of March, or beginning of April, and very few know where they inhabit all the Winter; some think they sleep all that season.

She makes her Nest commonly about two foot above ground, either in thick Quick-set-hedges, or in Beds of Nettles where old Quick-set hath been thrown to∣gether. She hatcheth her young ones about the be∣ginning of May, and naturally delights to frequent cool places, where small Brooks are garnished with pleasant Groves, and Quick-set-hedges are not far di∣stant.

That Nightingale which in my opinion is the best to keep, is he that is the earliest Bird of the Spring; for he will sing the better, having more time to hear the Old one sing than those that are hatched later.

The young Nightingales must be taken out of their Nests when they are indifferently well fledg'd in a me∣diocrity: for if well feathered, they will become sul∣len; and if too little, they are so tender the cold will kill them.

For their meat give them lean Beef, Sheeps-heart, or Bullocks-heart, taking away first the fat Skin that covereth it, and take away the Sinews; after this, soak the like quantity of white Bread in water, and squeeze out some of the water; then mince it small; then feed them with a Stick, taking upon the point thereof the quantity of a Grey Pea, and give every one of them three or four such gobbets in an hour, as long as they shall endure to be in the Nest: when they are able to flie out of the Nest, then put them into a Cage with several Pearches for them to sit upon, and line them with some green Bays, for they are very subject to the Cramp at first; and at the bottom of the Cage put in some Moss or Hey, as well for other Birds as the Nightingale: it is safe to line their Cages against Winter, or keep them in some warm place. When they are first Caged, continue for a while to put some of their Meat by them mingled with Ants, which will induce them to feed themselves.

In the Summer you must feed them every day with fresh Meat, otherwise it will quickly grow stale or stink. When they begin to moult, give them half Egg hard boiled, and half Sheeps-heart mingled with Saffron and Water. Here note, Duck-eggs will kill them: you may give them sometimes red Worms, Caterpillars, and Hog-lice; Meal-worms make them familiar, suffering them to take them out of your hand.

The way of taking Old and Young is thus: For the Young, observe where the Cock sings; and if he sings long, the Hen is not far from that place, who oftentimes betrays her Off-spring by being too careful; for when you come near her Nest, she will Sweet and Cur: if notwithstanding this, you cannot find her Nest, stick a Meal-worm or two upon a Thorn, and then lying down or standing, observe which way

it is carried by the Old one, and drawing near, you will hear the young ones when she feeds them. When you have found out the Nest, touch not the young; for if you do, they will not tarry in the Nest.

The way to take Branchers, by others called Pushers, (because when throughly fleg'd the Old ones push them out of the Nest) I say, you must take them after this manner: When you have found where they are, which you shall know by their Curring and Sweeting; (for if you call true, they will answer you immediate∣ly:) having your Tackle all ready, scrape, in the Ditch or Bank-side, the Earth about three quarters of a yard square, that it may look fresh; then take a Bird-trap, or Net-trap, which you must make after this fashion.

How to make a Net-trap for Nightingales.

Take a Net made of green Silk or Thread, about the compass of a yard, made after the fashion of a Shove-net for Fishes; then get some large Wyre, and bending it round, joyn both ends, which you must put into a short Stick about an Inch and an half long; then you must have a piece of Iron with two Cheeks and a hole on each side, through which you must put some fine Whip-cord three or four times double, that so it may hold the piece of Wood the better unto which the ends of the Wyre are put, and with a Button on each side the Iron, twist the Whip-cord, that so the Net may play the quicker: you must fasten the Net to the Wyre as you do a Shove-net to the Hoop; then get a Board of the compass of your Wyre, and joyn your two cheeks of Iron at the handle of your Board; then make a hole in the middle of your Board; and put a piece of Stick of about two Inches long, and a Hole at the Top of your Stick, which you must

have a Peg to put in with two Wyres, an Inch and half long, to stick your Meal-worm upon; then tye a String in the middle of the top of your Net, drawing the Net up, having an eye at the end of the handle to put your Thread through, pull it till it stands upright, then pull it through the hole of the Stick that stands in the middle of your Board, and put your Peg in the hole, and that will hold the String that the Net cannot fall down: you must put two Worms upon the Wyres, before you put it into the hole, and set it as gently as you can, that it may fall with the first touch of the Nightingale: When you have your Net and Worm ready, having first scraped the place, then put some Ants in your Trap-cage, and upon your Board put some Worms upon Thorns, and set them at the bottom of your Trap-cage, little holes being made for the same purpose to stick in the ends of your Thorns: Then plant your Trap near to the place where you heard them call, either in the Ditch, or by the Bank-side, or corner of a Hedge, and then walk away; you may set what number of Trap-cages you think convenient. Do what is here proposed, and you need not doubt the ha∣ving of your desires satisfied.

Having taken your Nightingales, (the times is in Ju∣ly or August) tye the ends of their Wings with some brown Thread, that so they may be disenabled to hurt themselves by beating their tender bodies against the top and Wyres of the Cage.

Let the Cage be covered above half with green Bays, and for four or five days let him be very little distur∣bed by company; but withal forget not to feed them half a dozen times every day with Sheeps-heart and Egg shred very fine, and mingle red Ants therewith, and a few red Earth-worms would not do amiss.

Here note, that no Nightingale at first taking will eat any other food than what is living, as Worms,

Ants, Flies, or Caterpillars; which through sullenness if he will not eat, then take him out, and upon the point of a Stick (first opening his Bill) give him four or five gobbets one after another; then turn him into the Cage, strowing the bottom thereof with Egg and minced Sheeps-heart mingled with some Pismires. These Nightingales that are taken at this time of the year, will not sing till the middle of October, and then they will hold in song till the middle of June: But the Nightingales that are taken from the first of April to the twentieth, are the best Birds for Song in the whole Universe; and these are taken with Trap-cages or Trap-nets, as the Branchers aforesaid, in June, July; and August. Here observe, that Nestlings nor Bran∣chers (except they have an old Bird to sing over them) have not the true Song for the first twelve months. When you have so tamed them that they begin to Cur and Sweet with chearfulness, and record softly to them∣selves, it is a certain signe that they eat, and then you need not trouble your self with feeding them; but if they sing before they feed, they commonly prove most excellent Birds: Those Birds that are long a feeding, and make no Curring nor Sweeting, are not worth the keeping. If you have a Bird that will flutter and bolt up his head in the night against the top of the Cage, keep him not, for he is not onely good for no∣thing, but his bad example will teach the best of your Birds to do the like.

Now to the intent you may not keep Hens instead of Cocks, and so not onely be at useless charge, but be frustrated of your expectation, you shall distinguish their Sexes by these observations. The Cock in the judgment of some is both longer and bigger: others say the Cock hath a greater Eye, a longer Bill, and a Tail more reddish: others pretend to know them by the Pinion of the Wing, and Feathers on the Head.

These Rules I look not upon as infallible, having found them contrary to truth by my own experience: Now to undeceive you, take these true Experimental Ob∣servations. First, take notice that if any of your Nest∣lings (before they can feed themselves) do Record a little to themselves, and in their Recording you per∣ceive their Throats to wag, you need not doubt that they are Cocks; but when they come to feed them∣selves, the Hen will Record as well as the Cock; there∣fore mark them when young, for it is very difficult to distinguish afterwards.

Branchers, whether Cocks or Hens (when taken and do feed themselves) will Record; but the Cock does it much longer, louder, and oftener.

The best sort of Nightingales frequent High-ways, Orchards, and sing close by houses: these when taken will feed soonest, being more acquainted with the com∣pany of people; and after their feeding will grow fa∣miliar, and sing speedily. Observe, not to untye too soon the Wings of your Nightingale; for if he be not very familiar and tame when he is untyed, he will be apt to beat himself against the Cage, and so spoil him∣self.

Now as to their Diseases and Cures, observe this, that at the latter end of August they grow very fat, either abroad or in a Cage: when it begins to abate when they do not sing, it is a dangerous signe; where∣fore to remedy this, keep them very warm, giving them Saffron in their meat or water: when you perceive the growth of their fat, purge them thrice a Week for a Month, either with a Worm which is found in Pi∣geon-houses, or with a speckled Spider, which you may find plentifully about Vines, Currans, or Goose-berry∣bushes in August, and at no time else. If they are me∣lancholy, put into their Drinking-pot some Liquorish with a little white Sugar-candy, giving them to feed

on Sheeps-heart shred small, some Meal-worms, and Eggs mingled with Pismires. It is strange that some of these Birds when fat will fast three weeks, which I have known; but it is better when they eat.

Nightingales kept in a Cage two or three years, are subject to the Gout: for their Cure, take fresh Butter and anoint their Feet four or five days, and they will be well again. Here note, that for want of keeping them clean, their Feet are clog'd, and then their Claws will rot off, and are subject to Gout and Cramp, and will take no delight in themselves; to prevent these mischiefs, put dry Sand into the bottom of their Cages.

They are likewise troubled with Aposthumes and breaking out about their Eyes and Neb; for which, use Gapons-grease. And thus much of the Diseases of the Nightingale.

Of the CANARY-BIRD.

THough many of these Birds are lately brought from Germany, and therefore are called by the name of that Country, yet undoubtedly their Original procee∣ded from the Canary-Islands. They are in colour much like our Green-birds, but differ much in their Song and Nature; and in this they differ from all Birds: For as others are subject to be fat, the Cocks of these never are, by reason of the greatness of their mettle, and their lavish singing; either of these will not suffer him to keep hardly flesh upon his back.

The best of them are shaped long, standing straight and boldly.

Before you buy either these German or Canary-birds, hear them sing, and then you will know how to please

your Ear or fancy, either with Sweet-song, Lavish-note, or Long-song, which is best, having most variety of Notes. Some like those that whisk and chew like unto a Tit-lark; others are for those that begin like a Skie-lark, and so continue their Song with a long, yet sweet Note; a third sort are for those that begin their Song with the Skie-lark, and then run upon the Notes of the Nightingale, which is very pleasant if he does it well: The last is for a loud Note and lavish, regar∣ding no more in it than a noise.

If you would know whether your Canary-bird be in health before you purchase him, take him out of the Store-cage, and put him into a clean Cage alone; where if he stand boldly without crouching, without shrink∣ing Feathers, and his Eyes looking brisk and chear∣fully; these are good signes of a healthy Bird: But now observe, if he bolts his Tail like a Nightingale af∣ter he hath dunged, if shews he is not well; though he seem lively for the present, there is some Distemper near attending: likewise if he either dung very thin and watry, or of a slimy white, and no blackness in it; these are dangerous signes of death approaching.

These Birds are subject to many Diseases, as Impo∣sthumes which afflict their head, and are of a yellow colour, causing a great heaviness, and withal a falling from the Pearch, and death ensuing, if this Malady be not speedily cured. The most approved Cure is to make an Ointment of fresh Butter and Capons-grease melted together, and anoint therewith the Bird's Im∣posthume three or four days together: if it become soft, open it gently and let out the matter; then anoint the place with some of the same Ointment, and this will immediately cure him: during the Cure, give him Figs, and Liquorish, and white Sugar-candy in his Wa∣ter.

Canary-birds above three years old are called Runts;

at two years old they are called Eriffs; and those of the first year are called Branchers; when they are new flown and cannot feed themselves, they are called Pushers; and those that are brought up by hand, Nest∣lings. Now since there are but few Canary-birds which breed in England, it being so great a trouble to look af∣ter them, I shall here insert nothing concerning the or∣dering when they intend or begin to build; what things are necessary for them when they begin to breed; how to order them when they have young ones; or how to breed the young ones when taken out of the Nest: Those who intend to be informed of every thing here∣unto belonging, may easily be instructed by applying themselves to several Germans in and about the City, who make it their business to breed Canary-birds after the best (German) fashion.

Of the BLACK-BIRD.

AS some do esteem the Nightingale to be the best Singing-bird in the World, so in my opinion the Black-bird is the worst; yet they are as frequently kept as their betters, and are in great estimation amongst the Vulgar; for no other reason that I know, than for the loudness and coarseness of his Song, as they are Borish in their Speech, and have little but rusticity in their Conditions. To be short, he is better to be eaten than kept, and is much sweeter to the Palate when dead, than to the Ear when living.

She builds her Nest upon old Stumps of Trees by Ditch-sides, or in thick Hedges. As they begin be∣times, that is, in the beginning of March, (when ma∣ny times the Woods are full of Snow) so they breed

often, that is, three or four times a year, according as they lose their Nest.

The young Black-birds are brought up almost with any meat whatsoever; but above all, they love Ground∣worms, Sheeps-heart, hard Eggs, and white Bread and Milk mixt together.

This Bird sings somewhat more than three months in the year; his Note, as I said, is harsh, therefore to adde a value to him, let him be taught to whistle; yet put Song and Whistle together, in my judgment it is fitter for a large Inne than a Lady's Chamber.

Of the THROSTLE.

OF Throstles there be five kinds; the Mistle-throstle, the Northern-throstle or Felfare, the Wind-throstle, the Wood-song-throstle, and the Heath-throstle.

The first is the largest of all the five, and the most beautiful; it feeds for the most part on the Berries of Mistletoe: and since that they are so good against the Falling-sickness and Convulsions, these Throstles, when dried and pulverized and drank in the water of Mistle∣toe, or Black-cherry-water, are much more effectual against those two Distempers. He sings but little, and therefore though the young ones are easie to be brought up, being hardy, yet he is not worth the keeping; for his Notes are rambling and confused, yet not lavish neither.

The second is the Felfare, who comes into England before Michaelmas, and goes away about the beginning of March. In hard weather they feed on Hips and Haws; but when it is indifferently warm, there being neither Frost nor Snow on the ground, they feed on young Grass and Worms.

They breed upon certain Rocks near the Scotish Shore three or four times a year, and are there in very great numbers: They are not so fit for the Cage as the Spit, having a most lamentable untun'd chattering tone: in Frost and Snow they are very fat, and then are most delicate food; but being killed in open wea∣ther, they are so bitter, that they are not worth the eating.

Thirdly, the Wind-throstle, (or Whindle) which travels with the Felfare out of the North, is a smaller Bird, with a dark red under his Wing. He breeds in Woods and Shaws as Song-throstles use to do, and hath an indifferent Song, exceeding the two former; but yet they are fitter for the Pot or Spit than for a Cage of Avery.

The fourth is the Wood-song-thrustle, and sings most incomparably, both lavishly, and with variety of Notes: To adde to his estimation, he sings at least nine of the twelve months in the year.

They build about the same time, place, and manner as the Black-bird does: her policy in the building of her Nest is much to be admired, since the composure cannot be mended by the art of Man: Besides the cu∣rious building, she leaves a little hole in the bottom of her Nest, as I conceive to let out the Water, if a vio∣lent shower should come, that so her Eggs or young ones may not be drowned.

They go very soon to Nest if the Weather fa∣vour them, and breed three times a year, that is, in March or April, May and June; but the first Birds u∣sually prove the best.

Take them in the Nest when they are fourteen days old, and keep them warm and clean, not suffering them to sit on their Dung, but so con∣trive it, that they dung over the Nest. Feed them with raw Meat and some Bread chopped together

with bruised Hemp-seed, wetting your Bread before you mingle it with the meat.

Being throughly fledg'd, put them into a Cage where they may have room enough, with two or three Pear∣ches, and some Moss at the bottom of the Cage, to keep them clean; for otherwise they will be troubled with the Cramp, and for want of delighting in themselves the singing will be spoil'd.

Bread and Hemp-seed is as good food for them as can be given: and be mindful of furnishing them at least twice a week with fresh water, that they may bathe and prune themselves therein, otherwise they will not thrive.

The fifth and last is the Heath-throstle, which is the least we have in England, having a dark breast. Some are of opinion that this bird exceeds the Song-throstle, having better Notes, and neater Plume.

The Hen builds by the Heath-side in a Furz-bush, or stump of an old Haw-thorn, and makes not Shaws and Woods her haunt as other Throstles do. She begins not to breed till the middle of April, and breeds but twice in a year; and if kept clean and well fed, will sing three parts in four of the whole year. Their man∣ner of breeding is in like-sort as the former.

To know the Cock from the Hen, according to old Country-judgment, is to chuse the top-bird of the Nest, which commonly is most fledg'd. Others think that to be the Cock which hath the largest Eye, and most spec∣kles on his breast. Others chuse the Cock by the pinion of his Wing, if it hath a very dark black that goes a∣cross it; but above all, chuse him thus: If his Gullet be white with black streaks on each side, his spots on his Breast large and black, having his head of a light shining brown, with black streaks under each Eye and upon the pinion of the Wing; these are the best marks that ever I observed.

Of the ROBIN-RED-BREAST.

IT is the opinion of some, that this little King of Birds for sweetness of Note comes not much short of the Nightingale. It is a very tender Bird, and there∣fore must have its Cage lined. They breed very early in the Spring, and commonly thrice a year.

When the young are about ten days old, take them from the old ones, and keep them in a little Bower∣basket: if they tarry long in the Nest, they will be sullen, and therefore more difficultly brought up: you must feed them as you feed the Nightingale in all re∣spects: finding them grow strong, put them into a Cage, put Moss in the bottom thereof, and let them stand warm.

The way of taking a Robin-red-breast is so easie and common, that every Boy knows how to take him in a Pit-fall; but with a Trap-cage and a Meal-worm you may take half a score in a day: Hearing them sing, keep those birds which most delight you. If you take any without hearing them sing, thus you shall know whether he be Cock or Hen; if a Cock, his breast will be of a darker red, and his red will go farther up upon the head than the Hens.

Of the WREN.

THis Bird in my opinion is a pretty sweet dapper Songster, being of a nature chearful; as he is pleasant to the Ear, so he is to the Eye; and when he

sings cocks up his Tail, and throws out his Notes with so much alacrity and pleasure, that I know not any bird of its bigness more delights the sense of Hea∣ring.

This Bird builds twice a year, about the latter end of April, in shrubs where Ivy grows thick, and sometimes in old Hovels and Barns. They lay a numerous quan∣tity of Eggs; and I can assure you I have seen a Nest containing two and twenty: herein are two things greatly to be wondred at; first, that so small a bird should cover such a great quantity of Eggs; secondly, when they have hatched, to feed them all, and not to miss one bird, and in the dark also.

Their second time of breeding is in the middle of June: of either breed, what you intend to keep must be taken out of the Nest at thirteen or fourteen days old. Let their food be Sheeps-heart and Egg minced very small, or Calves or Heifers-heart; but be sure to clear them of the Fat and Sinews, which must be a ge∣neral rule to be observed for all Meat-birds. Feed them in the Nest every day very often, but a little at a time; let the instrument you feed them with be a Stick; and when you observe them to pick it off of their own ac∣cord, then eage them, and putting meat to them in a little Pan, and about the sides of the Cage, to entice them to eat; however, have a care to feed them too, lest they neglect themselves and die. When they can feed themselves very well, give them once in three days a Spider or two. You may teach them to whistle tunes if you so desire it; for they are easily taught, being a bird that's very docible. Here note, if they be fed with Paste, they will live longer than if they fed upon Hearts. The brownest and largest of the young Wrens are the Cocks.

Of the WOOD-LARK.

SOme prefer the Wood-lark before the Nightingale; but it is of this bird as all others, some are more excellent in length and sweetness of Song.

This bird breeds the soonest of any we have, by rea∣son of his extraordinary mettlesomeness: and there∣fore if they are not taken in the beginning of February at least, they grow so rank that they will prove good for nothing.

The places this bird most delights in are gravelly grounds, and Hills lying towards the Orient, and in Oat-stubs. Their building is in your Laiers grounds, where the Grass is rank and russet, making their Nests of Bennet-grass, or dead Grass of the field under some large Tuffet, to shelter them from the injury of the wea∣ther.

This Bird hath very excellent pleasant Notes, with great variety, insomuch that I have observed some have had almost thirty several Notes; which if they sing lavish, is a most ravishing melody or harmony, if the Nightingale joyn in consort.

These Birds are never bred from the Nests as ever I could hear: I have several times attempted it, but to no purpose; for notwithstanding my greatest care, they died in a Week, either of the Cramp or Scow∣ring.

The times of the year to take them are June, July, August; and then they are called young Branchers, ha∣ving not yet moulted. They are taken likewise at the latter end of September; but having then moulted, the young and old are not distinguishable.

Lastly, they are taken from the beginning of Ja∣nuary to the latter end of February, at which time they are all coupled and returned to their Breeding∣places.

The way to take them in June, July, and August, is with an Hobby, after this manner: get out in a dewy Morning, and go to the sides of some Hills which lie to the rising of the Sun, where they most usually fre∣quent; and having sprung them, observe where they fall; then surround them twice or thrice with your Hobby on your Fist, causing him to hover when you draw near, by which means they will lie still till you clap a Net over them, which you carry on the point of a Stick.

If three or four go together, take a Net like one made for Partridges: when you go with a Setting-dog onely, the Mesh must be smaller, that is, a Lark-mesh; and then your Hobby to the Lark is like a Setting-dog to Partridges, and with your Net at one draught you may take the whole flock.

The Wood-lark that is taken in June, July, and Au∣gust will sing presently, but will not last long, by rea∣son of their moulting. That which is taken in Janu∣ary and February will sing in five or six days, or sooner; and these are the best, being taken in full stomack, and are more perfect in their Song than those taken at o∣ther seasons.

If in the Cage you find him grow poor at the be∣ginning of the Spring, give him every two or three days a Turff of Three-leav'd-grass, (as is used to the Skie-lark) and boil him a Sheeps-heart and mince it small, mingling it among his Bread, Egg, and Hemp-seed, which will cause him to thrive extraordi∣narily.

If he be troubled with Lice, (a Distemper he is com∣monly afflicted withal) take him out of the Cage, and

smoak him with Tobacco; give him fresh gravel, and set him in a hot place where the Sun shines, and this will cure him if he have strength to bask in the Sand.

If you would have him sing lavish, feed him with Sheeps-heart, Egg, Bread and Hemp-seed mixt toge∣ther, and put into his water a little Liquorish, white Sugar-candy, and Saffron: Let this be done once a week.

Upon the first taking of your Wood-lark thus must you do; you must put into your Cage two Pans, one for minc'd meat, and another for Oat-meal and whole Hemp-seed. Then having boil'd an Egg hard, take the crums of white Bread; the like quantity of Hemp-seed pounded in a Mortar, and mingle your Bread and it with your Egg minc'd very small, and give it him. Let there be at the bottom of the Cage fine red Gravel, and let it be shifted every week at farthest; for he delights to bask in the Sand, which will not be convenient if foul'd with his Dung. Let the pearch of the Cage be lin'd with green Bays, or which is better, make a pearch of a Mat: and lest they should not find the Pan so soon as they should do, to prevent famine, strew upon the Sand some Oat-meal and Hemp-seed.

How to know the Cock is thus: first, the largeness and length of his Call: Secondly, his tall walking: Thirdly, at Evenings the doubling of his Note, which Artists call Cuddling; but if you hear him sing strong, you cannot be deceived.

Here note, that if a Bird sings not that is taken in February and January within one month after, you may conclude him not worth the keeping, or else is an Hen infallibly.

The Wood-lark as it is naturally endewed with in∣comparable notes, so it is a tender Bird, and difficult to be kept; but if rightly ordered, and well look'd to,

will be a most delightful Songster to its Master growing better and better every year even to the very last.

These Birds are very subject to the Cramp, Gid∣diness in the Head, and to Louziness. The best reme∣dy to prevent the Cramp, is to shift the Cage often with fresh Gravel, otherwise the Dung will clog to their feet which causeth the Cramp. The giddiness of the Head proceedeth from feeding upon much Hemp-seed: per∣ceiving this distemper, give him some Gentles, (the common Bait for Fisher-men) Hog-lice, Emmets and their Eggs, with Liquorish, all put into water, we serve in their stead, and will cure immediately. Louzi∣ness (which causeth leanness in this bird) is cured as said before by smoaking Tobacco.

Of the SKIE-LARK: The several ways to take them; and when taken, how to order them.

THere is a great difference between one Skie-lark and another; for one may not be worth two pence, when another shall be worth two pounds.

This Bird is very hardy, and will live upon any food in a manner, so that he have but once a weeks Turff of Three-leav'd-grass. As the Wood-lark hath young ones in March, the Skie-lark hath rarely any till the middle of May. They commonly build in Corr or thick high grass Meadows, and seldom have more than four: take them at a fortnight old, and at fir•••• give them minced sheeps-heart with a chopt hard Egg mingled: when they can feed alone, give them Bread Hemp-seed, and Oat-meal; let the Bread be min∣gled

with Egg, and the Hemp-seed bruised: Let them have Sand in the bottom of their Cage; Pearches there∣in are to no purpose.

As the Wood-lark is taken with Net and Hobby, so may the Skie-lark be taken also. They are taken like∣wise in dark nights with a Trammel; this Net is about six and thirty yards long, and six yards over, run through with six ribs of Pack-thread; which ribs at the ends are put upon two Poles sixteen foot long, made taper at each end, and so is carried between two men half a yard from the ground; every six steps touching the ground, to cause the Birds to fly up, otherwise you may carry the Net over them without disturbing them: hearing them fly against the Net, clap it down, and they are safe under it. This is a very murdering Net, taking all sorts of birds that it comes near, as Partridges, Quails, Woodcocks, Snipes, Felfares, and what not, almost in e∣very dark night.

The next way of taking them is with a pair of Day-nets and a Glass, which is incomparable pastime in a Frosty Morning. These Nets are commonly se∣ven Foot deep, and Fifteen long, knit with your French Mesh, and very fine Thread. These Nets take all sorts of small Birds that come within their Compass, as Bunting-larks, and Linnets in abun∣dance.

These Larks are also taken by a Low-bell, with a great light carried in a Tub both by one man, and the Net by another; this Bell and Light so amazeth them, that they lie as dead, and stir not till the Net overcast them. By this Bell are all sorts of Fowls and Birds taken, as Partridge and Pheasant; and if the Bell be loowd, or very deep, Duck, Mallard, Woodcock, and Snipe may be taken.

The last way of taking Larks is in a great Snow, by taking an hundred or two hundred yards

of Pack-thread, fastning at every six inches a Noose made with Horse-hair; two hairs are sufficient. Now since I have already described this way of taking Larks, I shall desist, and onely inform you that those Larks you intend to preserve for singing, must be taken in October or November: Chuse the straightest, largest, and loftiest Bird, and he that hath most white on his Tail, for these are the marks of the Cock. Observe in this Bird, as in all others, that you give no salt Meat, nor Bread season'd with salt.

Of the LINNET.

THeir Nests are usually in Thorn-bushes and Furt-bushes; and some of the hotter sort of them will breed four times a year. The young ones may be taken at four days old, if you intend to teach them to whistle, or learn the Song of other Birds: for being so young, they know not the tune of the old Bird. Being so young, keep them very warm, and feed them often, and a little at a time: there must be bruised soaked Rape-seeds, with the like quantity of white bread, of which there must be fresh made every day to prevent sowring, which will make them scowr to death: let not their Meat be too dry, for fear of being Vent∣burnt. If you intend they shall whistle, do you whistle to them in the time of Feeding, being more apt to learn before they can crack hard seeds. Whatever Bird you intend your Linnet shall learn his Notes of, hang him under it, and he will perfectly imitate him: nay, so docible this Bird is, as I have been credibly infor∣med, that some of them have been taught to speak. To know the Cock from the Hen, must not alway

be discovered by their Breasts; but the Cock is best known by the brownness of his Back and the white in his Wing; that is to say, take your young Linnet when the Wing-feathers are grown, and stretch out his Wing, holding his body fast with the other hand; and then observe the white upon the fourth, fifth, and sixth Feather; if it cast a glistering white, and the white goes close to the Quil, this is a sure sign of a Cock.

Many are the Diseases of this Bird, as the Ptisick, known by his panting, staring Feathers, lean Breast, and spilling his Seeds up and down the Cage; and this Disease happens for want of Water, or for want of green Meat in the Spring: He is troubled also with Streins or Convulsions of the Breast: Sometimes he is afflicted with hoarsness in his voice, being over∣strein'd in singing: he is sometimes melancholy, at other times afflicted with scowring, of which there are three sorts; the first is thin, and with a black or white substance in the middle, not very dangerous; the se∣cond is between a black and white, clammy and stick∣ing, this is bad; but the third and last is most mortal, which is the white clammy scowring: The several Cures I shall not here set down for brevity sake, but re∣fer you to the care of the Bird-merchant.

Of the GOLD-FINCH, or CHRIST∣MAS-FOOL, so called in Norfolk.

THey are taken in great plenty about Michaelmas, and will soon become tame. The beauty of this Birds severally-colour'd Feathers is not much taken notice of, because they are so common among us; but

they have been so noted and valued beyond Sea, that they have been transported in great quantities for great rarities.

They breed commonly in Apple-trees and Plum∣trees thrice a year. You must take the young ones with the Nest at ten days old, and feed them after this manner: Take some of the best Hemp-seed, pound it, sift it, and mix it with the like quantity of white bread, with some flower of Canary-seeds; and taking up the quantity of a white Pea upon a small Stick, feed them therewith three or four bits at a time, making fresh every day: You must keep these Birds very warm till they can feed themselves, for their nature is very tender.

For the purgation of this Bird, as well as all others which feed on Hemp-seed, take the seeds of Mellons, Succory, and Mercury, which is a principal Herb for the Linnet; but the best for the Gold-finch are Lettice and Plantain; and nothing can be more wholesome for him than Wall or Loom-earth, and some fine Sand, and a lump or two of Sugar put always into his Cage.

Of the TIT-LARK.

THis Bird is very short in his Song, and no variety in it; yet some fancy him for his Whisking, Turring, and Chewing: He commonly appears at that time of the year that the Nightingale does, which is the beginning of April, and leaves us at the begin∣ning of September: They are fed when taken as the Nightingale; you must cram him at first, for he will not feed himself, by reason he always feeds on live

meat in the field, for which cause he is unacquainted with the meat we offer him: when he comes to feed of himself, he will eat what the Wood-lark eats, or al∣most any other meat.

This Bird breeds about the latter end of April, or beginning of May, and builds her Nest on the ground by some Pond-side or Ditch-side, and feeds her young with Caterpillars or Flies. They are easily brought up being hardy, and are not subject to Colds or Cramps as other Birds are, but live long if preserved with care. If you breed up this Bird young and cleanly, you may please your self with his Song; all that I can say of it is, Short and sweet.

Of the CHAF-FINCH.

THere is no scarcity of this Bird, and in my mind fitter for the Spit than a Cage, having but one short plain Song, yet for that he is admired by some, and kept very charily.

They build their Nests in Hedges and Trees of all sorts, and have young ones twice or thrice a year; they are seldom bred up from the Nest, because they are not apt to take another Birds Song, nor to whistle. The Essex-finch is best both for length of Song, and variety, concluding it with several Notes very prettily. He is very little subject to any Disease, onely he is in∣clinable to be very lousie, if he be not sprinkled with a little Wine twice or thrice a month.

Of the STARLING.

THis Bird is generally kept by all sorts of people a∣bove any other bird for whistling; but their grea∣test fault is, they have them too fledg'd out of the Nest, and that makes them retain commonly so much of their own harsh Notes: therefore those who do intend to have them excellent, and avoid their own squeaking Notes, must take them from the old ones at the end of three or four days; and thus you must do to all birds you would learn to whistle, or speak, or learn another birds Song by hanging under him.

Of the RED-START.

THis Bird is a Fore-runner of the Nightingale, and is of a very sullen dogged temper in a cage; but abroad is very chearful, and hath a very pleasant kind of whistling Song.

The Cock is fair and beautifully coloured, and is de∣lightful to the eye. They breed thrice a year; the lat∣ter end of April, in May, and towards the latter end of June.

They build usually in holes of hollow Trees, or under house-eaves: She is the shiest bird I know of her building; for when she is about her Nest, if she perceive any look on, she forsakes it; and if you touch an Egg she never comes more to the Nest, and if she have young ones and you do the like, she will either starve them, or break their Necks over the Nest.

Now though the old ones are thus dogged, yet if you bring up their young, their nature will alter, and be∣come very tame.

You must take them out of the Nest about ten days old; if they stay longer, they will learn somewhat of the old one's sullen temper. You must feed them with Sheeps-heart and Eggs chopped and mixt together, a∣bout the quantity of three white Peas, upon the end of a Stick, when they open their mouths: when they will thus feed, put them into a Cage with meat about it, and a Pan of meat therein; and though he feed him∣self, yet it will be very sparingly for four or five days, wherefore you must now and then feed him your self. Keep him warm in the Winter, and he will sing as well in the night as the day.

Of the BULL-FINCH.

THe Bull-finch hath no Song of his own, nor whi∣stle neither, but is very apt to learn any thing almost, if taught by the mouth.

Of the GREEN-FINCH.

THis Bird is not worth a keeping for his Song, but for his colour, and being a hardy heavy bird to ring the Bells.

They breed very sillily by the High-way-side, and early before the Hedges have leaves upon them; which causes every one to see their Nests at first, so that seldom their first Nests come to any thing. They breed three

times a year, and the young ones are very hardy birds to be brought up. You may feed them with white Bread and Rape bruised and soaked together: He is apter to take the Whistle than another Bird's Song. All that can be said of him, he is a very dull Bird, and will never kill himself either by singing or whistling.

Of the HEDGE-SPARROW.

THis is not so despicable a bird as some would have it; for if you will mind its Song, you will find very delightful Notes, and sings early in the Spring with great variety. Old or young become tame very quickly, and will sing in a short time after they are ta∣ken; so that you take them at the latter end of Janu∣ary or beginning of February: they will feed almost on any thing you give them.

They commonly build in a White-thorn or private Hedge, laying Eggs much different from other Birds, being of a very fine blue colour. This Bird is very tractable, and will take any bird's Song almost, if ta∣ken young out of the Nest. I shall only speak a few Experiments of others, and deliver some Observations of my own concerning the length of Birds lives, and which are most proper for whistling, and so shall end this Treatise.

First, As to the length of Birds Lives: Among Nigh∣tingales some live but one year, some three, some five, some eight, and some twelve; singing better and bet∣ter for the first seven or eight years, and after that decline by little and little: They must have careful keepers that can preserve their lives to the fifth year;

experience informs us, where one lives to that age, an hundred die.

The Wood-lark seldom lives in a Cage above six years, and hardly five.

The Robin-red-breast rarely lives above seven years; for he is a tender Bird, and much subject to the Fal∣ling-sickness, Cramp, and Oppression of the Sto∣mack.

The Skie-lark as he is a hardy Bird, so he is long liv'd also. All sorts of Seed-birds live longer than a∣ny soft-beak'd Birds, especially the Canary and Linnet. I have known a Canary-bird live and sing within a year of twenty; in like manner the Linnet.

So much as to the Lives of Singing Birds; let us now consider which are most fit for Whistling.

In the first place I look upon the Starling to be the best; and never heard better than at the Grey-Hound in St. Mary Ax, taught and sold by the inge∣nious Master of that House. But since I have spoken of the Starling and Bull-finch already, I shall insist no farther.

The Black-bird hath a kind of rude Whistle; and if young taken out of the Nest, is very apt to learn.

The Robin-red-breast is a most incomparable Bird for the Whistle, and to Speak also. A Robin is a hot-mettled Bird, and therefore he must not be in the hearing of another; wherefore if you breed two, let them be separated into two several Rooms, that they may not hear, and so consequently spoil each o∣ther.

The Canary-bird will learn to Whistle any thing al∣most, if taken young out of the Nest, otherwise not; for being a very hot-mettled Bird, he will run upon his own Song do what you can.

The Linnet will learn any Tune almost, if not too

long, and too full of variety. Learn him one Tune first, then another, keeping him dark and still, out of the noise of other Birds.

Take this for a general Rule for all Birds, That the younger they be, the better they will prove, and an∣swer your expectation for all your trouble and pains in bringing up and keeping them.