TAke at Midsummer of the Bark of Holly so much as to fill a reasonable big Vessel, and boil it in running water till the grey and white bark rise from the green; which will take up a whole day or better, Then take it from the fire, and after the water is very well drained, separate from it the barks: Take all the green, and lay it on the ground in a close place, and on a moist floor, as in some low Vault or Cellar, and cover it allover a good thickness with Docks, Hemlock, Thistles, and the like green weeds, [or else make it up in a heap with Fern S S S, that is, first a layer or bed of Fern, then a layer of Bark, then a layer of Fern again, and so on in∣terchangeably] and so let it lie for the space of ten or twelve days; in which time it will rot, and turn to a slimy matter: Then pound it in a large Morter, till it come to be one uniform substance or paste, that may be wrought with the hand like dough, without discerning any part of the Bark or other substance. Which done, take it out of the Morter, and carry it to a swift running stream, and there wash it exceedingly, not leaving any mote or filth in it, Then put it up in a close earthen pot, and let it stand and purge for divers days together, (three or four at least) not omitting to skum it as any foulness arises, and when no more will rise, put it into a clean Vessel, and co∣ver it close, and keep it for use.
Now when you have occasion to use it, take thereof what quantity you shall think sit, and putting it into an earthen Pipkin with a third part of Hogs grease, or (which is better) Capons grease, or Goose grease, set it on a very gentle fire, and there let them melt together, and stir them continually till they be both incorporated together, and become one entire substance: Then take it from the fire and cool it, stir∣ring it till it be cold.
When it is well cooled, take your Rods, and warming them a little over the fire, wind about the tops of them some of it so prepared, then draw the Rods one from another, closing them again, do this several times, continually plying and working them together, till by smearing one upon another, you have bestowed upon every Rod a like quantity of Lime, keeping the full breadth of your hand at least free and without any Lime at all, ever and anon warming the Rods before the fire, to make the Lime spread on them the better, and to make it lie smoother and plainer, that the Fowl may not perceive it, and take affright at it.