A Necessary FAMILY-BOOK, Both for the CITY & COUNTRY, In Two Parts. CONTAINING Exact, Plain and Short Rules and Directions, for Taking and Killing all manner of VERMIN on Land and in Water: As, PART I. BY LAND. The Fox, Polecat, Buzzard, Kite, Weasle, Adder, Snake, Caterpillar, Frog, Mole, Pismire, Fly, Bug, Rats and Mice, Fleas and Lice. PART II. BY WATER. The Hern, Dob-Chick, Coot, or More-hen, Cormorant, Sea-Pie, Kings-fisher, Otter, Water-Rat, and Ospray, all great destroyers of Fish. To which are added, Many Natural and Artificial Conclusions, both Pleasant and Profitable. The whole Illustrated with many proper Figures. BY R. W. Gent. London: Printed for John Harris, at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultry. 1688. Price 6 d. A Necessary FAMILY-BOOK Both for the City and Country. INTRODUCTION. SInce the generality of Mankind is wonderfully disturbed by these small and inconsiderable Infects and Vermin, I have here Exposed (for general good) many Excellent and Infallible Receipts for the taking and destroying of them, partly Collected from Learned and Judicious Authors, who have been proud of searching into the Nature of these small things, and partly from my own Observation and successful Practice, to the great Advantage of many others as well as myself. So, not doubting but that they will prove advantageous to such as shall put them in practice, I shall orderly proceed. CHAP. I. Of the FOX. 1. The Drag-Hook to take the Fox. depiction of trap THIS Engine is called a Drag-Hook; it is made of Iron or great Wire, and turns on the Weavel like a Greyhound's Choler. The Husbandmen in France hang them on branches of divers Trees, about their Grounds, to take the Fox, Woolf, or Dog, but chief for the Fox: they hang them so high from the ground, that a Fox must leap at it, before he can catch it; which Hooks are baited and covered with Livers of Beasts, or other Flesh. When he catches the Hook in his mouth, he cannot deliver himself from it, but hangs and turns about with the Hook in his mouth. And hereunto they make trains with some Garbage against night. By this Engine they destroy many of their Foxes, which otherwise would devour many of their Lambs and Poultry. For men that dwell nigh the Seaside, where there are no Trees, there 'twill be convenient to set up Gibbets and hang your Drags thereon, and so you may destroy your Foxes in a short time. 2. A Whip or Spring-Trap for the Fox. depiction of trap This Trap is called the Whip or Spring. It is set thus: There is a String tied unto the end of some Pole set fast in the ground; unto the said String is made fast a small short Stick with a nick in the lower end thereof, made thin on the upper-side, there the Pole is bound down with it unto another Stick set fast in the ground, with a nick also under; then join both the nicks together (as you may see by the Figure) as slightly as you can, then open the end of your String: set it in some Muck, or where you think good. When any Fox or other thing do pluck the said upper-string aside, than the nick slips by, and the Pole starts, and so holds him up. There is yearly killed by Foxes in this Kingdom, as many do judge, 1000 Lambs, 2000 Poultry, 4000 couple of Rabbits, besides young Fawns in many Parks and Forests. CHAP. II. Of the POLECAT. The Dead-fall for Polecats. depiction of trap THis Dead-fall is made with a square piece of Timber, or suchlike, weighing about fifty pounds or more, with a hole bored in the midst of the upper-side, and therein a hooked Crook set fast. There is also four forked Stakes which must be set fast in the ground: then lay thereon two Sticks across, on which Sticks you must lay a long Staff to hold up the Dead-fall by the Crook; under which Crook you must put a short Stick with a Line made fast thereunto, which Line reacheth down to the Bridge below, which Bridge you must make five or six inches broad. Also on both sides of this Fall you must set Board's or Pails, or you may hedge it with close Rods, and make it ten inches high or more. The four spreading corners are made to show the low Hedges, that no Vermin shall pass so easily by, but come through the Fall. The Passage must be no wider than the Fall is broad. CHAP. III. Of the BUZZARD and KITE. 1. A Trap for Buzzards and Kites. depiction of trap THis Trap is made after this manner: You must set a Hurdle on the ground where you think good, which Hurdle must be held up before with a crooked Stick, and that Stick is held up with a forked Stick put under it, which forked Stick must stand lose on the ground, without the lower Bridge or forked Stick: Also in setting up the lower end of the crooked Stick, that holds up the Hurdle, you must observe that it be small, and slightly put into the forked Stick and Bridge; which forked Stick is made fast and tied with two threads to the ground, under the back of the Hurdle: And when you set it up, it shall be good, with the crooked Stick's end, to let the Bridge stand a handful high from the ground, and put therein the end of your crooked Stick as slight as you can, that when any thing comes to take the Bait and treads it down the Hurdle falls suddenly on them. 2. To take the Buzzard with three Lime-Twigs. depiction of trap These Lime-Twigs are to take the Buzzard in the Spring of the Year, as in March and April, and are thus made: Take three small Rods growing on the end of some Bough, or three small Twigs set on the end of a pretty big Stick. You must so place them, that two Twigs must lie on the ground, and the other lying over, the Stick must have a hole bored in the end, and a Mouse-tail, or a Thread with a live Mouse, must be tied unto it. Also the Twigs must be finely laid with Lime, and in a morning laid on the ground, where you do see any Buzzards near, and as soon as you are gone, if she spy the Mouse, you shall see her soon taken. This is a very good way to take them in the Spring, but at other times not so good. 3. A Trap to take Birds, to be set up in Cornfields, or Orchards. depiction of trap This Trap is made with a Pole of seven or eight inches about, and seven or eight foot long, set fast in the ground. Make in the said Pole two holes, one below, and the other above; in the lowermost hole fix a Spring-wand, and bow it unto the hole above; through which hole you must put a String tied fast to the end of the Wand, which hath a knot to keep it from slipping off: on the fore-side of the hole you must put a blunt piece of Wood seven or eight inches long, set loosely in by the knot to stay the String, which Pin must be cleft in the middle, and in the cloven you must put a Cherry or Ear of Wheat for a Bait; then spread the String on the aforesaid Pin, as you may see by the Figure. The top of your Stick must be made sharp, that no Fowl may light thereon, and when any lights on the Pin it drops out, and the String takes them by the legs. You may set many such about your Grounds, or you may make them on the boughs of your Trees. CHAP. IU. Of WEASELS. 1. To gather Weasels together. TAke the Gut of a Lizard and beat it with Spring-water, and pour it on the ground in such places where the Weasels usually come, and they will in an instant gather together to that place. 2. How to kill Weasles. Take Sal-armoniack and Wheat-flour, mix it into a Paste with Honey, and throw it in such places where the Weasles usually come; they will greedily eat it, and it quickly killeth them. 3. To prevent Weasles from sucking of Eggs. Take Rue and lay it about tho places where the Hens lay, and the Weasles will not come near them. 4. To drive Weasles away. You must catch a Hedg-Weasle alive, and cut out his Stones, and cut his Tail short, so let him run, and all the other, be they never so many, will run away to other places. CHAP. V Of ADDERS and SNAKES. 1. How to gather Snakes and Adders to one place. TAke one handful of Onion, and ten River Crabfish, pound them together, and lay it in the places where the Snakes and Adders are, and they will all gather together. 2. To kill Snakes and Adders. Take a large Rhadish, and strike the Adder and Snake with it, and one blow will kill them. 3. To drive Adders and Snakes out of Gardens. Plant in several places of the Garden Wormwood, and they will not frequent the Garden. 4. Another. Take Dears Suit and strew it up and down where they usually come, and they will departed from the place. 5. Another. Take the Roots of Centaury, and lay it in the place where they come, and they will departed. 6. How to touch and handle Snakes and Adders without harm. Wash your hands with the Juice of Rhadishes, and you may freely touch them without danger; or take in your hand the Herb Sidretum, and the Snake or Adder will not hurt you. CHAP. VI Of the CATERPILLAR. 1. How to kill Caterpillars. TAke Ox-Piss and Lees of Oil and boil them together; it kills the Caterpillar infallibly, if you cast it upon the Trees or Bushes where they are. 2. Another. Take Sheep's Dung, and a small quantity of Tar, mix it with Chamber-lye, and apply it Morning and Evening to the Root, Stalk, or Branch, infected with Caterpillars, and in a very short time it will kill them. 3. Another. Take Fig-leaf Ashes, and cast it on the Root, and it destroyeth the Caterpillars; Or take a Gallon of Crabs, and steep them ten days in Water, and sprinkle the Trees with the Water, and it killeth the Caterpillar. CHAP. VII. Of FROGS. To gather together and kill Frogs. TAke Ox, Sheep, or Goats Gaul, and bruise it by the Waterside, and the Frogs will gather to it, and so will quickly die. CHAP. VIII. Of the MOLE. 1. How to gather Moles together to one place. TAke a living Mole, and put her in an Earthen Pot, stop it close, and make a Fire in the place where you would gather the Moles together, and set the Pot on the Fire, and immediately all the Moles will gather to the Pot, hearing the Mole in the Pot cry. 2. How to kill Moles. Take an Earthen Jug, or Pot, that hath a full Body, and narrow Neck, and put Brimstone, Cedar-wood, Bees-wax, and Rosin cut into small pieces, mix them together, then stop the Mole-holes that are near with the Earth, that the Moles have cast out, all but one, and into the hole that is open put the Neck of the Earthen Pot, after the combustible matter is set on fire, so that the smoke of the Pot may enter into the Earth where the Moles passeth, and they will immediately be choked. 3. Another. Take white Hellibore bruised very small, mix with it Wheat-flour, the Whites of Eggs, Milk and Wine, and lay little Cakes of it in the mouth of the holes, and the Moles will greedily eat of it, and it certainly killeth them, or take the Juice of wild Cucumber, and pour it into their holes, and it killeth them. CHAP. IX. Of the PISMIRE. 1. How to drive away Pismires. TAke half a Pound of Brimstone, melt it in an Earthen Pot, on a slow fire, mix with it the Salt of Wine, Stone three or four Ounces, mix it so long till it become red, then take it from the fire, and beat it on a Board with fair Water, and it will cool immediately, then let it dry, and beat it to powder in a Mortar; then put it into a Glass of Water, and let it stand till it hath coloured the Water, sprinkle the Water on the Pismires Banks, and it kills them. 2. To kill Pismires. Take the Roots of wild Cucumbers, and set them on fire where the Pismires are, and the smoke will kill them; Or take Cirenicum and melt it in Oil, and pour it on the Pismire-banks, and it will kill them. 3. Another. Take Musk-shells, burn them with Storax, and beat them to a small Powder, and strew the Powder where the Pismires usually are, and in the great Banks, and it will kill them. CHAP. X. Of FLIES. 1. To gather Flies together. TAke a deep Earthen Pot, and lay in it beaten. Coriander, and all the Flies in the House shall be gathered together. 2. To kill Flies. Take Alum and Origanum, beat them, and mix them with sweet Milk, and sprinkle the Room and places where the Flies come, and they will all die. 3. To keep from Injuries by Flies. Anoint the Beast with Oil wherein Bakeler hath been boiled, and the Flies shall not come near him; or anoint the Horse, Ox, or Cow with the Juice of Carwoerden-leaves in the beginning of Spring, and the Flies will not come at them any more that Year. CHAP. XI. Of BUGS. 1. To kill Bugs. TAke the Gall of an Ox, and mix it with Vinegar, and rub the Cracks and Joints of the Bedstead with it, and all the Bugs will suddenly die; Or take a quantity of Brimstone, beat it to Powder, then mix the Powder with old Oil, and use it as before. 2. Another. Take a convenient quantity of fresh Tar, mix it with the Juice of wild Cucumbers, let it stand a day or two, stirring it four or five times a day, then anoint the Bedsteads with it, and all the Bugs will die; Or take strong Glue, and boil it with Vinegar, and rub the Bedsteads with it, and the Bugs will certainly die. 3. Another. Take Wormwood and Rue of each a good handful, and mix them with common Oil, and put to them as much Water as Oil, that the Oil and Water may cover the Wormwood and Rue; then boil it till all the Water is boiled away, then strain the Oil out from the Herbs, and mix it with Sheep's Suet, as much as the Oil, anoint the Bedsteads with it; it is an infallible Remedy. 4. Another. Take Brimstone and Wax, and burn them under the Joints of the Bedsteads and Creases, where the Bugs are, and they will immediately come out of their holes, and you may kill them; Or take Quicksilver and mix it with Hoggs-grease, of each a like quantity, and anoint the Bedsteads with it. CHAP. XII. Of FLEAS. 1. How to kill Fleas. TAke Sope-Lees, and boil two or three Onions in it, let it cool, then sprinkle the Room with it, and it kills the Fleas. Or this, Take Mustardseed, and boil it with the Herb Daphines' in Water, and sprinkle the Room with it. 2. Another. Take Wormwood, Lavender, and Nut-leaves, and boil them in Vinegar a good while, then sprinkle the Blanket with it; it certainly kills the Fleas. 3. Another. Take an Earthen Platter, that is broad and shallow, fill it half full with Goat's Blood, and set the Platter under the Bed, and all the Fleas will come into it like a swarm of Bees. Or take the Blood of a Bear or Badger, and put it under the Bed, as before, and it gathers the Fleas to it, and they die immediately. CHAP. XIII. Of LICE. 1. How to kill Lice. TAke Hogs-Lard, Quicksilver and Sage, as much of each as is needful, and mix them together to a Salve, and anoint the afflicted place. 2. How to kill Nits and Lice in the Head. Take three Ounces of Oil of Olives, one Ounce of Wax, three Drams of Stavosaee, and as much Quicksilver, of these make a Salve, and anoint the Head all over, it certainly kills the Nits and Lice. 3. Another. Take red Orpiment and Salt-Peter, of each a Dram, and Lice-Herb two Drams, mix these together with Oil and Vinegar, and anoint the Head with it, and it kills them. 4. How to kill Crab-lices. Take a roasted Apple, and take the Skin and Core from it, and beat it in a Mortar with as much Quicksilver as will make it into an Ointment, and therewith dress the afflicted place. CHAP. XIV. Of RATS and MICE. 1. How to gather together all the Rats and Mice into one place in a House or Barn, and to kill them. TAke a Brass or Copper Pot as big as you can get, and fill it half full of the Dregs of Oil, and then set it in the most convenient place in the House, about the middle, and all the Rats and Mice will make their appearance, as if it were an Assembly of an Army of Rats and Mice, and you may then strew about the place Pot-ashes, and it kills them all. 2. Another. Take two or three living Rats or Mice, and put them into an Earthen Pot, then stop the Pot close, that the Rats or Mice may not come forth, then make a fire of Ashen-tree-wood, and place the Pot on the fire, and when it burneth moderately, all the Rats and Mice in the House, hearing the cry of those in the Pot, will run immediately to the place where the Pot standeth on the fire, as if they did intent by force to deliver the Rats and Mice in the Pot. 3. Another. Take Hemlock-seed and cast it into the Holes where they usually come, and they will eat it greedily, and it certainly killeth them. 4. Another. Take very small Filings of Iron or Steel, which you may have at any Smiths, that worketh with small Files, mix the File-dust with Wheat-dow, and when you lay it into the holes the Mice will greedily eat of it, and it is present death to them. 5. How to make Rats and Mice blind. Take Tithimalum beat to Powder, sift it through a fine Sieve, then mix it with a like quantity of Wheat-flour, then put to it a sufficient quantity of Metheglin, to make it into a stiff Paste, and lay it in the usual places where the Mice and Rats come, and in a short time after they have eat it you will see the effects, for they will become Beetle-blind. And thus much I think may be sufficient for these Vermin, Infects and Raveners, that infest the House, Field, Park, and Warren, from which I shall proceed to give you Directions how to Take and Destroy such as haunt Fishponds and Rivers, devouring an infinite number of Fish, etc. PART II. By WATER. Directions how to take and kill the Hern, Dob-Chick, Coot, Cormorant, Sea-Pie, Kings-fisher, Otter, Water-Rat, and Ospray, etc. all great destroyers of Fish. 1. How to take the Herne. THE Herne destroys much young Fish, and others if they come nigh the shallow Places or Banks, she is fearful, and difficult to take, therefore some do bait a Hook with a Minow or other small Fish, or with a piece of an Eel; then make your Line green, or like the Water where she haunts in a shallow place, there put your Pin in the Earth of the shallow Water, and lay your Bait so that she may wade half a foot deep unto it, for else the Kite or Crow will soon have it; she will soon swallow it, and so be taken. 2. How to take the Dob-Chick. depiction of trap The Dob-Chick is a Waterfowl, they are commonly on Rivers and Pools, they are near as large as a Theal, and are black; they will commonly dive under water to take young Fish. To take them, the fishermans do lay on the Water long Lines of small Thread, knit full of little Corks, a handful asunder on the Line, and cut foursquare, like big Dice, (as you may see by the foregoing Picture) and where they see them haunt they will spread the said Line before them on the water, then with their Boots on, drive them to the said Line; and by this means many are taken. 3. How to take or kill the Coot or More-hen. The Coot or More-hen lives likewise on Waters, and also are great destroyers of Fish. To kill or take these, the only way is with Lime or Gun. 4. How to destroy the Cormorant. The Cormorant is a great destroyer of Fish also, he useth the fresh Waters, and will dive under the water and take Fish of three or four Years growth. The only way to destroy them is by destroying their Nests in breeding-time; they breed in Islands and Rocks by the Sea. Some may be destroyed in Rivers and Pools with a Cross-bow or Hand-gun. 5. How to take Sea-Pies. depiction of trap The Sea-Pie is a Fowl that useth the Seas, and breeds in Islands in the Sea, and lives most by Fish. Where they use in fresh Rivers, they destroy much young Fry, and such as swim near the top of the water. One way to take them is, by liming two small Oziars, and bind the ends that are next the Bait almost , then take another short stick and bind the one end unto your ends of cross Twigs, (as you may see by the Figure) and put that short stick through the Fish or Bait, then lay it on some Water-leaf, Rushes, or such like, in the midst of the River, and, as soon as they see it, they will take and fly away with it in their Bills, but are immediately limned and taken. Another way of laying these Lime-twigs is, You must put a small short Stick in the Bait, (as you may see by the Figure) and at the lower-end tie a Thread an Inch long, and to that Thread tie your limed Twigs, and when she takes and flies away with it, she cannot fly far but she will be limed, for the Twigs will turn and touch her Wings, and then she will fall. Thus you may take many Sea-Pies both in Summer and Winter, and the same way you may take both Crows and other Birds. 6. How to take the Bird called the Kings-fisher. This Bird is likewise a great destroyer of young Fry and small Fish; he is about the bigness of a Lark, and doth commonly breed in Banks of Rivers and Brooks; his Feathers are green and Blue; he always haunts about the sides of Rivers and Brooks, where small Fish are, and as soon as he hath caught a Fish he will fly to the next Bough, and there sit on a Twig and eat the Fish. To take this Bird, you must mark where his haunt is, and there set down a Bush or Branch, and put a Lime-twig under the said Bush, for so soon as he hath taken a Fish he will fly thither and light on that under Twig limned, and so you take him. This Bird, being dead, if you hang him up by the Bill with a Thread in your House, where no Wind bloweth, his Breast will always hand against the Wind, whereby you may know perfectly in what Quarter the Wind is at all times, both Night and Day. 7. How to take the Otter. To take the Otter or Water-Woolf in a we'll made for that purpose, is as followeth: This we'll is not made in all points like unto other Weels, where he eateth the Fish and comes forth again safe, but is made with a double Teme or Tonuel, and against the utmost Teme within is set an Iron, like a Grid-iron, with four holes, staying and sliding upon two round Sticks, which must be set upright in the we'll before the Teme, to hold up the Iron, which two Sticks must be fast bound to the we'll, both above and beneath; then must you have a good stiff Rod, the one end must be set over the we'll, to hold up the Grid-iron or Grate, and the other end of the Rod must reach over the inner Teme, and a small Ozier tied at that end of the Rod, which small Osier must be made with a round knot, and so put down upon the end of the lowermost Osier, in the middle of the inner Teme, but a very little way put on, that when the Otter is within the first Teme, he comes to the second, where the Fish is, and there he puts off the Osier, and the Rod flirt's up, and the Gridiron falls and stops the outmost Teme, where he came in; as soon as he hears it fall, he will turn back, without touching any Fish, gnawing the Grid-iron, and so is drowned. This Description shows the setting of the Grid-iron before the Teme of the we'll, and when he falls, to rest on two stiff Oziers', as you may see above; but when you shall Set or Tile the said Grid-iron, it must be plucked up above the mouth of the Teme; all the Oziers' must be cut even by the wreath, except those two that must hold up the Grid-iron beneath; which Mouth of the Teme must be betwixt six and seven Inches deep, so that a pretty big Dog may creep therein; for if it be too little, the Otter will gnaw the we'll; also the Gridiron must fall easily on the two sticks that stay it, and must be broader than the mouth of the Teme, and put in when the we'll is a making. The Grid-iron is made with five flat Bars, weighing about two Pound weight, because it may fall the sooner. 8. How to take the Water-Rat. The Water-Rat is a hurtful Vermin, that kills Fish, especially Crevice, Loches, Culles, and Trout, lying in holes of Banks. They do destroy much other Fish and Spawn in shallow Rivers and Brooks. It is hard to kill them; but where you see their Paths on Bank-sides, there set a Dead-fall, for they range abroad at Nights, like other Rats, and will frequent Corn-mills and Fulling-mills, to eat Corn and gnaw . The only way to take them is, to pin square Board's against the holes where they haunt, which Board's must have a great hole in the midst, and set just against their coming in or out, fastened to the Banks; then make a Latch, and set it on the outside of the Board, tiled as you tile the Fox-Latch, (as you have seen before in its proper place) on the lower part of the hole before mentioned; you must put three or four Pricks of Wyer, to hold any thing that comes out or in. This Experiment is easily tried. 9 How to kill the Ospray. The Ospray is a Bird like a Hawk, near as big as the Tarcel of a Goshawk; he is a great destroyer of Fish; he will take Fish in the midst of a great Pond; he hath one Foot like a Duck, and the other like a Hawk; as he flies over the water the Fish will come up unto him. The best way to kill him is to watch where he eats his Fish, (for he will eat it on some Tree near the place where he takes it) and there kill him with a Gun. 10. How to make Lime. Take the Berries of Misletoe gathered in Autumn, in the full of the Moon, (for then they are in most force) and bruise them, letting them lie for a space to rot, then wash them in running Water, till they be clean, like other Lime; and therewith you may take Birds, as with other Birdlime made of the Bark of Holly. 11. To make Birdlime that will serve in Water. Take a Pound of Birdlime, cleanse and wash it in running Water very well, that no Knots be left therein, then beat out the Water, and dry it again; then put thereto two Spoonfuls of sharp Vinegar and as much Goose-grease as will make it run; add thereto half a Spoonful of lamp-oil, and a little Venice Turpentine; then boil all these together in an Earthen Pan, and stir it well: so take it off the Fire, and reserve it, and warm it when you use it. And thus much for the Taking and Killing of those ravenous Destroyer's of Fish. From which I shall proceed (for the Reader's divertion) to Natural and Artificial Conclusions, etc. both pleasant and profitable. Natural and Artificial CONCLUSIONS, Both Pleasant and Profitable. 1. How to Take Kites, Ravens, Crows, or the like, alive. BUY at the Apothecaries two Pennyworth of Nux Vomica, beat it to powder, or slice it as you do Ginger, then take raw Flesh, or Liver, and cut it into little pieces, that they may swallow them whole, then cut holes in the same, and put your Powder or Slices therein, then lay the pieces where they haunt; as soon as they have swallowed down the same, they will fly to the next high Tree they come at; this presently makes them so drunk, that they will fall down from the top of the Tree to the Ground, where you may take them up alive. You must be sure to watch them, for they will soon recover, and fly away. 2. To make a Cat Piss out a Fire. A merry Fellow coming into an Alehouse in cold weather, and finding a sorry Fire, said he would make the Cat Piss it out; and, watching his opportunity, he getteth his Hostess' Cat, putting her Head betwixt his Thighs, and holding her four Feet fast in one Hand, with the other held up Tail near the Fire, and she did piss such abundance, that she quite quenched the same. 3. How to Write a Letter secretly from one Friend to another, that it cannot be discovered. Writ your Letter on one side with common Ink, then turn your Paper, and write on the other side with Milk, (that which you would have secret) and let it dry; (but observe your Pen be clean) when you would read it, hold that side which is written with Ink to the Fire, and the Milky Letters will then show bluish on the other side, which may be easily discerned. 4. To make pleasant Sport with Ducks and Poultry. Take a Yard of strong Thread and a little red Rag, tie it to one end of the Thread, at the other end fasten a bit of Cheese, somewhat less than a Bean, which you may throw amongst a company of Ducks, when immediately one of them will greedily swallow it down, the rest of the Thread and Rag dragging after her, which when she perceives, she will be so affrighted, that running from place to place, and finding it still follows her, will take wing, and fly into some Pond or Water, there perceiving the Rag to swim after her, will dive into the water, and up again, for many times together, and at last, being still affrighted, will fly out of the water, and run up and down, until the String catches hold of something, that either breaks it, or pulls the Cheese out of her Belly, and then she will be at quiet. 5. How to break a Staff upon two Glasses of Water. Place the Glasses, being full of Water, upon two Joynt-stools, an equal distance from the ground, and distant one from the other the length of the Staff, then place the ends of the Staff upon the edges of the two Glasses, so that they be sharp; this done, with all the force you can, with another Staff, strike the Staff that lies on the Glasses, in the midst, and it will break, without breaking the Glasses, or spilling the Water. 6. How to make a Glass of Water seem to Boil. Take a Glass near full of Water, and setting one hand upon the Foot of it, hold it fast, turn slightly one of your fingers of your other hand upon the edge of the Glass, having before privately wet your finger, and so passing softly on with your finger, in pressing a little, the Water will seem to boil, and leap over the Glass by drops. 7. How to make two Images, one of which shall light a Candle, and the other blow it out. Upon the side of a Wall make the Figure of two Images; in the Mouth of each put a Pipe or Quill so artificially, that it be not perceived; in one of which place put Salt-Peter, very fine and dry and pulverised, and at the end set a little Match of Paper: in the other Paper put Sulphur, beaten small; then, holding a lighted Candle in your hand, say to one of those Images, by way of command, Blow out the Candle: then lighting the Paper with the Candle, the Salt-Peter will blow out the Candle immediately: then go to the other Image, (before the Snuff of the Candle be out) touch the Sulphur with it, and say, Light the Candle; and it will immediately be lighted. 8. How to make a seem to fall through a Table. You must have an Handkerchief about you, having a Counter neatly sewed in one of the corners of it: take it out of your Pocket, and desire somebody to lend you a Tester, and seem to wrap it up in the midst of the Handkerchief, but retain it in your hand; and instead of so doing, wrap the corner in the midst, that hath the Counter sewed in it; and then bid them feel if it be not there, which they will imagine to be no other than the Tester, that they lent you: then bid them lay it under a Hat upon the Table, and call for a Basin of Water, hold it under the Table, and knock, saying, Vade, Come, quick; and then let the fall out of your hand into the Water; then take up the Hat, and take the Handkerchief, and shake it; saying, It is gone; then show them the Money in the Basin of Water. 9 How to seem to blow a out of another Man's hand. Take a , blow on it, and clap it presently into one of your spectators hands, bidding him to hold it fast; then ask of him, if he be sure to have it, then, to be certain, he will open his hand, and look; then say to him, Nay, but if you let my Breath go off, I cannot do it; then take it out of his hand again, and blow on it, and staring him in the face, clap a piece of Horn in his hand, and retain the , shutting his hand yourself: bid him hold his hand down, and slip the Tester between one of his Cuffs, then take the Stone that you show feats with, and hold it unto his hand, saying, By Virtue hereof, I will and command the Money to vanish, that you hold in your hand; Vade. Now see, when they have looked, than they will think it is changed by virtue of your Stone; then take the Horn again, and seem to cast it from you, retaining it, and say, Vade; and anon say, You have your Money again: he then will begin to marvel, and say, I have not; say then to him, You have; and I am sure you have it; Is't not in your hand? if it be not there, turn down one of your Sleeves, for it is in one I am sure; where he findeth it, and will not a little wonder. 10. How to convey Money out of one of your hands into the other. First you must hold open your right hand, and lay therein a Tester, or some big piece of Money, then lay thereupon the top of your long left finger, and use some words of Art, and upon a sudden slip your right hand from your finger wherewith you held down the Tester, and bending your hand very little, you shall retain the Tester therein, and suddenly drawing your right hand through your left, you shall seem to have left the Tester there, especially when you shut in due time your left hand, which, that it may more plainly appear to be truly done, you may take a Knife, and seem to knock against it, so as it shall make a great sound; but instead of knocking the piece in the left hand, (where none is) you shall hold the point of the Knife fast with the left hand, and knock against the Tester held in the other hand, and it will be thought to hit against the Money in your left hand, then after some words of Art pronounced upon your hand, and when nothing is seen, it will be wondered at, how the Tester came removed. 11. How to keep Cherries, Pears, Nuts, or other Fruit, a whole Year, as fresh as they came from the Tree. When they are pretty ripe, cut off the Stalks, and put them into an Earthen Pot well leaded, and then cover them with Honey; then stop the Pot with Pitch, or Wax, that no Air may come in; and then set the Pot in some Cellar or cool place, burying it well in Sand, and so let it remain until you use it. 12. How to make it Frieze by the Fireside. This Feat cannot be done but in Winter, and when Snow is to be had. He that will perform it, must have a handful of Salt in readiness; then let him call for a Joynt-stool, a Quartpot, and a handful of Snow, a little Water, and a short Stick or Staff; First let him pour a little Water upon the Stool, and upon it let him set the Quartpot, and put the Snow into the Pot, and likewise the Salt, but privately; then let him hold the Pot fast with his left hand, and take the short Stick in his right, and therewith churn the Snow and Salt in the Pot, as if one should churn for Butter, and in half a quarter of an Hour, the Pot will freeze so hard to the Stool, that you can hardly pull it off with both your hands. 13. How to tell the Number that another Man shall think, be it never so great. Let the Person that thinketh, double the Number which he thought; which being done, bid him multiply the Sum of them both by 5, and give you the Product, (which he will never refuse to do, it being so far above the Number thought) from the which, if you cut off or take away the last Figure of the Product, (which will always be a cipher or 5) the Number thought will remain. As for Example. Let the Number thought be 23, which doubled, maketh 46, and multiplied by 5, makes 230; then if you take away the cipher, which is in the last place, there will remain 23, which is the Number thought. 14. How to know the Hour of the Day by the Hand and Fingers. Take a Straw, or the like, of the length of the Index, or the second Finger, hold this Straw very right between the Thumb and the right Finger, then stretch forth your Hand, and turn your Back and the Palm of your Hand towards the Sun, so that the shadow of the Muscle, which is under the Thumb, touch the Line of Life, which is between the middle of the two other great Lines, which is seen in the Palm of the Hand; this done, the end of the shadow will show what of the Clock it is, for at the end of the great Finger, it is 7 in the Morning, or 5 in the Evening; at the end of the Ringfinger, it is 8 in the Morning, or 4 in the Afternoon; at the end of the little Finger, or first Joint, it is 9 in the Morning, or 3 in the Afternoon; 10 and 2, at the second Joint, 11 and 1, at the third Joint, and midday in the Line following, which comes from the end of the Index. Note, that this Experiment must be performed by the left Hand. 15. How one may find out what is hidden in two hands. Suppose that a Person holds divers things in his Hands, as Silver and Brass, and in one Hand he holds the Silver, and in the other the Brass; Now to know which Hand the Silver is in, and which the Brass, appoint for the Silver 4 Shillings, and for the Brass 3 Shillings, or any other Pieces, so one be odd, and the other even, then bid him triple that which is in the right Hand, and double that which is in the left; then bid him add these two Products together, and ask him if it be even or odd; if it be even, than the Silver is in the right Hand; if odd, the Silver is in the left Hand. 16. To cause Water (contrary to its nature) to ascend. Take a Basin with a Pint of Water in it, or thereabouts, then take an Earthen Pot or Jugg, with a round Belly, (fittest for this purpose) and light a piece of Paper) cast it into the Jugg flaming, then turn quickly the Mouth of the Jugg downward, and set it on the midst of the Basin of Water; it will suck up all the Water, if it be no more than it can receive and contain in the Belly of it. 17. How to know whether there be any Water in Wine or not. Take raw Pears, pair them and make them clean, and cut them in the middle, or else take Mulberries, and cast them into the Wine, and if they swim upon the Wine, it is pure and clean without Water, but if they sink to the bottom, then there is Water mixed with the Wine. 18. To make old Writing look fair. Take Galls and boil them in Wine, and wash the Writing therewith. 19 To prevent Fleas from infesting Dogs. Take the green outward Shell of Walnuts, and stamp them, and anoint the Dogs with it where the Fleas vex them, and especially in the Ears, and the Fleas will not touch them. THE END. A CATALOGUE Of Fourteen Useful BOOKS, Printed for John Harris, at the Harrow, against the Church in the Poultry. 1. INstructions for Children: Or, The Child's and Youth's Delight, teaching an easy Way to Spell and Read true English. Containing the Father's Godly Advice; Directing Parents in a Right and Spiritual Manner to Educate their Children. With a Christian Catechism, wherein all the chief Principles of true Christianity are clearly opened. Together with many other things both Pleasant and Useful for the Education of Children. Written by B. Keach, Author of War with the Devil. Recommended to the Use of all Parents and Schoolmasters, by H. Knollis. Price Bound 8 d. 2. The Balm of the Covenant applied to the Bleeding Wounds of Afflicted Saints. First Composed for the Relief of a Pious and Worthy Family, mourning over the Deaths of their hopeful Children; and now made Public for the Support of all Christians, sorrowing on the same or any other Account. To which is added, A Sermon, Preached for the Funeral of that Excellent and Religious Gentleman, John Upton of Lupton, Esq By John Flavell, Preacher of the Gospel at Dartmouth in Devon. Price 1. s. 3. A Discourse of Divine Providence. 1. In General: That there is a Providence exercised by God in the World. 2. In Particular: How all God's Providences in the World, are in order to the good of his People. By the late learned Divine, Stephen Charnock, B. D. sometime Fellow of New College in Oxon. Price Bound 3 s. 4. The Conviction of Worldly Vanity: Or, The Wand'ring Prodigal, and his Return: In Two Parts. Part I. Containing his Debate with himself about his setting forward in search of the Palace of Worldly Felicity; His harkening to the Advice of Folly, and submitting himself to her Conduct; the manner of her furnishing him out; of the Progress he made, and the various Adventures he met with by the way: As also the Entertainment he found at his Arrival, and his Riotous Living there; With his Description of the Vices Reigning therein. Part II. Giving a full Account of his Miraculous Escape from the Palace of Worldly Felicity: Of the glorious Prospect he had of the Celestial City; And of the Progress he made towards it, under the Conduct of Divine Grace: With the manner of his Proceeding, and the several Occurrences he met with by the way: His Arrival at the Palace of Virtue and True Felicity, and his Joyful Reception there: His Excellent Description thereof, and of the Divine and Moral Virtues which he found therein. Both pleasant and profitable. Delivered under the similitude of A Wand'ring Youth. Illustrated with proper Cuts. Price Bound 1 s. 5. Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ: Or, A plain and profitable Discourse on John 6. Verse 37. Showing the Cause, Truth and Manner of the Coming of a Sinner to Jesus Christ; with his Happy Reception, and Blessed Entertainment. The Third Addition, with Additions. By John Bunyon, Author of the Pilgrim's Progress. Price Bound 1 s. 6. A Discourse upon the Pharisee and the Publican. Wherein several weighty things are handled: As the Nature of Prayer, and of Obedience to the Law; with how far it obliges Christians, and wherein it consists: Wherein is also shown the equally deplorable condition of the Pharisee, or Hypocrital and Self-righteous Man, and of the Publican or Sinner. Together, with the Way and Method of God's Free Grace in pardoning penitent Sinners. Price Bound 1 s. 7. The Saint's Comfort, in all, but more especially in Evil Times. Drawn from Twelve several Texts of Scripture; which are briefly explained in this small Piece. By T. G. Minister of the Gospel. Price 1 s. 8. A Directory for Midwives: Or, A Guide for Women in their Conception, Bearing, and Suckling their Children. The first part contains, 1. The Anatomy of the Vessels of Generation. 2. The Formation of the Child in the Womb. 3. What hinders Conception, and its Remedies. 4. What furthers Conception. 5. A Guide for Women in Conception. 6. Of Miscarriage in Women. 7. A Guide for Women in their Labour. 8. A Guide for Women in their Lying-Inn. 9 Of Nursing Children. By Nicholas Culpepper. Price Bound 3 s. 9 A pleasant and compendious History, of the first Inventors and Instituters of the most Famous Arts, Mysteries, Laws, Customs and Manners in the whole World. Together, with many other Rarities and Remarkable things, rarely known, and never before made public. To which are added, several curious Inventions, peculiarly attributed to England and Englishmen. The whole Work alphabetically digested, and very helpful to the Readers of History. Price Bound 1 s. 10. England's Jests Refined and Improved; Being a choice Collection of the merriest Jests, smartest Repartee's, wittiest Sayings, and most notable Bulls, dispersed through the several Tracts on those Subjects; with many new Ones, never before printed. To which are added, Fourteen Ingenious Characters, drawn to the Life. The whole Work compiled with great care and exactness: And may serve as the witty Man's Companion, the busy Man's Diversion, and the melancholy Man's Physic and Recreation. The Second Edition, with Additions of several Jests, witty Say, Bulls, and Two new Characters. Calculated for the Innocent spending of the Winter Evenings. By H. C. Price Bound 1 s. 11. A Present for Ladies. The Nymphs of Diana: Or, The Excellencies of Womenkind, described as well in their External Beauty, as Internal Virtue; being an Advocate for the Fair Sex; comprised in an Illustrious History of it, represented not only in lively and pathetical Discourses, grounded upon Reason, but in sundry rare Examples of Virtuous Love, Piety, Prudence, Modesty, Chastity, Patience, Humility, Temperance, Conduct, Constancy, and Firmness of Mind, with what else in the like nature, is necessary to the Accomplishment of the most celebrated Beauties; with other Examples of Women, skilled in the most curious Arts and Sciences. To which are added, The Examples of warlike Women, their noble Exploits and Victories: With the Prophecies and Predictions of the Sibyls, in relation to our Saviour Christ, etc. And as an Appendix, the Character of a Virtuous Woman in all her Capacities, viz. Of a Virgin, of a Wife, and of a Widow; wherein is showed, the happiness that accrues to Man, in the possession of so great a Blessing as a virtuous Woman; with ●●e Reasons, why Man's happiness is not complete on Earth, without the charming creature Woman. The whole Work enriched and intermixed with curious Poetry, and delicate Fancy, suitable to so charming a Subject. Price Bound 1 s. 12. The True Fortune-Teller: Or, Guide to Knowledge. Discovering the whole Art of Chyromancy, Physiognomy, Metoposcopy, and Astrology. Containing, 1. A Description of the Planets, their power and influence over the Bodies of Men, Women, and Children. 2. Of the several Lines, Mounts, Marks, Angles, and sacred Characters in the Hand and Wrist; and Planets they are governed as to good or bad Fortune. 3. Of Physiognomy. 4. Observations on the Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, Chin, Neck, Hair, Beard, and Face. 5. Metoposcopy, or the signification of the Lines in the Face. 6. Of Moles, and their significations. 7. Of Dreams, and their Interpretations. 8. Of Nativities, and their Calculation. 9 Of the Rod, by which hidden Treasure is found. 10. Of Marriage, and at what time any Person shall be married. 11. Rules to know the danger of Death. 12. Of good and bad Days. 13. The manner of resolving doubtful Questions, as to Friends, Marriages, places of Abode, Health, Prosperity or Adversity, Love, or Business. 14. Of Pythagoras his Wheel of Fortune. 15. Of the good and bad days in each Month relating to Health. To which are added, Aristotle's Observations on the Heavens, their Motion. Of Fiery Meteors, Thunder, Lightning, Eclipses, Comets, Earthquakes and Whirlwinds. Illustrated with several proper Figures. The second Edition. Price Bound 1 s. 13. A short and plain Account of the late-found Balsamic Wells at Hoxdon. And of their excellent Virtues above other Mineral Waters; which makes 'em effectually Cure most Diseases both inward and outward: with Directions how to use 'em. By T. Byfield, M. D. Price stitched 6 d. 14. Twelve Ingenious Characters: Or, Pleasant Descriptions of the Properties of sundry Persons and Things, viz. An Importunate Dun, a Sergeant or Bailiff, a Pawn-Broker, a Prison, a Tavern, a Scold, a Bad Husband, a Town-Fop, a Bawd, a fair and happy Milkmaid, the Quacks Directory, a Young Enamorist. Price stitched 3 d.