The husbandman, farmer and grasier's compleat instructor. Containing choice and approved rules, and directions for breeding, feeding, chusing, buying, selling, well ordering and fatning bulls, cows, calves, rams, ews, lambs, swine, goats, asses, mules, &c. : How to know the several diseases incident to them, by their signs and symptoms, with proper remedies to cure them; : as likewise all griefs, and sorrances what-ever. : Also, a treatise of dogs, and conies, in their breeding, ordering, and curing the distempers they are subject to. : To which is added, The experienced vermine-killer, in particular directions, for taking and destroying all sorts of vermine in houses, out-houses, fields, garden, graneries, and other places. / By A.S. Gent.

A TREATISE Of the various sorts of HOUNDS, And their proper use, viz: Spannels for Land and Water, the House-Dog, and the Shepherd's Mastiff,

SINCE Dogs are very serviceable Domestick Creatures, it will not be amiss to plac•• them to∣wards the compleating of this Book; for among Irrational Creatures, they may justly claim a place both for the Love, and the advantage they bring to Man, being very sensible Creatures, and largely capable of In∣structions; and according to their kinds, are appropriated and designed for sundry Uses, being distinguished by Names and Distinctions suitable to their Natures, viz.

The Grey-hound.

This is a Dog of a curious sine Make; and to distin∣grish those that will prove well, even when Whelps, that

are fittest to be chosen, are loose, raw-boned, sickled, •• crooked Hought, and generally unknit in every Mem•• but those that appear the contrary, never prove we at a years end, he will be at full growth, and then •• true one will have a fine lean long Head, with a sh•• Nose, rush grown, from the Eyes downward; a chea•• Eye, his Eye-lids long, and a sharp Ear, short and c•• falling; a long N••ck a little bending, with a loose hang Wesand; straight Fore-legs, a broad Breast, hollow Side straight Ribs, a square and flat Back, strong and short •• lets, a broad space between the Hips, a strong Ste••••, •• Tail, a round Foot, and considerable large Clefts: A•• briefly, to sum up his Character, he must have a Head •• a Snake, a Neck like a Drake, a Back like a Bea••••, •• Sides like a Bream or Tail like a Ra•••• and Foot like Cat.

The Blood-Hound.

This Dog is of singular good Scent, and for that p••¦pose, is very useful to Forresters, and those that keep •• ney-Warrens, to find out those that have Robed th•••• they will also pursue Thieves so nearly, that they •• find them out even in a Crowd. The Ears of this Ho•••• are thin, long, and hanging; his Head big, his Cry great, •• he well proportioned in every part, though they open, •• Bark but seldom, except in the Chase; the best Colour hold to be Brown, or Red, and they are very obedient •• their Owners; and if the Quarry be trussed up, and •••• veyed away never so cleanly, if they once get the S•••••• they will pursue it till found, and even take the Water •• pursuit of it, if it have passed that way.

The Rach.

This is another sort of Hourd common to England, •••• Scotland, and no other Nation; the Female is with •••• called a Breach, and this will Scent the Feet, of either Birds or Beasts, and unweariedly pursue the Game, til run down.

The Sluth-〈◊〉〈◊〉

This is a Dog most proper to Scotland, and from them so named, it is somewhat biger than the foregoing; and the best sort inclining to Brown, or somewhat Sandy, they will scent Mens Feet, as the Blood-Houn•• till they come where they are, violently purshing any that have Robed, or Murthered; so that the Borderers of England an•• Scotland, where Roberies are frequent, have them in great ••steem and use; and if they stop at any Door, and wi••l pass no further, they conclude the Thief and Goods stolen, are there concealed, and so accordingly make sea••ch.

The Gaze-Hound.

This Dog is of an extraordinary quick and piercing Sight, and dexterous at singling out the fatest Deer in the He••••, and such a one as is young, and best ple••se his Ma∣ster, to induce him to make ••nsuch of him; ••e is much use •• and esteemed in York-shire, and those Northern parts, and will discern any thing at a much further distance tha•• any other Dog whatsoever.

The Tumbler.

This Dog is chiefly for Coney-Warrens, and is a bold de••••erate ••••n, taking his Denomination from his Tum∣bli••g and Rowling, engaging the Game 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at their Ho••••s, without fear of Danger; however, hi•• is very Politick in catching Conies; for, coming to the Burrough, he sheaks quietly by, without giving suspi••ion, or distur∣bance; and when he has well observed their Hol••••, taking the Wind against him, that they may not scent him, he couches very close, as much out of sight as may be; and so having by that means the advantage of the Scent; he knews when they are coming, if he sees them not, and so starting up on a sudden, s••aps them, and what he has ta∣ken, he immedia••ely runs with to his Owner, who lyes concealed at some distance, and then steals again to his

Post, to persue his sport again; so that in a little time, he will take a dozen couple.

The Tarrier or Harrier.

This Dog has a good courage and scent, is very bold and daring, and are used on different matters for Game; though his best sport is at the Fox, or Badger, and have their Denomination from creeping into their Caves, and Holes, to unearth and drive them out, if there be any boulting places; and will fight stoutly under Groud in the the Badger, or Fox, and is very good to boult out C••nies into the Hays, or Nets.

The Leviner, and Beagle.

The Leviner, by some called, a Lyemmer, is a sine sha∣ped Dog, as a Medium between the Grey-bound and Tarrie••, having some proportion of either; he is very swift, and of a true Scent, and will take his Game very fast.

The Beagle is a very cunning Hound, of a good Scent, pretty swift, and a close follower of his Game, and is proper to England, not found in other Nations, unless carried thither, or of our Breed.

The Spannel.

This Dog, though much the same in Resemblance, (viz. the several sorts of Spannels) are, nevertheless, different •• the uses they are put to; some are trained up for Setti•• Partridge and other Fowls, to be taken by Net, or reache•• with the Fowling-piece; others are for finding out the Fowl, and putting them up for the Hawk to fly at, others: for the Water, to hunt the Duck, Mallard, and other Water-Fowl, and to fetch them out of the Water, after they are shot. These are the tractablest of all Dogs, and may be learned many pleasant Tricks, too tedious to be here recited: A good Spannel ought to be of an indiffe∣rent big Size, have long rough Ears, a thick Head, and a short Nose, a rough Coat and Legs, broad Feet, and bushey Tail.

The Ban-Dog, or House-Dog.

This Dog is as a Watch-man to a House, and very fer∣viceable on sundry occasions, and under this Denomina∣tion are those that are used in Game, at the Bear and Bull, for ••astime, and Recreation.

As for the House-Dog, or Bear-Dog, choose him of a brindle Colour, with white about his Neck, or under his Throat, his Joynts well knit, and set, his Eyes fiery, and sharp sighted; his Head great, and his Face representing Ter••or, like that of a Lyon; his Teeth even, strong Fangs, and a sharp great Breast, his Legs and Feet short, but big, and well Sinnewed; his Tail or Stern well set on; let him be taught gentleness to Friends, but to breed Terror to Enemies, or Thieves, with his thundering Voice; staied, and not given to Ramble; and such a Dog, especially in the Country, is much to be prized.

The Field Dog, or Shepherd's Mastiff.

This Dog is so necessary to those that keep Flocks, that he ••s as it were, the right hand of their business in fetching up, and turning the Sheep when they go astray, or attempt to pass their bounds into forbidden Pastures, keeping about them as a guard to prevent the attempts of Beasts of prey, or of such Dogs as come in the Night-time to worrey and suck their blood.

This Dog must be rather long than thick, that may give him the greater volacity in the pursuit; yet he must be strong, the better to deal with the Enemies to the Sheep, when they are restif, and not easie to be ruled. Their great Feet and Paw, like a Lyon, when very young, is a certain sign they will prove well; a briadled, or yellowish Colour is accounted the best; give these kind of Dogs their Food in time, to sleep in the day, that they may be most vigilent in the Night, when dan∣ge•• requires their attendance: When they are about a Month old, cut their Tails; but beware they seed not on the Carcass of any dead Sheep, lest it inure them to worrey the living ones.

Some further Observations on Dogs, as to their Breeding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Choice.

If you would have your Breach or Bitch bring a good Litter of Puppyes, keep her close as soon as you perceiu she begins to be proud, and procure a Dog to lime her suitable to your Mind, and her Inclination. The mo•• proper Months are, January, February, and March, wh•• the Moon is in the encrease. When she is proud, take th•• most favourable signs, as those of Aquarius or Gemini, t•• put the Dog to her; and let him be well chosen accordi•••• to the quality of the Bitch that is to be limed, of goo•• proportion, and free from Diseases; so that engendring •• this time, it is held that the breed will never run mad.

When the Bitch comes near her time, use her to •• Kennel designed to litter in, that she may have the bette•• Love and Agreement with it; and in her whelping, •• her be kept very warm; at two Months end, wean t•• Whelps, and if they are Hounds, enter them into hunti•••• with old stench ones, while they are about a year and h•• old, and so they will soon be trained up to every thi•• that is required of them. As for the Marks of a goo•• Hound, the white, with black Spots at the seting on •• the Tail, and black Ears, are the principal; of which •• is proper to compose your Kennel. Consider by the wa•• however, that they of a good Scent and Condition, a•• the Hounds that are black, or the all white, or all live coloured; and for the String or Line, the true Talb•••• are best: The grizled, unmixed, or mixed, so it be sh•••• haired, is fit for a good Vermin-killer; and a couple •• them are pr••per in a Kennel.

To discribe them more particularly, see that t•• Hounds Head be of a middle proportion, rather inclin〈…〉〈…〉 to long than round; with large Ears, wide Nostrils, a•••• his Back bowed; great Fillets, large Haunches, w•• trussed Thighs, streight Hams, the Tail near the Rei•• big, and the rest slender; big Legs, and a dry sole of the Foot; great Claws, formed like a Foxes.

As for their tunableness, the Experienced Hunts-man must sort them, as best delights him or others he keeps ••hem for; and for chusing the Whelps under the Bitch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will prove the swifter, and the heavier the •• on ••or▪ See your Bitch come of a good kind, be well proportioned, and have large Flanks and Ribs; and that your Dog be of a good breed, and young; for a young Dog and an old Bitch produce very good Whelps; and the ••hird Litter is always accounted the best to be preserved.

As for their feeding, there is no certain rule, but the ••ract••ce of it, they feeding on any thing that is proper ••or them; yet often to change their Diet, is wholsome: ••eed them not with too much raw Carrion, lest it breed Diseases.

Of Dieting, Coursing, and Airing a Grey-Hound, to fit him for a Match or Course.

Upon particular occasions, you must observe Rules as ••or••d••eting a Grey-Hound for Coursing, or a Match; and ••n that you must note four particular things, viz. Food, Exercise, Airing, and Kenneling. The first for nourish∣ing the Body, the second the Limbs, the third the Wind, ••nd the last the Spirits; and if you design him for a ••atch, then over and above his Food, make him a Diet∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 viz. Take a peck of the finest and dryest Oat-meal, ••wo pecks of good Wheat, grind them together, and ••oult the Meal through a fine boulting Cloath; then scat∣••er among it a pretty quantity of Anniseeds, and Liquor∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 finely beaten; knead it with whites of Eggs, and new Ale-yeast; bake it in round loaves reasonably hard.

With this Bread scalded in Beef or Mutton-broth, or ••hat ••ade of Sheeps-heads, you may likewise feed him. Let him be fed Morning and Evening, half an hour after Sun-rise, and as much before Sun-set, and it will bring ••im to much strength of Body, and pureness of Wind.

As for his Exercise, it consists of two things, viz. Cour∣••ing and Airing; as for the first, course him at least twice •• week, if your Courses be strong and long; and in his Coursing, if he have taken any thing let him not break

it, but take it from him, and cleanse his Chaps from •• Wooll, and give him the Liver, Lights, and Heart; •• so take him up with your Leash, and lead him: Feed •• with his Diet-bread and Broath, and wash his Feet •• Beer and Butter; but before the Course, give him •• more then a white-bread Toast and Butter, or one dipp•• in Oyl.

As for Airing or walking him, do it before Sun-r•• and after Sun-set, viz. As soon as you have opened •• Kennels, rub him over with a clean Hair-cloath, and •• him play a li••tle about you; then take him into a F•• where there are no Cattle, let him take his rounds, •• about, scower and empty; after he has done this a wh•• take him up and carry him home again, kennel him •• feed him; and, except, when he is feeding, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉¦sing, always keep him to his Kennel.

Diseases in Hounds, or other Dogs, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their proper Remedies or Cures, &c.

For the biteing of a mad Dog.

Take Honey-suckle Flowers, or the branches, and •• them; or the Roots and upper part of three leav'd G•• mix the Ashes with the Fat of rusty Bacon, or old •• grease; and lay it to the wound, and it will draw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Infection: Give at the same time, the Juice of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Leaves or Berries, in White-wine very warm.

For the Stone.

Take the Seeds of Grommel, Radish and Parsly; •• them, and give the Dog in half a pint of Wine, the S•• having been well seethed in it.

For pains or other Diseases in the Ears.

Take Charvil-water, and Verjuice, mix them together; ••d pu•• a Spoonful of it warm into the Ear, and hold it ••, by closing the Ear-laps with your hand half a quarter •• an ••our.

For the Mainge.

Take an Oat-sheaf, with its affles on, reduce it to Ashes, ••d make a Lye in Mans Urine with it, and wash him ••hen it is warm, twice or thrice a day: Bleed him on ••e Ga••brel Vein behind; or take an Ounce of Gun-pow∣••r, and as much Flower of Sulphire, mix them with White-wine-Vinegar, till as thick as an Oyntment; anoint ••e places grieved, and it will Cure him.

For the Itch.

Take the Flower of Brimstone; Oyl of Water-Lillies, ••d Ellecampain-Roots, dryed and beaten into powder; ••f each of these an Ounce; add a handful of Bay Salt, ••ryed and finely powdered; make these into an Oynt∣••ent, with a quarter of a pint of Oyl of Turpentine, over •• gent••e Fire; and with a Wooll Card, having rubbed him ••ll the places appear a little bloody, anoint him with the Oyntment, as hot as may be well endured.

For the Tetter.

Ta••e Ink, made of strong Galls, Vinegar, and the ••uice of Mint; rub the scurf from the Tetter, till it bleed; ••hen mix in these an equal quantity with the Flower of ••rimstone, till it be the thickness of a Salve; and by ••nointing the place often with it, 'twill kill the Tetter.

For the biting an of Adder, Snake, &c.

If any Venomous Creature have bit your Dog; take Calaminth, a Herb so called, bruise it well in a Morter,

with Turpentine and yellow Bees-wax, heat them o•• fire, till they incorporate to a Salve; apply it to Wound, and give him Milk to lap, wherein the said •• has been boyled.

For the Gauling.

If a Dog be gauled, take a little unslack'd Lime; •• low-Bees-wax, and fresh Butter, beat them together, •• Salve or Oyntment, and anoint the place, and it is a •• sent Cure.

For sore Eyes.

Take the Juice of ground Ivy, and fasting-Sp•••• and anoint his Eyes Morning and Evening.

For the Worm in the Tongue and Body.

This is a little white thing under the Tongue, •••• often makes the Dog run mad; it must be taken ou•• •••• a sharp Pen-knife, and anoint the Wound with Honey •• Allom, well mixed together.

As for the Worms in the Body; give him a p•••• Milk, with an Ounce of the Juice of Wormwood, •• an Ounce of the Flower of Brimstone in it.

To kill Lice, Fleas or Ticks

Take three or four good handfuls of Rue•••• boyl it •• gallon of Spring water, till hal•• be consumed, the〈…〉〈…〉 it, and put in an Ounce of the Powder of Staves 〈…〉〈…〉 and bathe him with it pretty hot.

For a Bruise.

Take Mallows, Groundsil and Chick-weed; bruise •• boyl them in the dregs of Ale, till soft, and apply 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Poultis-wise, with Hogs-Lard; but if the bruise be •• ward, put half an Ounce of Stone-pitch, and as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bole-Armoniack in powder, to a pint of Milk, and g•• it him warm.

For Surbaiting.

Warm Beer, and put Butter in; mix them well, and ••sh his Feet; then bind them up with bruised Nettles, •• Ho••s-Lard.

Of Madness in Dogs, and the Remedy.

There are accounted to be in Dogs, several sorts of ••duess; as the Dumb, the Sleepy, the Falling, thee ••umatick, and the Lank-Madness; and when any of ••se af••lict him, keep him up close from other Dogs, and ••e hi•• Grass, with long Chieves, to cleanse his Blood; ••d hi•• only with thin Broths, and a little Manch••t, for ••o or three days, giving him Salt and Oatmeal in the ••tle water you give him.

At the end of those days, when he is a little prepared; ••e half an Onnce of the Juice of Harts-ho••n, or Dogs∣••ngue, a Herb so called, an Ounce, of the strongest ••nega•••• a quarter of an Ounce of Methridate; mix ••se together, and give it with the addition of a Spoon∣•• or two of Salled Oyl.