¶ The Preamble or entraunce , into this treatise .

I Wrote vnto you ( well beloued friende Gesner ) not many yeares past , a manifolde historie , contayning the diuers formes and figures of Beastes , Byrdes , and Fyshes , the sundry shapes of of plantes , and the fashions of Hearbes , &c.

I wrote moreouer , vnto you seuerally , a certayne abridgement of Dogges , which in your discourse vpon the fourmes of Beastes in the seconde order of mylde and tameable Beastes , where you make mencion of Scottishe Dogges , and in the wynding vp of your Letter written and directed to Doctour Turner , comprehending a Catalogue or rehersall of your bookes not yet extant , you promised to set forth in print , an● openly to publishe in the face of the worlde among such your workes as are not yet come abroade to lyght and sight . But , because certaine circumstaunces were wanting in my breuiary of Englishe Dogges ( as séemed vnto mee ) I stayed the publication of the same , making promise to sende another abroade , which myght be commytted to the handes , the eyes , the eares , the mindes , and the iudgements of the Readers . Wherefore that I myght perfourme that preciselye , which I promised solempnly , accomplishe my determination , and satisfy your expectacion : which art a man desirous and capeable of all kinde of knowledge , and very earnest to be acquain●ed with all experimentes : I wyll expresse and declare in due order , the grand and generall kinde of Englishe Dogges , the difference of them , the vse , the propertyes , and the diuerse natures of the same , making a tripartite diuision in this sort and maner .

All Englishe Dogges be eyther of , A gentle kinde , seruing the game . A homely kind , apt for sundry necessary vses . A currishe kinde , méete for many toyes .

Of these thrée sortes or kindes so meane I to intreate , that the first in the first place , the last in the last roome , and the myddle sort in the middle seate be handled . I cal them vniuersally all by the name of English dogges , as well because England only , as it hath in it English dogs , so it is not without Scottishe , as also for that wée are more inclined and delighted with the noble game of hunting , for we Englishmen are adicted and giuen to that exercise , & painefull pastime of pleasure , as well for the plenty of fleshe which our Parkes and Forrests doe foster , as also for the oportunitie and conuenient leasure which we obtaine , both which , the Scottes want . Wherfore séeing that the whole estate of kindly hunting consisteth principally , In these two pointes , In chasing the beast that is in hunting In taking the byrde that is in fowleing

It is necessary and requisite to vnderstand , that there are two sortes of Dogges by whose meanes , the feates within specifyed are wrought , and these practyses of actiuitie cunningly and curiously compassed , Two kindes of Dogges One which rouseth the beast and continueth the chase . Another which springeth the byrde and bewrayeth the flight by pursuite ,

Both which kyndes are tearmed of the Latines by one common name that is , Canes Venatici , hunting dogges . But because we Englishe men make a difference betweene hunting and fowleling , for that they are called by these seuerall wordes , Venatio , & Aucupium , so they tearme the Dogges whom they vse in these sundry games by diuers names , as those which serue for the beast , are called Venatici , the other which are vsed for the fowle are called Aucupatorij , The first kind called Venatici I deuide into fiue sortes , The first in perfect smelling excelleth . The second in quicke spying excelleth . The thirde in swiftnesse and quicknesse . excelleth . The fourth in smelling & nymblenesse . excelleth . The fifte in subtiltie and deceitfulnesse , excelleth .

Of the Dogge called a Harier , in Latine Leuerarius .

THat kinde of Dogge whom nature hath indued with the vertue of smelling , whose property it is to vse a lustines , a readines , and a couragiousnes in hunting , and draweth into his nostrells the ayre or sent of the beast pursued and followed , we call by this word Sagax , the Grecians by thys word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of tracing or chasing by the foote , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of the nostrells , which be the instrumentes of smelling . Wée may knowe these kinde of Dogges by their long , large , and bagging lippes , by their hanging eares , reachyng downe both sydes of their chappes , and by the indifferent and measurable proportion of their making . This sort of Dogges we call Leuerarios Hariers , that I may comprise the whole number of them in certaine specialties , and apply to them their proper and peculier names , for so much as they cannot all be reduced and brought vnder one sorte , considering both the sundrye vses of them , and the difference of their seruice wherto they be appointed .

Some for The Hare Some for one thing and some for another . The Foxe Some for one thing and some for another . The Wolfe Some for one thing and some for another . The Harte Some for one thing and some for another . The Bucke Some for one thing and some for another . The Badger Some for one thing and some for another . The Otter Some for one thing and some for another . The Polcat Some for one thing and some for another . The Lobster Some for one thing and some for another . The Weasell Some for one thing and some for another . The Conny . &c. Some for one thing and some for another .

As for the Conny , whom we haue lastly set downe , wée vse not to hunt , but rather to take it , somtime with the nette sometime with a ferret , and thus euery seuerall sort is notable and excellent in his naturall qualitie and appointed practise . Among these sundry sortes , there be some which are apt to hunt two diuers beasts , as the Foxe otherwhiles , and other whiles the Hare , but they hunt not with such towardnes and good lucke after them , as they doe that wherevnto nature hath formed and framed them , not onely in externall composition & making , but also in inward faculties and conditions , for they swarue oftentimes , and doo otherwise then they should .

Of the Dogge called a Terrar , in Latine Terrarius .

ANother sorte there is which hunteth the Foxe and the Badger or Greye onely , whom we call Terrars , because they ( after the manner and custome of ferrets in searching for Connyes ) créepe into the grounde , and by that meanes make afrayde , nyppe , and byte the Foxe and the Badger in such sort , that eyther they teare them in péeces with theyr téeth beyng in the bosome of the earth , or else hayle and pull them perforce out of their lurking angles , darke dongeons , and close caues , or at the least through conceaued feare , driue them out of their hollow harbours , in so much that they are compelled to prepare spéedy slight , and being desirous of the next ( albeit not the safest ) refuge , are otherwise taken and intrapped with snares and nettes layde ouer holes to the same purpose . But these be the least in that kynde called Sagax .

Of the Dogge called a Bloudhounde in Latine Sanguinarius .

THe greater sort which serue to hunt , hauing lippes of a large syze , & eares of no small lenght , doo , not onely chase the beast whiles it liueth , ( as the other doo of whom mencion aboue is made ) but beyng dead also by any maner of casualtie , make recourse to the place where it lyeth , hauing in this poynt an a●ured and infallible guyde , namely , the sent and sauour of the bloud sprinckled héere and there vpon the ground . For whether the beast beyng wounded , doth notwithstanding enioye life , and escapeth the handes of the huntesman , or whether the said beast beyng slayne is conuayed ●●enly out of the parcke ( so that there be some signification of bloud shed ) these Dogges with no lesse facilitie and easinesse , then auiditie and greedinesse can disclose and bewray the same by smelling , applying to their pursute , agilitie and nimblenesse , without tediousnesse , for which consideration , of a ●inguler specialtie they deserued to bée called Sangumarij , bloud ●ound● , And albeit peraduenture it may chaunce , ( As whether it chaunceth shaldome or sometime I am ignorant ) that a péece of fleshe ●e ●●●atily stolne and cunningly conuayed away with such prouisos and proc●●eats , as thereby all app●raunce of bloud is eyther preuented , excluded , or concealed , yet these kinde of dogges by a certaine direction of an inwarde assured notyce and priuy mar●ke , pursue the déede dooers , through long lanes , crooked reaches , and weary wayes , without wandring awry out of the limites of the land wheron these desperate purloyners prepared their speedy passage . Yea , the natures of these Dogges is such , and so effectuall is their foresight , that they can bewray , seperate , and pycke them out from among an infinite multitude and an innumerable company , créepe they neuer so farre into the thickest thronge , they will finde him out notwithstandyng he lye hidden in wylde woods , in close and ouergrowen groues , and lurcke in hollow holes apte to harbour such vngracious guestes . Moreouer , although they should passe ouer the water , thinking thereby to auoyde the pursute of the houndes , yet will not these Dogges giue ouer their attempt , but presuming to swym through the streame , perseuer in their pursute , and when they be arriued and gotten the further bancke , they hunt vp and downe , to and fro runne they , from place to place shift they , vntill they haue attained to that plot of grounde where they passed ouer . And this is their practise , if perdie they cannot at the first time smelling , finde out the way which the deede dooers tooke to escape . So at length get they that by arte , cunning , and diligent indeuour , which by fortune and lucke they cannot otherwyse ouercome . In so much as it seemeth worthely and wisely written by Aelianus in his sixte Booke , and xxvix . Chapter . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to bée as it were naturally distilled and powred into these kinde of Dogges . For they wyll not pause or breath from their pursute vntill such tyme as they bée apprehended and taken which committed the facte . The owners of such houndes vse to kéepe them in close and darke channells in the day time , and let them lose at liberty in the night season , to th' intent that they myght with more courage and boldnesse practise to follow the fellon in the euening and solitarie houres of darkenesse , when such yll disposed varlots are principally purposed to play theyr impudent pageants , & imprudent pranckes . These houndes ( vpon whom this present portion of our treatise runneth ) when they are to follow such fellowes as we haue before rehersed , vse not that liberty to raunge at wil , which they haue otherwise when they are in game , ( except vpon necessary occasion wheron dependeth an vrgent and effectuall perswasion ) when such purloy●●●s make spéedy way in slight● but beyng restrained and dr●wne backe from running at randon with the leasse , the ende whereof the owner holding in his hand is led , guyded , and directed with such swiftnesse and slownesse ( whether he go on foote , or whether be ryde on horsebacke ) as he himselfe in hart would wishe for the more easie apprehension of these venturous varlots . In the borders of England & Scotland , ( the often and accustomed stealing of cattell so procuring ) these kinde of Dogges are very much vsed and they are taught and trayned vp first of all to hunt cattell as well of the smaller as of the greater grouth and afterwardes ( that qualitie relinquished and lefte ) they are learned to pursue such pestilent persons as plant theyr pleasure in such practises of purloyning as we haue already declared . Of this kinde there is none that taketh the water naturally , except it please you so to suppose of them whych follow the Otter , which sometimes haunte the lande , and sometime vseth the water . And yet neuerthelesse all the kind of them boyling and broyling with gréedy desire of the pray which by swymming passeth through ryuer and flood , plung amyds the water , and passe the streame with their pawes● But this propertie procéedeth from an earnest desire wherwith they be inflamed , rather then from any inclination issuyng from the ordinance and appoyntment of nature . And albeit some of this sort in English be called Brache , in Scottishe Rache , the cause hereof resteth in the shée sex and not in the generall kinde . For we English men call bytches , belonging to the hunting kinde of Dogges , by the tearme aboue mentioned . To bée short it is proper to the nature of ho●nors , some to kéepe silence in hunting vntill such tyme as there is 〈◊〉 offered . Othersome so 〈◊〉 as they smell out the place where the beast ●urck●th , so bewray it immediatly by their importunate barcking , notwithstanding it be farre at many furlungs cowchyng close in his cabbyn . And these Dogges the younger they be , the more wantonly barke they , and the more liberally , yet , oftimes without necessitie , so that in them , by reason of theyr young yeares and want of practise , small certaintie is to be reposed . For continaunce of tyme , and experience in game , ministreth to these houndes not onely cunning in running , but also ( as in the rest ) an assured foresight what is to bee done , principally , being acquainted with their masters watch wordes , eyther in reuoking ● imboldening them to serue the game .

Of the Dogge called the Gasehounde , in Latine Agasaeus .

THis kinde of Dogge which pursueth by the eye , preuayleth little , or neuer a whit , by any benefite of the nose that is by smelling , but excelleth in perspicuitie and sharpenesse of sight altogether , by the vertue whereof , being singuler and notable , it hunteth the Foxe and in the Hare . Thys Dogge will ●h●e●e and seperate any beast from among a great flocke or hea●de , and such a one will it take by election as is not lancke , leane and hollow , but well spred , smoothe , full , fatte , and round , it followes by the direction of the eye-sight , which in déede is cléere , constant , and not vncertaine , if a beast be wounded and gone all ●ay this Dogge ●eeketh after it by the stedfastnes of the eye , if it chaunce peraduenture to returne & bée mingled with the residue of the flocke , this Dogge spyeth it out by the vertue of his eye , leauing the rest of the cattell vntouched , and after he hath set sure sight vpon it he seperateth it from among the company and hauing so done neuer ceaseth vntill he haue wearyed the Beast to death . Our countrey men call this dogge Agasaeum , A gasehounde because the beames of his sight are so stedfastly setled and vnmoueably fastened . These Dogges are much and vsually occupyed in the Northern partes of England more then in the Southern parts , & in ●caldy landes rather then in bushy and woody places , horsemen vse them more then footemen to th' intent that they might prouoke their horses to a swift galloppe ( wherwith they are more delighted then with the pray it selfe ) and that they myght accustome theyr horse to leape ouer hedges & ditches , without stoppe or stumble , without harme or hassard , without doubt or daunger , and so escape with safegard of lyfe . And to the ende that the ryders themselues when necessitie so constrained , and the feare of further mischiefe inforced , myght saue themselues vndamnifyed , and preuent each perilous tempest by preparing speedy flight , or else by swift pursute made vpon theyr enimyes , myght both ouertake them , encounter with them , and make a slaughter of them accordingly . But if it fortune so at any time that this Dogge take a wrong way , the master making some vsuall signe and familiar token , he returneth forthwith , and taketh the right and ready trace , beginning his chase a fresh , & with a cleare voyce , and a swift foote followeth the game with as much courage and nimblenesse as he he did at the first .

Of the Dogge called the Grehounde , in Latine Leporarius .

THere is another kinde of Dogge which for his incredible swiftnesse is called Leporarius a Grehounde , because the principall seruice of them dependeth and consisteth in starting and hunting the hare , which Dogges likewyse are indued with no lesse strength then lightnes in maintenance of the game , in seruing the chase , in taking the Bucke , the Harte , the Dowe , the Foxe , and other beastes of semblable kinde ordained for the game of hunting . But more or lesse , each one according to the measure and proportion of theyr desire , and as might and habilitie of theyr bodyes will permit and suffer . For it is a spare and bare kinde of Dogge , ( of fleshe but not of bone ) some are of a greater sorte , and some of a lesser , some are smooth skynned , & some are curled , the bigger therfore are appoynted to hunt the bigger beasts , & the smaller serue to hunt the smaller accordingly . The nature of these dogges I finde to be wonderful by the testimoniall of histories . For , as Iohn Froisart the Historyographer in his 4. lib. reporteth . A Grehound of King Richard , the second that wore the Crowne , and bare the Scepter of the Realme of England , neuer knowing any man , beside the kings person , when Henry Duke of Lancaster came to the castle of Flinte to take King Richarde . The Dogge forsaking his former Lord & master came to Duke Henry , fawned vpon him with such resemblaunces of goodwyll and conceaued affection , as he fauoured King Richarde before : he followed the Duke , and vtterly left the King . So that by these manifest circumstances a man myght iudge this Dogge to haue bene lightened wyth the lampe of foreknowledge & understanding , touchyng his olde masters miseryes to come , and vnhappinesse nye at hand , which King Richarde himselfe euidently perceaued , accounting this deede of his Dogge a Prophecy of his ouerthrowe .

Of the Dogge called the Leuiner , or Lyemmer in Latine Lorarius .

ANother sort of dogges be there , in smelling singuler , and in swiftnesse incomparable . This is ( as it were ) a myddle kinde betwixt the Harier and the Grehounde , as well for his kinde , as for the frame of his body . And it is called in latine Leuinarius , a Leuitate , of lyghtnesse , and therefore may well be called a lyghthounde , it is also called by this worde Lorarius , a Loro , wherwith it is led . This Dogge for the excellency of his conditions , namely smelling and swift running , doth followe the game with more eagernes , and taketh the pray with a iolly quicknes .

Of the Dogge called a Tumbler , in Latine Vertagus .

THis sorte of Dogges , which compasseth all by craftes , fraudes , subtelties and deceiptes , we Englishe men call Tumblers , because in hunting they turne and tumble , winding their bodyes about in circle wise , and then fearcely and violently venturing vpon the beast , doth soddenly gripe it , at the very entrance and mouth of their receptacles , or closets before they can recouer meanes , to saue and succour themselues . This dogge vseth another craft and subteltie , namely , when he runneth into a warren , or setteth a course about a connyburrough , he huntes not after them , he frayes them not by barcking , he makes no countenance or shadow of hatred against them , but dissembling friendship , and pretending fauour , passeth by with silence and quietnesse , marking and noting their holes diligently , wherein ( I warrant you ) he will not be ouershot nor deceaued . When he commeth to the place where Connyes be , of a certaintie , he cowcheth downe close with his belly the ground , Prouided alwayes by his skill and polisie , that the the winde bée neuer with him but against him in such an enterprise . And that the Connyes spie him not where he lurcketh . By which meanes he obtaineth the sent and sauour of the Connyes , carryed towardes him with the wind & the ayre● either going to their holes , or comming out , eyther passing this way , or running that way , and so prouideth by his circumspection , that the selly simple Conny is debarred quite from his hole ( which is the hauen of their hope and the harbour of their health ) and fraudulently circumuented and taken , before they can get the aduantage of their hole . Thus hauing caught his pray he earryeth it s●●edily to his Master , wayting his Dogges returne in some conuenient lurcking corner . These Dogges are somewhat lesser then the houndes , and they be lancker & leaner , beside that they be somwhat prick eared . A man that shall marke the forme and fashion of their bodyes , may well call them mungrell Grehoundes if they were somwhat bigger . But notwithstanding they counteruaile not the Grehound in greatnes , yet will he take in one dayes space as many Connyes as shall arise to as bigge a burthen , and as heauy a loade as a horse can carry , for deceipt and guile is the instrument wherby he maketh this spoyle , which pernicious properties supply the places of more commendable qualities .

Of the Dogge called the theeuishe Dogge in Latine Canis furax .

THe like to that whom we haue rehearsed , is the théeuishe Dogge , which at the mandate and bydding of his master fléereth and leereth abroade in the night , hunting Connyes by the ayre , which is leuened with their sauour and conueyed to the sense of smelling by the meanes of the winde blowing towardes him . During all which space of his hunting he will not barcke , least he shoulde bee preiudiciall to his owne aduantage . And thus watcheth and snatcheth vp in course as many Connyes as his Master will suffer him , and beareth them to his Masters standing . The farmers of the countrey and vplandishe dwellers , call this kinde of Dogge a nyght curre , because he hunteth in the darke . But let thus much seeme sufficient for Dogges which serue the game and disport of hunting .

¶ A Diall pertaining to the first Section .

Dogges seruing the pastime of hunting beastes . are diuided into Hariers In Latine called Venatici . Terrars In Latine called Venatici . Bloudhounds In Latine called Venatici . Gasehounds In Latine called Venatici . Grehounds In Latine called Venatici . Leuiners or Lyemmers In Latine called Venatici . Tumblers In Latine called Venatici . Stealers . In Latine called Venatici .

Of gentle Dogges seruing the hauke , and first of the Spaniell , called in Latine Hispaniolus .

SVch Dogges as serue for fowling , I thinke conuenient and requisite to place in this seconde Section of this treatise . These are also to bee reckoned and accounted in the number of the dogges which come of a gentle kind , and of those which serue for fowling .

There be two sortes . The first findeth game on the land . The other findeth game on the water .

Such as delight on the land , play their partes , eyther by swiftnesse of foote , or by often questing , to search out and to spring the byrde for further hope of aduauntage , or else by some secrete signe and priuy token bewray the place where they fall .

The first kinde of such serue The Hauke , The seconde , The net , or , traine ,

The first kinde haue no peculier names assigned vnto them , saue onely that they be denominated after the byrde which by naturall appointment he is alotted to take , for the which consideration .

Some be called Dogges , For the Falcon and such like , The Phesant and such like , The Partridge and such like ,

The common sort of people call them by one generall word , namely Spaniells . As though these kinde of Dogges came originally and first of all out of Spaine . The most part of their skynnes are white , and if they be marcked with any spottes , they are commonly red , and somewhat great therewithall , the heares not growing in such thicknesse but that the mixture of them maye easely bée perceaued . Othersome of them be reddishe and blackishe , but of that sorte there be but a very few . There is also at this day among vs a newe kinde of dogge brought out of Fraunce ( for we Englishe men are maruailous gréedy gaping gluttons after nouelties , and couetous coruorauntes of things that be seldom , rare , straunge , and hard to get . ) And they bee speckled all ouer with white and black , which mingled colours incline to a marble blewe , which bewtifyeth their skinnes and affoordeth a séemely show of comlynesse . These are called French dogges as is aboue declared already .

The Dogge called the Setter , in Latine Index .

ANother sort of Dogges be there , seruiceable for fowling , making no noise either with foote or with tounge , whiles they followe the game . These attend diligently vpon theyr Master and frame their conditions to such beckes , motions , and gestures , as it shall please him to exhibite and make , either going forward , drawing backeward , inclining to the right hand , or yealding toward the lest , ( In making mencion of fowles , my meaning is of the Partridge & the Quaile ) when he hath founde the byrde , he kéepeth sure and fast silence , he stayeth his steppes and wil procéede no further , and with a close , couert , watching eye , layeth his belly to the grounde and so créepeth forward like a worme . When he approcheth néere to the place where the birde is , he layes him downe , and with a marcke of his pawes betrayeth the place of the byrdes last abode , whereby it is supposed that this kinde of dogge is called Index , Setter , being in déede a name most consonant and agreable to his quality . The place being knowne by the meanes of the dogge , the fowler immediatly openeth and spreedeth his net , intending to take them , which being done the dogge at the accustomed becke or vsuall signe of his Master ryseth vp by and by , and draweth néerer to the fowle that by his presence they might be the authors of their owne insnaring , and be ready intangled in the prepared net , which conning and artificiall indeuour in a dogge ( being a creature domesticall or housholde seruaunt brought vp at home with offalls of the trencher & fragments of victualls , ) is not much so be maruailed at , seing that a Hare ( being a wilde and skippishe beast ) was séene in England to the astonishment of the beholders , in the yeare of our Lorde God , 1564. not onely dauncing in measure , but playing with his former feete vppon a tabberet , and obseruing iust number of strokes ( as a practicioner in that arte ) besides that nipping & pinching a dogge with his téeth and clawes , & cruelly thumping him with the force of his feete . This is no trumpery tale , nor trifling toye ( as I imagine ) and therefore not vnworthy to bee reported , for I recken it a requitall of my trauaile , not to drowne in the seas of silence any speciall thing , wherin the prouidence and effectuall working of nature is to be pondered .

Of the Dogge called the water Spaniell , or finder in Latine Aquaticus s●u Inquisitor .

THat kinde of Dogge whose seruice is required in fowling vpon the water , partly through a naturall towardnesse , and partly by diligent teaching , is indued with that property . This sort is somewhat bigge , and of a measurable greatnesse , hauing long , rough , and curled heare , not obtayned by extraordinary trades , but giuen by natures appointment , yet neuerthelesse ( friend Gesner ) I haue described and set him out in this maner , namely powlde and notted from the shoulders to the hinder most legges , and to the end of his tayle , which I did for vse and customs cause , that beyng as it were made somewhat bare and naked , by shearing of such superfluitie of heare , they might atchiue the more lightnesse , and swiftnesse , and be lesse hindered in swymming , so troublesome and needelesse a burthen being shaken of . This kinde of dogge is properly called , Aquaticus , a water spaniel because he frequenteth and hath vsuall recourse to the water where all his game & exercise lyeth , namely waterfowles , which are taken by the helpe & seruice of them , in their kind . And principally duckes and drakes , whervpon he is lykewise named a dogge for the ducke , because in that quallitie he is excellent . With those dogges also we fetche out of the water such fowle as he stounge to death by any venemous worme , we vse them also to bring vs our boultes & arrowes out of the water , ( missing our marcke ) wherat we directed our leuell , which otherwise we should hardly recouer , and oftentimes they restore to vs our shaftes which we thought neuer to sée , touche or handle againe , after they were lost , for which circumstaunces they are called Inquisitores , searchers , and finders . Although the ducke other whiles notably deceaueth both the dogge and the master , by dyuing vnder the water , and also by naturall subtilty , for if any man shall approche to the place where they builde , bréede , and syt , the hennes go out of their neastes , offering themselues voluntarily to the hands , as it were , of such as draw nie their neasts . And a certaine weaknesse of their winges pretended , and infirmitie of their féete dissembled , they go so slowely and so leasurely , that to a mans thinking it were no masteryes to take them . By which deceiptfull tricke they doe as it were entyse and allure men to follow them , till they be drawne a long distaunce from theyr neastes , which being compassed by their prouident conning , or conning prouidence , they cut of all inconueniences which might growe of their returne , by vsing many carefull and curious caueates , least theyr often haunting bewray the place where the young ducklings be hatched . Great therfore is theyr desire , & earnest is theyr study to take héede , not only to theyr broode but also to themselues . For when they haue an ynckling that they are espied they hide themselues vnder turfes or sedges , wherwith they couer and shrowde themselues so closely and so craftely , that ( notwithstanding the place where they lurcke be found and perfectly perceaued ) there they will harbour without harme , except the water spaniell by quicke smelling discouer theyr deceiptes .

Of the Dogge called the Fishers , in Latine Canis Piscator .

THe Dogge called the fisher , wherof Hector Boethus writeth , which séeketh for fishe by smelling among rockes & stones , assuredly I knowe none of that kinde in England , neither haue I receaued by reporte that there is any suche , albeit I haue bene diligent & busie in demaunding the question as well of fishermen , as also of huntesmen in that behalfe being carefull and earnest to learne and vnderstand of them if any such were , except you holde opinion that the beauer or Otter is a fishe ( as many haue beléeued ) & according to their beliefe affirmed , and as the birde Pupine , is thought to be a fishe and so accounted . But that kinde of dogge which followeth the fishe to apprehend and take it ( if there bee any of that disposition and property ) whether they do this for the game of hunting , or for the heate of hunger , as other Dogges do which rather then they wil be famished for want of foode , couet the carckases of carrion and putrifyed fleshe . When I am fully resolued and disburthened of this doubt I wil send you certificate in writing . In the meane season I am not ignorant of that both . Aelianus , and Aelius , call the Beauer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a water dogge , or a dogge fishe , I know likewise thus much more , that the Beauer doth participate this propertie with the dogge , namely , that when fishes be scarse they leaue the water and raunge vp and downe the lande , making an insatiable slaughter of young lambes vntil theyr paunches be replenished , and when they haue fed themselues full of fleshe , then returne they to the water , from whence they came . But albeit so much be graunted that this Beauer is a dogge , yet it is to be noted that we recken it not in the beadrowe of Englishe dogges as we haue done the rest . The sea Calfe , in like maner , which our country men for brenitie sake call a Séele , other more largely name a Sea Vele , maketh a spoyle of fishes betwéene rockes and banckes , but it is not accounted in the catalogue or number of our Englishe dogges , notwithstanding we call it by the name of a Sea dogge or a sea Calfe . And thus much for our dogges of the second sort called in Latine Aucupatorij , seruing to take fowle either by land or water .