cup. This Daffodill hath his long rush-like leaues standing vpright as the former betweene which riseth vp a greene stalke about a foote high or more bearing two or three flowers thereon whose turning leaues are of a faire pale yellow and the cuppe pale white and not so pure a white as the former 5. Narcissus Iuncifolius calice luteo reflexis folijs albidis The white turning Iunquilia with a yellow cup. As the last had the leaues of the flower that turne vp againe yellow and the cuppe whitish so this hath contrariwise the turning leaues of a whitish yellow and the long cup yellower else in his long green leaues or any other thing there is small difference 6. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus magno calice The Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill with a great cup. This Rush Daffodill hath bigger leaues and longer then the ordinary yellow Rush Daffodill being a little flat on the oneside and round on the other but of the same greennesse with all the rest the stalke riseth vp two foote high bearing two and sometimes three flowers thereon being of a faire yellow colour with a large open cup in the middle of a little deeper yellow colour like vnto the great Iunquilia with the large flower before set downe whereof this is a kinde no doubt but that is larger and greater then this both in leafe flower cup c. and this onely somewhat lesse in all parts then that 1 Narcissus Iuncifolius albus The white Iunquilia 2 Narcissus Iuncifolius flore albo reflexâ— The white turning Iunquilia 3 Narcissus Iuncifolius calice luteo reflexis folijs albis The yellow turning Iunquilia 4 Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus magno calice The yellow Iunquilia with a great cuppe 5 Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus maior vulgaris The ordinary yellow Iunquilia 6 Narcissus Iuncifolius Autumâ—alis flore viridi The greene Autumne Iunquilia 7 Narcissus angustifolius aureus multiplex The golden double narrow leafed Daffodill 8 Narcissus Iuncifolius flore pleno The double Iunquilie 7. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus vulgaris maior The ordinary Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill This ordinary Rush Daffodill hath foure or fiue long greene round leaues like vnto Rushes whereof it tooke the name among these leaues riseth vp the stalke round and greene a foote and a halfe high very often bearing at the toppe three or foure flowers all yellow but much smaller then the last and so is the cup also the seede is small and blacke inclosed in small cornered heads the roote is blackish on the outside The smell of the flower is very sweete in all these sorts of Rush Daffodils 8. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus medius The smaller Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill are like vnto the former but smaller and rounder the stalke riseth not vp so high nor are the flowers so great but the leaues of the flower are a little rounder and not so pointed as in the former in all things else alike sauing lesser 9. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor The least Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill This least Daffodill hath fiue or six small greene leaues a little broader and not so long as the last among which riseth vp a stalke almost a foote high bearing one or two small flowers at the toppe of a paler yellow colour then the former with a yellow open cuppe or crowne rather in the middle bigger then in either of the last two the roote is very small and blacke like vnto the last in roundnesse and colour 10. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus albicantibus lineis distinctus The yellow Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill with white lines This Rush Daffodill hath round greene and long leaues like vnto the ordinary Rush Daffodill with a stalke bearing two or three yellow flowers hauing leaues somewhat round at the point or end with a line or strake of white in the middle of euerie one of them the cup is short and crowne fashion a little crumpled about the brims the seede roote or any thing else differeth not 11. Narcissus Iuncifolius Autumnalis flore viridi The Autumne Rush Daffodill with a greene flower This strange Rush Daffodill I call it strange not onely because it differeth from all others of this kinde but also because there are but few in these parts that haue had it and fewer that doe still enioy it in that it is perished withall that had it hath but one onely leafe very long round and greene in all that euer I saw growing which beareth no flower while that greene leafe is fresh and to bee seene but afterwards the stalke riseth vp being like vnto the former greene leafe round naked and greene vp to the toppe where two or three flowers breake forth out of a small thin skinne euery one consisting of six small and narrow greene leaues very sharpe pointed at the end and as it were ending in a small pricke or thorne in the middle whereof is a small round cup or rather crowne of the same colour with the leaues and stalke which flower smelleth very sweete somewhat like vnto the rest of the Rush Daffodils this sheweth not his flower vntill October and the frosts quickly following after their flowring cause them soone to perish 12. Narcissus angustifolius aureus multiplex The golden double narrow leafed Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill are very narrow and of a whitish greene colour not aboue foure or fiue inches long from among which riseth vp a stalke about a foote high bearing at the top one flower consisting of some outer leaues which are of a yellow colour and of many other leaues in the middle being smaller and set thicke and round together of a more yellow gold colour but with some whiter leaues among them the middle part a little pointing forth the flower standeth long before it doth perfect his colour and abideth long in flower before the colour decay the roote is in fashion almost like the ordinary Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill I acknowledge this Daffodill hath not his proper place but because the figure is set in this table let it thus passe at this time 13. Narcissus Iuncifolius luteus flore pleno The double Iunquilia or Rush Daffodill The double Rush Daffodill hath his long greene leaues round like the leaues of the common or ordinary Rush Daffodill and of the same bignesse among which riseth vp a long slender greene stalke bearing two or three seldome more small flowers yellow and double that is with diuers rowes of leaues hauing the yellow cup such as is in the single flower broken into small shreads or peeces running among the leaues of the flower which peeces in some flowers are not so easily seene being smaller then in others this beareth no button or head vnder the flower for seede his roote is round and blackish browne on the outside so like vnto the common Rush Daffodill that it is almost impossible to know the one from the other There is another of this kinde whose flowers are smaller and not so double
in Aprill except the last which is a moneth later The Names The French and Lowe-Countrey men call them Trompettes that is Trumpets from the forme of the trunke wee sometimes call them also by that name but more vsually bastard Iunquilia's Pseudonarcissus marinus albus Pancratium vulgo The white Sea bastard Daffodill The Sea bastard Daffodill to conclude this Chapter and the discourse of Daffodils 1 Pseudonarcissus tubo â—uasi abscisso The bastard Daffodill with the clipt trunke 2 Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus minor The lesser Spanish bastard Daffodill 3 Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus minimus The least Spanish bastard Daffodill 4 Pseudonarcissus Gallicus minor flore pleno The lesser double French bastard Daffodiâ—â— 5 Pâ—â—câ—atium flore albo The white Sea bastard Daffodil 6 Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus maior The greater yellow bastard â—unquilia 7 Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor The lesser yellow bastard Iunquilia 8 Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus serotinus The late yellow bastard Iunquitis â— Leucoium bulbosum pracox maius The great early bulbous Violet †Leucoium bulbosum praecox minus The lesser early bulbous Violet 10 Leucoium balbosum autumnale The small Autumne bulbous Violet 11 Leucoium bulbosum maius serotinum The great late flowring bulbous Violet hath diuers broad whitish greene leaues but not very long among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke at the top whereof breaketh out of a great round skinny huske fiue or six flowers euery one made somewhat of the fashion of the great bastard Rush Daffodill but greater and wholly white the six leaues being larger and longer then in the Rush kinde and extending beyond the trunke are tipt with greene at the point of each leafe and downe the middle likewise on the backside The trunke is longer larger and wider open at the mouth cut in or indented at the brims or edges and small at the bottome with diuers white threeds in the middle and is very sweet vnder the flower is a round greene head which groweth very great hauing within it when it is ripe flat and blacke seede the roote is great and white Flore luteo flore â—ubrâ— It is reported that there are found other sorts some that beare yellow flowers and others that beate red but we haue seene none such and therefore I can say no more of them The Place This kinde groweth neare the Sea side both in Spaine Italy and France within the Straights and for the most part vpon all the Leuant shoare and Islands also but will seldome either flower or abide with vs in these colder Countries as I haue both seene by those that I receiued from a friend and heard by others The Time It flowreth in the end of Summer that is in August and September The Name Diuers doe call it Pancratium as the learned of Mompeher and others with the addition of flore Lilij after they had left their old errour in taking it to be Scylla and vsing it for Scylla in the Trochisces that go into Andromachus Treakle The learned of Valentia in Spaine as Clusius saith doe call it Hemerocallis thinking it to be a Lilly and Clusius doth thereupon call it Hemerocallis Valentina but in my opinion all these are deceiued in this plant for it is neither a Lilly to haue the name of Hemerocallis giuen vnto it nor Scylla nor Pancratium as many doe yet call it for certainly this is a kinde of Daffodill the forme both of roote leafe and flower doth assure me that haue seene it and not Pancratium which as Dioscorides testifieth is a kinde of Scylla and in his time called Scylla with a red roote and a leafe like a Lilly but longer and was vsed both with the same preparation and quantity and for the same diseases that Scylla was vsed but that his force was weaker all which doth plainly shew the errours that many learned men haue been conuersant in and that all may see how necessary the knowledge of Herbarisme is to the practice of Physicke And lest the roote of this Sea bastard Daffodill bee vsed in the stead of an wholsome remedy which as Clusius maketh mention was deadly to him that did but cut his meate with that knife which had immediately before cut this roote and done in malice by him that knew the force thereof to kill his fellow it working the more forceably by the euill attracting quality of the iron The Vertues of Daffodils in generall Howsoeuer Dioscorides and others doe giue vnto some of them speciall properties both for inward and outward diseases yet know I not any in these dayes with vs that apply any of them as a remedy for any griefe whatsoeuer Gerrard or others haue written CHAP. X. Leucoium bulbosum The bulbous Violet HAuing thus set downe the whole family both of the true and bastard Daffodils I should next set in hand with the Hyacinths but because Leucoium bulbosum The bulbous Violet is a plant that doth challenge a place next vnto the Daffodils as most nearly partaking with them and a little with the Hyacinthes I must of necessity interpose them and shew their descriptions and differences whereof some are early of the first Spring others later and some of the Autumne Leucoium bulbosum praecox maius The greater early bulbous Violet This bulbous Violet hath three or foure very greene broad flat and short leaues among which riseth vp a naked greene stalke bearing out of a small skinny hose as the former Daffodils doe one white flower hanging downe his head by a very small foot-stalke made of six leaues of an equall length euery one whereof is tipt at the end with a small greenish yellow spot after the flower is past the head or seed-vessell groweth to be reasonable great somewhat long and round wherein is contained hard round seede which being dry is cleare and of a whitish yellow colour the roote is somewhat like a Daffodill roote and couered with a blackish outside or skinne Leucoium bulbosum praecox minus The lesser early bulbous Violet This lesser kinde riseth vp with two narrow grayish greene leaues between which commeth forth the stalke fiue or six inches high bearing one small pendulous flower consisting of three white leaues which are small and pointed standing on the outside and hauing three other shorter leaues which seeme like a cup in the middle being each of them round at the ends and cut in the middle making the forme of an heart with a greene tippe or spot at the broad end or edge the seede is whitish inclosed in long and round heads like the former but lesser the roote is like a small Daffodill with a blackish gray coate and quickly diuideth into many of-sets There is another of this kinde Minus Byzantinum that came among other bulbous rootes from Constantinople and differeth in nothing from it but that it is a little greater both in root leafe and flower The Place The two first are found in many places of Germany and Hungary The third as I
said was brought from Constantinople The Time The two lesser sorts doe most commonly flower in February if the weather be any thing milde or at the furthest in the beginning of March but the first is seldome in flower before the other be well neare past or altogether The Names Lobel and Dodonaeus call the lesser kinde Leucoium triphyllum and Leuconarcissolirion triphyllum of the three leaues in the flower Some doe call it Viola bulbosa alba The first or greater kinde is called by Lobel Leuconarcissolirion paucioribus floribus and by Dodonaeus Leucoium bulbosum hexaphyllum We doe most vsually call them Leucoium bulbosum praecox maius minus The greater or the lesser early bulbous Violet In Dutch Somer Sottekens and not Druiskens which are Grape-flowers as some haue thought 1. Leucoium bulbosum Vernum minimum The small bulbous Violet of the Spring This small Leucoium sendeth forth his small and long greene leaues like haires in Autumne and before Winter which abide greene vntill Aprill and then wither away quite and about May there ariseth vp a naked slender stalke at the toppe whereof breake forth two small white flowers made of six leaues a peece hanging downe their heads the three inner leaues being a little larger then the three outward a little â—ed dish neare the stalke and very sweet the root is small and round and coâ—ered with a darke coate 2. Leucoium bulbosum Autumnâ—le The small Autumne bulbous Violet As the former small Leucoium sprang vp with his leaues without flowers in Autumne so this contrariwise riseth vp with his slender brownish stalke of flowers in Autumne before any greene leaues appeare whereon stand two or three very small snow white pendulous flowers consisting of six leaues a peece and a little reddish at the bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke so like vnto the former that one would take them to be both one after which there grow small browne heads containing small blacke round seed after the flower is past and the seede is ripening and sometimes after the heads are ripe the leaues begin to spring vp which when they are full growne are long greene and as small or smaller then the leaues of the Autumne Hyacinth which abide all the Winter and Spring following and wither away in the beginning of Summer the roote is small long and white 3. Leucoium maius bulbosum serotinum The great late flowring bulbous Violet The late bulbous Violet hath three or foure broad flat greene leaues very like vnto the first but longer among which riseth vp a flattish stalke being thicker in the middle then at both edges on the toppe whereof stand three or foure flowers hanging downe their heads consisting of six leaues a peece all of an equall length and bignesse wholly white except that each leafe hath a greene tippe at the end of them the seede hereof is blacke and round the roote is reasonable great and white The Place The two former small ones were first found in Spaine and Portugall and sent to me by Guillaume Boel but the first was so tender that scarce one of a score sprang with me or would abide The greatest haue beene found wilde in Germany and Austria The Time The small ones haue their times expressed in their titles and descriptions the last flowreth not vntill May. The Names These names that are set downe in their titles doe passe with all Herbarists in these daies The Vertues Wee haue not knowne these plants vsed Physically either inwardly or outwardly to any purposes in these dayes CHAP. XI Hyacinthus The Hyacinth or Iacinth THe Iacinths are next to be entreated of whereof there are many more kindes found out in these later times then formerly were knowne which for order and method sake I will digest vnder seuerall sorts as neare as I can that auoiding confusion by enterlacing one among another I may the better put euery sort vnder his owne kinde Hyacinthus Indicus maior tuberosa radice The greater Indian knobbed Iacinth I haue thought fittest to begin with this Iacinth both because it is the greatest and highest and also because the flowers hereof are in some likenesse neare vnto a Daffodill although his roote be tuberous and not bulbous as all the rest are This Indian Iacinth hath a thicke knobbed roote yet formed into seuerall heads somewhat like vnto bulbous rootes with many thicke fibres at the bottome of them from the diuers heads of this roote arise diuers strong and very tall stalkes beset with diuers faire long and broad leaues ioyned at the bottome close vnto the stalke where they are greatest and grow smaller to the very end and those that grow higher to the toppe being smaller and smaller which being broken there appeare many threeds like wooll in them the toppes of the stalkes are garnished with many faire large white flowers each whereof is composed of six leaues lying spread open as the flowers of the white Daffodill with some short threeds in the middle and of a very sweete sent or rather strong and headie Hyacinthus Indicus minor tuberosa radice The smaller Indian knobbed Iacinth The roote of this Iacinth is knobbed like the roote of Arum or Wake Robin from whence doe spring many leaues lying vpon the ground and compassing one another at the bottome being long and narrow and hollow guttered to the end which is small and pointed no lesse woolly or full of threeds then the former from the middle of these leaues riseth vp the stalke being very long and slender three or foure foot long so that without it be propped vp it will bend downe and lye vpon the ground whereon are set at certaine distances many short leaues being broad at the bottome where they doe almost compasse the stalke and are smaller toward the end where it is sharpe pointed at the top of the stalke stand many flowers with a small peece of a green leafe at the bottome of euery foot-stalke which seeme to bee like so many white Orientall Iacinths being composed of six leaues which are much thicker then the former with six chiues or threeds in the middle tipt with pale yellow pendents The Place They both grow naturally in the West Indies from whence being first brought into Spaine haue from thence been dispersed vnto diuers louers of plants The Time They flower not in these cold Countries vntill the middle of August or not at all if they bee not carefully preserued from the iniury of our cold Winters and then if the precedent Summer be hot it may be flower a moneth sooner The Names Clusius calleth the lesser for I thinke hee neuer saw the first Hyacinthus Indicus tuberosa radice that is in English The Indian Iacinth with a tuberous roote Some would call these Hyacinthus Eriophorus Indicus that is The Indian woolly Iacinth because they haue much wooll in them when they are broken yet some doe doubt that they are not two plants seuerall as of greater and lesser but that the
The white Grape-flower The white Grape-flower hath his greene leaues a little whiter then the blew or skie coloured Grape-flower his flowers are very pure white alike sparsedly set on the stalkes but a little lower and smaller then it in all other things there is no difference Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo rubente The blush Grape-flower The roote of this Grape-flower groweth greater then either the skie coloured or white Grape-flower and seldome hath any small rootes or of-sets as the other haue his leaues also are larger and somewhat broader the flowers are of a pale or bleake blush colour out of a white and are a little larger and grow a little higher and fuller of flowers then the white The Place They naturally grow in many places both of Germany and Hungary in Spaine likewise and on Mount Baldus in Italy and Narbone in France about the borders of the fields we haue them in our Gardens for delight The Time These flower from the beginning of March or sooner sometimes vntill the beginning of May. The Names They are most commonly called Botroides but more truely Botryodes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greeke word which signifieth a bunch or cluster of grapes Lobelius calleth the white one Dipcadi flore albo transferring the name Dipcadi whereby the Muscari is called to this Iacinth as if they were both one Their seuerall names whereby they are knowne and called are set downe in their titles The Dutchmen call them Driuekens as I said before Some English Gentlewomen call the white Grape-flower Pearles of Spaine 1. Hyacinthus Comosus albus The white haired Iacinth This Iacinth doth more neerly resemble the Grape-flowers then the faire haired Iacinths that follow whereof it beareth the name in that it hath no haire or threeds at the toppe of the stalke or sides as they and therefore I haue placed it next vnto them and the other to follow it as being of another kinde The root hereof is blackish a little long and round from whence rise vp three or foure leaues being smooth and whitish long narrow and hollow like a trough or gutter on the vpperside among which the stalke riseth vp a foote high or more bearing at the toppe diuers small flowers somewhat like the former but not so thicke set together being a little longer and larger and wider at the mouth and as it were diuided into six edges of a darke whitish colour with some blacker spots about the brimmes on the inside the heads or seede-vessels are three square and somewhat larger then the heads of any of the former lesser Grape-flowers wherein is contained round blacke seede 2. Hyacinthus Comosus Byzantinus The Turkie faire haired Iacinth This other Iacinth which came from Constantinople is somewhat like the former but that it is bigger both in roote and leafe and flower and bearing greater store of flowers on the head of the stalke the lower flowers although they haue short stalkes at their first flowring yet afterwards the stalkes grow longer and those that are lower stand out further then those that are highest whose foot-stalkes are short and almost close to the stemme and of a more perfect purple then any below which are of a duskie greenish purple colour the whole stalke of flowers seem like a Pyramis broad belowe and small aboue or as other compare it to a water sprinkle yet neither of both these Iacinths haue any threeds at the tops of the stalkes as the other following haue 3. Hyacinthus Comosus maior purpureus The great purple faire haired Iacinth This faire haired Iacinth hath his leaues softer longer broader and lesse hollow then the former lying for the most part vpon the ground the stalke riseth vp in the midst of the leaues being stronger higher and bearing a greater and longer head of flowers also then they the flowers of this stand not vpon such long foote-stalkes but are shorter below and close almost to the stalke aboue hauing many bright purplish blew threeds growing highest aboue the flowers as it were in a bush together euery one of these threeds hauing a little head at the end of them somewhat like vnto one of the flowers but much smaller the rest of the flowers below this bush are of a sadder or deader purple and not so bright a colour and the lowest worst of all rather enclining to a greene like vnto the last Turkie kinde the whole stalke with the flowers vpon it doth somewhat resemble a long Purse tassell and thereupon diuers Gentlewomen haue so named it the heads and seede are like vnto the former but greater the roote is great and white with some rednesse on the outside 4. Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus purpureus The faire haired branched Iacinth The leaues of this Iacinth are broader shorter and greener then of the last not lying so weakly on the ground but standing somewhat more vpright the stalke riseth vp as high as the former but branched out on euery side into many tufts of threeds with knappes as it were heads of flowers at the ends of them like vnto the head of threeds at the toppe of the former Iacinth but of a little darker and not so faire a blewish purple colour this Iacinth doth somewhat resemble the next Curld haire Iacinth but that the branches are not so fairely composed altogether of curled threeds nor of so excellent a faire purple or Doue colour but more duskie by much the roote is greater and shorter then of the next and encreaseth faster 5. Hyacinthus Pennatus siue Comosus ramosus elegantior The faire Curld-haire Iacinth This admirable Iacinth riseth vp with three or foure leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of the Muske Grape-flower but lesser betweene which riseth vp the stalke about a foote high or somewhat more bearing at the toppe a bush or tuft of flowers which at the first appearing is like vnto a Cone or Pineapple and afterwards opening it selfe spreadeth into many branches yet still retaining the forme of a Pyramis being broad spread below and narrow vp aboue each of these branches is againe diuided into many tufts of threeds or strings twisted or curled at the ends and of an excellent purple or Doue colour both stalkes and haires This abideth a great while in his beauty but afterwards all these flowers if you will so call them do fall away without any seede at all spending it selfe as it should seeme in the aboundance of the flowers the roote is not so great as the last but white on the outside The Place The two first haue been sent diuers times from Constantinople the third is found wilde in many places of Europe and as well in Germany as in Italy The two last are onely with vs in Gardens and their naturall places are not knowne vnto vs. The Time The three former kindes doe flower in Aprill the two last in May. The Names The first and second haue no other names then are expressed in their titles 1 Hyacinthus Comosus albus The white
white chiues tipt with yellow pendents standing about a small three square head that hath a white pointell sticking as it were in the middest thereof the flower is pretty and sweete but not heady Ornithogalum luteum The yellow Starre of Bethlehem This yellow Starre-flower riseth vp at the first with one long round greenish leafe which openeth it selfe somewhat aboue the ground and giueth out another small leafe lesser and shorter then the first and afterward the stalke riseth from thence also being foure or fiue inches high bearing at the toppe three or foure small green leaues and among them foure or fiue small yellow starre-like flowers with a greenish line or streake downe the backe of euery leafe and some small reddish yellow threeds in the middle it seldome giueth seede the roote is round whitish and somewhat cleare very apt to perish if it bee any little while kept dry out of the ground as I haue twice tryed to my losse The Place The first grew in Portugall and Clusius first of all others desciphers it The other is found in many places both of Germany and Hungary in the moister grounds The Time The first flowreth in May the other in Aprill and sometimes in March The Names Carolus Clusius calleth the first Bulbus vnifolius or Bolbine but referreth it not to the stocke or kindred of any plant but as you see I haue ranked it with the small sorts of Ornithogalum and giue it the name accordingly The other is referred for likenesse of forme and not for colour vnto the Ornithogala or Starres of Bethlehem It is called by Tragus and Fuchsius Bulbus siluestris because of the obuiousnesse Cordus taketh it to be Sisyrinchium Lacuna calleth it Bulbus esculentus Lobel and others in these dayes generally Ornithogalum luteum and wee thereafter in English The yellow Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem The Vertues The first kinde being but lately found out is not knowne to be vsed The rootes of the common or vulgar are as Matthiolus saith much eaten by poore people in Italy either rawe or roasted being sweeter in taste then any Chesnut and seruing as well for a necessary food as for delight It is doubtfull whether any of the rest may be so vsed for I know not any in our Land hath made any experience There are many other sorts of Starre-flowers which are fitter for a generall then this History and therefore I referre them thereunto CHAP. XIII Moly Wilde Garlicke VNto the former Starre-flowers must needes bee ioyned another tribe or kindred which carry their straked flowers Starre-fashion not spikewise but in a tuft or vmbell thicke thrust or set together And although diuers of them smell not as the former but most of their first Grandfathers house yet all doe not so for some of them are of an excellent sent Of the whole Family there are a great many which I must leaue I will onely select out a few for this our Garden whose flowers for their beauty of statelinesse forme or colour are fit to bee entertained and take place therein euery one according to his worth and are accepted of with the louers of these delights 1. Moly Homericum vel potius Theophrasti The greatest Moly of Homer Homers Moly for so it is most vsually called with vs riseth vp most commonly with two and sometimes with three great thicke long and hollow guttured leaues of a whitish greene colour very neare the colour of the Tulipa leafe hauing sometimes at the end of some of the leaues and sometimes apart by it selfe a whitist round small button like vnto a small bulbe the like whereof also but greater doth grow betweene the bottome of the leaues and the stalke neare the ground which being planted when it is ripe will grow into a roote of the same kinde among these leaues riseth vp a round strong and tall stalke a yard high or better bare or naked vnto the toppe where it beareth a great tuft or vmbell of pale purplish flowers all of them almost standing vpon equall foot-stalkes or not one much higher then another consisting of fiue leaues a peece striped downe the backe with a small pale line hauing a round head or vmbone with some threeds about it in the midst These flowers doe abide a great while blowne before they vade which smell not very strong like any Onion or Garlicke but of a faint smell and after they are past come the seede which is blacke wrapped in white close huskes the roote groweth very great sometimes bigger then any mans closed fist smelling strong like Garlicke whitish on the outside and greene at the toppe if it be but a while bare from the earth about it 2. Moly Indicum siue Caucafon The Indian Moly The Indian Moly hath such like thicke large leaues as the Homers Moly hath but shorter and broader in the middle whereof riseth vp a short weake stalke almost flat not hauing any flowers vpon it but a head or cluster of greenish scaly bulbes inclosed at the first in a large thinne skinne which being open euery bulbe sheweth it selfe standing close one vnto another vpon his foot-stalke of the bignesse of an Acorne which being planted will grow to bee a plant of his owne kinde the roote is white and great couered with a darke coate or skinne which encreaseth but little vnder ground but besides that head it beareth small bulbes aboue the ground at the bottome of the leaues next vnto the stalke like vnto the former The Place Both these doe grow in diuers places of Spaine Italy and Greece for the last hath been sent out of Turkie among other rootes Ferrantes Imperatus a learned Apothecary of Naples sent it to diuers of his friends in these parts and hath described it in his naturall history among other plants printed in the Italian tongue It grew also with Iohn Tradescante at Canterbury who sent me the head of bulbes to see and afterwards a roote to plant it in my Garden The Time The first flowreth in the end of May and abideth vnto the midst of Iuly and sometimes longer The other beareth his head of bulbes in Iune and Iuly The Names We haue receiued them by their names expressed in their titles yet the last hath also been sent by the name of Ornithogalum Italicum but as all may easily see it is not of that kindred 1. Moly montanum Pannonicum bulbiferum primum The first bulbed Moly of Hungary This first Hungarian Moly hath three or foure broad and long greene leaues folded together at the first which after open themselues and are carried vp with the stalke standing thereon one aboue another which is a foote high at the toppe whereof doe grow a few sad reddish bulbes and betweene them long footstalkes bearing flowers of a pale purplish colour after which followeth blacke seede inclosed in roundish heads the roote is not great but white on the outside very like vnto the roote of Serpents Moly hereafter described encreasing much vnder
Lilly last described but much greater then in any other of the Spider-worts of a pure white colour with some threeds in the middle tipt with yellow and a small forked pointell after the flowers are past the heads or seede vessels grow almost three square yet somewhat round wherein is contained blackish seede the rootes are many white round thicke brittle strings ioyned together at the head but are nothing so long as the rootes of the other Phalangia or Spider-worts 2. Phalangium maius Italicum album The great Italian Spider-wort This great Spider-wort hath diuers long and narrow leaues spread vpon the ground and not rising vp as the former and not so broad also as the former but somewhat larger then those that follow the stalke is bigger but seldome riseth vp so as the next whereof this is a larger kinde hauing a long vnbranched stalke of white flower laid open like starres as it hath but somewhat greater the rootes are long and white like the next but somewhat larger 3. Phalangium non ramosum vulgare Vnbranched Spider-wort The leaues of this Spider-wort doe seeme to bee little bigger or longer then the leaues of grasse but of a more grayish green colour rising immediately from the head or tuft of rootes among which rise vp one or two stalkes sometimes two or three foote long beset toward the toppe with many white Starre-like flowers which after they are past turne into small round heads containing blacke feede like vnto the seed of the little yellow Asphodill but lesser the rootes are long white strings running vnder ground 4. Phalangium ramosum Branched Spider-wort The branched Spider-wort hath his leaues somewhat broader then the former and of a more yellowish greene colour the stalke hereof is diuersly branched at the top bearing many white flowers like vnto the former but smaller the seedes and rootes are like the former in all things 1 Phalangium Allobrogicum The Sauoye Spider-wort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spider-wort 3 Phalangium ramosum Branched Spider-wort 4 Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Iohn Tradescante's Spider-wort The Place The first groweth on the Hils neare vnto Sauoye from whence diuers allured with the beauty of the flower haue brought it into these parts The second came vp in my Garden from the seede receiued out of Italy The others grow in Spaine France c. The Time The vnbranched Spider-wort most commonly flowreth before all the other and the branched a moneth after it the other two about one time that is towards the end of May and not much after the vnbranched kinde The Names The first as I said before hath beene taken to be a white Lilliasphodill and called Liliasphodelus flore albo but Clusius hath more properly entituled it a Phalangium and from the place of his originall gaue him his other denomination and so is called of most as is set downe in the title The other haue no other names then are expressed in their titles but only that Cordus calleth them Liliago and Dodonaeus lib. 4. hist. plant would make the branched kinde to bee Moly alterum Plinij but without any good ground The Vertues The names Phalangium and Phalangites were imposed on these plants because they were found effectuall to cure the poyson of that kinde of Spider called Phalangium as also of Scorpions and other Serpents Wee doe not know that any Physitian hath vsed them to any such or any other purpose in our dayes 5. Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Ioannis Tradescant The soon fading Spider-wort of Virginia or Tradescant his Spider-wort This Spider-wort is of late knowledge and for it the Christian world is indebted vnto that painfull industrious searcher and louer of all natures varieties Iohn Tradescant sometimes belonging to the right Honourable Lord Robert Earle of Salisbury Lord Treasurer of England in his time and then vnto the right Honourable the Lord Wotton at Canterbury in Kent and lastly vnto the late Duke of Buckingham who first receiued it of a friend that brought it out of Virginia thinking it to bee the Silke Grasse that groweth there and hath imparted hereof as of many other things both to me and others the description whereof is as followeth From a stringie roote creeping farre vnder ground and rising vp againe in many places springeth vp diuers heads of long folded leaues of a grayish ouer-worne greene colour two or three for the most part together and not aboue compassing one another at the bottome and abiding greene in many places all the Winter otherwhere perishing and rising anew in the Spring which leaues rise vp with the great round stalke being set thereon at the ioynts vsually but one at a ioynt broad at the bottome where they compasse the stalke and smaller and smaller to the end at the vpper ioynt which is the toppe of the stalke there stand two or three such like leaues but smaller from among which breaketh out a dozen sixteene or twenty or more round green heads hanging downe their heads by little foot-stalkes which when the flower beginneth to blow open groweth longer and standeth vpright hauing three small pale greene leaues for a huske and three other leaues within them for the flower which lay themselues open flat of a deepe blew purple colour hauing an vmbone or small head in the middle closely set about with six reddish hairy or feathered threeds tipt with yellow pendents this flower openeth it selfe in the day shutteth vsually at night and neuer openeth againe but perisheth and then hangeth downe his head againe the greene huske of three leaues closing it selfe againe into the forme of a head but greater as it was before the middle vmbone growing to bee the seede vessell wherein is contained small blackish long seede Seldome shall any man see aboue one or two at the most of these flowers blowne open at one time vpon the stalke whereby it standeth in flowring a long time before all the heads haue giuen out their flowers The Place This plant groweth in some parts of Virginia and was deliuered to Iohn Tradescant The Time It flowreth from the end of May vntill Iuly if it haue had greene leaues all the Winter or otherwise vntill the Winter checke his luxuriousnesse The Names Vnto this plant I confesse I first imposed the name by considering duely all the parts thereof which vntill some can finde a more proper I desire may still continue and to call it Ephemerum Virginianum Tradescanti Iohn Tradescante's Spider-wort of Virginia or Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum The soone fading or Day Spider-wort of Virginia The Vertues There hath not beene any tryall made of the properties since wee had it nor doe we know whether the Indians haue any vse thereof CHAP. XVI Colchicum Medowe Saffron TO returne to the rest of the bulbous and tuberous rooted plants that remaine to bee entreated of the Colchica or Medowe Saffrons are first to bee handled whereof these later dayes haue found out more varieties then formerly were knowne some flowring in
fertile This I thought good from the true relation of a friend to giue the world to vnderstand that truth might expell errour The Vertues These haue not been knowne to bee vsed to any Physicall purpose but wholly neglected vnlesse some may eate them as Clusius reporteth CHAP. XIX Iris bulbosa The bulbous Flowerdeluce THe Flowerdeluces that haue bulbous rootes are of two sorts the one greater then the other the greater bearing larger and broader leaues and flowers and the lesser narrower But before I giue you the descriptions of the vsuall greater kindes I must needes place one or two in the fore-front that haue no fellowes the one is called of Clusius his broad leafed Flowerdeluce and the other a Persian somewhat like vnto it which although they differ notably from the rest yet they haue the nearest resemblance vnto those greater kindes that come next after them Iris bulbosa prima latifolia Clusij Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce hath diuers long and broad leaues not stiffe like all the other but soft and greenish on the vpperside and whitish vnderneath among which rise vp sometimes seuerall small short slender stalkes and sometimes but one not aboue halfe a foote high bearing at the top one flower a peece somewhat like vnto a Flowerdeluce consisting of nine leaues whereof those three that stand vpright are shorter and more closed together then in other sorts of Flowerdeluces the other three that fall downe turne vp their ends a little and those three that in other Flowerdeluces doe couer them at the bottome stand like the vpright leaues of other Flowerdeluces but are parted into two ends like vnto two small eares the whole flower is of a faire blew or pale skie colour in most with a long stripe in the middle of each of the three falling leaues and in some white but more seldome the roote is reasonable great round and white vnder the blackish coates wherewith it is couered hauing many long thicke white rootes in stead of fibres which make them seeme to be Asphodill rootes The flower is very sweete Iris bulbosa Persica The Persian bulbous Flowerdeluce This Persian Flowerdeluce is somewhat like vnto the former both in roote and in leafe but that the leaues are shorter and narrower and the flower being much about the same fashion is of a pale blew russetish colour each of the three lower falling leaues are almost wholly of a browne purple colour with a yellow spot in the middle of them this as it is very rare so it seldome beareth flowers with vs. The Place The first groweth in many places of Spaine and Portugall from whence I and others haue often had it for our Gardens but by reason of the tendernesse thereof it doth hardly endure the sharpnesse of our cold Winters vnlesse it be carefully preserued The other is said to come from Persia and therefore it is so entituled and is as tender to be kept as the other The Time The first flowreth most vsually not vntill May with vs yet many times sooner but in Ianuary and February as Clusius saith in the naturall places thereof The other is as early oftentimes when it doth flower with vs. The Names Because Clusius by good iudgement referreth the first to the greater kindes of Flowerdeluces and placeth it in the fore ranke calling it Iris bulbosa latifolia prima that is The first broad leafed Flowerdeluce and all others doe the like I haue as you see in the like manner put it before all the other and keepe the same name The Spaniards as he saith called it Lirio espadanal and they of Corduba Lirios azules The other hath no other name then as it is in the title 1. Iris bulbosa maior siue Anglica caerulea The blew English bulbous Flowerdeluce This bulbous Flowerdeluce riseth vp early euen in Ianuary oftentimes with fiue or six long and narrow in comparison of any great breadth but in regard of the other kinde broad whitish green leaues crested or straked on the backside and halfe round the inside being hollow like a trough or gutter white all along the inside of the leafe and blunt at the end among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke a cubit or two foot high at the toppe whereof out of a skinnie huske commeth forth one or two flowers consisting of nine leaues a peece three whereof that are turned downewards are larger and broader then the other hauing in each of them a yellow spot about the middle of the leafe other three are small hollow ridged or arched couering the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues turning vp their ends which are diuided into two parts other three stand vpright and are very small at the bottome of them and broader toward the toppe the whole flower is of a faire blew colour after the flowers are past come vp three square heads somewhat long and lanke or loose containing in them round yellowish seede which when it is ripe will rattle by the shaking of the winde in the dry huskes the roote of this kinde is greater and longer then any of the smaller kindes with narrow leaues couered with diuers browne skinnes which seeme to be fraught with long threeds like haires especially at the small or vpper end of the roote which thing you shall not finde in any of the smaller kindes 2. Iris bulbosa maior purpurea purpurâ— violacea The paler or deeper purple great bulbous Flowerdeluce These purple Flowerdeluces differ not from the last described either in roote or leafe the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers which in these are somewhat larger then in the former and in the one of a deepe blew or Violet purple colour and in the other of a deepe purple colour in all other things alike There is also another in all other things like vnto the former but only in the flower Flore cinereo which is of a pale or bleake blew which we call an ash-colour 3. Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata siue striata The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce There is another of the purple kinde whose flower is purple but with some veines or stripes of a deeper Violet colour diuersly running through the whole leaues of the flower And another of that bleake blew or ash-colour Flore cinereo striata purpureo Flore purpuâ—eo orbe cinereo with lines and veines of purple in the leaues of the flowers some more or lesse then other And againe another whose flower is of a purple colour like vnto the second but that round about that yellow spot in the middle of each of the three falling leaues as is vsuall in all the bulbous Flowerdeluces there is a circle of a pale blew or ash-colour the rest of the leafe remaining purple as the other parts of the flower is 4. Iris bulbosa maior flore rubente The great peach coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce There is another of these greater kindes more rare then any of
are in some of a pure white in others paler or somewhat yellowish through the whole flower except the yellow frize or thrume in the middle of euery one of the falling leaues after the flowers are past come forth great heads containing within them round pale seed the roote is small according to the proportion of the plant aboue ground but made after the fashion of the greater kindes with tuberous peeces spreading from the sides and strong fibres or strings whereby they are fastened in the ground 2. Chamaeiris latifolia maior purpurea The greater purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce There is no difference either in roote leafe or forme of flower in this from the former dwarfe kinde but onely in the colour of the flower which in some is of a very deepe or blacke Violet purple both the toppes and the fals in others the Violet purple is more liuely and in some the vpper leaues are blew and the lower leaues purple yet all of them haue that yellow frize or thrume in the middle of the falling leaues that the other kindes haue Altera There is another that beareth purple flowers that might be reckoned for the smalnesse and shortnesse of his stalke to the next kinde but that the flowers and leaues of this are as large as any of the former kindes of the smaller Flowerdeluces 3. Chamaeiris latifolia minor alba The lesser white dwarfe Flowerdeluce There is also another sort of these Flowerdeluces whose leaues and flowers are lesse and wherein there is much variety The leaues of this kinde are all for the most part somewhat smaller narrower and shorter then the former the stalke with the flower vpon it scarce riseth aboue the leaues so that in most of them it may be rather called a foote-stalke such as the Saffron flowers haue and are therefore called of manie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without stalkes the flowers are like vnto the first described of the dwarfe kindes and of a whitish colour with a few purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues and a list of greene in the falling leaues Stramiâ—â—a Another hath the flowers of a pale yellow called a Straw colour with whitish stripes and veines in the fals and purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues 4. Chamaeiris latifolia minor purpurea The lesser purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce The difference of this from the former consisteth more in the colour then forme of the flower which is of a deep Violet purple sometimes paler and sometimes so deep that it almost seemeth blacke And sometimes the fals purplish and the vpper leaues blew Some of these haue a sweete sent and some none Caerulea There is another of a fine pale or delayed blew colour throughout the whole flower 5. Chamaeiris latifolia minor suaeuerubens The lesser blush coloured dwarfe Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce hath the falling leaues of the flower of a reddish colour and the thrumes blew the vpper and arched leaues of a fine pale red or flesh colour called a blush colour in all other things it differeth not and smelleth little or nothing at all 6. Chamaeiris latifolia minor lutea versicolor The lesser yellow variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce The falling leaues of this Flowerdeluce are yellowish with purple lines from the middle downewards sometimes of a deeper and sometimes of a paler colour and white thrumes in the middle the vpper leaues are likewise of a yellowish colour with purple lines in them And sometimes the yellow colour is paler and the lines both in the vpper and lower leaues of a dull or dead purple colour 3. Chamaeiris latifolia minor caerulea versicolor The lesser blew variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce The vpper leaues of this flower are of a blewish yellow colour spotted with purple in the broad part and at the bottome very narrow the falling leaues are spread ouer with pale purplish lines and a small shew of blew about the brimmes the thrume is yellow at the bottome and blewish aboue the arched leaues are of a blewish white being a little deeper on the ridge And sometimes the vpper leaues are of a paler blew rather whitish with the yellow both these haue no sent at all 8. Chamaeiris marina purpurea The purple dwarfe Sea Flowerdeluce This small Flowerdeluce is like vnto the narrow leafed Sea Flowerdeluce before described both in roote leafe and flower hauing no other difference but in the smalnesse and lownesse of the growing being of the same purple colour with it 9. Chamaeiris angustifolia maior The greater Grasse Flowerdeluce This Grasse Flowerdeluce hath many long and narrow darke greene leaues not so stiffe as the former but lither and bending their ends downe againe among which rise vp diuers stalkes bearing at the toppe two or three sweete flowers as small as any of them set downe before of a reddish purple colour with whitish yellow and purple strakes downe the middle of the falling leaues the arched leaues are of a horse flesh colour all along the edges and purple vpon the ridges and tips that turne vp againe vnder these appeare three browne aglets like vnto birds tongues the three vpper leaues are small and narrow of a perfect purple or Violet colour the heads for seede haue sharper and harder cornered edges then the former the seedes are somewhat grayish like the former and so are the rootes being small blacke and hard growing thicke together fastened in the ground with small blackish hard strings which hardly shoote againe if the roote be remoued 10. Chamaeiris angustifolia minor The lesser Grasse Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce is in leaues flowers and rootes so like the last described that but onely it is smaller and lower it is not to be distinguished from the other And this may suffice for these sorts of Flowerdeluces that furnish the Gardens of the curious louers of these varieties of nature so farre forth as hath passed vnder our knowledge There are some other that may be referred hereunto but they belong to another history and therefore I make no mention of them in this place The Place The places of most of these are set downe in their seuerall titles for some are out of Turkie others out of Hungaria Dalmatia Illyria c. as their names doe import Those that grow by the Sea are found in Spaine and France The Time Some of these do flower in Aprill some in May and some not vntill Iune The Names The names expressed are the fittest agreeing vnto them and therefore it is needlesse againe to repeate them Many of the rootes of the former or greater kindes being dryed are sweete yet some more then other and some haue no sent at all but aboue all the rest that with the white flower called of Florence is accounted of all to be the sweetest root fit to be vsed to make sweete powders c. calling it by the name of Orris rootes Iris tuberosa The Veluet Flowerdeluce Vnto the Family of Flowerdeluces I must needes ioyne this peculiar
vnto this kinde or as it were betweene this and the first kinde of these great double Anemones we haue diuers other sorts bearing flowers very thicke and double some of them being white or whitish or purple deeper or paler and some of a reddish colour tending to Scarlet or a Carnation colour and some also of a blush or flesh colour and diuers other colours and all of them continue constant in their colours Anemone Cacumeni Maringi siue Persica The double Persian Anemone This rare Anemone which is said to come out of Persia to Constantinople and from thence to vs is in leafe and roote very like vnto the former double Anemones before described onely the flower hereof is rather like vnto the second great double Orenge coloured Anemone vsually called Pauo maior flore pleno being composed of three rowes of leaues the outtermost rowe consisting of ten or twelue larger leaues and those more inward lesser and more in number but all of them variably mixed with white red and yellow hauing the bottomes of the leaues white but instead of a middle head with thrums about it as the other hath this hath a few narrow leaues of a deepe yellow colour in the middle of the flower standing vpright Hauing thus farre proceeded in the two parts of the kindes of Anemones or Wind-flowers it remaineth to entreate of the rest which is those Anemones which haue thin cut leaues whereof some haue reckoned vp thirty sorts with single flowers which I confesse I haue not seene but so many as haue come to my knowledge I shall here set downe Anemone tenuifolia siue Geranifolia caerulea The Watchet Anemone or Storkes bill leafed Windflower This first Windflower with thin cut leaues riseth not out of the ground vntil the great Winter frost be past that is about the middle or end of February and are somewhat brownisâ—â—t their first appearing but afterwards spread into wings of greene leaues somâ—what broader then the rest that follow diuided into three parts each part into â—ree leaues euery one cut in about the edges one standing against another vpon a long slender foote-stalke and the end leafe by it selfe among these riseth vp two or three greene stalkes garnished with such like thin leaues as are at the bottome from aboue which rise the flowers but one vpon a stalke consisting of fourteene or fifteene small pale blew or watchet leaues lesser then any of the single kindes that follow compassing many whitish threads and a small greene head in the middle somewhat like the head of the wilde Crowfoote wherein is contained such like seede the roote is blackish without thrusting out into long tuberous peeces somewhat like vnto some of the broad leafed Anemones Alba. Of this kinde there is another whose leaues are not browne at their first rising but greene and the flowers are white in other things not differing Anemone tenuifolia purpurea vulgaris The ordinary purple Anemone with thin leaues This purple Anemone which is most common and therefore the lesse regarded hath many winged leaues standing vpon seuerall stalkes cut and diuided into diuers leaues much like vnto the leaues of a Carrot among which rise vp stalkes with some leaues thereon as is vsuall to the whole Family of Anemones both wilde and tame as is before said at the toppes whereof stand the flowers made of six leaues most vsually but sometimes they will haue seuen or eight being very large and of a perfect purple Violet colour very faire and liuely the middle head hath many blackish thrums or threads about it which I could neuer obserue in my Gardens to beare seed the roote is smaller and more spreading euery way into small long flat tuberous parts then any other kindes of single or double Anemones Carnea pallida There is another very like in leafe and roote vnto the former but the flower is nothing so large and is whitish tending to a blush colour and of a deeper blush colour toward the bottome of the flower with blackish blew thrums in the middle and giueth no seede that I could euer obserue Carnea viuida vnguibus albis There is likewise another like vnto the last in leafe and flower but that the flower is larger then it and is of a liuely blush colour the leaues hauing white bottomes Alba venis purpureis And another whose flower is white with purple coloured veines and stripes through euery leafe and is a lesser flower then the other Anemone tenuifolia coccinea simplex The single Scarlet Anemone with thin leaues The leaues of this Scarlet Windflower are somewhat like vnto the former but a little broader and not so finely cut and diuided the flower consisteth of six reasonable large leaues of an excellent red colour which we call a Scarlet the bottomes of the leaues are large and white and the thrums or threads in the middle of a blackish purple colour the roote is tuberous but consisting of thicker peeces somewhat like vnto the rootes of the broad leafed Anemones but somewhat browne and not so blacke and most like vnto the roote of the double Scarlet Anemone Coccinea absque vnguibus There is another of this kinde whose flower is neare vnto the same colour but this hath no white bottomes at all in his leaues Fâ—oâ—â— hâ—losericeo We haue another which hath as large a flower as any single and is of an Orient deepe red crimson Veluet colour Sanguinea There is another of a deeper red colour and is called The bloud red single Anemone Rubra fundo luteo Coccinea dilutior And another whose flower is red with the bottomes yellow Another of a perfect crimson colour whereof some haue round pointed leaues and others sharpe pointed and some a little lighter or deeper then others Alba staminibus purpureis There is also one whose flower is pure white with blewish purple thrums in the middle Carnea Hispanica And another whose flower is very great of a kinde of sullen blush colour but yet pleasant with blewish threads in the middle Alba carneis venis Alba purpureis vnguibus And another with blush veines in euery leafe of the white flower And another the flower whereof is white the bottomes of the leaues being purple Purpurascens Another whose flower consisteth of many small narrow leaues of a pale purple or blush colour on the outside and somewhat deeper within Facie florum pomi simplex There is another like in leafe and roote vnto the first Scarlet Anemone but the flower hereof consisteth of seuen large leaues without any bottomes of a white colour hauing edges and some large stripes also of a carnation or flesh colour to bee seene in them marked somewhat like an Apple blossome and thereupon it is called in Latine Anemone tenuifolia simplex alba instar florum pomi or facie florum pomi that is to say in English The single thin leafed Anemone with
or woolly long greene leaues abiding greene all the winter and in the end of the spring or beginning of summer shooteth forth two or three hard round woolly stalkes with some ioynts thereon and at euery ioynt two such like hoary greene leaues as those below but smaller diuersly branched at the toppe hauing one flower vpon each seuerall long foot stalke consisting of fiue leaues somewhat broade and round pointed of a perfect red crimson colour standing out of a hard long round huske ridged or crested in foure or fiue places after the flowers are fallen there come vp round hard heads wherein is contained small blackish seed the roote is small long and wooddy with many fibres annexed vnto it and shooteth forth anew oftentimes yet perisheth often also 2. Lychnis Coronaria alba simplex The white Rose Campion The white Rose Campion is in all things like the red but in the colour of the flower which in this is of a pure white colour 3. Lichnis Coronaria albescens siue incarnata maculata non maculata The blush Rose Campion spotted and not spotted Like vnto the former also are these other sorts hauing no other difference to distinguish them but the flowers which are of a pale or bleake whitish blush colour especially about the brims as if a very little red were mixed with a great deale of white the middle of the flower being more white the one being spotted all ouer the flower with small spots and streakes the other not hauing any spot at all 4. Lychnis Coronaria rubra multiplex The double red Rose Campion The double red Rose Campion is in all respects like vnto the single red kinde but that this beareth double flowers consisting of two or three rowes of leaues at the most which are not so large as the single and the whole plant is more tender that is more apt to perish then any of the single kindes 5. Lychnis Chalcedonica flore simplici miniato Single Nonesuch or Flower of Bristow or Constantinople This Campion of Constantinople hath many broad and long greene leaues among which rise vp sundry stiffe round hairy ioynted stalks three foot high with two leaues euery ioynt the flowers stand at the toppes of them very many together in a large tuft or vmbell consisting of fiue small long leaues broade pointed and notched-in in the middle of a bright red orenge colour which being past there come in their places small hard whitish heads or seede vessels containing blacke seede like vnto the seede of sweet Williams and hauing but a small sent the roote is very stringie fastening it selfe very strongly in the ground whereby it is much encreased Of the single kinde there is also two or three other sorts Flore albo differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers The one is pure white Another is of a blush colour wholly Et carneo without variation And a third is very variable for at the first it is of a pale red Versicolor and after a while groweth paler vntill in the end it become almost fully white and all these diuersities of the flowers are sometimes to bee seene on one stalke at one and the same time 6. Lychnis Chalcedonica flore miniato pleno Double Flower of Bristow or Nonesuch This glorious flower being as rare as it is beautifull is for rootes beeing stringie for leaues and stalkes being hairy and high and for the flowers growing in tufts altogether like the first single kinde but herein consisteth the chiefest difference that this beareth a larger vmbell or tuft of flowers at the toppe of the stalke euery flower consisting of three or foure rowes of leaues of a deeper orenge colour then it which addeth the more grace vnto it but passeth away without bearing seede as most other double flowers doe yet recompenceth that defect with encrease from the roote 7. Lychnis plumaria siluestris simplex multiplex The featherd wilde Campion single and double The leaues of this wilde Campion are somewhat like the ordinary white wilde Campion but not so large or rather resembling the leaues of sweete Williams but that they grow not so close nor so many together the stalkes haue smaller leaues at the ioynts then those belowe and branched at the toppe with many pale but bright red flowers iagged or cut in on the edges like the feathered Pinke whereof some haue taken it to be a kinde and some for a kinde of wilde William but yet is but a wilde Campion as may be obserued both by his huske that beareth the flowers and by the grayish roundish seede being not of the Family of Pinkes and Gillowers but as I said of the Campions the roote is full of strings or fibres Flore pleno The double kinde is very like vnto the single kinde but that it is lower and smaller and the flowers very double 8. Lychnis siluestris flore pleno rubro Red Batchelours buttons The double wilde Campion which of our Countrey Gentlewomen is called Batchelours buttons is very like both in rootes leaues stalkes and flowers vnto the ordinary wilde red Campion but somewhat lesser his flowers are not iagged but smooth and very thicke and double so that most commonly it breaketh his short huske wherein the flower standeth on the one side seldome hauing a whole huske and are of a reddish colour 9. Lychnis siluestris flore albo pleno White Batchelours buttons As the leaues of the former double Campion was like vnto the single kinde that had red flowers so this hath his leaues like vnto the single white kinde differing in no other thing from it but in the doublenesse of the flowers which by reason of the multiplicity of leaues in them thrusting forth together breaketh his huskes wherein the flowers doe stand as the other doth and hath scarce one flower in many that is whole 10. Ocymoides arborea semper virens Strange Bassil Campion This Strange Campion for thereunto it must bee referred shooteth forth many round whitish wooddy but brittle stalkes whereon stand diuers long and somewhat thicke leaues set by couples narrow at the bottome and broader toward the point of a very faire greene and shining colour so that there is more beauty in the greene leaues which doe so alwaies abide then in the flowers which are of a pale red or blush colour consisting of fiue small long broad pointed leaues notched in the middle which doe not lye close but loosly as it were hanging ouer the huskes after the flowers are past there come heads that containe blackish seede the roote is small hard white and threadie 11. Muscipula Lobelij siue Ben rubrum Monspeliensium Lobels Catch Flie. I must needes insert this small plant to finish this part of the Campions whereunto it belongeth being a pretty toye to furnish and decke out a Garden It springeth vp if it haue beene once sowne and suffered to shed in the later end of the yeare most commonly or else in the Spring with
smoother and thicker and not at all indented or cut in on the edges the flowers are like the former but of a sullen pale colour turning themselues and seldome lying plaine open hauing many purple veines and streakes running through the leaues of the flowers of little or no sent in the day time but of a very sweete sent in the euening and morning the seedes are alike also but a little browner 1 Leucoium Melancholicum Sullen Stocke-Gilloflowers 2 Leucoium sativum flore pleno Double Stocke-Gilloflowers 3 Leucoium sativum flore pleno vario Party coloured Stocke-Gilloflowers 4 Leucoium marinum Syriacum Leuant Stocke-Gilloflowers 5 Hesperis vulgaris Dames Violets or Winter Gilloflowers 6 Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virginiana The tree Primrose of Virginia 7 Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach The white Sattin flower 3. Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virgiana The tree Primrose of Virginia Vnto what tribe or kindred I might referre this plant I haue stood long in suspence in regard I make no mention of any other Lysimachia in this work lest therfore it should lose all place let me ranke it here next vnto the Dames Violets although I confesse it hath little affinity with them The first yeare of the sowing the seede it abideth without any stalke or flowers lying vpon the ground with diuers long and narrow pale greene leaues spread oftentimes round almost like a Rose the largest leaues being outermost and very small in the middle about May the next yeare the stalke riseth which will be in Summer of the height of a man and of a strong bigge size almost to a mans thumbe round from the bottome to the middle where it groweth crested vp to the toppe into as many parts as there are branches of flowers euery one hauing a small leafe at the foote thereof the flowers stand in order one aboue another round about the tops of the stalks euery one vpon a short foot-stalke consisting of foure pale yellow leaues smelling somewhat like vnto a Primrose as the colour is also which hath caused the name and standing in a greene huske which parteth it selfe at the toppe into foure parts or leaues and turne themselues downewards lying close to the stalke the flower hath some chiues in the middle which being past there come in their places long and cornered pods sharpe pointed at the vpper end and round belowe opening at the toppe when it is ripe into fiue parts wherein is contained small brownish seed the roote is somewhat great at the head and wooddy and branched forth diuersly which perisheth after it hath borne seede The Place The two first grow for the most part on Hils and in Woods but with vs in Gardens onely The last as may be well vnderstood by the title came out of Virginia The Time They flower in May Iune and Iuly The Names The name of Hesperis is imposed by most Herbarists vpon the two first plants although it is not certainly knowne to be the same that Theophrastus doth make mention of in his sixth Booke and twenty fiue Chapter de causis plantarum but because this hath the like effects to smell best in the euening it is as I said imposed vpon it It is also called Viola Marina Matronalis Hyemalis Damascena and Muschatella In English Dames Violets Queens Gilloflowers and Winter Gilloflowers The last hath his Latine name in the title as is best agreeing with it and for the English although it be too foolish I confesse yet it may passe for this time till a fitter be giuen vnlesse you please to follow the Latine and call it Virginia Loose-strife The Vertues I neuer knew any among vs to vse these kindes of Violets in Physicke although by reason of the sharpe biting taste Dodonaeus accounteth the ordinary sort to be a kinde of Rocket and saith it prouoketh sweating and vrine and others affirme it to cut digest and cleanse tough flegme The Virginian hath not beene vsed by any that I know either inwardly or outwardly CHAP. XLII Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach The Sattin flower VNto the kindes of Stocke-Gilloflowers I thinke fittest to adioyne these kindes of Sattin-flowers whereof there are two sorts one frequent enough in all our Countrie the other is not so common 1. Viola Lunaris vulgaris The common white Sattin flower The first of those Sattin flowers which is the most common hath his leaues broad belowe and pointed at the end snipt about the edges and of a darke greene colour the stalkes are round and hard two foot high or higher diuided into many branches set with the like leaues but smaller the tops of the branches are beset with many purplish flowers like vnto Dames Violets or Stocke-Gilloflowers but larger being of little sent after the flowers are past there come in their places round flat thin cods of a darke colour on the outside but hauing a thinne middle skinne that is white and cleare shining like vnto very pure white Sattin it selfe whereon lye flat and round brownish seede somewhat thicke and great the rootes perish when they haue giuen their seede and are somewhat round long and thicke resembling the rootes of Lilium non bulbosum or Day Lilly which are eaten as diuers other rootes are for Sallets both in our owne Country and in many places beside 2. Viola Lunaris altera seu peregrina Long liuing Sattin flower This second kinde hath broader and longer leaues then the former the stalkes also are greener and higher branching into flowers of a paler purple colour almost white consisting of foure leaues in like manner and smelling pretty sweete bearing such like pods but longer and slenderer then they the rootes are composed of many long strings which dye not as the former but abide and shoot out new stalkes euery yeare The Place The first is as is said frequent enough in Gardens and is found wilde in some places of our owne Country as Master Gerard reporteth whereof I neuer could be certainly assured but I haue had it often sent mee among other seedes from Italy and other places The other is not so common in Gardens but found about Watford as he saith also The Time They flower in Aprill or May and sometimes more early The Names It hath diuers names as well in English as in Latine for it is called most vsually Bolbonach and Viola Lunaris Of some Viola latifolia and of others Viola Peregrina and Lunaria Graeca Lunaria maior and Lunaria odorata and is thought to be Thlaspi Crateuae In English White Satten or Satten flower Of some it is called Honesty and Penny-flower The Vertues Some doe vse to eate the young rootes hereof before they runne vp to flower as Rampions are eaten with Vinegar and Oyle but wee know no Physicall vse they haue CHAP. XLIII Linum siluestre Linaria Wilde Flaxe and Tode Flaxe ALthough neither the manured Line or Flaxe is a plant fit for our Garden nor many of the wilde sorts yet there are some whose pleasant and delightfull aspect doth entertaine the
and encrease much Thalictrum Montanum purpureum Purple tufted Colombines This purple tufted Colombine differeth onely from the former in that it is not so high nor so large and that the colour of the flower or tuft is of a blewish purple colour with yellow tips and is much more rare then the other The Place These grow both in Spaine and Italie The Time They flower in the end of May or in Iune and sometime later The Names Some doe call them Thalietrum and some Thalictrum Others Ruta paâ—ustris and Ruta pratensis and some Rhabarbarum Monachorum or Pseudo-rhabarbarum by reason that the rootes being yellow haue an opening qualitie and drying as Rubarbe In English what other fit Names to giue these then I haue expressed in the titles I know not The Vertues The are a little hot and drying withall good for old Vlcers as Dioscorides saith to bring them to cicatrising in Italy they are vsed against the Plague and in Saxonye against the Iaundise as Camerarius saith CHAP. XLVIII Radix caua Hollow roote THe likenesse of the leaues likewise of this plant with Colombines hath caused mee to insert it next the other and although some of this kinde bee of small respect being accounted but foolish yet let it fill vp a waste corner that so no place be vnfurnished 1. Radix Caua maior flore albo The white Hollow roote The leaues of this hollow roote breake not out of the ground vntill the end of March or seldome before and are both for proportion and colour somewhat like vnto the leaues of Colombines diuided into fiue parts indented about the edges standing on small long footestalkes of a whitish greene colour among which rise vp the stalkes without any leaues from the bottome to the middle where the flowers shoote forth one aboue another with euery one a small short leafe at the foote thereof which are long and hollow with a spurre behinde it somewhat like vnto the flowers of Larckes spurres but hauing their bellies somwhat bigger and the mouth not so open being all of a pure white colour after the flowers are past arise small long and round cods wherein are contained round blackish seede the roote is round and great of a yellowish browne colour on the outside and more yellow within and hollow vnderneath so that it seemeth but a shell yet being broken euery part will grow it abideth greene aboue ground but a small time 2. Radix Caua maior flore carneo Blush colourd Hollow roote The blush Hollow roote is in all things like vnto the former but onely that the flowers hereof are of a delayed red or purple colour which we call blush and sometimes of a very deepe red or purple colour but very rare to meete with 3. Radix Caua minor seu Capuos fabacea radice Small hollow roote This small kinde hath his leaues of a blewish greene colour yet greener and smaller then the former growing more thicke together the flowers are like in proportion vnto the former in all respects but lesser hauing purplish backes and white bellyes standing closer and thicker together vpon the short stalkes the roote is solid or firme round and a little long withall two being vsually ioyned together yellowish both within and without but I haue seene the dry roots that came from beyond Sea hither that haue beene as small as hasell nuts and somewhat flat with the roundnesse differing from those that growe with vs whether the nature thereof is to alter by manuring I know not The Place The greater kindes Clusius reporteth he found in many places of Hungarie and the other parts neere thereunto the lesser in the lower Germany or Low Countries as we call them The Time These are most truely to bee reckoned Vernall plants for that they rise not out of the ground vntill the Spring bee come in and are gone likewise before it be past remaining vnder ground all the rest of the yeare yet the lesser abideth longer aboue ground then the greater The Names Concerning the former of these there is a controuersie among diuers whether it should be Thesium of Theophrastus or Eriphium of Galen but here is no fit place to trauerse those opinions Some would haue it to bee Corydalis and some referre it to Plinie his Capuos Cheledonia for the likenesse it hath both with Fumeterie and Celandine It is generally called of all moderne Writers Radix Caua and we in English thereafter Hollow roote The lesser for the firmenesse of his round roote is vsually called Capuos fabacea radice and the Dutch men thereafter Boonkens Hollwortell we of the likenesse with the former doe call it the lesse Hollow roote The Vertues Some by the bitternesse doe coniecture for little proofe hath beene had thereof but in outward cases that it clenseth purgeth and dryeth withall CHAP. XLIX Delphinium Larkes heeles OF Larkes heeles there are two principall kindes the wilde kinde and the tame or garden the wilde kinde is of two sorts one which is with vs noursed vp chiefly in gardens and is the greatest the other which is smaller and lower often found in our plowed landes and elsewhere of the former of these wilde sorts there are double as well as single and of the tame or more vpright double also and single and of each of diuers colours as shall be set downe 1. Delphinium maius siue vulgare The ordinary Larkes heeles The common Larkes heele spreadeth with many branches much more ground then the other rather leaning or bending downe to the ground then standing vpright whereon are set many small long greene leaues finely cut almost like Fennell leaues the branches end in a long spike of hollow flowers with a long spurre behinde them very like vnto the flowers of the Hollow roote last described and are of diuers seuerall colours as of a blewish purple colour or white or ash colour or red paler or deeper Varietas as also party coloured of two colours in a flower after the flowers are past which in this kinde abide longer then in the other there come long round cods containing very blacke seede the root is hard after it groweth vp to seede spreading both abroad and deepe and perisheth euery yeare vsually raising it selfe from it own sowing as well as from the seede sowen in the spring time 2. Delphinium vulgare flore pleno Double common Larkes heeles Of this vulgar kinde there is some difference in the flower although in nothing else the flowers stand many vpon a stalke like the former but euery one of them are as if three or foure small flowers were ioyned together with euery one his spurre behinde the greatest flower being outermost and as it were containing the rest which are of a pale red or deepe blush colour Another of this kinde will beare his flowers with three or foure rowes of leaues in the middle making a double flower with one spurre behinde onely and of this kinde there is both with purple blew blush
the rest with their variety and mixture of colours in the flowers wherein consisteth a chiefe difference I account those that are called Carnations to be the greatest both for leafe and flower and Gilloflowers for the most part to bee lesser in both and therefore will giue you each description apart and the Orenge tawnie or yellow Gilloflower likewise by it selfe as differing very notably from all the rest 1. Caryophyllus maximus Harwicensis siue Anglicus The great Harwich or old English Carnation I take this goodly great old English Carnation as a president for the description of all the rest of the greatest sorts which for his beauty and statelinesse is worthy of a prime place hauing beene alwayes very hardly preserued in the Winter and therefore not so frequent as the other Carnations or Gilloflowers It riseth vp with a great thicke round stalke diuided into seuerall branches somewhat thickly set with ioynts and at euery ioynt two long greene rather then whitish leaues somewhat broader then Gilloflower leaues turning or winding two or three times round in some other sorts of Carnations they are plaine but bending the points downewards and in some also of a darke reddish greene colour and in others not so darke but rather of a whitish greene colour the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes in long great and round greene huskes which are diuided into fiue points out of which rise many long and broad pointed leaues deeply iagged at the ends set in order round and comely making a gallant great double flower of a deepe Carnation colour almost red spotted with many blush spots and strakes some greater and some lesser of an excellent soft sweete sent neither too quicke as many others of these kinds are nor yet too dull and with two whitish crooked threads like hornes in the middle this kinde neuer beareth many flowers but as it is slow in growing so in bearing not to be often handled which sheweth a kinde of statelinesse fit to preserue the opinion of magnificence the roote is branched into diuers great long wooddy rootes with many small fibres annexed vnto them 2. Caryophyllus hortensis flore pleno rubro The red or Cloue Gilloflower The red Cloue Gilloflower which I take as a president for the second sort which are Gilloflowers grow like vnto the Carnations but not so thicke set with ioynts and leaues the stalkes are more the leaues are narrower and whiter for the most part and in some doe as well a little turne the flowers are smaller yet very thicke and double in most and the greene huskes wherein they stand are smaller likewise then the former the ends of the leaues in this flower as in all the rest are dented or iagged yet in some more then in others some also hauing two small white threads crooked at the ends like hornes in the middle of the flower when as diuers other haue none These 1 Caryophyllus maximus rubro varius The great old Carnation or gray Hulo 2 Caryophyllus maior rubro albo varius The white Carnation 3 Caryophyllus albo rubeus The Cambersiâ—â— or the Poole flower 4 Caryophyllus Câ—â—tij striatus The faire made of Kent 5 Caryophyllus Sabaâ—dicus carnâ—â—â— The blush Sauadge 6 Caryophyllus Xeraâ—pelinus The Gredeline Carnation 7 Caryophyllus dictus Grimelo The Grimelo or Prince 8 Caryophyllus albus maior The great white Gilloflower 6 Elegans Hâ—roina Bradshawij Master Bradshâ—wes dainty Lady kindes and especially this that hath a deepe red crimson coloured flower doe endure the cold of our winters and with lesse care is preserued these sorts as well as the former doe very seldome giue any seede as far as I could euer obserue or learne 3. Caryophyllus Silesiacus flore pleno miniato The yellow or Orenge tawny Gilloflower This Gilloflower hath his stalkes next vnto the ground thicker set and with smaller or narrower leaues then the former for the most part the flowers are like vnto the Cloue Gilloflowers and about the same bignesse and doublenesse most vsually yet in some much greater then in others but of a pale yellowish Carnation colour tending to an Orenge with two small white threds crooked at the ends in the middle yet some haue none of a weaker sent then the Cloue Gilloflower this kinde is more apt to beare seede then any other which is small black flat and long and being sowen yeelde wonderfull varieties both of single and double flowers some being of a lighter or deeper colour then the mother plants some with stripes in most of the leaues Others are striped or spotted like a speckled Carnation or Gilloflower in diuers sorts both single and double Some againe are wholly of the same colour like the mother plant and are eyther more or lesse double then it or else are single with one row of leaues like vnto a Pinck and some of these likewise eyther wholly of a crimson red deeper or lighter or variably spotted double or single as a Pinck or blush eyther single or double and but very seldome white yet all of them in their greene leaues little or nothing varying or differing Cariophylli maximi CARNATIONS Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo rubro-varius THe gray Hulo hath as large leaues as the former old Carnation and as deepely iagged on the edges it hath a great high stalke whereon stand the flowers of a deepe red colour striped and speckled very close together with a darkish white colour Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo ruber non variatus The red Hulo is also a faire great flower of a stamell colour deeply iagged as the former and groweth very comely without any spot at all in it so that it seemeth to bee but a stamell Gilloflower saue that it is much greater Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo caeruleo purpureus The blew Hulo is a goodly faire flower being of a faire purplish murrey colour curiously marbled with white but so smally to be discerned that it seemeth only purple it hath so much the Mastrie in it it resembleth the Brassill but that it is much bigger Caryophyllus maximus dictus Grimelo siue Princeps The Grimelo or Prince is a faire flower also as large as any Chrystall or larger being of a faire crimson colour equally for the most part striped with white or rather more white then red thorough euery leafe from the bottome and standeth comely Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus albus The white Carnation or Delicate is a goodly delightfull fair flower in his pride and perfection that is when it is both marbled and flaked or striped and speckled with white vpon an incarnate crimson colour beeing a very comely flower but abideth not constant changing oftentimes to haue no flakes or strakes of white but marbled or speckled wholly Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus Gallicus The French Carnation is very like vnto the white Carnation but that it hath more specks and fewer stripes or flakes of white in the red which hath the mastrie of the white Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus
the head CHAP. LXXIII Scabiosa Scabious THe sorts of Scabious being many yeeld not flowers of beauty or respect fit to bee cherished in this our Garden of delight and therefore I leaue them to the Fields and Woods there to abide I haue onely two or three strangers to bring to your acquaintance which are worthy this place 1. Scabiosa flore albo White flowred Scabious This white Scabious hath many long leaues very much iagged or gasht in on both sides of a meane bignesse being neither so large as many of the field nor so small as any of the small kindes the stalkes rise about a foote and a halfe high or somewhat higher at the tops whereof grow round heads thicke set with flowers like in all points vnto the field Scabious but of a milke white colour 2. Scabiosa rubra Austriaca Red Scabious of Austria This red Scabious hath many leaues lying vpon the ground very like vnto Deuils bit but not so large being shorter and snipt not gashed about the edges of a light greene colour yet there is another of a darker greene colour whose flower is of a deeper red the stalkes haue diuers such leaues on them set by couples at the ioynts as grow belowe and at the tops small heads of flowers each consisting of fiue leaues the biggest flowers standing round about in the outer compasse as is vsuall almost in all the kinds of Scabious or a fine light purple or red colour after the flowers are past come the seede which is somewhat long and round set with certaine haires at the head thereof like vnto a Starre the roote is composed of a number of slender strings fastened at the head 3. Scabiosa rubra Indica Red flowred Indian Scabious This reputed Indian Scabious hath many large faire greene leaues lying on the ground iagged or cut in on both sides to the middle ribbe euery peece whereof is narrower then that at the end which is the broadest among these leaues rise vp sundry slender and weake stalkes yet standing vpright for the most part set with smaller and more iagged leaues at certaine distances two or three at euery ioynt branching forth at the toppe into other smaller branches bearing euery one head of flowers like in forme vnto other Scabiouses but of an excellent deepe red crimson colour and sometimes more pale or delayed of no sent at all after which doe come small roundish seede like vnto the field Scabious the roote is long and round compassed with a great many small strings and perisheth vsually as soone as it hath borne out his flowers and seede otherwise if it doe not flower the first yeare of the sowing if it be carefully defended from the extremity of Winter it will flower the sooner the next yeare as I my selfe haue often found by experience The Place The first is sometimes found wilde in our owne Countrey but it is very geason and hath been sent among other rare seedes from Italy The second was first found and written of by Clusius in Pannonia and Austria where it is very plentifull The third hath been sent both from Spain Italy and is verily thought to grow naturally in both those parts 1 Scabiosa flore albo White flowred Scabious 2 Scabiosa rubra Austriaca Red Scabious of Austria 3 Scabiosa rubra Indica Red flowred Indian Scabious 4 Cyanus vulgaris minor Corn-flower of diuers colours 5 Cyanus â—â—ticus Spanish Corn-flower 6 Cyanus floridus Turcicus The braue Sultans flower 7 Carthamus sativus Spanish Saffron The Time The first and second flower earlier then the last for that it flowreth not vntill September or October vnlesse it be not apt to beare the first yeare as I before said so that many times if none be more forward it perisheth without bearing ripe seede whereby we are oftentimes to seeke new seede from our friends in other parts The Names They haue all one generall name of Scabious distinguished eyther by their flower or place of growing as in their titles yet the last is called of diuers Scabiosa exotica because they thinke the name Indica is not truely imposed vpon it The Vertues Whether these kindes haue any of the vertues of the other wilde kinds I know none haue made any experience and therefore I can say no more of them CHAP. LXXIIII Cyanus Corne flower or blew Bottles VNder the name of Cyanus are comprehended not onely those plants which from the excellent blew colour of their flowerâ— furnishing or rather pestering the Corne fieldes haue peculiarly obtained that name and which doth much vary also in the colour of the flowers as shall be shewed but some other plants also for their neere resemblance but with seuerall distinctions The Cyanus maior Ptarmica Austriaca Ptarmica Imperati and many others which may be adioyned vnto them do more fitly belong to the Garden of Simples whereunto I leaue them and will here only entreate of those that may most please the delight of our Gentle Florists in that I labour and striue to furnish this our garden with the chiefest choyse of natures beauties and delights 1. Cyanus vulgaris diuersorum colorum Corne flower of diuers colours All these sorts of Corne flowers are for the most part alike both in leaues and flowers one vnto another for the forme the difference betweene them consisteth in the varying colour of the flowers For the leaues are long and of a whitish greene colour deeply cut in on the edges in some places somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Scabious the stalkes are two foote high or better beset with such like leaues but smaller and little or nothing slit on the edges the toppes are branched bearing many smal greene scaly heads out of which rise flowers consisting of fiue or sixe or more long and hollow leaues small at the bottome and opening wider and greater at the brims notched or cut in on the edges and standing round about many small threds in the middle the colours of these flowers are diuers and very variable for some are wholly blew or white or blush or of a sad or light purple or of a light or dead red or of an ouerworne purple colour or else mixed of these colours as some the edges white and the rest blew or purple or the edges blew or purple and the rest of the flower white or striped spotted or halfed the one part of one colour and the other of another the threds likewise in the middle varying in many of them for some will haue the middle thrume of a deeper purple then the outer leaues and some haue white or blush leaues the middle thrume being reddish deeper or paler After the flowers are past there come small hard white and shining seede in those heads wrapped or set among a deale of flockie matter as is most vsuall in all plants that beare scaly heads the rootes are long and hard perishing euery yeare when it hath giuen seede 2. Cyanus floridus Turcicus The Sultans
the Easterne Countries beyond it where it hath beene anciently cherished for their foode being often watered to take away the bitternesse It groweth also in these Western parts but still where it is planted The great blew Lupine is thought to come from beyond the parts of Persia in Caramania The lesser blew is found very plentifully wilde in many places both of Spaine and Italy The last hath beene brought vs likewise out of Spaine whereas it is thought it groweth naturally They all grow now in the gardens of those that are curious louers of these delights The Time They flower in Summer and their seede is â—ipe quickly after The Names They are generally called Lupini Plautus in his time saith they were vsed in Comedies in stead of money when in any Scene thereof there was any shew of payment and therefore he calleth them Aurum Comicum And Horace hath this Verse Nec tamen ignorant quid distent aera Lupinis to shew that counterfeit money such as counters are with vs or as these Lupines were vsed in those times was easily knowne from true and currant coine In English wee vsually call them after the Latine name Lupines and some after the Dutch name Figge-beanes because they are flat and round as a Figge that is pressed and some Flat-beanes for the same reason Some haue called the yellow Lupine Spanish Violets but other foolish names haue beene giuen it as Virginia Roses and the like by knauish Gardiners and others to deceiue men and make them beleeue they were the finders out or great preseruers of rarities of no other purpose but to cheate men of their money as you would therefore auoyde knaues and deceiuers beware of these manner of people whereof the skirts of our towne are too pitifully pestered The Vertues The first or ordinary Lupine doth scoure and cleanse the skin from spots morphew blew markes and other discolourings thereof beeing vsed eyther in a decoction or pontâ—er Wee seldome vse it in inward medicines not that it is dangerous but of neglect for formerly it hath beene much vsed for the wormes c. 1 Lupinus maior The great Lupine 2 Lupinus lutâ—us The yellow Lupine 3 Lathyrus laetifolius seu Pisum pereâ—â—â— Pease euerlasting 4 Pisuâ— quadratum The crimson blossomd or square Pease 5 Medica cochleatae vulgaris Snailes or Barbary buttons 6 Medica spinosae Prickly Snailes 7 Medica spinosa altera Another sort oâ— prickly Snailes 8 Medica folliculo lato Broad buttons oâ— Snailes 9 Medica Lunata Halfe Moons 10 Hoâ—â—â—â— clypeatum The red Sattin flower or French Honysuckle 11 Scorpioides minus The lesser Caterpiller 12 Scorpioides maius The greater Caterpiller 13 Orobus Venetus Blew vpright Pease euerlasting 1. Lathyrus latifolius siue Pisum perenne Pease euerlasting This kinde of wilde Pease that abideth long and groweth euery yeare greater then other springeth vp with many broade trayling branches winged as it were on both the sides diuersly diuided into other smaller branches at the seuerall ioynts whereof stand two hard not broad but somewhat long greene leaues and diuers twining claspers in sundry places with the leaues from betweene the branches and the leaues at the ioynts towards the toppes come forth diuers purplish pease like blossomes standing on a long stemme or stalke very beautifull to behold and of a pretty sent or smell after which come small long thin flat hard skind cods containing small round blackish seede the roote is great and thicke growing downe deepe into the ground of the thicknesse sometimes of a mans arme blackish on the outside and whitish within with some branches and a few fibres annexed thereunto 2. Orobus Venetus Blew vpright euerlasting Pease This pretty kinde of Pease blossome beareth diuers slender but vpright greene branches somewhat cornered two foote high or thereabouts hauing at seuerall distances on both sides of them certaine winged leaues set together vpon long footestalkes one against another consisting of six or eight leaues somewhat broade and pointed and without any odde one at the end at the ioynts toward the toppes between the leaues and the stalkes come forth many flowers set together at the end of a pretty long footestalke of the fashion of the former Pease blossome but somewhat smaller and of a purplish violet colour after which come slender and long pointed pods rounder then they wherein is contained small round grayish pease the roote is blacke hard or woody abiding after seede bearing as the former doth and shooting afresh euery yeare 3. Lathyrus annuus siliquis orobi Partie coloured Cichelings This small Pulse or wild Pease hath two or three long slender winged branches with smaller leaues theron then the former and without any claspers at all on them the flowers stand single euery one by it selfe or two at the most together the middle leaues whereof that close together are white and the vpper leaues of a reddish purple colour after which come long round flattish cods bunched out in the seuerall places where the seedes lye like vnto the cods of Orobus or the bitter Vetch but greater the roote is small and dyeth euery yeare 4. Pisum quadratum The crimson blossomd or square codded Pease This pretty kinde of Pulse might very well for the forme of the leaues be referred to the kindes of Lotus or Trefoiles but because I haue none of that kindred to entreate of in this Worke I haue thought fittest to place it here before the Medica's because both pods and seedes are like also It hath three or foure small weake stalkes diuided into many branches hauing two stalkes of leaues at euery ioynt and three small soft leaues standing on a very small stalke comming from the ioynts the flowers stand for the most part two together of a perfect red or crimson colour like in forme almost vnto a Pease blossome after which come long thicke and round cods with two skinnes or filmes running all along the cod at the backe or vpperside and two other such like filmes all along the belly or vnder side which make it seeme foure square wherein there lye round discoloured Pease somewhat smaller and harder then ordinary Pease the roote is small and perisheth euery yeare 5. Medica Cochleata vulgaris Snailes or Barbary buttons The plant that beareth these pretty toyes for Gentlewomen is somewhat like vnto a Three leafed grasse or Trefoile hauing many long trayling branches lying vpon the ground whereon at diuers places are three small greene leaues set together at the end of a little footestalke each of them a little snipt about the edges at seuerall distances from the middle of these branches to the ends of them come forth the flowers two for the most part standing together vpon a little footstalke which are of a pale yellow colour very small and of the forme of a Pease blossome after which come smooth heads which are turned or writhen round almost like a Snaile hard and greene at the first somewhat like a greene button from the
formes of both which came their names but afterwards growing whiter more soft and open wherein lyeth yellowish round and flat seede somewhat like vnto the Kidney beane the roote is small and stringie dying downe euery yeare and must be new sowne in the spring if you desire to haue it 6. Medica spinosa maior Prickly or thorny Snailes or Buttons This kinde of Medica is in all things very like vnto the former both in the long trayling branches three leaues alwaies growing together but a little greater pale yellow flowers and crooked or winding heads but herein chiefly consisteth the difference that this kinde hath his heads or buttons harder a little greater more closed together and set with short and somewhat hard prickles all the head ouer which being pulled open haue those prickles standing on each side of the filme or skinne whereof the head consisteth somewhat like vnto a fish bone and in this kinde goeth all one way in which are contained such like seedes for the forme as are in the former but great and blacke and shining withall 7. Medica spinosa altera Small thorney Buttons or Snailes This other kinde is also like vnto the last described in all other things except in the heads or buttons which are a little smaller but set with longer and softer prickes vpon the filmes and may easily bee discerned to goe both forwards and backewards one enterlacing within another wherein are contained such like flat and blacke shining seede made after the fashion of a kidney as are in the former but somewhat smaller the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare 8. Medica lata Broade Buttons This kinde differeth not from the first in leafe or flower the fruite onely hereof is broade and flat and not so much twined as it 9. Medica Lunata Halfe Moones This is also a kinde of these Medicke fodders hauing a trefoyle leafe and yellow flowers like the former sorts but both somewhat larger the chiefest different consisteth in the head or fruite which is broade and flat and not twined like the rest but abideth halfe closed resembling a halfe Moone and thereupon hath assumed both the Latine and English name wherein is contained flat seede kidney fashion like the former 10. Hedysarum clypeatum The red Sattin flower This red flowred Fitchling hath many stalkes of winged faire greene leaues that is of many set on both sides a middle ribbe whereof that at the end is the greatest of the rest from the ioynts where the leaues stand come forth pretty long small stalkes bearing on them very many flowers vp to the toppe one aboue another of an excellent shining red or crimson colour very like vnto Sattin of that colour and sometimes of a white colour as Master William Coys a Gentleman of good respect in Essex a great and ancient louer and cherisher of these delights and of all other rare plants in his life time assured me he had growing in his garden at Stubbers by North Okenden which are somewhat large and more closed together almost flat and not open as in most of the other sorts after the flowers are past there come rough flat round huskes somewhat like vnto the old fashioned round bucklers without pikes three or foure standing one vpon or aboue another wherein are contained small brownish seede the roote perisheth the same yeare it beareth seede for oftentimes it flowreth not the first yeare it is sowne 11. Scorpioides maius minus Great and small Caterpillers Vnder one description I comprehend both these sorts of Scorpions grasse or Caterpillers or Wormes as they are called by many whereof the greater hath been known but of late yeares and ioyne them to these pulses not hauing a fitter place where to insert them It is but a small low plant with branches lying vpon the ground and somewhat long broad and hard leaues theron among which come forth small stalkes bearing at the end for the most part two small pale yellowish flowers like vnto Tares or Vetches but smaller which turne into writhed or crooked tough cods in the greater sort they are much thicker rounder and whiter and lesser wound or turned together then in the smaller which are slenderer more winding yet not closing like vnto the Snailes and blacker more like vnto a Caterpiller then the other wherein are contained brownish yellow seede much like vnto a Medica the rootes of both are small and fibrous perishing euery yeare The Place These are found seuerally in diuers and seuerall places but wee sow and plant them vsually to furnish our gardens The Time They doe all flower about the moneths of Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe soone after but the second is earlier then the rest The Names The first is called Clymenum of Matthiolus and Lathyris of Lobel and others but Lathyris in Greeke is Cataputia in Latine which is our Spurge farre differing from this Pulse and therefore Lathyrus is more proper to distinguish them asunder that two plants so farre vnlike should not bee called by one name this is also called Lathyrus latifolius because there is another called augustifolius that differeth from it also It is most vsually called with vs Pisum perenne and in English Pease blossome or Pease euerlasting The second is called by Clusius Orobus venetus because it was sent him from Venice with another of the same kinde that bore white flowers yet differeth but little or nothing from that kinde he found in Hungary that I thinke the seuerall places of their growing only cause them to beare seuerall names and to be the same in deede Although I yeeld vnto Clusius the Latine name which doth not sufficiently content mee yet I haue thought good to giue it a differing English name according as it is in the title The third because I first receiued it among other seeds from Spaine I haue giuen it the name as it is entituled The fourth is called of some Sandâ—lida Cretica Lotus siliquosus flore rubello Lotus tetragonolobus Pisum rubrum Pisum quadratum We vsually call it in English Crimson Pease or square Pease The Medica Cochleata is called of Dodonaeus Trifolium Cochleatum but not iudged to be the true Medica Wee call it in English Medick fodder Snailes Clauer or as it is in the title and so the rest of the Medica's accordingly The Hedysarum clypeatum or Securidaca is called of Dodonaeus Onobrichis altera and we in English for the likenesse The red Sattin flower although some foolishly call it the red or French Honysuckle The last is called by Lobel Scorpioides bupleurifolio I haue called it minus because the greatest sort which came to me out of Spaine was not knowne vnto him in English they are generally called Caterpillers The Vertues The Medica's are generally thought to feede cattell fat much more then the Medow Trefoile or Clauer grasse and therefore I haue known diuers Gentlemen that haue plowed vp some of their pasture grounds and
sowen them with the seedes of some Medica's to make the experience All the other sorts are pleasures to delight the curious and not any way profitable in Physicke that I know CHAP. LXXX Paeonia Peonie THere are two principall kindes of Peonie that is to say the Male and the Female Of the male kinde I haue onely known one sort but of the Female a great many which are thus to be distinguished The Male his leafe is whole without any particular diuision notch or dent on the edge his rootes long round diuided into many branches somewhat like to the rootes of Gentian or Elecampane and not tuberous at all The Female of all sorts hath the leaues diuided or cut in on the edges more or lesse and hath alwaies tuberous rootes that is like clogs or Asphodill rootes with many great thick round peeces hanging or growing at the end of smaller strings and all ioyned to the toppe of the maine roote 1. Paeonia mas The Male Peonie The Male Peonie riseth vp with many brownish stalkes whereon doe grow winged leaues that is many faire greene and sometimes reddish leaues one set against another vpon a stalke without any particular diuision in the leafe at all the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes consisting of fiue or six broade leaues of a faire purplish red colour with many yellow threds in the middle standing about the head which after riseth to be the seede vessels diuided into two three or foure rough crooked pods like hornes which when they are ful ripe open and turn themselues down one edge to another backeward shewing within them diuers round black shining seede which are the true seede being full and good and hauing also many red or crimson graines which are lancke and idle intermixed among the blacke as if they are good seede whereby it maketh a very pretty shew the roots are great thick and long spreading in the ground and running downe reasonable deepe 2. Paeonia faemina vulgaris flore simplici The ordinary single Female Peonie This ordinary Female Peonie hath many stalkes with more store of leaues on them then the Male kinde hath the leaues also are not so large but diuided or nicked diuersly on the edges some with great and deepe and others with smaller cuts or diuisions and of a darke or dead greene colour the flowers are of a strong heady sent most vsually smaller then the male and of a more purple tending to a murrey colour with yellow thrumes about the head in the middle as the male kinde hath the heads or hornes with seed are like also but smaller the seede also is blacke but lesse shining the rootes consist as I said of many thicke and short tuberous clogs fastened at the ends of long strings and all from the head of the roote which is thicke and short and tuberous also of the same or the like sent with the male 3. Paeonia faemina vulgaris flore pleno rubro The double red Peonie This double Peonie as well as the former single is so frequent in euerie Garden of note through euery Countrey that it is almost labour in vaine to describe it but yet because I vse not to passe ouer any plant so slightly I will set down the description briefly in regard it is so common It is very like vnto the former single female Peony both in stalkes and leaues but that it groweth somewhat higher and the leaues are of a fresher greene colour the flowers at the tops of the stalkes are very large thicke and double no flower that I know so faire great and double but not abiding blowne aboue eight or ten daies of a more reddish purple colour then the former female kinde and of a sweeter sent after these flowers are past sometimes come good seed which being sowne bring forth some single flowers and some double the rootes are tuberous like vnto the former female 4. Paeonia faemina flore carneo simplici The single blush Peony The single blush Peony hath his stalkes higher and his leaues of a paler or whiter greene colour then the double blush and more white vnderneath so that it is very probable it is of another kinde and not risen from the seede of the double blush as some might thinke with many veines that are somewhat discoloured from the colour of the leafe running through them the flowers are very large and single consisting of fiue leaues for the most part of a pale flesh or blush colour with an eye of yellow dispersed or mixed therewith hauing many whitish threads tipt with yellow pendents standing about the middle head the rootes are like the other female Peonies 5. Paeonia faemina flore pleno albicante The double blush Peony The double blush Peony hath not his stalkes so high as the double red but somewhat lower and stiffer bearing such like winged leaues cut in or diuided here and there in the edges as all these female kindes are but not so large as the last the flowers are smaller and lesse double by a good deale then the former double red of a faint shining crimson colour at the first opening but decaying or waxing paler euery day so that after it hath stood long for this flower sheddeth not his leaues in a great while it will change somewhat whitish and therefore diuers haue ignorantly called it the double white Peony the seedes which sometimes it beareth and rootes are like vnto the former female kindes but somewhat longer and of a brighter colour on the outside 6. Paeonia faemina Byzantina The single red Peony of Constantinople This red Peony of Constantinople is very like in all things vnto the double red Peonie but that the flowers hereof are single and as large as the last and that is larger then either the single female or the male kinde consisting of eight leaues of a deeper red colour then either the single or double Peonies and not purplish at all but rather of the colour of an ordinary red Tulipa standing close and round together the roots of this kinde haue longer clogs and not so short as of the ordinary female kinde and of a paler colour on the outside The Place All these Peonies haue beene sent or brought from diuers parts beyond the Seas they are endenized in our Gardens where wee cherish them for the beauty and delight of their goodly flowers as well as for their Physicall vertues The Time They all flower in May but some as I said abide a small time and others many weekes The Names The name Paeonia is of all the later Writers generally giuen to these plants although they haue had diuers other names giuen by the elder Writers as Rosae fatuina Idaeus dactylus Aglaophotis and others whereof to set 1 Paeonia maâ— cum semine The male Peony the seed 2 Paeonia faemina Byzantina The female red Peony of Constantinople 3 Paeonia faemina flore pleno vulgaris The ordinary double Peony 4 Paeonia flore pleno albicante The
or whitish greene starre-like flowers all along vpon them which after turne into small long three square whitish seede standing naked without any huske to containe them although some haue written otherwise the roote is thicke and reasonable great at the head hauing a number of great white strings running downe deepe into the ground whereby it is strongly fastened 2. Elleborus albus praecox siue atrorubente flore The early white Ellebor with reddish flowers This other Ellebor is very like the former but that it springeth vp a moneth at the least before it and that the leaues are not fully so thicke or so much plaited but as large or larger and doe sooner perish and fall away from the plant the stalke hereof is as high as the former bearing such like starry flowers but of a darke or blackish red colour the seede is like the other the roote hath no such head as the other so farre as I haue obserued both by mine own and others plants but hath many long white strings fastened to the top which is as it were a long bulbous scaly head out of which spring the leaues The Place The first groweth in many places of Germany as also in some parts of Russia in that aboundance by the relation of that worthy curious and diligent searcher and preseruer of all natures rarities and varieties my very good friend Iohn Tradescante often heretofore remembred that as hee said a good ship might be loaden with the rootes hereof which hee saw in an Island there The other likewise groweth in the vpland wooddy grounds of Germanie and other the parts thereabouts The Time The first springeth vp in the end or middle of March and flowreth in Iune The second springeth in February but flowreth not vntill Iune The Names The first is called Elleborus albus or Helleborus albus the letter H as all Schollers know being but aspirationis nota and Veratrum album flore viridante of some Sanguis Herculis The other is called Elleborus albus praecox and flore atrorubente or atropurpurante We call the first in English White Ellebor Neesewort or Neesing roote because the powder of the roote is vsed to procure neesing and I call it the greater in regard of those in the next Chapter The other hath his name according to the Latine title most proper for it The Vertues The force of purging is farre greater in the roote of this Ellebor then in the former and therefore is not carelesly to bee vsed without extreame danger yet in contumatious and stubborne diseases it may bee vsed with good caution and aduice There is a Syrupe or Oxymel made hereof in the Apothecaries shops which as it is dangerous for gentle and tender bodies so it may be very effectuall in stronger constitutions Pausanias in Phocicis recordeth a notable stratagem that Solon vsed in besieging the Citie of Cirrheus viz. That hauing cut off the riuer Plistus from running into the Citie he caused a great many of these rootes to be put into a quantity thereof which after they had steeped long enough therein and was sufficiently infected therewith he let passe into the Citie againe whereof when they had greedily drunke they grew so weake and feeble by the superpurgation thereof that they were forced to leaue their wals vnmand and not guarded whereby the Amphyctions their enemies became masters of their Citie The like stratagems are set downe by diuers others Authors performed by the helpe of other herbes CHAP. LXXXIII Elleborine Small or wilde white Ellebor THe likenesse of the leaues of these plants rather then any other faculty with the former white Ellebor hath caused them to be called Elleborine as if they were smaller white Ellebors And I for the same cause haue ioyned them next whereof there are found many sorts One which is the greater kinde is of greatest beauty the other which are lesser differ not much one from another more then in the colour of the flowers whereof I will onely take three being of the most beautie and leaue the rest to another worke 1. Helleborine vel Elleborine maior siue Calceolus Mariae Our Ladies Slipper This most beautifull plant of all these kindes riseth vp with diuers stalkes a foote and a halfe high at the most bearing on each side of them broad greene leaues somewhat like in forme vnto the leaues of the white Ellebor but smaller and not so ribbed compassing the stalke at the lower end at the tops of the stalkes come forth one or two or three flowers at the most one aboue another vpon small short foote-stalkes with a small leafe at the foote of euery stalke each of these flowers are of a long ouall forme that is more long then round and hollow withall especially at the vpper part the lower being round and swelling like a belly at the hollow part there are two small peeces like eares or flippers that at the first doe couer the hollow part and after stand apart one from another all which are of a fine pale yellow colour in all that I haue seene yet it is said there are some found that are more browne or tending to purple there are likewise foure long narrow darke coloured leaues the setting on of the flower vnto the stalke wherein as it were the flower at the first standeth the whole flower is of a pretty small sent the seede is very small very like vnto the seede of the Orchides or Satyrions and contained in such like long pods but bigger the roots are composed of a number of strings enterlacing themselues one within another lying within the vpper crust of the earth not spreading deep of a darke brownish colour 2. Elleborine minor flore albo The small or wilde white Ellebor with a white flower This smaller wilde white Ellebor riseth vp in the like manner vnto the former and not much lower bearing such like leaues but smaller and of a whiter greene colour almost of the colour and fashion of the leaues of Lilly Conually the top of the stalke hath many more flowers but lesser growing together spike-fashion with small short leaues at the stalke of euery flower which consisteth of fiue small white leaues with a small close hood in the middle without any sent at all the seede and seede vessels are like vnto the former but smaller the rootes are many small strings dispersing themselues in the ground 3. Elleborine minor flore purpurante The small or wilde white Ellebor with blush flowers The leaues of this kinde are like vnto the last described but somewhat narrower the stalkes and flowers are alike but smaller also and of a pale purplish or blush colour which causeth the difference The Place The first groweth in very many places of Germany and in other Countries also It groweth likewise in Lancashire neare vpon the border of Yorkeshire in a wood or place called the Helkes which is three miles from Ingleborough the highest Hill in England and not farre from Ingleton as I
stately to behold both for the order height and proportion of the plant the seede is browne and flat contained in round heads somewhat like vnto the seede of the Fritillaria or checkerd Daffodill but browner the rootes are great thicke and long yellow and exceeding bitter 2. Gentiana maior folio Asclepiadis Swallow-wort Gentian This kinde of Gentian hath many stalkes rising from the roote neere two foote high whereon grow many faire pale greene leaues set by couples with three ribs in euery one of them and doe somewhat resemble the leaues of Asclepias or Swallow-wort that is broade at the bottome and sharpe at the point the flowers grow at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes from the middle vpwards two or three together which are long and hollow like vnto a bell flower ending in fiue corners or pointed leaues and folded before they are open as the flowers of the Bindeweedes are of a faire blew colour sometimes deeper and sometimes paler the heads or seede vessels haue two points or hornes at the toppes and containe within them flat grayish seed like vnto the former but lesse the rootes hereof are nothing so great as the former but are yellow small and long of the bignesse of a mans thumbe 3. Gentiana minor Cruciata Crosse-wort Gentian This small Gentian hath many branches lying vpon the ground scarce lifting themselues vpright and full of ioynts whereat grow vsually foure leaues one opâ—â—â—â— vnto another in manner of a Crosse from whence it tooke his name in shape v◠〈…〉 vnto Saponaria or Sopewort but shorter and of a darker greene colour at the tops of the stalkes stand many flowers thick thrusting together and likewise at the next ioynt vnderneath euery one of them standing in a darke blewish greene huske and consisting of fiue small leaues the points or ends whereof only appeare aboue the huskes wherein they stand and are hardly to be seene but that they are of a fine pale blew colour and that many grow together the seed is small and brown hard and somewhat 1 Lilium Conuallium Liriconfancy or Lilly Conually 2 Gentiana maior The great Gentian 3 Gentianâ—lla verna Small Gentian of the Spring 4 Gentiana Cruciata Crossewort Gentian 5 Pneumonanthe seu Gentiana Autumnalisâ— Autumne Gentian 6 Sapanaria flore duplici Double flowred Sopewort 7 Plantago Rosea Rose Platane like vnto the seed of the Marian Violets or Couentry bels the roots are small and whitish dispersing themselues diuersly in the ground of as bitter a taste almost as the rest 4. Gentianella Verna Small Gentian of the Spring The small Gentian of the Spring hath diuers small hard greene leaues lying vpon the ground as it were in heads or tufts somewhat broad below and pointed at the end with fiue ribs or veines therein as conspicuous as in the former Gentians among which riseth vp a small short stalke with some smaller leaues thereon at the toppe whereof standeth one faire large hollow flower made bell fashion with wide open brimmes ending in fiue corners or diuisions of the most excellent deepe blew colour that can be seene in any flower with some what spots in the bottome on the inside after the flower is past there appeare long and round pods wherein are contained small blackish seede the rootes are small long pale yellow strings which shoot forth here and there diuers heads of leaues and thereby encrease reasonable well if it finde a fit place and ground to grow or else will not be noursed vp with all the care and diligence can be vsed the whole plant is bitter but not so strong as the former 5. Gentiana Autumnalis siue Pneumonanthe Calathian Violet or Autumne Gentian This Gentian that flowreth in Autumne hath in some places higher stalkes then in others with many leaues thereon set by couples as in other Gentians but long and narrow yet shewing the three ribbes or veines that are in each of them the toppes of the stalkes are furnished euery one with a flower or two of an excellent 〈◊〉 â—urple colour ending in fiue corners and standing in long huskes the rootes are somewhat great at the top and spreading into many small yellow strings bitter as the rest are 6. Saponaria flore duplici Double flowred Sopeworte Vnto these kindes of Gentians I must needes adde these following plants for that the former is of some neere resemblance in leafe with some of the former And because the ordinary Sopeworte or Bruiseworte with single flowers is often planted in Gardens and the flowers serue to decke both the garden and the house I may vnder the one describe them both for this with double flowers is farre more rare and of greater beautie It hath many long and slender round stalkes scarce able to sustaine themselues and stand vpright being ful of ioynts and ribbed leaues at them euery one somewhat like a small Gentian or Plantane leafe at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers consisting of two or three rowes of leaues of a whitish or pale purple colour and of a strong sweet sent somewhat like the smell of Iasmin flowers standing in long and thicke pale greene huskes which fall away without giuing any seede as most other double flowers doe that encrease by the roote which spreadeth within the ground and riseth vp in sundry distant places like the single 7 Plantago Rosea Rose Plantane This other plant is in all things like vnto the ordinary Plantane or Ribworte that groweth wilde abroade in many places whose leaues are very large but in stead of the long slender spike or eare that the ordinary hath this hath eyther a thicke long spike of small greene leaues vpon short stalkes or elsâ— a number of such small g◠〈…〉 leaues layd round-wise like vnto a Rose and sometimeâ— both these may be seen◠〈…〉 one and the same roote at one and the same time which abide a great while fres◠〈…〉 the roote and sometims also giueth seede especially from the more long and slender spikes The Place Some of these Gentians grow on the toppes of hils and some on the sides and foote of them in Germany and other Countreyes some of them also vpon barren heaths in those places as also in our owne Countrey especially the Autumne Gentian and as it is reported the Vernall likewise The single or ordinary Sopeworte is found wilde in many places with vs but the double came to vs from beyond the Sea and â—s scarce known or heard of in England The Rose Plantaine hath beene long in England but whether naturall thereof or no I am not assured The Time They flower for the most part in Iune and Iuly but the small Gentian of the Spring flowreth somewhat earlier and that of the Autumne in August and September The Names Gentiana is the generall name giuen to the Gentians We call them in English Gentian Fellworte Bitterwort and Baldmoney Saponarta taketh his name from the scouring qualitie it hath Wee call it in English Sopewort and in some
places Bruisewort Some haue thought it to bee Struthium of Dioscorides or at least haue vsed it for the same causes but therein they are greatly dâ—ceiued as Matthiolus hath very well obserued thereon and so is Dodonaeus that thought it to be Alisma The Rose Plantaine is so called of the double spikes it carrieth The Vertues The wonderfull wholsomnesse of Gentian cannot bee easily knowne to vs by reason our daintie tastes refuse to take thereof for the bitternesse sake but otherwise it would vndoubtedly worke admirable cures both for the liuer stomacke and lunges It is also a speciall counterpoison against any infection as also against the violence of a mad dogges tooth wilde Sopewort is vsed in many places to scoure the countrey womens treen and pewter vessels and physically some make great boast to performe admirable cures in Hydropicall diseases because it is diureticall and in Lue Veneria when other Mercuriall medicines haue failed The Rose Plantaine no doubt hath the same qualities that the ordinary hath CHAP. LXXXVI Campanula Bell-flowers VNder the title of Bell-flowers are to bee comprehended in this Chapter not only those that are ordinarily called Campanula but Viola Mariana and Trachelium also whereof the one is called Couentry the other Canterbury Bells 1. Campanula Persicifolio alba vel caerulea Peach-leafed Bell-flowers white or blew The Peach-leafed Bell-flower hath many tufts or branches of leaues lying vpon the gâ—â—â—â—d which are long and narrow somewhat like vnto the leafe of an Almond or Pâ—â—ch tree being finely nicked about the edges and of a sad greene colour from among which rise vp diuers stalkes two foote high or more set with leaues to the middle and from thence vpwards with many flowers standing on seuerall small footestalkes one aboue another with a small leafe at the foote of euery one the flowers stand in small greene huskes being small and round at the bottome but wider open at the brimme and ending in fiue corners with a three forked clapper in the middle set about with some small threds tipt with yellow which flowers in some plants are pure white and in others of a pale blew or watchet colour hauing little or no sent at all the seede is small and contained in round flat heads or seede vessels the roote is very small white and threddy creeping vnder the vpper crust of the ground so that oftentimes the heat and drought of the Summer wil goe near to parch and wither it vtterly it requireth therefore to be planted in some shadowie place 2. Campanula maior siue Pyramidalis Thâ— great or steeple Bell-flower This great Bell-flower hath diuers stalkes three foote high or better whereon grow diuers smooth darke greene leaues broade at the bottome and small at the point somewhat vneuenly notched about the edges and standing vpon longer footestalkes below then those aboue the flowers are blew and in some white not so great or large as the former but neare of the â—ame fashion growing thicker and more plentifully together with smaller leaues among them bushing thicke below and rising smaller and thinner vp to the toppe in fashion of a Pyramis or speere Steeple the roote is thicke and whitish yeelding more store of milke being broken as the leaues and stalks also doe then any other of the Bell-flowers euery one whereof doe yeelde milke some more and some lesse 3. Viola Mariana flore albido vel purpureo Couentry Bels white or purple The leaues of Couentry Bels are of a pale or fresh greene colour long and narrow next vnto the bottome and broader from the middle to the end and somewhat round pointed a little hairy all ouer and snipt about the edges the stalkes rise vp the yeare after the sowing being somewhat hairy also and branching forth from the roote into diuers parts whereon stand diuers leaues smaller then the former and of a darker greene colour at the end of euery branch stand the flowers in greene huskes from whence come large round hollow Bels swelling out in the middle and rising somewhat aboue it like the necke of a pot and then ending in fiue corners which are either of a faire or faint white or of a pale blew purplish colour and sometimes of a deeper purple or violet after the flowers are past there rise vp great square or cornered seede vessels wherein is contained in diuers diuisions small hard shining browne flat seeds the roote is white and being young as in the first yeares sowing is tender and often eaten as other Rampions are but the next yeare when it runneth vp to seede it groweth hard and perisheth so that it is to be continued by euery other yeares sowing 4. Trachelium maius flore albo vel purpureo Great Canterbury Bels white or purple The greater Canterbury Bels or Throateworte hath many large rough leaues somewhat like vnto Nettle leaues being broad and round at the bottome and pointed at the end notched or dented on the edges and euery one standing on a long footstalk among these leaues rise vp diuers square rough stalkes diuided at the toppe into diuers branches whereon grow the like leaues as grow below but lesser toward the ends of the branches stand the flowers mixed with some longer leaues euery one in his seuerall huske which are hollow long and round like a bell or cup wide open at the mouth and cut at the brimme into fiue corners or diuisions somewhat lesser then the Couentry Bels in some of a pure white and others of a faire deepe purple violet colâ—â—â— and sometimes paler after the flowers are past come smaller and rounder heâ—â—â— then in the former containing flat seede but blacker and not so redde as the laâ—â— the roote is hard and white dispersing it selfe into many branches vnder ground not perishing euery yeare as the former although it loseth all the leaues in winter but abiding many yeares and encreasing into diuers heades or knobs from whence spring new leaues and branches 1 Campanula persicifolia Peach leafed Bell-flower 2 Trachelium maius simplex Canterbury Bels. * Trachelium flore duplici Double Canterbury Bels. 3 Viola Mariana Couentry Bels. 4 Trachelium Giganteum Giants Throatewort 5 Trachelium minus The lesser Throatewort 6 Trachelâ—um Americanum siue Cardinalis planta The rich crimson Cardinals flower 5. Trachelium maius flore duplici albo caeruleo Canterbury Bels with double flowers both white and blew Of this kinde of Throateworte or Canterbury Bels there is another sort not differing in any thing from the former but in the doublenesse of the flower For there is of both the kindes one that beareth double white flowers and the other blew Of each whereof I receiued plants from friends beyond the Sea which grow well with me 6. Trachelium Giganteum flore purpurante Pale purple Giants Throateworte This Bell-flower although it hath a Gigantine name yet did I neuer perceiue it in my Garden to rise vp h gher then the former the epithite beeing in my perswasion
only giuen for difference sake the leaues whereof are not so rough but as large and dented about the edges somewhat larger pointed and of a fresher greene colour the stalkes beare such like leaues on them but more thinly or dispersedly set hauing a flower at the setting on of euery one of the leaues from the middle vpwards and are somewhat like the great Throateworte in forme but of a pale or bleake reddish purple colour turning the brims or corners a little backwards with a forked clapper in the middle sufficient eminent and yellow the seede hereof is white and plentifull in the heads which will abide all the winter vpon the stalkes vntill all the seede being shed the heads remaining seeme like torne rags or like thin peeces of skin eaten with wormes the roote is greate thicke and white abiding long without perishing Flore albo There is another which differeth not any thing but in the flower which is white 7. Trachelium minus flore albo purpureo Small Throateworte or Canterbury Bells both white and purple The lesser Throateworte hath smaller leaues nothing so broade or hard as the former great kinde but long and little or nothing dented about the edges the stalkes are square and brownish if it beare purple flowers and greene if it beare white flowers which in forme are alike and grow in a bush or tuft thicke set together more then any of the former and smaller also being not much bigger then the flowers of the fielde or garden Rampions the roote is lasting and shooteth afresh euery yeare 8. Trachelium Americarum flore ruberrimo siue Planta Cardinalis The rich crimson Cardinals flower This braue plant from a white roote spreading diuers wayes vnder ground sendeth forth many greene leaues spread round about the head thereof each whereof is somewhat broade and long and pointed at the end finely also snipt about the edges from the middle whereof ariseth vp a round hollow stalke two foote high at the least beset with diuers such leaues as grow below but longer below then aboue and branching out at the toppe aboundantly euery branch bearing diuers greene leaues on them and one at the foote of euery of them also the toppes whereof doe end in a great large tuft of flowers with a small greene leafe at the foote of the stalke of euery flower each footestalke being about an inch long bearing a round greene huske diuided into fiue long leaues or points turned downwards and in the midst of euery of them a most rich crimson coloured flower ending in fiue long narrow leaues standing all of tâ—â—m foreright but three of them falling downe with a long vmbone set as it were at the backe of them bigger below and smaller aboue and at the toppe a small head being of a little paler colour then the flower but of no sent or smell at all commendable only for the great bush of so orient red crimson flowers after the flowers are past the seede commeth in small heads closed within those greene husks that held the flowers which is very like vnto the seede vessels of the Viola Mariana or Couentry Bels and is small and brownish The Place All these Bell-flowers do grow in our Gardens where they are cherished for the beautie of their flowers The Couentry Bels doe not grow wilde in any of the parts about Couentry as I am credibly informed by a faithfull Apothecary dwelling there called Master Brian Ball but are noursed in Gardens with them as they are in other places The last groweth neere the riuer of Canada where the French plantation in America is seated The Time They flower from May vntill the end of Iuly or August and in the mean time the seed is ripe But the Peache-leafed Bell-flowers for the most part flower earlier then the other The Names The first is generally called Campanula Persicifolia in English Peach-leafed Bell-flower The second is called Campanula maior Campanula lactescens Pyramidalis and Pyramidalis Lutetiana of Lobel in English Great or Steeple Bell-flower The third is vsually called Viola Mariana and of some Viola Marina Lobel putteth a doubt whether it be not Medium of Dioscorides as Matthiolus and others doe thinke but in my opinion the thicknesse of the roote as the text hath it contradicteth all the rest We call it generally in English Couentry Bels. Some call it Marian and some Mercuries Violets The fourth and fift are called Trachelium or Ceruicaria of some Vvularia because many haue vsed it to good purpose for the paines of the Vvula or Throate Yet there is another plant called also by some Vvularia which is Hippoglossum Horse tongue or Double tongue The sixt hath his title to descipher it out sufficiently as is declared The seuenth is called Trachelium minus and Ceruiaria minor of some Saponaria altera in English Small Throateworte or Small Canterbury Bels. The last hath his name in the title as it is called in France from whence I receiued plants for my Garden with the Latine name but I haue giuen it in English The Vertues The Peach-Bels as well as the others may safely bee vsed in gargles and lotions for the mouth throate or other parts as occasion serueth The rootes of many of them while they are young are often eaten in sallets by diuers beyond the Seas CHAP. LXXXVII Campana Caerulea siue Convolvulus Caeruleus Blew Bell flowers or blew Bindeweede THere are two other kindes of Bell-flowers much differing from the Tribe or Familie of the former because of their climbing or winding qualitie which I must needes place next them for the likenesse of the flowers although otherwise they might haue beene placed with the other clamberers that follow Of these there is a greater and a lesser and of each likewise some difference as shall be declared 1. Convolvulus caeruleus maior rotundifolius The greater blew Bindweede or Bell-flower with round leaues This goodly plant riseth vp with many long and winding branches whereby it climbeth and windeth vpon any poles herbes or trees that stand neare it within a great compasse alwaies winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sunne on these branches doe growe many faire great round leaues and pointed at the end like vnto a Violet leafe in shape but much greater of a sad greene colour at the ioynts of the branches where the leaues are set come forth flowers on pretty long stalkes two or three together at a place which are long and pointed almost like a finger while they are buds and not blowne open and of a pale whitish blew colour but being blowne open are great and large bels with broad open mouths or brims ending in fiue corners and small at the bottome standing in small greene huskes of fine leaues these flowers are of a very deepe azure or blew colour tending to a purple very glorious to behold opening for the most part in the euening abiding so all the night and the next morning vntill the Sunne
very large long thicke fat and faire greene leaues standing foreright for the most part and compassing the stalkes at the bottome of them being somewhat pointed at the end the stalke is greene and round sixe or seuen foote high at sometimes and in some places in others not past three or foure foote high diuided towards the toppe into many branches with leaues at euery ioynt and at the toppes of the branches many flowers the bottomes hereof are long and hollow and the toppes plaited or folded before they are open but being open are diuided sometimes into foure or more vsually into fiue corners somewhat like vnto other of the Bell-flowers but lying a little flatter open of a light carnation colour The seede is very small and browne contained in round heads that are clammy while they are greene and pointed at the end the roote is great whitish and woody at the head dispersing many long branches and small fibres vnder the ground whereby it is strongly fastened but perisheth with our violent frosts in the winter if it be left abroad in the garden but if it be housed or safely prouided for against the frostes the rootes will liue and spring afresh the next yeare There is of this kinde another sort whose leaues are as large and long as the former but thicker and of a more dead greene colour hanging downe to the ground-ward and scarce any standing forth-right as the former vnlesse they bee very young the flowers of this kinde are almost whole without any great shew of corners at the brims or edges in all other things there is no difference There is another whose large and thicke flat leaues doe compasse the stalke at the bottome and are as it were folded together one side vnto another the flowers are of a deeper blush or carnation colour and with longer points and corners then in any of the former and in these two things consisteth the difference from the others and is called Verines Tabacco Another hath his leaues not so large and long as the first and these haue short footestalkes whereon they stand and doe not compasse the stalke as the other doe the flower hereof is like the first but smaller and of a little paler colour Tabacco angustifolium Narrow leafed Tabacco This kinde of Tabacco hath somewhat lower and smaller stalkes then any of the former the leaues hereof are smaller and narrower and not altogether so thicke but more pointed and euery one standing vpon a footstalke an inch and a halfe long at the least the flowers hereof stand thicker together vpon the small branches somewhat larger of a deeper blush colour and more eminent corners then in any the former the seed and roots are alike and perish in like manner vnlesse it be brought into a cellar or other such couert to defend it from the extremitie of the Winter The Place America or the West Indies is the place where all these kindes doe grow naturally some in one place and some in another as in Peru Trinidado Hispaniola and almost in euery Iland and Countrey of the continent thereof with vs they are cherished in gardens as well for the medicinable qualities as for the beauty of the flowers The Time It flowreth in August seldome before and the seede is ripe quickly after If it once sowe it selfe in a Garden it will giue next year after young plants but for the most part they will spring vp late and therefore they that would haue them more early haue sowen the seede vpon a bed of dung and transplanted them afterwards The Names This plant hath gotten many names The Indians call it in some places Petum in others Picielt and Perebecenuâ— as Ouiedus and others doe relate The Spaniards in the Indies first called it Tabacco of an Iland where plenty of it grew It hath in Christendome receiued diuers other names as Nicotiana of one Nicot a French man who seeing it in Portugall sent it to the French Queene from whom it receiued the name of Herba Regina Lobel calleth it Sancta herba Sana sancta Indorum Some haue adiudged it to be an Hioscyamus and therefore call it Peruvianus The most vsuall name wherby we call it in English is Tabacco The Vertues The herbe is out of question an excellent helpe and remedy for diuers diseases if it were rightly ordered and applyed but the continuall abuse thereof in so many doth almost abolish all good vse in any Notwithstanding if men would apply their wits to the finding out of the vertues I make no doubt but many strange cures would bee performed by it both inward and outward For outward application a Salue made hereof as is before recited of the Thorne apple leaues cureth vlcers and wounds of hard curation And for inward helpes a Syrupe made of the iuice and sugar or honey procureth a gentle vomit but the dryed leafe infused in wine much more and is effectuall in astmaticall diseases if it bee carefully giuen And likewise cleanseth cankers and fistulaes admirably as hath beene found by late experience The ashes of Tabacco is often vsed and with good successe for cuts in the hands or other places and for other small greene wounds CHAP. XC Mirabilia Peruviana The Meruaile of Peru. THis plant yeeldeth in our Gardens fiue or sixe seuerall varieties of beautifull flowers as pure white pure yellow pure red white and red spotted and red and yellow spotted But besides these I haue had some other sorts among which was one of a pale purple or peach colour all which comming vnto mee out of Spaine with many other seedes in an vnkindly yeare an early winter following a cold summer perished with mee yet I plainely might discerne by their leaues and manner of growing to be diuers from them that we now haue and keepe I shall need therefore because the chiefest difference consisteth almost in the flowers to giue only one description of the plant and therein shew the varieties as is before declared Admirabilis The Meruaile of the World The stalke of this meruellous plant is great and thick bigger then any mans thumbe bunched out or swelling at euery ioynt in some the stalkes will bee of a faire greene colour and those will bring white or white and red flowers in others they will bee reddish and more at the ioynts and those giue red flowers and in some of a darker greene colour which giue yellow flowers the stalkes and ioynts of those that will giue red and yellow flowers spotted are somewhat brownish but not so red as those that giue wholly red flowers vpon these stalkes that spread into many branches doe grow at the ioynts vpon seuerall footestalkes faire greene leaues broad at the stalke and pointed at the end at the ioynts likewise toward the vpper part of the branches at the foote of the leaues come forth seuerall flowers vpon short footestalkes euery one being small long and hollow from the bottome to the brimme which is broade spread open
and round and consist but of one leafe without diuision like vnto a Bell flower but not cornered at all which flowers as I said are of diuers colours and diuersly marked and spotted some being wholly white without any spot in them for the most part through all the flowers of the plant so likewise some being yellow and some wholly red some plants againe being mixed and spotted so variably either white and red or purple except here and there some may chance to be wholly white or red or purple among the rest or red and yellow through the whole plant except as before some may chance in this kinde to be eyther wholly red or wholly yellow that you shall hardly finde two or three flowers in a hundred that will bee alike spotted and marked without some diuersitie and so likewise euery day as long as they blow which is vntill the winters or rather autumnes cold blastes do stay their willing pronenesse to flower And I haue often also obserued that one side of a plant will giue fairer varieties then another which is most commonly the Easterne as the more temperate and shadowie side All these flowers doe open for the most part in the euening or in the night time and so stand blowne open vntill the next mornings sun beginne to grow warme vpon them which then close themselues together all the brims of the flowers shrinking into the middle of the long necke much like vnto the blew Bindeweede which in a manner doth so close vp at the sunnes warme heate or else if the day be temperate and milde without any sunne shining vpon them the flowers will not close vp for the most part of that day or vntill toward night after the flowers are past come seuerall seedes that is but one at a place as the flowers stood before of the bignesse sometimes of small pease but not so round standing within the greene huskes wherein the flowers stood before being a little flat at the toppe like a crowne or head and round where it is fastened in the cup of a blacke colour when it is ripe but else greene all the while it groweth on the stalke and being ripe is soone shaken downe with the wind or any other light shaking the roote is long and round greater at the head and smaller downwards to the end like vnto a Reddish spreading into two or three or more branches blackish on the outside and whitish within These rootes I haue often preserued by art a winter two or three for they will perish if they be left out in the garden vnlesse it be vnder a house side because many times the yeare not falling out kindely the plants giue not ripe seede and so we should be to seeke both of seede to sow and of rootes to set if this or the like art to keep them were not vsed which is in this manner Within a while after the first frosts haue taken the plants that the leaues wither and fall digge vp the rootes whole and lay them in a dry place for three or foure dayes that the superfluous moysture on the outside may be spent and dryed which done wrap them vp seuerally in two or three browne papers and lay them by in a boxe chest or tub in some conuenient place of the house all the winter time where no winde or moist ayre may come vnto them and thus you shall haue these rootes to spring a fresh the next yeare if you plant them in the beginning of March as I haue sufficiently tryed But some haue tryed to put them vp into a barrell or firkin of sand or ashes which is also good if the sand and ashes be thorough dry but if it bee any thing moist or if they giue againe in the winter as it is vsuall they haue found the moisture of the rootes or of the sand or both to putrefie the rootes that they haue beene nothing worth when they haue taken them forth Take this note also for the sowing of your seede that if you would haue variable flowers and not all of one colour you must choose out such flowers as be variable while they grow that you may haue the seede of them for if the flowers bee of one entire colour you shall haue for the most part from those seedes plants that will bring flowers all of that colour whether it be white red or yellow The Place These plants grow naturally in the West Indies where there is a perpetuall summer or at the least no cold frosty winters from whence the seede hath been sent into these parts of Europe and are dispersed into euery garden almost of note The Time These plants flower from the end of Iuly sometimes or August vntill the frosts and cold ayres of the euenings in October pull them down and in the meane time the seed is ripe The Names Wee haue not receiued the seedes of this plant vnder any other name then Mirabilia Peruviana or Admirabilis planta In English wee call them The meruaile of Peru or the meruaile of the world yet some Authors haue called it Gelseminum or Iasminum rubrum Indicum and Bauhinus Solanum Mexiocanum flore magno The Vertues We haue not knowne any vse hereof in Physicke CHAP. XCI Malua Mallowes OF the kindred of Mallowes there are a great number some of the gardens others wilde some with single flowers others with double some with whole leaues others with cut or diuided to entreate of them all is not my purpose nor the scope of this worke but onely of such whose flowers hauing beautie and respect are fit to furnish this garden as ornaments thereunto And first of those single kindes whose flowers come neerest vnto the fashion of the former Bell-flowers and after to the double ones which for their brauery are entertained euery where into euery Countrey womans garden 1. Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo The Spanish blush Mallow The Spanish Mallow is in forme and manner of growing very like vnto our common fielde Mallow hauing vpright stalkes two or three foote high spread into diuers branches and from the bottome to the toppe beset with round leaues like vnto our Mallowes but somewhat smaller rounder and lesse diuided yet larger below then aboue the flowers are plentifully growing vpon the small branches folding or writhing their leaues one about another before they bee blowne and being open consist of fiue leaues with a long forked clapper therein of the same colour with the flower the chiefest difference from the common consisteth in this that the leaues of these flowers are longer and more wide open at the brimmes almost like a Bell-flower and of a faire blush or light carnation colour closing at night and opening all the day after the flowers are past there come such like round heads with small blacke seede like vnto the common kinde but somewhat smaller the roote is small and long and perisheth euery yeare 2. Alcea vulgaris flore carneo Vervaine Mallow
with blush flowers There is a Mallow that hath long stalkes and flowers like vnto the common wilde 1 Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo The Spanish Mallow 2 Alcea Veneta The Venice Mallow 3 Alcea Americana Thorney Mallow 4 Alcea Aegâ—ptiae The Mallow of Egypt 5 Althaea â—rutex The shrubbe Mallow 6 Malua hortensis simplex Single Hollihockes 7 Malua rosea multiplex Double Hollihockes Mallow and of the same deepe colour with it so that you can hardly know it from the ordinary kinde which is found growing wilde together with it but onely by the leafe which is as round and as large as the former but cut into many fine diuisions euen to the stalke that vpholdeth it that it seemeth to consist onely of ragges or peeces of leaues Of this kinde I take a plante for this garden growing in all respects like vnto it but differing onely in the colour of the flowers which are of the same blush or light carnation colour or not much differing from the former Spanish kinde with some veines therein of a deeper colour the root hereof liueth as the root of the common wilde kinde doth 3. Alcea peregrina siue vesicaria Venice Mallow or Good night at noone The Venice Mallow hath long and weake stalkes most vsually lying or leaning vpon the ground hauing here and there vpon them long leaues and somewhat broad cut in or gashed very deepely on both edges that it seemeth as if they were diuers leaues set together euery one standing on a long footestalke at the ioynts of these stalkes where the leaues are set come forth seuerall flowers standing vpon long foot-stalkes which are somewhat larger then any of the former flowers consisting of fiue leaues small at the bottome and wide at the brimmes of a whitish colour tending to a blush and sometimes all white with spots at the bottomes of the leaues on the inside of a very deepe purple or murrey colour which addeth a great grace to the flower and hauing also a long pestle or clapper in the middle as yellow as gold these flowers are so quickly faded and gone that you shall hardly see any of them blowne open vnlesse it bee betimes in the morning before the Sunne doe grow warme vpon them for as soone as it feeleth the Sunnes warme heate it closeth vp and neuer openeth againe so that you shall very seldome see a flower blowne open in the day time after nine a clocke in the morning after these flowers are past there rise vp in their places thinne round shining or transparent bladders pointed at the toppe and ribbed down all along wherein are contained small round blackish seede the roote is long and small and perisheth euery yeare 4. Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea Cinquefoile Mallow The stalkes of this Mallow are very long hard or wooddy more then of any of the other Mallowes at the lower part whereof and vp to the middle stand diuers leaues vpon long footestalkes parted or diuided into fiue parts or leaues and dented about the edges but vpwards from the middle to the toppe the leaues haue but three diuisions among these leaues stand large wide open flowers of the colour of the common Mallow the seede is smaller then in any other Mallow but the rootes are great and long spreading in the ground like vnto the roots of Marsh Mallowes springing vp afresh euery yeare from the roote 5. Sabdarifa seu Alcea Americana Thorney Mallowe This Thorney Mallowe hath greene leaues next vnto the ground that are almost round but pointed at the end and dented very much about the edges the other leaues that growe vpon the stalke are diuided into three parts like vnto a trefoile and some of them into fiue diuisions all of them dented about the edges the stalke is reddish with some harmelesse prickles in sundry places thereon and riseth vp three or foure foote high in a good ground a fit place and a kindly yeare bearing plenty of flowers vpon the stalkes one at the foote of euery leafe the toppe it selfe ending in a long spike as it were of buddes and leaues together the flowers are of a very pale yellow tending to a white colour spotted in the bottome of each of the fiue leaues with a deepe purple spot broad at the lower part and ending in a point about the middle of the leafe which are quickly fading and not abiding aboue one day with a long pestle in the middle diuided at the toppe after the flower is past commeth vp a short prickly podde set within a small greene huske or cup that bore the flower wherein is contained whitish or rather brownish yellow seede flat and somewhat round like vnto the seedes of Hollyhocke the roote is stringie and quickly perisheth for it will hardly endure in our cold Country to giue flowers much lesse seede vnlesse as I said before it happen in a kindly yeare and be well planted and tended 6. Bamia seu Alcea Aegyptia The Mallow of Egypt This Mallow is also as tender to nourse vp as the last hauing the lower leaues broad like a Marsh Mallow and of a fresh greene colour but those that growe vpon the stalke and vp to the toppe are diuided into fiue parts or points but are not cut in to the middle ribbe like the former Thorney Mallow yet dented about the edges like vnto them the flowers growe at the setting to of the leaues like vnto a Mallow for forme but of a whitish colour after which come long fiue square pointed pods with hard shels wherein are contained round blackish gray seede as bigge as a Vetch or bigger the roote perisheth quickly with vs euen with the first frosts 7. Althaea frutex flore albo vel purpureo Shrubbe Mallow with a white or purple flower There are diuers sorts of shrubbe Mallowes whereof some that haue their stemmes or stalkes lesse wooddy dye downe to the ground euery yeare and others that abide alwayes are more wooddy Of the former sorts I intend not to speake referring them to a fitter place and of the other I will onely giue you the knowledge of one or two in this place although I doe acknowledge their fittest place had been to be among the shrubbes but because they are Mallowes I pray let them passe with the rest of their kindred and their descriptions in this manner These wooddy kindes of shrub Mallowes haue somewhat large long and diuided leaues of a whitish greene colour soft also and as it were woolly in handling set dispersedly on the whitish hard or wooddy stalkes their flowers are large like vnto a single Rose or Hollyhocke in the one being white with purple spots in the bottome in the other either of a deepe red colour or else of a paler purple with a deeper bottome and with veines running in euery leafe they are somewhat tender and would not be suffered to be vncouered in the Winter time or yet abroad in the Garden but kept in a large pot or tubbe in the house
the common sort but of a blush colour 3. Digitalis media flore luteo rubente Orenge tawnie Foxegloue As this Foxegloue is none of the greatest so also is it none of the smallest but a sort betweene both hauing leaues in some proportion correspondent to the lesser yellow Foxegloue but not so large as the lesser white the flowers are long and narrow almost as large as the last white but nothing so large as the first white of a faire yellowish browne colour as if the yellow were ouershadowed with a reddish colour and is that colour wee vsually call an Orenge tawnie colour the seede is like the former the rootes perish euery yeare that they beare seede which is vsually the second yeare of the springing 4. Digitalis maior alba The greater white Foxegloue This white Foxegloue is in all things so like vnto the purple wilde kinde that it can hardly be distinguished from it vnlesse it be in the fresher greennesse and largenesse of the leaues the flowers are as great in a manner as the purple but wholly white without any spot in them the seed and other things agree in all points 5. Digitalis alba altera seu minor The lesser white Foxegloue We haue in our Gardens another sort of white Foxegloue whose leaues are like vnto the last described but not altogether so long or large and of a darker greene colour the stalke groweth not so high as not full three foote the flowers are pure white fashioned like vnto the former but not so great or large in all other things alike the rootes hereof did abide sometime in our Gardens but since perished and the seede also since when we neuer could obtaine from any our friends of that kinde againe 6. Digitalis maior lutea flore amplo The great yellow Foxegloue The leaues of this greater yellow Foxegloue are in forme somewhat like vnto the common purple kinde but not altogether so large the stalke groweth to bee three or foure foote high whereon stand many long hollow pendulous flowers in shape like the ordinary purple but somewhat shorter and more large and open at the brimmes of a faire yellow colour wherein are long threads like as in the others the roote hereof is greater at the head and more wooddy then any of the rest with many smaller fibres spreading themselues in the ground and abideth almost as well as our common purple kinde 7. Digitalis minor lutea siue pallida The small pale yellow Foxegloue This small pale yellow Foxegloue hath somewhat short broad smooth and darke greene leaues snipt or dented about the edges very finely the stalke is two foot high beset with such like leaues but lesser the flowers are moe in number then in any of the rest except the first and greatest and growe along the vpper part of the stalke being long and hollow like the other but very small and of a pale yellow colour almost white the seede vessels are small like the former wherein are contained seede like the rest but smaller the rootes are stringy but durable and seldome perish with any iniury of the extreamest frosts The Place The great white kinde hath been often and in many places found wilde in our owne Country among or hard by the common purple kinde All the rest are strangers but cherished in our Gardens The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and some in August their seede becomming ripe quickly after The Names Onely the name Digitalis is of all Writers giuen vnto these plants for it is not knowne to bee remembred of any of the old Authors Wee call them generally in English Foxegloue but some as thinking it to bee too foolish a name doe call them Finger-flowers because they are like vnto the fingers of a gloue the ends cut off The Vertues Foxegloues are not vsed in Physicke by any iudicious man that I know yet some Italians of Bononia as Camerarius saith in his time vsed it as a wound herbe CHAP. XCVIII Verbascum Mullein THere be diuers kindes of Mullein as white Mullein blacke Mullein wooddy Mullein base Mullein Moth Mullein and Ethiopian Mullein all which to distinguish or to describe is neither my purpose nor the intent of this worke which is to store a Garden with flowers of delight and sequester others not worthy of that honour Those that are fit to bee brought to your consideration in this place are first the Blattarias or Moth Mulleins and then the wooddy Mullein which otherwise is called French Sage and lastly the Ethiopian Mullein whose beauty consisteth not in the flower but in the whole plant yet if it please you not take it according to his Country for a Moore an Infidell a Slaue and so vse it 1. Blattaria lutea odorata Sweete yellow Moth Mullein The yellow Moth Mullein whose flower is sweete hath many hard grayish greene leaues lying on the ground somewhat long and broad and pointed at the end the stalks are two or three foot high with some leaues on them branching out from the middle vpwards into many long branches stored with many small pale yellow flowers of a pretty sweete sent somewhat stronger then in the other sorts which seldome giueth seede but abideth in the roote liuing many yeares which few or none of the others doe 2. Blattaria lutea maior siue Hispanica The great yellow Moth Mullein This Spanish kinde hath larger and greener leaues then the former and rounder and larger then the next that followeth the stalke is higher then in any of the Moth Mulleins being for the most part foure or fiue foote high whereon toward the toppe growe many goodly yellow flowers consisting of fiue leaues as all the rest doe not so thicke set as the former but much larger with some small purplish threads in the middle the ends whereof are fashioned somewhat like as if a Flie were creeping vp the flower which turne into round heads sometimes two or three or more standing together but vsually one wherein lye small duskie seed the roote is not great nor full of threads and doth perish most vsually hauing giuen seede except the Winter bee very milde 3. Blattaria lutea altera vulgatior The ordinary yellow Moth Mullein This yellow Moth Mullein which is the most frequent in our Gardens hath longer and narrower leaues then any of the former and roundly notched or dented on the edges of a darke greene colour the stalke is sometimes branched but most vsually single whereon stand many gold yellow flowers not fully so large as the Spanish kinde but with the like purple threads in the middle the seede is small and contained in the like round heads but alwaies euery one single by it selfe the roote perisheth euery yeare that it beareth seede 4. Blattaria flore luteo purpurascente Cloth of gold Moth Mullein The greatest point of difference betweene this and the last described consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flower which in this is of the colour of cloth of gold that
is the ground yellow and ouershadowed with a bright crimson colour which is a fine colour of much delight the threads in the middle are not so purple red as in the former but much about the colour of the flower this is not so willing to giue seede and will as hardly abide in the roote and hath out of question risen from the seede of the former 5. Blattaria flore albo White Moth Mullein The leaues of the white Moth Mullein are somewhat like vnto the yellow yet not altogether so much roundly notched about the edges but rather a little dented with sharper notches the stalke riseth as high as the yellow and hath now and then some branches about it the flowers hereof are pure white as large and great as the ordinary yellow or somewhat larger with the like purple threads in the middle as are in the yellow the seed is like the other the root perisheth in like maner and will not endure 6. Blattaria flore purpureo Purple Moth Mullein The Purple Moth Mullein hath his leaues lying on the ground broader and shorter then any of the other of a more grayish greene colour and without any denting for the most part about the edges sharpe pointed also at the end of the leafe among the leaues riseth vp the stalke not so high as either the white or the yellow and many times branched bearing many flowers thereon of the same fashion and no whit smaller of a faire deepe blewish colour tending to rednesse the threads in the middle of the flowers being yellow the seede vessels hereof are somewhat smaller then any of the former except the first sweete yellow kinde the roote hereof is long thicke and blackish on the outside abiding very well from yeare to yeare and riseth well also from the sowing of the seede 7. Blattaria flore caeruleo Blew Moth Mullein This blew Moth Mullein is in all respects like vnto the former purple kinde sauing onely in the colour of the flower which is of a blewish violet colour and is not much inferiour either in greatnesse of the plant or in the largenesse of the flower vnto the former purple kinde and endureth many yeares in the like manner And these be all the sorts of this kinde of Moth Mullein that I haue seene and noursed vp for this my Garden without interposing any vnknowne not seene or vnworthy 8. Verbascum siluestre siue quartum Matthioli Wooddy Mullein or French Sage Wooddy Mullein or French Sage hath diuers wooddy branches two or three foot high very hoary or white whereon at seuerall ioynts stand diuers thicke leaues white also and hoary long somewhat broad round pointed and rough somewhat resembling the leaues of Sage in the forme and roughnesse but not in the sent whereof our people gaue it the name of Sage calling it French Sage when as it is as great a stranger in France as in England yet they doe with this as with many other things calling them French which come from beyond the Seas as for example all or most of our bulbous flowers they call French flowers c. at the toppes of the stalkes and branches at certaine distances are placed round about them many gaping flowers like vnto the flowers of Sage but yellow after which now and then come seede somewhat bigger then the Moth Mulleins and lesse then the next Mullein of Ethiopia the roote is wooddy at the toppe with diuers blackish strings growing from it and endureth as well aboue ground with his leaues as vnder it with his rootes 9. Aethiopis Ethiopian Mullein This Mullein of Ethiopia hath many great broad and large leaues lying on the ground rent or torne in diuers of them very much on the sides of so hoary a white greene colour that it farre passeth any of the white Mulleins that growe wilde abroad in our owne Country for they are of a yellowish white hoarinesse nothing so pleasant to looke on as this in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a square strong stalke foure or fiue foote high set full of such like leaues as growe belowe but much lesser and lesser still vp to the toppe all hoary and woolly as the rest and diuided into manie branches spreading farre and taking vp a great compasse of ground more then any one roote of Garden Clary or other such like plant at each of the stalkes and branches are set two small leaues and with them round about the stalkes stand many small gaping flowers of a pale bleake blew colour the seede is almost as large as Garden Clary seede and of the same forme and colour the roote is wooddy and perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede which is vsually the second yeare after the sowing for the first yeare it seldome runneth vp to flower 10. Lamium Pannonicum siue Galeopsis Pannonica Hungary dead Nettle or the Dragon flower Let mee thrust this plant into this place rather then make a peculiar Chapter because I haue no other of the same stocke or kindred to be ioyned with it and is a pretty ornament in a Garden The leaues whereof are very large round and great rough or full of veines which make it seeme crumpled dented or deepely notched about the edges and of a very darke greene colour and sometimes brownish or of a darke reddish colour withall euery one standing on a long foote-stalke very like in forme vnto the great white Arch-Angell leaues but farre larger and blacker the stalkes are great and foure square hauing leaues and flowers standing round about them at the ioynts like coronets which flowers are very great long and wide gaping open of a darke red or purple colour with some whitenesse or spots in the iawes and some hairinesse also on the sides which stand in full flower two or three moneths most vsually and sometimes longer after which come brownish seede the roote is a great tuft or bush of long whitish strings and encreaseth euery yeare not fearing the greatest iniuries of our coldest and extreamest Winters The Place All these plants are strangers in our Countrey and onely preserued in Gardens to furnish them with variety but as I said the cloth of gold Moth Mullein hath been raised from seed in our owne Country The Time The last flowreth first before all the rest beginning in Aprill The Moth Mulleins in May and Iune The French Sage in Iuly The Names All the sorts of Blattaria may bee comprehended vnder the kindes of Verbascum nigrum as any one but meanely exercised in the knowledge of plants may discerne And although Plinie saith that Moths doe most frequently haunt where Blattaria either groweth or is laid yet it is not obserued sufficiently in our Country so to doe notwithstanding the name of Moth Mullein is generally giuen them The last is generally called with vs Lamium Pannonicum but certainely it is the Galeosis maxima Pannonica of Clusius The Vertues Other qualities I haue not found hath been allotted vnto the Blattaria or Moth
Mullein then those of Plinie to engender Moths Wee vse none of these plants in Physicke in these daies CHAP. XCIX Valeriana Valerian THe many sorts of Valerian or Set-wall as many doe call them are fitter for a generall worke or a generall Physicall Garden of Simples then this of delightfull flowers I will therefore select out a few worthy of the place and offer them to your considerations 1. Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Red Valerian This Valerian hath diuers hard but brittle whitish greene stalkes rising from the roote full of tuberous or swelling ioynts whereat stand two leaues on each side one and now and then some small leaues from betweene them which are somewhat long and narrow broadest in the middle and small at both ends without either diuision or incisure on the edges of a pale greene colour the stalkes are branched at the top into diuers parts at the ends whereof stand many flowers together as it were in an vmbell or tuft somewhat like vnto the flowers of our ordinary Valerian but with longer neckes and of a fine red colour very pleasant to behold but of no sent of any Valerian after these flowers haue stood blowne a very great while they sodainely fall away and the seede is ripe very quickly after which is whitish standing vpon the branches naked as the Valerians doe and very like vnto them with a little white doune at the end of euery one of them whereby they are soone carried away with the winde the roote is great thicke and white continuing long and shooting out new branches euery yeare and smelling somewhat like a Valerian 2. Nardus Montana tuberosa Knobbed Mountaine Valerian This kinde of Valerian or Spiknard if you will so call it hath his first leaues lying on the ground without any diuision in them at all being smooth and of a dark greene colour which so abide all the winter but those that spring vp after and when it runneth vp to flower are cut in on the edges very like vnto the iagged leaues of the great garden Valerian and so the elder they grow the more cut and iagged they are the stalke and flowers are very like the stalke with flowers of the garden Valerian but of a darke or deepe red colour and more store of them thrust together by double the number almost the seede is like the seede of the great Valerian the root is tuberous or knobbed in many parts round about aboue and below also with some fibres shooting from them whereby it is encreased and smelleth very like the roote of the garden Setwall or not altogether so strong 1 Blattaria flore albo Moth Mullein with a white flower 2 Blattaria flore purpureo Moth Mullein with a purple flower 3 Verbascum â—uertum Matthioli French Sage 4 Aethiopis Ethiopian Mullein 5 Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Red Valerian 6 Valeriana Graeca Greek Valerian 7 Lamium Pannoniâ—â—m Hungary dead Nettle 8 Cardamine flore pleno Double Cuckowe flower or Ladies smocks 3. Valeriana Graeca Greeke Valerian The Greek Valerian hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground that is many small leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe very like vnto the wilde Valerian that groweth by the ditch sides but much smaller and tenderer among which rise vp one or two round brittle stalkes two foote high or thereabouts whereon are set at the ioynts such like leaues as grow below but smaller the toppes of the stalkes are diuided into many small branches thicke set together full with flowers consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece layd open like vnto the Cinquefoile flower with some white threds in the middle tipt with yellow pendents the colour of these flowers in some plants is of a faire bleake blew colour and in others pure white And I doe heare of one beyond the Seas if the report bee true for I haue not seene such a one which should beare red flowers after the flowers are past there come vp in their places small hard huskes or heads containing small blackish seedes the roote is composed of a number of small long blackish threds fastened together at the head without any sent at all of a Valerian eyther in roote or leafe and why it should bee called a Valerian I see no great reason for it agreeth with none of them in flower or seede and but onely with the wilde Valerian in leafe as I said before but as it is we so giue it you and for the flowers sake is receiued into our gardens to helpe to fill vp the number of natures rarities and varieties The Place All these Valerians are strangers but endenizond for their beauties sake in our Gardens The Mountaine Valerian I had of the liberalitie of my louing friend Iohn Tradescante who in his trauaile and search of natures varieties met with it and imparted thereof vnto me The Time They flower in the Summer moneths and seed quickly after The Names The first is generally called of most Valeriana rubra Dodonaei who saith also that some would haue it to be Behen rubrum Some call it Valerianthon others make it a kinde of Ocimastrum and some Saponaria altera with other names which are to no great purpose to set downe in this place it beeing fitter for a generall worke to discusse of names wherein both reading knowledge and iudgement must bee shewen to correct errours and set downe the truth that one may rest thereon The others haue their names in their titles sufficient to distinguish them The Vertues The Mountaine Valerian is of all the the rest here set downe of most vse in Physicke the rest hauing little or none that I know although it be much weaker then the great garden kinde or the Indian Nardus in whose steed anciently it was vsed in oyles oyntments c. CHAP. C. Cardamine Cuckow flowers or Ladies smockes OF the common sorts of Cuckow flowers that grow by ditch-sides or in moist medowes wet grounds it is not my purpose here to write but of one or two other the most specious or faire of all the tribe that doe best befit this garden 1. Cardamine flore pleno Double Cuckow flowers The double Cardamine hath a few winged leaues weake and tender lying on the ground very like vnto the single medow kinde from among which riseth vp a round greene stalke set here and there with the like leaues that grow below the top wherof hath a few branches whereon stand diuers flowers euery one vpon a small footestalk consisting of many small whitish round leaues a little dasht ouer with a shew of blush set round together which make a double flower the roote creepeth vnder ground sending forth small white fibres and shooteth vp in diuers places 2. Cardamine trifolia Trefoile Ladies smockes This small plant hath diuers hard darke round greene leaues somewhat vneuen about the edges alwayes three set together on a blackish small footstalke among which rise vp small round blackish stalkes halfe a foote high with three small
at the ioynts but they are broader and larger by the halfe the flowers are larger consisting of fiue leaues that are blew a little deeper then the former blew this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other and therefore would stand warme as well as in a moist shadowie place 4. Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo Burning Clamberer or Virgins Bower This Causticke or burning Climer hath very long and climing tender branches yet somewhat woody below which winde about those things that stand neere it couered with a brownish greene barke from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues that is two and two together and one at the end which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here and there but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all towards the vpper part of the branches with the said leaues come forth long stalks wheron stand many white flowers clustering together opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues spreading like a starre very sweet of smell or rather of a strong heady sent which after turne into flattish and blackish seede plumed at the head which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long and leaueth the seede naked or bare the roote is white and thicke fleshie and tender or easie to be broken as my selfe can well testifie in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote I could not handle it so tenderly but that it broke notwithstanding all my care Master Gerard in his Herball maketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine that is Strasborough whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers but I neuer saw any such with him neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers Clusius indeed saith that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name of Clematis flore albo pleno but he doubteth whether there bee any such the plants that sprang with him from that seede were like vnto the vpright kinde called Flammila Matthioli or Iouis cresta as he there saith but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea that they haue a double white Clematis and haue promised to send it but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort I cannot tell vntill I see it but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede 5. Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro Red Ladies Bower This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former couered with a browne thin outer barke and greene vnderneath the leaues stand at the ioynts consisting but of three leaues or parts whereof some are notched on one side and some on both without any clasping tendrels also but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes consisting of foure leaues a peece standing like a crosse of a darke red colour the seed is flat and round and pointed at the end three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk without any doune vpon them at all as in the former the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings running down deep into the ground from a bigge head aboue 6. Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici Single purple Ladies Bower This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described but onely in the colour of the flower which is of a sad blewish purple colour so that the one is not possible to be known from the other vntill they be in flower 7. Clematis peregrina flore purpureo pleno Double flowred purple Ladies Bower This double Clematis hath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds that there can be knowne no difference vnlesse it be that this groweth more goale and great and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground and more spreading aboue the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower which in this is very thicke and double consisting of a number of smaller leaues set close together in order in the middle the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them being much broader and larger then any of the inward but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them this beareth no seede that euer I could see heare of or learne by any of credit that haue noursed it a great while and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners and others that diliuer such for truth to deceiue persons ignorant thereof must not bee credulously entertained In the great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot which place is neere vnto Noremberg in Germany I reade of a Clematis of this former kinde Clematis peregrina flore carnec caeruâ—eo whose figure is thereto also annexed with double flowers of an incarnate or pale purple tending to a blush colour whereof I haue not heard from any other place 8. Flammula Iouis erecta Vpright Virgins Bower This kinde of Clematis hath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described sometimes foure or fiue foote high or more yet leaning or bending a little so that it had some neede of sustaining couered with a brownish barke from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues consisting of fiue or seuen leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe whereof one is at the end the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower after which come such like feather topt seede which remaine and shew themselues being flat like the other when the plumes are blowne abroad the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head into many long strings and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare and spring afresh in the beginning of the next 9. Clematis caerulea Pannonica The Hungarian Climer The stalks of this plant stand vpright are foure square bearing at euery ioynt two leaues which at the first are closed together and after they are open are somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asclepias or Swallow-wort from the tops of the stalks and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower bending the head downward consisting of foure leaues somewhat long narrow standing like a crosse and turning vp their ends a little againe of a faire blew or skie colour with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme made like a head in the middle after the flower is past the head turneth into such a like round
a yellow Iasmine but differeth much from their tribe in many notable points but because the flowers haue some likenesse with the flowers of the true Iasmine it hath been vsually called a Iasmine and therefore I am content for this Garden to conioyne them in one Chapter 1. Iasminum album The white Iasmine The white Iasmine hath many twiggy flexible greene branches comming forth of the sundry bigger boughes or stems that rise from the roote which are couered with a grayish darke coloured barke hauing a white pith within it like the Elder but not so much the winged leaues stand alwaies two together at the ioynts being made of manie small and pointed leaues set on each side of a middle ribbe six most vsually on both sides with one at the end which is larger more pointed then any of the rest and of a darke greene colour at the toppes of the young branches stand diuers flowers together as it were in an vmbell or ruft each whereof standeth on a long greene stalke comming out of a small huske being small long and hollow belowe opening into fiue white small pointed leaues of a very strong sweete smell which fall away without bearing any fruit at all that euer I could learne in our Country but in the hot Countries where it is naturall it is said to beare flat fruit like Lupines the rootes spread farre and deepe and are long and hard to growe vntill they haue taken strong hold in the ground 2. Iasminum Catalonicum The Spanish Iasmine This Catalonia Iasmine groweth lower then the former neuer rising halfe so high and hath slender long greene branches rising from the toppe of the wooddy stemme with such like leaues set on them as the former but somewhat shorter and larger the flowers also are like vnto the former and stand in the same manner at the end of the branches but are much larger being of a blush colour before they are blowne and white with blush edges when they are open exceeding sweete of smell more strong then the former 3. Iasminum luteum siue Trifolium fruticans alijs Polemonium The yellow Iasmine This that is called the yellow Iasmine hath many long slender twiggy branches rising from the roote greene at the first and couered with a darke grayish barke afterwards whereon are set at certaine distances three small darke greene leaues together the end leafe being alwaies the biggest at the ioynts where the leaues come forth stand long stalkes bearing long hollow flowers ending in fiue and some in six leaues very like vnto the flowers of the first Iasmine but yellow whereupon it is vsually called the Yellow Iasmine after the flowers are past there come in their places round blacke shining berries of the bignesse of a great Pease or bigger full of a purplish iuyce which will dye ones fingers that bruise them but a little the roote is tough and white creeping farre about vnder the ground shooting forth plentifully whereby it greatly encreaseth The Place The first is verily thought to haue been first brought to Spaine out of Syria or thereabouts and from Spaine to vs and is to be seene very often and in many of our Country Gardens The second hath his breeding in Spaine also but whether it be his originall place we know not and is scarce yet made well acquainted with our English ayre The third groweth plentifully about Mompelier and will well abide in our London Gardens and any where else The Time The first flowreth not vntill the end of Iuly The second somewhat earlier The third in Iuly also The Names The first is generally called Iasminum album and Gelseminum album In English The white Iasmine The second hath his name in his title as much as may be said of it The third hath been taken of some to be a Cytisus others iudge it to be Polemonium but the truest name is Trifolium fruticans although many call it Iasminum luteum In English most vsually The yellow Iasmine for the reasons aforesaid or else after the Latine name Shrubbie Trefoile or Make-bate The Vertues The white Iasmines haue beene in all times accepted into outward medicines eyther for the pleasure of the sweete sent or profit of the warming properties And is in these dayes onely vsed as an ornament in Gardens or for sent of the flowers in the house c. The yellow Iasmine although some haue adiudged it to be the Polemonium of Dioscorides yet it is not vsed to those purposes by any that I know CHAP. CVII Syringa The Pipe tree VNder the name of Syringa is contained two speciall kinds of Shrubs or Trees differing one from another namely the Lilac of Matthiolus which is called Syringa caerulea and is of two or three sorts And the Syringa alba which also is of two sorts as shall bee declared 1. Lilac siue Syringa caerulea The blew Pipe tree The blew Pipe tree riseth sometimes to be a great tree as high and bigge in the bodie as a reasonable Apple tree as I haue in some places seene and obserued but most vsually groweth lower with many twigs or branches rising from the roote hauing as much pith in the middle of them as the Elder hath couered with a grayish greene barke but darker in the elder branches with ioynts set at a good distance one from another and two leaues at euery ioynt which are large broad and pointed at the ends many of them turning or folding both the sides inward and standing on long foote-stalkes at the toppes of the branches come forth many flowers growing spike-fashion that is a long branch of flowers vpon a stalke each of these flowers are small long and hollow belowe ending aboue in a pale blewish flower consisting of foure small leaues of a pretty small sent after the flowers are past there come sometimes but it is not often in our Country vnlesse the tree haue stood long and is grown great the suckers being continually taken away that it may growe the better long and flat cods consisting as it were of two sides a thin skinne being in the midst wherein are contained two long flattish red seede the rootes are strong and growe deepe in the ground 2. Syringa flore lacteo siue argenteo The siluer coloured Pipe tree This Pipe tree differeth not from the former blew Pipe tree either in stemme or branches either in leaues or flowers or manner of growing but onely in the colour of the flower which in this is of a milke or siluer colour which is a kinde of white wherein there is a thinne wash or light shew of blew shed therein comming somewhat neare vnto an ash-colour 3. Lilac lacimatis folijs The blew Pipe tree with cut leaues This Pipe tree should not differ from the first in any other thing then in the leaues which are said to be cut in on the edges into seuerall parts as the relation is giuen à viris fide dignis for as yet I neuer saw any such but I here
giuen to children for the wormes in the stead of wormseed and so is the seede of Maudeline also Maudeline is much vsed with Costmary and other sweet herbes to make sweete washing water the flowers also are tyed vp with small bundels of Lauender toppes these being put in the middle of them to lye vpon the toppes of beds presses c. for the sweete sent and sauour it casteth It is generally accounted of our Apothecaries to be the true Eupatorium of Auicen and the true Ageratum of Dioscorides but Dodonaeus seemeth to contradict both CHAP. XII Tanacetum vulgare crispum Tansie OVr Garden Tansie hath many hard greene leaues or rather wings of leaues for they are many small ones set one against another all along a middle ribbe or stalke and snipt about the edges in some the leaues stand closer and thicker and somewhat crumpled which hath caused it to be called double or curld Tansie in others thinner and more sparsedly It riseth vp with many hard stalks whereon growe at the tops vpon the seuerall small branches gold yellow flowers like buttons which being gathered in their prime will hold the colour fresh a long time the seede is small and as it were chaffie the roote creepeth vnder ground and shooteth vp againe in diuers places the whole herbe both leaues and flowers are of a sharpe strong bitter smell and taste but yet pleasant and well to be endured The Vse of Tansie The leaues of Tansie are vsed while they are young either shred small with other herbes or else the iuyce of it and other herbes fit for the purpose beaten with egges and fryed into cakes in Lent and the Spring of the yeare which are vsually called Tansies and are often eaten being taken to be very good for the stomack to helpe to digest from thence bad humours that cleaue thereunto As also for weak raines and kidneyes when the vrine passeth away by drops This is thought to be of more vse for men then for women The seed is much commended against all sorts of wormes in children CHAP. XIII Pimpinella siue Sanguisorba Burnet BVrnet hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground made of many small round yet pointed greene leaues finely nicked on the edges one set against another all along a middle ribbe and one at the end thereof from among which rise vp diuers round and sometimes crested browne stalkes with some few such like leaues on them as growe belowe but smaller at the toppes of the stalkes growe small browne heads or knaps which shoote forth small purplish flowers turning into long and brownish but a little cornered seede the roote groweth downe deepe being small and brownish the whole plant is of a stipticke or binding taste or quality but of a fine quicke sent almost like Baulme The Vse of Burnet The greatest vse that Burnet is commonly put vnto is to put a few leaues into a cup with Claret wine which is presently to be drunke and giueth a pleasant quicke taste thereunto very delightfull to the palate and is accounted a helpe to make the heart merrie It is sometimes also while it is young put among other Sallet herbes to giue a finer rellish thereunto It is also vsed in vulnerary drinkes and to stay fluxes and bleedings for which purposes it is much commended It hath beene also much commended in contagious and pestilentiall agues CHAP. XIIII Hippolapathum sativum siue Rhabarbarum Monachorum Monkes Rubarbe or Patience GArden Patience is a kinde of Docke in all the parts thereof but that it is larger and taller then many others with large and long greene leaues a great strong and high stalke with reddish or purplish flowers and three square seede like as all other Dockes haue the roote is great and yellow not hauing any shew of flesh coloured veines therein no more then the other kinde with great round thin leaues commonly called Hippolapathum rotundifolium Bastard Rubarbe or Monkes Rubarbe the properties of both which are of very weake effect but I haue a kinde of round leafed Dock growing in my Garden which was sent me from beyond Sea by a worthy Gentleman Mr. Dr. Matth. Lister one of the Kings Physitians with this title Rhaponticum verum and first grew with me before it was euer seen or known elsewhere in England which by proof I haue found to be so like vnto the true Rubarbe or the Rha of Pontus both for forme and colour that I dare say it is the very true Rubarbe our climate only making it lesse strong in working lesse heauy and lesse bitter in taste For this hath great and thicke rootes as diuersly discoloured with flesh coloured veines as the true Rubarbe as I haue to shew to any that are desirous to see and know it and also other smaller sprayes or branches of rootes spreading from the maine great roote which smaller branches may well be compared to the Rhaponticum which the Merchants haue brought vs which we haue seene to be longer and slenderer then Rubarbe but of the very same colour this beareth so goodly large leaues that it is a great beauty in a garden to behold them for I haue measured the stalke of the leafe at the bottome next the roote to bee of the bignesse of any mans thumbe and from the roote to the leafe it selfe to bee two foote in length and sometimes more and likewise the leafe it selfe from the lower end where it is ioyned to the stalke to the end or point thereof to bee also two foote in length and sometimes more and also in the broadest part of the leafe to be two foote or more ouer in breadth it beareth whitish flowers contrary to all other Dockes and three square brownish seede as other Dockes doe but bigger and therefore assuredly it is a Docke and the true Rubarbe of the Arabians or at the least the true Rhaponticum of the Ancients The figure of the whole plant I haue caused to be cut with a dryed roote as it grew in my garden by it selfe and haue inserted it here both because Matthiolus giueth a false figure of the true Rubarbe and that this hath not been expressed and set forth by any before The Vse of Patience and of the Rubarbe The leaues of Patience are often and of many vsed for a pot-herbe and seldome to any other purpose the roote is often vsed in Diet-beere or ale or in other drinkes made by decoction to helpe to purge the liuer and clense the blood The other Rubarbe or Rhaponticum wherof I make mention and giue you here the figure I haue tryed and found by experience to purge gently without that astriction that is in the true Rubarbe is brought vs from the East Indies or China and is also lesse bitter in taste whereby I coniecture it may bee vsed in hot and feauerish bodies more effectually because it doth not binde after the purging as the East India Rubarbe doth but this must bee giuen in double quantitie to the other and
then no doubt it will doe as well The leaues haue a fine acide taste A syrrupe therefore made with the iuice and sugar cannot but be very effectuall in deiected appetites and hot fits of agues as also to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer as diuers haue often tryed and found auaileable by experience CHAP. XV. Lapathum sanguineum Blood-wort AMong the sorts of pot-herbes Blood-worte hath alwayes beene accounted a principall one although I doe not see any great reason therein especially seeing there is a greater efficacie of binding in this Docke then in any of the other but as common vse hath receiued it so I here set it downe Blood-worte is out of the sorts of Dockes and hath long leaues like vnto the smaller yellow Docke but striped with red veines and ouer-shadowed with red vpon the greene leafe that it seemeth almost wholly red sometimes the stalke is reddish bearing such leaues but 1 Tanacetum Tansie 2 Pimpinella Burnet 3 Rhaponticum verum seu potius Rhabarbarum verum True Raponticke or rather true Rubarbe 4 Lapithum sativum seu Patientia Monkes Rubarbe or Patience 5 Lapathum sanguineum Bloudwort 6 Acetosa Sorrell smaller vp to the toppe where it is diuided into diuers small branches whereon grow purplish flowers and three square darke red seede like vnto others the roots are not great but somewhat long and very red abiding many yeares yet sometimes spoiled with the extremitie of winter The Vse of Blood-worte The whole and onely vse of the herbe almost serueth for the pot among other herbes and as I said before is accounted a most especiall one for that purpose The seede therof is much commended for any fluxe in man or woman to be inwardly taken and so no doubt is the roote being of a stipticke qualitie CHAP. XVI Oxalis siue Acetosa Sorrell SOrrell must needes bee reckoned with the Dockes for that it is so like vnto them in all things and is of many called the sower Docke Of Sorrels there are many sorts but I shall not trouble you with any other in this place then the common Garden Sorrell which is most knowne and of greatest vse with vs which hath tender greene long leaues full of iuice broade and bicorned as it were next vnto the stalke like as Arrach Spinach and our English Mercurie haue of a sharpe sower taste the stalkes are slender bearing purplish long heads wherein lye three square shining browne seede like but lesser then the other the root is smaller then any of the other Dockes but browne and full of strings and abideth without decaying hauing greene leaues all the winter except in the very extremitie thereof which often taketh away all or most of his leaues The Vse of Sorrell Sorrell is much vsed in sawces both for the whole and the sicke cooling the hot liuers and stomackes of the sicke and procuring vnto them an appetite vnto meate when their spirits are almost spent with the violence of their furious or fierie fits and is also of a pleasant rellish for the whole in quickning vp a dull stomacke that is ouer-loaden with euery daies plenty of dishes It is diuers waies dressed by Cooks to please their Masters stomacks CHAP. XVII Buglossum luteum siue Lingua Bouis Langdebeefe VNto this place may well bee referred our ordinary Borage and Buglosse set forth in the former Booke in regard of the properties whereunto they are much employed that is to serue the pot among other herbes as is sufficiently knowne vnto all And yet I confesse that this herbe although it bee called Buglossum luteum as if it were a kind of Buglosse hath no correspondency with Buglosse or Borage in any part sauing only a little in the leafe our Borage or Buglosse might more fitly according to the Greeke name bee called Oxe tongue or Langdebeefe and this might in my iudgement more aptly be referred to the kinds of Hieratium Hawkeweed whereunto it neerest approacheth but as it is commonly receiued so take it in this place vntill it come to receiue the place is proper for it It hath diuers broad and long darke green leaues lying vpon the ground very rough in handling full of small haires or prickes ready to enter into the hands of any that handle it among which riseth 1 Lingua bouis siue Buglossum luteum Langdebeefe 2 Atriplex siue Olus aureum Arrach 3 Blitum Blites 4 Beta Beetes 5 Hipposelinum siue Olus atrum Allisanders 6 Selinum dulce Sweete Parsley vp a round greene hairy or prickly stalk bearing at the toppe among a few small green leaues diuers small yellow flowers in rough heads which turne into doune containing within them browne yellowish small long seedes somewhat like vnto the seede of Hawkeweede the roote is wooddy which perisheth quickly after it hath borne seed but is tender while it is young The Vse of Langdebeefe The leaues are onely vsed in all places that I know or euer could learne for an herbe for the pot among others and is thought to bee good to loosen the belly CHAP. XVIII Atriplex siue Olus Aureum Arrach THere be diuers kindes of Arrach or Orach as some doe call them some of the Garden whereof I meane to entreate in this place others wilde of the Fieldes c. and others of the Sea which are not to bee spoken of in this worke but referred to a generall historie The white garden Arrach or Orach hath diuers leaues standing vpon their seuerall footestalkes broade at the bottome ending in two points like an arrow with two feathers at the head and small pointed at the end of the leafe of a whitish yellow greene colour and as it were strewed ouer with flower or meale especially while they are young the stalke likewise is mealy bearing many branches with small yellow flowers on them which turne into small leafie seeds the rooote groweth somewhat deepe in the ground with many small threds fastened thereto it quickly springeth vp of the seede groweth great and fadeth away as soon as it hath borne seede The purple Arrach is in all things like vnto the white sauing onely in the colour of the leafe stalke seede c. which are all of a mealy dusty purplish colour The Vse of Arrach Arrach is cold and moist and of a lubricke or slippery qualitie whereby it quickely passeth through the stomacke and belly and maketh it soluble and is of many vsed for that purpose being boyled and buttered or put among other herbes into the pot to make pottage There are many dishes of meate made with them while they are young for being almost without sauour of themselues they are the more conuertible into what rellish any one will make them with Sugar Spice c. CHAP. XIX Blitum Blites THere be diuers sorts of Blites some whereof I haue entreated in the former part of this worke vnder the title of Amaranthus Flower gentle others that are noursed vp in Gardens I will set forth in this place
which are onely two that haue come to my knowledge that is the white and the red and are of a qualitie as neere vnto Arrach as vnto Beetes participating of both and therefore I haue placed them betwixt them The white Blite hath leaues somewhat like vnto Beetes but smaller rounder and of a whitish greene colour euery one standing vpon a small long footestalke the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high with many such like leaues thereon the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or clusters wherein are contained small round seede the roote is very full of threds or strings The red Blite is in all things like the white but that his leaues and tufted heades are exceeding red at the first and after turne more purplish The Vse of Blites Blites are vsed as Arrach eyther boyled of it selfe or stewed which they call Loblolly or among other herbes to bee put into the pot and yet some doe vtterly refuse it because in diuers it prouoketh castings It is altogether insipide or without taste but yet by reason of the moist slipperie qualitie it hath it helpeth to loosen the belly The vnsauorinesse whereof hath in many Countries growne into a prouerbe or by-word to call dull slow or lazie persons by that name They are accounted more hurtfull to the stomacke and so to the head and eyes then other herbes and therefore they are the lesse vsed CHAP. XX. Beta Beetes THere are many diuersities of Beetes some growing naturally in our own Country others brought from beyond Sea whereof some are white some greene some yellow some red the leaues of some are of vse only and the root not vsed others the roote is only vsed and not the leaues and some againe both roote and leafe The ancient Authors as by their workes appeare knew but two sorts the white and the blacke Beete whereof the white is sufficiently known and was of them termed Sicula of the later Physitians Sicla because it was thought first to be brought from Sicilie the blacke abideth some controuersie some thinking that our common greene Beete because it is of a darke greene colour was that they called the blacke Beete others that our small red Beete which is of a darke red colour was their black Beete which in my opinion is the more likely But to come to the matter in hand and giue you the descriptions of them which are in vse with vs and leaue controuersies to such a worke as is fit for them wherein all such matters may be discussed at large The common white Beete hath many great leaues next the ground in some hot Countries growing to be three foote long and very broade in our Countrey they are very large but nothing neere that proportion of a whitish greene colour the stalke is great strong and ribbed or crested bearing great store of leaues vpon it vp to the very toppe almost the flowers grow in very long tufts small at the ends and turning down their heads which are small pale greenish yellow burres giuing cornered prickly seede the roote is great long and hard when it hath giuen seede of no vse at all but abideth a former winter with leaues vpon it as all other sorts following do The common red Beet differeth not from the white Beete but only that it is not so great and both the leaues and rootes are somewhat red the leaues bee in some more red then in others which haue but red veines or strakes in them in some also of a fresh red in others very darke red the roote hereof is red spongy and not vsed to bee eaten The common greene Beete is also like vnto the white Beete but of a darke greene colour This hath beene found neere the salt Marshes by Rochester in the foote-way going from the Lady Levesons house thither by a worthy diligent and painefull obseruer and preseruer both of plants and all other natures varieties often remembred before in this worke called Iohn Tradescante who there finding it gaue me the knowledge thereof and I haue vpon his report set it here down in this manner The Romane red Beete called Beta raposa is both for leafe and roote the most excellent Beete of all others his rootes bee as great as the Carrot exceeding red both within and without very sweete and good fit to bee eaten this Beete groweth higher then the last red Beete whose rootes are not vsed to bee eaten the leaues likewise are better of taste and of as red a colour as the former red Beete the roote is sometimes short like a Turnep whereof it took the name of Rapa or raposa and sometimes as I said before like a Carrot and long the seede is all one with the lesser red Beete The Italian Beete is of much respect whose faire greene leaues are very large and great with great white ribbes and veines therein the stalke in the Summer time when it is growen vp to any height is six square in shew and yellowish withall as the heades with seede vpon them seeme likewise The great red Beete that Master Lete a Merchant of London gaue vnto Master Gerrard as he setteth it downe in his Herball seemeth to bee the red kinde of the last remembred Beete whose great ribbes as he saith are as great as the middle ribbe of the Cabbage leafe and as good to bee eaten whose stalke rose with him to the height of eight cubits and bore plenty of seede The Vse of Beetes Beetes both white greene and red are put into the pot among other herbes to make pottage as is commonly known vnto all and are also boyled whole both in France vsually with most of their boyled meates and in our Countrey with diuers that delight in eating of herbes The Italian Beete and so likewise the last red Beete with great ribbes are boyled and the ribbes eaten in sallets with oyle vinegar and pepper and is accounted a rare kinde of sallet and very delicate The roote of the common red Beete with some but more especially the Romane red Beete is of much vse among Cookes to trimme or set out their dishes of meate being cut out into diuers formes and fashions and is grown of late dayes into a great custome of seruice both for fish and flesh The rootes of the Romane red Beete being boyled are eaten of diuers while they are hot with a little oyle and vinegar and is accounted a delicate sallet for the winter and being cold they are so vsed and eaten likewise The leaues are much vsed to mollifie and open the belly being vsed in the decoction of Glisters The roote of the white kinde scraped and made vp with a little honey and salt rubbed on and layd on the belly prouoketh to the stoole The vse of eating Beetes is likewise held to bee helpefull to spleneticke persons CHAP. XXI Hipposelinum siue Olus atrum Alisanders ALisanders hath beene in former times thought to be the true Macedonian Parsley and in that errour many doe
cloues which serue both to set againe for increase and also to vse as neede shall require and is of a very strong smell and taste as euery one knoweth passing either Onions or Leekes but exceeding wholsome withall for them that can take it Allium Vrsinum Ramsons Ramsons are another kinde of Garlicke and hath two or three faire broad leaues of a fresh or light greene colour pointed at the end the stalke groweth about an hand length high bearing many small and pure white starre-like flowers at the toppe and afterwards small blacke and smooth round seede the roote is also diuided into many parts whereby it is much encreased and is much milder then the former both in smell and taste The Vse of Garlicke It being well boyled in salt broth is often eaten of them that haue strong stomackes but will not brooke in a weake and tender stomacke It is accounted and so called in diuers Countries The poore mans Treakle that is a remedy for all diseases It is neuer eaten rawe of any man that I know as other of the rootes aforesaid but sodden alwaies and so taken Ramsons are oftentimes eaten with bread and butter and otherwise also as euery mans affection and course of life leadeth him to vse CHAP. XLVI Rapunculus siue Rapuntium Rampions GArden Rampions are of two sorts the one greater the other lesser the leaues of Rampions are in the one somewhat broad like a Beete in the other somewhat long and narrow and a little broader at the end of a light greene colour lying flat vpon the ground all the first winter or yeare of the springing and the next Spring shooteth forth stalkes two or three foote high bearing at the toppe in the bigger sort a long slender spike of small horned or crooked flowers which open their brimmes into foure leaues in the lesser many small purplish bels standing vpon seuerall small foote-stalkes which turne into heads bearing small blackish seede the root is white branched into two or three rootes of the bignesse and length of a mans finger or thumbe The Vse of Rampions The rootes of both are vsed for Sallets being boyled and then eaten with oyle and vinegar a little salt and pepper CHAP. XLVII Tragopogon Goates beard GOates beard hath many long and narrow leaues broader at the bottome and sharper at the end with a ridge downe the backe of the leafe and of a pale greene colour among which riseth vp a stalke of two or three foote high smooth and hollow bearing thereon many such like leaues but smaller and shorter and at the toppe thereof on euery branch a great double yellow flower like almost vnto the flower of a Dandelion which turneth into a head stored with doune and long whitish seede therein hauing on the head of euery one some part of the doune and is carried away with the winde if it bee neglected the roote is long and round somewhat like vnto a Parsnep but farre smaller blackish on the outside and white within yeelding a milkie iuyce being broken as all the rest of the plant doth and of a very good and pleasant taste This kinde as also another with narrower leaues almost like grasse growe wilde abroad in many places but are brought into diuers Gardens The other two kindes formerly described in the first part the one with a purple flower and the otherwith an ash-coloured haue such rootes as these here described and may serue also to the same purpose being of equall goodnesse if any will vse them in the same manner that is while they are young and of the first yeares sowing else they all growe hard in running vp to seede The Vse of Goates beard If the rootes of any of these kindes being young be boyled and dressed as a Parsnep they make a pleasant dish of meate farre passing the Parsnep in many mens iudgements and that with yellow flowers to be the best They are of excellent vse being in this manner prepared or after any other fit and conuenient way to strengthen those that are macilent or growing into any consumption CHAP. XLVIII Carum Carawayes CArawayes hath many very fine cut and diuided leaues lying on the ground being alwaies greene somewhat resembling the leaues of Carrots but thinner and more finely cut of a quicke hot and spicie taste the stalke riseth not much higher then the Carrot stalke bearing some leaues at the ioynts along the stalke to the toppe where it brancheth into three or foure parts bearing spoakie vmbels of white flowers which turne into small blackish seede smaller then Aniseede and of a hotter and quicker taste the roote is whitish like vnto a Parsnep but much smaller more spreading vnder ground and a little quicke in taste as all the rest of the plant is and abideth long after it hath giuen seede The Vse of Carawayes The rootes of Carawayes being boyled may be eaten as Carrots and by reason of the spicie taste doth warme and comfort a cold weake stomacke helping to dissolue winde whereas Carrots engender it and to prouoke vrine and is a very welcome and delightfull dish to a great many yet they are somewhat stronger in taste then Parsneps The seede is much vsed to bee put among baked fruit or into bread cakes c. to giue them a rellish and to helpe to digest winde in them are subiect thereunto It is also made into Comfits and put into Trageas or as we call them in English Dredges that are taken for the cold and winde in the body as also are serued to the table with fruit CHAP. XLIX Pappas sine Battatas Potatoes THree sorts of Potatoes are well knowne vnto vs but the fourth I rest doubtfull of and dare not affirme it vpon such termes as are giuen vnto it vntill I may be better informed by mine owne sight The Spanish kinde hath in the Islands where they growe either naturally or planted for increase profit and vse of the Spaniards that nourse them many firme and verie sweete rootes like in shape and forme vnto Asphodill rootes but much greater and longer of a pale browne on the outside and white within set together at one head from whence rise vp many long branches which by reason of their weight and weaknesse cannot stand of themselues but traile on the ground a yard and a halfe in length at the least I relate it as it hath growne with vs but in what other forme for flower or fruit we know not whereon are set at seuerall distances broad and in a manner three square leaues somewhat like triangled Iuie leaues of a darke greene colour the two sides whereof are broad and round and the middle pointed at the end standing reasonable close together thus much we haue seene growe with vs and no more the roote rather decaying then increasing in our country The Potatoes of Virginia which some foolishly call the Apples of youth is another kinde of plant differing much from the former sauing in the colour and taste of the roote
of land to be planted in and rise vp with one two or three stalks according to the fertilitie of the soyle being smooth and square higher then any man oftentimes whereon are set at certaine distances from the very bottome almost to the toppe two long smooth fleshy and thicke leaues almost round one standing by another at the end of a small footestalke betweene these leaues and the stalke come forth diuers flowers all of them looking one way for the most part which are close a little turned vp at the brimmes white and spotted with a blackish spot in the middle of them and somwhat purplish at the foot or bottome of the forme almost of Broome or Pease flowers many of which that grow vpward toward the toppe doe seldome beare fruit and therefore are gathered to distill and the toppes of the stalkes cut off to cause the rest to thriue the better after which grow vp long great smooth greene pods greater then in any other kinde of Pulse which grow blacke when they are ripe and containe within them two three or foure Beanes which are somewhat flat and round eyther white or reddish which being full ripe grow blackish the roote hath diuers fibres annexed vnto the maine roote which dyeth euery yeare The French or Kidney Beane riseth vp at the first but with one stalke which afterwards diuideth it selfe into many armes or branches euery one of them being so weak that without they be sustained with stickes or poles whereon with their winding and claspers they take hold they would lye fruitlesse vpon the ground vpon these branches grow forth at seuerall places long footestalkes with euery of them three broade round and pointed greene leaues at the end of them towards the tops whereof come forth diuers flowers made like vnto Pease blossomes of the same colour for the most part that the fruit will be of that is to say eyther white or yellow or red or blackish or of a deepe purple c. but white is most vsuall for our Garden after which come long and slender flat pods some crooked and some straight with a string as it were running downe the backe thereof wherein are contained flattish round fruit made to the fashion of a kidney the roote is long and spreadeth with many fibres annexed vnto it perishing euery yeare The Vse of these Beanes The Garden Beanes serue as I said before more for the vse of the poore then of the rich I shall therefore only shew you the order the poore take with them and leaue curiosity to them that will bestow time vpon them They are only boyled in faire water and a little salt and afterwards stewed with some butter a little vinegar and pepper being put vnto them and so eaten or else eaten alone after they are boyled without any other sawce The water of the blossomes distilled is vsed to take away spots and to cleer the skin The water of the greene huskes or cods is good for the stone The Kidney Beanes boyled in water huske and all onely the ends cut off and the string taken away and stewed with butter c. are esteemed more sauory meate to many mens pallates then the former and are a dish more oftentimes at rich mens Tables then at the poore CHAP. LII Pisum Pease THere is a very great variety of manured Pease known to vs and I think more in our Country then in others whereof some prosper better in one ground and country and some in others I shall giue you the description of one alone for all the rest and recite vnto you the names of the rest Garden Pease are for the most part the greatest and sweetest kinds and are sustained with stakes or bushes The Field Pease are not so vsed but growe without any such adoe They spring vp with long weake hollow and brittle while they are young and greene whitish greene stalkes branched into diuers parts and at euery ioynt where it parteth one broad round leafe compassing the stalke about so that it commeth as it were thorough it the leaues are winged made of diuers small leaues set to a middle ribbe of a whitish greene colour with claspers at the ends of the leaues whereby it taketh hold of whatsoeuer standeth next vnto it betweene the leaues and the stalkes come forth the flowers standing two or three together euery one by it selfe on his owne seuerall stalke which are either wholly white or purple or mixed white and purple or purple and blew the fruit are long and somewhat round cods whereof some are greater others lesser some thicke and short some plaine and smooth others a little crooked at the ends wherein also are contained diuers formes of fruit or pease some being round others cornered some small some great some white others gray and some spotted the roote is small and quickly perisheth The kindes of Pease are these The Rounciuall The greene Hasting The Sugar Pease The spotted Pease The gray Pease The white Hasting The Pease without skins The Scottish or tufted Pease which some call the Rose Pease is a good white Pease fit to be eaten The early or French Pease which some call Fulham Pease because those grounds thereabouts doe bring them soonest forward for any quantity although sometimes they miscarry by their haste and earlinesse Cicer Arietinum Rams Ciches This is a kinde of Pulse so much vsed in Spaine that it is vsually one of their daintie dishes at all their feasts They are of two sorts white and red the white is onely vsed for meate the other for medicine It beareth many vpright branches with winged leaues many set together being small almost round and dented about the edges the flowers are either white or purple according to the colour of the Pease which follow and are somewhat round at the head but cornered and pointed at the end one or two at the most in a small roundish cod The Vse of Pease Pease of all or the most of these sorts are either vsed when they are greene and be a dish of meate for the table of the rich as well as the poore yet euery one obseruing his time and the kinde the fairest sweetest youngest and earliest for the better sort the later and meaner kindes for the meaner who doe not giue the deerest price Or 1 Fabasatiua Garden Beanes 2 Phaseoli satiui French Beanes 3 Pisum vulgaâ—e Garden Pease 4 Pisum vmbellatum siue Roseum Rose Pease or Scottish Pease 5 Pisum Saccharatum Sugar Pease 6 Pisum maculatum Spotted Pease 7 Cicer Arietinum Rams Ciches or Cicers It is much vsed likewise at Sea for them that goe long voyages and is for change because it is fresh a welcome diet to most persons therein The Rams Ciches the Spaniards call Grauancos and Garauancillos and eate them boyled and stewed as the most dainty kinde of Pease that are they are of a very good rellish and doe nourish much but yet are not without that windy quality that all sorts
Asarabacca A Sarabacca from a small creeping roote set with many fibres shooteth forth diuers heads and from euery of them sundry leaues euery one standing vpon a long greene stalke which are round thicke and of a very sad or darke greene colour and shining withall from the rootes likewise spring vp short stalkes not fully foure fingers high at the toppe of euery one of which standeth the flower in fashion very like the seede vessell of Henbane seede of a greenish purple colour which changeth not his forme but groweth in time to containe therein small cornered seed the greene leaues abide all the winter many times but vsually sheddeth them in winter and recouereth fresh in the spring The Vse of Asarabacca The leaues are much and often vsed to procure vomits fiue or seuen of them bruised and the iuice of them drunke in ale or wine An extract made of the leaues with wine artificially performed might bee kept all the yeare thorough to bee vsed vpon any present occasion the quantitie to bee proportioned according to the constitution of the patient The roote worketh not so strongly by vomit as the leaues yet is often vsed for the same purpose and besides is held auaileable to prouoke vrine to open obstructions in the liuer and spleene and is put among diners other simples both into Mithridatum and Andromachus Treakle which is vsually called Venice Treakle A dram of the dryed roots in pouder giuen in white wine a little before the fit of an ague taketh away the shaking fit therby cause the hot fit to be the more remisse and in twice taking expell it quite CHAP. LXIII Glycyrrhiza siue Liqueritia Licorice ALthough there are two sorts of Licorice set downe by diuers Authors yet because this Land familiarly is acquainted but with one sort I shall not neede for this Garden to make any further relation of that is vnknowne but onely of that sort which is sufficiently frequent with vs. It riseth vp with diuers wooddy stalks whereon are set at seuerall distances many winged leaues that is to say many narrow long greene leaues set together on both sides of the stalke and an odde one at the end very well resembling a young Ashe tree sprung vp from the seede this by many yeares continuance in a place without remouing and not else will bring forth flowers many standing together spike-fashion one aboue another vpon the stalkes of the forme of Pease blossomes but of a very pale or bleake blew colour which turne into long somewhat flat and smooth cods wherein is contained small round hard seede the roote runneth downe exceeding deep into the ground with diuers other smaller roots and fibres growing with them and shoote out suckers from the maine rootes all about whereby it is much encreased of a brownish colour on the outside and yellow within of a farre more weake sweete taste yet far more pleasing to vs then that Licorice that is brought vs from beyond Sea because that being of a stronger sweet taste hath a bitternesse ioyned with it which maketh it the lesse pleasing and acceptable to most The Vse of Licorice Our English Licorice is now adaies of more familiar vse as I said before then the outlandish and is wholly spent and vsed to helpe to digest and expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges and doth allay the sharpenesse or saltnesse thereof It is good also for those are troubled with shortnesse of breath and for all sorts of coughes The iuice of Licorice artificially made with Hyssope water serueth very well for all the purposes aforesaid It being dissolued with Gum Tragacanth in Rose water is an excellent Lohoc or licking medicine to breake flegme and to expectorate it as also to avoyde thin frothy matter or thin salt flegme which often fretteth the lunges It doth also lenifie exulcerated kidneyes or the bladder and helpeth to heale them It is held also good for those that cannot make their water but by drops or a small deale at a time The dryed root finely minced is a speciall ingredient into all Trageas or Dredges seruing for the purposes aforesaid but the vse of them is almost wholly left now adaies with all sorts Thus haue I shewed you not only the herbes rootes and fruites noursed vp in this Garden but such herbes as are of most necessary vses for the Country Gentlewomens houses And now I will shew you the Orchard also THE ORDERING OF THE ORCHARD The third part or ORCHARD CHAP. I. The situation of an Orchard for fruit-bearing trees and how to amend the defects of many grounds AS I haue done in the two former parts of this Treatise so I meane to proceede in this first to set downe the situation of an Orchard and then other things in order And first I hold that an Orchard which is or should bee of some reasonable large extent should be so placed that the house should haue the Garden of flowers iust before it open vpon the South and the Kitchen Garden on the one side thereof should also haue the Orchard on the other side of the Garden of Pleasure for many good reasons First for that the fruit trees being grown great and tall will be a great shelter from the North and East windes which may offend your chiefest Garden and although that your Orchard stand a little bleake vpon the windes yet trees rather endure these strong bitter blasts then other smaller and more tender shrubs and herbes can doe Secondly if your Orchard should stand behinde your Garden of flowers more Southward it would shadow too much of the Garden and besides would so binde in the North and East and North and West windes vpon the Garden that it would spoile many tender things therein and so much abate the edge of your pleasure thereof that you would willingly wish to haue no Orchard rather then that it should so much annoy you by the so ill standing thereof Thirdly the falling leaues being still blowne with the winde so aboundantly into the Garden would either spoile many things or haue one daily and continuall attending thereon to cleanse and sweepe them away Or else to auoide these great inconueniences appoint out an Orchard the farther off and set a greater distance of ground betweene For the ground or soile of the Orchard what I haue spoken concerning the former Garden for the bettering of the seuerall grounds may very well serue and be applyed to this purpose But obserue this that whereas your Gardens before spoken of may be turned vp manured and bettered with soile if they growe out of heart your Orchard is not so easily done but must abide many yeares without altering and therefore if the ground be barren or not good it had the more neede to bee amended or wholly made good before you make an Orchard of it yet some there be that doe appoint that where euery tree should bee set you onely digge that place to make it good but you must know that
they grow are the whole and onely cause of the varieties and differences Indeed Virginia hath sent vnto vs two sorts of Wallnuts the one blacke the other white whereof as yet wee haue no further knowledge And I know that Clusius reporteth he tooke vp at a banquet a long Wallnut differing in forme and tendernesse of shell from others which being set grew and bore farre tenderer leaues then the other and a little snipt about the edges which as I said might alter with the soyle and climate and besides you may obserue that many of Clusius differences are very nice and so I leaue it The Wallnut tree groweth very high and great with a large and thicke body or trunke couered with a thicke clouen whitish greene barke tending to an ash-colour the armes are great and spread farre breaking out into smaller branches whereon doe grow long large leaues fiue or seuen set together one against another with an odde one at the end somewhat like vnto Ashen leaues but farre larger and not so many on a stalke smooth and somewhat reddish at the first springing and tender also of a reasonable good sent but more strong and headie when they growe old the fruit or nut is great and round growing close to the stalkes of the leaues either by couples or by three set together couered with a double shell that is to say with a greene thicke and soft outer rinde and an inner hard shell within which the white kernell is contained couered with a thinne yellow rinde or peeling which is more easily peeled away while it is greene then afterwards and is as it were parted into foure quarters with a thinne wooddy peece parting it at the head very sweete and pleasant while it is fresh and for a while after the gathering but the elder they growe the harder and more oily the catkins or blowings are long and yellow made of many scaly leaues set close together which come forth early in the Spring and when they open and fall away vpon their stalkes arise certaine small flowers which turne into so many nuts The Vse of Wallnuts They are often serued to the table with other fruits while they abide fresh and sweete and therefore many to keepe them fresh a long time haue deuised many wayes as to put them into great pots and bury them in the ground and so take them out as they spend them which is a very good way and will keepe them long The small young nuts while they are tender being preserued or candid are vsed among other sorts of candid fruits that serue at banquets The iuyce of the outer greene huskes are held to be a soueraigne remedy against either poyson or plague or pestilentiall feuer The distilled water of the huskes drunke with a little vinegar if the fits growe hot and tedious is an approued remedy for the same The water distilled from the leaues is effectuall to be applyed to fluent or running vlcers to dry and binde the humours Some haue vsed the pouder of the catkins in white wine for the suffocation or strangling of the mother The oyle of Wallnuts is vsed to varnish Ioyners workes As also is accounted farre to excell Linseede oyle to mixe a white colour withall that the colour bee not dimmed It is of excellent vse for the coldnesse hardnesse and contracting of the sinewes and ioynts to warme supple and to extend them CHAP. XXIII Castanea Equina The Horse Chesnut ALthough the ordinary Chesnut is not a tree planted in Orchards but left to Woods Parkes and other such like places yet wee haue another sort which wee haue noursed vp from the nuts sent vs from Turky of a greater and more pleasant aspect for the faire leaues and of as good vse for the fruit It groweth in time to be a great tree spreading with great armes and branches whereon are set at seuerall distances goodly faire great greene leaues diuided into six seuen or nine parts or leaues euery one of them nicked about the edges very like vnto the leaues of Ricnus or Palma Christi and almost as great it beareth at the ends of the branches many flowers set together vpon a long stalke consisting of foure white leaues a peece with many threads in the middle which afterwards turne into nuts like vnto the ordinary Chesnuts but set in rougher and more prickly huskes the nuts themselues being rounder and blacker with a white spot at the head of each formed somewhat like an heart and of a little sweeter taste The Vse of this Chesnut It serueth to binde and stop any maner of fluxe be it of bloud or humours either of the belly or stomacke as also the much spitting of bloud They are roasted and eaten as the ordinary sort to make them taste the better They are vsually in Turkie giuen to horses in their prouender to cure them of coughes and helpe them being broken winded CHAP. XXIIII Morus The Mulberrie THere are two sorts of Mulberries sufficiently known to most the blackish and the white but wee haue had brought vs from Virginia another sort which is of greater respect then eyther of the other two not onely in regard of the ratitie but of the vse as you shall presently vnderstand 1. Morus nigra The blacke Mulberrie The blacke Mulberrie tree groweth oftentimes tall and great and oftentimes also crooked and spreading abroade rather then high for it is subiect to abide what forme you will conforme it vnto if by suffering it to grow it will mount vp and if you will binde it or plash the boughes they will so abide and be carried ouer arbours or other things as you will haue it The bodie groweth in time to bee very great couered with a rugged or thicke barke the armes or branches being smoother whereon doe grow round thicke leaues pointed at the ends and nicked about the edges and in some there are to be seene deep gashes making it seeme somewhat like the Vine leafe the flowers are certaine short dounie catkings which turne into greene berries at the first afterwards red and when they are full ripe blacke made of many graines set together like vnto the blacke berrie but longer and greater before they are ripe they haue an austere and harsh taste but when they are full ripe they are more sweete and pleasant the iuice whereof is so red that it will staine the hands of them that handle and eate them 2. Morus alba The white Mulberrie The white Mulberrie tree groweth not with vs to that greatnesse or bulke of bodie that the blacke doth but runneth vp higher slenderer more knotty hard and brittle with thinner spreade armes and branches the leaues are like the former but not so thicke set on the branches nor so hard in handling a little paler also hauing somewhat longer stalkes the fruit is smaller and closer set together greene and somewhat harsh before they be ripe but of a wonderfull sweetnesse almost ready to procure loathing when they are thorough
ripe and white with such like seede in them as in the former but smaller 3. Morus Virginiana The Virginia Mulberrie The Virginia Mulberry tree groweth quickely with vs to be a very great tree spreading many armes and branches whereon grow faire great leaues very like vnto the leaues of the white Mulberrie tree the berry or fruit is longer and redder then either of the other and of a very pleasant taste The Vse of Mulberries 1 Nux Iuglans The Wallnut 2 Castanea equina The horse Chesnut 3 Morus nigra-vel alba The Mulberry 4 Morus Viâ—giniana The Virginia Mulberry 5 Laurus vulgaris The ordinary Bay tree 6 Laurea Cerasus Virginiana The Virginia Cherry Bay Mulberries are not much desired to be eaten although they be somewhat pleasant both for that they staine their fingers and lips that eate them and doe quickly putrefie in the stomacke if they bee not taken before meate They haue yet a Physicall vse which is by reason of the astringent quality while they are red and before they bee ripe for sore mouthes and throats or the like whereunto also the Syrup called Diamoron is effectuall Corollarium A COROLEARIE To this Orchard THere are certaine other trees that beare no fruit fit to bee eaten which yet are often seene planted in Orchards and other fit and conuenient places bout an house whereof some are of especiall vse as the Bay tree c. others for their beauty and shadow are fit for walkes or arbours some being euer green are most fit for hedge-rowes and some others more for their raritie then for any other great vse wherof I thought good to entreat apart by themselues and bring them after the fruit trees of this Orchard as an ornament to accomplish the same 1. Laurus The Bay tree THere are to bee reckoned vp fiue kindes of Bay trees three whereof haue been entreated of in the first part a fourth wee will only bring hereto your consideration which is that kinde that is vsually planted in euery mans yard or orchard for their vse throughout the whole land the other we will leaue to bee considered of in that place is fit for it The Bay tree riseth vp oftentimes to carry the face of a tree of a meane bignesse in our Countrey although much greater in the hoter and oftentimes shooteth vp with many suckers from the roote shewing it selfe more like to a tall shrubbe or hedge-bush then a tree hauing many branches the young ones whereof are sometimes reddish but most vsually of a light or fresh greene colour when the stemme and elder boughes are couered with a darke greene barke the leaues are somewhat broad and long pointed as it were at both the ends hard and sometimes crumpled on the edges of a darke greene colour aboue and of a yellowish greene vnderneath in smell sweet in taste bitter and abiding euer greene the flowers are yellow and mossie which turne into berries that are a little long as well as round whose shell or outermost peele is greene at the first and blacke when it is ripe wherein is contained an hard bitter kernell which cleaueth in two parts The Vse of Bayes The Bay leaues are of as necessary vse as any other in Garden or Orchard for they serue both for pleasure and profit both for ornament and for vse both for honest Ciuill vses and for Physicke yea both for the sicke and for the sound both for the liuing and for the dead And so much might be said of this one tree that if it were all told would as well weary the Reader as the Relater but to explaine my selfe It serueth to adorne the house of God as well as of man to procure warmth comfort and strength to the limmes of men and women by bathings and annoyntings outward and by drinkes c. inward to the stomacke and other parts to season vessels c. wherein are preserued our meates as well as our drinkes to crowne or encircle as with a garland the heads of the liuing and to sticke and decke forth the bodies of the dead so that from the cradle to the graue we haue still vse of it we haue still neede of it The berries likewise serue for stitches inward and for paines outward that come of cold eyther in the ioynts sinewes or other places 2. Laurea Cerasus siue Laurus Virginiana The Virginian Bay or Cherry Baye THis Virginian whether you will call it a Baye or a Cherrie or a Cherrie Bay I leaue it to euery ones free will and iudgement but yet I thinke I may as well call it a Bay as others a Cherrie neither of them being answerable to the tree which neyther beareth such berries as are like Cherries neither beareth euer greene leaues like the Bay if it may therefore bee called the Virginia Cherry Bay for a distinction from the former Bay Cherry that beareth faire blacke Cherries it will more fitly agree thereunto vntill a more proper may be imposed riseth vp to be a tree of a reasonable height the stemme or bodie thereof being almost as great as a mans legge spreading forth into diuers armes or boughes and they againe into diuers small branches whereon are set without order diuers faire broade greene leaues somewhat like vnto the former Bay leaues but more limber and gentle and not so hard in handling broader also and for the most part ending in a point but in many somewhat round pointed very finely notched or toothed about the edges of a bitter taste very neere resembling the taste of the Bay leafe but of little or no sent at all either greene or dryed which fall away euery autumne and spring a fresh euery yeare the blossomes are small and white many growing together vpon a long stalke somewhat like the Bird Cherry blossomes but smaller and come forth at the ends of the young branches which after turne into small berries euery one set in a small cup or huske greene at the first and blacke when they are ripe of the bignesse of a small pease of a strong bitter taste and somewhat aromaticall withall but without any fleshy substance like a Cherry at all vpon it for it is altogether like a berry The Vse of this Virginia Cherry Bay Being a stranger in our Land and possessed but of a very few I doe not heare that there hath beene any triall made thereof what properties are in it let this therefore suffice for this present to haue shewed you the description and forme thereof vntill we can learne further of his vses 3. Pinus The Pine tree MY purpose in this place is not to shew you all the diuersities of Pine trees or of the rest that follow but of that one kinde is planted in many places of our Land for ornament and delight and there doth reasonably well abide take it therefore into this Orchard for the raritie and beautie of it though we haue little other vse of it The Pine tree groweth with vs though slowely to a very great
Sunne as Matthiolus and others make them to be The Vse of the Cypresse tree For the goodly proportion this tree beareth as also for his euer-greene head it is and hath beene of great account with all Princes both beyond and on this side of the Sea to plant them in rowes on both sides of some spatious walke which by reason of their high growing and little spreading must be planted the thicker together and so they giue a goodly pleasant and sweet shadow or else alone if they haue not many in the middle of some quarter or as they thinke meete The wood thereof is firme and durable or neuer decaying of a brown yellow colour and of a strong sweete smell whereof Chests or Boxes are made to keepe apparell linnen furres and other things to preserue them from moths and to giue them a good smell Many Physicall properties both wood leaues and nuts haue which here is not my purpose to vnfold but only to tell you that the leaues being boyled in wine and drunke helpe the difficultie of making vrine and that the nuts are binding fit to bee vsed to stay fluxes or laskes and good also for ruptures 7. Arbutus The Strawberry tree THe Strawberry tree groweth but slowly and riseth not to the height of any great tree no not in France Italy or Spaine and with vs the coldnesse of our country doth the more abate his vigour so that it seldome riseth to the height of a man the barke of the body is rough and smooth in the younger branches the leaues are faire and greene very like vnto Baye leaues finely dented or snipped about the edges abiding alwayes greene thereon both Winter and Summer the flowers come forth at the end of the branches vpon long stalkes not clustering thicke together but in long bunches and are small white and hollow like a little bottle or the flower of Lilly Conually which after turne into rough or rugged berries most like vnto Strawberries which hath giuen the name to the tree somewhat reddish when they are ripe of a harsh taste nothing pleasant wherein are contained many small seedes It hardly bringeth his fruit to ripenesse in our countrey for in their naturall places they ripen not vntill Winter which there is much milder then with vs. The Vse of the Strawberry tree Amatus Lusitanus I thinke is the first that euer recorded that the water distilled from the leaues and flowers hereof should bee very powerfull against the plague and poysons for all the ancient Writers doe report that the fruit hereof being eaten is an enemy to the stomacke and head And Clusius likewise setteth downe that at Lishbone and other places in Portingall where they are frequent they are chiefly eaten but of the poorer sort women and boyes They are somewhat astringent or binding and therefore may well serue for fluxes It is chiefly noursed with vs for the beauty and rarenesse of the tree for that it beareth his leaues alwayes green 8. Alaternus The euer greene Priuet THe tree which we haue growing in our country called Alaternus groweth not to be a tree of any height but abiding lowe spreadeth forth many branches whereon are set diuers small and hard greene leaues somewhat round for the forme and endented a little by the edges it beareth many small whitish greene flowers at the ioynts of the stalkes and setting on of the lower leaues clustering thicke together which after turne into small blacke berries wherein are contained many small graines or seedes the beauty and verdure of these leaues abiding so fresh all the yeare doth cause it to be of the greater respect and therefore findeth place in their Gardens onely that are curious conseruers of all natures beauties The Vse of the euer greene Priuet It is seldome vsed for any Physicall property neither with vs nor in the places where it is naturall and plentifull but as Clusius reporteth hee learned that the Portingall Fishermen do dye their nets red with the decoction of the barke hereof and that the Dyers in those parts doe vse the small peeces of the wood to strike a blackish blew colour 9. Celastrus Theophrasti Clusio Clusius his Celastrus ALthough the Collectour who is thought to be Ioannes Molineus of the great Herball or History of plants and generally bearing Daleschampius name because the finding and relation of diuers herbes therein expressed is appropiate to him and printed at Lyons of all our moderne Writers doth first of all others appoint the Celastrus whereof Theophrastus onely among all the ancient Writers of plants maketh mention to be the first Alaternus that Clusius hath set forth in his History of rarer plants yet I finde that Clusius himselfe before his death doth appropiate that Celastrus of Theophrastus to another plant growing in the Garden at Leyden which formerly of diuers had beene taken to be a kinde of Laurus Tinus or the wilde Baye but he impugning that opinion for diuers respects decyphreth out that Leyden tree in the same manner that I doe and because it is not onely faire in bearing his leaues alwayes greene but rare also being noursed vp in our Land in very few places but principally with a good old Lady the widow of Sir Iohn Leuson dwelling neere Rochester in Kent I thought it fit to commend it for an ornament to adorne this our Garden and Orchard It groweth vp to the height of a reasonable tree the body whereof is couered with a darke coloured barke as the elder branches are in like manner the younger branches being greene whereon are set diuers leaues thicke together two alwayes at a ioynt one against another of a sad but faire greene colour on the vpperside and paler vnderneath which are little or nothing at all snipped about the edges as large as the leaues of the Laurus Tinus or wilde Baye tree at the end of the young branches breake forth between the leaues diuers small stalkes with foure or fiue flowers on each of them of a yellowish greene colour which turne into small berries of the bignesse of blacke Cherries greene at the first and red when they begin to be ripe but growing blacke if they hang too long vpon the branches wherein is contained a hard shell and a white hard kernell within it couered with a yellowish skin This abideth as I said before with greene leaues as well Winter as Summer and therefore fittest to be planted among other of the same nature to make an euer greene hedge The Vse of Clusius his Celastrus Being so great a stranger in this part of the Christian world I know none hath made tryall of what property it is but that the taste of the leaues is somewhat bitter 10. Pyracantha The euer greene Hawthorne or prickly Corall tree THis euer greene shrubbe is so fine an ornament to a Garden or Orchard either to be noursed vp into a small tree by it selfe by pruining and taking away the suckers and vnder branches or by suffering it to grow
made for the purpose to this and that vnderneath it vpon the boughes were laid boards to tread vpon which was the goodliest spectacle mine eyes euer beheld for one tree to carry The coles of the wood are the best to make Gunpowder And being kindled and quenched in vinegar are good to dissolue clotted bloud in those that are bruised with a fall The inner barke being steeped in water yeeldeth a slimie iuyce which is found by experience to be very profitable for them that haue been burnt with fire 17. Tamarix Tamariske tree THe Tamariske tree that is common in our country although in some places it doth not grow great yet I haue seene it in some other to be as great as a great apple tree in the body bearing great arms from whose smaller branches spring forth young slender red shootes set with many very fine small and short leaues a little crisped like vnto the leaues of Sauine not hard or rough but soft and greene the flowers be white mossie threads which turne into dounie seede that is carried away with the winde Tamariscus folijs ablidis White Tamariske There is another kinde hereof very beautifull and rare not to be seene in this Land I thinke but with Mr. William Ward the Kings seruant in his Granary before remembred who brought me a small twigge to see from his house at Boram in Essex whose branches are all red while they are young and all the leaues white abiding so all the Summer long without changing into any shew of greene like the other and so abideth constant yeare after yeare yet shedding the leaues in Winter like the other The Vse of Tamariske The greatest vse of Tamariske is for spleneticke diseases either the leaues or the barke made into drinkes or the wood made into small Cans or Cups to drinke in 18. Acer maius latifolium The great Maple or Sycomore tree THe Sycomore tree as we vsually call it and is the greatest kind of Maple cherished in our Land onely in Orchards or elsewhere for shade and walkes both here in England and in some other countries also groweth quickly to bee a faire spreading great tree with many boughes and branches whose barke is somewhat smooth the leaues are very great large and smooth cut into foure or fiue diuisions and ending into so many corners euery one standing on a long reddish stalke the bloomings are of a yellowish greene colour growing many together on each side of a long stalke which afrer turne into long and broad winged seede two alwaies standing together on a stalke and bunched out in the middle where the seed or kernell lyeth very like vnto the common Maple growing wilde abroad but many more together and larger The Vse of the Sycomore tree It is altogether planted for shady walkes and hath no other vse with vs that I know 19. Nux Vesicaria The bladder Nut. THis tree groweth not very high but is of a meane stature when it is preserued and pruined to grow vpright or else it shooteth forth many twigges from the rootes and so is fit to plant in a hedge rowe as it is vsed in some places the body and armes are couered with a whitish greene barke the branches and leaues on them are like vnto the Elder hauing three or fiue leaues set one against another with one of them at the end each whereof is nicked or dented about the edges the flowers are sweete and white many growing together on a long stalke hanging downeward in forme resembling a small Daffodill hauing a small round cup in the middle and leaues about it after which come the fruit inclosed in russetish greene bladders containing one or two brownish nuts lesser then Hasell nuts whose outer shell is not hard and woody like the shell of a nut but tough and hard withall not easie to breake within which is a greene kernell sweetish at the first but lothsome afterwards ready to procure casting and yet liked of some people who can well endure to eate them The Vse of the Bladder Nut. The greatest vse that I know the tree or his fruit is put vnto is that it is receiued into an Orchard either for the rarity of the kinde being suffered to grow into a tree or as I said before to make an hedge being let grow into suckers Some Quacksaluers haue vsed these nuts as a medicine of rare vertue for the stone but what good they haue done I neuer yet could learne 20. Rhus Myrtifolia The Mirtle leafed Sumach THis lowe shrubbe groweth seldome to the height of a man hauing many slender branches and long winged leaues set thereon euery one whereof is of the bignesse of the broad or large Mirtle leafe and set by couples all the length of the ribbe running through the middle of them It beareth diuers flowers at the tops of the branches made of many purple threads which turne into small blacke berries wherein are contained small white and rough seed somewhat like vnto Grape kernels or stones This vseth to dye down to the ground in my Garden euery Winter and rise vp again euery Spring whether the nature thereof were so or the coldnesse of our climate the cause therof I am not well assured It is also rare and to be seen but with a few The Vse of this Sumach It is vsed to thicken or tanne leather or hides in the same manner that the ordinary Sumach doth as also to stay fluxes both in men and women 21. Rhus Virginiana The Virginia Sumach or Buckes horne tree of Virginia THis strange tree becommeth in some places to bee of a reasonable height and bignesse the wood whereof is white soft and pithy in the middle like vnto an Elder couered with a darke coloured barke somewhat smooth the young branches that are of the last yeares growth are somewhat reddish or browne very soft and smooth in handling and so like vnto the Veluet head of a Deere that if one were cut off from the tree and shewed by it selfe it might soone deceiue a right good Woodman and as they grow seeme most like thereunto yeelding a yellowish milke when it is broken which in a small time becommeth thicke like a gumme the leaues grow without order on the branches but are themselues set in a seemly order on each side of a middle ribbe seuen nine ten or more on a side and one at the end each whereof are somewhat broad and long of a darke greene colour on the vpperside and paler greene vnderneath finely snipped or toothed round about the edges at the ends of the branches come forth long and thicke browne tufts very soft and as it were woolly in handling made all of short threads or thrums from among which appeare many small flowers much more red or crimson then the tufts which turne into a very small seede the roote shooteth forth young suckers farre away and round about whereby it is mightily encreased The Vse of this Sumach It is onely kept as a
some dry but not hot or windy place and then plant it in the ground vnder a South wall or such like defended place which will spring and no doubt prosper well there in regard the greatest and deepest frosts are past after February so that seldome any great frosts come after to pierce so deepe as the roote is to be set or thereby to doe any great harme to it in such a place The Place This hath been often sent out of Turkie and likewise out of Italy I had likewise two rootes sent mee out of Spaine by Guillaume Boel before remembred which as hee said hee gathered there but they prospered not with me for want of the knowledge of the former rule It may be likely that Arabia is the place from whence they of Constantinople receiue it The Time It flowreth in May if it be of the first yeares bringing or in Iune if it haue been ordered after the manner before set downe The Names It hath been sent out of Italy by the name of Lilium Alexandrinum The Lilly of Alexandria but it hath no affinity with any Lilly Others call it Hyacinthus Arabicus and the Italians Iacintho del pater nostro but it is no Iacinth neither although the flowers be like some of them Some also would referre it to a Narcissus or Daffodill and it doth as little agree with it as with a Lilly although his flowers in largenesse and whitenesse resemble a Daffodill Clusius hath most fitly referred it to the stocke or kindred of Ornithogala or Starres of Bethlehem as wee call them in English and from the Turkish name Zumbul Arabi entituled it Ornithogalum Arabicum although Zumbul as I haue before declared is with them a Iacinth wee may call it in English The Arabian Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem or the great Starre-flower of Arabia 1. Ornithogalum maximum album The greatest white Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem This great Starre-flower hath many faire broad long and very fresh green leaues rising vp very early and are greater longer and greener then the leaues of any Orientall Iacinth which doe abide greene from the beginning or middle of Ianuary or before sometimes vntill the end of May at which time they begin to fade and the stalke with the head of flowers beginneth to rise so that it will haue either few or no leaues at all when the flowers are blowne the stalke is strong round and firme rising two foote high or more bearing at the toppe a great bush of flowers seeming at the first to be a great greene eare of corne for it is made spike-fashion which when the flowers are blowne doth rise to be very high slender or small at the head aboue and broad spread and bushing below so that it is long in flowring for they flower below first and so vpwards by degrees these flowers are snow white without any line on the backside and is therein like vnto the former as also in whitenesse but nothing so large with a white vmbone or head in the middle beset with many white threeds tipt with yellow the seede is blacke and round contained in three square heads the roote is great thicke and short and somewhat yellowish on the outside with a flat bottome both like the former and the next that followeth 2. Ornithogalum maius spicatum album The great white spiked Starre-flower This spiked Starre-flower in his growing is somewhat like vnto the last described but springeth not vp so early nor hath his leaues so greene or large but hath broad long whitish greene hollow leaues pointed at the end among which riseth vp the stalke which is strong and high as the former hauing a great bush of flowers at the toppe standing spike-fashion somewhat like the former flowring in the same maner by degrees first below and so vpwards but it is not so thicke set with flowers nor so farre spread at the bottome as it the flowers also are not so white and each of the leaues of them haue a greene line downe the backe leauing the edges on both sides white after the flowers are past the heads for seede grow three square like the other bearing such like blacke seede therein the roote hereof is vsually bigger then the last and whiter on the outside 3. Ornithogalum Pannonicum The Hungarian Starre-flower This Hungarian Starre-flower shooteth out diuers narrow long whitish greene leaues spread vpon the ground before Winter which are very like vnto the leaues of Gilloflowers and so abide aboue ground hauing a stalke rising in the middle of them the next Spring about halfe a foote high or thereabouts bearing many white flowers at the toppe with greene lines downe the backe of them very like vnto the ordinary Starres of Bethlehem the roote is greater thicker and longer then the ordinary Starres and for the most part two ioyned together somewhat grayish on the outside 4. Ornithogalum vulgare The Starre of Bethlehem The ordinary Starre of Bethlehem is so common and well knowne in all countries and places that it is almost needlesse to describe it hauing many greene leaues with white lines therein and a few white flowers set about the toppe of the stalke with greenish lines downe the backe the roote is whitish and encreaseth aboundantly 5. Asphodelus bulbosus Galeni siue Ornithogalum maius flore subuirescente The bulbous Asphodill or greene Starre-flower Diuers haue referred this plant vnto the Asphodils because as I thinke the flowers hereof are straked on the backe and the leaues long and narrow like vnto the Asphodils but the roote of this being bulbous I rather as some others doe ioyne it with the Ornithogala for they also haue strakes on the backe of the flowers It hath many whitish greene leaues long and narrow spread vpon the ground which spring vp in the beginning of the yeare and abide vntill May and then they withering the stalke springeth vp almost as high as the first hauing many pale yellowish greene flowers but smaller and growing more sparsedly about the stalke vpon short foot-stalkes but in a reasonable long head spike-fashion the seede is like vnto the second kinde but smaller the roote is somewhat yellowish like the first great white kinde The Place The first is onely nursed in Gardens his originall being not well knowne yet some attribute it vnto Pannonia or Hungary The second hath been found neare vnto Barcinone and Toledo in Spaine The third was found in Hungary by Clusius Our ordinary euery where in the fields of Italy and France and as it is said in England also And the last groweth likewise by the corne fields in the vpper Hungary The Time They flower in Aprill and May and sometimes in Iune The Names 1 Ornithogalum Arabicum The great starre-flower of Arabia 2 Ornithogalum maximum album The greatest white starre flower 3 Ornithogalum maius spicatum album The great white spiked starre flower 4 Ornithogalum Pannonicum album The Hungarian starre-flower 5 Asphodalus bulbosus Galeni
with the last described and others also from Spain riseth vp with one long greene leafe hollow and round vnto the end towards this end on the one side breaketh out a head of flowers enclosed in a thinne skinne which after it hath so stood a good while the leafe in the meane time rising higher and growing harder becommeth the stalke breaketh and sheweth a great bush or head of buds for flowers thicke thrust together fashioned very like vnto the forme of a Pineapple from whence I gaue it the name of the bigness of a Walnut after this head hath stood in this manner a moneth or thereabouts the flowers shew themselues to bee of a fine delayed or whitish purple colour with diuers stripes in euery of them of the same cup-fashion with the former but not opening so plainly so that they cannot bee discerned to bee open without good heede and obseruation It flowreth so late in Autumne that the early frosts doe quickly spoile the beauty of it and soone cause it to rotte the roote is small and round and shining like the last very tender also as not able to abide our sharpe Winters which hath caused it vtterly to perish with me 12. Moly Dioscorideum Dioscorides his Moly The roote of this small Moly is transparent within but couered with a thicke yellowish skinne of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut or somewhat bigger which sendeth forth three or foure narrow grassie leaues long and hollow and a little bending downwards of a whitish greene colour among which riseth vp a slender weake stalke a foot and a halfe high bearing at the toppe out of a thinne skinne a tuft of milke white flowers very like vnto those of Ramsons which stand a pretty while in their beauty and then passe away for the most part without giuing any seede this hath little or no sent of Garlicke We haue another of this sort that is lesser and the flowers rounder pointed 13. Moly Dioscorideum Hispanicum The Spanish Moly of Dioscorides This Moly came vnto me among other Molyes from Spaine and is in all things like vnto the last described but fairer larger and of much more beauty as hauing his white flowers twice as great as the former but as it seemeth very impatient of our Winters which it could not at any hand endure but quickly perished as some others that came with it also 14. Moly Moschatinum vel Zibettinum Monspeliense The sweete smelling Moly of Mompelier This sweete Moly which I haue kept for the last to close vp your senses is the smallest and the finest of all the rest hauing foure or fiue small greene leaues almost as fine as haires or like the leaues of the Feather-grasse the stalke is about a foote high bearing fiue or six or more small white flowers laid open like Starres made of six leaues a peece of an excellent sweete sent resembling Muske or Ciuet for diuers haue diuersly censured of it It flowreth late in the yeare so that if the precedent Summer bee either ouer moist or the Autumne ouer early cold this will not haue that sweete sent that it will haue in a hot drie time and besides must be carefully respected for it will hardly abide the extremity of our sharpe Winters The Place The places of these Molyes are for the most part expressed in their titles or in their descriptions The Time The time is set downe for the most part to bee in Iune and Iuly the rest later The Names To make further relation of names then are expressed in their tiles were needlesse let these therefore suffice The Vertues All these sorts of Molyes are small kindes of wilde Garlicke and are to be vsed for the same purposes that the great Garden Garlicke is although much weaker in their effects For any other especiall property is in any of these more than to furnish a Garden of variety I haue not heard at all And thus much may suffice of these kindes for our Garden reseruing manie others that might be spoken of to a generall worke or to my Garden of Simples which as God shall enable me and time giue leaue may shew it self to the world to abide the iudicious and criticke censures of all CHAP. XIIII Asphodelus The Asphodill THere remaine some other flowers like vnto the last described to be specified which although they haue no bulbous rootes yet I thinke them fittest to bee here mentioned that so I may ioyne those of neerest similitude together vntill I haue finished the rest that are to follow 1. Asphodelus maior albus ramosus The great white branched Asphodill The great white Asphodill hath many long and narrow hollow three square leaues sharpe pointed lying vpon the ground round about the roote the stalke is smooth round and naked without leaues which riseth from the midst of them diuided at the toppe into diuers branches if the plant bee of any long continuance or else but into two or three small branches from the sides of the maine great one whereon doe stand many large flowers Starre-fashion made of six leaues a peece whitish on the inside and straked with a purplish line downe the backside of euery leafe hauing in the middle of the flowers some small yellow threeds the seede is blacke and three square greater then the seede of Bucke wheate contained in roundish heads which open into three parts the roote is composed of many tuberous long clogges thickest in the middle and smaller at both ends fastened together at the head of a darke grayish colour on the outside and yellow within 2. Asphodelus albus non ramosus The white vnbranched Aspodill The vnbranched Asphodill is like vnto the former both in leaues and flowers but that the flowers of this are whiter and without any line or strake on the backe side and the stalkes are without branches the rootes likewise are smaller and fewer but made after the same fashion 3. Asphodelus maior flore carneo The blush coloured Asphodill This Asphodill is like to the last in forme of leaues and branches and differeth in this that his leaues are marked with some spots and the flowers are of a blush or flesh colour in all other things alike 4. Asphodelus minimus albus The least white Asphodill This least Asphodill hath foure or fiue very narrow long leaues yet seeming three square like the greatest bearing a small stalke of about a foote high among them without any branches and at the toppe a few white flowers straked both within and without with a purplish line in the middle of euery leafe The rootes are such like tuberous clogges as are in the former but much lesser 5. Asphodelus albus minor siue Fistulosus The little hollow white Aspnodill This little white Asphodill hath a number of leaues growing thicke together thicker and greener then those of the small yellow Asphodill or Kings Speare next following among which riseth vp diuers round stalkes bearing flowers from the middle to the toppe Starre-fashion
with small greene leaues among them which are white on the inside and striped on the backe with purple lines like vnto the first described the seede and heads containing them are three square like the seede of the little yellow Asphodill the rootes of this kinde are not glandulous as the former but stringie long and white the whole plant is very impatient of our cold Winters and quickly perisheth if it be not carefully preserued both from the cold and much wet in the Winter by housing it and then it will abide many yeares for it is not an annuall plant as many haue thought 6. Asphodelus luteus minor siue Hastula regia The small yellow Asphodill or Kings speare This small yellow Asphodill which is vsually called the Kings speare hath many long narrow edged leaues which make them seeme three square of a blewish or whitish greene colour the stalke riseth vp three foote high oftentimes beset with small long leaues vp vnto the very flowers which grow thicke together spike-fashion one aboue another for a great length and wholly yellow laid open like a Starre somewhat greater then the last white Asphodill and smaller then the first which when they are past yeeld round heads containing blacke cornered seede almost three square the rootes are many long yellow strings which spreading in the ground doe much encrease The Place All these Asphodils doe grow naturally in Spaine and France and from thence were first brought vnto vs to furnish our Gardens The Time All the glandulous rooted Asphodils doe flower some in May and some in Iune but the two last doe flower the yellow or last of them in Iuly and the former white one in August and September and vntill the cold and winter hinder it The Names Their seuerall names are giuen them in their titles as much as is fit for this discourse For to shew you that the Greekes doe call the stalke of the great Asphodill 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Albucum or what else belongeth to them is fitter for another worke vnto which I leaue them The bastard Asphodils should follow next in place if this worke were fit for them but because I haue tyed my selfe to expresse onely those flowers and plants that for their beauty or sent or both doe furnish a Garden of Pleasure and they haue none I leaue them to a generall History of plants or that Garden of Simples before spoken of and will describe the Lilly Asphodils and the Phalangia or Spider-worts which are remaining of those that ioyne in name or fashion and are to be here inserted before I passe to the rest of the bulbous rootes 1. Liliasphodelus phaeniceus The gold red Day Lilly Because the rootes of this and the next doe so nearely agree with the two last recited Asphodils I haue set them in this place although some doe place them next after the Lillies because their flowers doe come nearest in forme vnto Lillies but whether you will call them Asphodils with Lilly flowers as I thinke it fittest or Lillies with Asphodill rootes or Lillies without bulbous rootes as others doe I will not contend The red Day Lilly hath diuers broad and long fresh greene leaues folded at the first as it were double which after open and remaine a little hollow in the middle among which riseth vp a naked stalke three foot high bearing at the toppe many flowers one not much distant from another and flowring one after another not hauing lightly aboue one flower blown open in a day that but for a day not lasting longer but closing at night and not opening againe whereupon it had his English name The Lilly for a day these flowers are almost as large as the flowers of the white Lilly and made after the same fashion but of a faire gold red or Orange tawny colour I could neuer obserue any seede to follow these flowers for they seeme the next day after they haue flowred except the time be faire and dry to bee so rotten as if they had lyen in wet to rotte them whereby I thinke no seede can follow the rootes are many thicke and long yellow knobbed strings like vnto the small yellow Asphodill rootes but somewhat greater running vnder ground in like sort and shooting young heads round about 2. Liliashodelus luteus The yellow Day Lilly I shall not neede to make a repetition of the description of this Day Lilly hauing giuen you one so amply before because this doth agree thereunto so nearely as that it might seeme the same these differences onely it hath the leaues are not fully so large nor the flower so great or spread open and the colour thereof is of a faire yellow wholly and very sweet which abideth blowne many daies before it fade and hath giuen blacke round seede growing in round heads like the heads of the small yellow Asphodill but not so great Clusius hath set downe that it was reported that there should be another Liliasphodill with a white flower but we can heare of none such as yet but I rather thinke that they that gaue that report might be mistaken in thinking the Sauoye Spider-wort to be a white Liliasphodill which indeede is so like that one not well experienced or not well regarding it may soone take one for another The Place Their originall is many moist places in Germany The Time They flower in May and Iune The Names They are called by some Liliago and Lilium non bulbosum and Liliasphodelus 1 Asphodelus maior albus ramosus The great white branched Asphodill 2 Asphodelus minor albus seu fiflulosus The little hollow white Asphodill 3 Asphodelus minor luteus siue Hastula regia The small yellow Asphodill or Kings speare 4 Liliasphodelus luteus The yellow Day Lilly 5 Liliasphodelus phaeniceus The gold red Day Lilly In English we call them both Day Lillies but the name doth not so well agree with the last as with the first for the causes aboue specified The Vertues The rootes of Asphodill hath formerly beene had in great account but now is vtterly neglected yet by reason of their sharpenesse they open and cleanse and therefore some haue of late vsed them for the yellow Iaundise The Day Lillies haue no physicall vse that I know or haue heard CHAP. XV. Phalangium Spider-wort THese plants doe so nearely resemble those that are last set forth that I thinke none that knowes them will doubt but that they must follow next vnto them being so like vnto them and therefore of the fairest of this kinde first 1. Phalangium Allobrogicum The Sauoye Spider-wort The Sauoye Spider-wort springeth vp with foure or fiue greene leaues long and narrow yet broader at the bottome narrower pointed at the end and a little hollow in the middle among which riseth vp a round stiffe stalke a foote and a halfe high bearing at the toppe one aboue another seuen or eight or more flowers euery one as large almost as the yellow Day
of but are encreased by the roote which in this is like the former but a little bigger 8. Colchicum Fritillaricum Chiense The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Chio or Sio This most beautifull Saffron flower riseth vp with his flowers in the Autumne as the others before specified doe although not of so large a size yet farre more pleasant and delightfull in the thicke deepe blew or purple coloured beautifull spots therein which make it excell all others whatsoeuer the leaues rise vp in the Spring being smaller then the former for the most part three in number and of a paler or fresher greene colour lying close vpon the ground broad at the bottome a little pointed at the end and twining or folding themselues in and out at the edges as if they were indented I haue not seene any seede it hath borne the roote is like vnto the others of this kinde but small and long and not so great it flowreth later for the most part then any of the other euen not vntill Nouember and is very hard to be preserued with vs in that for the most part the roote waxeth lesse and lesse euery yeare our cold Country being so contrary vnto his naturall that it will scarce shew his flower yet when it flowreth any thing early that it may haue any comfort of a warme Sunne it is the glorie of all these kindes 9. Colchicum versicolor The party coloured Medowe Saffron The flowers of this Medowe Saffron most vsually doe not appeare vntill most of the other Autumne sorts are past except the last which are very lowe scarce rising with their stalkes three fingers breadth aboue the ground but oftentimes halfe hid within the ground the leaues whereof are smaller shorter and rounder then in any of the other before specified some being altogether white and others wholly of a very pale purple or flesh colour and some againe parted the one halfe of a leafe white and the other halfe of the same purple and sometimes striped purple and white in diuers leaues of one and the same flower and againe some will be the most part of the leafe white and the bottome purple thus varying as nature list that many times from one roote may be seene to arise all these varieties before mentioned these flowers doe stand long before they fade and passe away for I haue obserued in my Garden some that haue kept their flower faire vntill the beginning of Ianuary vntill the extremitie of the Winter frosts and snowes haue made them hide their heads the leaues therefore accordingly doe rise vp after all other and are of a brownish or darke greene colour at their first springing vp which after grow to be of a deepe greene colour the roote is like the former English or Hungarian kindes but thicker and greater for the most part and shorter also 10. Colchicum variegatum alterum Another party coloured Medowe Saffron There is another whose party coloured flowers rise a little higher diuersly striped and marked with a deeper purple colour and a pale or whitish blush throughout all the leaues of the flower 11. Colchicum montanum Hispanicum minus The little Spanish Medowe Saffron The flowers of this little Medowe Saffron are narrower and smaller then any of the former and of a deeper reddish purple colour then either the English or Hungarian kindes the greene leaues also are smaller then any other lying on the ground of a deepe or sad greene colour rising vp within a while after the flowers are past and doe abide greene all the Winter long the roote is small and long according to the rest of the plant and like in forme to the others 12. Colchicum montanum minus versicolore flore The small party coloured Medowe Saffron This little kinde differeth not from the Spanish kinde last set forth but in the varietie of the flower which is as small as the former the three inner leaues being almost all white and the three outer leaues some of them pale or blush and some party coloured with a little greene on the backe of some of them 13. Colchicum Hermodactilum Physicall Medowe Saffron This Physicall Medowe Saffron springeth vp with his leaues in Autumne before his flowers appeare beyond the nature of all the former kindes yet the flower doth after they are vp shew it selfe in the middle of the greene leaues consisting of six white leaues with diuers chiues in the middle and passeth away without giuing any seede that euer I could obserue the greene leaues abide all the Winter and Spring following decaying about May and appeare not vntill September when as I said the flowers shew themselues presently after the leaues are sprung vp 14. Colchicum atropurpureum The darke purple Medowe Saffron The greatest difference in this kinde consisteth in the flower which at the first appearing is as pale a purple as the flower of the former Hungarian kinde but after it hath stood in flower two or three dayes it beginneth to change and will after a while become to bee of a very deepe reddish purple colour as also the little foote-stalke whereon it doth stand the flower is of the bignesse of the Hungarian purple and so is the greene leafe the seede and roote is like the English purple kinde 15. Colchicum atropurpureum variegatum The party coloured darke purple Medowe Saffron We haue of late gained another sort of this kinde differing chiefly in the flower which is diuersly striped thorough euery leafe of the flower with a paler purple colour whereby the flower is of great beauty this might seeme to bee a degeneration from the former yet it hath abiden constant with me diuers yeares and giueth seede as plentifully as the former 16. Colchicum flore pleno Double flowred Medowe Saffron The double Medowe Saffron is in roote and leafe very like vnto the English kinde the flowers are of a fine pale or delayed purple colour consisting of many leaues set thicke together which are somewhat smaller as in the English flower being narrow and long and as it were round at the points which make a very double flower hauing some chiues with their yellow tips dispersed as it were among the leaues in the middle it flowreth in September a little after the first shew of the earlier Medowe Saffrons are past 17. Colchicum variegatum pleno flore The party coloured double Medowe Saffron We haue another of these double kinds if it be not the very same with the former varying in the flower as nature pleaseth oftentimes for I haue this flower in my garden as I here set it forth euery yeare whose flowers are diuersified in the partition of the colours as is to be seene in the single party coloured Medowe Saffron before described hauing some leaues white and others pale purple and some leaues halfe white and halfe purple diuersly set or placed in the double flower which doth consist of as many leaues as the former yet sometime this party coloured flower doth not shew it selfe double like
before his Satyrium tryphillum is the Tulipa without all doubt yet because it differeth very notably and carrieth more beauty and respect in his flower then they I shall entreate thereof in a Chapter by it selfe and set it next vnto them Dens Caninus flore albo Dogs tooth Violet with a white flower The white Dogs tooth hath for his roote a white bulbe long and small yet vsually greater then either of the other that follow bigger belowe then aboue with a small peece adioyning to the bottome of it from whence rise vp in the beginning of the Spring after the Winter frosts are past two leaues for the most part when it will flower or else but one and neuer three together that euer I saw closed together when they first come vp out of the ground which inclose the flower betweene them the leaues when they are opened do lay themselues flat on the ground or not much aboue it one opposite vnto the other with the stalke and the flower on it standing betweene them which leaues are of a whitish greene colour long and narrow yet broader in the middle then at both ends growing lesse by degrees each way spotted and striped all ouer the leaues with white lines and spots the stalke riseth vp halfe a foote high or more bearing at the toppe one flower and no more hanging downe the head larger then any of the other of this kinde that follow made or consisting of six white long and narrow leaues turning themselues vp againe after it hath felt the comfort of the Sunne that they doe almost touch the stalke againe very like vnto the flowers of Cyclamen or Sowebread it hath in the middle of the flower six white chiues tipt with darke purple pendents and a white three forked stile in the middle of them the flower hath no sent at all but commendable onely for the beauty and forme thereof after the flower is past commeth in the place a round head seeming three square containing therein small and yellowish seede Dens Caninus flore purpurascente Dogs tooth with a pale purple flower This other Dogs tooth is like vnto the former but lesser in all parts the leafe whereof is not so long but broad and short spotted with darker lines and spots the flower is like the other but smaller and of a delayed purple colour very pale sometimes and sometimes a little deeper turning it selfe as the other with a circle round about the vmbone or middle the chiues hereof are not white but declining to purple the roote is white and like vnto the former but lesser as is said before Dens Caninus flore rubro Dogs tooth with a red flower This is in all things like vnto the last both for forme and bignesse of flower and leafe the chiefe difference consisteth in this that the leaues hereof are of a yellowish mealy greene colour spotted and streaked with redder spots and stripes and the flower of a deeper reddish purple colour and the chiues also more purplish then the last in all other things it is alike The Place The sorts of Dens Caninus doe growe in diuers places some in Italy on the Euganean Hils others on the Apenine and some about Gratz the chiefe Citie of Stiria and also about Bayonne and in other places The Time They flower in March most vsually and many times in Aprill according to the seasonablenesse of the yeare The Names Clusius did call it first Dentali and Lobel and from him some others Satyrium and Erythronium but I haue said enough hereof in the beginning of the Chapter It is most commonly called Dens Caninus and we in English either Dogs tooth or Dogs tooth Violet Gesner called it Hermodactylus and Matthiolus Pseudohermodactylus The Vertues The roote hereof is held to bee of more efficacy for venereous effects then any of the Orchides and Satyrions They of Stiria vse the rootes for the falling sicknesse Wee haue had from Virginia a roote sent vnto vs that wee might well iudge by the forme and colour thereof being dry to be either the roote of this or of an Orchis which the naturall people hold not onely to be singular to procure lust but hold it as a secret loth to reueale it CHAP. XXIIII Cyclamen Sowebread THe likenesse of the flowers and the spotting of the leaues of the Dens Caninus with these of the Cyclamen or Sowebread maketh mee ioyne it next thereunto as also that after the bulbous rooted plants I might begin with the tuberous that remaine and make this plant the beginning of them Of this kinde there are diuers sorts differing both in forme of leaues and time of flowring for some doe flower in the Spring of the yeare others afterwards in the beginning of Summer but the most number in the end of Summer or beginning of Autumne or Haruest whereof some haue round leaues others cornered like vnto Iuie longer or shorter greater or smaller Of them all in order and first of those that come in the Spring 1. Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo Purple flowred Sowebread of the Spring This Sowebread hath a smaller roote then most of the others yet round and blackish on the outside as all or most of the rest are I speake of them that I haue seene for Clusius and others doe report to haue had very great ones from whence rise vp diuers round yet pointed leaues and somewhat cornered withall greene aboue and spotted with white spots circlewise about the leafe and reddish vnderneath which at their first comming vp are folded together among which come the flowers of a reddish purple colour and very sweete euery one vpon a small long and slender reddish foote-stalke which hanging downe their heads turne vp their leaues againe after the flowers are past the head or seede vessell shrinketh downe winding his footestalke and coyling it selfe like a cable which when it toucheth the ground there abideth hid among the leaues till it be growne great and ripe wherein are contained a few small round seedes which being presently sowne will growe first into round rootes and afterwards from them shoote forth leaues 2. Cyclamen Vernum flore albo White flowred Sowebread of the Spring The white flowring Sowebread hath his leaues like the former but not fully so much cornered bearing small snow white flowers as sweete as the other and herein consisteth the chiefest difference in all other things it is alike 3. Cylamen Vernum Creticum flore albo White Candy Sowebread of the Spring This Sowebread is somewhat like the former white kinde but that the leaues grow much larger and longer with more corners at the edges and more eminent spots on them the flowers also somewhat longer and larger and herein consisteth the whole difference 4. Cyclamen Aestivum Summer Sowebread Summer Sowebread hath round leaues like vnto the Romane Sowebread but somewhat cornered yet with shorter corners then the Iuie leafed Sowebread full of white spots on the vpperside of the leaues and very purple vnderneath sometimes they
store The Place All these grow naturally on Mountaines in many shadowie places of the Alpes in Germany and elsewhere The Time The first flowreth as is said in Ianuary and February and sometimes vntill March be well spent and the seede is soone ripe after The other three flower not vntill Iune and Iuly The Names The first is vsually called Aconitum hyemale Belgarum Lobelius calleth it Bulbosus vnifolius Batrachoides Aconitum Elleboraceum and Ranunculus Monophyllos and some by other names Most Herbarists call it Aconitum hyemale and we in English thereafter Winters Wolfesbane and of some Yellow Aconite The second is called by most Writers Aconitum luteum Ponticum Some also Lupicida Luparia and Canicida of the effect in killing Wolues and Dogs And some because the flower is more white then yellow doe call it Aconitum flore albido we call it in English The whitish yellow Aconite or Wolfesbane but some after the Latine name The yellow Wolfesbane The third is called generally Napellus and Verus because it is the true Napellus of the ancient Writers which they so termed from the forme of a Turnep called Napus in Latine The fourth is called Aconitum Salutiferum Napellus Moysis Antora and Anthora quasi Antithora that is the remedy against the poisonfull herbe Thora in English according to the title eyther wholsome Helmet flower or counterpoison Monkes hood The Vertues Although the first three sorts of plants be very poisonfull and deadly yet there may bee very good vse made of them for sore eyes being carefully applyed yet not to all sorts of sore eyes neither without discretion if the distilled water be dropped therein The rootes of the counterpoison Monkes hood are effectuall not onely against the poison of the poisonfull Helmet flower and all others of that kinde but also against the poison of all venemous beasts the plague or pestilence and other infectious diseases which raise spots pockes or markes in the outward skinne by expelling the poison from within and defending the heart as a most soueraigne Cordiall It is vsed also with good successe against the wormes of the belly and against the paines of the Wind collick CHAP. XXVII Ranunculus The Crowfoote NExt vnto the Aconites of right are to follow the Ranunculi or Crowfeete for the nearenesse both of forme of leaues and nature of the plants although lesse hurtfull yet all of them for the most part being sharpe and exulcerating and not without some danger if any would be too bold with them The whole Family of the Ranunculi is of a very large extent and I am constrained within the limits of a Garden of Pleasure I must therefore select out onely such as are fit for this purpose and set them here downe for your knowledge leauing the rest for that other generall worke which time may perfect and bring to light if the couetous mindes of some that should be most affected towards it doe not hinder it or if the helpe of generous spirits would forward it 1. Ranunculus montanus albus humilior The lowe white mountaine Crowfoot This lowe Crowfoote hath three or foure broad and thicke leaues almost round yet a little cut in and notched about the edges of a fine greene and shining colour on the vpperside and not so green vnderneath among which riseth a small short stalke bearing one snow white flower on the toppe made of fiue round pointed leaues with diuers yellow threads in the middle standing about a greene head which in time groweth to be full of seede in forme like vnto a small greene Strawberry the roote is composed of many white strings Duplici flore There is another of this lowe kinde whose leaues are somewhat more deeply cut in on the edges and the flower larger and sometimes a little double as it were with two rowes of leaues in other things not differing from the former 2. Ranunculus montanus albus maior vel elatior The great single white mountaine Crowfoote The leaues of this Crowfoote are large and greene cut into three and sometimes into fiue speciall diuisions and each of them besides cut or notched about the edges somewhat resembling the leaues of the Globe Crowfoote but larger the stalke is two foote and a halfe high hauing three small leaues set at the ioynt of the stalke where it brancheth out into flowers which stand foure or fiue together vpon long foote-stalkes made of fiue white leaues a peece very sweete and somewhat larger then the next white Crowfoote with some yellow threads in the middle compassing a greene head which bringeth seede like vnto other wilde Crowfeete the roote hath many long thicke whitish strings comming from a thicke head 3. Ranunculus montanus albus minor The lesser single white Crowfoote This Crowefoote hath faire large spread leaues cut into fiue diuisions and somewhat notched about the edges greene on the vpperside and paler vnderneath hauing many veines running through the leaues the stalke of this riseth not so high as the former although this be reasonable tall as being neare two foote high spread into many branches bearing such like white flowers as in the former but smaller the seede of this is like the former and so are the rootes likewise 4. Ranunculus albus flore pleno The double white Crowfoot The double white Crowfoote is of the same kinde with the last single white Crowfoote hauing such like leaues in all respects the onely difference is in the flowers which in this are very thicke and double Some doe make mention of two sorts of double white Crowfeete one somewhat lower then another and the lower likewise bearing more store of flowers and more double then the higher but I confesse I haue neuer seene but one sort of double which is the same here expressed not growing very high and reasonably well stored with flowers 5. Ranunculus praecox Rutaefolio siue Coriandrifolio The early Coriander leafed Crowfoote This Crowfoote hath three or foure very greene leaues cut and diuided into many small peeces like vnto the wing of leaues of Rue or rather like the lower leaues of the Coriander for they well resemble either of them euery of them standing vpon a long purplish stalke at the toppe whereof groweth the flower alone being composed or made of twelue small white leaues broad pointed and a little endented at the ends somewhat purplish on the outside and white on the inside sustained by diuers small greene leaues which are in stead of a cup or huske in the middle of the flower are many small white threads tipt with yellow pendents standing about a small greene head which after groweth to bee full of seedes like a Strawberry which knobs giue small blackish seede the roote is white and fibrous 6. Ranunculus Thalictrifolio maior The great colombine leafed Crowfoot The lower leaues of this Crowfoote haue long stalkes and are very like vnto the smaller leaues of Colombines or the great Spanish Thalictrum which hath his leaues very like vnto a
others Geranium caeruleum The blew Cranes bill Lobel calleth it Batrachoides because both leafe and flower are like vnto a Crowfoote and the affinity with the Cranes bils in the seede causeth it rather to be referred to them then to the Crowfeete The stript Cranes bill is called by some Geranium Romanum The last sauing one is called Geranium Haematodes or Sanguineum of Lobel Geranium Gruinalâ— Haematodes supinum radice repente In English it may be called after the Greek and Latine The bloudy Cranes bill but I rather call it The Rose Cranes bill because the flowers are as large as single Roses or as the Rose Campion Some of them are called in many places of England Bassinets The Vertues All the kindes of Cranes bils are accounted great wound herbes and effectuall to stay bleedings yet some more then others The Emperickes of Germanie as Camerarius saith extoll it wonderfully for a singular remedie against the Stone both in the reines and bladder CHAP. XXXI Sanicula guttata maior Spotted Sanicie HAuing long debated with my selfe where to place this the other plants that follow in the two next Chapters I haue thought it not amisse for this worke to set them downe here both before the Beares eares which are kindes of Sanicle as the best Authors doe hold and after the Cranes bils both for some qualities somewhat resembling them and for some affinity of the flowers with the former The spotted Sanicle hath many small round leaues bluntly endented about the edges somewhat like vnto the leaues of our white Saxifrage of a full greene colour aboue and whitish hairy and somewhat reddish withall vnderneath the stalkes are set here and there with the like leaues rising a foote and a halfe high or more very much diuided at the toppe into sundry small branches bearing many very small white flowers consisting of fiue small leaues wherein are many small red spots to be seene as small as pins points of a pretty sweete sent almost like Hawthorne flowers in the middle whereof are many small threads compassing a head which when it is ripe containeth small blacke seede the roote is scaly or couered with a chaffie matter hauing many small white fibres vnderneath whereby it is fastened in the ground There is another of this kinde like both in roote leafe and flower to the former Minor non guttata the onely difference is that this is lesser then the former and hath no spots in the flower as the other hath We haue also another smaller kinde then the last both in leafe and flower Minus guttata the leaues whereof are smaller but rounder and more finely snipt or indented about the edge like the teeth of a fine sawe the stalke is little aboue a span high hauing many small white flowers spotted as the first but with fewer spots The Place These growe in the shadowie Woods of the Alpes in diuers places and with vs they more delight in the shade then the sunne The Time All these Sanicles doe flower in May and continue flowring vntill Iune and the seede soone ripeneth after the rootes abide all the Winter with some leaues on them springing a fresh in the beginning of the yeare The Names The former two are called by Clusius Sanicula montana and by others Sanicula guttata by Lobel Geum Alpinum The third or last hath been sent vs vnder the name of Sanicula montana altera minor The Vertues The name imposed on these plants doe certainly assure vs of their vertues from the first founders that they are great healers and from their taste that they are great binders CHAP. XXXII Cotyledon altera Matthioli Spotted Nauelwort THis spotted Nauelwort as many doe call it hath many thicke small leaues not so broad as long of a whitish greene colour lying on the ground in circles after the manner of the heads of Houseleeke and dented about the edges from the middle whereof sometimes for it doth not flower euery yeare in many places ariseth vp a stalke scarce a foote high beset with such like leaues as are belowe but somewhat longer from the middle of the stalke vp to the top it brancheth forth diuersly with a leafe at euery ioynt bearing three or foure flowers on euery branch consisting of fiue white leaues spotted with small red spots like vnto the spotted Sanicle but with fewer and greater spots hauing a yellowish circle or eye in the bottome of euery flower and many whitish threads with yellowish tips in it the seede is small and blacke contained in small round heads the roote is small long and threadie shooting out such heads of leaues which abide all the Winter those that beare flower perishing Cotyledon altera minor Small dented Nauelwort There is another like vnto that before described in most things the differences be these It hath shorter leaues then the former and dented about the edges in the like manner the flowers hereof are white but greater made of six leaues and most vsually without any spots at all in them some are seene to haue spots also the heads or seede vessels are more cornered then the former Cotyledon altera flore rubro stellato Small red flowred Nauelwort This hath also many heads of leaues but more open which are longer greener and sharper pointed then eyther of the former somewhat reddish also and not dented about the edges but yet a little rough in handling the stalke ariseth from among the leaues being somewhat reddish and the leaues thereon are reddish pointed diuided at the toppe into many branches with diuers flowers thereon made of twelue small long leaues standing like a starre of a reddish purple colour with many threads therein set about the middle head which is diuided at the toppe into many small ends like pods or hornes containing therein very small seede the root is small like the former Sedum serratum flore rubente maculato The Princes Feather This kinde of Sengreene is composed of heads of larger broader and thinner leaues then any of the former of a sadder greene colour somewhat vneuenly endented about the edges and not so close set together but spreading forth into seuerall heads like as the former sorts doe although not so plentifully from the middle of diuers of which heads rise vp brownish or reddish stalkes set with smaller leaues thereon to the middle thereof and then brancheth forth into seuerall sprigs set with diuers small reddish flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece the innerside of which are of a pale red somewhat whitish spotted with many small bloud red spots as small almost as pins points with some small threads in the middle standing about a small greene head which turneth into the seede vessell parted foure wayes at the head wherein is contained small blackish seede the rootes are small threads which spread vnder the ground and shoote vp seuerall heads round about it The Place All these growe in Germany Hungarie Austria the Alpes and other such like places where
they cleaue to the rocke it selfe that hath but a crust of earth on it to nourish them They will abide in Gardens reasonable well if they be planted in shadowie places and not in the sun 1 Sanicula guttata Spotted Sanicle 2 Cotyledon altera Matthioli Spotted Nauelwort 3 Cotyledon altera minor Small dented Nauelwort 4 Cotyledon altera flore rubro stellato Small red flowred Nauelwort 5 Sedum serratum flore rubente maculato The Princes Feather 6 Soldanella Aspina Blew Moonwort The Time They flower for the most part in the end of May and sometimes sooner or later as the yeare falleth out The Names The first is called by Matthiolus Cotyledon altera Dioscoridis and Vmbilicus alter but it is not the true Cotyledon altera of Dioscorides for Sedum vulgare maius Our common Houseleeke by the consent of the best moderne Writers is the true Cotyledon altera of Dioscorides or Vmbilicus Veneris alter I hold it rather to bee a kinde of small Houseleeke as the other two likewise are The second is called by some Aizoum or Sedum minus serratum The third hath his name in his title Wee doe call them Nauelworts in English rather then Houseleekes Euphoniae gratia The last may be called dented Sengreene with reddish spotted flowers but some of our English Gentlewomen haue called it The Princes Feather which although it be but a by-name may well serue for this plant to distinguish it and whereby to be knowne The Vertues They are all held to be cold and moist like vnto other Houseleekes CHAP. XXXIII Soldanella Alpina Mountaine Soldanella or blew Moonewort THis beautifull plant hath many round and hard leaues set vpon long footestalkes a little vneuenly cut about the edges greene on the vpperside and of a grayish greene vnderneath and sometime reddish like the leaues of Sowbread which because they doe somewhat resemble the leaues of Soldanella marina which is the Sea Bindweede tooke the name thereof the stalkes are slender small round and reddish about a span high bearing foure or fiue flowers at the toppe euery one hanging downe their heads like vnto a Bell flower consisting but of one leafe as most of the Bindweeds doe plated into fiue folds each of them ending in a long point which maketh the flower seem to haue fiue leaues each whereof is deeply cut in on the edges and hauing a round greene head in the middle with a pricke or pointell at the end thereof the flower is of a faire blew colour sometimes deeper or paler or white as nature listeth without any smell at all the middle head after the flower is fallen riseth to be a long round pod bearing that pricke it had at the end thereof wherein is contained small greenish seede the roote hath many fibres shooting from a long round head or roote The Place This groweth on the Alpes which are couered with snow the greatest part of the yeare and will hardly abide transplanting The Time In the naturall places it flowreth not vntill the Summer moneths Iune Iuly and August after the snow is melted from the Hils but being brought into Gardens it flowreth in the beginning of Aprill or thereabouts The Names This plant by reason of the likenesse of leaues with Soldanella as was before said is called by many Soldanella but yet is no Bindweede and therefore I rather call it in English a Mountaine Soldanella then as Gerrard doth Mountaine Bindweede It is likewise called by some Lunaria minor caerulea The lesser blew Lunary or Moonwort and so I would rather haue it called The Vertues They that imposed the name of Lunaria vpon this plant seeme to referre it to the wound or consolidating herbes but because I haue no further relation or experience I can say no more thereof vntill tryall hath taught it Some also from the name Soldanella which is giuen it because of the likenesse of the leaues haue vsed it to help the Dropsie for which the Sea plant is thought to be effectuall CHAP. XXXIIII Auricula Vrsi Beares eares THere are so many sundry and seuerall sorts of Beares eares the variety consisting as well in the differing colours of the flowers as the forme and colour of the leaues that I shall not comprehend and set downe vnto you all the diuersities by many that are risen vp to those that haue beene industrious in the sowing of the seedes of the seuerall sorts of them yet if you accept of these that I doe here offer vnto you I shall giue you the knowledge of others as time occasion and the view of them shall enable me And because they are without all question kinds of Cowslips I haue set them downe before them in the first place as being of more beautie and greater respect or at the least of more rarity vnto vs. To dispose them therefore into order I shall ranke them vnder three principall colours that is to say Red or Purple White and Yellow and shew you the varieties of each of them for so many as are come to my knowledge apart by themselues and not promiscuously as many others haue done 1. Auricula Vrsi flore purpureo Purple Beares eare or The Murrey Cowslip This purple Beares eare or Cowslip hath many greene leaues somewhat long and smooth narrow from the bottome of the leafe to the middle and broad from thence to the end being round pointed and somewhat snipt or endented about the edges in the middle of these leaues and sometimes at the sides also doe spring round greene stalkes foure or fiue fingers high bearing at the top many flowers the buds whereof before they are blowne are of a very deepe purple colour and being open are of a bright but deepe purple vsually called a Murrey colour consisting of fiue leaues a peece cut in at the end as it were into two with a whitish ring or circle at the bottome of each flower standing in small greene cups wherein after the flowers are fallen are contained very small heads not rising to the height of the cups bearing a small pricke or pointell at the toppe of them wherein is little blackish seede the roote hath many whitish strings fastened to the maine long roote which is very like vnto a Primrose or Cowslip roote as it is in all other parts besides 2. Auricula Vrsi purpurea absque orbe The murrey Cowslip without eyes There is another of this kinde whose leafe is somewhat lesse as the flower is also but of the same colour and sometimes somewhat redder tending to a Scarlet without any circle at the bottome of the flower in no other things differing from it 3. Auricula Vrsi minor flore tannetto Tawney Beares eares The leaues of this kinde haue a greater shew of mealinesse to be seene in them and not much smaller then the former yet snipt or endented about the ends like vnto them the flowers are many of the same fashion with the former but smaller each whereof is of as deepe a murrey
or tawnie colour when it is blowne as the buds of the former are before they are blowne hauing a white circle at the bottome of the flower and yellowish in the middle belowe the circle 4. Auricula Vrsi flore rubro saturo orbe luteo Deepe or bloud red Beares eares with eyes This kinde hath small and long greene leaues nothing mealy but snipt about the edges from the middle of the leaues forwards to the ends the flowers hereof are of a deepe red colour tending to a bloud red with a deepe yellow circle or rather bottome in the middle Auricula Vrsi flore rubro sature absque orbe There is another of this kinde whose leaues are somewhat mealy and smaller then any that I haue seene that haue mealy leaues the flowers are of the same deepe red colour with the last described yet hath no circle or bottome of any other colour at all 5. Auricula Vrsi flore purpuro caeruleo The Violet coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leaues are somewhat mealy and large the flowers whereof are of a paler purple then the first somewhat tending to a blew 6. Auricula Vrsi flore obsoleto magno The Spaniards blush Beares eare This great Beares eare hath as large leaues as any other of this kindred whatsoeuer and whitish or mealy withall somewhat snipt about the edges as many other of them are the flowers stand at the toppe of a strong and tall stalke larger then any of the other that I haue seene being of a duskie blush colour resembling the blush of a Spaniard whose tawney skinne cannot declare so pure a blush as the English can and therefore I haue called it the Spaniards blush 7. Auricula Vrsi flore rubello Scarlet or light red Beares eares The leaues of this kinde are very like the leaues of the first purple kinde but that they are not so thicke of a little paler greene colour and little or nothing snipt about the edges the flowers are of a bright but pale reddish colour not halfe so deepe as the two last with white circles in the bottomes of them in other things this differeth not from others 8. Auricula Vrsi Roseo colore The Rose coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leafe is a little mealy almost as large as any of the former whose flowers are of a light red colour very neare the colour of an ordinary Damaske Rose with a white eye at the bottome 9. Auricula Vrsi flore caeruleo folio Boraginis Blew Beares eares with Borage leaues This plant is referred to the kindred or family of the Beares eares onely for the forme of the flower sake which euen therein it doth not assimilate to the halfe but because it hath passed others with that title I am content to insert it here to giue you 1 Auricula Vrsi flore purpureo Purple Cowslips or Beares eares 2 Auricula Vrsi flore â—annetto Tawney Beares eare 3 Auricula Vrsi flore folio Boraginis Blew Beares eares with Borage leaues 4 Auricula Vrsi flore carneo Blush Beares eare 5 Auricula Vrsi maxima lutea flore eleganti The greatest faire yellow Beares eares with eyes 6 Auricula Vrsi altera flore luteo The yellow Beares eare 7 Auricula Vrsi crinis coloris siue flore fusco The haire coloured Beares eare 8 Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle the knowledge thereof and rather to satisfie others then my selfe with the place thereof the description whereof is as followeth It hath diuers broad rough hairy leaues spread vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of Borage for the roughnesse but not for the largenesse the leaues hereof being somewhat rent in some places at the edges from among these leaues rise vp one or two or more brownish round and hairy stalkes a span high or thereabouts bearing at the toppes three or foure flowers a peece consisting of fiue large pointed leaues of a faire blew or light azur colour with some small yellow threads in the middle standing in small greene cups the roote is long and brownish hauing many small fibres annexed vnto it 10. Auricula Vrsi maior flore albo The great white Beares eare This white Beares eare hath many faire whitish greene leaues somewhat paler then the leaues of any of the kindes of Beares eares and a little snipt about the ends as manie other are among these leaues rise vp stalkes foure or fiue inches high bearing at the toppe many flowers like vnto the small yellow Beares eare hereafter set downe of a pale whitish colour tending to yellow at the first opening of the flower which after two or three dayes change into a faire white colour and so continue all the while it flowreth the roote is like the purple kinde as all or most of the rest are or very little differing 11. Auricula Vrsi minor flore albo The lesser white Beares eare The lesser Beares eare hath smaller leaues of a little darker green colour the stalke and flowers are likewise lesser then the former and haue no shew of yellownesse at all eyther in budde or flower but is pure white differing not in other things from the rest 12. Auricula Vrsi maxima lutea flore eleganti The greatest faire yellow Beares eare with eyes This yellow Beares eare hath many faire large thicke leaues somewhat mealy or hoary vpon the greennesse being larger then any other kinde except the sixth and the next yellow that followeth smooth about the edges and without any endenting at all the stalke is great round and not higher then in other of the former but bearing manie more flowers thereon then in any other kinde to the number of thirty many times standing so round and close together that they seeme to be a Nosegay alone of the same fashion with the former but that the leaues are shorter and rounder yet with a notch in the middle like the rest of a faire yellow colour neither very pale nor deepe with a white eye or circle in the bottome about the middle of euery flower which giueth it the greater grace the seede is of a blackish browne colour like vnto others but contained in greater round heads then any other with a small pointell sticking in the middle the roote is greater and thicker then any other with long strings or fibres like vnto the other sorts but greater 13. Auricula Vrsi maior lutea folio in cauo The greater yellow Beares eare This greater yellow Beares eare hath his leaues larger and more mealy or hoarie then the last or any other of these kindes the flowers are not so many but longer and not so thicke thrusting together as the first but of a deeper yellow colour without any eye or circle in the middle 14. Auricula Vrsi maior flore pallido The great Straw coloured Beares eare This hath almost as mealy leaues as the last but nothing so large the flowers are of a faire strawe colour with a white circle at the bottome of
them these three last haue no shew or shadow of any other colour in any part of the edge as some others that follow haue 15. Auricula Vrsi minor flore pallente The lesser straw coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leafe is lesse mealy or rather pale green and a little mealy withall the flowers whereof are of a paler yellow colour then the last and beareth almost as many vpon a stalke as the first great yellow 16. Auricula Vrsi minor lutea The lesser yellow Beares eares The leaues of this Beares eare are nothing so large as either of the three former yellow kindes but rather of the bignesse of the first white kinde but yet a little larger thicker and longer then it hauing vnder the greennesse a small shew of mealinesse and somewhat snipt about the edges the flowers are of a pale yellow colour with a little white bottome in them the seed and rootes are like vnto the other kindes 17. Auricula Vrsi flore flauo The deepe yellow or Cowslip Beares eare This kinde hath somewhat larger leaues then the last of a yellowish greene colour without any mealinesse on them or endenting about the edges but smooth and whole the flowers are not larger but longer and not laide open so fully as the former but of as deepe a yellow colour as any Cowslip almost without any circle in the bottome neither of these two last haue any shew of other colour then yellow in them sauing the white in the eye 18. Auricula Vrsi versicolor prima siue flore rubescente The blush Beares eare The blush Beares eare hath his leaues as large and as hoary or mealy as the third greater yellow or straw coloured Beares eare among which riseth vp a stalke about foure inches high bearing from six to twelue or more faire flowers somewhat larger then the smaller yellow Beares eare before described hauing the ground of the flower of a darke or dunne yellow colour shadowed ouer a little with a shew of light purple which therefore we call a blush colour the edges of the flower being ript with a little deeper shew of that purple colour the bottome of the flower abiding wholly yellow without any circle and is of very great beauty which hath caused me to place it in the forefront of the variable coloured Beares eares And although some might thinke it should be placed among the first ranke of Beares eares because it is of a blush colour yet seeing it is assuredly gained from some of the yellow kindes by sowing the seede as many other sorts are as may be seene plainly in the ground of the flower which is yellow and but shadowed ouer with purple yet more then any of the rest that follow I thinke I haue giuen it his right place let others of skill experience be iudges herein 19. Auricula Vrsi crinis coloris Haire coloured Beares eares The leaues of this kinde are more mealy like then the last blush kinde but somewhat longer and larger and snipt about the edges in the same manner from the middle of the leafe forwards the flower is vsually of a fine light browne yellow colour which wee doe vsually call an Haire colour and sometimes browner the edges of the flower haue a shew or shadow of a light purple or blush about them but more on the outside then on the inside 20. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutea The yellow variable Beares eare This variable Beares eare hath his greene leaues somewhat like vnto the deepe yellow or Cowslip Beares eare before described but somewhat of a fresher greene more shining and smaller and snipt about the edges towards the ends as many of those before are the flowers are of a faire yellow colour much laid open when it is full blowne that it seemeth almost flat dasht about the edges onely with purple being more yellow in the bottome of the flower then in any other part 21. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutescente viridi flore The variable green Beares eare This kinde of Beares eare hath greene leaues very like vnto the last described and snipt in the like manner about the edges but in this it differeth that his leaues do turne or fold themselues a little backwards the flowers are of a yellowish greene colour more closed then the former hauing purplish edges especially after they haue stood blowne some time and haue little or none at the first opening these haue no circles at all in them Many other varieties are to be found with those that are curious conseruers of these delights of nature either narurally growing on the mountaines in seuerall places from whence they being searched out by diuers haue been taken and brought or else raised from the seede of some of them as it is more probable for seuerall varieties haue beene obserued and no doubt many of these before specified to bee gotten by sowing of the seedes euery yeare lightly shewing a diuersity not obserued before either in the leafe diuers from that from whence it was taken or in the flowers I haue onely set downe those that haue come vnder mine owne view and not any by relation euen as I doe with all or most of the things contained in this worke The Place Many of these goodly plants growe naturally on mountaines especially the Alpes in diuers places for some kindes that growe in some places doe not in others but farre distant one from the other There hath likewise some beene found on the Pyrenaean mountaines but that kinde with the blew flower and Borage leafe hath beene gathered on the mountaines in Spaine and on the Pyrenaeans next vnto Spaine The Time They all flower in Aprill and May and the seede is ripe in the end of Iune or beginning of Iuly and sometimes they will flower againe in the end of Summer or in Autumne if the yeare proue temperate moist and rainie The Names It is very probable that none of these plants were euer knowne vnto the ancient Writers because we cannot be assured that they may be truely referred vnto any plant that they name vnlesse we beleeue Fabius Columna that it should be Alisma of Dioscorides for thereunto hee doth referre it Diuers of the later Writers haue giuen vnto them diuers names euery one according to his owne conceit For Gesner calleth it Lunaria arthritica and Paralytica Alpina Matthiolus accounteth it to bee of the kindred of the Sanicles and saith that in his time it was called by diuers Herbarists Auricula Vrsi which name hath since bin receiued as most vsuall We in English call them Beares eares according to the Latine or as they are called by diuers women French Cowslips they may be called Mountaine Cowslips if you will for to distinguish betweene them and other Cowslips whereof these are seuerall kindes Sanicula Alpina siue Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle I cannot chuse but insert this delicate plant in the end of the Beares eares for that it is of so neare affinity although it
or Foolish Cowslip in some places is called by Country people Iacke an Apes on horse-backe which is an vsuall name with them giuen to many other plants as Daisies Marigolds c. if they be strange or fantasticall differing in the forme from the ordinary kinde of the single ones The smallest are vsually called through all the North Country Birds eyen because of the small yellow circle in the bottomes of the flowers resembling the eye of a bird The Vertues Primroses and Cowslips are in a manner wholly vsed in Cephalicall diseases either among other herbes or flowers or of themselues alone to ease paines in the head and is accounted next vnto Betony the best for that purpose Experience likewise hath shewed that they are profitable both for the Palsie and paines of the ioynts euen as the Beares eares are which hath caused the names of Arthritica Paralysis and Paralytica to bee giuen them The iuice of the flowers is commended to cleanse the spots or marks of the face whereof some Gentlewomen haue found good experience CHAP. XXXVI Pulmonaria Lungwort or Cowslips of Ierusalem ALthough these plants are generally more vsed as Pot-herbes for the Kitchen then as flowers for delight yet because they are both called Cowslips and are of like forme but of much lesse beauty I haue ioyned them next vnto them in a distinct Chapter by themselues and so may passe at this time 1. Pulmonaria maculosa Common spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem The Cowslip of Ierusalem hath many rough large and round leaues but pointed at the ends standing vpon long foot stalkes spotted with many round white spots on the vppersides of the sad greene or browne leaues and of a grayer greene vnderneath among the leaues spring vp diuers browne stalkes a foote high bearing many flowers at the toppe very neare resembling the flowers of Cowslips being of a purple or reddish colour while they are buds and of a darke blewish colour when they are blowne standing in brownish greene huskes and sometimes it hath beene found with white flowers when the flowers are past there come vp small round heads containing blacke seed the roote is composed of many long and thicke blacke strings 2. Pulmonaria altera non maculosa Vnspotted Cowslips of Ierusalem The leaues of this other kinde are not much vnlike the former being rough as they are but smaller of a fairer greene colour aboue and of a whiter greene vnderneath without any spots at all vpon the leaues the flowers also are like the former and of the same colour but a little more branched vpon the stalkes then the former the rootes also are blacke like vnto them 3. Pulmonaria angustifolia Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem The leaues hereof are somewhat longer but not so broad and spotted with whitish spots also as the former the stalke hereof is set with the like long hairy leaues but smaller being a foote high or better bearing at the toppe many flowers standing in huskes like the first being somewhat reddish in the bud and of a darke purplish blew colour when they are blowne open the seede is like the former all of them doe well resemble Buglosse and Comfrey in most parts except the roote which is not like them but stringie like vnto Cowslips yet blacke The Place The Cowslips of Ierusalem grow naturally in the Woods of Germany in diuers places and the first kinde in England also found out by Iohn Goodier a great searcher and louer of plants dwelling at Maple-durham in Hampshire The Time They flower for the most part very early that is in the beginning of Aprill The Names They are generally called in Latine Pulmonaria and maculosa or non maculosa is added for distinctions sake Of some it is called Symphitum maculosum that is spotted Comfrey In English it is diuersly called as spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem Sage of Ierusalem Sage of Bethlehem Lungwort and spotted Comfrey and it might bee as fitly called spotted Buglosse whereunto it is as like as vnto Comfrey as I said before The Vertues It is much commended of some to bee singular good for vlcered lungs that are full of rotten matter As also for them that spit bloud being boyled and drunke It is of greatest vse for the pot being generally held to be good both for the lungs and the heart CHAP. XXXVII 1. Buglossum Borrago Buglosse and Borage ALthough Borage and Buglosse might as fitly haue been placed I confesse in the Kitchen Garden in regard they are wholly in a manner spent for Physicall properties or for the Pot yet because anciently they haue been entertained into Gardens of pleasure their flowers hauing been in some respect in that they haue alwaies been enterposed among the flowers of womens needle-worke I am more willing to giue them place here then thrust them into obscurity and take such of their tribe with them also as may fit for this place either for beauty or rarity The Garden Buglosse and Borage are so well knowne vnto all that I shall I doubt but spend time in waste to describe them yet not vsing to passe ouer any thing I name and appropriate to this Garden so sleightly they are thus to bee knowne Buglosse hath many long narrow hairy or rough sad greene leaues among which rise vp two or three very high stalks branched at the top whereon stand many blew flowers consisting of fiue small round pointed leaues with a small pointell in the middle which are very smooth shining and of a reddish purple while they are buds and not blowne open which being fallen there groweth in the greene huske wherein the flower stood three or foure roundish blacke seedes hauing that thread or pointell standing still in the middle of them the roote is blacke without and whitish within long thicke and full of slimie iuice as the leaues are also and perisheth not euery yeare as the roote of Borage doth 2. Borrago Borage Borage hath broader shorter greener and rougher leaues then Buglosse the stalkes hereof are not so high but branched into many parts whereon stand larger flowers and more pointed at the end then Buglosse and of a paler blew colour for the most part yet sometimes the flowers are reddish and sometimes pure white each of the flowers consisting of fiue leaues standing in a round hairy whitish huske diuided into fiue parts and haue a small vmbone of fiue blackish threads in the middle standing out pointed at the end and broad at the bottome the seed is like the other the root is thicker and shorter then the roote of Buglosse somewhat blackish without also and whitish within and perisheth after seede time but riseth of it owne seede fallen and springeth in the beginning of the yeare 3. Borrago semper virens Euerliuing Borage Euerliuing Borage hath many broad greene leaues and somewhat rough more resembling Comfrey then Borage yet not so large as either the stalkes are not so high as Borage and haue many small blew flowers on them very
very thicke and double flowers that is many horned or crooked hollow leaues set together and are not so large as the leaues of the single flowers The variety of colours in this double kinde is as plentifull or rather more then in the single for of these there is party coloured blew and white and spotted very variably which are not in the single kinde and also a very deepe red very thicke and double but a smaller flower and lesse plentifull in bearing then many of the other double sorts These double kindes doe giue as good seede as the single kindes doe which is not obserued in many other plants 3. Aquilegia inuersis corniculis Double inuerted Colombines These Colombines are not to be distinguished eyther in roote leaues or seed from the former the flowers onely make the difference which are as double as the former but that the heeles or hornes of these are turned inward and stand out in the middle of the flowers together there is not that plentifull variety of colours in this kinde as there is in the former for I neuer saw aboue three or foure seuerall colours in this kinde that is white purplish reddish and a dun or darke ouerworne purplish colour These double flowers doe likewise turne into pods bearing seede continuing his kind and not varying into the former 4. Aquilegia Rosea Rose Colombines The leaues and other parts of this kinde of Colombine differ little or nothing from the former the diuersitie consisteth likewise in the flowers which although they stand in the same manner seuerally vpon their small stalkes somewhat more sparingly then the former doe yet they haue no heeles or hornes eyther inward or outward or very seldome but stand sometimes but with eight or tenne smooth small plaine leaues set in order one by one in a compasse in a double rowe and sometimes with foure or fiue rowes of them euery one directly before the other like vnto a small thick double Rose layd open or a spread Marigold yet sometimes it happeneth that some of these flowers will haue two or three of the first rowes of leaues without any heele and the rest that are inward with each of them a peece of a small horne at them as the former haue the colours of these flowers are almost as variable and as variably mixed as the former double kindes This likewise giueth seede preseruing his owne kinde for the most part 5. Aquilegia degener Degenerate Colombines This kinde of Colombine might seeme to some to bee but a casuall degeneration and no true naturall kinde happening by some cause of transplanting or otherwise by the art of man but I haue not so found it in that it keepeth and holdeth his own proper forme which is like vnto the double Rose Colombine but that the outermost row of leaues are larger then any of the rest inwardes and is of a greenish or else of a purplish greene colour and is not altogether so apt to giue good seed like the former The Place The single kindes haue beene often found in some of the wooddy mountaines of Germany as Clusius saith but the double kindes are chiefly cherished in gardens The Time They flower not vntill May and abide not for the most part when Iune is past and in the meane time perfecteth their seede The Names Costaeus doth call this plant Pothos of Theophrastus which Gaza translateth Desiderium Dalechampius vpon Athenaeus calleth it Diosanthos or Iouis flos of Theophrastus who in his sixth Booke and seuenth Chapter reckoneth them both that is Diosanthos and Pathos to be Summer flowers but seuerally Dodonaeus Leoherba and Gesner Leontostomium Fabius Columna in his Phytobasanos vnto whom Clusius giueth the greatest approbation referreth it to the Isopyrum of Dioscorides All later Writers doe generally call it eyther Aquileia Aquilina or Aquilegia and we in English generally I thinke through the whole Countrey Colombines Some doe call the Aquilegia rosea Aquilegia stellata The starre Colombine because the leaues of the flowers doe stand so directly one by another besides the doublenesse that they somewhat represent eyther a Rose or a Starre and thereupon they giue it the name eyther of a Starre or Rose The Vertues Some in Spaine as Camerarius saith vse to eate a peece of the roote hereof 1 Aquilegia simplex The single Colombine 2 Aquilegia flore multiplici The double Colombine 3 Aquilegia versicolor The party coloured Colombine 4 Aquilegia inuersis corniculis The double inuerted Colombine 5 Aquilegia Rosea siue Stellata The Rose or the Starre Colombine 6 Thalictrum Hispanicum album White Spanish tufts fasting many dayes together to helpe them that are troubled with the stone in the kidneyes Others vse the decoction of both herbe and roote in wine with a little Ambargrise against those kinds of swounings which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The seede is vsed for the iaundise and other obctructions of the liuer Clusius writeth from the experience of Franciscus Rapard a chiefe Physician of Bruges in Flanders that the seede beaten and drunke is effectuall to women in trauell of childe to procure a speedy deliuerie and aduiseth a second draught thereof should be taken if the first succeede not sufficiently CHAP. XLVII Thalictrum Hispanicum Spanish Tufts or Tufted Colombines FRom among the diuersities of this plant I haue selected out two sorts for this my garden as hauing more beautie then all the rest leauing the other to be entreated of where all in generall may be included I haue in this place inserted them for the likenesse of the leaues only being in no other part correspondent and in a Chapter by themselues as it is most fit Thalictrum Hispanicum album White Spanish tufted Colombines These plants haue both one forme in roote leafe and flower and therefore neede but one description The leaues are both for colour and forme so like vnto Colombines leaues although lesser and darker yet more spread and on larger stalkes that they may easily deceiue one that doth not marke them aduisedly for the leaues are much more diuided and in smaller parts and not so round at the ends the stalkes are round strong and three foote high at the least branching out into two or three parts with leaues at the seuerall ioynts of them at the toppes whereof stand many flowers which are nothing but a number of threads made like vnto a small round tuft breaking out of a white skinne or leafe which incloseth them and being vnblowne shew like vnto little buttons the colour of these threds or tufts in this are whitish with yellow tips on them and somewhat purplish at the bottome hauing a strong but no good sent and abiding in their beautie especially if they grow in the shade and not too hot in the sun a great while and then fall away like short downe or threds the seed vessels are three square containing small long and round seede the rootes are many long yellow stringes which endure
Perüuianum siue Flos Solis The golden flower of Peru or the Flower of the Sunne This goodly and stately plant wherewith euery one is now adayes familiar being of many sorts both higher and lower with one stalke without branches or with many branches with a blacke or with a white seede yet differing not in forme of leaues or flowers one from another but in the greatnesse or smalnesse riseth vp at the first like vnto a Pompion with two leaues and after two or foure more leaues are come forth it riseth vp into a great stalke bearing the leaues on it at seuerall distances on all sides thereof one aboue another vnto the very toppe being sometimes and in some places seuen eight or ten foote high which leaues standing out from the stemme or stalke vpon their seuerall great ribbed foote-stalkes are very large broad belowe and pointed at the end round hard rough of a sad greene colour and bending downewards at the topped of the stalke standeth one great large and broad flower bowing downe the head vnto the Sunne and breaking forth from a great head made of scaly greene leaues like vnto a great single Marigold hauing a border of manie long yellow leaues set about a great round yellow thrumme as it were in the middle which are very like vnto short heads of flowers vnder euery one whereof there is a seede larger then any seede of the Thistles yet somewhat like and lesser and rounder then any Gourd seede set in so close and curious a manner that when the seede is taken out the head with the hollow places or cels thereof seemeth very like vnto an hony combe which seede is in some plants very blacke in the hotter countries or very white and great or large but with vs is neither so large blacke or white but sometimes blackish or grayish Some sort riseth not vp halfe the height that others doe and some againe beare but one stemme or stalke with a flower at the toppe thereof and others two or three or more small branches with euery one his flower at the end and some so full of branches from the very ground almost that I haue accounted threescore branches round about the middle stalke of one plant the lowest neare two yards long others aboue them a yard and a halfe or a yard long with euery one his flower thereon but all smaller then those that beare but one or two flowers and lesser also for the most part then the flower on the middle stalke it selfe The whole plant and euery part thereof aboue ground hath a strong resinous sent of Turpentine and the heads and middle parts of the flowers doe oftentimes and sometimes the ioynts of the stalke where the leaues stand sweat out a most fine thin cleare Rossin or Turpentine but in small quantity and as it were in drops in the heate and dry time of the year so like both in colour smell and taste vnto cleare Venice Turpentine that it cannot be knowne from it the roote is strongly fastened in the ground by some greater roots branching out and a number of small strings which growe not deepe but keepe vnder the vpper crust of the earth and desireth much moisture yet dyeth euery yeare with the first frosts and must be new sowne in the beginning of the Spring The Place Their places are set downe in their titles the one to come out of Candy the other out of Peru a Prouince in the West Indies The Time The first flowreth in Iune the other later as not vntill August and sometimes so late that the early frosts taking it neuer suffer it to come to ripeness The Names The first hath his name in his title The second besides the names set downe is called of some Planta maxima Flos Maximus Sol Indianus but the most vsuall with vs is Flos Solis In English The Sunne Flower or Flower of the Sunne The Vertues There is no vse of either in Physicke with vs but that sometimes the heads of the Sunne Flower are dressed and eaten as Hartichokes are and are accounted of some to be good meate but they are too strong for my taste CHAP. LXIII Calendula Marigolds SOme haue reckoned vp many sorts of Marigolds I had rather make but two the single and the double for doubtlesse those that be most double rise from the best seede which are the middlemost of the great double and some will be lesse double whose seede is greater then the rest according to the ground where it groweth as also those that be of a paler colour doe come of the seed of the yellower sort 1. Calendula maxima The great Garden Marigold The Garden Marigold hath round greene stalkes branching out from the ground into many parts whereon are set long flat greene leaues broader and rounder at the 1 Chrysanthemum Creticum Corne Marigolds of Candy 2 Flos Solis The Flower of the Sunne 3 Calendula Marigolds 4 Aâ—ter Atticus siue Italorum The purple Marigold 5 Pilosâ—lla maior Golden Mouse-eare 6 Scorsonera Hispanica Spanish Vipers grasse 7 Tragopogon Goates beard or goe to bed at noone point then any where else and smaller also at the setting to of the stalke where it compasseth it about the flowers are sometimes very thicke and double breaking out of a scaly clammy greene head composed of many rowes of leaues set so close together one within another that no middle thrume can bee seene and sometimes lesse double hauing a small browne spot of a thrume in the middle and sometimes but of two or three rowes of leaues with a large browne thrume in the middle euery one whereof is somewhat broader at the point and nicked into two or three corners of an excellent faire deepe gold yellow colour in some and paler in others and of a pretty strong and resinous sweete sent after the flowers are past there succeede heads of crooked seede turning inward the outermost biggest and the innermost least the roote is white and spreadeth in the ground and in some places will abide after the seeding but for the most part perisheth and riseth againe of his owne feede Sometimes this Marigold doth degenerate and beareth many small flowers vpon short stalkes compassing the middle flower but this happeneth but seldome and therefore accounted but lusus naturae a play of nature which she worketh in diuers other plants besides 2. Calendula simplex The single Marigold There is no difference betweene this and the former but that the flowers are single consisting of one rowe of leaues of the same colour eyther paler or deeper yellow standing about a great browne thrumme in the middle the seed likewise is alike but for the most part greater then in the double kindes The Place Our Gardens are the chiefe places for the double flowers to grow in for we know not of any other naturall place but the single kinde hath beene found wilde in Spaine from whence I received seede gathered by Guillaume Boel in his time
begin to growe somewhat hot vpon them and then doe close neuer opening more the plant carrieth so many flowers if it stand in a warme place that it will be replenished plentifully vntill the cold ayres and euenings stay the luxury thereof after the flowers are past the stalkes whereon the flowers did stand bend downwards and beare within the huskes three or foure blacke seedes of the bignesse of a Tare or thereabouts the rootes are stringy and perish euery yeare 2. Convolvulus trifolius siue hederaceus purpureus The greater purple Bindeweede or Bell-flower with cornered leaues The growing and forme of this Bindeweede or Bell-flower is all one with the former the chiefest differences consisting in the forme of the leafe which in this is three cornered like vnto an Iuie leafe with corners and in the flower which is of a deeper blew tending more to a deepe purple Violet and somewhat more reddish in the fiue plaites of each flower as also in the bottomes of the flowers 3. Convolvulus tenuifolius Americanus The red Bell-flower of America Although this rare plant because wee seldome haue it and can as hardly keepe it be scarce knowne in these cold Countries yet I could not but make mention of it to incite those that haue conueniencie to keepe it to be furnished of it It springeth vp at the first from the seede with two leaues with two long forked ends which abide a long time before they perish betweene which riseth vp the stalke or stemme branching forth diuers waies being of a brownish colour which windeth it selfe as the former great Bell-flower doth whereon are set at seuerall ioynts diuers winged leaues that is to say many small narrow and long leaues set on both sides of the middle ribbe and one at the end from these ioynts arise long stalkes at the ends whereof stand two or three small long hollow flowers fashioned very like vnto the flowers of a Bindeweede or the flowers of Tabacco and ending in the like manner in fiue points but not so much laide open being of a bright red colour plaited as the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers before they be open with some few threads in the middle which turne into long pointed cods wherein is contained long and blacke seede tasting hot like Pepper the roote is small and stringy perishing euery yeare and with vs will seldome come to flower because our cold nights and frosts come so soone before it cannot haue comfort enough of the Sun to ripen it 4. Convolvulus caeruleus minor Hispanicus The Spanish small blew Bindeweede This small Bindeweede hath small long leaues somewhat broader then the next that followeth and not so broad as the common small Bindeweede that groweth euery where wilde on the bankes of fields abroad set vpon the small trayling branches which growe aboue two or three foote high from the middle of these branches and so vnto the toppes of them come forth the flowers at the ioynts with the leaues folded together at the first into fiue plaites which open into so many corners of a most excellent faire skie coloured blew so pleasant to behold that often it amazeth the spectator with white bottomes and yellowish in the middle which turne into small round white heads wherein are contained small blackish cornered seede somewhat like the former but smaller the roote is small and threddy perishing as the former euery yeare this neuer windeth it selfe about any thing but leaneth by reason of the weaknesse of the branches and dyeth euery yeare after seede time and not to be sowne againe vntill the next Spring 5. Convolvulus purpureus Spicaefolius Lauander leafed Bindeweede This small purple Bindeweede where it naturally groweth is rather a plague then a pleasure to whatsoeuer groweth with it in the fields yet the beauty of the flower hath caused it to be receiued into Gardens bearing longer and smaller leaues then the last and such like small Bell-flowers but of a sad purple colour the roote is liâ—â—ng as the common kinds are and springeth againe where it hath been once sowne without feare of perishing The Place The first two greater kindes haue beene sent vs out of Italy but whether they had them from the East Indies or from some of the Easterne Countries on this side wee know not but they thriue reasonable well in our Country if the yeare be any thing kindly The next came out of America as his name testifieth The lesser blew kinde groweth naturally in many places both of Spaine and Portugall from whence I first receiued seedes from Guillaume Boel heretofore remembred The last groweth wilde in the fields about Dunmowe in Essex and in many other places of our owne Countrey likewise The Time The three first greater kindes flower not vntill the end of August or thereabouts and the seede ripeneth in September if the colds and frosts come not on too speedily The lesser kindes flower in Iune and Iuly The Names The first is called of some Campana Lazura as the Italians doe call it or Campana caerulea of others Convolvulus caeruleas maior siue Indicus and Flos noctis Of some Nil Auicennae The second is called Convolvulus trifolius or haederaceus for the distinction of the leaues In English wee call them eyther Great blew Bell-flowers or more vsually Great blew Bindeweedes That of America is diuersly called by diuers It is called Quamoclit of the Indians and by that name it was sent to Ioachinus Camerarius out of Italy where it is so called still as Fabius Columna setteth it downe and as my selfe also can witnesse it from thence being so sent vnto mee but Andraeas Caesalpinus calleth it Iasminum folio Millefolij supposing it to be a Iasmine Camerarius saith it may not vnfitly be called Convolvulus tenuifolius accounting it a kinde of Bindeweede Columna entituleth it Convolvulus pennatus exoticus rarior and saith it cannot bee referred to any other kinde of plant then to the Bindeweedes Hee that published the Curae posteriores of Clusius giueth it the name of Iasminum Americanum which I would doe also if I thought it might belong to that Family but seeing the face and forme of the plant better agreeing with the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers I haue as you see inserted it among them and giuen it that name may bee most fit for it especially because it is but an annuall plant The lesser kindes haue their names sufficiently expressed in their titles The Vertues We know of no vse these haue in Physicke with vs although if the first be Nil of Auicen both he and Serapio say it purgeth strongly CHAP. LXXXVIII Stramonium Thorne-Apple VNto the Bell-flowers I must adioyne three other plants in the three seuerall Chapters following for some affinity of the flowers and first of the Thorne-Apples whereof there are two especiall kindes that is a greater and a lesser and of each some diuersity as shall be set downe 1. Stramonium maius album The great white flowred Thorne-Apple The greater Thorne-Apple
feather topt ball as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy or Viorna as it is called that groweth plentifully in Kent and in other places by the way sides and in the hedges wherein is included such like flat seede These stalkes like as the last dye downe to the ground euery yeare and rise againe in the Spring following shooting out new branches and therby encreaseth in the root 10. Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana The Virginia Climer Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter with this description It riseth out of the ground very late in the yeare about the beginning of May if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing and if it be an old one such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia not till the end thereof with a round stalke not aboue a yard and a halfe high in any that I haue seene but in hotter Countries as some Authors haue set it downe much higher bearing one leafe at euery ioynt which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper like vnto a Vine and a flower also euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof and diuided about the middle on both sides making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe ending in three points whereof the middlemost is longest the bud of the flower before it doe open is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary single Nigella hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes which when this bud openeth are the ends or points of fiue leaues that are white on the inside and lay themselues flat like vnto an Anemone and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end with fiue other smaller leaues and whiter then they lying betweene them which were hid in the bud before it opened so that this flower being full blowne open consisteth of ten white leaues laide in order round one by another from the bottome of these leaues on the inside rise diuers twined threads which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues reaching beyond the points of them a little and are of a reddish peach colour towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles about the breadth of an Oten strawe one distant from another and in some flowers there is but one circle seen which adde a great grace vnto the flower for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous make a tripartite shew The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc GRANADILLVS FRVTEX INDICVS CHRISTI PASSIONIS IMAGO of colours most delightfull the middle part of this flower is hollow and yellowish in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone or round stile somewhat bigge of a whitish greene colour spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons with fiue round threads or chiues spotted in the like manner and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents standing about the middle part of the said vmbone and from thence rising higher endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually but sometimes in foure as hath beene obserued in Rome by Dr. Aldine that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden spotted like the rest hauing three round greene buttons at their ends these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent very acceptable which perish without yeelding fruit with vs because it flowreth so late but in the naturall place and in hot Countries it beareth a small round whitish fruit with a crowne at the toppe thereof wherein is contained while it is fresh and before it be ouer dried a sweet liquor but when it is dry the seede within it which is small flat somewhat rough and blacke will make a ratling noise the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings spreading farre abroad vnder the ground I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer that were as long as any rootes of Sarsa parilla and a great deale bigger which to be handsomely laid into the ground were faine to be coyled like a cable and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another whereby it may be well encreased The Place The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards by the hedge sides in England and so doth the white here and there but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France in Spaine and Italy and other hot Countries where also growe all the twining Clamberers as well single as double but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and thereabouts The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia Wee preserue them all in our Gardens The Time The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill The Climers not vntill the end of Iune or in Iuly and sometimes in August The Virginian somewhat later in August yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly The Names The first is out of question the first Clematis of Dioscorides and called of 1 Thalspi Creticum Candy tufts 2 Vinca peruinca flore simplici Single Perwinkle 3 Vinca peruinca flore duplici Double Perwinkle 4 Flammula Matthioli Vpright Virgins Bower 5 Clematis peregrina flore simplici The single Ladies Bower 6 Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo Double flowred Ladies Bower 7 Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana The Virginian Climer many Clematis Daphnoides but not that plant that is simply called Daphnoides for that is Laureola and is vsually called Vinca pervinca but it is not Chamaedaphne for that is another plant as shall be shewed in his place some call it Centunculus In English wee call it Perwinkle The other is Clematis altera of Dioscorides and is called also Clematis peregrina whose distinctions are set downe in their titles In English Ladies Bower or Virgins Bower because they are fit to growe by Arbours to couer them The first vpright Clamberer is called and that rightly of some Clematis erecta or surrecta Of others Flammula frutex and Flammula Iouis or surrecta In English Vpright Virgins Bower The next is called by Clusius Clematis Pannonica caerulea who thought it to be Climeni species by the relation of others at the first but after entituled it Clematis In English the Hungarian Climer The last may be called in Latine Clematis Virginiana In English The Virgin or Virginian Climer of the Virginians Maracoc of the Spaniards in the West Indies Granadillo because the fruit as is before said is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside yet the seede within is flattish round and blackish Some superstitious
Iesu-ite would faine make men beleeue that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion and therefore call it Flos Passionis and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne and printed with all the parts proportioned out as thornes nailes speare whippe pillar c. in it and all as true as the Sea burnes which you may well perceiue by the true figure taken to the life of the plant compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see but these bee their aduantagious lies which with them are tolerable or rather pious and meritorious wherewith they vse to instruct their people but I dare say God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes for they come from the Diuell the author of them But you may say I am beside my Text and I am in doubt you will thinke I am in this besides my selfe and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say For for the most part it is an inherent errour in all of that side to beleeue nothing be it neuer so true that any of our side shall affirme that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers as they call them but I must referre them to God and hee knoweth the truth and will reforme or deforme them in his time In regard whereof I could not but speake the occasion being thus offered against such an erroneous opinion which euen Dr. Aldine at Rome before remembred disproued and contraried both the said figures and name and seek to disproue it as doth I say not almost but I am affraid altogether leade many to adore the very picture of such things as are but the fictions of superstitious brains for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure as both Aldine in the aforesaid booke and Robinus at Paris in his Theatrum Florae doe set forth the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life and there exhibited which I hope may satisfie all men that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious The Vertues Costaeus saith hee hath often seene that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth hath stayed the bleeding at the nose The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes The other are causticke plants that is fiery hot and blistering the skinne and therefore as Dioscorides saith is profitable to take away the scurse leprye or such like deformities of the skin What property that of Virginia hath is not knowne to any with vs I thinke more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties if they were knowne CHAP. CIII Chamaelaea Dwarfe Spurge Oliue or Dwarfe Baye I Haue three sorts of Chamaelaea to bring to your consideration euery one differing notably from other two of them of great beauty in their flowers as well as in the whole plant the third abiding with greene leaues although it haue no beauty in the flower yet worthy of the place it holds And vnto these I must adioyne another plant as comming nearest vnto them in the brauery of the flowers 1. Chamaelaea Germanica siue Mezereon floribus dilutioris coloris saturatioris Dwarfe Baye or flowring Spurge Oliue We haue two sorts of this Spurge Oliue or Dwafe Baye differing onely in the colour of the flowers They both rise vp with a thicke wooddy stemme fiue or six foot high sometimes or more and of the thicknesse if they be very old of a mans wrest at the ground spreading into many flexible long branches couered with a tough grayish barke beset with small long leaues somewhat like vnto Priuet leaues but smaller and paler and in a manner round pointed the flowers are small consisting of foure leaues many growing together sometimes and breaking out of the branches by themselues in the one sort of a pale red at the first blowing and more white afterwards the other of a deeper red in the blossome and continuing of a deeper red colour all the time of the flowring both of them very sweete in smell after the flowers are past come the berries which are greene at the first and very red afterwards turning blackish red if they stand too long vpon the branches the rootes spread into many tough long branches couered with a yellowish barke 2. Chamaelaea Alpina Mountaine Spurge Oliue This Mountaine Laurell riseth vp with a small wooddy stemme three or foure foot high or more branching forth towards the vpper parts into many slender and tough branches couered with a rough hoary greene barke beset at the ends thereof with flatter fuller and smaller round pointed leaues then the former of a grayish greene colour on the vpperside and hoary vnderneath which abide on the branches in Winter and fall not away as the former the flowers are many set together at the ends of the branches greater then the former and consisting of foure leaues a peece of a light blush colour standing in small grayish huskes of little or no sent at all the fruit followeth which are small long graines or berries of an excellent red colour which afterwards turne blacke the roote is long and spreadeth about vnder the vpper part of the earth 3. Chamaelaea tricoccos Widowe Wayle This three berried Spurge Oliue hath no great stemme at all but the whole plant spreadeth from the ground into many flexible tough greene branches whereon are set diuers narrow long darke greene leaues all along the branches which abide greene all the Winter the flowers are very small scarce to be seene and come forth between the leaues and the stalke of a pale yellow colour made of three leaues after which come small blackish berries three vsually set together the roote spreadeth it selfe in the ground not very farre being hard and wooddy and often dyeth if it bee not well defended from the extremity of our sharpe Winters 4. Cneorum Matthioli Small Rocke Roses I was long in doubt in what place I should dispose of this plant whether among the Campions as Bauhinus or among these as Clusius doth but lest my Gorden should want it wholly let it take vp roome for this time here This gallant plant hath diuers long weake slender but yet tough branches lying vpon the ground diuided vsually into other smaller branches whereon growe many small long and somewhat thicke leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of the former Mezereon set without any order to the very tops from whence doe come forth a tuft of many small flowers together made or consisting of foure leaues a peece of a bright red or carnation colour and very sweete withall which turne into small round whitish berries wherein is contained small round seede couered with a grayish coate or skinne the roote is long and yellowish spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground and abideth many yeares shooting forth new branches Flore albo It hath beene obserued in some of these plants to bring
red Rose and of the same fashion of a paler red colour and beeing neerely looked vpon is finely spotted with faint spots as it were spreade ouer the red the smell wherof is somewhat better then the smell of the ordinary red Rose of the best kinde 13. Rosa Holoserica simplex multiplex The Veluet Rose single and double The old stemme or stock of the veluet Rose is couered with a dark coloured barke and the young shootes of a sad greene with very few or no thornes at all vpon them the leaues are of a sadder greene colour then in most sorts of Roses and very often seuen on a stalke many of the rest hauing but fiue the Rose is eyther single or double the single is a broade spread flower consisting of fiue or sixe broade leaues with many yellow threds in the middle the double hath two rowes of leaues the one large which are outermost the other smaller within of a very deepe red crimson colour like vnto crimson veluet with many yellow threds also in the middle and yet for all the double rowe of leaues these Roses stand but like single flowers but there is another double kinde that is more double then this last consisting oftentimes of sixteene leaues or more in a flower and most of them of an equall bignesse of the colour of the first single rose of this kinde or somewhat fresher but all of them of a smaller sent then the ordinary red Rose 14. Rosa sine spinis simplex multiplex The Rose without thornes single and double The Rose without thornes hath diuers greene smooth shootes rising from the root without any pricke or thorne at all vpon them eyther young or old the leaues are not fully so large as of the red rose the flowers or roses are not much bigger then those of the double Cinamon Rose thicke set together and short of a pale red Rose colour with diuers pale coloured veâ—â—es through euery leafe of the flower which hath caused some to call it The marbled Rose and is of a small sent not fully equall to the red Rose The single of this kinde differeth not in any other thing from the former then in the doublenesse or singlenesse of the flowers which in this are not halfe so double nor yet fully single and are of a paler red colour Rosa sine spina flore albo I haue heard likewise of a white Rose of this kinde but I haue seene none such as yet and therefore I can say no more thereof 15. Rosa Cinamomea simplex multiplex The Cinamon Rose single and double The single Cinamon Rose hath his shootes somewhat red yet not so red as the double kinde armed with great thornes like almost vnto the Eglantine bush thereby showing as well by the multiplicitie of his shootes as the quicknesse and height of his shooting his wilde nature On the stemme and branches stand winged leaues sometimes seuen or more together which are small and greene yet like vnto other Roses The Roses are single of fiue leaues a peece somewhat large and of a pale red colour like vnto the double kinde which is in shootes redder and in all other things like vnto the single but bearing small short thicke and double Roses somewhat like vnto the Rose without thornes but a little lesser of a paler red colour at the end of the leaues and somewhat redder and brighter toward the middle of them with many yellow short thrumes the small sent of Cinamon that is found in the flowers hath caused it to beare the name 16. Rosalutea simplex The single yellow Rose This single yellow Rose is planted rather for variety then any other good vse It often groweth to a good height his stemme being great and wooddy with few or no prickes vpon the old wood but with a number of small prickes like haires thicke set vpon the younger branches of a darke colour somewhat reddish the barke of the young shootes being of a sad greene reddish colour the leaues of this Rose bush are smaller rounder pointed of a paler greene colour yet finely snipt about the edges and more in number that is seuen or nine on a stalke or ribbe then in any other Garden kinde except the double of the same kinde that followeth next the flower is a small single Rose consisting of fiue leaues not so large as the single Spanish Muske Rose but somewhat bigger then the Eglantine or sweete Briar Rose of a fine pale yellow colour without any great sent at all while it is fresh but a little more yet small and weake when it is dryed 17. Rosa lutea multiplex siue flore pleno The double yellow Rose The double yellow Rose is of great account both for the rarity and doublenesse of the flower and had it sent to the rest would of all other be of highest esteeme The stemme or stocke the young shoots or branches the small hairy prickes and the small winged leaues are in all parts like vnto the former single kinde the chiefest difference consisteth in the doublenesse of the flower or Rose which is so thicke and double that very often it breaketh out on one side or another and but a few of them abiding whole and faire in our Countrey the cause whereof wee doe imagine to bee the much moisture of our Countrey and the time of flowring being subiect to much raine and showers many therefore doe either plant it against a wall or other wayes defend it by couering againe it is so plentifull in young shootes or branches as also in flowers at the toppe of euery branch which are small and weake for the most part that they are not able to bring all the flowers to ripenesse and therefore most of them fall or wither away without comming to perfection the remedy that many doe vse for this inconuenience last recited is that they nippe away most of the buds leauing but some few vpon it that so the vigour of the plant may be collected into a few flowers whereby they may the better come to perfection and yet euen thus it is hardly effected which are of a yellowish greene colour in the bud and before they be blowne open but then are of a faire yellow colour very full of leaues with many short haires rather then leaues in the middle and hauing short round greene smooth buttons almost flat vnder them the flower being faire blowne open doth scarce giue place for largenesse thicknesse and doublenesse vnto the great Prouence or Holland Rose This Rose bush or plant is very tender with vs here about London and will require some more care and keeping then the single of this kinde which is hardy enough for I haue lost many my selfe and I know but a few about this towne that can nourse it vp kindly to beare or scarce to abide without perishing but abideth well in euery free aire of all or the most parts of this Kingdome but as I heare not so well in
on the one part cornered on the other and sharpe pointed greene on both sides almost alike hauing so slender long footestalkes that the leaues cannot stand forthright but bend downwards with a more rugged barke then the white Poplar tree Clusius thinketh this large description is but an ample description of the third kinde of Poplar called Lybica the Aspen tree which Gaza translateth Alpina but who so will well consider it shall finde it neyther answerable to any Poplar tree in that it beareth not cods as Cercis doth nor vnto this Arbor Iudae because it beareth not white branches Clusius saith also that the learned of Mompelier in his time referred it to Colytea of Theophrastus in his third booke and seuenteenth chapter where he doth liken it to the leaues of the broadest leafed Bay tree but larger and rounder green on the vpperside and whitish vnderneath and whereunto as he saith Theophrastus giueth cods in the fourteenth chapter of the same third booke and by the contracting of their descriptions both together saith they agree vnto this Iudas tree But I find some doubts and differences in these places for the Colutaea that Dioscorides mentioneth in the said fourteenth chapter of his third booke hath as he saith there a leafe like vnto the Willow and therefore cannot bee the same Colutaea mentioned in the seuenteenth chapter of the same third book which hath a broade Bay leafe indeede hee giueth seede in cods but that with broade Bay leaues is as he saith without eyther flower or fruite and besides all this he saith the rootes are very yellow which is not to bee found in this Arbor Iudae or Iudas tree let others now iudge if these things can bee well reconciled together Some haue for the likenesse of the cods vnto Beane cods called it Fabago And Clusius called it Siliqua siluestris It is generally in these dayes called Arbor Iudae and in English after the Latine name vntill a fitter may be had Iudas tree The Vertues There is nothing extant in any Author of any Physicall vse it hath neyther hath any later experience found out any CHAP. CXX Laburnum Beane Trefoile THere be three sorts of these codded trees or plants one neere resembling another whereof Anagyris of Dioscorides is one The other two are called Laburnum the larger whereof Matthiolus calleth Anagyris altera and so doe some others also the third is of the same kinde with the second but smaller I shall not for this our Garden trouble you or my selfe with any more of them then one which is the lesser of the two Liburnum in that it is more frequent and that it will far better abide then the Anagyris which is so tender that it will hardly endure the winters of our Countrey and the greater Laburnum is not so easily to be had Laburnum Beane Trefoile This codded tree riseth vp with vs like vnto a tall tree with a reasonable great body if it abide any long time in a place couered with a smooth greene barke the branches are very long greene pliant and bending any way whereon are set here and there diuers leaues three alwaies standing together vpon a long stalk being somwhat long and not very narrow pointed at the ends greene on the vpperside and of a siluer shining colour vnderneath without any smell at all at the ioynts of these branches where the leaues stand come forth many flowers much like vnto broome flowers but not so large or open growing about a very long branch or stalke sometimes a good span or more in length and of a faire yellow colour but not very deepe after which come flatthin cods not very long or broade but as tough and hard as the cods of Broome wherein are contained blackish seede like but much lesse then the seede of Anagyris vera which are as big as a kidney beane purplish and spotted the roote thrusteth down deepe into the ground spreading also farre and is of a yellowish colour The Place This tree groweth naturally in many of the woods of Italie and vpon the Alpes also and is therefore still accounted to be that Laburnum that Plinie calleth Arbor Alpina It groweth in many gardens with vs. The Time It flowreth in May the fruit or cods and the seedes therein are ripe in the end of August or in September The Names This tree as I said before is called of Matthiolus Anagyris altera siue secunda of Cordus Gesner and others especially of most now adayes Laburnum It is probable in my opinion that this should bee that Colutaea of Theophrastus mentioned in the fourteenth Chapter of his third book with the leafe of a Willow for if you take any one leafe by it selfe it may well resemble a Willow leafe both for forme and colour and beareth small seed in cods like vnto pulse as that doth Of some it hath beene taken for a kinde of Cytisus but not truely We call it in English Beane Trefoile in regard of his cods and seede therein somewhat like vnto Kidney Beanes and of the leaues three alwayes standing together vntill a more proper name may bee giuen it The Vertues There is no vse hereof in Physicke with vs nor in the naturall place of the growing saue only to prouoke a vomit which it will doe very strongly CHAP. CXXI Cytisus Tree Trefoile THere are so many sorts of Cytisus or Tree trefoiles that if I should relate them all I should weary the Reader to ouerlooke them whereof the most part pertaine rather to a generall worke then to this abstract I shall not therefore trouble you with any superfluous but only with two which we haue noursed vp to furnish waste places in a garden Cytisus Maranthae Horned Tree Trefoile This Tree Trefoile which is held of most Herbarists to bee the true Cytisus of Dioscorides riseth vp to the height of a man at the most with a body of the bignesse of a mans thumbe couered with a whitish bark breaking forth into many whitish branches spreading farre beset in many places with small leaues three alwayes set together vpon a small short footestalke which are rounder and whiter then the leaues of Beane Trefoile at the ends of the branches for the most part come forth the flowers three or foure togethers of a fine gold colour and of the fashion of Broome flowers but not so large after the flowers are past there come in their places crooked flat thinne cods of the fashion of a halfe moone or crooked horne whitish when they are ripe wherein are contained blackish seede the roote is hard and woody spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground the whole plant hath a pretty small hot sent Cytisus vulgatior The common Tree Trefoile This Cytisus is the most common in this Land of any the other sorts of tree trefoiles hauing a blackish colourd barke the stemme or body whereof is larger then the former both for height and spreading bearing also three leaues together but smaller and greener then
abroad and rising vp againe in many places The Place These Hyssopes haue beene most of them noursed vp of long time in our English Gardens but from whence their first originall should be is not well knowne The Germander also is onely in Gardens and not wilde The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly The Names The seuerall names whereby they are knowne to vs are set forth in their titles and therefore I neede not here say more of them then onely this that neyther they here set downe nor the common or ordinary sort nor any of the rest not here expressed are any of them the true Hyssope of the ancient Greeke Writers but supposititiae vsed in the stead thereof The Germander from the forme of the leaues like vnto small oaken leaues had the name Chamaedrys giuen it which signifieth a dwarfe Oake The Vertues The common Hyssope is much vsed in all pectorall medicines to cut fleagme and to cause it easily to be auoided It is vsed of many people in the Country to be laid vnto cuts or fresh wounds being bruised and applyed eyther alone or with a little Sugar It is much vsed as a sweet herbe to be in the windowes of an house I finde it much commended against the Falling Sicknesse especially being made into Pils after this manner Of Hyssope Horhound and Castor of each halfe a dramme of Peony rootes the male kinde is onely fit to be vsed for this purpose two drams of Assa faetida one scruple Let them be beaten and made into pils with the iuyce of Hyssope which being taken for seuen dayes together at night going to bed is held to be effectual to giue much ease if not thoroughly to cure those that are troubled with that disease The vse of Germander ordinarily is as Tyme Hyssope and other such herbes to border a knot whereunto it is often appropriate and the rather that it might be cut to serue as I said for a strewing herbe for the house among others For the physicall vse it serueth in diseases of the splene and the stopping of vrine and to procure womens courses Thus haue I led you through all my Garden of Pleasure and shewed you all the varieties of nature noursed therein pointing vnto them and describing them one after another And now lastly according to the vse of our old ancient Fathers I bring you to rest on the Grasse which yet shall not be without some delight and that not the least of all the rest 1 Thymum legitimum The true Tyme 2 Serpillum maius bortense Garcen walde Tyme 3 Serpillum Citratum Lemon Tyme 4 Hyssopus verfiâ—olo siue aureus Golden Hyssope 5 Chamaedrys Germander 6 Spartum Austriacum siue Gramen plumarium minus The lesser feather Grasse 7 Gramen striatum vel sulcatum Painted Grasse or Ladies Laces CHAP. CXXXIII Gramina Grasses THere are among an infinite number as I may so say of Grasses a few onely which I thinke fit to be planted in this Garden both for the rarity of them and also for your delight and the excellent beauty that is in them aboue many other plants One of them hath long agoe bin respected and cherished in the country gardens of many Gentlewomen and others The others are knowne but vnto a few 1. Gramen striatum Painted Grasse or Ladies laces This kinde of Grasse hath many stiffe hard round stalkes full of ioynts whereon are set at euery ioynt one long leafe somewhat broad at the bottome where it compasseth the stalke and smaller to the end where it is sharpe pointed hard or rough in handling and striped all the length of the leafe with white streakes or lines that they seeme party coloured laces of white and greene the tops of the stalkes are furnished with long spikie tufts like vnto the tufts of Couch Grasse the rootes are small white and threddy like the rootes of other Grasses 2. Gramen Plumarium minus The lesser Feather-Grasse This lesser Feather-Grasse hath many small round and very long leaues or blades growing in tufts much finer and smaller then any other Grasse that I know being almost like vnto haires and of a fresh greene colour in Summer but changing into gray like old hay in Winter being indeede all dead and neuer reuiuing yet hardly to be plucked away vntill the Spring and then other greene leaues or rushes rise vp by them and in their stead and are aboue a foote in length from the middle of these tufts come forth rounder and bigger rushes which are the stalkes and which haue a chaffie round eare about the middle thereof which when it is full growne is somewhat higher then the toppes of the leaues or rushes opening it selfe being before close at the top and shewing forth three or foure long ayles or beards one aboue another which bend themselues a little downewards if they stand ouer long before they are gathered and will fall off and be blowne away with the winde being so finely feathered on both sides all the length of the beard and of a pale or grayish colour that no feather in the taile of the Bird of Paradise can be finer or to be compared with them hauing sticking at the end of euery one of them within the eare a small long whitish round hard and very sharpe pointed graine like vnto an oaten graine that part of the stalke of the feather that is next vnder it and aboue the seede for some two or three inches being stiffe and hard and twining or curling it selfe if it be suffered to stand too long or to fall away otherwise being straight as the feather it selfe the roote is composed of many long hard small threddy strings which runne deepe and far and will not willingly be remoued in that it gaineth strength euery yeare by standing 3. Gramen Plumarium maius The greater Feather-Grasse The greater Feather-Grasse is like vnto the lesser but that both the leaues and the feathers are greater and nothing so fine grosser also and of lesse beauty and respect though whiter then it and therefore is not so much regarded for I haue knowne that many Gentlewomen haue vsed the former lesser kinde being tyed in tufts to set them in stead of feathers about their beds where they haue lyen after childe-bearing and at other times also when as they haue been much admited of the Ladies and Gentles that haue come to visit them The Place The first of these Grasses as Lobel saith groweth naturally in the woods and hils of Sauoy It hath long agoe beene receiued into our English gardens The second as Clusius saith in Austria from whence also as I take it the greater came and are both in the gardens of those that are curious obseruers of these delights The Time The first is in its pride for the leaues all the Spring and Summer yeelding his bush in Iune The other giue their feather-like sprigs in Iuly and August and quickly as I said are shed if they be not carefully gathered The
of Pulse are subiect vnto they increase bodily lust much more then any other sorts and as it is thought doth helpe to encrease seede CHAP. LIII Cucumer The Cowcumber OF Cowcumbers there are diuers sorts differing chiefly in the forme and colour of the fruit and not in the forme of the plant therefore one description shall serue in stead of all the rest The Cowcumber bringeth forth many trailing rough greene branches lying on the ground all along whereof growe seuerall leaues which are rough broad vneuen at the edges and pointed at the ends with long crooked tendrels comming forth at the same ioynt with the leafe but on the other side therof between the stalks the leaues at the ioynts come forth the flowers seuerally euery one standing on a short foot-stalke opening it selfe into fiue leaues of a yellowish colour at the bottome whereof groweth the fruit long and greene at the first but when it is thorough ripe a little yellowish hauing many furrowes and vneuen bunches all the length of it wherein is a white firme substance next vnto the skin and a cleare pulpe or watery substance with white flat seede lying dispersed through it the roote is long and white with diuers fibres at it The kindes The first described is called The long greene Cowcumber There is another is called The short Cowcumber being short and of an equall bignesse in the body thereof and of an vnequall bignesse at both ends The long Yellow which is yellowish from the beginning and more yellow when it is ripe and hath beene measured to be thirteene inches long but this is not that small long Cowcumber called of the Latines Cucumis anguinus Another kinde is early ripe called The French kinde The Dantsicke kinde beareth but small fruit growing on short branches or runners the pickled Cowcumbers that are vsually sold are of this kind The Muscouie kinde is the smallest of all other yet knowne and beareth not aboue foure or fiue at the most on a roote which are no bigger then small Lemons The Vse of Cowcumbers Some vse to cast a little salt on their sliced Cowcumbers and let them stand halfe an houre or more in a dish and then poure away the water that commeth from them by the salt and after put vinegar oyle c. thereon as euery one liketh this is done to take away the ouermuch waterishnesse and coldnesse of the Cowcumbers In many countries they vse to eate Cowcumbers as wee doe Apples or Peares paring and giuing slices of them as we would to our friends of some dainty Apple or Peare The pickled Cowcumbers that come from beyond Sea are much vsed with vs for sawce to meate all the Winter long Some haue striuen to equall them by pickling vp our Cowcumbers at the later end of the yeare when they are cheapest taking the little ones and scalding them thoroughly well which after they put in brine with some Dill or Fenell leaues and stalkes but these are nothing comparable to the former wee either missing of the right and orderly pickling of them or the kinde it selfe differing much from ours as I said of the Dantsicke kinde for ours are neither so tender and firme nor so sauoury as the other The rawe or greene Cowcumbers are fittest for the hotter time of the yeare and for hot stomackes and not to be vsed in colder weather or cold stomackes by reason of the coldnesse whereby many haue been ouertaken The seede is vsed physically in many medicines that serue to coole and a little to make the passages of vrine slippery and to giue ease to hot diseases CHAP. LIIII Melo Milions or Muske Melons THere bee diuers sorts of Melons found out at this day differing much in the goodnesse of taste one from another This Countrey hath not had vntill of late yeares the skill to nourse them vp kindly but now there are many that are so well experienced therein and haue their ground so well prepared as that they will not misse any yeare if it be not too extreme vnkindly to haue many ripe ones in a reasonable time yet some will be later then others alwayes The Melon is certainly a kinde of Cowcumber it doth so neare resemble it both in the manner of his growing hauing rough trailing branches rough vneuen leaues and yellow flowers after which come the fruit which is rounder thicker bigger more rugged and spotted on the outside then the Cowcumber of a russet colour and greene vnderneath which when it groweth full ripe will change a little yellowish being as deepe furrowed and ribbed as they and besides hauing chaps or rifts in diuers places of the rinde the inward hard substance is yellow which onely is eaten the seede which is bigger and a little yellower then the Cowcumber lying in the middle onely among the moister pulpe the smell and changing of his colour fore-shew their ripenesse to them that are experienced the roote is long with many fibres at it The fruit requireth much watering in the hot time of the day to cause them to ripen the sooner as I haue obserued by diuers of the best skill therein The Vse of the kindes of Melons The best Melon feede doe come to vs out of Spaine some haue come out of Turkie but they haue been nothing so good and kindly Some are called Sugar Melons others Peare Melons and others Muske Melons They haue beene formerly only eaten by great personages because the fruit was not only delicate but rare and therfore diuers were brought from France and since were noursed vp by the Kings or Noblemens Gardiners onely to serue for their Masters delight but now diuers others that haue skill and conueniencie of ground for them doe plant them and make them more common They paire away the outer rinde and cut out the inward pulpe where the seede lyeth slice the yellow firme inward rinde or substance so eate it with salt and pepper and good store of wine or else it will hardly disgest for this is firmer hath not that moisture in it that the Cowcumbers haue It is also more delicate and of more worth which recompenseth the paine The seed of these Melons are vsed as Cowcumbers physically and together with them most vsually CHAP. LV. Pepo Pompions WE haue but one kinde of Pompion as I take it in all our Gardens notwithstanding the diuersities of bignesse and colour The Pompion or great Melon or as some call it Milion creepeth vpon the ground if nothing bee by it whreeon it may take hold and climbe with very great ribbed rough and prickly branches whereon are set very large rough leaues cut in on the edges with deepe gashes and dented besides with many claspers also which winde about euery thing they meete withall the flowers are great and large hollow and yellow diuided at the brims into fiue parts at the bottome of which as it is in the rest groweth the fruit which is very great sometimes of the bignesse of a mans body
these diuersities euerie yeare growing vpon it the fruit is of a very red colour and good taste The great Rose Cherry or double blossomd Cherry differeth not in anything from the English Cherrie but only in the blossomes which are very thicke of white leaues as great and double as the double white Crowfoote before remembred and somtimes out of the middle of them will spring another smaller flower but double also this seldome beareth fruit but when it doth I suppose it commeth from those blossomes are the least double and is red no bigger then our ordinary English cherrie The lesser Rose or double blossomd Cherrie beareth double flowers also but not so thicke and double as the former but beareth fruit more plentifully of the same colour and bignesse with the former The Dwarfe Cherrie is of two sorts one whose branches fall downe low round about the body of it with small greene leaues and fruit as small of a deep red colour The other whose branches although small grow more vpright hauing greener shining leaues the fruit is little bigger then the former red also when it is ripe with a little point at the end both of them of a sweetith rellish but more sower The great bearing Cherry of Master Millen is a reasonable great red cherry bearing very plentifully although it bee planted against a North wall yet it will bee late ripe but of an indifferent sweet and good rellish The long finger Cherry is another small long red one being long round like a finger wherof it took the name this is not the Vrinall cherry before but differing from it The Vse of Cherries All these sorts of Cherries serue wholly to please the palate and are eaten at all times both before and after meales All Cherries are cold yet the sower more then the sweete and although the sweete doe most please yet the sower are more wholsome if there bee regard taken in the vsing The Agriot or sower Cherries are in France much vsed to bee dryed as is said before as Pruines are and so serue to ministred to be the sick in all hot diseases as feuers c. being both boyled in their drinkes and taken now and then of themselues which by reason of their tartnesse doe please the stomacke passing well The Gum of the Cherrie tree is commended to bee good for those are troubled with the grauell or stone It is also good for the cough being dissolued in liquour and stirreth vp an appetite The distilled water of the blacke Cherries the stones being broken among them is vsed for the same purpose for the grauell stone and winde CHAP. XIII Prunus The Plumme tree THere are many more varieties of Plummes then of Cherries so that I must follow the same order with these that I did with them euen giue you their names apart with briefe notes vpon them and one description to serue for all the rest And in this recitall I shall leaue out the Apricockes which are certainly a kind of Plum of an especiall difference and not of a Peach as Galen and some others haue thought and set them in a chapter by themselues and only in this see down those fruits are vsually called Plums The Plum tree especially diuers of them riseth in time to bee a reasonable tall and great tree whose bodie and greater armes are couered with a more rugged barke yet in some more or lesse the younger branches being smooth in all the leaues are somewhat rounder then those of the Cherrie tree and much differing among themselues some being longer or larger or rounder then others and many that are exercised herein can tell by the leafe what Plum the tree beareth I speake this of many not of all as in many Cherries they can doe the like the flowers are white consisting of fiue leaues the fruit is as variable in forme as in taste or colour some being ovall or Peare fashion or Almond like or sphericall or round some firme some soft and waterish some sweete some sower or harsh or differing from all these tastes and some white others blacke some red others yellow some purple others blew as they shall bee briefly set downe vnto you in the following lines where I meane not to insert any the wilde or hedge fruit but those only are fit for an Orchard to be stored with good fruit and of all which sorts the choysest for goodnesse and rarest for knowledge are to be had of my very good friend Master Iohn Tradescante who hath wonderfully laboured to obtaine all the rarest fruits hee can heare off in any place of Christendome Turky yea or the whole world as also with Master Iohn Millen dwelling in Olde streete who from Iohn Tradescante and all others that haue had good fruit hath stored himselfe with the best only and he can sufficiently furnish any The Amber Primordian Plumme is an indifferent faire Plumme early ripe of a pale yellowish colour and of a waterish taste not pleasing The red Primordian Plumme is of a reasonable size long and round reddish on the outside of a more dry taste and ripe with the first sorts in the beginning of August The blew Primordian is a small plumme almost like the Damascene and is subiect to drop off from the tree before it be ripe The white Date Plum is no very good plum The red Date plumme is a great long red pointed plumme and late ripe little better then the white The blacke Mussell plumme is a good plumme reasonable drye and tasteth well The red Mussell Plumme is somewhat flat as well as round of a very good taste and is ripe about the middle of August The white Mussell plumme is like the redde but somewhat smaller and of a whitish greene colour but not so well tasted The Imperiall plum is a great long reddish plum very waterish and ripeneth somewhat late The Gaunt plum is a great round reddish plum ripe somewhat late and eateth waterish The red Pescod plum is a reasonable good plum The white Pescod plum is a reasonable good rellished plumme but somewhat waterish The greene Pescod plum is a reasonable big and long pointed plum and ripe in the beginning of September The Orenge plum is a yellowish plum moist and somewhat sweetish The Morocco plumme is blacke like a Damson well tasted and somewhat drye in eating The Dine plum is a late ripe plum great and whitish speckled all ouer The Turkie plum is a large long blackish plum and somewhat flat like the Mussell plum a well rellished dry plum The Nutmeg plumme is no bigger then a Damson and is of a greenish yellow colour when it is ripe which is with vs about Bartholmew tide and is a good plum The Perdigon plumme is a dainty good plumme early blackish and well rellished The Verdoch plum is a great fine greene shining plum fit to preserue The Ienua plum is the white Date plum before remembred The Barberry plum is a great early blacke plum and well tasted The
height in many places with a great straight bodie couered with a grayish greene barke the younger branches are set round about with very narrow long whitish greene leaues which fall away from the elder but abide on the younger being both winter and summer alwaies greene It hath growing in sundry places on the branches certaine great hard wooddy clogs called of some apples of others nuts composed of many hard wooddy scales or tuberous knobs which abide for the most part alwaies greene in our Countrey and hardly become brownish as in other Countries where they haue more heat and comfort of the Sun and where the scales open themselues wherein are contained white long and round kernels very sweete while they are fresh but quickely growing oylely and rancide The Vse of the Pine apples and kernels The Cones or Apples are vsed of diuers Vintners in this City being painted to expresse a bunch of grapes whereunto they are very like and are hung vp in their bushes as also to fasten keyes vnto them as is seene in many places The kernels within the hard shels while they are fresh or newly taken out are vsed many waies both with Apothecaries Comfit-makers and Cookes for of them are made medicines good to lenifie the pipes and passages of the lungs and throate when it is hoarse Of them are made Comfits Pastes Marchpanes and diuers other such like And with them a cunning Cooke can make diuers Keck shoses for his Masters table Matthiolus commendeth the water of the greene apples distilled to take away the wrinkles in the face to abate the ouer-swelling breasts of Maidens by fomenting them after with linnen clothes wet in the water and to restore such as are rauisht into better termes 4. Abies The Firre tree THe Firre tree groweth naturally higher then any other tree in these parts of Christendome where no Cedars grow and euen equalling or ouer-topping the Pine the stemme or bodie is bare without branches for a great height if they bee elder trees and then branching forth at one place of the bodie foure wayes in manner of a crosse those boughes againe hauing two branches at euery ioynt on which are set on all sides very thicke together many small narrow long hard whitish greene leaues and while they are young tending to yellownesse but nothing so long or hard or sharpe pointed as the Pine tree leaues growing smaller and shorter to the end of the branches the bloomings are certaine small long scaly catkins of a yellowish colour comming forth at the ioynts of the branches which fall away the cones are smaller and longer then of the Pine tree wherein are small three square seede contained not halfe so big as the Pine kernels The Vse of the Firre tree The vse of this tree is growne with vs of late daies to bee more frequent for the building of houses then euer before for hereof namely of Deale timber and Deale boords are framed many houses and their floores without the helpe of any other timber or boord of any other tree almost as also for many other workes and purposes The yellow Rossen that is vsed as well to make salues as for many other common vses is taken from this tree as the Pitch is both from the Pitch and Pine trees and is boyled to make it to bee hard but was at the first a yellow thin cleere Turpentine and is that best sort of common Turpentine is altogether in vse with vs as also another more thicke whitish and troubled both which are vsed in salues both for man and beast but not inwardly as the cleere white Venice Turpentine is and serueth both to draw cleanse and heale Dodonaeus seemeth to say that the cleere white Turpentine called Venice Turpentine is drawn from the Firre but Matthiolus confuteth that opinion which Fulsius also held before him 5. Ilex arbor The euer-greene Oake THe Ilex or euer-greene Oake riseth in time to be a very great tree but very long and slow in growing as is to be seene in the Kings priuy Garden at Whitehall growing iust against the backe gate that openeth into the way going to Westminster and in some other places spreading many fair large great armes and branches whereon are set small and hard greene leaues somewhat endented or cornered and 1 Piaus The Pine tree 2 Abies The Firre tree 3 Ilex The euer greene Oake 4 Cupressus The Cipresse tree 5 Arbutus The Strawberry tree 6 Alaternus The euer greene Priuet prickly on the edges especially in the young trees and sometimes on those branches that are young and newly sprung forth from the elder rootes but else in a manner all smooth in the elder growne abiding greene all the winter as well as summer and are of a grayish greene on the vnderside It beareth in the spring time certaine slender long branches like as other Okes doe with small yellowish mossie flowers on them which fall away and are vnprofitable the acornes not growing from those places but from others which are like vnto those of our ordinary Oake but smaller and blacker and set in a more rugged huske or cuppe This and no other kinde of Ilex doe I know to grow in all our land in any Garden or Orchard for that kind with long and narrower leaues and not prickly growing so plentifully as Matthiolus saith in Tuscane I haue not seen and it is very probable to bee the same that Plinie remembreth to haue the leafe of an Oliue but not as some would haue it that Smilax Theophrastus maketh mention of in his third Booke and sixteenth Chapter of his Historie of Plants which the Arcadians so called and had the leafe of the Ilex but not prickly for Theophrastus saith the timber of Smilax is smooth and soft and this of the Ilex is harder and stronger then an Oake The Vse of the Ilex or euer-greene Oake Seeing this is to be accounted among the kindes of Oake and all Oakes by Dioscorides his opinion are binding it is also of the same qualitie but a little weaker and may serue to strengthen weake members The young tops and leaues are also vsed in gargles for the mouth and throate 6 Cupressus The Cypresse tree THe Cypresse tree that is noursed vp by vs in our Country doth grow in those places where it hath beene long planted to a very great height whose bodie and boughes are couered with a reddish ash-coloured bark the branches grow not spreading but vpright close vnto the bodie bushing thicke below and small vpwards spire fashion those below reaching neere halfe the way to them aboue whereon doe grow euer greene leaues small long and flat of a resinous sweete smell and strong taste somewhat bitter the fruit which are called nuts grow here and there among the boughes sticking close vnto them which are small and clouen into diuers parts but close while they are young of a russetish browne colour wherein are contained small browne seede but not so small as motes in the
with suckers thicke and plashing the branches into a hedge for that it is plyable to be ordered either way that I could not but giue you the knowledge thereof with the description in this manner The younger branches are couered with a smooth darke blewish greene barke and the elder with a more ash coloured thicke set with leaues without order some greater and others smaller somewhat like both in forme and bignesse vnto the leaues of the Barberry tree but somewhat larger and more snipt about the edges of a deeper green colour also and with small long thornes scattered here there vpon the branches the flowers come forth as well at the ends of the branches as at diuers places at the ioynts of the leaues standing thicke together of a pale whitish colour a little dasht ouer with a shew of blush consisting of fiue leaues a peece with some small threads in the middle which turne into berries very like vnto Hawthorne berries but much redder and dryer almost like polished Corall wherein are contained foure or fiue small yellowish white three square seede somewhat shining It is thought to be the Oxyacantha of Dioscorides but seeing Dioscorides doth explaine the forme of the leafe in his Chapter of Medlars which he concealed in the Chapter of Oxyacantha it cannot be the same for Mespilus Anthedon of Theophrastus or Aronia of Dioscorides hath the leafe of Oxyacantha as Dioscorides saith or of Smalladge as Theophrastus which cannot agree to this Thorne but doth most liuely delineate out our white Thorne or Hawthorne that now there is no doubt but that Oxyacantha of Dioscorides is the Hawthorne tree or bush The Vse of this Corall tree Although Lobel maketh mention of this tree to grow both in Italy and 1 Celastrus Theophrasti Clufio Clusius his Celastrus 2 Pyracantha The euer green prickly Corall tree 3 Taxus The Yewe tree 4 Buxus arbor The Boxe tree 5 Buxus humilis The lowe or dwarfe Boxe 6 Sabina The Sauine tree 7 Paliurus Christs thorne 8 Larix The Larch tree Prouence in France in some of their hedges yet he saith it is neglected in the naturall places and to be of no vse with them neither doe I heare that it is applyed to any Physicall vse with vs but as I before said it is preserued with diuers as an ornament to a Garden or Orchard by reason of his euer greene leaues and red berries among them being a pleasant spectacle and fit to be brought into the forme of an hedge as one please to lead it 11. Taxus The Yewe tree THe Yewe tree groweth with vs in many places to bee a reasonable great tree but in hoter countries much bigger couered with a reddish gray scaly barke the younger branches are reddish likewise whereon grow many winged leaues that is many narrow long darke greene leaues set on both sides of a long stalke or branch neuer dying or falling away but abiding on perpetually except it be on the elder boughes the flowers are small growing by the leaues which turne into round red berries like vnto red Asparagus berries in taste sweetish with a little bitternesse and causing no harme to them for any thing hath been knowne in our country The Vse of the Yewe tree It is found planted both in the corners of Orchards and against the windowes of Houses to be both a shadow and an ornament in being alwayes greene and to decke vp Houses in Winter but ancient Writers haue euer reckoned it to be dangerous at the least if not deadly 12. Buxus The Boxe tree THe Boxe tree in some places is a reasonable tall tree yet growing slowly the trunke or body whereof is of the bignesse of a mans thigh which is the biggest that euer I saw but sometimes and in other places it groweth much lower vsually not aboue a yard or a yard and a halfe high on the backe sides of many Houses and in the Orchards likewise the leaues are small thicke and hard and still the greater or lesser the tree is the greater or lesser are the leaues round pointed and of a fresh shining greene colour the flowers are small and greenish which turne into heads or berries with foure hornes whittish on the outside and with reddish seede within them Buxus aureus Gilded Boxe There is another kinde hereof but lately come to our knowledge which differeth not in any thing from the former but onely that all the leaues haue a yellow list or gard about the edge of them on the vpperside and none on the lower which maketh it seeme very beautifull and is therefore called gilded Boxe Buxus humilis Dwarfe Boxe We haue yet another kinde of Boxe growing small and lowe not aboue halfe a foote or a foote high at the most vnlesse it be neglected which then doth grow a little more shrubby bearing the like leaues but smaller according to the growth and of a deeper greene colour I could neuer know that this kinde euer bore flower or seede but is propagated by slipping the roote which encreaseth very much The Vse of Boxe The wood of the Boxe tree is vsed in many kindes of small works among Turners because it is hard close and firme and as some haue said the roots much more in regard of the diuers waues and crooked veines running through it It hath no Physicall vse among the most and best Physitians although some haue reported it to stay fluxes and to be as good as the wood of Guaiacum or Lignum vitae for the French disease The leaues and branches serue both Summer and Winter to decke vp houses and are many times giuen to horses for the bots The lowe or dwarfe Boxe is of excellent vse to border vp a knot or the long beds in a Garden being a maruailous fine ornament thereunto in regard it both groweth lowe is euer greene and by cutting may bee kept in what maner euery one please as I haue before spoken more largely 13. Sabina The Sauine tree or bush THe Sauine tree or bush that is most vsuall in our country is a small lowe bush not so high as a man in any place nor so bigge in the stemme or trunke as a mans arme with many crooked bending boughes and branches whereon are set many small short hard and prickly leaues of a darke green colour fresh and green both Winter and Summer it is reported that in the naturall places it beareth small blacke berries like vnto Iuniper but with vs it was neuer knowne to beare any The Vse of Sauine It is planted in out-yards backsides or voide places of Orchards as well to cast clothes thereon to dry as for medicines both for men and horses being made into an oyle it is good to annoint childrens bellies for to kill the Wormes and the powder thereof mixed with Hogs grease to annoint the running sores or scabs in their heads but beware how you giue it inwardly to men women or children It is often put into horses drenches to helpe to cure
them of the bots and other diseases 14. Paliurus Christs thorne THis thorny shrubbe wherewith as it is thought our Sauiour Christ was crowned because as those that haue trauelled through Palestina and Iudaea doe report no other thorne doth grow therein so frequent or so apt to be writhed riseth in some places to a reasonable height but in our country seldome exceedeth the height of a man bearing many slender branches full of leaues set on either side thereof one by one which are somewhat broad and round yet pointed and full of veines thicke set also with small thornes euen at the foote of euery branch and at the foote of euery leafe one or two some standing vpright others a little bending downe the flowers are small and yellow standing for the most part at the end of the branches many growing vpon a long stalke which after turne into round flat and hard shelly fruit yet couered with a soft fleshy skinne within which are included two or three hard small and browne flat seeds lying in seuerall partitions The leaues hereof fall away euery yeare and spring forth a fresh againe the next May following The rarity and beauty of this shrubbe but chiefly as I thinke the name hath caused this to be much accounted of with all louers of plants The Vse of Christs thorne Wee haue so few of these shrubbes growing in our country and those that are doe for any thing I can vnderstand neuer beare fruit with vs that there is no other vse made hereof then to delight the owners but this is certainly receiued for the Paliurus of Dioscorides and Theophrastus and thought also by Matthiolus to be the very true Rhamnus tertius of Dioscorides Matthiolus also seemeth to contradict the opinion is held by the Physitians of Mompelier and others that it cannot be the Paliurus of Theophrastus It is held to be effectuall to helpe to breake the stone both in the bladder reines and kidneyes the leaues and young branches haue an astringent quality and good against poysons and the bitings of serpents 15. Larix The Larch tree THe Larch tree where it naturally groweth riseth vp to be as tall as the Pine or Firre tree but in our Land being rare and noursed vp but with a few and those onely louers of rarities it groweth both slowly and becommeth not high the barke hereof is very rugged and thicke the boughes and branches grow one aboue another in a very comely order hauing diuers small yellowish knobs or bunches set thereon at seuerall distances from whence doe yearely shoote forth many small long and narrow smooth leaues together both shorter and smaller and not so hard or sharpe pointed as either the Pine or Firre tree leaues which doe not abide the Winter as they doe but fall away euery yeare as other trees which shed their leaues and gaine fresh euery Spring the blossomes are very beautifull and delectable being of an excellent fine crimson colour which standing among the greene leaues allure the eyes of the beholders to regard it with the more desire it also beareth in the naturall places but not in our Land that I could heare small soft cones or fruit somewhat like vnto Cypresse nuts when they are greene and close The Vse of the Larch tree The coles of the wood hereof because it is so hard and durable as none more is held to be of most force being fired to cause the Iron oare to melt which none other would doe so well Matthiolus contesteth against Fuchsius for deeming the Venice Turpentine to be the liquid Rossen of the Firre tree which he assureth vpon his owne experience and certaine knowledge to be drawne from this Larch tree and none other which cleere Turpintine is altogether vsed inwardly and no other except that of the true Turpintine tree and is very effectuall to cleanse the reines kidneyes and bladder both of grauell and the stone and to prouoke vrine it is also of especiall property for the gonorrhaea or running of the reines as it is called with some powder of white Amber mixed therewith taken for certaine dayes together Taken also in an Electuary it is singular good for to expectorate rotten flegme and to helpe the consumption of the lungs It is vsed in plaisters and salues as the best sort of Turpintine The Agaricke that is vsed in physicke is taken from the bodies and armes of this tree And Matthiolus doth much insist against Brasauolus that thought other trees had produced Agaricke affirming them to be hard Fungi or Mushroms such as wee call Touch-wood wherwith many vse to take fire strooke thereinto from steele 16. Tilia The Line or Linden tree THere are two sorts of Line trees the male and the female but because the male is rare to be seene and the female is more familiar I will onely giue you the description of the female and leaue the other The female Line tree groweth exceeding high and great like vnto an Elme with many large spreading boughes couered with a smooth barke the innermost being very plyant and bending from whence come smaller branches all of them so plyable that they may bee led or carried into any forme you please the leaues thereon are very faire broad and round somewhat like vnto Elme leaues but fairer smoother and of a fresher greene colour dented finely about the edges and ending in a sharpe point the flowers are white and of a good smell many standing together at the top of a stalke which runneth all along the middle ribbe of a small long whitish leafe after which come small round berries wherein is contained small blackish seede this tree is wholly neglected by those that haue them or dwell neere them because they suppose it to be fruitlesse in regard it beareth chaffie huskes which in many places fall away without giuing ripe seede 1 Tilia faemina The Line or Linden tree 2 Tamariscus The Tamariske tree 3 Acer maius latifolium The Sycomore tree 4 â—aâ—hylodendron The bladder nut 5 Rhus Myrtifolia The Mirtle leafed-Sumach 6 Rhus Virginiana The Bucks horne tree 7 Vitis seu Potius Hedera Virginensis The Virginia Vine or rather Iuie The Vse of the Line tree It is planted both to make goodly Arbours and Summer banquetting houses either belowe vpon the ground the boughes seruing very handsomely to plash round about it or vp higher for a second aboue it and a third also for the more it is depressed the better it will grow And I haue seene at Cobham in Kent a tall or great bodied Line tree bare without boughes for eight foote high and then the branches were spread round about so orderly as if it were done by art and brought to compasse that middle Arbour And from those boughes the body was bare againe for eight or nine foote wherein might bee placed halfe an hundred men at the least as there might be likewise in that vnderneath this then another rowe of branches to encompasse a third Arbour with stayres
rarity and ornament to a Garden or Orchard no bodie that I can heare of hauing made any tryall of the Physicall properties 22. Vitis seu potius Hedera Virginensis The Virginia Vine or rather Iuie THis slender but tall climing Virginia Vine as it was first called but Iuie as it doth better resemble riseth out of the ground with diuers stems none much bigger then a mans thumbe many lesse from whence shoote forth many long weake branches not able to stand vpright vnlesse they be sustained yet planted neere vnto a wall or pale the branches at seuerall distances of the leaues will shoote forth small short tendrels not twining themselues about any thing but ending into foure fiue or six or more small short and somewhat broad clawes which will fasten like a hand with fingers so close thereunto that it will bring part of the wall morter or board away with it if it be pulled from it and thereby stay it selfe to climbe vp to the toppe of the highest chimney of a house being planted thereat the leaues are crumpled or rather folded together at the first comming forth and very red which after growing forth are very faire large and greene diuided into foure fiue six or seuen leaues standing together vpon a small foote-stalke set without order on the branches at the ends whereof as also at other places sometime come forth diuers short tufts of buds for flowers but we could neuer see them open themselues to shew what manner of flower it would be or what fruit would follow in our country the roote spreadeth here and there and not very deepe The Vse of this Virginian We know of no other vse but to furnish a Garden and to encrease the number of rarities And thus haue I finished this worke and furnished it with whatsoeuer Art and Nature concurring could effect to bring delight to those that liue in our Climate and take pleasure in such things which how well or ill done I must abide euery ones censure the iudicious and courteous I onely respect let Momus bite his lips and eate his heart and so Farewell FINIS Index omnium stirpium quae in hoc opere continentur A ABies page 600 Abrotanum foeminum siue Santolina 449 Acanthus Acâ—leâ—tâ—s 330 Acanthus sativus â—bid Acer manis siue Sycomorus 610 Acetosa 486 Aconitum bacciferum i. e. Christophoriana Aconitum flore albido 214 Aconitum hyemale ibid. Aconitum luteum Ponticum ibid. Aconitum salutiferum 216 Admirabilis pervana 364 Aethiopis 385 Agluophotis i.e. Paeonia Alaternus 603 Albucum 148 Alcea Aegyptia siue Bamia 369 Alcea Americana 368 Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea ib. Alcea peregrina siue veficaria ib. Alisma Dodonaei i.e. Saponaria Alisma Dioscoridis Fab. Columna i. e. Auricula Vrsi Alisma syluarum i.e. Paralysis Allium 613 Althaea frutex 369 Amaracus i.e. Maiorana Amarella i.e. Matricaria Amaranthus panniculis sparsis 371 Amaranthus purpureus ib. Amaranthus tricolor ib. Amaranthus luteus i.e. Heliocrysum Ambreboi i.e. Cyanus Orientalis Amellus Virgilij i.e. Aster Atticus Italorum Amomum Plinij i.e. Pseudocapsicum Dodonaei Amygdalus 583 Anagyris altera i.e. Laburnum Anchusa 251 Anemone eiusque species 199 ad 214 Anâ—thum 494. Angelica 529 Anthemis flore luteo 294 Anthemis Leucanthemis i.e. Chamemaelum Anthericos 148 Anthora 494 Antimclum i.c. Mandragoras Antirrhinum 269 Apium 491 Apocynum Syriacum 444 Apocynum Virginianum 445 Aquilegia 271 Arbor Alpina Plinij i.e. Laburnum Arbor Iudae 437 Arbor Vitae 438 Arbuâ—us 603 Argyrocome i.e. Gnaphalium Americanum Armerius 319 Armoraria pratensis 256 Armoraria altera i.e. Muscipula Lobelij Arthanita i e. Cyclamen Arthritica i.e. Paralysis Arundo Indica siue Canna Indica 376 Asarum 532 Asparagus 503 Asphodelus bulbosus albus 138 Asphodelus bulbosus Galeni ibid. Asphodelus hyacinthinus i.e. bulbosus Asphodelus maior albus 146 Asphodelus minor luteus i.e. Hastula regia Aster Atticus Italorum 299 Aster Pervanus Columnae i.e. Battatas de Canada Attamusco i.e. Narcissus Virginianus Atriplex i.e. Olus aureum Avellana Byzantina Aurelia i.e. Chrysocome Auricula muris maior i.e. Pulmonaria Gallorum Auricula Vrsi eiusque species 235 B BAlaustium 430 Balsamina faemina Balsamella 278 Balsamita mas faemina 482 Balsamum alpinum i.e. Ledum alpinum 424 Bamia i.e. Alcea Aegyptia Baptisecula i.e. Cyanus Barba hirci i.e. Tragopogon Battatas Hispanorum Virginianum Canadense 518 Behen rubrum i. Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Bellis caerulea siue Glebularia 321 Bellis maior flore pleno 322 Bellis minor flore pleno eiusque species ibid. Belvidere Italorum i. Scoparia siue Linaria magna 268 Ben rubrum Monspeliense i. Muscipula Lobelij Berberis 561 Beta 488 Binizade Binizante i. Anemone tenuifolia Blattaria 383 Blito di tre colori 372 Blitum 488 Bolbonach i. Viola lunaris latifolia 26â— Borrago Borrago semper virens 249 Botanaria i. Globularia Branca vrsina i. Acanthus sativus Brassica eiusque species 503 Bubonium siue Inguinalis i. Aster Atticus Italorum Bulbus agrestis i. Colchicum Buccinum Romanorum i. Delphinium Bulbus Eriophorus 124 Bulbus esculentus Lacunae i. Ornithogalum luteum 140 Bulbus Leucanthemos i. Ornithogalum album Bulbus vnifolius 140 Bulbus vomitorius Matthioli i. Muscari Buglossum 249 Buglossum Hispanicum i. Anchusa Buglossum luteum 486 Bunias dulcis i. Napus 509 Buphthalmum 293 Buphthalmum maius i. Helleborus niger ferulaceus Buxus arbor Buxus humilis Buxus verficoribus folijs 606 C CAcalia Loniceri i. Lilium Conuallium Calcaris flos i. Delphinium Calceolus Mariae 367 Calendula maxima simplex 296. 298 Callionymus Gesneri i. Lilium conuallium Caltha i. Calendula Caltha Africana i. Flos Africanus Caltha palustris flore pleno 224 Camomilla vulgaris flore pleno 290 Campanula maior pyramidalis 354 Campana lazura i. Convolvulus caeruleus maior 359 Campanula perficifolia alba caerulea 353 Canicida i. Aconitum luteum Ponticum Canis cerebrum i. Antirrhinum Cannacorus i. Canna Indica Canna Indicaflore luteo punctato 376 Canna Indica flore rubro ibid. Cantabrica Plinij i. Caryophyllus Capnos fabacea radice i. Radix caua minor 275 Caprifolium perfoliatum siue Italicum 405 Cardamine flore pleno trifolia 389 Carduus benedictus 530 Carduus Eriocephalus i. tomentosus 332 Carduus mollis 330 Carlina humilis 332 Carthamus siue Cnicus sativus 329 Carum 515 Caryophylli maiores maximi 316 Caryophylli syluestres 314 Caryophyllus marinus mediterraneus 317 Caryophyllus Indicus i. Flos Africanus Cassaua i. Iucca 434 Cavala lale i. Tulipae praecoces Caffalale i. Tulipae mediae Caucafon i. Moly Indicum Caulis vulgaris Crispa Subaudica 504 Caulis florida ibid Caulo rapum ibid. Cedrus Lycia 436 Celastrus 603 Cepa alba rubra c. 510 Cerasa Indiana 432 Cerasus flore pleno 402 Cerasorum diuersitas 571 Cerasus Trapezuntina i. Laurocerasus Cercis 437 Cerefolium maius vulgare 494 Cervicaria i. Trachelium Chamaecistus Frisicus 424 Chamaecyparissus i. Santolina Chamaedaphne 498
said before they rather lye vpon the earth than are thrust any way into it All this that I haue here set downe you must vnderstand is proper for the knots alone of a Garden But for to border the whole square or knot about to serue as a hedge thereunto euery one taketh what liketh him best as either Priuet alone or sweete Bryer and white Thorne enterlaced together and Roses of one or two or more sorts placed here and there amongst them Some also take Lauander Rosemary Sage Southernwood Lauander Cotton or some such other thing Some againe plant Cornell Trees and plash them or keepe them lowe to forme them into an hedge And some againe take a lowe prickly shrubbe that abideth alwayes greene described in the end of this Booke called in Latine Pyracantha which in time will make an euer greene hedge or border and when it beareth fruit which are red berries like vnto Hawthorne berries make a glorious shew among the greene leaues in the Winter time when no other shrubbes haue fruit or leaues CHAP. IV. The nature and names of diners Out-landish flowers that for their pride beauty and earlinesse are to be planted in Gardens of pleasure for delight HAuing thus formed out a Garden and diuided it into his fit and due proportion with all the gracefull knots arbours walkes c. likewise what is fit to keepe it in the same comely order is appointed vnto it both for the borders of the squares and for the knots and beds themselues let vs now come and furnish the inward parts and beds with those fine flowers that being strangers vnto vs and giuing the beauty and brauery of their colours so early before many of our owne bred flowers the more to entice vs to their delight are most beseeming it and namely with Daffodils Fritillarias Iacinthes Saffron-flowers Lillies Flowerdeluces Tulipas Anemones French Cowslips or Beares eares and a number of such other flowers very beautifull delightfull and pleasant hereafter described at full whereof although many haue little sweete sent to commend them yet their earlinesse and exceeding great beautie and varietie doth so farre counteruaile that defect and yet I must tell you with all that there is among the many sorts of them some and that not a few that doe excell in sweetnesse being so strong and heady that they rather offend by too much than by too little sent and some againe are of so milde and moderate temper that they scarce come short of your most delicate and dantiest flowers that they are almost in all places with all persons especially with the better sort of the Gentry of the Land as greatly desired and accepted as any other the most choisest and the rather for that the most part of these Out-landish flowers do shew forth their beauty and colours so early in the yeare that they seeme to make a Garden of delight euen in the Winter time and doe so giue their flowers one after another that all their brauery is not fully spent vntil that Gilliflowers the pride of our English Gardens do shew themselues So that whosoeuer would haue of euery sort of these flowers may haue for euery moneth seuerall colours and varieties euen from Christmas vntill Midsommer or after and then after some little respite vntill Christmas againe and that in some plenty with great content and without forcing so that euery man may haue them in euery place if they will take any care of them And because there bee many Gentlewomen and others that would gladly haue some fine flowers to furnish their Gardens but know not what the names of those things are that they desire nor what are the times of their flowring nor the skill and knowledge of their right ordering planting displanting transplanting and replanting I haue here for their sakes set downe the nature names times and manner of ordering in a briefe manner referring the more ample declaration of them to the worke following And first of their names and natures Of Daffodils there are almost an hundred sorts as they are seuerally described hereafter euery one to be distinguished from other both in their times formes and colours some being eyther white or yellow or mixt or else being small or great single or double and some hauing but one flower vpon a stalke others many whereof many are so exceeding sweete that a very few are sufficient to perfume a whole chamber and besides many of them be so faire and double eyther one vpon a stalke or many vpon a stalke that one or two stalkes of flowers are in stead of a whole nose-gay or bundell of flowers tyed together This I doe affirme vpon good knowledge and certaine experience and not as a great many others doe tell of the wonders of another world which themselues neuer saw nor euer heard of except some superficiall relation which themselues haue augmented according to their owne fansie and conceit Againe let me here also by the way tell you that many idle and ignorant Gardiners and others who get names by stealth as they doe many other things doe call some of these Daffodils Narcisses when as all know that know any Latine that Narcissus is the Latine name and Daffodill the English of one and the same thing and therefore alone without any other Epithite cannot properly distinguish seuerall things I would willingly therefore that all would grow iudicious and call euery thing by his proper English name in speaking English or else by such Latine name as euery thing hath that hath not a proper English name that thereby they may distinguish the seuerall varieties of things and not confound them as also to take away all excuses of mistaking as for example The single English bastard Daffodill which groweth wilde in many Woods Groues and Orchards in England The double English bastard Daffodill The French single white Daffodill many vpon a stalke The French double yellow Daffodill The great or the little or the least Spanish yellow bastard Daffodill or the great or little Spanish white Daffodill The Turkie single white Daffodill or The Turkie single or double white Daffodill many vpon a stalke c. Of Fritillaria or the checkerd Daffodill there are halfe a score seuerall sorts both white and red both yellow and blacke which are a wonderfull grace and ornament to a Garden in regard of the Checker like spots are in the flowers Of Iacinthes there are aboue halfe an hundred sorts as they are specified hereafter some like vnto little bells or starres others like vnto little bottles or pearles both white and blew sky-coloured and blush and some starlike of many pretty various formes and all to giue delight to them that will be curious to obserue them Of Crocus or Saffron flowers there are also twenty sorts some of the Spring time others flowring onely in the Autume or Fall earlier or later than another some whereof abide but a while others indure aboue a moneth in their glorious beauty The Colchicum or
vpon the greene leaues or as little as may be and by this onely way haue they been better defended from the frosts that spoile them in Winter then by any other that I haue seen or knowne The windes in March and Sunneshine dayes then are one of the greatest inconueniences that happeneth vnto them for they that haue had hundreds of plants that haue kept faire and greene all the Winter vntill the beginning or middle of March before the end thereof haue had scarce one of many that either hath not vtterly perished or been so tainted that quickly after haue not been lost which hath happened chiefly by the neglect of these cautions before specified or in not defending them from the bitter sharpe windes and sunne in this moneth of March You shall therefore for their better preseruation besides the litter laid about the rootes which I aduise you not to remoue as yet shelter them somewhat from the windes with eyther bottomlesse pots pales or such like things to keep away the violent force both of windes and sun for that moneth and for sometime before after it also yet so that they be not couered close aboue but open to receiue ayre raine Some also vse to wind withes of hey or straw about the rootes of their Gilloflowers and fasten them with stickes thrust into the ground which serue very well in the stead of the other Thus haue I shewed you the whole preseruation of these worthy and dainty flowers with the whole manner of ordering them for their encrease if any one haue any other better way I shall be as willing to learne it of them as I haue beene to giue them or any others the knowledge of that I haue here set downe CHAP. IX That there is not any art whereby any flower may be made to grow double that was naturally single nor of any other sent or colour than it first had by nature nor that the sowing or planting of herbes one deeper than other will cause them to be in flower one after another euery moneth in the yeare THe wonderfull desire that many haue to see faire double and sweete flowers hath transported them beyond both reason and nature feigning and boasting often of what they would haue as if they had it And I thinke from this desire and boasting hath risen all the false tales and reports of making flowers double as they list and of giuing them colour and sent as they please and to flower likewise at what time they will I doubt not but that some of these errours are ancient and continued long by tradition and others are of later inuention and therefore the more to be condemned that men of wit and iudgement in these dayes should expose themselues in their writings to be rather laughed at then beleeued for such idle tales And although in the contradiction of them I know I shall vndergoe many calumnies yet notwithstanding I will endeauour to set downe and declare so much as I hope may by reason perswade many in the truth although I cannot hope of all some being so strongly wedded to their owne will and the errours they haue beene bred in that no reason may alter them First therefore I say that if there were any art to make some flowers to grow double that naturally were single by the same art all sorts of flowers that are single by nature may be made to grow double but the sorts of flowers that are single by nature whereof some are double were neuer made double by art for many sorts abide still single whereof there was neuer seene double and therefore there is no such art in any mans knowledge to bring it to passe If any man shall say that because there are many flowers double whereof there are single also of the same kinâ—â— as for example Violets Marigolds Daisyes Daffodils Anemones and many other that therefore those double flowers were so made by the art of man viz. by the obseruation of the change of the Moone the constellations or coniunctions of Planets or some other Starres or celestiall bodies Although I doe confesse and acknowledge that I thinke some constellations and peraduenture changes of the Moone c. were appointed by the God of nature as conducing and helping to the making of those flowers double that nature hath so produced yet I doe deny that any man hath or shall euer be able to proue that it was done by any art of man or that any man can tell the true causes and seasons what changes of the Moone or constellations of the Planets wrought together for the producing of those double flowers or can imitate nature or rather the God of nature to doe the like If it shall bee demanded From whence then came these double flowers that we haue if they were not so made by art I answer that assuredly all such flowers did first grow wilde and were so found double as they doe now grow in Gardens but for how long before they were found they became double no man can tell we onely haue them as nature hath produced them and so they remaine Againe if any shall say that it is likely that these double flowers were forced so to be by the often planting and transplanting of them because it is obserued in most of them that if they stand long in any one place and not be often remoued they will grow still lesse double and in the end turne single I doe confesse that Facilior est descensus quà m ascensus and that the vnfruitfulnesse of the ground they are planted in or the neglect or little care had of them or the growing of them too thicke or too long are oftentimes a cause of the diminishing of the flowers doublenesse but withall you shall obserue that the same rootes that did beare double flowers and not any other that neuer were double before haue returned to their former doublenesse againe by good ordering and looking vnto single flowers haue only beene made somewhat fairer or larger by being planted in the richer and more fruitfull ground of the Garden than they were found wilde by nature but neuer made to grow double as that which is naturally so found of it selfe For I will shew you mine owne experience in the matter I haue been as inquisitiue as any man might be with euery one I knew that made any such report or that I thought could say any thing therein but I neuer could finde any one that could assuredly resolue me that he knew certainly any such thing to be done all that they could say was but report for the obseruation of the Moone to remoue plants before the change that is as some say the full of the Moone others the new Moone whereupon I haue made tryall at many times and in many sorts of plants accordingly and as I thought fit by planting transplanting them but I could neuer see the effect desired but rather in many of them the losse of my plants And
the yeare or the temper of the climate being further North or South to bring them on earlier or later as it doth with all other fruits flowers and growing greene herbes c. except that by chance some one or other extraordinarily may be hindered in their due season of flowring and so giue their flowers out of time or else to giue their flowers twice in the yeare by the superaboundance of nourishment or the mildnesse of the season by moderate showers of raine c. as it sometimes also happeneth with fruits which chance as it is seldome and not constant so we then terme it but Lusus naturae or else by forcing them in hot stoues which then will perish when they haue giuen their flowers or fruits It is not then as some haue written the sowing of the seedes of Lillies or any other plants a foote deepe or halfe a foote deepe or two inches deepe that will cause them to be in flower one after another as they are sowne euery moneth of the yeare for it were too grosse to thinke that any man of reason and iudgement would so beleeue Nor is it likewise in the power of any man to make the same plants to abide a moneth two or three or longer in their beauty of flowring then naturally they vse to doe for I thinke that were no humane art but a supernaturall worke For nature still bendeth and tendeth to perfection that is after flowring to giue fruit or seede nor can it bee hindered in the course thereof without manifest danger of destruction euen as it is in all other fruit-bearing creatures which stay no longer then their appointed time is naturall vnto them without apparent damage Some things I grant may be so ordered in the planting that according to that order and time which is obserued in their planting they shall shew forth their faire flowers and they are Anemones which will in that manner that I haue shewed in the worke following flower in seuerall moneths of the yeare which thing as it is incident to none or very few other plants and is found out but of late so likewise is it knowne but vnto a very few Thus haue I shewed you the true solution of these doubts And although they haue not beene amplified with such Philosophicall arguments and reasons as one of greater learning might haue done yet are they truely and sincerely set downe that they may serue tanquam galcatum against all the calumnies and obiections of wilfull and obdurate persons that will not be reformed As first that all double flowers were so found wilde being the worke of nature alone and not the art of any man by planting or transplanting at or before the new or full Moone or any other obseruation of time that hath caused the flower to grow double that naturally was single Secondly that the rules and directions to cause flowers to bee of contrary or different colours or sents from that they were or would be naturally are meere fancies of men without any ground of reason or truth And thirdly that there is no power or art in man to cause flowers to shew their beauty diuers moneths before their naturall time nor to abide in their beauty longer then the appointed naturall time for euery one of them THE GARDEN OF PLEASANT FLOWERS CHAP. I. Corona Imperialis The Crowne Imperiall BEcause the Lilly is the more stately flower among manie and amongst the wonderfull varietie of Lillies knowne to vs in these daies much more then in former times whereof some are white others blush some purple others red or yellow some spotted others without spots some standing vpright others hanging or turning downewards The Crowne Imperiall for his stately beautifulness deserueth the first place in this our Garden of delight to be here entreated of before all other Lillies but because it is so well knowne to most persons being in a manner euery where common I shall neede onely to giue you a relation of the chiefe parts thereof as I intend in such other things which are these The roote is yellowish on the outside composed of fewer but much thicker scales then any other Lilly but the Persian and doth grow sometimes to be as great as a pretty bigge childes head but somewhat flat withall from the sides whereof and not from the bottome it shooteth forth thicke long fibres which perish euery yeare hauing a hole in the midst thereof at the end of the yeare when the old stalke is dry and withered and out of the which a new stalke doth spring againe from a bud or head to be seen within the hollownesse on the one side the yeare following the stalke then filling vp the hollownesse riseth vp three or foure foote high being great round and of a purplish colour at the bottome but greene aboue beset from thence to the middle thereof with many long and broad greene leaues very like to the leaues of our ordinary white Lilly but somewhat shorter and narrower confusedly without order and from the middle is bare or naked without leaues for a certaine space vpwards and then beareth foure sixe or tenne flowers more or lesse according to the age of the plant and the fertility of the soyle where it groweth The buddes at the first appearing are whitish standing vpright among a bush or tuft of greene leaues smaller then those below and standing aboue the flowers after a while they turne themselues and hang downewards euerie one vpon his owne footestalke round about the great stemme or stalke sometimes of an euen depth and other while one lower or higher than another which flowers are neare the forme of an ordinary Lilly yet somewhat lesser and closer consisting of sixe leaues of an Orange colour striped with purplish lines and veines which adde a great grace to the flowers At the bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke euery leafe thereof hath on the outside a certaine bunch or eminence of a darke purplish colour and on the inside there lyeth in those hollow bunched places certaine cleare drops of water like vnto pearles of a very sweete taste almost like sugar in the midst of each flower is a long white stile or pointell forked or diuided at the end and sixe white chiues tipt with yellowish pendents standing close about it after the flowers are past appeare sixe square seede vessels standing vpright winged as it were or welted on the edges yet seeming but three square because each couple of those welted edges are ioyned closer together wherein are contained broad flat and thinne seedes of a pale brownish colour like vnto other Lillies but much greater and thicker also The stalke of this plant doth oftentimes grow flat two three or foure fingers broad and then beareth many more flowers but for the most part smaller then when it beareth round stalkes And sometimes it happeneth the stalke to be diuided at the top carrying two or three tufts of greene leaues without any flowers on them And sometimes
of leafe or flower from the former but in the colour of the circling leaues of the flower which are of the same yellow colour with the cup. Flore geminato This doth sometimes degenerate and grow luxurious also bringing forth two flowers vpon a stalke each distinct from other and sometimes two flowers thrust together as if they were but one although it be but seldome for it is not a peculiar kinde that is constant yearly abiding in the same forme 3. Narcissus maximus griseus calice flauo The gray Peerlesse Daffodill This Peerlesse Daffodill well deserueth his place among these kindes for that it doth much resemble them and peraduenture is but a difference raised from the seede of the former it is so like in leafe and flower but that the leaues seeme to be somewhat greater and the sixe outer leaues of the flower to be of a glistering whitish gray colour and the cup yellow as the former but larger 4. Narcissus latifolius flauo flore amplo calice siue Mattenesse The lesser yellow Nompareille or the Lady Mattenesses Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill are somewhat like vnto the leaues of the first kind but not altogether so long or broad the stalke likewise riseth not vp fully so high and beareth one flower like the former but lesser and both the cuppe and the leaues are of one colour that is of a pale yellow yet more yellow then in the former the cup of this also is lesser and a little differing for it is neither fully so small in the bottome nor so large at the edges nor so crumpled at the brimmes so that all these differences doe plainly shew it to be another kinde quite from the former The Place The places of none of these are certainly knowne to vs where they grow naturally but we haue them onely in our Gardens and haue beene sent and procured from diuers places The Time They flower sometimes in the end of March but chiefly in Aprill The Names The first and second haue been sent vs by the name of Narcisse Nompareille as it is called in French and in Latine Narcissus omnium maximus amplo calice flauo and Narcissus Incomparabilis that is the Incomparable Daffodill or the greatest Daffodill of all other with a large yellow cuppe but assuredly although this Daffodill doth exceed many other both in length and bignesse yet the great Spanish bastard Daffodill which shall be spoken of hereafter is in my perswasion oftentimes a farre higher and larger flower and therefore this name was giuen but relatiuely we may call it in English The great None such Daffodill or the Incomparable Daffodill or the great Peerlesse Daffodill or the Nompareille Daffodill which you will for they all doe answer either the French or the Latine name and because this name Nomparcille is growne currant by câ—stome I know not well how to alter it The third kinde may passe with the title giuen it without controule The last is very well knowne beyond the Seas especially in the Low Countries and those parts by the Lady Mattenesse Daffodill because Clusius receiued it from her We may call it in English for the correspondency with the former The lesser yellow Nompareille or Peerlesse Daffodill or the Lady Mattenesse Daffodill which you will Narcissus Indicus flore rubro dictus Iacobaeus The Indian Daffodill with a red flower This Indian Daffodill is so differing both in forme not hauing a cuppe and in colour being red from the whole Family of the Daffodils except the next that followeth and the Autumne Daffodils that some might iustly question the fitnesse of his place here But because as all the plants whether bulbous or other that come from the Indies either East or West although they differ very notably from those that grow in these parts of the world must in a generall suruey and muster be ranked euery one as neere as the surueiours wit will direct him vnder some other growing with vs that is of neerest likenesse Euen so vntill some other can direct his place more fitly I shall require you to accept of him in this with this description that followeth which I must tell you also is more by relation then knowledge or sight of the plant it selfe This Daffodill hath diuers broad leaues somewhat like vnto the common or ordinary white Daffodill of a grayish greene colour from the sides whereof as also from the middle of them rise vp sometimes two stalkes together but most vsually one after another for very often it flowreth twice in a Summer and often also but one stalke alone which is of a faint reddish colour about a foote high or more at the toppe whereof out of a deepe red skinne or huske commeth forth one flower bending downewards consisting of sixe long leaues without any cup in the middle of an excellent red colour tending to a crimson three of these leaues that turne vpwards are somewhat larger then those three that hang downewards hauing sixe threads or chiues in the middle tipt with yellow pendents and a three forked stile longer then the rest and turning vp the end thereof againe the roote is round and bigge of a brownish colour on the outside and white within This is set forth by Aldinus Cardinall Farnesius his Physitian that at Rome it rose vp with stalkes of flowers before any leaues appeared The Place Time and Names This naturally groweth in the West Indies from whence it was brought into Spaine where it bore both in Iune and Iuly and by the Indians in their tongue named AZCAL XOCHITL and hath beene sent from Spaine vnto diuers louers of plants into seuerall parts of Christendome but haue not thriued long in these transalpine colder Countries so far as I can heare Narcissus Trapezunticus flore luteo praecocissimus The early Daffodill of Trebizond Because this Daffodill is so like in flower vnto the former although differing in colour I thought it the fittest place to ioyne it the next thereunto This early Daffodill hath three or foure short very greene leaues so like vnto the leaues of the Autumne Daffodill that many may easily bee deceiued in mistaking one for another the difference consisting chiefly in this that the leaues of this are not so broad or so long nor rise vp in Autumne in the midst of these leaues riseth vp a short green stalke an handfull high or not much higher vsually I speake of it as it hath often flowred with mee whether the cause be the coldnesse of the time wherein it flowreth or the nature of the plant or of our climate I am in some doubt but I doe well remember that the stalkes of some plants that haue flowred later with me then the first haue by the greater strength and comfort of the Sunne risen a good deale higher then the first bearing at the top out of a whitish thinne skinne striped with greene one flower a little bending downewards consisting of sixe leaues laid open almost in the same
aureus Anglicus maximus Mr. Wilmers great double Daffodill The other great double Daffodill doth so neare resemble our ordinary English double kinde that I doe not finde therein any greater difference then the largenesse both of leaues and flowers c. and the statelinesse of growth It beareth three or foure large long and broad leaues somewhat longer and broader then the former and of a whitish greene colour the stalke riseth to bee two foote high growing in a fruitfull and fat soyle strong and somewhat round bearing at the toppe out of a thin skinne one great and faire double flower each leafe whereof is twice as large and broad as the former diuersly intermixt with a rowe of paler and a rowe of deeper yellow leaues wholly dispersed throughout the flower the pale colour as well as the deeper yellow in this as in the other small English kinde growing deeper by standing sometimes the leaues hereof are scattered and spread wholly making it shew a faire broad open flower and sometimes the outer leaues stand separate from the middle trunke which is whole and vnbroken and very thicke of leaues and sometimes the middle trunke will bee halfe broken neither expressing a full open double flower nor a close double trunke as it is likewise seene in the small English kinde as shall bee declared in his place this beareth no seede the roote hereof is thicke and great and encreaseth as well as any other Daffodill 3. Pseudonarcissus aureus Hispanicus flore pleno The great double yellow Spanish bastard Daffodill or Parkinsons Daffodill This double Spanish Daffodill hath diuers leaues rising from the roote stiffer narrower and not of so whitish a greene colour as the former but more sullen or grayish plainely resembling the leaues of the single great kinde from whence this hath risen the stalke hereof likewise riseth almost as high as it and neare the height of the last recited double bearing one double flower at the toppe alwayes spread open and neuer forming a double trunke like the former yet not so faire and large as it the outermost leaues whereof being of a greenish colour at the first and afterward more yellow doe a little turne themselues backe againe to the stalke the other leaues are some of a pale yellow and others of a more gold yellow colour those that stand in the middle are smaller and some of them shew as if they were hollow trunked so that they seeme to be greenish whitish yellow and gold yellow all mixed one among another the root is great round and whitish on the inside couered with darke coloured skinnes or peelings I thinke none euer had this kinde before my selfe nor did I my selfe euer see it before the yeare 1618. for it is of mine own raising and flowring first in my Garden 4. Pseudonarcissus Gallicus maior flore pleno The greater double French bastard Daffodill This greater double Daffodill hath his whitish greene leaues longer and broader then the smaller French kinde hereafter following to bee described and broader longer and more limber then the double English kinde the stalke riseth vp not much higher then the smaller French kinde but a little bigger bearing at the top one great double flower which when it is fully and perfectly blowne open which is but seldome for that it is very tender the leaues being much thinner and thereby continually subiect vpon any little distemperature of the time to cleaue so fast one vnto another that the flower cannot blow open faire is a faire and a goodly flower larger by halfe then the smaller kinde and fuller of leaues of the same pale whitish yellow or Lemon colour with the lesser or rather a little whiter and not set in the same order of rowes as it is but more confusedly together and turning backe the ends of the outermost leaues to the stalke againe and hauing the bottome of the flower on the backside somewhat greene neither of which is found in the lesser kinde the roote is very like vnto the lesser kinde but a little bigger and longer 5. Pseudonarcissus Anglicus flore pleno The double English bastard Daffodill or Gerrards double Daffodill The leaues of this double Daffodill are very like vnto the single kinde being of a whitish greene colour and somewhat broad a little shorter and narrower yet stiffer then the former French kinde the stalke riseth vp about a foote high bearing at the toppe one very double flower the outermost leaues being of the same pale colour that is to bee seene in the wings of the single kinde those that stand next them are some as deepe a yellow as the trunke of the single and others of the same pale colour with some greene stripes on the backe of diuers of the leaues thus is the whole flower variably intermixt with pale and deepe yellow and some greene stripes among them when it is fully open and the leaues dispersed and broken For sometimes the flower sheweth a close and round yellow trunke in the middle separate from the pale outer wings which trunke is very double shewing some pale leaues within it dispersed among the yellow And sometimes the trunke is more open or in part broken shewing forth the same colours intermixt within it the flower passeth away without giuing any seede as all other bulbous rootes doe that beare double flowers the roote is small very like vnto the French double kindes especially the lesser that it is verie hard to know the one from the other The Place The first and greatest kinde we had first from Iohn Tradescante as I said before whether raised from seed or gained from beyond Sea I know not The second we first had from Vincent Sion borne in Flanders dwelling on the Banke side in his liues time but now dead an industrious and worthy louer of faire flowers who cherished it in his Garden for many yeares without bearing of any flowers vntill the yeare 1620. that hauing flowred with him and hee not knowing of whom hee receiued it nor hauing euer seene the like flower before he sheweth it to Mr. Iohn de Franqueuille of whom he supposed he had receiued it for from beyond Sea he neuer receiued any who finding it to bee a kinde neuer seene or knowne to vs before caused him to respect it the more as it is well worthy And Mr. George Wilmer of Stratford Bowe Esquire in his liues time hauing likewise receiued it of him as my selfe did also would needes appropriate it to himselfe as if he were the first founder thereof and call it by his owne name Wilmers double Daffodill which since hath so continued The third is of mine owne fostering or raising as I said before for assuredly it is risen from the seede of the great Spanish single kinde which I sowed in mine owne Garden and cherished it vntill it gaue such a flower as is described The fourth is not certainly knowne where his originall should be Some thinke it to be of France and others of Germany The last
in the middle and with an eminent or swelling ribbe all along the backe of the leafe I relate it as I haue seene it hauing shot forth his leaues in the ship by the way as the Mariners that brought diuers rootes from out of the Straights did sell them to mee and others for our vse lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Lilly these spring vp after the flowers are past and the seed ripe they abiding all the Winter and the next Spring vntill the heate of the Summer hath spent and consumed them and then about the end of August or beginning of September the stalke with flowers ariseth out of the ground a foote and a halfe high bearing many starre-like flowers on the toppe in a long spike one aboue another flowring by degrees the lowest first and so vpwards whereby it is long in flowring very like as well in forme as bignesse to the flowers of the great Starre of Bethlehem these flowers I haue likewise seene shooting out of some of the rootes that haue been brought in the like manner after the flowers are past there come vp in their places thicke and three square heads wherin is contained such like flat black and round seed as the Spanish duskie Iacinth before described did beare but greater the root is great white couered with many peelings or couerings as is plainly enough seen to any that know them and that sometimes wee haue had rootes that haue beene as bigge as a pretty childes head and sometimes two growing together each whereof was no lesse then is said of the other Scilla rubra siue Pancratium verum The red Sea Onion The roote of this Squill is greater oftentimes then of the former the outer coates or peelings being reddish bearing greater longer stiffer and more hollow leaues in a manner vpright this bringeth such a like stalke and flowers as the former doth as Fabianus Ilges Apothecary to the Duke of Briga did signifie by the figure thereof drawne and sent to Clusius The Place They grow alwayes neare the Sea and neuer farre off from it but often on the very baich of the Sea where it washeth ouer them all along the coasts of Spaine Portugal and Italy and within the Straights in many places it will not abide in any Garden farre from the Sea no not in Italy as it is related The Time The time wherein they flower is expressed to be in August and September the seede to be ripe in October and Nouember and the greene leaues to spring vp in Nouember and December The Names These are certainly the true kindes of Scilla that should bee vsed in medicines although as Clusius reporteth the Spaniards forbade him to taste of the red Squill as of a most strong and present poison Pliny hath made more sorts then can be found out yet to this day with vs that Scilla that is called Epimenidia because it might be eaten is thought to be the great Ornithogalum or Starre of Bethlehem Pancratium is I know and as I said before referred to that kinde of bastard Sea Daffodill which is set forth before in the end of the history of the bastard Daffodils and diuers also would make the Narcissus tertius Matthioli which I call the true Sea Daffodill to be a Pancratium but seeing Dioscorides and no other is against him maketh Pancratium to be a kinde of Squill with reddish rootes I dare not vphold their opinion against such manifest truth The Vertues The Squill or Sea Onion is wholly vsed physically with vs because wee can receiue no pleasure from the sight of the flowers Pliny writeth that Pithagoras wrote a volume or booke of the properties thereof for the singular effects it wrought which booke is lost yet the diuers vertues it hath is recorded by others to be effectuall for the spleene lungs stomach liuer head and heart and for dropsies old coughs Iaundise and the wormes that it cleareth the sight helpeth the tooth-ache cleanseth the head of scurfe and running sores and is an especiall Antidote against poison and therefore is vsed as a principall ingredient into the Theriaca Andromachi which we vsually call Venice Treakle The Apothecaries prepare hereof both Wine Vinegar and Oxymel or Syrupe which is singular to extenuate and expectorate tough flegme which is the cause of much disquiet in the body and an hinderer of concoction or disgestion in the stomach besides diuers other wayes wherein the scales of the rootes being dryed are vsed And Galen hath sufficiently explained the qualities and properties thereof in his eight Booke of Simples CHAP. XII Ornithogalum Starre of Bethlehem AFter the Family of the Iacinths must needes follow the kindes of Starre-flowers or Starres of Bethlehem as they are called for that they doe so nearely resemble them that diuers haue named some of them Iacinths and referred them to that kindred all of them both in roote leafe and flower come nearer vnto the Iacinths then vnto any other plant They shall therefore bee next described euery one in their order the greatest first and the rest following Ornithogalum Arabicum The great Starre-flower of Arabia This Arabian Starre-flower hath many broad and long greene leaues very like vnto the leaues of the Orientall Iacinth but lying for the most part vpon the ground among which riseth vp a round greene stalke almost two foote high bearing at the toppe diuers large flowers standing vpon long foote-stalkes and at the bottome of euery one of them a small short pointed greene leafe these flowers are made of six pure white leaues a peece laid open as large as an ordinary Daffodill but of the forme of a Starre Iacinth or Starre of Bethlehem which close as they doe euery night and open themselues in the day time especially in the Sunne the smell whereof is pretty sweete but weake in the middle of the flower is a blackish head composed with six white threeds tipt with yellow pendents the seede hath not beene obserued with vs the roote is great and white with a flat bottome very impatient of our cold Winters so that it seldome prospereth or abideth with vs for although sometimes it doe abide a Winter in the ground yet it often lyeth without springing blade or any thing else a whole yeare and then perisheth or if it doe spring yet many doe not beare and most after their first bearing doe decay and perish But if any be desirous to know how to preserue the roote of this plant or of many other bulbous rootes that are tender such as the great double white Daffodill of Constantinople and other fine Daffodils that come from hot Countries let them keepe this rule Let either the roote be planted in a large pot or tubbe of earth and housed all the Winter that so it may bee defended from the frosts Or else which is the easier way keepe the roote out of the ground euery yeare from September after the leaues and stalkes are past vntill February in
outer peelings or shels being hard are as it were netted on the outside hauing certaine ribbes rising vp higher then the rest of the skinnes diuided in the forme of a net-worke of a darke browne colour and is smaller and rounder then the former yellow and not encreasing so plentifully by the roote 25. Crocus vernus luteus versicolor alter The second cloth of gold or Duke Crocus There is no difference either in roote leafe or colour of flower or time of flowring in this sort from the last before mentioned for the flower of this is of the same bignesse and colour the only note of difference is in the marking of the three outer leaues which haue not three stripes like the former but are wholly of the same deepe purple colour on the backe of them sauing that the edges of them are yellow which is the forme of a Duke Tulipa and from thence it tooke the name of a Duke Crocus 26. Crocus vernus versicolor pallideluteus The pale cloth of gold Crocus We haue a third sort of this kinde of cloth of gold Crocus which hath leaues and flowers like the former but differeth in this that the colour of the flower is of a paler yellow by much but stript in the same manner as the first but with a fainter purple colour the roote also is netted like them to shew that this is but a variation of the same kinde 27. Crocus vernus versicolor albidoluteus The cloth of siluer Crocus The chiefest note of difference in this Saffron flower is that being as large a flower as any of the former of this kinde it is of so pale a yellowish white that it is more white then yellow which some doe call a butter colour the three outer leaues are striped on the backe of them with a paler purple blew shining colour the bottome of the flower and the vpper part of the stalke being of the same purple blew colour the roote of this is also netted as the other to shew it is a variety of the same kinde And thus much for those Saffron flowers that come in the Spring time now to those that flower in Autumne onely and first of the true Saffron 1. Crocus verus sativus Autumnalis The true Saffron The true Saffron that is vsed in meates and medicines shooteth out his narrow long greene leaues first and after a while the flowers in the middle of them appeare about the end of August in September and October according to the soile and climate where they growe these flowers are as large as any of the other former or later sorts composed of six leaues a peece of a murrey or reddish purple colour hauing a shew of blew in them in the middle of these flowers there are some small yellow chiues standing vpright which are as vnprofitable as the chiues in any other of the wilde Saffrons before or hereafter specified but besides these each flower hath two three or foure greater and longer chiues hanging downe vpon or betweene the leaues which are of a fierie red colour and are the true blades of Saffron which are vsed physically or otherwise and no other All these blades being pickt from the seuerall flowers are laid and pressed together into cakes and afterwards dryed very warily on a Kill to preserue them as they are to be seene in the shops where they are sold I neuer heard that euer it gaue seede with any the roote groweth often to be as great or greater then a green Wall Nut with the outer shell on it couered with a grayish or ash-coloured skin which breaketh into long hairie threeds otherwise then in any other roote of Crocus 2. Crocus Byzantinus argenteus The siluer coloured Autumne Crocus This Saffron flower springeth vp in October and seldome before with three or foure short greene leaues at the first but growing longer afterwards and in the midst of them presently after they haue appeared one flower for the most part and seldome two consisting of six leaues the three outermost whereof are somewhat larger then the other three within and are of a pale bleake blew colour almost white which many call a siluer colour the three innermost being of a purer white with some yellow chiues in the middle and a longer pointell ragged or fethered at the toppe this very seldome beareth seede but when the yeare falleth out to bee very milde it is small round and of a darke colour the roote is pretty bigge and rounder then any other Crocus without any flat bottome and couered with a darke russet skinne 3. Crocus Pyrenaeus purpureus The purple mountaine Crocus This purple Saffron flower of the Autumne riseth vp but with one flower vsually yet sometimes with two one after another without any leaues at all in September or sometimes in August standing vpon a longer foote-stalke then any kinde of Saffron flower either of the Spring or Autumne and is as large as the flower of the greatest purple Saffron flower of the Spring of a very deepe Violet purple colour which decayeth after it hath stood blowne three or foure dayes and becommeth more pale hauing in the middle some yellow chiues and a long fether topt pointell branched and rising sometimes aboue the edges of the flowers about a moneth after the flowers are past and sometimes not vntill the first of the Spring there riseth vp three or foure long and broad greene leaues with a white line in euery one of them like vnto the first purple Vernall kindes which abide vntill the end of May or Iune the roote is small and white on the outside so like vnto the roote of the lesser Vernall purple or white Crocus that it cannot be distinguished vntill about the end of August when it doth begin to shoot and then by the early shooting vp a long white sprout for flower it may be knowne I neuer could obserue it to giue any seede the Winter as I thinke comming on it so quickly after the flowring being the cause to hinder it 4. Crocus montanus Autumnalis The Autumne mountaine Crocus The mountaine Saffron flower springeth vp later then any of the former and doth not appeare vntill the middle or end of October when all the flowers of the former are past appearing first with three or foure short greene leaues like vnto the Byzantine Crocus and afterwards the flowers betweene them which are of a pale or bleake blew tending to a purple the foote-stalkes of them bring so short that they scarce appeare aboue ground at the first but after two or three dayes they grow a little higher the roote is very great and flat bottomed couered with a grayish duskie coate or skinne and encreaseth very little or seldome The Place The seuerall places of these Saffron flowers are in part set downe in their titles the others haue beene found out some in one Countrey and some in another as the small purple and white and stript white in Spaine the yellow in Mesia about Belgrade the
or three large flowers out of seuerall huskes or skins consisting of nine leaues as all the other do of a faire white colour hauing in the middle of each of the three falling leaues a small long yellow frize or thrume as is most vsuall in all the sorts of the following Flowerdeluces both of the greater and smaller kindes after the flowers are past come the seed inclosed in thicke short pods full fraught or stored with red roundish and flat seede lying close one vpon another the roote is tuberous or knobby shooting out from euery side such like tuberous heads lying for the most part vpon or aboue the ground and fastened within the ground with long white strings or fibres which hold them strongly and encreaseth fast Flore pallido There is another like vnto this last in all things sauing that the colour of the flower is of a more yellowish white which we vsually call a Straw colour Iris alba maior Versicolor The white party coloured Flowerdeluce This variable Flowerdeluce is like vnto the former but that the leaues are not so large and broad the flower hereof is as large almost and as white as the former but it hath a faire list or line of a blewish purple downe the backe of euery one of the three vpright leaues and likewise round about the edges both of the vpper and lower leaues and also a little more purplish vpon the ridge of the arched leaues that couer the falling leaues the roote hereof is not so great as of the former white but a little slenderer and browner Iris Dalmatica maior The great Dalmatian Flowerdeluce This greater Flowerdeluce of Dalmatia hath his leaues as large and broad as any of the Flowerdeluces whatsoeuer his stalke and flower doe equall his other proportion onely the colour of the flower is differing being of a faire watchet or bleake blew colour wholly with the yellow frize or thrum downe the middle of the lower or falling leaues as before is said to be common to all these sorts of Flowerdeluces in all other parts it little differeth sauing onely this is obserued to haue a small shew of a purplish red about the bottome of the greene leaues Iris purpurea siue vulgaris The common purple Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce which is most common in Gardens differeth nothing at all from those that are formerly described either in roote leafe or flower for the forme of them but onely that the leaues of this are not so large as the last and the flower it selfe is of a deep purple or Violet colour and sometimes a little declining to rednesse especially in some places Sometimes this kinde of Flowerdeluce will haue flowers of a paler purple colour Purpurea pallidior versicolor comming neare vnto a blew and sometimes it will haue veines or stripes of a deeper blew or purple or ash-colour running through all the vpper and lower leaues There is another like vnto this but more purple in the fals Caerulea labris purpureis and more pale in the vpright leaues Iris Asiatica caerulea The blew Flowerdeluce of Asia This Flowerdeluce of Asia is in largenesse of leaues like vnto the Dalmatian but beareth more store of flowers on seuerall branches which are of a deeper blew colour and the arched leaues whitish on the side and purplish on the ridges but in other things like vnto it There is another neare vnto this but that his leaues are a little narrower Purpurea and his flowers a little more purple especially the vpper leaues Iris Damascena The Flowerdeluce of Damasco This is likewise altogether like the Flowerdeluce of Asia but that it hath some white veines in the vpright leaues Iris Lusitanica biflora The Portugall Flowerdeluce This Portugall Flowerdeluce is very like the common purple Flowerdeluce but that this is not so large in leaues or flowers and that it doth often flower twice in a yeare that is both in the Spring and in the Autumne againe and besides the flowers haue a better or sweeter sent but of the like purple or Violet colour as it is and comming forth out of purplish skins or huskes Iris Camerarij siue purpurea versicolor maior The greater variable coloured purple Flowerdeluce The greater of the variable purple Flowerdeluces hath very broad leaues like vnto the leaues of the common purple Flowerdeluce and so is the flower also but differing in colour for the three lower leaues are of a deepe purple colour tending to rednesse the three arched leaues are of the colour with the vpper leaues which are of a pale or bleake colour tending to yellownesse shadowed ouer with a smoakie purplish colour except the ridges of the arched leaues which are of a more liuely purple colour Iris purpurea versicolor minor The lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce differeth not in any thing from the last but onely that it hath narrower greene leaues and smaller and narrower flowers else if they be both conferred together the colours will not seeme to varie the one from the other any whit at all There is another somewhat neare vnto these two last kindes Altera minus fuliginea whose huskes from whence the flowers doe shoot forth haue purple veines in them and to haue the falling purplish leaues and the three vpright leaues are not so smoakie yet of a dun purple colour Iris caerulea versicolor The blew party coloured Flowerdeluce This party coloured Flowerdeluce hath his leaues of the same largenesse with the lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce last described and his flowers diuersly marked for some haue the fals blew at the edges and whitish at the bottome the arched leaues of a yellowish white and the vpright leaues of a whitish blew with yellowish edges Some againe are of a darker blew with brownish spots in them And some are so pale a blew that we may well call it an ash colour And lastly there is another of this sort whose vpright leaueâ— are of a faire pale blew with yellowish edges and the falling leaues parted into two colours sometimes equally in the halfe each side sutable to the other in colour And sometimes hauing the one leafe in that manner And sometimes but with a diuers coloured list in them in the other parts both of flower and leafe like vnto the other Iris lutea variegata The yellow variable Flowerdeluce This yellow variable Flowerdeluce loseth his leaues in Winter contrary to all the former Flowerdeluces so that his roote remaineth vnder ground without any shew of leafe vpon it but in the beginning of the Spring it shooteth out faire broad leaues falling downwards at the points or ends but shorter many times then any of the former and so is the stalke likewise not rising much aboue a foote high whereon are set two or three large flowers whose falling leaues are of a reddish purple colour the three that stand vpright of a smoakie yellow the arched leaues hauing their ridges of a bleake colour tending to
haue fewer spots and little or no purple vnderneath the flowers hereof are as small as purple and as sweete as the purple Sowebread of the Spring time the roote hereof is likewise small blacke and round 5. Cyclamen Romanum rotundifolium Romane Sowebread with round leaues The Romane Sowebread hath round leaues somewhat like vnto the common Sowebread but not fully so round pointed at the ends a little cornered sometimes also or as it were indented with white spots round about the middle of the leaues and very conspicuous which make it seeme the more beautifull the flowers appeare in Autumne and are shorter and of a deeper purplish red colour then the Iuie Sowebread rising vp before the leaues for the most part or at least with them and little or nothing sweete the roote is round and blacke vsually not so flat as it but growing sometimes to bee greater then any other kinde of Sowebread There is sometimes some variety to be seene both in the leaues and flowers of this kinde for that sometime the leaues haue more corners and either more or lesse spotted with white the flowers likewise of some are larger or lesser Varietas longer or rounder paler or deeper coloured one then another This happeneth most likely from the sowing of the seede causing the like variety as is seene in the Iuie leafed Sowebread It doth also many times happen from the diuersity of soyles and countries where they grow the seed of this as of all the rest is small and round contained in such like heads as the former standing almost like the head of a Snake that is twined or folded within the body thereof This and the other Autumnall kindes presently after their sowing in Autumne shoote forth leaues and so abide all the Winter according to their kinde 6. Cyclamen folio hederae autumnale Iuie leafed Sowebread The Iuie leafed Sowebread groweth in the same manner that the former doth that is bringeth forth flowers with the leaues sometimes or most commonly before them whose flowers are greater then the common round leafed Sowebread somewhat longer then the former Romane or Italian Sowebreads and of a paler purple colour almost blush without that sweete sent as is in the first kinde of the Spring the greene leaues hereof are more long then round pointed at the ends and hauing also one or two corners on each side sometimes much spotted on the vpperside with white spots and marks and sometimes but a little or not at all and so likewise sometimes more or lesse purple vnderneath all the leaues and flowers doe stand vsually euery one seuerally by themselues vpon their owne slender foote-stalkes as most of all the other kindes doe Varietas but sometimes it happeneth that both leaues and flowers are found growing from one and the same stalke which I rather take to be accidentall then naturall so to continue the seede hereof is like the former kindes which being sowne produceth variety both in the forme of the leaues and colour and smell of the flowers some being paler or deeper and some more or lesse sweete then others the leaues also some more or lesse cornered then others the root groweth to be great being round and flat and of a blackish browne colour on the outside 7. Cyclamen autumnale hederaefolio flore albo Iuie leafed Sowebread with white flowers There is one of this kinde whose leaues are rounder and not so much cornered as the former flowring in Autumne as the last doth and whose flowers are wholly white not hauing any other notable difference therein 8. Cyclamen autumnale angustifolium Long leafed Sowebread This kinde of Sowebread may easily be knowne from all the other kindes because his leafe is longer and narrower then others fashioned at the bottome thereof with points somewhat like vnto Arum or Wake Robin leaues the flowers are like the former sorts for forme but of a purple colour There is also another of this kinde in all things like the former but that the flowers are white 9. Cyclamen Antiochenum Autumnale flore purpureo duplici Double flowred Sowebread of Antioch 1 Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo Purple flowred Sowebread of the Spring 2 Cyclamen astivum Summer Sowebread 3 Folium Cyclaminis Cretici verâ—alis flore candido A leafe of Candie Sowebread 4 Cyclamen Romanum Autumnale Romane Sowebread of the Autumne 5 Cyclamen hederafolio Autumnale Iuie leafed Autumne Sowebread 6 Folium Cyclaminis Autumnalis flore albo A leafe of the Autumne Sowebread with a white flower 7 Folium Cyclaminis angustifolij Autumnalis A leafe of the long leafed Sowebread 8 Cyclamen Antiochenum Autumnale flore amplo purpureo duplici The double flowred Sowebread of Antioch 9 Cyclamen vulgare folis râ—â—undo The common round leafed Sowebread There are of this kinde some whose flowers appeare in the Spring and are as large and double as the former but of a pure white colour There are of these Sowebreads of Antioch that haue but single flowers some appearing in the Spring and others in Autumne 10. Cyclamen vulgare folio rotundo The common Sowebread The common Sowebread which is most vsed in the Apothecaries Shops hath many leaues spread vpon the ground rising from certaine small long heads that are on the greater round rootes as vsually most of the former sorts doe being in the like manner folded together and after spread themselues into round greene leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asarum but not shining without any white spots on the vpperside for the most part or but very seldome and reddish or purplish vnderneath and very seldome greener the flowers stand vpon small foot-stalkes and shew themselues open for the most part before any leaues doe appeare being smaller and shorter then those with Iuie leaues and of a pale purple colour yet sometimes deeper hanging downe their heads and turning vp their leaues againe as all others doe but more sweete then many other of the Autumne flowers after the flowers are past come the heads turning or winding themselues downe in like manner as the other do hauing such like seede but somewhat larger and more vneuen or not so round at the least the roote is round and not flat of a browner colour and not so blacke on the outside as many of the others The Place The Sowebreads of the Spring doe both grow on the Pyrenaean Mountaines in Italy and in Candy and about Mompelier in France Antioch in Syria also hath yeelded some both of the Spring and Autumne Those with round and Iuie leaues grow in diuers places both of France and Italy and the common in Germany and the Lowe-Countries But that Autumne Sowebread with white flowers is reported to grow in the Kingdome of Naples I haue very curiously enquired of many if euer they found them in any parts of England neare or farther off from the places where they dwell but they haue all affirmed that they neuer found or euer heard of any that haue
halfe of euery leafe being white and the other halfe blew sometimes with lesser or greater spots of blew in the white leafe very variably and more in some years then in others that it is very hard to expresse all the varieties that may be obserued in the flowers that blow at one time In all other parts of the plant it is so like vnto the former that vntill it be in flower the one cannot be knowne from the other 5. Geranium Batrachoides alterum flore purpureo Purple Crowfoote Cranes bill This purple Cranes bill hath many leaues rising from the roote set vpon long foot-stalkes somewhat like vnto the other yet not so broad but more diuided or cut that is into seuen or more slits euen to the middle each whereof is likewise cut in on the edges more deeply then the former the stalkes are somewhat knobbed at the ioynts set with leaues like vnto the lower and bearing a great tuft of buds at the toppes of the branches which breake out into faire large flowers made of fiue purple leaues which doe somewhat resemble the flower of a Mallow before it be too full blowne each whereof hath a reddish pointell in the middle and many small threads compassing it this vmbell or tuft of buds doe flower by degrees and not all at once and euery flower abideth open little more then one day and then sheddeth so that euery day yeeldeth fresh flowers which because they are so many are a long while before they are all past or spent after the flowers are past there arise small beake heads or bils like vnto the other Cranes bils with small turning seede the roote is composed of a great tuft of strings fastened to a knobby head 6. Geranium Romanum versicolor siue striatum The variable stript Cranes bill This beautifull Cranes bill hath many broad yellowish greene leaues arising from the roote diuided into fiue or six parts but not vnto the middle as the first kindes are each of these leaues hath a blackish spot at the bottome corners of the diuisions the whole leafe as well in forme as colour and spots is very like vnto the leafe of the Geranium fuscum or spotted Cranes bill next following to be described but that the leaues of this are not so large as the other from among these leaues spring vp sundry stalkes a foote high and better ioynted and knobbed here and there bearing at the tops two or three small white flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece so thickly variably striped with fine small reddish veines that no green leafe that is of that bignesse can shew so many veines in it nor so thick running as euery leafe of this flower doth in the middle of the flower standeth a small pointell which when the flower is past doth grow to be the seed vessell wheron is set diuers small seeds like vnto the small seedes of other Cranes bils the root is made of many small yellow threads or strings 7. Geranium fuscum siue maculatum Swart tawny or spotted Cranes bill The leaues of this Cranes bill are in all points like the last described as well in the forme and diuisions as colour of the leaues being of a yellowish greene colour but larger and stronger by much the stalkes of this rise much higher and are ioynted or knobbed with reddish knees or ioynts on the tops whereof stand not many although large flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece each whereof is round at the end and a little snipt round about and doe bend or turne themselues backe to the stalkewards making the middle to be highest or most eminent the colour of the flower is of a darke or deepe blackish purple the bottome of euery leafe being whiter then the rest it hath also a middle pointell standing out which afterwards bring forth seede like vnto others of his kinde the roote consisteth of diuers great strings ioyned to a knobby head 8. Geranium Hematodes The red Rose Cranes bill This Cranes bill hath diuers leaues spread vpon the ground very much cut in or diuided into many parts and each of them againe slit or cut into two or three peeces standing vpon slender long foote-stalkes of a faire greene colour all the Spring and Summer but reddish in Autumne among these leaues spring vp slender and weake stalkes beset at euery ioynt which is somewhat reddish with two leaues for the most part like vnto the lower the flowers grow seuerally on the toppe of the stalkes and not many together in bunches or branches as in all other of the Cranes bils euery flower being as large as a single Rose Campion flower consisting of fiue large leaues of a deeper red colour then in any other Cranes bill at the first opening and will change more blewish afterwards when the flower is past there doth arise such like beakes as are in others of the same kinde but small the roote is hard long and thicke with diuers branches spreading from it of a reddish yellow colour on the outside and whitish within which abideth and perisheth not but shooteth forth some new greene leaues which abide all the Winter although those that turne red doe fall away Geranium Creticum Candy Cranes bill Candy Cranes bill beareth long and tender stalkes whereon growe diuers broad and long leaues cut in or iagged on the edges the toppes of the stalkes are branched into many flowers made of fiue leaues of a reasonable bignesse and of a faire blew or watchet colour with a purplish pointell in the middle which being past there follow beake heads like other Cranes bils but greater containing larger greater and sharper pointed seede able to pierce the skinne if one be not warie of it the roote is white and long with some fibres at it and perisheth when it hath perfected his seede and will spring of it owne sowing many times if the Winter be not too sharpe otherwise being annuall it must be sowne in the Spring of the yeare The Place Most of these Cranes bils are strangers vnto vs by nature but endenizond in our English Gardens It hath beene reported vnto mee by some of good credit that the second or Crowfoot Cranes bill hath been found naturally growing in England but yet I neuer saw it although I haue seen many sorts of wilde kindes in many places Matthiolus saith that the first groweth in Dalmatia and Illyria very plentifully Camerarius Clusius and others that most of the rest grow in Germany Bohemia Austria c. The last hath his place recorded in his title The Time All these Cranes bils doe for the most part flower in Aprill and May and vntill the middle of Iune The variable or stript Cranes bill is vsually the latest of all the rest The Names The first is vsually called Geranium tuberosum of some Geranium bulbosum of the likenesse of the roote vnto a bulbe It is without controuersie Geranium primum of Dioscorides The second is called Geranium Gratia Dei of
differ much in the forme of the leaues the description whereof is in this manner The leaues that spring vp first are much crumpled and as it were folded together which afterwards open themselues into faire broad and roundish leaues somewhat rough or hairy not onely cut into fine diuisions but somewhat notched also about the edges of a darke greene colour on the vpperside and more whitish greene vnderneath amongst these leaues riseth vp one or two naked round stalkes fiue or six inches high bearing at the toppes diuers small flowers somewhat sweete like vnto the first purple Beares eare hanging downe their heads conssting of fiue small pointed leaues a peece of a darke reddish purple colour with a white circle or bottome in the middle and some small threads therein after the flowers are past there come small round heads somewhat longer then any of the Beares eares standing vpright vpon their small foot-stalkes wherein is contained small round and blackish seede the roote consisteth of a thicke tuft of small whitish threads rather then rootes much enterlaced one among another the leaues of this plant dye downe euery yeare and spring vp a new in the beginning of the yeare whereas all the Beares eares doe hold their leaues greene all the Winter especially the middlemost which stand like a close head the outermost for the most part perishing after seed time The Place This groweth in many shadowie Woods both of Italy and Germany for both Clusius hath described it finding it in the Woods of Austria and Stiria and Matthiolus setteth it downe hauing receiued it from Anthonius Cortusus who was President of the Garden at Padua and found it in the woody mountaines of Vicenza neare vnto Villestagna whereon as Matthiolus saith there is found both with white flowers as well as with blew but such with white flowers or blew we neuer could see or heare further of The Time It flowreth much about the time of the Beares eares or rather a little later and the seede is ripe with them The Names Clusius calleth it Sanicula montana and Sanicula Alpina and referreth it to the Auricula Vrsi or Beares eare which it doth most nearly resemble but Matthiolus referreth it to the Cariophyllata or Auens making it to be of that tribe or family and calleth it Cortusa of him that first sent it him Wee may call it eyther Cortusa as for the most part all Herbarists doe or Beares eare Sanicle as Gerrard doth The Vertues All the sorts of Beares eares are Cephalicall that is conducing helpe for the paines in the head and for the giddinesse thereof which may happen eyther by the sight of steepe places subiect to danger or otherwise They are accounted also to be helping for the Palsey and shaking of the ioynts and also as a Sanicle or wound-herbe The leaues of the Cortusa taste a little hot and if one of them bee laide whole without bruising on the cheeke of any tender skind woman it will raise an orient red colour as if some fucus had beene laide thereon which will passe away without any manner of harme or marke where it lay This is Cortusus his obseruation Camerarius in his Hortus Medicus saith that an oyle is made thereof that is admirable for to cure wounds CHAP. XXXV Primula veris Paralysis Primroses and Cowslips WE haue so great variety of Primroses and Cowslips of our owne Country breeding that strangers being much delighted with them haue beene often furnished into diuers Countries to their good content And that I may set them downe in some methodicall manner as I haue done other things I will first set downe all the sorts of those we call Primroses both single and double and afterwards the Cowslips with their diuersities in as ample manner as my knowledge can direct me And yet I know that the name of Primula veris or Primrose is indifferently conferred vpon those that I distinguish for Paralyses or Cowslips I doe therefore for your better vnderstanding of my distinction betweene Primroses and Cowslips call those onely Primroses that carry but one flower vpon a stalke be they single or double except that of Master Hesket and that with double flowers many vpon a stalke set out in Gerards Herball which is his onely not found as I thinke in rerum natura I am sure such a one I could neuer heare of And those Cowslips that beare many flowers vpon a stalke together constantly be they single or double also I might otherwise distinguish them also by the leafe that all the Primroses beare their long and large broad yellowish greene leaues without stalkes most vsually and all the Cowslips haue small stalkes vnder the leaues which are smaller and of a darker greene as vsually but that this distinction is neither so certaine and generall nor so well knowne 1. Primula veris flore albo The single white Primrose The Primrose that groweth vnder euery bush or hedge in all or most of the Woods Groues and Orchards of this Kingdome I may well leaue to his wilde habitation being not so fit for a Garden and so well knowne that I meane not to giue you any further relation thereof But we haue a kinde hereof which is somewhat smaller and beareth milke white flowers without any shew of yellownesse in them and is more vsually brought into Gardens for the rarity and differeth not from the wilde or ordinary kinde either in roote or leafe or any thing else yet hauing those yellow spots but smaller and not so deepe as are in the other wilde kinde 2. Primula veris flore viridi simplici The single greene Primrose The single greene Primrose hath his leaues very like vnto the greater double Primrose but smaller and of a sadder greene colour the flowers stand seuerally vpon long foot-stalkes as the first single kinde doth but larger then they and more laide open of the same or very neare the same yellowish greene colour that the huske is of so that at the first opening the huske and the flower seeme to make one double greene flower which afterwards separating themselues the single flower groweth aboue the huske and spreadeth it selfe open much more then any other single Primrose doth growing in the end to be of a paler greene colour 3. Primula veris flore viridante albo simplici The single greene and white Primrose The leaues of this differ in a manner nothing from the former neither doth the flower but only in this that out of the large yellowish green huskes which contain the flowers of the former there commeth forth out of the middle of each of them either a small peece of a whitish flower or else a larger sometimes making vp a whole flower like an ordinary Primrose 4. Primula veris flore viridi duplici The double greene Primrose This double Primrose is in his leaues so like the former single greene kindes that 1 Primula veris flore albo The white Primrose 2 Primula veris flore viridi albo
beholders eyes with good content and those I will set downe here for varietie and adioyne vnto them some of the Linarias or Tode Flaxe for the neare affinity with them 1. Linum siluestre flore albo Wilde Flaxe with a white flower This kinde of wilde Flaxe riseth vp with diuers slender branches a foote high or better full of leaues standing without order being broader and longer then the manured Flaxe the tops of the branches haue diuers faire white flowers on them composed of fiue large leaues a peece with many purple lines or strikes in them the seede vessell as well as the seede is like vnto the heads and seede of the manured Flaxe the rootes are white strings and abide diuers yeares springing fresh branches and leaues euery yeare but not vntill the Spring of the yeare 2. Linum siluestre luteum Wilde Flaxe with a yellow flower This wilde Flaxe doth so well resemble a kinde of St. Iohns wort that it will soone deceiue one that doth not aduisedly regard it For it hath many reddish stalkes and small leaues on them broader then the former wilde Flaxe but not so long which are well stored with yellow flowers as large as the former made of fiue leaues a peece which being past there come small flattish heads containing blackish seede but not shining like the former the rootes hereof dye not euery yeare as many other of the wilde kindes doe but abide and shoote out euery yeare 3. Linaria purpurea Purple Tode Flaxe This purple Tode Flaxe hath diuers thicke small long and somewhat narrowish leaues snipt about the edges of a whitish greene colour from among which rise vp diuers stalkes replenished at the tops with many small flowers standing together one aboue another spike-fashion which are small and somewhat sweete while they are fresh fashioned somewhat like the common Tode flaxe that groweth wilde abroad almost euery where but much smaller with a gaping mouth but without any crooked spurre behinde like vnto them sometimes of a sad purple neare vnto a Violet and sometimes of a paler blew colour hauing a yellow spot in the middle or gaping place after the flowers are past there come small hard round heads wherein are contained small flat and grayish seede the roote is small and perisheth for the most part euery yeare and will spring againe of it owne sowing if it be suffered to shed it selfe yet some hard Winters haue killed the seede it should seeme in that sometimes it faileth to spring againe and therefore had neede to be sowne anew in the Spring 4. Linaria purpurea odorata Sweete purple Tode Flaxe The lower leaues of this purple Tode Flaxe are nothing like any of the rest but are long and broad endented about the edges somewhat resembling the leaues of the greater wilde white Daisie the stalke is set at the bottome with such like leaues but a little more diuided and cut in and still smaller and smaller vpward so that the vppermost leaues are very like the common Tode Flaxe the toppe whereof is branched hauing diuers small flowers growing along vpon them in fashion and colour almost like the last described Tode Flaxe but not altogether so deepe a purple the heads and seedes are very like the former but that the seede of this is reddish the flowers 1 Linum siluestre flore albo Wilde Flaxe with a white flower 2 Linaria purpurea siue caerulea Purple Tode Flaxe 3 Linaria pupurea odorata Sweete purple Tode Flaxe 4 Scoparia siue Beluidere Italorum Broome Tode Flaxe 5 Antirrhinum maius The greater Snapdragon 6 Chamaenerium flore delphinij The willowe flower in their naturall hot Countries haue a fine sent but in these colder little or none at all the rootes are small and threadie and perish after they haue flowred and seeded 5. Linaria Valentina Tode Flaxe of Valentia This Spanish Tode Flaxe hath three or foure thicker and bigger stalkes then the former bearing small broad leaues like vnto the small Centory two or three together at a ioynt round about the lower end of the stalkes but without any order vpwards at the toppes whereof stand many flowers in fashion like vnto the common kinde and almost as large of a faire yellow colour but the gaping mouth is downie and the spurre behinde of a purplish colour 6. Scoparia siue Beluidere Italorum Broome Tode Flaxe Although this plant haue no beautifull flowers yet because the greene plant full of leaues is so delightfull to behold being in Italy and other places planted not onely in their Gardens but set likewise in pots to furnish their Windowes and euen with vs also hath growne to be so dainty a greene bush that I haue thought it worthy to be among the delights of my Garden the description whereof is as followeth This pleasant Broome Flaxe riseth vp most vsually with one straight vpright square stalke three foote and a halfe high or better in our Gardens branching it selfe out diuers waies bearing thereon many long narrow leaues like the Garden Line or Flaxe very thicke set together like vnto a bush or rather like vnto a faire greene Cypresse tree growing broad belowe and spire-fashion vpwards of a very faire greene colour at the seuerall ioynts of the branches towards the tops and among the leaues there come forth small reddish flowers not easily seene nor much regarded being of no beauty which turne into small round blackish gray seede the rootes are a number of blackish strings set together and the whole plant perisheth euery yeare at the first approach of any cold ayre as if it neuer had beene so faire a greene bush The Place These kindes of wilde Flaxe doe growe naturally in diuers places some in Germany some in Spaine and some in Italy Those that delight in the beauty of natures variety doe preserue them to furnish vp the number of pleasant aspects The Time They all flower in the Summer moneths and soone after perfect their seede The Names Their names are sufficiently expressed in their titles yet I must giue you to vnderstand that the last is called of some Linaria magna and of others Osyris The Vertues The wilde Flaxe hath no medecinable vertue appropriate vnto it that is knowne The Tode Flaxe is accounted to be good to cause one to make water CHAP. XLIIII Antirrhinum Snapdragon THere is some diuersity in the Snapdragons some being of a larger and others of a lesser stature and bignesse and of the larger some of one and some of another colour but because the small kindes are of no beautie I shall at this time onely entreate of the greater sorts 1. Antirrhinum album White Snapdragon The leaues of these Snapdragons for I doe vnder one description comprehend the rest are broader longer and greener then the leaues of the Garden Flaxe or of the wilde Flaxe set confusedly vpon the tender greene branches which are spread on all sides from the very bottome bearing at the toppes many flowers somewhat resembling the
former Tode Flaxe but much larger and without any heele or spurre of a faire white colour with a yellow spot in the mouth or gaping place after the flowers are past there come vp in their places hard round seede vessels fashioned somewhat like vnto a Calues head the snout being cut off wherein is contained small blacke seede the rootes are many white strings which perish in most places after they haue giuen seede notwithstanding any care or paines taken with them to preserue them aliue and yet they will abide in some places where they are defended in the Winter 2. Antirrhinum purpureum siue roseum Purple Snapdragon The purple Snapdragon is in stalkes leaues and flowers altogether like the former and as large and great in euery part or greater the only difference is that this beareth pale Stammell or Rose coloured flowers with a yellow spot in the mouth and sometimes of a paler colour almost blush 3. Antirrhinum variegatum Variable Snapdragon This variable kinde is somewhat lesse and tenderer then the last described hauing also a reddish or blush coloured flower lesser then the former but much bigger then the middle kinde of Snapdragon which is not set downe in this worke the yellow spot in the mouth of it hath some white about it and extending to both sides of the spot the heads and seede are like the former the rootes are smaller but neuer will abide after they haue giuen flowers and seede 4. Antirrhinum luteum Yellow Snapdragon There is likewise another of these kindes that beareth leaues as large as any of the former very faire yellow flowers as large likewise as they not differing in any thing else from the first let not any therefore imagine this to be a Linaria or Tode Flaxe for all parts are answerable vnto the Snapdragons The Place All these are nourished with vs in our Gardens although in Spaine and Italy they are found growing wilde The Time They flower for the most part the second yeare after the sowing from Aprill vntill Iuly and the seede is quickly ripe after The Names The name Antirrhinum is vsually giuen to this plant although it fully agreeth not eyther with the description of Dioscorides or Theophrastus It hath also diuers other names in Latine as Orontium Canis cerebrum Os Leonis Leo herba c. In English Calues snout from the forme of the seede vessels and Snapdragon or Lyons mouth from the forme of the flowers The Vertues They are seldome or neuer vsed in Physicke by any in our dayes CHAP. XLV Chamaenerium flore delphinij The Willowe flower THis plant riseth vp with many strong woddy round brownish great stalkes three or foure foote high beset here and there without order with one broad and long whitish greene leafe at a ioynt somewhat like vnto a Lysimachia or Willow herbe as also vnto a Peach leafe but larger and longer at the toppe of the branches stand many flowers one aboue another of a pale reddish purple colour consisting of fiue leaues spread open with an heele or spurre behinde them with many yellow threads in the middle much larger then any flower of the Larkes spurres and smelling somewhat sweete withall it beareth a shew of long pods with seede but I could neuer obserue the seede the rootes are like the rootes of Lysimachia or the ordinary yellow Loose-strife or Willowe herbe but greater running and spreading vnder ground and shooting vp in many places whereby it filleth a ground that it likes quickly the stalkes dye downe euery yeare and spring againe in many places farre asunder The Place Wee haue not knowne where this Willowe flower groweth naturally but we haue it standing in an out corner of our Gardens to fill vp the number of delightfull flowers The Time It flowreth not vntill May and abideth a long while flowring The Names It may seeme to diuers that this is that plant that Dodonaeus called Pseudolysimachium purpureum minus and Lobel seemeth by the name of Delphinium buccinum to aime at this plant but withall calleth it Chamaenerium Gâ—sneri and giueth the same figure that Dodonaeus hath for his Pseudolysimachium But that is one kinde of plant which hath smaller and shorter stalkes and very narrow long leaues whose flowers stand vpon long slender cods full of downe with reddish seede like vnto the Lysimachia siliquosa siluestris and rootes that abide many yeares but creepe not and this is another much greater whose true figure is not extant in any Author that I know It is vsually called Chamaenerium flore delphinij but the name of Delphinium buccinum in my minde may not so conueniently be applyed vnto it It is called in English The Willowe flower for the likenesse of the leaues and the beauty and respect of the flowers The Vertues There is no vse hereof in Physicke that euer I could learne but is onely cherished among other sorts of flowers that serue to decke and set forth a Garden of varieties CHAP. XLVI Aquilegia Colombines THere are many sorts of Colombines as well differing in forme as colour of the flowers and of them both single and double carefully noursed vp in our Gardens for the delight both of their forme and colours 1. Aquilegia vulgaris flore simplici Single Colombines Because the whole difference of these Colombines standeth in the varieties of the forme and colour of the flowers and little in the leaues I shall not neede to make anie repetitions of the description of them seeing one onely shall suffice for each peculiar kinde The Colombine hath diuers large spread leaues standing on long stalkes euery one diuided in seuerall partitions and roundly endented about the edges in colour somewhat like the leaues of Celondine that is of a darke blewish greene colour the stalkes rise vp sometimes two or three foote high diuided vsually into many branches bearing one long diuided leafe at the lower ioynt aboue which the flowers growe euery one standing on a long stalke consisting of fiue hollow leaues crooked or horned at the ends turning backward the open flower shewing almost like vnto a Cinquefoile but more hollow after the flowers are past there arise small long cods foure or fiue together wherein are contained blacke shining seede the rootes are thicke and round for a little space within the ground and then diuided into branches ending in many small fibres abiding many yeares and shooting a fresh euery Spring from the round heads that abide all the Winter The variety of the colours of these flowers are very much for some are wholly white some of a blew or violet colour others of a blush or flesh colour or deepe or pale red or of a dead purple or dead murrey colour as nature listeth to shew it selfe 2. Aquilegia vulgaris flore pleno Double Colombines The double Colombines differ not in leafe or manner of growing from the single so that vntill they come to flower they cannot bee discerned one from another the onely difference is it beareth
likewise vpon their seuerall small stalkes wherein is contained round white seede but these heads rise not from where the flowers grew as in all other plants that I know but apart by themselues and being sowne will produce others like vnto it selfe whereby there may be made a more speedy encrease to plant a Garden as I haue done or any other place then by slipping as is the vsuall manner the rootes spread both deepe and wide taking strong hold in the ground Flore albo Of this kinde there is another that beareth white flowers not differing in smell or any thing else from the former Flore obsoleto And also another that beareth flowers of a dead or sad reddish colour in all other things alike sauing that this hath not altogether so good a sent as the other 2. Viola Martia flore multiplici Double March Violets There is no difference betweene this Violet and the former in any other thing then in the doublenesse of the flowers which haue so many leaues set and thrust together that they are like vnto hard buttons There is of this double kinde both white and purple as in the single but the white sort is seldome so thicke and double as the purple but of the red colour to be double I neuer heard 3. Viola flammea siue tricolor Harts eases or Pansies The Harts ease hath his leaues longer and more endented or cut in on the edges then the Violet hath and somewhat round withall the stalkes are vpright yet weake and ready to fall downe and lye vpon the ground set here and there with the like leaues from whence come forth the flowers of little or no sent at all made like vnto a Violet yet more open and with larger leaues but so variably mixed with blew or purple white and yellow that it is hard to set downe all the varieties For some flowers will be more white and but some spots of purple or blew in the two vpper leaues and the lower leaues with some stripes of yellow in the middle others will haue more purple in them then any other colour both in the vpper and lower leaues the side leaues blew and the middle yellow and others white and blew with yellow stripes as nature listeth to distribute their colours the seede is small whitish and round contained in small round heads the roote perisheth euery yeare and raiseth it selfe vp plentifully by it owne sowing if it be suffered 4. Viola tricolor flore duplici Double Harts ease We haue in our Gardens another sort that beareth flowers with more leaues then the former making it seeme to be twice double and that onely in Autumne for the first flowers are single that come in Summer This is of that sort that beareth purple flowers And it is to be obserued that the seed of this kinde will not all bring double flowers but only some if the ground be fit and liking so that if you haue once had of this double kinde you shall seldome misse to haue double flowers againe euery yeare of it owne growing or sowing 5. Viola flammea luteae maxima The great yellow Pansie There is one other kinde of Harts ease that decketh vp our Gardens not to be forgotten whose leaues and flowers are like the former but more plentifull in stalkes and branches and better abideth our Winters the flowers are larger then any of the former of a faire pale yellow colour with some yellower stripes now and then about the middle for it is sometimes without any stripes and also of a little deeper yellow colour this is to bee encreased by slips which will soone comprehend in a moist or moistened ground for that I neuer could obserue that it bore seede The Place These plants were first wilde and by manuring brought to be both fairer in colour and peraduenture of a better sent then when they grew wilde The Time The Violets flower in March and sometimes earlier and if the yeare be temperate and milde in Autumne againe The double Violets as they are later before they flower then the single so they hold their flowers longer The Harts ease flowreth seldome vntill May but then some will abide to flower vntill the end of Autumne almost especially if the frosts be not early The Names The Violet is called Viola nigra purpurea and Martia In English Violets March Violets and purple Violets The Harts ease is called Viola flammea Viola tricolor Viola multicolor and of some Iacea Flos trinitatis and Herba clauellata In English Harts ease and Pansies of the French name Pensees Some giue it foolish names as Loue in idlenesse Cull mee to you and Three faces in a hood The great yellow Harts ease is so called because it is like in forme and is the greatest of all other although it haue not that diuersity of colours in it that the other haue The Vertues The properties of Violets are sufficiently knowne to all to coole and moisten I shall forbeare to recite the many vertues that may be set downe and onely let you know that they haue in them an opening or purging quality being taken either fresh and greene or dryed and made into powder especially the flowers the dryed leaues will doe the like but in greater quantity Costaeus in his booke of the nature of all plants saith that the distilled water of Harts ease is commended in the French disease to be profitable being taken for nine dayes or more and sweating vpon it which how true it is I know not and wish some better experience were made of it before we put any great confidence in that assertion CHAP. LIII Epimedium Barrenwort THis pretty plant riseth vp out of the ground with vpright hard round small stalkes a foote and a halfe high or not two foote high at the highest diuided into three branches for the most part each branch whereof is againe diuided for the most part into three other branches and each of them beare three leaues seldome either more or lesse set together yet each vpon his owne foote-stalke each leafe being broad round and pointed at the end somewhat hard or dry in feeling hayrie or as it were prickly about the edges but very tenderly without harme of a light greene colour on the vpperside and a little whiter vnderneath from the middle of the stemme or stalke of leaues doth likewise come forth another long stalke not much higher then those with the leaues on them diuided into other branches each whereof hath likewise three flowers each vpon his owne footestalke consisting of eight small leaues a peece yet seeming to be but of foure leaus spread or layd open flat for that the foure vppermost which are the smaller and being yellow doe lye so close on the foure vndermost which are a little broader and red that they shew as if they were yellow flowers with red edges hauing yellow thredstipt with greene standing in the middle of the flowers the vnderside of the lower leaues are of
a pale yellowish red striped with white lines after the flowers are past there come small long pods wherin are contained flat reddish seede the rootes are small reddish and hard spreading branching and enterlacing themselues very much and is fit to be placed on some shady side of a garden the whole plant is rather of a strong then any good sent yet is cherished for the pleasant varietie of the flowers The Place Caesalpinus saith it groweth on the mountaines of Liguria that is nigh vnto Ligorne in the Florentine Dominion Cametarius saith nigh vnto Vicenzo in Italie Bauhinus on the Euganian hils nigh vnto Padoa and in Romania in shadowie wet grounds The Time It flowreth from Iune vntill the end of Iuly and to the middle of August if it stand as I said it is fittest in a shadowie place The Names It is of most Writers accepted for the true Epimedium of Dioscorides though he saith it is without flower or seede being therein eyther mistaken or mis-informed as he was also in Dictamnus of Candy and diuers other plants From the triple triplicitie of the standing of the stalkes and leaues and quadriplicitie of the flowers it might receiue another name in English then is already imposed vpon it but lest I might be thought to be singular or full of noueltie let it passe with the name Barrenwort as it is in the title The Vertues It is thought of diuers to agree in the propertie of causing barrennesse as the ancients doe record of Epimedium CHAP. LIIII Papauer satiuum Garden Poppies OF Poppies there are a great many sorts both wilde and tame but because our Garden doth entertaine none but those of beautie and respect I wil onely giue you here a few double ones and leaue the rest to a general suruey 1. Papauer multiplex album Double white Poppies The double white Poppy hath diuers broade and long whitish greene leaues giuing milke as all the rest of the plant aboue ground doth wheresoeuer it is broken very much rent or torne in on the sides and notched or indented besides compassing at the bottome of them a hard round brittle whitish greene stalke branched towards the toppe bearing one faire large great flower on the head of euery branch which before it breaketh out is contained within a thin skinne and being blowne open is very thick of leaues and double somewhat iagged at the ends and of a white colour in the 1 Viola Martia simplex Single March Violets 2 Viola Martia multiplex Double March Violets 3 Viola flammea siue tricolor Ordinary garden Pansies or Harts ease 4 Viola flammea lutea magna Great yellow Pansies 5 Viola triâ—olor dâ—pleâ— Double Panâ—ies or Harts eases 6 Epimedium Barrenwort 7 Papauer sativum flore plâ—no Double garden Poppies 8 Papauer sativum flore pleâ—â— lacivâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 feathereâ— Poppieâ— 9 Nigella Hispanica flore amplo Spanish Nigella or Fenell flower 10 Nigella multiplex caerulea Double blew Nigella or Fenell flower 11 Nigella duplex flore albo Double white Nigella 12 Ptarmica flore pleno Double wilde Pelletory middle whereof standeth a round head or bowle with a striped crowne on the heade of it very like a starre compassed about with some threds wherein when it is ripe is contained small round white seede disposed into seuerall cels the roote is hard wooddy and long perishing euery yeare and must bee new sowne euery Spring if they doe not spring of their own sowing which if it doe the flowers are seldome so faire and double as they that are sowne in the Spring the whole plant is of a strong heady smell 2. Papauer multiplex rubescens Double red or blush Poppies This other kind of double Poppy differeth not in any other thing from the former but only in the colour of the flowers which are of a bright red tending to a blush colour parted paned or striped in many places with white and exceedingly more iagged then the former almost like a feather at the ends the bottomes of all the leaues being white the seede hereof is white as the former which is not so in any other Poppie that beareth not a full white flower 3. Papauer multiplex nigrum siue purpureum Double purple or murry Poppies This kinde varyeth both in flowers and seede although neyther in leaues or any other thing from the first the flowers are thicke and double and somewhat iagged at the ends in some more in some lesse eyther red or blush or purplish red more or lesse or of a sad murrey or tawney with browne or blacke or tawny bottomes the seede is eyther of a grayish blew colour or in others more blackish 4. Papauer Rhaas flore multiplici The double red field Poppie This double Poppie is like the wilde or fielde Poppie which is well knowne to all to haue longer narrower and more iagged greene leaues then the former the stalkes more hairy and the flower of a deepe yellowish red colour knowne to all Now this differeth in nothing from it but in the doublenesse of the flower which is very thicke and double but not so large as the former This riseth of seede in the like manner as they doe and so to bee preserued The Place From what place they haue beene first gathered naturally I cannot assure you but we haue had them often and long time in our gardens being sent from Italie and other places The double wilde kindes came from Constantinople which whether it groweth neere vnto it or further off we cannot tell as yet The Time They flower in the beginning or middle of Iune at the furthest the seede is ripe within a small while after The Names The generall knowne name to all is Papauer Poppie the seuerall distinctions are according to their colours Yet our English Gentlewomen in some places call it by a by-name Ione siluer pinne subauditur Faire without and fowle within The Vertues It is not vnknowne I suppose to any that Poppie procureth sleepe for which cause it is wholly and onely vsed as I thinke but the water of the wilde Poppies besides that it is of great vse in Pleuresies and Rheumatick-or thinner Distillations is found by daily experience to bee a soueraigne remedy against surfeits yet some doe attribute this propertie to the water of the wilde Poppies CHAP. LV. Nigella The Fenell flower or Nigella AMong the many sorts of Nigella both wilde and tame both single and double I will onely set downe three sorts to be noursed vp in this garden referring the rest to a Physicke garden or a generall Historie which may comprehend all 1. Nigella Hispanica flore simplici The great Spanish Nigella Spanish Nigella riseth vp with diuers greene leaues so finely cut and into so many parts that they are finer then Fenell and diuided somewhat like the leaues of Larkes heeles among which rise vp stalkes with many such like leaues vpon them branched into three or foure parts at the toppe of each whereof standeth one faire
The greater Spanish Vipers grasse This Spanish Vipers grasse hath diuers long and somewhat broad leaues hard and crumpled on the edges and sometimes vneuenly cut in or indented also of a blewish greene colour among which riseth vp one stalke and no more for the most part two foote high or thereabouts hauing here and there some narrower long leaues thereon then those below the toppe of the stalke brancheth it selfe forth into other parts euery one bearing a long scaly head from out of the toppe whereof riseth a faire large double flower of a pale yellow colour much like vnto the flower of yellow Goates beard but a little lesser which being past the seede succeedeth being long whitish and rough inclosed with much downe and among them many other long smooth seedes which are limber and idle and are carryed away at the will of the winde the roote is long thicke and round brittle and blacke with a certaine roughnesse on the outside but very white within yeelding a milkie liquor being broken as euery other part of the plant doth besides yet the roote more then any other part and abideth many yeares without perishing 2. Scorsonera Pannonica purpurea Purple flowred Vipers grasse This purple flowred Vipers grasse hath long and narrow leaues of the same blewish greene colour with the former the stalke riseth vp a foote and a halfe high with a few such like leaues but shorter thereon breaking at the toppe into two or three parts bearing on each of them one flower fashioned like the former and standing in the like scaly knoppe or head but of a blewish purple colour not fully so large of the sweetest sent of any of this kinde comming neerest vnto the smell of a delicate perfume The Place The first is of Spaine The other of Hungarie and Austrich which now furnish our gardens The Time They flower in the beginning of May the seede is soone ripe after and then perishing downe to the roote for that yeare springeth afresh before Winter againe The Names They are called after the Spanish name Scorsonera which is in Latine Viperaria of some Viperina and Serpentina Wee call them in English Vipers grasse or Scorsonera The Vertues Manardus as I thinke first wrote hereof and saith that it hath been found to cure them that are bitten of a Viper or other such like venemous Creature The rootes hereof being preserued with sugar as I haue done often doe eate almost as delicate as the Eringus roote and no doubt is good to comforr and strengthen the heart and vitall spirits Some that haue vsed the preserued roote haue found it effectuall to expelling winde out of the stomacke and to helpe swounings and faintnesse of the heart CHAP. LXVII Tragopogon Goates beard I Must in this place set downe but two sorts of Goates beards the one blew or ash-colour the other red or purple and leaue the other kindes some to bee spoken of in the Kitchin Garden and others in a Physicall Garden 1. Tragopogon flore caeruleo Blew Goates beard All the Goates beards haue long narrow and somewhat hollow whitish greene leaues with a white line downe the middle of euery one on the vpperside the stalke riseth vp greater and stronger then the Vipers grasse bearing at the toppe a great long head or huske composed of nine or ten long narrow leaues the sharpe points or ends whereof rise vp aboue the flower in the middle which is thicke and double somewhat broad and large spread of a blewish ash-colour with some whitish threads among them shutting or closing it selfe within the greene huske euery day that it abideth blowing vntill about noone and opening not it selfe againe vntill the next morning the head or huske after the flower is past and the seede neare ripe openeth it selfe the long leaues thereof which closed not before now falling downe round about the stalke and shewing the seede standing at the first close together and the doune at the toppe of them but after they haue stood a while it spreadeth it selfe round and is ready to be carried away with the winde if it be not gathered the seede it selfe is long round and rough like the seede of the Vipers grasse but greater and blacker the roote is long and not very great but perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede and springeth of the fallen seede that yeare remaining greene all Winter and flowring the next yeare following the whole yeeldeth milke as the former but somewhat more bitter and binding 2. Tragopogon purpureum Purple Goates beard There is little difference in this kind from the former but that it is a little larger both in the leafe and head that beareth the seed the flowers also are a little larger and spread more of a darke reddish purple colour with some yellow dust as it were cast vpon it especially about the ends the roote perisheth in the like manner as the other The Place Both these haue been sent vs from the parts beyond the Seas I haue had them from Italy where no doubt they grow naturally wilde as the yellow doth with vs they are kept in our Gardens for their pleasant flowers The Time They flower in May and Iune the seede is ripe in Iuly The Names Their generall name is after the Greeke word Tragopogon which is in Latine Barbahirti In English Goates beard the head of seede when it is readie to bee carried away with the winde causing that name for the resemblance and because the flower doth euery day close it selfe at noone as I said before and openeth not againe vntill the next Sunne some haue fitly called it Goe to bed at noone The Vertues The rootes of these kindes are a little more bitter and more binding also then the yellow kinde expressed in the Kitchin Garden and therefore fitter for medicine then for meate but yet is vsed as the yellow kinde is which is more fit for meate then medicine The distilled water is good to wash old sores and wounds CHAP. LXVIII Flos Africanus The French Marigold OF the French or African Marigolds there are three kindes as principall and of each of them both with single and double flowers of these some diuersity is obserued in the colour of the flowers as well as in the forme or largenesse so that as you may here see I haue expressed eight differences and Fabius Columna nine or ten in regard hee maketh a diuersity of the paler and deeper yellow colour and although the lesser kinde because of its euill sent is held dangerous yet for the beauty of the flower it findeth roome in Gardens 1. Flos Africanus maior siue maximus multiplex The great double French Marigold This goodly double flower which is the grace and glory of a Garden in the time of his beauty riseth vp with a straight and hard round greene stalke hauing some crests or edges all along the stalke beset with long winged leaues euery one whereof is like vnto the leafe of an Ash being composed
of many long and narrow leaues snipt about the edges standing by couples one against another with an odde one at the end of a darke or full greene colour the stalke riseth to be three or foure foote high and diuideth it selfe from the middle thereof into many branches set with such like leaues to the toppes of them euery one bearing one great double flower of a gold yellow colour aboue and paler vnderneath yet some are of a pale yellow and some betweene both and all these rising from one and the same seede the flower before it be blowne open hath all the leaues hollow but when it is full blowne open it spreadeth it selfe larger then any Prouince Rose or equall vnto it at the least if it be in good earth and riseth out of a long greene huske striped or furrowed wherein after the flower is past which standeth in his full beauty a moneth and oftentimes more and being gathered may be preserued in his full beauty for two moneths after if it be set in water standeth the seede set thicke and close together vpright which is blacke somewhat flat and long the roote is full of small strings whereby it strongly comprehendeth in the ground the flower of this as well as the single is of the very smell of new waxe or of an honie combe and not of that poisonfull sent of the smaller kindes 2. Flos Africanus maior simplex The great single French Marigold This single Marigold is in all things so like vnto the former that it is hard to discerne it from the double but by the flowers onely the stalke will be browner then the double and to my best obseruation hath and doth euery yeare rise from the seede of the double flower so that when they are in flower you may see the difference or not much before when they are in bud this single flower euer appearing with thrums in the middle and the leaues which are the border or pale standing about them shewing hollow or fistulous which after lay themselues flat and open and the double flower appearing with all his leaues folded close together without any thrum at all and are of a deeper or paler colour as in the double 3. Flos Africanus fistuloso flore simplex multiplex Single and double French Marigolds with hollow leafed flowers As the former two greatest sorts haue risen from the seede of one and the same I meane the pod of double flowers so doe these also not differing from it in any thing but that they are lower and haue smaller greene leaues and that the flower also being smaller hath euery leafe abiding hollow like vnto an hollow pipe broad open at the mouth and is of as deepe a yellow colour for the most part as the deepest of the former yet sometimes pale also 4. Flos Africanus minor multiplex The lesser double French Marigold The lesser double French Marigold hath his leaues in all things like vnto the former but somewhat lesser which are set vpon round browne stalkes not so stiffe or vpright but bowing and bending diuers wayes and sometimes leaning or lying vpon the ground the stalkes are branched out diuersly whereon are set very faire double flowers like the former and in the like greene huskes but smaller and in some the outermost leaues will be larger then any of the rest and of a deeper Orenge colour almost crimson the innermost being of a deepe gold yellow colour tending to crimson the whole flower is smaller and of a stronger and more vnpleasant sauour so that but for the beautifull colour and doublenesse of the flower pleasant to the eye and not to any other sense this kinde would finde roome in few Gardens the rootes and seedes are like the former but lesser 5. Flos Africanus minor simplex The small single French Marigold This single kinde doth follow after the last in all manner of proportion both of stalkes leaues seedes and rootes the flowers onely of this are single hauing fiue or six broad leaues of a deepe yellow crimson colour with deepe yellow thrummes in the middle and of as strong a stinking sent or more then the last The Place They growe naturally in Africa and especially in the parts about Tunis and where old Carthage stood from whence long agoe they were brought into Europe where they are onely kept in Gardens being sowne for the most part euery yeare vnlesse in some milde Winters The last single and double kindes as being more hardy haue sometimes endured but that kinde with hollow leafed flowers as Fabius Columna setteth it downe is accounted to come from Mexico in America The Time They flower not vntill the end of Summer especially the greater kindes but the lesser if they abide all the Winter doe flower more early The Names They haue been diuersly named by diuers men Some calling them Caryophyllus Indicus that is Indian Gilloflowers and Tanacetum Perüvianum Tansie of Peru as if it grew in Peru a Prouince of America and Flos Indicus as a flower of the Indies but it hath not beene knowne to haue beene brought from thence Others would haue it to be Othonna of Plinie and others some to be Lycopersicum of Galen It is called and that more truely Flos Tunetensis Flos Africanus and Caltha Africana that is the flower of Tunis the flower of Africa the Marigold of Africa and peraduenture Pedna Paenorum We in English most vsually call them French Marigolds with their seuerall distinctions of greater or smaller double or single To that with hollow leafed flowers Fabius Columna giueth the name of Fistiluso flore and I so continue it 1 Flos Africanus maximus multiplex The greatest double French Marigold 2 Flos Africanus maior multiplex The greater double French Marigold 3 Flos Africanus maximus simplex The greatest single French Marigold 4 Flos Africanus multiplex fistulosus The doule hollow French Marigold 5 Flos Africanus simplex fistulosus The single hollow French Marigold 6 Flos Africanus minor multiplex The smaller double French Marigold 7 Flos Africanus minor multiplex alter Another sort of the leâ—â—er double French Marigold 8 Flos Africanus minor simplex The lesser single French Marigold The Vertues We know no vse they haue in Physicke but are cherished in Gardens for their beautifull flowers sake CHAP. LXIX Caryophyllus hortensis Carnations and Gilloflowers TO auoide confusion I must diuide Gilloflowers from Pinkes and intreate of them in seuerall Chapters Of those that are called Carnations or Gilloflowers as of the greater kinde in this Chapter and of Pinkes as well double as single in the next But the number of them is so great that to giue seuerall descriptions to them all were endlesse at the least needlesse I will therefore set downe onely the descriptions of three for vnto these three may be referred all the other sorts for their fashion and manner of growing and giue you the seuerall names as they are vsually called with vs of
or mixt coloured flowers being of a pale reddish colour flaked with white not alwaies downeright but often thwart the leaues some more or lesse then others the marking of them is much like vnto the Chrystall these also as well as others will be greater or smaller and of greater or lesse beauty then others Caryophyllus Silesiacus plumatus The Feathered Tawny is more rare to meete with then many of the other for most vsually it is a faire large flower and double equalling the Lumbard red in his perfection the colour hereof is vsually a scarlet little deeper or paler most curiously feathered and streamed with white through the whole leafe Caryophyllus Silesiacus punctatus The Speckled Tawny is of diuers sorts some bigger some 1 Heroina Radolphi florum Imperatoris Princessa dictus Master Tuggie his Princesse 2 Caryophyllus Oxoniensis The French or Oxford Carnation 3 Caryophyllus Westmonasteriâ—nsis The Gallant or Westminster Gilloflower 4 Caryophyllus Bristoliensis The Bristow 5 Caryophyllus Chrystallinus The Chrâ—stall or Chrystalline 6 Caryophyllus Sabaâ—diâ—â—â— striatâ—â— The stript Sauadgâ— 7 Caryophyllus Granatensis maximus The Granpere or greatest Granado 8 Caryophyllus paramanus The Dainty 9 Caryophyllus Silesâ—acus maximus 〈◊〉 Ioanâ—â—â— Iohn Witty his great tawny Gilloflower 10 Caryophyllus Silesiacus striatus The stript Tawny 11 Caryophyllus 〈◊〉 aemulus The marbled Tawny 12 Caryophyllus roseus rotundus magistri Tuggie Master Tuggie his Rose Gilloflower lesse some more and some lesse spotted then others Vsually it is a deepe scarlet speckled or spotted with white hauing also some stripes among the leaues Caryophyllus roseus rotundus Magistri Tuggie Master Tuggie his Rose Gilloflower is of the kindred of these Tawnies being raised from the seede of some of them and onely possessed by him that is the most industrious preseruer of all natures beauties being a different sort from all other in that it hath round leaues without any iagge at all on the edges of a fine stamell full colour without any spot or strake therin very like vnto a small Rose or rather much like vnto the red Rose Campion both for forme colour and roundnesse but larger for size The Place All these are nourished with vs in Gardens none of their naturall places being knowne except one before recited and the yellow which is Silesia many of them being hardly preserued and encreased The Time They flower not vntill the heate of the yeare which is in Iuly vnlesse it be an extraordinary occasion and continue flowring vntill the colds of the Autumne checke them or vntill they haue wholly out spent themselues and are vsually encreased by the slips The Names Most of our later Writers doe call them by one generall name Caryophyllus sativus and flos Caryophylleus adding thereunto maximus when wee meane Carnations and maior when we would expresse Gilloflowers which name is taken from Cloues in that the sent of the ordinary red Gilloflower especially doth resemble them Diuers other seuerall names haue beene formerly giuen them as Vetonica or Betonica altera or Vetonica altilis and coronaria Herba Tunica Viola Damascena Ocellus Damascenus and Barbaricus Of some Cantabrica Plinij Some thinke they were vnknowne to the Ancients and some would haue them to be Iphium of Theophrastus wherof he maketh mention in his sixth and seuenth Chapters of his sixth booke among Garland and Summer flowers others to be his Dios anthos or Ioâ—â—â— flos mentioned in the former and in other places We call them in English as I said before the greatest kindes Carnations and the others Gilloflowers quasi Iuly flowers as they are seuerally expressed The Vertues The red or Cloue Gilloflower is most vsed in Physicke in our Apothecaries shops none of the other being accepted of or vsed and yet I doubt not but all of them might serue and to good purpose although not to giue so gallant a tincture to a Syrupe as the ordinary red will doe and is accounted to be very Cordiall CHAP. LXX Caryophylli siluestres Pinkes THere remaine diuers sorts of wilde or small Gilloflowers which wee vsually call Pinkes to be entreated of some bearing single and some double flowers some smooth almost without any deepe dents on the edges and some iagged or as it were feathered Some growing vpright like vnto Gilloflowers others creeping 1 Caryophyllus siluestris simplex The vsuall single Pinke 2 Caryophyllus multiplex siluestris Double Pinkes 3 Cariophyllus siluestris plumamarius Feathered or iagged Pinkes 4 Caryophyllus Stellatus Starre Pinkes 5 Caryophyllus reâ—ens Matted Pinkes 6 Caryophyllus mediterraneus The great Thistle or Sea Gilloflower 7 Caryophyllus mâ—rinus The ordinary Thistle or Sea Cushion or spreading vnder the toppe or crust of the ground some of one colour some of another and many of diuers colours As I haue formerly done with the Gilloflowers so must I doe with these that are entertained in our Gardens onely giue you the descriptions of some three or foure of them according to their variety and the names of the rest with their distinctions 1. Caryophyllus minor siluestris multiplex simplex Double and single Pinkes The single and double Pinkes are for forme and manner of growing in all parts like vnto the Gilloflowers before described sauing onely that their leaues are smaller and shorter in some more or lesse then in others and so are the flowers also the single kindes consisting of fiue leaues vsually seldome six round pointed and a little snipt for the most part about the edges with some threads in the middle either crooked or straight the double kindes being lesser and lesse double then the Gilloflowers hauing their leaues a little snipt or endented about the edges and of diuers seuerall colours as shall hereafter be set downe and of as fragrant a sent especially some of them as they the rootes are long and spreading somewhat hard and wooddy 2. Caryophyllus plumarius Feathered or iagged Pinkes The iagged Pinkes haue such like stalkes and lâ—â—ues as the former haue but somewhat shorter and smaller or grasse-like and of a whitish or grayish greene colour likewise the flowers stand in the like manner at the toppes of the stalkes in long round slender greene huskes consisting of fiue leaues very much cut in on the edges and iagged almost like a feather of a light red or bright purple colour with two white threads standing in the middle crooked like a horne at the end and are of a very good sent Some of these haue not those two crooked threads or hornes in the middle but haue in their stead many small threads not crooked at all the seedes of them all are like vnto the seedes of Gilloflowers or the other Pinkes that is small blacke long and flat the rootes are small and wooddy likewise 3. Caryophyllus plumarius albus orbe rubro siue Stellatus Starre Pinkes Of this kinde there is another sort bearing flowers almost as deeply cut or iagged as the former of a faire white colour hauing a ring or circle of red about the bottome
double white Peony 5 Helleborus vernus atrorubente flore The early â—â—ite Ellebor with a darke red flower 6 Helleborus niger verus The Christmas flower 7 Calceolus Mariae Our Ladies Slipper downe the causes reasons and errours were to spend more time then I intend for this worke Wee call them in English Peonie and distinguish them according to their titles The Vertues The male Peony roote is farre aboue all the rest a most singular approued remedy for all Epilepticall diseases in English The falling sicknesse and more especially the greene roote then the dry if the disease be not too inueterate to be boyled and drunke as also to hang about the neckes of the younger sort that are troubled herewith as I haue found it sufficiently experimented on many by diuers The seede likewise is of especiall vse for women for the rising of the mother The seede of the female kinde as well as the rootes are most vsually sold and may in want of the other be and so are generally vsed CHAP. LXXXI Helleborus niger Beares foote THere are three sorts of blacke Hellebor or Beares foote one that is the true and right kinde whose flowers haue the most beautifull aspect and the time of his flowring most rare that is in the deepe of Winter about Christmas when no other can bee seene vpon the ground and two other that are wilde or bastard kindes brought into many Gardens for their Physicall properties but I will only ioyne one of them with the true kinde in this worke and leaue the other for another 1. Helleborus niger verus The true blacke Hellebor or Christmas flower The true blacke Hellebor or Beare foote as some would call it but that name doth more fitly agree with the other two bastard kindes hath many faire greene leaues rising from the roote each of them standing on a thicke round fleshly stiffe green stalke about an hand breadth high from the ground diuided into seuen eight or nine parts or leaues and each of them nicked or dented from the middle of the leafe to the pointward on both sides abiding all the Winter at which time the flowers rise vp on such short thicke stalkes as the leaues stand on euery one by it selfe without any leafe thereon for the most part or very seldome hauing one small short leafe not much vnder the flower and very little higher then the leaues themselues consisting of fiue broad white leaues like vnto a great white single Rose which sometimes change to be either lesse or more purple about the edges as the weather or time of continuance doth effect with many pale yellow thrummes in the middle standing about a greene head which after groweth to haue diuers cods set together pointed at the ends like hornes somewhat like the seede vessels of the Aconitum hyemale but greater thicker wherein is contained long round and blackish seede like the seede of the bastard kindes the rootes are a number of brownish strings running downe deepe into the ground and fastened to a thicke head of the bignesse of a finger at the toppe manie times and smaller still downewards 2. Helleboraster minor The lesser bastard blacke Hellebor or Beare foote The smaller Beare foote is in most things like vnto the former true blacke Hellebor for it beareth also many leaues vpon short stalkes diuided into many leaues also but each of them are long and narrow of a blacker greene colour snipt or dented on both edges which feele somewhat hard or sharpe like prickes and perish euery yeare but rise againe the next Spring the flowers hereof stand on higher stalkes with some leaues on them also although but very few and are of a pale greene colour like in forme vnto the flowers of the former but smaller hauing also many greenish yellow threads or thrums in the middle and such like heads or seede vessels and blackish seed the rootes are stringie and blackish like the former The Place The first groweth onely in the Gardens of those that are curious and delight in all sorts of beautifull flowers in our Countrey but wilde in many places of Germany Italy Greece c. The other groweth wilde in many places of England as well as the other greater sort which is not here described for besides diuers places within eight or ten miles from London I haue seen it in the Woods of Northamptonshire and in other places The Time The first of these plants doth flower in the end of December and beginning of Ianuary most vsually and the other a moneth or two after and sometime more The Names The first is called Helleborus or Elleborus niger verus and is the fame that both Theophrastus and Dioscorides haue written of and which was called Melampodion of Melampus the Goateheard that purged and cured the mad or melancholicke daughters of Praetus with the rootes thereof Dodonaeus calleth it Veratrum nigrum primum and the other secundum Wee call it in English The true blacke Hellebor or the Christmas flower because as I said it is most commonly in flower at or before Christmas The second is a bastard or wilde kinde thereof it so nearely resembleth the true and is called of most of the later Writers Pseudoelleborus niger minor or Helleboraster minor for a distinction betweene it and the greater which is not here described and is called in English The smaller or lesser Beare foote and most vsed in Physicke because it is more plentifull yet is more churlish and strong in operation then the true or former kinde The Vertues The rootes of both these kindes are safe medecines being rightly prepared to be vsed for all Melancholicke diseases whatsoeuer others may feare or write and may be without danger applied so as care and skill and not temerary rashnesse doe order and dispose of them The powder of the dryed leaues especially of the bastard kinde is a sure remedy to kill the wormes in children moderately taken CHAP. LXXXII Elleborus albus White Ellebor or Neesewort THere are two sorts of great white Ellebors or Neeseworts whereas there was but one kinde knowne to the Ancients the other being found out of later dayes And although neither of both these haue any beauty in their flowers yet because their leaues being faire and large haue a goodly prospect I haue inserted them in this place that this Garden should not be vnfurnished of them and you not vnacquainted with them 1. Elleborus albus vulgaris White Ellebor or Neesing roote The first great white Ellebor riseth at the first out of the ground with a whitish greene great round head which growing vp openeth it selfe into many goodly faire large greene leaues plaited or ribbed with eminent ribbes all along the leaues compassing one another at the bottome in the middle whereof riseth vp a stalke three foot high or better with diuers such like leaues thereon but smaller to the middle thereof from whence to the toppe it is diuided into many branches hauing many small yellowish
am enformed by a courteous Gentlewoman a great louer of these delights called Mistris Thomasin Tunstall who dwelleth at Bull-banke neare Hornby Castle in those parts and who hath often sent mee vp the rootes to London which haue borne faire flowers in my Garden The second groweth in many places of England and with the same Gentlewoman also before remembred who sent me one plant of this kinde with the other The last I haue not yet knowne to growe in England but no doubt many things doe lye hid and not obserued which in time may bee discouered if our Country Gentlemen and women and others in their seuerall places where they dwell would be more carefull and diligent and be aduertised either by themselues or by others capable and fit to be imployed as occasion and time might serue to finde out such plants as growe in any the circuits or limits of their habitations or in their trauels as their pleasures or affaires leade them And because ignorance is the chiefe cause of neglect of many rare things which happen to their view at sometimes which are not to be seene againe peraduenture or not in many yeares after I would heartily aduise all men of meanes to be stirred vp to bend their mindes and spend a little more time and trauell in these delights of herbes and flowers then they haue formerly done which are not onely harmlesse but pleasurable in their time and profitable in their vse And if any would be better enformed and certified of such things they know not I would be willing and ready to my best skill to aduertise them that shall send any thing vp to me where I dwell in London Thus farre I haue digressed from the matter in hand and yet not without some good vse I hope that others may make of it The Time The two first flower earlier then the last and both the first about one time that is in the end of Aprill or beginning of May. The last in the end of May or in Iune The Names The first is called Elleborine recentiorum maior and Calceolus Mariae Of some thought to be Cosmosandalos because it is Sandali forma In English we call it our Ladies Slipper after the Dutch name The other two lesser kinâ—â— haue their names in their titles I haue thought it fit to adde the title of small white Ellebors vnto these for the forme sake as is before said The Vertues There is no vse of these in Physicke in our dayes that I know CHAP. LXXXIIII Lilium Conuallium Lilly Conually THe remembrance of the Conuall Lilly spoken of in the precedent Chapter hath caused me to insert these plants among the rest although differing both in face and properties but lest it should lose all place let it keepe this It is of two sorts differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers the one being white and the other reddish as shall be shewed in their descriptions following 1. Lilium Conuallâ—um flore albo The white Lilly Conually The white Conuall or May Lilly hath three or foure leaues rising together from the roote one enclosed within another each whereof when it is open is long and broad of a grayish shining greene colour somewhat resembling the leaues of the former wilde Neesewort at the side whereof and sometime from the middle of them riseth vp a small short naked foote-stalke an hand breadth high or somewhat more bearing at the toppe one aboue another many small white flowers like little hollow bottles with open mouths nicked or cut into fiue or six notches turning all downewards one way or on one side of the stalke of a very strong sweete sent and comfortable for the memory and senses which turne into small red berries like vnto Asparagus wherein is contained hard white seede the rootes runne vnder ground creeping euery way consisting of many small white strings 2. Lilium Conuallium flore rubente May Lillies with red flowers This other May Lilly differeth neither in roote leafe nor forme of flower from that before but onely in the colour of the flower which is of a fine pale red colour being in my iudgement not altogether so sweet as the former The Place The first groweth aboundantly in many places of England The other is a stranger and groweth only in the Gardens of those that are curious louers of rarities The Time They both flower in May and the berries are ripe in August The Names The Latines haue no other name for this plant but Lilium Conuallium although some would haue it to be Lilium vernum of Theophrastus and others Oenanthe of the same Author Gesner thinketh it to be Callionymus Lonicerus to be Cacalia and Fuchsius to be Ephemerum non lethale but they are all for the most part mistaken We call it in English Lilly Conually May Lilly and of some Liriconfancie The Vertues The flowers of the white kinde are often vsed with those things that help to strengthen the memory and to procure ease to Apoplecticke persons Camerarius setteth downe the manner of making an oyle of the flowers hereof which he saith is very effectuall to ease the paines of the Goute and such like diseases to be vsed outwardly which is thus Hauing filled a glasse with the flowers and being well stopped set it for a moneths space in an Ants hill and after being drayned cleare set it by to vse CHAP. LXXXV Gentiana Gentian or Fell-wort THere are diuers sorts of Gentians or Fell-wortes some greater others lesser and some very small many of them haue very beautifull flowers but because some are very suddenly past before one would thinke they were blowne open and others will abide no culture and manuring I will onely set forth vnto you two of the greater sorts and three of the lesser kindes as fittest and more familiarly furnishing our gardens leauing the rest to their wilde habitations and to bee comprehended in a generall Worke. 1. Gentiana maior flore flauo The great Gentian The great Gentian riseth vp at the first with a long round and pointed head of leaues closing one another which after opening themselues lye vpon the ground and are faire long and broad somewhat plaited or ribbed like vnto the leaues of white Ellebor or Neeseworte but not so fairely or eminently plaited neyther so stiffe but rather resembling the leaues of a great Plantane from among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke three foote high or better full of ioynts hauing two such leaues but narrower and smaller at euery ioynt so compassing about the stalke at the lower end of them that they will almost hold water that falleth into them from the middle of the stalke to the toppe it is garnished with many coronets or rundles of flowers with two such greene leaues likewise at euery ioynt and wherein the flowers doe stand which are yellow layd open like starres and rising out of small greenish huskes with some threds in the middle of them but of no sent at all yet
preserued from time to time not without much paine and trouble 1. Myrtus latifolia The greater leafed Mirtle The broader leafed Mirtle riseth vp to the height of foure or fiue foote at the most with vs full of branches and leaues growing like a small bush the stemme and elder branches whereof are couered with a dark coloured bark but the young with a green and some with a red especially vpon the first shooting forth whereon are set many fresh greene leaues very sweet in smell and very pleasant to behold so neer resembling the leaues of the Pomegranate tree that groweth with vs that they soone deceiue many that are not expert therein being somewhat broade and long and pointed at the ends abiding alwaies green at the ioynts of the branches where the leaues stand come forth the flowers vpon small footestalkes euery one by it selfe consisting of fiue small white leaues with white threds in the middle smelling also very sweet after the flowers are past there doe arise in the hot Countries where they are naturall round blacke berries when they are ripe wherein are contained many hard white crooked seedes but neuer in this Countrey as I said before the roote disperseth it selfe into many branches with many fibres annexed thereto 2. Myrtus minor seu minore folio The smaller leafed Mirtle The smaller leafed Mirtle is a low shrub or bush like vnto the former but scarce rising so high with branches spreading about the stemme much thicker set with leaues then the former smaller also and pointed at the ends of a little deeper greene colour abiding greene also winter and summer and very sweete likewise the flowers are white like vnto the former and as sweete but shew not themselues so plentifull on the branches the fruit is blacke in his naturall places with seedes therein as the former 3. Myrtus minor rotundiore folio Boxe Mirtle Wee haue another sort of this small kinde of Mirtle so like vnto the former both for smalnesse deepe greene colour of the leaues and thicke growing of the branches that it will be thought of most without good heede and comparing the one with the other to be the very same with the former but if it bee well viewed it will shew by the roundnesse at the ends of the leaues very like vnto the small Boxe leaues to be another differing kinde although in nothing else Wee nourse them with great care for the beautifull aspect sweete sent and raritie as delights and ornaments for a garden of pleasure wherein nothing should be wanting that art care and cost might produce and preserue as also to set among other euer greene plants to sort with them The Place These and many other sorts of Mirtles grow in Spaine Portugall Italie and other hot Countries in great aboundance where they make their hedges of them wee as I said keepe them in this Countrey with very great care and diligence The Time The Mirtles doe flower very late with vs not vntill August at the soonest which is the cause of their not fructifying The Names They are called in Latine Myrtus and in English Mirtle tree without any other diuersitie of names for the generall title Yet the seuerall kindes haue had seuerall denominations in Plinies time and others as Romana Coningala Terentina Egyptia alba nigra c. which haue noted the differences euen then well obserued The Vertues The Mirtle is of an astringent qualitie and wholly vsed for such purposes CHAP. CXIIII Malus Punica siue Granata The Pomegranet tree THere are two kindes of Pomegranet trees The one tame or manured bearing fruit which is distinguished of some into two sorts of others into three that is into sower and sweet and into sower sweete The other wilde which beareth no fruite because it beareth double flowers like as the Cherry Apple and Peach tree with double blossomes before described and is also distinguished into two sorts the one bearing larger the other lesser flowers Of the manured kinde wee haue onely one sort so farre as we know for it neuer beareth ripe fruit in this our Countrey which for the beautifull aspect both of the greene verdure of the leaues and faire proportion and colour of the flowers as also for the raritie are noursed in some few of their gardens that delight in such rarities for in regard of the tendernesse there is neede of diligent care that is to plant it against a brick wall and defend it conueniently from the sharpenesse of our winters to giue his Master some pleasure in seeing it beare flowers And of the double kinde we haue as yet obtained but one sort although I shall giue you the knowledge and description of another 1. Malus Punica satina The tame Pomegranet tree This Pomegranet tree groweth not very high in his naturall places and with vs somtimes it shooteth forth from the roote many brownish twigges or branches or if it bee pruned from them and suffered to grow vp it riseth to bee seuen or eight foote high 1 Myrus latifoliâ— maier The bâ—oad leafed Myrtle 2 Myrtuâ— augustifolia minor The small leafed Myrtle 3 Myrtus buâ—ifoâ—ia minor The Boxe leafed Myrtle 4 Malus Granatus simplici flore The ordinary Pomegranet tree 5 Balanstium Romamum seu minus The lesser double flowred Pomegranet tree 6 Balaustium maius siue Cyprium The greater double flowred Pomegranet 7 Pseudocapsicum seu Amonium Plinij The Winter Cherry tree 8 Ficus Indica cum suo fractu The Indian Figgetree and his fruit spreading into many small and slender branches here and there set with thornes and with many very faire greene shining leaues like informe and bignesse vnto the leaues of the larger Myrtle before described euery one hauing a small reddish foote-stalke vpon these branches among the leaues come forth here and there long hard and hollow reddish cups diuided at the brimmes wherein doe stand large single flowers euery one consisting of one whole leafe smaller at the bottome then at the brimme like bels diuided as it were at the edges into fiue or six parts of an orient red or crimson colour in the hotter Countries but in this it is much more delayed and tendeth neare vnto a blush with diuers threads in the middle The fruit is great and round hauing as it were a crowne on the head of it with a thicke tough hard skinne or rinde of a brownish red colour on the outside and yellow within stuffed or packt full of small graines euery one encompast with a thin skin wherein is contained a cleare red iuyce or liquor either of a sweet as I said before or sower taste or betweene them both of a winie taste the roote disperseth it selfe very much vnderground 2. Balaustium maius siue Malus Punica siluestris maior The greater wilde or double blossomd Pomegranet tree The wilde Pomegranet is like vnto the tame in the number of purplish branches hauing thornes and shining faire greene leaues somewhat larger then the former from the
their flowers and fruit The Place This bush groweth as plentifully in the Woods of our owne Countrey as in any other beyond the Seas The Time It flowreth sometimes in Iune and in Iuly the fruit is ripe in August and a September The Names There is great controuersie among the moderne Writers concerning this plant some taking it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides other to be Phillyrea of Dioscorides which followeth next after Cyprus Plinie maketh mention of Cyprus in two places in the one he saith Cyprus hath the leafe of Ziziphus or the Iuiube tree in the other he saith that certain do affirme that the Cyprus of the East Country and the Ligustrum of Italy is one and the same plant whereby you may plainly see that our Priuet which is Ligustrum cannot be that Cyprus of Plinie with Iuiube leaues Besides both Dioscorides Plinie say that Cyprus is a tree but all know that Ligustrum Priuet is but an hedge bush Againe Dioscorides saith that the leaues of Cyprus giue a red colour but Priuet giueth none Bellonius and Prosper Alpinus haue both recorded that the true Cyprus of Dioscorides groweth plentifully in Egypt Syria and those Easterne Countries and noursed vp also in Constantinople and other parts of Greece being a merchandise of much worth in that they transport the leaues and young branches dryed which laid in water giue a yellow colour wherewith the Turkish women colour the nailes of their hands and some other parts of their bodies likewise delighting much therein and that it is not our Ligustrum or Priuet because Cyprus beareth round white seede like Coriander seede and the leaues abide greene alwaies vpon the tree which groweth if it bee not cut or pruined to the height of the Pomegranet tree I haue I confesse beyond the limits I set for this worke spoken concerning our Priuet because I haue had the seede of the true Cyprus of Dioscorides sent mee which was much differing from our Priuet and although it sprang vp yet would not abide any time whereas if it had beene our Priuet it would haue beene familiar enough to our Countrey The Vertues It is of small vse in physicke yet some doe vse the leaues in Lotions that serue to coole and dry fluxes or sores in diuers parts CHAP. CXXVI Saluia variegata Party coloured Sage And Maiorana versicolor siue aurea Yellow or golden Marierome VNto all these flowers of beauty and rarity I must adioyne two other plants whose beauty consisteth in their leaues and not in their flowers as also to separate them from the others of their tribe to place them here in one Chapter before the sweete herbes that shall follow as is fittest to furnish this our Garden of pleasure This kinde of Sage groweth with branches and leaues very like the ordinary Sage but somewhat smaller the chiefest difference consisteth in the colour of the leaues being diuersly marked and spotted with white and red among the greene for vpon one branch you shall haue the leaues seuerally marked one from another as the one halfe of the leafe white and the other halfe greene with red shadowed ouer them both or more white then greene with some red in it either parted or shadowed or dasht here and there or more greene then white and red therein eyther in the middle or end of the leafe or more or lesse parted or striped with white and red in the greene or else sometimes wholly greene the whole branch together as nature listeth to play with such varieties which manner of growing rising from one and the same plant because it is the more variable is the more delightfull and much respected There is another speckled Sage parted with white and greene but it is nothing of that beauty to this because this hath three colours euidently to bee discerned in euery leafe almost the red adding a superaboundant grace to the rest Maiorana aurea siue versicolor Yellow or golden Marierome This kinde of Marierome belongeth to that sort is called in Latine Maiorana latifolia which Lobel setteth forth for Hyssopus Graecorum genuina In English Winter Marierome or pot Marierome for it hath broader and greater leaues then the sweete Marierome and a different vmbell or tuft of flowers The difference of this from that set forth in the Kitchin Garden consisteth chiefly in the leaues which are in Summer wholly yellow in some or but a little greene or parted with yellow and greene more or lesse as nature listeth to play but in Winter they are of a darke or dead greene colour yet recouering it selfe againe the sent hereof is all one with the pot Marierome Wee haue another parted with white and greene much after the manner with the former The Place Time Names and Vertues of both these plants shall be declared where the others of their kindes are specified hereafter and in the Kitchen Garden for they differ not in properties CHAP. CXXVII Lauendula Lauender Spike AFter all these faire and sweete flowers before specified I must needes adde a few sweete herbes both to accomplish this Garden and to please your senses by placing them in your Nosegayes or else where as you list And although I bring them in the end or last place yet are they not of the least account 1. Lauendula maior Garden Lauender Our ordinary Garden Lauender riseth vp with a hard wooddy stemme aboue the ground parted into many small branches whereon are set whitish long and narrow leaues by couples one against another from among which riseth vp naked square stalkes with two leaues at a ioynt and at the toppe diuers small huskes standing round about them formed in long and round heads or spikes with purple gaping flowers springing out of each of them the roote is wooddy and spreadeth in the ground The whole plant is of a strong sweete sent but the heads of flowers much more and more piercing the senses which are much vsed to bee put among linnen and apparrell There is a kinde hereof that beareth white flowers and somewhat broader leaues Flore albo but it is very rare and seene but in few places with vs because it is more tender and will not so well endure our cold Winters 2. Lauendula minor sen Spica Small Lauender or Spike The Spike or small Lauender is very like vnto the former but groweth not so high neither is the head or spike so great and long but shorter and smaller and of a more purplish colour in the flower the leaues also are a little harder whiter and shorter then the former the sent also is somewhat sharper and stronger This is not so frequent as the first and is nourished but in some places that are warme and where they delight in rare herbes and plants The Place Lauender groweth in Spaine aboundantly in many places so wilde and little regarded that many haue gone and abiden there to distill the oyle thereof whereof great quantity now commeth
much vsed in winter as a sallet herbe with great delight but the curld Endiue is both farre the fairer and the tenderer for that purpose CHAP. XXIX Spinachia siue Olus Hispanicum Spinach SPinach or Spinage is of three sorts yet some doe reckon of foure accounting that herbe that beareth no seede to be a sort of it selfe when it is but an accident of nature as it falleth out in Hempe Mercury and diuers other herbes two that bear prickly seed the one much greater then the other the third that beareth a smooth seede which is more daintie and noursed vp but in few Gardens The common Spinach which is the lesser of the two prickly sorts hath long greene leaues broad at the stalke and rent or torne as it were into foure corners and sharpe pointed at the ends it quickly runneth vp to stalke if it be sowen in the Spring time but else if at the end of Summer it will abide all the winter green and then suddenly in the very beginning of the Spring runne vp to stalke bearing many leaues both below and at the toppe where there doth appeare many smal greenish flowers in clusters and after them prickly seede The other greater sort that hath prickly seede is in all things like the former but larger both in stalke leafe and seede The smooth Spinach hath broader and a little rounder pointed leaues then the first especially the lower leaues for those that grow vpwards vpon the stalke are more pointed and as it were three square of as darke a greene colour as the former at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes and branches stand clustering many small greenish flowers which turne into clusters of round whitish seede without any prickles at all vpon them the roote is long white and small like vnto the other with many fibres at it If it be often cut it will grow the thicker or else spindle vp very thinly and with but few leaues vpon the stalke The Vse of Spinage Spinage is an herbe fit for sallets and for diuers other purposes for the table only for it is not knowne to bee vsed Physically at all Many English that haue learned it of the Dutch people doe stew the herbe in a pot or pipkin without any other moisture then it owne and after the moisture is a little pressed from it they put butter and a little spice vnto it and make therewith a dish that many delight to eate of It is vsed likewise to be made into Tartes and many other varieties of dishes as Gentlewomen and their Cookes can better tell then my selfe vnto whom I leaue the further ordering of these herbes and all other fruits and rootes of this Garden For I intend only to giue you the knowledge of them with some briefe notes for their vse and no more 1 Malua crispa French Mallowes 2 Endiuia Endiue 3 Cichorium Succory 4 Spinachia Spinach 5 Lactuca crispa Curld Lettice 6 Lactuca parula An open Lettice 7 Lactuca capitata vulgaris Ordinary cabbage Lettice 8 Lactuca capitata Romana The great Romane cabbage Lettice 9 Lactuca agâ—â—ina Corne Sallet or Lambes Lettice CHAP. XXX Lactuca Lettice THere are so many sorts and so great diuersitie of Lettice that I doubt I shall scarce be beleeued of a great many For I doe in this Chapter reckon vp vnto you eleauen or twelue differing sorts some of little vse others of more being more common and vulgar and some that are of excellent vse and seruice which are more rare and require more knowledge and care for the ordering of them as also for their time of spending as some in the spring some in summer others in autumne and some being whited for the winter For all these sorts I shall not neede many descriptions but only shew you which doe cabbage and which are loose which of of them are great or small white greene or red and which of them beare white seeds and which of them blacke And lastly I haue thought good to adde another Sallet herbe which because it is called Lambes Lettice of many or Corne Sallet of others is put in only to fill vp a number in this Chapter and that I must speake of it and not that I thinke it to be any of the kindes of Lettice All sorts of Lettice after a while that they haue closed themselues if they bee of the Cabbage kindes or otherwise being loose and neuer closing send forth from among the middle of their leaues a round stalke in some greater in others lesser according to their kinde full of leaues like vnto the lower branching at the toppe into sundry parts whereon grow diuers small star-like flowers of a pale yellowish colour after which come seede eyther white or blackish as the plant yeeldeth whereat hangeth some small peece of a cottony doune wherewith the whole head is stored and is carried away with the winde if it be not gathered in time the roote is somewhat long and white with some fibres at it and perisheth quickely after the seede is ripe The Romane red Lettice is the best and greatest of all the rest For Iohn Tradescante that first as I thinke brought it into England and sowed it did write vnto mee that after one of them had been bound and whited when the refuse was cut away the rest weighed seuenteene ounces this hath blacke seede The white Romane Lettice is like vnto it hauing long leaues like a Teasell it is in goodnesse next vnto the red but must be whited that it may eate kindly the seede hereof is white The Virginia Lettice hath single and very broade reddish leaues and is not of any great regard and therefore is kept but of a few it beareth blacke seede The common Lumbard Lettice that is loose and another kinde thereof that doth somewhat cabbage haue both white seedes The Venice Lettice is an excellent Cabbage Lettice and is best to bee sowen after Midsummer for lateward Lettice they be sometimes as great as the crowne of a mans hatt the seede hereof is white and groweth to be of a meane height Our common Cabbage Lettice is well known and beareth blacke seede The curld Lettice which is open and differeth but little from Endiue beareth black seede Another sort of curld Lettice doth cabbage and is called Flanders Cropers or Cropers of Bruges this groweth lowest and hath the smallest head but very hard and round and white while it groweth the seed is blacke A kinde of Romane Lettice is of a darke green colour growing as low as the Venice Lettice and is an excellent kinde bearing blacke seede And lastly our winter Lettice is wonderfull hardy to endure our cold It is but single and must be sowen at Michaelmas but will be very good before any of the other good sorts sowen in the Spring will be ready to be vsed and beareth white seed To instruct a nouice for I teach not a Gardiner of knowledge how to gather his seede that it may be good is in this manner
good to prouoke vrine and to stirre vp bodily lust The seede bruised and mixed with a little vinegar and of the gall of an Oxe cleanseth the face of freckles spots and blew markes that come by beatings fals or otherwaies Matthiolus saith that the leaues boyled and giuen with some Sugar to little children cureth them of the cough The seede is held to be helpfull to spleneticke persons as also to kill the wormes of the belly CHAP. XXXV Sinapi sativum Garden Mustard THe Mustard that is most vsuall in this Country howsoeuer diuers doe for their priuate vses sowe it in their Gardens or Orchards in some conuenient corner yet the same is found wilde also abroad in many places It hath many rough long diuided leaues of an ouerworne greene colour the stalke is diuided at the toppe into diuers branches whereon growe diuers pale yellow flowers in a great length which turne into small long pods wherein is contained blackish seede inclining to rednesse of a fiery sharpe taste the roote is tough and white running deepe into the ground with many small fibres at it The Vse of Mustard The seede hereof grownd between two stones fitted for the purpose and called a Querne with some good vinegar added vnto it to make it liquid and running is that kinde of Mustard that is vsually made of all sorts to serue as sawce both for fish and flesh The same liquid Mustard is of good vse being fresh for Epilepticke persons to warme and quicken those dull spirits that are sopite and scarce appeare if it be applyed both inwardly and outwardly It is with good successe also giuen to those that haue short breathes and troubled with a cough in the lungs CHAP. XXXVI Asparagus Sperage or Asparagus ASparagus riseth vp at the first with diuers whitish greene scaly heads very brittle or easie to breake while they are young which afterwards rise vp into very long and slender greene stalkes of the bignesse of an ordinary riding wand at the bottome of most or bigger or lesser as the rootes are of growth on which are set diuers branches of greene leaues shorter and smaller then Fennell vp to the toppe at the ioynts whereof come forth small mossie yellowish flowers which turne into round berries greene at the first and of an excellent red colour when they are ripe shewing as if they were beades of Corrall wherein are contained exceeding hard and blacke seede the rootes are dispersed from a spongious head into many long thicke and round strings whereby it sucketh much nourishment out of the ground and encreaseth plentifully thereby We haue another kinde hereof that is of much greater account because the shootes are larger whiter and being dressed taste more sweete and pleasant without any other difference The Vse of Asparagus The first shootes or heads of Asparagus are a Sallet of as much esteeme with all sorts of persons as any other whatsoeuer being boyled tender and eaten with butter vinegar and pepper or oyle and vinegar or as euery ones manner doth please and are almost wholly spent for the pleasure of the pallate It is specially good to prouoke vrine and for those that are troubled with the stone or grauell in the reines or kidneyes because it doth a little open and cleanse those parts CHAP. XXXVII Brassica Cabbages and Coleworts THere is greater diuersity in the forme and colour of the leaues of this plant then there is in any other that I know groweth vpon the ground But this place requireth not the knowledge of all sorts which might be shewen many of them being of no vse with vs for the table but for delight to behold the wonderfull variety of the workes of God herein I will here therefore shew you onely those sorts that are ordinary in most Gardens and some that are rare receiued into some especiall Gardens And first of Cabbages and then of Coleworts Our ordinary Cabbage that closeth hard and round hath at the first great large thicke leaues of a grayish greene colour with thicke great ribbes and lye open most part of the Summer without closing but toward the end of Summer being growne to haue many leaues it then beginneth to growe close and round in the middle and as it closeth the leaues growe white inward yet there be some kindes that will neuer be so close as these but will remaine halfe open which wee doe not account to be so good as the other in the middle of this head the next yeare after the sowing in other Countries especially and sometimes in ours if the Winter be milde as may be seene in diuers Gardens but to preuent the danger of our Winter frosts our Gardiners now doe vse to take vp diuers Cabbages with their rootes and tying a cloth or some such thing about the rootes doe hang them vp in their houses where they may be defended from cold and then set them againe after the frosts are past and then there shooteth out a great thicke stalke diuided at the toppe into many branches bearing thereon diuers small flowers sometime white but most commonly yellow made of foure leaues which turne into long round and pointed pods containing therein small round seede like vnto Turnep seede the roote spreadeth not farre nor deepe and dyeth vsually in any great froste for a small frost maketh the Cabbage eate the tenderer The red Cabbage is like vnto the white last spoken of but differing in colour and greatnesse for it is seldome found so great as the white and the colour of the leaues is very variable as being in some stript with red in others more red or very deepe red or purple The sugar loafe Cabbage so called because it is smaller at the toppe then it is at the bottome and is of two sorts the one white the other greene The Sauoy Cabbadge one is of a deepe greene coloured leafe and curld when it is to be gathered the other is yellowish neyther of both these doe close so well as the first but yet are vsed of some and accounted good The Cole flower is a kinde of Coleworte whose leaues are large and like the Cabbage leaues but somewhat smaller and endented about the edges in the middle wherof sometimes in the beginning of Autumne and sometimes much sooner there appeareth a hard head of whitish yellow tufts of flowers closely thrust together but neuer open nor spreading much with vs which then is fittest to be vsed the green leaues being cut away close to the head this hath a much pleasanter taste then eyther the Coleworte or Cabbage of any kinde and is therefore of the more regard and respect at good mens tables The ordinary Coleworte is sufficiently knowne not to close or cabbage and giueth seede plentifully enough The other Colewortes that are noursed vp with those that delight in curiosities besides the aforesaid ordinary greene which is much vsed of Dutchmen and other strangers are these The Curld Coleworte eyther wholly of a greene colour or of diuers
hauing many weake and somewhat flexible branches leaning a little downwards or easily borne downe with the winde or other thing beset with many winged leaues of a darke grayish greene colour whereof diuers are smaller and some greater then others the flowers growe many together vpon a long stalke comming forth from betweene the leaues and the great stalkes euery one seuerally vpon a short foot-stalke somewhat like the flower of Tabacco for the forme being one whole leafe six cornered at the brimmes but somewhat larger and of a pale blewish purple colour or pale doue colour and in some almost white with some red threads in the middle standing about a thicke gold yellow pointell tipped with greene at the end after the flowers are past there come vp in their places small round fruit as bigge as a Damson or Bulleis greene at the first and somewhat whitish afterwards with many white seedes therein like vnto Nightshade the rootes are rounder and much smaller then the former and some much greater then others dispersed vnder ground by many small threads or strings from the rootes of the same light browne colour on the outside and white within as they and neare of the same taste but not altogether so pleasant 1 Carum Carawayes 2 Battatas Hisoanorum Spanish Potatoes 3 Papas seu Battatas Virginianorum Virginia Potatoes 4 Battatas de Canada Potatoes of Canada or Artichokes of Ierusalem The Vse of all these Potato's The Spanish Potato's are roasted vnder the embers and being pared or peeled and sliced are put into sacke with a little sugar or without and is delicate to be eaten They are vsed to be baked with Marrow Sugar Spice and other things in Pyes which are a daintie and costly dish for the table The Comfit-makers preserue them and candy them as diuers other things and so ordered is very delicate fit to accompany such other banquetting dishes The Virginia Potato's being dressed after all these waies before specified maketh almost as delicate meate as the former The Potato's of Canada are by reason of their great increasing growne to be so common here with vs at London that euen the most vulgar begin to despise them whereas when they were first receiued among vs they were dainties for a Queene Being put into seething water they are soone boyled tender which after they bee peeled sliced and stewed with butter and a little wine was a dish for a Queene beeing as pleasant as the bottome of an Artichoke but the too frequent vse especially being so plentifull and cheape hath rather bred a loathing then a liking of them CHAP. L. Cinara Artichokes THe fruits that grow vpon or neere the ground are next to be entreated of and first of Artichokes whereof there be diuers kindes some accounted tame and of the Garden others wilde and of late planted in Gardens Orchards or Fieldes of purpose to be meate for men 1 Cinarasatiua rubra The red Artichoke 2 Cinara satiua alba The whâ—te Artichoke 3 Cinara patala The French Artichoke 4 Ciâ—ara â—luestis The Thistle Artichoke 5 Carduus esculentas The Chardon The white Artichoke is in all things like the red but that the head is of a whitish ashe colour like the leaues whereas the former is reddish We haue also another whose head is greene and very sharpe vpwards and is common in many places Wee haue had also another kinde in former times that grew as high as any man and branched into diuers stalkes euery one bearing a head thereon almost as bigge as the first There is another kinde called the Muske Artichoke which groweth like the French kinde but is much better in spending although it haue a lesser bottome The French Artichoke hath a white head the scales whereof stand staring far asunder one from another at the ends which are sharpe this is well known by this qualitie that while it is hot after it is boyled it swelleth so strong that one would verily thinke it had bin boyled in stinking water which was brought ouer after a great froste that had well nigh consumed our best kindes and are now almost cleane cast out again none being willing to haue it take vp the roome of better There is a lowe kinde that groweth much about Paris which the French esteeme more then any other and is lower then the former French kinde the head whereof as well as the leaues is of a fresher greene colour almost yellowish Then there is the Thistle Artichoke which is almost a wilde kinde and groweth smaller with a more open and prickly head then any of the former And lastly the Chardon as they call it because it is almost of the forme and nature of a Thistle or wilde Artichoke This groweth high and full of sharpe prickles of a grayish colour Iohn Tradescante assured mee hee saw three acres of Land about Brussels planted with this kinde which the owner whited like Endiue and then sold them in the winter Wee cannot yet finde the true manner of dressing them that our Countrey may take delight therein All these kindes are encreased by slipping the young shootes from the root which being replanted in February March or Aprill haue the same yeare many times but the next at the most borne good heads Wee finde by dayly experience that our English red Artichoke is in our Countrey the most delicate meate of any of the other and therefore diuers thinking it to bee a seuerall kinde haue sent them into Italie France and the Lowe Countries where they haue not abode in their goodnesse aboue two yeare but that they haue degenerated so that it seemeth that our soyle and climate hath the preheminence to nourish vp this plant to his highest excellencie The Vse of Artichokes The manner of preparing them for the Table is well knowne to the youngest Housewife I thinke to bee boyled in faire water and a little salt vntill they bee tender and afterwardes a little vinegar and pepper put to the butter poured vpon them for the sawce and so are serued to the Table They vse likewise to take the boyled bottomes to make Pyes which is a delicate kinde of baked meate The Chardon is eaten rawe of diuers with vinegar and oyle pepper and salt all of them or some as euery one liketh for their delight CHAP. LI. Fabae Phaseoli Garden and French Beanes THe Garden Beane is of two colours red or blacke and white yet both rise from one the small or fielde Beanes I make no mention of in this place but the French or Kidney Beane is almost of infinite sorts and colours we doe not for all that intend to trouble you in this place with the knowledge or relation of any more then is fit for a Garden of that nature that I haue propounded it in the beginning Our ordinary Beanes seruing for foode for the poorer sort for the most part are planted as well in fieldes as in gardens because the quantity of them that are spent taketh vp many acres
nothing you must cast it away and cut another that may haue that eye abiding within the budde on the inside you may perceiue if that eye be wanting if you see an emptie hole in the place where the eye should be to fill it vp on the inside thereof thus hauing taken off your bud well and cleanly which is set forth vnto you at the figures 3 and 4. presently set it on the tree you would graft for your small bud can abide no delay lest by taking the ayre too long it become dry and nothing worth in this manner Cut the barke of your tree you would graft in a smooth place at what height you please first aboue or ouerthwart and then downe right in the middle thereof more then an inch long the figure whereof you shall haue at the figure 1. and then raise vp both sides of the barke first one and then another with the flat and thinne haft end of your knife a prettie way inwards for if the barke will not rise easily the stocke is not then fit to graft vpon put in your budde into the cleft with the point downewards holding the stalke of the leafe that is with the budde betweene your fingers of the one hand and opening the cleft with the flat end of your knife with the other hand that the head of your bud may be put close vnder the ouerthwart cut in the stocke or tree which must not be raised or stirred as the sides are the eye of the bud stand iust in the middle of the slit that is downeright and then closing the barke of the stocke or tree softly vnto the bud thus put in with your fingers let it be bound gently with a small long peece of baste or other such like soft thing first aboue the eye then compassing it belowe as close as you can but not too hard in any case vntil you haue bound it all ouer the slit you made especially the lower end lest any winde get in to dry and spoile it and hauing tyed both ends thereof fast leaue it so for a fornight or somewhat more in which space it will take and hold if it be well done which you shall perceiue if the bud abide green and turne not blacke when you haue vnloosed the tying for if it hold fast to the tree and be fresh and good tye it vp gently againe and so leaue it for a fortnight longer or a moneth if you will and then you may take away your binding cleane this budde will if no other mischance happen vnto it spring and shoote forth the next yeare and sometimes the same yeare but that is seldome and therefore in the beginning of the yeare cut off the head of the grafted tree about an handfull aboue the grafted place vntill the graft be growne strong and then cut it off close that the head may be couered with the graft and doe not suffer any buds to sprout besides the graft either aboue or belowe it If you graft diuers buds vpon one stocke which is the best way let that onely remaine and abide that shooteth best forth and rubbe off or take away the other the seuerall parts of this grafting I haue caused to be expressed for your further information 5. Grafting in the scutcheon is accounted another kinde of grafting and differeth verie little from grafting in the budde the difference chiefly consisteth in this that in stead of the downe right slit and that aboue ouerthwart they take away iust so much barke of the great tree as your bud is in bignesse which vsually is a little larger then the former and placing it therein they binde it as formerly is said some vse for this purpose a paire of compasses to giue the true measure both of bud and stocke this manner of grafting is most vsed vpon greater trees whose young branches are too high to graft vpon in the former maner and whose tops they cut off for the most part at the latter end of the next yeare after the bud is taken both these waies were inuented to saue the losse of trees which are more endangered by grafting in the stocke then any of these waies and besides by these waies you may graft at a farre grea height without losse CHAP. V. Of the manner of grafting and propagating all sorts of Roses HAuing now spoken of the grafting of trees let mee adioyne the properties of Roses which although they better fit a Garden then an Orchard yet I could not in a fitter place expresse them then here both for the name and affinity of grafting because I do not expresse it in the first part All sorts of Roses may be grafted although all sorts are not some seruing rather for stockes for others to be grafted on as easily as any other tree is only performed by inoculating in the same maner I haue set downe in the former Chapter of grafting trees in the bud for both stocke and budde must bee dealt with after the same fashion And although some haue boasted of grafting Roses by slicing or whipping as they call it or in the stocke after the first manner set downe in the former Chapter yet I thinke it rather a bragge not hauing seene or heard any true effect proceede from that relation The sweete Briar or Eglantine the white and the Damaske Roses are the chiefest stockes to graft vpon And if you graft lowe or neare the ground you may by laying downe that graft within the ground after it hath bin shot out well and of a years growth by pinning it fast downe with short stickes a thwart or acrosse cause that grafted branch by taking roote to become a naturall Rose such as the graft was which being separated and transplanted after it hath taken root wel will prosper as well as any naturall sucker And in this maner by laying downe branchese at length into the ground if they be full of spreading small branches you may increase all sorts of Roses quickly and plentifully for they will shoote forth rootes at the ioynt of euery branch But as for the manner of grafting white Roses or Damaske vpon Broome stalkes or Barbary bushes to cause them to bring forth double yellow Roses or vpon a Willowe to beare greene Roses they are all idle conceits as impossible to be effected as other things whereof I haue spoken in the ninth Chapter of my first part concerning a Garden of flowers vnto which I referre you to be satisfied with the reasons there alledged And it is the more needlesse because we haue a naturall double yellow Rose of it owne growing The sowing of the seedes of Roses which are sometimes found vpon most sorts of Roses although not euery yeare and in euerie place hath bin formerly much vsed but now the laying downe of the young shootes is a way for increase so much vsed being safe and verie speedie to take especially for those Roses that are not so apt to giue suckers that it
other trees be or else it is a great hazzard if they doe not perish and dye the cold and frosts in the winter being able to pierce them through if they should bee transplanted in winter before they haue taken roote You must obserue and take this therefore for a certaine rule that you alwaies remoue such trees or shrubbes as are euer greene in the spring of the yeare and at no time else if you will doe well that is from the end of March or beginning of Aprill vnto the middle or end of May especially your more dainty and tender plants shadowing them also for a while from the heate of the Sun and giuing them a little water vpon their planting or transplanting but such water as hath not presently been drawn from a Well or Pumpe for that will go neer to kill any plant but such water as hath stood in the open ayre for a day at the least if not two or three Yet for dwarfe Boxe I confesse it may endure one moneth to be earlier planted then the rest because it is both a more hardy and lowe plant and thereby not so much subiect to the extremitie of the colde but if you should plant it before winter the frosts would raise it out of the ground because it cannot so soone at that time of the yeare take roote and thereby put it in danger to be lost Moreouer all of them will not abide the extremitie of our winter frosts and therefore you must of necessity house some of them as the Rose Bay Mirtle and some others but the other sorts being set where they may bee somewhat defended from the cold windes frostes and snow in winter with some couering or shelter for the time will reasonably well endure and beare their fruit or the most of them If any be desirous to be furnished with store of these kinds of trees that will be noursed vp in our Country he may by sowing the seed of them in square or long woodden boxes or chests made for that purpose gaine plenty of them but hee must be carefull to couer them in winter with some straw or fearne or beane hame or such like thing layd vpon crosse sticks to beare it vp from the plants and after two or three yeares that they are growne somewhat great and strong they may bee transplanted into such places you meane they shall abide yet it is not amisse to defend them the first yeare after they are transplanted for their more securitie the seedes that are most vsually sowen with vs are the Cypresse tree the Pine tree the Baye the Pyracantha or prickly Corall tree and the Mirtle the Rose Bay I haue had also risen from the seede that was fresh and brought me from Spaine But as for Orenge trees because they are so hardly preserued in this our cold climate vnlesse it bee with some that doe bestow the housing of them besides a great deale more of care and respect vnto them from the bitternesse of our cold long winter weather although their kernels being put into the ground in the Spring or Summer and if care bee had of them and conuenient keeping will abide and by grafting the good fruite on the crab stocke they may bee in time nursed vp I doe not make any other especiall account of them nor giue you any further relation of their ordering Now for the ordering of these trees after they are eyther planted of young sets or transplanted from the seede it is thus First for Bay trees the most vsuall way is to let them grow vp high to bee trees and many plant them on the North or East side of their houses that they may not bee scorched with the Sunne but the bitter winters which we often haue doe pinch them shrewdly insomuch that it killeth euen well growne trees sometimes downe to the roote but some doe make a hedge of them being planted in order and keep them low by lopping of them continually which will make them bush and spread The Cypresse tree is neuer lopped but suffered to grow with all the branches from a foote aboue the ground if it may be straight vpright for that is his natiue grace and greatest beautie and therefore the more branches doe dye that they must bee cut away the more you deforme his propertie The Pine tree may be vsed in the same manner but yet it wil better endure to sustaine pruining then the Cypresse without any such deformitie The Laurocerasus or Cherry Bay may be diuersly formed that is it may be either made to grow into a tall tree by shredding still away the vnder branches or else by suffering all the branches to grow to be a low or hedge bush both by the suckers and by laying downe the lower branches into the earth you may soone haue much increase but this way will cause it to bee the longer before it beare anie fruit The Rose Baye will verie hardlie bee encreased either by suckers or by layers but must bee suffered to grow without lopping topping or cutting The Pyracantha or Prickly Corall tree may bee made to grow into a reasonable tall tree by shredding away the lower branches or it may be suffered to grow lowe into an hedge bush by suffering all the branches to grow continually you may also propagate it by the suckers or by laying downe the lower branches The Myrtle of all sorts abideth a low bush spreading his branches full of sweete leaues and flowers without anie great encrease of it selfe yet sometimes it giueth suckers or shootes from the rootes but for the more speedie propagating of them some doe put the cuttings of them into the earth and thereby increase them There are some other trees that are not of any great respect as the Yew tree and the Savine bush both which may be encreased by the cuttings and therefore I need not make any further relation or amplification of them and to say thus much of them all is I thinke sufficient for this Worke. CHAP. X. The ordering curing and propagating Vines of all sorts IN most places of this countrie there is small care or paines taken about the ordering of Vines it sufficeth for the most part with them that haue anie to make a frame for it to spread vpon aboue a mans height or to tacke it to a wall or window c. and so to let it hang downe with the branches and fruit vntill the weight thereof and the force of windes doe teare it downe oftentimes and spoile the grapes and this way doth somewhat resemble that course that the Vineyard keepers obserue in the hot countries of Syria Spaine and Italy and in the furthest parts of France as I hear likewise for in most of these hot countries they vse to plant an Oliue betweene two Vines and let them runne thereupon But manie of the other parts of France c. doe not suffer anie trees to growe among their Vines and therefore they plant them thicke and pruine
Pruneola plum is a small white plum of a fine tart taste it was wont to bee vsually brought ouer in small round boxes and sold most commonly at the Comfit-makers cut in twaine the stone cast away at a very deere rate the tree groweth and beareth well with vs. The Shepway Bulleis is of a darke blewish brown colour of a larger size then the ordinary and of a sharpe taste but not so good as the common The white and the blacke Bulleis are common in most Countries being small round plums lesser then Damsons sharper in taste and later ripe The Flushing Bulleis groweth with his fruite thicke clustring together like grapes The Winter Creke is the latest ripe plum of all sorts it groweth plentifully about Bishops Hatfield The white Peare plum early ripe is of a pale yellowish greene colour The late ripe white Peare plum is a greater and longer plum greenish white and is not ripe vntill it be neere the end of September both waterish plums The blacke Peare plum is like vnto the white Peare plumme but that the colour is blackish when it is ripe and is of a very good rellish more firme and drye then the other The red Peare plumme is of the same fashion and goodnesse but is the worst of the three The white Wheate plum is a waterish fulsome plum The red Wheate plum is like the other for taste The Bowle plum is flat and round yet flatter on the one side then on the other which caused the name and is a very good rellished blacke plum The Friars plumme is a very good plum well tasted and comming cleane from the stone being blacke when it is ripe and some whitish spots vpon it The Catalonia plum is a very good plum The don Alteza is also a very good plum The Muscadine plum some call the Queene mother plumme and some the Cherry plum is a faire red plum of a reasonable bignesse and ripe about Bartholmew tide 1 Prunum Imperiale The Imperiall Plum 2 Prunum Tureicum The Turkey Plum 3 Prunum pracox rubrum The red Primordian Plum 4 Prunum Mytellinum The Mussell Plum 5 Prunum Ambarinum The Amber Plum 6 Prunum Regineum The Queen mother Plum 7 Prunum viride The green Oysterly Plum 8 Prunum Arantiacum The Orenge Plum 9 Prunum Myristicum The Nutmeg Plum 10 Prunum Siliquosum The Pescod Plum 11 Prunum Gandanense The Ganat Plum 12 Prunum Dactylites The Date Plum 13 Prunum Pyrinum praecox The early Peare Plum The Cherry plum remembred before speaking of the Muscadine plum is a very good plum but small The Amber plum is a round plum as yellow on the outside almost as yellow waxe of a sowre vnpleasant taste that which I tasted but I thinke it was not the right for I haue seene and tasted another of the same bignesse of a paler colour farre better rellished and a firmer substance comming cleane from the stone like an Apricocke The Apricocke plum is a good plum when it is in its perfection but that is seldome for it doth most vsually cracke thereby diminishing much of its goodnesse and besides yeeldeth gumme at the crackes The Eason plum is a little red plum but very good in taste The Violet plum is a small and long blackish blew plum ripe about Bartholomew tide a very good dry eating fruit The Grape plum is the Flushing Bulleis before remembred The Dennie plum is called also the Cheston or the Friars plum before remembred The Damaske Violet plum or Queen mother plum spoken of before The blacke Damascene plum is a very good dry plum and of a darkeblew colour when it is ripe The white Damson is nothing so well rellished as the other The great Damson or Damaske plum is greater then the ordinary Damson and sweeter in taste The blew Damson well knowne a good fruit The Coferers plum is flat like vnto a Peare plum it is early ripe and blacke of a very good rellish The Margate plum the worst of an hundred The green Oysterly plum is a reasonable great plum of a whitish green colour when it is ripe of a moist and sweete taste reasonable good The red Mirobalane plum groweth to be a great tree quickly spreading very thicke and farre very like the blacke Thorne or Sloe bush the fruit is red earlier ripe and of a better taste then the white The white Mirobalane plum is in most things like the former red but the fruit is of a whitish yellow colour and very pleasant especially if it be not ouer ripe both these had need to be plashed against a wall or else they will hardly beare ripe fruit The Oliue plum is very like a greene Oliue both for colour and bignesse and groweth lowe on a small bushing tree and ripeneth late but is the best of all the sorts of greene plums The white diapred plum of Malta scarce knowne to any in our Land but Iohn Tradescante is a very good plum and striped all ouer like diaper and thereby so called The blacke diapred plum is like the Damascene plum being blacke with spots as small as pins points vpon it of a very good rellish The Peake plum is a long whitish plum and very good The Pishamin or Virginia plum is called a plum but vtterly differeth from all sorts of plums the description whereof may truely enforme you as it is set downe in the tenth Chapter going before whereunto I referre you The Vse of Plums The great Damaske or Damson Plummes are dryed in France in great quantities and brought ouer vnto vs in Hogs-heads and other great vessels and are those Prunes that are vsually sold at the Grocers vnder the name of Damaske Prunes the blacke Bulleis also are those being dryed in the same manner that they call French Prunes and by their tartnesse are thought to binde as the other being sweet to loosen the body The Bruneola Plumme by reason of his pleasant tartnesse is much accounted of and being dryed the stones taken from them are brought ouer to vs in small boxes and sold deere at the Comfitmakers where they very often accompany all other sorts of banquetting stuffes Some of these Plums because of their firmnesse are vndoubtedly more wholsome then others that are sweete and waterish and causelesse offence in their stomackes that eate them and therefore are preserued with Sugar to be kept all the yeare None of them all is vsed in medicines so much as the great Damson or Damaske Prune although all of them for the most part doe coole lenifie and draw forth choller and thereby are fitted to be vsed of such as haue chollericke Agues CHAP. XIIII Mala Armeniaca siue Praecocia Apricockes THe Apricocke as I said is without question a kinde of Plumme rather then a Peach both the flower being white and the stone of the fruit smooth also like a Plumme and yet because of the excellencie of the fruit and the difference therein from all other Plummes I haue thought it meete to entreate thereof by it selfe and
Philarchus found that the smell of Quinces tooke away the strength of a certaine poison called Phariacum And the Spaniards haue also found that the strength of the iuyce of white Ellebor which the Hunters vse as a poyson to dippe their arrow heads in that they shoote at wilde beasts to kill them is quite taken away if it stand within the compasse of the smell of Quinces And also that Grapes being hung vp to bee kept and spent in Winter doe quickly rot with the smell of a Quince CHAP. XXI Pyra Peares THe variety of peares is as much or more then of apples and I thinke it is as hard in this as before in apples for any to be so exquisite as that hee could number vp all the sorts that are to be had for wee haue in our country so manie as I shall giue you the names of by and by and are hitherto come to our knowledge but I verily beleeue that there be many both in our country and in others that we haue not yet knowne or heard of for euery yeare almost wee attaine to the knowledge of some we knew not of before Take therefore according to the manner before held the description of one with the seuerall names of the rest vntill a more exact discourse be had of them euery one apart The Peare tree groweth more slowly but higher and more vpright then the apple tree and not lesse in the bulke of the body his branches spread not so farre or wide but growe vprighter and closer the leaues are somewhat broader and rounder greene aboue and whiter vnderneath then those of the apple tree the flowers are whiter and greater the fruit is longer then round for the most part smaller at the stalke and greater at the head of so many differing formes colours and tastes that hardly can one distinguish rightly between them the times also being as variable in the gathering and spending of them as in apples the roote groweth deeper then the apple tree and therefore abideth longer and giueth a faster closer smoother gentle wood easie to be wrought vpon The kindes of Peares The Summer bon Chretien is somewhat a long peare with a greene and yellow russetish coate and will haue sometimes red sides it is ripe at Michaelmas some vse to dry them as they doe Prunes and keepe them all the yeare after I haue not seene or heard any more Summer kindes hereof then this one and needeth no wall to nourse it as the other 1 Malus Cotouoâ— The Quince tree 2 Cydonium Luâ—itanicum The Portingall Quince 3 Pyrus The Peare tree 4 Pyrum Pompeianum siue Cucumeâ—inum hyemale The Winter Bon Chretien 5 Pyrum pictum vel striatum The painted or striped Peare of â—erusalem 6 Pyrum Palatinalâ— The Burgomot Peare 7 Pyrum Cucumerinum siue Pompeianum aestivum The Summer Bon Chretien 8 Pyrum Volemam The best Warden 9 Pyrum Librale The ocuaâ— Peare 10 Pyrum Windsorianum The Windsor Peare 11 Pyrum Cucumerinum The Gratiosa Peare 12 Pyrum Caryophyllatum The Gilloflower Peare The Winter bon Chretien is of many sorts some greater others lesser and all good but the greatest and best is that kinde that groweth at Syon All the kinds of this Winter fruit must be planted against a wall or else they will both seldome beare and bring fewer also to ripenesse comparable to the wall fruit the kindes also are according to their lasting for some will endure good much longer then others The Summer Bergomot is an excellent well rellished peare flattish short not long like others of a meane bignesse and of a darke yellowish greene colour on the outside The Winter Bergomot is of two or three sorts being all of them small fruit somewhat greener on the outside then the Summer kindes all of them very delicate and good in their due time for some will not be fit to bee eaten when others are will-nigh spent euery of them outlasting another by a moneth or more The Diego peare is but a small peare but an excellent well rellished fruit tasting as if Maske had been put among it many of them growe together as it were in clusters The Duetete or double headed peare so called of the forme is a very good peare not very great of a russettish browne colour on the outside The Primating peare is a good moist peare and early ripe The Geneting peare is a very good early ripe peare The greene Chesill is a delicate mellow peare euen melting as it were in the mouth of the eater although greenish on the outside The Catherine peare is knowne to all I thinke to be a yellow red sided peare of a full waterish sweete taste and ripe with the foremost The King Catherine is greater then the other and of the same goodnesse or rather better The Russet Catherine is a very good middle sized peare The Windsor peare is an excellent good peare well knowne to most persons and of a reasonable greatnesse it will beare fruit some times twice in a yeare and as it is said three times in some places The Norwich peare is of two sorts Summer and Winter both of them good fruit each in their season The Worster peare is blackish a farre better peare to bake when as it will be like a Warden and as good then to eate rawe yet so it is not to be misliked The Muske peare is like vnto a Catherine peare for bignesse colour and forme but farre more excellent in taste as the very name importeth The Rosewater peare is a goodly faire peare and of a delicate taste The Sugar peare is an early peare very sweete but waterish The Summer Popperin both of them are very good firme dry peares somewhat spotted and brownish on the outside The Winter Popperin both of them are very good firme dry peares somewhat spotted and brownish on the outside The greene Popperin is a winter fruit of equall goodnesse with the former The Soueraingne peare that which I haue seene and tasted and so termed vnto me was a small brownish yellow peare but of a most dainty taste but some doe take a kind of Bon Chretien called the Elizabeth peare to be the Soueraigne peare how truely let others iudge The Kings peare is a very good and well tasted peare The peare Royall is a great peare and of a good rellish The Warwicke peare is a reasonable faire and good peare The Greenfield peare is a very good peare of a middle size The Lewes peare is a brownish greene peare ripe about the end of September a reasonable well rellished fruit and very moist The Bishop peare is a middle sized peare of a reasonable good taste not very waterish but this property is oftentimes seene in it that before the fruit is gathered but more vsually those that fall of themselues and the rest within a while after they are gathered it will be rotten at the core when there wil not be a spot or blemish to be seene on the outside or