THE DOMESTIC FOWL. 45 



Capons. The flesh of a black Hen, that hath not laid, is 

 accounted better and lighter. 



"3. Cock-broth is thus made : Tire an old Cock, till lie fall 

 with weariness, then kill and pluck him, and gut him, and 

 stuff him with proper physic, and boil him till all the flesh 

 'falls off, then strain it. This broth mollifies, and by means of 

 the nitrous parts wherewith that decrepit animal is endued, 

 and which are "exalted by that tiring of him, cuts and cleanseth, 

 and moves the belly, the rather if you boil therein purging 

 medicines. It is famous for easing the pains of the Colic 

 (boiled with purgers and discutients), good against a Cough 

 and Tartar of the Lungs (boiled with breast herbs). 



" 4. The Brain thickens and stops fluxes, as that of the 

 belly (taken in wine). Women anoint therewith the gums 

 of Children to make them breed teeth. 



" 5. The inward tunicle of the Stomach, dried in the sun, 

 and powdered, binds and strengthens the stomach, stops vomit- 

 ing and fluxes, and breaks the stone. 



" 6. Is a virtue rivalling that of Balm of Syriacum. 



" 7. The Gall takes off spots from the skin, and is good for 

 the eyes. 



" 8. The Grease of Hen or Capon is hot, moist, and softening, 

 between the Goose and Hogs' grease, and obtunds acrimony, 

 cures chapt lips, pains in the ears, and pustles in the eyes. 



"9. The Weasand of a Cock, burnt and not consumed, given 

 before supper, is an antidote to the influence of the herb 

 Dandelion. 



" 10. The Dung doth all the same that the Pigeon's, but 

 weaker ; and besides, cures the Colic and pain of the Womb 

 Moreover, it is good especially against the Jaundice, Stone, 

 and Suppression of Urine. 



" Note. The white part of the Dung is esteemed the best. 



" Give half a drachm, Morning and Evening, for four or 

 five days. 



