Chapter V (4)

I reede an history aunswerable to this of the selfe same _Henry_,
who hauing a notable and an excellent fayre Falcon, it fortuned that
the kings Falconers, in the presence and hearing of his grace,
highly commended his Maiesties Falcon, saying that it feared not to
intermeddle with an Eagle, it was so venturous a byrde and so
mighty, which when the King harde, he charged that the Falcon should
be killed without delay, for the selfe same reason (as it may seeme)
which was rehersed in the cõclusion of the former history concerning
the same king. This dogge is called, in like maner, _Cathenarius_,
_a Cathena_, of the chaine wherwith he is tyed at the gates, in y^e
day time, least beyng lose he should doe much mischiefe and yet
might giue occasion of feare and terror by his bigge barcking.

[Cicero.] Et quanquam Cicero pro S. Ross. opinetur, si canes luce latrent, iis crura suffringantur, nostri tamen homines propter securitatem vitæ atque rei longe aliter sentiunt.

And albeit _Cicero_ in his oration had _Pro. S. Ross._ be of this
opinion, that such Dogges as barcke in the broade day light shoulde
haue their legges broken, yet our countrymen, on this side the seas
for their carelessnes of lyfe setting all at cinque and sice, are of
a contrary iudgement.

[Fures.] Nam furum apud nos plena sunt omnia, etiam luce, neque infamem mortem suspendia metuunt.

For theefes roge vp & down in euery corner, no place is free from
them, no not y^e princes pallace, nor the country mans cotage. In
the day time they practise pilfering, picking, open robbing, and
priuy stealing, and what legerdemaine lacke they? not fearing the
shamefull and horrible death of hanging.

In causa est non curta res solum, sed vestis vitæque luxus atque fastus etiam, sed petulantia, sed otium & superbia Salaconum #megalorrhountôn#, qui nihil aliud quàm ut equi insultare solo & gressus glomerare superbos, quàm gyro breviori flecti, qui nihil aliud quàm cevere, quàm otiosè mendicando accusata non merente corporis infirmitate spoliare.

The cause of which inconuenience doth not onely issue from nipping
neede & wringing want, for all y^t steale, are not pinched with
pouerty, but som steale to maintaine their excessiue and prodigall
expences in apparell, their lewdnes of lyfe, their hautines of hart,
theyr wantonnes of maners, theyr wilfull ydlenes, their ambitious
brauery, and the pryde of the sawcy _Salacones'_ #megalorrhountôn#
vaine glorious and arrogant in behauiour, whose delight dependeth
wholly to mount nimbly on horsebacke, to make them leape lustely,
spring and praunce, galloppe and amble, to runne a race, to wynde in
compasse, and so forthe, liuing all together vpon the fatnesse of
the spoyle. Othersom therbe which steale, being thereto prouoked by
penury & neede, like masterlesse m[en] applying themselues to no
honest trade, but raunging vp and downe impudently begging, and
complayning of bodily weakenesse where is no want of abilitie.

[Valentinianus.] Sed his Valentinianus imperator benè prospexit, legibus latis, ut qui nullo corporis morbo laborantes, corporis infirmitatem desidiosi ignavique prætexentes, mendicarent, perpetui colono ei inservirent, qui eorum ignaviam proderet atque accusaret, ne eorum desidia onerosa populo, odiosave sit exemplo.

But valiaunt _Valentine_ th'emperour, by holsome lawes prouided that
suche as hauing no corporall sicknesse, solde themselues to begging,
pleded pouerty wyth pretended infirmitie, & cloaked their ydle and
slouthfull life with colourable shifts and cloudy cossening, should
be a perpetuall slaue and drudge to him, by whom their impudent
ydlenes was bewrayed, and layde against them in publique place,
least the insufferable slouthfullnes of such vagabondes should be
burthenous to the people, or being so hatefull and odious, should
growe into an example.

[Alfredi vigilantia.] Alfredus quoque regno administrando tanta vigilantia justitiaque usus est, ut si quis per vias publicas incedens, marsupium auro plenum vesperi perdidisset, manè, atque adeo post mensem unum, integrum & intactum inveniret, uti Ingulphus Croylandensis in historia refert.

_Alfredus_ likewise in the gouernment of his common wealth, procured
such increase of credite to Justice and vpright dealing by his
prudent actes and statutes, that if a mã trauailing by the hygh way
of the countrey vnder his dominion, chaunced to lose a budget full
of gold, or his capcase farsed with things of great value, late in
the euening, he should finde it where he lost it, safe, sound, and
vntouched the next morning, yea (which is a wonder) at any time for
a whole monethes space if he sought for it, as _Ingulphus
Croyladensis_ in his History recordeth.

Nostra autem ætate, nihil ferè securum, ne in ædibus quidem, quamvis accuratè conclusis.

But in this our vnhappy age, in these (I say) our deuelishe dayes
nothing can scape the clawes of the spoyler, though it be kept neuer
so sure within the house, albe it the doores bee lockt and boulted
round about.

[Canis custos.] Custos quoque (Græcis #oikouros#) a custodiendis non solum villis, sed & mercatorum ædibus, & quibus ampla res est domi, canis iste nominatur. Eam ob rem canes publicæ alebantur Romæ in Capitolio, ut significent si fures venerint.

This dogge in like maner of _Græcians_ is called #oikouros#. Of the
latinists _Canis Custos_, in Englishe the Dogge keeper.

Borrowing his name of his seruire, for he doth not onely keepe
farmers houses, but also merchaunts maisons, wherin great wealth,
riches, substaunce, and costly stuffe is reposed. And therfore were
certaine dogges founde and maintained at the common costes and
charges of the Citizens of _Rome_ in the place called _Capitolium_,
to giue warning of theefes comming.

[Canis laniarius.] Dicitur & Laniarium, quòd eorum usus multus sit laniis agendis & capiendis bestiis.

This kind of dogge, is also called, In latine _Canis Laniarius_ in
Englishe the Butchers Dogge.

So called for the necessity of his vse, for his seruice affoordeth
great benefite to the Butcher as well in following as in taking his
cattell when neede constraineth, vrgeth, and requireth.

[Molossicus.] Sed & Molossicum quoque & Molossum latinis dicitur, à Molossia Epiri regione, ubi hoc genus canes boni & acres erant.

This kinde of dogge is likewise called, In latine _Molossicus_ or
_Molossus_.

After the name of a countrey in _Epirus_ called _Molossia_, which
harboureth many stoute, stronge, and sturdy Dogges of this sort, for
the dogges of that countrey are good in deede, or else their is no
trust to be had in the testimonie of writers.

[Mandatarius.] Est ex hoc genere quem Mandatarium ex argumento appellamus: quòd domini mandato literas aliasve res de loco in locum transferat, vel mellio inclusas, vel eidem alligatas. Quæ ne intercipiantur, vel pugna, vel fuga si impar sit, diligenter cavet.

This dogge is also called, In latine _Canis Mandatarius_ a Dogge
messinger or Carrier.

Upon substanciall consideration, because at his masters voyce and
commaundement, he carrieth letters from place to place, wrapped vp
cunningly in his lether collar, fastened therto, or sowed close
therin, who, least he should be hindered in his passage vseth these
helpes very skilfully, namely resistaunce in fighting if he be not
ouermatched, or else swiftnesse & readinesse in running away, if he
be vnable to buckle with the dogge that would faine haue a snatch at
his skinne.

[Lunarius.] Est & Lunarium, quòd nihil aliud quàm excubias agit, quàm insomnes noctes totas protrahit baubando ad lunam, ut Nonii verbo utar.

This kinde of dogge is likewise called, In latine _Canis Lunarius_,
in Englishe the Mooner.

Because he doth nothing else but watch and warde at an ynche,
wasting the wearisome night season without slombering or sleeping,
bawing & wawing at the Moone (that I may vse the word of _Nonius_)
a qualitie in mine opinion straunge to consider.

[Aquarius.] Ex quibus grandiores atque graviores, etiam rotæ amplioris circumactu, aquam ex altis puteis ad usus rusticos hauriunt, quos Aquarios appellamus ex officio:

This kinde of dogge is also called. In latine _Aquarius_ in Englishe
a water drawer.

And these be of the greater and the waighter sort drawing water out
of wells and deepe pittes, by a wheele which they turne rounde about
by the mouing of their burthenous bodies.

[Sarcinarius.] & sarctores ærarios vagos manticis ferendis memorabili patientia levant; à qua re sarcinarios nuncupamus.

This kinde of dogge is called in like maner. _Canis Sarcinarius_ in
Latine, and may aptly be englished a Tynckers Curre.

Because with marueilous pacience they beare bigge budgettes fraught
with Tinckers tooles, and mettall meete to mend kettels, porrige
pottes, skellets, and chafers, and other such like trumpery
requisite for their occupacion and loytering trade, easing him of a
great burthen which otherwise he himselfe should carry vpon his
shoulders, which condition hath challenged vnto them the foresaid
name.

Præter has villaticorum qualitates atque usus, hanc unam habent præcipuam, quòd amantes dominorum sunt, & odium gerant in externos. [Defensor.] Quo fit ut per itinera dominis in præsidio sunt, quos à furibus defendunt, vivos salvosque conservant: a qua re etiam canes defensores jure dici possunt.

Besides the qualities which we haue already recounted, this kind of
dogges hath this principall property ingrafted in them, that they
loue their masters liberally, and hate straungers despightfully,
wherevpon it followeth that they are to their masters, in traueiling
a singuler safgard, defending them forceably from the inuasion of
villons and theefes, preseruing their lyfes from losse, and their
health from hassard, theyr fleshe from hacking and hewing with such
like desperate daungers. For which consideration they are
meritoriously tearmed,

In Latine _Canes defensores_ defending dogges in our mother tounge.

[Canum amor & fides.] At si quando vel multitudine, vel majori vi opprimatur dominus atque concidat, usu compertum est, herum non deserere ne mortuum quidem, sed eum ad multos dies per famis & coeli injuriæ patientiam peramanter observare, & homicidam, si occasio dabitur, interficere, aut saltem prodere vel latratu, vel ira, vel hostili insultu, quasi mortem heri ulturum.

If it chaunce that the master bee oppressed, either by a multitude,
or by the greater violence & so be beaten downe that he lye
groueling on the grounde, (it is proued true by experience) that
this Dogge forsaketh not his master, no not when he is starcke
deade: But induring the force of famishment and the outragious
tempestes of the weather, most vigilantly watcheth and carefully
keepeth the deade carkasse many dayes, indeuouring, furthermore, to
kil the murtherer of his master, if he may get any aduantage. Or
else by barcking, by howling, by furious iarring, snarring, and such
like meanes betrayeth the malefactour as desirous to haue the death
of his aforesayde Master rigorouslye reuenged.

[Kingestoune.] Hujus rei exemplo fuit nostra memoria canis cujusdam viatoris, qui Londino recta Kingestonum, octo regum coronatione percelebre oppidum, profecturus, cum bonam itineris partem confecisset, latronum insidiis in Comparco, valli amplo & spatioso, nemoribus obsito, & latrociniis infami loco, occubuit.

An example hereof fortuned within the compasse of my memory. The
Dogge of a certaine wayefaring man trauailing from the Citie of
London directly to the Towne of Kingstone (most famous and renowned
by reason of the triumphant coronation of eight seuerall Kings)
passing ouer a good portion of his iourney was assaulted and set
vpon by certaine confederate theefes laying in waight for the spoyle
in _Comeparcke_, a perillous bottom, compassed about wyth woddes to
well knowne for the manyfolde murders & mischeefeous robberies theyr
committed. Into whose handes this passinger chaunced to fall, so
that his ill lucke cost him the price of his lyfe.

Canis item ille Britannus genere, quem Blondus sua memoria scribit, non longe Parisiis hero à rivali interempto, & homicidam prodidisse, & ni canis ultionem homicida deprecatus esset, jugulaturum fuisse.

And that Dogge whose syer was Englishe (which _Blondus_ registreth
to haue bene within the banckes of his rem[em]brance) manifestly
perceauyng that his Master was murthered (this chaunced not farre
from _Paris_) by the handes of one which was a suiter to the same
womã, whom he was a wooer vnto, dyd both bewraye the bloudy butcher,
and attempted to teare out the villons throate if he had not sought
meanes to auoyde the reuenging rage of the Dogge.

In incendiis quoque in conticinio seu intempesta nocte incidentibus, eo usque latrant annosi canes, etiam prohibiti, dum à domesticis excitatis percipiatur focus; & tum sua sponte cessant à latratu, quod usu compertum est in Britannia.

In fyers also which fortune in the silence and dead time of the
night, or in stormy weather of the sayde season, the older dogges
barcke, ball, howle, and yell (yea notwithstandyng they bee roughly
rated) neyther will they stay their tounges till the householde
seruauntes, awake, ryse, searche, and see the burning of the fyre,
which beyng perceaued they vse voluntary silence, and cease from
yolping. This hath bene, and is founde true by tryall, in sundry
partes of England.

Nec minor erat fides in eo cane qui domino profundam foveam per venatum incidenti nunquam abfuit, dum sui unius indicio sublatus is per funem fuit: in quem, cum oris cavernæ proximus esset, insiliebat canis, tanquam ulnis amplexurus revertentem herum, impatiens longioris moræ.

There was no faynting faith in that Dogge, which when his Master by
a mischaunce in hunting stumbled and fell toppling downe a deepe
dytche beyng vnable to recouer of himselfe, the Dogge signifying his
masters mishappe, reskue came, and he was hayled up by a rope, whom
the Dogge seeyng almost drawne up to the edge of the dytche,
cheerefully saluted, leaping and skipping vpon his master as though
he woulde haue imbraced hym, beyng glad of his presence, whose
longer absence he was lothe to lacke.

[Canum ingenia.] Sunt qui focum non patiuntur dissipari, sed prunas in focum pede removent, prius cogitabundi aspicientes qua ratione id possit à se fieri. Quod si pruna ardentior fuerit, cinere obruunt, ac dein nare in locum promovent. Sunt quoque qui noctu villici officium præstant.

Some Dogges there be, which will not suffer fyery coales to lye
skattered about the hearthe, but with their pawes wil rake up the
burnyng coales, musying and studying fyrst with themselues how it
myght conueniently be done. And if so bee that the coales cast to
great a heate then will they buyry them in ashes and so remoue them
forwarde to a fyt place wyth theyr noses. Other Dogges bee there
which exequute the office of a Farmer in the nyghte tyme.

Cum enim lectum petit herus, & omnia centum ærei claudunt vectes, æternaque ferri robora, nec custos absistit limine Janus (ut scribit Virgilius) tum si prodire jubeat herus canem, is per fundos omnes oberrat, quovis villico diligentior, & si alienum quid invenerit sive hominem, sive bestiam, abigit, domesticis relictis animalibus atque servis.

For when his master goeth to bedde to take his naturall sleepe,
And when,

A hundred barres of brasse and yron boltes,
Make all things safe from startes and from reuoltes.
VVhen Ianus keepes the gate with Argos eye,
That daungers none approch, ne mischiefes nye.

As Virgill vaunteth in his verses, Then if his master byddeth him go
abroade, he lingereth not, but raungeth ouer all his lands lying
there about, more diligently, I wys, then any farmer himselfe. And
if he finde anything their that is straunge and pertaining to other
persons besides his master, whether it be man, woman, or beast, he
driueth them out of the ground, not medling with any thing which
doth belong to the possession and vse of his master.

Sed quanta in his fidelitas, tanta varietas in ingeniis.

But how much faythfulnes, so much diuersitie there is in their
natures,

Nam sunt qui ore infræno latrent tantum nullo morsu; verum hi minus tremendi, quòd timidiores sunt. Canes enim timidi vehementius latrant, ut est in proverbio. Sunt qui latrent atque mordeant.

For there be some,

{ Which barcke only with free and open throate but will not bite,
{ Which doe both barcke and byte,
{ Which bite bitterly before they barcke,

The first are not greatly to be feared, because they themselues are
fearefull, and fearefull dogges (as the prouerbe importeth) barcke
most vehemently.

Ab his cavendum quidem, quia admonent futuræ injuriæ, sed non lacessendum, quoniam ira concitantur ad dentem, ipsi etiam natura acerbiores.

The second are daungerous, it is wisedome to take heede of them
because they sounde, as it were, an _Alarum_ of an afterclappe, and
these dogges must not be ouer much moued or prouoked, for then they
take on outragiously as if they were madde, watching to set the
print of their teeth in the fleshe. And these kinde of dogges are
fearce and eager by nature.

Sunt qui sine voce prosiliunt, impetu involant, jugulum petunt, & crudelius lacerant. Hos formidato, quia ammosiores sunt, & incautos opprimunt.

The thirde are deadly, for they flye upon a man, without vtteraunce
of voyce, snatch at him, and catche him by the throate, and most
cruelly byte out colloppes of fleashe. Feare these kind of Curres,
(if thou be wise and circumspect about thine owne safetie) for they
bee stoute and stubberne dogges, and set vpon a man at a sodden
vnwares.

[Notæ ignaviæ aut audaciæ.] Istis notis ignavum genus a strenuo, audax a timido discernunt nostri. Etenim ex malo genere, ne catulum quidem habendum existimant, quòd nullum necessariis usibus humanis commodiorem canem isto putent.

By these signes and tokens, by these notes and argumentes our men
discerne the cowardly curre from the couragious dogge the bolde from
the fearefull, the butcherly from the gentle and tractable. Moreouer
they coniecture that a whelpe of an yll kinde is not worthe the
keeping and that no dogge can serue the sundry vses of men so aptly
and so conueniently as this sort of whom we haue so largely written
already.

Nam si quis commemoratos eorum usus ad summas velit revocare, quis hominum clarius aut tanta vociferatione bestiam vel furem prædicat, quam iste latratu? quis domitor ferarum potentior? quis famulus amantior domini? quis fidelior comes? quis custos incorruptior? quis excubitor vigilantior? quis ultor aut vindex constantior? quis nuncius expeditior? quis aquarius laboriosior? quis denique sarctor ærarius gestandis sarcinis tolerantior?

For if any be disposed to drawe the aboue named seruices into a
table, what mã more clearely, and with more vehemency of voyce
giueth warning eyther of a wastefull beast, or of a spoiling theefe
then this? who by his barcking (as good as a burning beacon)
foreshoweth hassards at hand? What maner of beast stronger? what
serua[un]t to his master more louing? what companion more trustie?
what watchman more vigilant? what reuenger more constant? what
messinger more speedie? what water bearer more painefull? Finally
what packhorse more patient?

Atque hæc quidem de canibus Britannicis generosis atque rusticis, qui genus suum servant, diximus.

And thus much concerning English Dogges, first of the gentle kinde,
secondly of the courser kinde. Nowe it remaineth that we deliuer
vnto you the Dogges of a mungrell or a currishe kinde, and then will
wee perfourme our taske.

¶ A Diall pertaining to the
_fourth Section_.

Dogs comprehended in y^e fourth section are these

{ The shepherds dogge
{ The Mastiue or Bandogge,

which hath sundry names diriued frõ sundry circ[um]stances as

{ The keeper or watch man
{ The butchers dogge
{ The messinger or carrier
{ The Mooner
{ The water drawer
{ The Tinckers curr
{ The fencer,

called in Latine _Canes Rustici_.

The fifth Section of this
_treatise_.

Containing Curres of the mungrell and rascall sort and
first of the Dogge called in Latine, _Admonitor_,
and of vs in Englishe VVappe
or VVarner.

[Ex degeneribus.] De degeneribus, & ex horum diverso genere mixtis, quòd nullam insignem veri generis qualitatem formamque referant, non est quod velim plura scribere, sed ut inutiles ablegare, nisi quòd vel advenas latratu excipiant, etiam luce, & eorum adventus domesticos commonefaciant,

Of such dogges as keepe not their kinde, of such as are mingled out
of sundry sortes not imitating the conditions of some one certaine
spice, because they res[em]ble no notable shape, nor exercise any
worthy property of the true perfect and gentle kind, it is not
necessarye that I write any more of them, but to banishe them as
vnprofitable implements, out of the boundes of my Booke,
vnprofitable I say for any vse that is commendable, except to
intertaine stra[un]gers with their barcking in the day time, giuyng
warnyng to them of the house, that such & such be newly come,

[Admonitor.] unde canes admonitores appellamus:

wherevpon we call them admonishing Dogges, because in that point
they performe theyr office.

Of the Dogge called Turnespete in Latine _Veruuersator_.

vel quòd in officio culinario, cum assandum est, inserviant, & rota minore gradiendo, verua circumagant, pondereque suo æquabiliter versent, ut ne calo aut lixa quidem artificiosius;

There is comprehended, vnder the curres of the coursest kinde, a
certaine dogge in kytchen seruice excellent. For wh[en] any meate is
to bee roasted they go into a wheele which they turning rounde about
with the waight of their bodies, so diligently looke to their
businesse, that no drudge nor skullion can doe the feate more
cunningly.

[Versator.] quos hinc canes versatores, seu veruversatores nostrum vulgus nominat: postremos omnium generum, quæ primo memoravimus.

Whom the popular sort herevpon call Turnespets, being the last of
all those which wee haue first mencioned.

Of the Dogge called the Daunser, in Latine _Saltator_ or
_Tympanista_.

[Tympanista.] Sunt etiam canes nostri degeneres & ad tympanum saltare, & ad lyræ modos se movere docti, multaque alia erecti pronique facere, quæ à vagis quæstuosisque heris exequi didicerunt.

There be also dogges among vs of a mungrell kind which are taught
and exercised to daunce in measure at the musicall sounde of an
instrument, as, at the iust stroke of the drombe, at the sweete
accent of the Cyterne, & tuned strings of the harmonious Harpe
showing many pretty trickes by the gesture of their bodies. As to
stand bolte upright, to lye flat vpon the grounde, to turne rounde
as a ringe holding their tailes in their teeth, to begge for theyr
meate, and sundry such properties, which they learne of theyr
vagabundicall masters, whose instrumentes they are to gather gaine,
withall in Citie, Country, Towne, and Village. As some which carry
olde apes on their shoulders in coloured iackets to moue men to
laughter for a litle lucre.

Of other Dogges, a short conclusion, wonderfully ingendred within
the coastes of this country.

Three sortes of them,

{ The first bred of a bytch and a wolfe, } In Latine _Lyciscus_.
{ The second of a bytche and a foxe, } In Latine _Lacæna_.
{ The third of a beare and a bandogge, } In Latine _Vrcanus_.

[Lyciscus.] Lyciscum nullum istic in Anglia habemus nativum, ut ne lupum quidem ut est ante comprehensum, nec aliud genus ullum præter Lacænam & Urcanum:

Of the first we haue none naturally bred within the borders of
England. The reason is for the want of wolfes, without whom no such
kinde of Dogge can bee ingendred. Againe it is deliuered vnto thee
in this discourse, how and by what meanes, by whose benefite, and
within what circuite of tyme, this country was cleerely discharged
of rauenyng wolfes, and none at all left, no, not to the least
number, or the beginnyng of a number, which is an _Vnari_.

[Lacæna.] illam ex cane & vulpe (quam multam habet Anglia, & domi inter canes vel animi vel morbi causa sæpè alit)

Of the second sort we are not vtterly voyde of some, because this
our Englishe soyle is not free from foxes (for in deede we are not
without a multitude of them in so much as diuerse keepe, foster, and
feede them in their houses among their houndes and dogges, eyther
for some maladie of mind, or for some sicknesse of body,) which
peraduenture the savour of that subtill beast would eyther mitigate
or expell.

[Urcanus.] hunc ex urso & cane catenario; quos licet inimicos, pruriens tamen libido sæpè ita hic conjungit, ut alibi solet.

The thirde kinde which is bred of a Beare and a Bandogge we want not
heare in England, (A straunge & wonderfull effect, that cruell
enimyes should enter into y^e worke of copulation & bring forth so
sauage a curre.) Undoubtedly it is euen so as we haue reported, for
the fyery heate of theyr fleshe, or rather the pricking thorne, or
most of all, the tyckling lust of lechery, beareth such swinge and
sway in them, that there is no contrairietie for the time, but of
constraint they must ioyne to ingender. And why should not this bee
consonant to truth? why shoulde not these beastes breede in this
lande, as well as in other forreigne nations?

Nam cum tigride Hircanos, cum leone Arcadicos, cum lupo Gallicos commiscuisse legimus. In hominibus quoque quibus ratio est, inimicos animos conciliat stulta illa res & naturalis, ut Moria loquitur.

For wee reede that Tigers and dogges in _Hircania_, that Lyons and
Dogges in _Arcadia_, and that wolfes and dogges in _Francia_, couple
and procreate. In men and women also lyghtened with the lantarne of
reason (but vtterly voide of vertue) that foolishe, frantique,
and fleshely action, (yet naturally sealed in vs) worketh so
effectuously, y^t many tymes it doth reconcile enimyes, set foes at
freendship, vnanimitie, & atonement, as _Moria_ mencioneth.

Est hic urcanus, sæva bestia, & intractabilis iræ (ut Gratii poetæ verbis utar) cæteros canes nostros omnes feroci crudelitate superans, vel aspectus torvitate terribilis, in pugna acris & vehemens, tantaque mordacitate, ut citius discerpas quàm dissolvas; nec lupum nec taurum, ursum aut leonem reformidat: vel cum cane illo Alexandri Indico certe conferendus. Sed de his hactenus ut de Britannicis verba fecimus.

The _Vrcane_ which is bred of a beare and a dogge,

Is fearce, is fell, is stoute and stronge,
And byteth sore to fleshe and bone,
His furious force indureth longe
In rage he will be rul'de of none.

That I may vse the wordes of the Poet _Gratius_, This dogge
exceedeth all other in cruell conditions, his leering and fleering
lookes, his stearne and sauage vissage, maketh him in sight feareful
and terrible, he is violent in fighting, & wheresoeuer he setteth
his tenterhooke teeth, he taketh such sure & fast hold that a man
may sooner teare and rende him in sunder, then lose him and seperate
his chappes. He passeth not for the Wolfe, the Beare, the Lyon,
nor the Bull, and may wortherly (as I thinke) be companiõ with
_Alexanders_ dogge which came out of _India_. But of these, thus
much, and thus farre may seeme sufficient.

A starte to outlandishe Dogges in this conclusion, not impertinent
to the Authors purpose.

[Externi canes.] Externos aliquos & eos majusculos, Islandicos dico & Littuanicos, usus dudum recepit: quibus toto corpore hirtis, ob promissum longumque pilum, nec vultus est, nec figura corporis.

Vse and custome hath intertained other dogges of an outlandishe
kinde, but a fewe and the same beyng of a pretty bygnesse, I meane
Iseland, dogges curled & rough al ouer, which by reason of the
lenght of their heare make showe neither of face nor of body.

[Externa prælata.] Multis tamen quòd peregrini sunt, & grati sunt, & in Melitæorum locum assumpti sunt: usque adeo deditum est humanum genus etiam sine ratione novitatibus. #erômen allotriôn, parorômen sungeneis#, miramur aliena, nostra non diligimus.

And yet these curres, forsoothe, because they are so straunge are
greatly set by, esteemed, taken vp, and made of many times in the
roome of the Spaniell gentle or comforter. The natures of men is so
moued, nay rather marryed to nouelties without all reason, wyt,
iudgement or perseueraunce. #Erômen allotriôn, parorômen sungeneis#.

Outlandishe toyes we take with delight,
Things of our owne nation we haue in despight.

Neque hoc in canibus solum, sed in artificibus quoque usu venit. Nostros enim licet doctos & peritos fastidimus, belluam è longinqua barbarie alienoque solo profectam tanquam asinum Cumani, aut hominem Thalem, nostri suspiciunt.

Which fault remaineth not in vs concerning dogges only, but for
artificers also. And why? it is to manyfest that wee disdayne and
contempne our owne workmen, be they neuer so skilfull, be they neuer
so cunning, be they neuer so excellent. A beggerly beast brought out
of barbarous borders, frõ the vttermost countryes Northward, &c.,
we stare at, we gase at, we muse, we maruaile at, like an asse of
_Cumanum_, like Thales with the brasen shancks, like the man in the
Moone.

Id quod Hippocrates sub initio libri sui #peri agmôn# recte sua ætate observavit, & nos libello nostro seu consilio de Ephemera Britannica ad populum Britannicum copiosius explicuimus.

The which default _Hippocrates_ marcked when he was alyue,
as euidently appeareth in the beginnyng of his booke #peri agmôn#,
so intituled and named:

And we in our worcke entituled _De Ephemera Britanica_, to the
people of England haue more plentifully expressed.

Atque in hoc genere quo quisque indoctior, audacior, incogitantior, hoc pluris fit apud nostros, atque etiam apud torquatos istos principes atque proceres. Cæterum de externis canibus nihil dico, quòd de Britannicis tantum voto tuo satisfacere studeo, Conrade vir doctissime.

In this kinde looke which is most blockishe, and yet most waspishe,
the same is most esteemed, and not amonge Citizens onely and iolly
gentlemen, but among lustie Lordes also, and noble men, and daintie
courtier ruffling in their ryotous ragges. Further I am not to wade
in the foorde of this discourse, because it was my purpose to
satisfie your expectation with a short treatise (most learned
_Conrade_) not wearysome for me to wryte, nor tedious for you to
peruse.

[Canis Getulus.] Inter ea tamen quæ aliàs ad te dedi, de cane Getulo seorsum scripsi, quòd rara species ejus videbatur. De cætero genere, ipse plenissimè scribis. Verum cum longius jam produximus hunc libellum quàm priorem ad te, brevius tamen quam pro natura rei, quòd habuimus rationem studiorum tuorum, memoriæ causa quæ de canibus Britannicis diximus, in diagramma reducemus.

Among other things which you haue receaued at my handes heretofore,
I remember that I wrote a seuerall description of the Getulian
Dogge, because there are but a fewe of them and therefore very
seldome scene. As touching Dogges of other kyndes you your selfe
haue taken earnest paine, in writing of them both lyuely, learnedly
and largely. But because wee haue drawne this libell more at length
then the former which I sent you (and yet briefer than the nature of
the thing myght well beare) regardyng your more earnest and
necessary studdies. I will conclude makyng a rehearsall
notwithstanding (for memoryes sake) of certaine specialties
contayned in the whole body of this my breuiary.

Et quia vulgaribus nominibus delectaris, ut ex literis tuis didici, ea quoque Latinis apponemus, & singulorum rationes exponemus, quo nihil tibi sit incognitum aut desideratum.

And because you participate principall pleasure in the knowledge of
the common and vsuall names of Dogges (as I gather by the course of
your letters) I suppose it not amysse to deliuer vnto you a shorte
table contayning as well the Latine as the Englishe names, and to
render a reason of euery particular appellation, to th'intent that
no scruple may remaine in this point, but that euery thing may bee
sifted to the bare bottome.

Canes ergo Britannici, aut sunt

{ Nomina
{ Latina
{ Anglica

Generosi.
Venatici.
Sagax.
Hunde
Terrarius.
Terrare.
Leverarius.
Harier.
Sanguinarius.
Blud-hunde.
Agasæus.
Gasehunde.
Leporarius.
Grehunde.
Levinarius seu Lorarius.
Leviner, or Lyemmer.
Vertagus.
Tumbler.
Aucupatorii.
Hispaniolus.
Spainel.
Index.
Setter.
Aquaticus, seu Inquisitor.
Water-spainel, or Fynder.
Delicati.
Melitæus, seu Fotor.
Spainel-gentle, or Comforter.
Rustici.
Pastoralis.
Shepherd's Dog.
Villaticus, seu Catenarius.
Mastive, or Bandedog.
Degeneres.
Admonitor.
Wappe.
Versator.
Turn-spit.
Saltator.
Dancer.

A Diall pertaining to the
_fifte Section_.

Dogges contained in this last Diall or Table are

{ The wapp or warner,
{ The Turnespet,
{ The dauncer,

called in Latine _Canes Rustici_

A Supplement or Addition, containing
a demonstration of Dogges
names how they had their
Originall.

Ista vocabula nostratia cum nihil apud te, hominem peregrinum, loquantur sine interpretatione, ut Latinorum vocabulorum rationem prius reddidimus, ita Anglicorum jam reddemus, quo tibi pateant universa, eo etiam quo prius observato ordine.

The names contayned in the generall table, for so much as they
signifie nothing to you being a straunger, and ignoraunt of the
Englishe tounge, except they be interpreted: As we haue giuen a
reason before of y^e latine words so meane we to doe no lesse of the
Englishe that euery thing maye be manyfest vnto your vnderstanding.
Wherein I intende to obserue the same order which I haue followed
before.

The names of such Dogges as be contained in the first section.

[Sagax.] Hunde igitur (quem inter venaticos sagacem diximus) a verbo nostro hunte, quod apud nostros venari significat, unica tantum immutata litera derivata appellatione, nomen habet. Quod si a vocabulo vestrati hunde, (quod canem in universum apud vos significat) propter vocum similitudinem appellari credas (mi Gesnere) ut non magnopere repugnabo, cum adhuc retinemus multa Germanica vocabula, a Saxonibus cum Angliam occuparunt nobis relicta, ita illud admonebo, commune quidem nomen canis apud nos dogge esse, venatici vero canis hunde.

_Sagax_, in Englishe Hunde, is deriued of our English word hunte.
One letter chaunged in another, namely, T, into D, as Hunt, Hunde,
whom (if you coniecture to be so named of your country worde _Hunde_
which signifieth the generall name Dogge, because of the similitude
and likenesse of the wordes I will not stand in contradiction
(friende _Gesner_) for so much as we retaine among vs at this day
many Dutche wordes which the _Saxons_ left at such time as they
occupyed this country of Britane. Thus much also vnderstand, that as
in your language _Hunde_ is the common word, so in our naturall
tounge dogge is the vniuersall, but _Hunde_ is perticuler and a
speciall, for it signifieth such a dogge onely as serueth to hunt,
and therfore it is called a hunde.

Of the Gasehounde.

[Agasæus.] Similiter à verbo nostrati, Gase, (quòd fixius rem aliquam & attentius contueri est) Gasehunde appellatur nostris, quem ante Agasæum nominari diximus. Neque enim odoratu, sed prospectu attento & diligenti feram persequitur iste canis, ut jam ante memoravimus; etsi non sum nescius etiam apud Latinos Agasæi vocabulum inter canum nomina reperiri.

The Gasehounde called in latine _Agasæus_, hath his name of the
sharpenesse and stedfastnesse of his eyesight. By which vertue he
compasseth that which otherwise he cannot by smelling attaine. As we
haue made former relation, for to gase is earnestly to viewe and
beholde, from whence floweth the deriuation of this dogges name.

Of the Grehounde.

[Leporarius.] A Gre quoque, Grehunde apud nostros invenit nomen, quod præcipui gradus inter canes sit, & primæ generositatis. Gre enim apud nostros gradum denotat. Hunc latinè Leporarium dicebamus.

The Grehounde called _Leporarius_, hath his name of this word, Gre,
which word soundeth, _Gradus_ in latine, in Englishe degree. Because
among all dogges these are the most principall, occupying the
chiefest place, and being simply and absolutely the best of the
gentle kinde of houndes.

Of the Leuyner or the Lyemmer.

[Levinarius.] A levitate Leviner, à loro Lyemmer, appellatur is quem Levinarium & Lorarium latinè nominavimus. Nam Lyemme nostra lingua, Lorum significat. Quod autem a levitate Leviner, hoc est a latina voce Britannicam, diducimus: cur in libris nostris sparsim a Græcis dictionibus & Latinis Italicis & Germanicis, Gallicis & Hispanicis nostratia multa derivamus, unde ortum eadem multa habuerunt:

This dogge is called a Leuyner, for his lyghtnesse, which in latine
soundeth _Leuitas_, Or a Lyemmer which worde is borrowed of Lyemme,
which the latinists name _Lorum_: and wherefore we call him a
Leuyner of this worde _Leuitas_? (as we doe many things besides) why
we deriue and drawe a thousand of our tearmes, out of the _Greeke_,
the _Latine_, the _Italian_, the _Dutch_, the _French_, and the
_Spanishe_ tounge? (Out of which fountaines in deede, they had their
originall issue.)

[Lib. de symphonia.] & quemadmodum ab origine sua etiam multa per corruptionem jam declinarunt, libello nostro de symphonia seu consonantia vocum Britannicarum fusius explicabimus.

How many words are buryed in the graue of forgetfulnes? growne out
of vse? wrested awrye? and peruersly corrupted by diuers defaultes?
we wil declare at large in our booke intituled, _Symphonia vocum
Britannicarum_.

Of the Tumbler.

[Vertagus.] Postremus inter venaticos Vertagus est, quem Tumbler vocitamus; quòd tumble apud nos vertere est Latinis, & tumbiere Gallis, unde ortum habet id nomen Tumbler, mutata vocali in liquidam nostro more: contra quàm in lingua Gallica & Italica, in quibus liquida ante vocalem, magna ex parte in aliam vocalem vertitur, ut impiere & piano, pro implere & plano, quæ exempli gratia adduce, cum infinita sint.

Among houndes the Tumbler called in latine _Vertagus_, is the last,
which commeth of this worde Tumbler flowyng first of al out of the
French fountaine. For as we say Tumble so they, _Tumbier_, reseruing
one sense and signification, which the latinists comprehende vnder
this worde _Vertere_, So that we see thus much, that Tumbler commeth
of _Tumbier_, the vowell, I, chaunged into the _Liquid_, L, after
y^e maner of our speache. Contrary to the French and the Italian
tounge. In which two languages, A _Liquid_ before a _Vowell_ for the
most part is turned into another _Vowell_, As, may be perceaued in
the example of these two wordes, _Implere_ & _plano_, for _Impiere_
& _piano_, L, before, E, chaunged into, I, and L, before A, turned
into I, also. This I thought conuenient for a taste.

The names of such Dogges as be contained in the second Section.

[Aucupatorii.] Post Venaticos sequuntur Aucupatorii; inter quos primus est Hispaniolus, quem ab Hispania voce nomen accepisse prius diximus. Nostri omissa aspiratione & prima vocali, Spainel & Spaniel expediti sermonis causa proferunt.

After such as serue for hunting orderly doe follow such as serue for
hawking and fowling, Among which the principall and chiefest is the
Spaniell, called in Latine _Hispaniolus_, borrowing his name of
_Hispania_ Spaine, wherein wee Englishe men not pronouncing the
Aspiration H, Nor the _Vowell_ I, for quicknesse and redinesse of
speach say roundly A Spaniell.

Of the Setter.

[Index.] Secundus Index, quem nostri a Setter nominare solent, a verbo sette, quod locum designare nostris Britannis significat.

The second sort of this second diuision and second section,
is called a Setter, in latine _Index_, Of the worde Set which
signifieth in Englishe that which the Latinistes meane by this word
_Locum designare_, y^e reason is rehersed before more largely, it
shall not neede to make a new repetition.

Of the water Spaniell or Finder.

[Aquaticus.] Post hunc subsequitur aquaticus, hoc est a Waterspainel, a vocibus Water & Spaine (hoc est aqua & Hispania) deducto nomine. Nam aqua, in qua se exercet canis iste, Water; & Hispania (unde primum genus hoc tractum ex nomine creditur) Spaine apud nostros vocitatur.

The water Spaniell consequently followeth, called in Latine
Aquaticus, in English a waterspaniell, which name is compounde of
two simple wordes, namely Water, which in Latine so[un]deth _Aqua_,
wherein he swymmeth. And _Spaine_, _Hispania_, the country frõ
whence they came,

Non quòd isti canes non sint etiam nativi in Britannia, sed quòd generale & commune nomen canum, qui ex Hispania primò profecti putantur, istæ canum species (ut & cæteri Aucupatorii) adhuc vulgo referunt, etsi in Britannia oriantur, & peculiari aliqua vocis nota, aut qualitatis indicio secernantur apud nos; ut est ista species vocis Water, hoc est aquæ, appositione.

Not that England wanted such kinde of Dogges, (for they are
naturally bred and ingendred in this country.) But because they
beare the generall and common name of these Dogges synce the time
they were first brought ouer out of Spaine. And wee make a certaine
difference in this sort of Dogges, eyther for some thing which in
theyr voyce is to be marked, or for some thing which in their
qualities is to be considered, as for an example in this kinde
called the Spaniell by the apposition and putting to of this word
water, which two coupled together sounde waterspaniell.

[Inquisitor.] Alio etiam nomine a Finder canis iste appellatur, quòd quærendo invenit res deperditas, quæ res nostris, fynde, hoc est invenire, dicitur. Nos tamen ab inquirendo latinum nomen huic fecimus, quòd præcipua pars inventionis in inquirendo est.

He is also called a fynder, in Latine _Inquisitor_, because that by
serious and secure seeking, he findeth such things as be lost, which
word _Finde_ in English is that which the Latines meane by this
Verbe _Inuenire_. This dogge hath this name of his property because
the principall point of his seruice consisteth in the premisses.

The names of such Dogges as be contained in the thirde Section.

A venaticis & aucupatoriis transitus est ad Delicatos, Rusticos, & Degeneres.

Now leauing the suruie we of hunting and hauking dogs, it remaineth
that we runne ouer the residue, whereof some be called, fine dogs,
some course, other some mungrels or rascalls.

[Delicati.] Delicatum, Melitæum & Spainel gentle, hoc est Hispaniolum generosum, nominavimus, à generositatis nomine data appellatione, quòd inter nobiles viros atque foeminas versari, & iis in deliciis atque ad lusus esse consuevit: ut erat illud Gorgonis #kunidion# apud Theocritum in Syracusiis, quod discedens servæ diligentiæ pari cura cum infante commiserat, ut catellum quidem illa intro revocaret, puerum verò vagientem placaret.

The first is the Spaniell gentle called _Canis Melitæus_, because it
is a kinde of dogge accepted among gentles, Nobles, Lordes, Ladies,
&c. who make much of them vouchsafeing to admit them so farre into
their company that they will not onely lull them in theyr lappes,
but kysse them with their lippes, and make them theyr prettie
playfellowes. Such a one was _Gorgons_ litle puppie mencioned by
_Theocritus_ in _Siracusis_, who taking his iourney, straightly
charged & commaunded his mayde to see to his Dogge as charely and
warely as to his childe: To call him in alwayes that he wandred not
abroade, as well as to rock the babe a sleepe, crying in the cradle.

Ad alia omnia inutilis canis iste est, nisi ad ea quæ jam ante diximus, nisi ad fovendum stomachum debilitatum frigore, nisi ad prodendum adulterium, quod fecisse hujus generis catellum quendam Siculum refert Ælianus, libro septimo, capite vicesimo quinto animalium.

This puppitly and peasantly curre, (which some frumpingly tearme
fysteing hounds) serue in a maner to no good vse except, (As we haue
made former relation) to succour and strengthen quailing and
quammning stomackes to bewray bawdery, and filthy abhominable
leudnesse (which a litle dogge of this kinde did in _Sicilia_) As
_Ælianus_ in his .7. booke of beastes and .27. chapter recordeth.

The names of such dogges as be contained in the fourth Section.

[Rustici.] Rusticos, Shepeherdes dogges, Mastives, & Bandedogges nominavimus: illorum quidem deducto nomine a pastore, qui Shepeherde apud nos dicitur, quòd custodit oves, quæ nostris, Shepe, appellantur: istorum a ligamento, quod Bande, & Sagina, quod maste, villicis nostris hominibus dicitur.

Of dogges vnder the courser kinde, wee will deale first with the
shepherds dogge, whom we call the Bandogge, the Tydogge, or the
Mastyue, the first name is imputed to him for seruice _Quoniam
pastori famulatur_, because he is at the shepherds his masters
commaundement. The seconde a _Ligamento_ of the band or chaine
wherewith he is tyed, The thirde a _Sagina_, Of the fatnesse of his
body.

Est enim crassum genus canum, & bene saginatum catenarium hoc. Etsi non sum nescius Augustinum Niphum, Mastinum (mastivum nostri dicunt) pecuarium existimare: & Albertum Lyciscum ex cane & lupo genitum esse scribere: quamvis idem pro Molosso magna ex parte vertat.

For this kinde of dogge which is vsually tyed, is myghty, grosse,
and fat fed. I know this that _Augustinus Niphus_, calleth this
_Mastinus_ (which we call Mastiuus.) And that _Albertus_ writeth how
the _Lyciscus_ is ingendred by a beare and a wolfe. Notwithstanding
the self same Author taketh it for the most part _pro Molosso_.
A dogge of such a countrey.

The names of such dogges as be contained in the fifte Section.

[Versator.] Ad postremum, degeneres Wappe & Turnespete nominari dicebamus: hunc a verbo nostrati turne, quòd est verto & spete, seu spede ad imitationem Italorum, quod veru dicitur; illum a naturali canis voce Wau, quam in latratu edit admonendo.

Of mungrels and rascalls somwhat is to be spoken. And among these,
of y^e _VVappe_ or _Turnespet_, which name is made of two simple
words, that is, of _Turne_, which in latine soundeth _Vertere_,
and of _spete_ which is _Veru_, or _spede_, for the Englishe word
inclineth closer to the Italian imitation: _Veruuersator_, Turnspet.

Unde, originaliter Waupe dicendum fuit. Sed euphoniæ bonæque consonantiæ gratia, vocali in consonantem mutata, Wappe a nostris vocitatur. Etsi non me fugit Nonium, a voce naturali Bau, formare suum baubari, non a Wau, quemadmodum & Græci à suo #bauzein#.

He is called also VVaupe, of the naturall noise of his voyce _VV_au,
which he maketh in barcking. But for the better and the redyer
sounde, the vowell, u, is chaunged into the cõsonant, p, so y^t for
waupe we say wappe. And yet I wot well that _Nonius_ boroweth his
_Baubari_ of the natural voyce _Bau_, as the _Græcians_ doe their
#bauzein# of wau.

[Saltator.] Jam verò quod dansare nostris, saltare sit Latinis, si didiceris, non est de canis saltatoris nostrati nomine amplius quod ipse expetas.

Now when you vnderstand this that _Saltare_ in latine signifieth
_Dansare_ in Englishe. And that our dogge therevpon is called a
daunser and in the latine _Saltator_, you are so farre taught as you
were desirous to learne, And now suppose I, there remaineth nothing,
but that your request is fully accomplished.

The winding vp of this worke, called the Supplement, &c.

Ita habes (mi Gesnere) non solum canum nostratium genera, sed & nomina quoque Latina atque Anglica, officia atque usus, differentias atque mores, naturas & ingenia, ut non sit quod desideres in hoc argumento amplius.

Thus (Friend _Gesner_) you haue, not only the kindes of our countrey
dogges, but their names also, as well in latine as in Englishe,
their offices, seruices, diuersities, natures, & properties, that
you can demaunde no more of me in this matter.

Et quanquam forsan omni ex parte non satisfecerim tibi in edendo (cui in desideriis omnis festinatio in mora esse videatur) quòd inhibuerim editionem rudioris illius libelli, quem ad te tanquam ad privatum amicum, non ad editionem publicam ante annos quinque dederim; tamen in hoc spero me satisfecisse tibi, quòd mora fecit aliquanto meliorem, & #deuterai phrontides# lectu commodiorem.

And albeit I haue not satisfied your minde peradu[en]ture (who
suspectest al speede in the performaunce of your requeste employed,
to be meere delayes) because I stayde the setting fourth of that
vnperfect pamphlet which, fiue yeares ago, I sent to you as a
priuate friende for your owne reeding, and not to be printed, and so
made common, yet I hope (hauing like the beare lickt ouer my younge)
I haue waded in this worke to your contentation, which delay hath
made somewhat better and #deuterai phrontides#, after witte more
meete to be perused.

_Joannis Caii Britanni de Canibus Britannicis libelli finis._

_Iste liber scriptus fuit ante mortem Gesneri, etsi non ante
publicatus, ut est ille de rariorum animalium atque
stirpium historia._

The ende of this treatise.

FINIS.

* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *

[Transcriber's Notes:

_Errors_

The editor's general introduction says:

In this volume no attempt has been made to produce a facsimile
reprint. Even if such a design had been entertained, the great
variety of form in which the original editions were issued would
have made it impossible to carry out the re-issue with any
uniformity. Obvious misprints have been corrected, but where a
difference in spelling in the same work or on the same page--_e.g._
_baccalarius_, _baccalaureus_--is clearly due to the varying
practice of the writer and not to the printer, the words have been
left as they stood in the original. On the other hand the accents
in the very numerous Greek quotations have been corrected.

_Dog Hybrids and Lobster-Hunting Dogs_

In _All the Year Round_ for September 5, 1885, Charles Dickens (son of the author) or an unnamed contributor wrote:

Dr. Caius ... had his scholar's errors, else he would not talk of
lobster-hound, and of the urcanus (dogbear), "bred of a bear and
a bandog."

The wolf-dog (_lyciscus_) and bear-dog (_urcanus_) each requires no comment. The fox-dog (_lacæna_) is genetically impossible.

Under _Leverarius_ (Harier), the Latin original names eight animals hunted by dogs:

Nam alius leporis, alius vulpis, alius cervi, alius platycerotis,
alius taxi, alius lutræ, alius mustelæ, alius cuniculi ...

The English translation expands these to eleven:

Some for / The Hare [lepus] / The Foxe [vulpes] / The Wolfe /
The Harte / The Bucke / The Badger [taxus] / The Otter [lutra] /
The Polcat / The Lobster / The Weasell / The Conny [cuniculus], &c.

The addition of Wolfe--an animal said not to exist in England--is not explained. The Harte (_cervus_) is the elk or red deer; the Bucke (_platyceros_) is the roe deer. The Lobster is not a crustacean but a regional term for "polecat", listed in the OED with citations of appropriate date. The three-way distinction between Polcat, Lobster and Weasell (subsumed under the single Latin word _mustela_) is not explained.

_Cicero_

And albeit _Cicero_ in his oration had _Pro. S. Ross._ be of this
opinion...

_Pro S. Roscio Amerino_, 20 [56 end]:

Quod si luce quoque canes latrent, cum deos salutatum aliqui
venerint, opinor, eis crura suffringantur, quod acres sint etiam
tum, cum suspicio nulla sit.

_"Abridgement"_

The translator uses this term at least six times to describe his work. The body text is about twice as long as the Latin original; note in particular the section on _Delicati_ (the _Melitæus_ or Maltese).

_Names and Etymologies_

Note that "Dutch" means "German" (Deutsch). "Boethus" is not Boethius but the Scottish John Boece, variously called Boethus and Boethius.

The word "Spaniel" does appear to mean "Spanish", though its derivation is not exactly as described. "Hound" is related to the Germanic "Hund", not to the English "Hunt".