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"A Dairie Booke for Good   Hufwiues", by Bartholomew Dowe. Transcription and transliteration into   modern English by Baroness Eibhlin nic'Raghailligh, OL. This is a treatise on   cheese making and setting up a dairy. it was printed in 1588 in London.

  

 

  

NOTE:   See also the files: About-Cheese-art, Enseignements-art, Portugues-15C-art,   2-Cheese-bib, Cheese-Histry-art, Dairy-Prodcts-art, milk-msg,   cheesemaking-msg.

  

 

  

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NOTICE -

  

 

  

This article was added to this   set of files, called Stefan's Florilegium,   with the permission of the author.

  

 

  

These files are available on   the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

  

 

  

Copyright to the contents of   this file remains with the author or translator.

  

 

  

While the author will likely   give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please   check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end   of this file.

  

 

  

Thank you,

  

Mark S. Harris...AKA:..Stefan   li Rous

  

stefan at florilegium.org

  

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Editor's note: I have tried over   several years to reformat this to my standard 8 1/2 inch width. Try as I   might, I could not get this manuscript readable in an 8 1/2 inch x 11 inch   format. So I am putting this online with a width of 9 1/2 inches.

  

 

  

Transcription and   transliteration into modern english by:

  

Kathleen Madsen

  

Kathleenmadsen at gmail.com

  

Known in the Society as   Baroness Eibhlin nic'Raghailligh, OL

  

 

  

From A Dairie Booke for Good Hufwiues, by Bartholomew Dowe.

  

 

  

Electronic Facsimilie   provided by the Library of Congress

  

 

  

LC control no.: 74028888

  

 

  

ISBN: 9022107655
  
  Main title: The householders philosophie ; anexed, A dairie booke /Torquato   Tasso.

  

 

  

Originally Transcribed and   Transliterated December 2014 - January 2015

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  


  
  

  
  

A dairie Booke for

  

good hufwiues.

  

 

  

Very profitable and   pleafaunt for the making

  

and keeping of   white meates.

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

AT LONDON

  

Printed for Thomas   Hacket, and are

  

to be folde at his   fhoppe in Lomberde ftreete,

  

vnder the figne of   the Popes

  

head, 1588.

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  
  

A dairie   Book for

  

good housewives.

  

 

  

Very profitable and   pleasant for the making

  

and keeping of   white meats.

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

AT LONDON

  

Printed for Thomas   Hacket, and are

  

to be sold at his   shop in Lombard Street,

  

under the sign of   the Popes

  

head. 1588.

  

 

     
  

To all good Hufwiues dwelling

  

within the Countie   of South-hamfhire, Bartholomew

  

Dowe,   wifheth vnto them all heere in this life, health, wealth,

  

and profperitie:   and heerafter in the life to come

  

ioyfull and endles   felicitie.

  

(***)

  

 

  

Forafmuch as of late, an honeft   Matron a South-

  

hamfhyre Vvoman, was defirous   to haue con-

  

ference with me beeing a   Suffolke man, to heere

  

my mind concerning making of   whitmeate, after the

  

manner vfage and fafhion of   Suffolke where I was

  

borne, albeit for forty and   feauen yeeres paffed, I haue

  

beene and ftill am inhabiting   & refident in this Coun-

  

tie of South-ham. For that mine   aunfwers to her de-

  

maundes and queftions therein,   was fo well liked of

  

by them that were prefent at   that time, and fo accep-

  

tably taken among them all,   that they very earneftlie

  

required mee, to reduce all our   communication then

  

had betweene vs into wryting,   to the end they might

  

heere it the oftner, and theyr   neyghbours myght alfo

  

be pertakers thereof as well as   they: which at theyr

  

inftant requeft I haue heere   taken vpponmee to doo,

  

more homelie then feemely to   fatif-fie their defires, &

  

alfo to auoyde idlenes, which   folkes in age bee fundry

  

times much giuen vnto. And   becaufe alfo I am vn-

  

apt to doo any good labour or   worke, and nowe none

  

other thing in effect can doe   but onely write, I haue

  

written this fimple quite   rudely penned, and dedicate

  

the fame generally to all good   hufwiues in South-

  

hamfhyre. Humbly defiring the   all to beare me good

  

will for my dooing thereof,   feeing willingly I will de-

  

                          A.   2                    ferue

  
  

To all good   Housewives dwelling

  

within the   County of South Hampshire, Bartholomew

  

Dowe,   wishes unto them all here in this life, health, wealth,

  

and prosperity:   and hereafter in the life to come

  

joyfull and   endless felicity.

  

(***)

  

 

  

For as much as of late, an honest Matron a South-

  

hampshire Woman, was desirous to have con-

  

ference with me being a Suffolke man, to hear

  

my mind concerning making of white meat, after the

  

manner, usage, and fashion of Suffolke where I was

  

born, albeit for forty and seven years passed, I have

  

been and still am inhabiting & resident in this   Coun-

  

ty of South-ham. For that mine answers to her de-

  

mands and questions therein, was so well liked of

  

by them that were present at that time, and so accep-

  

tably taken among them all, that they very earnestly

  

required me, to reduce all our communication then

  

had between us into writing, to the end they might

  

hear it the oftener, and their neighbors might also

  

be partakers thereof as well as they: which at their

  

instant request I have here taken upon me to do,

  

more homely than seemly to satisfy their desires,   &

  

also to avoid idleness, which folks in age be sundry

  

times much given unto. And because also I am un-

  

apt to do any good labor or work, and now none

  

other thing in effect can do but only write, I have

  

written this simple quite rudely penned, and dedicate

  

the same generally to all good housewives in South-

  

hampshire. Humbly desiring the all to bear me good

  

will for my doing thereof, seeing willingly I will de-

  

                                 A. 2                                 serve

  

 

  

 

                 
  

jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjThe Epiftle.

  

Ferue none other at their   handes. Fully trufting, that

  

the mirth and recreation that   they fhall take, by the

  

reading or hearing thereof:   fhal minifter occafion of

  

further profit to encreafe   amongft them. And to

  

withdraw them from dumpes and   fullen fantafies (be

  

ing a comon difeafe amongt   women) to bee the quic-

  

ker fpirited, the better and   the liuelier occupied, and the

  

luftier ftomaked in all their   bufines, as well in white-

  

meate making, as in all other   their hufwifeley doo-

  

ings. And thus wyfhing all them   to beare wyth my

  

weakenes, and to accept my good   will, in this my rude

  

dooing. I befeeche almighty God   fendes them heere

  

good life and a ioyfull ending.

  

 

  

 

  

                                 All yours. B.D.

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  
  

The Epistle.

  

serve none other at their hands. Fully trusting that

  

the mirth and recreation   that they shall take, by the

  

reading or hearing thereof: shall minister occasion of

  

further profit to increase amongst them. And to

  

withdraw them from dumps and sullen fantasies (be

  

ing a common disease amongst women) to be the quic-

  

ker spirited, the better and the livelier occupied,   and the

  

lustier stomached in all their business, as well in   white-

  

meat making, as in all other their housewifely do-

  

ings. And thus wishing all them to bear with my

  

weakness, and to accept my good will, in this my rude

  

doing. I beseech almighty God sends them here

  

good life and a joyful ending.

  

 

  

 

  

All yours. B. D.

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  
  

A Dialogue   betweene a South-

  

hamfhyre woman and   a Suffolcke man concerning

  

making of   whitemeate

  

 

  

                      The   Woman.

  

Sir, as I heard of late, ye   haue had much

  

conference and talke with fome   honeft wo-

  

men of this Countrey,   concerning the ma-

  

king of Butter & Cheefe   after your Coun-

  

trey fort; and for that your   communicati-

  

on liked them well, by the   report they

  

make thereof, I befeeche you I   may bee fo bolde to afke you

  

fome queftions, concerning the   circumftaunces of the fame.

  

And firft of all I pray you   fhew me, if euer you ufed to make

  

Cheefe your felfe, feeing yee   feeme fo well to bee experienced

  

therein.

  

                      The   Man.

  

Neuer in my life good wife, I   haue made any, but I haue

  

in my youth in the Country   where I was borne, feene much

  

made: for in the very houfe or   grange that I was borne in,

  

my Mother and her maides made   all the Whitmeate of

  

feauenfcore kine and odde.

  

                      The   Woman.

  

The number of kine was great   that you fpeake of, and

  

therefore I pray you fhew me   how many maides your mo-

  

ther did then keepe to milke   them:

  

 

  

                      The   Man.

  

Not aboue feauen maides, for   euery fcore of kine a maid.

  

 

  

                      The   Woman.

  

Then I thinke they were very   long in dooing, for eight

  

this Countrie, if they milked   fo many kine euery of them:

  

what time came they to Church   upon the holy day?

  

                                            A   3                                      The

  

                                

  
  

A Dialogue between a   South-

  

hampshire woman   and a Suffolk man concerning

  

making of white   meat

  

 

  

            The Woman.

  

Sir, as I heard of late, you have had much

  

conference and talk with some honest wo-

  

men of this Country, concerning the ma-

  

king of Butter & Cheese after your Coun-

  

try folk, and for that your communicati-

  

on liked them well, by the report they

  

make thereof, I beseech you I may be so bold to ask   you

  

some questions, concerning the circumstances of the   same.

  

And first of all I pray you show me, if ever you used   to make

  

Cheese yourself, seeing you seem so well to be   experienced

  

therin.

  

          The Man.

  

Never in my life good wife, I have made any, but I   have

  

in my youth in the Country where I was born, seen much

  

made: for in the very house or grange that I was born   in,

  

my Mother and her maides made all the White meat of

  

seven score kine and odd.

  

          The Woman.

  

The number of kine was great that you speak of, and

  

therefor I pray you show me how many maids your mo-

  

ter did then keep to milk them:

  

 

  

          The Man.

  

Not above seven maids, for every score of kine a maid.

  

 

  

          The Woman.

  

Then I think they were a very long in doing, for eight

  

this Country, if they milked so many kine every of   them:

  

what time came they to Church upon the holy day?

  

                                               A 3                                 The

  
  

The   Man.

  

To the beginning of diuine   feruice, as well as they that

  

dwelt neere unto the   Church. And yet they had a long mile

  

together, and foule waies.

  

 

  

                                 The   Woman.

  

They your Mother and her   Maides were very earelie or

  

rathe up in the morning   about their buffnes.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

She and her Maides were euery   daie in the yeere Win-

  

ter and Sommer up out of   their beddes, before foure of the

  

clocke euery morning.

  

 

  

                                 The   Woman.

  

I perciue by your faying,   they bee better and earlier ry-

  

fers in your Countrey than   they be heere. I pray you nowe

  

fhewe or declare unto me,   the order of the milke houfes in

  

your Countrey. What manner   of Preffes they ufe to preffe

  

their Cheefes in, their   Chernes for Butter, what buckets

  

or pailes they ufe to   milke in, their Cheefe fates to make

  

their Cheefes in, or to   put their Milke a running in, and

  

Trowes to powder and falt   their Cheefes in.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

All thefe things I wil   fhew you, as neere as I can remem-

  

ber. Firft the Milke houfe   (if ye milke manie kine) ought

  

to be made the more large,   with fhelues of plankes rounde

  

about the houfe, as iuft   as may be to the walles of the houfe,

  

of three foote breadth,   breaft high, to fette your Milke and

  

Creame upon, in Earthen   pannes that be but fmall, made

  

flat in the bottome,   fhallow, and glafed within, as high as

  

the Milke fhall ftand in   them. They will bee beft to fette your

  

Milk in. The windowes of   the Milk-houfe where y Milk

  

doth ftand, to be made   vrrie ample and large, all a long on

  

the North or Eaft fide of   the fame houfe, and fpecialiy for

  

                                                                                      the

  
  

The Man.

  

To the beginning of divine service, as well   as they that

  

dwelt near unto the Church. And yet they   had a long mile

  

together, and foul ways.

  

 

  

          The Woman.

  

They your Mother and her Maids were very   early or

  

rose up in the morning about their   business.

  

 

  

          The Man.

  

She and her Maids were every day in the   year Win-

  

ter and Summer up out of their beds, before   four of the

  

clock every morning.

  

 

  

          The Woman.

  

I percieve by your saying, they be better   and earlier ri-

  

sers in your Country than they be here. I   pray you now

  

show or declare unto me, the order of the   milk houses in

  

your Country. What manner of Presses they   use to press

  

their Cheeses in, their Churns for Butter,   what buckets

  

or pails they use to milk in, their Chesse   vats to make

  

their Cheeses in, or to put their Milk a   running in, and

  

Troughs to powder and salt their Cheeses   in.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

All these things I will show you, as near   as I can remem-

  

ber. First the Milk house (if you milk many   kine) ought

  

to be made the more large, with shelves of   planks round

  

about the house, as just as may be to the   walls of the house,

  

of three foot breadth, breast high, to set   your Milk and

  

Creame upon, in Earthen pannes that be but   small, made

  

flat in the bottom, shallow, and glazed   within, as high as

  

the Milk shall stand in them. They will be   best to set your

  

Milk in. The windows of the Milk-house   where your Milk

  

doth stand, to be made very ample and   large, all along on

  

the North or East side of the same house,   and specially for

  

                                                                                     the

  

 

           
  

                             for   good hufwiues.

  

The Sommer time, to the   ende that the colde ayre may take

  

effect in the Milke for   thereby ye fhall gether much y more

  

Creame. Your Cheefe   preffes that bee made to preffe your

  

Cheefes with a ftone or   other waight, be not good, for com-

  

monly the Cheefes preffed   with them, be more thicke on the

  

one fide then on the   other, but the beft preffes for Cheefes

  

be made of a thick planck,   with two peeces of Timber ftan-

  

ding upright with long   morteffes in them, with a peece of

  

Tymber alfo brodeft in the   middell, and narrowe at bothe

  

endes And that fhal be   lifted up and downe within the fayd

  

Morteffes, with two yron   pinnes, and driuen with a Mal-

  

let and wedges of Tymber.   In this kinde of preffe, ye may

  

as well preffe foure or   fiue Cheefes at once, as one. Your

  

Chernes for Butter ought   to be made higher, and broader

  

in the bottome then ye ufe   to haue them in this Countrey.

  

Your Cherne ftaffe in the   lower ende thereof, to haue two

  

peeces of feafoned Timber   of Afhe, faft fette on like unto a

  

Croffe, of a hand breadth   or more, flatte, with two or three

  

holes bored in the endes   of the fame two croffe peeces. With

  

thefe manner of Cherne   ftaues, you fhal more eafily cherne

  

your Butter, then with   your cherne ftaues made of a round

  

boorde full of holes, and   neuer haue anie fmall chips in your

  

Butter, as yee may   fundirie times haue with your owne fa-

  

fhioned ftaues; whether   yee milke in buckets or pailes it is

  

no matter fo they be   cleene kept. Prouided alwaies that yee

  

fuffer not your Maides to   haue their buckets or payles to

  

milke in, to haue a furred   coated at Midfommer, for of al the~

  

that delight in clenlines   it will not be well liked of. Cheefe

  

fats that be made in   Suffolke, be farre ftronger, and much

  

better to all effects then   those that bee made in this Coun-

  

trey: for although y   Turners heere be fhewed any of thofe

  

fats made in Suffolke (as   I my felfe haue owne) yet un-

  

doubtedlie they cannot   make the like. The Trowes to falt

  

or powder Cheese in, in   Suffolke, be but planckes of a con-

  

uenient thickness, fet   breft high, that be not paft three inches

  

and a halfe deepe, to falt   their Cheefes in.

  

                                 A.4.                                      The

  
  

for good housewives.

  

The   Summer time, to the end that the cold air may take

  

effect   in the Milk for thereby you shall gather much the more

  

Cream.   Your Cheese presses that be made to press your

  

Cheeses   with a stone or other weight, be not good, for com-

  

monly   the Cheeses pressed with them, be more thicke on the

  

one   side than on the other, but the best presses for Cheeses

  

be   made of a thick plank, with two pieces of Timber stan-

  

ding   upright with long mortices in them, with a piece of

  

Timber   also broadest in the middle, and narrow at both

  

ends   And that shall be lifted up and down within the said

  

Mortices,   with two iron pins, and driven with a Mal-

  

let   and wedges of Timber. In this kind of press, you may

  

as   well press four or five Cheeses at once, as one. Your

  

Churns   for Butter ought to be made higher, and broader

  

in   the bottom than you use to have them in this Country.

  

Your   Churn staff in the lower end thereof, to have two

  

pieces   of seasoned Timber of Ashe, fast set on like unto a

  

Cross,   of a hand breadth or more, flat, with two or three

  

holes   bored in the ends of the same two cross pieces. With

  

these   manner of Churn staves, you shall more easily churn

  

your   Butter, then with your churn staves made of a round

  

board   full of holes, and never have any small chips in your

  

Butter,   as you may sundry times have with your own fa-

  

shioned   staves; whether you milk in buckets or pails it is

  

no   matter for they be clean kept. Provided always that you

  

suffer   not your Maids to have their buckets or pails to

  

milk   in, to have a furred coat at Midsummer, for of all they

  

that   delight in cleanliness it will not be well liked of. Cheese

  

vats   that be made in Suffolk, be far stronger, and much

  

better   to all effects than those that be made in this Coun-

  

try:   for although the Turners here be shown any of those

  

vats   made in Suffolk (as I myself have owned) yet un-

  

doubtedly   they cannot make the like. The Troughs to salt

  

or   powder Cheese in, in Suffolke, be but planks of a con-

  

venient   thickness, set breast high, that be not past three inches

  

and   a half deep, to salt their Cheeses in.

  

                                    A. 4.                                                  The

  

 

  
  

                                 A   dairie booke

  

 

  

                                 The   Woman.

  

I pray you fhew me whether   the women in your Coun-

  

trey, after they haue flit   or fkymmed their euening Milke

  

in the morning, doo heate   all the fame euening Milke ouer

  

the fire of a meafurable   heate, or els doo they heate parte

  

of the fame milke verie   hote, to the intent that by the heate

  

thereof, the reft of the   euening Milke may haue heate e-

  

nough to be put a running.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

The beft way in that point   is, to heate all your euening

  

Milke ouer the fire   fomewhat more than luke-warme, and

  

to frtaine your morrowe   Milke as faft as it can be brought

  

in from the kine and fo   ftrained, put them togeather a run-

  

ning: for if ye fhould   heate fome of the euening milke verie

  

hote to giue heate to the   reft, ye fhall haue loffe and hinde-

  

raunce thereby, for by   meane thereof, ye fhall make y leffe

  

Cheefe, & the Cheefe   fo made will euer after be bad Cheefe,

  

drie and toughe. For note   ye this, the hoter the Milke is

  

put a running, the fooner   it will be runne, but if it bee ouer

  

hote, the Cheefe will be   the worfe and the leffe. And it if bee

  

put a running too colde,   it will be much the longer before it

  

come or be full runne, and   the Cheefe fo made, though it bee

  

good Cheefe, it wil euer   be white, therefore the maker of the

  

Cheefe muft ufe her   difcretion therein.

  

 

  

                                 The   Woman.

  

Wheter doo ye thinke it   better to knede the Curdes af-

  

ter they be runne, in a   bole or pan, or to breake them but in

  

the cheese fate?

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

The beft waie is to breake   them very fmall onely in the

  

Cheefe fate, while they be   warme, and to ufe fuch dilligence

  

therein, that none of the   Curdes be preffed into the Cheefe

  

                                                                             fate

  
  

A dairy book

  

 

  

The Woman.

  

I pray you show me whether the women in   your Coun-

  

trey, after they have flit or skimmed their   evening Milk

  

in the morning, do heat all the same   evening Milk over

  

the fire of a measurable heat, or else do   they heat part

  

of the same milk very hot, to the intent   that by the heat

  

thereof, the rest of the evening Milk may   have heat e-

  

nough to be put a running.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

The best way in that point is, to heat all   your evening

  

Milk over the fire somewhat more than   lukewarm, and

  

to strain your morning Milk as fast as it   can be brought

  

in from the kine and so strained, put them   together a run-

  

ning: for if you should heat some of the   evening milk very

  

hot to give heat to the rest, you shall   have loss and hind-

  

rance thereby, for by mean thereof, you   shall make you less

  

Cheese & the Cheese so made with ever   after be bad Cheese,

  

dry and tough. For note you this, the   hotter the Milk is

  

put a running, the sooner it will be run,   but if it be over

  

hot the Cheese will be the worse and the   less. And if it be

  

put a running too cold, it will be much the   longer before it

  

come or be full run, and the Cheese so   made, though it be

  

good Cheese, it will ever be white,   therefore the maker of the

  

Cheese must use her discretion therein.

  

 

  

The Woman.

  

Whether do you think it better to knead the   Curds af-

  

ter they be run, in a bowl or pan, or to   break them but in

  

the cheese vat?

  

 

  

The Man.

  

The best way is to break them very small   only in the

  

Cheese vat, while they be warm, and to use   such dilligence

  

therein, that none of the Curds be pressed   into the Cheese

  

                                                                                     vat

  

 

           
  

for   good hufwiues.

  

fate unbroken fmal, for if   they be, in that place of the Cheefe

  

it will euer be wemmie or   faultie. The Curdes beeing fo

  

well and small broken,   preffe them downe often with your

  

handes holden a croffe,   untill the Cheefe fate bee more then

  

filled, and higheft in the   middell of hte fate, and let this bee

  

doone ouer a Tub, Couell   or Fate, wherinto the whey may

  

runne from the Curdes.   When the Curdes be broken into

  

an other veffell, the   cheefe part of the buttrines or fatneffe

  

thereof, remaineth in the   veffell, and fo the Cheefe by that

  

meanes much the worfe drie   and leane meate. And moreo-

  

uer then that, and other   thing by the way, ye muft well re-

  

member, for it is well   worthy, when the Milke is wel run,

  

then breake your Curds,   and with a boledifh fpeedily with-

  

draw the whey from the   Curdes, and let it runne through

  

a temple with a bottome of   hayre, ftanding uppon a Milke                          

  

Ladder, ouer the veffell that   is prepared to receiue y whey,

  

and fo with all conuenient   fpeede that may be, make your

  

Cheefe, and preffe it   without any clothe in the Cheefe fate

  

at the firft preffing. For   marke well this, after the Curdes

  

as a forefaid be ftirred,   if you, or your maide that you doe

  

put in truft to make your   Cheefe, doo then goe about other

  

bufines and leaueth the   Curdes lying ftill in the whey till

  

they be cold before the   Cheefe be made, which practife is

  

ought times in ufe heere   in South-hamptonfhire, of the

  

Curdes fo ufed I doo   affure you, yee fhall neuer haue good

  

Cheefe, albeit the Milke   whereof it were made were neuer

  

flit or fcimmed, for that   Cheefe fo made, will bee of this pro-

  

pertie, the longer ye   keepe it, the dryer meate it will bee,

  

and efpecially in the   midft of the Cheefe dryeft of all, for the

  

moyfteft part of the   Cheefe will be neere the rinde, or utter

  

part thereof.

  

 

  

                                 The   Woman.

  

I like your fayings   heerein very well, but I pray you if

  

one keepe manie kine, and   fo hath great plentie of Milke,

  

is it not needefull to   haue a Chimney within the houfe

  

where the white meate is   made.

  

                                 B.                                           The

  
  

for   good housewives

  

vat   unbroken small, for if they be, in that place of the Cheese

  

it   will ever be wemmie (wormy?gummy?) or faulty. The Curds being so

  

well   and small broken, press them down often with your

  

hands   held in a cross, until the Cheese vat be more than

  

filled,   and highest in the middle of the vat, and let this be

  

done   over a Tub, Couell (???) or vat, whereinto the whey may

  

run   from the Curds. When the Curds be broken into

  

another   vessel, the cheese part of the butteriness or fatness

  

thereof,   remains in the vessel, and so the Cheese by that

  

means   much the worse dry and lean meat. And moreo-

  

ver   than that, and other thing by the way, you must well re-

  

member,   for it is well worthy, when the Milk is well run,

  

then   break your Curds, and with a boldness speadily with-

  

draw   the whey from the Curdes, and let it run through

  

a   temple with a bottom of hair, standing upon a Milk

  

Ladder,   over the vessel that is prepared to receive the whey,

  

and   so with all convenient speed that may be, make your

  

Cheese,   and press it without any cloth in the Cheese vat

  

at   the first pressing. For mark well this, after the Curds

  

as   aforesaid be stirred, if you, or your maid that you do

  

put   in trust to make your Cheese, do then go about other

  

business   and leave the Curds lying still in the whey till

  

they   be cold before the Cheese be made, which practice is

  

aught   times in use here in South-hamptonshire, of the

  

Curds   so used I do assure you, you shall never have good

  

Cheese,   albeit the Milk whereof it were made were never

  

flit   or skimmed, for that Cheese so made, will be of this pro-

  

perty,   the longer you keep it, the dryer meat it will be,

  

and   especially in the midst of the cheese driest of all, for the

  

moistest   part of the Cheese will be near the rind, or utter

  

part   thereof.

  

 

  

The Woman.

  

I   like your sayings herein very well, but I pray you if

  

one   keep many kine, and so hath great plenty of Milk,

  

is   it not needful to have a Chimney within the house

  

where   the white meat is made.

  

                                      B.                                         The

  
  

A dairie booke

  

                                 The   Man.

  

It is both needefull and   alfo neceffarie in verie deede not

  

onelie for the heating of   the Milke, but alfo to haue warme

  

water readie to fcalde the   milke pannes, and to wafhe the

  

Cherne, other veffels and   cheese clothes, for after the Milk-

  

pannes in the morning bee   emptie, they muft bee well fcal-

  

ded, cleene wiped and fo   fet up. And in the afternoone, before

  

Milke be put in them, they   muft be fet with cold water a

  

while before.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

Howe many times fuppofe ye   the Cheefes muft bee

  

clothed, after they be put   into the preffe.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

At the leaft three or   foure times: and if yee will haue

  

your Cheefes for fale, or   for your owne Table to feeme fine

  

to the eye, ye muft then   after the fecond clothing, clothe the~

  

afterwards with finer   clothes, and ye may not fuffer your

  

Cheefe to lie long in one   clothe unremooued, for if yee doo,

  

efpeciallie in the firft   or fecond cloth, your Cheefe will be as

  

fweete as a Childe that   hath lien long be pift in his clothes.

  

And that euill fauour fo   taken, will neuer after out of the

  

Cheefes, though ye keepe   them untill they be very hard.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

I thinke your fayings   heerein to be true, but confidering

  

that you faid at the firft   of our conference therein: y Maide

  

Seruaunts in yhour   Countrey coulde milke fo many kine a

  

peece, morning and   euening, contrary to the order and ufage

  

of this Countrey, I woulde   faine heere fome part of your

  

minde howe they ufe   themfelues therein, to the ende our

  

Maides heere may doo the   like.

  

                                                                             The

  
  

A   dairy book

  

The Man.

  

It   is both needful and also necessary in very deed not

  

only   for the heating of the Milk, but also to have warm

  

water   ready to scald the milk pans, and to wash the

  

Churn,   other vessels and cheese cloths, for after the Milk-

  

pans   in the morning be empty, they must be well scal-

  

ded,   clean wiped and so set up. And in the afternoon, before

  

Milk   be put in them, they must be set with cold water a

  

while   before.

  

 

  

The Woman.

  

How   many times suppose you the Cheeses must be

  

clothed,   after they be put into the press.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

At   the least three or four times: and if you will have

  

your   Cheeses for sale, or for your own Table to seem fine

  

to   the eye, you must then after the second clothing, clothe them

  

afterwards   with finer cloths, and you may not suffer your

  

Cheese   to lie long in one cloth unremoved, for if you do,

  

especially   in the first or second cloth, your Cheese will be as

  

sweet   as a Child that hath lain long be pist in his clothes.

  

And   that evil favour so taken, will never after out of the

  

Cheeses,   though you keep them until they be very hard.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

I   think your saying herein to be true, but considering

  

that   you said at the first of our conference therein: the Maid

  

Servants   in your Country could milk so many kine a

  

piece,   morning and evening, contrary to the order and usage

  

of   this Country, I would fain here some part of your

  

mind   how they use themselves therein, to the end our

  

Maids   here may do the like.

  

                                                                                   The

  

 

     
  

for   good hufwiues.

  

 

  

                                 The   man.

  

As neere as I can I will   fatiffie your requeft heerein.

  

They that haue great   dairies, or doo keepe manie kine to

  

the paile in Suffolke,   they prouide them Maides that bee of

  

a conuenient age and   ftrength, that be liuelie & luftie wen-

  

ches, willing to worke,   and fuch as thinke no paine too deere

  

for them, where as I fee   in this Countrie, fome fetts yonge

  

girlies and boies to milke   their kine, that lacke ftrength to

  

doo it. And manie others,   becaufe they may get them wo-

  

men Seruaunts the better   cheape, or for fmall wages as it

  

fhould feeme, they take   dame drowfie, and dame flowbacke

  

to their Seruaunts, who   ufe to fitte a milking uppon their

  

tailes, their legs lying a   long upon the ground, their heades

  

leaning againft the   flancks of the kine, and there they catch

  

a napp while they might   haue milked diuers of their kine,

  

and then they rife fcant   well waked, and their kine not

  

halfe well milked,

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

This was well borne awaie   of you, but as I doo heare

  

in your Countrey, they ufe   there to milk the two fore teats

  

of their kine, and the two   hinder teates togeather, where

  

as heere they doo milke   the fide teates togeather, which I

  

and others doo take to be   as good a waie as yours.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

You maie according to your   fantafie thinke what yee lift

  

therein, but for true   proofe thereof, if you caufe fome of your

  

kine to be milked after my   Countreie fort heereafter con-

  

tinuallie, if they then   that be fo milked, giue not the more

  

Milke, the better milke,   and continue milche the longer,

  

then credite me not   heereafter. And furthermore marke,

  

that if your Milke be   brought in from milking, as flatte as

  

water in a Bucket, then   furelie your Maides haue verie

  

flacklie and flothfullie   milked your kine, for if the kine bee

  

                                 B.2                                       well

  
  

for good housewives.

  

 

  

The man.

  

As near as I can I will satisfy your   request herein.

  

They that have great dairies, or do keep   many kine to

  

the pail in Suffolk, they provide them   Maids that be of

  

a convenient age and strength, that be   lively & lusty wen-

  

ches, willing to work, and such as think no   pain too dear

  

for them, where as I see in this County,   some sets young

  

girls and boys to milk their kine, that lack   strength to

  

do it. And many others, because they may   get them wo-

  

men Servants the better cheap, or for small   wages as it

  

should seems, they take dame drowsy, and   dame slowback

  

to their Servants, who use to sit a milking   upon their

  

tails, their legs lying along upon the   ground, their heads

  

leaning against the flanks of the kine, and   there they catch

  

a nap while they might have milked divers   of their kine,

  

and then they rise scant well waked, and   their kine not

  

half well milked.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

This was well born away of you, but as I do   hear

  

in your Country, they use there to milk the   two fore teats

  

of their kine, and the two hinder teats   together, where

  

as here they do milk the side teats   together, which I

  

and others do take to be as good a way as   yours.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

You may according to your fantasy think   what you list

  

therein, but for true proof thereof, if you   cause some of your

  

kine to be milked after my Country folk   hereafter con-

  

tinually, if they then that be so milked,   give not the more

  

Milk, the better milk, and continue milch   the longer,

  

then credit me not hereafter. And   furthermore mark,

  

that if your Milk be brought in from   milking, as flat as

  

water in a Bucket, then surely your Maids   have very

  

slackly and slothfully milked your kine,   for if the kine be

  

                                        B.   b                                        well

  

                                

     
  

A   dairie booke

  

well milked as they ought   to be, the Milke then will haue a

  

great frothe or fobbe   upone it, and that commeth of quicke

  

and haftie milking when it   is doone with force. And it is

  

profitable to haue your   kine fo milked, for fo yee fhall haue

  

the thicker Milke and the   more Creame.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

Wherefore doe ye will the   Milke to be fet fo high from

  

the grounde, as ye did at   the beginning fpeake of.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

For preferuation and fafe   keeping of the Milke and

  

Creame, for if the pannes   with Milk, or pots with Creame,

  

were fette upon (or neere   unto) the ground, then they were

  

the more readie for euerie   dogge and Cat that fhoulde come

  

into the houfe, and alfo   in fome Countrey, as Bedfordfhire

  

and the Ifle of Clie for   Snakes, that fhould come in & con-

  

fume the fame. And   principallie it is verie fit and neceffary

  

that Milke and Creame be   fo ordered, fette and placed, as

  

Cattes cannot in anie wife   come therebie, for they will not

  

onelie lappe and eate of   the Milke and Creame, but when

  

they haue full fedde   thereof, they will oft times fnuffe: and

  

caft out of their heads   bloode plentiouflie all abroad upon the

  

Milke and Creame. And an   other thing that much worfe

  

is and more odious, they   may fome times happen to leaue

  

behind them where they   feede, fome of the haires as euill as

  

poifon, for whofoeuer doth   eate or drink one of thofe haires,

  

it will not tarrie in the   bodie, but where it commeth foorth,

  

it breedeth a greeuous and   painefull fore.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

If Cats haue haires   growing upon their tongues,it is

  

more then euer I heard of   before.

  

 

  

                                                                  The

  
  

A dairy book

  

well milked as they ought to be, the Milk   then will have a

  

great froth or fobbe (foam?) upon it, and   that commeth of quick

  

and hasty milking when it is done with   force. And it is

  

profitable to have your kine so milked, for   so you shall have

  

the thicker Milk and the more Cream.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

Wherefore do you will the Milk to be set so   high from

  

the ground, as you did at the beginning   speak of.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

For preservation and safe keeping of the   Milk and

  

Cream, for if the pans with Milk, or pots   with the Cream,

  

were set upon (or near unto) the ground,   then they were

  

the more ready for every dog and Cat that   should come

  

into the house, and also in some Country,   as Bedfordshire

  

and the Isle of Clie for Snakes, that   should come in & con-

  

sume the same. And principally it is very   fit and necessary

  

that Milk and Cream be so ordered, set and   placed, as

  

Cats cannot in any wise come thereby, for   they will not

  

only lap and eat of the Milk and Cream, but   when

  

they have full fed thereof, they will oft   times snuff: and

  

cast out of their heads blood plentiously   all abroad upon the

  

Milk and Cream. And an other thing that   much worse

  

is and more odious, they may some times   happen to leave

  

behind them where they feed, some of the   hairs as evil as

  

poison, for whosoever doth eat or drink one   of those hairs,

  

it will not tarry in the body, but where it   commeth forth,

  

it breedeth a greivous and painful sore.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

If Cats have hairs growing upon their   tongues, it is

  

more than ever I heard of before.

  

  

  

                                                                            The

  

 

     
  

for   good hufwiues.

  

                                 The   Man.

  

I doubt not but ye wil   beleeue your owne eies, for they

  

be too neceffarie   witneffes to be beleeued, open you y mouth

  

of one of them olde or   yong, and then ye fhall well apper-

  

ceiue them, for they bee   well nigh as ftiffe as briftles, and

  

thefe haires once in a   yeere, they caft from them, as fome doe

  

holde opinion.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

I will regard Cattes the   worfe whilft I liue, hearing

  

this much euill of them,   but all this while wee haue had no

  

talke of making of Butter,   wherein I pray you I may alfo

  

heere fome part of your   minde.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

As touching that matter,   ye muft fee that ye haue plen-

  

tie of pots to put your   Creame in, fo that alwaies it is verie

  

apt and neceffarie that   fome be emptie, whell wafht & brea-

  

thed whiles other be   occupied. In Sommer time before

  

you doo Cherne, it is   meete the cherne be wafht, and fette

  

with colde water in it a   good depth. And contrariewife, in

  

Winter beeing colde   weather, to feafon your Cherne with

  

hote liquour: and when   your Seruaunt is cherning of But-

  

ter, he or fhe, muft ftill   cherne till Butter be come, for if

  

they haue cherned by the   fpace of halfe an howre or more,

  

and doo let it ftand ftill   but a verie little while, all their la-

  

bour before beftowed is   loft, and after the Butter is cherned

  

caufe your Cherne to be   dilligently wafht and fette up, lea-

  

ning upon the place where   the Milke ftandeth, with the

  

bottome upwarde, to the   ende it may take aire and breath

  

enough, to caufe it to   remiane drie and fweete. And a verie

  

apt thing it is for her   that will make the moft of her kine

  

to fkimme her Milke much   part her felfe, by meane where-

  

of she may iudge and   fullie percieue, when her Maides doe

  

it, whether it be to her   hinderaunce or no, and oft times it

  

                                                                             is

  
  

for good housewives.

  

The Man.

  

I doubt not but you will believe your own   eyes, for they

  

be too necessary witness to be believed,   open the mouth

  

of one of them old or young, and then you   shall well aper-

  

cieve them, for they be well nigh as stiff   as bristles, and

  

these hairs once in a year, they cast from   them, as some do

  

hold opinion.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

I will regard Cats the worse whilst I live,   hearing

  

this much evil of them, but all this while   we have had no

  

talk of making of Butter; wherein I pray   you I may also

  

hear some part of your mind.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

As touching that matter, you must see that   you have plen-

  

ty of pots to put your Cream in, so that   always it is very

  

apt and necessary that some be empty, well   washed & brea-

  

thed whiles other be occupied. In   Summertime before

  

you do Churn, it is meet the churn be   washed, and set

  

with cold water in it a good depth. And   contrarywise, in

  

Winter being cold weather; to season your   Churn with

  

hot liquor: and when you Servant is   churning of But-

  

ter, he or she, must still churn till   Butter be come, for if

  

they have churned by the space of half an hour   or more,

  

and do let it stand still but a very little   while, all their la-

  

bor before bestowed is lost, and after the   Butter is churned

  

cause your Churn to be diligently washed   and set up, lea-

  

ning upon the place where the Milk stands,   with the

  

bottom upward, to the end it may take air   and breath

  

enough, to cause it to remain dry and   sweet. And a very

  

apt thing it is for her that will make the   most of her kine

  

to skim her Milk much part her self, by   mean where-

  

of she may judge and fully percieve, when   her Maids do

  

it, whether it be to her hinderance or no,   and oft times it

  

                                                                                        is

  

                                

     
  

is   good for the Miftres or dame to haue an eye to her kine,

  

whether they be well   milked or no, for fometimes the cheefe-

  

lie upon the Holidaies,   the Maides beeing difpofed to goe

  

to dauncing or other   paftime, they will make more fpeede

  

in milking then fhall be   profitable for the owners of them.

  

And confider that if the   kine be not well milked and ftro-

  

ked, or fome of them left   unmilked, it is a marring to the

  

kine, for hereby they will   the rather grow drie, and be the

  

worfe milch long time   after.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

Yet all this while, I haue   heard nothing of your Coun-

  

trey fafhion, for falting   or powdring of Cheefe, and drying

  

thereof.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

They laie their Cheefes to   bee falted in fuch fhallowe

  

Trowes as before is fpoken   of, with bryne that commeth

  

onelie of falt melted up   to the middle of the fide of y Cheefe

  

if they be thicke, the   longer etc. When the Cheefes be taken

  

out of falt, they muft be   well wafht with warme liquour,

  

then well wiped and dried,   and fo laide uppon faire fhelues

  

or boordes, and euerie day   once to turne them, and the Chee-

  

fes, and the place where   they doo lie, to bee well and drie

  

wiped each daie, for if   through default of not fo dooing, the

  

print or forme of the   Cheefe is feene where it did lie: it is

  

a point of houfewifrie   that may be amended.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

Howe is your opinion for   Cheefe, wafht or unwafht,

  

which thinke ye beft.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

The Cheefe wafht is   faireft in fight, but Cheefe un-

  

wafht will continue beft,   and continue moifteft to be fpent,

  

and the better to be fold   by waight.

  

                                                                             The

  
  

is good for the Mistress or dame to have an   eye to her kine,

  

whether they be well milked or no, for   sometimes the cheesees

  

lie upon the Holidays, the Maids being   disposed to go

  

to dancing or other pastime, they will make   more speed

  

in milking than shall be profitable for the   owners of them.

  

And consider that if the kine be not well   milked and stro-

  

ked, or some of them left unmilked, it is a   marring to the

  

kine, for hereby they will the rather grow   dry, and be the

  

worse milch long time after.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

Yet all this while, I have heard nothing of   your Coun-

  

try fashion, for salting or powdering of   Cheese, and drying

  

thereof.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

They lay their Cheeses to be salted in such   shallow

  

Troughs as before is spoken of, with brine   that commeth

  

only of salt melted up to the middle of the   side of the Cheese

  

if they be thick, the longer etc. When the   Cheeses be taken

  

out of salt, they must be well washed with   warm liquor,

  

then well wiped and dried, and so laid upon   fair shelves

  

or boards, and every day once to turn them,   and the Chee-

  

ses, and the place where they do lie, to be   well and dry

  

wiped each day, for if through default of   not so doing, the

  

print or form of the Cheese is seen where   it did lie: it is

  

a point of housewifery that may be amended.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

How is your opinion fo Cheese, washed or   unwashed,

  

which think you best.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

The Cheese washed is fairest in sight, but   Cheese un-

  

washed will continue best, and continue   moistest to be spent,

  

and the better to be sold by weight.

  

                                                                                        The

  

                     

 

     
  

The   woman.

  

Nowe ye haue anfwered me   in all thefe points, I ren-

  

der unto right hartie and   condigne thankes.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

And I likewife thanke you   good wife of your patience,

  

and when you heereafter   haue confernce with any your

  

Neighbours of this our   former talke : I praie you reporte

  

that I haue not taken upon   me to teache you or others, how

  

ye fhould make whitmeate,   for it were unfeemely that a

  

Man that neuer make anie,   (but hath feene and behelde o-

  

thers in dooing thereof)   fhould take upon him to teache wo-

  

men that hath moft   knowledge and experience in that arte.

  

I haue but onelie made   unto you rehearfall of the order and

  

fafhion how it is ufed in   y Countreie where I was borne,

  

to the ende that you and   others, underftanding bothe, may

  

ufe your owne mindes and   difcretions therin, for fure I am,

  

olde cuftome and ufages of   things bee not eafie to bee bro-

  

ken.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

For my part I like your   talke fo well, that I febeeche

  

you to make fome   rehearfall againe thereof concerning this

  

mifterie, by meane whereof   ye may call to memorie fome

  

thinges yet unfpoken of,   and thereby alfo caufe me the bet-

  

ter to beare it awaie.

  

 

  

                                 The   Man.

  

I perceiue well ye are   defirous to haue me make a new

  

rehearfall or   recapitulation of my former fayings, which to

  

doe, becaufe ye are a   woman, who bee neuer fatiffied, till

  

they haue their will and   minde fulfilled, I beeing one well

  

knowne, that alwaies   heeretofore haue beene of good will

  

to accomplifh womens   defires, will nowe be content alfo to

  

doe as ye haue willed me   heerein

  

                                                                  And

  
  

The woman.

  

Now you have answere me in all these   points, I ren-

  

der unto right hearty and condign thanks.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

And I likewise thank you good wife of your   patience,

  

and when you hereafter have conference with   any your

  

Neighbors of this our former talk : I pray   you report

  

that I have not taken upon me to teach you   or others, how

  

you should make white meat, for it were   unseemly that a

  

Man that never make any, (but hath seen and   beheld o-

  

thers in doing thereof) should take upon   him to teach wo-

  

men that has most knowledge and experience   in that art.

  

I have but only made unto you rehearsal of   the order and

  

fashion how it is used in the Country where   I was born,

  

to the end that you and others,   understanding both, may

  

use your own minds and discretions therein,   for sure I am,

  

old custom and usages of things be not easy   to be bro-

  

ken.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

For my part I like your talk so well, that   I beseech

  

you to make some rehearsal again thereof   concerning this

  

mystery, by mean whereof you may call to   memory some

  

things yet unspoken of, and thereby also   cause me the bet-

  

ter to bear it away.

  

 

  

The Man.

  

I percieve well you are desirous to have me   make a new

  

rehearsal or recapitulation of my former   sayings, which to

  

do, because you are a woman, who be never   satisfied, til.

  

they have their will and mind fulfilled, I   being one well

  

known, that always heretofor have been of   good will

  

to accomplish womens desires, will now be   content also to

  

do as you have willed me herein

  

                                                                                And

  

 

     
  

And   firft I will faie unto you, it is both good and profi-

  

table to haue your kine   milked earlie in the morning, and

  

rathe at night, for then   (efpeciallie in Sommer time) they

  

fhall haue time to feede   out of the heate of the daie, and by

  

that meane giue the more   milke. If your kine be milked

  

farre from home, caufe   then the milke to be brought home in

  

veffels betweene two   felkes, couered with a faire Lynnen

  

cloth twice double, and   cheefely in the morning, to the in-

  

tent that thereby the   milke may remaine warme enough

  

to be put a running with   the euening Milke made warme

  

ouer the fire for that   purpofe. And if you fend farre for your

  

kine to be milked at home,   fee in any cafe that they bee

  

quietly brought home, for   if they fhoulde be haftilie dryuen,

  

you fhall haue thereby   much the leffe milke. Your milking

  

Maides (as I faid) muft be   ftrong, quick, and in all theyr

  

dooings clenlie. But marke   ye one thing, that fometimes in

  

Fommer feafon, by occafion   of vehement heate, or by force

  

of much thundring &   lightning, or by noife of great Gunnes

  

the drinke in your hufe   may fuddainlie change and growe

  

eger, and then your fweete   Milke with that lower Ale or

  

Beare, will make fo   pleafant a drinke, called of fome a fil-

  

libub, or a poffest under   the Cowe, that if it be not feene un-

  

to, ye fhall finde thereby,   that your Cheefes be not fo weil

  

filled after that as they   were before, nor fo much Creame

  

gathered. Your pailes or   buckets to milke in, ought to bee

  

kept cleene and fweete as   before, for otherwife they will

  

caufe the Milke to turne   when it commeth to the fire. If the

  

inner fide of them be   colloured like a Grey Friers or a Mil-

  

lers coate, I feare the   Maides will be taken for fluttes, al-

  

though their Miftres or   dame, will take occafion to excufe

  

themfelues, becaufe they   laie in bedde in the morning tyll

  

their Maides had milked,   where as if fhe had been a fine and

  

a thriuing hufwife   withall, fhee might while her Maides

  

were in milking, haue flit   or fkymmed all her Milke pans

  

of the euening Milke,   there lyeth much profit therein if fhee

  

fhould find the waie to   practife it. Then ufe your Milk thus,

  

                                                                             put

  
  

And first I will say unto you, it is both   good and profi-

  

table to have your kine milked early in the   morning, and

  

rathe(?) at night, for then (especially in   Summertime) they

  

shall have time to feed out of the heat of   the day, and by

  

that mean give the more milke. If your kine   be milked

  

far from home, cause them the milk to be   brought home in

  

vessels between two folks, covered with a   fair Linen

  

cloth twice double, and cheifly in the   morning, to the in-

  

tent that thereby the milk may remain warm   enough

  

to be put a running with the evening Milk   made warm

  

over the fire for that purpose. And if you   send far for your

  

kine to be milked at home, see in any case   that they be

  

quietly brought home, for if they should be   hastily driven,

  

you shall have thereby much the less milk.   Your milking

  

Maids (as I said) must be strong, quick,   and in all their

  

doings cleanly. But mark you one thing,   that sometimes in

  

Summer season, by occasion of vehement   heat, or by force

  

of much thundering & lightening, or by   noise of great Gunnes

  

the drinke in your house may suddenly   change and grow

  

eager, and then your sweet Milk with that   lower Ale or

  

Beer, will make so pleasant a drink, called   of some a sil-

  

libub, or a posset under the Cow, that it   be not seen un-

  

to, you shall find thereby, that your   Cheeses be not so well

  

filled after that as they were before, nor   so much Cream

  

gathered. Your pails or buckets to milk in,   ought to be

  

kept clean and sweet as before, for   otherwise they will

  

cause the Milk to turn when it cometh to   the fire. If the

  

inner side of them be colored like a Grey   Friers or a Mil-

  

lers coat, I fear the Maids will be taken   for sluts, al-

  

though their Mistress or dame, will take   occasion to excuse

  

themselves, because they lay in bed in the   morning till

  

their Maids had milked, where as if she had   been a fine and

  

a thriving housewife withall, she might   while her Maids

  

were in milking, have flit or skimmed all   her Milk pans

  

of the evening Milk, there lieth much   profit therin if she

  

should find the way to practice it. Then   use your Milk thus,

  

                                                                                      put

  

                                

     
  

put   the euening Milke fkimmed and warmed ouer the fire,

  

and the morrow milke newe   milked togeather, and fo run

  

them togeather, then make   your Cheefe as aforefaid, preffe

  

it well, then drie them   and fette them up an edge. When yee

  

change your Cheefe in   preffing thereof out of one cloth into

  

an other, if there happen   fome part of the edges of y Cheefe

  

to hang out of the fides   of the fame (as commonly beeing

  

well filled in the fate it   will doo) you muft cut that awaie,

  

paring it euen by the   edges thereof, & cut that in fmal peeceas

  

for your younge Chickens.   A better meate yee can not haue

  

to feede them with, and a   more apt place then your Cheefe

  

houfe is to keepe them in,   ye cannot haue. But then ye muft

  

remember to put your Henne   in a Coope, or for defaulte

  

thereof, to tie her by the   legge, in fuch place of the houfe as

  

yee fhall thinke meete for   her, laying heere unto her a borde

  

of a foote and more in   bredth, whereuppon yee may be well

  

affured the Henne will   alwaies broode her Chickens ra-

  

ther than upon the   grounde. And if folke haftilie chaunce to

  

come into the houfe where   the Chickens be abroode in the

  

houfe, although there were   in euery corner of the houfe a

  

Henne tied that hath   Chickens, they will with all fpeede

  

euerie of them runne for   fuccour to their owne dam, where

  

fhe standeth tied, as well   as a Souldiour in the fielde will

  

repaire to his Captaine in   time of neede. The next morning

  

after your Cheefe is made,   put them in brine as before is

  

mentioned, & being   falted enough, wafh them with hote

  

liquor out of falt, wipe   them drie, and laie them on fayre

  

fhelues or boordes, and   euerie daie turne them, wiping the~

  

and the place where they   laie, for as I faide before, if the

  

Cheefe lie fo long   unturned, that the forme or print of the

  

Cheefe remaineth in the   boordes where it did lie, it is much

  

difcommendable, and of all   folkes delighting in clenlines to

  

be difliked. Put no   Cheefes into anie racks before they bee

  

harde. When ye are   difpofed to make Butter, caufe your

  

Cherne diligently to bee   prepared as before is fpoken of,

  

                                                                             your

  
  

put the evening Milk skimmed and warmed   over the fire,

  

and the morrow milk new milked together,   and so run

  

them together, then make your Cheese as   aforesaid, press

  

it well, then dry them and set them up an   edge. When you

  

change your Cheese in pressing thereof out   of one cloth into

  

an other, if there happen some part of the   edges of the Cheese

  

to hang out of the sides of the same (as   commonly being

  

well filled in the vat it will do) you must   cut that away,

  

paring it even by the edges thereo, & cut   that in small pieces

  

for your young Chickens. A better meat you   can not have

  

to feed them with, and a more apt place   than your Cheese

  

house is to keep them in, you cannot have.   But then you must

  

remember to put your Hen in a Coop, or for   default

  

thereof, to tie her by the leg, in such   place of the house as

  

you shall think meete for her, laying here   unto her a board

  

of a foot and more in breadth, whereupon   you may be well

  

assured the Hen will always brood her   Chickens ra-

  

ther than upon the grounds. And if folk   hastily chance to

  

come into the house where the Chickens be   abrood in the

  

house, although there were in every corner   of the house a

  

Hen tied that hath Chickens, they will with   all speed

  

every of them run for succor to their own   dam, where

  

she stands tied, as well as a Soldier in   the field will

  

repair to his Captain in time of need. The   next morning

  

after your Cheese is made, put them in   brine as before is

  

mentioned, & being salted enough, wash   them with hot

  

liquor and out of salt, wipe them dry, and lay   them on fair

  

shelves or boards, and every day turn them,   wiping them

  

and the place where they lay, for as I said   before, if the

  

Cheese lie so long unturned, that the form   or print of the

  

Cheese remains in the boards where it did   lie, it is much

  

discommendable, and of all folks delighting   in cleanliness to

  

be disliked. Put no Cheeses into any racks   before they be

  

hard. When you are disposed to make Butter,   cause your

  

Churn diligently to be prepared as before   is spoken of,

  

                                                                                  your

  

 

     
  

your   Butter beeing come take it out of the Cherne, into a

  

faire olde fmoothe Bole,   and therein wafhe it from y But-

  

ter whey, other wife   called Cherne milke, which beeing per-

  

fectlie doone, put the Butter   all abroade in the Bole, & with

  

a knife garfe it euerie   waie, drawing euer the edge of the

  

knife towards you, that   doone, then with your forefinger

  

strike the moft part of   the Butter from the fide of the knife,

  

then betweene your   forefinger and your thombe strike all

  

the Butter from the edge   of the knife, and holde that up be-

  

tweene you and the light,   and yee fhall fee therein both Lint

  

and haires, though the   Creame were neuer fo well ftrained

  

into the Cherne, although   this be not heere in ufe, fhee that

  

leaueth it undoone, albeit   to be very fine and clenly fhee fee-

  

meth herfelf, lint and   haires will be in her Butter. Then

  

falt your Butter , and   weigh it, and note if you Maides had

  

as much Butter of like   time gathered before.

  

And thus nowe I finifh and   make and ende, fauing one

  

thing more yet I call to   mind, and that is, if your milking

  

Maides be difpofed to fing   in time of their milking, fome

  

Cowe will take fuch a   delight therein, that afterward when

  

a Maide commeth to milke   her and doth not fing, fhee whill

  

not ftand to be milked,   and when Maides come to milke

  

kine more gailiar   apparelled, then they be accuftomed to

  

milke in, the kine will be   verie dangerous to ftande to bee

  

milked of them. And at a   Copie hold heere in South-ham-

  

fhire of mine, I haue had   alfo this experience, that one of

  

my kine hath had fuch a   minde and fantafie to one of my

  

Maides, that in her   prefence the Cow would neuer ftand to

  

be milked of anie other   but of her onelie. And thus nowe I

  

ende and take my leaue of   you.

  

 

  

                                 The   woman.

  

And I eftfoones render   unto you condigne thankes for

  

all your gentle   communication, and rehearfall of your for-

  

mer fayings.

  

                                                                  The

  
  

your Butter being come take it out of the   Churn, into a

  

fair old smooth Bowl, and therein wash it   from the But-

  

ter whey, other wise called Churn milk,   which being per-

  

fectly done, put the Butter all abroad in   the Bowl, & with

  

a knife carve it every way, drawing ever   the edge of the

  

knife towards you, that done, then with   your forefinger

  

strike the most part of the Butter from the   side of the knife,

  

then between your forefinger and your thumb   strike all

  

the Butter from the edge of the knife, and   hold that up be-

  

tween you and the light, and you shall see   therein both Lint

  

and hairs, though the Cream were never so   well strained

  

into the Churn, although this be not here   in use, she that

  

leaveth it undone, albeit to be very fine   and cleanly she see-

  

meth herself, lint and hairs will be in her   Butter. Then

  

salt your Butter, and weigh it, and note if   your Maids had

  

as much Butter of like time gathered   before.

  

And thus now I finish and make an end,   saving one

  

thing more yet I call to mind, and that is,   if your milking

  

Maids be disposed to sing in time of their   milking, some

  

Cow will take such a delight therein, that   afterward when

  

a Maid commeth to milk her and doth not   sing, she will

  

not stand to be milked, and when Maids come   to milk

  

kine mnore gailier apparelled, then they be   accustomed to

  

milk in, the kine will be very dangerous to   stand to be

  

milked of them. And at a Copie hold here in   South-ham-

  

shire of mine, I have had also this   experience, that one of

  

my kine hath had such a mind and fantasy to   one of my

  

Maids, that in her presence the Cow would   never stand to

  

be milked of any other but of her only. And   thus now I

  

end and take my leave of you.

  

 

  

The woman.

  

And I eftfoones (???) render unto you   condigne thanks for

  

all your gentle communication, and   rehearsal of your for-

  

mer sayings.

  

                                                                                    The

  

 

     
  

The   Man.

  

Becaufe the keeping of fo   great a number of milch kine

  

in one grounde or pafture,   as before is fpoken of, fhall not

  

be thought to be fained :   it was at a Grange in Suffolk, be-

  

longing then to an Abbie   of white Monkes, called Sibeton

  

Abbie, fiue miles from   Donwiche, and foure miles from

  

Framingham Caftell.

  

 

  

Heerafter followeth a   faying of her that was the dair-

  

rie wife, and made the   witemeat manie yeeres togeather

  

of all the Kine   aforefaide, in commendation

  

of earlie ryfing.

  

 

  

Arife earelie.

  

Seure God deuoutly.

  

Then to thy worke bufilie.

  

To thye meate ioyfully.

  

To they bed merilie.

  

And though thou fare   poorely,

  

And thy lodging homelie.

  

Yet thanke God highly.

  

                                 Ka.   Dowe.

  

 

  

An other faying concerning   the fame.

  

 

  

To rife betimes, they   felfe to recreate

  

To looke well to thine   owne, & to keepe a fober e.??

  

Long ere thou eateft, and   not to fup late,

  

Lo lie high with thy head,   and to sleepe modere

  

Maketh man rich, long life   and fortunate.

  

 

  

FINIS.

  

 

  
  

The Man.

  

Because of the keeping of so great a number   of milch kine

  

in one ground or pasture, as before is   spoken of, shall not

  

be thought to be fained : it was at a   Grange in Suffolk, be-

  

longing then to an Abby of white Monks,   called Sibeton

  

Abby, five miles from Donwiche, and four   miles from

  

Framingham Castle.

  

 

  

Hearafter followeth a saying of her that   was the dair-

  

ry wife, and made the white meat many years   together

  

of all the Kine aforesaid, in commendation

  

of early rising.

  

 

  

Arise early.

  

Serve God devoutly.

  

Then to thy work busily.

  

To thy meat joyfully.

  

To thy bed merrily.

  

And though thou fare poorly,

  

And thy lodging homely.

  

Yet thank God highly.

  

                              Ka. Dowe.

  

 

  

An other saying concerning the same.

  

 

  

To rise betimes, thy selfe to recreate

  

To look well to thine own, & to keep a   sober (???)

  

Long ere thou eatest, and not to sup late,

  

Lo lie high with thy head, and to sleep   (???)

  

Maketh man rich, long life and fortunate.

  

 

  

FINIS.

  

------

Transcription and transliteration into modern english copyright 2014, 2015 by Kathleen Madsen. <Kathleenmadsen at gmail.com>. Permission is granted for republication in SCA-related publications, provided the author is credited.  Addresses change, but a reasonable attempt should be made to ensure that the author is notified of the publication and if possible receives a copy.

 

If this article is reprinted in a publication, please place a notice in the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.

 

<the end>



Formatting copyright © Mark S. Harris (THLord Stefan li Rous).
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Comments to the Editor: stefan at florilegium.org