stirred up with an inflamed desire of these Golden Fruits wherewith the Hesperial Gardens of these Persons abounded for through may years experience they attained to the desired end We shall give them the Honor and are certainly perswaded that they must be numbered among the first Inventors Viz. among those that have brought this Work to perfection among us And we thought good to insert their names here To keep them out of the Grave of Forgetfulness and to make them flourish among posterity as Long as the evergreen Aspect of our Hesperides shall be acceptable and delightsome to all true Lovers and Practicers thereof CHAP. V. Of the Citron Tree THough the Citron Tree cannot bring her fruit to perfection in Netherland yet we shall vouchsafe her the first place in this Hesperides in hope that some may yet find out a better means to nurse and raise up this tender Aeglen This Tree is of a middling bigness the Stems or Boughs are thin and weak armed with many pricks But with us they are the strongest of all the sorts of ever-greens of those Kinds The leaves like those of the Bay tree but much larger jagged on the edges of a deep green strong scent and better taste the blossoms grow at the end of the boughs close together have thick fleshy Leaves the out side like Purple the inside white under the top light saffron coloured and hairy of a weak scent first sweetish but afterward bitter in the Taste We see here an Oval long and roundlike beginning of the young Fruit in the middle of the Blossom without which sign they are unfruitful and fall off they that hang faster to the Tree produce no unfruitful Excrescence but the fruits proceed from that Principle thereunto fastned These Citrons are Oval long and roundlike swelled and thick in the middle and sometimes dinted running sharp together at the end and sometimes with bumps so that we may observe therein a wonderful display of Nature The bigness and weight is not alike but very different in Calabria they commonly weigh from six to nine pound But about Genoa they have been seen according to Ferrarius his saying of about thirty the outward Pill and Rind is of a Gold Colour wrinkled and somewhat warty the inward Pill is white and sweet the Pulpe full of sowre Juice and Liquor stored with many long and roundlike Seeds and Kernels This Plant is brought out of Media into Italy as we have said before and is also described by the Poet Virgil. The Citron Tree is called in Latin Malus Medica B. P. Citrium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Malus Citria in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Malus Medica and Assyria The Citron is which the Hebrews call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hadar that is fair and goodly and they use the same in making of green Bowers For all they that are of any ability among them will not neglect to get these Fruits against the Feast of Tabernacles to adorn the preparations therewith For it is said Levit. 23 V. 40. And ye shall take you on the first day boughs of Goodly Trees c. This word Hadar is by the Learned in their Law taken for that and among others also the Myrthus Myrtle-Tree which they desire not except three Leaves stand over against one another in the length of five inches at least thus satisfying their Superstition without any certain Evidence of truth Even as they say that the Citron Apple was the Fruit which Adam did eat in Paradise against the Command of God The kinds of this Tree consist only in the various and different shapes of the Fruits except the sweet and are by Ferrarius thus divided 1. Malum Citreum Vulgare 2. Malum Citreum Vulgare belluatum 3. Malum Citreum Cucurbitum 4. Malum Citreum dulci Medulla that is 1. The common Citron Apple 2. The common Citron Apple of a deformed shape 3. The common Citron Apple like a Gourd 4. The sweet Citron Apple He doth yet further describe one by the name of Malum Citreum Multiforme a Citron Apple of many Forms and shapes But this is only a Display of Nature not a certain and particular Kind as is found in many Fruits Yet seeing we cannot bring these Trees to perfection in these Countries or Climates because the warmth or heat is not sufficient to ripen the Fruits we intend to say no more concerning them but to trimm up and adorn our Hesperides with such as may by a well ordering and careful management make our Gardens in Netherland pleasant and delightful with their fruitfulness CHAP. VI. Of the Limon Tree A Rethusa with her Gold-coloured Fruits shall have the first place in our Hesperides as being esteemed nothing inferiour to Aeglen in Virtues and Pleasantness The Form of the Limon Tree in general is like that of the Citron Tree Divers ancient Writers have made no difference between these two because they are both ascribed to one Country Naming the same Trees Malus Medica Others have held them for one kind with the Citron The Limon Tree grows indifferently high hath many spreading Boughs set with Prickles makes not so close an Head neither is the Wood so hard as that of the Orange Tree The Leaves are longish like them of the Citron Tree yet shorter running sharp together at the end interwoven with many small Veins the Blossoms are of a weak Sent Some sorts bring forth Blossoms like to the Orange Tree but most like to the Citron Tree Before the Buds open themselves they are of a purple Colour within of a fair White beautified with yellow Threads or Streaks They blow here in this Country in July and yield Fruit in Autumn being come to the bigness of a Walnut they continue so till the next Summer when they begin to grow anew and become fully ripe in sixteen or eighteen Months after their blowing The Fruits are of an oval Shape though somewhat rounder and more drawn in of a pale yellowish Colour weak Sent somewhat like the Citron Apple and is by Art of Ordering and Dressing brought so far in bigness and fairness that it needs not to give place to it and especially in variety of Kinds in which it is enlarged and increased by Sowing and Inoculating The Limon Tree is distinguished into Limon Pourin Adam's Apple Paradise Apple Limia and Limas The Limon Tree is called in Latin Malus Limonia and the Fruit Limon in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They which are found in our Netherlandish Gardens shall follow in their Order CHAP. VII Of the Ordering White Limon AMong all the Limons which here in this Country come to Maturity this is none of the least The Tree which produces this Fruit spreads its Boughs which are set with many Prickles in many places wide asunder The Bark is pale the Leaves light Green broad running round-like together at the end The full Shoots are somewhat of a reddish Colour which
and delightsom to the Sight This little Tree hath very thin tender Boughs full of many Prickles the Leaves are of a small Form not unlike the Phyllerea of a dark green Colour the Blossoms are like them of the foregoing Sort but much smaller as also the Fruits which are of somewhat a rounder Fashion and fit to be preserved in Pickle being very pleasant for Food CHAP. XI Of the Sweet Limon of Ferrarius THE Limon dulci medulla Ferrarii is malus Limonia Major dulcis of Bauhinus The sweet Limon of Ferrarius is the great sweet Limon of Bauhinus and grows on a fair Tree and pleasant to look upon whose Boughs are beset with many and several Prickles hath Leaves somewhat like them of the Orange Tree only at the end of the Stalk they want a little Hart. The Blossoms are also like the Orange Blossoms fair White and of a pleasant Smell the Fruit is Large Oval or Long and Round-like of Shape the outward Pill fair Yellow of an Aromatick or Spicy Tast the inward Pill thick not unpleasant the Pulpe is deep Yellow divided by nine Veins or Partitions pleasant Sweet These Fruits grow sometimes very large and much esteemed in hot Distempers to use for the refreshing of the Sick In the famous and renowned Garden of the Sieur John Roeters have we seen the same often Ripe and Eaten them And is well worthy our Husbandry as well in regard of the noble Fruits as of the fair Plant pleasant Blossoms and excellent Fashion and Form of the Tree They are rarely found here in these Countries but only among some Lovers who hold the same in great Esteem because they are hard to be got out of Italy being highly valued there and not often sent over among the common and ordinary Trees CHAP. XII Of the Limon Tree of St. Remo THE Tree which produceth this Fruit is in our Garden I have received the same among others from St. Remo he makes irregular or disorderly Boughs brittle Wood covered with a dark Green Bark the Leaves are likewise of a deep Green of a longish round Fashion not sharp running together at the end the Blossoms are mixed throughout with purple Streaks of a strong Smell like them of the Citron Tree the Fruit is Oval or longish Round sharp at the End with a long Point sticking out almost like the Nipple of a Womans Brest behind where they be fast to the Stalk deep dinted the outward Pill or Shell is deep Yellow Rough Uneven and of a bitter Tast though not of an unpleasant Smell the inward Pill is almost a Finger breadth thick pale-Yellow and Bitterish the Pulpe have we found to be divided by nine Veins or Partitions Sowre Sharp and Harsh This Fruit grows Large and I have had them Ripe often That which makes this Tree not beloved is the Tenderness thereof for he often sheds and looses his Leaves in the winter which makes him look Unpleasant We judge this to be the first Limon Ligusticus of Ferrarius as agreeing therewith in many Particulars This Tree doth blow very freely which continues almost all the Year long and we are necessitated to pluck off the Blossoms to the end the Tree may keep his Strength and Vigour The same is related by the forementioned Author also of the second Sort called by him Limon Liguriae Ceriesous which produces both Blossoms and Fruits four times in a Year CHAP. XIII Of the Pear-Fashion Limon of Ferrarius WE have among many other Limons from Genoa received also this most pleasant Plant being the Limon perellae Conâ—imilis of Ferrarius very like the same or a Kind and Sort thereof because there is some difference in the Description of it This Tree hath tender and little Boughs and Branches the Leaves are of a pale Green sharp-pointed at the End the Edges jagged and behind at the End a thin longish little Hart as a particular Stalk whereunto the Leafe seems to be fastned The Blossom is of a purple-like Colour like that of the Citron Tree the Fruit we have seen ripe in the Year 1672 is of a longish Fashion extuberating or rising in the Middle and runs again somewhat narrow downward and above at the Stalk somewhat thick where the same is a little dinted the outward Pill is Yellowish rough with small Bumps and Knobs the inward Pill thin and the Pulpe great or bigg full of Juice of a yellowish Colour divided by nine Veins or Partitions where we found some beginnings of Seed the Tast was very pleasant between Sower and Sweet This above-mentioned Limon Fruit we have first got from the Sieur Boot Senator in the Court Provincial at Utrecht who hath a fair Tree of the same in his Garden we have likewise afterward received one among other Trees from Genoa and use yet daily as much Diligence as is possible to increase the number of the several Sorts and Kinds for the Ornament of our Netherlandish Hesperides CHAP. XIV Of the Lima. AMong the Kinds and Sorts of Limons called Lima we have had as yet no other but the Sweet the Tree hath brittle Wood the Boughs are light Green set with small Prickles in some places hath longish Leaves as they of the ordinary Limon light Green and the Edges a little jagged being rubbed give a pleasant Sent or Smell the Blossom is smaller then of other Limons of a white Colour like unto the Orange Dwarf the Fruit is round at the end with a little Nipple pointing out of the bigness as an ordinary middle sized Orange The outward Pill is very thin and smooth of a pleasant Smell Yellowish with a thin inward Pill the Pulp is of a Brimstone Colour and divided by seven and sometimes eight Veins or Partitions of a very sweet Tast this Fruit we have often had ripe in these Countries and it is not to be doubted but other sorts of Lima would likewise thrive well in Netherland in regard it doth endure and withstand the common Injuries of this Climate patiently what makes this Tree acceptable is its Fruitfulness and the pleasant Loveliness of its Apples which are fit and good to cool the immoderate Heat of Burning-Feavers CHAP. XV. Of Adam's Apple or the ordinary Black Limon THE Tree which produces the ordinary Adam's Apple hath his Boughs armed with many long and strong Prickles the Wood is brittle and apt to break grows in no good Form and cannot but with great Labour be kept to a good Head the Leaves are dark Green of Fashion Oval or longish Round a little Curled and have many times at the beginning a little Hart or Foot as the Orange Leaves the Blossoms come forth abundantly thereon larger then the Orange Blossom within White and without with reddish Streaks weak of Sent the Fruit is Roundish a little dinted at the Top and below twice as large as the common Orange of a perfect Gold Colour the outward Pill is a little rough and jagged
afterward become fairly Green The Blossoms consist of five six or sometimes of more Leaves which before they open are of a purple Colour and white within The Fruits are indifferently bigg and large of a different Shape the one roundish tho long and round-like and some also Ill-shapen The outward Pill is of a fair Yellow smooth and of a pleasant Smell The inward part of the Pill is thin the Pulp greenish Yellow divided into eight or nine Veins or Partitions off a pleasant Tast full of Juice and Liquor commonly hollow in the midle and doth bear very well In the Year 1670 I have cut in one day fourscore ripe Fruits Limons of a little Tree so that it is in all particulars worthy the Ordering and Husbanding This Limon is called by the Managers and Practisers that Order and Husband those Plants and Fruits the White Limon And is the Limon Vulgaris Ferrarii the common Limon of Ferrarius Hath several sorts which differ one from another in Shape but little in Tast the greatest Difference lying herein that the Leaves of the one are somewhat more sharp Pointed and jagged then the other which also observed in the Fruits which differ and are distinguished from one another in length and roundness We have at several times taken Notice that the Fruits of one and the same Tree were very unlike in Fashion and Shape one to the other CHAP. VIII Of the Limon Sbardonius of Ferrarius AMong the kinds of Limons which are found in the Netherlands this is eminent Which besides the two following we have seen gathered in the Garden of the Learned Dr. Arnold Syen Med. Botan Professor at Leyden in the Year 1672. This Limon Tree hath regular and well ordered Boughs and may be kept with a fair and round Head the Leaves are light Green longish sharp-pointed at the End a little wrinkled with the Edges somewhat jagged they are without with purple Streaks or Stripes and within White the Fruits long and round of an indifferent bigness at the end of the Stalk a little dinted where it seems to represent the shape of a little Rose at the Head is many times a little Point sticking out as if it were the remnant of the middle Point or Navel of the Blossom the outward Pill is of a fair yellow Colour Uneven Rough and as it were with Creases the Tast Pleasant with some Bitterness the inward Pill is somewhat thin in the Tast Sweetish the Pulpe is pleasant Sowre pale Yallow divided into ten Veins or Partitions Among these Hesperial Plants this is one of the most patient to endure the Injuries which are caused by the Low-Country Air. This Limon Tree is called by Ferrarius Limon Sbardonius after an excellent Practiser of this Husbandry called Fabritius Sbardonius who did first produce the same at Rome out of his own Garden being without doubt an alteration by frequent Grafting and Inoculating CHAP. IX The Deformed or Illshapen Limon Sbardonius AMong the Display of Nature The Limons are not forgotten We give here an Instance which shall sufficiently disannul the Position or Opinion of some Writers who make many sorts of Fruits which only consisting in different outward Shapes do nevertheless grow upon one Tree as this and the following Description shall show as being fellow-Fruits of the Limon Sbardonius Very irregular is this Fruit of an oblong and oval Fashion on the one side wonderfully or much bumping out with Claws at the End whereof were four green Nails like them of an Hens Foot two lying cross one another on the other side every one single parted one from another which is strange to see Being cut in the middle it divided itself into seven Particulars or Partitions tho on the mishapen or deformed side wonderfully wound and twisted together Ferrarius hints of the Limon de Rivo that he hath found on it something grown out of it having the shape of a Mans Hand with the Fingers twisted and shut one in another affording a strange Appearance to the Eyes of the Spectators but they that inquire and search into the matter shall find that these Fruits are to be accounted nothing but imperfect Creatures and Products We have besides seen on the same Tree of Limon Sbardonius of Ferrarius this streaked Limon which is like the first in Fashion but in the length interlaced with deep Furrows which went from one end to the other having at the end a Point sticking out the inward Pill was thin and narrow and the Pulpe divided into ten Veins or Partitions This Alteration is here exhibited to shew the wonderful Works of Almighty God how that upon one Tree one sort of Fruit is brought forth on several ways and yet are no distinct Sorts as many make of them and communicate to the Ignorant and Unskilful which we have mentioned before and with Ferrarius looked upon as a Display of Nature But nevertheless put and placed by him with different Descriptions as different Kinds as appears in the Limon Pyri effigie of a Pear fashion and in the description of the Limon Striatus Vulgatior that is the common Limon with Ridges which I have taken Notice of here for every ones Caution not to bring presently a thing to a new Division but first to search out the Cause of this wonderful alteration wherein we shall show that the Blossoms which produce these Illshapen Fruits are very imperfect in their Formation CHAP. X. Of the little Calabrian Limon of Ferrarius THis Limon Called of Ferrarius Limon Pusillus Calaber or the little Calabrian Limon after her Country hath its Boughs full of little Prickles the Leaves have the Form at the end of the Stalk as that of the Orange Tree and are of a dark green Colour like that of the Laurus Leodmensis round about the Edges a little jagged the Blossoms are small without of a purple Colour within White of a pleasant Smell the Fruits are of the bigness of a small Hen's Egg of a Fashion Oval or Oblong pointing out at the End as it were with a little Horn the Pill is of a fair yellow Colour Thin pleasant of Taste without White within the Pulpe is divided by nine Veins or Partitions of a greenish Colour of a sharp sowre Taste This Fruit have we gathered ripe in the Month of August 1672 in the Garden of Sieur Peter de Wolf in the Purmer and here described to the Life This Plant is very Fruitful and can well endure our severe Air without receiving any Injury from it There is yet another of this Sort or Kind which is likewise a pleasant Fruit and I have a little Tree of it in my Garden and is called of Ferrarius Limon Pusillus Calaber alter that is the second sort of the small Calabrian Limon The diversity consisting herein that this Fruit is in all parts much smaller then the foregoing and may very well be taken for a Dwarf which shews itself pleasant
the Sun as then doth not cause any Soultryness in the Vessels whereby the Trees might be stifled and lose their Leaves and Fruits Secondly This time must be observed that the Trees may be at the place where ye would have them before they come to shoot out and secure them the better against all Dammage but if the Voyage be long by Sea the Removal must be sooner in the forepart of the Year that the Trees may be at the designed place before the warm Weather and not partake of the foresaid Harms In this Removing is yet another Danger besides the breaking and spoiling of the Boughs and stifling of them viz. that of Rats against which we must take Care that the Stocks and Heads may be kept whole and unspoiled for it may happen that this hurtful Vermine being pinched with great Thirst eat the Barks of these Trees and so spoil mangle and Kill them as hath happened to us The best means against this is to cause some Pots with fresh Water to be set in the Ships about the Room where the Trees stand that this Vermine may quench their Thirst and these tender Travellers be brought over in the most comely manner to their Master If this removal must be done by Land ye are to take Care only that they may be safe in the Waggons from breaking and hitting against something or against one another To this belongs the removing as into so also out of the winter Place or green House when the Summer begins to draw to an End and it is come to about the eight of October or the twenty eighth of September the Trees shall be brought under a Shelter or Cover in a fair a clear Day when the Leaves are well dry whether it be a Gallery made of Reed or Straw or otherwise as a Man hath the Conveniency letting them stand there some Days till ye see that it begins to be time to put them into the winter Place or green House which is ordinarily about the middle of October or somewhat later according as the Days are fair and the Weather good In the setting of the Trees you must observe that they stand Airy and as little as is possible into one another lest by the hanging of the Heads in one another the Leaves and Boughs stifle neither must they be placed too near the Stove or fire-Place to receive any Hurt by the Heat and ye must make the placing so that ye may easily come to the Trees to help them upon all Inconveniency In the Spring about the tenth of May when it is mild and rainy Weather remove the Trees again out of the winter Place or green House into the open Air but not at first into the hot Sun-shine because they cannot so suddenly endure the same but lose thereby their Leaves and Fruits therefore you must stay for a Day that it rains or otherwise you shall bring the Trees for some Days into a shady Place to use them again by degrees to the Air and Sunshine how you are further to Order them in the winter Place or green House shall be said afterward CHAP. XXXVI Of Dunging Refreshing and digging about the Trees THE dunging of Limon and Orange Trees is done according to the Diversity of Climates and because we intend to direct this Ordering according to the Condition of our Belgium Netherland this Work must be done in the Month of May as soon as the Trees come out of the Winter-Place or Green-House and that every two or three years according as Necessity requires Digg the old Earth one Hands breath or more round with a sharp Trowel or small Spade out of the Tub or Pot wherein the Tree stands as deep as you can come withal taking away the old fibrous Roots spent and worn out Earth this being done fill the Tubs up again with fatdunged light fine sifted Earth which hath been prepared some time before for it and often wrought together with old Cow and Horse-dung till the same be well mixed and rotten and after the said filling up make the uppermost Earth even letting the same ly lightly to further the Influence or soaking in of the Water which by Rain or Watering comes upon it By means of this Dunging and Refreshing can this noble Plant be Nourished in narrow close Vessels with great ease and maintained in Fruitfulness We have only propounded the most simple and plain Way as being the surest leaving the Artificial which some have Invented and Endeavoured to Recommend to the World for Wonders but deceiveth none more than those that use it most as we have touched upon before in part in the Description of the Dung. The digging about is done yearly in the Spring against the time that the Trees come out of the Winter-Place or Green-House and is nothing else but a taking away of the uppermost Earth of the Tubs two or three Fingers breadth deep and filling them up again with other Good instead of the spent and worn out Dung thereby by this maintaining as much as is possible to strengthen and bring Nourishment to the Earth in the Tubs and Pots CHAP. XXXVII Of Watering BEing the Nourishment of Trees and whatsoever Grows out of the Earth consists out of the finest Particles of the Earth and Water which spreads and disperses itself through small Pores along by little Strings like Veins through all their Parts and by the natural Warmth being strengthned with the Heat of the Sun which pierceth from without doth turn into the Shape and Form of those Parts to which it is brought and being Water is Necessary whithout which no Tree can Live for it serves to the loosening and thinning of the said Parts that the same may the more conveniently be drawn up through the opened Pores and carried to the Place where they are turned into Nourishment And seeing our Hesperial Strangers want the free Use of the Earth with us and must be contented with small and narrow close Tubs and Pots it is necessary we lend them the helping Hand by bringing Water to them which by the Rain except it be of long continuance cannot be sufficiently given or is hindred through the width and breadth of their Heads which cause the Rain-Water to run most down by their Sides wherefore the help of watering is highly requisite here Among all the Parts of this Ordering this is none of the least and we must observe first the Choice of Water and secondly the time when we shall Water Ferrarius whom we here also follow puts sweet and constantly running Spring and River-Water for the best as being most Piercing and wholesomest and next to the Rain-Water which is gathered and kept in Cisterns or Tubs and thirdly Well or Pump-Water which is commonly Cold hath many Defaults and Properties which it carries with it out of the different Grounds whence it Springs Much less in Virtue is the Water which comes out of Moorish Places but worst of all is
the inward Pill moderately thick pleasant of Tast The Pulp is of a Brimstone Colour pleasantly Sowre divided by eleven or twelve Veins or Partitions These Fruits we have had here in this County in a fair and warm Summer ripe almost in one Year as such happened 1670 the Tree is known to us by the Name of the Black Limon because the Fruits as soon as they wean are of a black Colour It is the Pomum Adami commune of Ferrarius the common Apple of Adam Here in these Countries this Tree is common among the Lovers and Practisers of this part of Husbandry and is called in Brabant by the Gardiners the Citron Tree but wrongfully because it hath no affinity at all with it Among all the Sorts of Limons this is the hardyest to endure the Cold of these Countries and very forward in producing his Fruits whose Juice is found to be very pleasant in Meat though Ferrarius seems to gainsay this in some Measure yet Experience hath taught us otherwise CHAP. XVI Of the Orange Tree in General AMong the Hesperial Daughters and Virgins Hesperthusa which is the Orange Tree hath the greatest Commendation and Praise as well in respect of the Delightsomness of the Sight as of the excellent Properties wherewith she is endued This Tree grows to a fit height though diversly accordingly to the Place and Air where the same is planted the Root is thick and knotty of a strong Sent and Yellowish divided into many cross-side Branches the Stock is firm and hard Wood within White the Bark is dark Green mixed with an Iron-like Colour the Head spreads itself into many Boughs which at the ends are divided into many little Shoots and Spriggs these Boughs are set with several prickles yet they perish through the Fruitfulness and often Inoculating The Leaves are of a fair Green Large running sharp together before behind at the Stalk is a little Foot which hath the likeness of a little Hart out of which the great Leaf seems to come forth and all full of many small and almost invisible Holes even as the Leaves of the Hypericum and when they are rubbed between the Fingers they give a sweet and pleasant Smell The Blossoms are as white as Snow made up of six or eight Leaves beautified in the midst with small Strings which are yellow at the end between which the Product of the Fruit sheweth itself The Blossom which here in this Country appears in June is strong yet of a sweet and lovely Smell especially in the Morning before the Sun is up and in the Evening when the Sun is gon from them The Fruit is of a Saffron and deep Gold-Colour of a round Form the outward Pill is somewhat Rough the inward Pill spungy White and of an unpleasant Tast the Pulp is by several Films or thin Skins divided into eight Parts or Partitions These Fruits yield here in this Country no perfect ripe Seed and grow not ripe in one Year but require twenty Months for it and then they are not inferior to them of Italy That the Orange Tree is Fruitful and Longlived testifyeth Ferrarius when he relates of the Tree which is to be seen at Rome in the Monastery of St. Balbina and hath stood there five hundred Years The same Author makes mention of more such as among others of the Orange Tree on Mount Aventinus in the Dominican Monastery of St. Sabina which is above four hundred Years old and do yet every Year Blossom and bring forth many Fruits Touching the place whence the Orange Trees came first it cannot well be related being they are found in many Countries of the World as well in the East as West Indies and especially throughout all Italy Spain Portugal and several parts of France The Orange Tree hath its Original Denomination according to the Colour of the Fruit which is a Gold Colour and accordingly with other Hesperial Apples called Aureum Malum the Golden Apple or Malus aurantia major the great Golden Orange Apple Tree For they being unknown to the Ancients have not many strange Names and they which be are these Nerantium Rauwolf Arangia Cord. in Dioscor Arangius Cord. Histor. and thus far enough of this What further belongeth to the Diversity we shall describe in Order for as much as we have experienced and practised in our own Gardens CHAP. XVII Of the Common Orange Apple of Ferrarius FErrarius calls this in Latin Aurantium Vulgare that is the common Orange Tree and hath three Sorts distinct in the Tast For the first is Sowre the second Sweet the third of a Mixt that is of a Tast between Sowre and Sweet The sowre Orange hath a sad pale and grainy Pill without a sharp Smell the Pulpe is Yellow Sowre divided by Skins into eight and sometimes into nine Partitions I shall say nothing of the Seed here because as is mentioned heretofore it doth not come in Netherland to perfect Maturity When these Apples hang on the Tree the Winter over to the next Spring they grow dry within and the Juice or Sap returns back to the further Nourishment of the new Fruits therefore it is better as well for the Trees as the Apples to cut and take them off in due time CHAP. XVIII Of the sweet Orange Apple THE Tree which bringeth forth sweet Oranges is in Shape not to be distinguished from the Sowre the Difference lyes only in the Fruit which hath a thin smooth deep Yellow and bitter outside Pill the inside Pill is moderately Thick of a Brimstone Colour the Pulpe is full of sweet and pleasant Juice divided into eight Partitions by particular Skins or Films this Juice returns not back again after the Winter as that of the sowre Orange but is much longer kept therein Ferrarius writes that the Gardiners about Genoa have experienced that the place where this Tree is planted or set is much to be regarded if it stands well to the Sun that then the Fruit shall be of a pleasant sweet Tast but if the place be shady on the contrary Unpleasant and all shall seem to turn or change into Bitterness Because the mixed Orange Apples are not to be distinguished by the outward or inward Form but only by the Tast it is thought needless to give a particular Description of them CHAP. XIX Of the Orange Tree with curled Leaves of Ferrarius THis Tree is called by Ferrarius Aurantium crispo folio that is the Orange Tree with curled Leaves and is described by none before him The Italians call him Risse the Poullè this Tree produces Boughs which at their further or uttermost Ends are set with many naked Twiggs close thrusted together having short thick Leaves curled together with a little Hart at the Stalk though some have none at the first coming out of these Leaves they are sharp and become afterwards roundish are of a weak Smell and of a pleasant and lovely green
Colour at the ends of the Twiggs the Blossoms come forth thick together as in an Heap the Leaves of the same are a little curled to the outside and have all a sweet pleasant Sent the Fashion is as those of the common Sort the Fruit is like the common Orange Apple except that the same is somewhat of a flat Shape at Top and Bottom The outward Pill is almost of a Saffron Yellow Roughish a little Bitter in the Tast the inside Pill is thin loose unsavory the Pulp is Yellow with a moderate Sowreness pleasant of Tast and is by several Skins or Films divided into eight Partitions This Tree must be diligently observed and looked unto because he is apt to grow fowl and to decay by reason of the multitude of Boughs growing close together and cross one another and brings forth more Boughs and Blossoms then he can feed conveniently wherefore the Pruning Knife must be used about him if we will enjoy the Fruits which are very Fair and preserve the Tree in its Vigour and Strength CHAP. XX. Of the Orange Tree with Rosed Fruit. THis Tree which is called by Ferrarius Aurantium Rosaeum the Rose Orange doth not much differ from the common Orange Tree to look upon but only the Leaves are long and narrower the Blossoms also are like those of the common Orange Tree The Fruit when it is full grown and Ripe is of a convenient Size and Bigness dinted a little before and behind it shows a little Rose at the top and about the Stalk are likewise some raised Particles like unto a little Star the outward Pill is of a pale yellow Colour the inward Pill indifferently thick somewhat Bitter the Pulp of it is of a bright Brimstone Colour divided into nine Partitions of a pleasant tart Tast Thus have we found the same in our Garden in the Year 1672 exactly to Correspond with that of Ferrarius and is here exactly delineated and described unto you This Fruit is by reason of its Beauty worthy to be preserved being the Fruitfulness besides the largness of the Apples increases the Esteem of the Tree CHAP. XXI Of the Orange Tree with speckled Fruit. TO have the several Sorts and Varieties together as much as is possible the tender Plant is well worthy to be joined with the others This Orange Tree is in respect to the different Colour both of the Leaves and Fruits called by Ferrarius Aurantium Virgatum and by us the speckled Orange Tree It is much tenderer then any other as being not well able to endure the Cold hath many tender Boughs which easily break and spotted in divers places with some Brimstone coloured Streaks the Leaves are in many parts lesser then those of the common Orange Tree and have also on many of them several Brimstone coloured Spots which is delightful to the Eye The Blossoms are like those of the Common but smaller the Fruit is before it be ripe orderly speckled with green and white Brimstone-like Streaks and as by certain unequal Lines distinguished when the Fruit is grown Ripe then the green Streaks are Yellow and the other turned into a Saffron Colour The outward part of the Pill is somewhat rough the inward part of the Pill thick the Pulpe of a Brimstone Colour distinguished by Skins or Films into nine Partitions which is of a pleasant sowre Tast the whole Apple is somewhat longish-round of Shape Here is to be observed that all the Leaves and Fruits of the Tree are not of that variety of Colour but only some and was seen of us first with perfect ripe Fruits in the Gardens of the Sieur John Roeters in his Lifetime Secretary of the City of Amsterdam and with Will. Vanden Henvell both the most experienced and greatest Improvers of this Husbandry of our Time CHAP. XXII Of the Orange Tree with borned Fruit. THis Tree is among all other Orange Trees the Lustiest to look upon and the best to be ordered here in this Country as being the most hardy against the Cold and the most Fruitful it shoots high and large spreading Boughs the Leaves are of a dark Green larger and sharper at the End then those of the common Orange Tree the Blossoms are of a pleasant Smell and sometimes made up of many Leaves even as if they were double the Fruits have many wonderful Shapes with points sticking out and dinted Corners representing the Fashion of a Man's Members others of a Womans Wherefore called also by Ferrarius Aurantium Hermaphroditum Sive Corniculatum that is the Hermophrodite or Horned Orange the outward Pill hath a fair Saffron yellow Colour the inward Pill thick spungy of little Tast the Pulp is included into ten or twelve or sometimes more skinny Partitions whereof some inclose the rest the Tast is moderately sowre not unpleasant this Kind is desired here by many Lovers and is found in many Gardens where it is known by the Name of Cloister Apple CHAP. XXIII Of several Ill-shapen Fruits THere are found by Ferrarius several Orange Apples which are noted by him as distinct Sorts and Kinds as the Aurantium dulci flore Aurantium faemineum sive Faetiferum Aurantium distortum all which I judg to be but one and the same belonging to the foregoing Tree viz. with the horned Fruit for I have seen the same and yet more different Shapes upon one Tree also double Blossoms for that happens often and all this Variation of the Shape is nothing but a Display of Nature We have observed the more the Blossom is doubled and the more Leaves it hath that the Fruit appears also in the stranger Shape and touching the Aurantium Callosum we have found on the common Orange Tree The same must also be Understood of the Limons as I have shewed before in the ninth Chapter of this Book in the Limon Sbardonius so that in all this Variation there are no several sorts to be made but must only be taken for Ill-shapen Fruits Here might have been shewed the Diversity and Variety of imperfect Fruits but it seemed needless to us and judg that by this Observation is sufficiently shewed what we are to think of such Fruits CHAP. XXIV Of the Sina Apple or the Lisbon Orange Tree FErrarius calls this Fruit or Plant Aurantium Olysiponense or the Lisbon Orange Tree because they were first brought by the Portugeeze thither out of Sina and were thence sent into Italy and other Countries besides This hath tender thin prickly Boughs and Leaves long running sharp together toward the End which being rubbed smell Sweetly The Blossoms are smaller then those of the common Orange Tree the Fruit is neatly round of indifferent Largeness the outward part of the Pill smooth and even of a lovely yellow Colour the inward part of the Pill thin is for its pleasant Tast eaten together The Pulp which is divided into nine Partitions is full of Juice and yellowish of a pleasant Sweetness mixed with some