Chapter V: Part 5

2. In the Second and third _Bars_, you must Sing the two first Notes of the six by themselves, forward and backward: Repeat all six in the fourth _Bar_, and in the fifth and sixth _Bars_, let the two last Notes be repeated, _viz._ _D_, _Ce_, forward and backward, and these Notes are a whole Tone distant, and by often repeating these Notes in the second, third fourth and fifth _Bars_, you will be better capable to know and distinguish their distance from the Letter.

In the Seventh _Bar_ repeat the last three often over after all the six. First, down, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, &c. and then proceed backwards, as _Ce_, _D_, _Le_, _Ce_, _D_, _Le_, &c.

Observe in this Eighth _Bar_ after all six often to repeat the four first, as, _La_, _G_, _Fa_, _Le_, and when you sing them particularly, observe the two Notes _Fâ_, _Le_, by reason their distance is a _Semitone_; wherefore you must take notice in the Ninth _Bar_ to Sing them by themselves so many times as you can conveniently fix them in your Memory, as to their distance, for in this you will find it somewhat difficult to Sing the half Notes true in their proper places.

Observe here in the tenth _Bar_ to Sing the four first Notes in their order downwards and upwards, and in the Eleventh _Bar_ you must first Sing the six Notes in their proper order: After this repeat the four last Notes, _viz._ _Fâ_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, taking Notice to leave out the two first Notes, _viz._ _La_, _G_, continually observing to Mark the _Semitone_ between _Fâ_, _Le_, which two Notes you must Sing by themselves in the Twelfth _Bar_.

Take notice now further, that in the thirteenth _Bar_ you Sing _Fâ_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, down and up, as you find them pricked, and observe especially the three last, _viz._ _Fâ_, _Le_, _Fa_, for this reason, _viz._ that it is a common close or ending of Tunes.

Also observe, if in any place you doubt you Sing right a repeated part of the six Notes, premised as are noted in the Eleventh and Thirteenth _Bars_: Let all the six Notes be Sung over again in order, and so proceed distinctly to try at the Parts themselves.

The Second Example.

You having now gone over the former Examples, must proceed by the same clue of Six Notes to descend three Gradations or Steps lower, _viz._ to _G._ which is to the Second Note of the first six, an _Octave_ or Eighth.

First then, in the first _Bar_ you must begin with a high pitch in your Voice, and so having Sung, as in the former Examples, _La_, _G_, _Fâ_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, leave out _La_, and only Sing the Five last: Then repeat only three in the Second Bar, _viz._ the three last _La_, _D_, _Ce_, calling them now not by those names, but by that of _One_, _Two_, _Three_, and though the names are altered, you must not alter the Tune or Tone.

Having thus proceeded, observe in the third Bar to Sing the Six Notes from _Le_, to _G_, naming them as the Bells _One_, _Two_, _Three_, _Four_, _Five_, _Six_; In such a manner, that the three first of these be in Tune, the same with the three last of the former Six; after, as I said, you have Sung them as the Bells, _viz._ _One_, _Two_, _Three_, _Four_, _Five_, at least four or five times, then as often Sing them again by their proper Names, _viz._ _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, _B_, _La_, _G_.

Observe again, that in the fourth Bar you Sing the four first Notes, _La_, _D_, _Ce_, _B_, about four times over; after that repeat _Ce_, _B_, by themselves taking good notice of their distance or differences, which is a _Semitone_ like to _Fâ_, _Le_ above, _&c._

Consider once more, as to this Example, as to the fifth Bar after all the six are Sung by you, repeat the last four, _viz._ _Ce_, _B_, _Lâ_, _G_, do it often over, keeping them up in the same Tone they had in all six, by which means _Ce_ and _B_ will be distant half a Note, whereupon Sing them backward, _viz._ _G_, _Lâ_, _B_, _Ce_, and at the end repeat _D Ce_, as you did _Le Fâ_ at the thirteenth Bar before set down.

Observe further now in these Six Bars, that when you have Sung all six in order, Sing the three first _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, and there stop; then proceed to Sing those three over again in the same Tune, nor calling them _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, but _Three_, _Four_, _Five_; do it several times, and so proceed to the Seventh Bar, adding two Notes above, and Sing them on the five Bells, _viz._ _One_, _Two_, _Three_, _Four_, _Five_, three or four times; then call them by their names, _viz._ _G_, _Fâ_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, then proceed to the Eighth Bar, and add to the other five _D_, _La_, _G_, to make up an _Octave_, keeping in your Mind the distances, as you Sing them in the former Examples; and by this means you have the whole _Octave_ or Eight Notes from _G_ to _G_, which must be practised down and up, and when you are perfect in it, so as to Sing your distances true with the _Semi-tones_ in their right places, the following directions will lead you through the rest of the Notes to Sing any other _Octave_, beginning at any other Letter.

Begin at _Le_ again in the Ninth Bar, and begin the six Notes, _viz._ _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, _B_, _La_, _G_, in proper order, that done, repeat the two last Notes, _viz._ _La_, _G_, by themselves: so proceed to the tenth Bar, and Sing _La_, _G_, _Fâ_, _Le_, _D_, _Ce_, so that _La_ and _G_, may be the same in Tune as you found them in the former Six; and if so be your Voice will not reach _Ce_, at the pitch you began the first Bar, then Sing as far as you can, or begin at _Le_, at the ninth Bar higher, Singing these three last Bars distinctly from the Foregoing.

In the Eleventh Bar you must Sing backward, your six last Notes, _viz._ _Ce_, _D_, _Le_, _Fâ_, _G_, _La_. rising from _Ce_, to _La_, so going one step Backward to _G_, rise to _Ce_, as in the foregoing fifth Bar, which is an _Octave_ to the lower _Ce_. And thus much may suffice for the Beginner to practice on, which, if well understood, will bring him in to Sing Notes in any Tune.

_Of COCK-FIGHTING._

Herein let us first observe the choice of a _Cock_ of the Game, directed by these four Characters following: That he be:

1. Of a strong _Shape_, proud and upright, and for this the _Middle-sized_, neither too small or too large, is best, because most matchable, strong and nimble. His _Head_ small like a _Sparrow-Hawks_; his _Eye_ large and quick; _Back_ strong crook't at the setting on, and coloured as the Plume of his Feathers; the _Beam of his Leg_ very strong, and colour'd as his Plume; _Spurs_ long, rough, and sharp, hooking inward.

2. Of a good _Colour_, and herein the Gray, Yellow, or Red Pyle, with a black Breast, are to be preferred; the Pyde rarely good, and the White and Dun never. A Scarlet Head is a demonstration of Courage, but a Pale and wan of Faintness.

3. Of _Courage true_, which you shall observe by his proud, stately, upright landing and walking, and his frequent Crowing in his Pen.

4. _Of a sharp and ready Heel_, which (in the Opinion of the best _Cock-masters_,) of high Estimation; a _Sharp-heel'd Cock, tho' somewhat false, is better_ (as dispatching his business soonest) _than a true Cock with a dull Heel_.

For _Breeding_, the Best season is from the Moon's encrease in _February_, to her encrease in _March_. The _March_ Bird is best. And now first get a _perfect Cock, to a perfect Hen_, as the best Breeding, and see the _Hen_ be of an excellent Complexion (_i.e._) rightly plumed, as black, brown, speckt, grey, grissel, or yellowish; tufted on her Crown, large bodied, well poked, and having Weapons, are Demonstrations of Excellency and Courage. Observe further her Comportment, if Friendly to her Chickens, and revengeful of Injuries from other Hens.

When the _Cock_ and _Hen-Chickens_, (going till now promiscuously one with another) begin to quarrel and peck each other, part them and separate their Walks: And the best for a Fighting Cock, are private and undisturbed Walks, as, _Wind-mills_, _Water-mills_, _Grange-houses_, _Park-lodges_, &c. and their _Feeding-place_ on soft Ground, or Boards; and have for his meet, _white Corn_, or _White-bread Tosts_, steept in Drink, or Urine, is good, both to Scower, and Cool them. And do not debilitate and debauch his Courage and Strength, by having too many _Hens_ to walk with; three _Hens_ are enough for one _Cock_.

If before they be six Months Old, any of your _Chickens Crow_ clear and loud, and unseasonable, then to the Pot or Spit with them, they are Cowards; the true _Cock_ is long ere he gets his Voice, and when he has gotten it, keeps good and judicious Time in Crowing.

Next observe your _Roosting Perch_, for this makes or marrs a _Cock_; for forming of which, consult the best _Cock-masters_ Feeding pens, and the Perches there, and accordingly proportion your own; take care that the Ground underneath the Perch be soft, for if it be rough and hard, in leaping down he will hurt his Feet, and make them Gouty and Knotty.

For the _Dieting_, and _Ordering_ of your _Cock_ for Battle, observe these Rules. Let your _Cock_ be full two years Old, then in the latter end of _August_, take up and Pen him, (it being now _Cocking-time_ till the end of _May_) and see that he be sound, hard feather'd, and full summed.

The first four days after Penning, Feed him with the Crumb of Old _Manchet_ cut into square bits, thrice a day, and with the Coldest, and Sweetest Spring-water that can be had. And after you think by this time he is throughly purged of his _Corn_, _Worms_, _Gravel_, and other course Feeding, take him in the Morning out of the Pen, and let him _Sparr_ with another _Cock_ some time to heat and chafe their Bodies, break Fat and Glut, and fit them for Purgation; first having covered their Spurs with Hots of Leather, to hinder their Wounding and drawing Blood of one another.

After they have sufficiently _Sparred_, that they pant again, take them up, and remove their Hots, and prepare them for a Sweating Bout thus: Take _Butter_, and _Rosemary_, finely chopt, and _White-sugar-candy_, mixt together; and give them the quantity of a _Wallnut_; which will Scower, strengthen, and prolong Breath: Then having (purposely) deep _Straw Baskets_, fill them half way with _Straw_, put in your _Cock_, and cover him with _Straw_ to the top; lay the lid close, and let him stove till the Evening. At Five a Clock take him out, and lick his Head and Eyes with your Tongue, then Pen him, and fill his Trough with _Manchet_ and hot _Urine_.

After this, take a Gallon of _Wheat_, and _Oatmeal-flower_, and with _Ale_, half a score _Whites_ of _Eggs_, and _Butter_, work it into a stiff _Past_; bake it into broad _Cakes_, and when four days Old, cut it into square Bits.

The Second day after _Sparring_, bring your _Cock_ into a Green-close, and shew him in your Arms a _Dung-hill-cock_, then run from him, and allure him thus to follow, suffering him now and then to strike the _Dung-hill-Cock_, and so Chase him up and down for half an Hour, till he pants again; and thus Heated, carry him home, and scour him with half a Pound of _Fresh-butter_, beaten with the Leaves of the _Herb of Grace_, _Hysop_, and _Rosemary_, to the consistence of a _Salve_, and give him the quantity of a _Wallnut_; then _Stove_, and _Feed_ him as above. And thus for the first Fortnight, Spar or Chase him every other day.

The second Fortnight, twice a Week will be enough to Chase or Spar your _Cock_: Observing that you Stove and Scour him, proportionable to his Heating.

The third and last Fortnight (for six Weeks is long enough) feed him as before, but do not Spar him, but Chase him moderately twice, or thrice, as before; then roll his aforesaid scouring in _Brown-sugar-candy_, to prevent his being Sick; rest him four days, and then to the Pit.

Now Gentlemen, Match your Cock carefully, or what you have hitherto done, is nothing. And here observe the Length, and Strength of Cocks. The Length is thus known: Gripe the Cock by the Waste, and make him shoot out his Legs, and in this Posture compare, _And have your Judgment about you_. The Strength is known by this Maxim, _The largest in the Garth, is the Strongest Cock_. The Dimension of the _Garth_ is thus known: Gripe the _Cock_ about from the joynts of your Thumb, to the Points of your great Finger, and you will find the Disadvantage, _The weak long Cock is the quickest easier Riser, and the short strong one, the surest Striker._

Thus being well Matcht, accoutre him for the Pit. Clip his _Main_ off close to his Neck, from his head to his shoulders. Clip his Tail close to his Rump, the Redder it appears the better. His wings sloping, with sharp Points; scrape smooth, and sharpen his Spurs; leave no feathers on his Crown; then moisten his head with Spittle.

The Battle done, search and suck your Cocks wounds, and wash them well with hot _Urine_, then give him a Roll of your best Scouring, and stove him for that Night. If he be swelled, the next morning, suck and bathe his Wounds again, and pounce them with the Powder of the Herb _Robert_, through a fine Bag; give him an handful of Bread in warm _Urine_, and stove him, till swelling be down. If he be hurt in his Eye, chew a little ground _Ivy_, and Spit the Juice in it; which is good for _Films_, _Haws_, _Warts_, &c. Or if he hath _veined_ himself in his fight, by narrow striking, or other cross blows, when you have found the hurt, bind the soft Down of Hair to it, will cure it.

When you visit your wounded _Cocks_, a month or two after you have put them to their Walks, if you find about their heads any swollen Bunches, hard and blackish at one end, then there are unsound Cores undoubtedly in them; therefore open them, and with your Thumb crush them out, suck out the Corruption, and fill the holes with fresh Butter; and that will infallibly cure them.

_Cures for Distempers incident to the Cock or Chick of the Game._

For _Lice_, being most common, I begin with; proceeding from corrup Meat, and want of Bathing, _&c._ Take _Pepper_ beaten to Powder, mix it with warm Water, and wash them with it.

For the _Roup_; a filthy swelling on the Rump, and very contagious to the whole body; the staring and turning back of the Feathers is its Symptom. Pull away the Feathers, open and thrust out the Core, and wash the Sore with Water and Salt, or Brine.

For the _Pip_; visit the mouth, and examine what hinders your _Cocks_, _Hen_, or _Chicks_ feeding, and you'll find a white thin Scale on the Tip of the Tongue, which pull off with your Nail, and rubbing the Tongue with Salt, will cure it.

For the _Flux_; proceeding from eating too moist Meat, give them Pease-Bran scalded, will stop it.

For the _Stoppage of the Belly_, that they cannot mute; anoint their Vents, and give them either small bits of Bread or Corn, steep'd in _Urine_ of Man.

And now I have one Word of Advice to him that is a Lover (or would be so) of this _Royal-Sport_: and then have done: _Come not to the Pit without Money in your Breeches, and a Judgment of Matches_; Done and Done is _Cock-Pit_ Law, and if you venture beyond your Pocket, you must look well to it, or you may lose an Eye by the Battle.

_Of FOWLING._

The _Ingenious Fowler_, like a Politick and sagacious Warrier, must first furnish and store himself with those several Stratagems and Engines, as suit with the diversities of _Occasion_, _i.e._ _Time_, _Place_, and _Game_; or else he cannot expect the _Conquest_.

And first of _Nets_, which must be made of the best Pack-thread; and for taking great _Fowl_, the Meshes must be large, two Inches at least from point to point, the larger the better; (provided the _Fowl_ creep not through;) two Fathom deep, and six in length, is the best and most manageable Proportion; Verged with strong Cord on each side, and extended with long Poles at each end made on purpose. But for small _Water-fowl_, let your Nets be of the smallest and strongest Pack-thread, the Meshes so big, as for the great _Fowl_, about two or three foot deep: Line these on both sides with false Nets, every Mesh a foot and half Square. For the _Day-Net_, it must be made of fine Pack-thread, the Mesh an Inch square, three Fathom long, and one broad, and extended on Poles according to its Length, as aforesaid.

_Birdlime_ is the next, and thus made. Pill the Bark of _Holly_ from the Tree at _Midsummer_, fill a Vessel, and put to it running Water; boil it over the Fire till the Grey and White Bark rise from the Green; take it off the Fire, drain the Water well away, and separate the Barks; and take the Green, lay it on some moist floor and close place, and cover it with Weeds; let it lye a fortnight, and in that time it will rot, and turn to a Filthy slimy Substance: Then put it into a Morter, beat it well; take it out and wash it at some running stream, till the Foulness is gone: Then put it in a close Earthen pot; let it stand Four or Five days, look to its Purging, and scum it: When clean, put it into another Earthen Pot, and keep it close for Use.

Your _Setting-Dog_ must be Elected and Train'd thus: He must be of exquisite Scent, and love naturally to hunt Feathers. The land Spaniel is best, being of good nimble size, and Couragious mettle, which you may know by his Breed; being of a good Ranger, _&c._

The first lesson is, to make him _Crouch and lie down_ close to the ground; its done by frequent laying him on the ground and crying _Lye close_; upon his doing well reward him with Bread; and on the contrary chastise him with Words, not Blows.

Next, _To creep to you with his Body and Head close upon the Ground_ by saying, _Come nearer, Come nearer_, or the like Words; to understand and do it, entice him with shewing him Bread, or the like: Thrusting down any rising part of his Body or Head, and roughly threatning him; if he slight that, a good Jerk or two with a slash of Whip-cord will reclaim his Obstinacy. Repeat his Lessons, and encourage his well doing. And this you may exercise in the Fields as you walk, calling him from his busie Ranging to his Duty. And then teach him to follow you close at the heels in a Line or string, without straining.

By this time he is a Year old, now (the season fit) into the Field, and let him range, [obediently.] If he wantonly babble or causelesly open, correct him by biting soundly the Roots of his Ears, or Lashing. Assoon as you find he approaches the Haunt of the _Partridge_, known by his Whining, and willing, but not daring, to open, speak and bid him, _Take heed_: If notwithstanding this he rush in and Spring the _Partridge_, or opens, and so they escape, correct him severely. Then cast him off to another Haunt of a _Covy_, and if he mends his Error, and you take any by drawing your Net over them swiftly, reward him with the Heads, Necks, and Pinions.

As for the Water-Dog, the instructions above for the _Setter_ will serve; only to fetch and bring by losing a Glove, or the like; keep a Strict Subjection in him, and Observance to your Commands.

The longest _Barrel is the best Fowling Piece_, Five and half, or six foot long, with an indifferent Bore, under an _Harquebuse_; and shooting with the Wind, and side-ways, or behind the Fowl, not in their Faces, is to be observed; having your Dog in Command not to stir till you have shot.

_A Stalking-Horse_ for shelter, to avoid being seen by the shie Fowl, is an old Jade trained on purpose; but this being rare and troublesome, have recourse to Art, to take Canvas stuft and painted in the shape of a Horse grazing, and so light that you-may carry him on one hand (not too big:) Others do make them in the shape of _Ox_, _Cow_, for Variety; and _Stag_, _Trees_, &c.

The _great Fowl_, or those who divide the Foot, reside by shallow Rivers sides, Brooks and Plashes of Water; and in low and boggy places, and sedgie, Marish, rotten Grounds. They also delight in the dry parts of drowned Fens, overgrown with long Reeds, Rushes and Sedges; as likewise in half Fens drowned Moors, hollow Vales or Downs, Heaths, _&c._ Where obscurely they may lurk under the Shelter of Hedges, Hills, Bushes, _&c._

The lesser, or Web footed, _Fowl_, always haunt drowned Fens, as likewise the main streams of Rivers not subject to Freeze, the deeper and broader, the better; (tho' of these the _Wild-Goose_ and _Barnacle_, if they cannot sound the depth, and reach the Ouze, change their Residence for shallow places, and delight in Green Winter Corn, especially if the Lands ends have Water about them:) Small Fowl also frequent hugely little Brooks, Ponds, drowned Meadows, Pastures, Moors, Plashes, Meres, Loughs, and Lakes, stored with unfrequented Islands, Shrubs, _&c._

_How to take all manner of Fowl or Birds._

For taking the first (I mean the greater Fowl) with Nets, observe in general this: Come two hours before their feeding hours, Morning and Evening; and Spreading your Net on the Ground smooth and flat, stake the two lower ends firm, and let the upper ends be extended on the long Cord; of which the further end must be fastned to the Ground, three Fathoms from the Net, the Stake in a direct Line with the lower Verge of the Net; the other, ten or twelve fathom long, have in your hand at the aforsaid distance, and get some shelter of Art or Nature, to keep you from the curious and shy Eye of the Game; having your Net so ready that the least pull may do your work, strew'd over with Grass as it lies to hide it: A live _Hern_, or some other Fowl lately taken, according to what you seek for, will be very requisite for a Stale. And you will have sport from the Dawning, till the Sun is about an hour high; but no longer; and from Sun-set till Twilight; these being their feeding times.

For the small (Water) Fowl. Observe the Evening is best before Sun-set. Stake down your Nets on each side the River half a foot within the Water, the lower part so plumb'd as to sink no further; the upper Slantwise shoaling against, but not touching by two foot, the water, and the Strings which bear up this upper side fastned to small yielding sticks prickt in the Bank, that as the Fowl strike may ply to the Nets to intangle them. And thus lay your Nets (as many as you please) about twelve score one from another, as the River or Brook will afford. And doubt not your success. To expedite it however, a Gun Fired three or four times in the Fens and Plashes, a good distance from your Nets, will affright and Post them to your Snares; and so do at the Rivers, when you lay in the Fens.

Winter time is the most proper for taking all manner of Small Birds, as flocking then promiscuosly together, _Larks_, _Lennets_, _Chaffinches_, _Goldfinches_, _Yellow-Hammers_, &c. with this _Bird-lime_, Put to a quarter of a Pound of _Bird-lime_, an ounce of fresh _Lard_, or _Capons-grease_, and let it gently melt together over the Fire, but not Boyl; then take a quantity of _Wheat-ears_, as you think your use shall require, and cut the straw about a foot long besides the Ears, and from the Ear lime the straw six Inches; the warmer it is, the less discernible it will be. Then to the Field adjacent, carrying a bag of Chaff, and thresh'd Ears, scatter them twenty Yards wide, and stick the lim'd ears (declining downwards) here, and there; Then traverse the Fields, disturb their Haunts, and they will repair to your Snare, and pecking at the Ears, finding they stick to them, mount; and the Lim'd straws, lapping under their Wings, dead their flight, they cannot be disengaged, but fall and be taken they must. Do not go near them, till they rise of their own accord, and let not five or six entangled lead you to Spoil your Game, and incur the loss of Five or Six dozen.

_Lime-Twigs_, is another Expedient for taking of great Fowl, being Rods that are long, small, strait, and pliable, the upper part apt to play to and fro; being besmeared with _Bird-lime_ warm. Thus to be used, Observe the Haunts of the Fowl, have a Stale, (a living Fowl of the same kind you would take) and cross pricking your Rods, one into, and another against the Wind sloping, a foot distant one from the other; pin down your Stale, some distance from them, tying some small string to him, to pull and make him flutter to allure the Fowl down. If any be caught, do not run presently upon them, their fluttering will encrease your Game. A well taught _Spaniel_ is not amiss to retake those that are entangled, and yet flutter away. Thus likewise for the Water; consult the Rivers depth, and let your Rods be proportionable; what is Lim'd of them being above the Water, and a _Mallard_, &c. as a Stale placed here and there, as aforesaid. You need not wait on them, but three times a day visit them, and see your Game; if you miss any Rods (therefore know their Number) some Fowl entangled is got away with it, into some Hole, _&c._ and here your _Spaniel_ will be serviceable to find him.

For _Small-birds_, a _Lime-bush_ is best; thus, Cut down a great Bough of a _Birch_, or _Willow-tree_, trim it clean, and Lime it handsomely, within four Fingers of the bottom: Place this Bush so ordered, in some quick-set, or dead _Hedge_, in Spring time: In Harvest, or Summer, in _Groves_, _Bushes_, _Hedges_, _Fruit-trees_, _Flax_, and _Hemp_-Lands: In Winter, about _Houses_, _Hovells_, _Barns_, _Stacks_, &c. A _Bird-call_ is here also necessary, or your own industrious skill in the Notes of several Birds.

And because Gentlemen who have Fish-ponds, wonder they lose so many Fish, and are apt to Censure sometimes undeservedly their Neighbours, when it is the insatiable _Hern_, that is the true cause: I shall next lay down the best and most approved way of taking the great Fish-devouring _Hern_, whose Haunt having found, observe this Method to take him. Get three or four small _Roaches_, or _Dace_, take a strong Hook, (not too rank) with Wyre to it, and draw the Wyre just within the skin, from the side of the Gills, to the Tail of the said Fish, and he will live four or five days, (If dead the _Hern_ will not touch it.) Then have a strong Line, of a dark Green-silk, twisted with Wyre, about three Yards long, tie a round stone of a pound to it, and lay three or four such hooks, but not too deep in the Water, out of the _Herns_ wading; and two or three Nights will answer your Expectation.

_The several wayes of taking_ Pheasants.

You must learn and understand the several Notes of a Natural _Pheasant-Call_, and how usefully to apply them. In the Morning just before or at _Sun-rising_, call them to feed, and so at _Sun-setting_: In the Fornoon, and Afternoon, your Note must be to Cluck them together to Brood, or to chide them for straggling, or to notify some danger at hand.

Thus skilled in their Notes; and by the Darkness, Solitaryness, and strong undergrowth of the place assured of their Haunts, closely lodge yourself, and softly at first call; lest being near you, a loud Note affright them; and no Reply made, raise your Note gradually, to the highest; and if there be a _Pheasant_ in hearing, he will answer you, in as loud a Note. Be sure it be Tunable. As soon as you are answered, creep nearer to it; if far off, and a single Fowl, as you call, and approach, so will the _Pheasant_. Having gotten sight of her, on the Ground, or Perch, cease calling, and with all silence possible, spread your Net conveniently, between the _Pheasant_, and you, one end of the Net fastned to the Ground, and the other end, hold by a long Line in your hand, by which you may pull it together, if strained; then call again, and as you see the _Pheasant_ come under your Net, rise and shew your self, and affrighting her, she will mount, and so is taken. Thus if on the contrary you have divers Answers, from several _Corners_, of the _Coppice_, and you keep your place and not stir, they will come to your Call; and then having a pair of Nets, spread one on each side, and do as before. Your Nets, must be made of Green or Black double-twin'd Thread, the Mesh about an inch square, between Knot, and Knot, the whole Net about three Fathom long, and Seven foot broad, verged with strong small Cord on each side and ends, to lye hollow and compass-wise.

The next way of taking _Pheasant-Powts_, is by Driving, thus. Having found the Haunt of an _Eye of Pheasants_, known by the _Barrenness_ of the Place, _Mutings_ and loose Feathers, then in the little Pads and Wayes, like Sheep tracks, they have made, place your Nets (taking the Wind with you) a-cross these Paths hollow, loose and circularly, the nether part fixt to the Ground, and the upper side hollow, _&c._ as aforesaid: Then to their Haunt, and there call them together, if feattered; then with a Driver, an Instrument like that of _Cloath-dressers_, rake gently the Bushes and Boughs about you, the _Powts_ will run, and stop and listen; then give another rake, and so you will drive them like sheep into your Nets: Observe in this _Secrecy_, _Time_ and _Leisure_, or you spoil your Sport; _Secrecy_ in concealing your self from being seen by them; and _Time_ and _Leisure_, by not being too hasty.

Lastly for taking _Pheasants_ with the _Lime-Bush_, or Rods, order these, as I have before prescribed; your Rods about twelve inches long, and your Bush containing not above eight Twigs, with a pretty long Handle, sharpned to stick in the Ground, or Bushes, Shrubs, _&c._ and let it be planted as near the _Pheasants pearching Branch_, as may be. Place your Rods on the Ground, near the Bush; for when some are taken below by they Rods, they will scare up the others to get on the Bushes to seek what's become of their Fellows, and there become your Prey themselves.

_For taking Partridge._

You must first find the _Partridges_ Haunt. Which is mostly in standing Corn-Fields, where they breed; as likewise in Stubble after the Corn is cut, especially Wheat-stubble till it is trodden, and then they repair to Barley-stubble, if fresh; and the Furrows amongst the Clots, Brambles and long Grass, are sometimes their lurking places, for Twenty and upward in a Covy. In the Winter in up-land Meadows, in the dead Grass or Fog under Hedges, among Mole-hills; or under the Roots of Trees, &c. Various and uncertain are their Haunts. And tho' some by the Eye, by distinguishing their Colour from the Ground, others by the Ear, by hearing the Cock call earnestly the Hen, and the Hens answering, and chattering with Joy at meeting, do find _Partridge_; yet the best, easiest and safest way of finding them is (as you do the _Pheasant_) by the Call or Pipe: Notes seasonable, as before prescribed, and they will come near to you, and you may count their Numbers; and to your sport.

Surround your Covy, prepare your Nets, and pricking a stick fast in the ground, tye the one end to it, and let your Nets fall as you walk briskly round without stopping, and cover the _Partridge_; then rush in upon them to frighten them, and as they rise they are taken.

For taking them with _Bird-Lime_, thus: Call first near the _Haunt_; if answered, stick about your _Lime-straws_, a-cross in ranks at some distance from you; then call again, and as they approach you, they are intercepted by the Straws; and so your Prey. This way is used most successfully in Stubble-fields, from _August_ to _September_: And Rods in Woods, Pastures, _&c._ as for the _Pheasant_.

The most pleasant way of taking Partridge is with a _Setting-Dog_, who having set them, use your Net; and by these Rules and Method, the _Rails_, _Quales_, _Moorpoots_, &c. are to be taken; and are for _Hawks_ flight too. And here I must make an end of the most material part of _Fowling_.

_Of FISHING._

It has been the Method of this whole Treatise, to divide the several distinct Heads of each Recreation into three Parts, to render the Observations and Rules the more plain and easy, for the prosecuting the Recreation we treat of.

1. _What_ it is we pursue.

2. _Where_ and _When_ to find that we would delight our selves in.

3. _With what_ proper _Mediums_ or Measures we may obtain the desired Effects of our endeavours therein.

First then, _What_ we pursue is Fish, distinguish'd according to their sundry kinds by these following Names.

The _Barbel_, _Bream_, _Bleak_, _Bulhead_, or _Millers-thumb_; _Chevin_, _Char_, _Chub_, _Carp_; _Dace_; _Dare_; _Ele_; _Flounder_; _Grayling_, _Gudgeon_, _Guiniad_; _Loach_; _Minnow_; _Pope_ or _Pike_, _Pearch_; _Rud_, _Roach_; _Sticklebag_ or _Bansticle_, _Salmon_, _Shad_, _Suant_; _Tench_, _Torcoth_, _Trout_, _Thwait_, and _Umber_. All these Alphabetically thus named are the different sorts of Fish, in taking which the Angler commonly exercises his Art. We come next, _Where_ to find them.

1. To know the Haunts and Resorts of Fish, in which they are to be usually found, is the most Material thing the Angler ought to be instructed in, lest he vainly prepare _how to take_ them, and preposterously seek _where to find_ that he prepar'd for. To prevent which you are first to understand, That as the season of the Year is, so Fish change their places: In _Summer_, some keep near the top, others the bottom of the Waters. In _Winter_, all Fish in general resort to deep Waters. But more particularly,

The _Barbel_, _Roach_, _Dace_, and _Ruff_, covet most _Sandy, Gravelly Ground_, the deepest part of the River, and the shadows of _Trees_.

_Bream_, _Pike_, and _Chub_ delight in a _Clay_, and _Owzie Ground_: The _Bream_ chooseth the middle of the River, in a gentle, not too rapid Stream: The _Pike_ preferreth still Waters, full of _Fry_, and absconding himself amongst _Bull-rushes_, _Water-docks_, or under _Bushes_, that under these shelters he may more securely surprize and seize his Prey: The _Chub_ too chooses the same Ground, large Rivers and Streams, and is rarely destitute of some Tree to cover and shade him.

_Carp_, _Tench_ and _Eel_, frequent foul muddy still Waters. The greatest _Eels_ lurk under stones, or Roots; the smallest ones are found in all sorts of Rivers or Soils: The _Carp_ is for the deepest stillest part of Pond or River, and so is the _Tench_, and both delight in green Weeds.

_Pearch_ delighteth in gentle Streams of a reasonable Depth, not too shallow; close by a hollow Bank is their common Sanctuary.

_Gudgeon_ covets Sandy, Gravelly, Gentle Streams, and smaller Rivers; not so much abounding in Brooks. He bites best in Spring, till they spawn, and a little after till _Wasp_ time.

The _Salmon_ delights in large swift Rivers, which ebb and flow; and are there plentifully to be found: As likewise Rocky and Weedy Rivers. But in the latter end of the Year he is to be found high up in the Country, in swift and violent Cataracts, coming thither to spawn.

The _Trout_ loves small swift purling Brooks or Rivers, that run upon Stones or Gravel, and in the swiftest deepest part of them, getteth behind some Stone-block and there feeds. He delights in a Point of a River where the Water comes Whirling like the Eddy, to catch what the Stream brings down, especially if he has the shade of a Tree: He hugely delights to lurk under some hollow Bank or Stone; seldom among Weeds.

_Shad_, _Thwait_, _Plaice_, _Peel_, _Mullet_, _Suant_, and _Flownder_, covet chiefly to be in or near the Salt or Brackish Waters, which ebb and flow: The last, _viz._ the _Flownder_, have been taken in fresh Rivers, as coveting Sand and Gravel, deep gentle streams, near Banks, _&c._

Lastly the _Umber_ affects Marly Clay Ground, clear and swift Streams, far from the Sea; the greatest Plenty of these Fish is found in _Darbyshire_ and _Staffordshire_.

Thus much for the Haunts of Fish; I come next to know _When_ is the most _seasonable time_ to catch them; which before I speak to, let him that would become a compleat Angler, take this Rule. That he observe narrowly what Pond or River soever he Fisheth in, whether it be slimy, muddy, stony or gravelly, whether of a swift or slow Motion; as likewise that he know the Nature of each Fish, and what Baits are most proper for every kind: Not to let his Knowledge be circumscribed to one or two particular Rivers, whither he is invited to Angle and take his Observations by the Vicinity of his House; but to let his Knowledge be _general_, and consequently his Sport will be so too. His Ignorance otherwise will oblige him to be a Spectator in another River, when his Excellency is confined to that only experienced one in or near his own Parish or House. But to proceed,

II. To understand the best _Time when_ to Angle in, We must first consider Affirmatively, when most _Seasonable_: Or, 2. Negatively, when _Unseasonable_.

1. _Seasonable_ Angling is, when the Weather is calm, serene and clear; tho' the Cool cloudy Weather in Summer is to be preferred, provided the Wind blow not too boistrously, to hinder your easy Guiding your Tools; In the hottest Months the cooler the better.

2. When a Violent shower hath disturbed the Water and mudded it, then with a Red Worm, Angle in the Stream at the Ground.

3. A little before Fish spawn, when they repair to gravelly Fords to rub and loosen their full Bellies; they bite freely.

4. From Sun-rising till eight of the Clock in the Morning, and from four in the Afternoon till night for _Carp_ and _Tench_. In _June_ and _July_, _Carps_ shew themselves on the very rim of the Water, then Fish with a Lob-worm, as you would with a Natural Fly. But be sure to keep out of sight.

5. In _March_, _April_, and _September_, and all Winter, when the Air is clear, serene and warm. And after a shower of Rain, which hath only beaten the _Gnats_, and _Flies_ into the River, without muddying. The two first mentioned Months with _May_, and part of _June_, are most proper for the _Fly_; Nine in the Morning, and Three a Clock in the Afternoon, is the best time; as likewise, when the _Gnats_ play much in a warm Evening.

6. In a _Cloudy_, and _Windy_ day, after a Moonshine clear Night, for the brightness of the Night (through fear) making them abstain from feeding, and the Gloominess of the Day emboldening and rendering them (through Hunger) sharp, and eager upon food, they bite then freely.

7. Lastly, at the opening of _Milldams_ or _Sluces_, you will find _Trouts_, &c. come forth seeking food, brought down by the Water. We come next to demonstrate the time not proper, _i.e._

2. _Unseasonable_ Angling, in short is, when the Earth is parched, and scorched with Vehement Heat, and Drought; benummed and frozen with Cold, Frost, and Snow; or refrigerated with Spring Hoar-Frosts; or blasted with the sharp, bitter, nipping, North, or East Winds: Or when blustring _Boreas_ disorders your well guiding your Tackling; or the _Sheep-shearers Washings_ glutted the Fish, and anticipated your Bait; when the withdrawing of your Sport, foretells a Storm, and advises you to some shelter; or Lastly, when the night proves Dark, and Cloudy, you need not trouble your self the next day, 'tis to no purpose, _&c._

III. For providing _Stocks_, the best time is the Winter _Solstice_, when the Sap is in the Roots of Trees, and their Leaves gone. It is improper after _January_, the Sap then ascending into the Trunk, and expending it self over all the Branches. See that your Stocks be _Taper-grown_, and your Tops of the best _Ground-Hazle_, that can be had, smooth, slender, and strait, of an Ell long, pliant and bendings and yet of a strength, that a reasonable jerk cannot break it, but it will return to its first straightness; left otherwise you endanger your Line. Keep them two full years, before you use them; having preserved them from Worm-eating, or Rotting, by thrice a year rubbing, and chaffing them well with Butter (if sweet) or Linsed or Sallet-Oyl; and if Bored, Oyl poured into the Holes, and bathed four and twenty hours in it, and then thrown out again, will exceedingly preserve them.

The line, to make it neat, handsom and strong, twist the Hair you make it of _even_, having seen if the Hair be of an equal bigness; then steep your Line in Water, to see if the Hairs shrink, if so, you must twist them over again. The Colour of the Hair is best of _Sorrel_, _White_ and _Grey_; _Sorrel_ for muddy boggy Rivers, and the two last for clear Waters. Nor is the _Pale watery green_ contemptible, died thus: Take a pint of strong _Ale_, half a pound of _Soot_, a little of the Juice of _Walnut-Leaves_ and _Allum_; Boil these together in a Pipkin half an hour, take it off, and when 'tis cold, put in your Hair. In making your Line of Hair mix not Silk; but either all Hair, or all Silk; as likewise distinguish the Line for the Ground Angle, and that for the Fly-rod, the last must be stronger than the first; in that for the Artificial Fly, making the uppermost Link twenty Hairs long, less in the next, and so less till you come to the Fly. Lastly at each end of your Line make a Loop (called a _Bout_) the one larger, to fasten to, and take it from the top of your Rod, and the other Lesser to hang your Hook-line on.

Your Hook must be long in the shank, something Round in compass, the point strait and even, and bending in the shank. Set on your Hook with strong small Silk, laying your Hair on the inside of the Hook.

Your _Flote_ challenges divers ways of making. Some using _Muscovy_ Duck quills for still Waters. Others the best sound Cork without flaws or holes, bored through with a hot Iron, and a Quill of a fit proportion put into it; then pared into a pyramidal Form, or in the fashion of a small Pear, to what bigness you please, and ground smooth with Grindstone or Pumice; this is best for strong Streams.

In fine, _To plum the Ground_, get a _Carbine_ Bullet bored through, and in a strong twist hanged on your _Hook_ or Rod. To sharpen your _Hook_, carry a little _Whetstone_. To carry your several utensils without incommoding your Tackle, have several _Partitions_ of Parchment. And in short the ingenious Angler will not be unprovided of his _Bob_ and _Palmer_; his Boxes of all sizes for his _Hooks_, _Corks_, _Silk_, _Thread_, _Flies_, _Lead_, &c. His _Linning_ and _Woollen Bait-bags_; His splinted _Osier light Pannier_; and lastly his _Landen Hook_, with a Screw at the end to screw it into the socket of a Pole, and stricken into the Fish, to draw it to Land: To which socket, a Hook to cut up the Weeds, and another to pull out Wood, may be fastned.

_Baits_ are branched into three Kinds.

First, the _Life-baits_, which are all kind of _Worms_, _Redworm_, _Maggot_, _Dors_, _Frogs_, _Bobb_, _Brown-flies_, _Grasshoppers_, _Hornets_, _Wasps_, _Bees_, _Snails_, small _Roaches_, _Bleak_, _Gudgeon_, or _Loaches_.

Secondly, _Artificial living Baits_, of _Flies_ of all sorts and shapes, made about your Hooks with Silk and Feathers, at all times seasonable, especially in blustering Weather.

Lastly, _dead Baits_, Pasts of all makings, Wasps dryed or undryed, clotted _Sheeps-blood_, _Cheese_, _Bramble-berries_, _Corn_, _Seed_, _Cherries_, &c. The two first good in _May_, _June_ and _July_, the two next, in _April_; and the last in the Fall of the Leaf.

_Of Flies._

Of _Natural_ flies there are innumerable, and therefore it cannot be expected I can particularize all; but some of their names I shall nominate, _viz._ The _Dun-Fly_, _Red-fly_, _May-Fly_; _Tawny-Fly_, _Moor-Fly_, _Shell-Fly_, _Flag-Fly_, _Vine-Fly_, _Cloudy_ or _Blackish-Fly_, _Canker-Flies_, _Bear-Flies_, _Caterpillars_, and thousands more, differing according to the Soils, Rivers or Plants.

_Artificial Flies_, are made by the Ingenious Angler, according to Art, in shape, colour and proportion like the Natural Fly, of _Fur_, _Wool_, _Silk_, _Feathers_, &c. To delineate which I must confess my self not so accurate and skilful a Painter, nor can any Pen-drawing, illustrate their Various Colours so, as to direct their Artificial Counterfeit; Nature will help him in this by Observation, curiously Flourishing their several Orient and bright Colours, after which they take their names, as before said: And therefore to furnish your self with both Natural and Artificial Flies, repair in the Morning to the River, and with a Rod beat the Bushes that hang over the Water, and take your Choice.

1. Observe to Angle with the Artificial Fly in Rivers disturbed somewhat by Rain, or in a Cloudy day, the Wind blowing gently: If the Wind be not so high, but you may well guide your Tackle, in plain Deeps is to be found the best Fish, and best Sport: If small Wind breeze, in swift streams is best Angling: Be sure to keep your Fly in perpetual slow Motion; and observe that the Weather suit the Colour of your Fly, as the light Colour'd in a Clear day, the Darkish in a dark, _&c._ As likewise according to the Waters Complexions, have your Fly suitable.

2. Let your Line be twice as long as your Rod: Keep as far as you can from the Waterside, the Sun on your back; In casting your Fly, let that fall first; your Line not touching the Water.

3. Have a nimble Eye, and active quick Hand to strike presently upon the rising of the Fish, lest finding his mistake he spew out the Hook.

4. In slow Rivers cast your Fly cross them, let it sink a little, draw it back gently, without breaking or circling the Water; let the Fly float with the Current, and you will not fail of excellent Sport.

5. Observe to let the Wings of your _Salmon-Flies_ to be one behind another, whether two or four, and they and the Tail long, and of the finest gaudiest Colours you can choose.

_Lastly_, In clear Rivers a small Fly with slender Wings is best, and in muddied Rivers a Fly of a more than ordinary large Body.

Thus much for Flies, I come next to that I called _Dead-Baits_, and shall begin with the several Ways of making Pastes.

_Of Pastes._

1. Beat in a Mortar the Leg of a Young _Coney_ (Vulgarly called the _Almond_) or of a Whelp or Catling, and a quantity of Virgins Wax and Sheeps suet, till they are incorporated, and temper them with clarified _Honey_ into Paste.

2. _Sheeps-Blood_, _Cheese_, fine _Manchet_ and clarified _Honey_ tempered as before.

3. _Sheeps-Kidney-suit_, _Cheese_, fine _Flower_, with clarified _Honey_ tempered.

4. _Cherries_, _Sheeps-Blood_, _Saffron_ and fine _Manchet_ made into a Paste.

5. Beat into a Paste; the fattest Old _Cheese_, the strongest _Rennet_ can be got, fine _Wheat-flower_ and _Annis-seed_ Water: If for a _Chub_ you make the Paste, put a little rasty _Bacon_,

Lastly, _Mutton-Kidney-suit_, and _Turmerick_ reduced to a fine Powder, the fattest Old _Cheese_ and strongest _Rennet_, wrought to a Paste, adding _Turmerick_ till the Paste be of a curious Yellow; and is excellent for _Chevin_.

Anoint your Bait with this Confection: Take the Oyl of _Aspray_, _Coculus India_, and _Assa-foetida_ beaten, and mix with it as much Life-Honey; then dissolve them in the Oyl of _Polypody_, and keep it in a close Glass for your use. And that your Paste may not wash off your Hook, beat Cotten-Wool or Flax into it.

_Of keeping Baits._

The _Red-Worm_, must be kept in a bag of Red Cloth, with a handful of chopt _Fennel_, mixt with half so much fresh, black and fertile Mould will scoure and preserve them: All other Worms, with the Leaves of Trees they are bred on, renewing them often in a day. Only the _Cad-bait_, _Bob_ and _Canker_, &c. must be kept in the same things you find them.

The great _White Maggots_, keep them in Sheeps Tallow, or little bits of a beasts Liver; and to scour them, hang them warm in a bag of Blanketing with Sand.

The _Frogs and Grasshoppers_, in wet Moss and long Grass, frequently moistned; and when used, the Legs of the first, and the Wings of the other must be cut close off.

The _Flies_, use them as you take them. Only, the _Wasps_, _Hornets_ and _Humble-Bee_, must be dryed in an Oven, their heads dipt in Sheeps blood, and dryed again, may be kept in a Box for use.

And now thus equipt let us walk to the Rivers side.

To begin then with the _Barbel_. The best time for Angling for this Fish is at the latter end of _May_, _June_, _July_, and beginning of _August_, in his Haunts aforementioned; and the best Bait (omitting others) is the well scoured _Lob-worm _(being of a curious cleanly Palate as well as shape) or Cheese steept an hour or two in clarified Honey. He is a subtile Fish, extraordinary strong, and dogged to be dealt with, and therefore be sure to have your Rod and Line strong and long, or you may endanger to break it.

For the _Breame_. The most seasonable time to Angle is from St. _James_ tide till _Bartholomew_ tide. He spawneth in _June_ or beginning of _July_; is easily taken, as falling on his side after one or two gentle turns, and so drawn easily to Land. The best Bait for him (most delightful to him) is the _Red-Worm_ (found in Commons and Chalky Grounds after Rain) at the root of a great Dock, wrapt up in a round Clue. He loves also Paste, Flag-Worms, Wasps, Green-Flies, Butter-Flies and a Grass-hopper, without Legs.

Bait your Ground the Night before with gross-ground Malt, boiled and strained, and then in the morning with the Red-Worm, bait your Hook, and plumbing your Ground within half an Inch, Fish.

The _Bleak_, an eager Fish, is caught with all sorts of Worms bred on Trees or Herbs, also with _Flies_, _Cad-bait_, _Bobs_, _Paste_, _Sheeps-Blood_, _White Snails_, _Wasps_, _Gnats_, &c. In a warm clear day the small Fly at the rim of the Water is best; in a Cloudy day, _Gentles_ or _Cad_-baits two foot in the Water.

The _Bull-head_ or _Millers-Thumb_, being Childrens recreation, I shall speak little of them, only being serviceable for Baits, I shall only say he is easily taken with a small Worm, being lazy and simple, and will swallow any thing; and the _Minnow_, _Loach_, and _Bansticle_ being of the same diet, I place here too.

The _Chevin_, loveth all sorts of Worms, _Flies_, _Cheese_, _Grain_, and _Black Worms_, their Bellies being slit, that the White may be seen: And very much delighteth in the Pith of an Oxes back, the tough outward skin being carefully taken off, without breaking the inward tender skin. In the Morning early angle for _Chevins_, with a _Snail_; in the heat of the day, with some other Bait; in the afternoon with the Fly; the great _Moth_, with a great Head, yellow Body, and whitish Wings, usually found in Gardens, about the Evening: The larger the _Chevin_, the sooner taken; loving his Bait larger, and variety on a Hook.

The _Char_ is a _Lancashire_ Fish, found in a _Mere_, called _Winander-Mere_ in that Country, the largest in _England_.