Thus much for their Names, Degrees, and Ages: Now let us next observe their proper Seasons for Hunting.
The _Hart_ or _Buck_, beginneth fifteen days after _Mid-Summer-Day_, and lasteth till _Holy-Rood-Day_.
The _Fox_, from _Christmass_, and lasteth till the Annunciation of the Blessed _Virgin Mary_.
The _Hind_ or _Doe_, from _Holy-Rood-Day_, till _Candlemas_.
The _Roe-Buck_, from _Easter_, till _Michaelmas_.
The _Roe_, from _Michaelmas_, till _Candlemas_.
The _Hare_, from _Michaelmas_, to the end of _February_.
Thus much I thought fit to speak briefly of the proper Names, Degrees, Ages, and Seasons of the several Chases which we Hunt: But having almost forgot some, I shall insert here, as intending to speak somewhat of them, and they are the _Badger_, _Otter_, and Wild _Goat_.
As for the Terms of Art appropriated to Hunting. And now I bring you to the second thing I proposed, _viz._ the Rules and Measures we are to learn and observe in the aforementioned Sports or Chases; and in this we must begin with the Pursuers or Conquerors of these Chases, namely.
There are several kinds of Hounds, endued with Qualities suitable to the Country where they are bred; and therefore consult his Country, and you will soon understand his Nature and Use: As for instance, the Western Countries of _England_, and Wood-land, Mountainous Countries, as also _Cheshire_, and _Lancashire_, breed the _slow-Hound_; a large great Dog, tall and heavy. _Worcestershire_, _Bedfordshire_, and many other well mixt Soyls, where the Champaign and Covert are equally large, produce the _Middle sized_ Dog, of a more nimble Composure than the fore-mentioned, and fitter for Chase. _Yorkshire_, _Cumberland_, _Northumberland_, and the North parts, breed the Light, Nimble, swift slender Dog. And our open Champaigns train up excellent Grey-Hounds, hugely admired for his Swiftness, Strength, and Sagacity. And lastly, the little _Beagle_ bred in all Countries, is of exceeding Cunning, and curious Scent in Hunting.
For the Choice of Hounds we are to rely much on their Colours, and accordingly make our Election. The Best and most Beautiful of all for a general Kennel, is, the White Hound, with Black Ears, and a black spot at the setting on of the Tail, and is ever found to be both of good Scent, and good Condition, and will Hunt any Chase, but especially the _Hare_, _Stag_, _Buck Roe_, or _Otter_, not sticking at Woods or Waters. The next is the Black, the blacktann'd, or all Liver hew'd, or the milk White Hound, which is the true _Talbot_, is best for the string, or line, as delighting in Blood; the Largest is the comliest and best. The _Grizled_, usually shag-hair'd, are the best Verminers; and so fittest for the _Fox_, _Badger_, or other hot Scents; a couple of which let not your Kennel be without, as being exceeding good cunning Finders.