The boke of husbandry·

HVSBANDRY .

¶ Here begynneth the boke of husbandry , and fyrste where by husbande men do lyue .

THe mooste generall lyuynge that husbandes can haue , is by plowynge and sowyng of theyr cornes , and rerynge or bredynge of theyr cattel , and not the one withoute the other . Than is the ploughe the moste necessaryest instrumente that an husbande can occupy , wherfore it is conuenyent to be knowen , howe a plough shulde be made .

¶ Dyuers maners of plowes .

THere be plowes of dyuers makynges in dyuers countreys , and in lyke wyse there be plowes of yren of dyuers facyons . And that is bycause there be many maner of groundes and soyles . Some whyte cley , some redde cley , some grauell or chylturne , some sande , some meane erthe , some medled with marle , and in many places heeth grounde , and one ploughe wyll not serue in all places . wherfore it is necessarye , to haue dyuers maners of plowes . In Sommersetshyre , about Zelcester , the sharbeame , that in many places is called the ploughe hedde , is foure or fyue foote longe , and it is brode and thynne . And that is bycause the lande is very toughe , and wolde soke the ploughe into the erthe , yf the sharbeame were not long , brode , and thynne . In Kente they haue other maner of plowes , somme goo with wheles , as they doo in many other places , and some wyll tourne the sheldbredth at euery landes ende , and plowe all one waye . In Buckyngham shyre , are plowes made of an nother maner , and also other maner of ploughe yrons , the whyche me semeth generally good , and lykely to serue in many places , and specially if the ploughbeame and sharbeame be foure ynches longer , betwene the shethe , and the ploughe tayle , that the sheldbrede myght come more a slope : for those plowes gyue out to sodeinly , and therfore they be the worse , to drawe , and for noo cause elles . In Leycestershyre , Lankesshyre , Yorkeshyre , Lyncoln , Norfolke , Cambrydge shyre , and manye other countreyes , the plowes be of dyuers makinges , the whyche were to longe processe to declare howe . &c. But how so euer they be made yf they be well tempered , and goo well , they maye be the better suffred .

¶ To knowe the names of all the partes of the plowe .

MEn that be no husbandes , maye fortune to rede this boke , that knowe not whiche is the ploughe beame , the sharebeame , the ploughe shethe , the ploughe tayle , the stilte , the rest , the sheldbrede , the fen brede , the roughe staues , the ploughe fote , the plough eare or coke , the share the culture , and ploughe mal . Perauenture I gyue them these names here , as is vsed in my countre , and yet in other countreyes they haue other names : wherfore ye shall knowe , that the ploughe beame , is the longe tree aboue , the whiche is a lytel bente . The sharbeame is the tre vnderneth , where vpon the share is set , the ploughe sheth is a thyn pece of drye woode , made of oke , that is set fast in a morteys in the plough beame , and also in to the sharebeame , the whiche is the keye and the chiefe bande of all the plough . The plough tayle is that the husbande holdeth in his hande , and the hynder ende of the ploughebeame is put in a longe slyt , made in the same tayle , and not set faste , but it maye ryse vp and go downe , and is pynned behynde , and the same ploughe tayle is set faste in a morteys , in the hynder ende of the sharebeame . The plough stylte is on the ryghte syde of the ploughe , whervpon the rest is set , the rest is a lyttell pece of woode , pynned fast vpon the nether ende of the stylt , and to the sharebeame in the ferther ende . The sheldbrede is a brode pece of wodde , fast pinned to the ryghte side of the shethe in the ferther ende , and to the vtter syde of the stylte in the hynder ende . The fenbreds is a thyn borde , pynned or nayled moste commonly to the lyft syde of the shethe in the ferther ende , and to the ploughe tayle in the hynder ende . And the sayde sheldbrede wolde come ouer the sayde shethe and fenbrede an inche , and to come past the myddes of the share , made with a sharpe edge , to receyue and turne the erthe whan the culture hath cut it . There be two roughe staues in euery ploughe in the hynder ende , set a slope betwene the ploughe tayle and the stilt , to holde out and kepe the plough abrode in the hynder ende , and the one lenger than the other . The plough fote is a lyttell pece of wodde , with a croked ende set before in a morteys in the ploughe beame , sette fast with wedges , to dryue vppe and downe , and it is a staye to order , of what depenes the ploughe shall go . The ploughe eare is made of thre peces of yren , nayled faste vnto the ryght syde of the plough beame . And poore men haue a croked pece of wode pynned faste to the ploughbeame . The share is a pece of yren , sharpe before and brode behynde , a fote longe , made with a socket to be set on the ferther ende of the share beame . The culture is a bende pece of yren sette in a morteys in the myddes of the plough beame , fastened with wedges on euery syde , and the backe therof is halfe an inche thycke and more , and three inches brode , and made kene before to cutte the erthe clene , and it must be wel steeled , and that shall cause the easyer draughte , and the yrens to laste moche lenger . The blough mal is a pece of harde woode , with a pynne put throughe , set in the plough beame , in an augurs bore .

¶ The temprynge of plowes .

NOwe the plowes be made of dyuers maners , it is necessarye for an housbande , to knowe howe these plowes shulde be tempered , to plowe and turne clene , and to make no reste balkes . A reste balke is where the plough byteth at the poynte of the culture and share , and cutteth not the ground cleane to the forowe , that was plowed laste before , but leaueth a lyttell rydge standynge betwene , the whiche dothe brede thistyls , and other wedes . All these maner of plowes shulde haue all lyke one maner of temperyng in the yrens . Howe be it a man maye temper for one thynge in two or thre places , as for depnes . The fote is one : the setting of the culture of a depnes , is a nother : and the thyrde is at the ploughe tayle , where be two wedges , that be called slote wedges : the one is in the slote aboue the beame , the other in the saide slote , vnder the plough beame , and other whyle he wyll set bothe aboue , or bothe vndernethe . but alway let hym take good hede , and kepe one generall rule , that the hynder ende of the sharebeme alway touche the erth , that it may kyll a worde , or elles it goth not truly . The temperynge to go brode and narowe is in the settyng of the culture : and with the dryuinge of his syde wedges , forewedge and helewedge , whiche wolde be made of drye woode . and also the settynge on of his share helpeth well , and is a connynge poynte of husbandry , and mendeth and payreth moch plowyng : but it is so narowe a point to know , that it is harde to make a man to vnderstande it by wrytynge , without he were at the operation therof , to teache the practyue . for it muste leane moche in to the forowe , and the poynt may not stande to moch vp nor downe , nor to moche in to the lande , nor into the forowe . Howe be it , the settynge of the culture helpeth moche . Somme plowes haue a bende of yron tryanglewise , sette there as the plough eare shulde be , that hath thre nyckes on the farther syde . And yf he wyll haue his plough to go a narowe forowe , as a sede forowe shulde be , than he setteth his fote teame in the nycke nexte to the ploughe beame . and yf he wyll go a meane bredth , he setteth it in the myddell nycke , that is best for sturrynge . and if he wolde go a brode forowe , he setteth it in the vttermoste nycke , that is beste for falowynge : The whyche is a good waye , to kepe the bredthe , and soone tempered , but it serueth not the depenesse . And some men haue in stede of the plough fote , a piece of yron set vpryghte in the farther ende of the ploughe beame , and they calle it a coke , made with . ii . or thre nyckes , and that serueth for depenes . The plowes that goo with wheles , haue a streyghte beame , and maye be tempred in the yron , as the other be , for the bredth , but their most speciall temper is at the bolster , where as the plough beame lyeth , and that serueth both for depnes and for bredth . And they be good on euen grounde that lyeth lyghte , but me semeth , they be farre more costly than the other plowes . And thoughe these plowes be well tempred for one maner of grounde , that tempre wyll not serue in an other maner of grounde , but it muste reste in the dyscretion of the housbande , to knowe whanne it gothe well .

¶ The necessary thynges , that belonge to a ploughe , carte , and wayne .

BVt or he begyn to plowe , he muste haue his ploughe and his ploughe yren , his oxen or horses , and the geare that belongeth to them , that is to say , bowes , yokes , landes , stylkynges , wrethynge temes . And or he shall lode his corne , he muste haue a wayne , a copyoke , a payre of sleues , awayne rope , and a pykforke . This wayne is made of dyuers peces , that wyll haue a greate reparation , that is to saye , the wheles , and those be made of nathes , spokes , fellyes , and dowles , and they muste be well fettred with wood or yren . And if they be yren bounden , they are moche the better , and thoughe they be the derer at the fyrst , yet at lengthe they be better cheape , for a payre of wheles yren bounde , wyl weare . vii . or . viii payre of other wheles , and they go rounde and lyght after oxen or horses to draw . Howbeit on marreis ground and soft grouud , the other wheles be better , bycause they be broder on the soule , and will not go so depe . They must haue an axiltre , clout with . viii . waincloutes of yren . ii . lyn pinnes of yren in the axiltre endes . ii . axil pynnes of yren , or els of tough harde wodde . The bodye of the wayne of oke , the staues , the nether rathes , the ouer rathes , the crosse somer , the keys and pikstaues . And if he go with a hors ploughe , than muste he haue his horses or mares , or both his hombers or collers , holmes whyted , tresses , swyngletrees , and togwith . Alsoo a carte made of asshe , bycause it is lyghte and lyke stuffe to it as is to a wayne , and also a cart sadel , bakbandes , and belybandes , and a carte ladder behinde , whan he shall carye eyther corne or kyddes , or suche other . And in many countreys theyr waynes haue carte ladders bothe behynde and before . Also an husbande muste haue an axe , a hachet , a hedgyngebyll , a pyn awgur , a rest awgur , a flayle , a spade , and a shouell . And howe be it that I gyue theym these names , as is most comonly vsed in my contrey , I knowe they haue other names in other countreyes . But hereby a manne maye perceyue many thynges , that belonge to husbandry , to theyr greate costes and charges , for the mayntenance and vpholdyng of the same . And many moo thynges are belongynge to husbandes than these , as ye shall well perceyue , er I haue made an ende of this treatyse . And if a yonge husbande shulde bye all these thynges , it wolde be costely for hym : wherfore it is necessarye for hym , to lerne to make his yokes , oxe bowes , stooles , and all maner of plough geare .

¶ Whether is better a plough of horses or a plough of oxen .

IT is to be knowen , whether is better a plough of horses , or a plough of oxen , and therin me semeth oughte to be made a distinction . For in some places , an oxe ploughe is better than a horse plough , and in somme places , a horse ploughe is better : that is to say , in euery place , where as the husband hath seueral pastures , to put his oxen in , whan they come fro theyr warke , there the oxe ploughe is better . For an oxe maye nat endure his warke , to labour all daye , and than to be put to the commons , or before the herdman , and to be set in a folde all nyghte without meate , and go to his labour in the mornynge . But and he be put in a good pasture all nyghte , he wyll labour moche of all the daye dayely . And oxen wyl plowe in tough cley , and vpon hylly grounde , where as horses wyll stande stll . And where as is noo seuerall pastures , there the horse plowe is better , for the horses may be teddered or tyed vpon leys , balkes , or hades , where as oxen maye not be kept : and it is not vsed to tedder them , but in fewe places . And horses wyl goo faster than oxen on euen grounde or lyght grounde , & be quicker for cariage : but they be ferre more costly to kepe in winter , for they must haue both hey and corne to eate , and strawe for lytter , they must be well shodde on all foure fete , and the gere that they shal drawe with is more costely than for the oxen , and shorter whyle it wyll last . And oxen wyll eate but straw , and a lyttell hey , the whiche is not halfe the coste that hors is must haue , and they haue no shoes , as horses haue . And if any sorance come to the horse , or waxe olde , broysed , or blynde , than he is lyttell worthe . And if any sorance come to an oxe , waxe old , broysed , or blinde , for . ii . s. he maye be fedde , and thanne he is mannes meate , and as good or better than euer he was . And the horse , whan he dyethe , is but caryen . And therfore me semeth , all thynges consydered , the ploughe of oxen is moche more profytable , than the ploughe of horses .

¶ The dylygence and the attendaunce that a husbande shulde gyue to his warke , in maner of an other prologue , and the speciall grounde of all this treatyse .

THou husbande , that intendeste to gette thy lyuynge by husbandry , take hede to the sayenge of the wyse phylosopher , the which sayth , A dhibe curam , tenemensuram , et eris diues . That is to saye , Take hede to thy charge , kepe measure , and thou shalt be ryche . And nowe to speke of the fyrste artycle of these . iij. s . A dhibe curam . He that wyll take vpon hym to do any thinge , and be slouthefull , recheles , and not diligent , to execute and to performe that thynge , that he taketh vpon hym , he shall neuer thryue by his occupation . And to the same entente saythe our lorde in his gospell , by a parable . Nemo mittens manum suam ad aratrum respiciens retro , aptus est regno dei . The spirytuall constructyon of this texte , I remytte to the doctours of dyuynitie , and to the greate clarkes , but to reduce and brynge the same texte to my purpose , I take it thus , There is noo man , puttynge his hande to the plough loking backewarde , is worthy to haue that thynge , that he oughte to haue . For if he goo to the ploughe , and loke backewarde , he seeth not , whether the plough go in rydge or rayne , make a balke , or go ouerthwarte . And if it so do , there wyll be lyttel corne . And so if a man attende not his husbandrye , but goo to sporte or playe , tauerne or ale house , or slepynge at home , and suche other ydle warkes , he is not than worthy to haue any corne . And therfore , Fac quod venisti , Do that thou comest fore , and thou shalte fynde that thou sekest fore . &c.

¶ Howe a man shulde plowe all maner of landes all tymes of the yere .

NOwe these plowes be made and tempered , it is to be knowen , howe a man shoulde plowe all tymes of the yere . In the begynnynge of the yere , after the feast of the Epiphany , it is tyme for a husbande to go to the ploughe . And if thou haue any leys , to falowe or to sowe otes vpon , fyrste plowe them , that the grasse and the mosse may rotte , and plowe them a depe square forowe . And in all maner of plowynge , se that thy eye , thy hande , and thy fote do agree , and be alwaye redy one to serue a nother , and to turne vp moche molde , and to lay it flat , that it rere not on edge . For if it rere on edge , the grasse and mosse wyll not rotte . And if thou sowe it with winter corne , as whete or ry , as moche corne as toucheth the mosse , wyll be drowned , the mosse dothe kepe such wete in it self . And in some countreys , if a man plowe depe , he shall passe the good grounde , and haue but lyttel corne : but that countrey is not for men to kepe husbandry vppon , but for to rere and brede catell or shepe , for elles they muste go beate theyr landes with mattockes , as they do in many places of Cornewayle , and in som places of Deuonshyre .

¶ To plowe for pease and beanes .

HOwe to plowe for pees and beanes , were necessarye to knowe . Fyrst thou muste remember , whiche is mooste cley grounde , and that plowe fyrste , and lette it lye a good space , er thou sowe it : bycause the froste , the rayne , the wynde , and the sonne may cause it to breake smalle , to make moche molde , and to rygge it . And to plow a square forowe , the bredthe and the depenes all one , and to laye it close to his felow . For the more forowes , the more corne , for a generall rule of all maner of cornes . And that may be proued at the comynge vp of all maner of corne . to stande at the landes ende , and loke toward the other ende . And than may ye se , howe the corne groweth .

☞ Howe to sowe bothe pease and beanes .

THou shalt sowe thy peas vpon the cley grounde , and thy beanes vpon the barley grounde : for they wolde haue ranker grounde than pease . How be it some husbandes holde opynion , that bigge and styffe grounde , as cley , wolde be sowen with bigge stuffe , as beanes : but me thynke the contrary . For if a dry sommer come , his beanes wil be shorte . And if the grounde be good , putte the more beanes to the pease , and the better shall they yelde , whan they be thresshed . And if it be very ranke grounde , as is moche at euery towne syde , where catel doth resort , plowe not that lande , tyll ye wyll sowe it . for if ye do , there wyll come vppe kedlokes and other wedes . And than sowe it with beanes . for if ye sowe pees , the kedlokes wyll hurte them . and whan ye se seasonable time , sow both pees and beanes , so that they be sowen in the begynnynge of Marche . Howe shall ye knowe seasonable tyme ? go vppon the lande , that is plowed , and if it synge or crye , or make any noyse vnder thy fete , than it is to wete to sowe : and if it make no noyse , and wyll beare thy horses , thanne sowe in the name of god , but howe to sowe ? Put thy pees in to thy hopper , and take a brode thonge of ledder , or of garthe webbe of an elle longe , and fasten it to bothe endes of the hopper , and put it ouer thy heed , lyke a leysshe : and stande in the myddes of the lande , where the sacke lyethe , the whiche is mooste conueniente for the fyllynge of thy hopper , and set thy lefte foote before , and take an handefull of pees : and whan thou takeste vp thy ryghte foote , than caste thy pees fro the all abrode , and whan thy lefte fote ryseth , take an other handeful , and whan the ryght fote ryseth , than cast them fro the. And so at euery . ii . paces , thou shalte an handful of pees : and so se that the fote and the hande agree , and than ye shal sowe euen . And in your castynge , ye muste open as well your fyngers , as your hande , and the hyer , and farther that ye caste your corne , the better shall it sprede , excepte it be a greatte wynde . And if the lande be verye good , and wyll breke small in the plowynge , it is better to sowe after the ploughe , thanne tarye any lenger .

¶ Sede of discretion .

THere is a sede , that is called Discretion , and if a husband haue of that sede , and myngle it amonge his other cornes , they wyll growe moche the better . for that sede wyll tell hym , how many castes of corne euery lande ought to haue . And a yonge husbande , and may fortune some olde husbande , hath not sufficyente of that sede : and he that lackethe , let hym borowe of his neyghbours that haue . And his neyghbours be vnkynde , if they wyll not lende this yonge housbande parte of this sede . For this sede of Discretion hath a wonders property : for the more that it is taken of or lente , the more it is . And therfore me semeth , it shoulde be more spyspirituall than temporall , wherin is a greate dyuersitie . For a temporall thynge , the more it is deuyded , the lesse it is : and a spirytuall thynge , the more it is deuided , the more it is . Verbi gratia . For ensaumple , I put case a wyfe brynge a lofe of breade to the churche , to make holy breade of , whan it is cut in many smal peces , and holy breade made therof , there may be so many men , women , and children in the churche , that by that tyme , the priest hath delte to euery one of them a lyttell pece , there shall neuer a crume be lefte in the hamper . And a spiritualle thynge as a Pater noster , or a prayer , that any man can say , let hym teache it to . xx . a. C. or to a. M. yet is the prayer neuer the lesse , but moche more . And so this sede of Discrecion is but wisdome and reason : and he that hath wysedome , reason , and discretion , may teche it , and enforme other men as he is bounde to do . wherein he shall haue thanke of god : and he doth but as god hath commaunded hym in his gospell , Quod gratis accepistis , gratis date : That thynge that ye toke frely , gyue it frely again , and yet shall ye haue neuer the lesse .

¶ Howe all maner corne shoulde be sowen .

BVt yet me thynkethe it is necessarye to declare , howe all maner of corne shuld be sowen , and howe moch vpon an acre most comonly , and fyrst of pease and beanes . An acre of grounde , by the statute , that is to say . xvi . fote and a halfe , to the perche or pole , foure perches to an acre in bredth , and fortye perches to an acre in lengthe , may be metelye well sowen with two London busshelles of pease , the whyche is but two strykes in other places . And if there be the. iiii . parte beanes , than wylle it haue halfe a London bushelle more : and yf it be halfe beanes , it wyll haue thre London bushels : and if it be all beanes , it wyll haue foure London busshelles fullye , and that is half a quarter , bycause the beanes be gret , and grow vp streight , & do not sprede and go abrode as pease do . An acre of good beanes is worth an acre & a half of good pees bycause there wylle be more busshelles . And the beste propertie , that belongeth to a good husband is , to sowe all maner of corne thycke ynough , and specially beanes and barley ▪ for commonly they be sowen vpon ranke ground , and good grounde wylle haue the burthen of corne or of wede . And as moche plowynge and harowynge hath an acre of grounde , and sowe thervppon but oone busshelle , as yf he sowed . iiii . busshelles . And vndoutedly . i. busshell may not gyue so moche corne agayne , as the. iiii . busshels , though the. iii. bushels , that he sowed more , be alowed and set aparte . And i. busshel and an halfe of white or grene pees , wyll sowe as moche grounde , as two busshels of gray pees : and that is bycause they be so smal , and the husband nedeth not to take so great an handful . In some countreys they begyn to sowe pees soone after Christmasse : and in some places they sowe bothe pees and beanes vnderforowe : and those of reson must be sowen betyme . But moste generally , to begyn sone after Candelmasse , is good season , so that they be sowen , ere the begynnynge of Marche , or sone vpon . And specially let them be sowen in the olde of the mone . For th opinion of olde husbandes is , that they shoulde the better codde , and the sooner be rype . But I speke not of hasty pees , for they be sowen before Christmasse . &c.

¶ To sowe barley .

EVery good housbande hath his barleye falowe well dounged , and lyenge rygged all the depe and colde of wynter , the whiche ryggynge maketh the lande to be drye , and the dongynge maketh it to be melowe and ranke . And if a drye season come before Candelmasse , or sone after , it wolde be caste downe and waterforowed bytwene the landes , that the wete rest not in the raine : and in the begynnynge of Marche , rydge it vppe agayne , and to sowe in euery acre fyue London bushelles , or foure at the leaste . and some yeres it maye so fortune , that there cometh no seasonabe wether before Marche , to plowe his barley erthe . And as soone as he hath sowen his pees and beanes , than let hym caste his barley erthe , and shortly after rygge it agayne : soo that it be sowen before Apryll . And if the yere tyme be paste , than sowe it vpon the castynge .

¶ It is to be knowen that there be thre maner of barleys , that is to say , sprot barleye , longe eare , and bere barley , that some menne call bigge . Sprot barley hath a flat eare most comonly , thre quarters of an inche brode , and thre inches long , and the cornes be very great and white , and it is the best barley . Long eare hath a flatte eare , halfe an inche brode , and foure inches and more of length : but the corne is not so greate nor soo whyte , and sooner it wyll turne and growe to otes Bere barleye , or bygge , wolde be sowen vppon lyghte and drye grounde , and hathe an eare thre ynches of lengthe or more , sette foure square , lyke pecke whete , small cornes , and lyttel floure , and that is the worste barley , and foure London bushels are suffycient for an acre . And in some countreyes , they do not sowe theyr barley tyll Maye , and that is mooste commonly vpon grauel or sandy grounde . But that barley generally is neuer soo good , as that that is sowen in Marche . For if it be verye drie wether , after it be sowen , that corne that lyeth aboue , lyeth drie , and hath noo moysture , and that that lyeth vndernethe , commeth vp : and whan rayne cometh , than sprutteth that that lyeth aboue , and oftentymes it is grene , whan the other is rype : and whan it is thresshen , there is moche lyght corne . &c.

☞ To sowe otes .

ANd in Marche is tyme to sowe otes , and specially vpon lyght grounde and drie , howe be it they wylle growe on weter grounde , than any corne els : for wete grounde is good for no maner of corne , and thre London bushels wyl sowe an acre .

And it is to be knowen , that there be . iii. maner of otes , that is to saye , redde otes , blacke otes , and roughe otes . Red otes are the beste otes , and whan they be thresshed , they be yelowe in the busshell , and verye good to make otemele of . Blacke otes are as great as they be , but they haue not so moche floure in them , for they haue a thycker huske , and also they be not so good to make otemele . The roughe otes be the worste , and it quiteth not the coste to sowe them : they be very lyghte , and haue longe tayles , wherby they wyll hange eche one to other . All these maner of otes weare the grounde very sore , and maketh it to beare quyche . A yonge housbande oughte to take hede , howe thycke he sowethe all maner of corne , two or three yeres : and to se , howe it cometh vp , and whether it be thycke ynoughe or not : and if it be thynne , sowe thycker the nexte yere : and if it be well , holde his hande there other yeres : and if it be to thynne , let hym remember hym selfe , whether it be for the vnseasonablenes of the wether , or for thyn sowynge . And so his wysedome and discretion muste discerne it .

¶ To harowe all maner of cornes .

NOwe these landes be plowed , and the cornes sowen , it is conuenient , that they be well harowed , or els crowes , doues , and other byrdes wyll eate and beare awaye the cornes . It is vsed in many countreys , the husbandes to haue an oxe harowe , the whiche is made of sixe smal peces of timbre , called harowe bulles , made eyther of asshe or oke , they be two yardes longe , and as moche as the small of a mannes legge , and haue shotes of wode put through theym lyke lathes , and in euery bull are syxe sharpe peces of yren , called harowe tyndes , set some what a slope forwarde , and the formes flote muste be bygger than the other , bycause the fote teame shall be fastened to the same with a shakyll , or a withe to drawe by . This harrowe is good to breake the greatte clottes , and to make moche molde , and than the horse harowes to come after , to make the clottes smaller , and to laye the grounde euen . It is a great labour and payne to the oxen , to goo to harowe : for they were better to goo to the plowe two dayes , thanne to harowe one daye . It is an olde sayinge , The oxe is neuer wo ▪ tyll he to the harowe goo . And it is bycause it goeth by twytches , and not alwaye after one draughte . The horse harrowe is made of fyue bulles , and passe not an elne of lengthe , and not soo moche as the other , but they be lyke sloted and tinded . And whan the corne is well couered , than it is harowed ynough . There be horse harowes , that haue tyndes of wodde : and those be vsed moche about Ryppon , and suche other places , where be many bulder stones . for these stones wold weare the yren to soone , and those tyndes be mooste commonly made of the grounde ende of a yonge asshe , and they be more thanne a fote longe in the begynnyuge , and stande as moche aboue the harowe as benethe . And as they weare , or breake , they dryue them downe lower , and they wolde be made longe before , ere they be occupied , that they maye be drye . for than they shall endure and last moche better , and stycke the faster . The horses that shall drawe these harowes , muste be well kepte and shodde , or elles they wyll soone be tyred , and sore beate , that they may not drawe . They must haue hombers or collers , holmes withed about theyr neckes , tresses to drawe by , and a swyngletre to holde the tresses abrode , and a togewith to be bytwene the swyngletre and the harowe . And if the barleye grounde wyll not breake with harrowes , but be clotty , it wolde be beaten with malles , and not not streyght downe . for than they beate the corne in to the erthe . And if they beate the clot on the syde , it wyll the better breake . And the clot wyll lye lyghte , that the corne maye lyghtely come vp . And they vse to role theyr barley grounde after a shoure of rayne , to make the grounde euen to mowe . &c.

¶ To falowe .

NOwe these housbandes haue sowen theyr pees , beanes , barley , and otes , and harowed them , it is the beste tyme to falowe , in the later ende of Marche and Apryll , for whete , rye and barley . And lette the husbande do the beste he can , to plowe a brode forowe and a depe , soo that he turne it cleane , and lay it flat , that it rere not on the edge : the whiche shall destroy all the thistils and wedes . For the deper and the broder that he gothe , the more newe molde , and the greatter clottes shall he haue , and the greatter clottes , the better wheate . for the clottes kepe the wheate warme all wynter , and at Marche they wyll melte and breake , and fal in manye small peces , the whiche is a newe dongynge , and refresshynge of the corne .

And also there shall but lyttell wedes growe vpon the falowes , that are so falowed . For the plough goth vndernethe the rootes of all maner of wedes , and tourneth the roote vpwarde , that it maye not growe . And yf the lande be falowed in wynter tyme , it is farre the worse , for three principall causes , One is , all the rayne that commeth , shal washe the lande , and dryue awaye the dounge and the good moulde , that the lande shall be moche the worse . An other cause is , the rayne shall beate the lande so flat , and bake it so hard togyther , that if a drye May come , it wyll be to harde to stere in the moneth of Iune . And the thyrde cause is , the wiedes shall take suche roote , er sterynge tyme comme , that they wylle not be cleane tourned vndernethe , the whiche shal be great hurte to the corne , whan it shall be sowen , and specially in the weding tyme of the same . and for any other thynge , make a depe holowe forowe in the rydge of the lande , and loke wel , thou rest balke it nat , for if thou do , there wyll be many thystels : and than thou shalte not make a cleane rydge at the fyrste sterynge , and therfore it muste nedes be depe plowed , or elles thou shalt nat tourne the wiedes cle ane .

¶ To cary out donge or mucke and to sprede it .

ANd in the later ende of Apryll , and the begynnynge of Maye , is tyme to cary out his dounge or mucke , and to lay it vppon his barley grounde . And where he hath barley this yere , sowe it with whete or rye the next tyme it is falowed , and so shal he mucke all his landes ouer at euerye seconde falowe . But that husbande , that can fynde the meanes to cary oute his donge , and to laye it vpon his lande , after it be ones sturred : it is moche better , than to laye it vppon his falowe , for dyuers causes . One is , if it be layde vpon his fallowe , all that fallethe in the holowe rygge , shall do lyttell good for whan it is rygged agayne , it lyeth soo depe in the erthe , thut it wyll not be plowed vp agayne , excepte that whan he hath sprede it , he wyll with a shouell , or a spade , caste out all that is fallen in the rygge . And if it be layde vpon the sturrynge , at euery plowynge it shall medle the donge and the erthe togyder , the whiche shall cause the corne moche better to growe and encreace . And in somme places , they lode not theyr donge , tyll haruest be done , & that is vsed in the farther syde of Darbyshyre , called Scaresdale , Halomshyre , and so northewarde towarde Yorke and Ryppon : and that I calle better thanne vppon the falowe , and specyally for barley : but vppon the fyrste sturrynge , is beste for wheate and rye . and that his dunge be layde vpon smal hepes nygh together , and to sprede it euenly , and to leue no dounge there as the mucke hepe stode , for the moystnes of the dounge shall cause the grounde to be ranke ynoughe . And if it be medled with erthe , as sholynges and suche other , it wyll laste the longer , and better for barley than for whete or rye , bycause of wedes . Horse donge is the worste donge that is . The donge of all maner catell , that chewe theyr cudde , is verye good . And the dounge of douues is best , but it muste be layde vppon the grounde verye thynne .

¶ To set out the shepe folde .

ALso it is tyme to set out the shepefolde in May , and to sette it vppou the rye grounde , if he haue any , and to flyte it euery mornynge or nyght : and in the mornynge , whan he cometh to his folde , let not his shepe out anone , but reyse theym vp , and let them stande stylle a good season , that they maye donge and pysse . And go amonge them , to se whether any of them haue any mathes , or be scabbed : and se them thre or foure tymes on the oone syde , and as ofte on the other syde . And whan the kelles begonne besyde the grounde , than lette theym out of the folde , and dryue theym to the soundeste place of the felde . But he that hath a falowe felde , seueral to hym selfe , let hym occupie no folde . For foldynge of shepe maketh them scabbed , and bredeth mathes , and whanne a storme of yll wether commeth in the night , they can nat flee nor go awaye , and that appeyreth them sore of their flesshe . But lette that man , that hath such a seueral falowe felde , driue twentie , thyrty , or forty stakes , accordynge to the nombre of his shepe , vpon his falowe , where he wolde sette his folde , and specially in the farthest parte of the fyelde , frome thense as they comme in , for the goynge vppon dothe moche good . And lette the sheparde brynge his shepe to the stakes , and the sheepe wylle rubbe them on the stakes . And lette the sheparde goo aboute them , tyll they be sette , and thus serue theym two or three nyghtes , and they wyll folowe those stakes , as he flytteth them , and syt by them . And if any yll wether come they wyll ryse vp , and go to the hedge . And this maner of foldynge shall brede noo mathes nor scabbe , nor appeyre theym of theyr flesshe , and shall be a greate sauegarde to the shepe for rottynge : and in the mornynge put them out of theyr pasture , and thou shalte not nede to bye any hurdels nor shepe flekes , but howe ye shall salue them or dresse them , ye shall vnderstande in the chapyter of shepe after .

¶ To cary wodde and other necessaryes .

ANd in May , whan thou hast falowed thy grounde , and set oute thy shepefolde , and caryed oute thy dounge or mucke , if thou haue any wodde , cole , or tymbre to cary , or suche other busynes , that must nedes be doone , with thy charte or wayne , than is it tyme to do it . For than the waye is lyke to be fayre and drye , and the days longe . and that tyme the husbande hath leeste to doo in husbandry . Perauenture I set one thynge to be done at one tyme of the yere , and if the husbande shulde do it , it shulde be a greatter losse to hym in an other thynge . Wherfore it is moste conuenient to do that thynge fyrst , that is moste profytable to hym , and as soone as he can do the other labour .

¶ To knowe dyuers maner of wedes .

IN the later ende of Maye , and the begynninge of Iune , is tyme to wede thy corne . There be diuers maner of wedes , as thistyls , kedlokes , dockes , cocledrake , darnolde , gouldes , haudoddes , dogfenell , mathes , ter , and dyuers other small wedes . But these be they that greue mooste : The thistyll is an yll wede , roughe and sharpe to handell , and freteth away the cornes nygh it , and causeth the sherers or reapers not to shere cleane Kedlokes hath a leafe lyke rapes , and beareth a yelowe floure , and is an yll wede , & groweth in al maner corne , and hath small coddes , and groweth lyke mustard sede . Dockes haue a brode leaf , and diuers high spyres , and very small sede in the toppe . Cockole hath a longe small lefe , and wyl beare fyue or vi . floures of purple colour , as brode as a grote , and the sede is rounde and blacke , and maye well be suffred in breade corne , but not in sede , for therin is moch floure Drake is lyke vnto rye , till it begynne to sede , and it hath many sedes lyke fenell sedes , and hangeth downewarde , and it maye wel be suffred in breade , for there is moche floure in the sede : and it is an opinion that it commeth of rye . &c. Dernolde groweth vp streyght lyke an hye grasse , and hath longe sedes on eyther syde the stert , and there is moche floure in that sede , and growethe moche amonge barley : and it is sayde , that it cometh of small barley . Golds hath a shorte iagged leaf , and groweth halfe a yarde hygh , and hath a yelowe floure , as brode as a grote and is an yll wede , and groweth commonlye in barleye and pees . Hawdod hath a blewe floure , and a fewe lyttell leues , and hath . v. or syxe braunches , floured in the toppe : and groweth comonly in rye vpon leane grounde , and dothe lyttel hurte . Doggefenell and mathes is bothe one , and in the commynge vp is lyke fenell , and beareth many white floures , with a yelowe sede : and it is the worste wede that is , excepte terre , and it commeth mooste commonly , whan great wete commeth shortly after the corne is sowen . Terre is the worste wede , and it neuer dothe appere , tyll the moneth of Iune , and specyallye whanne there is great wete in that mone , or a lyttell before , and groweth mooste in rye , and it groweth lyke fytches , but it is moche smaller , and it wyll growe as hyghe as the corne , and with the weyght therof , it pulleth the corne flatte to the erth , and freteth the eares away . Wherfore I haue seene housbandes mowe downe the corne and it together : And also with sharp hokes to repe it , as they doo pees , and made it drye , and than it wyll be good fodder .

There be other wedes not spoken of , as dee , nettylles , dodder , and suche other , that doo moche harme .

¶ Howe to wede corne .

NOwe it wolde be knowen , howe these cornes shulde be weded . The chyefe instrument to wede with , is a paire of tonges made of wode and in the farther ende it is nycked , to holde the wed faster , and after a shoure of raine , it is beste wedynge , for than they maye be pulled vp by the rotes , and than it cometh neuer agayne . And if it be drye wether , than muste ye haue a wedynge hoke with a socket set vpon a lyttel staffe of a yarde longe , and this hoke wolde be well steeled , and grounde sharpe bothe behynde and before . And in his other hande he hath a forked stycke a yarde longe , and with his forked stycke he putteth the wede from hym , and he putteth the hoke beyond the rote of the wede , and pulleth it to hym , and cutteth the wede fast by the erthe , and with his hoke he taketh vp the wede , and casteth it in the reane , and if the reane be full of corne , it is better it stande styll , whan it is cut , and wyddre : but let hym beware , that he trede not to moche vppon the corne , and specyallye after it is shotte , and whan he cutteth the wede , that he cut not the corne : and therfore the hoke wolde not passe an inche wyde . And whanne the wede is soo shorte , that he can not with his forked stycke put it from hym , and with the hoke pull it to hym , thanne muste he set his hoke vppon the wede , fast by the erthe , and put it from hym , and so shall he cutte it cleane . And with these two instrumentes , he shall neuer stoupe to his warke . Dogfenell , goldes , mathes , and kedlokes are yll to wede after this maner , they growe vppon so many braunches , harde by the erthe : and therfore they vse most to pul them vppe with theyr handes , but loke well , that they pull not vppe the corne with all , but as for terre , there wyll noo wedynge serue .

¶ The fyrst sturrynge .

ALso in Iune is tyme to rygge vppe the falowe , the whiche is called the fyrst sturrynge , and to plowe it as depe as thou canste , for to tourne the rotes of the wedes vpwarde , that the sonne , and the drye wether , maye kyll them . And an housbande can not conuenyentelye plowe his lande , and lode out his dounge bothe vppon a daye , with one draughte of beastes : but he maye well lode oute his dounge before none , and lode heye or corne at after none : or he maye plowe before none , and lode hey or corne at after none , with the same draughte , and noo hurte to the cattell : bycause in lodynge of hey or corne , the cattel is alwaye eatynge or beytynge , and soo they can not doo in lodynge of dounge and plowynge .

¶ To mowe grasse .

ALlso in the later ende of Iune is tyme to begyn to mowe , if thy medowe be well growen : but howe so euer they be growen , in Iuly , they muste nedes mowe , for diuers causes . One is , it is not conuenient , to haue hey and corne bothe in occupation at one tyme . Another is , the yonger , and the grener that the grasse is , the softer and the sweter it wyll be , whan it is hey , but it wyll haue the more wyddrynge , and the elder the grasse is , the harder and dryer it is , and the worse for al maner of cattell : for the sedes be fallen , the whiche is in maner of prouander , and it is the harder to eate and chowe . And an other cause is , if drye wether come , it wyll drye and burne vpon the grounde , and waste away . Take hede that thy mower mow clene and holde downe the hynder hand of his sith , that he do not endent the grasse , and to mowe his swathe cleane thorowe to that that was laste mowen before , that he leaue not a mane bytwene , and specyallye in the common medowe : for in the seuerall medowe it maketh the lesse charge , and that the moldywarpe hilles be spredde , and the styckes cleane pycked out of the medowe in Apryll , or in the beginnynge of Maye .

¶ Howe forkes and rakes shulde be made .

A Good husbande hath his forkes and rakes made redye in the wynter before , and they wolde be gotte bytwene Mighelmasse and Martylmasse , and beyked , and sette euen , to lye vpryght in thy hande : and than they wyll be harde styffe and drye . And whan the housbande sytteth by the fyre , and hath nothynge to do , than maye he make theym redye , and tothe the rakes with drye wethy wode , and bore the holes with his wymble , bothe aboue and vnder , and driue the tethe vpwarde faste and harde , and than wedge them aboue with drye woode of oke , for that is hard , and wil driue and neuer come out . And if he get them in sappe tyme , all the beykyng and drienge that can be had , shal not make them harde and styffe , but they woll alwaye be plyenge : for they be moste comonly made of hasell and withee , and these be the trees that blome , and specially hasell : for it begynneth to blome as sone as the leaf is fallen . And if the rake be made of grene woode , the heed wyll not abyde vppon the stele , and the tethe wyll fall out , whan he hath mooste nede to them , and let his warke , and lose moche heye . And se that thy rake and forke lye vpryghte in thy hand , for and the one ende of thy rake , or the syde of thy forke , hang downe warde , than they be not handsome nor easy to worke with .

¶ To tedde and make hey .

Whan thy medowes be mowed , they wolde be well tedded and layde euen vppon the grounde : and if the grasse be very thycke , it wolde be shaken with handes , or with a shorte pykforke . for good teddynge is the chiefe poynte to make good hey . and than shall it be wyddred all in lyke , orelles not : and whan it is wel wyddred on the ouer syde , and dry , than turne it cleane before noone , as soone as the dewe is gone : And yf thou dare truste the wether , lette it lye so all nyghte : and on the nexte daye , tourne it agayne before none , and towarde nyght make it in wyndrowes , and than in smal hey cockes and so to stande one nyghte at the leaste , and sweate : and on the nexte fayre day , caste it abrode agayne , and tourne it ones or twyse , and than make it in greatter hey cockes , and to stande so one nyghte or more , that it maye vngiue and sweate for and it sweate not in the hey cockes , it wyll sweate in the mowe , and than it wyll be dustye , and not holsome for hors , beastes , nor shepe . And whan it standeth in the cockes , it is better to lode , and the more hey maye be loded at a lode , and the faster it wyll lye . Quyche hey commeth of a grasse called crofote , and groweth flatte , after the erthe , and bearethe a yelowe floure , halfe a yarde hygh and more , and hath many knottes towarde the roote , and it is the b●ste hey for horses and beastes , and the sweteste , if it be well got , but it wyll haue moch more wyddrynge than other hey , for els he wyll be pysse hym selfe and waxe hote , and after dustye . And for to knowe whanne it is wyddred ynoughe , make a lyttell rope of the same , that ye thinke shulde be moste greneste , and twyne it as harde to gether bytwen your handes as ye canne and soo beynge harde twon , let one take a knyfe , and cut it faste by your hande , and the knottes wyll be moyste , yf it be not drye ynough-Shorte hey , and leye hey is good for shepe , and all maner of catell . if it be well got . A man maye speke of makynge of hey , and gettynge of corne , but god disposeth and ordreth all thynge .

¶ Howe rye shulde be shorne .

IN THE later ende of Iuly , or in the begynnynge of Auguste , is tyme to shere Rye , the whiche wolde be shorne cleane , and faste bounden . And in somme places they mowe it , the whiche is not soo good to the housbandes prefytte , but it is the sooner done . For whan it is mowen , it wyll not be so fast bounden : and he can not gather it soo cleane , but there wyll be moche losse , and taketh more rowme in the barne than shorne corne dothe . And also it wyll not kepe nor saue it selfe frome rayne or yll wether , whan it standeth in the couer , as the shorne corne wyll do .

¶ Howe to shere wheate .

Wheate wolde be shorne cleane , and harde bounden in lyke maner , but for a generall rule , take good hede , that the sherers of all maner of whyte corne , cast not vppe theyr handes hastely , for thanne all the lose corne , and the strawes , that he holdeth not faste in his hande , flieth ouer his heed , and are loste : and also it wyll pull of the eares , and specyallye of the cornes that be verye rype . In somme places they wyll shere theyr cornes hyghe , to the entente to mowe theyr stubble , eyther to thacke or to bren : if they so do , they haue greate cause to take good hede of the sherers . for if the eares of the corne croke downe to the erthe , and the sherer take not good hede , and put vp the eare , er he cut the strawe : as many eares as be vnder his hoke or sicle , fall to the erthe , and be loste , and whan they mowe the stubble , it is great hyndraunce to the profytte of the grounde . And in Sommersetshire , about Zelcestre and Martok , they doo shere theyr wheate very lowe , and all the wheate strawe , that they pourpose to make thacke of , they do not thresshe it , but cutte of the eares , and bynde it in sheues , and call it rede : and therwith they thacke theyr houses . And if it be a newe house , they thacke it vnder theyr fote : the whiche is the beste and the surest thacking that can be of strawe , for crowes and douues shall neuer hurte it .

☞ To mowe or shere barley and otes .

BArley and otes be moste commonly mowen , and a man or woman folowythe the mower with a hande rake halfe a yarde longe , with . vii . or . viii . tethe , in the lyfte hande , and a syckle in the ryghte hande , and with the rake he gethereth as moche as wyll make a shefe . And thanne he taketh the barley or otes by the toppes , and pulleth out as moche as wil make a band , and casteth the band from him on the land , and with his rake and his syckle , taketh vp the barley or otes , & layeth them vppon the bande , and so the barley lyeth vnbounden . iii. or . iiii dayes , if it be fayre wether , and than to bynde it . And whan the barley is ledde away , the landes muste be raked , or els there wyll be moche corne loste , and if the barley or otes lye , they muste nedes be shorne .

¶ To repe or mowe pees and beanes .

PEes and benes be moste commonly laste reped or mowen of diuers maners , some with sickles , some with hokes , ●nd some with staffe hokes . And in somme places they lay them on repes , and whan they be dry , they laye them to gether on heapes , lyke hey cockes , and neuer bynde them . But the best way is , whan the repes be dry , to bynde them , and to set theym on the rydge of the landes three sheues to gether , and loke that your sherers , repers , or mowers geld not your beanes , that is to saye , to cutte the beanes so hye , that the nethermoste codde growe styll on the stalke : and whan they be bounden , they are the more redyer to lode and vnlode , to make a reke , and to take fro the mowe to thresshe . And soo be not the repes .

¶ Howe all maner of cornes shulde be tythed .

NOwe that all these cornes before specy fyed , be shorne , mowed , reped , bounden vp , and layde vppon the rydge of the lande , lette the housbande take hede of goddes commaundemente , and let hym goo to the ende of his lande , and begynne and tell . ix . sheues , and let hym caste out the x. shefe in the name of god , and so to pervse from lande to lande , tyll he haue trewely tythed all his corne . And beware , and take hede of the sayinge of our lorde by his prophete Malachias , the whiche saythe , Quia michi non dedisti decimas et primitias , id circo in fame et penuria maledicti estis . That is to saye , Bycause ye haue not gyuen to me your tythes , and your fyrste fruytes , therfore ye be cursed , and punysshed with honger and penury . And accordynge to that saynte Austyn saythe , Da decimas , alioqui incides in decimam partem angelorum qui de celo corruerunt in infernum . That is to say , Gyue thy tythes truely , or els thou shalt fall amonge the tenthe parte of aungelles , that felle from heuen in to hell , the whiche is an harde worde to euery man , that oughte to gyue tythes , and doth not gyue them truely . But saynte Austyne saythe a comfortable worde again , to them that gyue theyr tythes truely , that is to saye : Decimae sunt tributa egentium animarum : Tythes are tributes or rewardes to nedye soules And ferther he saythe : Si decimam dederis , non solum abundantiam fructum recipies , sed etiam sanitatem corporis et animae consequeris , That is to saye , If thou haue gyuen thy tythes truely , thou shalte not all onely receyue the profite , and the abundaunce of goodes , but also helthe of bodye and soule shall folowe . Wolde to god , that euerye man knewe the harde worde of our lorde by his prophete Malachias , and also the comfortable wordes of the holy saynte Austyn . For than wolde I truste verely , that tythes shulde be truely gyuen .

¶ Howe all maner of corne shulde be couered .

NOwe these cornes be shorne and bounden , and the tithes cast out , it is tyme to couer theym , shoke theym , or halfe throue them , but couerynge is the beste waye of all maner of whyte corne . And that is , to set foure sheues one one syde , and. iiii . sheues on the other syde , and two sheues aboue , of the greatteste , bounden harde nyghe to the nether ende , the whiche must be set vpwarde , and the top downewarde spredde abrode to couer all the other sheues . And they wyll stand beste in wynde , and saue theym selfe beste in rayne , and they wolde be set on the rydge of the lande , and the sayde sheues to leane together in the toppes , and wyde at the grounde , that the winde may go through , to drye them . Pees and beanes wolde be set on the rydge of the lande , thre sheues together the toppes vpwarde , and wrythen together , and wyde benethe , that they maye the better wyddre .

¶ To lode corne , and mowe it .

Whanne all these cornes be drye and wyddred ynoughe , than lode theym in to the barne , and laye euerye corne by it selfe . And if it be a wete haruest , make many mowes : and if thou haue not housynge ynoughe , thanne it is better to laye thy pees and benes without vppon a reke , than other corne , and it is better vppon a scaffolde , than vppon the grounde : for than it muste be well hedged for swyne and catel , and the grounde wyll rotte the bottom , and the scaffolde saueth both hedgynge and rottynge : but they must be well couered bothe . And the husband may set shepe or catel vnder the same scaffold and wyll serue hym in stede of an house , if it be well and surely made . &c.

¶ The fyrst sturrynge .

IN August , and in the begynning of September , is tyme to make his seconde sturrynge , and most commonly it is cast downe and plowed a meane forowe , not to depe nor to ebbe , so he turne it clene . And if it be caste , it wolde be water forowed bytwene the landes , there as the reane shulde be , and it wyll be the dryer , whan the lande shall be sowen . And if the landes lie high in the ridge , & highe at the reane , & lowe in the myddes of the side , that the water may not ronne easely in to the reane , as I se dayly in many places : than let the husband set his plough . iii. or . iiii fote from the rydge , and cast all the rydge on bothe sydes , and whan the rydge is cast , set his plough there as he began , and rydge vp the remenant of the lande , and so is the land bothe cast and rydged , and all at one plowynge . And this shall cause the lande to lye rounde , whan it is sowen at the nexte tyme , and than shall it not drowne the corne .

☞ To sowe wheat and rye .

ABoute Myghelmasse it is tyme to sowe bothe wheate and rye Wheate is mooste commonlye sowen vnder the forowe , that is to saye , caste it vppon the falowe , and than plowe it vnder . And in some places they sowe theyr wheate vppon theyr pees stubble , the whiche is neuer soo good , as that that is sowen vppon the falowe : and that is vsed , where they make falowe in a fyelde euery fourthe yere . And in Essex they vse to haue a chylde , to go in the forowe before the horses or oxen , with a bagge or a hopper full of corne , and he taketh his hande full of corne , and by lyttel and lytel casteth it in the sayde forowe . Me semeth , that chylde oughte to haue moche dyscretion .

Howe be it there is moche good corne , and rye is mooste commonlye sowen aboue and harrowed , and two London busshelles of wheate and rye wyll sowe an acre . Some grounde is good for wheate , some for rye , and some is good for bothe : and vppon that ground sowe blend corne , that is both wheate and rye , the whiche is the surest corne of growyng , and good for the husbandes houshold . And the wheate , that shall be medled with rye , muste be suche , as wyll soone be rype , and that is flaxen wheate , polerd wheate , or whyte wheate . And ye shall vnderstande , that there be dyuers maners of wheates . Flaxen wheate hath a yelowe eare , and bare without anis , and is the bryghtest wheate in the busshell , and wyll make the whytest breed , and it wyll weare the grounde sore , and is small strawe , and wyll growe very thycke , and is but small corne . Polerde wheate hath noo anis , thycke sette in the eare , and wyll soone fall out , and is greatter corne , and wyll make whyte breed . whyte wheate is lyke polerde wheate in the busshell , but it hath anis , and the eare is foure square , and wyll make white breed : and in Essex , they call flaxen wheate whyte wheate . Red wheate hath a flat eare , an inche brode , full of anis , and is the greatteste corne , and the brodeste blades , and the greattest strawe , and wyl make whyte breed , and is the rudeste of colour in the busshell .

Englysshe wheate hath a dunne eare , fewe anis or none , and is the worste wheate , saue peeke wheate . Peeke wheate hath a red eare , ful of anis , thyn set , and oft tymes it is flyntered , that is to saye , small corne wrynkeled and dryed , and wyll not make whyte breade , but it wyl growe vpon colde grounde .

¶ To thresshe and wynowe corne .

THis wheate and rye , that thou shalte sowe , ought to be very cleane of wede , and therfore , er thou thresshe thy corne open thy sheues , and pyke oute all maner of wedes , and than thresshe it , and wynowe it cleane , and so shalt thou haue good clene corne an other yere . And in some countreys , aboute London specyallye , and in Essex and kente , they do fan theyr corne , the whiche is a verye good gise , and a great sauegarde for shedinge of the corne . And whan thou shalte sell it , if it be well wynowed or fande , it wyll be solde the derer , and the lyghte corne wyll serue the husbande in his house .

¶ To seuer pees , beanes , and fytches .

Whan thou haste thresshed thy pees , and beanes , after they be wynowed , and er thou shalte sowe or selle them , let theym be well reed with syues , and seuered in thre partes , the great from the small , and thou shalte gette in euerye quarter a London busshell , or there about . For the smalle corne lyeth in the holowe and voyde places of the greate beanes , and yet shall the greate beanes be solde as dere , as if they were all together , or derer , as a man maye proue by a famylier ensample . Let a man bye . C. hearynges , two hearynges for a penye , and an other . C. hearynges , thre for a peny , and let hym sell these . CC. hearinges agayne v. herynges for . ii d. nowe hath he loste . iiii . d. For C. hearinges ii . for . i d. cost v. s. and. C. hearynge . iii. for a peny coste . iii. s. and. iiii . d the whiche is . viii . s. and. iiii . d. and whan he selleth . v. herynges for . ii . d xx . heringes cometh but to . viii . d. and there is but. xii . score heringes , & that is but. xii . grotes , and. xii . grotes , and that cometh but to . viii . s. & so he hath lost iiii . d. and it is bicause there be not so many bargeins , for in the bienge of these . CC. heringes there be . v. score bargeins , & in the sellinge of the same there be but. xlviii . bargeyns , and so is there lost . x. hearinges , the whiche wolde haue ben . ii . bargeyns moo , and than it had ben euen and mete . And therfore he that byeth grosse sale , and retayleth , muste nedes be a wynner . and so shalt thou be a loser , if thou sell thy pees , beanes , and fytches together : for than thou sellest grosse sale . And if thou seuer them in thre partes , than thou doest retayle , wherby thou shalte wynne .

¶ Of shepe , and what tyme of the yere the rammes shulde be put to the ewes .

AN housbande can not well thryue by his corne , without he haue other cattell , nor by his cattell , without corne . for els he shall be a byer , a borower , or a begger . And bycause that shepe in myne opynyon is the mooste profytablest cattell , that any man can haue , therfore I pourpose to speake fyrst of shepe . Than fyrst it is to be knowen , what tyme thou shalt put thy rammes to thy ewes , and therin I make a distinction , for euery man maye not put to theyr rammes all at one tyme : for if they doo , there wyll be greate hurte and losse . for that man , that hath the best shepe pasture for wynter , and soone spryngynge in the begynnynge of the yere , he maye suffre his rammes to goo with his ewes all tymes of the yere , to blyssomme or ryde whan they wyll : but for the comon pasture . it is tyme to put to his rammes at the Exaltation of the holye crosse : for than the bucke goth to the rut , and so wolde the ramme . But for the common husbande , that hath noo pasture but the common fieldes , it is tyme ynoughe at the feste of saynt Mychaell the archangel . And for the poore housbande of the Peeke , or suche other , that dwell in hylly and hyghe groundes , that haue no pastures , nor common fieldes , but all onely the comon hethe , Symon and Iude daye is good tyme for theym , and this is the reason why . An ewe goth with lambe . xx . wekes , and shall yeane her lambe in the. xxi . weke , & if she haue not conueniente newe grasse to eate , she maye not gyue her lambe mylke : and for wante of mylke , there be manye lambes perysshed and loste : and also for pouertye , the dammes wyll lacke mylke , and forsake theyr lambes , and soo often tymes they dye bothe in suche harde countreys .

¶ To make an ewe to loue her lambe .

IF thy ewe haue mylke , and wyll not loue her lambe , put her in a narowe place made of bordes , or of smothe trouse , a yarde wyde , and put the lambe to her , and socle it , and yf the ewe smyte the lambe with her heed , bynde her heed with a heye rope , or a corde , to the syde of the penne : and if she wyl not stande syde longe all the ewe , than gyue her a lyttell hey , and tye a dogge by her , that she maye se hym : and this wyll make her to loue her lambe shortely . And if thou haue a lambe deed , wherof the damme hath moche mylke , fley that lambe , and tye that skynne vpon an other lambes backe , that hath a sory damme , with lyttell mylke , and put the good ewe and that lambe together in the penne , and in one houre she wyll loue that lambe , & than mayst thou take thy sory weyke ewe awaye , and put her in an other place : and by this meanes thou mayste fortune to saue her lyfe , and the lambes bothe .

¶ What tyme lambes shulde be wayned .

IN some places they neuer seuer their lambes from theyr dammes , and that is for two causes : One is , in the beste pasture where the rammes goo alwaye with theyr ewes , there it nedeth not , for the dammes wil waxe drye , and wayne theyr lambes theym selfe . An other cause is , he that hath noo seuerall and sounde pasture , to put his lambes vnto , whan they shoulde be wayned , he muste eyther sell them , or let theym sucke as longe as the dammes wyll suffre theym , and it is a common sayinge , that the lambe shall not rotte , as longe as it souketh , excepte the damme want meate . But he that hath seueral and sounde pasture , it is tyme to wayne theyr lambes , whanne they be xvi . wekes olde , or xviii . at the farthest , and the better shall the ewe take the ramme agayne . And the poore man of the peeke countreye , and suche other places , where as they vse to mylke theyr ewes , they vse to wayne theyr lambes at xii . wekes olde , and to mylke theyr ewes fiue or syxe wekes . &c. But those lambes be neuer soo good as the other that sucke longe , and haue meate ynoughe .

¶ To drawe shepe , and seuer them in dyuers places .

THan thou grasier , that hast many shepe in thy pastures , it is conuenient for the , to haue a shepefolde made with a good hedge or a pale , the whiche wyll receyue all thy shepe easyly that goo in one pasture , sette betwene two of thy pastures , in a drye place , and adioynynge to the ende of the same , make an other lyttell folde , that wyll receyue lxxxx . shepe or moo , and bothe those foldes must haue eyther of theym a gate in to eyther pasture , and at the ende of that folde make an other lyttel folde , that wyll receyue . xl . shepe or mo , and betwene euery folde a gate . And whan the shepe are in the greate folde , let . xl . of them or there about , come into the myddle folde , and steke the gate . And than let the shepeherde turne them , and loke them on euery syde , and if he se or fynde any shepe , that nedeth any helpynge or mendinge for any cause , lette the shepeherde take that shepe with his hoke , and put hym in the lyttell folde . And whan he hath taken all that nedeth any mendyng , than put the other in to whether pasture he wyll , and let in as many out of the greate folde , and take those , that nede any handling , and put them into the lyttell folde . And thus peruse them all tyll he haue doone , and than let the shepeherde go belte , grese , and handel all those that he hath drawen , and than shall not the great flocke be taryed nor kepte from theyr meate : and as he hath mended them , to put them into theyr pasture .

¶ To belte shepe .

IF any shepe raye or be fyled with dounge about the tayle , take a payre of sheres , and clyppe it awaye , and cast dry muldes thervpon : and if it be in the heate of the sommer , it wolde be rubbed euer with a lyttell terre , to kepe awaye the flyes . It is necessarye , that a shepeherde haue a borde , set fast to the syde of his lyttell folde , to laye his shepe vpon , whan he handeleth theym , and an hole bored in the borde with an augur , and therin a grayned staffe of two fote longe , to be set fast , to hang his terre boxe vpon , and than it shall not fall . And a shepeherde shoulde not go without his dogge , his shepe hoke , a payre of sheres , and his terre boxe , eyther with hym , or redye at his shepe folde , and he muste teche his dogge to barke , whan he wolde haue hym , to ronne whan he wold haue hym , and to leue ronning , whan he wolde haue hym , or els he is not a cunninge shepeherd . The dogge must lerne it , whan he is a whelpe , or els it wyl not be : for it is harde to make an olde dogge to stoupe .

¶ To grease shepe .

IF any sheepe be scabbed , the shepeherde maye perceyue it by the bytynge , rubbyng , or scratchynge with his horne , and mooste commonly the woll wyll ryse , and be thyn or bare in that place : than take ●hym , and shede the woll with thy fyngers , there as the scab is , and with thy fynger laye a lyttell terre thervpon , and stroke it a lengthe in the bottom of the woll , that it be not seen aboue . And soo shede the woll by and by , and laye a lyttell terre thervppon , tyll thou passe the sore , and than it wyll go no farther .

¶ To medle terre .

LEt thy terre be medled with oyle , gose grease , or capons grease , these three be the beste , for these wyll make the terre to ronne abrode : butter and swynes grease , whan they be molten , are good , soo they be not salte , for terre of hym selfe is to kene , and is a fretter , and no healer , without it be medled with some of these .

¶ To make brome salue .

¶ A medicyne to salue poore mennes shepe , that thynke terre to costely : but I doubte not , but and ryche men knowe it , they wolde vse the same .

TAke a shete ful of brome croppes , leaues , blossomes , and all , and chop them very smal , and than sethe them in a pan of . xx . gallons with rennynge water , tyll it begyn to waxe thycke lyke a gelly , than take two pounde of shepe suet molten , and a pottell of olde pysse , and as moche bryne made with salte , and put all in to the sayde panne , and styrre it aboute , and than streyne it thorowe an olde clothe , and putte it in to what vessell ye wyll , and yf your shepe be newe clypped , make it luke warme , and than washe your shepe there with , with a sponge or a pece of an olde mantell , or of faldynge , or suche a softe cloth or woll , for spendynge to moche of your salue . And at all tymes of the yere after , ye may relent it , and nede require : and make wyde sheydes in the woll of the shepe , and anoynt them with it , & it shal heale the scabbe , and kyll the shepe lyce , and it shall not hurte the woll in the sale therof . And those that be wasshen , wyll not take scabbe after ( if they haue sufficient meate ) for that is the beste grease that is to a shepe , to grease hym in the mouthe with good meate : the whiche is also a greate sauegarde to the shepe for rottynge , excepte there come myldewes , for he wyll chose the beste , if he haue plentye . And he that hath but a fewe shepe moderate this medicyne accordynge .

¶ If a shepe haue mathes .

IF a shepe haue mathes , ye shall perceyue it by her bytynge , or fyskynge , or shakyng of her tayle , and mooste commonlye it is moyst and wete : and if it be nyghe vnto the tayle , it is ofte tymes grene , and fyled with his dounge : and than the shepeherde muste take a payre of sheres , and clyppe awaye the woll bare to the skynne , and take a handfull of drye moldes , and cast the moldes thervpon to drye vp the wete , and than wype the muldes away , and laye terre there as the mathes were , and a lyttell farther . And thus loke theym euery daye , and mende theym , if they haue nede .

¶ Blyndenes of shepe , and other dyseases , and remedies therfore .

THere be some shepe that wyll be blynd a season , and yet mende agayn . And if thou put a lytel terre in his eye , he will mende the rather . There be dyuers waters , & other medicyns , that wolde mende hym , but this is mooste common medicyne that shepeherdes vse .

¶ The worme in the shepes fote , and helpe therfore

THere be some shepe , that hath a worme in his foote , that maketh hym halte . Take that shepe , and loke betwene his clese , and there is a lyttell hole , as moche as a greatte pynnes heed , and therin groweth fyue or syxe blacke heares , lyke an inche long and more , take a sharpe poynted knyfe , and slytte the skynne a quarter of an inche long aboue the hole and as moche benethe , and put thy one hande in the holowe of the fote , vnder the hynder clese , and set thy thombe aboue almooste at the slytte , and thruste thy fyngers vnderneth forward , and with thy other hand , take the blacke heares by the ende , or with thy knyues poynte , and pull the heares a lyttell and a lyttell , and thruste after thy other hande , with thy fynger and thy thombe , and there wyll come oute a worme lyke a pece of fleshe , nygh as moche as a lyttel fynger . And whan it is out , put a lyttel tarre into the hole , and it wyll be shortely hole .

¶ The blode , and remedy if one come betyme .

THere is a sicknes among shepe , and is called the bloude , that shepe , that hath that , wil dye sodeinly , and er he dye , he wil stande still , and hange downe the heed , & other while quake . If the shepeherde can espye hym , let him take and rubbe hym about the heed , & specyally adout his eares , and vnder his eyen , & with a knyfe cut of his eares in the middes , & also let hym blode in a veyne vnder his eien : and if he blede wel , he is lyke to lyue , & if he blede not , than kil him , and saue his fleshe . for if he dye by hym selfe , the flesshe is loste , and the skyn wyll be ferre ruddyer , lyke blode , more than an other skynne shall be . And it taketh mooste commonly the fattest and best lykynge .

¶ The pockes , and remedy therfore .

THe pockes appere vppon the skyn , and are lyke reed pymples , as brode as a farthynge , and therof wyll dye many . And the remedy therfore is , to handle all thy shepe , and to loke on euery parte of theyr bodyes : and as many as ye fynde taken therwith , put them in freshe newe grasse , and kepe them fro theyr felowes , and to loke thy flocke ofte , and drawe theym as they nede . And if it be in sommer tyme , that there be no froste , than washe them . Howe be it some shepeherdes haue other medycines .

¶ The wode euyll , and remedy therfore .

THere is a sickenes among shepe , and is called the wode euyll , and that cometh in the sprynge of the yere , and takethe them moste commonly in the legges , or in the necke , and maketh them to halt , and to holde theyr necke awry . And the mooste parte that haue that sicknes , wyl dye shortely in a day or two . The best remedy is , to wasshe theym a lyttell , and to chaunge theyr grounde , and to bryng them to lowe ground and freshe grasse . And that sycknes is moste commonly on hylly grounde , ley grounde , and ferny grounde . And some men vse to let them bloudde vnder the eye in a vaine for the same cause .

¶ To washe shepe .

IN Iune is tyme to shere shepe , and er they be shorne , they muste be verye well wasshen , the whiche shall be to the owner great profyte in the sale of his woll , and also to the clothe maker . but yet beware , that thou put not to many shepe in a penne at one tyme , neyther at the washing , nor at the sheryng , for feare of murtheryng or ouer pressyng of their felowes , and that none go awaye , tyll he be cleane washen . and se that they , that hold the shepe , by the heed in the water , holde his heed hye ynoughe for drownynge .

¶ To shere shepe .

TAke hede of the sherers , for touchynge the shepe with the sheres . and specially for pryckyng with the poynte of the sheres , and that the shepeherde be alway redy with his tarboxe to salue them . And se that they be well marked , both eare marke , pitche marke , and radel marke , and let the wol be well folden or wounden with a woll wynder , that can good skyll therof , the whiche shal do moche good in the sale of the same .

¶ To drawe and seuer the badde shepe from the good .

Whan thou haste all shorne thy shepe , it is than best tyme to drawe them , and soo seuer theym in dyuers sortes , the shepe , that thou wylte fede by them selfe , the ewes by theym selfe , the share hogges and theyues by them selfe , the lambes by theym selfe , wedders and the rammes by them self , if thou haue soo many pastures for them : for the byggest wyll beate the weikeste with his heed . And of euery sorte of shepe , it may fortune there be some , that like not and be weike , those wolde be put in freshe grasse by theym selfe : and whan they be a lyttel mended , than sel them , and ofte chaunge of grasse shal mend all maner of cattell .

☞ What thynges rotteth shepe .

IT is necessary that a shepeherde shoulde knowe , what thynge rotteth shepe , that he myghte kepe theym the better . There is a grasse called sperewort , and hath a longe narowe leafe , lyke a spere heed , and it wyll growe a fote hyghe , and beareth a yelowe floure , as brode as a peny , and it growethe alwaye in lowe places , where the water is vsed to stande in wynter . An other grasse is called peny grasse , and groweth lowe by the erthe in a marsshe grounde , and hath a leafe as brode as a peny of two pens , and neuer beareth floure . All maner of grasse , that the lande floudde renneth ouer , is verye ylle for shepe , bycause of the sande and fylthe that stycketh vppon it . All marreys grounde , and marsche grounde is yll for shepe . the grasse that groweth vppon falowes is not good for shepe : for there is moche of it wede , and ofte tymes it commeth vppe by the rote , and that bryngeth erthe with it , and they eate both . &c. Myldewe grasse is not good for shepe , and that ye shall knowe two wayes . One is by the leaues on the trees in the mornynge , and specyally of okes , take the leaues , and putte thy tonge to them , and thou shalt fele like hony vppon them . And also there wyll be many kelles vppon the grasse , and that causeth the myldewe . Wherfore they may not well be let out of the folde , tyll the sonne haue domynation to drye them awaye . Also hunger rotte is the worst rotte that can be , for there is neither good flesshe nor good skynne , and that cometh for lacke of meate , and so for hunger they eate suche as they can fynde : and so will not pasture shepe , for they selden rot but with myldewes , and than wyll they haue moch talowe and fleshe , and a good skyn . Also white snailes be yll for shepe in pastures , and in falowes There is an other rotte , whiche is called pelte rotte , and that commeth of greatte wete , specyally in woode countreyes , where they can not drye .

¶ To knowe a rotten shepe dyuers man●r wayes , wherof some of them wyll not fayle .

TAke bothe your handes , and twyrle vpon his eye , and if he be ruddy . and haue reed stryndes , in the white of the eye , than he is sounde , and if the eye be white , lyke talowe , and the stryndes darke celoured , thanne he is rotten . And also take the shepe , and open the wolle on the syde , and yf the skynne be of ruddy colour and drye , than is he sounde , and if it be pale coloured and watrye , thanne is he rotten . Also whanne ye haue opened the woll on the syde , take a lyttell of the woll bytwene thy fynger and thy thombe , and pull it a lyttel and if it sticke faste , he is sounde , and if it comme lyghtely of , he is rotten . Also whan thou haste kylde a shepe , his belly wyll be full of water , if he be sore rotten , and also the fatte of the fleshe , wyll be yelowe , if he be rotten . And also if thou cut the lyuer , therin wyll be lyttell quikens lyke flokes , and also the lyuer wyll be full of knottes and whyte blysters , yf he be rotten . and also sethe the lyuer , if he be rotten it wyll breke in peces , and if he be sounde , it wyll holde together .

¶ To bye leane cattell .

THese housbandes , if they shall well thryue , they muste haue bothe kye , oxen , horses , mares , and yonge cattell , and to rere and brede euery yere some calues , and fools , or els shall he be a byer . And yf thou shalte by oxen for the ploughe , se that they be yonge , and not gowty , nor broken of heare . neyther of tayle , nor of pysell . And yf thou bye kye to the payle , se that they be yonge and good to mylke , and fede her calues wel . And if thou bye kye or oxen to feede , the yonger they be , the rather they wyll fede , but loke well , that the heare stare not , and that he lycke hym selfe , and be hoole mouthed , and want no tethe . And though he haue the goute and be broken , bothe of tayle and pysell , yet wyll he fede . But the gouty oxe wyll not be dryuen ferre and se that he haue a brode ryb , and a thycke hyde ▪ and to be lose skinned , that it stycke not harde nor streyte to his rybbes , for than he wyll not fede .

¶ To bye fatte cattell .

IF thou shalte bye fatte oxen or kye , handel them , and se that they be soft on the forecroppe , behynde the shulder , and vpon the hindermost rybbe , and vpon the hucbone , and the nache by the tayle . And se the oxe haue a greate codde , and the cowe great nauyll , for than it shulde seme , that they shuld be wel talowed . And take hede , where thou byeste any leane cattel or fat , and of whom , and where it was bred . For if thou by out of a better ground than thou haste thy selfe , that cattell wyll not lyke with the. And also loke , that there be no maner of sycknes amonge the cattell in that towneshyp or pasture that thou byest thy catel oute of . For if there be any murren or longe sought , it is great ieoperdy : for a beast maye take sycknes ten or . xii . dayes or more , ere it appere on hym .

¶ Dyuers sycnesses of cattell , and remedies therfore , and fyrst of murren .

ANd yf it fortune to fall murren amonge thy beastes , as god forbede , there be men ynough can helpe them . And it commeth of a ranknes of bloudde , and appereth moste commonly fyrste in the heed : for his heed wyll swell , and his eyen waxe greate and ronne of water and frothe at the mouthe , and than he is paste remedy , and wyl dye shortely , and wyll neuer eate after he be sycke . Than flee hym , and make a depe pytte faste by , there as he dyeth , and caste hym in , and couer hym with erthe , that noo dogges maye come to the caryen . For as many beastes as feleth the smelle of that caryen , are lykely to be enfecte , and take the skynne , and haue it to the tanners to sell , and bryng it not home , for peryll that may fal . And it is commonly vsed , and cometh of a greate charytie , to take the bare heed of the same beaste , and put it vpon a longe pole , and set it in a hedge , faste bounden to a stake , by the hyghe waye syde , that euerye man , that rydethe or goeth that waye , maye se and knowe by that signe , that there is sycknes of cattell in the towneshyp . And the husbandes holde an opynyon , that it shall the rather cease . And whanne the beaste is slain , there as the murren dothe appere bytwene the flesshe and the skynne , it wyll ryse vppe lyke a ielly and frothe an inche depe or more . And this is the remedy for the murren . Take a smalle curteyne corde , and bynde it harde aboute the beastes necke , and that wyll cause the bloudde to come in to the necke , and on eyther syde of the necke there is a vayne that a man may fele with his fynger : and than take a bloud yren , and set it streight vppon the vayne , and smyte hym bloudde on bothe sydes , and let hym blede the mountenaunce of a pynte or nyghe it , and than take awaye the corde , and it wyll staunche bleding . And thus serue all thy cattell , that be in that close or pasture , and there shall no mo be sicke by goddes loue .

¶ Longe sought , and remedy therfore .

THere is an nother maner of syckenesse among bestes , and it is called longe sought , and that sickenes wyl endure lóg , and ye shal per ceyue it by his hoystynge , he wyl stand moche , & eate but a littel , and waxe very holowe & thin . And he wil hoyst . xx . times in an houre , and but fewe of them do mende . The best remedy is to kepe thy cattell in sondrye places , and as many as were in companye with that beast , that fyrst fell sycke , to let them a lyttel bloude . And there be many men , that can seuer theym , and that is to cutte the dewlappe before , and there is a grasse , that is called feitergrasse , take that grasse , and broyse it a lyttell in a morter , and thanne put therof as moche as an hennes egge in to the sayd dewlappe , and se it fall not oute . Thus I haue seen vsed , and men haue thought it hath done good .

¶ Dewbolue , and the harde remedy therfore .

AN other dysease amonge beastes is called dewbolue , and that commeth , whan a hungry beaste is put in a good pasture full of ranke grasse , he wyll eate soo moche , that his sydes wyll stande as hygh as his backe bone , and other whyle , the one syde more thanne the other , and but fewe of them wyll dye , but he maye not be dryuen hastely , nor laboured , beinge so swollen , and the substaunce of it is but wynde : and therfore he wolde be softly dryuen , and not sytte downe . Howe be it I haue seen a manne take a knyfe , and thruste hym thorowe the skynne and the flesshe two inches depe , or more , vi . inches or more from the ridge bone , that the wynde maye come out . For the wynde lyeth bytwene the fleshe and the greate paunche .

¶ Rysen vpon , and the remedy therfore .

AN other dysease is called rysen vppon and no man can tell howe , nor wherof it cometh : but ye shall perceyue that by swellynge in the heed , and specyallye by the eyen , for they wyll ronne on water , and close his syghte , and wyll dye shortly within an houre or two , if he be not holpen . This is the cause of his dysease . There is a blyster rysen vnder the tounge , the whiche blyster must be slytte with a knyfe a crosse . Whan ye haue pulled out the tongue , rubbe the blyster well with salte , and take an hennes egge , and breake it in the beastes mouthe shell and all , and cast salte to it , and holde vp the bestes heed , that all maye be swalowed downe into the body . But the breakynge of the blyster is the great helpe , and dryue the beaste a lyttell aboute , and this shall saue hym , by the helpe of Iesu .

☞ The turne , and remedy therfore .

THere be beastes that wyll turne about , whan they eate theyr meate , and wyll not fede , and is great ieoperdy for fallynge in pyties , dyches , or waters : and it is bycause that there is a bladder in the foreheed bytwene the brayne panne and the braynes , the whiche must be taken out , or els he shal neuer mende , but dye at lengthe , and this is the remedy and the greatest cure that can be on a beaste . Take that beast , and cast him downe , and bynde his foure fete together , and with thy thombe , thruste the beast in the foreheed , and where thou fyndest the softest place , there take a knyfe , and cut the skyn ▪ three or foure inches on bothe sides bytwene the hornes , and as moche benethe towarde the nose , and fley it , and turne it vp , and pyn it faste with a pyn , and with a knyfe cut the brayne pan . ii . inches brode , and thre inches longe , but se the knyfe go no deper than the thycknes of the bone for perysshynge of the brayne , and take away the bone , and than shalt thou se a bladder full of water two inches longe and more , take that out , and hurte not the brayne , and thanne let downe the skynne , and sowe it faste there as it was before , and bynde a clothe two or thre folde vpon his foreheed , to kepe it from colde and wete . x. or . xii . dayes . And thus haue I seen many mended . But if the beaste be fatte , and any reasonable meate vpon hym , it is best to kyll hym , for than there is but lyttell losse . And if the bladder be vnder the horne , it is past cure . A shepe wyll haue the turne as well as a beast , but I haue seen none mended .

☞ The warrybrede , and the remedy therfore .

THere be beastes that wyll haue warrybredes in dyuers partes of theyr body and legges , and this is the remedy . Cast hym downe , and bynde his foure fete together , and take a culture , or a payre of tonges , or suche an other yren , & take it glowing hote : and if it be a longe warrybrede , sere it of harde by the body , and if it be in the beginninge , and be but flatte , than lay the hot yren vpon it , and sere it to the bare skyn , and it will be hole for euer , be it horse or beast .

¶ The foule , and the remedy therfore .

THere be bestes , that wyl haue the foule and that is betwene the cleese , sometyme before , and some tyme behynde , and it wyll swell , and cause hym to halt , and this is the remedy Cast hym downe and bind his foure fete together , & take a rope of heare , or a hey rope , harde wrythen together , and put it betwene his cleese , and drawe the rope to and fro a good season , tyll he blede well , and than laye to it softe made terre , and binde a cloute aboute it , that noo myre nor grauell come betwene the clese : and put hym in a pasture , or let hym stande styll in the house , and he wyll be shortly hole .

¶ The goute without remedy .

THere be beastes , that wyll haue the goute , and moste commonly in the hynder fete , and it wyll cause them to halt , and go starkely . And I knewe neuer manne , that coulde helpe it , or fynde remedye therfore , but all onely to put hym in good grasse , and fede hym .

¶ To rere calues .

IT is conueniente for a housbande to rere calues , and specyally those that come bytwene Candelmasse and Maye , for that season he may spare mylke best , and by that tyme the calfe shall be wayned , there wyll be grasse ynoughe to put hym vnto . And at winter he wyll be bygge ynoughe to saue hymselfe amonge other beastes , with a lyttell fauoure . And the damme of the calfe shall bull agayne , and brynge an other by the same time of the yere : and if thou shalt tary , tyll after May , the calfe wolde be weyke in wynter , and the damme wolde not bull agayne : but ofte tyme go barryn And if thou shalte rere a calfe , that commeth after Myghelmasse , it wyll be costly to kepe the calfe all the wynter season at hey , and the damme at harde meate in the house , as they vse in the playne champyon countrey . And a cowe shall gyue more mylke with a lyttell grasse and strawe , lyenge without in a close , thanne she shall doo with hey and strawe , lyenge in an house . for the harde meate dryeth vp the mylke . But he that hath no pasture , muste do as he may , but yet is it better to the hous bande , to sell those calues , than to rere them , bycause of the cost , and also for the profytte of the mylke to his house , and the rather the cowe wyll take the bull . If the husbande go with an oxe plough , it is conuenient , that he rere two oxe calues , and two cowe calues at the least , to vpholde his stocke , and if he maye do moo , it wyll be more profyte . And it is better , to wayne thy calues at grasse before . And that man , that maye haue a pasture for his kye , and an other for his calues , and water in them both , maye rere and brede good beastes with lyghte coste . And if thou waine thy calues with hey , it wyl make them haue great belyes , and the rather they wyll rotte , whan they come to grasse , and in wynter they wolde be put in a house by them selfe , and gyuen hey on the nyghtes , and put in a good pasture on the day , and they shal be moche better to handell , whan they shal be kye or oxen .

☞ To gelde calues .

IT is tyme to gelde his oxen calues in the olde of the mone , whan they be . x. or . xx . dayes olde , for than it is leaste ieoperdye , and the oxe shall be the more hyer , and the lenger of body , and the lenger horned : and that maye be well prouyd , to take two oxe calues , bothe of one kynde , of one makynge , and both of one age , gelde one of them , and let the other goo forthe and be a bull , and put theym bothe in one pasture , tyll they be foure or fyue yere olde : and than shall ye se the oxe calfe , ferre greatter euery waye , than the bull . there is noo cause , but the geldynge . and yf thou gelde them not , tyll they be a yere olde , there is more ieopardye , he shall be lesse of bodye , and shorte horned .

¶ Horses and mares to drawe .

A Husbande maye not be withoute horses and mares , or bothe , and specially if he go with a horse ploughe he muste haue both his horses to drawe , and his mares to brynge coltes , to vpholde his stocke , and yet at manye tymes they maye drawe well , if they be well handled . But they maye not beare sackes , nor be rydden vppon noo iourneys , whan they be with foole , and specyally whanne they haue gone with foole . xx . or . xxiiii . wekes , for than is the greatteste ieopardy . For yf she be rydden vppon , and sette vp hotte or tourned out and take cold ; she wil caste her foole , the whiche woll be a greatte losse to the housbande . For she wyll labour , and beare whan she hath fooled , and drawe whan she is with foole , as well as the horse . It is conuenient for the husbande to knowe , whanne his mare wolde be horsed . It is the common sayenge , that she wyll take the hors within . ix . or . x. dayes , nexte after that she hath fooled : but that saying I holde not with , for and she so do , she wyll not holde therto , for the hors dothe dryue her to it . But. xx . days after , is tymely ynoughe to brynge her to a hors for she wyl not holde to it , excepte she be kene of horsyng , and that shal ye knowe by her shap , for that wyll twyrle open , and close agayne many tymes in an houre : and than brynge her to a hors , and let her be with hym a day or a nyght , and that is suffycyent . For it is better , to kepe the horse frome the mares , than to go with them , for dyuers causes , and specyally he shall be more lusty , and the moo horse coltes shall he gete . But he that hath very many mares , maye not alway attende them , but let them go to gether , and take as god sendes it . Some men holde an opinion , that if the horse be put to the mare in the begynnynge of the moone , after it be prime , he shall gete a horse foole . And some men saye the contrary : that if he be putte to the mare in the olde of the mone , he shoulde gete horse fooles . And I saye , it maketh noo matter , whether : for this cause I haue proued . I haue my selfe . lx. mares and more , able to beare the horse , and from Maye daye vnto saynte Barthylmewes daye . I haue . v. or . vi . horses goynge with theym bothe daye and nyghte , and at the foolynge tyme I haue vpon one daye a horse fole , and on the nexte day , or seconde , a mare fole , and on the thirde or fourth day next after , a horse fole agayne , and soo euery weke of bothe sortes , and by theyr opynyon or reason , I shulde haue . xiiii . dayes together horse fooles , and other . xiiii . dayes together mare foles . And me semethe , that those men , that holde that opinyon , speke sophystycallye , that if soo be , they layde any wagers thervppon , that they shoulde bothe wynne in theyr owne conceyte by this reason . Whether it were gette in the newe of the mone or in the olde of the mone , it is a horse foole , bycause a horse gate it , though it be a felly fole and it is a mare fole , bycause a mare fooled it , thoughe it be a horse colte . And so ( Diuersis respectibus ) theyr opynions maye be trewe . But of one thynge I am certayne , that some one horse wyll gette more horse fooles , than other horse wyll doo and lyke wyse , a mare wyll beare moo mare fooles than some other mare wyll do , thoughe they be horsed bothe with one horse . Me semeth there is no reason why , but the lustynes of the nature of bothe partes , whether of them , shall haue the domination . But and ye haue mares of dyuers colours , than do as I do , seuer them in diuers parcels , and put to your white mares , a grey horse , or a whyte horse , that hath noo whyte rathe in the foreheed , and to your grey mares a white horse , so that he be not al white skynned aboute the mouthe . And to your mares of colour , that haue no white vpon them , a coloured horse , that hath moch white on hym , and to your coloured mares of mayne whyte , a horse of colour of mayn whyte . And thus shal ye haue well coloured coltes . It maketh noo mater , of what colour the horse be , soo he be neyther whyte nor grey . For if ye put a whyte horse to a coloured mare , she shall haue moste comonly a sandy colte , lyke an yren grey , neyther lyke syre nor damme . Howe be it I haue seen and knowen many mares , that wyl haue theyr colte lyke the horse that gate it , the whiche is agaynste kynde of mares , for a manne maye rather gette one good horse , than many good mares .

☞ The losse of a lambe , a calfe , or a foole .

IT is lesse hurte to a man , to haue his cowe caste her calfe , thanne an ewe to caste her lambe . For the calfe wyll soucke as moche mylke , er it be able to kyll , as it is worthe , and of the ewe commeth noo profytte of the mylke , but the lambe . Howe be it they vse in some places to mylke theyr ewes , whan they haue wayned theyr lambes : but that is great hurte to the ewes , and wyll cause them , that they wyll not take the ramme at the tyme of the yere for pouertye , but goo barreyne . And if a mare caste her foole , that is thryse soo great a losse , for if that foole be commen of good brede , as it is necessary euery man to prouyde , for as moche costes and charges hath a badde mare as a good , in shorte space the foole , with good kepynge , maye be solde for as moche money as wolde bye many calues and lambes .

¶ What cattell shulde go to gether in one pasture .

BEastes alone , nor horses aloone , nor shepe alone , excepte it be shepe vppon a verye hyghe grounde , wyll not eate a pasture euen , but leaue many tuftes and hygh grasse in dyuers places , excepte it be ouer layde with cattell . Wherfore knowe that horses and beastes wyll agree well in oone pasture , for there is some maner of grasse , that or horse wyll eate , and the beast wyl not eate , as the fytches , flasshes , and lowe places , and all the holowe bunnes and pypes that growe therin . But horses and shepe wyll not so well agree , excepte it be shepe to fede , for a shepe wyll go on a bare pasture , and wyll eate the sweteste grasse : and soo wyll a horse , but he wolde haue it lenger . Howe be it he wyll eate as nyghe the erthe as a shepe , but he can not so sone fyll his belly . To an hundred beastes ye maye put . xx . horses , if it be lowe ground , and if there be grasse ynoughe , put in an hundred shepe , and so after the rate , be the pasture more or lesse . And after this maner they may fede and eate the close euen , and leue but fewe tuftes . And if it be an hyghe grounde , put in moo shepe , and lesse bestes and horses Melch kye , and draught oxen , wyll eate a close moche barer than as many fatte kye and oxen . And a melche cowe may haue to moch meate : for if she waxe fatte , she wyll the rather take the bull , and gyue lesse mylke . lor the fatnes stoppeth the poores and the vaines , that shuld brynge the mylke to the pappes And therfore meane grasse is beste to kepe her in a meane estate . And if a cowe be fatte , whan she shall calue , than is there great ieoperdy in her , and the calfe shall be the lesse : but ye can not gyue your draught oxe to moche meate , excepte it be the aftermath , of a late mowen medow e. for that wyll cause hym to haue the gyrre , and than he maye not well laboure . And there be to moche grasse in a close , the cattel shall fede the worse , for a good bytte to the erthe is suffycyente . for if it be longe , the beaste wyll byte of the toppe and noo more , for that is swetest , and the other lyeth styll vppon the grounde , and rotteth , and no beaste wyll eate it but horse in wynter , but these beastes , horses and shepe , maye not be fodered to gether in wynter , for thanne they wolde be seuered : for els the beastes with theyr hornes , wyll put bothe the horses and the shepe , and gore them in theyr bellyes . And it is necessarye to make standynge cratches , to caste theyr fodder in , and the staues set nyghe ynough togyther , for pullynge theyr fodder to hastely out , for shedynge . And if it be layde vppon the erthe , the fourthe parte therof wyll be loste : and if ye laye it vpon the erthe , laye it euerye tyme in a newe place , for the olde wyll marre the newe .

¶ The properties of horses .

THou grasyer , that mayst fortune to be of myne opynyon or condytion , to loue horses and yonge coltes or foles , to go amonge thy cattel , take hede , that thou be not begyled , as I haue ben an hundred tymes and more . And first thou shalt knowe , that a good horse hath . liiii . propertyes , that is to say . ii . of a man . ii of a bauson or a badger . iiii . of a lyon . ix . of an oxe . ix . of a hare . ix . of a foxe . ix . of an asse , and. x. of a woman .

¶ The two properties , that a horse hath of a man .

¶ The fyrste is , to haue a proude harte , and the seconde is , to be bolde and hardy .

The. ii . propertyes of a bauson .

¶ The fyrste is , to haue a whyte rase or a ball in the foreheed , the seconde , to haue a whyte fote .

The. iiii . properties of a lyon .

¶ The fyrste is , to haue a brode breste , the seconde , to be styffe docked , the thyrde , to be wylde in countenaunce , the fourthe , to haue foure good legges .

The. ix . propertyes of an oxe .

¶ The fyrste is , to be brode rybbed , the. ii . to be lowe brawned , the thyrde , to be shorte pasturned , the. iiii . to haue greatte senewes , the fyfte , to be wyde betwene the challes , the syxte is , to haue great nosethrylles , the. vii . to be bygge on the chyn , the. viii . to be fatte and well fedde , the. ix . to be vpryghte standynge .

¶ The. ix . propertyes of an hare .

¶ The fyrste is styffe eared , the seconde , to haue greate eyen , the thyrde , rounde eyen , the fourthe , to haue a leane heed , the. v. to haue leane knees , the syxte , to be wyght on foote , the. vii . to turne vpon a lyttell grounde , the viii . to haue shorte buttockes , the. ix . to haue two good fyllettes

¶ The. ix . propertyes of a foxe .

¶ The fyrste is , to be prycke eared , the seconde , to be lyttell eared , the thyrde , to be rounde syded , the fourthe , to be syde tayled , the fyfte , to be shorte legged , the syxte , to be blacke legged , the. vii to be shorte trottynge , the. viii . to be well coloured , the. ix . to haue a lyttell heed .

¶ The. ix . propertyes of an asse .

¶ The fyrste is to be small mouthed , the seconde , to be longe rayned , the. iii. to be thyn cressed , the fourthe , to be streyght backed , the fyfth , to haue small stones , the syxte , to be lathe legged , the. vii . to be rounde foted , the eyght , to be holowe foted , the. ix . to haue a toughe houe .

¶ The. x. properties of a woman .

¶ The fyrst is , to be mery of chere , the seconde , to be well paced , the thyrde , to haue a brode foreheed , the fourth , to haue brode buttockes , the fyfthe , to be harde of warde , the syxte , to be easye to lepe vppon , the. vii to be good at a longe iourneye . the. viii . to be well sturrynge vnder a man , the. ix . to be alwaye besye with the mouthe , the tenth , euer to be chowynge on the brydell .

¶ It myght fortune I coude shewe as many defantes of horses , as here be good propertyes , but than I shulde breake my promyse , that I made at Grombalde brydge , the first tyme I wente to Ryppon for to bye coltes . But it is to suppose , that if a horse want any of these good propertyes , that he shulde haue a defaute in the same place . And this is suffycient for this tyme .

¶ The diseases and sorance of horses .

NOwe it is to be knowen , the soraunce and dyseases of horses , & in what partes of theyr bodyes they be , that a man maye the rather perceyue them . And howe be it , that it may be against my profyt , yet I wil shewe you suche as cometh to my mynde .

The lampas .

¶ In the mouthe is the lampas , & is a thicke skyn full of bloude , hangynge ouer his tethe aboue , that he may not eate .

The barbes .

¶ The barbes be lyttell pappes in a horse mouth , and lette hym to byte : these two be sone holpen .

Mournynge of the tonge .

¶ Mournynge of the tonge is an yll dysease , and harde to be cured .

Pursy .

¶ Pursy is a disease in an horses bodye , and maketh hym to blowe shorte , and appereth at his nosethrilles , and commeth of colde , and may be well mended .

Broken wynded .

¶ Broken wynded is an yll dysease , and cometh of rennynge or rydynge ouer moche , and specially shortely after he is watred , and appereth at his nosethryll , at his flanke , and also at his tuell , and wyll not be mended , and wyll moche blowe and coughe , if he be sore chafed , and it wyl leaste appere , whan he is at grasse .

Glaunders .

¶ Glaunders is a disease , that may be mended , and commeth of a heate , and a sodeyne colde , and appereth at his nosethrylles , and betwene his chall bones .

Mournynge on the chyne .

¶ Mournynge on the chyne is a dysease in curable , and it appereth at his nosethryll lyke oke water . A glaunder , whan it breaketh , is lyke matter . Broken wynded , and pursyfnes , is but shorte blowynge .

Stranguellyon .

¶ Stranguelyon is a lyght dysease to cure , and a horse wyl be very sore sycke therof , and cometh of a chafynge hote , that he swete , and after it wyll ryse and swell in dyuers places of his body , as moche as a mannes fyste , and wyll breake by it selfe , if it be kepte warme , or els is there ieoperdy .

The hawe .

¶ The hawe is a sorance in a horse eye , and is lyke a gristell , and maye well be cutte oute , or els it wyll haue out his eye , and that horse that hath one , hath commonly two .

Blyndnes .

¶ A horse wyll waxe blynde with laboure , and that maye be cured betyme .

Viues .

¶ The viues is a sorance vnder a horse ere , bytwene the ouer ende of the chall bones and the necke , and are rounde knottes bytwene the skyn and the fleshe lyke tennes balles , and if they be not kilde , they wyl waxe quicke , and eate the rotes of the horse eares , and kil hym .

The cordes .

¶ The cordes is a thynge that wyll make a horse to stumble , and ofte to fall , and appereth before the forther legges of the body of the horse , and may well be cured in ii . places , and there be but fewe horses , but they haue parte therof .

The farcyon .

¶ The farcyon is an yll soraunce , and maye well be cured in the begynnynge , and wyll appere in dyuers places of his bodye , and there wyll ryse pymples as moche as halfe a walnutshell , and they wyll folowe a veyne , and wyll breake by it selfe . And as manye horses as do playe with him , that is sore , and gnappe of the matter that renneth out of the sore , shall haue the same sorance within a moneth after , and therfore kepe the sycke frome the hole . And if that sorance be not cured betyme , he wyll dye of it .

A malander .

¶ A malander is an yl sorance , and may wel be cured for a tyme , but with yl keping it wyl comme agayne , and appereth on the forther legges , in the bendynge of the knee behynde , and is like a scabbe or a skal : and some horses wyll haue two vpon a legge , within an inche together , and they wyl make a horse to stumble , and other whyle to fall .

A selander .

¶ A selander is in the bendynge of the legge behynde , lyke as the malander is in the bendynge of the legge before , and is lyke a malander , and may be well cured .

A serewe .

¶ A serewe is an yll soraunce , and is lyke a splent , but it is a lyttell longer and more , and lyeth vppe to the knee on the inner syde . And some horses haue a throughe serewe on bothe sydes of the legge , and that horse must nedes stumble and fall , and harde it is to be cured .

A splent .

¶ A splent is the leaste soraunce that is , that alwaye contynueth excepte lampas . And many men take vpon them to mende it , and do payre it .

A ryngbone .

¶ A ryngbone is an yll soraunce , and appereth before on the foote , aboue the houe , as well before as behynde , and wyll be swollen three inches brode , and a quarter of an inche or more of heyghte , and the heare wyll stare and waxe thyn , and wyll make hym to halte , and is yll to cure , if it growe longe .

Wyndgalles .

¶ Wyndgalles is a lyghte sorance , and commeth of great labour , and appereth on eyther syde of the ioynte aboue the fetelockes , as wel before as behynde , and is a lyttell swollen with wynde .

Morfounde .

¶ Morfounde is an yll sorance , and cometh of rydynge faste tyll he swete , and than sette vp sodeynely in a colde place , without lytte● , and take cold on his fete , and specially before , and appereth vnder the houe in the hert of the fote , for it wyll growe downe , and waxe whyte , and cromely lyke a pomis . And also wyl appere by processe by the wryncles on the houe , and the houe before wyll be thycker , and more bryckle , than and he had not benne morfounde , nor he shall neuer trede so boldly vpon the harde stones , as he dydde before , nor wyll not be able to beare a man a quarter of a yere or more , and with good paryng and shoynge , as he oughte to be , he wyll do good seruyce .

The coltes euyll .

¶ Coltes euyl is an yll disease , and commeth of ranknes of nature and bloudde , and appereth in his scote , for there wyl he swel great , and wyll not be harde , and soone cured in the begynnynge .

The bottes .

¶ The bottes is an yll dysease , and they lye in a horse mawe , and they be an inche long white coloured , and a reed heed , and as moche as a fyngers ende , & they be quycke , and stycke faste in the mawe syde , it apperethe by stampynge of the horse , or tomblynge , and in the beginninge there is remedy ynoughe , and if they be not cured betyme , they wyll eate thorowe his mawe , and kyll hym .

The wormes .

¶ The wormes is a lyght dysease , and they lye in the greatte paunche , in the belye of the horse , and they are shynynge , of colour lyke a snake , syxe inches in lengthe , greate in the myddes , and sharpe at bothe endes , and as moche as a spyndel , and wyll sone be kylde .

Affreyd .

¶ Affreyd is an yll disease , and commethe of great labour and rydynge faste with a contynuall sweate , and thanne sodeynly to take a great colde , his legges wyll be styffe , and his skyn wyll stycke fast to his sydes , and may be well cured .

Nanylgall .

¶ Nauylgall is a soraunce , hurte with a saddle , or with a buckle of a croper , or suche other , in the myddes of the backe , and maye be lyghtely cured .

A spauen .

¶ A spauen is an yll sorance , whervppon he wyll halte , and specyally in the begynnynge , and appereth on the hynder legges within , and agaynste the ioynte , and it wyll be a lyttell swolen and harde . And some horses haue throughe spauen , and appereth bothe within and without , and those be yll to be cured .

A courbe .

¶ A courbe is an yll sorance , and maketh a horse to halte sore , and appereth vppon the hynder legges streyght behynde , vnder the camborell place , and a lyttell benethe the spauen , and wyll be swollen , and yll to cure , if it growe longe vpon hym .

The stringe halte .

¶ The stryng halte is an yl disease , and maketh him to twyche vp his legge sodeynly , and maketh hym to halte , and cometh ofte with a colde , and doth not appere outwarde .

Enterfyre .

¶ Enterfyre . is a sorance , and cometh of yll shoynge , and appereth ofte both behynde and before , betwene the fete agaynst the fetelockes , there is no remedy but good showynge .

Myllettes .

¶ Myllettes is an yll sorance , and appereth in the fetelockes behynde , & causeth the heare to sheede thre or foure inches of length , and a quarter of an inche in brede , lyke as it were bare and yll to cure , but it maye be perceiued , and specially in wynter tyme .

The peynes .

¶ The peynes is an yll soraunce , and appereth in the fetelockes , and wyl swel in wynter tyme , and oyse of water , and the heare wyll stare and be thyn , and yl to cure , but it wyl be seen in wynter .

Cratches .

¶ Cratches is a soraunce that wyll cause a horse to halte , and commeth of yll kepynge , and appereth in the pasturnes , lyke as the skyn were cut ouerthwarte , that a man maye laye a white strawe , and it is sone cured .

Atteynt .

¶ Atteynt is a sorance , that commeth of an ouer rechynge , yf it be before , and if it be behynde , it is of the tredynge of an other horse , the whiche maye be soone cured .

Grauelynge .

¶ Grauelynge is a hurte , that wyll make a horse to halte , and commethe of grauell and lyttel stones , that goth in betwene the shough and the herte of the fote , and is sone mended .

A cloyed .

¶ A cloyed is an hurte , that commeth of yll shoynge , whan a smyth dryueth a nayle in to the quycke , the which wyll make hym to halt , and is sone cured .

The scabbe .

¶ There is a disease amonge horses , that is called the scabbe , and it is a skorfe in dyuers places of his body . And it commeth of a pouertie and yll kepynge , and is most commonly amonge olde horses , and wyll dye thervpon , and maye be well cured .

Lowsy .

¶ There be horses that wyll be lowsy , and it cometh of pouertie , colde and yll kepynge , and it is moste commonly amonge yonge horses , and menne take lyttell hede vnto it , and yet they wyll dye thervppon , and it maye be soone cured .

Wartes .

¶ There is a defaute in a horse , that is neyther sorance , hurte , nor disease , and that is if a horse wante wartes behynde , benethe the spauen place , for than he is noo chapmannes ware , if he be wylde , but if he be tame , and haue ben rydden vpon , than Caueat emptor , beware the byer , for the byer hath bothe his eyen to se , and his handes to handell . It is a sayenge , that suche a horse shoulde dye sodeynely , whan he hath lyued as many yeres as the mone was dayes olde , at suche tyme as he was foled .

The sayinge of the frenche man .

¶ These be soraunce , hurtes , and dyseases , that be nowe comme to my mynde , and the frenche man saythe , Mort de langue , et de eschine , sount maladyes saunce medicine . The mournynge of the tongue , and of the chyne , are diseases without remedy or medicyne . And ferther he saythe , Gardes bien , que il soyt cler de vieu , Que tout trauayle ne soit perdue : Be wel ware , that he be clere of syghte , lest all thy trauayle or iourneye be lost or nyght . And bycause I am a horse master my selfe , I haue shewed you the soraunce and dyseases of horses , to the entent that men shulde beware , & take good hede what horses they bye of me or of any other . Howe be it I saye to my customers , and those that bye any horses of me , and euer they wil trust any hors master or corser , whyle they lyue , truste me .

¶ The diuersitie bytwene a horse mayster , a corser , and a horse leche .

A Horse mayster is he , that bieth wylde horses , or coltes , and bredeth theym , and selleth theym agayne wylde , or breaketh parte of them , and maketh theym tame , and than selleth them . A corser is he , that byeth all rydden horses , and selleth them agayne . The horse leche is he , that takethe vppon hym to cure and mende all maner of diseases and soraunce that horses haue . And whan these three be mette , if ye hadde a potycarye to make the fourthe , ye myghte haue suche foure , that it were harde to truste the best of them . It were also conuenyent to shew medicynes and remedyes for al these diseases and sorances , but it wolde be to longe a processe at this tyme , for it wolde be as moche as halfe this boke . And I haue not the perfyte connynge , nor the experyence , to shewe medycynes and remedyes for theym all .

And also the horse leches wolde not be content therwith for it myghte fortune to hurte or hynder theyr occupation .

¶ Of swyne .

NOwe thou husbande , that haste bothe horses and mares , beastes , and shepe : It were necessary also , that thou haue bothe swyne and bees . for it is an olde sayinge : he that hath bothe shepe , swyne , and bees slepe he , wake he , he maye thryue . And that sayenge is , bycause that they be those thinges , that moste profyt ●iseth of in shortest space , with least coste . Than se howe manye swyne thou art able to kepe , let them be bores and sowes all , and no hogges . And if thou be able to rere vi pigges a yere , than let two of them be bores , and foure of them sowes , and so to contynue after the rate For a bore will haue as lyttell kepynge as a hogge , and is moche better than a hogge , and more meate on hym and is redy at all tymes to eate in the wynter season , and to be layde in souse . And a sowe , er she be able to kyl , shall bryng forth as many pyggs or moo , as she is worth , and her bodye is neuer the worse , and wyll be as good baken as a hogge , and as lyttell kepynge , but at suche tyme as she hath pygges . And if thy sowe haue moo pygges than thou wilt rere , sel them , or eate them , & rere those pigges , that come about lenten time specyally the begynnynge of somer , for they can not be rered in winter , for cold , without great coste .

☞ Of bees .

OF bees is lyttell charge , but good attendaunce at the tyme that they shall cast the swarme , it is conuenient , that the hyue be set in a garden , or an orchyarde , where as they maye be kepte from the northe wynde , and the mouthe of the hyue towarde the sonne And in Iune and Iuly , they do most commonlye caste , and they wolde haue some lowe trees nyghe vnto them before the hyue that the swarme maye lyght vpon , and whan the swarme is knytte , take a hyue , and splente it within with thre or foure splentes , that the bees maye knytte theyr comōes therto , and annoynte the splentes , and the sydes of the hyue , with a lyttell honye . And if thou haue no honye , take swete creame , and than set a stole or a forme nyghe vnto the swarme , and laye a clene washen shete vppon the stole , and thanne holde the smalle ende of the hyue downewarde , and shake the bees in to the hyue , and shortely sette it vppon the stole , and turne vppe the corners of the shete ouer the hyue , and to leue one place open , that the bees may come in and out : but thou mayst not fight nor stryue with theym for noo cause , and to laye nettyls vppon the bowes , where as they were knytte , to dryue them from that place , and soo watche them all that daye , that they go not away , and at nyght , whan al be goone vp into the hyue , take it away and set it where it shall stande , and take awaye thy shete , and haue claye tempered to laye aboute it vppon the borde or stone , where it shall stande , that noo wynde comme in , but the borde is better and warmer . And to leaue an hole open on the south syde , of three inches brode , and an inche of heyghte , for the bees to come in and out . And than to make a couerynge of wheate strawe or rye strawe , to couer and house the hyue about , and set the hyue two fote or more from the erthe vpon stakes , soo that a mouse can not come to it , and also neyther beastes nor swyne . And if a swarme be caste late in the yere , they wolde be fedde with honnye in wynter , and layde vppon a thynne narowe borde , or a thynne sclatte or leade , put it into the hyue , and an other thynne borde wolde be set before euery hyues mouthe , that no winde come in , and to haue foure or fyue lyttell nyckes made on the nether syde , that a bee maye comme out , or go in , and so fastened , that the wynde blowe it not downe , and to take it vp whan he wyll . And that hyue , that is fedde , to stoppe the mouthe cleane , that other bees come not in , for if they doo , they wyll fyghte , and kyll eche other . And beware , that noo waspes come in to the hyue , for they wyllkyl the bees , and eate the honny . And also there is a bee called a drone , and she is greatter than an other bee , and they wyll eate the honny , and gather nothynge : and therfore they wolde be kylde , and it is a sayenge , that she hath loste her stynge , and than she wyl not labour as the other do .

¶ Howe to kepe beastes and other cattell .

IF a housbande shall kepe cattell well to his profytte , he muste haue seuerall closes and pastures to put his cattel in . the which wolde be wel quickesetted , diched , & hedged , that he maye seuer the byggeste cattell frome the weykeste at his pleasure , and specyallye in wynter tyme , whan they shall be fodered . And thoughe a man be but a farmer , and shall haue his farme xx yeres , it is lesse coste for hym , and more profyte to quyckeset , dyche , and hedge , than to haue his cattel goo before the herdeman For let the housbande spende in thre yeees as moche money as the kepynge of his beastes , swyne , and shepe , doth cost him in iii yeres , than alwaye after , he shal haue all maner of cattell with the tenthe parte of the coste , and the beastes shal lyke moche better . And by this reason . The herdeman wyll haue for euery beast . ii . d. a quarter , or there aboute : And the swyneherde wyll haue for euery swyne . i. d. at the leaste . Than he must haue a shepeherde of his owne , or elles he shal neuer thryue . Than reken meate , drinke , and wages for his shepeherde , the herdmans hyre , and the swyneherdes hyre , these charges wyll double his rent or nyghe it , excepte his farme be aboue . xl . s. by yere . Nowe see what his charges be , in . iii. yeres , lette hym ware as moche money in quickesettynge , dythynge , and hedgynge , and in thre yeres he shall be discharged for euermore , and moche of this labour he and his seruauntes maye do with theyr owne handes , and saue moche money . And than hath he euery fyelde in seueraltye . And by the assente of the lordes and the tenauntes , euery neyghbour may exchaunge landes with other . And than shall his farme be twyse so good in profytte to the tenaunte as it was before , and as moche lande kepte in tyllage , and than shall not the ryche man ouer eate the poore man with his cattell , and the fourth parte of heye and strawe shall serue his cattel better in a pasture , than . iiii . tymes soo moche wyll do in a house , and lesse attendaunce , and better the cattel shall lyke , and the chiefe sauegarde for corne bothe daye and nyghte that can be .

¶ To get settes and set them .

ANd if thou haue pastures , thou muste nedes haue quyckesettynge , dychynge and plasshynge . Whan it is grene , and commeth to age , than gette thy quyckesettes in the woode countreye , and let theym be of whyte thorne and crabtree , for they be beste , holye and hasell be good . And if thou dwelle in the playne countrey , than mayste thou gete bothe asshe , oke , and elme , for those wyll encrease moche woode in shorte space . And set thy oke settes and the asshe . x. or . xii . fote a sonder , and cut them as thou dost thy other settes , and couer theym ouer with thornes a lyttell , that shepe and cattell eate them not . And also wede them clene in mydsomer mone or soone after : for the wedes , if they ouer growe , wyl kyl the settes . But get no blacke thorne for nothynge , for that wyl grow outwarde into the pasture , and doth moch hurte in the grasse , and tearyng the woll of the shepe . It is good tyme to se quickesettes , fro that tyme the leaues be fallen , vnto oure lady daye in lente , and thy sandye grounde or grauell set fyrste , than clay grounde , and than meane grounde , and the medowe or marreys grounde laste , for the sande , and grauell wyll drye anone , and than the quyckeset wyll take no rote , except it haue greate weate , for the muldes wyll lye lose , if it be dyched in February or marche , and lyke wise clay ground And make thy settes longe ynough , that they maye be set depe ynough in the erth , for than they wyll growe the better . And to stande halfe a foote and more aboue the erthe , that they maye sprynge oute in many braunches . And than to take a lyne , and sette it there as thou wylte haue thy hedge , and to make a trenche after thy lyne , and to pare awaye the grasse there the quyckesettes shal be set , and caste it by , where the erthe of the dyche shall lye , and dygge vp the muldes a spade graffe depe , and to put in thy settes , and dygge vp more molde , and laye vppon that set , and so peruse , tyll thou haue set all thy settes , and let them lene towarde the dyche . And a soote from that make thy dyche . for if thou make it to nyghe thy settes the water maye fortune to weare the grounde on that syde , and cause thy settes to fall downe

¶ To make a dyche .

¶ If thou make thy dyche foure foote brode , than wolde it be two foote and a halfe depe . And if it be . v. fote brode , than . iii. fote depe , and so accordynge , and if it be fyue fote brod , than it wolde be double sette , and the rather it wolde fence it selfe , and the lower hedge wyll serue .

¶ To make a hedge .

THou muste gette the stakes of the harte of oke , for those be best , crabtre , blacke thorne , and ellore be good . Reed wethy is beste in marsshe grounde , asshe , maple , hasel , and whyte thorne wyl serue for a time . And set thy stakes within . ii . foote and a halfe together , excepte thou haue very good edderynge , and longe , to bynde with . And if it be double eddered , it is moch the better , and gret strength to the hedge , and moche lenger it wil last . And lay thy small trouse or thornes , that thou hedgeste withall , ouer thy quickesettes , that shepe do not eate the sprynge nor buddes of thy settes . Let thy stakes be well dryuen , that the poynt take the hard erthe . And whan thou haste made thy hedge , and eddered it well , than take thy mall agayne , and dryue downe thy edderinges , and also thy stakes by and by . For with the wyndynge of the edderynges thou doost leuse thy stakes , and therfore they muste nedes be dryuen newe , and hardened agayne , and the better the stake wil be dryuen , whan he is wel bounden .

¶ To plasshe or pleche a hedge .

IF the hedge be of . x. or . xii yeres growing sythe it was first set , thanne take a sharpe hachet , or a handbyll , and cutte the settes in a playne place , nyghe vnto the erthe , the more halue a sonder , and bende it downe towarde the erthe , and wrappe and wynde theym together , but alwaye se that the toppe lye hyer than the rote a good quantytie , for elles the sappe wyll not renne in to the toppe kyndely , but in processe , the toppe wyll dye , and than set a lyttel hedge on the backe syde , and it shall nede noo more mendynge manye yeres after . And if the hedge be of . xx . xxiiii . or . xxx . yere of age , sythe it was fyrst sette , than wynde in first al the nethermoste bowes , and wynde them together , and than cutte the settes in a playne place , a lyttel from the erth , the more halfe a sonder , and to lette it slaue downewarde , and not vpwarde , for dyuerse causes : than wynde the bowes and braunches therof in to the hedge , and at euery two fote . or . iii. fote to leaue one set growyng not plasshed , and the toppe to be cut of foure fote hygh . or there aboute , to stande as a stake , if there be any suche , or els to set an other , and to wynd the other that be pl●ched about them . And if the bowes , wyll not lye playne in the hedge , than cut it the more halfe a sonder , and bynd it to the hedge , and than shal he not nede for to mende the hedge , but in fewe places , xx . yeres after or more . And if the hedge be olde , and be great stubbes or trees , and thyn in the bottome , that beastes may go vnder , or betwene the trees : thanne take a sharpe axe , and cutte the trees or stubbes , that growe a fote from the erthe , or there about , in a plaine place , within an inche or two inches of the side and let them slaue downward , as I sayd before , and let the toppe of the tree lye ouer the rote of an other tree , and to pleche downe the bowes of the same tree , to stoppe the holowe places . And if all the holowe and voyde places wyl not be fylled and stopped , than scoure the old dyche , and cast it vp newe , and to fyll with erthe al the voyde places . And if soo be these trees wyll not reche in euerye place , to make a sufficyent defence , than double quicke set it , & diche it new in euery place , that is nede ful , & set a hedge thervpon , and to ouerlay the settes , for eatynge of shepe or other cattel .

¶ To mende a hye waye .

ME semeth , it is necessarye to shewe mine opinion , howe an hye way shulde be amended . And fyrste and pryncypally , see that there be noo water standynge in the hye waye , but that it be alwaye currante and rennynge , nor haue none abydynge more in one place thanne in an other . And in somer , whan the water is dryed vp , than to get grauell , and to fyll vp euery lowe place , and to make theym euen , somewhat dyscendynge or currante , one waye or other , and if there be noo grauell , nor stones to gette , yet fyll it vp with erthe in the begynnynge of somer , that it maye be well hardened with caryage and treadynge vppon , and it shall be well amended , if the water maye passe away from it , the whiche wolde be well consydered , and specially aboute London , where as they make moche more coste than nedeth , for there they dyche theyr hye wayes on bothe sydes , and fyll vp the holowe and lowe places with erthe , and than they caste and laye grauell a lofte . And whan a greatte rayne or water commeth , and synketh thorowe the grauell , and commeth to the erthe , than the erthe swelleth and bolneth , and waxeth softe , and with treadynge , and specyally with caryage , the grauell synketh , and gothe downewarde as his nature and kynde requyreth , and than it is in maner of a quycke sande , that harde it is for any thynge to goo ouer . But yf they wolde make no dyche in sommertyme , whan the warer is dryed vp , that a man may se all the holowe and lowe places , than to cary grauel , and fyl it vp as hygh as the other knolles be , than wold it not bolne ne swell , nor be no quycke sande , and euery man may go beside the hie way with theyr cariage at theyr pleasure . And this me semeth is lesse coste , and lenger wyll last with a lyttell mendynge whan nede requyreth . Therfore me thynketh , yf this were well loked vpon , it shuld be bothe good and necessarye for that purpose : for soo haue I seen done in other places , where as I haue ben . &c.

¶ To remoue and set trees .

IF thou wylte remoue and sette trees , get as manye rotes with them as thou canste , and breake them not , nor bryse theym , by thy wyll . And if there be any rote broken and sore brused , cut it of harde by , there as it is brused , with a sharpe hatchet , elles that roote wyll dye . And if it be asshe , elme , or oke , cut of all the bowes cleane , and saue the toppe hole . For if thou make hym ryche of bowes , thou makeste hym poore of thryfte , for two causes . The bowes causeth theym to shake with wynde , and to leuse the rotes . Also he can not be soo cleane gete , but some of the rotes muste nedes be cut , and than there wyll not come soo moche sappe and moystenes to the bowes , as there dyd before . And if the tree be very longe , cut of the top , two or thre yardes . And if it be an apple tree , or peare tree , or suche other as beareth fruyte , than cut away all the water bowes , and the small bowes , that the pryncipall bowes , may haue the more sap . And if ye make a marke , which syde of the tree standeth towarde the sonne , that he may be set so agayne , it is soo moche the better .

¶ Trees to be set without rotes and growe .

THere be trees wil be set without rotes , and growe well , and sprynge rotes of them selfe . And those be dyuerse apple trees , that haue knottes in the bowes , as casses , or wydes , and suche other , that wyll growe on slauynges , and lykewyse popeler and wethy : and they must be cut cleane besyde the tree , that they growe on , and the toppe cut . cleane of . viii . or . x. fote of lengthe , and all the bowes betwene , and to be set a fote depe or more in the erthe , in good grounde . And ye shall vnderstande , that there be foure maner of wethyes , that is to say , white wethye , blacke wethy , reed wethy , and osyerde wethy . Whyte wethye wyll growe vppon drye grounde , yf it be sette in the begynnynge of wynter , and wyll not growe in marsshe grounde . blacke wethy wyll growe better on marshe grounde , and redde wethy in lyke maner : and osyerde wethy wyll growe beste in water and moyste grounde . And they be trees that wyll soone be nourysshed , and they wyll beare moche woodde , and they wolde be cropped euery vii or . viii yere , orels they wyll dye , but they maye not be cropped in sappe tyme , nor no tree els . And in many places , bothe the lordes , freeholders , and tenauntes at wyll , sette suche wethyes , and popelers , in marsshe grounde , to nourysshe wodde . &c.

¶ To fell wodde for housholde , or to sell .

IF thou haue any woddes to felle , for thy householde to brenne or to sell , than fell the vnder wodde fyrste in wynter , that thy cattell or beastes maye eate and brouse the toppes , and to fell noo more on a daye but as moche as the beastes wyll eate the same daye , or on the morowe after . And as soone as it is well eaten or broused , thanne kydde it , and set them on the endes , and that wyll saue the bandes from rottynge , and they shall be the lyghter to carye , and the better wyll they brenne , and lie in l●sse rowme . And whan thou shalt bryng them home to make a stacke of them , set the nethermoste course vpon the endes , and the seconde course flat vppon the syde , and the endes vpwarde , and the thyrde couse flatte on the syde ouerthwart the other . And so to peruse them , tyll thou haue layd all vp . And whan thou shalte brenne them , take the ouermoste fyrste .

¶ To shrede , lop or croppe trees .

IF thou haue any trees to shrede , loppe , or croppe for the fyre wodde , croppe them in wynter , that thy beastes maye eate the brouse , and the mosse of the bowes , and also the yues , And whanne they be broused and eaten , dresse the wodde , and bowe it clene , and cutte it at euery byghte , and rere the greatte wodde to the tree , and kydde the smal bowes , and set them on ende . And if thou shalte not haue sufficyent wodde , excepte thou heed thy trees , and cut of the toppes , than heed theym thre or foure fote aboue any tymber : and if it be noo tymbre tree , but a shaken tree , or a hedge rote full of knottes , thanne heed hym thyrty foote hyghe , or twenty at the leaste , for soo ferre he wyll beare plentye of woode and bowes , and moche more , thanne if he were not heeded . For a tree hath a propertye , to growe to a certayne heyght , and whan he commeth to that heyghte , he standeth styll , and groweth noo hyer , but in brede : and in conclusion , the toppe wyll dye and decrease , and the body thryue . And if a tree be heeded , and vsed to be lopped and cropped at euerye xii or . xvi . yeres ende , or there about , it wyll beare moche more woode , by processe of time , than if it were not cropped , and moche more profyte to the owner .

¶ Howe a man shulde shrede , loppe , or croppe trees .

IT is the comon gyse , to begynne at the top of the tree , whan he shall be shred or cropped , bycause eche bough shulde lye vppon other , whan they shall fal so that the weight of the bowes shall cause theym to be the rather cut downe . But that is not best , for that causeth the bowes to slaue downe the nether parte , and pulleth awaye the barke from the bodye of the tree , the whiche wyll cause the tree to be holowe in that place in tyme commynge , and many tymes it shall hynder hym . And therfore lette hym begynne at the nethermoste boughe fyrste , and with a lyghte axe for an hande , to cut the boughe on bothe sydes , a foote or two foote from the bodye of the tree . And specially cut it more on the nether syde , than on the ouer syde , soo that the boughe fall not streyght downe , but turne on the syde , and than shall it not slaue nor breke no barke . And euery boughe wil haue a newe heed , and beare moche more woode . and by thy wyll , without thou must nedes do it , crop not thy tree , nor specyallye heed hym , whan the wynde standeth in the northe , or in the eest . And beware , that thou croppe hym not , nor heed hym ( specially ) in sappe tyme , for than wyll he dye within fewe yeres after , if it be an oke .

¶ To sell woode or tymber .

IF thou haue any woode to selle , I aduyse the , retayle it thy selfe , if thou mayste attende vppon it : and if not , thanne to cause thy baylye , or somme other wyse or dyscrete man , to do it for the. And if it be small wode , to kydde it , and sel it by the hundredes , or by the thousandes . And if there be asshes in it , to sell the smalle asshes to cowpers for garhes , and the gret asshes to whele wryghtes , and the meane asshes to plowe wrightes , and the crabbe trees to myllers , to make cogges , and ronges . And if there be any okes , bothe gret and smal , fel them , and pyl them , and sel the barke by it selfe , and than sorte the trees , the polles by them selfe , the myddel shorte by them selfe , and the greattest by them selfe , & than sel them by scores , or halfe scores , or . C. as thou maist , and to fel it hard by the erth , for i fote next vnto the erth , is worthe . ii . fote in the top , and to cut thy tymber longe ynoughe , that thou leue no timber in the toppe . And to sell the toppes as they lye a greatte , or elles dresse them & sel the great wodde by it selfe , & the kyd wodde by it selfe , and to fal the vnder wode fyrst at any tyme betwene Martilmas and holyrode day And al the asshes , bytwene Martylmasse and Candelmas , and all okes , as soone as they wyl pyl , vntyl May be done , and not after . Perauenture the greattest man hath not the beste prouisyon . And that is bycause the seruauntes wyll not enfourme hym these wayes , and also may fortune they wold bye suche woodes theym selfe , or be partener of the same , and to auyse his lorde to sel them . It is not conuenient , that the salesman , that selleth the wod , shuld be partener with the bier .

¶ To kepe sprynge wodde .

IN the wynter before that thou wilt fel thy wodde , make a good and a sure hedge ▪ that no maner of cattel can get in . And as shortly as it is fallen , let it be caryed away , or the sprynge come vp , for els the cattell , that doth cary the wodde , wyll eate the sprynge : and whan the top is eaten , or broken , it is a great lette , hurte , and hynderaunce of the goodnes of the sprynge , for than where it is eaten , it burges oute of many braunches , and not soo fayre as the fyrst wolde haue ben . A parke is best kept , whan there is neyther man , dogge , nor foure foted beast therin , except dere . And so is a spryng beste kepte , where there is neyther manne nor foure foted beastes within the hedge . But if there be moche grasse , and thou were lothe to lose it , than put in calues , newly wained and taken from theyr dammes , and also waynynge coltes , or horses not paste a yere of age : and let thy calues be taken away at Maye , the coltes may go lenger , for eating of any wodde , but there is ieoperdy bothe for calues , foles , and coltes , for tyckes , or for beinge lowsy , the whiche wyl kyl them , if they be not taken hede vnto . And vii yeres is the lest , that it wil saue it selfe , but. x yeres is best . And than the vnder bowes wolde be cutte awaye , and made kyddes therof , and the other wyll growe moche the better and faster . And if the vnder bowes be not cutte awaye , they wyll dye , and than they be loste , and greatte hurte to the sprynge , for they take awaye the sappe , that shoulde cause the sprynge to growe better .

¶ Necessary thynges belongynge to graffynge .

IT is necessarye , profytable , and also a pleasure , to a housbande , to haue peares , wardens , and apples of dyuerse sortes . And also cheryes , filberdes , bulleys , dampsons , plummes , walnuttes , and suche other . And therfore it is conuenyent , to lerne howe than shalte graffe . Than it is to be knowen , what thynges thou must haue to graffe withall . Thou muste haue a graffynge sawe , the whiche wolde be very thynne , and thycke tothed , and bycause it is thynne , it wyll cut the narower kyrfe , and the cleaner for brusynge of the barke . And therfore it is sette in a compasse pece of yren , syxe inches of , to make it styffe and bygge . thou muste haue also a graffynge knyfe , an inche brode , with a thycke backe , to cleue the stocke with all . And also a mallet , to dryue the knyfe and thy wedge in to the tree : and a sharpe knife , to pare the stockes heed , and an other sharpe knyfe , to cutte the graffe cleane . And also thou muste haue two wedges of harde wood , or elles of yren , a longe small one , for a small stocke , and a broder , for a bygger stocke , to open the stocke , whan it is clouen and pared : and also good tough claye and mosse , and also bastes or pyllynge of wethy or elme , to bynde them with . &c.

¶ What fruite shuld be fyrste graffed .

PEares and wardens wolde be graffed before any maner of apples , bycause the sappe commeth sooner and rather in to the peare tree and warden tree , thanne in to the apple treee . And after saynt Valentynes daye , it is tyme to graffe bothe peares and wardens , tyll Marche be comen , and thanne to graffe appels to our lady daye . And than graffe that that is gette of an olde apple tree fyrste , for that wyll budde before the graffe get of a yonge apple tree late graffed . And a peare or a warden wolde be graffed in a ●yrre stocke , and if thou canst get none , than graffe it in a crabbe tree stocke , and it wyll do well . and some men graffe theym in a whyte thorne , and than it wyll be the more harder and stonye . And for all maner of appels , the crabtree stocke is beste .

¶ Howe to graffe .

THou muste get thy graffes of the fayrest lanses , that thou canste fynde on the tree , and see that it haue a good knotte or ioynte , and an euen . Than take thy sawe , and sawe in to thy cabbetree , in a fayre playne place , pare it euen with thy knyfe , and thanne cleaue the stocke with thy greatte knyfe and thy mallet , and set in a wedge , and open the stocke , accordynge to the thyckenesse of thy graffe , thanne take thy smalle sharpe knyfe , and cutte the graffe on bothe sydes in the ioynte , but passe not the myddes therof for nothynge , and let the inner syde , that shall be set in to the stocke , be a lyttel th ynner than the vtter syde , and the nether poynte of the graffe the th ynner : than preferre thy graffe in to the stocke , and if it go not close , than cut the graffe or the stocke , tyll they close cleane , that thou canste not put the edge of thy knyfe on neyther syde betwene the stocke and the graffe , and sette them so , that the toppes of the graffe bende a lyttell outewarde , and see that the wodde of the graffe be set mete with the wodde of the stocke , and the sappe of the stocke maye renne streyght and euen with the sappe of the graffe . for the barke of the graffe is neuer soo thicke as the barke of the stocke . And therfore thou mayste not sette the barkes mete on the vtter syde , but on the inner syde : than pull awaye thy wedge : and it wyl stand moche faster . Than take toughe cleye , lyke marley , and ley it vppon the stocke heed , and with thy fynger laye it close vnto the graffe , and a lyttell vnder the heed , to kepe it moyst , and that no wynde come into the stocke at the cleauynge . Than take mosse , and laye thervpon , for chynynge of the claye : than take a baste of whyte wethy or elme , or halfe a bryer , and bynd the mosse , the clay , and the graffe together , but be well ware , that thou , breake not thy graffe , neyther in the clayenge , nor in the byndynge , and thou muste set some thinge by the graffe , that crowes , nor byrdes do not lyght vpon thy graffe . for if they do , they wil breake hym . &c.

¶ To graffe bytwene the barke and the tree .

THere is an other maner of graffinge than this and soner done , & soner to growe : but it is more ieoperdy for winde whan it begynneth to growe . Thou muste sawe thy stocke , and pare the heed therof , as thou diddest before , but cleue it not : than take thy graffe , and cut it in the ioynt to the myddes , and make the tenaunte therof halfe an inche longe , or a lyttell more , all on the one syde , and pare the barke awaye a lyttel at the poynt on the other syde . than thou muste haue made redy a ponch of harde wood , with a stop and a tenaunte on the one syde , lyke to the tenaunte of the graffe . Than put the tenaunt of the ponche betwene the barke & the woode of the stocke , and pull it out agayne , and put in the graffe , and se that it ioyne close , or els mende it . And this can not fayle , for now the sappe cometh on euery syde , but it wyl spring soo faste , that if it stande on playne grounde , the wynde is lykelye to blowe it besyde the heed , for it hath no fastnes in the wodde . And this is beste remedy for blowynge of , to cutte or clyppe awaye somme of the nethermooste leaues as they growe . And this is the beste waye to graffe , and specyally a greate tree : than claye it , and bynde it as thou dyddest the other . &c.

¶ To nourishe all maner of stone fruite , and nuttes .

AS for cheryes , dampsons , bulleys , plummes , and suche other , maye be sette of stones , and also of the scyences , growynge aboute the tree of the same , for they wyll sooneste beare . Fylberdes and walnuttes maye be set of the nuttes in a gardeyne , and after remoued and sette where he wyll But whan they be remoued , they wolde be set vpon as good a grounde , or a better , or els they wyll not lyke .

¶ A shorte information for a yonge gentylman , that entendeth to thryue .

I Auyse hym to gette a copy of this presente boke , and to rede it frome the begynnynge to the endynge , wherby he maye perceyue the chapyters and contentes of the same , and by reason of ofte redyng , he maye waxe perfyte , what shulde be doone at all seasons . For I lerned two verses at grammar scole , and they be these : Gutta cauat lapidem non vi , sed saepe cadendo : Sic homo fit sapiens non vi , sed saepe legendo : A droppe of water perseth a stoone , not al onely by his owne strengthe , but by his often fallynge . Ryghte so a man shall be made wyse , not all onely by hym selfe , but by his ofte redynge . And soo maye this yonge gentyllman , accordynge to the season of the yere , rede to his seruauntes what chapyter he wyll . And also for any other maner of profyte conteyned in the same , the whiche is necessary for a yonge husbande , that hath not the experyence of housbandrye , nor other thynges conteyned in this presente boke , to take a good remembraunce and credence thervnto , for there is an olde sayinge , but of what auctorytie I can not tell : Quod melior est practica rusticorum , q scientia philo sophorum , It is better the practiue or know lege of an husband man well proued , than the science or connynge of a philosopher not proued , for there is nothynge touchyng husbandry , and other profytes conteyned in this presente booke , but I haue hadde the experyence therof , and proued the same . And ouer and beside al this boke , I wil aduise him to ryse betime in the morning , according to the verse before spoke of Sanat , sanctificat , et ditat surgere mane : And to go about his closes , pastures , fieldes , and specially by the hedges , & to haue in his purse a payre of tables , and whan he seeth any thing , that wolde be amended , to wryte it in his tables : as if he fynde any horses , mares , beastes , shepe , swyne , or geese in his pastures , that be not his owne : And perauenture thoughe they be his owne , he wolde not haue them to goo there , or to fynde a gap , or a sherde in his hedge , or any water standynge in his pastures vppon his grasse , wherby he maye take double hurte , bothe losse of his grasse , and rotting of his shepe and calues . And also of standynge water in his corne fieldes at the landes endes , or sydes , and howe he wold haue his landes plowed , donged , sturred , or sowen And his corne weded or shorne or his cattell shifted out of one pasture into an other , and to loke what dychyng , quicsettyng , or plashing is necessary to be had , and to ouer se his shepeherd , how he handleth and ordreth his shepe , and his seruantes howe they plowe and do theyr warkes , or if any gate he broken down , or want any staues , and go not lyghtly to open and tyne , and that it do not traile , and that the windes blowe it not open , with many mo necessary thynges that are to be loked vpon . For a man alwaye wanderynge or goinge aboute somewhat , fyndeth or seeth that is amysse , and wolde be amended . And as soone as he seeth any suche defautes , than let hym take oute his tables , and wryte the defautes . And whan he commeth home to diner , supper , or at nyght , than let hym call his bayly , or his heed seruaunte , and soo shewe hym the defautes , that they may be shortly amended . And whan it is amended , than let him put it out of his tables . For this vsed I to doo . x. or . xii . yeres and more . and thus let hym vse dayely , and in shorte space , he shall sette moche thynges in good order , but dayely it wyll haue mendynge . And yf he canne not wryte , lette hym nycke the defautes vppon a stycke , and to shewe his bayely , as I sayde before . Also take hede bothe erly and late , at all tymes , what maner of people resorte and comme to thy house , and the cause of theyr commynge , and specially if they brynge with them pytchers , cannes , tancardes , bottelles , bagges , wallettes , or busshell pokes . For if thy seruauntes be not true , they maye doo the great hurte , and them selfe lyttel auauntage . Wherfore they wolde be well loked vopon . And he that hath . ii . true seruauntes , a man seruaunte , and an other a woman seruaunte , he hath a great treasure , for a trewe seruaunte wyl do iustly hym selfe , and if he se his felowes do amysse , he wyl byd them do no more so , for if they do , he wyll shewe his master therof : and if he do not this , he is not a trewe seruaunt .

¶ A lesson made in Englishe verses to teache a gentylmans seruant , to saye at euery tyme , whan he taketh his horse for his remembraunce , that he shall not forget his gere in his inne behynde hym .

PVrse , dagger , cloke , nyght cap , kerchef , shoyng horne , boget , and shoes . Spere , male , hode , halter , sadelclothe , spores , hatte , with thy horse combe . Bowe , arrowes , sworde , bukler , horne , leisshe , gloues , stringe , and thy bracer . Penne , paper , inke , parchemente , reedwaxe , pommes , bokes , thou remember . Penknyfe , combe , thymble , nedle , threde , poynte , leste that thy gurthe breake . Bodkyn , knyfe , lyngel , gyue thy horse meate , se he be showed well . Make mery , synge and thou can , take hede to thy gere , that thou lose none .

¶ A prologue for the wyues occupation .

NOwe thou husbande , that haste doone thy dylygence and labour , that longeth to an husbande , to get thy lyuynge , thy wyues , thy chyldrens , and thy seruauntes : yet are there other thynges , that muste nedes be done , or elles thou shalte not thryue . For there is an olde common sayenge , that seldom doth the housbande thryue , withoute the leue of his wyfe . By this sayenge it shoulde seme , that there be other occupations and labours , that be moste conuenient for the wyues to do . And howe be it that I haue not the experyence of al theyr occupations and warkes , as I haue of husbandry , Yet a lyttell wyl I speke , what they ought to do , though I tel them nat howe they shulde doo , and exercyse theyr labours and occupations .

¶ A lesson for the wyfe .

BVt yet er I begynne to shewe the wyfe , what warkes she shall do , I wyll firste teche her a lesson of Salomon , as I did to her husbande a lesson of the philosopher , and that is , that she shulde not be ydle at noo tyme : for Salomon saythe , Ociosus non gaudebit cum electis in caelo : sed lugebit in aeternum cum reprobis in inferno : That is to say , The ydle folke shall not ioye with the chosen folkes in heuen , but they shall sorowe with the reproued and forsaken folkes in hell . And saynt Iherom saythe : Semper boni operis aliquid facito , vt te diabolus inueniar occupatum : Quia sicut in aqua stante generantur vermes : sic in homine ocioso generantur malae cogitationes : That is to say Alwaye be doinge of some good werkes , that the dyuell may fynde the euer occupied : for as in standynge water are engendred wormes , ryghte soo in an ydle body are engendred ydle thoughtes . Here mayste thou se , that of ydelnes commeth damnation , and of good warkes and labour cometh saluation . Nowe arte thou at thy lyberty , to chose whether waye thou wylt , wherin is a great diuersitie . And he is an vnhappy man or woman , that god hath giuen bothe wyt and reason , and putteth hym in chose , and woll chose the worst parte . Nowe thou wyfe , I trust to shewe to the dyuers occupations , warkes , and laboures , that thou shalt not nede to be ydle no tyme of the yere .

¶ What thynges the wyfe is bounden of ryght to do .

FIrst and pryncypally the wyfe is bounde of ryghte to loue her housbande , aboue father and mother , and aboue all other men . For our lorde saythe in his gospell : Relinquet patrem et matrem , et abhaerebit vxori suae : A man shulde leue father and mother , and drawe to his wyfe : and the same wyse a wyfe , shulde do to her husbande . And are made by the vertue of the sacrament of holy scripture , one fleshe , one bloude , one body , and two soules . wherfore theyr hartes , theyr myndes , theyr warkes , and occupations , shulde be all one , neuer to seuer nor chaunge , durynge theyr natural lyues , by any mannes acte or dede , as it is sayde in the same gospel . Quod deus coniunxit , homo non separet : That thynge , that god hath ioyned to gether , noo man maye seuer nor departe . Wherfore it is conuenyente , that they loue eche other , as effectually as they wolde doo theyr owne selfe . &c.

¶ What warkes a wyfe shulde do in generall .

FIrst in a mornyng whan thou arte waked , and purposeste to ryse , lyfte vp thy hande , and blesse the , and make a sygne of the holy crosse , In nomine patris , et filii , et spiritus sancti . Amen . In the name of the father , the sonne , and the holy gooste . And if thou saye a Pater noster , an Aue , and a Crede , and remember thy maker , thou shalte spede moche the better . And whan thou arte vp and redy , than first swepe thy house , dresse vp thy dyssheborde , and sette all thynges in good order within thy house : milke thy kye , secle thy calues , sye vp thy mylke , take vppe thy chyldren , and araye theym , and prouyde for thy husbandes brekefaste , dynner , souper , and for thy chyldren , and seruauntes , and take thy parte with theym . And to ordeyne corne and malte to the myll , to bake and brue withall whanne nede is . And meete it to the myll , and fro the myll , and se that thou haue thy measure agayne besyde the tolle , or elles the myller dealeth not truely with the , or els thy corne is not drye as it shoulde be . Thou must make butter , and chese whan thou maist , serue thy swyne bothe mornynge and euenynge , and gyue thy poleyn meate in the mornynge , and whan tyme of the yere commeth , thou must take hede , howe thy hennes , duckes , and geese do ley , and to gather vp theyr egges , and whan they waxe brodye , to sette them there as noo beastes , swyne , nor other vermyn hurte them . And thou muste knowe , that all hole footed fowles wyll sytte a moneth , and all clouen footed fowles wyll sytte but three wekes , excepte a peyhenne , and greatte fowles , as cranes , bustard●s , and suche other . And whan they haue broughte forthe theyr byrdes , to see , that they be well kepte from the gleyd , crowes , fullymartes , and other vermynne . And in the begynnynge of Marche , or a lyttell afore , is tyme for a wyfe to make her garden , and to gette as many good sedes and herbes , as she canne , and specially suche as be good for the potte , and to eate : and as ofte as nede shall requyre , it muste be weded , for els the wedes wyl ouergrowe the herbes . And also in Marche is tyme to sowe flaxe and hempe , for I haue harde olde houswyues saye , that better is Marche hurdes , than Apryll flaxe , the reason appereth : but howe it shulde be sowen , weded , pulled , repeyled , watred , wasshen , dryed , beaten , braked , tawed , hecheled , spon , wounden , wrapped , and wouen , it nedeth not for me to shewe , for they be wise ynough , and therof may they make shetes , bordclothes towels , shertes , smockes , and suche other necessaryes , and therfore let thy dystaffe be alwaye redye for a pastyme , that thou be not ydle . And vndouted a woman can not gette her lyuynge honestely with spynnynge on the distaffe , but it stoppeth a gap , and muste nedes be had . The bolles of flaxe , whan they be ripeled of , must be rideled from the wedes , and made drye with the son , to get out the sedes . Howe be it , one maner of linsede , called loken sede , wyll not open by the son : and therfore , whan they be drye , they muste be sore brused and broken , the wiues knowe howe , and than winowed and kepte drye , tyll yere tyme come agayn . Thy female hempe must be pulled from the churle hempe , for that beareth no sede , and thou must do by it , as thou dydest by the flax . The churle hempe beareth sede , and beware that byrdes eate it not , as it groweth : the hemp therof is not soo good , as the female hempe , but yet it wyll do good seruyce . May fortune somtime , that thou shalt haue so many thinges to do , that thou shalt not well knowe , where is best to begyn . Than take hede , which thing shulde be the greattest losse , if it were not done and in what space it wold be done : than thinke what is the greatest losse , & there begyn . But in case that thynge , that is of greateste losse , wyll be longe in doynge , and thou myghteste do thre or foure other thynges in the meane whyle , thanne loke well , if all these thynges were sette together , whiche of them were the greattest losse , and if all these thynges be of greater losse , and may be all done in as shorte space , as the other , than doo thy many thynges fyrste .

¶ It is conuenyente for a housbande , to haue shepe of his owne for many causes , and than maye his wife haue part of the woll , to make her husbande and her selfe some clothes . And at the leaste waye , she maye haue the lockes of the shepe , eyther to make clothes or blankettes , and couerlettes , or bothe . and if she haue no woll of her owne , she maye take wol to spynne of clothe makers , and by that meanes she maye haue a conuenyent lyuynge , and many tymes to do other warkes . It is a wyues occupation , to wynowe all maner of cornes , to make malte , to wasshe and wrynge , to make heye , shere corne , and in time of nede to helpe her husbande to fyll the mucke wayue or dounge carte , dryue the ploughe , to loode hey , corne , and suche other . And to go or ride to the market , to sel butter , chese , mylke , egges , chekyns , capons , hennes , pygges , gese and all maner of cornes . And also to bye all maner of necessarye thynges belongynge to houssholde , and to make a trewe rekenynge and a compte to her housbande , what she hath receyued , and what what she hath payed . And yf the housbande go to the market , to bye or sell , as they ofte do , he than to shewe his wife in lyke maner . For if one of them shoulde vse to deceyue the other , he deceyueth hym selfe , and he is not lyke to thryue . and therfore they muste be trewe eyther to other . I coulde peraduenture shewe the housbandes dyuerse poyntes , that the wyues deceyue them in : and in lyke maner , howe husbandes deceyue theyr wyues : but if I shulde do so , I shulde shewe mo subtyll poyntes of deceypt , than eyther of them knewe of before . and therfore me semeth beste , to holde my peace , least I shoulde do as the knyght of the toure dyd , the whiche had many fayre doughters , and of fatherly loue that he oughte to them , he made a boke , to a good entente , that they myghte eschewe and flee from vyces , and folowe vertues . In the whiche boke he shewed , that if they were wowed , moued , or styred by any man , after suche a maner as he there shewed , that they shulde withstande it . In the whiche boke he shewed so many wayes , howe a man shoulde atteyne to his purpose , to brynge a woman to vice , the whiche wayes were so naturall , and the wayes to come to theyr purpose , were soo subtylly contryued , and craftely shewed , that harde it wold be for any woman to resyste or deny theyr desyre . And by the sayd boke hath made bothe the men and the women to knowe more vyces , subtyltye , and crafte , than euer they shulde haue knowen , if the boke had not ben made : in the whiche boke he named hym selfe the knight of the towre . And thus I leue the wyues , to vse theyr occupations at theyr owne discreation .

¶ To kepe measure in spendynge .

NOwe thou husbande and huswyfe , that haue done your diligence , and cure , accordynge to the fyrste artycle of the philosopher , that is to saye . Adhibe curam . And also haue well remembred the sayeng of wyse Salomon , Quod ociosus non gaudebit cum electis in caelo : sed lugebit in aeternum cum reprobis in inferno : Thanne ye must remembre , obserue , and kepe in mind , the seconde article of the sayinge of the philosopher , that is to saye . Tene mensuram , That is to saye in englysshe , holde and kepe measure . And accordynge to that fayenge , I lerned two verses at grammer schole , and they be these , Qui plus expendit , quam rerum copia tendit : Non admiretur , fi pauper tate grauetur : He that dothe more expende , thanne his goodes wyll extende , meruayle it shall not be , thoughe he be greued with pouertee , And also accordynge to that sayenge speketh sayncte Paule and saythe , Iuxta facultates faciendi sunt sumptus , ne longi temporis victum , breuis hora consumat : That is to saye , Ater thy faculty or thy hauoure , make thyne expences , leste thou spende in shorte space , that thynge , that thou shouldest lyue by longe . This texte toucheth euery manne , from the hyest degree to the loweste . wherfore it is necessary to euerye manne and womanne to remembre and take good hede there vnto , for to obserue kepe and folowe the same , but bycause this texte of sayncte Paule is in latyn , and husbandes commonely can but lyttell laten . I fere , leaste they can not vnderstande it . And thoughe it were declared ones or twyse to theym , that they wolde forgette it : Wherfore I shall shewe to theym a texte in englysshe , and that they maye well vnderstande , and that is this , Eate within thy tedure

¶ To eate within the tedure .

THou husbande and huswife , that intend to folowe the sayinge of the philosopher , that is to saye , kepe measure , you muste spare at the brynke , and not at the bottom , that is to vnderstande , in the begynnynge of the yere , sellynge of thy cornes , or spendynge in thy house , vnto the tyme that thou haue sowen agayne thy wynter corne , and thy lente corne , and than se what remayneth , to serue thy house , and of the ouerplus thou mayste sell and bye suche other necessaryes , as thou must nedes occupie . And if thou spende it in the begynnynge of the yere , and shall want in the hynder ende , than thou doste not eate within thy tedure , and at the laste thou shalte be punyshed , as I shal proue the by ensample . Take thy horse , and go tedure him vpon thyne owne lees , flytte hym , as ofte as thou wylte , no manne wyll saye wronge thou doste , but make thy horse to longe a tedure , that whan thou haste tyed hym vppon thyne owne lees , his tedure is so longe , that it recheth to the middes of an other mans lees or corne : Nowe haste thou gyuen hym to moche lybertye , and that man , whose corne or grasse thy horse hath eaten , wyll be greued at the , and wyll cause the to be amerced in the court , or elles to make hym amendes , or bothe . And if thy horse breake his tedure , and go at large in euery mans corne and grasse , than commeth the pynder , and taketh hym , and putteth hym in the pynfolde , and there shall he stande in prison , without any meate , vnto the tyme thou hast payde his raunsome to the pynder , and also make amendes to thy neyghbours , for distroyenge of theyr corne . Ryght so , as long as thou eatest within thy tedure , that thou nedest not to begge nor borowe of noo man , soo longe shalte thou encrease and growe in rychesse , and euery man wyll be content with the. And if thou make thy tedure to longe , that thyne owne porcyon wyll not serue the , but that thou shalte begge , borowe , or bye of other : that wyll not longe endure , but thou shalte fall in to pouertye . And if thou breake thy tedure , and ren ryot at large , and knowe not other mennes goodes frome thyne owne , than shall the pynder , that is to saye , the sheryffe and the bayly areste the , and putte the in the pynfolde , that is to say , in prison , there to abyde tyll the truth be knowen : and it is mer●ayle , if thou scape with thy lyfe , and therfore eate within thy tedure .

¶ A shorte lesson for the husbande .

ONe thinge I wyl aduise the to remembre , and specially in wynter tyme , wh● thou sytteste by the fyre , and hast supped , to consyder in thy mynde , whether the warkes , that thou , thy wyfe , & thy seruauntes shall do , be more auauntage to the , than the fyre , and candell lyghte , meate and drynke that they shall spende , and if it be more auantage , than syt styll : and if it be not , than go to thy bedde and slepe , and be vppe betyme , and breake thy faste before day , that thou mayste be all the shorte wynters day about thy busynes . At grammer scole I lerned a verse , that is this , Sanat , sanctificat , et ditat surgere mane . That is to say , Erly rysyng maketh a man hole in body , holer in soule , and rycher in goodes . And this me semeth shuld be sufficient instruction for the husbande to kepe measure .

¶ Howe men of hye degree do kepe measure .

TO me it is doubtefull , but yet me semeth , they be rather to lyberall in expences , than to scarce , and specyally in three thynges . The fyrste is prodigalytie in outragious and costely aray , fer aboue measure : the seconde thynge is costely charge of delycyous meates and drynkes : the thyrde is outragious playe and game , ferre aboue measure . And nowe to the fyrste poynte .

¶ Prodigalite in outragious and costely aray .

I Haue seen bokes of accompte of the yomen of the wardropes of noble men , and also inuētorys made after theyr decease of their apparell , and I doubte not , but at this daye , it is . xx . tymes more in value , than it was to suche a man of degree as he was an . C. yere a go : and many tymes it is gyuen away , er it be halfe worne , to a symple man , the whiche causeth hym to weare the same : and an other symple man , or a lyttell better , seynge him to weare suche rayment , thynketh in his mynde , that he maye were as good rayment as he , and so causeth hym to bye suche other , to his great coste and charge , aboue measure , and an yll ensample to all other . and also to see mens seruantes so abused in theyr aray , theyr cotes be so syde , that they be fayne to tucke them vp whan they ryde , as women do theyr kyrtels whan they go to the market or other places , the whiche is an vnconuenient syght . And ferthermore , they haue suche pleytes vpon theyr brestes , and ruffes vppon theyr sleues , aboue theyr elbowes , that yf theyr mayster , or theym selfe hadde neuer so greatte nede , they coude not shoote one shote , to hurte theyr ennemyes , tyll they hadde caste of theyr cotes , or cut of theyr sleues . This is fer aboue measure , or common weale of the realme . This began fyrste with honour , worship , and honesty , and it endeth in pryde , presumption , and pouertye . Wherof speketh saint Austin , Quencunque superbum esse videris , diaboli filium esse ne dubites : That is to say , who so euer thou seest , that is proude , dout the not , but he is the diuels chylde . Wherfore agaynst pryde he byddeth the remembre , Quid fuisti , quid es , et qualis post mortem eris : That is to say , what thou were , what thou art , and what thou shalte be after thy death . And S. Bernarde saythe , Homo nihil aliud est , q sperma fetidum , saccus stercorum , et esca vermium : That is to saye , A man is nothynge , but stynkynge fylthe , a sacke of dounge , and wormes meate . The whiche sayinges wolde be remembred , and than me semeth this is sufficient at this time for the first point of the thre .

¶ Of delycyouse meates and drynkes .

HOwe costely are the charges of delycious meates & drynkes , that be nowe most commonly vsed , ouer that it hath ben in tymes paste , and howe fer aboue measure ? For I haue seen bokes of accompte of householde , and brumentes vpon the same , & I doubte not , but in delycyous meates , drinkes , and spyces , there is at this daye foure tymes so moche spent , as was at these dayes to a lyke man in degree , and yet at that tyme there was as moche befe and mutton spent as is nowe , and as many good housholdes kept , and as many yomenne wayters therin as be nowe . This began with loue and charytye , whan a lorde , gentylman , or yoman desyred or prayed an other to come to dyner or soupper , and bycause of his commynge he wolde haue a dysshe or two mo than he wolde haue had , if he had ben away . Than of very loue he , remembrynge howe louyngely he was bydden to dynner , and howe well he fared , he thynketh of very kyndnes he muste nedes byd hym to dyner agayne , and soo ordeyneth for hym as manye maner of suche dysshes and meates , as the other man dyd , and two or . iii. mo , & thus by lyttel and litell it is commen fer aboue measure . And begon of loue and charyte , and endeth in pryde and glotony , wherof saynte Ierome saythe , Qui post carnem ambulant , in ventrem et libidinem pronl sunt , quasi irrationabilia iumenta reputantur . That is to say , They that walke , and be redy to fulfill the lust of the fleshe and the bely , are taken as vnreasonable beastes , and sayncte Gregory sayth , Dominante vicio gulae , omnes virtutes per luxuriam et vanam gloriam obruuntur : That is to saye , where the vice of glotony hath domination , all vertues by luxury and vayneglory are cast vnder . the whiche sayinges wold in lykewise be remembred , and this me semeth sufficient for the. ii . poynte of the thre .

¶ Of outragious playe and game .

IT is conueniente for euerye man , of what degree that he be of , to haue playe & game accordynge to his degree . For Cato sayth , Interpone tuis interdum gaudia curis : Amonge thy charges and busynes thou muste haue sometyme ioye and myrthe , but nowe adayes it is doone ferre aboue measure . For nowe a poore man in regarde wyll playe as great game , at all maner games , as gentylmen were wont to do , or greater , and gentilmen as lordes , and lordes as prynces , & ofte tymes the great estates wyll call gentylmen , or yomen to play with them at as great game as they do , and they call it a disport , the whiche me semeth a very trewe name to it , for it displeaseth some of them er they departe , and specyall god , for myspendynge of his goodes and tyme . But if they played smalle games , that the poore man that playeth myght beare it thoughe he loste , and bate not his countenaunce , than myght it be called a good game , a good playe , a good sporte , and a pastyme . But whan one shall lose vpon a day , or vpon a nyght , as moche money as wold fynde hym and all his house meate and drynke a moneth or a quarter of a yere or more , that maye be well called a disporte , or a displeasure , and ofte tymes by the meanes therof , it causeth theym to sell they landes , dysheryte the heyres , and may fortune to fall to thefte , robbery , or suche other , to the great hurte of them selfe , & of theyr chyldren , and to the displeasure of god : and they so doinge , lyttel do they pondre or regarde the saying of saynt Paule , Iuxta facultates faciendi sunt sumptus , ne longi temporis victum breuis hora consumat : This play begun with loue and charite , and oft times it endeth with couetous , wrath , and enuy . And this me thynketh shoulde be a sufficient instruction for kepynge of measure .

¶ A prologue of the thyrde sayinge of the philosopher .

NOwe thou housbande and housewife , that haue done your diligence and cure about your husbandrye and huswyfry , accordynge to the fyrste sayenge of the philosopher , A dhibe curam , And also haue well remembred and fulfylled the seconde sayinge of the sayde philosopher , Tene mensuram : I doubte not but ye be ryche accordyng to the thyrde sayinge of the sayde philosopher . Et eris diues . Nowe I haue shewed you the sayinge of the philosopher , wherby you haue goten moche worldely possession , me semeth it were necessary , to shewe you howe ye maye gette heuenly possessions , accordynge to the sayenge of our lorde in his gospel , Quid prodest homini , si vniuersum mundum lucretur , anime vero suc detrimentum paciatur : What profyteth it to a man , thoughe he wyn all the worlde , to the hyndraunce and losyng of his soule ? Howe be it , it shoulde seme vnconuenient for a temporall man , to take vpon hym , to shewe or teache any suche spirytuall matters : and yet there is a great diuersytie betwene predication and doctrine .

¶ A diuersitie betwene predication and doctrine

AS sayncte Iherome saythe , there is greate difference or diuersitie , betwene preachinge and doctrine . A preachyng or a sermon is , where a conuocation or a gatherynge of people on holye dayes , or other dayes in churches or other places , and times sette and ordeyned for the same . And it belongeth to theym that be ordeyned there vnto , and haue iurisdiction and auctorytie , and to none other . But euery man may lawefully enforme and teache his brother , or any other , at euery tyme and place behouable , if it seme expedient to hym , for that is an almes dede , to the whiche euery man is holden & bounde to do , accordyng to the sayenge of saynt Peter , Vnusquisque , sicut accepit gratiam in alterutrum illam administare debet . That is to saye , as euery man hath taken or receyued grace , he oughte to mynyster and shewe it forthe to other . For as Chrisostome saythe , great merite is to hym , and a great reward he shall haue in tyme to come , the which writeth or causeth to be writen , holy doctrine , for that entent , that he may se in it , howe he may lyue holylye , and that other maye haue it , that they maye be edyfyed or sanctyfyed by the same . for he saythe surely , knowe thou , that howe many soules be saued by the , soo many rewardes thou shalte haue for eyther . For saynt Gregory saythe , Nullum sacrificium ita placet deo , sicut zelus animarum : There is no sacrifyce that pleaseth god so moche , as the loue of soules . And also he saythe , Ille apud deum maior est in amore , qui ad eius amorem plurimos trahit : He is greateste in fauour with god , that draweth moste men to the loue of god . Wherfore me semeth , it is conuenient to enforme and shewe them , how they maye gette heuenly possessions , as well as I haue shewed them to get worldly possessions . Than to my purpose , and to the poynt where I lefte , nowe thou art ryche .

¶ What is rychesse .

IT is to be vnderstande what is rychesse , and as me semeth , rychesse is that thynge , that is of goodnes , and can not be taken awaye from the owner , neyther in his temporall lyfe , nor in the lyfe euerlastynge . Than these worldly possessions , that I haue spoken of , is no richesse , for why , they be but floures of the worlde . And that may be wel consydered by Iob , the whiche was the rychest man of worldely possessions , that was lyuynge in those daies , and sodeynely he was the poorest man agayne that coulde be lyuynge , and all the whyle he toke pacyence , and was content , as appereth by his sayenge , Dominus dedit , dominus abstulit : sicut domino placuit , ita factum est , sit nomen domini benedictum : Our lorde hath gyuen it , our lorde hath taken it awaye , and as it pleaseth our lorde , so be it , blessed be the name of our lorde . The whiche Iob may be an ensample to euery true chrysten man , of his pacyence and good liuing in tribulation , as appereth in his storye , who that lyste to rede therin . And saynte Austyne saythe : Qui terrenis inhiat , et aeterna non cogitat , vtrisque in futuro carebit : He that gathereth in worldly thynges , and thynketh not vppon euerlastynge thynges , shall wante bothe in tyme to come . For sayncte Ambrose saythe . Non sunt bona hominis , quae secum ferre non potest : They are not the goodes of man , the whiche he can not beare with him And saynte Bernarde saythe : Si vestra sint , tollite vobiscum : Yf they be yours , take them with you . Than it is to be vnderstande , what goodes a man shall take with hym . And these be the good dedes and warkes that thou doste here in this temporall lyfe , wherof speketh Crysostome : Fac bene , et operare iustitiam , vt spem habeas apud deum , et non desperabis in terra : Doo well , and worke ryghtwysly , that thou mayste haue truste in god , and that thou be not in despayre in this worlde . Accordynge to that saythe the prophete Dauyd , Iunior fui , etenim senui , et non vidi iustum derelictum , nec semen eius querens panem : I haue ben yonge , and I haue : waxen olde , and I haue not seen a ryghtwyse man forsaken , nor his chyldren sekynge theyr breade .

¶ What is the propertie of a riche man .

IN myne opynyon the propertye of a ryche manne is , to be a purchaser . and if he wyll purchase , I councell hym to purchase heuen . For sayncte Austyne saythe , Regnum caelorum nulli clauditur , nisi illi , qui se excluserit : The kyngedome of heuen is to noo man closed , but to hym that wyll putte oute hym selfe . Wherfore this texte maye gyue the a courage to prefixe thy mynde , to make there thy purchase . And Salomon saythe : Quod mali carius emunt infernum , quam boni caelum : Ill men bye hell derer , thanne the good men bie heuen . and that me semeth maye well be proued by a common ensample : As if I had a. M. shepe to sell , and dyuers men come to me , and bye euery manne a. C. of the shepe , all of one price , to paye me at dyuers dayes . I am agreed , and graunt them these dayes . some of the menne be good , and kepe theyr promesse , and paye me at theyr dayes , and some of theym doo not paye me . wherfore I sue theym at the lawe , and by course of the common lawe , I doo recouer my duetie of them , and haue theyr bodyes in prisone for execution , tylle they haue made me payment . Nowe these men , that haue broken me promesse , and payed not theyr dewetye , bye theyr shepe derer thanne the good menne bought theyrs . For they haue imprysonment of theyr bodyes , and yet must they pay theyr duetyes neuer the lesse , or elles lye and dye there in pryson : the whiche sheepe be derer to them , then to the good men , that kepte theyr promes . Righte so euery man chepeth heuen , and god hath sette on it a pryce , and graunted it to euery man , and giuen to them dayes of payment : the pryce is all one , and that is to kepe his commaundementes , duryng theyr lyues . the good men kepe his commaundementes , and fulfyll theyr promesse , and haue heuen at theyr decease . The yll men breake promesse , & kepe not his commaundementes , wherfore at theyr decease they be put in pryson , that is to say in hell , there to abyde his ryghtuousenes . And soo the yll men bye hell derer , than the good menne bye heuen . And therfore it is better , to forgoo a lyttell pleasure , or suker a lyttell payne in this worlde , than to suffer a moche greatter and a lenger payne , in an other worlde . Nowe sythe helle is derer than heuen , I aduyse the specyally to bye heuen , wherin is euerlastynge ioye without ende .

¶ What ioyes or pleasures are in heuen .

SAynt Austyn saythe , Ibi erunt quaecunque ab hominibus desiderantur , vita et salus , copia glorie , honor , pax , et omnia bona : That is to saye , There shall be euery thynge that any man desyreth , there is lyfe , helth , plenty of ioye , honour , peace , and all maner of goodnes . What wolde a man haue more ? And saynt Paule sayth . Occulus non vidit , nec auris audiuit , nec in cor hominis ascendit , quae preparauit deus diligentibus se : That is to say . The eye hath not seen , nor the eares hath herde , nor the herte of a man hath thought of so goodly thynges , that god hath ordeyned for theym that loue hym . O what a noble acte that were for an husbande or houswyfe , to purchase suche a royall place in heuen , to whiche is no comparyson . Than it is to been knowen , what thynge pleaseth god most , that we myght do it .

¶ What thynges pleaseth god most .

By the texte of sayncte Paule , before sayd , loue pleaseth god aboue al thinge , and that maye be well proued by the sayinge of our lorde hym selfe , where he saythe : Da mihi cor tuum , et sufficit mihi : Gyue me thy harte , and that is sufficiente for me , for he that hath a mannes harte , hath all his other goodes . what is this mans harte : it is nothynge elles , but very trewe loue . For there can be no true loue , but it commeth meryly and immediately from the harte : and if thou loue god entyerlye with thy harte , than wylte thou do his commaundementes . Than it wolde be vnderstande and knowen , whiche be his commandementes , that a man may obserue and kepe them .

¶ What be goddes commaundementes .

THere be in all . x. commandementes , the which were to long to declare , but they be all concluded and comprehended in two , that is to say . Diliges dominum deum tuum super omnia : Et proximum tuum sicut te ipsum : Loue thy lorde god aboue al thing , and thy neyghboure as thy selfe . These be lyghte commaundementes , and nature byndeth a man to fulfyll , obserue , and kepe them , or els he is not a naturall man , remembryng what god hath doone for the. Fyrste he hath made the , to the symylytude and lykenes of his owne ymage , and hathe gyuen to the in this worlde dyuerse possessions but specyally he hath redemed thy soule vpon the crosse , and suffered great payne and passion and bodelye deathe for thy sake . What loue , what kyndenes was in hym , to doo this for the ? what couldest thou desyre hym to do more for the ? And he desyreth nothynge of the agayne , but loue for loue . What can he desyre lesse .

¶ Howe a man shulde loue god and please hym .

SVrelye a man maye loue god and please hym , very many wayes : but fyrste & principally , he that wyllloue god , and please hym , he muste doo as it is sayde in Symbalo Athanasii : Quicunque vult saluus esse , ante omnia opus est , vt teneat catholicam fidem , Who so euer wyll be saued , aboue all thynge he must nedes be stedfast in the faythe of holy churche . And accordynge to that , saythe sayncte Paule : Sine fide impossibile est placere deo : Without faythe , it is impossible to please god . And Seneca sayth : Nichil retine● , qui fidem perdidit : There abydeth no goodnes in hym , that hath loste his faythe . And soo thou mayste wel perceyue , that thou canst not loue nor please god , without perfyte fayth . And ferther more thou mayste not presume to study , nor to argue thy faithe by reason . For saynte Gregory saythe : Fides non habet meritum , vbi humana ratio prebet experimentum : Faythe hath noo meryte , where as mannes reasone proueth the same . This faythe is a pryncypall sygne , that thou loueste god . Also thy good dedes , and thy warkes , is a good sygne , that thou loueste god . For saynt Iherome saythe : Vnusquisque , cuius opera facit , eius filius appellatur : Whose warkes euerye man dothe , his son or seruaunt he is called . And sayncte Bernarde saythe , Efficatior est vox operis , q vox sermonis : The dedes and the warkes of a man is more euydente profe , than his wordes . The fulfyllynge of the. vii . workes of mercye is an other specyall sygne , that thou louest god : and many mo there be , which were to longe to reherse them all .

¶ Howe a man shulde loue his neyghbour .

THou must loue thy neyghboure as thy selfe , wherin thou shalt please god specially . for if thou loue thy neyghbour as thy selfe , it foloweth by reason , that thou shalte do nothynge to hym , but suche as thou woldest shulde be done to the. And that is to presume , that thou woldest not haue any hurte of thy body , nor of thy goodes , done vnto the , and lykewyse thou shuldest none do vnto hym . And also if thou woldest haue any goodnes done vnto the , eyther in thy bodye , or in thy mouable goodes , lyke wyse shuldest thou do vnto thy neyghbour , if it lye in thye power , accordynge to the sayinge of saynte Gregorye , Nec deus sine proximo , nec proximus vere diligitur sine deo : Thou canste not loue god , without thou loue thy neyghbour , nor thou canst not loue thy neighbour , without thou loue god . Wherfore thou muste fyrste loue god pryncypallye , and thy neyghbour secondaryly .

¶ Of prayer that pleaseth god very moche .

PRayer is honour and lande to god , and a specyall thynge that pleaseth hym moche , and is a greate sygne , that thou louest god , and that thou arte perfyte and stedfaste in the faythe of holy churche : and that it is so , it maye be well consydered by our fore fathers , that haue for the loue and honour of god made churches : And a man muste dayly at some conuenyente tymes exercyse and vse prayer hym selfe , as he oughte to doo . For saynt Ambrose sayth , Relicto hoc , ad quod teneris , ingratum est spiritui sancto quicquid aliud operatis : If thou leaue that thynge vndone , that thou arte bounde to doo , it is not acceptable to god , what so euer thou dooste elles . Than it is necessarye , that thou do praye , and a poore manne doynge his labour trewely in the daye , and thinketh well , prayeth well : but on the holye daye , he is bounde to come to the church , and here his diuyne seruyce .

¶ What thynge letteth prayer .

THere be two impedimentes , that lette and hynder prayer , that it maye not be herde . And of the fyrste impedimente spekethe Ysaye the prophete : Quia manus vestrae plenae sunt sanguine . i. peccato ideo non exaudiet vos dominus : Bycause your handes be full of bloude , that is to saye , full of synne , therfore our lorde dothe not graciousely here you . And also prouerbiorum tertio . Longe est dominus ab impiis , et orationes iustorum exaudiet . Our lorde is ferre fro wycked men , and the prayers of ryghtewyse men he gracyously hereth . And sayncte Bernarde saythe , Quia praeceptis dei auertitur , quod in oratione postulat non meretur : He that dothe not goddes commaundementes , he deserueth not to haue his prayer harde . The seconde impediment saythe Anastasius is , Si non dimittis iniuriam , que tibi facta est , non orationem pro te facis , sed maledictionem super te inducis : If thou forgyue not the wronge done vnto the , thou doste not praye for thy selfe , but thou enducest goddes curse to fall vppon the. And Isodorus saythe , Sicut nullum in vulnere proficit medicamemtum , si adhuc ferrum in eo fit : ita nihil proficiat oratio illius , cuius adhuc dolor in mente vel odium manet in pectore . Lyke as the playster or medycyne can not heale a wounde , if there be any yren styckinge in the same , ryghte soo the prayer of a man profyteth hym not , as longe as there is sorowe in his mynde , or hate abydynge in his breste . For sayncte Austyne saythe , Si desit charitas , frustra habentur cetera . If charitie wante , all other thynges be voyde . Wherfore thou muste se that thou stande in the state of grace , and not infecte with deedly synne , and than praye if thou wyll be harde .

¶ Howe a man shulde praye .

IT is to be vnderstande that there be dyuers maner of prayinges , Quedam publica , et quedam priuata , That is to saye , some openlye , and some priuately . Prayer openly muste nedes be done in the churche by the mynystratours of the same people . For it is done for all the comynaltye , and therfore the people in that oughte to conferme theym selfe to the sayde mynystratours , and there to be presente to praye vnto god after a dewe maner . Oratio priuata . The prayer pryuately done , oughte to be doone in secrete places , for two causes . For prayer eleuateth and lyfteth vp a mannes mynde to god . And the mynde of man is sooner and better lyfte vppe whan he is in a pryuye place , and separate frome multytude of people . An other cause is to auoyde vaynglory that myghte lyghtely ensue or ryse thervppon , whan it is doone openly . and therof speketh our sauyour , where he sayth , Cum oratis , non eritis sicut hypocritae , qui amant in sinagogis , et in angulis platearum stantes orare . That is to saye , whan ye praye , be not you as the hypocrytes , the whiche loue to stande in theyr synagoges and corners of hyghe wayes to praye . Also some folkes pray with the lyppes or mouthe , and not with the herte , of whome spekethe our lorde by his prophete , Hij labiis me honorant , cor autem eorum longe est a me . They honour me with theyr mouthe , and theyr hertes be ferre frome me . And sayncte Gregory saythe , Quid prodest strepitus labiorum vbi mutum est cor ? What profyteth the labour of the mouthe , where the herte is dombe ? And Isodore saythe , Longe quippe a deo est animus , qui in oratione cogitarionibus saeculi fuerit occupatus . His soule is far from god , that in his prayer his mynde is occupied in warkes of the worlde . There be other that pray both with the mouth and hart of whom speketh sayncte Iohn . x. Veri adoratores , adorabunt patrem in spiritu et veritate . The true prayers wylle worshyp the father of heauen in spirite and with trouthe . Isodorus saythe , Tunc veraciter oramus , quando aliunde non cogitamus . Than we praye truely , whan we thynke on nothynge elles . Richardus de Hampole . Ille deuote orat , qui non habet cor vacabundum in terrenis occupationibus , sed sublatum ad deum in caelestibus . He prayeth deuoutly , that hath not his harte wauerynge in worldelye occupations , but alwaye subleuate and lyfte vppe to god in heuen . There be other that praye with the harte . vn̄ Mat. vi . Tu autem cum oraueris , intra cubiculum tuum . i. in loco secreto et clauso hostio , ora patrem tuum . Whan thou shalte praye , entre into thy chambre or oratory , and steke the doore , and praye to the father of heuen . Isodorus , Ardens oratio est non labiorum sed cordium , potius enim orandum est corde q ore . The hoter prayer is with the harte than with the lyppes , rather pray with thy herte than with thy mouth . Regum primo . Anna loquebatur in corde . Anne spake with the harte .

¶ A meane to put away ydle thoughtes in prayinge .

ANd to auoyde wauerynge myndes , in worldlye occupations whanne thou shalte praye , I shall shewe vnto you the beste experience that euer I coulde fynde for the same , the whiche haue benne moche troubled therwith , and that is this . He that can rede and vnderstande latyne , let hym take his booke in his hande , and looke stedfastely vppon the same thynge that he readeth and seeth , that is no trouble to hym , and remembre the englysshe of the same , wherin he shall fynde greatte swetenes , and shall cause his mynde to folowe the same , and to leaue other worldly thoughtes . And he that canne not reade nor vnderstande his Pater noster . Aue , nor Crede , he muste remembre the passyon of Christe , what peyne he suffered for hym , and all mankynde , for redemynge of theyr soules . And also the miracles and wonders that god hath doone , and fyrste what wonders were doone the nyghte of his natyuitie and byrthe . And howe he turned water in to wyne , and made the blynde to se , the dombe to speake , the deafe to here , the lame to go , the sycke to be hole . And howe he fed fyue thousande with two fysshes , and fyue barley loues , wherof was lefte . xii . coffyns or skyppes of fragmentes . And howe he reised Lazare from deathe to lyfe , with manye moo myracles that be innumerable to be rehersed . And also to remembre the specyall poyntes of his passion , howe he was solde & betrayed of Iudas , and taken by the iewes , and broughte before Pylate , than to kynge Herode , and to bysshoppe Cayphas , and than to Pylate agayne , that iudged hym to death , and howe he was bounde to a piller and how they scurged , bobbed , mocked hym , spytte in his face , crowned hym with thornes , and caused hym to beare the crosse to the mounte of Caluary , wheryppon he was nayled both handes and fete , and wounded to the harte with a sharpe spere , and soo suffered deathe . And howe he fette out the soules of our forefathers forthe of hell . Howe he rose frome deathe to lyfe , and howe ofte he appered to his discyples and other moo . And what myracles he wroughte afterwarde , and specyallye what power he gaue to his dyscyples , that were noo clerkes , to teache and preche his faythe , and worke many myracles , and specyally whan they preached before menne of dyuers nations and languages , and euerye man vnderstode them in theyr own language ▪ the whiche is a sygne that god wolde haue euery manne saued , and to knowe his lawes , the whiche was a myracle able to conuerte all the infydeles , heretykes , and lollers in the worlde .

¶ A meane to auoyde temptation .

IT is ofte tymes seen , that the holyer that a man is , the more he is tempted , and he that soo is , maye thanke god therof . for god of his goodnes and grace hath not gyuen to the dyuell auctoritie nor power , to attempte any man ferther and aboue that , that he that is so tempted , maye withstande . For sayncte Gregory sayth , Non est timendum hostis , qui non potest vincere nisi volentem . An ennemye is not to be dradde , the whiche maye not ouercome , but if a manne be wyllynge . And it is to presume , that he that is soo tempted , standeth in the state of grace . For sayncte Ambrose saythe , Illos diabolis vexare negligit , quos iure haereditario se possidere sentit . The dyuell despyseth to vexe or trouble those , the whiche he felethe him selfe to haue in possessyon by ryght inheritaunce . And if thou be so tempted , vexed , or troubled , I shall shewe vnto the two verses , that if thou do therafter , thou shalte be eased of thy temptacyon , and haue greatte thanke and laude of god and rewarde therfore , these be the verses .

Hostis non ledit , nisi cum temptatus obedit . Est leo si sedit , si stat quasi musca recedit .

¶ That is to say , The gostly enemy hurteth not , but whan he that is tempted obeyeth to his temptation , Than his ghostly enemy plaieth the lyon , if that he that is so tempted syt styll and obey to hym . And if he that is tempted , stande styfly agaynste hym , the ghostlye ennemye flyeth awaye lyke a flye . This me semeth maye be wel proued by a famylier ensaumple . As if a lorde had a castell , and deliuered it to a capitayne to kepe , if there come ennemies to the cast●ll , and call to the capytayn , and byd hym delyuer them this castell . The capytayne cometh and openeth them the gates , and delyuereth the keyes . Nowe is this castell soone wonne , and this capytayne is a false traytour to the lorde . But lette the capitaine arme hym selfe , and steke the gates , and stande styfly vpon the walle , and commaunde them to auoyde at theyr peryll , and they wyll not tary to make any assaut . Ryght so euery man is capitayne of his owne soule . and if thy gostely ennemy come and tempte the , and thou that arte capytayne of thyne owne soule , wyll open the gates , and delyuer hym the keyes and let hym in , thy sowle is soone taken prysoner , and thou a false traytour to thy soule , and worthye to be punysshed in pryson for euer . And if thou arme thy selfe and stande styfly agaynste hym , and wyll not consente to hym , he wyll auoyde and fle away , and thou shalt haue a great reward for withstandynge of the sayde temptation .

¶ Almes dedes pleaseth god moche .

ALmes dedes pleseth god very moche , and it is great sygne that thou loueste bothe god and thy neyghboure . And he of whome almes is asked , oughte to consyder thre thynges , that is to saye , who asketh almes , what he asketh , and whervnto he asketh . Nowe to the fyrste , who asketh almes , Deus petit . God asketh . For saynte Ierome sayth , Quia deus adeo diligit pauperes , quod quicquid fit eis propter amorem suum , reputat sibi factum . That is to saye , bycause that god loueth poore men soo moche , what someuer thynge is gyuen vnto theym for the loue of hym , he taketh it as it were done to hym selfe , as it is sayde in his gospell , Quod vni ex minimis meis fecistis , michi fecistis . That thynge that ye gyue or do to the least of those that be myne , ye do it to me . Thanne to the seconde , what asketh god ? Non nostrum , sed suum . He asketh not that thynge , that is ours , but that thynge that is his owne . As saythe the prophete Dauid , Tua sunt domine omnia : Et quae de manu tua accepimus , tibi dedimus . Good lorde , all thynges be thyne , and those thynges that we haue taken of the , of those haue we gyuen the. Thanne to the thyrde . Where vnto dothe god aske ? He asketh not to gyue hym , but all onely to borowe , Non tamen ad triplas , silicet , immo ad centuplas . Not all onely to haue thryse soo moche , but forsothe to haue an hundred tymes soo moche . As saynt Austyn saythe , Miser homo quid veneraris homini , venerare deo , et centuplum accipies , et vitam aeternam possidebis ? Thou wretched manne , why doste thou worshyp or dreade man : worshyp thou god and dreade hym , and thou shalte receyue an hundred tymes so moche , and haue in possessyon euerlastynge lyfe , the whiche many folde passeth all other rewardes ? Prouerbiorum . xiiii . Veneratur dominus , qui miseres tur pauperibus . He worshyppeth our lorde , that hath mercye and pytye on poore folkes . And the glose therof sayth , Centuplum accepturus . And thou shalte receyue an . C. tymes so moche . And it is to be vnderstande , that there be thre maner of almes dedes , that is to saye , Egenti largire quicquid poteris : dimittere eis a quibus lesus fueris : Errantem cotrigere , et in viam veritatis reducere , That is to saye , to gyue to the nedy what thou well mayste , to forgyue theym that haue trespaced to the , and to correcte them that do amysse , and to brynge them into the waye of ryghte .

¶ The fyrste maner of almes .

EGenti largire quicquid poteris . Gyue to the nedye what thou well maye . for our lorde saythe in his gospell . Date elemosinam , et omnia munda sunt vobis . Et alibi . Date , et dabitur vobis . Gyue almes , and all worldly rychesse is yours . gyue and it shall be gyuen to you . Almes dede is a holy thynge , it encreaseth a mans welthe , it maketh lesse a mannes synnes , it lengtheth a mans lyfe , it maketh a man of good mynde , it delayeth yll tymes , and closeth all thynges , hit delyuereth a manne from deathe , it ioyneth a manne with aungelles , and seuereth hym from the dyuell , and is lyke a wall vnable to be foughten agaynst . And saynt Iames saythe . Sicut aqua extinguit ignem , ita elemosina peccatum . As water slecketh fyer , soo dothe almes dede slake synne . Salomon saythe , Qui dat pauperi , non indigebit . He that giueth vnto a poore man , shal neuer haue nede . And also he sayth , Qui obturat aurem suam ad clamorem pauperis , et ipse clamabit , et non exaudietur . He that stoppeth his eare at the clamoure or crie of a pore man ( he shall crye ) and he shall not be gracyousely herde . There maye no manne excuse hym from gyuynge of almes , thoughe he be poore . And let hym doo as the poore wydowe dyd , that offered a farthynge , wherfore she hadde more thanke and rewarde of god , thanne the ryche men that offered golde . And if thou mayste not gyue a farthynge , gyue lesse , or gyue fayre wordes , or good information , ensaumple and token : and god shall rewarde the bothe for thy dede and for thy good wyll . And that thou dooste , do it with a good wyll . For saynte Paule saythe , Hilarem datorem diligit deus . God loueth a glad gyuer , and that it be of true begotten goodes . For Salomon saythe , De tuis iustis laboribus ministra pauperibus . Of thy trewe labours mynystre and gyue to the poore folkes . For Isodorus saythe , Qui iniuste tollit , iuste nunquam tribuit . He that taketh wrongfully , can not gyue trewelye . For it is wrytten Ecclesiastici . xxxv . Qui de rapinis , aut vsuris , aut de furto immolat : et quasi qui coram patre victimat filium . He that offereth of the goodes that he getteth by extortyon , vsurye , or thefte , he is lyke as a man slewe the sonne in the presence of the father . Thou mayste ryghte well knowe , the father wolde not be well contente . Noo more wolde god be pleased with the gyfte of suche begotten goodes .

¶ The seconde maner of almes .

DImittere eis , a quibus lesus fueris . To forgyue theym that haue trespaced to the , wherin thou shalte please god moche . For it is in the gospell of sayncte Marke . xii . Si non dimiseritis aliis , nec pater vester celestis dimittet vobis peccata vestra . If you forgyue not , your father of heuen wyll not forgyue you your synnes . Also if thou doo not forgyue other , thou shalte be founde a lyer , as ofte as thou sayeste thy Pater noster , where thou sayste : Et dimitte nobis debita nostra , sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris . And forgyue to vs our dettes , as we forgyue to our detters . By these dettes maye be vnderstande the thynges that we oughte to do to god , and doo not them . And also the trespaces and the synne that we haue offended to god , in that we aske mercye of . And if thou wylte not forgyue , thou mayst not aske mercy of ryght . Eadem mensura , qua mensi fueritis , remetietur vobis . The same measure that ye meate other men by , shall be moten vnto you . Dimittere autem rancorem et maliciam omnino necessitatis est , dimittere vero actionem et emendam opus est consilij . To forgyue all rancour and malyce , that a manne oweth to the in his harte , thou arte bounden of necessitie to forgyue all the hole trespace , or to leaue thyne actyon or a reasonable mendes . Therfore it is but a dede of mercye if thou so do , and no synne though thou sue the lawe with charytie . But and a manne haue done to the a trespace , and that thou arte gladde that he hathe soo doone , that thou mayste haue a quarell , or a matter , or an accyon agaynste hym , and nowe of malyce or yll wyll thou wylte sue hym , rather than for the trespace , nowe thou synnest dedely , bycause thou doest rather of malyce than for the trespace , and than haste thou loste thy charitie , Prouerbiorum . xxxii . Qui pronus est ad misericordiam , benedicetur . He that is redy to forgiue , shall be blessed .

¶ The thyrde maner of almes .

ERrantem corrigere , et in viam veritatis reducere . To correcke a misdoer , and to brynge hym into the waye of tyghte . It is to be vnderstand , that there be thre maner of corrections .

¶ The fyrste correction is of an ennemye , the seconde is of a frynde , and the thyrde correction is of a Iustyce . The fyrste saythe Chrisostome , Corripe non vt hostis expetens vindictam , sed vt medicus instituens medicinam Correcke not as an enemye doinge vengeaunce , but as a phisicyon or surgyon , mynistringe or gyuynge a medicyne . To the seconde saythe Salomon . Plus proficit amica correctio , quam correctio turbulenta . A frendelye correction profyteth more than a troublous correction . For yf thou speke courteysly to a man that hath offended , and with sweete wordes of compassion , he shall rather be conuerted by theym , than with hye wordes of great punysshement . And Isodorus saythe , Qui per verba blanda castigatus non corrigetur , acrius necesse est , vt arguatur He that wylle not be chastysed by fayre wordes , it is necessary that he be more hardlyer and straytlyer reproued or punysshed . To the thyrde saythe sayncte Ierome , Equum iudicium est , vbi non persona●sed opera considerantur . There is an euyn Iugemente , where the personne is not regarded , but the warkes are consydered . And alsoo hit is wrytten , Reddet vnicuique iuxta opera sua . He shall yelde vnto euery manne after his workes . And sayncte Augustyne saythe , Sicut meliores sunt , quos corrigit amor , ita plures sunt quos corrigit timor . As those be better , that be chastysed by loue , soo there be many moo th●t be chastysed by feare . For and they feared not the punyshement of the lawe , there wolde be but a fewe chastysed by loue . And saynte Gregory sayth , Facientis procul dubio culpam habet , qui quod potest corrigere negligit emendare , et illicita non prohibere consensus erroris est . He that maye correcke , and dothe not , he taketh the offence to hym selfe of the dede , and he that dothe not forbede vnlawefull thynges , consenteth to the same . &c.

¶ What is the greattest offence that a manne may doo and offende god in .

IN myne opynyon , it is to be in despayre of the mercye of god . And therfore what soo euer thou haue doone or offended god , in worde , warke , thought , or dede , be neuer in despayre for it , for Isodorus saythe , Qui veniam de peccato desperat , plus de desperatione peccat quam de culpa cadit . He that despayreth to haue forgyuenes of his synnes , he synneth more in despayrynge than he dyd in the synne doynge . For saynte Iherome sayth , Magis offendebat Iudas deum in hoc quod suspendebat , quam in hoc , quod eum tradidit . Iudas offended god more in that that he hanged hym selfe , than he dydde whanne he betrayed god . For god sayth in his gospell . Nolo mortem peccatoris , sed magis vt conuertatur et viuat . I wyll not the deathe of a synner , but rather that he maye be conuerted and lyue . And also he saythe , Non veni vocare iustos , sed peccatores ad penitentiam . I am not comen to call ryghtwyse men , but to call synners to do penaunce . For thou canste not so soone crye god mercy with thy harte , but he is as redye to chaunge his sentence , and to graunte the mercy and forgynenes of all thy synnes . For saynt Austyne saythe , Sicut scintilia ignis in medio maris , sic omnis impie●as viri ad misericordiam dei . As a sparke of fyer is in comparison able to drye vppe all the water in the se , noo more is all the wyckednes of man vnto the mercyfulnes of god . And therfore it is conuenyent that a manne shulde be penytent , contryte , and aske god mercye and forgyuenesse of his synnes and offences that he hath done , wherof speketh Chrysostme , Nemo ad deum aliquando flens accessit quod non postulaueritaccepst . No man hath gone any tyme wepynge to god , but he hath taken or had that thynge that he hath asked . And sayncte Bernarde saythe , Plus cruciant lacrime peccatoris diabolum quam omne genus tormentorum . The teares of a synner tourmenteth the deuyll more , than all other kyndes of turmentes . And sayncte Austyne saythe , Acriores dolores demonibus non inferrimus , quam cum peccata nostra penitendo et confitendo plangimus . We canne not doo more sharper sorowes to the dyuell , than whan we wayle or wepe in confessyon , and doynge of penaunce . And that maye be well proued by Mary Magdaleyn , whanne she kneled downe and cryed god mercye , and kyste his fete , and wasshed theym with the teares of her eyen , and wyped them with the heare of her heed , to whom our lorde sayde , as in his gospell . Dimittuntur tibi peccata tua . Thy synnes are forgyuen to the , and also he sayde to her . Fides te saluam fecit , vade in pace . Thy faythe hath saued the , goo thou in peace . To the whiche mercy and peace I besech almyghty Iesu brynge all chrysten soules . Amen .

BE it knowen to all men bothe spirytuall and temporall , that I make protestacion before god and man , that I entende not to wryte any thynge that is or maye be contrary to the faythe of Chryste and al holy churche . But I am redye to reuoke my sayenge , if any thyng haue passed my mouthe for wante of lernynge , and to submytte my selfe to correction , and my boke to reformatyon . And as touchynge the poyntes of husbandry , and of other artycles conteyned in this present boke , I whll not saye that it is the beste waye and wyll serue beste in all places , but I saye it is the best way that euer I coude proue by experyence , the whiche haue ben an householder this . xl . yeres and more . And haue assaied many and dyuers wayes , and done my dyligence to proue by experyence which shuld be the beste waye .

¶ The auctour . ¶ Go lyttell quere , and recommende me To all that this treatyse shall se , here , or rede Prayenge them ther with content to be And to amende it in places , where as is nede Of eloquence , they may perceyue I want the sede And rethoryke , in me doth not abounde wherfore I haue sowen , such sedes as I found .

Finis . ¶ Thus endeth this ryghte profytable boke of husbandry , compyled sometyme by mayster Fitz herbarde , of charytie and good zele that he bare to the weale of this mooste noble realme , whiche he dydde not in his youthe , but after he had exercysed husbandry , with greate experyence . xl . yeres . ❧