The ornithology of Francis Willughby of Middleton in the county of Warwick Esq, fellow of the Royal Society in three books : wherein all the birds hitherto known, being reduced into a method sutable to their natures, are accurately described : the descriptions illustrated by most elegant figures, nearly resembling the live birds, engraven in LXXVII copper plates : translated into English, and enlarged with many additions throughout the whole work : to which are added, Three considerable discourses, I. of the art of fowling, with a description of several nets in two large copper plates, II. of the ordering of singing birds, III. of falconry / by John Ray ...

SECTION II. Of the taking of Land-Fowl.

CHAP. I. Several ways of taking them by night.

§. I. Of taking Birds with the Low-bell.

THis is of use chiefly in Champain Countries, and that from the end of Octo∣ber till the end of March following.

About eight of the clock at night, the Air being mild, and the Moon not shining, take your Low-bell, of such size as a man may well carry it in one hand, having a deep, hollow, and sad sound; and with it a Net of small Mash, at least twenty yards deep, and so broad as to cover five or six ordinary Lands, or more, according as you have company to carry it: and go into a Stubble-field [a Wheat stubble is the best.] He that carries the Bell must go foremost, and toll it as he goeth along as solemnly as may be, letting it but now and then knock on both sides. Then shall follow the Net born up at each corner, and on each side. Another must carry a pan of live coals, but not blazing. At these, having pitcht your Nets where you think any Game is, you must light bundles of Hay, Straw, or Stubble, or else Links and Torches, and with noises and poles beat up all the Birds under the Net, that they may rise, and entangle themselves in it, and you take them at pleasure. Which done extinguish your Lights, and proceeding to another place, do as before.

N. The sound of the Low-bell astonies the Birds, and makes them lie close; and the blaze of light dazling their eyes affrights them, and causes them to rise and make to it.

N. 2. In this pastime all must be done with great silence, no noise being heard but the Low-bell only, till the Nets be placed, and the Lights blazing, and then you may use your pleasure: Which once extinguished, a general silence must be again made.

§. II. Of taking Birds with the Trammel.

THe Trammel is much like the Lowbelling Net, only it may be made somewhat longer, but not much broader. This Net, when you come to a fit place, spread on the ground, and let the hinder end thereof, being plummed with lead lie loose on the ground, but the foremost end at the two corners be born up by the strength of men, a full yard or more from the ground, and so trail the Net along the ground. On each side the Net some must carry great blazing Lights of fire, and by the Lights others must march with long Poles, to beat up the Birds as you go, and as they rise so take them. In this sort you may go over a whole field, or any other champain ground.

§. III. How they take Birds in Italy by night with a Light and a Net called Lanciotoia.

THis sport is most used in the Champain of Rome. The Net is of the Mash of an or∣dinary Lark-net. It is fastned to two green sticks of pliant wood, twice so big as ones greatest finger, and * 1.1 two or three [Roman] yards long. These sticks must be fastned to the end of a square baston of two yards and half long in two holes, a little distant the one from the other, and covered with the same Net. [This Baston serves for a handle to carry and mannage the Net with, and may be as well round as

square, and then the whole Instrument will somewhat resemble a Racket, such as they play at Tennis with.] These two sticks serve to extend the Net at top to about four yards breadth. This Net the Fowler carries on his shoulder, holding the handle of it in one hand, and a Lanthorn called Frugnuolo, with a Lamp burning in it in the other; and when by the light he discovers any Bird within his reach, he claps his Net upon it, and covers it. Besides the Lanthorn the Fowler carries a Bell either at his Girdle, or his Knee, (like our Low-bell) the better to secure the birds to himself. This ex∣ercise cannot be used at all times, but only in Autumn or Winter, not beginning before one hour of the night. Whether the weather be cloudy or clear it is all one, so the Moon shine not.

The Frugnuolo is a sort of Lanthorn made of Latten (commonly, but falsly, called Tin) all close but the fore-side. Its Base about a Roman Palm and half long, and at the aperture about a Palm broad, or a little more; likewise a Palm high: The Cover (which goes shelving) two Palms long: In the midst thereof above is a handle, and within side a thin plate of Iron three fingers distant from the beginning of the Cover, to preserve the Tin from being burnt and marred by the flame of the Lamp. Below is another empty handle to put in a stick to hold it up on high. Within, in a Circle made on purpose in the bottom, is put an earthen Lamp with a great Week, and Oyl. With this kind of Lamp they also search bushes, hedges, and low trees, where they think Thrushes and other Birds pearch, and having discovered them, strike them down with an Instrument called Ramata, made like a Racket with a long handle, or if they be out of reach of that, shoot them with a Cross-bow.

§. IV. Of Bat-fowling.

BAt-fowling is a taking by night of great and small Birds, that rest not on the ground, but pearch on shrubs; bushes, trees, &c. and is proper to woody and rough Countries.

First, one must carry a Vessel with fire (as in Low-belling) then others must have Poles bound with dry Wisps of Hay, Straw, pieces of Links, pitcht Hurds, or any other combustible matter that will make a blaze. Others must bear long Poles with rough and bushy tops. When you are come to the Birds haunts, kindle some of your fires, and with your Poles beat the bushes and trees: Which done the Birds (if any be) will rise, and fly to, and play about the Lights: It being their nature not to de∣part from them, but almost scorch their Wings in the same, so that they who have the bushy Poles may at their pleasure strike them down and take them.

Others carry with them a great Lime-bush made of the head of a Birch or Willow Tree, and pitching it down make their blazes close by it; and the birds will come and light upon it, and so be entangled.

In this Sport you must observe the directions given in Low-belling as to the choice of the night, and especially keeping silence, &c.

CHAP. II. Of taking Land-fowl with Nets.

§. I. A general way of taking many sorts of Land-fowl by the Crow-net.

THE Crow-net is the same in all respects with that described Chap. I. This Net may be placed near any Barn-door where Corn is winnowed, or in a Corn∣stubble, or on the Greensword in the Morning and Evening haunts of any Birds where they gather Worms. Where-ever placed it must be carefully hid and concealed, as much as may be, from the view of the Birds, as if near a Barn-door by casting Chaff upon it, &c. Observe also, first to have some Covert to hide your per∣son in, where you may see, and not be seen. Secondly, not to be too hasty in striking, but stay till you have a full number under the reach of your Net, and then pull free∣ly and quickly.

§. II. Of taking Birds with Day-nets.

THE time of the Year for these Nets is from August till November: Of the Day a little before Sun-rise, so as your Nets may be laid, and all your Implements in readiness to begin your work by peep of Sun. The milder the Air, and the clearer and brighter the Morning, the fitter is the season for this exercise. The best place is in Champain Countries, remote from any Town, Village, or common con∣course of people, on short Barley stubbles, smooth green Layes, or level Meadows; if the place be not naturally even and plain where you pitch your Nets, you must make it so: That both lying and falling over they may couch so close to the ground that the shortest grass or stubble appearing through them, they may as it were lie hid and unperceived by the Birds, and that being covered they may not creep or flicker from under them.

Let your Nets be made of very fine Packthread, knit sure, the Mash not above an Inch square. Let them be about three fathoms long, and not above one deep, verged on each side with strong small Cords, the ends extended upon two small Poles as long as the Net is broad, &c. in all things like the Net described §. I. save that that was to be but one single Net, but here you must have two exactly of the same size and fashion, and placed at that distance, that when they are drawn the sides may just meet and touch one another. Your Nets being staked down with strong stakes, so that with any nimble twitch you may cast them to and fro at pleasure; some twenty or thirty paces from the Nets place your Giggs on the tops of long Poles, turned into the wind, so as they may play and make a noise therein. These Giggs are made of long Goose∣feathers in the manner of Shuttle-cocks, and with little turnels of wood running in broad and flat Swan-quills, made round like a small hoop, and so with longer strings fastned to the Pole, will with any small wind twirl and flicker in the Air after such a wanton manner that the Birds will come in great flocks to wonder and play about the same. After the placing of your Giggs, you shall then place your Stale, which is a small stake of wood to prick down fast in the earth, having in it a Morteise hole, in which a long slender piece of wood, of about two foot, is so fastned that it may move up and down at pleasure, and to this longer stick you shall fasten a small Line, which running through a hole in the stake aforesaid, and so coming up to the place where you sit, you may by drawing the Line up and down to you (with your right hand) raise and mount the longer stick from the ground, as oft as you shall find oc∣casion.

Now to this longer stick you shall fasten a live Lark, or Bunting, (for you must be sure ever to preserve some alive for that purpose) or for want of such, any other small Bird, which the Line making to flicker up and down by your pulling, will entice the Larks to play about it, and swoop so near the ground, that drawing your hand, you may cover them with your Nets at pleasure: Also it will entice Hawks and any other Birds of prey to stoop and strike at the same, so as you may with ease take them.

There is also another Stale, called the Looking-glass; and this is a round stake of wood as big as a mans Arm, and made very sharp at the nether end, so as you may thrust and fasten it into the earth at your pleasure. This Stake is made very hollow in the upper part, above five fingers deep at the least; into this hollowness is placed a three-square piece of wood, about twelve Inches long, and each square two Inches broad, lying upon the top of the Stake, and going with a foot into the hollowness, which foot must have a great knob at the top, and another at the bottom, with a deep slenderness between them, to which slenderness must be fastned a small Pack∣thread, which running through a hole in the side of the Stake, must come up to the seat where you sit. Now the three-square piece of wood, which lies on the top of the Stake, must be made of such a true poise and evenness, and the foot in the Socket so round and smooth, that upon the least touch it will twirl and turn round like a Scoperil, winding the Packthread so many times about it, which being sud∣denly drawn, and as suddenly let go again, will keep the Engine in a perpetual round motion, like a Childs Mill, made of a Nut, a stick, and an Apple. This done, you shall with Glue or other strong Cement fasten upon the uppermost squares of the three-square piece about twenty small pieces of Looking-glass, and paint all the spare∣wood

between them of a very bright red colour, which in the continual motion and turning about will give such a glorious reflection, that the wanton Birds cannot for∣bear, but will play about it with admiration till they be taken.

Now both these Stales are to be placed in the very midst between the two Nets, and about two or three foot distant one from another, so that in the falling of the Nets the Cords may by no means touch or annoy them. Neither must they stand one before or after another, but in a direct Line one over against another, the glass being kept con∣tinually moving, and the Bird very oft flickering. When you have thus placed your nets, Giggs, and Stales, you shall then go to the further end of your long drawing Lines, and Stale-lines, and having a little Hassock made of Sedge, about a foot or better high, you shall place it within a yard or little more of the end of the same: And then sitting down upon the Hassock lay the main drawing Line (with a strong button of wood made fast in the same) upon your thigh, and with your right hand continually draw the grass-Line, and with your left the Stale-line, and when you shall perceive the Larks or other birds to play near and about your Nets and Stales, swooping near and to the ground, you shall then with both hands pull the Net over, and cover and take your prey. If the weather be good be not too hasty to pluck at a single bird, but stay till you see many playing about your Nets.

Behind the Seat you sit on lay your spare Instruments and Implements which you are to use about the whole Work, as Spare-stakes, Poles, Lines, Packthread, Knit∣ting-pin and Needle, your Bag with Stales, a Mallet to knock in your Stakes with, and a nimble little Hatchet to make new Stakes with, or sharpen them,

There may be other devices to move the Stales, besides these here described by Markham, but these being as commodious as any, I shall forbear to trouble the Reader with the mention of more. These Nets may be made use of as well upon Hills and rising grounds as upon Plains, provided the Area on which they lie be le∣vel and even: near waters also, and in high ways and walks of Gardens, &c.

Olina describes the manner how these Nets are to be employed for taking of Star∣lings. Having observed (saith he) where those birds haunt most, provide your Nets six paces long, and eight Roman Palms deep, of a small Mash, having their drawing Line of fifteen paces, Moreover, you must get a Cage of five Palms high, with a middle floor; in the upper Story whereof you shall put about one hundred live Stares, and in the lower others which are to serve for Stales. Those in the upper room are to call the wild Stares; and they must have their meat put all in one Vessel, and their water in one Cup, and that so strait, that they can drink but one at a time; likewise the day before they are to be used they should have no meat of two hours before night, that so being hungry, and striving to get to the meat and drink, they may make the greater screaming noise and cry. The live Stales (four in number) must be tied by the tails, each with a string, and by that string fastned one by one to a couple of sticks joyned together across between the Nets, to which cross a Cord is fastned that reaches to the Fowler, by the plucking whereof he may at pleasure move the Stales. In this manner of fowling are also to be used about twenty or twen∣ty five Jackdaws, or such like birds-cases stuft, and set out like live birds, and these placed in order between the Nets for dead-stales, the four live-stales being next the Fowlers Cabbin. Let the dead stales be placed with their heads to the wind, that it do not ruffle and discompose their feathers.

The same Author gives us also an account of the manner how they take Lapwings with the Day-nets.

The Nets for this use are to be of ten paces length, of a large Mash, having a drawing Line fifteen paces long. Between the Nets are to be placed fifteen or twen∣ty dead Stales, that is Lapwings dried, or the Cases of Lapwings stuft, and set out as if they were alive: And besides those two live-stales, which must be used and set as the Starling-stales, and have meat given them to eat. Observe in like manner to set the heads of your dead Stales against the wind. To entice the Birds you must coun∣terfeit their note or cry by a Lapwing-call.

§. III. How to take Larks with Nets, called by the Italians Pantiere.

THese Nets are about four [Roman] yards deep, or a little more, of the same Mash with the ordinary Day-nets, strung on the upper side on a Cord, upon which they run with a row of little Rings, whereby they may be drawn out, or run up together as one pleases. These Nets are supported by two or three Stakes, or more, according to the wideness of the place where they are set. They are to be put in order two hours before Sun-set, for the Evening-driving; and for the Morning∣driving, before break of day; in stubble-fields. About Musket-shot from the Nets two men on foot holding a rope of twenty or twenty five yards long, one at one end, the other at the other, must begin and walk towards the Nets, drawing the Rope over the stubble, and so raising the Larks that lie scattered up and down the field: the which will not take wing, but run forward before the rope, till at last they come within the Nets, which being not stretcht out streight, but easily running up, the more they struggle and fly about, the more they are entangled.

§. IV. How the Italians take small Birds with a Net called Ragna.

THe place for using these Nets is a Grove, (called from the Nets Ragnaia) which ought to be remote from high ways, and defended from the North∣wind; which is very disagreeable and distasteful to the Birds, especially Thrushes and Beccafigos, besides the danger of the Woods being wholly or in part blasted by it. Wherefore it should be situate insome Valley, or on the side of a little Hill exposed to the South. Through it, or beside it should run some River, Brook, or other stream of water issuing from a quick Spring, that fails not in Summer. If it be so situate as to be encompassed on all sides with cultivated fields, in which grow some scattering Fig∣trees, it will be the better. This Grove is wont to be made six, eight, ten, or twelve times so long as it is broad, according as the place will permit: In it long-ways must be drawn three, five, or seven walks, as it is broader or narrower. In case it hath not a natural fence or hedge you must make an artificial one, which must be tall and thick to keep beasts out, and birds in, and even on the top.

The Grove within must be planted with Juniper, Bays, Mastic-tree, Lime-trees, Oaks, Elms, and many other trees but especially Fig-trees. At the roots of such trees as cast their leaves plant Vines. Many other instructions and directions he hath about the Plantation, which who so pleases may see in him.

The Nets are exactly like those described, Section I. Chap. I. §. II. only the Mash somewhat less, they being for small birds. The two out-side Nets or false Nets along their upper edge must have Iron or Horn-rings, and by them be put upon a strong Cord. The middle or true Net must also be verged with a Cord. These Nets, one, two, or more of them, must be placed in the middle of the Grove, and crossing it; fastned by the top-cords to two great Poles or Pillars, made with winding steps round to mount up them; and on their tops having little rundles to draw the Lines nimbly, and stretch out the Nets. The bottom of the Nets, or that side next the ground must have many strings hanging down from it, two or three Palms distant one from another, which are to be tied down to certain Pegs fastned in the earth. The middle Net, which must be the deeper, will fall down sufficiently in a lump or furl between the two side-ones, therefore with a Cane you must draw it gently through the Mashes of the false Nets, especially about the middle of the Nets, making in each Mash a kind of purse or pouch, that when any Bird strikes against it, it may more readi∣ly run through the Mashes of the false net, and so catch the Bird as it were in a Bag.

The time for catching is either in the Morning early, before the Birds are gone out to feed, or at Even when they come to roost. At each end of the Grove in every walk one person must march forward toward the Net, making a noise as he goes with a Cane or Saff, and throwing stones or clods of earth, if it be for Beccafigos: But if it be for Thrushes, at first he must walk quietly and leisurely, without making much noise; and as he comes nearer the Nets, so make greater hast and more noise. Whence

it is wont to be said: For Thrushes a wise man, and for Beccasigos, a fool or mad man.

To hinder the Birds from mounting and flying away, some are wont to turn off a Sparhawk, or other little Hawk with Bells at her heels to soar aloft and hover over the Grove. Others are wont to do the same only with a pair of wings, and a Bell on the top of a Pole. When you see no more birds stirring, loosening the top-cords let down and furl up your Nets, with the birds in them; and either carry them home in the Net, or take them out at pleasure.

§. V. Of the Sparrow-net.

THe Sparrow-net is made up of two cross-staves, a Purse-net, and two strings. The form of this Net you may see expressed in which AFB represents the longer cross-staff, whose direct piece must be of the bigness of a handsom Hawks Pole; its transverse piece AB like the head of an ordi∣nary hay-rake, but bigger and longer: CED the shorter cross-staff, joyned to the longer at E, so loosely as to fall to and fro at pleasure, of such due height and length, that when the cross pieces meet they may joyn even and just. CAEBD is a Purse∣net, fastned to both cross-staves all along, and having that liberty at top, that the cross-staves may fall and part one from another at a pretty distance; its bottom being fastned to the longer staff at E. CAE, DBE are two small cords fastned to the two ends of the shorter cross-staff, and passing through two holes in the ends of the lon∣ger cross-staff, tied together at E, at such distance that the shorter staff may fall from the longer as far as you see meet, or the wideness of the Net will give leave. To the knot of the two Cords must be made fast a single Cord EG, which you must carry in your right hand, that you may at pleasure draw the cross-staves close together, and let them open as need shall require.

This Net is to be used late in the Evening, or early in the Morning, by setting it against the Eves of thatcht Houses, Stacks, Hovels, Barns, Stables, Dove-coats, &c. and being so set knocking and thrusting the cross-staves close against the same, making such a noise as may inforce the Birds to fly out of their holes or haunts into the Net; and then presently drawing the Line EG, and so shutting up the cross-staves enclose them, and letting down your Net, open it, and take them out.

The chief benefit of taking Birds in this manner is for the mewing of Hawks, or getting into lust and strength sick and weak Hawks: Because with this Engine you may take Evening and Morning so many birds as you please, and give them warm to your Hawk, which is the greatest nourishment that can be, raising a Hawk soon, and making her mew fast.

CHAP. III. How to take several sorts of small Birds and other Land-fowl with Bird-lime.

§. I. Of taking small Birds with the Lime-bush, and Lime-twigs.

YOur Lime-bush must be a main bough of any bushy tree, as Birch or Willow, or for want of them, Sallow, Poplar, or Aspen; whose twigs are long, smooth, and streight, without pricks, knots, or any other roughness or crookedness; having pickt and trim'd it (yet not taking away any of the little bud∣knots) lime every twig and branch from the top down within four fingers or there∣about of the bottom. The body and main branches must not be touched with any Lime at all. Dabble not on your Lime too thick, nor yet let any part be left bare, or want its proportion, that ought to be limed.

Your Bush thus prepared, carry it forth into the fields where the haunts of the small birds are, and place it as near as you can to any of these haunts, if it be a hedge

or tree close to them, &c. provided that where-ever you pitch it down, you may very near it have some close Covert to lie concealed in, and there chirp like a Spar∣row, or call with a note like the Linnet or Bull-finch [as the Cocks use to do when they miss the Hens, or the Hens the Cocks] altering your note according to your fancy, but continually calling in one note or other. This Art and Ability is gotten by diligent observing the Birds notes abroad, and by practice. But if you cannot frame your mouth to these sounds, get you a Bird-call; and having learnt how to use it Ar∣tificially, you shall sit in your Covert, and call the Birds to you: And when you see any of them light upon your Bush let them alone, and move not till you see them safe∣ly entangled, which their own skipping up and down, and strugling when they find themselves snared, will do better than any affright from you whatsoever: Neither shall you stir for a single Bird or two, but stay till many be entangled: For the first that are taken will with their striving and fluttering in the bush be as good as Stales; and make a world of others repair to them, which you may then take: And this ex∣ercise you may continue from before Sun-rise till ten of of the Clock in the Fore∣noon, and from one in the Afternoon till almost Sun-set in the Evening.

If you want a Call you may make use of a Stale; as of a Bat or two, placed next to your Lime-bush in such apparent manner that no bird thereabouts but may behold them; which will no sooner be perceived, but every bird will come to gaze and won∣der at them: Then having no other convenient lighting place but the Lime-bush, they will flock as thick into the same as may be, and so you may take them at pleasure. So the Owl may in like manner be employed, which by reason she is more melancholy and less stirring than the Bat, and also of greater bulk, and sooner perceived, is a better Stale than the Bat. For want of a live Owl or Bat the skin of either stuft, or an artificial Owl made of wood and painted may serve the turn.

Others take these small birds with Lime-twigs only, by rising early in the Morning before break of day, and going to the haunts, and there watching when the Birds go forth to seek their food (which is ever at the spring of the day) and then finding that they have forsaken the hedges, they place their Lime-twigs all along those hedges, some upright, some slope-wise, and some across; and withal so thick, that the Birds can come no way into the hedge, but of force they must be entangled. This done they go into the Corn-fields, Meadows, or Grounds adjoyning, where the Birds feed, and there beating them up and scaring them, make them retire to the hedges in great flocks, where they are presently entangled among the Lime-twigs, and ta∣ken in abundance. But this manner of taking is only for the Spring and Fall of the Leaf; and only for one certain time of the day, viz. an hour before and after Sun-rise.

§. II. An excellent way of taking small Birds with Birdlime; out of the Epitome of Husbandry.

THis is best done in a Snow. When you see the Birds flock together about your house or fields; chuse out one hundred large Wheat-ears; cut the straw about a foot long besides the ears; From the bottom of the Ears to the middle lime the straw for about six or seven Inches; let your Lime be warm, that so it may run thin upon the straw, and be less discernable to the Birds. Go then to the place, and carry a little bag of Chaff and threshed Ears, and scatter these fourteen or fifteen yards wide. Then take the limed Ears, and stick them up and down in the Snow, with the Ears leaning, or with the end touching the ground. Then retire from the place, and drive the Birds from any other haunt, and you will see presently great flocks repair thither, and begin to peck the Ears of Corn, and fly away with them, which as soon as any of them shall do, the straw that is limed laps under his Wing, and down he falls, not perceiving himself to be entangled: For I have seen many eat their Ears when they have been fast limed under the Wing. In the field you will take most Larks. For Sparrows stick your Ears upon the house-tops, though you never get the Birds. Every dozen of Sparrows you take in Winter shall save you a quarter of Wheat before Harvest.

Take away all your limed Ears, and in the Afternoon bait the place with a bag or two more of Ears and Chaff, and let them rest till Morning, that the birds may feed boldly, and not be affrighted; then take some fresh Ears, and stick them up as you did before.

§. III. How to take Fieldfares with Birdlime: out of the same.

WHen time is, that is about or after Michaelmas, shoot a Fieldfare or two, and set them in such order that they may seem to sit alive on a tree. Then having prepared the Lime-twigs about two or three hundred, take a Birchen bough, and cut off all the small twigs, make little holes and clefts all about the bough, and there place your Lime-rods: Then set the Fieldfare upon the top bough, making him fast, that he may seem alive. Let this bough be set near where they come in a morning to feed, (for they keep a constant place till their food is gone) that so flying near they may espy the top-bird: which as soon as they do, they will fall down in whole flocks to him.

§. IV. How to take Pigeons with Lime-twigs: out of the same.

GEt a couple of Pigeons dead or alive; if dead, yet order them so as to stand stiff as if they were living and feeding. Then at Sun-rising take your twigs, what quantity you pelase: Let them be very small [Wheat-straws are as good or better] and place them on the ground which the Pigeons frequent, where your two Pigeons are set; and you shall find you will quickly be rid of them. Two or three dozen is nothing to take in a Morning if there come good flights.

§. V. How to take Crows, Pies, Gleads, &c. with Lime-twigs: out of the same.

STick up Lime-twigs on the Carcass of a dead Horse newly stript, or any other Carrion, so soon as these birds have found it. Let them be very small, and not too thick set; lest they perceive them, and take distaste.

§. VI. How to take Crows and Rooks when they pull up Corn by the roots: out of the same.

TAke some thick brown Paper, and divide a sheet into eight parts, and make them up like Sugar-loaves: Then lime the inside of the Paper a very little [Let them be limed three or four days before you set them.] Then put some Corn in them, and lay fifty or sixty of them up and down the ground, as much as you can un∣der some cold of earth, and early in the Morning before they come to feed. Then stand at a good distance, and you will see excellent sport. For as soon as Rook, Crow, or Pigeon comes to pick out any of the Corn, it will hang upon his head, and he will immediately fly bolt upright so high that he shall seem like a small bird, and when he is spent, come tumbling down, as if he were shot in the Air.

§. VII. How to take Stares with a limed string: out of Olina's Uccelliera.

TAke a small string of a yard or thereabout long, bind it fast to the Tail of a Stare, having first carefully limed it all over, excepting one Palm next the bird. Having found a flock of Starlings, come as near to them as possible, holding your Stare by the wings as near as you can, and let her go to her fellows, which as soon as you shew your self to them, will presently take wing: Your tail-tied Stare endeavouring to se∣cure her self of her liberty, thrusting her self into the middle of her fellows, will en∣tangle many of them, and so not being able to fly, they will afford a pleasant spectacle in tumbling down to the ground: where you must be ready with a Brush or Besom to strike them down.

Many other devices there are to take several sorts of birds with Lime-rods, &c. which I think needless to set down; it being not difficult for an ingenious Fowler to invent as good or better, when he shall have opportunity of taking those kinds of Birds.

CHAP. IV. Of taking Birds with Baits.

THis way is not for taking birds to eat, but for destroying noisom and ravenous Fowl, as Crows, Ravens, Kites, Buzzards, &c.

For the effecting whereof, 1. Observe their haunts. 2. Remember the hours or times of day when they are most sharp-set and greedy, as early in the Morning, so soon as they unpearch themselves; and again at Even a little before Sun∣set, especially at that time of the year when they have young ones; for then they will with greediness seize any bait, as fast as you cast it out. 3. Take a pretty quan∣tity of Nux Vomica, and dissolve it in Wine Vinegar, or Wine-Lees, [those of sweet Wine are the best.] Then take the garbage of any Fowl, and all-besmear them over with your Solution of Nux Vomica, and cast them forth where such noisom birds haunt: and watching the birds in a convenient place, you shall see that after swal∣lowing a bit or two, any such Fowl will presently grow dizzy, reeling and tumbling up and down, till at last it fall into a dead swoon.

Others take pretty big gobbets of raw lean flesh, as Beef, Mutton, &c. and ma∣king therein secret little holes, put in them small pieces of Nux Vomica, and close them up again.

You may also instead of either make use of Carrion, and either smear it with your Confection, or stop into the fleshy part of it small pieces of Nux Vomica.

It is best to let these baits lie loose, and not fasten them to the ground, as some practise.

To take granivorous birds of the greater kind, as Doves, Rooks, &c. boil good store of Nux Vomica together with Wheat, Barley, Pease, or any other Pulse very well in ordinary running water, till the Grain be ready to burst, then take it from the fire, and cover it till it be throughly cold. The Grain thus boiled and steept scatter thick where these Fowl frequent, and it will have the like effect upon them, as the Garbage or Carrion had upon the carnivorous.

For small birds boil your Nux Vomica with such seeds as they most delight in, viz. Hemp-seed, Rape-seed, Lin-seed, and above all Mustard-seed; and they will be in like manner entoxicated.

Some instead of Nux Vomica take only the Lees of Wine (which the sharper they are, the better) and in them boil and steep, or only steep (which is as availeable if continued a sufficient while) their Grain or Seeds, and scatter them as above di∣rected.

Others take the juyce of Hemlock, and steep in it their Grain or Seeds, mixing therewith a pretty sprinkling of Henbane and Poppy seeds, letting all stand in steep two or three days at least, and then drain it, and scatter it, &c. which will have the like effect with the Nux Vomica.

To recover any Fowl of these baits, take a little quantity of Sallet-oyl (according to the strength and bigness of the Fowl) and drop it down its throat; then chafe the head well with Vinegar, and the Fowl will presently recover again, and be as healthful and able as ever it was.

CHAP. V. Several ways of taking Partridges.

§. 4. How to take Partridges and other Birds with a Setting-dog.

A Setting-dog should be a lusty Land-Spaniel, that will range well, and yet at such absolute command, that when he is in his full career one hem of his Ma∣ster shall make him stand still, gaze about him, and look in his Masters face, as it were expecting directions from him, whether to proceed, stand still, or retire: but the main thing he is to be taught is, when he sees and is near his Prey of a sudden to stand still, or fall down flat on his belly, without making any noise or motion till his Master come to him.

For taking Partridge with him; when you come into the fields where Partridges frequent, cast off your Dog, and let him range or hunt, taking care that he range not too far from you, but beat his ground justly and even, without casting about and flying now here and now there, and skipping many places (which the mettle of ma∣ny even good dogs will make them apt to do.) If he do so, call him in with a hem, and threaten him with a stern countenance; and when he doth well encourage him. When you see him make a sudden stop or stand still, be sure he hath set the Fowl; therefore presently make in to him, and bid him go nearer; if he refuses, but either lies still or stands shaking of his tail, and withal now and then looks back upon you, he is near enough: Then begin your range or circumference about both the Dog and Par∣tridge, not ceasing, but walking about with a good round pace, looking still before the Dogs nose, to see how the Covey lies, whether close together in a heap, or scat∣tering. Then charging the Dog to lie still, draw forth your Net, and opening of it, take you one end of the top-cord, and your Companion the other, and holding it stretcht, run with the Net against the Dog, and clap it down over the Birds, cover∣ing Dog and all with it: then make a noise to spring the Partridge, that they may rise, and be entangled in the Net: Some observe to run with their Net against the wind, to keep it fully extended. One man may make a shift to do all: But then he must peg down one end of his Net to the ground, and taking the other end spread it over the Birds.

The Italians (as Olina tells us) are wont to purge their Dog before they go a Set∣ting with him: giving him a morsel made up of half an ounce of Agarick, and two drachms of Sal gemmae, mingled with honey of Roses, covered over with Butter, or some other unctuous matter, that he may the more readily swallow it: And the day following a broth made of a Weathers head, boild so, as with the flesh of it, bread, and a little Brimston pounded, to make a sup. He bids you also observe, 1. Not to hunt your Dog (especially after he hath been new purged) till the Sun hath dried up the dew; because else he will be apt to lose the sent, and also hurt his feet. 2. To begin to set on your Dog under the wind, that he may take the sent the better. The Net (he saith) ought to be a little longer than it is broad or deep; viz. between seven and eight yards over, and between eight and nine deep.

In this manner may be taken, not only Partridges, but Pheasants, Moor-pouts and Quails.

§. I. Of the haunts of Partridges, and how to find Partridges.

THe haunts wherein Partridges most delight, and most constantly abide, are Corn-fields, especially during the time the Corn is standing, under the Covert whereof they meet and breed. After the Corn is cut down they still remain in the Stubbles, especially Wheat-Stubbles, both because they love to feed on that grain before all others, and also for the height of the Stubble, which affords them safer co∣vert. When the Wheat-stubble is either too scanty, or too much soyled and trodden with Men and Cattel, they leave it and go to the Barley-stubbles, which though in∣feriour in both respects, yet being fresh, and not so usually trodden and beaten, they

take great delight therein. In Winter when these stubbles are either plowed up, or over-soyled with Cattel, manure, or the like, then they resort to the enclosed grounds, or upland-Meadows, and lodge in the dead grass or fog, under hedges, among Mole∣hills, and under banks, or at the roots of trees. You may also find haunts of Par∣tridges in small Coppices or Underwoods, in Bushy Closes, or where there grows Broom, Brakes, Furze, or Ling, or any other Covert: Provided always, that there be some Corn-fields adjoyning, else they will rather avoid such places. In Harvest∣time when they can have no quiet lodging in the Corn-fields, you may find them in the day-time in the Fallows adjoyning, where they will lie lurking among the great clods and weeds; and only early in the Morning, and late at Evening fetch their food from the corn-sheaves next adjoyning.

Now for finding them, some will do it by the eye, like hare-finders, viz. In taking their ranges over the stubble fields, or other haunts, casting their eyes on each hand, they will espy them out though never so close couched; which ability partly depends upon the goodness of the eye, partly is acquired by practice and exercise, by diligently observing the true colour of the Partridge, how it differeth from the ground, and also the manner of their lying. This is the easier done, because when you have once (as you think) apprehended them with your eye, you may walk nearer and nearer till you are absolutely sure you see them, provided you be ever moving, and stand not still or gaze at them (for that they will not abide) else they are soslothful and unwilling to take wing, that till you be ready to set your foot upon them, they will not stir.

Others find them by the haunts and places where they last coucht: which they know partly by their dung there left, which if new will be soft, and the white part of it colour their fingers; and partly by their padlings or treadings, which if new will be soft and dirty, and the earth new broken of a darker colour than the mould about it; and being very new indeed, the place where they sate will be warm, and the ground smooth and flat with some small feathers or down scattered upon it. If you find such a haunt, you may be confident the birds are not far off. Therefore look carefully about you, especially down the Lands, walking leisurely; and in a short time you will espy them: which as soon as you do, you shall presently wind off from them, and by no means look towards them, and so fetch a large circumference round about them, keeping an ordinary round march, making your compass less and less, till you have discovered the whole Covey.

Others find them by going early in the Morning, or at the close of the Even, (which are called Juking times) into their haunts, and there listning for the calling of the Cock-Partridge, which will be very loud and earnest, to which after some few calls the Hen will make answer; which as soon as they hear they listen till they meet, which they shall very well perceive by their chattering and rejoycing one with another. Then they take their range about them, drawing nearer and nearer as before, till they discover the whole Covey.

But the best, safest, easiest, and most pleasant way of finding them is by the Par∣tridge-call. Having learnt the true and natural notes of the Partridge, and being able to tune every note in its proper key, and knowing the due times and seasons for every note, so as fitly to accommodate them, go forth either Morning or Evening to their haunts, and having conveyed your self into some close place, so as to see and not be seen, listen a while if you can hear the Partridge call. If you do, answer them again in the same note, and ever as they change, or double, or treble their note, so shall you likewise, plying still your Call till you find them draw near to you. For this cal∣ling is so natural and delightful to them that they will pursue it as far as they can hear it. Having drawn them within your view, cast your self flat upon your back, and lie without moving as if you were dead, and you shall then see them running and pecking about you without any fear, so as you may take a full view of them, and if you please count their number.

§. II. How to take Partridge with Nets.

THese Nets may be made in all points like the * 1.2 Phesant-nets, only the Mash somewhat smaller; but they would be much better were they something longer and broader. Having found the Covey, draw forth your Nets, and taking a large

Circumference about them, walk a good round pace with a careless eye, rather from than toward the Partridge, till you have fitted your Nets, and then draw in your Circumference less and less, till you come within the length of your Net, where, as you walk about, (for no stop or stay must be made) prick down a stick of about three foot long, and to it fasten one end of the Line of your Net: Then letting the Net slip out of your hand, spread it as you go, and so carry it and lay it all over the Partridges. If they lie stragling, that one Net will not cover them, draw out ano∣ther, and do in like manner; and alike with a third, if needs be. Then rush in up∣on them, and with an affrighting voice force them to spring up, and presently they will be entangled in the Nets.

§. III. 3. How to take Partridges with Lime.

TAke of the largest and strongest Wheat-straws, or for want thereof Rie-straws, and cutting them off between knot and knot, [the lowest joynts are the strongest and best] Lime them well over, and coming to the Partridge-haunts, after have called a little, and find that you are answered, prick down your straws round about you in rows, as above directed for Lime-twigs, not only cross the Land, but the Furrows also, taking in at least two or three Lands; and that not very near, but at a pretty distance from you, yet so as to discern when any thing toucheth them. Then lie close, and call again, not ceasing till you have drawn them towards you, whither they cannot come but they must pass through the limed straws, which they shall no sooner touch but they will be entangled; and by reason they come flocking together like so many Chickens, they will be so besmear and dawb one another, that if there be twenty, hardly one will escape.

This way of taking Partridge can only be used in Stubble-fields, and that from Au∣gust to Christmas: If you would take them in Woods, Pastures, or Meadows with Lime, you must use the ordinary Lime-rods before described, and prick them down, and order them in all points like as is directed for your Lime-straws.

§. IV. How to drive Partridges and Quails, and take them in tunnelling Nets.

FIrst provide you a stalking Horse, or an Engine made like a Horse or Oxe, such as we have described Sect. 1. Chap. 4. Then go with your Nets to the Partridges haunts, and having found the Covey, pitch your Net in the secretest and likeliest place, so as to drive them down the wind. Lay not your Net flat on the ground, but set it slopewise, and so over-shadow it with boughs, shrubs, weeds, or some other thing that groweth naturally on the ground it standeth on, that nothing may perceive it, till it be entangled. Then having covered your face with some hood of green or dark blew stuff, stalk with your Horse or Engine toward the Birds by gentle and slow steps, and so raise them, and drive them before you (for it is their nature to run be∣fore a Horse or Beast out of fear lest it tread on them.) If they chance to run any by∣way, or contrary to what you would have them, then presently cross them with your stalking Horse, and they will soon recoil, and run into any track that you would have them, and at last into your Net.

The Net they use in Italy for this purpose is called Butrio or Cuculo, and made with two wings and a tunnel stretcht with hoops, See Figure The Fowler stalks with a Bell in his hand, which he now and then rings.

With the same Net they also take Quails, pitching just before the tunnel of the Net two Poles, with five Cages hanging upon each, having live Quails in them, which serve to call and entice the wild ones. Before the Nets they cast Millet or Panic seed to invite them in. The drive them forward a man walks on each side the Net with a jingling Instrument [Sonagliera] in his hand first one, then the other sounding from hand to hand. The Net is to be pitcht three or four hours before day, and the Birds driven early in the Morning: If the Moon shines you may drive at any time of the night.

CHAP. VI. Several ways of taking Pheasants, as

§. I. With Nets.

PHeasants delight most in thick, young, well-grown Coppice Woods, unfre∣quented and free from the footsteps and tracings of Men and Cattel: not in tall high woods of timber-trees.

Having found their haunts and breeding places, you may find their Eye or brood several ways: as first, by the eye, searching up and down the haunts, and bushes, &c. Secondly, By coming early in the Morning, or late in the Evening, and observing the old Cock and Hens calling, and the young birds answering them, and by that sound guiding your self, till you come as near as you can to the place where they meet, lying down there so close that you may not be discerned, and yet may exactly observe where they lodge, and accordingly where and in what manner to pitch your Nets. Thirdly, Which is the most sure and easie way, by an exact and natural Pheasant∣call: wherewith you must learn to imitate all the Pheasants several notes and tunes, applying each to the right time and purpose, when and for which she uses it, whether it be to cluck the young ones together to brood them, to call them to meat when she hath found it, to chide them for stragling, to call them together to rejoyce and wan∣ton about her, for all which she hath a several note. The most convenient hours for the use of the Call are before or about Sun-rising, and somewhat before Sun-set, at which times they straggle abroad to seek their food, and then your note is to call them to their food, or give them liberty to range. But if you will call them after Sun-rise or before Sun-set, your notes must be to cluck them together to brood, as also to chide them for stragling, and put them in fear of danger. The notes of rejoycing or playing are rather for finding the old Couples when they are separated.

Being come to the haunts you shall lodge your self in the most likely place for your purpose, as close as possible, and then begin to call, first in a very low note, (lest the Pheasants be lodg'd near you, and then a sudden loud note may affright them) but if nothing reply, raise your note by degrees to the highest pitch, yet by no means over∣straining it, or making it speak untunably; and if there be a Pheasant in the Wood within hearing of it she will presently answer, and that in your own note and key. If this call back be but from one single bird, and come from far, then you shall as se∣cretly as you can creep nearer to it, still plying your call; and you shall find that the Pheasant that answereth will also come nearer to you. The nearer you come, the lower observe to make your Call speak, as the Pheasant her self will do, and her in all points you must imitate as near as you can; and in the end you will get a sight of her, either on the ground, or on the boughs of some low tree, as it were prying to find you: Then ceasing your Call a while, spread your Net as secretly and speedily as may be, in the convenientest place between you and the Pheasant, upon the lowest shrubs and bushes, making one end fast to the ground, and holding the other end by a long Line in your hand, by which when any thing straineth it you may draw the Net close together, or at least into a hollow compass. Which done, you shall call again; and then as soon as you shall perceive the Pheasant to come just under your Net, you shall rise and shew your self, that by giving him an affright, he may offer to mount, and so be entangled in your Net.

If many answer your Call from several quarters of the Wood, stir not at all, but ply your Call, and as they come nearer to you, spread your Nets in the most conve∣nient places round about you; and when they are come under the Nets, boldly disco∣ver your self, to give the affright, and make them mount.

§. II. Of the driving of Pheasants.

IT is only Pheasant-Pouts that can be thus taken. Having found the eye of Phea∣sants by any the forementioned means, you must then (taking the wind with you, for they will naturally run down the wind.) In the little pads and ways, which you see they have made, (for they will make little tracks almost like sheeps tracks) and as near as you can to some special haunt of theirs, (which you shall know by the barrenness of the ground, mutings, and loose feathers you shall find there) place your Nets hollow, loose and circular wise, their nether part being fastned to the ground, and upper lying hollow, loose, and bending, so that when any thing rusheth to it, it may fall and entangle it. Which done, you must go where before you found the haunt, and there with your Call, if the Eye be scattered, call them together; then taking your Instrument called a Driver, made of good strong white Wands or Osiers, set fast in a handle, and in two or three places bound with cross Wands; of the shape of those Wand-dressers (which Cloth-workers use in dressing of Cloth) therewith make a gentle noise upon the boughs and bushes, which the Pouts hearing will presently run on a heap together from it a little way, and then stand still and listen. Give then another rack or two, at which they will run again as before, and thus by racking and striking you may drive them like so many sheep which way you please, (crossing them, and racking as it were in their faces, if they chance to go a wrong way) till you have brought them all into your Nets.

In this driving be sure, 1. To conceal your self from the sight of the Pheasants, For if they perceive you, they will instantly scatter and run one from another, and hide themselves in holes, and bottoms of bushes, and not stir from thence upon any occasion as long as any day endureth. And therefore it were not amiss to wear over your face a green hood, and a Wreath of green leaves about your head, and trim your Garments with branches and leaves of trees. 2. To take time and leisure, and not do any thing rashly. For any thing done suddenly or rashly to these fearful Crea∣tures breeds offence and amazement: And a scare being taken, though but by one bird, their fear will not suffer them to argue or dispute the object, or stay till every∣one have beheld the thing suddenly affrighting them; but away they all fly at the very first apprehension, in an instant. And therefore if you find any staggering or dis∣may among them, presently cease and lie still as though you were dead, till the fear be over, and they gaze no more about them, but gathering themselves together do be∣gin to peep and cluck one to another, and rejoyce among themselves, and then you may fall to your work again.

§. III. Of taking Pheasants with the Lime-bush, or Lime-rods.

YOur Rods must be twelve, or at least ten Inches long, well limed down to the middle, and no further. Your Lime-bush must contain not above eight twigs at most, being the top-branch of some young Willow; with a handle about a shaft∣ment long, sharpned so as either you may stick it gently into the ground, or prick it into any shrub or bush, where-through the Peasants usually trace, or on any small tree where they use to pearch, [Place two or three of these bushes there.] Then make use of your Call, and you will quickly have all the Pheasants within hearing about you; and it is a chance but some of them will be toucht, and if but one be limed she will go near to lime all her fellows; for what by her strugling amongst them, and they com∣ing to gaze, some will be smeared by her, and some will light on other bushes: And if some one or two escape by mounting, and get to the Pearch, and there (as is the natural quality of them) sit prying to see what becomes of their fellows, it is ten to one but they will be taken by the Lime-bushes placed on the Pearch. Old Pheasants when you call, oftentimes will not come on the ground, especially in Winter, but mount and come flying from Pearch to Pearch, till they come to that next you, ever prying and peeping to find him out that calleth, where they will probably be taken.

It very requisite to keep an exact account of all your Lime-bushes and Rods, and when you have gathered up your Pheasants, see what bushes or rods you have missing; for if you miss but one of them, you may be assured that there are some limed which you have not found: And therefore never be without a Spaniel that will lie close at your foot, and that will fetch and carry, and neither break nor bruise flesh nor feather, to hunt out and bring you all the birds that shall so lie hid.

The Lime-rods may be placed not only upon bushes and shrubs by Pheasants tracks, but also upon the ground in open places between thicks in such order as is directed above, neither too thick and apparent so as to breed affright, nor so thin as to let any escape, leaving about the length of a Rod or less between Lime-rod and Lime-rod.

The Season for using of Lime is from the beginning of November till the begin∣ning of May, for during that time the twigs of trees (on which Birds pearch) are void of leaves, and like to Lime-twigs. The time for the use of Nets is from the be∣ginning of May till the latter end of October: during which time the trees are covered with leaves.

The Pheasant-net would be made of the best twined double Housewives thread, died green or blue, the Mash almost an Inch between knot and knot: It would be in length at least three fathoms, in breadth seven foot or better, verged on each side with a strong small Cord, and as it were surfled thereon; the Net being placed not streight, but thick and large, that at any time when it is extended it may lie compass∣wise and hollow: The two ends likewise should be verged with small Cord, yet that more for strength than any particular use. The great Nets (which some use) are cum∣bersom and hardly manageable, and therefore if occasion be, it is better take and use a couple of ordinary size.

CHAP. VII.

§. I. How to make the best Birdlime according to G. Markham.

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.

As for the liming of straws, it must be done when the Lime is very hot, and in such manner as the Rods are done, before the fire, only you must not do a few, but a great heap together, as big as you can well gripe in your hands, for so they are the stronger, and not so apt to bruise or break in pieces, and therefore in this opening and working of them, you shall not do it with a few together, but as many as you can well gripe, tossing, and turning, and working them before the fire, till they be all besmeared equally.

Now to preserve your Lime from freezing even in the sharpest weather, take a quarter so much of the Oyl called Petroleum as you do of Capons grease, and mixing them together well, work it upon the Rods, and it will ever keep your Lime gentle, supple, and tough, so that no frost, how violent soever, can hurt it.

§. II. How to make Birdlime according to Olina, which was the way of the Ancients.

TAke of the Berries of Misselto, as great a quantity as you can get; the more the better: Put them in a moist place to putrefie or macerate, and when they are well macerated, take the stuff and beat it soundly with a round Cudgel [Baston] till it shews clear, without any filth, for that is a sign that it is done enough. Put it up in a Pot, and keep it in a moist place well covered with Parchment.

When you would make use of it, put it in a Pan, and to every pound of Lime add an ounce of Oyl Olive, mingling and incorporating of them well at the fire, and when you see that they are well mixt and united, and become like an Ointment, take it from the fire, and put thereto half an ounce of Turpentine, and incorporate them well together: and so you may employ it to take what you please. It serves also for the water. The same Author mentions other sorts of Birdlime brought out of Forein Countries, with which I think it needless to trouble the Reader. In a cold and frosty season he advises instead of common Oyl to mingle and incorporate your Birdlime with Oyl of Nuts, which resists the cold better than common Oyl.

§. III. How to make the best water-Birdlime, out of a late English Writer.

BUy a pound of the strongest Birdlime, and having washed it nine times in clear Spring-water, till you find it very pliable, and the hardness quite gone, beat out the water throughly till you cannot perceive a drop to appear: Then having dried it well, put it into an earthen Pot, and add thereto, 1. As much of the best Capons grease, without Salt, as will make it run. 2. Two spoonfuls of strong Vinegar. 3. A spoonful of Sallet-oyl. 4. A small quantity of Venice Turpentine, and boil them all gently upon a soft fire, continually stirring it: And then take it from the fire, and let it cool; when you use it, warm it, and so anoint your twigs or straws.

CHAP. VIII. Of the election and training up of a Setting Dog.

ALthough the Water-Spaniel, Mungrel, shallow-flew'd Hound, Tumbler, Lur∣cher, or small bastard Mastiff may be brought to Set; yet none of them is comparable to the true-bred Land-Spaniel, being of a size rather small than gross, a strong and nimble ranger, of a couragious fiery mettle, a quick sent, delight∣ing in toil, and indefatigable, yet fearful of, and loving to his Master. Of what colour he be it matters not much.

Having gotten you a Whelp of such a Breed, begin to handle and instruct him at four or six months old at the furthest.

1. You must make him very loving to, and familiar with you, and fond of you, so as to follow you up and down without taking notice of any man else, by suffering no man to feed or cherish him but yourself. You must also make him stand in aw of, and fear you as well as love you, and that rather by a stern countenance and sharp words than blows.

2. Then you must teach him to couch and lie down close to the ground, first by laying him down on the ground, and saying to him, Lie close, or the like, terrifying him with rough language when he doth any thing against your command, and che∣rishing him, and giving him food when he doth as you bid him. And thus by con∣tinual use and practising the same thing, in a few days you shall bring him readily and presently to lie close on the ground, when ever you shall but say, Couch, down, lie close, or the like.

3. Next you shall teach him, being couched, to come creeping to you with his head and belly close to the ground so far, or so little way as you shall think good, by say∣ing, Come nearer, or the like: First, till he understand your meaning by shewing him a piece of bread, or some other food to entice him. And if when he offers to come he either raise from the ground his fore or hinder parts, or so much as lift up his head, then you shall not only with your hand thrust down his body in such sort as you would have him keep it, but also chide and rate him so as to make him strive to per∣form your pleasure: And if that will not quicken him sufficiently, to the terrour of your voice add a sharp jerk or two with a Whip-cord lash. When he does your will either fully or in part according to his apprehension chearfully, then you must be sure to cherish him, and to feed him: And then renew his lesson again till he be per∣fect in it. In like manner you must make him stop and pause when you bid him.

4. Then you shall teach him to lead in a string, and follow you at your heels with∣out straining his Collar, which you may easily do by practice, not striving too rough∣ly with him.

5. When he is thus far taught, you may out into the field with him, and suffer him to range and hunt, yet at such command, that upon the first hem or warning of your voice he stop and look back upon you, and upon the second, that he forth∣with either forbear to hunt further,, or else come in to your foot, and walk by you. If in ranging you find he opens, you shall first chide him therefore, and if that prevail not, either bite him hard at the roots of his ears, or lash him with a sharp Whip-cord lash, till you have made him so staunch, that he will hunt close and warily without once opening, either through wantonness, or the rising up of any small birds before him.

When you find that he is come upon the haunt of any Partridge, (which you shall know by his eagerness in hunting, and by a kind of whimpering and whining, as be∣ing greatly desirous to open, but for fear not daring) you shall then warn him to take heed by saying, be wise, or the like. But if notwithstanding he either rush in and so spring them, or else open or use any means by which the Partridge escapeth, you shall then correct him soundly, and cast him off again in another place where you are sure a Covey lies, and then as before give him warning. And if you see that through fear he standeth still and waveth his tail, looking forward as if he pointed at somewhat, be sure the Partridge is before him: Then make him lie close, and taking a large ring about him, look for the Partridge. When you have found them, if you see he hath set them too far off, you shall make him creep on his belly nearer, else let him lie close without stirring, and then drawing your Net take the Partridge. Encourage your Dog by giving him the heads, necks, and pinions of the Partridge, and also bread or other food. But if he chance by any rudeness or want of taking heed to spring them again, you shall correct him as before, and lead him home in your string, and tie him up that night, giving him nothing but a bit of bread and water, and the next day take him out, and do as before, but with somewhat more terrour and harshness, and doubtless the Dog will do according to your will: Which if he doth, you must by no means forget to bestow upon him all the cherishings of voice, hand, and foot.

It is a fault in a Dog to stand upright as it were looking over the Partridge when he sets them, and therefore you must chide him for it, not giving over till you make him lie close.

It is also a fault for him when you go in to the Covey, to spring up the Partridge into your Nets, to rush hastily after you, or spring them before you, for which you must correct him; and your self proceeding leisurely the next time, ever as you go speak to the Dog to lie close.

CHAP. IX. An Abridgment of some Statutes relating to the preservation of Fowl.

NOw lest any one, either not legally qualified or licensed, or by taking Fowl at prohibited times, or by prohibited Engines, or by destroying of their Eggs, should through ignorance incur the danger of the Law, I have thought fit to subjoyn an Abridgement of such Statutes as relate to the preservation of Fowl, collected and sent me by my worthy Friend Mr. Walter Ashmore.

None to destroy or take away the Eggs of any Wild Fowl on pain of one years * 1.3 imprisonment; and to forfeit for every Egg of a Crane or Bustard so taken and de∣stroyed 20 d. Of a Bittern, Heron, or Shoveler 8 d. Of a Mallard, Teal, or other Wild-fowl 1 d. to be divided between the King and the Prosecutor. And herein Ju∣stices of peace have power to hear, enquire, and determine offences of this kind, as they use to do in cases of trespass. Yet this act not to extend to such as kill Crows, Choughs, Ravens, and Buzzards.

A Hawk taken up shall be delivered to the Sheriff, who after Proclamation made * 1.4 in several Towns, (if challenged) shall deliver her to the right Owner. And if the Hawk were taken up by a mean man, and be not challenged in four months, the She∣riff to have her, satisfying the Party for taking her: But if by a man of estate, who may conveniently keep a Hawk, the Sheriff shall restore her to him again, he paying for the charge of keeping.

If any take away or conceal a Hawk he shall answer the value thereof to the Owner, and suffer two years imprisonment, and in case he be not able to answer the value, he shall remain in prison a longer time.

He that steals and carries away a Hawk, not observing the Ordinance of 34 Ed. 3. 22. * 1.5 shall be deemed a Felon.

None shall take Pheasants or Partridges with Engines in anothers ground without * 1.6 licence, in pain of ten pound to be divided between the Owner of the ground and the Prosecutor.

None shall take out of the Nest any Eggs of Falcon, Goshawk, Lanner, or Swan, in pain of a year and a days imprisonment, and to incur a Fine at the Kings pleasure, to be divided between the King and the Owner of the ground where the Eggs shall be so taken.

None shall bear any Hawk of English breed called a Nyesse, (Goshawk, Tarcel, Lanner, Lanneret, or Falcon) in pain to forfeit the same to the King.

He that brings a Nyesse Hawk from beyond the Seas shall have a Certificate under the Customers Seal where he lands, or if out of Scotland, then under the Seal of the Lord Warden or his Lieutenant, testifying she is a Forein Hawk, upon the like pain of forfeiting the Hawk.

None shall take, kill, or fearaway any of the said Hawks from their Coverts where they use to breed, in pain of ten pounds.

Every Freeman my have Eyries of Hawks within their own Woods which be * 1.7 within a Forest.

None shall kill or take Pheasants or Partridges by night, in pain of 20 s. a Phea∣sant, * 1.8 and 10 s. a Partridge, or one months imprisonment, and bond with Sureties not to offend again in the like kind.

Directions to recover the Forfeitures, vid. Statute.

None to hawk or hunt with Spaniels in standing Grain in pain of 40 s.

No person shall kill or take any Pheasant, Partridge, Pigeon, Duck, Heron, Hare, * 1.9 or other Game, or take or destroy the Eggs of Pheasants, Partridges, or Swans, in pain of 20 s. or imprisonment for every Fowl, Hare, or Egg, and to find Sureties in 20 l. not to offend in the like kind.

No person shall keep Dog or Net to take or kill any of the last mentioned Game, unless qualified as in the Act, in pain of 30 s.

No Person to buy or sell any Partridge or Pheasant upon pain to forfeit 20 s. for every Pheasant, and 10 s. for every Partridge.

No Person to betwice punished for one offence.

Persons are to be licensed in Sessions to kill Hawks meat, and to become bound in 20 l. not to kill any of the said Games, nor to shoot within 600 paces of a Heronry,

within 100 paces of a Pigeon House, or in a Park, Forest, or Chase, whereof his Ma∣ster is not Owner or Keeper.

Every person having hawked at, or destroyed any Pheasant or Partridge between * 1.10 the first of July and last of August shall forfeit 40 s. for every time so Hawking, and 20 s. for every Pheasant or Partridge so destroyed or taken.

This offence to be prosecuted within six months after it is committed.

Lords of Mannors and their Servants may take Pheasants or Partridges in their own grounds or Precincts in the day time between Michaelmas and Christmas.

Every person of a mean condition having killed or taken any Pheasant or Partridge shall forfeit 20 s. for each one so killed, and shall become bound in 20 l. not to offend so again.

Constables and Headboroughs upon warrant to search houses, and seize Dogs or Nets, and destroy them at pleasure.

Lords of Mannors to appoint Game-keepers, who by a Warrant from a Justice * 1.11 may in the day-time take and seize all Guns, Bows, Grey-hounds, Setting-dogs, Lur∣chers, or other Dogs to kill Hares or Conies, Ferrets, Trammels, Low-bells, Hays, or other Nets, Hare-pipes, Snares, and other Engines for the taking and killing of Conics, Hares, Pheasants, Partridges, and other Game within the Precincts of such Mannor, as shall be used by any Person prohibited by that Act to keep or use the same.

Persons under the value of 100 l. per annum; or for term of life, or not having Leases for ninety nine years, or for a longer term of the value of 150 l. other than the Son and Heir apparent of an Esquire or other person of higher degree, and the Owners and Keepers of Forests, Parks, Chases, or Warrens, are not to have or keep for themselves or others any Guns, Bows, Greyhounds, Setting-dogs, Lurchers, Hays, Nets, Lowbells, Hare-pipes, Snares, or other Engine.

Notes

• * 1.1

  About a yard, or yard and half Eng∣lish.
• * 1.2

  See Chap. 6. §. 3.
• * 1.3

  25 H. 8. c. 11. confirmed 3 & 4 Ed. 6. c. 7.
• * 1.4

  34 Ed. 3. 22.
• * 1.5

  37 Ed. 3. 19.
• * 1.6

  11 H. 7. 17.
• * 1.7

  9. H. 3. 13.
• * 1.8

  23 Eliz. 10.
• * 1.9

  1 Jac. 27.
• * 1.10

  7 Jac. 11.
• * 1.11

  22 & 23 Car. 2. c. 25.