Going Medieval
On Them

Terriermen and women have always been an uncommon lot, but at least we have history!

The pictures below are from Count Jacques du Fouilloux's 1560 book entitled La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting), the cover of which is pictured to the left. This book was ripped off by George Turberville who translated the book and put it out as his own. Turberville, however, called Fouilloux's dogs "terriers" rather than "bassets". Fouilloux's "bassets" were probably early dachshunds, as terriers were net yet common on the Continent.


Lies about the size
of working dogs have always been with us

Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


Ancient Post Hole Diggers
Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


 


Mattocks for Hard Soil & an
Ancient Version of "Coon Tongs"

Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


Getting Down to the Dig
Note use of the bar.

Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


The picture at bottom is proof
the artist had never seen a badger.

Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


More tools of the trade:
a spade, root cutters and a dirt scoop.

Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)


Returning from the hunt.
Count Jacques du Fouilloux, circa 1560,

from his book La Vernarie (The Art of Hunting)

Note: Fouilloux advises the hunter to have his "Cooke and Butler to hang good stores of bags and bottles about the [cart]" and suggests that the hunter "have with him in his cart a young girl ... who will stroke his head while he is on the road." Still good advice. Me, I use Advill.