GratI Falisci Cynegeticon. Or, A poem of hunting by Gratius the Faliscian. Englished and illustrated by Christopher Wase Gent.

Certaine Illustrations of the Cynegeticall Poem of Gratius.

CHAP. I. A Caution to the Reader, not to censure Gratius because hee ow's so little to Common Fame.

IT is obvious enough in dai∣ly conversation to observe upon what slight informa∣tion men are wont to pro∣nounce and passe very de∣finitive sentences often up∣on the persons of others, but generally upon their writings. Yet some will be found more equall Judges, who taking an accurate survey of that which comes to them to abide their judgement, do not rely on the uncertaine censures of other men, nor are contented with a superficiall view, much lesse imported by groundlesse passions to detract or flatter; but receive all into a brest adorn'd with wisedome and candor, so that they are not onely able to praise or dispraise those works which fall under their cognizance, but can show what those particular excellencies

are which they commend, and where they en∣counter onely bold negligence affectation or impertinence, there their sponge leaves a trace for ever indeleble. The hope I have that such ingenuous critiques are not wanting amongst us, hath made me employ some leisure in pre∣senting Gratius to my Country in this dresse, that so he may be drawn forth from a double obscurity; both that of his matter▪ and the other of his fame. The former hath been made facile by the learned Ulitius, who could with more aptnesse and certainty reduce this Author to his genuine sense, (which surely the most famous of our late Philologers did not so throughly reach) because the perplexity was couch'd onely in this, that the subject is un∣frequented, and the manner of it somewhat antiquated, but otherwise the phrase is cleare candid, and perspicuous. Then for the latter obscurity which may seeme to bee upon his reputation, that will suddenly vanish away when his naked worth shall appeare; I say he may seeme obscure because he is more rarely knowne, then his elegant writings may de∣serve, yet it is worthy the noting that no suc∣ceeding Authour hath made mention of him, but favorably and with a character of honour.

And surely a great reason that hath supprest the Fame of this Poet, and so long mask'd the beauties of his excellent verses was, that in his owne Age, the manners of his Country∣men began immediately to decline, & though there were then growing up the most choyce witts, yet they were all so farre addicted to ease, luxury, and the delights of Rome, that they had little Gusto for Excercises of indu∣stry, and the entertainements of a Country life. Afterwards in tract of time, those who have most flourished in Philology, have ra∣ther affected a Sedentary retirement, so that they have not been much acquainted with the subject of this Poem, nor sensible of the curi∣osities in it, through which meanes it hath long layn by as it were out of know∣ledge. And now I conceive how hard a thing it will be for a Georgicall Poem to emerge after so long privacy. Virgil and Ovid have been through many Ages born up by the wings of Universal Fame. We beare an early reverence to them, even forc'd from us by the generall testimony of uninterrupted Antiquity, rather than form'd in us by our own judge∣ments. Their Character is so far warranted that they are every where safely honor'd by

those who cannot render any accompt wherein those excellencies lie which they so highly celebrate. I shall not think him to stand in need of meane authorities to com∣mend him, neither am I worthy to undertake for him: Onely I shall as it were point at some particular graces of the Poem which have af∣fected mee, and shall not spare to discover wherin the disadvantages of Translation con∣sist. And then why may not this Author, like some refulgent starre, after long disappear∣ance, raise up into our Hemisphere his head incircled with its native lusture? Why may he not find the same fate with those Philosophers, Legislators, and Monarches, who returning from their concealements, obtain'd double Veneration? Or if these measures of honour may bee thought too ambitiously strain'd for the reward of rurall Poesy, why may hee not like his owne Hart discover himselfe with his head new∣ly frayed and burnished, full of lusty vi∣gour, and renew'd into a vivacious youth? We shall doe right to our judgement when we can owne the true perfections of an Au∣thour, though commended unto us by no Q••intilian. I have here singled out the parts of this worke and some ornaments thereof.

CHAP. II. The Distribution of the Poem.

VVHen we would consider the chiefe tryall of any piece, we must dili∣gently read it all over; and that being done, draw under one view the coherence of every member with the other, and of the whole bo∣dy with its Title: For as is the beauty of a Man, so is that of a Poem; most of all con∣sisting in the Symmetry, and figure of the Or∣ganicall parts; Now Gratius hath a great per∣spicuity of method throughout this work.

Dona cano divûm] After his proposition of the subject compris'd in one verse; and his Invocation in halfe a verse, the first enterance is to a Remotion of the abrogated style of Hunting arrow_forward , which was inconvenient, yet agree∣able with all the other actions of man in that ignorant non-age of the world. Then he pro∣ceeds to set downe who they were that had deserv'd so well of mankind, as to reduce arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward to an Art: where the Founders and Patrons of that Noble Art are all reckoned up, which gives the Poem an illustrious Fron∣tispiece: rendering it not unlike the publique

Hall of some Sciences or Arts, where over the Portal, or in the outward Court are set up the Images of those who have beeen Inventors and Advancers of that Science or Art.

Prima jubent tenui nascentem jungere filo] Of netting. These latine Titles which will follow according to their places are in the Paris and Aldine Editions, and in a Manu∣script compar'd by Ulitius. De Retibus confi∣ciendis. In which Paragragh, with what dis∣cretion and exactnesse does he give the mea∣sures of Nets; nay afterwards, with what curi∣osity does he descend to the choice and orde∣ring of Hemp. These things may seem minute and contemptible to some, but they are abso∣lutely of the greatest importance; for if the first preparations of matter be faulty, the follow∣ing pains of all those hands through which it is to passe may disguise, but cannot redresse it.

Nonne vides veterum] In his Transiti∣on while he passes thence forward to the other Snares, he confirmes the usefulnesse of those Arts by the presidents of diverse illustrious personages, some whereof have to their ruine neglected them, and others made use of them with great advantages.

Sunt, quibus immundo decerptae vulture plu∣mae] De Pinnatis conficiendis. In this Perioch he gives direction how to make the line with white & red feathers, which was to be drawn about the Woods in the intermitted spaces where the Toyles were pitch'd, that so the Dear (than which no creature is more time∣rous) might balk them and be cast upon the Net. Which feathers are so ordered that they beset the Dear with a double fearfullnesse both from their smell and Colours.

Nam fuit & laqueis] Pedicae Grinns. These he intimates to have been antiquated; yet proposes the exactest Rule of making them, and gives the farthest emprovement of them; subjoyning every where the reason of the structure: And then being ravish'd into an Admiration of such ingenious inventions, en∣quires into the first Author and registers the Arcadian Dercylos; Whom he records to have been a very holy man, both for justice and Devotion, (where he expresses both Tables) and thereupon great in the divine favour; so that in his youth he obtain'd this knowledge by revelation from the Goddess of the Wood; to him also he imputes the contriving

of Borespears, by which fair Transition he implicates this Paragraph with the next.

Ille etiam valido primus venabula] Gene∣ra jaculorum. The Diversity of Spears, is taken chiefly from the several shapes of the sockets which are fasten'd upon them, so that he first determines their Figure, Quality, & Weight. Herein he shows himself a great Curieux, and so well travell'd that he could examine the lances of remote Countries: then having demonstrated plainly before our eyes the un∣usefullnesse of them, he gravelly cuts betweene those irregularities, and fixes a perpetuall standard for all Darts, which is onely movea∣ble when nature shall alter, and this he oppo∣ses to the fantasticall innnovations which were without due judgement brought in fashi∣on continually.

Ipsa arcu] He commends the Bow and Arrowes which was the Artillery of the anti∣ent Heroes.

Disce agedum & validis delectum hasti∣li••us] L••gna apta jaculis. In the second place he directs the judgment in choice of Trunchi∣ons. Here are reckon'd up all the proper trees

which are forreigners or natives of Italy. The qualities requir'd are, that they be solid and streight, but because those may be wish'd for, and long sought, yet not often found; he descends to give instructions for the right ordering of them in their Nurserie.

Not without much exactnesse, like Mo∣thers who perceiving their children to grow crooked, do as it were new mould them with inventions of Bodies; and swath them up in Girdles to make their Wast slender.

Then he defines the measure to which they must grow, and show's the proper season of cutting them down.

Sed cur exiguis tantos in partibus orbes] De canibus. Here we may see the Dogs of va∣rious Nations, lying as far distant even as the East-Indies are from Britain, not onely enumerated, but all of them characteriz'd, and compar'd one with another. An admira∣ble work, and which could not have been per∣form'd by our Author, although he be of so large wit as is evident, thus inquisitive, and thus judicious, had he not withall been a Ci∣tizen of Rome the Empresse of the World, and contemporary with her greatest heighth.

Id••irco variis miscebo gentibus usum] These seven verses contain a Crossing the strain in Breeding. When our Author had survay'd that great variety of Dogs in severall Nations with their diversity of instinct; seem∣ing not throughly satisfi'd with all those single excellencies which were discover'd in them, he propounds a way to meliorate Na∣ture by Art, that so the distinct good quali∣ties which are required for use, may all meet implanted in one race; and the ill conditions which are complicated with any one kind, may be cover'd by the superinduction of a contrary vertue.

At te leve siquà] He does not omit to mention coursing though lightly, for it was then but lately discover'd and come into practise in Italy; yet he directs in the enquiry after Grey-hounds, and in chasing with fleet∣hounds.

Illis omne decus quod nunc, Metagon••es, habetis] Here comes in the Lime-hound, and in this paragraph is put down the whole image of their arrow_back hunting arrow_forward ; He begins with fall∣ing upon a trayle, coming to a losse, working out that losse, then running away with the

sent, till he come to the laire of the beast, or if it be gone forth from that, to the very co∣vert where the Beast is; There your Nets must be pitch'd and drawn upon it. Then he en∣joyn's to reward your Dog being Victour. All this discipline of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward is so exquisite, that he records Hagnon to have been the first that made his Dog to it, and registers the name of the Hound to have been Glympicus. Moreover he make this eminent Huntsman to have been not onely Master, but Author of an admirable race of hounds deriv'd by the commixture of Cattomountaines, to which he attributes unusuall and almost fabulous strength.

Junge pares ergo] He shows the marks to discern a good Bratch for breeding, which he requires to be li••'d with a choice Dog, for goodness of courage and greatness of limbs, & comliness of shape, to be shut up with him, and separated to him alone. Then proceeds to the indulgence which must be given the Bitch when she is big, and after she has whelp'd how she must be eas'd of so great a burden in bring∣ing up the young ones; Here are set down prognostiques to govern our choice, that so

the most promising whelps may be rear'd, and the l••sse hopefull made away then to treat her tenderly while she suckleth them; When they are weaned with what Mang to feede them, and what thrifty allowance to bestow upon them, that so they may be kept in a fine and cleane sent; where with incomparable neateness he recounts the deplorable sad effects of Luxury in Humane Manners, Instancing in the knowne examples of ruin'd Monarks, Em∣pires, Nations. All which ruines of Com∣monwealths may be a faire warning to him that beares any respect to his Hounds, as there is tacitely imply'd a great enforcement of Temperance to man by pointing at the Insti∣tution of these inferiour creatures, and if wee rightly consider what hee presents, the very Kennell of Dogs may be our Schoole. Neither doe they herein onely resemble man, but he likewise attributes to them obe∣dience.

Id••irco imperium catulis unusque magister] The H••ntsman. His Qualifications, his Of∣fice and Duty, his Dignity. It is no meane place to be as it were Consul of the Woods, and T••ibune of that Victorious Legion. Then

does our Authour dresse him that goes forth a arrow_back hunting arrow_forward from his Mounteroe to his Half∣boots; and armes him, with weapons to cast at distance, to charge with at hand, either to cut up hedges, or to open his Beast.

—quin & Mavortiabello Vulnera] Ca∣num remedia. Here hath been care in sending forth this stout Brigade, into the Forrest where they encounter hard combats, and not without much exposing themselves to dangerous service doe they obtaine the Victo∣rie: now here are instructions given to be their Chyrurgion at their comming home, with the whole cure of Dogs in all diseases, whe∣ther arising through ill habits, or from heats and colds, whether contagious or lesse malig∣nant, where he showes to prevent Madnesse by Worming, to remove Epidemicall diseases proceeding from Universall causes by change of Ayre; and prescribes for particular Mala∣dies, very proper Receipts. He layes downe all the diverse Methods of curing: In the first place, Naturall, which are commonly experi∣mented; afterward Superstitio••s, such as have been received by old tradition: but in the last and highest places he resorts to Divine;

where he fixes his utmost refuge borh for the intension of diseases which humane indeavor cannot subdue, as also for the extension of them; there being such vast numbers of infirmi∣ties incident to them, that no experience could provide speciall Remedies for every one. How noble and sublime this passage is, will appeare enough, if we should transferre it to humane use. As Physitians doe laudably insist upon approv'd conclusions, wherein consists Art; and as they should make evidence of their dis∣cretion by detecting groundlesse curiosities built upon imposture or Magique: So chief∣ly must their Piety be manifested in acknow∣ledging the transcendency of Divine Opera∣tions, besides and beyond the limits of Hu∣mane skill.

Restat equos finire notis] De equis. His last directions are for the choyce of a good arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward Nagg. In this part he removes some specious kinds of Horses, which though they were deservedly famous, yet were unfit for this employment, either for want of spirit, or weakenesse of their bodies, or by reason of an untractable stubbornnesse, and fiery mettall. Yet he reflects upon the different Chorogra∣phies

of Countries, and allowes for Cham¦paines and the light mould horses of a soft hoofe which would be unserviceable in Rocky and Mountainous tracts of ground. In all this Paragraph our Authour showes his wonted curiosity enumerating the most eminent sorts of Horses, declaring their courage, manage∣ment, strength, and keeping; all which hee reduces to the properties required in this oc∣casion; not omitting the advantages of Colours; and when he drawes to a conclu∣sion insinuating himselfe into the prayse of Italy, crownes his worke with a splendid Epi∣logue which is a monument of gratitude to his owne most noble Country.

Thus have I Analy'sd and deduc'd the dif∣ferent heads of this Poem, in which naked platform much clearnesse of distribution will resemble a fair Ordinance of building. This again so enterweav'd with solid Philosophi∣call discourses, that it seems like a faire Edi∣fice supported with Rafters of firme Timber. What curious disquisitions upon every occa∣sion does he insert? which speak him a great Vertuoso in his time, and even then to have been conducted purely by the light of his own gallant wit to the true Method of Phy∣siology. He falls in with the Novum Orga∣num

aud that illlustrious Scheam of Philoso∣phia, Instaurata, for while he reflects on an Harmony of diffus'd Experiments, he seems to write (if I may be allow'd to use that sig∣nificant term of my Lord Verulam) the par∣ticular Histories of Hemp, of Dogs, of Hor∣ses. My design in taking him thus in piece s, is, that every distinct member may be seen in its proper dimensions: how naturall they are, and how aptly conjoyn'd; which may in some sort illust rate the work; and if by any means we can be invited to look attentively into it, I should not doubt but the Author would soon be enstated in his deserv'd cele∣brity.

CHAP. 3. Of the Figures and Colours of the Style.

THE whole worke of the former discourse hath been to lay open the structure and Artificiall Lineaments of this Poem; it will be of good use to observe some Graces and Beauties which shine in particular Members of it.

There is scattered very frequently through∣out the Work, a cheerfull Artifice of com∣municating light by the opposition of con∣trary

termes; for the subject of the Poem is narrative, which requires frequent quickning, lest it become no better than a dead tale. Now the Author was not onely fraught with vast experience, but had an acute wit which could distinguish and marshall his conceptions with great perspicuity: this makes him so much a∣bound in that neat Figure; the Antients call'd them Antitheta rasa. I shall instance in some.

Hee begins with one if it be look'd nearly into. His Artes and Arma. The two Modes of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward . This a desperate and gladiator∣like entring the lists with Beasts, and assault∣ing them by violence; which was the School of cruelty and ignorant course of the Antient Nimrods; the other a crafty circumventing them by wiles, which is the child of ingeni∣ous invention, much assisting man to re-esta∣blish him in his Empire over the Beasts of the field that hath been so much empayred. Then again, his Magnum opus which is bold and hazardous, arrow_back hunting arrow_forward of great beasts, and Leve opus which is hard-riding and pursuit of lit∣tle, fugacious Quarry. In the Javelins, Mace∣donum immensi conti to which were long a hastilia, exigui dentes, and by them are set Albanorum jacula, in whose framing was

ingens culter, tenera virgae. Then among the Dogs

Sunt q. S. alant genus intractabilis irae. At contrà faciles m. Lycaones a.

Again,

Excutiet s. magnus pugnator a. At fugit adversos idem q. r. h. Umber.—

Again,

Sic canis illa suos taciturna supervenit hostes. At clangore citat quos nondum conspicit apros Aetola quaecun{que} canis de gente

Again, he brings in the Grayhound as swift but not Sagacious, which prayse he allowes the Fleet-hound; yet the Fleet-hound, how∣ever swift and sagacious, is not secret; but all three vertues are united in the Lime-hound. These differences and Gradations are full of delight, and conveniently lodged in the Me∣mory. Moreover

Os magnum, & patulis agitatos mor••ib. ignes Spirent. Astricti succingant ilia ventrîs.

And the next,

Cauda brevis, longúm{que} latus—

A little below

Caesaries non pexa nimis, not too thick —non frigoris illa Impatiens, not too thin, In this place observe the like speaking. Licet alti vulneris ora Abstiterint &c.

—tum pura monebo Circum labra sequi, tenui{que} includere filo: At si pernicies angusto pascitur ore, Contrà pande viam, fallentes{que} argue causas.

The great gash must be sow'd up to keep in the guts: The lesser Ulcer must be lanc'd to let out the corruption.

I purposely omit sometimes as will be ob∣vious to the reader. In the last description of Horses the same glosse appears. The fierce Syenian, soft Parthian, hard-hoof'd Gennet but cowardly the bold Murcibian, yet hardmouth'd, the Barbary to be govern'd with a switch. All which apt disposition of sentences gives much lustre to the Narration.

Another Vertue of his style is to be ob∣serv'd in his Metaphors which are Naturall, and Familiar; He does almost every were alle∣gorize arrow_back hunting arrow_forward under Terms of the Roman Militia, as where the Dogs are called in the Assault Socij, and after it comites Victoriae, the young Whelpes nova pubes and silvas

domitura juventus, the pack of Dogs, Exerci∣tus, the huntsman, Catulorum magister like Magister Equitum. To hunt vincere silvas, the sorts of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , Mars nudus or bellum ex arte ministratum. It is wonderfull elegant when he moralizes to precepts of Temperance from the allowance given to dogs that they may be kept to have a quick fine sent. Lacte novam pubem, &c. He shows the seeds of am∣bition in a generous puppy.

Jam{que} illum impatiens aequae vehementia sortis Extulit, affectat maternâ regna sub alvo. He attributes loyalty to the Bitch, Si renuit cunctos, & mater adultera non est. Matching according to her Rank & Dignity, —emeritae servat fastigia laudis.

There is an excellent image contain'd under these two verses.

Stat fatum suprà, totum{que} avidissimus orcus Pascitur, & nigris orbem circumvolat alis.

He represents death under the figure of a Night-Raven flapping the whole world with her wings, and preying upon all the works of Nature, wherein he alludes to that whole story made in the last Book of Virgil within

an hundred verses of the end

—ne me terrete timentem Obscaenae volucres, alarum verbera nosco, Lethalém{que} sonum.—

There is another facetious Parody from Ho∣mer. Our Author of his Huntsman.

Utrum{que} & prudens, & sumptis impiger armis

Drawn from that character in Homer upon a more Heroicall personage.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

These Ornaments I have thought worthy the taking notice of, that so the reader may be somewhat satisfy'd in in the stile, and the more detain'd in observing it, not onely for the purity of it, but also for its splendor.

CHAP. 5. Of the disadvantages of this Translation.

ALl those who read Translations, do find by experience, that even the best of them do not move a like delight in their minds, as the Originalls themselves; but wherein this difference does consist, it is not so easie for eve∣ry

one to assign. Which could it be discover'd, surely an exact Translator might wave all those inconveniences, and make his work so compleat as would give full satisfaction to a∣ny impartial Judge. I may therfore be thought to have had good reason to enquire into it.

Whatsoever antient History is rendred into our Vulgar Language, comes under the cogni∣sance of all those that can read English: but eve∣ry one is not sufficiently acquainted with An∣tiquity to understand it readily: for Arts have their severall periods: Ceremonies of Religi∣on are Nationall, and small Chorographies with the Terriers and Boundaries of Coun∣tries are continually remov'd to and fro. Now those which have not their minds through much reading imprinted with the Scene of things as they stood in that Age, howe∣ver they may have great naturall parts, yet are apt to measure such Authors by a false Rule: expecting from them the perfections of Operations in the present road of Arts, and an uniformity with the gallantries that are now in fashion. But when they misse of those expectations, the matter will seem obscure, and subject to contempt, although it have its due perspicuity and accomplishments. Who can

deservedly tax our Author because he hath not commended Brasill-wood for the making of Spears? or Sugar-chest (as we call it) for the making of neat arrowes? Who could ex∣pect that hee should praise the Irish Grey∣hound? When as yet those places were not discover'd by the Romans, or not subdu'd. We read not of Fox- arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , of Tarriers nor other Verminers in him: These sports were not yet in request with the world. He hath no reason to cry up our good arrow_back hunting arrow_forward Nags, for at that time it is not likely that the Barbari∣an Brittains did train up running horses after their Fleet Northern hounds. On the other side what delight can we find in the Heathens Canon of fabulous Gods? When he comes to treat of the sorts of Flax, Linnen, and Tow, who can be affected with this discourse but a Hemp-master? and then the Marts for Hemp are so much alter'd, partly in that the nature of grounds is in tract of time chang'd, the hu∣mour of Planters turn'd, and the communi∣cation of places broken off by the Translati∣on of Government; and partly in that Coun∣tries have lost their antient limits and names; so that who can give a right judgement of those instructions but an Antiquary? And in∣deed there are but very few so much Curieux,

that they can break through those double bars of obscurity; since learned men think it a dis∣paragement to inform themselves of those Arts which they call illiberall: and Mechani∣call Artisans have not usually much leasure to employ upon universall studies. The same difficulty of lost Topography is very much propagated through this Poem in his assigning the particular races both of Dogs and Hor∣ses, which will therefore merit that in the next Chapter the names of Places throughout the Book be clear'd. It is to be consider'd likewise that our Country is not stor'd with those harmfull Beasts of Venery, the Wolfe and Wild-bore. So that we are not sensible of his great Care in the choice and ordering of Spears, nor of his provision in showing to set Engines, and dig pits which men prize in those Countries where Bears and Lyons with such ravenous Beasts do abound. Again, we seem to have a different end in our arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , which hath introduc'd a different stile of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward . For in England till even now since the respit of these Warrs, there were so many Forests, Chases, and Parks; as were not to be match'd in any Kingdome. These were Vivaries for Beasts (the design of their Lords being to preserve Game) where they were safe, not onely by the Pale, or Wall: but under the protection of many

severe Laws: as if they had been naturaliz'd, enfranchis'd, and Citizens of our Common∣wealth. But now how can we approve those directions of arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward which propound to themselves rather Victory then Game? That was the condition of those Countries; for ei∣ther they design'd upon Beasts of prey: and these were look'd upon as Bandi••os and Out-laws; which onely kept their holds in Woods, but too frequently sally'd out to lay wast the Corn-fields and Meadows of the Countryman, to devour his Flocks: or if they pursu'd Beasts which are more usefull and less harmefull, yet they were such as being under no mans propriety, Seignieury or Royalty, gave encouragement to every man, that hee should seize himself of the most plentifull boo∣ty to the utmost might of his wit or industry. This incongruity to our factions may make an Englishman the lesse dispos'd to delight in it, unlesse hee inform himself of the diverse sorts of arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward , which are, or have been in use abroad; And to this I shall deliver some helps. For though the words and phrase were in chast English, yet the strangenesse of the habits, and Arms, and Motions, the out∣landish Customes, Land••schaep and Borders do presently betray that it it a Latine Poem

taught to speak English, yet not having so perfectly attained to it, but that it plainly ap∣pears to be naturally Latin.

CHAP. 5. The Geography of Gratius.

WHen Rome was at her highest degree of Glory and Empire, it was the ambiti∣on of those Lieutenants which were set over the severall Nations under their State to ga∣ther up all the rarities which were in their Provinces; some after Victories, some by ex∣action, others by purchase: which were upon severall accounts convey'd to Italy, for their spoiles were sent to set forth their Triumphs as we may see in the Cuts of Trajans Pillar. Again, they did often gratifie their friends in furnishing them with curiosities for publique show's; thus Flavian sent his brother Symma∣chus seven Scotch dogs to grace a Quaestors show, which play'd so fiercely upon Beasts, that the Romans admir'd and thought they were convey'd thither in Iron Grates. The sto∣ry is famous, or rather is and will be to all ages infamous, how Verres did strip and rob Sicily in the time of his Government. Besides that the most incorrupt Prefects over Countries

must needs be inrich'd, what with presents, and what their revenues furnish'd to them, whereby they might depart honoura∣bly whensoever they were recall'd home by the Supream commands. So that it must needs be that in Italy, all the treasures of the known parts of the Universe were to be found. If there were curious Linnen in any remote Country, there it was to be seen. If a good race of Dogs in the most forreign parts, thither they were transmitted. If an excellent horse were bred in Greece, or Numidia, or Aegypt, it must be sent to Italy: So that one may justly compare Italy to a rich Cabinet ador∣ned with an universall collection of what rari∣ties the despoyled world could afford. This advantage accrued to them from Inferiour Kings and Commonwealths, as to Land-lords from their Vassalls. And there must needs arise another occasion to encrease their gallantry, for Commerce attends Wealth. And surely when they had the World as tributary under their power, which was in the reigne of Au∣gustus, under whom our Author flourish'd, how great Commerce must that immense re∣venew draw after it! We are apt enough to flatter our selves, but our communication is contain'd within straighter limits; neither

have so full and ocular understanding, especi∣ally of in-land Commodities, as they had who held such strict Intelligence in that vast Body Politique. This may be evident in the Georgiques of Virgil, and Naturall History of Pliny; but no where more illustrious then in this small piece of Gratius; wherein is contain'd so great choyce of all Subjects that he writes upon, as it may easily appeare how he convers'd in a well-furnished shop. It will therefore be usefull to enquire into that mul∣tiplicity of places which is spread through the Poem, in which I shal chiefly follow the guid∣ance of Ferrario in his most exact Geographi∣cal dictionary, which as yet is very rare to be met with, but will within a short time come forth throughly corrected from innumerable negligences in the Millaine Edition, being now under the presse, and having advanced some part of the way.

Acarnania. At this day is called Carnia and Despotato, it is a Region of Epirus ben∣ding towards the South, bordering upon Ae∣tolia towards the East. The people are called Acarnans, their Cities were Ambracia, Acti∣um, Leucas, Halyzaea, and Astacus, their rivers Aracthus and Achelous. Our Authour in praysing the craftinesse of the Acarnanian

breed of Dogs, does ingeniously allude to the History mentioned by Thucydides, of the 400. Acarnans planted in Ambuscado by Demost∣henes, which were order'd to fall upon the Pe∣loponnesians, and accordingly did with great execution and successe.

Achaia, Is taken largely for a great tract of Greece; now called Livadia and Rumelia, bordering towards the North upon Thessaly, Westward on Epirus, Southward on Pelopon∣nesus, and towards the East encompassed by the Sea. But Achaia proprie dicta is a Coun∣try of Pe••oponnesus between Corinth and Pa∣trae, Iying to the Bay of Corinth.

Acyrus, This place is suspicious of corrup∣tion. Gesner substitutes, Acytus, and Vli∣tius, out of Virgil, Taygetus, taking it for the Spartan Dogs.

Aemonius. I take it here to signifie▪ Thes∣salian. It also is a Citty of Histria Città nu∣ova, and another of upper Pannonia, call'd Igg.

Aeoliae Sibyllae vallis. He meanes Cumae, as Vlitius hath corrected it: which Salmasius at the same time so corrected; both directed from the praise which Pliny gives to the ••u∣man Fl••x. Sibylla in Virgil is called Aeo∣lica, who afterwards translated her pro∣pheticall cave into Campania, there shee had

a Temple built, & the whole City was under her patronage, so that Juvenal saith of one going to dwell at Cumae, that he did—unum••ivem donare Sibyllae.

Aetnaeae artes. The Dance of Curassiers instituted by Aeneas in honour of his de∣ceased Father; which required a strong horse: this Mountaine which is the greatest of Sicily is now called Mongibello.

Aetolus. The Country of Aetolia is at the present named Artinia and Lepant••. A Region of Achaia, seated in the borders of Epirus westward; Between the Locri East, and Acarnans west: divided from the for∣mer by the River Evenus, and from the latter by Achelous, having these Cities Naupactum, Calydon, ••halcis, and Olenus. This there∣fore is observable in the comparison of the Acarnanian Dogs, which were close, with the Etolians their very next▪ Neigh∣bours, which were so blam'd for being open; that in the nearest vicinity of Countries, may happen the greatest Opposition of Manners.

Nemo est tam prope, ••am procú{que} nobis.

Agragas. A Territory of Sicily; the Towne is called Agrigentum also; now Girgenti, and the Rive•• at this day Drago, and a great Hill, as in this place, and so observ'd by Vibius.

Alabanda, Now by the Turks call'd Eb∣lebanda. An Inland City of Caria, between Amizo on the West and Stratonice on the East. Pliny commends the Alabandique hemp for nets.

Albania. A Region of Macedonia, North of Epirus. The Albanesi are a people war∣like as they have since approved themselves under Scanderbeg, pernix Albania from their great force and strength of body.

Altinum, Afterwards Altino, once a fa∣mous City of Venice at the mouth of the Ri∣ver Silis, lying almost midway between Pa∣dua and Concordia: it was raz'd by the Hu••ns, what time Attila overthrew Aqui∣leia and Concordia. Altinates g••nistae. It ap∣peares that the ginostra in Venice must bear a considerable growth to bee a fit matter for Spears and Darts; which afterwards he re∣quires to be.

In quinos sublata pedes hastilia plena.

The Wood is indeed of a tough Nature; and in those warmer Countries all vegetables are encourag'd with a more geniall Sun, but otherwise in our Island I have not ordinarily seen Broom grow up to that heighth req••i∣q••ir'd. It is a Frutex very frequent, and a••∣turally

overrunning many grounds with us, which gives denomination to the adjacent Townes that are from thence called Bromley. Of these Townes I have seen two in Tende∣ring hundred in Essex, where all that Tract of land was spread with Broom, as thick as Marasses use to be covered with Rushes, or Heaths with Brambles, and indeed they are generally as low as a Suffrutex called by Vir∣gil, Humiles Genistae. Yet I am informed by knowing Arborists, that Broom oftentimes rises to a far higher pitch than what is here determined, and though it bee commonly ranck'd amongst the Frutices, yet it is of an Arboreous nature, and hath a stock which ascends, and spreads into a body of some B••lke.

Amyclae. It is here set down Lacedaemoniae Amyclae, which distinguishes it from the Ita∣lian Amyclae, of which Virgil. Aen. 10.

—ditissimus agri Qui fuit Ausonidum, & tacitis regnavit Amyclis.

This other is a City of Laconia in Pelopon∣nesus, famous for arrow_back hunting arrow_forward .

Virg. 3. Georg. Armaque, Amyclaeumque canem, Cressamque pharetram.

Athamania, A Region of Epirus on the

borders of Thessaly and Acarnania▪ The words of Gratius in this place are doubtfull, for either he saith, that as the Brittish Dogs do excell in courage, so do the Athamanians in craft: which agrees with his usuall way of Antithesis; taking opposite qualities and set∣ting one against the other, or else he speaks a more noble thing in commendation of our Country-Dogs; saying, that as the Brittish Dogs exceed the Molossians in stoutnesse, so they equall the Athamanian, Thessalian & E∣pirote, in subtilty: and this interpretation may be verify'd from the Nature and usuall expe∣rience of our Mastiffes that play at the Bull or Bear; which will (subire) play low and creep beneath till they fasten upon the Beast.

Boeotius. The Country is a Region of A∣chaia lying between the Corinthian Bay and Aegean Sea; bordering upon Doris, Phocis, Attica, and Phthiotis, antiently call'd Ogygia, now Stramuzuppa. The head City is Thebes now almost ruin'd, built by Cadmus, whom Ovid brings in arrow_back hunting arrow_forward too in these parts, and when Countries were lesse planted with Cities and Towns; arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward must needs have been more frequented; for then beasts were every where obvious: but where man inhabits they are either frighted away, or extirpated.

So that as we have encreas'd, they have de∣creas'd.

Bisaltes. A people of Thrace bordering upon Macedonia, inhabiting all about Am∣phipolis and Philippi.

Britanni. Though he mean all this great Island, comprehending England and Scot∣land: yet at that time onely part of that which is now call'd England was open to the Romans. Therefore it hath great Emphasis when he saies

—at{que} ipsos libeat penetrare Britannos.

It was but in the Age before that they said Virg. Ae••eid. 9. Extremi{que} hominum Morini—reputing the Picards to be in the uttermost line of the World. Now therefore how sud∣dainly come they to be acquainted in Italy with the Mastiffes or Hounds of Brittain? yet they had not that particular notice of them all, as (it may be the land then affor∣ded; but as it is certain) they are now. Besides▪ our Mastiffe which seems to be an Indigena or Native of England; we train up most excel∣lent Gre••-hounds (which seem to have been brought hither by the Galls) in our open Champaines. Then for hounds, the West-Country,

Cheshire and Lanca••hire, with o∣ther Wood-land and Mountainous Countries breed our Slow-Hound; which is a large great dog, tall and heavy. Then Worcester∣shire, Bedfordshire and many well mixt soiles, where the Campaigne and covert are of equall largeness, produce a middle siz'd dog of a more nimble composure than the former. Lastly the North-parts, as York-shire, Cumberland, Nor∣thumber-land, and many other plain cham∣paign Countries breed the light, nimble, swift, flender, Fleet-hound, (which Mr. Markam with his wonted curiosity doth observe) Af∣ter all these the little Beagle is attributed to our Country, this is by Ulitius shown to be the Canis Agassaeus of Oppian against Cajus. All these Dogs have deserv'd to be famous in adjacent and remote countries whither they are sent for great rarities, and ambitiously sought for by their Lords and Princes, al∣though onely the fighting Dogs seem to have been known to the antient Authors: and per∣haps in that Age arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward was not so much cultivated by our own Countrymen.

Bubastiasacra. Feasts consecrated to the Goddesse which was worshipp'd at Bubastus, or Bubastis a City of Egypt upon the Nile within the Delta, where she had a stately

Temple. Ovid. 9. Met. Sancta{que} Bubastis—call'd at this day Pibesseth or Azioth.

Callaeci equi. It is a Country of Arragon in Spain. The most remote toward the Sea, call'd vulgarly by the Italians Gallicia. The people by the Spaniards are nam'd Gallegos, they border upon Las Esturias; the Astures by the Cantabrian Sea over the Pyrenean Mountaines. The Asturcones are a famous race of ambling horses, and such was account∣ed the swiftnesse of the Spanish horses, that they were fabled to have been begotten of the wind.

Calydonia. This same vanae Calydonia lin∣guae is but a speciall name of that babling, japping hound which he had before discom∣mended.

At clangore citat, &c. Aetolâ quaecunque canis de stripe, &c.

Calydon is a City of Aetolia upon the Ri∣ver Evenus; seven mile to the North from its Mouth.

Caudinus Taburnus. Caudium was a Town of the Hirpini afterwards call'd, Harpadium now Arpaia, it is between Capua and Bene∣ventum within Mountains, four miles from Abella. Hence was the name Caudinae fauces,

Stretto d' Arpaia, and Giogo di S. Maria, the narrow passes in the valley of Caudium which is commonly said Val di Gardano, through these the Romans were made to pass under the Gallows by the Samnians. Call'd Caudinae Furcae and Caudinum Jugum. Two miles off from this Passe stands Taburnus now Taburo an Hill of Campania abounding with Olive Trees.

Celtae. A people of the Galls from whence that part of Gallia which is Lyons, was call'd Celtique. I have conceiv'd in their elogy of of the Celtique Dogs, that diversi Celtae may import not onely remotenesse in country from the Mede, but that they were differing from the indocilis Medus: being both pugnacious and sagacious. Ulitius understands them to be of the same conditions with the Mede.

Cerauni. Horses bred in the Mountaines of Epirus call'd Ceraunii and Acroceraunij; but at this day Monte della Chimera; they may be hence thought to run up into Macedonia, and receive a denomination from Pella.

Chaoniae. The Mares of Chaonia antiently Molossia, modernly Canina. Chaonis ales the Dove, Chaonia glans, the old fare of rude mankind.

Creta. Now call'd Candy▪ in old times it

had some reputation of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward . Virgil Cres∣sam{que} pharetram. Lucan. Gnossas{que} agitare Pharetras.

Ovid.

Nec Gortyniaco calamus levis exit ab arcu.

Here was one of the hundred Cities Dictynna, another Cydon

Ovid.

Arma{que} equos{que} habitus{que} Cydoneas{que} pharetras.

Now as Gratius. Sparta suos & Creta suos promittit alumnos, so Ovid joynes these two famous races together.

Gnossius Ichnobates, Spartanâ gente Melampus. Et patre Dictaeo, sed matre Laconide nati Afterwards Labros & Agriodûs, & acutae vocis Hylactor.

And indeed from this example appears that Gratius by promittit does signifie offers, pre∣sents: rather then boasts, cōpares; by which he implies that this most excellent Limehound must be of a mixt breed from the Cretan and Spartan: that they prov'd of such generous conditions beyond others. Thus Ulitius hath truly interpreted it in the latter place.

To your high breed Countries of Dogs not base Sparta and Creta de conferre their race.

Cynips. A River of Africa, rising from the

deserts of inward Libya, and after a long course flowing into the little quicksand by Tripoli between i•• and Barathia; the River is now call'd Magra: near which were Goats of no common size.

Cyniphij Hirci. Cyniphia lina. Antiently Carthaginian Flax was in great esteem.

Cyrrha. A City of Phocia now Aspropiti, at the roots of the Mount Parnassus, upon the Crissaean Bay, 60 furlongs to the South of Delphos dedicated to Apollo.

Elis. A Region of Peloponnesus betweene Arcadiae and Achaia, and the Ionian Sea with a City of the same name, now Belvedere of Morea. Here were the great Matches for horse∣races every Olympiad.

Falisci. Phalisci. A people of Hetruria inhabiting between the Mountain Ciminus, and River Tiber; their Cities Falisca, Fale∣ria, Fescennia and Horta. The Mountain of the Falisci Soracte a Mountain of Hetruria, in the bounds of the Falisci upon the River Tiber. Monte S. Oresto, and M. di S. Sil∣vestro.

Galli. When he saies inconsulti Galli he may wel enough mean it of the Grayhounds which are ••reckon'd by the antients for the canis

Gallicus which can premere inventam, not invenire feram latentem.

Ganges. Ganga, that great river dividing the farther India from the hither, of these Ptolomy calls the hither India intra Gan∣gem, the farther extra Gangem breaking forth from the Emodi montes, and issuing towards the South in two channells whose farthest mouthes are distant from one to the other eighty Spanish Leagues; in which it falls in∣to the Indian Ocean: this is Physon one of the four great rivers which flow out of Paradise, according to St Hierom and Isidore. Upon this river is seated the Royall City and great Mart of Spices Bengala: and from this Gan∣getica tellus, or Realme of Bengala our East India Merchants bring all those rich Odours which are dispersed not onely through Eu∣rope, but over the whole world. For which reason it is by our Elegant Authour worthi∣ly stil'd Nardifer Ganges.

Garganus. Monte Gargano and Monte di S. Angelo, by which name the late City in it is signified, distant from Sipontum five miles; a mountaine of Daunian Apulia, having in compasse 200 Miles as Pliny: where is the Garganian promontory between Sipon∣tum and Hyrium: of this, Lucan

Apulus Hadriacas exit Garganos in undas.

Geloni. These are Tartars inhabiting part of the European Scythia, bordering on Bo∣rysthenes the River, accounted with Moeotae Alani, Agathyrsi and Sauromatae which dwell round the Maeotica Palus; Mother of the Euxine Black Sea. This Fen is calld Mar bianco by the Italians. They have great Deserts, and may exercise much arrow_back hunting arrow_forward .

Graecia. He speakes of the glorious Repub∣lique of the Athenians in which under select Commanders they did such heroicall acts a∣gainst the great King of Persia: and after∣wards overthrew that Monarchy by Alexan∣der the great, which atchievements is that renowne of their ancestors registred in Monu∣ments of their owne wit, so as it is never to be forgotten, and although they knew the As∣syrian Monarchy to have sunke under Sarda∣napalus, the opulency and softnesse of the Chaldean and Persian; yet they insisted on the same Steps of ruine. We know how fa∣mous the Corinthians were for Luxury. There were Grecians who profess'd precepts of coo∣kery such was Mithaecus a culinary Philoso∣pher; who gave formall doctrines of Sauces and Confections, which actions argued their low and degenerate spirits.

Hebrus Marizza. A great river of Thrace rising out of the Mountaine Hamus, issuing into the Aegeaen sea, between the Cities of Maronia & Aenos, having wash'd the Cities of Filippopoli and Andrinople & Trajanopoli.

Hyrcanus. It is of a Country in Asia ly∣ing upon the Sea between Media on the West, and Margiana on the East. Having at the present various names Diargument & Strava, & Casson, & Hyrach, & Massandraen & Corcan, which are not totall names of the Country; but partiall names of severall Regi∣ons. The chife cities heretofore were Hyrcana & Amarusa. In this land fruitfull of Wine and Corne, Panthers are generated and Tygers.

Italia. The Poet may well conclude his Poem in a rapture upon the prayses of Italy not onely because he deferrs Honour to his owne Country, but from the just merit of the place; for where the land is expos'd to so be∣nigne an influx of the Heavens, there the ground must needs be well digested for a most perfect production of all species. Their Witts how refin'd and subtile? Their arm's how bold and prosperous? here our Authour seemes to commend their breede of Horses Wee much value the Neapolitan Courser, which Country is now Italy, though I que∣stion whether so esteem'd in that age.

Lechaeum. A Towne and Harbour of the Corinthians upon the Saronique Bay, opposite to Cenchrea another Towne & Harbour upon the Corinthian Bay, distant from Corinth twelve furlongs; from Cench••ea seventy to the East. Lesteriochori is the present name.

Ligurinae alpes. These are also called Mari∣timae: these begin from the shore of the French Sea call'd Le Montagne di Tenda, & the Cottiae Alpes or Cottianae called Moncenis, closing in part of the Dutchy of Monte ferrato & Millain, and part of the principality of Piemont. Alpes Ligusticae are stretched out between Nicaea, which is Nizza de Provenza, and Taurini, which is Piemont.

Lycaones. Vlitius takes these dogs to bee of the Country of Lycaon, Arcadians, for dogs of that Country are famous, and hee does beleeve they may be Heirs of his owne body naturally begotten, if it be true that hee was turn'd into a Wolfe. Otherwise Licao∣nia is a part of Cappadocia divided from Ci∣licia by Taurus: whose Metropolis is Iconi∣um; from whence they receive their corrupt appellation of Cogni at this day. The inha∣bitants of this Country are called Licaones, and the land abounds with wild Asses.

Lycius. This is from Lycia a Country of

Asia, lying between Caria on the West, and Pamphylia on the East, call'd at this day Aidinelli and Briqitia.

Lydia. This is a Region of Asia compris'd between Ionia on the West, and Phrygia mag∣na on the East: which was also nam'd Maeonia. It is call'd Lud by the Hebrewes; being a Na∣tion deriv'd from that Grandchild of Noah by Shem, which was nam'd Lud. hence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 their royall Seat was at Sardis while Croesus was King of it, and had severall times rebell'd against the Persians, Cyrus overthrew him & dissolv'd the government. There are diverse proverbs of the villany of this people. Diogen. Lydi mali & improbi, post hos Aegyptii, ac demum pessimi omnium Cares. They were wont to adorn their heads with Hoods. Whence the Proverb upon effoeminate people Lydio more. They gave their minds wholly to ryot and dainties. Carica Lydorum, also Lydus cauponator. Then for unseasonable amours, Lydus in meridie. Their Country is now call'd by the Turks, to whom they are subject, Cara∣fia, and Carafieli.

Maceti. The limits of Macedonia at this time were large, having been reduc'd into the hands of the Romans, when it fell to be their Province out of the power of so potent a

Prince as Perseus. I shall not consult with a∣ny Geographer either antient or modern to circumscribe that Country, but excerpt it out of the Annalls of Titus Livius, Book 45. as it is reported from the Authentique decree of Paulus the Consul for setling the Macedo∣nian affaires. In the first place it was ordain'd that the Macedonians be free having the same Cities and Lands, using their own Laws, cre∣ating yearly magistrates: that they should pay the people of Rome half that Tax which they were wont to pay their Kings. Then that Ma∣cedonia should be divided into four Cantons. Whereof one and the first part to be that land which lies between the Rivers Strymon and Nessus, taking in whatever Villages, Castles, Towns, were formerly held by Perseus over Nessus to the East-ward, except Aenos, and Maronea, and Abdera, as also over Strymon to the Westward all the Bisaltique region with Heraclea which is call'd Sintique. The second Canton to be that which the River Strymo embraces from the East, excepting Heraclea Sintice, and the Bisaltae, and which the River Axius bounds on the West, adding thereto the Paeonians, who dwelt neare the River Axius to the quarter of the East. The third Canton that to be made which the

river Axius surrounds on the East, and the River Peneus on the West: the North of which is bounded by the Mountain Bora. Thereunto was added that quarter of Paeonia that runs up along by the River Axius to the West. Edessa also and Beraea fell to that part. The fourth Canton to be beyond the Moun∣tain Bora, bounding upon Illyricum on the one side, on the other upon Epirus. That the provinciall Towns where their assemblies should meet, be for the first Canton Amphi∣polis, for the second Thessalonica, for the third Pella, for the fourth Pelagonia. It was ordain'd that the assemblies of their respective Provinces should be summon'd thither, that Assessements should be there im∣pos'd, that there the Magistrates should be created.

Maenalus. A famous Mountain of Arca∣dia by the City Tegea where is a Town of that name and Maenalis ora.

Mareoticum. This is a white Muscatell much affected by the Egyptian Kings; thus Horace of Cleopatra, Mentem{que} lymphatam Mareoti∣co. It hath its name from Mareotis pali••s a great Fen of Egypt by Alexandria contain∣ing in circuit 600 miles, and in bredth 30. call'd Lago di Buchiara, that it is a white

Grape appears from Virgil. sunt & Mareoti∣des albae; some leaning upon the authority of Columella, say that this is a Greek Wine re∣ceiving its name from a Region of Epirus call'd likewise Mareotica, others (and those most Greek likewise) absolutely expresse it to have been of the growth of Egypt and call'd Alexandrian. Ulitius contends for this, nor without good ground.

Massicum. This wine is from Mons Massi∣cus (Monte Masso) a Mountain of Campania celebrated for excellent Wine, it is joyn'd up∣on the Mountaines Falernus and Gaurus, be∣tween Suessa, Calenum, and Sinuessa. Hence Martial lib. 13. Ep. 108. De Sinuessanis ve∣nerunt Massica praelis, where the title is Falernum.

Medus. Media is a Region of Asia, between Armenia major on the West; Parthia and Hyrcania on the East, touching upon the Caspian Sea at the North, and Assyria, and Shushan at the South, call'd vulgarly Madai Their Dog is fierce, not unlike their neigh∣bour the Hyrcanian.

Melitesius. It is the judgement of Ulitius that this Corall is from Melita by Pachynus, forhe finds in Pliny a commendation of Corall that grows in the Sicilian Sea; and indeed it

is a production found in many places, even in our Seas there is a sort of Corallines. There are two Melita's, the one an Island of the A∣driatique, near Dalmatia, from whence are called Canes Melitaei. Vulgarly Melida. The other an Island of the African Sea, betweene Sicily and Afrique lying off from the Pro∣montory of Paehynus 70. miles, from Cama∣rina 84. we call it Malta, this seems to be the Island meant by the Author.

Molossus From a Country of Epirus, call'd antiently Molossia, at the present Pandosia (of their City Pandosia) comes a noble race of Dogs celebrated by all antiquity, and pre∣ferr'd before those of any other Nation what∣soever for matchlesse stoutnesse, untill Britain being discover'd, and our Dogs brought to tryal, the Molossians were found to be surpass'd in courage by the Brittish Mastiffes, and here it is acutely observ'd by Ulitius, that the Molossian is not that deep-mouth'd hound, as Lucan denotes him to be: but so stanch and silent besides his courage, that his mix∣ture with the bawling Etolian Bitch will rectifie that ill quality. For more is to be pre∣sum'd upon the Testimony of Gratius an ap∣prov'd Huntsman, than either Lucan or Mar∣tiall do appear to deserve.

Murcibii. Ulitius reads in this place Mur∣cinii and understands Thracian horses; those may well be denoted for that quality. So∣phocles in his Electra, makes the Aenian to be carried away with his hard-mouth'd Steeds, and Aenos is a City of Thracia upon the border of the Aegean Sea, by the mouth of Hebrus.

Morini A people of Belgium lying in Pi∣cardy and Artois, they were esteem'd the ex∣tremity of the world. Freta Morinu dub••o re∣fluentia ponto, by that infallibly is design'd the narrow Sea between Callis and Dover, which our Mariners can tide through being some 20. miles in breadth, call'd by the anti∣ents Fretum Gallicum, Britannicum, Occani.

Mycenae. A Town of Peloponnesus in the Country of Argos between Corinth (as di∣stant 15. miles) and Argos (as ten) now call'd Agios Adrianos.

Nasamonia. This is a name common to severall regions of Africa. Some dwell about the Atlantique Ocean. Others upon the great Syrtis. Others in Libya Marmarica, and are all call'd Nasamones.

Nebrodes. A very high mountain of Sicily, in the midwa between Enna towards the

East, and Thermae Himerae to the West, now call'd Madonia; out of this Gelas the River flows to the South. It is higher then any o∣ther Mountain in Sicily, except Aetna, spread∣ing farre and abounding with springs of wa∣ter, so call'd from the multitude of Dear. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Numidae. Are a great part of Africa, the one countrey which they denominate is now called Billedulgerid; and this is inland. Ano∣ther is Maritime upon the Numidian Bay: Numidia nova, or Regno di Constantino, and corrupted by the Arabian inhabitants into Cuzuntina, or Guzuntina; they spread over no small tract; their horse is famous for very good temper, and trained up to an ex∣cellent management, so as they can turn and winde, check, or put him on by their switch alone: they are called in Virgil, Numidae Inf••aeni.

Parthus. A known people of Asia, lying between Media, Aria, Persia, and Hyrcania; their countrey is of a soft mould, and the Horse which is bred upon it hath a tender hoof. Where it is worth the observing, that according to our institution of horses; we shall find even their nature to answer. Those horses which have trod delicatly from their

first running ever since they were foal'd be∣come to have a soft hoof, nor can afterwards be brought to travell upon ragged and stony wales; but the hardy Genoway that was brought forth and bred up amidst the Ligu∣rian Alpes through continuall beating upon cragged rocks, in the issue hardens and (if I may be permitted to use the expression) even pave her hoof, insomuch that she will break in pieces any other that shall contend with her upon that native ground. So that it is not all to be attributed to nature, however our Author would here intimate the contra∣ry, saying, Sed juxta vitium posuit Deus, no, more commonly I believe sed juxta vitium posuit male cautus agaso. Either the Groom and Ostler, or the first breeder up of the horse may be thought to marre him. For some such thing may be perceiv'd in our own education. Those who never put their hand to any la∣bour or manly exercise, but have carefully kept it delicate, let them pull at an O••re, or draw in a coyle of Cables into a ship, and their hands will contractblisters, swell and be gal'd, which things those are not sensible of, who through long use have their palms hardned, and fenc'd with a brawny firm∣nesse.

Pellaeus. Our Poet means the Macedonian horses, and at that time Pella was the pro∣vinciall Town of the most noble part of Ma∣cedonia that extended as far as Peneus, and is shut in by the Mountain Bon••: being as it were within the ••eraunians, it is now call'd Jeniza and Zuchria.

Peneus. A River of Thessaly much cele∣brated by the Poets, now call'd Selampria, or Pezin, or Asababa; receiving almost all the Rivers of the Country, amongst others Sa∣lambria (with which it bath now chang'd the name) Enipeus and Sperchîus, it rises from the Mountain Pindus, and through the Tempe flowes into the Pagasique Bay, hence Virgil Peneia Tempe.

Perses. Although the bordering Mede and Hyrcanian be onely couragious, yet the Per∣sian is sagacious withall. At the present, the name of Persian relating to their Empire in∣cludes Media, their Country is now by them call'd Farsistan.

Pharos. The name I should believe to be Coptique. It is a Tower built by King Ptolo∣my at the rate of 800. Talents; so magnifi∣cent, as that it is reputed among the seven mi∣racles of the World: it stands upon an Island almost joyn'd to the continent, and from the

top of it lights were hung out for the directi∣on of Mariners, from whence all such promon∣tories have been call'd (as we may see fre∣quently in the Map) Faro and Fero by Por∣tugal and Spanish Navigatours? and that I may not only propose my own fancy, Camb∣den hath allow'd▪ that our Dover Peere is so call'd from being a Pharos or place for Lan∣ternes, to direct in steering near that dange∣rous shore: from this place which was anti∣ently the Palace of the Egyptian Kings, they are call'd Pharii tyranni, and if Pharaoh be in the old Coptique Rex, why may not Pha∣ros be Regia?

Pherae. A Town of Thessaly between De∣metrias and Pharsalus, near the lake of Boe∣be, call'd at present Fere.

Pisa A City of Peloponnesus upon the ri∣ver Alpheus, by which the Olympian Games were celebrated.

Pyrene. All that Region which lies upon the Pyrenean hills. Los Montes Pireneos where is Guascoigne and Aquitain divided from Navarre. These hils separate the two potent Kingdomes of France and Spain, being ex∣tended from the Cantabrian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea for the space of 80. Spa∣nish miles▪

Roma. This City in the time of our Au∣thor being in flore, did farre transcend all the pride of other Nations in building, it was then the Imperiall Seat, and is now the Pontificiall Sea.

Sabaei. A people of Arabia felix. Their Country is famous for bearing Frankincense. Jeremiah 6. 20. To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far Country? Virgil in his Geor∣giques.

—Solis est thurea virga Saboeis. And India mittit ebur, molles sua thura Sabae••.

Saetabes. A people of Hispania Tarraco∣nensis in the Kingdome of Valentia where the City Saetabis stands upon a River of the same name at this day, the place is call'd Xativa, it was famous amongst the antients for the fine flax which it brought forth.

Catullus, Sudaria Saetaba, Pliny linum Sae∣tabum, this was commendable to make fine Linnen for Ornament in wearing; though our Author do not make choice of it for Nets.

Ser. This is a Nation of Interiour Ethio∣pia, about the rising of Nilus among the

Blemyes, and a people of Hither India be∣tween Indus and Hydaspes, but the famous Seres are a people of Asia the farthest to the East beyond China towards Scythia without Imaus. Their Country is Serica, now Cathay.

Sicambri. Those of Gelderland and Zut∣phen. A people of Holland. The title of which Dukedome Count Egmond does at present bear, they dwell between the Maze and the Rhine.

Siculi. In this Island which is the greatest of those in the Mediterranean were antiently horses famous for fleetnesse, and from a Coun∣try neighbouring to them, wee have at this day an eminent race of horses. For the Nea∣politan Courser is not unlike them.

Sparta. The chief City of Laconia. The Fleet-hounds of this Country were famous a∣mong the old Poets. Virg. Georg. 3. Veloces Spartae catulos—

Strymonius. The reason of this Epithet to Bisalta, will plainly appear out of Livy, 45. Book. Pars prima Bisaltas habet fortissi∣mos viros: trans Nessum amnem incolunt, & circa Sirymonem; their Provinciall Town was Amphipolis, so call'd because the Stry∣mon was about it.

Syene. Onely in this place I am not hasty to consent to the learned Commentator, who attempts to alter Terrena Syene, either into Turrita, or Extrema. By which change he would destroy the Antithesis between Savi equi, and Terrena regio. The Poet seems to me to say, that the heavy bottomes of Syene were not proper for a sternacious horse; it is the farthest City of Egypt in the confines of Ethiopia, heretofore the bound of the Roman Empire, as it is now of the Turkish, call'd at the present Asna; the whole region derives the name of Syene from it. When the Sun is in Cancer, they cast no shadow, because the Country lies directly under that Tropique. It is situate upon the Nile, so that probably the foyle is of a slimy substance, and proper onely for light horses.

Taburnus. A craggy Mountain in the bor∣ders of Samnium upon the tract of the Cau∣dine Rock, in Campania.

Thessalia A Region of Macedonia en∣clos'd by the Mountains of Olympus, Ossa, Pelion, on the North, Othrys and Oeta on the South, and Pindus on the West. It is now call'd Com••nolitar••, Th••umnestia, and Lami∣na, anciently divided into four Provinces, Thessaliotis, Phthiotis, Pelasgiotis, and Esti∣aetis.

The tradition is that horses were first taught to be broke in this Country. It is cer∣tain that at present they have an excellent race of Horses. Some of which come unto us un∣der the notion of Turkish Horses, and are deservedly in high esteem, as they were with the antient Poets, both Greek and Latine.

Toletum. Toledo a City of Hispania Tar∣raconensis distant from Madrid 12. leagues in the heart of Castile, heretofore the most fa∣mous seat of the Gothish Kings; it is upon the River Tayo (which is Tagus) famous from Antiquity, for good mettle, wherewith they temper'd the Blades of swords, which at pre∣sent retaine great praise as may appear by that ingenious Epigramme of Grotius.

Unda Tagi non est uno celebranda metallo Utilis in cives est ibi lamna suos.

Trinacria. Is a name for Sicily out of their language which was formerly Greek; it im∣ports a place of three Promontories from Felorus, which points upon Italy, Pachynus upon Grece, Lilyboeum upon Africa, it is in Latine called Triquetra.

Tusci. This is written also Thusci, they are likewise named Hetrusci, a most antient

people of Italy, the Toscani; but not only that part of Florence, Pisa, and Arezzo, which is under the great Duke of Tuscany, but was in old time more large, and compri∣sed a great part of that which is now called Peters Patrimony, being in subjection to the Pope.

Veneris litora. The shores of Cyprus, where was antiently Paphos, but now de∣stroyed both the old and new, Neapaphos, and Palaepaphos, called now Baffo.

Umbrosae Veneris p••r litora myrtus, is the same which was named by Virgil, Paphiae myrtus.

Umber. From a province of Italy, even at the present called l'Ombria as it was antiently Ombria; it is divided by the Apennine, containing some Cisapennine, other Transa∣pennine Cities. Here Umber is the Bracco of Italy: and as their Dog is timorous, so their Bore is not very couragious. Whence the Poet,—Thuscus aper generosior Umbro.

Hitherto I have been emploi'd in defining the places mentioned by this Poet, and in affixing the modern names by which they are at present known: It will be necessary to subjoyne an advice concerning this matter; I would desire that no Reader should require

an exactnesse in Topographicall knowledge, for it is not any way possible nor necessary; Of many countreys whose names we have, there were never any Terriers delineated, the butts and boundarys were never particula∣riz'd; in many others the evidences are lost, and consumed by time; but in all the marks have been removed through daily revoluti∣ons; so that this tradition is altogether con∣fus'd: Empires are continually in progresse, or declyning, and France signifies one thing this week, and another the following; nor can we have any certainty how farre the sig∣nification of that name doth extend any week, till the Gaziette for that week be come forth: The Earth indeed is stable, and abides generation after generations; the figures which adorn the heavens have not been observ'd to be much obnoxious to great changes; and the individualls of those species which are upon the earth, after their appointed season and age, are renewed into the same figure with those former individualls which have past away, and resemble their kind, from whose seed they sprung; so that where the conception is permanent, simple, & indivi∣duall, the passage is easie from one language into any other, nor does it perplex the under∣standing,

but may be rendred per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or one word by another: for in saying Equus, or a Horse, we have alwaies in all ages meant a body consisting of the same integrate parts, which is readily understood, because it is so ordinarily seen: But it is farre otherwise in human and politique institutions. Cities and Empires passe away; not only the name alters, but the notion ceaseth, and is removed out of our sight.

Clara fuit Sparte: magnae viguêre Mycenae. Necnon & Cecropis, necnon Amphionis arces. Vile solum Sparte est: altae cecidére Mycenae Oedipodioniae quid sunt nisi nomina Thebae? Quid Pardioniae restant nisi nomen Athenae?

Who can precisely determine what these cities were? or how far those regions extend∣ed? By daily experience we perceive how dif∣ficult it is to preserve the bounds of parishes, and Lordships: where there is nearer con∣cernment of interest, to watch over them that they do not passe into oblivion: But for these uncertainties of the Mapp, we may con∣tent our selves with a generall satisfaction, there being no absolute necessity of more pre∣cise knowledg; for Horace could content

himselfe without any expresse decision even of his owne countrey.

—Lucanus an Appulus anceps, Nam Venusinus arat finem sub utrum{que} colo∣nus.

And although the modern names of places do no where exactly answer the antient as to the bounds; yet if they do rudely as to the situation; they are to be esteemed to have given a sufficient knowledg, and to have per∣formed what in reason may be required of them.

CHAP. VI. Of the Styles of arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward different from the English, both Antique and Forreigne.

THe arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward us'd by the Ancients in the time of our Author, as appeares by this Poem, was much like that way which is at present taken with the Raindeare which is seldome hunted at force, or with hounds, but onely drawne after with a blood-hound, and forestall'd with Netts and Engines. So did they with all beasts; and therefore a

Dog is never commended by them for ope∣ning before hee hath by signes discover'd where the beast lyeth in his layre, as by their drawing stiffe our Harbourers are brought to give right judgement. Therefore I doe not finde that they were curious in the Musiquc of their Hounds, or in a composition of their Kennell & pack, either for deepenesse or lowd∣nesse, or sweetnesse of cry like to us. Their huntsmen were instructed to shout. Virgil▪ 3. Georgiques.

Ingentem clamore premes ad retia cervum So that it was onely with that confusion to bring the Deere to the Netts laid for him.

But we comfort our Hounds with loud and couragious cryes and noyses both of Voyce and Horne, that they may follow over the same way that they▪ saw the Hart passe, without crossing or coasting.

We have no wild-boares in England, yet it may be thought that heretofore wee had, and did not thinke it convenient to preserve that Game. For our old Anthours of Hun∣ting reckon it among the Beasts of Venery; and we have the proper termes belonging to it. Somewhat will not be unworthy the re∣citing. In an old Poem printed by Wynkyn de Worde (whom I have heard to have been

the second that printed in England) in the yeare of the Incarnation of our Lord 1496. in the reigne of Henry the seventh, and all the instructions of termes for arrow_back hunting arrow_forward . Amongst them are sett downe these Verses.

Now to speke of the Boore the fyrst yere he is A pygge of the sounder callyd as have I blys. The second yeer an hogge and soo shall he be: And an hoggestere whan he is of yeres thre. And whan he is of foure yere a boore shal he be: From the sounder of the Swyne thenne depar∣tyth he, A synguler is he soo: for alone he woll goo.

This authority will not be unproper to give a right understanding of the appellation which is given to this Beast, Psalm 80. Sec. Hebr. V. 14. Exterminavit eam aper de sylva: et singularis ferus depastus est eam. And therefore called by the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. It is a game usuall in France, they call it San∣glier, which is the same. In this sort of Hunt∣ing, the way is to use furious, terrible sounds and noyses, aswell of voice as of horne, to make the chase turne and flee, because they are slow, and trust in their tusks and defence, which is agere aprum, to bayt the Boore

as in the halieuticon.

—Actus aper setis iram denunciat hir∣tis. Therefore Virgil,

Saepe volutabris pulsos Sylvestribus apros Latratu turbabis agens—incompara∣bly doth he expresse it by turbabis: yet this must be done after his Den or Hold is disco∣vered, and the Netts be pitched, or else it is blam'd (as in the Aetolian Dog) to reare him, and give him warning to escape. The Huntsmen give judgement of the Wild-bore by the print of his foot, by his rooting: a wild swine roots deeper then our ordinary Hogs, because their snowts are longer; and when he comes into a cornfield (as the Caly∣donian Bore in Ovid) turnes up one continu∣ed furrow; not as our Hogs root here and there, and then by his soyle, he soyles and wallowes him in the myre: these are his Volutabra sylvestria, where his greatnesse is measur'd out, then comming forth he rubs against some tree which markes his heighth; as also when he sticks his tuske into it, that showes the greatnesse of it. They observe likewise the depth of his Den, with the big∣nesse of his Lesses; for so they call the Dung of those beasts. Whensoever the Bore is hun∣ted

and stands at Bay, the Hunts-men ride in, and with Swords and spears striking on that side which is from their horse wound or kill him: This is in the French arrow_back hunting arrow_forward ; but the antient Romans standing on foot, or setting their knees to the ground, and charging directly with their spear, did opponere ferrum, and excipere aprum: for the nature of the Bore is such, that he spitts himselfe with fury, running upon the weapon to come at his ad∣versary, till he presse his very Bowels upon it, and sink down dead.

There are no Roe-Deer in England, but there are plenty of them in Scotland. An old Scotch Poet, Sir James Lindsay, who flou∣rished in the time of King James the fifth, wrot this, much about 1550. in the praise of his own countrey.

The rich Rivers plesand and profitabill: The lusty Lochis with fische of sundry k••ndis: arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward , Halking, for Nobilis convenabill Forrestis full of Da, Ra, Hartis and Hyndis.

Yet it may be thought that they have been more common in England, because our antient Hunts-men acknowledg the proper termes for this chase; and in the first place we

have distinct ages for these Dorces in Dame Julians precepts to her Berne.

And yf ye of the Roo-Bucke wol know the same, The fyrst yere he is a Kid, soukyng on his dame The second yere he is a gerl, & so ben such all: The third yere an hemule loke ye hym call. Roo-Buck of the first hede heis at the fourth yere: The fyfth yere a Roo-buck him call I you lere.

These make good chase, stand long, and fly end-way. Compellere Dorcas, is to force the Bevy, & to drive them into the Toyles.

Although we have no Wolves in England, yet it is certain that heretofore we had routs of them, as they have at this present in Ire∣land; in that countrey is bred a race of grey∣hounds, which is fleet, strong, and bears a naturall enmity to the Wolfe. Here I would take the boldnesse to examine that 77. Epi∣stle of the second book of Symmachus, where he speaks of Canes Scotici. It is well enough known, that in the age of Claudian, which was near to his, the Irish man had the name of Scotus.

—totam cùm Scotus Jernen Moverit.

Now in the grey-hounds of that natio, e

there is incredible force and boldnesse, so that they are much sought for in forreign parts; and the King of Poland makes use of them in his arrow_back hunting arrow_forward of great beasts by force: wherefore it may well be intended of the great fiercenesse which these Dogs have in assault∣ing, that when the Romans saw them play, they thought them so wonderfull violent, as that they must needs have been ferreis caveis advecti. Or, if it will better fit any other sort of Dogs in Scotland, I am only not as yet in∣formed what that other sort of Dogs is, espe∣cially seeing it must not be understood of the Brittish Mastiffes, which for a long time, even from the age of our Poet, had been no strang and unknown novelty to the Romans. From the experience of this countrey that Semifera proles, or Whelps that come of the commixture of a Bitch with a Dog-Wolfe is verified, called antiently Lyciscae, and this ill quality they find inherent to that sort of Dogs, that they can by no way of bringing up be restrain'd from preying upon Cattell, by which vice they have merited to be esteem∣ed criminall before they be Whelp'd, and there is a Law in that b••halfe, which straitly enjoyns, that if any Bitch be Iimed with a Wolfe, either she must be hanged immediate∣ly,

or her puppies must be made away: this may serve to avouch somewhat, all that cha∣racter which he gives of the Semiferous Mon∣grels, of his Hyrcanian, and the Tiger.

In Poland when the King hunts, his ser∣vants are wont to surround a wood, though to the space of a mile or better in compasse, with toiles, which are pitched upon firme stakes: This being done, the whole Town, all sexes and ages promiscuously rush into the Inclosure, and with their loud shouts rear all the beasts within that wood, which making forth, are intercepted in the Nets. There small and great beasts are together intangled, after the same manner as when amongst us, we draw a net over a pond, and after beating it all over with Poles, we bring out not only Pike and Carp, but lesser fry: So they enclose at once, Dear, and Bores, and Roe-Bucks, and Hares: for so they order their Nets, that the space of those Meshes which are twisted with greater cords, for the entangling of greater beasts; that space I say is made up with smaller whip-cord, for the catching lesser prey. He hath a great race of English Ma∣stiffes, which in that country retain their ge∣nerosity: they are brought to play upon the greater beasts. It is not counted amongst them

disagreeable to the Laws of the chase, to use gunns.

Tempesta hath describ'd the manner of I∣talian arrow_back hunting arrow_forward in a faire Book, in Taille douce

The Spaniards have a blood-hound which is called un podenco, he is exactly as is here describ'd Vulpina Specie, and genus exiguum; wih him they doe montear▪

—montes{que} per alt••s.

Ingentem clamore premes ad retia cervum, or ca••ar, and pr••ck through the woods, or follow any chase.

The Romans had another sort of pugnaci∣ous assailing beasts, which was in shows to en∣tertain the people. After they had spread their armes into the countreys of Elephants, Ty∣gers, and Lyons; those beasts being sent to Rome, were either bayted by other beasts, or assaulted by Fencers: Which sights were at first presented in the open Cirque, till after∣wards Titus built an Amphitheater for them, which answers to our Bear-Garden. These reflexions I hope will not be unpro∣fitable, and may conduce to a proper end: I hope it will not be unpleasant also, if I communicate to the Reader a civility sent me by an ingenious friend, and fellow collegiat.

Now he is prepared with the History of arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward , and hath been abroad to view the diversity of game: I hope he may be in good humor for it.

Come Lads and wind your Horne, and Summon up Your well-tun'd hounds unto yon mountains top: There lurks the pride o'th' woods, the Lyon fell, At whose decease our troops shall yelpe a Knell. In yonder vale a jumping Stagge I spy, Whose feet will shame the winds celerity, Whose branched Hornes being crown'd with sturdy threats Contemne our Dogs, our Iavelins, & our nets. In this thick sedge there lies a tusked Boare Who challenges free quarter, and all'ore The fens and woods he domineeres to see N••ne is so strong, none is so stout as he. Let's on the hills, the vales, the fenns to beat, Nor Claw, nor Horne, nor Tuske shall mak's retreat. We're arm'd with force, we're cataphract with Art, The one our Troops, the other Books impart.

Books, did I say? one book hath taught us all: 'Tis Gratius does all Authors prayse forestall. Whose name, whose age, whose stile, whose argument Is Pleasant, Rev'rend, Candid, Innocent. All current are; but what's obscure and blind None but this Mighty Nimrod-wit can find. Who having stript his Cynegetick wight Makes him appeare an English Adamite. No Sectary, but Orthodox and true, Whether you'd range in th Parke, or hunt purlue. Such high-borne fancy, quick, and nobly bred, Would make Diana leave her sport to read; As doe the Muses in Diana's Chase Delight to rove, and her wild games embrace.

William Price Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge.

CHAP. VII. Of the Modern Authours who have writ∣ten upon this subject.

ALthough I were very much experienced in any art, and were apt to conceive a good opinion of my owne ability therein, yet being to publish a discourse concerning it, I were oblig'd to inform my selfe of what o∣thers have formerly propos'd in the same matter, as far as may conveniently be attain'd: there are some who esteem it glory to be thought to have declin'd any other helps, but their owne witt, which I should charge upon my selfe as negligence. It might have been thought sufficient that this excellent Author hath come out lately in Holland, with the learned notes of Janus Ulitius; and although I have not since that time found the fame of this Poet to have been much cele∣brated amongst us, with whom arrow_back hunting arrow_forward is in very high esteem, yet that judicious commen∣tator hath deserved very highly of him, and withall infallibly rais'd himself a monument of late and lasting honour.

This learned Ulitius hath compar'd our Author with the Latine, and Greek writers which have handled this subject ex professo, which

or toucht upon it: so that if I should make that my businesse, it would seem that I did in alienam messem falcem mittere. I shall en∣deavour to reduce this Poem to the instructi∣ons that I finde in the modern, both French and English.

The chiefe amongst the French is La Ve∣nerie per Iaques de Foüilloux. This is trans∣lated into English by Mr Turbervill: it was indeed done into very proper English with great care and judgement, some forty yeares since: But now the booke is hardly to bee mett with: That discourse too of arrow_back Hunting arrow_forward that is in La Maison Rustique is but an a∣bridgement of this former. There is another in French who may merit the name of an Author with Foüilloux his Contemporary under Charles the 9. and that is Iean de Cla∣morgan, who hath written a particular treatise of La chasse du loup.

In our language there have been divers old writers, that have delivered rather some proper termes for arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , then that have compiled the Art. I read cited Sir Tristram, and the book of St. Albans; I have seen Dame Iulians Bernes doctrine in her book of hunt∣ing: But these Authors are not to be procured publickly; as they are indeed of lesse use. I set a farre higher esteem upon a late writer,

many of whose works are frequently to be had. Mr. Gervas Markham may undoubt∣edly be compared with any of the antients, who have written de Re Rustica, and if his style be not so pleasant as that of Pliny, yet certainly his experiments are more certain and profitable; he hath reported the fruits of his own experience, as in the whole Cycle of Husbandry accurately; so in Cynegetiques excellently. The former French Author, and this English Master of Oeconomicall Philo∣sophy, I look upon as fountains: With these I have been conversant, that so I might draw from experienced men, if they delivered any thing which might more largely explicate that upon which Gratias may happen to touch. With this preparation I shall in the threefollowing Chapters examine the difficult words, and obscure passages as they lie in or∣der in this Poem. In the Citations I have ab∣bridged

• Clamorgan by Cl.
• Foüiloux by F.
• Markham by M.

CHAP. VIII. Of Nets, the line to fright Dear, snares, and spears with the Bow.

BIS vicenos passus) Columella lib. 5. de R. R. Passus pedes ha••et quinque. So

that 40 Paces make 200 feet. This must be understood of the Roman standard, which comes short of the English: The most exact and minute deduction of the Roman foot is by Mr. Iohn Greaves, who preferres the foot on the monument of Cossutius before others, and finds it to be to the English as 967 to 1000. So that two hundred foot Roman, comes precisely short of 200 foot English by 6 English feet, half a foot and one tenth of a foot.

Nodis. Meshes.

Optima Cyniphiae. The soyle fittest to sow Hemp upon must be a rich mingled earth of clay and sand, or clay and gravell well tem∣pered, and so on, as is worthy to be observed in M. The English houswives skill, B. 2. From this place I reconcile Gratius, who saies Optima C. paludes lina dabunt, with Pliny, saying, Seritur sabulosis maximè. Ulitius being somewhat gravell'd at it, is so hardy as to propound that the place be alter∣ed into Paludosis: but he should rather diffide his owne experience, and suspend such rash judgments till farther inquiry. Simple sand is too barren, hot, and light, bringing forth withered increase: simple clay again is too tough, rich, and heavy, bringing forth all bun and no rind; so that the Sabulum of Pliny is a

mingled gravell, or the red hazel ground.

Stupea Messis. We should know that to speak properly, they say Vellere linum: To pull Hemp or Flax, which is the manner of gathering it; for it is not cut as Corn is, ei∣ther with Sith or Sickle, but it is pull'd up by the roots.

Sonipes turba. Those of the East us'd to wear bells about their legs in ornament: thus the Jews, Isa. 3. 16. 18. And the leap∣ing about with bells ty'd on the legs after an Hoboy, and a Horse, is not originally an European frolique, though brought amongst us by Spain: but the name imports to dance Alla Moresca.

Vix velatur. Like our Cambricks, Lawns, and Tiffanies, which serve rather to trans∣mitt nakednesse, then to hide or cover it; as by drawing a transparent chassée of glasse or cristall over any rarities, we rather allure the gazing of an eager spectator, then keep off his sight. Includas retibus ursos. Comme on doit chasser et prendre les loups avec les rets et fil••ts. Cl. Chap. 9.

Primas linorum tangere messes. The best time for the pulling of it is when the leaves fall, or it is yellow at the tops, for then it is full ripe; which for the most part will be in July, and about Mary Maudlins day▪ Pliny. astate vellitur.

Terribiles Species. The antients did for∣merly set up feathers on a line in their hunt∣ing to fray the beasts.

We know that if one set up a piece of white paper, it will make the Dear blanch, and balk that way.

Turbat odor silvas. A deer is of most dainty sent, and upon the least fault will fly and leave his feed. When a deer smelleth or vent∣eth any thing, then we say he hath this, or that in the wind. Nam fuit et laqueis. At the present our Deer-stealers have such in∣ventions: In France they use the same for Wolves. De la forme de prendre les loups par pieges, et autres instruments, Cl. Chap. 10. Also Maniere de tendre le piege. In the same place Dentatae pedicae were gins that had pegs in them, like that of a rake or harrow, which left the print of their steps when they fled.

Dente induit. Dens is the piqued end of a staffe: Dentale, and Dens ancorae. So Bidens a prong, Tridens a Fork with three grains.

Hastilia furcas. Our old English writers who lived in the time of Jousts and Tour∣naments, when the Lance was in request, divide it into the Trunchion Hastile, and the Socket, Orbis clausus ferro. Ipsa arcu We use more ordinarily in arrow_back hunting arrow_forward the cross-Bow.

Of shooting in the long-Bow, M. in his country contentments Chap. 8.

Lutoser. Vlitius hath made a fair con∣jecture to solve this difficult place; for either it is likely that Cupressus should be read, or that the Cypresse is intended; and he makes it appear out of Virgil, that it was us'd by the Wheel-wrights of Italy.

Luxuriam fetus{que} nocentes detrahe. Of the right dressing of Trees, William Lawson, an Orchard. set out at the latter end of some of M. works collected into one volume of 6 Books.

CHAP. IX. Of Dogs, their sorts, breeding, entring, and of the Huntsman.

HAving already recited the severall places mentioned in the Poem, that which was to be said of Dogs in relation to their Country hath already had its place.

Ille tibi & pecudum multo cum sanguine crescet] It is not possible to reclaime that naturall ill quality in this semiferous breed of the Tiger, they are like those Dogs which the French call Forcenants: ils sont fort sub∣jects

a bestail privé. Excitat apros. As we say in proper termes to Harbour and Unharbour a Stag which lyes in his layre, or to kennell and unkennell a Fox; so saith Turbervill, it is required to say to Couch, and Reare a Bore.

Versuta vestigia leporis parvi.] The foot∣ing of an Hare is diversly exprest: for when she is in plaine field, she soreth, when she cast∣eth about to deceive the Hounds, then shee doubleth, and when she beateth a hard high way, where you may yet finde and perceive her footing, there she pricketh: also in time of Snow, we say the Trace of an Hare: thus the accurate Turbervill, these deceits of the Hare are called in French Les malices d'un lieure. At large, des finesses et malices (ru∣ses) des lieures. F. Ch. 56.

Petron••i canes] from Petrones, a speciall name of Dogs which seems to have beene much used in Spaine, may be deduced their common appellation of a Dog, which they call un perro. Vertraha. The Italians call un leuriere, veltro or Can di giugnere. Of Grayhounds Xenophon the younger hath written excellently, and amongst us of cours∣ing with Gray-hounds, and the excellency of that sport. M. C. C. Cap. 6.

Metagontes] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Dogs that draw

after a beast. Limiers, Chiens qui ne parlēt point. F. in his Interpretation des mots de Venerie.

Lex dicta Officiis. Observations in the entring of whelps. M. C. C. Chap. 3.

In partem praedae veniat comes & sua nô∣rit Praemia. This custome does yet abide a∣mongst our Huntsmen to preserv their Hounds in courage after they have slaine a Hart or Bore, they give the Hounds the Bowels for a Reward, it is called Curée in French, which must be the same with the Italian Curata or Corata; and that signifies the inwards of a Beast. Coradella the Giblets of a Goose or, Fowle, or small beast: so that by this Curée which is called Droict de Limier, we may see what is the naturall and primary sense of Quarry. In ancient English writers, it is also called the Halow.

This is done with much formality, it is pre∣scrib'd how to blow the Horne, a la curée; and how with the voyce to halow the Hounds a la curée; how to speake to the Dogs while they are eating it, & what to do to them. How to blow the Bugle after the Curée. F. Chap. 42. Also how to make the Reward after killing the Hare. Chap. 59. Ordering Dogs after coursing. M. C. C. chap. 6.

Thoes. These beasts are still brought in

by the Poets slaying of a Hind, from which enmity they are nam'd Lupi cervarii. The French call that Un loup cervier, which wee call a Cat o' Mountaine, and that the old Authors of Latine understood the same by that name appeares from the description of it in Pliny. It hath the spots of a Leopard or Hyaena, it is longer in shape, but shorter leg'd then a wolfe, nimble in leaping, lives upon arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , and such like.

Iunge pares. Hounds must suit one ano∣ther. M. C. C. Chap. 3.

Expertos animi q. g. p. est in venerem jun∣gunt. De l' Eslection d'une belle Lyce pour porter chiens. F. Chap. 7. Here it will not be unpleasant to see how Lyce came to signifie a Bitch in French. Though it have a touch of Lycisca as Vlitius observes: yet it is de∣riv'd from the plaine primitive Lyce; so Horace,

Audivere Lyce dij mea vota, dij

Audivere Lyce—He gives his old Mistresse whom he desires to abuse the name of Bitch: which was with them pro∣per, but is with the French Appellative. He calls her Lupa. The old Greeks make it Epi∣cene 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But it seems in some Age and Place it was said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Sint hirtae frontibus aures. He falls in to des∣cribe the Tal••ot-like blood-hound, which sort of Dogs is likewise described by M. C. C. Cap. 1. The shape and proportion of Hounds. His eares exceeding large, thin, and downe hanging much lower then his chaps.

Os magnum. The flews of his upper lips, almost two inches lower then his nether chaps, which showes a merry deep mouth, and a loud ringer.

Cauda brevis. M. saith long, and rush∣grown, that is, big at the setting on, and small downward.

Longum{que} latus. For a large bed to hold her young ones: So Virgil in his Cow for Breed. Et longolateri nullus modus. Siccis du∣ra lacertis Crura. His legs lar••e & lean, which shews nimblenesse in leaping or climbing.

Solidos Calces. His foot round, high knuckled, and well claw'd, with a dry, hard, soal, which shews he will never surbait.

Percensere notis, jam{que} inde excernere par∣vos. Parquels indices et signes on peut con∣noistre si les petits chiens seront bons, E. Ch. 9.

Cultus alios et debita faetae Blandimenta. Ordering of Braches after Whelping, M. C. C. Chap. 3.

Foetae cum desunt operi. When to weane whelps, M. C. C. Chap. 3.

Lacte novam pubem facili{que} tuebere ma∣za. Comme on doit nourrir les petits chiens apres quo'n les a tirez de la tetine de leur me∣re Nourrice, F. Ch. 10. 11.

Sensus Tollit. To feed them for perfectness of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward , and to keep their sents fine and clean, the best food is to give them Mang, made either of ground Oats, Barly-meal, Bran, or Mill-dust well scalded, and boyled together. Cavis potant M. gemmis. He speaks not only of their crystallina as Lucan. gemm••∣que capaces Excepere merum—

Martial—quot digitos exuit iste calix. Juvenal,—Virro gemmas ad pocula transfert —Quas in vagin•• fronte solebat Ponere Zelotyp•• juvenis praelatus Iarbae. Imperium catulis, unus{que} Magister Additur.

Du valet des chiens & comme il doit penser, conduire, & dresser les chiens. F. Chap 13.

Accessus noverit. How to find a deer, where to find hares, M. C. C. Chap. 4.

Toletanus Culter. A Wood-knife. Culter venatorius, Curvo solves viscera cultro.

CHAP. X. Of the diseases of Dogs, and their Cure. Of Horses.

THE subject of curing the diseases of Dogs, hath not been omitted by our late Authors, though no where handled so largly, with so much Philosophical solidity, and such Poeticall ornament as by Gratius.

Mavortia bello Vulnera et errantes morbos tua cura tueri est. At the latter end of F. are Receipts to heal sundry diseases and infir∣mities in Dogs. There is likewise in M. C. C. the whole second Chapter of the curing of all manner of infirmities in hounds.

Licet alti vulneris ora Abstit••rint atro∣que cadant cum sanguine fibrae. This is in use to this very day: If a Dog be hurt in the belly, and so that his guts fall out, and yet the guts not broken nor pierced; let the varlet of the Kennell take the Dog quickly, and put up his guts softly into his belly with the ends of his finger; then let him cut a slice of Lard, and put it within the belly right against the hole that is made, and he must have a Lyngell in readinesse to sow up the skin, and at every stich that he takes, let

him knit his thrid: for else, assoon as the thrid should ••ot or break in one place, all the rest would slip, and so the wound would open again, before it be throughly healed. Al∣waies anoint the wound which you stitch up with fresh butter, and put lard in it, for that will make him licke it. The needle wherewith a Dog should be sowed, should be four-square at the point: and the varlet of the Kennell should never go on field to hunt either Bore, Beare, or Wolfe, without such a needle, lingels, and lard in readinesse.

Plurima per catulos rabies. It is a frequent disease Les sept especes de rage. Rage chaude & desesperée.

Courante, mue, ••ombante, flastrée, en∣dormie, ••heumatique.

Vermiculum dix••re. The opinion and practise of worming Dogs we see very anti∣ent, and popular: yet for the certain benefit of it, see it questioned by a very experienced Master in this knowledge. F. saith

Il y a plusieurs homm▪s qui ont voulu dire que le ver qui vient sous la langue du chien est la cause de le faire enrager. ••eque ie leur nie. Combien quo'n die que le chien ne court pas si tost en cette maladie, quand il a le ver ost•• de la langue. Ie m'en rapporte a ce qui en est.

Lapis vivus. He means Gypsum, or more plainly Calx viva, lime.

Corpus persequitur scabies. There are quatre especes de galies. The Mange, Tetters, Ring worms, and Scabs.

Oleum vivum. By this he seemes to mean Petroleum.

Restat equos finire not is. This I have only seen spoken upon by English writers, (I mean in the body of arrow_back hunting arrow_forward ) and by our exact Poet. M. besides that he writes of the ordering and dieting of the arrow_back hunting arrow_forward horse, in his cheap and good Husbandry, Book 1. Ch. 5. he hath likewise spent one whole book in his Cavalerice (as he intitles it) in treating of the arrow_back hunting Nag. After such exquisite treatises of the Courser, I shall not be bold to enquire farther; being desirous not to seem to have missed altogether those things which I esteem very difficult, yet worthy to be pur∣su'd, either a felicity of speaking, or at least the time and place of silence.

FINIS