Which are Beasts of Forest , or Venery , or Venary , Chase , and Warren .

Old Foresters and Wood-men , with others well acquainted with Hunting , do reckon that there are five Beasts of Venery , ( that are also called Beasts of Forest ) which are these : the Hart , the Hinde , the Hare , the Boar , and Wolf : this is the Opinion of Budaeus likewise , in his Treatise of Philologie , speaking of the former Beasts , Semper Forestae & Veneris habentur Bestiae : These ( saith he ) are always accounted Beasts of Venery and Forest.

Some may here object and say , Why should the Heart and Hinde , being both of one kinde , be accounted two several Beasts ? To this I answer , That though they are Beasts of one kind , yet they are of several seasons : for the Hart hath his season in Summer , and the season of the Hinde begins when the Hart 's is over .

Here note , that with the Heart is included the Stag , and all other Red Deer of Antlier .

There are also five wild Beasts that are called Beasts of Chase ; the Buck the Doe , the Fox , the Martron , and the Roe .

The Beasts and Fowls of Warren , are the Hare , the Coney , the Pheasant , and the Partridge ; and none other , saith Mr. Manwood , are accounted Beasts nor Fowls of Warren .

My Lord Cook is of another Opinion , in his Commentary on Littleton 233. There be both Beasts and Fowls of the Warren , saith he : Beasts , as Hares , Coneys , and Roes : Fowls of two sorts , Terrestres , ( and they of two sorts ) Silvestres , & Campestres . The first , Pheasant , Wood-cock , &c. The second , Partridge , Quail , Rail , &c. Then Aquatiles , as Mallard , Hern , &c.

There is great difference between Beasts of Forest , and Chase ; the first are Silvestres tantum , the latter Campestres tantum . The beasts of the Forest make their abode all the day-time in the great Coverts and secret places in the Woods ; and in the night-season they repair into the Lawns , Meadows , Pastures , and pleasant feeding places ; and therefore they are called Silvestres , Beasts of the Wood. The Beasts of Chase do reside all the day-time in the Fields , and upon the Hills or high Mountains , where they may see round about them afar off , to prevent danger ; but upon nights approach they feed as the rest in Meadows , &c. and therefore these are called Campestres , Beasts of the Field .

Let us in the next place discover their Names , Seasons , Degrees , and Ages of Forest or Venery , Chase and Warren : and because the Hart is the most noble , worthy , and stately Beast , I shall place him first ; and must call a Hart

The first year , a Hinde-calf , or Calf .

The second year , a Knobber .

The third year , a Brocke .

The fourth year , a Staggard .

The fifth year , a Stag.

The sixth year , a Hart.

If hunted by the King , a Hart Royal. If he escape , and Proclamation be made for his safe return without let or detriment , he is then called a Hart Royal Proclaimed .

It is a vulgar errour , according to the Opinion of Mr. Guillim , to think that a Stag , of what age soever he be , shall not be called a Hart till he be hunted by the King or Queen , and thence he shall derive his Title . Mr. George Turbervile saith positively , he shall not obtain that Name till he be hunted or killed by a Prince . But late Huntsmen do agree , he may be called a Hart at and after the age of six years old .

Now if the King or Queen shall happen to hunt or chase him , and he escape with life , he shall ever after be called a Hart Royal : But if he fly so far from the Forest or Chase , that it is unlikely he will ever return of his own accord to the place aforesaid , and that Proclamation be made in all Towns and Villages thereabouts , that none shall kill or offend him , but that he may safely return if he list ; he is then called a Hart Royal Proclaimed .

The second Beast of Venery is called a Hinde .

And she is called the first year , a Calf .

The second year , a Hearse ; and sometimes we say Brockets Sister , &c.

The third year , a Hinde .

The next and third , which by old Foresters is called the King of all Beasts of Venery , is the Hare .

And is called the first year , a Leveret .

The second year , a Hare .

The third year , a Great Hare .

The fourth Beast of Venery is called the Wilde-Boar .

The first year , he is a Pig of the Sounder .

The second year , he is a Hog .

The third year , he is a Hogs Steer .

The fourth year , he is a Boar ; at which age , if not before , he leaveth the Sounder , and then he is called a Singler or Sanglier .

The fifth and last Beast of Venery is the Wolf .

The names of the Beasts of Chase according to their Ages .

The first is the Buck.

It is called the first year , a Fawn .

The second year , a Pricket .

The third year , a Sorel .

The fourth year , a Sore .

The fifth year , a Buck of the first Head .

The sixth year , a Great Buck.

The second Beast of Chase is the Doe or Doo .

She is called the first year , a Fawn .

The second year , a Tegg .

The third year , a Doe .

The third Beast of Chase is the Fox .

And is called the first year , a Cub .

The secound year , a Fox , and afterwards an old Fox .

The fourth Beast of Chase is the Martern .

The first year , it is called a Cub .

The second year , a Martern .

The fifth and last Beast of Chase is called the Roe .

The first year , it is called a Kid.

The second year , a Gyrle

The third year , a Hemuse .

The fourth year , a Roe-Buck of the first Head .

The fifth year , a Fair Roe-Buck .

As for the Beasts of the Warren , the Hare hath been spoken of already . The Coney is called the first year a Rabbet , and afterwards an old Coney .

The Seasons of Beasts .

A Hart or Buck beginneth at the end of Fencer Month , which is 15 days after Midsummer-day , and lasteth till Holy-rood-day . The Fox at Christmas , and lasteth till the Annuntiation of the Blessed Virgin . The Hinde or Doe beginneth at Holy-rood-day , and lasteth till Candlemas . The Roe-Buck beginneth at Easter , and lasteth till Michaelmas . The Roe beginneth at Michaelmas , and lasteth till Candlemas . The Hare beginneth at Michaelmas , and lasteth till the end of February . The season of the Wolf is said to be from Christmas till the Annuntiation of the Virgin Mary . Lastly , The Boar begins at Christmas , and continues to the Purification of our Lady .

Terms to be used for Beasts of Venery and Chase , as they are in Company one with the other .

A Herd of Harts .

A Herd of all manner of Deer .

A Bevy of Roes .

A Sounder of Swine .

A Rout of Wolves .

A Richess of Marterns .

A Brace or Lease of Bucks.

A Brace or Lease of Foxes .

A Brace or Lease of Hares .

A Couple of Rabbets .

A Couple of Coneys .

Terms for their Lodging .

A Hart Harboureth .

A Buck Lodgeth .

A Roe Beddeth .

A Hare Seateth , or Formeth .

A Coney Sitteth .

A Fox Kennelleth .

A Martern Treeth .

An Otter Watcheth .

A Badger Eartheth .

A Boar Coucheth .

Terms for their Dislodging .

Unharbour the Hart.

Rouze the Buck.

Start the Hare .

Bolt the Coney .

Unkennel the Fox .

Tree the Martern .

Vent the Otter .

Dig the Badger .

Rear the Boar.

Terms for their Noise at Rutting time .

A Hart Belleth .

A Buck Growneth or Troateth .

A Roe Belloweth .

A Hare Beateth or Tappeth .

An Otter Whineth .

A Boar Freameth .

A Fox Barketh .

A Badger Shricketh .

A Wolf Howleth .

A Goat Ratleth .

Terms for Copulation .

A Hart or Buck goeth to Rut.

A Roe goeth to Tourn .

A Boar goeth to Brim .

A Hare and Coney goeth to Buck.

A Fox goeth to Clickitting .

A Wolf goeth to Match or to Make.

An Otter hunteth for his Kinde .

Terms for the Footing and Treading of all Beasts of Venery and Chase.

Of a Hart , the Slot .

Of a Buck and all Fallow Deer , the View .

Of all Deer , if on the Grass , and scarce visible , then it is called Foiling .

Of a Fox , the Print ; and other such Vermin , the Footing .

Of an Otter , the Marks .

Of a Boar , the Tract .

Of a Hare , diversly ; for when she is in open Field , she Soreth : When she winds about to deceive the Hounds , then she Doubleth : When she beateth on the hard High-way , and her Footing can be perceived , then she Pricketh ; and in the Snow , it is called the Trace of the Hare .

Terms of the Tail .

Of a Hart , Buck , or other Deer , the Single .

Of a Boar , the Wreath .

Of a Fox , the Brush or Drag ; and the Tip at the end is called the Chape .

Of a Wolf , the Stern .

Of a Hare and Coney , the Scut .

Terms for their Ordure .

Of a Hart , and all Deer , their Excrement is called Fewmets or Fewishing .

Of a Hare , Crotiles or Crotising .

Of a Boar , Lesses .

Of a Fox , the Billiting ; and all other such Vermin , the Fuants .

Of an Otter , the Spraints .

Terms for the Attire of Deer .

Of a Stag , if perfect , the Bur , the Pearls ( the little Knobs on it ) the Beam , the Gutters , the Antlier , the Sur-Antlier , Royal , Sur-Royal , and all at top the Croches .

Of a Buck , the Bur , the Beam , the Brow-Antlier , the Back-Antlier , the Advancer , Palm , and Spellers .

If the Croches grow in form of a mans Hand , it is then called a Palmed Head . Heads bearing not above three or four , the Crotches being plac'd aloft all of one height , are called Crown'd Heads . Heads having doubling Croches , are called Forked Heads , becase the Croches are planted on the top of the Beam like Forks .

If you are asked what a Stag bears , you are onely to reckon Croches he bears , and never to express an odde number : As , if he hath four Croches on his near Horn , and five on his far , you must say , he beareth ten , a false Right on his near Horn ( for all that the Beam bears are called Rights . ) If but four on the near Horn , and fix on the far Horn , you must say he bears twelve , a double false Right on the near Horn ; for you must not onely make the number even , but also the Horns even with that distinction .

When a Hart breaketh Herd , and draweth to the Thickets or Coverts , we usually say he taketh his Hold , or he goeth to Harbour .

All kind of Deers fat is called Sewit ; and yet you may say , This Deer was a high Deer of Grease . The fat of a Boar is called Grease . The fat of a Roe onely is called Beavy Grease .

We say the Deer is broken up . The Fox and Hare is cased

It is A Litter of Cubs . A Nest of Rabbets . A Squirrels Dray .

Venison , or Venaison , is so called , from the means whereby the Beasts are taken , quoniam ex Venatione capiuntur ; and being hunted , are most wholsome .

Beasts of Venary ( not Venery , as some call it ) are so termed , because they are gotten by Hunting .

No Beast of the Forest that is Solivagam & nocivum is Venison , as the Fox , the Wolf , the Martin , because they are no meat . The Bear is no Venison , because not onely that he is Animal nocivum & Solivagam ; but because he is no beast of the Forest , and whatsoever is Venison must be a beast of the Forest ; sed non è converso . On the other side , Animalia gregalia non sunt nociva , as the Wilde Boar ; for naturally the first three years he is Animal gregale ; and after trusting to his own strength , and for the pleasure of man , becometh Solivagum . He is then called Sanglier , because he is Singularis : but he is Venison , and to be eaten . The Hare is Venison too , which Martial preferreth before all others . Inter Quadrupedes gloria prima Lepus .

So are the Red-Deer and Fallow-Deer Venison : vide Cook Inst. 4. pag. 316. Give me leave to insert here out of the same Author two Conclusions in the Law of the Forest , which follow from hence . First , Whatsoever Beast of the Forest is for the food of man , that is Venison : and therewith agreeth Virgil , describing of a Feast , Implentur Veteris Bacchi pinguisque ferinae .

They had their belly full of Old Wine and Fat Venison . So Venison was the principal Dish of the Feast . Secondly , Whatsoever Beast is not for the food of man , is not Venison . Therefore Capriolus , or the Roe , being no Beast of the Forest , is by the Law of the Forest no Venison unless Hunted . Nature hath endewed the Beasts of the Forest with two qualities , Swiftness , and Fear ; and their Fear increaseth their Swiftness . — Pedibus timor addidit alas .

Vert is any thing that beareth green Leaf , but especially of great and thick Coverts , and is derived à Viriditate . Vert is of divers kinds ; some that beareth Fruit that may serve for food both for man and beasts , as Service-trees , Nut-trees , Crab-trees , &c. and for the shelter and defence of the Game . Some called Hautboys , serving for Food and browse of and for the Game , and for the defence of them ; as Oaks , Beeches , &c. Some Hautboys for Browse , Shelter , and Defence onely ; as Ashes , Poplars , &c. Of Sub-boys , some for Browse and Food of the Game , and for Shelter and Defence ; as Maples , &c. Some for Browse and Defence ; as Birch , Sallow , Willow , &c. Some for Shelter and Defence onely ; as Elder , Alder , &c. Of Bushes and other Vegetables , some for Food and Shelter , as the Hiw-thorn , Black-thorn , &c. Some for hiding and shelter , as Brakes , Gorse , Heath , &c. Vert , as I said , comes à Viridi ; thence Viridarii , because their Office is to look after the preservation of the Vert , which in truth is the preservation of Venison .

Terms for Flaying , Stripping , and Casing of all manner of CHASES .

The Hart and all manner of Deer are slain : Huntsmen commonly say , Take off that Deer's Skin . The Hare is Stripped or Cased ; and so is the Boar too , according to the opinion of the Antients . The Fox , the Badger , and all manner of Vermin are cased , beginning at the Snout or Nose of the Beast , and so turn his Skin over his Ears down to the Body till you come to the Tail .

Proper Terms for the Noises of Hounds .

When Hounds are first cast off , and find some Game or Chase , we say . They Challenge . If they are too busie before they find the scent good , we say , They Bawl . If they be too busie after they find good scent , we say , They Babble . If they run it end-ways orderly , making it good , and then hold in together merrily , we say , They are in full Cry . When Spaniels open in the string , ( or a Grey-hound in his course ) we say , They Lapse . When Hounds hang behinde , and beat too much upon the scent or place , we say , Thy Plod . And when they have either Earthed a Virmin , or brought a Deer , Boar , or such-like to turn head against them , then we say , They Bay .

Different Terms for Hounds and Grey-hounds .

Of Grey-hounds , two make a Brace ; of Hounds , a Couple . Of Grey-hounds , three make a Leace ; and of Hounds , a Couple and half .

We let slip a Grey-hound , and cast off a Hound . The string where with we lead a Grey-hound , is called a Leace ; and for a Hound , a Lyome . The Grey-hound hath his Collar , and the Hound hath his Couples . We say , a Kennel of Hounds , and a Pack of Beagles . Some other differences there are , but these are the most usual .

Where we find Deer have lately passed into Thickets , &c. by which we guess their greatness , and then put the Hounds or Beagles thereto for the View , we account such places Entries .

The Impression where any Deer hath reposed or harboured , we call a Layr .

When the Hounds or Beagles hit the scent of their Chase contrary , as to hit it up the wind when they should it down , we then say , they Draw amiss .

When the Hounds or Beagles take fresh scent , hunting another Chase , until they stick and hit it again , we say , they Hunt Change .

When the Hounds or Beagles hunt it by the Heel , we say , they Hunt Counter .

When the Chase goes off , and comes on again traversing the same ground , to deceive the Hounds or Beagles , we say , they Hunt the Foil .

When we set Hounds in readiness where we expect the Deer will come by , and then cast them off when the other Hounds are pass'd by , we account that a Relay .

When Hounds or Beagles have finish'd their Chase by the death of what they pursued , and then in requital are fed by the hands of the Huntsman or others , we call that their Reward .

Huntsmen when they go drawing in their Springs at Hart-Hunting , usually make Dew-rounds , which we call Ringwalks .

When any Deer is hard hunted , and then betakes himself to swimming in any River , &c. then we say , he takes Soyl.

When Deer cast their Horns , we say , they Mew .

The first head of a Fallow-Deer is called Prick .

When Huntsmen endeavour to find a Hart by the Slot , &c. and then minde his step to know whether he is great and long , they then say , they know him by his Gate .

When Deer rub and push their heads against Trees to cause the Pills of their new Horns come off , we say , they Fray .

When Deer , after being hard run , turn head against the Hounds , we say , they Bay .

When Hounds or Beagles run long without opening or making any cry , we say , they run Mute .

When Hounds or Beagles at first finding the scent of their Game presently open and cry , we then say , they Challenge .

When Hounds run at a whole Herd of Deer , we say , they Run Riot .

When the Hounds touch the scent , and draw on till they rouze or put up the Chase , we say , they Draw on the Slot .

When a Roe crosses and doubles , it is called Trajoning .

When a Hare , as sometimes ( though seldom ) takes the ground like a Coney , we then say , she Goes to the Vault .

When we beat the Bushes , &c. after the Fox , we call it Drawing .

When a Hare runs on rotten ground , or in a Frost sometimes , and then it sticks to her Feet , we say , she Carryeth .

When the Fox hath young ones in her , we say , she is with Cub .

When Beagles bark and cry at their Prey , we say , they Yearn .

A Red Male Heart of an year old , is called a Spitter .

A Rayn-Deer , is a beast like an Heart , but hath his Head fuller of Antliers .

A Pricker , is a Huntsman on Horse-back .

Engines that we take Deer withal , are called Wiles .

When we set Hounds or Beagles in readiness , expecting the Chase to come by , and then cast them off before the rest come in , we call it a Vauntlay .

When Hounds or Beagles find where the Chase hath been , and made a proffer to enter , but returned , we say , there is a Blemish .

We say How to a Deer .

When we start a Hare , we say , That , that , or There , there .

The Call , a Lesson blowed on the Horn to comfort the Hounds .

A Recheat , a Lesson likewise blown on the Horn. The Mort or Death , is blown at the death of any Deer . There are several other Lessons , which you may find in the Sculpture of Notes for blowing on the Horn.

There are several Hounds and Beagles which we have different Titles for ; as Gaze-hound , Blood-hound , Staunch-hound , Harrier , and Terrier , &c. But we generally in all our Kennels and Packs rank them under these heads : Enterers , Drivers , Flyers , Tyers , &c.

And now to conclude our discourse of general Terms at this place , give us leave to insert , for such young Gentlemen as in time may keep a Kennel , some usual Names of Hounds and Beagles .

A CATALOGUE of some general Names OF HOUNDS and BEAGLES . BAnger Beauty Blue-man Blue-cap Boman Bonny Bouncer . Captain Capper Chanter Countess Cryer Caesar. Dido Driver Drunkard Drummer Damosel Darling Dutchess Dancer Daphne . Fancy Fidler Flippant Flurry Fuddle . Gallant Gawdy . Hector . Juggler Jewel Jocky Jenny Joler Jollyboy Jupiter Juno . Keeper Kilbuck . Lively Lovely Lady Lilly Lillups . Madam Maulkin Merryboy Mopsie Motley Musick . Nancy Nacter . Plunder Pleasant Pluto . Rockwood Ringwood Rover Ranter Ratler Ruler Ranger Royal Rapper Rusfler . Spanker Singwel Sweetlips Soundwel Stately . Troler Thunder Thisbe Truman Truelove Tickler Tattler Tulip Truelips Touchstone Traveller Tracer Touler Tunewel Tidings Trouncer Trusty Truescent Tryer. Venus Vulcan Violet . Wanton Wonder Winder Whipster . Yerker Younker .

Some other Terms and Descriptions relating more particularly to Forest and Forest-Laws .

A Forest , is a place priviledged by Royal Authority and differs from Park , Warren , and Chase , and is on purpose allotted for the peaceable abiding and nourishment of the Beasts and Fowls thereto belonging . For which there are certain peculiar Laws , Officers , and Orders ; part of which appear in the Great Charter of the Forest.

A Forester , is an Officer of the Forest , sworn to preserve the Vert and Venison therein , and to attend the wild beasts within his Bailiwick , and to watch , and endeavour to keep them safe by day and night . He is likewise to apprehend all Offenders in Vert and Venison , and to present them to the Courts of the Forest to the end they may be punished according to their offences .

A Purlieu , is all that ground adjoyning to Forests , which being made Forest by Henry the second , Richard the first , or King John , were by perambulations granted by Henry the third , and severed again from the same .

A Purlieu-man , is he that hath ground within the Purlieu , and hath 40 s. a year Free-hold ; and such a one with some caution may hunt within his own Purlieu .

A Regarder , is an Officer of the Kings Forest , that is sworn to take care of the Vert and Venison , and to view and enquire of all the offences committed within the Forest , and of all the Concealments of them ; and whether all other Officers do execute their Office or not .

Woodgeld , is the gathering or cutting of Wood in the Forest , or the money paid for it to the use of the Foresters ; or an Immunity for this by the King's Grant .

A Raunger , In some Forests there are twelve Raungers , whose Offices are to look after the Purlieu , and drive back the wild Beasts into the Forest again ; and to see , hear , and enquire of offenders there , and to present their offences .

A Verderor , is an Officer of the King's Forest , and chosen by the Free-holders of the County where the Forest is , by the Kings Writ directed to the Sheriff for that purpose . Their Office is chiefly to look after the Wood and Grass in the Forest.

An Agistor , is an Officer of the Forest that takes in to feed the Cattle of Strangers , and receives for the Kings use all such tack-Money as becomes due from those Strangers .

A Chase , is a place used for the receipt of Deer and Beasts of the Forest : It differs from a Forest and Park . It may be in the hands of a Subject , which a Forest in its proper nature cannot be . Neither is it inclosed as a Park always is ; and it hath a larger compass , more store of Game , and more Keepers and Overseers .

Expeditate , is ( saith Mr. Crompton ) the cutting out the ball of the Foot of great Dogs in the Forest ; but ( saith Mr. Manwood ) it is the cutting off the three fore-Claws by the Skin ; and that the owner of every such Dog , unexpeditated in the Forest , shall forfeit 3s. 4d .

Fence Month , hath 31 days , begins 15 days before Midsummer , and ends 15 days after : In which time it is unlawful for any to hunt in the Forest , or to go amongst the Deer to disquiet them ; because it is the time of Fawning .

Frank Chase , is a liberty of free Chase in a Circuit annexed to a Forest , whereby all men that have ground within the circuit are forbidden to cut down Wood , or discover , &c. within the view of the Forester , though it be his own Demesne .

Green-hue , or Vert , they both signifie one thing , it being every thing that doth drow and bear green Leaf within the Forest , that may cover and hide the Deer .

Over Vert , is all manner of high Wood.

Nether Vert , is all sorts of under-wood . Brushwood is called Cablish .

Horngeld , is a Tax within the Forest for all manner of horned beasts .

Footgeld , is an Amercement on such as live within the Forest , for not expeditating their Dogs . And to be quit of Footgeld , is a priviledge to keep Dogs there Unlawed without Punishment or Controlement .

Pawnage , is Money taken by the Agistors for the seed of Hogs with the Mast of the Kings's Forest ; but ( Mr. Crompton saith ) it is most properly the Mast , Woods , Lands , or hedg'd Rows , or Money due to the owners of the same for it .

A Scotale , is where any Officer of the Forest doth keep an Ale-house in the Forest by colour of his Office , causing men to come to his House , and to spend their money there for fear of having displeasure ; but this is forbidden by Charta Forest.

Perambulation , is the admeasurement and setting down of Bounds and Limits to the Forest.

Drift of the Forest , is an exact view and examination taken at certain times , as occasion shall serve , to know what beasts are there ; that none Common there but such as have right ; and that the Forest be not overcharged with the beasts of Forreigners .

An Assart , is a great offence committed in the Forest , by grubbing up the Woods , Coverts , and Thickets , and making them plain as Arable Land , or the like .

Minoverie , is a Trespass or Offence committed by some Engine set up in the Forest to catch Deer , or the like .

Tritis , is a freedom that one hath from holding a Grey-hound in ones hand when the Lord of the Forest is hunting there , or to be amerced for his default .

Protoforestarius , was a great Officer heretofore in Windsor Forest.

Stablestand , is when one is found standing in the Forest with his Bow ready bent to shoot at any Deer or , with his Grey-hound in a Lease ready to slip .

Swainmote , or Swannimote , is a Court appointed to be held thrice in a year within a Forest ; the first , 15 days before Michaelmas ; the second , about Martinmas ; and the third , 15 days before St. John Baptist .

Chiminage , is taken by Foresters in fee throughout their Bailiwick for Bushes , Timber , &c. and signifies the same with Toll .

Afforest , is to turn Land into Forest.

Disafforest , is to turn Land from being Forest to other uses .

Let what hath been said be sufficient for an Introduction , and let us conclude it with a perswasion to all generous Souls not to slight this noble and worthy Exercise , ( wherein is contained so much health and pleasure ) for the besotting Sensualities , and wicked Debaucheries of a City , in which the course of Nature seems to be inverted , Day turn'd into Night , and Night into Day ; where there is little other Recreation but what Women , Wine , and a Bawdy Play can afford them ; whereby , for want of Labour and Exercise , Mens Bodies contain as many Diseases as are in a sickly Hospital .