into cornered heads his root is small and threddy ‡ The figure of this plant is not well exprest for it should haue had the leaues made narrower and ioynts exprest in them like as you may see in the Gramen junceum syluaticum which is the ninth in the sixteenth chapter for that and this are so like that I know no other difference betweene them but that this hath leaues longer and narrower than that and the heads smaller and whiter There is a reasonable good figure of this in the Historia Lugd. p. 1001. vnder the name of Arundo minima ‡ 2 Spiked Water-grasse hath long narrow 〈◊〉 the stalke is small single and naked without leaues or blades bearing alongst the same toward the top an eare or spike made of certaine small buttons resembling the buttonie floures of Sea Worme-wood His root is thick tough full of fibres or threds ¶ The Place and Time They differ not from the former kindes of Grasses in place and time and their names are manifest ¶ The Nature and Vertues Their nature and vertues are referred vnto Dogs Grasse whereof we will speake hereafter CHAP. 11. Of Flote-Grasse 1 Gramen fluviatile Flote-grasse 2 Gramen fluviatile spicatum Spiked Flote-grasse ¶ The Description †1 FLote-grasse hath a long and round root somewhat thicke like vnto Dogs-grasse set on euen ioynts with small strings or threds from the which rise vp long and crooked stalkes crossing winding and folding one within another with many flaggie leaues which horses eate greedily of At the top of these stalks and somewhat lower there come forth very many little eares of a whitish colour composed of two ranks of little chaffie seeds set alternately each of these small eares being almost an inch in length 2 Spike Flote-Grasse or spiked Flote-grasse beareth at the top of each slender creeping stalke one spiked eare and no more and the other many which maketh a difference betwixt them otherwise they are one like the other His root is compact tufted and made of many thrummie threds ¶ The Place The first of these growes euery where in waters The second is harder to be found ¶ The Names The first is called Gramen fluviatile and also Gramen aquis innatans in English Flote-grasse Tragus calls it Gramen Anatum Ducks-grasse The second is called Gramen 〈◊〉 spicatum and fluviatile album by Tabernamontanus Likewise in English it is called Flote-grasse and Floter-grasse because they swimme and flote in the water CHAP. 12. Of Kneed-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 KNeed-grasse hath straight and vpright strawie stalkes with ioynts like to the straw of corne and beareth small grassie leaues or blades spiked at the top like vnto Pannick with a rough eare of a darke 〈◊〉 colour His roots are hairy and threddy and the ioynts of the straw are very large and conspicuous 1 Gramen geniculatum Kneed-grasse 2 Gramen geniculatum aquaticum Water Kneed-grasse 2 Water Kneed-grasse hath many long and slender stemmes ioynted with many knobby and gouty knees like vnto Reed set with broad flaggy leaues somewhat sharpe pointed bearing at the top a tuft or pannicle diuided into sundry small branches of a duskish colour His root is threddie like the other ¶ The Place Time and Names These Grasses do grow in fertile moist medowes not differing in time from others And they are called Geniculata because they haue large ioynts like as it were knees We haue nothing deliuered vs of their nature and properties CHAP. 13. Of Bearded Panicke Grasse 1 Gramen Paniceum Bearded Panick Grasse ¶ The Description 1 BEarded Panicke grasse hath broad and large leaues like barly somwhat hoarie or os an oner-worne russet colour The stalkes haue two or three ioynts at the most and many 〈◊〉 on the top without order vpon some stalkes more 〈◊〉 on others fewer much like vnto the eare of wilde Panicke but that this hath many 〈◊〉 or awnes which the other wants 2 Small Pannicke Grasse as Lobelius writeth in roots leaues ioynts and stalkes is like the former sauing that the eare is much lesse consisting of fewer rowes of seed contained in small chaffie blackish huskes This as the former hath many eares vpon one stalke ‡ 3 This small Pannicke Grasse from a threddy root sendeth forth many little stalkes whereof some are one handfull other-some little more than an inch high and each of these stalkes on the top sustaines one single eare in shape 〈◊〉 like vnto the eare of wilde Pannicke but about halfe the length The stalkes of this are commonly crooked and set with grassie leaues like to the rest of this kinde The figure hereof wàs vnfitly placed by our Author in the sixteenth place in the eighth chapter vnder the title of Gramen 〈◊〉 spicatum 2 Gramen paniceum parvum Small Panicke Grasse ¶ The Place and Time The first of these two doth grow neere vnto mud walls or such like places not manured yet fertile or fruitfull The second groweth in shallow waterie plashes of pastures and at the same time with others ‡ I haue not as yet obserued any of these three growing wilde ‡ †3 Gramen Pannici effigie spica simplici Single eared Pannicke Grasse ¶ The Names and Vertues They are called Panicke Grasses because they are like the Italian corne called Panicke Their nature and vertues are not knowne CHAP. 14. Of Hedge-hog Grasse 1 Gramen palustre 〈◊〉 Hedge-hog Grasse 2 Gramen exile Hirsutum Hairy-grasse ‡ 3 Gramen Capitulis globosis Round headed Siluer-grasse ¶ The Description 1 HEdge-hog Grasse hath long stiffe flaggy leaues with diuers stalkes proceeding from a thicke spreading root and at the top of euery stalke growe certaine round and pricking knobs fashioned like an hedge-hog 2 The second is rough and hairie his roots do spred and creep vnder the mud and myre as Cyperus doth and at the top of the stalkes are certaine round soft heads their colour being browne intermixed with yellow so that they looke prettily when as they are in their prime ‡ 3 This Grasse whose figure was formerly in the first place in this Chapter hath a small and fibrous root from which rise leaues like those of Wheat but with some long white hairs vpon them like those of the last described at the tops of the stalks which are some foot or better high there grow two or three round heads consisting of 〈◊〉 and white downie threds These heads are said to shine in the night and therefore they in Italy call it according to Caesalpinus 〈◊〉 quia noctu lucet 4 To this I may adde another growing also in Italy and first described by Fabius Columna It hath small creeping ioynted roots out of which come small fibres and leaues little and very narrow at the first but those that are vpon the stalkes are as long againe incompassing the stalks as in Wheat Dogs-grasse and the like These leaues are 〈◊〉 all along and a little forked at the end the straw or stalke is very slender at
the top whereof growes a sharpe prickly round head much after the manner of the last described each of the seed-vessels whereof this head consists ends in a prickly stalke hauing fiue or seuen points whereof the vppermost that is in the middle is the longest The seed that is contained in these prickly vessels is little and transparent like in colour to that of Cow-wheat The floures as in others of this kinde hang trembling vpon yellowish small threds ‡ ¶ The Place and Time 1 2 They grow in watery medows and fields as you may see in Saint Georges fields and such like places 3 4 Both these grow in diuers mountainous places of Italy the later whereof floures in May. ¶ The Names The first is called Hedge-hog Grasse and in Latine Gramen Echinatum by reason of those prickles which are like vnto a hedge-hog The second hairy Grasse is called Gramen exile hirsutum Cyperoides because it is small and little and rough or hairy like a Goat and Cyperoides because his roots do spring and creepe like the Cyperus ‡ 3 This by Anguillara is thought to be Combretum of Pliny it is Gram. lucidum of 〈◊〉 and Gramen hirsutum capitulo globoso of Bauhine Pin. pag. 7. 4 Fabius Columna calls this Gramen montanum Echinatum tribuloides capitatum and Bauhine nameth it Gramen spica subrotunda echinata Wee may call it in English Round headed Caltrope Grasse ¶ The Vertues 3 The heade of this which I haue thought good to call Siluer-grasse is very good to be applied to greene wounds and effectuall to stay bleeding Caesalp ‡ CHAP. 15. Of Hairy Wood 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description 1 HAiry Wood-grasse hath broad rough leaues somewhat like the precedent but much longer and they proceed from a threddy root which is very thicke and ful of strings as the common Grasse with small stalkes rising vp from the same roots but the top of these stalkes is diuided into a number of little branches and on the end of euery one of them standeth a little floure or huske like the top of Allium Vrsinum or common Ramsons wherein the seed is contained when the floure is fallen 2 Cyperus Wood-grasse hath many sheary grassie leaues proceeding from a root made of many hairy strings or threds among which there riseth vp sundry straight and vpright stalkes on whose tops are certaine scaly and chaffie huskes or rather spikie blackish eares not much vnlike the catkins or tags which grow on Nut-trees or Aller trees 1 Gramen hirsutum nemorosum Hairy Wood-grasse 2 Gramen Cyperinum nemorosum Cyperus Wood-grasse ¶ The Place Time and Names These two grow in woods or shadowie places and may in English be called Wood-grasses Their time is common with the rest ¶ Their Nature and Vertues There is nothing to be said of their nature and vertues being as vnknowne as most of the former CHAP. 16. Of Sea Spike-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 SEa Spike-grasse hath many small hollow round leaues about six inches long rising from a bushy threddy white fibrous root which are very soft and smooth in handling Among these leaues there doe spring vp many small rushy stalkes alongst which are at the first diuers small flouring round buttons the sides whereof falling away the middle part growes into a longish seed-vessell standing vpright 1 Gramen marinum spicatum Sea Spike-grasse 2 Gramen spicatum alterum Saltmarsh Spike grasse 2 Salt-marsh Spike-grasse hath a woody tough thicke root with some small hairy threds fastned thereunto out of which arise long and thicke leaues very like those of that Sea-grasse we vulgarly call Thrift And amongst these leaues grow vp slender naked rushy stalkes which haue on one side small knobs or buttons of a greenish colour hanging on them 3 The third hath many rushy leaues tough and hard of a browne colour well resembling Rushes his root is compact of many small tough and long strings His stalke is bare and naked of leaues vnto the top on which it hath many small pretty chaffie buttons or heads 4 The fourth is like the third sauing that it is larger the stalke also is thicker and taller than that of the former bearing at the top such huskes as are in Rushes 5 Great Cypresse Grasse hath diuers long three-square stalkes proceeding from a root compact of many long and tough strings or threds The leaues are long and broad like vnto the sedge called Carex The spike or eare of it is like the head of Plantaine and very prickly and commonly of a yellowish greene colour 6 Small Cypresse Grasse is like vnto the other in root and leaues sauing that it is smaller His stalke is smooth and plaine bearing at the top certaine tufts or pannicles like to the last described in roughnesse and colour 3 Gramen junceum marinum Sea Rush-grasse 4 Gramen junceum maritimum Marish Rush-grasse 5 Gramen palustris Cyperoides Great Cypresse Grasse 6 Gramen Cyperoides parvum Small Cypresse Grasse 7 Gramen aquaticum Cyperoides vulgatius Water Cypresse Grasse 8 Gramen Cyperoides spicatum Spike Cypresse Grasse 9 Gramen 〈◊〉 syluaticum Wood Rushy-grasse 7 The first of these two kindes hath many crooked and crambling roots of awoody substance very like vnto the right Cyperus differing from it onely in smell because the right Cyperus roots haue a fragrant smell and these none at all His leaues are long and broad rough sharp or cutting at the edges like sedge His stalke is long big and three square like to Cyperus and on his top a chaffie vmbel or tuft like vnto the true Cyperus ‡ 8 The second kinde hath many broad leaues like vnto those of Gillouers but of a fresher greene amongst the which riseth vp a short stalke some handful or two high bearing at the top three or foure short eares of a reddish murrey colour and these eares grow commonly together at the top of the stalk and not one vnder another There is also another lesser sort hereof with leaues and roots like the former but the stalke is commonly shorter and it hath but one single eare at the top thereof You haue the figures of both these exprest in the same table or piece This kinde of Grasse is the Gramen spicatum 〈◊〉 Vetonicae of Lobel ‡ 9 This hath long tough and hairy strings growing deepe in the earth like a turfe which make the root from which rise many crooked tough and rushy stalks hauing toward the top scaly and chaffie knobs or buttons ‡ This growes some halfe yard high with round brownish heads and the leaues are ioynted as you see them expressed in the figure we here giue you ‡ ¶ The Place Time Names Nature and Vertues All the Grasses which we haue described in this chapter doe grow in marish and watery places neere to the sea or other fenny grounds or by muddy and myrie ditches at the same time that the others do grow and flourish Their names are easily gathered of the places they
Description 1 STitchwort or as Ruellius termeth it Holosteum is of two kindes and hath round tender stalkes full of joints leaning toward the ground at euery ioynt grow two leaues one against another The flowers be white consisting of many small leaues set in the manner of a starre The roots are small jointed and threddy The seed is contained in small heads somewhat long and sharpe at the vpper end and when it is ripe it is very small and browne 2 The second is like the former in shape of leaues and flowers which are set in forme of a starre but the leaues are orderly placed and in good proportion by couples two together being of a whitish colour When the flowers be vaded then follow the seeds which are inclosed in bullets like the seed of flax but not so round The chiues or threds in the middle of the floure are sometimes of a reddish or of a blackish colour ‡ There are more differences of this plant or rather varieties as differing little but in the largenesse of the leaues floures or stalkes ‡ ¶ The place They grow in the borders of fields vpon banke sides and hedges almost euery where ¶ The time They flourish all the Sommer especially in May and Iune Gramen Leucanthemum Stitchwort ¶ The Names Some as Ruellius for one haue thought this to be the plant which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tota ossea in English All-Bones whereof I see no reason except it be by the figure Antonomia as when we say in English He is an honest man our meaning is that he is a knaue for this is a tender herbe hauing no such bony substance ‡ Dodonaeus questions whether this plant be not Crataeogonon and he calls it Gramen Leucanthemum or White-floured Grasse The qualitie here noted with B. is by Dioscorides giuen to Crataeogonon but it is with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Some say or report so much which phrase of speech hee often vseth when as he writes faculties by heare-say and doubts himselfe of the truth of them ‡ ¶ The nature The seed of Stitchwort as Galen writeth is sharpe and biting to him that 〈◊〉 it and to him that vseth it very like to Mill. ¶ The vertues They are wont to drinke it in Wine with the pwoder of Acornes against the paine in the side stitches and such like Diuers report saith Dioscorides That the Seed of Stitchwort being drunke causeth a woman to bring forth a man childe if after the 〈◊〉 of her Sicknesse before she conceiue she do drinke it fasting thrice in a day halfe a dram at a time in three 〈◊〉 of water many dayes together CHAP. 39. Of Spiderwort ¶ The Description 1 THe obscure description which Dioscorides and Pliny haue set downe for Phalangium hath bred much contention among late Writers This plant Phalangium hath leaues much like Couch Grasse but they are somewhat thicker and fatter and of a more whitish greene colour The stalkes grow to the height of a cubit The top of the stalke is beset with small branches garnished with many little white flowers compact of six little leaues The threds or thrums in the middle are whitish mixed with a faire yellow which being fallen there follow blacke seeds inclosed in small round knobs which be three cornered The roots are many tough and white of colour 2 The second is like the first but that his stalke is not branched as the first and floureth a moneth before the other 3 The third kinde of Spiderwort which Carolus Clusius nameth Asphodelus minor hath a root of many threddy strings from the which immediately rise vp grassie leaues narrow and sharpe pointed among the which come forth diuers naked strait stalkes diuided towards the top into sundry branches garnished on euery side with faire starre-like flowers of colour white with a purple veine diuiding each leafe in the middest they haue also certaine chiues or threds in them The seed followeth inclosed in three square heads like vnto the kindes of Asphodils ‡ 4 This Spiderwort hath a root consisting of many thicke long and white fibers not much vnlike the precedent out of which it sends forth some fiue or six greene and firme leaues somewhat hollowed in the middle and mutually inuoluing each other at the root amongst these there riseth vp a round greene stalke bearing at the top thereof some nine or ten floures more or lesse these consist of six leaues apiece of colour white the three innermost leaues are the broader and more curled and the three outmost are tipt with greene at the tops The whole floure much resembles a white Lilly but much smaller Three square heads containing a dusky and vnequall seed follow after the floure 1 Phalangium Ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort †3 Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort ‡ 4 Phalangium Antiquorum The true Spiderwort of the Ancients ‡ 5 Phalangium Virginianum Tradescanti Tradescants Virginian Spider-wort 5 This plant in my iudgement cannot be sitlier ranked with any than these last described therefore I haue here giuen him the fifth place as the last commer This plant hath many creeping stringy roots which here and there put vp greene leaues in shape resembling those of the last described amongst these there riseth vp a pretty stiffe stalke jointed and hauing at each joint one leafe incompassing the stalke and out of whose bosome oft times little branches arise now the stalke at the top vsually diuides it selfe into two leaues much after the manner of Cyperus between which there come forth many floures consisting of three pretty large leaues a piece of colour deepe blew with reddish chiues tipt with yellow standing in their middle These fading as vsually they doe the same day they shew themselues there succeed little heads couered with the three little leaues that sustained the floure In these heads there is contained a long blackish seed ¶ The place 1. 2. 3. These grow only in gardens with vs and that very rarely 4 This growes naturally in some places of Sauoy 5 This Virginian is in many of our English gardens as with M. Parkinson M. Tradescant and others ¶ The time 1. 4. 5. These floure in Iune the second about the beginning of May and the third about August ¶ The Names The first is called Phalangium ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort Cordus calls it Liliago 3 This Clusius calls Asphodelus minor Lobell Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort 4 This is thought to be the Phalangium of the Ancients and that of Matthiolus it is Phalangium Allobrogicum of Clusius Sauoy Spiderwort 5 This by M. Parkinson who first hath in writing giuen the figure and description thereof is aptly termed Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Soone-fading Spiderwort of Virginia or Tradescants Spiderwort for that M. Iohn Tradescant first procured it from Virginia Bauhine hath described it at the end of his Pinax and very vnfitly termed it
oyle and therefore men are compelled to make a compound drinke of Barley which they call Zythum Dioscorides nameth one kinde of Barley drinke Zythum another Curmi Simeon Zethi a later Grecian calleth this kind of drinke by an Arabicke name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English we call it Beere and Ale which is made of Barley Malt. ¶ The temperature Barley as Galen writeth in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is not of the same temperature that Wheat is for Wheat doth manifestly heate but contrariwise what medicine or bread soeuer is made of Barley is found to haue a certaine force to coole and drye in the first degree according to Galen in his booke of the faculties of Simples It hath also a little abstersiue or cleansing qualitie and doth dry somewhat more than Beane meale ¶ The vertues Barley saith Dioscorides doth cleanse prouoke vrine breedeth windinesse and is an enemie to the stomacke Barley meale boyled in an honied water with figges taketh away inflammations with Pitch Rosin and Pigeons dung it softneth and ripeneth hard swellings With Melilot and Poppy seeds it taketh away the paine in the sides it is a remedy against windinesse in the guts being applied with Lineseed Foenugreeke and Rue with tarre wax oyle and the vrine of a yong boy it doth digest soften and ripe hard swellings in the throat called the Kings Euill Boyled with wine myrtles the barke of the pomegranate wilde peares and the leaues of brambles it stoppeth the laske Further it serueth for Ptisana Polenta Maza Malt 〈◊〉 and Beere The making whereof if any be desirous to learne let them reade Lobelius Aduersaria in the chapter of Barley But I thinke our London Beere-Brewers would scorne to learne to make beere of either French or Dutch much lesse of me that can say nothing therein of mine owne experience more than by the Writings of others But I may deliuer vnto you a Confection made thereof as Columella did concerning sweet wine sodden to the halfe which is this Boyle strong 〈◊〉 till it come to the thickenesse of hony or the forme of an vnguent or salue which applied to the paines of the sinewes and joints as hauing the propertie to abate aches and paines may for want of better remedies be vsed for old and new sores if it be made after this manner Take strong ale two pound one Oxe gall and boyle them to one pound with a soft fire continually stirring it adding thereto of Vineger one pound of Olibanum one ounce floures of Camomil and melilot of each i. Rue in fine pouder s. a little hony and a small quantitie of the pouder of Comin seed boyle them all together to the forme of an vnguent and so apply it There be sundry sorts of Confections made of Barley as Polenta Ptisana made of water and husked or hulled barley and such like Polenta is the meate made of parched Barley which the Grecians doe properly call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maza is made of parched Barley tempered with water after Hippocrates and Xenophon Cyrus hauing called his souldiers together exhorteth them to drinke water wherein parched Barley hath beene steeped calling it by the same name Maza Hesychius doth interpret 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be Barley meale mixed with water and oyle Barley meale boyled in water with garden Nightshade the leaues of garden Poppie the pouder of Foenugreeke and Lineseed and a little Hogs grease is good against all hot and burning swellings and preuaileth against the Dropsie being applied vpon the belly CHAP. 51. Of Naked Barley Hordeumnudum Naked Barley ¶ The Description HOrdeum nudum is called Zeopyrum and Tritico-Speltum because it is like to Zea otherwise called Spelta and is like to that which is called French Barley whereof is made that noble drinke for sicke Folkes called Ptisama The plant is altogether like vnto Spelt sauing that the eares are rounder the eiles or beards rougher and longer and the seed or graine naked without huskes like to wheat the which in it's yellowish colour it somewhat resembles ¶ The place ‡ It is sowne in sundry places of Germany for the same vses as Barley is ¶ The Names It is called Hordeum Nudum for that the Corne is without huske and resembleth Barley In Greeke it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it participateth in similitude and nature with Zea that is Spelt and Puros that is wheat ‡ ¶ The vertues This Barley boyled in water cooleth vnnaturall and hot burning choler In vehement feuers you may adde thereto the seeds of white Poppie and Lettuse not onely to coole but also to prouoke sleepe Against the shortnesse of the breath and paines of the brest may be added to all the foresaid figs raisins of the Sunne liquorice and Annise seed Being boyled in the Whay of Milke with the leaues of Sorrell Marigolds and Scabious it quencheth thirst and cooleth the heate of the inflamed Liuer being drunke first in the morning and last to bedward Hordeum Spurium Wall Barley CHAP. 52. Of Wall Barley ¶ The Description THis kinde of wilde Barley called of the Latines Hordeum Spurium is called of Pliny Holcus in English Wall Barley Way Barley or after old English Writers Way Bennet It groweth vpon mud walls and stony places by the wayes sides very well resembling Selfe-sowed Barley yet the blades are rather like grasse than Barley ‡ This groweth some foot and better in height with grassie leaues the eare is very like that of Rie and the corne both in colour and shape absolutely resembles it so that it cannot be fitlier named than by calling it wilde Rie or Rie grasse ‡ ¶ The vertues This Bastard wilde Barley stamped and applied vnto places wanting haire doth cause it to grow and come forth whereupon in old time it was called 〈◊〉 CHAP. 53. Of Saint Peters Corne. 1 Brizamonococcos S. Peters Corne. 2 Festuca Italica Hauer Grasse ¶ The Description †1 BRiza is a Corne whose leaues stalkes and eares are lesse than Spelt the eare resembles our ordinary Barley the corne growing in two rowes with awnes at the top and huskes vpon it not easily to be gotten off In colour it much resembles barley yet Tragus saith it is of a blackish red colour 2 This Aegilops in leaues and stalkes resembles wheat or barley and it growes some two handfuls high hauing a little eare or two at the top of the stalke wherein are inclosed two or three seeds a little smaller than Barley hauing each of them his awne at his end These seeds are wrapped in a crested filme or skinne out of which the awnes put themselues forth 〈◊〉 saith That he by his owne triall hath found this to be true That as Lolium which is our common Darnel is certainly knowne to be a seed degenerate from wheat being found for the most part among wheat or where wheat hath been so is Festuca a seed or grain degenerating from barley and is found among Barley or
Barley but lesse and shorter The stalke is likewise soft and hairy whereupon doth grow a small spike or eare soft and very downy bristled with very small haires in shape like vnto a Fox-taile whereof it tooke his name which dieth at the approch of Winter and recouereth it selfe the next yeare by falling of his seed ‡ There is one or two varieties of this Plant in the largenesse and smalnesse of the eare 2 Besides these forementioned strangers there is also another which growes naturally in many watry Salt places of this kingdome as in Kent by Dartford in Essex c. The stalkes of this plant are grassy and some two foot high with leaues like Wheat or Dogs Grasse The eare is very large being commonly foure or fiue inches long downy soft like silke and of a brownish colour ‡ ¶ The place 1 This kinde of Fox-taile Grasse groweth in England onely in gardens ¶ The time 1 This springeth vp in May of the seed that was scattered the yere before and beareth his taile with his seed in Iune 2 This beares his head in Iuly ¶ The Names 1 There hath not beene more said of the antient or later writers as touching the name than is set downe by which they called it in Greeke Alopecuros that is in Latine Cauda vulpis in English Fox-taile 2 This by Lobell is called Alopecuros alter a maxima Anglica paludosa that is The large English Marsh Fox-taile ¶ The temperature and vertues I finde not any thing extant worthy the memorie either of his nature or vertues CHAP. 66. Of Jobs Teares Lachrimae Iob. Iobs Teares ¶ The Description IObs Teares hath many knotty stalks proceeding from a tuft of threddy roots two foot high set with great broad leaues like vnto those of reed amongst which leaues come forth many small branches like straw of corne on the end whereof doth grow a gray shining seed or graine 〈◊〉 to breake and like in shape to the seeds of Gromell but greater and of the same colour whereof I hold it a kinde euery of which grains are bored through the middest like a bead and out of the hole commeth a small idle or barren chaffie eare like vnto that of Darnell ¶ The place It is brought from Italy and the countries adjoyning into these countries where it doth grow very well but seldome commeth to ripenesse yet my selfe had ripe seed thereof in my garden the Sommer being very hot ¶ The time It is sowen early in the Spring or else the winter will ouertake it before it come to ripenesse ¶ The Names Diuers haue thought it to be Lithospermi 〈◊〉 or a kinde of Gromell which the seed doth very notably resemble and doth not much differ from Dioscorides his Gromell Some thinke it Plinies Lithospermum and therefore it may verie aptly be called in Latine Arundo Lithospermos that is in English Gromell reed as Gesner saith It is generally called Lachrima 〈◊〉 and Lachrima Iobi of some it is called Diospiros in English it is called Iobs Teares or Iobs Drops for that euery graine resembleth the drop or teare that falleth from the eye ¶ The Nature and vertues There is no mention made of this herbe for the vse of physicke onely in France and those places where it is plentifully growing they do make beads bracelets and chaines thereof as we do with pomander and such like CHAP. 67. Of Buck-wheat 〈◊〉 Buckwheat or Bucke ¶ The Description BVck-wheat may very well be placed among the kinds of graine or corne for that oftentimes in time of necessitie bread is made thereof mixed among other graine It hath round fat stalkes somewhat crested smooth and reddish which is diuided in many armes or branches whereupon do grow smooth and soft leaues in shape like those of Iuie or one of the Bindeweeds not much vnlike Basil whereof Tabernamontanus called it Ocymum Cereale The floures be small white and clustred together in one or moe tufts or vmbels slightly dasht ouer here there with a flourish of light Carnation colour The seeds are of a darke blackish colour triangle or three square like the seed of blacke Binde-weed The root is small and threddy ¶ The place It prospereth very wel in any ground be it neuer so dry or barren where it is commonly sowen to serue as it were in stead of a dunging It quickly commeth vp and is very soone ripe it is verie common in and about the Namptwich in Cheshire where they sow it as well for food for their cattell pullen and such like as to the vse aforesaid It groweth likewise in Lancashire and in some parts of our South country about London in Middlesex as also in Kent and Essex ¶ The time This base kinde of graine is sowen in Aprill and the beginning of May and is ripe in the beginning of August ¶ The Names Buck-wheat is called of the high Almaines 〈◊〉 of the base Almaines 〈◊〉 that is to say Hirci triticum or Goats wheat of some Fagi triticum Beech Wheat In Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus and by late Writers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Fago triticum taken from the fashion of the seed or fruit of the Beech tree It is called also Fegopyrum and Tragopyron In English French wheat Bullimong and Buck-wheat In French Dragee aux 〈◊〉 ¶ The temper Buck-wheat nourisheth lesse than Wheat 〈◊〉 Barley or Otes yet more than either Mill or Panicke ¶ The vertues Bread made of the meale of Buck-wheat is of easie digestion and speedily passeth through the belly but yeeldeth little nourishment CHAP. 68. Of Cow Wheat 1 Melampyrum album White Cow-wheat ‡ 2 Melampyrum purpureum Purple Cow-wheat ‡ 3 Melampyrum caeruleum Blew Cow-wheat ‡ 4 Melampyrum luteum Yellow Cow-wheat ¶ The Description 1 MElampyrum growes vpright with a straight stalke hauing other small stalkes comming from the same of a foot long The leaues are long and narrow and of a darke colour On the top of the branches grow bushy or spikie eares full of floures and small leaues mixed together and much iagged the whole eare resembling a Foxe-taile This eare beginneth to floure below and so vpward by little and little vnto the top the small leaues before the opening of the floures and likewise the buds of the floures are white of colour Then come vp broad husks wherein are enclosed two seeds somewhat like wheat but smaller and browner The root is of a woody substance ‡ 2 3 These two are like the former in stalkes and leaues but different in the colour of their floures the which in the one are purple and in the other blew Clusius calls these as also the Crataeogonon treated of in the next Chapter by the names of Parietariae sylvestres ‡ 4 Of this kinde there is another called Melampyrum luteum which groweth neere vnto the ground with leaues not much vnlike Harts horne among which riseth vp a small straw with an eare at the top like Alopecuros the
grow starre-like yellow floures otherwise like the white Asphodill 3 Asphodelus 〈◊〉 rubente Red Asphodill 4 Asphodelus 〈◊〉 Yellow Asphodill ‡ 5 Asphodelus minimus Dwarfe Asphodil ‡ 5 Besides these there is an Asphodill which Clusius for the smalnesse calls Asphodelus minimus The roots thereof are knotty and tuberous resembling those of the formerly described but lesse from these arise fiue or sixe very narrow and long leaues in the middest of which growes vp a stalk of the height of a foot round and without branches bearing at the top thereof a spoke of floures consisting of six white leaues a piece each of which hath a streake running alongst it both on the inside and outside like as the first described It floures in the beginning of Iuly when as the rest are past their floures It loseth the leaues in Winter and gets new ones againe in the beginning of Aprill ‡ ¶ The time and place They floure in May and Iune beginning below and so flouring vpward and they grow naturally in France Italy Spaine and most of them in our London Gardens ¶ The Names Asphodill is called in Latine Asphodelus Albucum 〈◊〉 and Hastula Regia in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Asphodill not Daffodil for Daffodill is Narcissus another plant differing from Asphodill Pliny writeth That the stalke with the floures is called Anthericos and the root that is to say the bulbs Asphodelus Of this Asphodill 〈◊〉 maketh mention in his Works where he saith 〈◊〉 fooles know not how much good there is in the Mallow and in the Asphodill because the roots of Asphodill are good to be eaten Yet Galen doth not beleeue that he meant of this Asphodill but of that bulbed one whereof we will make mention hereafter And he himselfe testifieth that the bulbes thereof are not to be 〈◊〉 without very long seething and therefore it is not like that Hesiod hath commended any such 〈◊〉 he seemeth to vnderstand by the Mallow and the Asphodil such kinde of food as is easily prepared and soone made ready ¶ The nature These kindes of Asphodils be hot and dry almost in the third degree ¶ The vertues After the opinion of Dioscorides and 〈◊〉 the roots of Asphodill eaten prouoke vrine and the termes effectually especially being stamped and strained with wine and drunke One dram thereof taken in wine in manner before rehearsed helpeth the paine in the sides ruptures convulsions and the old cough The roots boiled in dregs of wine cure foule eating vlcers all inflammations of the dugges or 〈◊〉 and easeth the felon being put thereto as a pultesse The iuyce of the root boyled in old sweet Wine together with a little myrrh and saffron maketh an excellent Collyrie profitable for the eyes Galen saith the roots burnt to ashes and mixed with the grease of a ducke helpeth the Alopecia and bringeth haire againe that was fallen by that disease The weight of a dram thereof taken with wine helpeth the drawing together of sinews cramps and burstings The like quantitie taken in broth prouoketh vomit and helpeth those that are bitten with any venomous beasts The iuyce of the root cleanseth and taketh away the white morphew if the face be annointed therewith but first the place must be chafed and wel rubbed with a course linnen cloath CHAP. 71. Of the Kings Speare 1 Asphodelus luteus minor The Kings Speare 2 Asphodelus Lancastriae 〈◊〉 Asphodil ‡ 3 Asphodelus Lancastriae verus The true Lancashire Asphodil ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of the Kings Speare are long narrow and chamfered or furrowed of 〈◊〉 blewish greene colour The stalk is round of a cubit high The floures which grow 〈◊〉 from the middle to the top are very many in shape like to the floures of the other which being past 〈◊〉 come in place thereof little round heads or seed-vessels wherein the seed is contained The roots in like manner are very many long and slender smaller than those of the other yellow sort Vpon the sides whereof grow forth certaine strings by which the plant it selfe is easily encreased and multiplied 2 There is found in these dayes a certaine waterie or marish Asphodill like vnto this last described in stalke and floures without any difference at all It bringeth forth leaues of a beautifull greene somwhat chamfered like to those of the Floure de-luce or corne-flag but narrower not full a span long The stalke is strait a foot high whereupon grow the floures consisting of sixe small leaues in the middle whereof come sorth small yellow chiues or threds The seed is very small contained in long sharpe pointed cods The root is long ioynted and creepeth as grasse doth with many small strings ‡ 3 Besides the last described which our Author I feare mistaking termed Asphodelus Lancastriae there is another water Asphodill which growes in many rotten moorish grounds in this kingdome and in Lancashire is vsed by women to die their haire of a yellowish colour and therefore by them it is termed Maiden-haire if we may beleeue Lobell This plant hath leaues of some two inches and an halfe or three inches long being somewhat broad at the bottome and so sharper towards their ends The stalke seldome attaines to the height of a foot and it is smooth without any leaues thereon the top thereof is adorned with pretty yellow star-like floures wherto succeed longish little cods vsually three yet sometimes foure or fiue square and in these there is contained a small red seed The root consists onely of a few small strings ‡ ¶ The place 1 The small yellow Asphodill groweth not of it selfe wilde in these parts notwithstanding we haue great plenty thereof in our London gardens 2 The Lancashire Asphodill groweth in moist and marish places neere vnto the Towne of Lancaster in the moorish grounds there as also neere vnto Maudsley and Martom two Villages not farre from thence where it was found by a Worshipfull and learned Gentleman a diligent searcher of simples and feruent louer of plants M. Thomas Hesket who brought the plants thereof vnto me for the encrease of my garden I receiued some plants thereof likewise from Master Thomas Edwards Apothecarie in Excester learned and skilfull in his profession as also in the knowledge of plants He found this Asphodill at the foot of a hill in the West part of England called 〈◊〉 hill neere vnto a village of the same name ‡ This Asphodill figured and described out of Dodonaeus and called Asphodelus Lancastriae by our Author growes in an heath some two miles from Bruges in Flanders and diuers other places of the Low-countries but whether it grow in Lancashire or no I can say nothing of certaintie but I am certaine that which I haue described in the third place growes in many places of the West of England and this yeare 1632 my kinde friend M. George Bowles sent mee some plants thereof which I keepe yet growing Lobell also affirmes this to be the Lancashire
downe with the winde 1 Chondrilla coerulea Blew Gum Succorie 2 Chondrilla coerulea latifolia Robinus Gum Succory 2 Gum Succorie with broad leaues which I haue named Robinus Gum Succorie for that he was the first that made any mention of a second kind which he sent me as a great dainty as indeed I confesse it in roots is like the former the leaues be greater not vnlike to those of Endiue but cut more deeply euen to the middle rib the stalkes grow to the height of two foot the floures likewise are of an azure colour but sprinckled ouer as it were with siluer sand which addeth vnto the floure great grace and beauty 3 Yellow gum Succorie hath long leaues like in forme and diuision of the cut leaues to those of wild Succorie but lesser couered all ouer with a hoarie down The stalke is two foot high white and downie also diuided into sundry branches whereupon doe grow torne floures like those of Succorie but in colour yellow which are turned into downe that is caried away with the winde The root is long and of a meane thicknesse from which as from all the rest of the plant doth issue forth a milky iuyce which being dried is of a yellowish red sharp or biting the tongue There is found vpon the branches hereof a gum as Dioscorides saith which is vsed at this day in physicke in the Isle Lemnos as Bellonius witnesseth 4 Spanish Gum Succorie hath many leaues spred vpon the ground in shape like those of Groundsell but much more diuided and not so thicke nor fat amongst which rise vp branched stalkes set with leaues like those of Stoebe salamanticaminor or Siluer-weed where of this is a kinde The floures grow at the top of an ouerworne purple colour which seldome shew themselues abroad blowne ‡ The seed is like that of Carthamus in shape but blacke and shining ‡ 3 Chondrilla lutea Yellow Gum Succorie 4 Chondrilla Hispanica Spanish Gum Succorie 5 Rushy Gum Succorie hath a tough and hard root with a few short threds fastned thereto from the which rise vp a few iagged leaues like those of Succorie but much more diuided The stalke groweth vp to the height of two foot tough and limmer like vnto rushes whereon are set many narrow leaues The floures be yellow single and small which being faded doe fly away with the winde the whole plant hauing milky iuyce like vnto the other of his kinde ‡ There is another sort of this plant to be found in some places of this kingdome and it is mentioned by Bauhinus vnder the name of Chondrilla viscosa humilis †6 Sea Gum Succorie hath many knobby or tuberous roots full of iuyce of a whitish purple colour with long strings fastned to them from which immediately rise vp a few small thinne leaues fashioned like those of Succory narrower below and somewhat larger towards their ends among which spring vp small tender stalkes naked smooth hollow round of some foot high or thereabout each of these stalkes haue one floure in shape like that of the Dandelion but lesser The whole plant is whitish or hoary as are many of the sea plants †7 Swines Succorie hath white small and tender roots from the which rise many indented leaues like those of Dandelion but much lesse spred or laid flat vpon the ground from the midst whereof rise vp small soft and tender stalkes bearing at the top double yellow floures like those of Dandelion or Pisse-abed but smaller the seed with the downy tuft flieth away with the wind 8 The male Swines Succorie hath a long and slender root with some few threds or strings fastned thereto from which spring vp small tender leaues about the bignesse of those of Dasies spred vpon the ground cut or snipt about the edges confusedly of an ouerworne colour full of a milky iuyce among which rise vp diuers small tender naked stalkes bearing at the top of euery stalke one floure and no more of a faint yellow colour and something double which being ripe 5 Chondrilla 〈◊〉 Rushy Gum Succorie 6 Chondrilla marina Lobelij Sea Gum Succorie 7 〈◊〉 Porcellia Swines Succorie 8 Hyoseris mascula Male Swines Succorie ‡ 9 Cichorium verracarium Wart-Succorie ‡ 9 I thinke it expedient in this place to deliuer vnto you the historie of the Cichorium 〈◊〉 or Zacintha of 〈◊〉 of which our Author maketh mention in his Names and Vertues although he neither gaue figure nor the least description thereof This Wart-Succory for so I will call it hath leaues almost like Endiue greene with pretty deepe gashes on their sides the stalkes are much crested and at the top diuided into many branches betweene which and at their sides grow many short stalkes with yellow floures like those of Succorie but that these turne not into Downe but into cornered and hard heads most commonly diuided into eight cels or parts wherein the seed is contained ‡ ¶ The Place †These plants are found only in gardens in this country the seuenth eighth excepted which 〈◊〉 may be sound to grow in vntilled places vpon ditches bankes and the borders of fields or the like ¶ The Time They do floure from May to the end of August ¶ The Names Gum Succorie hath beene called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Dioscorides and Pliny call it Cichorion and 〈◊〉 by reason of some likenesse they haue with Succorie especially the two first which haue blew floures as those of the Succories Lobelius maketh Cicherea verrucaria to be Zacintha of 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ Names in particular ‡ 1 This is called Chondrilla coerulea Belgarum of Lobel Apate of Daleschampius 2 Condrilla 2. of Matthiolus Chondrilla 〈◊〉 coerulea of Tabernamontanus 3 Chondrilla prior Discoridis of 〈◊〉 and Lobel 4 Chondrilla rara purpurea c. of Lobel Chondrilla Hispanica Narbonensis of Tabern Seneciocarduus Apulus of 〈◊〉 5 Chondrilla prima Dioscoridis of Columna and Bauhinus Viminea viscosa of Lobel and Clusius 6 Chondrilla altera Dioscoridis of Columna some thinke it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus Lobell calls it Chondrilla pusilla marina lutea bullosa 7 Hypochaeris porcellia of Tabernamontanus 8 Hieracium minimum 9. of Clusius Hyoseris latifolia of 〈◊〉 The two last should haue bin put among the Hieracia 9 Cichorium verrucarium and Zacinthus of Matthiolus and Clusius ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues These kinds of gum Succoric are like in temperature to the common Succory but drier The root and leaues tempered with hony and made into Trochiskes or little flat cakes with niter or salt-peter added to them cleanse away the morphew sun-burnings and all spots of the face The gum which is gathered from the branches whereof it tooke his name layeth downe the stairing haires of the eye-browes and such like places and in some places it is vsed for Mastick as Bellonius obserues The gum poudered with myrrh and put into a linnen cloath and a
pessarie made thereof like a finger and put vp bringeth downe the termes in yong Wenches and such like The seedes of Zazintha beate to powder and giuen in the decreasing of the Moone to the quantitie of a spoonefull taketh away warts and such like excrescence in what part of the body soeuer they be the which medicine a certaine 〈◊〉 of Padua did much vse whereby he gained great sums of mony as reporteth that ancient Physition Ioachimus Camerarius of Noremberg a famous citie in Germanie And Matthiolus affirmes that he hath knowne some helped of warts by once eating the leaues hereof in a Sallade CHAP. 32. Of Dandelion ¶ The Description 1 THe herbe which is commonly called Dandelion doth send forth from the root long leaues deepely cut and gashed in the edges like those of wilde Succorie but smoother vpon euery stalke standeth a floure greater than that of Succorie but double and thicke set together of colour yellow and sweet in smell which is turned into a round downie blowball that is carried away with the winde The root is long slender and full of milkie juice when any part of it is broken as is the Endiue or Succorie but bitterer in taste than Succorie ‡ There are diuers varieties of this plant consisting in the largenesse smallnesse deepenesse or shallownesse of the diuisions of the leafe as also in the smoothnesse and roughnesse thereof ‡ 1 Dens 〈◊〉 Dandelion ‡ 3 Dens Leonis bulbosus Knottie rooted Dandelion 2 There is also another kinde of Succorie which may be referred heereunto whose leaues are long cut like those of broad leafed Succorie the stalkes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnlike being diuided into branches as those of Dandelion but lesser which also vanisheth into downe when the seed is ripe hauing a long and white root ‡ 3 There is another Dens Lconis or Dandelion which hath many knotty and tuberous roots like those of the Asphodil the leaues are not so deeply cut in as those of the common Dandelion but larger and somewhat more hairy the floures are also larger and of a paler yellow which flie away in such downe as the ordinary ‡ ¶ The Place They are found often in medowes neere vnto water ditches as also in gardens and high waies much troden ¶ The Time They floure most times in the yeere especially if the winter be not extreame cold ¶ The Names These plants belong to the Succory which Theophrastus Pliny call Aphaca or Aphace Leonardus Fuchsius thinketh that Dandelion is Hedypnois Plinij of which he writeth in his 20. booke and eighth chapter affirming it to be a wilde kinde of broad leafed Succorie and that Dandelion is Taraxacon but Taraxacon as Auicen teacheth in his 692. chapter is garden Endiue as Serapio mentioneth in his 143. chapter who citing Paulus for a witnesse concerning the faculties setteth down these words which Paulus writeth of Endiue and Succorie Diuers of the later Physitions do also call it Dens Leonis or Dandelion it is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Pissenlit ou couronne de prestre or Dent de lyon in English Dandelion and of diuers Pisseabed The first is also called of some and in shops Taraxacon Caput monach Rostrum porcinum and Vrinaria The other is Dens 〈◊〉 Monspeliensium of 〈◊〉 and Cichoreum Constant inopolitanum of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Dandelion is like in temperature to Succorie that is to say to wilde Endiue It is cold but it drieth more and doth withall clense and open by reason of the bitternesse which it hath ioyned with it and therefore it is good for those things for which Succory is ‡ Boiled it strengthens the weake stomacke and eaten raw it stops the bellie and helpes the Dysentery especially being boyled with Lentiles The juice drunke is good against the vnuoluntary effusion of seed boyled in vineger it is good against the paine that troubles some in making of water A decoction made of the whole plant helpes the yellow jaundice ‡ CHAP. 20. Of Sow-thistle †1 Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle ‡ 2 Sonchus asperior The more 〈◊〉 Sow-thistle ¶ The Kindes THere be two chiefe kindes of Sow-thistles one tenderer and softer the other more pricking and wilder but of these there be sundry sorts more found by the diligence of the later Writers all which shall be comprehended in this chapter and euery one be distinguished with a seuerall description ¶ The Description 1 THe prickly Sow-thistle hath long broad leaues cut very little in but full of smal prickles round about the edges something hard and sharpe with a rough and hollow stalke the floures stand on the tops of the branches consisting of many small leaues single and yellow of colour and when the seed is ripe it turneth into downe and is carried away with the winde The whole plant is full of a white milky iuyce ‡ 2 There is another kinde of this whose leaues are sometimes prettily deepe cut in like as those of the ordinarie Sow-thistle but the stalkes are commonly higher than those of the last described and the leaues more rough and prickly but in other respects not differing from 〈◊〉 of this kinde It is also sometimes to be found with the leaues lesse diuided ‡ †3 Sonchus Laeuis Hares Lettuce 4 Sonchus laeuis latifolius Broad leaued Sow-thistle 3 The stalke of Hares Lettuce or smooth-Thistle is oftentimes a cub it high edged and hollow of a pale colour and sometimes reddish the leaues be greene broad set round about with deepe cuts or gashes smooth and without prickles The floures stand at the top of the branches yellow of colour which are caried away with the winde when the seed is ripe ‡ This is sometimes found with whitish and with snow-white floures but yet seldome whence our Authour made two kindes more which were the fourth and fifth calling the one The white floured Sowthistle and the other The snow-white Sow-thistle Both these I haue omitted as impertinent and giue you others in their stead ‡ 4 Broad leaued Sow-thistle hath a long thicke and milky root as is all the rest of the Plant with many strings or fibres from the which commeth forth a hollow stalke branched or diuided into sundry sections The leaues be great smooth sharpe pointed and greene of colour the floures be white in shape like the 〈◊〉 ‡ The floures of this are for the most part yellow like as the former ‡ ‡ 5 Wall Sow-thistle hath a fibrous wooddy root from which rises vp a round stalke not crested the leaues are much like to those of the other Sow-thistles broad at the setting on then narrower and after much broader and sharpe pointed so that the end of the leafe much resembles the shape of an iuy leafe these leaues are very tender and of somewhat a whitish colour on the vnder side the top of the stalke is diuided into many small branches which beare little yellow floures that fly away in downe 6 This hath longish narrow
leaues soft and whitish vnequally diuided about the edges The stalkes grow some foot high hauing few branches and those set with few leaues broad at their setting on and ending in a sharpe point the floures are pretty large like to the great Hawk-weed and fly away in downe the root is long white and lasting It floures most part of Summer and in Tuscany where it plentifully growes it is much 〈◊〉 in sallets with oile and vineger it hauing a sweetish and somewhat astringent taste ‡ ‡ 5 Sonchus laeuis muralis Wall or Iuy-leaued Sow-thistle ‡ 6 Sonchus laeuis angustifolius Narrow leaued Sow-thistle †7 This blew floured Sow-thistle is the greatest of all the rest of the kindes somewhat resembling the last described in leaues but those of this are somewhat rough or hairy on the vnder side the floures are in shape like those of the ordinarie Sow-thistle but of a faire blew colour which fading flie away in Downe that carries with it a small ash-coloured seed The whole plant yeeldeth milke as all the rest do †8 Tree Sow-thistle hath a very great thicke and hard root set with a few hairy threds from which ariseth a strong and great stalke of a wooddy substance set with long leaues not vnlike to 〈◊〉 but more deepely cut in about the edges and not so rough vpon which do grow faire double yellow floures which turne into Downe and are caried away with the winde The whole plant is possest with such a milky iuyce as are the tender and hearby Sow-thistles which certainly 〈◊〉 it to be a kinde thereof otherwise it might be referred to the Hawke-weeds whereunto in face and shew it is like ‡ This hath a running root and the heads and tops of the stalkes are very rough and hairy ‡ 7 Sonchus slore 〈◊〉 Blew-floured Sow-thistle 8 Sonchus Arborescens Tree Sow-thistle ‡ 9 Sonchus arborescens alter The other Tree Sow-thistle †10 Sonchus syluaticus Wood Sow-thistle ‡ 9 This other Tree Sow-thistle growes to a mans height or more hauing a firme crested stalke smooth without any prickles and set with many 〈◊〉 incompassing the stalke at their setting on and afterwards cut in with foure or sometimes with two gashes only the vpper leaues are not diuided at all the colour of these leaues is green on the vpper side and grayish vnderneath the top of the stalke is hairy and diuided into many branches which beare the floures in an equall height as it were in an vmbell the floures are not great considering the largenesse of the plant but vsually as big as those of the common Sow-thistle and yellow hauing a hairy head or cap the seed is crested longish and ash-coloured and flies away with the downe the root is thicke whitish hauing many fibres putting out new shoots and spreading euery yeare 〈◊〉 maketh this all one with the other according to 〈◊〉 his description but in my opinion there is some difference betweene them which chiefely consists in that the former hath larger and fewer floures the plant also not growing to so great a height ‡ ‡ 10 This plant whose figure our Author formerly gaue pag. 148. vnder the title of Erysimum sytuestre hath long knotty creeping roots from whence ariseth a round slender stalke some two foot high 〈◊〉 at first with little leaues which grow bigger and bigger as they come neerer the middle of the stalke being pretty broad at their setting on then somewhat narrower and so broader againe and sharpe pointed being of the colour of the Wall or Iuy-leaued Sow-Thistle The top is diuided into many small branches which end in small scaly heads like those of the wilde Lettuce containing floures consisting of foure blewish purple leaues turned backe and snipped at their ends there are also some threds in the midle of the floure which turning into Downe carry away with them the seed which is small and of an Ash-colour Bauhine makes a bigger and a lesser of these distinguishing betweene that of Clusius whose figure I here giue you and that of Columna yet Fabius Columna himselfe could finde no difference but that Clusius his plant had fiue leaues in the floure and his but foure which indeed Clusius in his description affirmes yet his figure as you may see expresses but foure adding That the root is not well expressed which notwithstanding Clusius describes according to Columna's expression ‡ ¶ The Place The first soure grow wilde in pastures medowes woods and marishes neere the sea and among pot-herbes The fifth growes vpon walls and in wooddy mountainous places The Tree Sow-thist'e growes amongst corne in waterie places The sixth seuenth and tenth are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure in Iune Iuly August and sometimes later ¶ The Names Sow-thistle is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sonchus of diuers Cicerbitae lactucella and Lacterones Apuleius calleth it Lactuca Leporina or Hares-thistle of some Brassica Leporina or Hares Colewort The English names are sufficiently touched in their seuerall titles In Dutch it is called Hasen Latouwe the French Palays delieure ‡ ¶ Names in particular 1 This is Sonchus asper major of Cordus Sonchus tenerior aculeis asperior of Lobel Sonchus 3. asperior of Dodonaeus 2 This is Sonchus asper of Matthiolus Fuchsius and others 3 This Matthiolus Dodonaeus Lobel and others call Sonchus laeuis Tragus calls it Intybus 〈◊〉 tertia 4 This Tabernamontanus onely giues vnder the title as you haue it here 5 Matthiolus stiles this Sonchus laeuis 〈◊〉 Caesalpinus calls it Lactuca murorum and Tabern Sonchus syluaticus quartus Lobel Sonchus alter folio sinuato hederaceo 6 Lobel calls this Sonchus laeuis Matthioli it is Terracrepulus of 〈◊〉 and Crepis of Daleschampius 7 Clusius and Camerarius giue vs this vnder the title of Sonchus coeruleus 8 Onely Tabern hath this figure vnder the title our Author giues it 〈◊〉 puts it amongst the Hieracia calling it Hieracium arborescens palustre 9 This Bauhine also makes an Hieracium and would persuade vs that Clusius his description belongs to the last mentioned and the figure to this to which opinion 〈◊〉 cannot consent Clusius giueth it vnder the name of Sonchus 3 laeuis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 10 This Clusius giues vnder the name of Sonchus laeuior Pannonicus 4. flore purp Tabern calls it Libanotis Theophrasti sterilis Columna hath it by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cordus Gesner Thalius and 〈◊〉 refer it to the Lactucae syluestres the last of them 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 purpuro-coerulea ‡ ¶ The Temperature The Sow-thistles as Galen writeth are of a mixt temperature for they consist of a watery and earthy substance cold and likewise binding ¶ The Vertues Whilest they are yet yong and tender they are eaten as other pot-herbes are but whether they be eaten or outwardly applied in manner of a pultesse they do euidently coole therefore they be good for all inflammations or hot swellings if they be laid thereon Sow-thistle giuen in
〈◊〉 and in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for they are reported to cleere their sight by conueying the juice heereof into their eyes 〈◊〉 calleth it Porcellia for it is numbred among the Succories they are called also Lampuca Yellow Hawkeweed is called of some 〈◊〉 diaboli or yellow Diuels bit for that the root doth very well resemble the bitten or cropt root of the common Diuels bit being like Scabious ‡ ¶ The Names in particular 1 Matthiolus Fuchsius Dodonaeus and others call this Hieracium 〈◊〉 2 3 These are varieties of the same plant the first of them being called by Fuchsius 〈◊〉 and Matthiolus Hieracium minus Lobell calls it Hieracium minus praemorsa radice That sort of this with more cut leaues is by Tabernamontanus 〈◊〉 Hieracium nigrum 4 Lobell calls this Hieracium folijs facie Chondrillae Bauhinus makes this to differ from 〈◊〉 which our Author gaue in this 4. place out of Tabern for he termes this Hieracium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hirsutum and the other 〈◊〉 Chondrillae folio Glabrum the one smooth leaued the other rough yet that which growes frequently with vs and is very well represented by this figure hath smooth leaues as he also obserued it to haue in Italy and about Mountpelier in France 5 This is Hieracium alterum grandius and Hieracium montanum angustifolium primum of 〈◊〉 6 Lobell calls this from the length of the root though sometimes it be not so long Hieracium Longius radicatum as also Taber Hieracium macrorhizon it is thought to be the Apargia of 〈◊〉 by Daleschampius in the Hist. Lugd. pag. 562. but the figure there that beares the title is of Huracium minus 7 Tabernamontanus first gaue this vnder the name of Hieracium intybaccum asperum Bauhine refers it to the wilde yellow Succories and calls it Cichoreum montanum angustifolium hirsutie asperum 8 This Lobell calls Hieracium Narbonense falcata siliqua 9 He calls this Hieracium facie Hedypnois and Caesalpinus termes this Rhagadiolus and the last mentioned Rhagadiolus alter 10 This by Tabernamontanus is called Hieracium montanum majus Latifolium The figure of this was giuen by our Author chap. 30. vnder the title of Chondrilla Hispanica 11 Tabernamontanus also stiles this Hieracium montanum Latifolium minus ‡ ¶ The Nature The kindes of Hawkeweed are cold and dr ie and somewhat binding ¶ The Vertues They are in vertue and operation like to Sonchus or Sowthistle and being vsed after the same manner be as good to all purposes that it doth serue vnto They be good for the eie-sight if the juice of them be dropped into the eyes especially that which is called Diuels bit which is thought to be the best and of greatest force Therefore as Dioscorides writeth it is good for an hot stomacke and for inflammations if it be laid vpon them The herbe and root being stamped and applied is a remedie for those that be stung of the scorpion which effect not onely the greater Hawkeweeds but the lesser ones also doe performe CHAP. 35. Of Clusius Hawkeweed ¶ The Kindes THere be likewise other sorts of Hawkeweeds which Carolus Clusius hath set forth in his Pannonicke obseruations the which likewise require a particular chapter for that they do differ in forme very notably 1 Hieracium primum latifolium Clusij The first Hawkeweed of Clusius 2 Hieracium 5. Clusij Clusius his 5. kinde of Hawkeweed ¶ The Description 1 THe first of Clusius his Hawkeweeds haue great broad leaues spred vpon the ground somewhat hairie about the edges oftentimes a little iagged also soft as is the leafe of Mullen or Higtaper and sometimes dasht here and there with some blacke spots in shape like the garden Endiue full of a milkie juice among which riseth vp a thicke hollow stalke of a cubit high diuiding it selfe at the top into two or three branches whereupon do grow sweete smelling floures not vnlike to those of yellow Succorie set or placed in a blacke hoarie and woollie cup or huske of a pale bleake yellow colour which turneth into a downie blowball that is caried away with the winde the root entereth deepely into the ground of the bignesse of a finger full of milke and couered with a thicke blacke barke 2 The second sort of great Hawkeweed according to my computation and the 5. of Clusius hath leaues like the former that is to say soft and hoarie and as it were couered with a kinde of white woollinesse or hairinesse bitter in taste of an inche broad The stalke is a foot high at the top whereof doth grow one yellow floure like that of the great Hawkeweed which is caried away with the winde when the seed is ripe The root is blacke and full of milkie juice and hath certaine white strings annexed thereto 3 This kinde of Hawkeweed hath blacke roots a finger thicke full of milkie juice deepely thrust into the ground with some small fibers belonging thereto from which come vp many long leaues halfe an inch or more broad couered with a soft downe or hairinesse of an ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour and amongst the leaues come vp naked and hard stalkes whereupon doe grow yellow floures set in a woollie cup or chalice which is turned into downe and caried away with his seed by the winde 4 The fourth Hawkeweed hath a thicke root aboue a finger long blackish creeping vpon the top of the ground and putting out some fibres and it is diuided into some heads each whereof at the top of the earth putteth out some six or seuen longish leaues some halfe an inche broad and somewhat hoarie hairie and soft as are the others precedent and these leaues are snipt about the edges but the deepest gashes are neerest the stalkes where they are cut in euen to the middle rib which is strong and large The stalke is smooth naked and somewhat high the floures be yellow and double as the other 3 Hieracium 6. Clusij Clusius his 6. Hawkeweed 4 Hieracium 7. Clusij Clusius his 7. Hawkeweed ‡ 5 The same Author hath also set forth another Hieracium vnder the name of Hieracium parvum Creticum which he thus describes this is an elegant little plant spreading some six or more leaues vpon the top of the ground being narrower at that part whereas they adhere to the 〈◊〉 and broader at the other end and cut about the edges hauing the middle rib of a purple colour amongst these rise vp two or three little stalkes about a foot high without knot vntill you come almost to the top whereas they are diuided into two little branches at which place 〈◊〉 forth leaues much diuided the floures grow at the top of a sufficient bignesse considering the magnitude of the plant and they consist of many little leaues lying one vpon another on the vpper side wholly white and on the vnder side of a flesh colour The root is single longish growing small towards the end and putting forth stringy fibres on the sides Thus much Clusius who receiued this figure
smel vpon which plant if any should chance to rest and sleepe he might very well report to his friends that he had reposed himselfe among the chiese of Scoggins heires ¶ The Place It groweth vpon dunghills and in the most filthy places that may be found as also about the common pissing places of great princes and Noblemens houses Sometime it is found in places neere bricke kilns and old walls which doth somewhat alter his smell which is like tosted cheese but that which groweth in his naturall place smells like stinking salt-fish whereof it tooke his name Garosmus ¶ The Time It is an herbe for a yeare which springeth vp and when the seed is ripe it perisheth and recouereth it selfe againe of his owne seed so that if it be gotten into a ground it cannot be destroyed ¶ The Names Stinking Orach is called of Cordus Garosmus because it smelleth like stinking fish it is likewise called Tragium Germanicum and Atriplex 〈◊〉 olens by Pena and Lobel for it smelleth more stinking than the rammish male Goat whereupon some by a figure haue called it Vulvaria and it may be called in English stinking Mother-wort ¶ The Nature and Vertues There hath been little or nothing set down by the Antients either of his nature or vertues notwithstanding it hath beene thought profitable by reason of his stinking smell for such as are troubled with the mother for as Hyppocrates saith when the mother doth stifle or strangle such things are to be applied vnto the 〈◊〉 as haue a ranke and stinking smell CHAP. 47. Of Goose-foot ¶ The Description 1 GOose-foot is a common herbe and thought to be a kinde of Orach it riseth vp with a stalke a cubit high or higher somewhat chamfered and branched the leaues be broad smooth sharpe pointed shining hauing certaine deepe cuts about the edges and resembling the foot of a goose the floures be small something red the seed standeth in clusters vpon the top of the branches being very like the seed of wilde Orach and the root is diuided into sundry strings ‡ 2 This differs from the last described in that the leaues are sharper cut and more diuided the seed somewhat smaller and the colour of the whole plant is a deeper or darker greene ‡ 1 Atriplex syluestris latifolia siue Pes Anserinus Goose-foot ‡ 2 Atriplex syluestris latifolia 〈◊〉 The other Goose-foot ¶ The Place It growes plentifully in obscure places neere old walls and high-waies and in desart places ¶ The Time It flourisheth when the Orach doth whereof this is a wilde kinde ¶ The Names The later Herbarists haue called it Pes anserinus and Chenopodium of the likenesse the leaues haue with the foot of a Goose in English Goose-foot and wilde Orach ¶ The Temperature This herbe is cold and moist and that no lesser than Orach but as it appeareth more cold ¶ The Vertues It is reported that it killeth swine if they do eate thereof it is not vsed in Physicke and 〈◊〉 lesse as a sallade herbe CHAP. 48. Of English Mercurie Bonus Henricus English Mercurie or good Henrie ¶ The Description GOod Henrie called Tota bona so named of the later Herbarists is accounted of them to be one of the Dockes but not properly This bringeth forth very many thicke stalkes set with leaues two foot high on the branches wherof towards the top stand greene floures in clusters thicke thrust together The seed is flat like that of the Orach whereof this is a kinde The leaues be fastened to long foote-stalkes broad behinde and sharpe pointed fashioned like the leaues of Aron or Wake-robin white or grayish of colour and as it were couered ouer with a fine meale in handling it is fat and olious with a very thicke root and parted into many diuisions of a yellow colour within like the sharpe pointed Docke ¶ The Place It is commonly found in vntilled places and among rubbish neere common waies old walls and by hedges in fields ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly especially ¶ The Names It is called of some 〈◊〉 Anserinus and Tota bona in English All-Good and Good Henrie in Cambridgshire it is called Good king Harry the Germanes call it Guter Heinrick of a certaine good qualitie it hath as they also name a certaine pernicious herbe Malus Henricus or bad Henry It is taken for a kinde of Mercurie but vnproperly for that it hath no participation with Mercurie either in forme or quality except yee will call euery herbe Mercurie which hath power to loose the belly ¶ The Temperature Bonus Henricus or Good Henrie is moderately hot and dry clensing and scouring withall ¶ The Vertues The leaues boiled with other pot-herbes and eaten maketh the body soluble The same brused and laid vpon greene wounds or foale and old vlcers doth scoure mundisie and heale them CHAP. 49. Of Spinach Spinacia Spinach ¶ The Description 1 SPinach is a kinde of Blite after 〈◊〉 notwithstanding I rather take it 〈◊〉 kinde of Orach It bringeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and tender leaues of a darke greene colour full 〈◊〉 juice sharpe pointed and in the largest part 〈◊〉 neather end square parted oftentimes with a deepe gash on either side next to the 〈◊〉 foot-stalke the stalke is round a foot high 〈◊〉 within on the tops of the branches stand little floures in clusters in whose places doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prickly seed The root consisteth of many small threds 2 There is another sort found in our 〈◊〉 like vnto the former in goodnesse as also in 〈◊〉 sauing that the leaues are not so great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deepely gasht or indented and the seed 〈◊〉 prickles at all for which cause it is called 〈◊〉 Spinach ¶ The Place It is sowne in gardens without any great 〈◊〉 or industrie and forsaketh not any ground being but indifferent fertill ¶ The Time It may be sowne almost at any time of 〈◊〉 yeere but being sowne in the spring it quickly groweth vp and commeth to perfection within two moneths but that which is sowne in the fall of the leafe groweth not so soone to perfection yet continueth all the win terand seedeth presently vpon the first spring ¶ The Names It is called in these daies Spinachia of some Spinacheum olus of others Hispanicum olus 〈◊〉 nameth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Arabians and Serapio call it Hispane the Germanes Spinet in 〈◊〉 Spinage and Spinach in French Espinas ¶ The Nature Spinach is euidently cold and moist almost in the second degree but rather moist It is 〈◊〉 the pot-herbes whose substance is waterie and almost without taste and therefore quickly 〈◊〉 deth and looseth the bellie ¶ The Vertues It is eaten boiled but it yeeldeth little or no nourishment at all it is something windie and easily causeth a desire to vomit it is vsed in sallades when it is young and tender This herbe of all other pot-herbes and sallade herbes maketh the greatest diuersitie of 〈◊〉 and sallades CHAP. 50. Of Pellitorie of the wall ¶ The
round hollow stalks of a browne colour 〈◊〉 ioynts like knees garnished with such like leaues but smaller at the end whereof grow 〈◊〉 floures of a pale colour one aboue another and after them commeth a brownish three 〈◊〉 seede lapped in browne chaffie huskes like Patience The roote is great long and 〈◊〉 within ‡ There is a varietie of this with crisped or 〈◊〉 leaues whose figure was by our Authour giuen in the second place in the following chapter vnder the Title of 〈◊〉 minus ‡ 2 The second kind of sharpe pointed Docke is like the first but much smaller and doth 〈◊〉 his seed in rundles about his branches in chaffie huskes like Sorrell not so much in vse as the former called also sharpe pointed Docke ‡ 3 This in roots stalkes and seeds is like to the precedent but the leaues are 〈◊〉 and rounder than those of the first described therin consists the chiefe difference 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of Docks do grow as is 〈◊〉 said in medowes 〈◊〉 by riuers sides 1 Lapathum acutum Sharpe pointed Docke 2 Lapathum acutum minimum Small sharpe Docke ‡ 3 Lapathum syluestre 〈◊〉 minus 〈◊〉 The roundish leaued wilde Docke ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names They are called in Latine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mex Lapatium 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Docke and sharpe pointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 greater and the lesser of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Rombice in Spanish Romaza 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 which word is 〈◊〉 of Lapathum and also 〈◊〉 in French 〈◊〉 ‡ The third is Lapathum folio 〈◊〉 or minus 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Tabern ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues These herbes are of a mixture betweene cold and heat and almost drie in the third degree especially the seed which is very astringent The pouder of any of the kinds of 〈◊〉 drunk in 〈◊〉 stoppeth the laske and bloudie 〈◊〉 and caseth the pains of the stomacke The roots boiled til they be very soft and stamped with barrowes grease and made into an ointment helpeth the itch and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and mangines And for the same purpose it shall 〈◊〉 necessarie to boile them in water as aforesaid and the partie to be bathed and rubbed therewith CHAP. 82. Of Water Dockes 1 〈◊〉 magnum Great Water 〈◊〉 2 Hydrolapathum minus Small Water Docke 3 Hippolapathum sativum Patience or Munkes Rubarb 4 Hippolapathum rotundifolium Bastard Rubarb ‡ 5 Lapathum sativum sanguineum Bloudwoort The Description 1 THe Great water Docke hath very long and great leaues sti ffe and hard not vnlike to the Garden Patience but much longer The stalke riseth vp to a great height often times to the height of fiue foot or more The 〈◊〉 groweth at the top of the stalke in spokie tusts brown of colour The seed is contained in chaffie huskes three square of a shining pale colour The root is very great thicke 〈◊〉 without and yellowish within 2 The small water Docke hath short narrow leaues set vpon a stiffe stalke The floures grow from the middle of the stalke vpward in spokie rundles set in spaces by certaine distances round about the stalke as are the floures of Horehound Which Docke is of all the kindes most common and of lesse vse and taketh no pleasure or delight in any one soile or dwellingplace but is found almost euery where as well vpon the land as in waterie places but especially in gardens among good and holesome pot-herbes being there better known than welcome or desired wherefore I intend not to spend further time about his description 3 The Garden Patience hath very strong stalks furrowed or chamfered of eight or nine foot high when it groweth in fertile ground set about with great large leaues like to those of the water Docke hauing alongst the stalkes toward the top floures of a light purple colour declining to brownenesse The seed is three square contained in thin chaffie huskes like those of the common Docke The root is verie great browne without and yellow within in colour and taste like the true Rubarb 4 Bastard Rubarb hath great broad round leaues in shape like those of the great Bur-docke The stalke and seeds are so like vnto the precedent that the one cannot be knowne from the other sauing that the seeds of this are somewhat lesser The root is exceeding great and thicke very like vnto the Rha of Barbarie as well in proportion as in colour and taste and purgeth after the same manner but must be taken in greater quantitie as witnesseth that famous learned Physition now liuing Mr. Doctor Bright and others who haue experimented the same 5 This fifth kinde of Docke is best knowne vnto all of the stocke or kindred of Dockes it hath long thin leaues sometimes red in euery part thereof and often stripped here and there with lines and strakes of a darke red colour among which rise vp stiffe brittle stalkes of the same colour on the top whereof come forth such floures and seed as the common wilde docke hath The root is likewise red or of a bloudie colour ¶ The Place They do grow for the most part in ditches and water-courses very common through England The two last saue one do grow in gardens my selfe and others in London and elswhere haue them growing for our vse in Physicke and chirurgerie The last is sowne for a pot-herbe in most gardens ¶ The Time Most of the dockes do rise vp in the Spring of the yeare and their seed is ripe in Iune and August ¶ The Names The docke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rumex and Lapathum yet Pliny in his 19 Booke 12. Chapter seemeth to attribute the name of Rumex onely to the garden docke The Monkes Rubarbe is called in Latine Rumex sativus and Patientia or Patience which word is borrowed of the French who call this herbe Patience after whom the Dutch men name this pot herbe also Patientie of some Rhabarbarum Monachorum or Monkes Rubarbe because as it should seeme some Monke or other haue vsed the root hereof in stead of Rubarbe Bloudwoort or bloudy Patience is called in Latine Lapathum sanguineum of some Sanguis Draconis of the bloudie colour wherewith the whole plant is possest and is of pot-herbes the chiefe or principall hauing the propertie of the bastard Rubarbe but of lesse force in his purging quality ¶ The Temperature Generally all the Dockes are cold some little and moderately and some more they doe all of them drie but not all after one manner notwithstanding some are of opinion that they are dry almost in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the Garden Docke or Patience may be eaten and are somewhat colde but more moist and haue withall a certaine clamminesse by reason whereof they easily and quickely passe through the belly when they be eaten and
ordinarie but at the bottome of the stalke aboue the fibrous roots it hath a bulbe greenish within and couered with two or three skins it growes in moist and 〈◊〉 low places of Holland ‡ 1 Ophris 〈◊〉 Twaiblade ‡ 3 Ophris bifolia bulbosa Bulbous Twaiblade ¶ The Place The first groweth in moist medowes fenny grounds and shadowie places I haue fonnd it in many places as at South fleet in Kent in a Wood of Master Sidleys by Long-field Downes in a Wood by London called Hampstead Wood in the fields by High-gate in the Woods by Ouenden neere to Clare in Essex and in the Woods by Dunmow in Essex The second sort is seldome seene ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Bifolium and Ophris ¶ The Nature and Vertues These are reported of the Herbarists of our time to be good for greene wounds burstings and ruptures whereof I haue in my vnguents and Balsams for greene wounds had great experience and good successe CHAP. 88. Of Adders-Tongue ¶ The Description 1 OPhioglosson or Lingua Serpentis called in English Adders tongue of some Adders Grasse though vnproperly riseth forth of the ground hauing one leafe and no more fat or oleous in substance of a finger long and very like the yong and tender leaues of Marigolds from the bottome of which leafe springeth out a small and tender stalke one finger and a halfe long on the end whereof doth grow a long small tongue not vnlike the tongue of a serpent whereof it tooke the name 2 I haue seene another like the former in root stalke and leafe and 〈◊〉 in that this plant hath two and sometimes more crooked tongues yet of the same fashion which if my iudgment faile not chanceth per accidens euen as we see children borne with two thumbes vpon one hand which moueth me so to thinke for that in gathering twenty bushels of the leaues a man shall hardly finde one of this fashion 1 Ophioglosson Adders-Tongue ‡ 2 Ophioglosson abortivum Mis-shapen Adders-Tongue ¶ The Place Adders-Tongue groweth in moist medowes throughout most parts of England as in a Meadow neere the preaching Spittle adioyning to London in the Mantels by London in the medowes by Cole-brooke in the fields in Waltham Forrest and many other places ¶ The Time They are to be found in Aprill and May but in Iune they are quite vanished and gone ¶ The Names Ophioglossum is called in shops Lingua serpentis Linguace and Lingualace it is also called Lancea Christi Enephyllon and Lingua vulneraria in English Adders tongue or Serpents tongue in Dutch Natertonguen of the Germanes Nater zungelin ¶ The Nature Adders-tongue is dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Adders tongue stamped in a stone morter and boyled in Oile Oliue vnto the consumption of the iuyce and vntill the herbes be dry and partched and then strained will yeeld a most excellent greene oyle or rather a balsam for greene wounds comparable vnto oyle of S. Iohns wort if it do not farre surpasse it by many degrees whose beauty is such that very many Artists haue thought the same to be mixed with Verdigrease CHAP. 89. Of One-berry or Herbe True-loue and Moone-wort 1 Herba Paris One-Berry or Herbe True-loue 2 Lunaria minor Small Moone-wort ¶ The Description 1 HErbe Paris riseth vp with one small tender stalke two hands high at the very top whereof come forth foure leaues directly set one against another in manner of a Burgundian Crosse or True-loue knot for which cause among the Antients it hath bin called Herbe True 〈◊〉 In the midst of the said leafe comes forth a star-like floure of an herby or grassie colour out of the middest whereof there ariseth vp a blackish browne berrie the root is long and tender creeping vnder the earth and dispersing it selfe hither and thither 2 The small Lunary springeth forth of the ground with one 〈◊〉 like Adders-tongue iagged or cut on both sides into fiue or six deepe cuts or notches not much vnlike the leaues of Scolopendria or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a greene colour whereupon doth grow a small naked stem of a finger long bearing at the top many little seeds clustering together which being gathered and laid in a platter or such like thing for the space of three weekes there will fall from the same a fine dust or meale of a whitish colour which is the seed if it bring forth any The root is slender and compact of many small threddy strings ‡ In England saith Camerarius there growes a certaine kinde of Lunaria which hath many leaues and sometimes also sundry branches which therefore I haue caused to be delineated that other Herbarists might also take notice hereof Thus much Camerarius Epit. Mat. p. 644. where he giues an elegant figure of a varietie hauing more leaues and branches than the ordinary otherwise not differing from it 3 Besides this varietie there is another kinde set forth by Clusius whose figure and description I thinke good here to set downe This hath a root consisting of many fibres somewhat thicker than those of the common kinde from which arise one or two winged leaues that is many leaues set to one stalke and these are like the leaues of the other Lunaria but that they are longer thicker and more diuided and of a yellowish greene colour Amongst these leaues there comes vp a stalke fat and juycie bearing a greater tuft of floures or seeds for I know not whether to cal them than the ordinarie but otherwise very like thereto It groweth in the mountaines of Silesia and in some places of Austria ‡ ‡ 3 Lunaria minor ramosa Small branched Moon-wort ¶ The Place Herba Paris groweth plentifully in all these places following that is to say in Chalkney wood neere to wakes 〈◊〉 seuen miles from Colchester in Essex and in the wood by Robinhoods well neere to Nottingham in the parsonage orchardat Radwinter in Essex neere to Saffron Walden in Blackburne at a place called Merton in Lancashire in the Moore by Canturbury called the Clapper in Dingley wood six miles from Preston in Aundernesse in Bocking parke by Braintree in Essex at Hesset in Lancashire and in Cotting wood in the North of England as that excellent painefull and diligent Physition Mr. Doctor Turner of late memorie doth record in his Herbal Lunaria or small Moone-wort groweth vpon dry and barren mountaines and heaths I haue found it growing in these places following that is to say about Bathe in Somersetshire in many places especially at a place called Carey two miles from Bruton in the next Close vnto the Church-yard on Cockes Heath betweene Lowse and Linton three miles from Maidstone in Kent it groweth also in the ruines of an old bricke-kilne by Colchester in the ground of Mr. George Sayer called Miles end it groweth likewise vpon the side of Blacke-heath neere vnto the stile that leadeth vnto Eltham house about an hundred paces
it is brought into Persia Arabia Asia the lesse and also into Portingale and other parts of Europe but that is preferred which groweth in Cambaya ¶ The Names It is called of the Arabians Persians and Turkes Turbith and in Guzarata 〈◊〉 in the prouince Canara in which is the city Goa Tiguar likewise in Europe the learned call it diuersly according to their seuerall fancies which hath bred sundry controuersies as it hath fallen out aswell in Hermodactyls as in Turbith the vse and possession of which we cannot seeme to want but which plant is the true Turbith we haue great cause to doubt Some haue thought 〈◊〉 Tripolium marinum described in the former chapter to be Turbith others haue supposed it to be one of the Tithymales but which kinde they know not Guillandinus saith that the root of Tithymalus myrsinitis is the true Turbith which caused Lobeltus and Pena to plucke vp by the roots all the kindes of Tithymales and drie them very curiously which when they had beheld and throughly tried they found it nothing so The Arabians and halfe Moores that dwell in the East parts haue giuen diuers names vnto this plant and as their words are diuers so haue they diuers significatious but this name Turbith they seeme to interpret to be any milky root which doth strongly purge flegme as this plant doth So that as men haue thought good pleasing themselues they haue made many and diuers constuctions which haue troubled many excellent learned men to know what root is the true 〈◊〉 But briefly to set downe my opinion not varying from the iudgment of men which are of great experience I thinke assuredly that the root of Scammony of Antioch is the true and vndoubted Turbith one reason especially that moueth me so to thinke is for that I haue taken vp the roots of Scammony which grew in my garden and compared them with the roots of Turbith between which I found little 〈◊〉 no difference at all ‡ Through all Spain as Clusius in his notes vpon Garcias testifies they vse the roots of Thapsia for Turbith which also haue been brought hither and I keepe some of them by me but they purge little or nothing at all being drie though it may be the green root or juice may haue some purging faculty ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Indian physitions vse it to purge flegme to which if there be no feuer they adde ginger otherwise they giue it without in the broth of a chicken and sometimes in faire water Mesues writeth that Turbith is hot in the third degree and that it voideth thicke tough flegme out of the stomacke chest sinewes and out of the furthermost parts of the body but as he saith it is slow in working and troubleth and ouerturneth the stomacke and therefore ginger masticke and other spices are to be mixed with it also oile of sweet almondes or almondes themselues or sugar least the body with the vse herof should pine and fall away Others temper it with Dates sweet Almonds and certaine other things making thereof a composition that the Apothecaries call an Electuarie which is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common in shops and in 〈◊〉 vse among expert Physitions There is giuen at one time of this Turbith one dram more or lesse two at the most but in the decoction or in the infusion three or foure CHAP. 95. Of Arrow-head or Water-archer 1 Sagittaria maior Great Arrow-head 2 Sagittaria minor Small Arrow-head ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Water-archer or Arrow-head hath large and long leaues in shape like the signe Sagittarius or rather like a bearded broad Arrow head Among which riseth vp a fat and thicke stalke two or three foot long hauing at the top many prettie white floures declining to a light carnation compact of three small leaues which being past there come after great rough knops or burres wherein is the seed The root consisteth of many strings 2 The second is like the first and differeth in that this kinde hath smaller leaues and floures and greater burres and roots 3 The third kinde of Arrow-head hath leaues in shape like the broad Arrow-head standing vpon the ends of tender foot stalkes a cubit 〈◊〉 among which rise vp long naked smooth stalks of a greenish colour from the middle whereof to the top doe grow floures like to the 〈◊〉 The root is small and threddie ¶ The Place These herbes doe grow in the watrie ditches by Saint George his field neere vnto London in the Tower ditch at London in the ditches neere the wals of Oxford by Chelmesford in Essex and many other places as namely in the ditch neere the place of execution called Saint Thomas Waterings not far from London ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune ¶ The Names Sagittaria may be called in English the Water-archer or Arrow-head ‡ Some would haue it the 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus and it is the Pistana Magonis and Sagitta of 〈◊〉 lib. 21. cap. 17. ¶ The Nature and Vertues I finde not any thing extant in writing either concerning their vertues or temperament but doubtlesse they are cold and drie in qualitie and are like Plantaine in facultie and temperament CHAP. 96. Of Water Plantaine 1 Plantago aquatica maior Great Water Plantaine 2 Plantago aquatica minor stellata Starry headed small Water 〈◊〉 3 Plantago aquatica humilis Dwarfe water Plantaine ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of water Plantaine hath faire great large leaues like the land Plaintaine but smoother and full of ribs or sinewes among which riseth vp a tall stemme foure foot high diuiding it selfe into many slender branches garnished with infinit small white floures which being past there appeare triangle huskes or buttons wherein is the seed The root is as it were a great tuft of threds or thrums ‡ 2 This plant in his roots and leaues is like the last described as also in the stalke but much lesse in each of them the stalke being about some foot high at the top whereof stand many pretty starre-like skinny seed-vessels containing a yellowish seed ‡ 3 The second kinde hath long little and narrow leaues much like the Plantaine called Ribwoort among which rise vp small and feeble stalks branched at the top whereon are placed white floures consisting of three slender leaues which being fallen there come to your view round knobs or rough burs the root is threddy ¶ The Place 1 This herbe growes about the brinkes of riuers ponds and ditches almost euery where ‡ 2 3 These are more rare I found the second a little beyond Ilford in the way to Rumford and Mr. Goodyer found it also growing vpon Hounslow heath I found the third in the Company of Mr. William Broad and Mr. Leonard Buckner in a ditch on this side Margate in the Isle of Tenet ‡ ¶ The Time They floure from Iune till August ¶ The Names The first kinde is called Plantago 〈◊〉 that is water Plantaine ‡ The second
the end of August ¶ The Names I haue thought good to giue vnto this plant in English the name Gentian being doubtlesse a kinde therof The which hath not been set forth nor remembred by any that haue written of plants vntil this time In Latine we may call it Gentiana concaua of the hollow leaues It may be called also hollow leaued Felwoort ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Of the faculties of this plant as yet I can say nothing referring it vnto the other Gentians vntill time shall disclose that which yet is secret and vnknowne ‡ Bauhine receiued this plant with the figure thereof from Doctor Lister one of his Maiesties Physitions and he referres it vnto Saponaria calling it Saponaria concaua Anglica and as farre as I can coniecture hath a good description thereof in his Prodrom pag. 103. Now both by our Authour and Bauhines Description I gather that the roote in this Figure is not rightly expressed for that it should bee long thicke and creeping with few fibers adhering thereunto when as this figure expresseth an annuall wooddy root But not hauing as yet seene the plant I can assirme nothing of certaintie ‡ ‡ CHAP. 107. Of Bastard Felwoort ¶ The Description ‡ OVr Authour in this Chapter so confounded all that I knew not well how handsomely to set all right for his descriptions they were so barren that little might be gathered by them and the figures agreed with their titles but the place contradicts all for the first figured is found in England and the second is not that euer I could learne also the second floures in the spring according to Clusius and all others that haue written thereof and also by our Authours owne title truely put ouer the figure yet he said they both floure and flourish from August to the end of September These things considered I thought it fitter both for the Readers benefit and my owne credit to giue you this chapter wholly new with additions rather than mangled and confused as otherwise of necessitie it must haue beene ‡ ‡ 1 This elegant Gentianella hath a small yellowish creeping root from which arise many greene smooth thicke hard and sharpe pointed leaues like those of the broad leaued Myrtle yet larger and hauing the veines running alongst the leaues as in Plantaine Amongst the leaues come vp short stalkes bearing very large floures one vpon a stalke and these floures are hollow like a Bel-floure and end in fiue sharpe points with two little eares betweene each diuision and their colour is an exquisite blew After the floure is past there followes a sharpe pointed longish vessell which opening it selfe into two equall parts shewes a small crested darke coloured seede ‡ 1 Gentianella verna maior Spring large floured Gentian 2 Gentianella Alpina verna Alpes Felwoort of the spring time 2 This second rises vp with a single slender and purplish stalke set at certaine spaces with six or eight little ribbed leaues standing by couples one against another At the top stands a cup out whereof comes one long floure without smell and as it were diuided at the top into fiue parts and it is of so elegant a colour that it seemes to exceed blewnesse it selfe each of the foldes or little leaues of the floure hath a whitish line at the side and other fiue as it were pointed leaues or appendices set betweene them and in the middest of the floure are certaine pale coloured chiues a longish sharpe pointed vessell succeeds the floure which contains a small hard round seed The root is small yellowish and creeping putting vp here and there stalkes bearing floures and in other places onely leaues lying orderly spred vpon the ground 3 Gentianella fugax minor Bastard or Dwarfe Felwoort 3 Besides these two whose roots last long and increase euery yeare there are diuers other Dwarfe or Bastard Gentians which are annuall and wholly perish euery yeare assoone as they haue perfected their seed and therefore by Clusius they are fitly called Gentianae fugaces Of these I haue onely obserued two kindes or rather varieties in this Kingdome which I wil here describe vnto you The first of these which is the lesser whose figure we here giue you is a proper plant some two or three inches high diuided immediatly from the root into three or foure or more branches set at certaine spaces with little longish leaues being broadest at the setting on and so growing narrower or sharper pointed The tops of these stalkes are beautified with long hollow and pretty large floures considering the magnitude of the plant and these floures are of a darke purplish colour and at their tops diuided into fiue parts The root is yellowish small and wooddy The seede which is small and round is contained in longish vessels The stalkes and leaues are commonly of a darke green or else of a brownish colour 4 This from a root like yet a little larger than the former sends vp a pretty stiffe round stalke of some span high which at certaine spaces is set with such leaues as the last described but larger and out of the bosomes of these leaues from the bottome to the top of the stalke come forth little foot stalkes which vsually carry three floures a piece two set one against another and the third vpon a stalke somewhat higher and sometimes there comes forth a single floure at the root of these foot stalkes The floures in their shape magnitude and colour are like those of the last mentioned and also the seed and seed vessels The manner of growing of this is very well presented by the figure of the third Gentian formerly described in the Chapter last saue one aforegoing ¶ The Place 1 2 These grow not wilde in England that I know of but the former is to bee found in most of our choice Gardens As with Mr. Parkinson Master Tradescant and Master Tuggye c. 3 4 These are found in diuers places as in the Chalke-dale at Dartford in Kent and according to our Authour for I know he meant these in Waterdowne Forest in Sussex in the way that leadeth from Charlwoods lodge vnto the house of the Lord of Abergauenie called Eridge house by a brooke side there especially vpon a Heath by Colbrooke neere London on the Plain of Salisburie hard by the turning from the said Plaine vnto the right Honourable the Lord of Pembrooks house at Wilton and vpon a Chalkie banke in the high way betweene Saint Albons and Goramberrie ¶ The Time 1 2 These two floure in Aprill and May. The other from August vnto the end of October ¶ The Names 1 This is the Gentiana 4. of Tragus The Gentianella Alpina of Gesner Gentianella 〈◊〉 flore and Heluetica of Lobel the Gentiana 5. or 〈◊〉 maior verna of 〈◊〉 2 Gesner called this Calathiana verna Lobel 〈◊〉 Alpina and 〈◊〉 Gentiana 6. and Gentianella minor verna 3 This is the Calathiana vera of Daleschampius and the Gentiana fugax 5. or Gentiana
of the word cleere bright and light-giuing floures and therefore they were called the Gardners Delight or the Gardeners Eye in Dutch Christes eie in French Oeillers Oeilets Dieu in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature The seed of Rose-Campion saith Galen is hot and dry after a sort in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seed drunken in wine is a remedie for them that are stung with a Scorpion as Dioscorides testifieth CHAP. 127. Of wilde Rose-Campions ¶ The Description 1 THe wilde Rose-Campion hath many rough broad leaues somewhat hoary and woolly among which rise vp long soft and hairy stalkes branched into many armes set with the like leaues but lesser The floures grow at the top of the stalkes compact of fiue leaues of a reddish colour the root is thicke and large with some threds anexed thereto ‡ There also growes commonly wilde with vs another of this kinde with white floures as also another that hath them of a light blush colour ‡ 2 The sea Rose Campion is a small herbe set about with many greene leaues from the lower part vpward which leaues are thicke somewhat lesser and narrower than the leaues of sea Purslane It hath many crooked stalkes spred vpon the ground a foot long in the vpper part whereof there is a small white floure in fashion and shape like a little cup or box after the likenesse of Behen album or Spatling Poppy hauing within the said floure little threds of a blacke colour in taste salt yet not vnpleasant It is reported vnto me by a Gentleman one Mr. Tho. Hesket that by the sea side in Lancashire from whence this plant came there is another sort hereof with red floures ‡ 3 This brings many stalkes from one root round long and weaker than those of the first described lying vsually vpon the ground the leaues grow by couples at each ioynt long soft and hairy amongst which alternately grow the floures about the bignesse of those of the first described and of a blush colour and they are also succeeded by such seed-vessels containing a reddish seed The root is thicke and fibrous yet commonly outliues not the second yeare 1 Lychnis syluestris rubello flore Red wilde Campion 2 Lychnis marina Anglica English Sea Campion 3 Lychnis syluestris hirta 5. Clusij Wilde hairy Campion 4 Lychnis syluestris 8. 〈◊〉 Hoary wilde Campion 5 Lychnis hirta minima 6. Clus. Small Hairy Campion 6 Lychnis syluestris ineana Lob. Ouerworne Campion 7 Lychnis caliculis striatis 2. Clusij Spatling Campion 8 Lychnis syluestris alba 9. 〈◊〉 Whitewilde Campion 4 The fourth kinde of wilde Campions hath long and slender stems diuiding themselues into sundry other branches which are full of ioynts hauing many small and narrow leaues proceeding from the said ioynts and those of a whitish greene colour The floures do grow at the top of the stalke of a whitish colour on the inner side and purplish on the outer side consisting of fiue small leaues euery leafe hauing a cut in the end which maketh it of the shape of a forke the seed is like the wilde Poppy the root somewhat grosse and thicke which also perisheth the second yeare 5 The fifth kinde of wilde Campion hath three or foure soft leaues somewhat downy lying flat vpon the ground among which riseth vp an hairy ash-coloured stalke diuided into diuers branches whereupon do grow at certaine spaces euen in the setting together of the stalke and branches small and grasse-like leaues hairy and of an ouerworne dusky colour as is all the rest of the Plant. The floures grow at the top of the branches composed of fiue small forked leaues of a bright shining red colour The root is small and of a wooddy substance 6 The sixth kinde of wilde Campion hath many long thicke 〈◊〉 and hoary leaues spred vpon the ground in shape and substance like those of the garden Campion but of a very dusty ouerworne colour among which rise vp small and tender stalkes set at certaine distances by couples with such like leaues as the other but smaller The floures do grow at the top of the stalks in little tufts like those of sweet Williams of a red colour The root is small with many threddy strings fastned to it ‡ 7 This growes some cubit high with stalkes distinguished with sundry joynts at each whereof are set two leaues greene sharpe pointed and somewhat stiffe the floures grow at the tops of the branches like to those of Muscipula or Catch-fly yet somewhat bigger and of a darke red which past the seed which is ash-coloured and somewhat large is contained in great cups or vessels couered with a hard and very much crested skin or filme whence it is called Lychnis caliculis striatis and not Cauliculis striatis as it is falsly printed in Lobels Icones which some as foolishly haue sollowed The root is single and not large and dies euery yeare 8 That which our Author figured in this place had greene leaues and red floures which no way sorted with his description wherefore I haue in lieu thereof giuen you one out of Clusius which may fitly carry the title This at the top of the large fibrous and liuing root sendeth forth many leaues somewhat greene and of some fingers length growing broader by degrees and at last ending againe in a sharpe point The stalkes are some cubit high set at each ioynt with two leaues as it were embracing it with their foot-stalkes which leaues are lesse and lesse as they are higher vp and more sharpe pointed At the tops of the branches grow the floures consisting of fiue white leaues deepely cut in almost to the middle of the floure and haue two sharpe pointed appendices at the bottome of each of them and fiue chiues or threds come forth of their middles these when they fade contract and twine themselues vp and are succeeded by thicke and sharpe pointed seed-vessels containing a small round Ash-coloured seed I coniecture that the figure of the Lychnis plumaria which was formerly here in the ninth place out of Tabern might be of this plant as well as of that which Bauhine refers it to and which you shall finde mentioned in the end of the chapter ‡ ¶ The Place They grow of themselues neere to the borders of plowed fields medowes and ditch banks common in many places ‡ I haue obserued none of these the 〈◊〉 and second excepted growing wilde with vs. ‡ The sea Campion groweth by the sea side in 〈◊〉 at a place called Lytham fiue miles from Wygan from whence I had seeds sent me by Mr. Thomas Hesketh who hath heard it reported that in the same place doth grow of the same kinde some with red floures which are very rare to be seene ‡ This plant in my last Kentish Simpling voyage 1632 with Mr. Thomas Hickes Mr. Broad c. I found growing in great plenty in the low marish ground in Tenet that lieth directly opposite to the towne
the waters in all places for the most part The seuenth groweth in Yorkshire in a place called the Hooke neer vnto a close called a Cow pasture from whence I had these plants which doe grow in my garden very goodly to behold for the decking vp of houses and gardens ‡ The eighth I haue not yet found growing The ninth growes wild in some places of this kingdome but I haue seene it only in Gardens The tenth growes by the ponds and waters sides in Saint Iames his Parke in Tuthill fields and many other places ‡ The eleuenth groweth hard by the Thames as you goe from a place called the Diuels Neckerchiefe to Redreffe neere vnto a stile that standeth in your way vpon the Thames banke among the plankes that doe hold vp the same banke It groweth also in a ditch side not farre from the place of execution called Saint Thomas Waterings ‡ The other varieties of this grow in wet places about ditches and in woods and such like moist grounds ‡ ¶ The Time These herbes floure in Iune and Iuly and oftentimes vntill August ¶ The Names Lysimachia as Dioscorides and Pliny write tooke his name of a speciall vertue that it hath in appeasing the strife and vnrulinesse which falleth out among oxen at the plough if it bee put about their yokes but it rather retaineth and keepeth the name Lysimachia of King Lysimachus the sonne of Agathocles the first finder out of the nature and vertues of this herb as Pliny saith in his 25. book chap. 7. which retaineth the name of him vnto this day and was made famous by Erasistratus Ruellius writeth that it is called in French Cornelle and Corneola in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Lysimachium of Pliny Lysimachia of the later Writers Salicaria in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Willow herbe or herbe Willow and Loose strife Chamaenerium is called of Gesner Epilobton in English Bay Willow or bay yellow herbe ‡ The names of such as I haue added haue been sufficiently set sorth in their titles and Histories ‡ ¶ The Nature The yellow Lysimachia which is the chiefe and best for Physicke vses is cold and drie and very astringent ¶ The Vertues The iuice according to Dioscordies is good against the bloudy flix being taken either by potion or Clister It is excellent good for greene wounds and stancheth the bloud being also put into the nosthrils it stoppeth the bleeding at the nose The smoke of the burned herbe driueth away serpents and killeth flies and gnats in a house which Pliny speaketh of in his 25. book chap. 8. Snakes saith he craull a way at the smell of Loos-strife The same Authour affirmeth in his 26 booke last chap. that it dieth haire yellow which is not very vnlike to be done by reason the floures are yellow The others haue not been experimented wherefore vntill some matter worthy the 〈◊〉 doth offer it selfe vnto our consideration I will omit further to discourse her 〈◊〉 The iuice of yellow Lysimachia taken inwardly stoppeth all fluxe of bloud and the Dysenteria or bloudy flix The iuice put into the nose stoppeth the bleeding of the same and the bleeding of wounds and mightily closeth and healeth them being made into an vnguent or salue The same taken in a mother suppositorie of wooll or cotton bound vp with threds as the manner thereof is well knowne to women staieth the inordinate flux or ouermuch flowing of womens termes It is reported that the fume or smoke of the herbe burned doth driue away flies and gnats and all manner of venomous beasts CHAP. 130. Of Barren-woort Epimedium Barren Woort ¶ The Description THis rare and strange plant was sent to me from the French Kings Herbarist Robinus dwelling in Paris at the signe of the blacke head in the street called Du bout du Monde in English The end of the world This herbe I planted in my garden in the beginning of May it came sorth of the ground with small hard woodie crooked stalks whereupon grow rough sharpe pointed leaues almost like Alliaria that is to say Sauce alone or lacke by the hedge Lobel and Dod. say that the leaues are somewhat like Iuie but in my indgement they are rather like Alliaria somewhat snipt about the edges and turning themselues flat vpright as a man turneth his hand vpwards when hee receiueth money Vpon the same stalkes come forth small floures consisting of soure leaues whose outsides are purple the edges on the inner side red the bottomeyellow the middle part of a bright red colour and the whole floure somewhat hollow The root is smal and creepeth almost vpon the vppermost face of the earth It beareth his seed in very small cods like Saracens Consound ‡ to wit that of our Author 〈◊〉 described pag. 274. ‡ but shorter which came not to ripenesse in my garden by reason that it was dried away with the extreme and vnaccustomed heat of the Sun which happened in the yeare 2590. since which time from yeare to yeare it bringeth seed to perfection Further Dioscorides and Pliny do report that it is without floure or seed ¶ The place †It groweth in the moist medowes of Italie about Bononia and Vincentia it groweth in the garden of my friend Mr. Iohn Milion in Old-street and some other gardens about towne ¶ The Time It floureth in Aprill and May when it hath taken sast hold and setled it selfe in the earth a yeare before ¶ The Names It is called Epimedium I haue thought good to call it Barren woort in English not because that Dioscorides saith it is barren both of floures and seeds but because as some authors affirme being drunke it is an enemie to conception ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen affirmeth that it is moderately cold with a waterie moisture we haue as yet no vse hereof in Physicke ‡ CHAP. 131. Of Fleabane ‡ 1 Conyza maior Great Fleawoort ‡ 2 Conyza minor vera Small Fleabane ‡ THe smalnesse of the number of these plants here formerly mentioned the confusion notwithstanding in the figures their nominations historie not oneagreeing with another hath caused me wholly too mit the descriptions of our Authour and to giue you new agreeable to the figures together with an addition of diuers other plants 〈◊〉 to this kindred Besides there is one thing I must aduertise you of which is that our Authour in the first place described the Bacchar is Monspeliensium of Lobel or Conyza maior of Matthiolus it is that which grows in Kent and Essex on chalkie hils yet he gaue no figure of it but as it were forgetting what he had don allotted it a particular chap. afterwards where also another figure was put for it but there you shall now finde it though I must confesse that this is as sit or a fitter place for it but I will follow the course of my Authour whose matter not method I indeauour to amend ¶ The Description 1 This great
containing the seed The root is small and full of fibres ¶ The Place Cow-Basill groweth in my garden but Ephemerum is a stranger as yet in England ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune 1 Vaccaria Cow-Basill 2 Ephemerum Matthioli Quicke-fading floure ‡ ¶ The Names 1 Cow-Basill is by Cordus called Thamecnemon by some according to Gesner Lychnis Perfoliatarubra Lobel termes it 〈◊〉 syluestris and Vaccaria the last of which names is retained by most late Writers 2 This by Lobel is said to be Ephemerum of Matthiolus yet I thinke Matthiolus his figure which was in this place formerly was but a counterfeit and so also doe Columna and 〈◊〉 iudge of it and Bauhine thinkes this of 〈◊〉 to be some kinde of Lysimachia ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues I finde not any thing extant concerning the Nature and Vertues of Vaccaria or Cow-Basill 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides writeth boyled in wine and the mouth washed with the decoction thereof taketh away the tooth-ache CHAP. 135. Of Sesamoides or Bastard Weld or Woade ¶ The Description 1 THe great Sesamoides hath very long leaues and many slender toward the stalk and broader by degrees toward the end placed confusedly vpon a thicke stiffe stalke on the top whereof grow little foolish or idle white floures which being past there 〈◊〉 small seeds like vnto Canarie seed that birds are fed withall The root is thicke and of a wooddy substance ‡ 2 This lesser 〈◊〉 of Salamanca from a long liuing white hard and prettie thicke root sends vp manv little stalks set thicke with small leaues like those of Line and from the middle to the top of the stalke grow many floures at first of a geeenish purple and then putting forth yellowish threds out of 〈◊〉 midst of which appeare as it were foure greene graines which when the floure is fallen grow into little cods full of a small blackish seed It growes in a stony soile vpon the hills neere Salamanca where it floures in May and shortly after perfects his seed ‡ 1 Sesamoides Salamanticum magnum Great bastard Woade 2 Sesamoides Salamanticum parvum Small Bastard Woade 3 Sesamoides parvum Matthioli Bucks-horne Gum-Succorie ‡ 3 Our Author formerly in the Chapter of Chondrilla spoke in Dodonaeus his words against the making of this plant a Sesamoides for of this plant were the words of Dodonaeus which are these Diuers saith he haue taken the plant with blew floures to be Sesamoides parvum but without any reason for that Sesamoides hath borrowed his name from the likenesse it hath with Sesamum but this herbe is not like to Sesamum in any one point and therefore I thinke it better referred vnto the Gum Succories for the floures haue the form and colour of Gum Succory and it yeeldeth the like milky juyce Our Authour it seemes was either forgetfull or ignorant of what he had said for here hee made it one and described it meerly by the figure and his fancie Now I following his tract haue though vnfitly put it here because there was no historie nor figure of it formerly there but both here though false and vnperfect This plant hath a root somewhat like that of Goats-beard from which arise leaues rough and hairy diuided or cut in on both sides after the manner of Bucks-horne and larger than they The stalke is some foot high diuided into branches which on their tops carry floures of a faire blew colour like those of Succorie which stand in rough scaly heads like those of Knapweed ‡ ¶ The Place These do grow in rough and stony places but are all strangers in England ¶ The Time These floure in May and Iune and shortly after ripen their seed ‡ ¶ The Names ‡ 1 〈◊〉 thinke none of these to be the Sesamoides of the Antients The first is set forth by Clusius vnder the name we here giue you it is the Muscipula altera muscoso flore of Lobel Viscago maior of Camerarius 2 This also Clusius and Lobel haue set forth by the same name as we giue you them 3 Matthiolus Camerarius and others haue set this forth for Sesamoides parvum in the Historia Lugd. it is called Catanance quorundam but most fitly by Dodon Chondrillae species tertia The third kinde of Gum-Succory ‡ ¶ The Temperature Galen affirmeth that the seed containeth in it selfe a bitter qualitie and saith that it heateth breaketh and scoureth ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides affirmeth that the weight of an halfe-penny of the seed drunke with Meade or honied water purgeth flegme and choler by the stoole The same being applied doth waste hard knots and swellings CHAP. 136. Of Dyers Weed Luteola Dyers weed or yellow weed ¶ The Description DYers weed hath long narrow and greenish yellow leaues not much vnlike to woad but a great deale smaller and narrower from among which commeth vp a stalke two cubits high beset with little narrow leaues euen to the top of the stalke come forth small pale yellow floures closely clustering together one aboue another which doe turne into small buttons cut as it were crosse-wise wherein the seed is contained The root is very long and single ¶ The Place Dyers weed groweth of it selfe in moist barren and vntilled places in and about Villages almost euery where ¶ The Names Pliny lib. 33. cap. 5. maketh mention by the way of this herbe and calleth it Lutea Vitruvius in his seuenth booke Lutum it is the Anticarhinum of Tragus Pseudostruthium of Mathiolus Virgill in his Bucolickes Eglog 4. cals it also Lutum in English Welde or Dyers weed ¶ The Time This herbe flourisheth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Nature It is hot and dry of temperature ‡ ¶ The Vertues The root as also the whole herbe heates and dries in the third degree it cuts attenuates resolueth opens digests Some also commend it against the punctures and bites of venomous creatures not onely outwardly applied to the wound but also taken inwardly in drinke Also it is commended against the infection of the Plague some for these reasons terme it Theriacaria Mat. ‡ CHAP. 137. Of Staues-acre Staphis-agria Staues-acre ¶ The Description STaues-acre hath straight stalkes of a 〈◊〉 colour with leaues clouen or cut into sundry sections almost like the leaues of the wilde Vine The floures do grow vpon short stems fashioned somewhat like vnto our common Monks hood of a perfect blew colour which being past there succeed welted huskes like those of Wolfs-bane wherein is contained triangular brownish rough seed The root is of a wooddy substance and perisheth when it hath perfected his seed ¶ The Place It is with great difficultie preserued in our cold countries albeit in some milde VVinters I haue kept it couered ouer with a little Ferne to defend it from the iniury of the March winde which doth more harme vnto plants that 〈◊〉 forth of hot Countries than doth the greatest frosts ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and the seed is ripe the second yeare of his sowing
forth of the ground in tufts like Pseudo-Moly that is our common herbe called Thrift amongst the leaues come forth slender stalkes an handfull high loden with small yellow floures like vnto the common Prick-Madam after which come little thicke sharpe pointed cods which containe the seed which is small flat and yellowish ¶ The Place The former of these groweth in gardens in the Low-countries in other places vpon stone wals and tops of houses in England almost euery where The other groweth about 〈◊〉 in the borders of fields and in other places that lye open to the Sunne ¶ The Time They floure in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names The lesser kinde is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sedum and Semperuivum minus of the Germanes Kleyn Donderbaer and Kleyn Hauszwurtz of the Italians Semperuino minore of the Frenchmen Tricque-madame of the English men Pricke-Madam Dwarfe House-leeke and small Sengreene The second kinde is named in shops Crassula minor and they syrname it minor for difference betweene it and the other Crassula which is a kinde of Orpin it is also called Vermicularis in Italian Pignola Granellosa and Grasella in low-Dutch Blader loosen in English Wilde Pricke-Madam Great Stone-crop or Worme-grasse ‡ That which is vulgarly knowne and called by the name of Stone-crop is the Illecebra described in the following chapter and such as grow commonly with vs of these small Houseleekes mentioned in this chapter are generally named PrickeMadames but our Author hath confounded them in this and the next chapter which I would not alter thinking it sufficient to giue you notice thereof ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues All these small Sengreens are of a cooling nature like vnto the great ones and are good for those things that the others be The former of these is vsed in many places in sallads in which it hath a fine relish and a pleasant taste it is good for the heart-burne ‡ CHAP. 144. Of diuers other small Sengreenes ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe stalke of this small water Sengreene is some spanne long reddish succulent and weake the leaues are longish a little rough and full of iuyce the floures grow vpon the tops of the stalkes consisting of six purple or else flesh-coloured leaues which are succeeded by as many little cods containing a small seed the root is small and threddy and the whole plant hath an insipide or waterish taste This was found by Clusius in some waterie places of Germany about the end of Iune and he calls it Sedum minus 3 siue palustre 2 This second from small fibrous and creeping roots sends vp sundry little stalkes set with leaues like those of the ordinary Pricke-Madam yet lesse thicke and flatter and of a more 〈◊〉 taste the floures which are pretty large grow at the tops of the branches and consist of siue pale yellowish leaues It growes in diuers places of the Alps and floures about the end of Iuly and in August This is the Sedum minus 6. or Alpinum 1. of Clusius 3 This hath small little and thicke leaues lying bedded or compact close together and are of an Ash colour inclining to blew the stalkes are some two inches long slender and almost naked vpon which grow commonly some three floures consisting of fiue white leaues apiece with some yellow threds in the middle This mightily encreases and will mat and couer the ground for a good space together It floures in August and growes vpon the craggy places of the Alpes Clusius calls it 〈◊〉 minus nonum siue Alpinum 3. 4 The leaues of this are somewhat larger and longer yet thicke and somewhat hairy about their edges at first also of an acide taste but afterwards bitterish and hot it also sendeth forth shoots and in the middest of the leaues it puts forth stalkes some two inches high which at the top as in an vmbel carry some six little floures consisting of 〈◊〉 leaues apiece hauing their bottomes of a yellowish colour It is found in the like places and floures at the same time as the former Clusius makes it his Sedum minus 10. Alpinum 4. and in the 〈◊〉 Lugd. It is called Iasme montana ‡ 1 Sedum minus palustre Small water Sengreene ‡ 2 Sedum Alpinum 1. Clusij Small Sengreene of the Alps. ‡ Sedum Alpinum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 White Sengreene 〈◊〉 the Alpes ‡ 4 Sedum Alpinum 4. Clusij Hairy Sengreene of the Alpes ‡ 5 Sedum petraeum Bupleurifolio Long leaued Rocke Sengreene 5 For these foure last described we are beholden to Clusius and for this fifth to 〈◊〉 who thus describes it It hath one 〈◊〉 and large root with few or no fibres but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bunching out here and there it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a thicke barke and is of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 colour on the outside the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 long and narrow lying spred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalke grows some 〈◊〉 high and is round and naked and at the top carries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 7 sharpe pointed pale yellow leaues which are succeeded by seeds like 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of a strong smell It 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle of Iuly and the seed is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle of August 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 obserued this growing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italy sets it forth by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bupleurifolio 〈◊〉 hath it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alpina Graminco folio and 〈◊〉 angustisolium Alpinum ¶ The Temper and 〈◊〉 The three first described without doubt are cold and partake in vertues with the 〈◊〉 small Sengreenes but the two last 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of an hot and attenuating 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them are commonly knowne or 〈◊〉 in Physicke ‡ CHAP. 145. Of Stone-crop called Wall-pepper 〈◊〉 siue Illecebra minor acris Wall-Pepper or Stone-crop ¶ The Description THis is a low and little herbe the stalks be slender and short the leaues about these stand very thicke and small in growth full bodied sharpe pointed and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the floures stand on the top and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little of colour yellow 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taste the root is nothing but 〈◊〉 ¶ The Place It groweth 〈◊〉 where in stony and dry places and in chinks and crannies of 〈◊〉 wals and on the tops of houses it is alwaies green and therefore it is very fitly placed among the Sengreenes ¶ The Time It floureth in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names This is Tertium sempervivum Dioscoridis 〈◊〉 Dioscorides his third Sengreene which he saith is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the Romanes Illecebra Pliny also witnesseth that the Latines name it 〈◊〉 Yet there is another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Germanes call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Katzen treuble the French men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Low-countrey men Muer Pepper the English men Stone-crop and Stone hore little Stone-crop Pricket Mouse-taile Wall-Pepper Countrey Pepper and Iacke of the Butterie ¶ The Temperature This little herbe is sharpe and biting
annua spuria One Sommers Nauell-woort ¶ The Description 1 THe Sea Nauel-woort hath many round thicke leaues like vnto little saucers set vpon small tender stalks bright shining and smooth of two inches long for the most part growing vpon the furrowed shels of cockles or the like euery small stem bearing vpon the end or point one little buckler and no more resembling a nauell the stalke and leafe set together in the middle of the same Whereupon the Herbarists of Montpelier haue called it 〈◊〉 Marinus or sea Nauel The 〈◊〉 and stalkes of this plant whilest they are yet in the water are of a pale ash colour but being taken forth 〈◊〉 presently waxe white as Sea Mosse called 〈◊〉 or the shel of a Cockle It is thought to be barren of seed and is in taste saltish 2 The second Androsace hath little smooth leaues spred vpon the ground like vnto the leaues of small Chickweed or Henbit whereof doubtles it is a kind among which riseth vp a slender stem hauing at the top certaine little chaffie floures of a purplish colour The seed is contained in small 〈◊〉 husks of a reddish colour a bitter taste The whole plant perisheth when it hath perfected his seede and must be sowne againe the next yeare which plant was giuen to Mathiolus by Cortusus who as he 〈◊〉 receiued it from Syria but I thinke hee said so to make Matthiolus more 〈◊〉 but surely I surmise he picked it out of one old wal or other where it doth grow euen as the small Chickweed or Naile-woort of the wall do ‡ The figure that was here was that vnperfect one of 〈◊〉 and the description of our Authour was framed by it vnlesse the last part therof which was taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 166. to amend both these we here present you with the true figure and description taken out of the workes of the iudicious and painfull Herbarist Carolus Clusius It hath saith he many leaues lying flat vpon the ground like to those of Plantaine but lesser and of a pale greene colour and 〈◊〉 about the edges soft also and iuicie and of somewhat a biting taste Amongst these leaues rise vp fiue or six stalkes of an handfull high commonly of a green vet sometimes of a purple colour naked and somewhat hairy which at their tops carry in a circle fiue roundish leaues also a little toothed and hairy from the midst of which arise fiue or more 〈◊〉 each bearing a greenish rough or hairie cup parted also into fiue little leaues or iags in the midst of which stands a little white floure parted also into fiue after which succeed pretty large seed vessels which containe an vnequall red seed like that of 〈◊〉 but bigger the root is single and slender and dies as soon as the seed is perfected It growes naturally in diuers places of Austria and amongst the corne about the Bathes of Baden whereas it floures in Aprill and ripens the seed in May and Iune ‡ ¶ The Place Androsace will not grow any where but in water great store of it is about Frontignan by Montpellier in Languedoc where euery fisher-man doth know it The second groweth vpon old stone and mud walls notwithstanding I haue the more to grace Matthiolus great iewell planted it in my garden ¶ The Time The bastard Androsace floureth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Androsace is of some called Vmbilicus marinus or sea Nauell ‡ The second is knowne and called by the name of Androsace altera 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Temperature The sea Nauell is of a diureticke qualitie and more drie than Galen thought it to be and lesse hot than others haue deemed it there can no moisture be found in it ¶ The Vertues Sea Nauelwoort prouoketh vrine and digesteth the filthinesse and sliminesse gathered in the ioints Two drams of it as Dioscorides saith drunke in wine bringeth downe great store of vrine out of their bodies that haue the dropsie and maketh a good plaister to cease the paine of the gout CHAP. 153. Of Rose-woort or Roseroot Rhodia radix Rose-root ¶ The Description ROsewoort hath many small thicke and fat stems growing from a thicke and knobby root the vpper end of it for the most part standeth out of the ground and is there of a purplish colour bunched knobbed like the root of Orpin with many hairy strings hanging therat of a pleasant smell when it is broken like the damaske rose whereof it tooke his name The leaues are set round about the stalks euen from the bottome to the top like those of the field Orpin but narrower and more snipt about the edges The floures grow at the top of a faint yellow colour ¶ The Place It groweth very plentifully in the North part of England especially in a place called Ingleborough Fels neere vnto the brookes sides and not elsewhere that I can as yet finde out from whence I haue had plants for my garden ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Some haue thought it hath taken the name Rhodia of the Island in the Mediterranean sea called Rhodes but doubtlesse it took his name Rhodia radix of the root which smelleth like a rose in English Rose-root and Rose-woort ¶ The Vertues There is little extant in writing of the faculties of Rosewoort but this I haue found that if the root be stamped with oile of Roses and laid to the temples of the head it 〈◊〉 the paine of the head CHAP. 144. Of Sampier 1 Crithmum marinum Rocke Sampier 2 Crithmum Spinosum Thornie Sampier 3 〈◊〉 chrysanthemum Golden Sampier ¶ The Description 1 ROcke Sampier hath many fat and thicke leaues somewhat like those of the lesser 〈◊〉 of a spicy taste with a certaine saltnesse amongst which riseth vp a stalke diuided into many smal spraies or sprigs on the top wherof doe grow 〈◊〉 tufts of whitefloures like the tufts of Fenell or Dill after that commeth the seed like the seed of Fenell but greater The root is thicke and knobbie being of smell delightfull pleasant 2 The second Sampier called 〈◊〉 marina or Sea Parsnep hath long fat leaues very much iagged or cut euen to the middle rib sharpe or prickley pointed which are set vpon large fat iointed stalks on the top whereof do grow 〈◊〉 of whitish or els reddish floures The seed is wrapped in thornie huskes The root is thick and long not vnlike to the Parsnep very good and wholesome to be eaten 3 Golden Sampier bringeth forth many stalks from one root compassed about with a multitude of long fat leaues set together by equall distances at the top whereof come yellow floures The seed is like those of the Rocke Sampier ¶ The Place Rocke Sampier groweth on the rockie cliffes at Douer VVinchelsey by Rie about South-hampton the Isle of VVight and most rockes about the West and North-west parts about England The second
mihi suaue rubet sed inest quoque succus amarus Qui juvat obsessum bile aperitque jecur My floure is sweet in smell bitter my iuyce in taste Which purge choler and helps liuer that else would waste CHAP. 164. Of Calues snout or Snapdragon ¶ The Description 1 THe purple Snapdragon hath great and brittle stalks which diuideth it selfe into many fragile branches whereupon do grow long leaues sharpe pointed very greene like vnto those of wilde flax but much greater set by couples one opposite against another The floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a purple colour fashioned like a frogs mouth or rather a dragons mouth from whence the women haue taken the name Snapdragon The 〈◊〉 is blacke contained in round huskes fashioned like a calues snout whereupon some haue called it Calues snout or in mine opinion it is more like vnto the bones of a sheeps head that hath beene long in the water the flesh consumed cleane away 2 The second agreeth with the precedent in euery part except in the colour of the floures for this plant bringeth forth white floures and the other purple wherein consists the difference 3 The yellow Snapdragon hath a long thicke wooddy root with certain strings fastned thereto from which riseth vp a brittle stalke of two cubits and a halfe high diuided from the bottome to the top into diuers branches whereupon doe grow long greene leaues like those of the former but greater and longer The floures grow at the top of the maine branches of a pleasant yellow colour in shape like vnto the precedent 4 The small or wilde Snapdragon differeth not from the others but in stature the leaues are lesser and narrower the floures purple but altogether smaller the heads or seed-vessels are also like those of the former ‡ 5 There is another kinde hereof which hath many slender branches lying oft times vpon the ground the leaues are much smaller than these of the last described the floures and seed-vessels are also like but much lesser and herein consists the onely difference ‡ 1. 2. 〈◊〉 purpureum sinc album Purple or white floured Snapdragon 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Yellow 〈◊〉 4 Antirrhinum minus Small Snapdragon ‡ 5 Antirrhinum 〈◊〉 repens Small creeping Snapdragon ¶ The Place The three first grow in most gardens but the yellow kinde groweth not common except in the gardens of curious Herbarists ‡ The fourth and fifth grow wilde amongst corne in diuers places ‡ ¶ The Time That which hath continued the whole Winter doth floure in May and the rest of Sommer afterwards and that which is planted later and in the end of Sommer floureth in the spring of the following yeare they do hardly endure the iniurie of our cold Winter ¶ The Names Snapdragon is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Antirrhinum of Apuleius Canis cerebrum Herba Simiana Venustaminor Opalis grata and Orontium it is thought to be Leo herba which Columella lib. 10. reckons among the floures yet Gesner hath thought that this Leo is Columbine which for the same cause he hath called 〈◊〉 but this name seemeth to vs to agree better with Calues snout than with Columbine for the gaping floure of Calues snout is more like to Lyons snap than the floure of Columbine it is called in Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Cabeza de ternera in English Calues snout Snapdragon and Lyons snap in French Teste de chien and Teste de Veau ¶ The Temperature They are hot and dry and of subtill parts ¶ The Vertues The seed of Snapdragon as Galen saith is good for nothing in the vse of physicke and the herb it selfe is of like facultie with Bubonium or Star-wort but not so effectuall They report saith Dioscorides that the herbe being hanged about one preserueth a man from being bewitched and that it maketh a man gracious in the sight of people Apuleius writeth that the distilled water or the decoction of the herbe and root made in water is a speedy remedy for the watering of eyes proceeding of a hot cause if they be bathed therewith CHAP. 165. Of Tode-Flax 1 Linaria vulgaris lutea Great Tode-flax 2 Linaria purpurea odorata Sweet purple Tode-flax ¶ The Description 1 LInaria being a kinde of Antyrrhinum hath small slender blackish stalkes from which do grow many long narrow leaues like flax The floures be yellow with a spur hanging at the same like vnto a Larkes spur hauing a mouth like vnto a frogs mouth euen such as is to bee seene in the common Snapdragon the whole plant before it come to floure so much resembleth Esula minor that the one is hardly knowne from the other but by this old verse Esula lactescit sine lacte Linaria crescit ‡ Esula with milke doth flow Toad-flax without milke doth grow ‡ 2 The second kinde of Tode-flax hath leaues like vnto Bellis maior or the great Dasie but not so broad and somewhat iagged about the edges The stalke is small and tender of a cubit high beset with many purple floures like vnto the former in shape The root is long with many threds hanging thereat the floures are of a reasonable sweet sauour 3 The third being likewise a kinde of Tode-flax hath small and narrow leaues like vnto the first kinde of Linaria the stalke is a cubit high beset with floures of a purple colour in fashion like Linaria but that it wanteth the taile or spurre at the end of the floure which the other hath The root is small and threddie †4 Linaria Valentina hath leaues like the lesser Centorye growing at the bottome of the stalke by three and three but higher vp towards the top without any certaine order the stalkes are of a foot high and it is called by Clusius Valentina for that it was found by himselfe in Agro Valentino about Valentia in Spaine where it beareth yellow floures about the top of the stalke like common Linaria but the mouth of the floure is downie or mossie and the taile of a purple colour It floureth at Valentia in March and groweth in the medowes there and hath not as yet been seene in these Northerne parts 5 Osyris alba hath great thick and long roots with some threds or strings hanging at the same from which rise vp many branches very tough and pliant beset towards the top with floures not much vnlike the common Toad-flaxe but of a pale whitish colour and the inner part of the mouth somewhat more wide and open and the leaues like the common Tode-flax 3 Linaria purpurea altera Variable Tode-flax 4 Linaria Valentia Clus. Tode-flax of Valentia 5 Osyris alba Lob. White Tode-flax 6 Osyris purpurocaerulea is a kinde of Tode-flax that hath many small and weake branches trailing vpon the ground beset with many little leaues like flaxe The floures grow at the top of the stalke like vnto the common kinde but of a purple colour declining to blewnesse The root is small
same very double When the floure hath long flourished and is waxen old then comes there in the middest of the floure a certaine browne yellow thrumme such as is in the midst of the Daisie which floure being gathered when it is young may be kept in such manner as it was gathered I meane in such freshnesse and well liking by the space of a whole yeare after in your chest or elsewhere wherefore our English women haue called it Liue-long or Liue for euer which name doth aptly answer his effects ‡ Clusius receiued this plant out of England and first set it forth by the name of Gnaphalium Americanum or Argyrocome ‡ 9 This plant hath three or foure small grayish cottony or woolly stalkes growing strait from the root and commonly diuided into many little branches the leaues be long narrow whitish soft and woolly like the other of his kinde the floures be round like buttons growing very many together at the top of the stalkes but nothing so yellow as Mouse-eare which turne into downe and are caried away with the winde 10 〈◊〉 siue Herba impia Herbe impious or wicked Cudweed 11 Leontopodium siue Pes Leoninus Lions Cudweed 10 The tenth is like vnto the last before mentioned in stalkes leaues and floures but much larger and for the most part those floures which appeare first are the lowest and basest and they are ouertopt by other floures which come on younger branches and grow higher as children secking to ouergrow or ouertop their parents as many wicked children do for which cause it hath beene called Herbaimpia that is the wicked Herbe or Herbe Impious 12 Leontopodium 〈◊〉 Small Lyons Cudweed ‡ 13 Gnaphalium oblongo 〈◊〉 Long leaued Cudweed ‡ 14 Gnaphalium minus latiore 〈◊〉 Small broad leaued Cudweed 12 This small kinde of 〈◊〉 being likewise a kind of Cotton-weed neither by Dioscorides or any other antient writer once remembred hath one single stalke nine inches in height and the leaues of Gnaphalium montanum which leaues and stalkes are white with a thicke hoary woollinesse bearing at the top pale yellow floures like Gnaphalium montanum the root is slender and wooddy ‡ 13 This which Clusius calls Gnaphalium 〈◊〉 2. hath small stalkes so ne handfull high or somewhat more of which some stand vpright others lie along vpon the ground being round hairy and vnorderly set with soft hoary leaues ingirting their stalkes at their setting on and sharpe pointed at their vpper ends The tops of the stalkes carry many whitish heads full of a yellowish downe the root is thicke and blackish with some fibres 14 This sends vp one stalke parted into seuerall branches set here and there with broad 〈◊〉 and hoarie leaues and at the diuision of the branches and amongst the leaues grow seuen or eight little heads thicke thrust together being of a grayish yellow colour and full of much downe the root is vnprofitable and perishes as soone as it hath perfected his seed Clusius calls this 〈◊〉 Plateau 3. he hauing as it seemes receiued them both from his friend Iaques Plateau ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth in the darke woods of Hampsted and in the woods neere vnto Deptford by London The second groweth vpon dry sandy bankes The third groweth at a place called Merezey six miles from Colchester neere vnto the sea side ‡ I also had it sent me from my worshipfull friend Mr. Thomas Glynn who gathered it vpon the sea coast of Wales ‡ The rest grow vpon mountaines hilly grounds and barren pastures The kinde of Gnaphalium newly set forth to wit Americanum groweth naturally neere vnto the Mediterranean sea from whence it hath beene brought and planted in our English gardens ‡ If this be true which our Author here affirmes it might haue haue had a fitter at least a neerer denomination than from America yet Bauhine affirmes that it growes frequently in Brasill and it is not improbable that both their assertions be true ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Cotton-weed is called in Greeke Gnaphalion and it is called Gnaphalion because men vse the tender leaues of it in stead of bombaste or Cotton as Paulus Aegineta writeth Pliny saith it is called Chamaexylon as though he should say Dwarfe Cotton for it hath a soft and white cotton like vnto bombaste whereupon also it was called of diuers 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of others Centunculus Centuncularis and Albinum which word is found among the bastard names but the later word by reason of the white colour doth reasonably well agree with it It is also called Bombax Humilis filago and Herba Impia because the yonger or those floures that spring vp later are higher and ouertop those that come first as many wicked children do vnto their parents as before touched in the description in English Cotton-weed Cud-weed Chaffe-weed and petty Cotton ¶ The Nature These herbes be of an astringent or binding and drying qualitie ¶ The Vertues Gnaphalium boyled in strong lee cleanseth the haire from nits and lice also the herbe being laid in ward-robes and presses keepeth apparell from moths The same boyled in wine and drunken killeth wormes and bringeth them forth and preuaileth against the bitings and stingings of venomous beasts The fume or smoke of the herbe dried and taken with a funnell being burned therein and receiued in such manner as we vse to take the fume of Tabaco that is with a crooked pipe made for the same purpose by the Potter preuaileth against the cough of the lungs the great ache or paine of the head and clenseth the brest and inward parts CHAP. 206. Of Golden Moth-wort or Cudweed ¶ The Description 1 GOlden Moth-wort bringeth forth slender stalkes somewhat hard and wooddy diuided into diuers small branches whereupon do grow leaues somewhat rough and of a white colour very much iagged like Southernwood The floures stand on the tops of the stalkes ioyned together in tufts of a yellow colour glittering like gold in forme resembling the scaly floures of Tansie or the middle button of the floures of Camomil which being gathred before they be ripe or withered remaine beautifull long time after as my selfe did see in the hands of Mr. Wade one of the Clerks of her Maiesties Counsell which were sent him among other things from Padua in Italy For which cause of long lasting the images and carued gods were wont to weare garlands thereof whereupon some haue called it Gods floure For which purpose 〈◊〉 King of Egypt did most diligently obserue them as Pliny writeth 1 Elyochryson siue Coma aurea Golden Moth-wort ¶ The Place It growes in most vntilled places of Italy and Spaine in medowes where the soile is barren and about the banks of riuers it is a stranger in England ¶ The Time It floures in August and September notwithstanding Theophrastus and Plmy reckon it among the floures of the Spring ¶ The Names Golden Moth-wort is called of Dioscorides Elichryson
about as those doe of common Horehound but they are yellow and the wharles be narrower the root is wooddy and durable 1 〈◊〉 Wilde Hore-hound 2 Stachys 〈◊〉 Wilde 〈◊〉 Horehound ‡ 3 Stachys spinosa Cretica Thorny Horehound ‡ 4 Stachys Lusitanica Portugall Wilde Horehound ‡ 5 Sideritis Scordioides Germander Ironwoort ‡ 6 Sideritis Alpina Hyssopifolia Hyssop-leaued Iron-wort 2 Besides this there is also another described by Fuchsius the stalkes hereof are thicke foure square now and then two or three foot long the leaues be broad long hoarie nicked in the edges hairie as are also the stalks and much broader than those of the common Horehound the floures in the whorles which compasse the stalke about are of a purple colour the seede is round and blackish the root hard somthing yellow ‡ 3 This thorny Stachys hath leaues before it comes to send forth the stalk like those of the lesser Sage but more white hairie those that grow vpon the stalkes are much narrower the stalks are square some foot high and at the parting of them into branches grow alwaies two leaues one opposit against another the tops of the branches end in long sharpe thornie prickles the floures grow about the toppes of the branches like those of Sage but of somewhat a lighter colour This grows naturally in Candy about a Towne called Larda where Honorius Bellus first obserued it there it is called Guidarothymo or Asses Tyme though it agree with Tyme in nothing but the place of growth Clusius sets it forth by the name of Stachys spinosa 4 Lobel hath giuen vs the figure and first description of this by the name of Stachys Lusitanica It hath creeping and downie stalkes some handfull and halfe high set with little leaues amongst which in rundles grow smal floures like those of the other wilde Horehounds the whole plant is of somewhat a gratefull smell ‡ 5 There is another wilde Horehound of Mountpelier called Sideritis Monspelliaca Scordioides siue Scordij folio being that kind of Sideritis or wilde 〈◊〉 which is like vnto Scordium or water Germander which groweth to the height of a handfull and a halfe with many small branches rising vpright of a wooddie substance hauing the tops and spokie coronets of Hyssop but the leaues do resemble Dioscorides his Scordium saue that they be somewhat lesser stiffer more wrinckled 〈◊〉 curled and hairie than 〈◊〉 or the Iudaicall herb the floures do 〈◊〉 those of the common Sauorie in taste bitter and of an aromaticall smell 6 Mountaine Sideritis beeing also of the kindes of Horehound was first found by Valerandus 〈◊〉 in the mountains of Sauoy resembling very wel the last described but the leaues are much narrower and like those of Hyssope the floures grow in small rough rundlets or tusts pale of 〈◊〉 like Marrubium or Tetrahit the root long and bending of a wooddie substance and purple colour bitter in taste but not vnpleasant whose vertue is yet vnknowne ¶ The Place These herbes are 〈◊〉 they grow in rough and barren places notwithstanding I haue them growing in my garden ‡ My kinde friend Mr. Buckner an Apothecary of London the last yeare being 1632 found the second of these growing wilde in Oxfordshire in the field ioyning to 〈◊〉 Parke a mile from the Towne ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the Sommer moneths and wither towards winter the root remaineth aliue a certaine time ¶ The Names The former is taken for the right Stachys which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is knowne in shoppes and euery where we name it in English yellow Horehound and wilde Horehoond ‡ Lobel calls it Stachys Lychnites spuria Flandrorum ‡ The other wilde Horehound seeing it hath no name is to be called Stachys spuria for it is not the right neither is it Sphacelus as most haue suspected of which Theophrastus hath made mention it is called in English purple Horehound bastard wild Horehound Fuchsius his wild Horehound ‡ Fabius Columna proues the second to be the Sideritis Heraclia of Dioscorides and the Antients ‡ ¶ The Temperature These herbes are of a biting and bitter taste and are hot in the third degree according to 〈◊〉 ‡ The Stachys Fuchsij and Sideritides seem to be hot and drie in the first degree ‡ ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the leaues drunk doth draw downe the menses and the secondine as Dioscorides teacheth ‡ 2 This is of singular vse as most of the herbes of this kinde are to keep wounds from inflammation and speedily to heale them vp as also to stay all fluxes and defluctions hauing a drying and moderate astrictiue facultie Aetius and Aegineta commend the vse of it in medicines vsed in the cure of the biting of a mad Dog ‡ ‡ CHAP. 232. Of the Fronwoorts or Alheales ‡ 1 Sideritis vulgaris Ironwoort or Alheale ‡ 2 Sideritis Angustifolia Narrow leaued Alheale ¶ The Kindes ‡ THere are many plants that belong to this kindred of the 〈◊〉 or Ironwoorts and some of them are already treated of though in seuerall places that not verie fitly by our Authour and one of them is also set forth hereafter by the name of Clownes Alheale these that are 〈◊〉 handled and properly belong to this Chapter are first the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being in the fourth place of the 229. Chapter Secondly the Stachys Fuchsij being the first 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 described in the second place of the last chapter Thirdly the 〈◊〉 Scordioides set forth in the fift place and fourthly the Sideritis Alpina Hyssopisolia set forth in the 〈◊〉 place of the last chapter Now besides all these I will in this Chapter giue you the Descriptions 〈◊〉 some others like to them in face and Vertues and all of them may be referred to the first S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dioscorides his description ¶ The Description 1 THis hath square stalkes some cubite high rough and iointed with two leaues at 〈◊〉 ioint which are wrinkled and hairie of an indifferent bignesse snipt about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a strong smell and of a bitterish and somewhat hottish taste almost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ioint grow branches set with lesser leaues the floures which in roundles incompasse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stalks end in a spike being somewhat hooded whitish well smelling and marked on the 〈◊〉 with sanguine spots The seed is rough and blacke being contained in fiue cornered seed 〈◊〉 The root is hard and wooddie sending forth many stalkes This is the Sideritis 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Cordus 〈◊〉 and others it hath a very great affinitie with the Panax Coloni or Clownes A of our Authour and the difference betweene them certainly is very small ‡ 3 Siderit is procumbens 〈◊〉 Creeping branched Ironwoort ‡ 3 Sideritis procumbens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Not branched Creeping 〈◊〉 ‡ 6 Sideritis latifolia glabra Smooth broad leaued Alheale 3 This hath some branches lying along vpon the ground slender quadrangular hairie which at certain spaces are set with leaues growing by couples almost
nothing to the contrary but that there may be many plants with soft downie leaues fit to make Candle weeke of in English it is generally called French Sage wee may call it Sage Mulleine ¶ The Temperature As these be like in vertues to the others going before so they be likewise dric in temperature ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the leaues are stamped and laied in manner of a pultis vpon burnings and scaldings CHAP. 267. Of Clarie 1 Gallitricum 〈◊〉 Horminum Common Clarie 2 Gallitricum alterum Small Clarie ‡ 3 Horminum syluestre Fuchsij Fuchsius his wilde Clarie ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Clarie which is the right bringeth forth thick stalks foure square two foot long diuided into branches it hath many leaues growing both from the rootes and along the stalkes and branches by distances one against another by two and two great a handfull broad or broader somewhat rough vnequall whitish and hairie as be also the stalkes The floures are like those of Sage or of dead Nettle of colour white out of a light blew after which grow vp long toothed huskes in stead of cods in which is blacke seed The root is full of strings the whole herbe yeeldeth forth a rank and strong smell that stuffeth the head it perisheth after the seed is ripe which is in the second yeare after it is sowne 2 The second kinde of Clarie hath likewise stalkes foure square a foot and a halfe high the leaues also be rough and rugged lesser and not so white The floures be alike of colour purple or blew the rootes bee as those of the former are This hath not so strong a sent by a great deale 3 There is a kinde of Clarie which Fuchsius pictureth for wilde Clarie that hath shorter stalkes hairie and also foure square the leaues lesser long deeper indented the floures blew of colour sweet of smell but not so sweet as those of 4 Colus Iouis Iupiters 〈◊〉 the right Clarie the husks or cods when they are ripe bend downwards the seed is blackish the roots in like manner are blacke and full of strings 4 The fourth kind of Horminum called Iovis Colus representeth in the highest top of the stalke a distaffe wrapped about with yellow flax whereof it tooke his name hauing knobbie roots with certaine strings annexed thereto like Galcopsis or like vnto the roots of Clarie which doe yeeld forth sundry foure square rough stalks two cubits high whereon do grow leaues like tl ose of the Nettle rough sharpe pointed and of an ouerworne greene colour the floures do grow alongst the top of the stalks by certaine spaces set round about in smal coronets or wharles like those of Sage in forme but of a yellow colour ¶ The Place These doe grow wilde in some places notwithstanding they are manured and planted in Gardens almost euery where except Iupiters distaffe beeing a kinde thereof which I haue in my Garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names Clarie is called of the Apothecaries Gallitricum it is likewise named Oruala of some Tota bona but not properly of others Scarlea Sclarea Centrum Galli and Matrisaluia in Iralian Sciaria in French Oruale in High Dutch Scharlach in Low Dutch Scharleye in English Clarie or Cleere eie Iupiters distaffe is called Colus Iovis of some Galeopsis lutea but not properly of diuers Horminum luteum or yellow Clarie and Horminum Tridentinum or Clarie of Trent ¶ The Temperature Clarie is hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The seed of Clarie poudered finely searced and mixed with hony taketh away the dimnesse of the eies and clecreth the sight The same stamped infused or laied to steepe in warme water the mussilag or slimie substance taken and applied plaisterwise draweth forth splinters of wood thornes or any other thing fixed in the bodie it also scattereth and dissolueth all kindes of swellings especially in the ioints The seed poudered and drunke with wine stirreth vp bodily lust The leaues of Clarie taken any manner of way helpeth the weaknesse of the backe proceeding of the ouermuch flowing of the whites but most effectually if they be fried with egges in manner of a Tansie either the leaues whole or stamped CHAP. 268. Of wilde Clarie or Oculus Christi ¶ The Description 1 OCulus Christi is also a kinde of Clarie but lesser the stalkes are many a cubite high squared and somewhat hairie the leaues be broad rough and of a blackish green colour The floures grow alongst the stalkes of a blewish colour The seed is round and blackish the root is thicke and tough with some threds annexed thereto ‡ This is Hormini syluestris 4. quinta species of Clusius ‡ 2 The purple Clarie hath leaues somewhat round layd ouer with a hoarie cottony substance not much vnlike Horehound among which rise vp small hairie square stalks set toward the top with little leaues of a purple colour which appeare at the first view to be floures and yet are nothing else but leaues turned into an excellent purple colour and among these beautifull leaues come forth small floures of a blewish or watchet colour in fashion like vnto the floures of Rosemarie which being withered the husks wherein they did grow containe certaine blacke seed that falleth forth vpon the ground very quickely because that euery such huske doth turne and hang downe his head toward the ground The root dieth at the first approch of Winter 1 Horminum syluestre Wilde Clarie or Oculus Christi 2 Horminum syluestre folijs purpurcis Clarie with purple leaues ‡ 3 Horminum syluestre latifolium Broad leaued wilde Clarie ‡ 4 Horminum syluestre flore albo White floured wilde Clarie ‡ 5 Horminum syluestre flore rub ro Red floured wilde Clarie 4 This hath long leaues next vnto the ground growing vpon prettie long stalkes broad at their setting on and so ending by little and little in sharpe points they are not deeply cut in but onely lightly snipt about the edges they are also wrinckled on the vpper side and whitish but hairie on the vnder side The square 〈◊〉 are some cubite high iointed and set with two leaues at each ioint The floures grow alongst the tops of the branches and are of a snow white colour There is a varietie of this with the leaues greener and the floures of an elegant deepe purple colour This is the Horminum syluestris quarti species prima of Clusius and the varietie with the white floures is his Hormini syluestris quarti 〈◊〉 prima and the figure that our Authour gaue in the first place was of 〈◊〉 5 There is another variety of the last described which also hath square stalks set with rough snipt leaues which end in sharp points but are narrower at the lower end than the former and they are greene of colour vpon the tops of the stalkes grow red hooded floures and those not very large the seed is small and blacke and
standing waters elswhere This description was made vpon sight of the plant the 2. of Iune 1622. Tribulus aquaticus minor muscat 〈◊〉 floribus 1 Tribulus aquaticus Water Caltrops ‡ 2 Tribulus aquaticus minor quercus floribus Small water Caltrops or Frogs-lettuce ‡ 3 Tribulus aquaticus minor Muscatellae floribus Small Frogs-Lettuce ¶ The Place Cordus saith that it groweth in Germany in myrie lakes and in citie ditches that haue mud in them in Brabant and in other places of the Low-countries it is found oftentimes in standing waters and springs Matthiolus writeth that it groweth not only in lakes of sweet water but also in certaine ditches by the sea neere vnto Venice ¶ The Time It flourisheth in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latins Tribulus aquatilis and aquaticus and Tribulus lacustris the Apothecaries Tribulus marinus in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Brabanders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the likenesse of yron nailes 〈◊〉 the French men Macres in English it is named water Caltrops Saligot and Water nuts most do call the fruit of this Caltrops Castaneae aquatiles or water 〈◊〉 nuts ¶ The Temperature Water Caltrop is of a cold nature it consisteth of a moist essence which in this is 〈◊〉 waterie than in the land Caltrops wherein an earthie cold is predominant as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The herbe vsed in manner of a pultis as Dioscorides teacheth is good against all inflammations or hot swellings boiled with honie and water it perfectly healeth cankers in the mouth sore gums and the Almonds of the throat The Thracians saith Plinie that dwell in Strymona do fatten their horses with the leaues of Saligot and they themselues do feed of the kernels making very sweet bread thereof which bindeth the belly The green nuts or fruit of Tribulus aquaticus or Saligot being drunke in wine is good for them which are troubled with the stone and grauell The same drunke in like manner or laied outwardly to the place helpeth those that are bitten with any venomous beast and resisteth all venome and poison The leaues of Saligot be giuen against all inflammations and vlcers of the mouth the 〈◊〉 and corruption of the iawes and against the Kings euill A pouder made of the nuts is giuen to such as pisse bloud and are troubled with grauell and it doth bind the belly very much ‡ The two lesser water Caltrops here described are in my opinion much agreeable in temper to the great one and are much fitter Succidanea for it then Aron which some in the composition of Vnguentum Agrippae haue appointed for it ‡ CHAP. 299. Of water Sengreene or fresh water Soldier Militaris Aizoides Fresh water Soldier ¶ The Description FResh water Soldier or water Housleeke hath leaues like those of the herbe Aloe or Semper vivum but shorter and lesser setround about the edges with certaine stiffe and short prickles amongst which commeth forth diuers cases or huskes verie like vnto crabbes clawes out of which when they open grow white floures consisting of three leaues altogether like those of Frogs-bit hauing in the middle little yellowish threds in stead of roots there be long strings round white vetic like to great Harp-strings or to long wormes which falling downe from a short head that brought sorth the leaues go to the bottom of the water and yet be they seldome there fastened there also grow from the same other strings aslope by which the plant is multiplied after the manner of Frogs-bit ¶ The Place ‡ I found this growing plentifully in the ditches about Rotsey a smal village in Holdernesse And my friend Mr. William Broad obserued it in the Fennes in Lincolne-shire ‡ The leaues and floures grow vpon the top of the water and the roots are sent downe through the water to the mud ¶ The Time It floures in Iune and sometimes in August ¶ The Names It may be called Sedum aquatile or water Sengreen that is to say of the likenesse of herbe Aloe which is also called in Latine Sedum of some Cancri chela or Cancri forficula in English VVater Housleeke Knights Pondwoort and of some Knights water Sengreene fresh water Soldier or wading Pondweed it seemeth to be Stratiotes aquatilis or Stratiotes potamios or Knights water Wound-woort which may also be named in Latine Militaris aquatica and Militaris 〈◊〉 or Soldiers Yarrow for it groweth in the water and floteth vpon it and if those strings which it sendeth to the bottome of the wat er be no roots it also liueth without roots ¶ The Temperature This herbe is of a cooling nature and temperament ¶ The Vertues This Housleeke staieth the bloud which commeth from the kidneies it keepeth green wounds from being inflamed and it is good against S. Anthonies fire and hot swellings being applied vnto them and is equall in the vertues aforesaid with the former CHAP. 300. Of Water Yarrow and water Gillofloure 1 Viola palustris Water Violet ‡ Viola Palustris tenuifolia The smaller leaued water violet ¶ The Description 1 WAter Violet hath long and great iagged leaues very finely cut or rent like Yarrow but smaller among which come vp small stalkes a cubit and a halfe high bearing at the top small white floures like vnto stocke Gillofloures with some yellownes in the middle The roots are long and small like blacke threds and at the end whereby they are fastened to the ground they are white and shining like Chrystall ‡ There is another varietie of this plant which differs from it only in that the leaues are much smaller as you may see them exprest in the figure ‡ 2 Water Milfoile or water Yarrow hath long and large leaues deepely cut with many diuisions like 〈◊〉 but finelier iagged swimming vpon the water The root is single long and round which brings vp a right straight and slender stalke set in sundry places with the like leaues but smaller The floures grow at the top of the stalke tuft fashion and like vnto the land Yarrow 3 This water Milfoile differeth from all the kindes aforesaid hauing a root in the bottom of the water made of many hairy strings which yeeldeth vp a naked slender stalke within the water and the rest of the stalke which floteth vpon the water diuideth it selfe into sundry other branches and wings which are bedasht with fine small iagged leaues like vnto 〈◊〉 or rather resembling hairy tassels or fringe than leaues From the bosomes whereof come forth small and tender branches euery branch bearing one floure like vnto water Crow-foot white of colour with a little yellow in the midst the whole plant resembleth water Crow-foot in all things saue in the broad leaues †4 There is another kinde of water violet very like the former sauing that his leaues are much longer somewhat resembling the leaues of Fennell fashioned like vnto wings and the floures are somewhat smaller yet white with yellownesse in their middles and shaped
many small reddish graines or round roots as bigge as pepper cornes which are vsed in medicine and are called Semen Saxifragae albae that is the seede of white Saxifrage or Stone-breake although beside these foresaid round knobbes it hath also small seed contained in little huskes following his floure as other herbes haue 1 Saxifraga alba White Saxifrage 2 Saxifraga aurea Golden Saxifrage ‡ 3 Saxifraga albapetraea White Rocke Saxifrage 2 Golden Saxifrage hath round compassed leaues bluntly indented about the borders like the former among which rise vp stalkes a handfull high at the top whereof grow two or three little leaues together out of the middle of them spring small floures of a golden color after which come little husks wherein is contained the red seed not vnlike the former the roote is tender creeping in the ground 〈◊〉 long threds or haires ‡ 3 Pona hath set forth this plant by the name of Saxifraga alba petraea and therefore I haue placed it here though I thinke I might more fitly haue ranked him with 〈◊〉 rutaceo folio formerly described It hath a small single root from which arise diuers fat longish leaues somewhat hairy and diuided into three parts amongst those rises vp a round knottie stalke roughish and of a purplish colour some halfe foot high diuided into sundry branches which carry white floures consisting of fiue leaues apiece with some yellowish threds in their middles these falling there remaines a cup containing a very small seed It floures at the end of Iune in the shadowie places of the Alpes whereas Pona first obserued it ‡ ¶ The Place The white Saxifrage groweth plentifully in sundrie places of England and especially in a field on the left hand of the high way as you goe from the place of execution called Saint Thomas Waterings vnto Dedford by London It groweth also in the great field by Islington called the Mantles also in the greene places by the sea side at Lee in Essex among the rushes and in sundrie other places thereabout and else where ‡ It also growes in Saint Georges fields behinde Southwarke ‡ The golden Saxifrage groweth in the moist and marish grounds about Bathe and Wels also in the Moores by Boston and Wisbich in Lincolnshire ‡ and Mr. George Bowles hath found it growing in diuers woods at Chisselhurst in Kent Mr. Goodyer also hath obserued it abundantly on the shadowie moist rockes by Mapledurham in Hampshire and I haue found it in the like places in Yorkshire ‡ ¶ The Time The white Saxifrage floureth in May and Iune the herbe with his floure are no more seen vntill the next yeare The golden Saxifrage floureth in March and Aprill ¶ The Names The first is called in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alba in English white 〈◊〉 or white Stone-breake The second is called Golden Saxifrage or golden Stone-breake ¶ The Nature The first of these especially the root and seed thereof is of a warme or hot complexion Golden Saxifrage is of a cold nature as the taste doth manifestly declare ¶ The Vertues The root of white Saxifrage boiled in wine and drunken prouoketh vrine clenseth the kidneis and bladder breaketh the stone and driueth it forth and is singular good against the strangurie and all other griefes and imperfections in the reines The vertues of golden Saxifrage are yet vnto vs vnknowne notwitstanding I am of this minde that it is a singular wound herbe equall with Sanicle CHAP. 310 Of Sow-bread ¶ The Description 1 THe first being the common kinde of Sowbread called in shops Panis porcinus and Arthanita hath many greene and round leaues like vnto Asarabacca sauing that the vpper part of the leaues are mixed here and there confusedly with white spots and vnder the leaues next the ground of a purple colour among which rise vp little stemmes like vnto the stalks of violets bearing at the top small purple floures which turne themselues backward beeing full blowne like a Turks cap or Tulepan of a small sent or 〈◊〉 or none at all which being past there succeed little round knops or heads which containe slender browne seedes these knoppes 1 Cyclamen orbiculato folio Round Sowbread 2 Cyclamen folio Heder Iuie Sowbread ‡ 3 Cyclamen Vernum Spring Sowbread ‡ 4 Cyclamen Vernum album White floured Sowbread ‡ 5 An Cyclaminos altera hederaceis folijs planta 2 The second kinde of Sowbread hath broad leaues spred vpon the ground sharpe pointed somewhat indented about the edges of a darke greene colour with some little lines or strakes of white on the vpper side and of a darke reddish colour on that side next the ground among which rise vp slender foot-stalks of two or three inches long at the tops whereof stand such floures as the precedent but of a sweeter smell and more pleasant colour The seed is also wrapped vp in the stalk for his further defence against the iniurie of winter The root is somewhat greater and of more vertue as shall be declared 3 There is a third kinde of Sowbread that hath round leaues without peaked corners as the last before mentioned yet somewhat snipt about the edges and speckled with white about the brims of the leaues and of a blackish colour in the middle the floures are like to the rest but of a deeper purple the root also like but smaller and this commonly floures in the Spring ‡ 4 This in leaues and roots is much like the last described but the floures are smaller snow white and sweet smelling There are diuers other varieties of these plants which I thinke it not necessarie for me to insist vpon wherefore I referre the curious to the Garden of floures set forth by Mr. Iohn Parkinson where they shall finde satisfaction ‡ 5 There is a plant which I haue set forth in this place that may very well be called into question and his place also considering that there hath been great contention about the same and not fully determined on either part which hath moued me to place him with those plants that most do resemble one another both in shape and name this plant hath greene cornered leaues like to Iuie long and small gaping floures like the small Snapdragon more hath not been said of this plant either of stalke or root but is left vnto the consideration of the learned ‡ The plant which our Author here would acquaint you with is that which Lobel figures with this title which I here giue and saith it was gathered amongst other plants on the hils of Italy but in what part or place or how growing he knew not and he onely questions whether it may not be the Cyclaminos altera of Dioscorides lib. 2. cap. 195. ‡ ¶ The Place Sow bread groweth plentifully about Artoies and Vermandois in France and in the Forest of Arden and in Brabant but the second groweth plentifully in many places of Italie It is reported vnto mee by men of good credit that Cyclamen or Sow-bread groweth vpon the mountaines of Wales
stayeth the termes and boyled in mutton broth it helps weake and aking backes They haue vsed to put it into ointments against burning with fire gunpouder and such like Hedera terrestris being bound in a bundle or chopt as herbes for the pot and eaten or drunke as thin broth stayeth the flux in women CHAP. 315. Of Juy ¶ The Kindes THere be two kindes of Iuy as Theophrastus witnesseth reckoned among the number of those plants which haue need to be propped vp for they stand not of themselues but are fastned to stone walls trees and such like and yet notwithstanding both of a wooddy substance and yet not to be placed among the trees shrubs or bushes because of the affinitie they haue with climbing herbes as also agreeing in forme and figure with many other plants that climbe and are indeed simply to be reckoned among the herbes that clamber vp But if any will cauill or charge me with my promise made in the beginning of this historie where we made our diuision namely to place each plant as neere as may be in kindred and neighbourhood this promise I haue fulfilled if the curious 〈◊〉 can be content to reade without rashnesse those 〈◊〉 following in order and not onely this climbing Iuy that lifteth her selfe to the tops of trees but also the other Iuy that creepeth vpon the ground Of the greater or the climing Iuy there are also many sorts but especially three the white the blacke and that which is called Hedera Helix or Hedera sterilis ¶ The Description 1 THe greater Iuy climbeth on trees old buildings and walls the stalkes thereof are wooddy and now and then so great as it seemes to become a tree from which it sendeth a multitude of little boughes or branches euery way whereby as it were with arms it creepeth and wandereth far about it also bringeth forth continually fine little roots by which it fastneth it selfe and cleaueth wonderfull hard vpon trees and vpon the smoothest stone walls the leanes are smooth shining especially on the vpper side cornered with sharpe pointed corners The floures are very small and mossie after which succeed bundles of black berries euery one hauing a small sharpe pointall There is another sort of great Iuy that bringeth forth white fruit which some call Acharnicam irriguam and also another lesser the which hath blacke berries This Pliny calleth Selinitium We also finde mentioned another sort hereof spred abroad with a fruit of a yellow Saffron colour called of diuers Dionysias as Dioscorides writeth others Bacchica of which the Poets vsed to make garlands as Pliny testisieth lib. 16. cap. 34. 2 Barren Iuy is not much vnlike vnto the common Iuy aforesaid sauing that his branches are both smaller and tenderer not lifting or bearing it selfe vpward but creeping along by the ground vnder moist and shadowie ditch bankes The leaues are most commonly three square cornered of a blackish greene colour which at the end of Sommer become brownish red vpon the lower side The whole plant beareth neither floures nor fruit but is altogether barren and fruitlesse ‡ 3 There is kept for nouelties sake in diuers gardens a Virginian by some though vnfitly termed a Vine being indeed an Iuy The stalkes of this grow to a great heighth if they be planted nigh any thing that may sustaine or beare them vp and they take first hold by certaine small tendrels vpon what body soeuer they grow whether stone boords bricke yea glasse and that so firmely that oftentimes they will bring pieces with them if you plucke them off The leaues are large consisting of foure fiue or more particular leaues each of them being long and deeply notched about the edges so that they somewhat resemble the leaues of the Chesnut tree the floures grow clustering together after the manner of Iuy but neuer with vs shew themselues open so that we cannot iustly say any thing of their colour or the fruit that succeeds them It puts forth his leaues in April and the stalkes with the rudiments of the floures are to be seene in August It may as I said be fitly called Hedera Virginiana ‡ ¶ The Place Iuy groweth commonly about walls and trees the white Iuy groweth in Greece and the barren Iuy groweth vpon the ground in ditch bankes and shadowie woods 1 Hedera corymbosa Clymbing or berried Iuy 2 Hedera Helix Barren or creeping Iuy ¶ The Time Iuy flourisheth in Autumne the berries are ripe after the Winter Solstice ¶ The Names Iuy is called in Latine Hedera in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Yedra in French Liarre The greater Iuy is called of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine 〈◊〉 attollens or Hedera assurgens Gaza interpreteth it Hedera excelsa The later Herbarists would haue it to be Hedera arborea or tree Iuy because it groweth vpon trees and Hedera muralis which hangeth vpon walls Creeping or barren Iuy is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Ground-Iuy yet doth it much differ from Hedera 〈◊〉 or Ground-Iuy before described of some it is called Clauicula Hedera Helix and Hedera 〈◊〉 and is that herbe wherein the Bore delighteth according to Iohannes Khuenius ¶ The Temperature Iuy as Galen saith is compounded of contrarie faculties for it hath a certaine binding earthy and cold substance and also a substance somewhat biting which euen the very taste doth shew to be hot Neither is it without a third facultie as being of a certaine warme waterie substance and that is if it be greene for whilest it is in drying this watery substance being earthy cold and binding consumeth away and that which is hot and biting remaineth ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Iuy fresh and greene boyled in wine do heale old vlcers and perfectly cure those that haue a venomous and malicious quality ioyned with them and are a remedy likewise against burnings and scaldings Moreouer the leaues boyled with vineger are good for such as haue bad spleens but the floures or fruit are of more force being very finely beaten and tempered with vineger especially so vsed they are commended against burnings The iuyce drawne or snift vp into the nose doth effectually purge the head stayeth the running of the eares that hath beene of long continuance and healeth old vlcers both in the eares and also in the nosthrils but if it be too sharpe it is to be mixed with oyle of Roses or sallad oyle The gum that is found vpon the trunke or body of the old stocke of Iuy killeth nits and lice and taketh away haire it is of so hot a qualitie as that it doth obscurely burne it is as it were a certaine waterish liquor congealed of those gummie drops Thus farre Galen The very same almost hath Dioscorides but yet also somewhat more for ouer and besides hee saith that fiue of the berries beaten small and made hot in a Pomegranat rinde
wherupon are set very rough leaues hairy sharp pointed of an ouerworne grayish greene colour from the bosome of which come forth long tender foot-stalkes on the ends whereof doe grow small floures composed of fiue small leaues of a pale yellow colour after which commeth forth the fruit of the bignes of the smallest pullets egge but somewhat longer verie rough and hairy on the outside and of the colour and substance of the stalkes wherein is contained very much water and smalhard blackish seeds also of the bignesse of tares which being come to maturitie and ripenesse it casteth or squirteth forth his water with the seeds either of it owne accord or being touched with the most tender or delicate hand neuer so gently and oftentimes striketh so hard against those that touch it especially if it chance to hit against the face that the place smarteth long after whereupon of some it hath been called Noli me tangere Touch me not The root is thicke white and long lasting The Place It is found in most of the hot countries among rubbish grauell other vntilled places it is planted in gardens in the Low-countries and being once planted saith Dodonaeus it easily commeth vp againe many yeares after which is true and yet saith he further that it doth not spring againe of the root but of the seeds spirted or cast about which may likewise be true where he hath obserued it but in my garden it is otherwise for as I said before the root is long lasting and continueth from yeare to yeare ¶ The Time It springeth vp in May it floureth and is ripe in Autumne and is to be gathered at the same time to make that excellent composition called Elaterium ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Agrestis and Erraticus Cucumis in shoppes Cucumer asininus in Italian Cocomero saluatico in Spanish Cogumbrillo amargo in English wilde Cucumber spirting Cucumbers and touch me not in French Concombres sauvages ¶ The Temperature The leaues of wilde Cucumbers roots and their rindes as they are bitter in taste so they be likewise hot and clensing The iuice is hot in the second degree as Galen witnesseth and of thin parts It clenseth and wasteth away ¶ The Vertues The iuice called 〈◊〉 doth purge forth choler flegme and waterie humours and that with force and not onely by siege but sometimes also by vomit The quantity that is to be taken at one time is from fiue grains to ten according to the strength of the patient The iuice dried or hardened and the quantitie of halfe a scruple taken driueth forth by siege grosse flegme cholericke humours and preuaileth mightily against the dropsie and shortnesse of breath The same drawne vp into the nosthrils mixed with a little milk taketh away the rednesse of the eies The iuice of the root doth also purge flegme cholericke and waterish humours and is good for the dropsie but not of such force as Elaterium which is made of the iuice of the fruit the making whereof I commend to the learned and curious Apothecaries among which number 〈◊〉r. William Wright in 〈◊〉 Burie my louing friend hath taken more paines in curious composing of it and hath more exactly performed the same than any other whatsoeuer that I haue had knowledge of CHAP. 342. Of Citrull Cucumbers 1 Citrullus officinarum Citrull Cucumber ‡ 2 Citrullus minor Small Citrull ¶ The Description 1 THe Citrull Cucumber hath many long flexible and tender stalkes trailing vpon the ground branched like vnto the Vine set with certaine great leaues deeply cut and very much iagged among which come forth long clasping tendrels and also tender footstalkes on the ends whereof do grow floures of a gold yellow colour the fruit is somewhat round straked or ribbed with certaine deepe furrowes alongst the same of a green colour aboue and vnderneath on that side that lyeth vpon the ground something white the outward skin whereof is very smooth the meat within is indifferent hard more like to that of the Pompion than of the Cucumber or Muske melon the pulpe wherein the seed lieth is spungie and of a slimie substance the seed is long flat and greater than those of the Cucumbers the shell or outward barke is blackish sometimes of an ouerworne reddish colour The fruit of the Citrull doth not so easily rot or putrifie as doth the Melon which being gathered in a faire dry day may be kept a long time especially being couered in a heape of wheat as Matthiolus saith but according to my practise you may keepe them much longer and better in a heape of dry sand 2 The second kinde of Citrull differeth not from the former sauing that it is altogether lesser and the leaues are not so deepely cut or iagged wherein consisteth the difference ¶ The Place and Time The Citrull prospereth best in hot Regions as in Sicilia Apulia Calabria and Syria about Alepo and Tripolis We haue many times sown the seeds and diligently obserued the order prescribed in planting of Cucumbers ¶ The Names The later Herbarists do call it Anguria in shoppes Citrullus and Cucumus Citrullus in English Citruls and Cucumber Citruls and the seed is knowne by the name of Semen Citrulli or Citrull seed But is Cucumis Citrullus be so called of the yellow colour of the Citron then is the common Cucumber properly Cucumis Citrullus which is knowne vnto all to be contrarie ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The meat or pulpe of Cucumer Citrull which is next vnto the bark is eaten raw but more commonly boiled it yeeldeth to the bodie little nourishment and the same cold it ingendreth a waterish bloud mitigateth the extremity of heat of the inner parts and tempereth the sharpnesse and feruent heat of choler being raw and held in the mouth it takes away the roughnesse of the tongue in Agues and quencheth thirst The seeds are of the like facultie with those of Cucumbers CHAP. 343. Of the wilde Citrull called Colocynthis ¶ The Description 1 COloquintida hath beene taken of many to be a kinde of the wild Gourd it lieth along creeping on the ground as doe the Cucumbers and Melons comming neerest of all to that which in those daies of some Herbarists is called Citrull Cucumber it bringeth forth vpon his long branches smal crooked tendrels like the Vine and also very great broad leaues deepely cut or iagged among which come forth small floures of a pale yellow colour then commeth the fruit round as a bowle couered with a thin rinde of a yellow colour when it is ripe which when it is pilled or pared off the white pulpe or spungie substance appeareth full of seedes of a white or else an ouerworne browne colour the fruit so pared or pilled is dryed for medicine the which is most extreame bitter and likewise the seede and the whole plant it selfe in all his parts 2 The second kinde of Coloquintida hath likewise many long branches and clasping tendrels
them all notwithstanding it approcheth neerest vnto the Cinkefoiles hauing stalkes a foot high whereupon grow leaues diuided into fiue parts and jagged round about the edges like the teeth of a saw hauing the pale yellow floures of Pentaphyllum or Tormentilla within which are little mossie or downy threddes of the colour of saffron but lesser than the common Auens 8 The eighth kinde of Cinkefoile according to the opinion of diuers learned men who haue had the view thereof and haue iudged it to be the true Leucas of Dioscorides agreeable to Dioscorides his description is all hoary whereupon it tooke the addition Incanum The stalkes are thicke wooddy and somewhat red wrinckled also and of a browne colour which rise vnequall from the root spreading themselues into many branches shadowing the place where it groweth beset with thicke and notched leaues like Scordium or water Germander which according to the iudgment of the learned is thought to be of no lesse force against poison than Pentaphyllon or Tormentilla being of an astringent and drying quality Hereupon it may be that some trying the force hereof haue yeelded it vp for Leucas Dioscoridis This rare plant I neuer found growing naturally but 〈◊〉 the hollownesse of the peakish mountaines and dry grauelly vallies ‡ 11 Quinquefolium syluaticum minus flo albo Small white floured wood Cinkefoile ‡ 12 Quinquefolium minus flo aureo Small golden floured Cinkefoile ‡ 9 This hath the like creeping purple branches as the last described the leaues are narrower more hairy and deeper cut in the floures are also of a 〈◊〉 golden colour in other respects they are alike ‡ 10 The wood Cinkefoile hath many leaues spred vpon the ground consisting of fiue parts among which rise vp other leaues set vpon very tall foot-stalkes and long in respect of those that did grow by the ground and somewhat snipt about the ends and not all alongst the edges The floures grow vpon slender stalkes consisting of fiue white leaues The root is thicke with diuers sibres comming from it ‡ 13 Pentaphyllum fragiferum Strawberry Cinkfoile 12 This from a blacke and fibrous root sends forth creeping branches set with leaues like the common Cinkfoile but lesse somewhat hoary and shining the stalks are some handfull high and on their tops carry large floures in respect of the smalnesse of the plant and these of a faire golden colour with saffron coloured threds in their middle the seedes grow after the manner of other Cinkfoiles this floures in Iune and it is Clusius his Quinquefolium 3. aureo flore ‡ 13 There is one of the mountain Cinkfoiles that hath diuers slender brittle stalks rising immediatly out of the ground whereupon are set by equall distances certain iagged leaues not vnlike to the smallest leaues of Auens the floures are white and grow at the top hauing in them threds yellow of colour and like to the other Cinkfoiles but altogether lesser The root is thicke tough and of a wooddie substance ‡ The seedes grow clustering together like little Strawberries whence Clusius calls it Quinquefolium fragiferum ‡ ¶ The Place They grow in low and moist medowes vpon banks and by high waies sides the second is onely to be found in gardens The third groweth in the woods of Sauena and Narbon but not in England The fourth groweth in a marsh ground adioining to the land called Bourne ponds halfe a mile from Colchester from whence I brought some plants for my garden where they flourish and prosper well The fifth groweth vpon Beestone castle in Cheshire the sixth vpon bricke and stone wals about London especially vpon the bricke wall in Liuer-lane The place of the seuenth and eight is set forth in their descriptions ¶ The Time These plants do floure from the beginning of May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names Cinkfoile is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Quinquefolium the Apothecaries vse the Greek name Pentaphyllon and sometime the Latine name There be very many bastard names wherewith I will not trouble your eares in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Cinquefoglio in French Quinte fueille in Spanish Cinco en rama in English Cinkfoile Fiue finger Grasse Fiue leaued grasse and Sinkfield ¶ The Temperature The roots of Cinkfoile especially of the first do vehemently drie and that in the third degree but without biting for they haue very little apparant heat or sharpnesse ¶ The Vertues The decoction of the roots of Cinkfoile drunke cureth the bloudy flixe and all other fluxes of the belly and stancheth all excessiue bleeding The iuice of the roots while they be yong and tender is giuen to be drunke against the diseases of the liuer and lungs and all poison The same drunke in Mead or honied water or wine wherein some pepper hath been mingled cureth the tertian or quartaine feuers and being drunken after the same manner for thirty daies together it helpeth the falling sicknesse The leaues vsed among herbes appropriate for the same purpose cureth ruptures and burstings of the rim and guts falling into the cods The iuice of the leaues drunken doth cure the Iaundice and 〈◊〉 the stomacke and liuer The decoction of the roots held in the mouth doth mitigate the paine of the teeth staieth putrifaction and all putrified vlcers of the mouth helpeth the inflammations of the almonds throat and the parts adioining it staieth the laske and helpeth the bloudy flix The root boiled in vineger is good against the shingles appeaseth the rage of fretting sores and cankerous vlcers It is reported that foure branches hereof cureth quartaine agues three tertians and one branch quotidians which things are most vaine and sriuolous as likewise many other such like which are not onely found in Dioscorides but also in other Authors which we willingly withstand Ortolpho Morolto a learned Physition commended the leaues being boiled with water and some Lignum vitae added therto against the falling sicknesse if the patient be caused to sweat vpon the taking thereof He likewise commendeth the extraction of the roots against the bloudy flix CHAP. 383. Of Setfoile or Tormentill Tormentilla Setfoile ¶ The Description THis herbe Tormentill or Setfoile is one of the Cinkfoiles it brings forth many stalks slender weake scarse able to lift it selfe vp but rather lieth downe vpon the ground the leaues be lesser than Cinkefoile but moe in number somtimes fiue but commonly seuen whereupon it tooke his name Setfoile which is seuen leaues and those somewhat snipt about the edges the floures grow on the toppes of slender stalkes of a yellow colour like those of the Cinkfoiles The root is blacke without reddish within thicke tuberous or knobbie ¶ The Place This plant loueth woods and shadowie places and is likewise found in pastures lying open to the Sun almost euery where ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 May vnto the end of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Tormentilla some
in the North part of England called Crag close and in the foot of the mountaine called Ingleborow Fels ‡ The sourth may be found in some gardens with vs. The fifth growes in the East Indies in the 〈◊〉 of Mandou and Chito in the kingdome of Bengala and Decan The last growes in Prouince in France neere a little city called Gange ‡ ¶ The Time The leaues grow to withering in September at which time they smell more pleasantly than when they flourished and were greene ¶ The Names Nardus is called in Pannonia or Hungarie of the countrey people Speick of some Bechi 〈◊〉 that is the herbe of Vienna because it doth grow there in great aboundance from whence it is brought into other countries of Gesner Saliunca in English Celticke Spikenard of the Valletians 〈◊〉 and Nardus Celtica ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Celticke Narde mightily prouokes vrine as recordeth Rondeletius who trauelling through the desart countrey chanced to lodge in a monasterie where was a Chanon that could not make his water but was presently helped by the decoction of this herbe through the aduice of the said 〈◊〉 ‡ The true Spikenard or Indian Nard hath a heating and drying facultie being according to Galen hot in the first degree yet the Greeke copy hath the third and dry in the second It is composed of a sufficiently astringent substance and not much acride heate and a certaine light bitternesse Consisting of these faculties according to reason both inwardly and outwardly vsed it is conuenient for the liuer and stomacke It prouoketh vrine helps the gnawing paines of the stomacke dries vp the defluxions that trouble the belly and intrals as also those that molest the head and brest It stayes the fluxes of the belly and those of the wombe being vsed in a pessarie and in a bath it helpes the inflammation thereof Drunke in cold water it helpes the nauseousnesse gnawings and windinesse of the stomacke the liuer and the diseases of the kidneyes and it is much vsed to be put into Antidotes It is good to cause haire to grow on the eye lids of such as want it and is good to be strewed vpon any part of the body that abounds with superfluous moisture to dry it vp The Celticke-Nard is good for all the forementioned vses but of lesse esficacie vnlesse in the prouoking of vrine It is also much vsed in Antidotes The mountaine Nard hath also the same faculties but is much weaker than the former and not in vse at this day that I know of ‡ CHAP. 442. Of Larkes heele or Larkes claw ¶ The Description 1 THe garden Larks spur hath a round stem ful of branches set with tender iagged leaues very like vnto the small Sothernwood the floures grow alongst the stalks toward the tops of the branches of a blew colour consisting of fiue little leaues which grow together and make one hollow floure hauing a taile or spur at the end turning in like the spurre of Tode-flax After come the seed very blacke like those of Leekes the root perisheth at the sirst approch of Winter 2 The second Larks spur is like the precedent but somewhat smaller in stalkes and leaues the floures are also like in forme but of a white colour wherein especially is the difference These floures are sometimes of a purple colour sometimes white murrey carnation and of sundry other colours varying infinitely according to the soile or countrey wherein they liue ‡ 3 Larks spur with double floures hath leaues stalkes roots and seeds like the other single kinde but the floures of this are double and hereof there are as many seuerall varieties as there be of the single kinde to wit white red blew purple blush c. 4 There is also another varietie of this plant which hath taller stalkes and larger leaues than the common kinde the floures also are more double and larger with a lesser heele this kind also yceldeth vsually lesse seed than the former The colour of the floure is as various as that of the former being either blew purple white red or blush and sometimes mixed of some of these ‡ 5 The wilde Larks spur hath most sine iagged leaues cut and hackt into diuers parts consusedly set vpon a small middle tendrell among which grow the floures in shape like the others but 1 Consolida regalis satiua Garden Larks heele 2 Crnsoliaa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 White or red Larks spur ‡ 3 Consolida regalis flore duplict Double Larks spur ‡ 4 Consolida reg elatior 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Great double Larks spur 5 Consolidaregalis syluestris Wilde Larkes heele ¶ The Place These plants are set and sowne in gardens the last groweth wilde in corne fields and where corn hath grown ‡ but not with vs that I haue yet obserued though it be frequently found in such places in many parts of Germanie ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part all Sommet long from Iune to the end of August and oft-times after ¶ The Names Larks heele is called Flos Regius of diuers Consolida regalis who make it one of the Consounds or Comfreyes It is also thought to be the Delphinium which Dioscorides describes in his third booke wherewith it may agree It is reported by Gerardus of Veltwijcke who remained Lieger with the great Turke from the Emperor Charles the fifth That the said Gerard saw at Constantinople a copy which had in the chap. of Delphinium not leaues but floures like Dolphines for the floures and especially before they be perfected haue a certaine shew and likenesse of those Dolphines which old pictures and armes of certain antient families haue expressed with a crooked and bending figure or shape by which signe also the heauenly Dolphine is set forth And it skilleth not though the chapter of Delphinium be thought to be falsified and counterfeited for although it be some other mans and not of Dioscorides it is notwithstanding some one of the old Writers out of whom it is taken and foisted into Dioscorides his bookes of some it is called Bucinus or Bucinum in English Larks spur Larks heele Larks toes and Larks claw in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 spooren that is Equitis calcar Knights spur in Italian Sperone in French Pied d' alouette ¶ The Temperature These herbes are temperate and warme of nature ¶ The Vertues We finde little extant of the vertues of Larks heele either in the antient or later writers worth the noting or to be credited for it is set downe that the seed of Larks spur drunken is good against the stingings of Scorpions whose vertues are so forcible that the herbe onely thrown before the Scorpion or any other venomous beast causeth them to be without force or strength to hurt insomuch that they cannot moue or stirre vntill the herbe be taken away with many other such trifling toyes not worth the reading CHAP. 443. Of Gith or Nigella ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Gith or Nigella differing some in the colour of the
it be drunke thrise a day some ten or twelue spoonfuls at a time It helpeth them that are strangled with eating of Mushroms or toad stoois if it be drunk with vineger And being taken with wine it is good against the poison of Ixia being a viscous matter proceeding from the thistle 〈◊〉 and of Hemlock and against the biting of the shrew mouse and of the Sea Dragon it is applied to the 〈◊〉 or inflammations of the throat with honie and niter and with water to night wheales and with hony to swartish markes that come vpon bruses It is applied after the same manner to dim eies and to mattering eares 〈◊〉 Camerarius of 〈◊〉 commendeth it greatly against the iaundice giuing of the floures of Wormwood Rosemarie Sloes of each a small quantitie and a little saffron boiled in wine the body first being purged and prepared by the learned Physition CHAP. 449. Of Small leafed Wormewood Absinthium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Austrian Wormewood ¶ The Description SMall leafed Wormwood bringeth forth very many little branches slender a span or a foot high full of leaues lesse by a great deale and tenderer than the former most finely and nicely minced the floures like those of the former hang vpon the little branches and sprigs the roots are small creeping ouertwhart 〈◊〉 whence do rise a great number of yong sprouts this VVormwood also is somewhat white and no lesse bitter than the broad leafed one and hath not so ranke or so vnpleasant a smell but rather delightfull ¶ The Place It grows plentifully in Mysia Thracia Hungarie and Austria and in other regions neere adioining it is also found in Bohemia and in many vntilled places of Germanie it is a garden plant in the low Countries and in 〈◊〉 ¶ The Time It bringeth forth floures and seed in Autumne a little while after when winter commeth the herbe withereth away but the roote remaineth aliue from which leaues and stalks do come againe in the spring ¶ The Names ‡ This Lobel calls Absinthium Ponticum Tridentinum Herbariorum Clusius Absinthium tenuifolium Austriacum Tabernamontanus Absinthium Nabathaeum 〈◊〉 wee may call it in English small leaued Wormwood ‡ ¶ The Temperature Small leafed VVormwood is of facultie hot and drie it is as bitter also as the broad leafed one and of like facultie ¶ The Vertues The faculties are referred vnto the common VVormwood CHAP. 450. Of Sea Wormewood ¶ The Description 1 THe white or common Sea VVormwood hath many leaues cut and diuided into infinite fine iags like those of Sothernwood of a white hoaric colour and strong smell but not vnpleasant among which rise vp tough hoarie stalks set with the like leaues on the top wherof do grow smal yellowish floures the root is tough and creepeth far abroad by means whereof it greatly increaseth 1 Absinthium marinum album VVhite Sea VVormwood 2 Absinthium marinum repens Creeping Sea 〈◊〉 2 The broad 〈◊〉 Sea VVormwood hath very many soft leaues growing close by the ground of a darke swart colour nothing so 〈◊〉 cut or iagged as the other of his kinde the floures grow vpon the tops of the stalks of a yellowish colour the root is tough and creeping ‡ This hath many weake slender branches commonly two foot long at their ful growth red of colour and creeping vpon the ground the leaues are small narrow long and iagged or parted towards their ends into sundry parcels they are greene aboue and grayish vnderneath the toppes of the branches are set with many little stalkes some inch long which vpon short foot-stalkes comming out of the bosomes of little longish narrow leaues carry small round knops like as in other plants of this kind the taste is a little bitterish and the smell not vnpleasant this growes with Mr. Parkinson and others and as I remember it was first sent ouer from the Isle of Rees by Mr. Iohn Tradescant Lobel in his Obseruations mentions it by the name of Absinth 〈◊〉 supinum Herbariorum and 〈◊〉 sets it forth by the title of Absinthium repens ‡ ¶ The Place Thse VVormwoods do grow vpon the raised grounds in the salt marshes neere vnto the sea in most places of England which being brought into gardens doth there flourish as in his naturall place and retaineth his smell taste and naturall qualitie as hath beene often proued ‡ I haue not heard that the later growes wilde in any place with vs in England ‡ ¶ The Time These bring forth floures and seeds when the other Wormwoods 〈◊〉 ‡ The later scarce seedes with vs it floures so late in the yeare ‡ ¶ The Names Sea VVormwood is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Absinthium marinum and likewise 〈◊〉 in Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of diuers Santonicum as witnesseth Dioscorides neuerthelesse there is another Santonicum differing from sea VVormwood in English of some women of the countrey Garden Cypresse ¶ The Temperature Sea VVormwood is of nature hot and drie but not so much as the common ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides affirmeth that being taken of it selfe or boiled with Rice and eaten with hony it killeth the small wormes of the guts and gently looseth the belly the which Pliny doth also affirme The iuice of sea VVormwood drunke with wine resisteth poison especially the poison of Hemlockes The leaues stamped with figs salt-peter and the meale of 〈◊〉 and applied to the belly sides or flankes help the dropsie and such as are spleenticke The same is singular against all inflammations and heat of the stomacke and liuer exceeding all the kindes of VVormwood for the same purposes that common VVormwood serueth It is reported by such as dwell neere the sea side that the cattell which do feed where it groweth become fat and lusty very quickly The herbe with his stalks laid in chests presses and ward-robes keepeth clothes from moths and other vermine CHAP. 451. Of Holy Wormewood Sementina Holie VVormewood ¶ The Description THis Wormwood called Sementina and Semen sanctum which we haue Englished Holy is that kinde of Wormwood which beareth that seed which we haue invse called VVormeseed in shops Semen Santolinum about which there hath been great controuersie amongst writers some holding that the seed of Santonicum Galatium to be the true VVormseed others deeming it to be that of Romanum Absinthium it doth much resemble the first of the sea VVormwoods in shape and proportion it riseth vp with a wooddie stalke of the height of a cubite diuided into diuers branches and wings whereupon are set very small leaues among which are placed clusters of seeds in such abundance that to the first view it seemeth to be a plant consisting all of seed ¶ The Place It is a forreine plant the seeds being sowne in the gardens of hot regions doe prosper well in these cold countries it will not grow at all Neuertheles there is one or two companions about London who haue reported vnto mee that they had great store of it growing in their gardens
somewhat longish hauing two little sharpe pointed leaues growing at the setting on of the foot-stalkes to the stalkes they are greene of colour and not snipt about the edges The heads that grow on the tops of the stalkes are round short and greene with small purple or else whitish floures like those of the common Trefoile but lesser standing in cups diuided into fiue parts which when the floures are fallen become somewhat bigger harsher and more prickly but open not themselues so much as those of the former the seed is like that of Millet but somwhat rounder This floures in Iune and the seed is ripe in Iuly I first obserued it in Dartford salt marish the tenth of Iune 1633. I haue named this Trifolium stellatum glabrum Smooth starrie headed Trefoile ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These especially the three last seeme to be of the same temper and vertue as the common Medow Trefoiles but none of them are at this day vsed in Physicke or knowne vnlesse to some few ‡ CHAP. 597. Of Pulse ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Pulse as Beanes Peason Tares Chiches and such like comprehended vnder this title Pulse and first of the great Beane or garden Beane ¶ The Description 1 THe great Beane riseth vp with a foure square stalke smooth hollow without ioynts long and vpright which when it is thicke sowne hath no need of propping but when it is sowne alone by it selfe it soone falleth downe to the ground it bringeth forth long leaues one standing from another consisting of many growing vpon one rib or stem euerie one whereof is somewhat fat set with veines slipperie more long than round The floures are 〈◊〉 in forme long in colour either white with blacke spots or of a blackish purple after them come vp long cods thicke full of substance slenderer below frized on the inside with a certaine whitewooll as it were or soft flockes which before they be ripe are greene and afterwards being dry they are blacke and somewhat hard as be also the cods of broome yet they be longer than those and greater in which are contained three foure or fiue Beanes seldome more long broad flat like almost to a mans naile great and oftentimes to the weight of halfe a dram for the most part white now and then of a red purplish colour which in their vpper part haue a long black nauell as it were which is couered with a naile the colour whereof is a light greene the skin of the 〈◊〉 or beane is closely compacted the inner part being dry is hard and sound and easily cleft in sunder and it hath on the one side an euident beginning of sprouting as haue also the little pease great Pease Ciches and many other Pulses The roots hereof are long and fastned with many strings 1 Fabamaior hortensis The great garden Beane 2 Fabasyluestris The wilde Beane 2 The second kinde of Beane which Pena setteth forth vnder the title of Syluestris Graecorum Faba and Dodonaeus Bonasyluestris which may be called in English Greeke Beanes hath square hollow stalkes like the garden Beanes but smaller The leaues be also like the common Beane sauing that the ends of the rib whereon those leaues do grow haue at the very end small tendrels 〈◊〉 claspers such as the pease leaues haue The 〈◊〉 are in fashion like the former but of a darke red colour which being vaded there succeed long cods which are blacke when they be ripe within which is inclosed blacke seed as big as a Pease of an vnpleasant taste and sauour ‡ 3 The common Beane in stalkes leaues floures and cods is like the former great garden Beane but lesser in them all yet the leaues are more and grow thicker and out of the bosomes of the leaues vpon little foot-stalkes grow the floures commonly six in number vpon one stalk which are succeeded by so many cods lesser and rounder than those of the former the beans themselues are also lesse and not so flat but rounder and somewhat longish their colour are either whitish yellowish or else blacke This is sowne in most places of this kingdome in corne fields and known both to man and beast I much wonder our Author forgot to mention so common and vulgarly knowne a Pulse It is the 〈◊〉 or Faselus minor of Dodonaeus and the Faba minor of Pena and Lobel ‡ ¶ The Place The first Beane is sowne in fields and gardens euery where about London This blacke Beane is sowne in a few mens gardens who be delighted in varietie and study of herbes whereof I haue great plenty in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in Aprill and May and that by parcels and they be long in flouring the fruit is ripe in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The garden Beane is called in Latine Faba in English the garden Beane the field Beane is of the same kinde and name although the fertilitie of the soile hath amended and altered the fruit into a greater forme ‡ The difference betweene the garden and field Beane is a specificke difference and not an accidentall one caused by the soile as euery one that knoweth them may well perceiue ‡ The blacke Beane whose figure we haue set forth in the second place is called Faba 〈◊〉 of some thought to be the true physicke Beane of the Antients whereupon they haue named it Faba Veterum and also Faba Graecorum or the Greeke Beane Some would haue the garden Beane to be the true Phaseolus or Kidney Bean of which number Dodonaeus is chiefe who hath so wrangled and ruffled among his relatiues that all his antecedents must be cast out of dores for his long and tedious tale of a tub we haue thought meet to commit to obliuion It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereupon the Athenians feast dayes dedicated to Apollo were named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which Beans and Pulses were sodden in Latine it is also called Faba fresa or fracta broken or bruised Beane ‡ Dodonaeus knew well what he did as any that are either iudicious or learned may see if they looke into the first chapter of the second booke of his fourth Pemptas But our Authors words are too iniurious especially being without cause against him from whom he borrowed all that was good in this his booke except the figures of Tabernamontanus It may be Dr. Priest did not fit his translation in this place to our Authors capacitie for Dodonaeus did not affirme it to be the Phaseolus but 〈◊〉 distinguishing betweene them ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Beane before it be ripe is cold and moist being dry it hath power to bind and restraine according to some Authors further of the temperature and vertues out of Galen The Beane as Galen saith in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is windie meate although it be neuer so much sodden and dressed any way Beanes haue not a close and heauy substance but a
second degree and hot in the first moreouer by how much it is bitter by so much it clenseth cutteth and remoueth stoppings but if it be ouermuch vsed it bringeth forth bloud by vrine Dioscorides writeth that bitter Vetch causeth head-ache and heauy dulnesse that it troubles the belly and driueth forth bloud by vrine notwithstanding being boyled it serueth to fatten Kine There is made of the seed a meale fit to be vsed in medicine after this maner the full and white graines are chosen out and being mixed together they are steeped in water and suffered to lie till they be plumpe and afterwards are parched till the skinne be broken then are they ground and searsed or shaken thorow a meale sieue and the meale reserued This looseth the belly prouoketh vrine maketh one well coloured being ouermuch eaten or drunke it draweth bloud by the stoole with gripings and also by vrine With honey it clenseth vlcers taketh away freckles sun-burnes blacke spots in the skinne and maketh the whole 〈◊〉 faire and cleane It stayeth running vlcers or hard swellings and gangrens or mortified sores it sosteneth the hardnesse of womens breasts it taketh away and breaketh eating vlcers carbuncles and sores of the head being tempered with wine and applied it healeth the bitings of dogs and also of venomous beasts With vineger it is good against the strangurie and mitigateth paine that commeth thereof It is good for them that are not nourished after their meat being parched and taken with hony in the quantitie of a nut The decoction of the same helpeth the itch in the whole body and taketh away kibes if they be washed or bathed therewith Cicer boyled in fountaine water with some 〈◊〉 doth asswage the swelling of the yard and priuie parts of man or woman if they be washed or bathed in the decoction thereof and the substance hereof may also be applied plaisterwise It is also vsed for bathing and washing of vlcers and running sores and is applied vnto the 〈◊〉 of the head with great profit CHAP. 515. Of the Vetch or Fetch ¶ The Description 1 THe Vetch hath slender and foure squared stalkes almost three foot long the leaues be long with clasping tendrels at the end made vp of many little leaues growing vpon one rib or middle stem euery one whereof is greater broader and thicker than that of the Lentil the floures are like to the floures of the garden beane but of a blacke purple colour the cods be broad small and in euery one are contained fiue or six graines not round but flat like those of the Lentil of colour blacke and of an vnpleasant taste ‡ 2 There is another of this kinde which hath a creeping and liuing root from which it 〈◊〉 deth forth crested stalkes some cubit and halfe high the leaues are winged commonly a dozen growing vpon one rib which ends in a winding tendrel each peculiar leafe is broader toward the bottome and sharper towards the top which ends not flat but somewhat round Out of the 〈◊〉 of the leaues towards the tops of the stalkes on short foot-stalkes grow two three or more pretty large pease-fashioned blewish purple floures which are succeeded by such cods as the former but somewhat lesser which when they grow ripe become blacke and fly open of themselues ‡ 1 Vicia Tare Vetch or Fetch 2 Vicia maxima 〈◊〉 Bush Vetch ‡ 3 Vicia syl flo albo White floured Vetch 4 Vicia sylue stris siue Cracca maior Strangle Tare Tine or wilde Fetch ‡ 5 〈◊〉 siue Cracca minima Small wilde Tare 3 This also hath a lasting root which sendeth vp round crested branches a foot and somtimes a cubit high whereon grow such leaues as those of the former but more white and downie the floures which grow on short foot-stalkes out of the bosomes of the leaues towards the top of the stalks are of a whitish colour with veines of a dusky colour diuaricated ouer the vpper leafe the cods are like those of the common Fetch Clusius found this in some wilde places of Hungarie it floured in May 〈◊〉 he calls it Vicia syluestris albo flore ‡ 4 Strangle Tare called in some countries Tine and of others wilde Vetch is a ramping herbe like vnto the common Tare 〈◊〉 and clymbing among corne where it chanceth that it plucketh it downe to the ground and ouergroweth the same in such sort that it spoileth and killeth not only wheat but all other graine whatsoeuer the herbe is better known than desired therefore these few lines shall suffice for the description ‡ This groweth pretty long with many slender weake branches the leaues are much smaller than the former and end in clasping tendrels the floures are of a purple colour and commonly grow but one at a ioint and they are succeeded by flat sharpe pointed cods which containe some nine or ten seeds apiece 5 This also growes a good height with slenderer stalks than the former which is diuided into sundry branches the leaues grow foure or six vpon foot-stalkes ending also in clasping tendrels the floures grow vpon pretty long but very slender foot-stalkes sometimes two or three otherwhiles more very small and of a whitish colour inclining to blewnesse which are succeeded by little short flat cods containing commonly foure or fiue little seeds of a blackish colour this is the Arachus siue Cracca minima of Lobel but I question whether it be that which Bauhine in his Pinax hath made the same with it calling it Vicia segetum cum siliquis plurimis hirsutis for that which I haue described and which exactly agrees with this figure of Lobel and that description in the Aduers hath cods very smooth without any hairinesse at all This floures most part of Sommer and growes in most places both in corne fields and medowes ‡ ¶ The Place The Tare is sowne in any ground or soile whatsoeuer ¶ The Time It floureth in May and perfecteth his seed toward September ¶ The Names It is called in Latine Vicia à vinciendo of binding or wrapping as Varro noteth because saith he it hath likewise clasping tendrels such as the vine hath by which it crawles vpward vpon the stalks of the weeds which are next vnto it of some Cracca and Arachus and also Aphaca it is called in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch Uitsen in French Vesce in most shops it is falsely termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Fruum for Eruum doth much differ from Vicia it is called in English Vetch or Fetch The countrey men lay vp this Vetch with the seeds and whole plant that it may be a fodder for their cattell ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Notwithstanding I haue knowne saith Galen some who in time of famin haue fed hereof especially in the spring it being but greene yet is it hard of digestion and bindeth the belly Therefore seeing it is of this kinde of nature it is manifest that the nourishment which comes thereof hath in it no good iuyce at all
kidneyes Being melted vnder the tongue it quencheth thirst it is good for greene wounds being layed thereupon and for the stomacke if it be chewed The decoction of the fresh roots serueth for the same purposes But the dried root most finely poudered is a singular remedie for a pin and a web in the eye if it be strewed thereupon Dioscorides and Pliny also report that Liquorice is good for the stomack and vlcers of the mouth being cast vpon them It is good against hoarsenesse difficultie of breathing inflammation of the lungs the pleurisie spitting of bloud or matter consumption or rottennes of the lungs all infirmities and ruggednes of the chest It takes away inflammations mitigateth and tempereth the sharpnesse and saltnes of humors concocteth raw humors and procureth easie spitting The decoction is good for the kidnies and bladder that are exulcerated It cureth the strangurie and generally all infirmities that proceed of sharpe salt and biting humors These things concerning Liquorice hath also Theophrastus viz. that with this and with cheese made of Mares milke the Scythians were reported to be able to liue eleuen or twelue dayes The Scythian root is good for shortnesse of breath for a dry cough and generally for all infirmities of the chest Moreouer with honey it healeth vlcers it also quencheth thirst if it be held in the mouth for which cause they say that the Scythians do liue eleuen or twelue dayes with it and Hippace which is cheese made of Mares milke as Hippocrates witnesseth Pliny in his twenty fifth booke chap. 8. hath thought otherwise than truth that Hippace is an herbe so called CHAP. 13. Of Milke Trefoile or Shrub Trefoile ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers kindes or sorts of the shrubby Trefoile the which might very well haue passed among the three leaued Grasses had it not beene for my promise in the proeme of our first part That in the last booke of our History the shrubbie or wooddy plants should be set forth euerie one as neere as might be in kindred and neighbourhood ¶ The Description †1 THe sirst kinde of Cytisus or shrubby Trefoile growes to the forme of a small shrub or wooddy bush two or three cubits high branching into sundry small boughes or armes set full of leaues like the small Tresoile darke greene and not hairie three growing alwaies together among these come forth smal yellow floures like them of French Broome which doe turne into long and flat cods containing small seed of a blackish colour 2 The second kinde of Cytisus is likewise a small shrub in shape after the manner of the former but that the whole plant is altogether smaller and the leaues rounder set together by couples and the small cods hairy at the ends which sets forth the difference ‡ The leaues of this are almost round and grow three together close to the stalke they are smooth of a fresh greene and the middlemost leafe of the three is the largest and ends in a sharpe point the floures are of the bignesse and colour of the Trifolium corniculatum it floures in May. ‡ 3 The root of this third kinde is single from whence spring vp many smooth brittle stalks diuided into many wings and branches whereon grow greene leaues smaller than those of medow Trefoile the floures are yellow lesser than Broome floures otherwise very like growing about the tops of the twiggie branches diuided into spoky tufts which being vaded there follow thinne long narrow cods lesser than those of the Broome wherein is contained small blacke seed The root is long deeply growing into the ground and sometimes waxeth crooked in the earth ‡ This also hath smooth green leaues and differs little if any thing at all from the first described wherefore I thought it needlesse to giue a figure Our Author called it Cytisus siliquosus Codded shrub Trefoile because one of the branches was fairely in the figure exprest with cods I know no other reason for all the Cytisi are codded as well as this ‡ 1 Cytisus The first shrub Trefoile 2 Cytisus The second shrub Trefoile 4 Cytisus hirsutus Ilairy shrub Trefoile 5 Cytisus incanus Hoary shrub Trefoile 4 The fourth kinde of Cytisus hath a great number of small branches and stalkes like the former but it is a lower plant and more woolly whose stalks and branches grow not very high but yet very plentifully spred about the sides of the plant the leaues are greater than the former but lesser than those of medow Trefoile the floures grow close together as though they were bound vp or compact into one head or spokie tuft somewhat greater than the former the cods are also greater and more hairy the root groweth very deepe into the ground whereunto are adioyned a few fibres it falleth out to be more hairy or woolly in one place than in another and the more hairie and woolly that it is the whiter it waxeth for the roughnesse bringeth it a certain whitish colour ‡ The branches of this oft times lie along vpon the ground the leaues are smooth and greene aboue and hoarie vnderneath the floures yellow which fading sometimes become orange coloured the cods are round and seeds brownish ‡ 5 The fifth kinde of 〈◊〉 groweth to the height of a cubit or more hauing many slender twiggy branches like Broome streaked and very hard whereupon grow leaues very like 〈◊〉 yet all hoary three together from the bosome of which or betweene the leaues and the stalkes 〈◊〉 sorth yellow 〈◊〉 very like Broome Spartum or Pease but smaller the cods be like vnto Broome cods of an ash colour but slenderer rougher and flatter in the seueral cels or diuisions whereof are contained bright shining seeds like the blacke seeds of Broome all the whole plant is hoarie like 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 6 Cytisus 〈◊〉 Winged shrub Trefoile 7 Cytisus 7. Cornutus The Horned shrub Trefoile 6 The sixth kinde of Cytisus or bush Tresoile groweth to the height of a tall man with long stalkes couered ouer with a blackish barke and a few boughes or branches beset or garnished with leaues like the common Trefoile but smaller growing also three together whereof the middlemost 〈◊〉 the three leaues is twice as long as the two side leaues the vpper side whereof is green and the lower side somwhat reddish and hairie the floures grow along the stalks almost from the bottome to the top of a golden yellow colour fashioned like the Broome floure but greater than any of the rest of his kinde and of a reasonable good sauour the seed hath the pulsie taste of Cicer. 7 The seuenth kinde of Cytisus hath many tough and hairy branches rising from a wooddie root foure or fiue cubits high which are diuided into sundry smaller branches beset with leaues like the medow 〈◊〉 among which come 〈◊〉 yellow floures like Broome that turne into crooked flat cods like a sickle wherein is contained the seed tasting like Cicer or Legumen The whole plant is hoarie like
to drinke the distilled water of Broome floures against surfets and diseases thereof arising Sir Thomas Fitzherbert Knight was woont to cure the blacke iaundice with this drinke onely Take as many handfuls as you thinke good of the dried leaues of Broom gathered and brayed to pouder in the moneth of May then take vnto each handfull of the dried 〈◊〉 one spoonful and a halfe of the seed of Broom braied into pouder mingle these together and let the sicke drinke thereof each day a quantitie first and last vntill he finde some 〈◊〉 The medicine must be continued and so long vsed vntil it be quite extinguished for it is a disease not very 〈◊〉 cured but must by little and little be dealt withall Orobanch or Broom rape sliced and put into oyle Oliue to insuse or 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 same as ye do Roses for oile of Roses scoureth and putteth away all spots lentils freck les pimples wheals and pushes from the face or any part of the body being annointed therewith Dioscorides writeth that Orobanch may be 〈◊〉 either raw 〈◊〉 boiled in manner as we vse to eat the sprigs or young shoots of Asparagus The floures and seeds of Spanish Broome are good to be drunke with Mead or honied water in the quantitie of a dram to cause one to vomite with great force and violence euen as white Hellebor or neesing pouder If it be taken alone it looseneth the belly driueth forth great quantitie of waterie and filthie humours CHAP. 18. Of base Broome or greening weed ¶ The Description 1 THis base kinde of Broom called Greene weed or Diers weed hath many tough branches proceeding from a wooddie root whereon do grow great store of leaues of a deep green colour somewhat long like those of Flax the floures grow at the top of the branches not much vnlike the leaues of Broome but smaller of an exceeding faire yellow colour which turne into small flat cods wherein is contained a little flat seed 2 Carolius Clusius setteth forth another kinde of Broome which Dodonaeus calleth Genistatinctoria being another sort of Diers weed it groweth like the Spanish Broome vpon whose branches do grow long and small leaues like Flax greene on the vpper side and of an hoarie shining colour on the other The floures grow at the top of the stalks spike fashion in forme and colour like the former the roots are thicke and wooddie 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth two kindes of Broome The first is a low and base plant creeping and lying flat vpon the ground whose long branches are nothing else but as it were stalkes consisting of leaues thicke in the middest and thinne about the edges and as it were diuided with small nicks at which place it beginneth to continue the same leafe to the end and so from leafe to leafe vntill it haue increased a great sort all which doe as it were make one stalke and hath none other leaues sauing that in some of the nicks or diuisions there commeth forth a small leafe like a little eare At the end of those flat and leafed stalks come forth the 〈◊〉 much like the floures of the common Greening weed but lesser and of a yellow colour which turne into small cods The roots are very long tough and wooddie ful of fibres closing at the top of the root from whence they proceed as from one body 4 This kinde of Greenweed called of some Chamaesparium hath a thicke wooddie root from which rise vp diuers long leaues consisting as it were of many pieces set together like a paire of Beads as may better be perceiued by the figure than expressed by words greene on the vpper side and whitish vnderneath very tough and as it were of a rushie substance among which rise vp very small naked rushie stalkes on the top whereof groweth an eare or spike of a chaffie matter hauing here and there in the said care diuers yellow floures like Broome but very small or little 1 Genistella tinctoria Greeneweed or Diers weed 2 Genistella infectoria Wooddie Diers weed 3 Genistella pinnata Winged Greeneweed 4 Genistella globulata Globe Greene weed 5 The fist Greeneweed hath a wooddie tough root with certaine strings annexed thereto from which rise vp diuers long flat leaues tough very hard consisting as it were of many little leaues set one at the end of another making of many one entire leafe of a greene colour amongst which come forth diuers naked hard stalks very small and stiffe on the tops whereof stand spikie 〈◊〉 of yellow floures like those of Broome in shape like that great three leafed grasse called Lagopus 〈◊〉 like the Fox-taile grasse after which come flat cods wherein is inclosed small seed like to Tares both in taste and forme 5 Genistella Lagopoides maior Hares foot Greeneweed 6 Genistella Lagopoides minor Small Greenweed with Hares foot floure 6 This differeth not from the precedent in stalks roots and leaues the floures consist of a flockie soft matter not vnlike to the grassie tuft of Foxtaile resembling the floure of Lagopus or Hares-foot but hauing small yellow floures lesser than the former wherein it chiefely differeth from the other of his kinde ¶ The Place The first being 〈◊〉 common Diers-weed groweth in most fertile pastures and fields almost euery where The rest are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of Iuly to the end of August ¶ The Names The first of these Greenweeds is named of most Herbarists Flos Tinctorius but more rightly Genista Tinctoria of this Pliny hath made mention The Greenweeds saith he do grow to dye cloths with in his 18. booke 16. Chapter It is called in high Dutch Ferblumen and Ackerbrem in Italian Cerretta and Cosaria as Matthiolus writeth in his chapter of Lysimachia or Loose-strifie in 〈◊〉 Diers Greening weed base Broome and Woodwaxen The rest we refer to their seuerall titles ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These plants are like vnto common Broome in bitternesse and therefore are hot and drie in the second degree they are likewise thought to be in vertues equall notwithstanding their vse is not so well known and therefore not vsed at all where the other may be had we shall not need to speak of that vse that Diers make thereof being a matter impertinent to our Historie CHAP. 19. Of Spanish base Broomes ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis growes to the height of a cubit and is couered with a crested and rough 〈◊〉 and diuided into many longish branches crested green which at their first springing vp haue some leaues vpon them which fall away as soon as the plant comes to floure from the sides of the branches come forth long foot-stalks whereon hang some small yellow floures which are succeeded by short round yellowish red cods which commonly containe but one seed 〈◊〉 two and these hard and blacke and like a little Kidney which when it is ripe will rattle in the cod being shaken ‡ 1 Pseudospartum Hispanicum Aphyllum
little leaues almost like those of the third described yet somewhat longer commonly growing foure yet sometimes fiue together of an astringent taste the little floures grow on the top of the branches longish hollow and of a light purple colour comming out of foure little leaues almost of the same colour when these are ripe and dryed they containe a blackish and small seed the root is hard wooddy and runnes diuers waies the weake branches also that lie vpon the ground now and then take root againe Clusius found this growing plentifully in diuers mountanous places of Germany where it floured in Iune and Iuly 15 The weake stalkes of this are some foot high which are set with many small greene leaues growing commonly together by threes the tops of the branches are deckt with little hollow and longish floures diuided at their ends into foure parts of a flesh colour together 〈◊〉 the foure little leaues out of which they grow hauing eight blackish little threds in them with a purplish pointall in the middle The seed is blacke and small the root wooddy as in other plants of this kinde Clusius found this in some mountanous woods of Austria where it floured in Aprill and May. ‡ ¶ The Place Heath groweth vpon dry mountaines which are hungry and barren as vpon Hampsteed Heath neere London where all the sorts do grow except that with the white floures and that which beareth berries ‡ There are not aboue three or foure sorts that I could euer obserue to grow there ‡ Heath with the white floures groweth vpon the downes neere vnto Grauesend Heath which beareth berries groweth in the North parts of England namely at a place called Crosby Rauenswaith and in Crag close also in the same countrey from whence I haue receiued the red berries by the gift of a learned Gentleman called Mr. Iames Thwaites ¶ The Time These kindes or sorts of Heath do for the most part 〈◊〉 all the Sommer euen vntill the last of September ¶ The Names Heath is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Erica diuers do falsly name it Myrica in high and low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Erica in Spanish Breso Quirro in French Bruyre in English Heath Hather and Linge ¶ The Temperature Heath hath as Galen saith a digesting facultie consuming by vapors the floures and leaues are to be vsed ¶ The Vertues The tender tops and floures saith Dioscorides are good to be laid vpon the bitings and stingings of any venomous beast of these floures the Bees do gather bad hony The barke and leaues of Heath may be vsed for and in the same causes that Tamariske is vsed CHAP. 53. Of Heath of Ierico 1 Rosa Hiericontea maior The Heath Rose of Ierico ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Heath which of the later writers hath been called by the name Rosa Hiericontea the coiner spoiled the name in the mint for of all plants that haue bin written of there is not any more vnlike vnto the Rose or any kinde thereof than this plant what moued them thereto I know not but thus much of my owne knowledge it hath neither shape nature nor facultie agreeing with any Rose the which doubtlesse is a kinde of Heath as the barren soile and that among Heath doth euidently shew as also the Heathie matter wherewith the whole plant is possessed agreeing with the kindes of Heath in very notable points It riseth vp out of the ground of the height of four inches or an hand breadth compact or made of sundry hard stickes which are the stalkes clasping or shutting it selfe together into a round forme intricately weauing it selfe one sticke ouerthwart another like a little net vpon which wooddy stickes do grow leaus not vnlike to those of the Oliue tree which maketh the whole plant of a round forme and hollow within among the leaues on the inside grow small mossie floures of a whitish herbie colour which 2 Rosa Hiericontea siccata The Heath Rose of Ierico dried 2 The second figure setteth forth the dried plant as it is brought vnto vs from beyond the seas which being set into a dish of warme water for halfe an houre openeth it selfe in forme as when it did grow and taken forth vntill it be drie returneth shut vp againe as before ¶ The Place It groweth in the barren grounds of France and other hot regions among the Heath and such like plants it is a stranger in England yet dried we haue them in great plenty ‡ I haue not read nor heard that this grows wilde in France but Bellonius saith it growes in Arabia deserta 〈◊〉 saith it easily grew and flourished many yeares in his garden at Basill ‡ ¶ The Time The seed being sowne in our cold climate is sowne in Aprill it perisheth when it is sprung vp and bringeth neither floures nor seed ¶ The Names This kinde of Heath is called Rosa 〈◊〉 or de Hiericho the Rose of Ierico of some the Rose of Ierusalem and also Rosa 〈◊〉 in English the Heath Rose ¶ The Temperature and Vertues There is not any of the antient nor later writers that haue set downe any certaintie of this plant as touching the temperature and faculties but onely a bare picture with a slender description CHAP. 54. Of the Chaste Tree 1 Vitex sive Agnus 〈◊〉 The Chaste tree ‡ 2 Vitex latiore 〈◊〉 folio Chaste tree with cut leaues ¶ The Description 1 VItex or the Cháste tree groweth after the manner of a bushie shrub or hedge tree hauing many twiggie branches very pliant and easie to be bent without breaking like to the willow the leaues are for the most part diuided into fiue or seuen sections or diuisions much like the leaues of Hemp whereof each part is long and narrow very like vnto the willow leafe but smaller the floures do grow at the vppermost parts of the branches like vnto spikie eares clustering together about the branches of a light purple or blew colour and very sweet smel the fruit is small and round like vnto the graines or cornes of pepper ‡ 2 Lobel mentions another varietie hereof that differs from the former onely in that it hath broader leaues and these also snipt about the edges ‡ ¶ The Place Vitex groweth naturally in Italy and other hot regions by water courses and running streames I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time Vitex beginneth to recouer his last leaues in May and the floures come forth in August ¶ The Names †The Grecians call this shrub 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agnos i. 〈◊〉 Chaste because saith Pliny in his 24. booke 9. Chapter the Athenian Matrons in their feast called Thesmophoria dedicated to the honour of Ceres desirous to keepe themselues chaste doe lay the leaues in their beds vnder them the Latines name it Vitex and of diuers it is termed as wee finde among the bastard and counterfeit names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine
described but thinner and not snipt about the edges on the tops of the branches grow the floures wholly white consisting of nine ten or twelue leaues set in two rankes these floures are very sweet hauing a sent as it were compounded of the Spanish Iasmine and Orange floures It is a tender plant and may be graffed vpon the common Iasmine whereon it thriues well and floures most part of the Sommer It groweth plentifully in Egypt and Prosper Alpinus is thought to mention this by the name of Sambac Arabum siue Gelseminum Arabicum ‡ 4 Glans vnguentaria or the oylie Acorne is the fruit of a tree like Tamariske of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut out of the kernell whereof no otherwise than out of bitter Almonds is pressed an oylie iuyce which is vsed in pretious Oyntments as Dioscorides 〈◊〉 neither is it in our time wholly reiected for the oyle of this fruit mixed with sweet odours serueth to persume gloues and diuers other things and is vulgarly knowne by the name of Oyle of Ben. ¶ The Place 1. 2. These trees grow not wilde in England but I haue them growing in my garden in very great plenty ¶ The Time They floure in Aprill and May but as yet they haue not 〈◊〉 any fruit in my garden though in Italy and Spaine their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The later Physitians call the first Syringa or rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say a Pipe because the stalks and branches thereof when the pith is taken out are hollow like a pipe it is also many times syrnamed Candida or white or Syringa candido slore or Pipe with a white floure because it should differ from Lillach which is sometimes named Syringa coerulea or blew Pipe in English White Pipe Blew Pipe the later Physitians as we haue said do name Lillach or 〈◊〉 of some Syringa 〈◊〉 or blew Pipe most do expound the word Lillach and call it Ben Serapio's and the Arabians 〈◊〉 is Glans vnguentaria which the Grecians name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from which Lillach doth very much differ among other differences it is very apparant that Lillach bringeth forth no Nut howsoeuer 〈◊〉 doth falsly picture it with one for it hath only a little cod the seed whereof hath in it no oile at all The figure of the Balanus Myrepsica we haue thought good to insert in this chapter for want of a more conuenient roome ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Concerning the vse and faculties of these shrubs neither we our selues haue found out any thing 〈◊〉 learned ought of others ‡ The Balanus Myrepsica taken in the quantitie of a dram causeth vomit drunk with Hydromel it purges by stoole but is hurtfull to the stomacke The oile pressed out of this fruit which is vsually termed oyle of Ben as it hath no good or pleasing smell so hath it no ill sent neither doth it become rancide by age which is the reason that it is much vsed by perfumers The oile smoothes the skin softens and dissolues hardnesse and conduces to the cure of all cold affects of the sinewes and it is good for the paine and noise in the eares being mixed with Goose-grease and so dropped in warme in a small quantitie ‡ CHAP. 62. Of Widow-Waile or Spurge Oliue ¶ The Description WIdow-waile is a small shrub about two cubits high The stalke is of a wooddy substance branched with many small twigs full of little leaues like Priuet but smaller and blacker on the ends whereof grow small pale yellow floures which being past there succeedeth a three cornered berrie like the Tithymales for which cause it was called Tricoccos that is three berried Chamelaea these berries are greene at the first red afterward and browne when they be withered and containe in them an oylie fatnesse like that of the Oliue being of an hot and biting taste and that doe burne the mouth as do both the leaues and rinde The root is hard and wooddy ¶ The 〈◊〉 It is found in most vntilled grounds of Italy and Languedoc in France in rough and desart places I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time It is alwaies greene the seed is ripe in Autumne ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as though they should say low or short Oliue tree the Latines 〈◊〉 and Oleastellus and likewise Citocacium it is also named of diuers Oliuella as Matthiolus 〈◊〉 saith it is called in English Widow-Waile quia facit viduas The fruit is named of diuers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Coccus 〈◊〉 but he is deceiued saith 〈◊〉 that nameth the fruit of Spurge-Oliue Coccus 〈◊〉 Auicen and 〈◊〉 call 〈◊〉 or Spurge Oliue Mezereon vnder which name notwithstanding they haue also contained both the Chamaeleons or Carlines and so haue they confounded Chamelaea or Spurge Oliue with the Carlines and likewise 〈◊〉 or Spurge flax Chamelaea Arabum Tricoccos Widow-Waile ¶ The Temperature Both the leaues and fruit of Spurge-Oliue as we haue said are of a burning and extrme hot temperature ¶ The Vertues The leaues saith Dioscorides purge both flegme and choler especially taken in pills so that two parts of Wormewood be mixed with one of Spurge Oliue and made vp into pils with Mede or honied water They melt not in the belly but as many as be taken are voided whole Mesue likewise hath a description of pills of the leaues of Mezereon that is 〈◊〉 or Spurge-Oliue yet Syluius expoundeth it Thymelaea or Spurge-Flax but in stead of Wormwood he taketh the outward substance of the yellow Mirobalans and Cepula Mirobalans and maketh them vp with Tereniabin that is to say with Manna and soure 〈◊〉 which they call Tamarinds dissolued in Endiue water and appointeth the same leaues to be first tempered with very strong vineger and to be dried These pills are commended against the Dropsie for they draw forth watery humours but are violent to nature therfore we must vse them as little as may be Moreouer Dioscorides addeth that the leaues of Spurge Oliue beaten with hony do clense filthy or crusted vlcers 〈◊〉 Germanica siue Mezereon Spurge Flax or the dwarfe Bay CHAP. 63. Of Germane Oliue Spurge ¶ The Description THe dwarfe Bay tree called of Dutch men Mezereon is a smal shrub two cubits high the branches be tough limber easie to bend very soft to be cut whereon grow long leaues like those of Priuet but thicker and fatter The floures appeare before the leaues oft times in Ianuarie clustring together about the stalks at certain distances of a whitish colour tending to purple and of a most fragrant and pleasant sweet smel after come the small berries green at the first but being ripe of a shining red colour and afterward wax of a dark black colour of a very hot and burning taste inflaming the mouth and throat being tasted with danger of choking The root is wooddy ¶ The Place and Time This plant grows naturally in the moist and shadowy woods
giue vnto the patient a little milk and Saffron or milk and mithridate to drinke to expell to the extreme parts that venome which may lie hid and as yet not seene CHAP. 102 Of the Wilding or Crab tree ¶ The Kindes LIke as there be diuers manured Apples so are there sundry wilde Apples or Crabs whereof to write apart were to small purpose and therefore one description shall 〈◊〉 for the rest Malus syluestris The wilding or Crab tree ¶ The generall Description THere be diuers wilde Apple trees not husbanded that is to say not 〈◊〉 the fruit whereof is harsh and binding for by 〈◊〉 both Apples and Peares become more milde and pleasant The crab or wilding 〈◊〉 growes oftentimes to a reasonable greatnesse equall with the Apple tree the wood is hard firme and sollid the barke rough the branches or boughes many the floures and fruit like those of the apple tree some red others white some greater others lesser the difference is known to all therefore it shall suffice what hath been said for their seuerall distinctions we haue in our London gardens a dwarfe kinde of sweet Apple called Chamaemalus the dwarfe apple tree or Paradise apple which beareth apples very timely without grafting ‡ Our Author here also out of Tabernamontanus gaue foure figures whereof I onely retaine the best with their seueral titles 1 Malus syluestris rubens The great wilding or red Crab tree 2 Malus syluestris alba The white wilding or Crab tree 3 Malus syluestris 〈◊〉 The smaller Crab tree 4 Malus duracina syluestris The choking leane Crab-tree ‡ ¶ The Place The Crab tree groweth wilde in woods and hedge rowes almost euery where ¶ The Time The time answereth those of the garden ¶ The Names Their titles doth set forth their names in Latine and English ¶ The Temperature Of the temperature of wilde apples hath beene sufficiently spoken in the former Chapter ¶ The Vertues The iuice of wilde Apples or crabs taketh away the heate of burnings scaldings and all inflammations and being laid on in short time after it is scalded it keepeth it from blistering The iuice of crabs or Veriuice is astringent or binding and hath withall an abstersiue or clensing qualitie beeing mixed with hard yeest of Ale or Beere and applied in manner of a cold ointment that is spread vpon a cloth first wet in the Veriuice and wrung out and then laid to taketh away the heat of Saint Anthonies fire all inflammations what soeuer healeth scab'd legs burnings and scaldings wheresoeuer it be CHAP. 103. Of the Citron Limon Orange and Assyrian Apple trees ¶ The Kindes THe Citron tree is of kindred with the Limon tree the Orange is of the same house or stocke and the Assyrian Apple tree claimeth a place as neerest in kinred and neighbourhood where-ore I intend to comprehend them all in this one chapter ¶ The Description 1 Malus medica The Pome Citron tree 2 Malus Limonia The Limon tree 2 The Limon tree is like vnto the Pome Citron tree in growth thorny branches and 〈◊〉 of a pleasant sweet smell like those of the Bay-tree the floures hercof are 〈◊〉 than those of the Citron tree and of a most sweet smell the fruit is long and thicke lesser than the 〈◊〉 Citron the rinde is yellow somewhat bitter in taste and sweet of smell the pulpe is white more in quantitie than that of the Citron respecting the bignes in the middle part whereof is 〈◊〉 more soft spungic pulpe and fuller of soure juice the seeds are like those of the Pome Citron 3 The Orenge tree groweth vp to the height of a small Peare tree hauing many 〈◊〉 boughes or branches like those of the Citron tree the leaues are also like those of the Bay-tree ‡ but that they differ in this that at the lower end next the stalke there is a lesser lease made almost after the vulgar figure of an heart whereon the bigger leafe doth stand or is fastned 〈◊〉 they are of a sweet 〈◊〉 the floures are white of a most pleasant sweet smell also the fruit is round like a ball euery circumstance belonging to the forme is very well knowne to all the taste is soure sometimes sweet and often of a taste betweene both the seeds are like those of the Limon 3 Malus 〈◊〉 The Orange tree 4 Malus Assyria The Assyrian Apple tree 4 The Assyrian Apple tree is like vnto the Orange tree the branches are like the leaues are greater the floures are like those of the Citron tree the fruit is round three times as big as the Orange the barke or peeling is thicke rough and of a pale yellow colour wherein appeare often as it were small clifts or crackes the pulpe or inner substance is full of iuice in taste sharpe as that of the Limon but not so pleasant the seeds are like those of the Citron ¶ The Place The Citron Limon and Orange trees do grow especially on the sea coasts of Italy and on the Islands of the Adriaticke Turrhence and also Aegaean Seas likewise on the maine land neer vnto meeres and great lakes there is also great store of them in Spaine but in places especially ioining to the sea or not farre off they are also found in certaine prouinces of France which lie vpon the midland sea They were first brought out of Media as not onely 〈◊〉 writeth but also the Poet Virgil affirmeth in the second book of his Georgickes writing of the Citron tree after this maner Media fert tristes succos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Felicis mali quo non praesentius vllum Pocula si 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Miscueruntque herbas non innoxiaverba Auxilium venit ac membris agit atra venena Ipsaingens arbos faciesque simillima Lauro Et si non alium late iactaret odorem Laurus erit folia haud vllis labentia ventis Flos apprime tenax Animas olentia 〈◊〉 Orafouent illo senibus medicantur anhelis The Countrey Media beareth iuyces sad And dulling tastes of happy Citron fruit Than which no helpe more present can be had If any time stepmothers worse than brute haue poyson'd pots and mingled berbs of sute With hurtfull charmes this Citron fruit doth chase Blacke venome from the body in euery place The tree it selfe in growth is large and big And very like in shew to th'Laurell tree And would be thought a Laurell leafe and twig But that the smell it casts doth disagree The floure it holds as fast as floure may be Therewith the Medes a remedie do finde For stinking breaths and mouthes a cure most kinde And helpe old men which hardly fetch their winde ¶ The Time These trees be alwaies greene and do as Pliny saith beare fruit at all times of the yere some falling off others waxing ripe and others newly comming forth ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Malus Medica and Malus Citria in English Citron tree and Pomecitron tree The
hath small creeping roots the stalks are some cubit high slender ioynted and set with short narrow leaues at the top of the stalke growes the eare long slender and bending composed of downy huskes containing a seed like to a naked Ote The seed is ripe in Iuly It growes in the mountainous and shadowie woods of Hungary Austria and Bohemia Our Author mistaking himselfe in the figure and as much in the title gaue the figure of this for Burnt Barley with this title Hordeum Distichon See the former edition pag. 66. 2 I cannot omit this elegant Grasse found by M. Goodyer vpon the wals of the antient city of Winchester and not described as yet by any that I know of It hath a fibrous and stringy root from which arise leaues long and narrow which growing old become round as those of Spartum or Mat-weed amongst these grassie leaues there growes vp a slender stalke some two foot long scarse standing vpright but oft times hanging down the head or top of the eare it hath some two ioints and at each of these a pretty grassy leafe The eare is almost a foot in length composed of many small and slender hairy tufts which when they come to maturitie looke of a grayish or whitish colour and do very well resemble a Capons taile whence my friend the first obseruer thereof gaue it the title of Gramen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Capons-taile Grasse by which name I receiued the seed thereof which sowen tooke root and flourishes ‡ 1 Gra. montanum avenaceum Mountaine Hauer-grasse ‡ 2 Gramen murorum spica 〈◊〉 Capon-taile Grasse 3 Next to this I thinke fit to place the Gramen Cristatum or Cocks-combe grasse of 〈◊〉 This Grasse hath for the root many white fibrous threds thicke packt together the leaues are but short about the bignesse of the ordinarie medow grasse the stalks are some cub it and halfe high with some two or three knots a piece the leaues of the stalke are some foure or fiue inches long the eare is small longish of a pale greene colour somewhat bending so that in some sort it resembles the combe of a Cocke or the seed-vessell of that plant which is called Caput Gallinaccum This is ordinarily to be found in most medowes about Mid-summer 4 There is also commonly about the same time in our medowes to be found a Grasse growing to some cub it high hauing a small stalke at the top whereof there growes an eare some inch and an halfe or two inches long consisting as it were of two rankes of corne it very much resembles Rieboth in shape and colour and in his short bearded awnes wherefore it may very fitly be termed Gramen secalinum or Rie-grasse Yet is it not Gramen spica secalina which Bauhine describes in the fifty seuenth place in his Prodromus pag. 18. for that is much taller and the eare much larger than this of my description 5 In diuers places about hedges in Iuly and August is to be found a fine large tall Grasse which Bauhine who also first described it hath vnder the name of Gramen spica 〈◊〉 This hath stalkes as tall as Rie but not so thicke neither are the leaues so broad at the top of the stalk grow diuers pretty little flattish eares consisting of two rankes of 〈◊〉 huskes or seed-vessells which haue yellowish little floures like to those of Wheat 6 There is also commonly to be found about May or the beginning of Iune in medowes and such places that grasse which in the Historia Lugdun is set forth vnder the 〈◊〉 of Cramen Lanatum Daleschampij the stalkes and leaues are much like the common 〈◊〉 grasse but that they are more whitish and hairy the head or panicle is also soft and woolly and it is commonly of a gray or else a murrie colour 7 There is to be found in some bogs in Summer time about the end of Iuly a pretty rushie grasse some foote or better in height the stalke is hard and rushie hauing some three ioints at each whereof therecomes forth aleafe as in other grasses and out of the bosome of the two vppermost of these leaues comes out a slender stalke being some 2 or 3 inches high and at the top thereof growes as in a little vmble a prety white 〈◊〉 floure and at or nigh to the top of the maine stalke there grow three or foure such sloures clustering together vpon little short and slender foot stalkes the leaues are but small and some handfull or better long the roote I did not obserue This seemes to haue some 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 junceum aquaticum formerly described in the ninth chapter I neuer found this but once and that was in the companie of M. Thomas Smith and M. Iames Clarke Apothecaries of London we riding into Windsore Forest 〈◊〉 the search of rare plants and we found this vpon a bogge neere the high way side at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the great parke I thinke it may very fitly be called Gramen 〈◊〉 leucanthemum White 〈◊〉 rush-grasse 8 The last yeare at Margate in the Isle of Tenet neere to the sea side and by the chalky 〈◊〉 I obserued a pretty litle grasse which from a small white fibrous roote sent vp a number of 〈◊〉 of an vnequall height for the longest which were those that lay partly spred vpon the 〈◊〉 were some handfull high the other that grew straight vp were not so much and of this one inch and halfe was taken vp in the spike or eare which was no thicker than the rest of the stalke and seemed nothing else but a plaine smooth stalke vnlesse you looked vpon it earnestly and then you might perceiue it to be like Darnell grasse wherefore in the Iournal that I wrot of this Simpling voyage I called it pag. 3. Gramen parvum marinum spica Loliacea I iudge it to be the 〈◊〉 that Bauhinc in his Prodromus pag. 19 hath set forth vnder the name of Gramen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spica simplici It may be called in English Dwarfe Darnell Grasse 9 The Darnell grasse that I compared the eare of this last described vnto is not the Gramen 〈◊〉 which our Author called Darnel-grasse but another grasse growing in most places with stalkes about some span high but they seldome stand vpright the eare is made iust like that which hereafter chap. 58. is called Lolium rubrum Red Darnell of which I iudge this a variety differing little therefrom but in smallnesse of growth 10 Vpon Hampsted heath I haue often obserued a small grasse whose longest leaues are seldome aboue two or three inches high and these leaues are very greene small and perfectly round like the Spartum Austriacum or Feather-grasse I could neuer finde any stalke or eare vpon it wherefore I haue brought it into the Garden to obserue it better In the forementioned Iournall pag. 33. you may finde it vnder the name of Gramen Spartium capillacco folio minimum It may be this is that grasse which
made hereof but generally with the herbe Spartum described in the 〈◊〉 Chapter CHAP. 34. Of Mat-Weed ¶ The kindes There be diuers kindes of Mat-Weeds as shall be declared in their seuerall descriptions ¶ The Description THe herbe Spartum as Pliny saith growerh of it selfe and sendeth forth from the root a multitude of slender rushie leaues of a cubit high or higher tough and pliable of a whitish colour which in time drawetll narrow together making the flat leafe to become round as is the Rush. The stub or stalke thereof beareth at the top certaine feather-like tufts comming forth of a sheath or huske among the which chaffie huskes is contained the seed long and chaffie The root consisterh of many strings folding one within another by meanes whereof it commeth to the forme of a turfe or hassocke 1 Spartum Plinij Clufio Plinies Mat-Weed 2 Spartum alterum Plinij Hooded Mat-Weed 2 The second likewise Pliny describeth to haue a long stalke not much vnlike to Reed but lesser whereupon do grow many grassie leaues rough and pliant hard in handling as are the Rushes A spokie chaffie tuft groweth at the top of the stalke comming forth of a hood or sinewie sheath such as encloseth the flowers of Onions Leekes Narcissus and such like before they come to flowring with seed and roots like the precedent 3 English Mat-weed hath a rushie root deepely creeping and growing in heapes of sand and grauell from the which arise stiffe and sharpe pointed leaues a 〈◊〉 and a halfe long of a whitish colour very much resembling those of Camels hay The stalke groweth to the height of a cubit or more whereupon doth grow a spike ‡ or eare of some fiue or six inches long somwhat resembling Rie it is the thicknesse of a finger in the midst and smaller towards both the ends The seed is browne as small as Canarie seed but round and somewhat sharpe at the one end ‡ Of this plant neither Sheepe nor any other Cattle will raste or eate 4 The other English Mat-Weed is like vnto the former sauing that the roots of this are long not vnlike to Dogs Grasse but do not thrust deepe into the ground but creepe onely vnder the vpper crust of the earth The tuft or eare is 〈◊〉 and more resembling the head of Canary seed than that of Rie ‡ 5 Lobell giues a figure of another smaller Rush leaued Spartum with small heads but hee hath not described it in his Latine Workes 〈◊〉 I can say nothing certainly of it 6 To this kindred must be added the Feathered Grasse though not partaking with the former in place of growth Now it hath many small leaues of a foots length round green and sharp pointed not much in forme vnlike the first described Mat-weed but much lesse amongst these leaues rise vp many small stalkes not exceeding the height of the leaues which beare a spike vnlike the forementioned Mat-weeds hauing 3 or foure 〈◊〉 ending in or sending vp very fine white Feathers resembling the smaller sort of feathers of the wings of the Bird of Paradise The root consists of many small grassie sibres 3 Spartum Anglicanum English Mat-Weed or Helme 4 Spartum Anglicanum alterum Small English Mat-Weed or Helme ‡ 6 Spartum Austriacum Feather-Grasse ¶ The place 1 2 These two grow in diuers places of Spaine 3 I being in company with M. Tho. Hicks William Broad and three other London 〈◊〉 besides in August 1632 to finde out rare plants in the Island of Tenet found this bigger English one in great plentie as soone as we came to the sea side going betweene Margate and Sandwich 4 5 These it may be grow also vpon our Coasts howeuer they grow neere the sea side in diuers parts of the Low-Countries 6 This elegant Plant Clusius first obserued to grow naturally in the mountaines nigh to the Bathes of Baden in Germany and in diuers places of Austria and Hungarie It is nourished for the beautie in sundrie of our English gardens ¶ The time These beare their heads in the middle and some in the later end of Sommer ¶ The Names 1 This is called Spartum primum Plinij that is the first Mat-Weed described by Pliny in Spaine they call it Sparto the French in Prouence terme it Olpho 2 This is Spartum alterum Plinij Plinie his second Mat-Weed or Hooded Mat-weed it is called Albardin in Spaine 3 This is Spartum tertium of Clusius and Gramen Sparteum secundum Schaenanthinum of Taber Our Author gaue Clusius his figure for his first and Tabernamontanus figure for the second Spartum Anglicanum but I will thinke them both of one plant though Bauhine distinguish them vntill some shall make the contrary manifest This the Dutch call 〈◊〉 and our English in Tenet Helme Turner calls it Sea-Bent 4 This is Spartum herba 4 Batavicum of Clusius Gramen Sparteum or Iunci Spartium of Tabern and our Author gaue Tabern figure in the 23 Chapter of this Booke vnder the title of Iuncus marinus gramineus Lobell calls it Spartum nostras alterum 5 Lobell calls this Spartum nostras parvum 6 Clusius calls this Spartum Austriacum Daleschampius Gramen pinnatum we in England call it Gramen plumosum or Feathered Grasse ‡ ¶ The temperature vertues and vse These kindes of grassie or rather rushie Reed haue no vse in physicke but serue to make Mats and hangings for chambers frailes baskets and such like The people of the Countries where they grow do make beds of them straw their houses and chambers in stead of Rushes for which they do excell as my selfe haue seene Turner affirmeth That they made hats of the English one in Northumberland in his time They do likewise in sundry places of the Islands of Madera Canaria Saint Thomas and other of the Islands in the tract vnto the West Indies make of them their boots shooes Herd-mens Coats fires and lights It is very hurtfull for cattell as Sheere-grasse is The Feather-Grasse is worne by sundry Ladies and Gentlewomen in stead of a Feather the which it exquisitely resembles CHAP. 35. Of Camels Hay 1 Scoenanthum Camels Hay 2 Scoenanthum adulterinum Bastard Camels Hay ¶ The Description 1 CAmels Hay hath leaues very like vnto Mat-Weed or Helme his roots are many in quantitie meane full of small haires or threds proceeding from the bigger Root deeply growing in the ground hauing diuers long stalkes like Cyperus Grasse set with some smaller leaues euen vnto the top where do grow many small chaffie tufts or pannicles like vnto those of the wilde Oats of a reasonable good smell and sauour when they are broken like vnto a Rose with a certaine biting and nipping of the tongue †2 Francis Penny of famous memory a good Physitian and skilfull Herbarist gathered on the coast of the Mediterranean sea between Aigues Mortes and Pescaire this beautifull plant whose roots are creeping and stalkes and leaues resemble Squinanth The flowers are soft pappous and thicke compact and some fiue
vertues Such is the facultie of the roots of all the Irides before named that being pounding they prouoke 〈◊〉 and purge the head generally all the kinds haue a heating 〈◊〉 quality Xyris Stinking Gladdon They are effectuall against the cough they easily digest and consume the grosse humors which are hardly concocted they purge choler and tough flegme they procure sleepe and helpe the gripings within the belly It helpeth the Kings Euill and Buboes in the groine as Pliny saith If it be drunke in Wine it prouoketh the termes and being put in Baths for women to sit ouer it prouoketh the like effects most exquisitly The root put in manner of a pessarie hastneth the birth They couer with flesh bones that be bare being vsed in plaisters The roots boyled soft and vsed plaisterwise 〈◊〉 all old hard tumours and the 〈◊〉 of the throat called Strumae that is the Kings Euill and emplaistered with honey it draweth out broken bones The meale thereof healeth all the rifts of the fundament and the infirmities thereof called Condilomata and openeth Hemorrhoides The juice sniffed or drawne vp into the nose prouoketh sneesing and draweth downe by the nose great store of filthy excrements which would fall into other parts by secret and hidden waies and 〈◊〉 of the channels It profiteth being vsed in a pessarie to prouoke the termes and will cause abortion It preuaileth much against all euill affections of the brest and lungs being taken in a little sweet wine with some Spiknard or in Whay with a little Masticke The Root of Xyris or Gladdon is of great force against wounds and fractures of the head for it draweth out all thornes stubs prickes and arrow-heads without griefe which qualitie it effecteth as 〈◊〉 saith by reason of his tenuitie of parts and of his attracting drying and digesting facultie which chiefely consisteth in the seed or fruit which mightily prouoketh vrine The root giuen in Wine called in physicke Passum profiteth much against Convulsions Ruptures the paine of the huckle bones the strangury and the flux of the belly Where note That whereas it is said that the potion aboue named stayeth the flux of the belly hauing a purging qualitie it must be vnderstood that it worketh in that manner as Rhabarbarum and Asarum do in that they concoct and take away the cause of the laske otherwise no doubt it moueth vnto the stoole as Rheubarb Asarum and the other Irides do Hereof the Countrey people of Somersetshire haue good experience who vse to drinke the decoction of this Root Others do take the infusion thereof in ale or such like wherewith they purge themselues and that vnto very good purpose and effect The seed thereof mightily purgeth by vrine as Galen saith and the country people haue found it true CHAP. 44. Of Ginger ¶ The Description 1 GInger is most impatient of the coldnesse of these our Northerne Regions as my selfe haue found by proofe for that there haue beene brought vnto me at seuerall times sundry plants thereof fresh greene and full of juyce as well from the West Indies as from Barbary and other places which haue sprouted and budded forth greene 〈◊〉 in my garden in the heate of Sommer but as soone as it hath been but touched with the first sharp blast of Winter it hath presently perished both blade and root The true forme or picture hath not before this time beene set forth by any that hath written but the World hath beene deceiued by a counterfeit figure which the reuerend and learned Herbarist Matthias Lobell did set forth in his Obseruations The forme whereof notwithstanding I haue here expressed with the true and vndoubted picture also which I receiued from Lobelius his owne hands at the impression hereof The cause of whose former errour as also the meanes whereby he got the knowledge of the true Ginger may appeare by his owne words sent vnto me in Latine which I haue here inserted His words are these How hard and vncertaine it is to describe in words the true proportion of Plants hauing no other guide than skilfull but yet deceitfull formes of them sent from friends or other meanes they best do know who haue deepliest waded in this sea of Simples About thirty yeares past or more an honest and expert Apothecarie William Dries to satisfie my desire sent me from Antwerpe to London the picture of Ginger which he held to be truly and liuely drawne I my selfe gaue him credit easily because I was not ignorant that there had bin often Ginger roots brought greene new and full of juice from the Indies to Antwerpe and further that the same had budded and growne in the said Dries Garden But not many yeares after I perceiued that the picture which was sent me by my Friend was a 〈◊〉 and before that time had been drawne and set forth by an old Dutch Herbarist Therefore not suffering this error any further to spred abroad which I discouered not many yeares past at Flushing in Zeeland in the Garden of William of Nassau Prince of Orange of famous memorie through the means of a worthy person if my memorie faile me not called Vander Mill at what time he opened and loosed his first young buds and shoots about the end of Sommer resembling in leaues and stalkes of a foot high the young and tender shoots of the common Reed called Harundo vallatoria I thought it conuenient to impart thus much vnto Master Iohn Gerard an expert Herbarist and Master of happy successe in Surgerie to the end he might let posteritie know thus much in the painefull and long laboured trauels which now he hath in hand to the great good and benefit of his Countrey The plant it selfe brought me to Middleborrough and set in my Garden perished through the hardnesse of the Winter Thus much haue I set downe truly translated out of his owne words in Latine though too fauourably by him done to the commendation of my meane skill 1 〈◊〉 ficta Icon. The feigned figure of 〈◊〉 1 Zinziberis verior Icon. The true figure of Ginger ¶ The place Ginger groweth in Spaine Barbary in the Canary Islands and the Azores Our men which sacked Domingo in the Indies digged it vp there in sundry places wilde ¶ The time Ginger flourisheth in the hot time of Sommer and loseth his leaues in Winter ¶ The Names Ginger is called in Latine Zinziber and Gingiber in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In French Gigembre ¶ The nature Ginger heateth and drieth in the third degree ¶ The vertues Ginger as Dioscorides reporteth is right good with meate in sauces or otherwise in conditures for it is of an heating and digesting qualitie it gently looseth the belly and is profitable for the stomacke and effectually opposeth it selfe against all darknesse of the sight answering the qualities and effects of Pepper It is to be considered That canded greene or condited Ginger is hot and moist in qualitie prouoking Venerie and being dried it heateth and
Of double floured Oriental Hyacinths Of this kindred there are two or three more varieties whereof I wil giue you the description of the most notable and the names of the other two which with that I shall deliuer of this may serue for sufficient description The first of these which Clusius calls Hyacinthus Orientalis subvirescente flore or the greenish floured double Orientall Iacinth hath leaues roots and seeds like vnto the formerly described Oriental Iacinths but the floures wherin the difference consists are at the first before they be open greene and then on the out side next to the stalke of a whitish blew and they consist of six leaues whose tips are whitish yet retaining some manifest greenes then out of the midst of the floure comes forth another floure consisting of three leaues whitish on their inner side yet keeping the great veine or streake vpon the outer side each floure hauing in the middle a few chiues with blackish pendants It floures in Aprill 12 This varietie of the last described is called Hyacinthus Orientalis flore 〈◊〉 pleno The double blew Orientall Iacinth 13 This Hyacinthus Orientalis candidissimus flore pleno The milke-white double Orientall 〈◊〉 14 This which Clusius calls Hyacinthus obsoletior Hispanicus hath leaues somewhat narrower and more flexible than the Muscari with a white veine running alongst the inside of them among these leaues there riseth vp a stalke of some foot high bearing some fifteene or sixteene floures more or lesse in shape much like the ordinarie English consisting of six leaues three standing much out and the other three little or nothing These floures are of a very dusky colour as it were mixt with purple yellow and greene they haue no smell The seed which is contained in triangular heads is smooth blacke scaly and round It floures in Iune 15 The lesser Spanish Hyacinth hath leaues like the Grape-floure and small floures shaped like the Orientall Iacinth some are of colour blew and other some white The seeds are contained in three cornered seed-vessels I haue giuen the figure of the white and blew together with their seed-vessels 16 This Indian Iacinth with the tuberous root saith Clusius hath many long narrow sharpe pointed leaues spread vpon the ground being somewhat like to those of Garlicke and in the middest of these rise vp many round firme stalkes of some two cubits high and oft times higher sometimes exceeding the thicknesse of ones little finger which is the reason that oftentimes 〈◊〉 they be borne vp by something they lie along vpon the ground These stalkes are at 〈◊〉 spaces ingirt with leaues which end in sharpe points The tops of these stalkes are adorned with many white floures somewhat in shape resembling those of the Orientall Iacinth The roots are knotty or tuberous with diuers fibres comming out of them ‡ ¶ The place These kindes of Iacinths haue beene brought from beyond the Seas some out of one countrey and some out of others especially from the East countries whereof they tooke their names Orientalis ¶ The time They floure from the end of Ianuarie vnto the end of Aprill ¶ The nature The Hyacinths mentioned in this Chapter do lightly cleanse and binde the seeds are dry in the third degree but the roots are dry in the first degree and cold in the second ¶ The vertues The Root of Hyacinth boyled in Wine and drunke stoppeth the belly prouoketh vrine and helpeth against the venomous bitings of the field Spider The seed is of the same vertue and is of greater force in stopping the laske and bloudy flix Being drunke in wine it preuaileth against the falling sicknesse The roots after the opinion of Dioscorides being beaten and applied with white Wine 〈◊〉 or keepe backe the growth of haires ‡ The seed giuen with Southerne-wood in Wine is good against the Iaundice ‡ CHAP. 80. Of Faire baired Iacinth ¶ The Description 1 THe Faire haired Iacinth hath long fat leaues hollowed alongst the inside trough fashion as are most of the Hyacinths of a darke greene colour tending to rednesse The stalke riseth out of the middest of the leaues bare and naked soft and full of slimie juyce which are beset round about with many small floures of an ouerworne purple colour The top of the spike consisteth of a number of faire shining purple floures in manner of a tuft or bush of haires whereof it tooke his name Comosus or faire haired The seed is contained in small bullets of a shining blacke colour as are most of those of the Hyacinths The roots are bulbous or Onion fashion full of slimy juyce with some hairy threads fastned vnto rheir bottome 2 White haired Iacinth differeth not from the precedent in roots stalkes leaues or seed The floures hereof are of a darke white colour with some blacknesse in the hollow part of them which setteth forth the difference 3 Of this kinde I receiued another sort from Constantinople resembling the first hairy Hyacinth very notably but differeth in that that this is altogether greater as well in leaues roots and floures as also is of greater beauty without all comparison 1 Hyacinthus comosus Faire haired Iacinth 2 Hyacinthus comosus albus White haired Iacinth ‡ 3 Hyacinthus comosus Bizantinus Faire-haired Iacinth of Constantinople ‡ 5 Hyacinthus comosus ramosus elegantior Faire curld-haired branched Iacinth ‡ 4 There are two other more beautifull haired Iacinths nourished in the gardens of our prime Florists The first of these hath roots and leaues resembling the last described the stalke commonly riseth to the height of a foot and it is diuided into many branches on euery side which are small and threddy and then at the end as it were of these threddy branches there come forth many smaller threds of a darke purple colour and these spread and diuaricate themselues diuers wayes much after the manner of the next described yet the threds are neither of so pleasing a colour neither so many in number nor so finely curled This is called Hyacinthus comosus ramosus purpureus The faire haired branched Iacinth 5 This is a most beautiful and elegant plant and in his leaues and roots he differs little from the last described but his stalke which is as high as the former is diuided into very many slender branches which subdiuided into great plenty of curled threads variously spread abroad make a very pleasant shew The colour also is a light blew and the floures vsually grow so that they are most dilated at the bottome and so straiten by little and little after the manner of a Pyramide These floures keepe their beautie long but are succeeded by no seeds that yet could be obserned This by Fabius Columna who first made mention hereof in writing is called Hyacinthus 〈◊〉 panniculosa coma By others Hyacinthus comosus ramosus elegantior The faire curld-haire Iacinth These floure in May. ‡ 6 Hyacinthus botryoides 〈◊〉 Blew Grape-floure 7 Hyacinthus botryoides caeruleus major Great Grape-floure 6 The small
our London Gardens Those which doe floure in Autumne do grow vpon certaine craggy rockes in Portugall not far from the sea side The other haue been sent ouer vnto vs some out of Italy and some out of Spaine by the labour and diligence of that notable learned Herbarist Carolus Clusius out of whose Obseruations and partly by seeing them in our owne gardens we haue set downe their descriptions That pleasant plant that bringeth forth yellow floures was sent vnto me from Robinus of Paris that painfull and most curious searcher of Simples ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in Ianuarie and Februarie that of the mountain excepted which floureth in September ¶ The Names All these Saffrons are vnprofitable and therefore they be truly said to be Croci syluestres or wild Saffrons in English Spring Saffrons and vernall Saffrons ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Of the faculties of these we haue nothing to set downe for that as yet there is no knowne vse of them in Physicke CHAP. 91. Of Medow Saffron ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of Medow Saffrons differing very notably as well in the colour of their floures as also in stature and Countrey from whence they had their being as shall be declared 1 Colchicum Anglicum Purpureum Purple English Medow Saffron 2 Colchicum Anglicum album White English Medow Saffron ¶ The Description 1 MEdow Saffron hath three or foure leaues rising immediately forth of the ground long broad smooth fat much like to the leaues of the white Lilly in forme and smoothnesse in the middle whereof spring vp three or foure thicke cods of the bignesse of a small Wall-nut standing vpon short tender foot-stalkes three square and opening themselues when they be ripe full of seed something round and of a blackish red colour and when this seed is ripe the leaues together with the stalkes doe fade and fall away In September the floures bud forth before any leaues appeare standing vpon short tender and whitish stemmes like in forme and colour to the floures of Saffron hauing in the middle small chiues or threads of a pale yellow colour altogether vnfit for meat or medicine The root is round or bulbous sharper at the one end than at the other flat on the one side hauing a deepe clift or furrow in the same flat side when it floureth and not at any time else it is couered with blackish coats or filmes it sendeth downe vnto the lowest part certaine strings or threds The root it selfe is full of a white substance yeelding a juyce like milke whilest it is greene and newly digged out of the earth It is in taste sweet with a little bitternesse following which draweth water out of the mouth 3 Colchicum Pannonicum florens sine flore Hungary mede Saffron with and without Floure 2 The second kinde of Mede Saffron is like the precedent differing onely in the colour of the floures for that this plant doth bring forth white leaues which of some hath beene taken for the true Hermodactylus but in so doing they haue committed the greater error 3 These two figures expresse both but one and the selfe same plant which is distinguished because it neuer beareth floures and leaues both at one time So that the first figure sets it forth when it is in leaues and seed and the other when it floureth and therefore one description shall suffice for them both In the Spring of the yeare it bringeth forth his leaues thicke fat shining and smooth not vnlike the leaues of Lillies which do continue greene vnto the end of Iune at which time the leaues do wither away but in the beginning of September there shooteth forth of the ground naked milke white floures without any greene leafe at all but so soone as the Plant hath done bearing of floures the root remaines in the ground not sending forth any thing vntill Februarie in the yeare following ‡ It beares plentifull store of reddish seed in loose triangular heads The root hereof is bigger than that of the last described ‡ 4 The small medow Saffron hath three or foure thicke fat leaues narrower than any of the rest The floure appeareth in the fall of the leafe in shape colour and manner of growing like the common mede Saffron but of a more reddish purple colour and altogether lesser The leaues in this contrarie to the nature of these plants presently follow after the floure and so continue all the Winter and Spring euen vntill May or Iune The root is bulbous and not great it is couered with many blackish red coats and is white within ‡ 5 This medow Saffron hath roots and leaues like to those of the last described but the leaues of the floure are longer and narrower and the colour of them is white on the inside greene on the middle of the backe part and the rest thereof of a certaine flesh colour 4 Colchicum montanum minus Hispanicum cum flore semine Small Spanish medow Saffron in floure and seed 6 The medow Saffron of Illyria hath a great thicke and bulbous root full of substance from which riseth vp a fat thicke and grosse stalke set about from the lower part to the top by equall distances with long thicke and grosse leaues sharpe pointed not vnlike to the leaues of leekes among which leaues do grow yellowish floures like vnto the English medow Saffron but smaller 7 The Assyrian medow Saffron hath a bulbous root made as it were of two pieces from the middle cleft whereof riseth vp a soft and tender stalke set with faire broad leaues from the middle to the top among which commeth forth one single floure like vnto the common medow Saffron or the white Anemone of Matthiolus description 8 The mountaine wilde Saffron is a base and low plant but in shape altogether like the common medow Saffron but much lesser The floures are smaller and of a yellow colour which setteth forth the difference ‡ The leaues and roots as Clusius affirmes are more like to the Narcisses and therefore he calls this Narcissus Autumnalis minor The lesser Autumne Narcisse ‡ ‡ 9 This whose figure we here giue you is by Clusius called Colchicum Byzantinum latifolium The broad leaued Colchicum of Constantinople The leaues of this are not in forme and magnitude much vnlike to those of the white Hellebor neither lesse neruous yet more greene It beares many floures in Autumne so that there come sometimes twenty from one root Their forme and colour are much like the ordinarie sort but that these are larger and haue thicker stalkes They are of a lighter purple without and of a deeper on the inside and they are marked with certaine veines running alongst these leaues The roots and seeds of this plant are thrice as large as those of the common kinde 10 This hath roots and leaues like to the first described but the floure is shorter and growes vpon a shorter stalke so that it rises but little aboue the earth
he hated his knife poysoned with the iuyce of this Hemerocallis for to cut his meate withall he suspecting no treachery cut his victuals therewith and so eat them the other abstaining therefrom and saying that he had no stomacke Some few dayes after he that did eate the victuals died which shewed the strong and deadly qualitie of this plant which therefore as Clusius saith cannot be the Scilla Epimenidia of Pliny which was eatable and without malignitie ‡ CHAP. 95. Of Leekes 〈◊〉 Porrum capitatum Headed or set Leeke ‡ 2 Porrum sectivum aut tonsile Cut or vnset Leeke ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues or the blades of the 〈◊〉 be long somewhat broad and very many hauing a keele or crest in the backside in smell and taste like to the Onion The stalks if the blades be not often cut do in the second or third yeare grow vp round bringing forth on the top floures made vp in a round head or ball as doth the Onion The seeds are like The bulbe or root is long and slender especially of the vnset Leeke That of the other Leeke is thicker and greater ‡ 2 Most Writers distinguish the common Leeke into Porrum capitatum 〈◊〉 and Lobel giues these two figures wherewith we here present you Now both these grow of the same seed and they differ onely in culture for that which is often cut for the vse of the kitchen is called Sectivum the other which is headed is not cut but spared and remoued in Autumne ‡ ¶ The Place It requireth a meane earth fat well dunged and digged It is very common euery where in other countries as well as in England ¶ The Time It may be sowne in March or Aprill and it to be remoued in September or October ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 the Latines Porrum The Emperour Nero had great pleasure in this root and therefore he was called in scorne Porrophagus But Palladius in the masculine gender called it Porrus the Germanes 〈◊〉 the Brabanders 〈◊〉 the Spaniards Puerro the French Porrean the English-men Leeke or Leekes ¶ The Temperature The Leeke is hot and dry and doth attenuate or make thinne as doth the Onion ¶ The Vertues Being boyled it is lesse hurtfull by reason that it loseth a great part of his sharpenesse and yet being so vsed it yeeldeth no good iuyce But being taken with cold herbes his too hot quality is tempered Being boyled and eaten with Ptisana or barley creame it concocteth and bringeth vp raw humors that lie in the chest Some affirme it to be good in a loch or licking medicine to 〈◊〉 the pipes of the lungs The iuyce drunke with honey is profitable against the bitings of venomous beasts and likewise the leaues stamped and laid thereupon The same iuyce with vineger frankincense and milke or oyle of roses dropped into the eares mitigateth their paine and is good for the noyse in them Two drams of the seed with the like weight of myrtill berries drunk stop the spitting of bloud which hath continued a long time The same ingredients put into Wine keepe it from souring and being alreadie soure amend the same as diuers write It cutteth and attenuateth grosse and tough humors ‡ Lobel commends the following Loch as very effectuall against phlegmatick Squinances and other cold catarrhes which are like to cause suffocation This is the description thereof Take blanched almonds three ounces foure figges soft Bdellium halfe an ounce iuyce of Liquorice two ounces of sugar candy dissolued in a sufficient quantitie of iuyce of Leekes and boyled in 〈◊〉 to the height of a 〈◊〉 as much as shall be requisit to make the rest into the forme of an Eclegma ‡ ¶ The Hurts It heateth the body ingendreth naughty bloud causeth troublesome and terrible dreames offendeth the eyes dulleth the sight hurteth those that are by nature hot and cholericke and is noysome to the stomacke and breedeth windinesse CHAP. 96. Of Ciues or 〈◊〉 and wilde Leekes ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers kindes of Leekes somewilde and some of the garden as shall be declared Those called Ciues haue beene taken of some for a kinde of wilde Onion but all the Authors that I haue beene acquainted with do accord that there is not any wild Onion 1 Schoenoprason Ciues or Chiues 2 Porrum vitigineum French Leekes or Vine Leekes 3 Ampeloprason siue porrum siluestre Wilde Leeke ¶ The Description 1 CIues bring forth many leaues about a hand-full high long slender round like to little rushes amongst which grow vp small and tender stalkes sending forth certaine knops with floures like those of the Onion but much lesser They haue many little bulbes 〈◊〉 headed roots fastned together out of which grow downe into the earth a great number of little strings and it hath both the smell and taste of the Onion and Leeke as it were participating of both 2 The Vine Leeke or French Leeke groweth vp with blades like those of Leekes the stalke is a cubit high on the top whereof standeth a round head or button couered at the first with a thinne skinne which being broken the floures and seeds come forth like those of the Onion The bulbe 〈◊〉 headed root is round hard and sound which is quickly multiplied by sending forth many bulbes ‡ 3 The wilde Leeke hath leaues much like vnto those of Crow-garlicke but larger and more acride The floures and seeds also resemble those of the Crow-garlicke the seeds being about the bignesse of cornes of wheat with smal strings comming forth at their ends ‡ ¶ The Time and Place 1 Ciues are set in gardens they flourish long and continue many yeares they suffer the cold of Winter They are cut and polled often as is the vnset Leeke 2 The Vine-leeke groweth of it selfe in Vineyards and neere vnto Vines in hot regions wherof it both tooke the name Vine-Leeke and French Leeke It beareth his greene leaues in Winter and withereth away in the Sommer It groweth in most gardens of England ‡ Thus farre our Author describes and intimates to you a garden Leeke much like the ordinarie in all respects but somewhat larger But the following names belong to the wilde Leeke which here we giue you in the third place ‡ ¶ The Names Ciues are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shoenoprasum in Dutch 〈◊〉 as though you should say Iunceum Porrum or Rush Leeke in English Ciues Chiues Ciuet and Sweth in French Brelles 2 The Vine-leeke or rather wild Leeke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the place where it naturally groweth it may be called in Latine Porrum Vitium or Vitigineum Porrum in English after the Greeke and Latine Vine Leeke or French Leeke ¶ The Temperature Ciues are like in facultie vnto the Leeke hot and dry The Vine leeke heateth more than doth the other Leeke ¶ The Vertues Ciues attenuate or make thinne open prouoke vrine ingender hot and grosse vapours and are
first so that by this reason they are of one and the same plant To the which opinion I rather incline than affirme the contrarie with Bauhine who distinguishing them puts the first amongst the Leekes vnder the name of Porrum folio latissinio following Tabernamontanus who first gaue this figure vnder the name of Porrum 〈◊〉 3 This plant is lesser in all the parts than the former the root is set about with longer and slenderer bulbes wrapped in brownish skinnes the floures and leaues are like yet smaller than Garlicke ‡ 3 Scorodoprasum minus The lesser leeke-leaued Garlicke ‡ 4 Ophioscoridon Vipers Garlike 4 The third which Clusius makes his second Scorodoprasum hath stalkes some two cubits high hauing many leaues like those of Leekes from the bottome of the stalke to the middle thereof their smell is betweene that of Leekes and Garlicke the rest of the stalke is naked green smooth sustaining at the top a head composed of many bulbes couered with a whitish skinne ending in a long greene point which skinne by the growth of the bulbes being broken they shew themselues being first of a purplish and afterwards of a whitish colour amongst which are some floures The top of the stalke at first twines it selfe so that it in some sort represents a serpent then by little it vntwines againe and beares the head straight vp The root consists of many cloues much like that of Garlicke ‡ 5 The broad leaued Mountaine Garlicke or rather the Mountaine Ramsons riseth vp with a stalke a cubit high a finger thicke yet very weake full of a spongeous substance neere to the bottome of a purplish colour and greene aboue bearing at the top a multitude of small whitish floures somewhat gaping star-fashion The leaues are three or floure broad ribbed like the leaues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gentian resembling those of Ramsons but greater The root is great and long couered with many scaly coats and hairy strings 5 Allium Alpinum latifolium seu Victorialis Broad leaued Mountaine Garlicke ¶ The Place The great mountaine Garlicke growes about Constantinople as saith Clusius I receiued a plant of it from M. Thomas Edwards Apothecary of Excester who found it growing in the West parts of England Victorialis groweth in the mountaines of Germany as saith Carolus Clusius and is yet a stranger in England for any thing that I do know ‡ ¶ The Time ‡ Most of these plants floure in the months of Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Of the first and second I haue spoken already The third is Scorodoprassum minus of Lobell The fourth is Allium sativum secundum of 〈◊〉 and Scorodoprasum secundum of Clusius The fifth is Allium anguinum of Matthiolus Ophioscoridon of 〈◊〉 and Victorialis of Clusius and others as also Allium Alpinum The Germanes call it Seigmurtz ¶ The Temper They are of a middle temper between Leekes and Garlicke ¶ Their Vertues Scorodoprasum as it partakes of the temper so also of the vertues of Leekes and Garlicke that is it attenuates grosse and tough matter helpes expectoration c. Victorialis is like Garlicke in the operation thereof Some as 〈◊〉 writeth hang the root thereof about the necks of their cattell being falne blinde by what occasion 〈◊〉 it happen and persuade themselues that by this meanes they will recouer their sight Those that worke in the mines in Germany affirme That they find this root very powerfull in defending them from the assaults of impure spirits or diuels which often in such places are troublesome vnto them Clus. ‡ CHAP. 100. Of Moly or the Sorcerers Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Moly hath for his root a little whitish bulbe somewhat long not vnlike to the root of the vnset Leeke which sendeth forth leaues like the blades of 〈◊〉 or grasse among which doth rise vp a slender weake stalke fat and sull of iuyce at the top whereof commeth forth of a skinny filme a bundle of milke-white floures not vnlike to those of Ramsons The whole plant hath the smell and taste of Garlicke whereof no doubt it is a kinde 2 Serpents Moly hath likewise a small bulbous root with some fibres fastned to the bottom from which rise vp weake grassie leaues of a shining greene colour crookedly winding and turning themselues toward the point like the taile of a Serpent whereof it tooke his name the stalke is tough thicke and full of iuyce at the top whereof standeth a cluster of small red bulbes like vnto the smallest cloue of Garlicke before they be pilled from their skinne And among those bulbes there do thrust forth small and weake foot-stalkes euery one bearing at the end one small white floure tending to a purple colour which being past the bulbes do fall downe vpon the ground where they without helpe do take hold and root and thereby greatly encrease as also by the infinite bulbes that the root doth cast off all the whole plant doth smell and taste of Garlick whereof it is also a kinde 1 Moly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Moly 2 Moly Serpentinum Serpents Moly 3 Moly 〈◊〉 Homers Moly 4 Indian Moly hath verythicke fat short leaues and sharpe pointed in the bosome wherof commeth forth a thicke knobby bulbe like that of Homers Moly The stalke is also like the precedent bearing at the top a cluster of scaly bulbes included in a large thinne skin or filme The root is great bulbous fashion and full of iuyce 5 Caucafon or withering Moly hath a very great bulbous root greater than that of Homers Moly and fuller of a slimie iuyce from which do arise three or foure great thicke and broad leaues withered alwaie at the 〈◊〉 wherein consisteth the difference betweene these leaues and those of Homers Moly which are not so In the middle of the leaues riseth vp a bunch of smooth greenish bulbes set vpon a tender foot-stalke in shape and bignesse like to a great garden Worme which being ripe and planted in the earth do also grow vnto a faire plant like vnto their mother ‡ These two last mentioned according to Bauhine and I thinke the truth are but figures of one and the same plant the later whereof is the better and more agreeing to the growing of the plant 6 To these may be fitly added two other Molyes the first of these which is the yellow Moly hath roots whitish and round commonly two of them growing together the leaues which it sends sorth are long and broad and somwhat resemble those of the Tulip and vsually are but two in number betweene which rises vp a stalke some foot high bearing at the top an vmbell of faire yellow star-like floures tipt on their lower sides with a little greene The whole plant smelleth of Garlicke 4 Moly Indicum Indian Moly 5 Caucafon Withering Moly 7 This little Moly hath a root about the bignesse of an Hasell nut white with some fibres hanging thereat the stalke is of an handfull or little more in height the top thereof is adorned with
many and diuers dishes both faire and good CHAP. 43. Of Blites ¶ The Description 1 THe great white Blite groweth three or foure foot high with grayish or white round stalkes the leaues are plaine and smooth almost like to those of the white Orach but not so soft nor mealy the floures grow thrust together like those of Orach after that commeth the seed inclosed in little round flat husky skinnes 2 There is likewise another sort of Blites very smooth and flexible like the former sauing that the leaues are reddish mixed with a darke greene colour as is the stalke and also the rest of the plant 3 There is likewise found a third sort very like vnto the other sauing that the stalkes branches leaues and the plant is altogether of a greene colour But this growes vpright and creepes not at all 4 There is likewise another in our gardens very like the former sauing that the whole Plant traileth vpon the ground the stalks branches and leaues are reddish the seed is small and clustering together greene of colour and like vnto those of Ruellius his Coronopus or Bucks-horne ‡ 1 Blitum majus album The great white Blite 2 Blitum majus rubrum The great red Blite ¶ The Place The Blites grow in Gardens for the most part although there be found of them wilde many times ¶ The Time They flourish all the Summer long and grow very greene in Winter likewise ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Blitum in English Blite and Blites in Fr ench Blites or Blitres ‡ 3 Blitum minus album The small white Blite ‡ 4 Blitum minus rubrum The small red Blite ¶ The Nature The Blite saith Galen in his sixth booke of the faculties of simple medicines is a pot-hearbe which serueth for meate being of a cold moist temperature and that chiefely in the second degree It yeeldeth to the body small nourishment as in his second booke of the faculties of nourishments he plainly shewes for it is one of the pot-herbes that be vnsauoury or without taste whose substance is waterish ¶ The Vertues The Blite doth nourish little and yet is fit to make the belly soluble though not vehemently seeing it hath no nitrous or sharpe qualitie whereby the belly should be prouoked I haue heard many old wiues say to their seruants Gather no Blites to put into my pottage for they are not good for the eye-sight whence they had those words I know not it may be of some Doctor that neuer went to schoole for that I can finde no such thing vpon record either among the old or later Writers CHAP. 44. Of Floure-Gentle ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of floure-Gentle differing in many points very notably as in greatnesse and smallnesse some purple and others of a skarlet colour and one aboue the rest wherewith Nature hath seemed to delight her selfe especially in the leaues which in variable colours do striue with the Parats feathers for beautie 1 Amaranthus purpureus Purple Floure-Gentle 2 Amaranthus 〈◊〉 Scarlet Floure-Gentle 3 Amaranthus tricolor Floramor and 〈◊〉 4 Amaranthus Pannicula sparsa Branched Floure-Gentle ¶ The Description 1 PVrple floure Gentle riseth vp with a stalke a cubit high and sometime higher streaked or chamfered alongst the same often reddish toward the root and very smooth which diuideth it selfe toward the top into small branches about which stand long leaues broad sharpe pointed soft slippery of a greene colour and sometimes tending to a reddish in stead of floures come vp eares or spokie tufts very braue to looke vpon but without smell of a shining light purple with a glosse like veluet but far passing it which when they are bruised doe yeeld a iuyce almost of the same colour and being gathered doe keepe their beauty a long time after insomuch that being set in water it will reuiue againe as at the time of his gathering and it remaineth so many yeares whereupon likewise it hath taken its name The seed standeth in the ripe eares of colour blacke and much glittering the root is short and full of strings ‡ 5 Amaranthus pannicula incurua holoserica Veluet Floures Gentle 2 The second sort of floure Gentle hath leaues like vnto the former the stalke is vpright with a few small slender leaues set vpon it among which doe grow small clusters of scaly floures of an ouerworne scarlet colour The seed is like the former 3 It far exceedeth my skill to describe the beauty and excellency of this rare plant called Floramor and I thinke the pensill of the most curious painter wil be at a stay when he shall come to set him downe in his liuely colours but to colour it after my best manner this I say Floramor hath a thicke knobby root whereupon doe grow many threddy strings from which riseth a thicke stalke but tender and soft which beginneth to deuide himselfe into sundry branches at the ground and so vpward whereupon 〈◊〉 grow many leaues wherein doth consist his beauty for in few words euery leafe doth resemble in colours the most faire and beautifull feather of a Parrat especially those feathers that are mixed with most sundry colours as a stripe of red and a line of yellow a dash of white and a rib of green colour which I canot with words set forth such are the sundry mixtures of colours that nature hath bestowedin her greatest iollitie vpon this floure the floures doe grow betweene the foot-stalkes of those leaues and the body of the stalke or trunke base and of no moment in respect of the leaues being as it were little chassie husks of an ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour the seed is blacke and shining like burnished horne ‡ I haue not seene this thus variegated as our Author mentions but the leaues are commonly of three colours the lower part or that next to the stalke is greene the middle red and the end yellow or else the end red the middle yellow and the bottome greene ‡ 4 This plant hath a great many of threds and strings of which his roots doe consist From which doe rise vp very thicke fat stalkes crested and streaked exceeding smooth and of a shining red colour which begin at the ground to diuide themselues into branches whereupon doe grow many great and large leaues of a darke greene colour tending to rednesse in shew like those of the red Beet streaked and dasht here and there with red mixed with greene The floures grow alongst the stalkes from the middest thereof euen to the top in shape like Panicum that is a great number of chaffie confused eares thrust hard together of a deepe purple colour I can compare the shape thereof to nothing so 〈◊〉 as to the veluet head of a Stag compact of such soft matter as is the same wherein is the seed in colour white 〈◊〉 and bored through the middle ‡ 5 This in stalkes and leaues is much like the purple floure Gentle but the heads are larger
winter Cherrie is brought out of Spaine and Italy or other hot regions from whence I haue had of those blacke seeds marked with the shape of a mans hart white as aforesaid and haueplanted them in my garden where they haue borne floures but haue perished before the fruit could grow to maturitie by reason of those vnseasonable yeeres 1594. 95. 96. ¶ The Time The red winter Cherrie beareth his floures and fruite in August The blacke beareth them at the same time where it doth naturally grow ¶ The Names The red winter 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vesicaria and Solanum Vesicarium in shops 〈◊〉 Plinie in his 21. booke nameth it Halicacabus and Vesicaria of the little bladders or as the same Author writeth because it is good for the bladder and the stone it is called in Spanish Vexiga de porro in French Alquequenges Bagenauldes and Cerises d'outre mer in English red Nightshade Winter Cherries and Alkakengie 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Red winter Cherries 2 Halicacabum Peregrinum Blacke winter Cherries The blacke winter Cherrie is called Halacacabum Peregrinum Vesicaria Peregrina or strange 〈◊〉 Cherrie of Pena and Lobel it is called Cor Indum Cor Indicum of others Pisum 〈◊〉 in English the Indian heart or heart pease some haue taken it to be Dorycnion but they are greatly deceiued being in truth not any of the Nightshades it rather seemeth to agree with the graine named of Serapio Abrong or Abrugi of which he writeth in his 153. chapter in these words It is a little graine spotted with blacke and white round and like the graine Maiz with which notes this doth agree ¶ The Temperature The red winter Cherrie is thought to be cold and drie and of subtile parts The leaues differ not from the temperature of the garden Nightshade as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The fruite brused and put to infuse or steepe in white wine two or three houres and 〈◊〉 boiled two or three bublings straining it and putting to the decoction a little sugar and cinnamon and drunke preuaileth very mightily against the stopping of vrine the stone and grauell the difficultie and sharpenes of making water and such like diseases if the griefe be old the greater quantity must be taken if new and not great the lesse it scoureth away the yellow jaundise also as some write CHAP. 58. Of the Maruell of the World Mirabilia Peruuiana flore luteo The maruell of Peru with yellowish floures ‡ Mirabilia Peruuiana flore albo The maruell of Peru with white floures The description THis admirable plant called the maruell of Peru or the maruell of the World springeth forth of the ground like vnto Basill in leaues amongst which it sendeth out a stalke two cubits and a halfe high os the thickenesse of a finger full of iuice very firme and of a yellowish greene colour knotted or 〈◊〉 with ioints somewhat bunching forth of purplish color as in the female Balsamina which stalke diuideth it selfe into sundrie branches or boughes and those also knottie like the stalke His branches are decked with leaues growing by couples at the ioints like the leaues of wilde Peascods greene fleshie and sull of ioints which beeing rubbed doe yeeld the like vnpleasant smell as wilde Peascods doe and are in taste also verie vnsauorie yet in the latter end they leaue a taste and sharpe smacke of Tabaco The stalkes towards the top are garnished with long hollow single flowers folded as it were into fiue parts before they be opened but being fully blowne doe resemble the flowers of Tabaco not ending into sharpe corners but blunt and round as the slowers of Bindeweede and larger than the flowers of Tabaco glittering oftentimes with a sine purple or Crimson colour many times of an horse-flesh sometime yellow sometime pale and sometime resembling an old red or yellow colour sometime whitish and most commonly two colours occupying halfe the flower or intercoursing the whole flower with streakes and orderly streames now yellow now purple diuided through the whole hauing sometime great sometime little spots of a purple colour sprinkled and scattered in a most variable order and braue mixture The ground or field of the whole flower is either pale red yellow or white containing in the middle of the hollownesse a pricke or pointell set round about with sixe small strings or chiues The flowers are verie sweet and pleasant resembling the 〈◊〉 or white Daffodill and are very suddenly fading for at night they are flowred wide open and so continue vntill eight of the clocke the next morning at which time they beginne to close or shut vp after the manner of the Bindeweede especially if the weather be very hot but if the aire be more temperate they remaine open the whole day and are closed onely at night and so perish one flower lasting but onely one day like the true Ephemerum or Hemerocailis This maruellous varietie doth not without cause bring admiration to all that obserue it For if the flowers be gathered and reserued in seuerall papers and compared with those flowers that will spring and flourish the next day you shall easily perceiue that one is not like another in colour though you should compare one hundreth which slower one day and another hundred which you gathered the next day and so from day to day during the time of their 〈◊〉 The cups and huskes which containe and embrace the flowers are diuided into fiue pointed sections which are greene and as it were consisting of skinnes wherein is contained one seede and no more couered with a blackish skinne hauing a blunt point whereon the flower groweth but on the end next the cup or huske it is 〈◊〉 with a little fiue cornered crowne The seed is as bigge as a pepper corne which os it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with any light motion Within this seede is contained a white kernell which being bruised resolueth into a very white pulpe like starch The root is thicke and like vnto a great 〈◊〉 outwardly blacke and within white sharpe in taste wherewith is mingled a superficiall sweetnes It bringeth new floures from Iuly vnto October in infinite number yea euen vntill the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cause the whole plant to perish notwithstanding it may be reserned in pots and set in chambers and cellars that are warme and so defended from the iniurie of our cold climate prouided alwaies that there be not any water cast vpon the pot or set forth to take any moisture in the aire vntill March following at which time it must bee taken forth of the pot and replanted in the garden By this meanes I haue preserued many though to small purpose because I haue sowne seeds that haue borne floures in as ample manner and in as good time as those reserued plants Of this wonderfull herbe there be other sorts but not so amiable 〈◊〉 so full of varietie and 〈◊〉 the most part their floures are ail of one color But I haue since by practise found out another
Lobell calls Alismapusillum Angustifolium muricatum and in the Hist. Lugd. it is called Damasonium stellatum ‡ The third is named Plantago aquatical humilis that is the low water Plantaine ‡ I thinke it fit here to restore this plant to his antient dignitie that is his names and titles wherewith he was anciently 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and Pliny The former whereof calls it by sundry names and all very significant and proper as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thus many are Greek and therefore ought not to be reiected as they haue been by some without either reason or authoritie For the barbarous names we can say nothing now it is said to be called Limonium because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it growes in wet or ouerflowen medowes it is called Neuroides because the leafe is composed of diuers strings or fibres running from the one end thereof to the other as in Plantain which therfore by Dioscordies is termed by the same reason 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Also it may be as fitly termed Lonchitis sor the similitude which the leafe hath to the top or head of a lance which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies as that other plant described by Dios. lib. 3. cap. 161. for that the seed a lesse eminent part resembles the same thing And for Potamogeiton which signifies a neighbour to the Riuer or water I thinke it loues the water aswell and is as neere a neighbour to it as that which takes it's name from thence and is described by Dioscorides lib. 4. cap. 101. Now to come to Pliny lib. 20. cap. 8. he calls it Beta silvestris Limonion and Neuroides the two later namesare out of Dioscorides and I shall shew you where also you shall finde the former in him Thus much I thinke might serue for the vindication of my assertion sor I dare boldly affirme that no late writer can fit all these names to any other plant and that makes me more to wonder that all our late Herbarists as Matthiolus Dodonaeus 〈◊〉 Caesalpinus Daleschampius but aboue all Pena and Lobell who Aduers pag. 126. call it to question should not allow this plant to be Limonium especially seing that Anguillara had before or in their time asserted it so to be but whether he gaue any reasons or no for his assertion I cannot tell because I could neuer by any meanes get his Opinions but only finde by Bauhine his Pinax that such was his opinion hereof But to returne from whence I digrest I will giue you Dioscorides his description and a briefe explanation thereof and so desist it is thus It hath leaues like a Beet thinner and larger 10. or more a stalke slender straight and as tall as that of a Lilly and full of seeds of an astringent taste The leaues of this you see are larger than those of a Beet and thin and as I formerly told you in the names neruous which to be so may be plainely gathered by Dioscorides his words in the description of white Hellebore whose leaues he compares to the leaues of Plantaine and the wilde Beet now there is no wild Beet mentioned by any of the Antients but only this by Pliny in the place 〈◊〉 quoted nor no leafe more fit to compare those of white Hellebore to than those of water Plantaine especially sor the nerues and fibres that run alongst the leaues the stalke also of this is but slender considering the height and it growes straight and as high as that of a Lilly with the top plentirifully stored with astringent seed so that no one note is wanting in this nor scarse any to be found in the other plants that many haue of late set forth for Limonium ‡ ¶ The Nature Water Plantaine is cold and dry of temperature ¶ The Vertues The leaues of water Plantaine as some Authors report are good to be laid vpon the legs of such as are troubled with the Dropsie and hath the same propertie that the land Plantaine hath ‡ Dioscordies and Galen commend the seed hereof giuen in Wine against 〈◊〉 Dysenteries the spitting of bloud and ouermuch flowing of womens termes Pliny saith the leaues are good against burnes ‡ CHAP. 97. Of Land Plantaine 1 Plantago latifolia Broad leaued Plantaine 2 Plantago incana Hoarie Plantaine ¶ The Description 1 AS the Greekes haue called some kindes of Herbes Serpents tongue Dogs tongue and Oxe tongue so haue they termed a kind of Plantaine Arnoglosson which is as if you should say Lambes tongue very well knowne vnto all by reason of the great commoditie and plenty thereof growing euery where and therefore it is needlesse to spend time about them The greatnesse and fashion of the leaues hath been the cause of the varieties and diuersities of their names 2 The second is like the first kinde and differeth in that that this kinde of Plantaine hath greater but shorter spikes or knaps and the leaues are of an hoarie or ouerworne greene colour the stalkes are likewise hoary and hairy 3 The small Plantaine hath many tender leaues ribbed like vnto the great Plantaine and is very like in each respect vnto it sauing that it is altogether lesser 4 The spiked Rose Plantaine hath very few leaues narrower than the leaues of the second kinde of Plantaine sharper at the ends and further growing one from another It beareth a very double floure vpon a short stem like a rose of a greenish colour tending to yellownesse The seed groweth vpon a spikie tuft aboue the highest part of the plant notwithstanding it is but very low in respect of the other Plantaines aboue mentioned 4 Plantago Rosea spicata Spiked Rose Plantaine 5 Plantago Rosea exotica Strange Rose Plantaine ‡ 6 Plantago panniculis sparsis Plantaine with spoky tufts 5 The fifth kinde of Plantaine hath beene a stranger in England and elsewhere vntill the impression hereof The cause why I say so is the want of consideration of the beauty which is in this plant wherein it excelleth all the other Moreouer because that it hath not bin written of or recorded before this present time though plants of lesser moment haue beene very curiously set forth This plant hath leaues like vnto them of the former and more orderly spred vpon the ground like a Rose among which rise vp many small stalks like the other plantaines hauing at the top of euery one a fine double Rose altogether vnlike the former of an hoary or rusty greene colour ‡ I take this set forth by our Author to be the same with that which Clusius receiued from Iames Garret the yonger from London and therefore I giue you the figure thereof in this place together with this addition to the historie out of Clusius That some of the heads are like those of the former Rose Plantaine other some are spike fashion and some haue a spike growing as it were out of the midst of the Rose and some heads are otherwise shaped also the whole plant is more hoary than the common Rose
haue somewhat the smell of a Primrose whence Mr. Parkinson gaue it the English name which I haue also here giuen you after the floures are fallen the cods grow to be some two inches long being thicker below and sharper at the top and somwhat twined which in fine open themselues into foure parts to shatter their seed which is blacke and small and sowne it growes not the first yeare into a stalke but sends vp many large leaues lying handsomely one vpon another Rose-fashion It floures in Iune and ripens the seed in August ‡ 5 The second kinde of Willow-herbe in stalks and leaues is like the first but that the leaues are longer narrower and greener The floures grow along the stalke toward the top spike-fashion of a faire purple colour which being withered turne into downe which is carried away with the winde 5 Lysimachia purpurea spicata Spiked Willow-herbe 6 Lysimachia siliquosa Codded Willow-herbe 6 This Lysimachia hath leaues and stalkes like vnto the former The floure groweth at the top of the stalke comming out of the end of a small long cod of a purple colour in shape like a stocke Gillofloure and is called of many Filius ante Patrem that is The Sonne before the Father because that the cod commeth forth first hauing seeds therein before the floure doth shew it selfe 〈◊〉 ‡ The leaues of this are more soft large and hairy than any of the former they are also snipt about the edges and the floure is large wherein it differs from the twelfth hereafter described and from the eleuenth in the hairinesse of the leaues and largenesse of the floures also as you shall finde hereafter ‡ 7 This being thought by some to be a bastard kinde is as I do esteeme it of all the rest the most goodly and stately plant hauing leaues like the greatest Willow or Ozier The branches come out of the ground in great numbers growing to the height of six foot garnished with braue floures of great beauty consisting of foure leaues a piece of an orient purple colour hauing some threds in the middle of a yellow colour The cod is long like the last spoken of and full of downy matter which flieth away with the winde when the cod is opened †7 Chamaenerion Rose bay Willow-herbe ‡ 8 〈◊〉 alterum angastifolium Narrow leaued Willow-floure ‡ 9 Lysimachia coerulea Blew Loose-strife ‡ 10 Lysimachiagalericulata Hoodéd Loose-strife 11 Lysimachia campestris Wilde Willow-herbe 9 There is another bastard Loose-strife or Willow-herbe hauing stalkes like the other of his kinde whereon are placed long leaues snipt about the edges in shape like the great Veronica or herbe Fluellen The floures grow along the stalkes spike-fashion of a blew colour after which succeed small cods or pouches The root is small and fibrous it may be called Lysimachia coerulea or blew Willow-herbe 10 We haue likewise another Willow-herbe that groweth neere vnto the bankes of 〈◊〉 and water-courses This I found in a waterie lane leading from the Lord Treasurer his house called Theobalds vnto the backeside of his slaughter-house and in other places as shall be declared hereafter Which Lobel hath called Lysimachia galericulata or hooded Willow-herbe It hath many small tender stalkes trailing vpon the ground beset with diuers leaues somwhat snipt about the edges of a deep green colour like to the leaues of Scordium or water Germander among which are placed sundrie small blew floures fashioned like a little hood in shape resembling those of Ale-hoofe The root is small and fibrous dispersing it selfe vnder the earth farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth 11 The wilde Willow-Herbe hath fraile and very brittle stalkes slender commonly about the height of a cubit and sometimes higher whereupon doe grow sharpe pointed leaues somewhat snipt about the edges and set together by couples There come forth at the first long slender coddes wherein is contained small seed wrapped in a cottony or downy wooll which is carried away with the winde when the seed is ripe at the end of which commeth forth a small floure of a purplish colour whereupon it was called Filius ante Patrem because the floure doth not appeare vntill the cod be filled with his seed But there is another Sonne before the Father as hath beene declared in the Chapter of Medow-Saffron The root is small and threddie ‡ This differeth from the sixth onely in that the leaues are lesse and lesse hairy and the floure is smaller ‡ 12 The Wood VVillow-hearbe hath a slender stalke diuided into other smaller branches whereon are set long leaues rough and sharpe pointed of an ouerworne greene colour The floures grow at the tops of the branches consisting of foure or fiue small leaues of a pale purplish colour tending to whitenesse after which come long cods wherein are little seeds wrapped in a certaine white Downe that is carried away with the winde The root is threddie ‡ This differs from the sixth in that it hath lesser floures There is also a lesser sort of this hairie Lysimachia with small floures There are two more varieties of these codded Willow-herbes the one of which is of a middle growth somewhat like to that which is described in the eleuenth place but lesse with the leaues also snipped about the edges smooth and not hairie and it may fitly be called Lysimachia siliquosa glabra media or minor The lesser smooth-leaued Willow-herbe The other is also smooth leaued but they are lesser and narrower wherefore it may in Latine be termed Lysimachia siliquosa glabra minor angustifolia in English The lesser smooth and narrow leaued Willow-herbe ‡ 13 This lesser purple Loose-strife of Clusius hath stalkes seldome exceeding the height of a cubit they are also slender weake and quadrangular towards the top diuided into branches growing one against another the leaues are lesse and narrower than the common 〈◊〉 kinde and growing by couples vnlesse at the top of the stalkes and branches whereas they keepe no certaine order and amongst these come here and there cornered cups containing floures composed of six little red leaues with threds in their middles The root is hard woody and not creeping as in others of this kinde yet it endures all the yeere and sends forth new shoots It floures in lune and Iuly and was found by Clusius in diuers wet medowes in Austria ‡ ¶ The Place The first yellow Lysimachia groweth plentifully in moist medewos especially along the medowes as you go from Lambeth to Battersey neere London and in many other places throughout England ‡ 13 Lysimachia purpurea minor Clus. Small purple Willow herbe ‡ The second and third I haue not yet seene The fourth groweth in many gardens ‡ The fift groweth in places of greater moisture yea almost in the running streames and standing waters or hard by them It groweth vnder the Bishops house wall at Lambeth neere the water of Thames and in moist ditches in most places of England The sixth groweth neere the waters and in
stalks do grow very little white floures asterwhich come the seeds in small buttons of the bignesse of a pins head ‡ Our Author seemes here to describe the Paronychia 2. of Tabern ‡ 1 Paronychia vulgaris Common Whitlow grasse 2 Paronychia Rutacco folio Rew leased or iagged Whitlow grasse ¶ The Place These small base and low herbs grow vpon bricke and stone wals vpon old tiled houses which are growne to haue much mosse vpon them and vpon some shadowie and dry muddy wals It groweth plentifully vpon the bricke wall in Chancerie Lane belonging to the Earle of Southampton in the Suburbs of London and sundry other places ¶ The Time These floure many times in Ianuary and February and when hot weather approcheth they are no more to be seen all the yeare after ¶ The Names The Graecians haue called these plants 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Cicero calleth Reduvia There be many kindes of plants called by the said name of Paronychia which hath caused many writers to doubt of the true kinde but you may very boldly take these plants for the same vntill time hath reuealed or raised vp some new plant approching neerer vnto the truth which I thinke will neuer be so that we may call them in English Naile-woort and Whitelow grasse ¶ The Tmperatures and Vertues As touching the qualitie hereof we haue nothing to set downe onely it hath beene taken to heale the disease of the nailes called a Whitlow whereof it took his name CHAP. 198. Of the female Fluellen or Speedwell ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Elatine beeing of Fuchsius and Matthiolus called Veronica foemina 〈◊〉 the female Fluellen shooteth from a small and fibrous root many flexible and tender branches dispersed flat vpon the ground ramping creeping with leaues like Nummularia but that the leaues of Elatine are of an hoarie hairie and ouerworne greene colour among which come forth many small floures of a yellow colour mixed with a little purple like vnto the small Snapdragon hauing a certaine taile or Spur fastened vnto euery such floure like the herbe called Larkes spurre The lower iaw or chap of the floure is of a purple colour and the vpper iawe of a faire yellowe which beeing past there succeedes a small blacke seede contained in round husks 2 The second kinde of Elatine hath stalkes branches floures and roots like the first but the leaues are fashioned like the former but that they haue two little ears at the lower end somewhat resembling an arrow head broad at the setting on but the spur or taile of the floure is longer and more purple mixed with the yellow in the floure 1 Veronica foemina Fuchsij sive Elatine The Female Fluellen 2 Elatine altera Sharpe pointed Fluellen ¶ The Place Both these plants I haue found in sundry places where corne hath growne especially barley as in the fields about Southfleet in Kent where within six miles compasse there is not a field wherein it doth not grow Also it groweth in a field next vnto the house sometime belonging to that honourable gentleman Sir Frances Walsingham at Barn-elmes and in sundry places of Essex and in the next field vnto the Churchyard at Chiswicke neere London towards the midst of the field ¶ The Time They floure in August and September ¶ The Names Their seuerall titles set forth their names as well in Latine as English ¶ The Nature and Vertues These plants are not onely of a singular astringent facultie and thereby helpe them that bee grieued with the Dysenterie and hot swelling but of such singular efficacy to heale spreading and eating cankers and corosiue vleers that their vertue in a manner passeth all credit in these fretting sores vpon sure proose done vnto sundry persons and especially vpon a man whom Pena reporteth to haue his nose eaten most griouously with a canker or eating sore who sent for the Physitions Chirurgions that were famously knowne to be the best and they with one consent concluded to cut the said nose off to preserue the rest of his face among these Surgeons and Physitions came a poore sorie Barbar who had no more skill than he had learned by tradition and yet vndertooke to cure the patient This foresaid Barbar standing in the companie and hearing their determination desired that he might make triall of an herbe which he had seene his master vse for the same purpose which herbe Elatine though he were ignorant of the name whereby it was called yet hee knew where to fetch it To be short this herbe he stamped and gaue the iuice of it vnto the patient to drinke and outwardly applied the same plaisterwise and in very short space perfectly cured the man and staied the rest of his body from further corruption which was ready to fall into a leprosie Aduersar pag. 197. Elatine helpeth the inflammation of the eies and defendeth humours flowing vnto them beeing boiled and as a pultus applied thereto The leaues sodden in the broth of a hen or Veale staieth the dysenterie The new writers affirme that the female Fluellen openeth the obstructions or stoppings of the liuer and spleen prouoketh vrine driueth forth stones and clenseth the kidneies and bladder according to Paulus The weight of a dram or of a French crowne of the pouder of the herbe with the like waight of treacle is commended against pestilent Feuers CHAP. 192. Of Fluellen the male or Paul's Betonie 1 Veronica vera maior Fluellen or Speedwell 2 Veronica recta mas The male Speedwell ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Veronica is a small herbe and creepeth by the ground with little reddish and hairy branches The leafe is something round and hairy indented or snipped round about the edges The floures are of a light blew colour declining to purple the seed is contained in little flat pouches the root is fibrous and hairy 2 The second doth also creepe vpon the ground hauing long slender stemmes some foot high and somewhat large leaues a little hairy and pleasantly soft The floures be blew like as those of the former but somewhat bigger and of a brighter colour and they are also succeeded by round seed vessels 3 The third kinde of Veronica creepeth with branches and leaues like vnto Serpillum for which cause it hath beene called Veronica Serpillifolia The floures grow along the small and tender branches of a whitish colour declining to blewnesse The root is small and threddie taking hold vpon the vpper face of the earth where it spreadeth The seed is contained in small pouches like the former 4 The fourth hath a root somewhat wooddie from the which rise vp leaues like vnto the former The small vpright stalke is beset with the like leaues but lesser at the top whereof commeth forth a slender spike closely thrust together and full of blewish floures which are succeeded by many horned seed vessels ‡ 5 This hath many wooddie round smooth branches some handfull and halfe high
decoction of Pennie Royall is very good against ventositie windinesse or such like and against the hardnes stopping of the mother being vsed in a bath or stew for the woman to sit ouer CHAP. 222. Of Basill ¶ The Description 1 GArden Basill is of two sorts differing one from another in bignesse The first hath broad thicke and fat leaues of a pleasant sweet smell and of which some one here and there are of a black reddish colour somewhat snipped about the edges not vnlike the leaues of French Mercurie The stalke groweth to the height of halfe a cubite diuiding itself into diuers branches whereupon doe stand small and base floures sometimes whitish and often tending to a darke purple The root is threddie and dieth at the approch of Winter 1 Ocimum 〈◊〉 Great Basill 2 Ocimum medium citratum Citron Basill 3 Ocimum minus Gariophyllatum Bush Basill ‡ 4 Ocimum Indicum Indian Basill 2 The middle Basill is very like vnto the former but it is altogether lesser The whole plant is of a most odoriferous smell not vnlike the smell of a Limon or Citron whereof it tooke his surname 3 Bush Basill or fine Basill is a low and base plant hauing a threddie root from which rise vp many small and tender stalks branched into diuers armes or boughes whereupon are placed many little leaues lesser than those of Pennie Royall The whole plant is of a most pleasing sweete smell ‡ 4 This which some call Ocimum Indicum or rather as Camerarius saith Hispanicum sends vp a stalk a foot or more high foure square and of a purple colour set at each ioint with two leaues and out of their bosomes come little branches the largest leaues are some two inches broad and some three long growing vpon long stalks and deepely cut in about their edges being also thicke fat and iuicie and either of a darke purple colour or else spotted with more or lesse such coloured spots The tops of the branches end in spokie tufts of white floures with purple veines running alongst them The seede is contained in such seed vessels as that of the other Basils and is round blacke and large The plant perishes euery yeare as soone as it hath perfected the seed Clusius calls this Ocimum Indicum ‡ ¶ The Place Basil is sowne in gardens and in earthen pots It commeth vp quickly and loueth little moisture except in the middle of the day otherwise if it be sowne in rainie weather the seed will putrifie and grow into a iellie or slime and come to nothing ¶ The Time Basill floureth in Iune and Iuly and that by little and little whereby it is long a flouring beginning first at the top ¶ The Names Basill is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and more commonly with 〈◊〉 in the first syllable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ocimum It differeth from Ocymum which some haue called Cereale as we saith Dodonaeus haue shewed in the Historie of Graine The later Graecians haue called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in shops likewise Basilicum and Regium in Spanish Albabaca in French Basilic in English Basill garden Basill the greater Basill Royall the lesser Basill gentle and bush Basill of some Basilicum Gariophyllatum or Cloue Basill ¶ The Temperature Basill as Galen teacheth is hot in the second degree but it hath adioined with it a superfluous moisture by reason whereof he doth not like that it should be taken inwardly but being applied outwardly it is good to digest or distribute and to concoct ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that if Basil be much eaten it dulleth the sight it mollifieth the belly breedeth winde prouoketh vrine drieth vp milke and is of a hard digestion The iuice mixed with fine meale of parched Barly oile of roses and Vineger is good against inflammations and the stinging of venomous beasts The iuice drunke in wine of Chios or strong Sacke is good against head ache The iuice clenseth away the dimmenesse of the eyes and drieth vp the humour that falleth into them The seede drunke is a remedie for melancholicke people for those that are short winded and them that can hardly make water If the same be snift vp in the nose it causeth often neesing also the herbe it selfe doth the same There be that shunne Basill and will not eat thereof because that if it be chewed and laid in the Sun it ingendreth wormes They of Africke do also affirme that they who are stung of the Scorpion and haue eaten of it shall feele no paine at all The Later writers among whom Simeon Zethy is one doe teach that the smell of Basill is good for the heart and for the head That the seede cureth the infirmities of the heart taketh away sorrowfulnesse which commeth of melancholy and maketh a man merry and glad CHAP. 223. Of wilde Basill ¶ The Description 1 THe wilde Basil or Acynos called of Pena Clinopodium vulgarc hath square hairie stems beset with little leaues like vnto the small Basil but much smaller and more hairie sharp pointed and a little snipt towards the end of the leafe with small floures of a purple colour fashioned like vnto the garden Basill The root is full of hairie threds and creepeth along the ground and springeth vp yearely anew of it selfe without sowing ‡ This is the Clinopodium alterum of Matthiolus ‡ 2 This kinde of wilde Basill called amongst the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which by interpretation is Sine semine or Sterilis hath caused sundry opinions and great doubts concerning the words of Plinie and Theophrastus affirming that this herbe hath no floures nor seeds which opinions I am sure of mine owne knowledge to be without reason but to omit controuersies this plant beareth purple floures wharled about square stalkes rough leaues and hairie verie like in shape vnto Basil ‡ The stalkes are some cubite and more high parted into few branches and set at certaine spaces with leaues growing by couples This is the Clinopodium vulgare of Matthiolus and that of Cordus Gesner and others it is the Acinos of Lobel ‡ 3 Scrapio and others haue set forth another wilde Basill vnder the title of Molochia and Lobel after the minde of Iohn Brancion calleth it Corcoros which we haue Englished Fish Basill the seeds whereof the said Brancion receiued from Spaine saying that Corcoros 〈◊〉 hath the leaues of Basil the stalkes are two handfuls high the floures yellow growing close to the stalkes bearing his seed in smal long cods The root is compact and made of an innumerable companie of strings creeping far abroad like running Time ‡ This figure of Lobels which here we giue you is as Camerarius hath obserued vnperfect for it expresses not the long cods wherein the seed is contained neither the two little strings or beards that come forth at the setting on of each leafe to the stalke ‡ 1 Ocymum syluestre Wilde Basill 2 Acynos Stone Basill ‡ 3 Corchoros Fish Basill
rise vp diuers branches charged with the like leaues the floures grow at the toppes of the branches of a most shining yellow colour the root is also like the former 3 The great Marsh Marigold with double floures is a stranger in England his natiue Countrey should seeme to be in the furthest part of Germanie by the relation of a man of those Countries that I haue had conference withall the which hee thus described it hath saith hee leaues roots and stalkes like those of our common sort and hath double floures like those of the garden Marigold wherein consisteth the difference 3 Calthapalustris multiplex Double floured Marsh Marigold The Place They ioy in moist and marish grounds and in watery medowes ‡ I haue not sound the double one wilde but seene it preserued in diuers gardens for the beautie of the floure ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the Spring when the Crowfoots doe and oftentimes in Sommer the leaues keepe their greenenesse all the Winter long ¶ The Names Marsh Marigold is called of Valerius Cordus Caltha palustris of Tabernamontanus Populago but not properly in English Marsh Marigolds in Cheshire and those parts it is called Bootes ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 Touching the faculties of these plants wee haue nothing to say either out of other mens writings or our owne experiences CHAP. 295. Of Frogge-bit Morsus Rana Frogge-bit ¶ The Description THere floteth or swimmeth vpon the vpper parts of the water a small plant which wee vsually call Frog-bit hauing little round leaues thicke and full of iuice very like to the leaues of wall Peniwoort the floures grow vpon long stems among the leaues of a white colour with a certaine yellow thrum in the middle consisting of three leaues in stead of roots it hath slender strings which grow out of a short and small head as it were from whence the leaues spring in the bottom of the water from which head also come forth slopewise certaine strings by which growing forth it multiplieth it selfe ¶ The Place It is found swimming or floting almost in euery ditch pond poole or standing water in all the ditches about Saint George his fields and in the ditches by the Thames side neere to Lambeth Marsh where any that is disposed may see it ¶ The Time It flourisheth and floureth most part of all the yeare ¶ The Names It is called of some Ranae morsus and Morsus Ranae and Nymphaeaparua ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It is thought to be a kinde of Pond-weed or rather of Water Lillie and to haue the same faculties that belong vnto it CHAP. 296. Of Water Lillie ¶ The Description 1 THe white water Lillie or Nenuphar hath great round leaues in shape of a Buckler thick fat and full of iuice standing vpon long round and smooth foot-stalkes ful of a spungious substance which leaues do swim or flote vpon the top of the water vpon the end of each stalk groweth one floure onely of colour white consisting of many little long sharpe pointed leaues in the middest whereof bee many yellow threds after the floure it bringeth forth a round head in which lieth blackish glittering seed The roots be thicke full of knots blacke without white and spungie within out of which groweth a multitude of strings by which it is fastened in the 〈◊〉 1 Nymphaea alba White Water Lillie 2 Nymphaealutea Yellow Water Lillie 2 The leaues of the yellow water Lillie be like to the other yet are they a little longer The stalkes of the floures and leaues be like the floures be yellow consisting onely of fiue little short leaues something round in the midst of which groweth a small round head or button sharpe towards the point compassed about with many yellow threds in which when it is ripe lie also glittering seeds greater than those of the other and lesser than wheat cornes The roots be thick long set with certaine dents as it were white both within and without of a spungious substance 3 The smal white water Lillie floreth likewise vpon the water hauing a single root with some few fibres fastened thereto from which riseth vp many long round smooth and soft foot-stalkes some of which doe bring forth at the end faire broad round buckler leaues like vnto the precedent but lesser on the other foot-stalkes stand prettie white floures consisting of fiue small leaues apeece hauing a little yellow in the middle thereof 3 Nymphaea alba minor The small white Water Lillie 5 Nymphaea lutea minima Dwarfe Water Lillie 4 The small yellow water Lillie hath a little threddie root creeping in the bottome of the water and dispersing it selfe far abroad from which rise small tender stalkes smooth and soft whereon do grow little buckler leaues like the last described likewise on the other small stalke standeth a tuft of many floures likewise floting vpon the water as the others do ‡ This hath the floures larger than those of the next described wherefore it may be fitly named Nymphaea lutea minor flore amplo ‡ 5 This dwarfe water Lillie differeth not from the other small yellow water Lillie sauing that that this kinde hath sharper pointed leaues and the whole plant is altogether lesser wherein lieth the difference ‡ This hath the floures much lesse than those of the last described wherefore it is fitly for distinction sake named Nymphaea 〈◊〉 minor flore paruo ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in fennes standing waters broad ditches and in brookes that run slowly and sometimes in great riuers ¶ The Time They floure and flourish most of the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Water Lillie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Nymphaea so named because it loues to grow in waterie places as Dioscorides saith the Apothecaries call it Nenuphar of Apuleius Mater Herculania Alga palustris Papauer palustre Clavus veneris and Digitus veneris Marcellus a very old writer reporteth that it is called in Latine Claua Herculis in French Badittin in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Water Lillie water Rose ¶ The Temperature Both the root and seed of water Lillie haue a drying force without biting ¶ The Vertues Water Lillie with yellow floures stoppeth laskes the ouerflowing of seed which commeth away by dreames or otherwise and is good for them that haue the bloudie flix But water Lillie which hath the white floures is of greater force insomuch as it staieth the whites but both this and the other that hath the black root must be drunke in red wine they haue also a scouring quality therfore they both clense away the morphew and be also good against the pilling away of the haire of the head against the morphew they are steeped in water and sor the pilling away of the haire in Tarre but for these things that is sitter which hath the black root and for the other that which hath the white root Theoprastus saith that being stamped and laid vpon
diuided into diuets branches wherupon did grow leaues like those of the common white Iasmine but blacker and rounder The floures to the shew were most beautiful in shape like those of the common Iasmine but foure times bigger gaping wide open white on the vpper side and of a bright red on the vnder side 3 There is a kind hereof with yellow floures but some doe describe for the yellow Iasmine the shrubbie Trefoile called of some Trifolium 〈◊〉 and of others 〈◊〉 But this yellow Iasmine is one and that is another plant differing from the kindes of Iasmine as shall be declared in his proper place The yellow Iasmine differeth not from the common white Gesmine in leaues stalks nor fashion of the floures the onely difference is that this plant bringeth forth yellow floures and the other white 4 There is likewise another sort that differeth not from the former in any respect but in the colour of the floure for this plant hath floures of a blew colour and the others not so wherein consisteth the difference ¶ The Place Gelsemine is fostered in gardens and is vsed for arbors and to couer banquetting houses in gardens it groweth not wilde in England that I can vnderstand of though Mr. Lyte be of another opinion the white Iasmine is common in most places of England the rest are strangers and not seene in these parts as yet ¶ The Time They bring forth their pleasant 〈◊〉 in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Among the Arabians Serapio was the first that named Gessemine Zambach it is called Iasminum and Ieseminum and also 〈◊〉 in English Iasmine Gessemine and Iesse There is in Dioscorides a composition of oile of Iasmine which he saith is made in Persia of the white floures of Violets which Violets seeme to be none other than the floures of this Gessemine for Dioscorides oftentimes hath reckoned faire and elegant floures amongst the Violets 〈◊〉 that it must not seeme strange that he calleth the floures of Gessemine Violets especially seeing that the plant it selfe was vnknowne vnto him as it is euident ¶ The Temperature Gessemine and especially the floures thereof be hot in the beginning of the second degree as Scrapio reporteth out of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues The oile which is made of the floures hereof wasteth away raw humors and is good against cold 〈◊〉 but in those that are of a hot constitution it causeth head-ache and the ouermuch smell thereof maketh the nose to bleed as the same Author 〈◊〉 It is 〈◊〉 as Dioscorides writeth and after him 〈◊〉 of the Persians in their banquets for pleasure sake it is good to be 〈◊〉 after bathes in those bodies that haue need to be suppled and warmed but by reason of 〈◊〉 it is not much vsed The leaues boiled in wine vntill they be soft and made vp to the forme of a pultis and applied dissolue cold swellings wens hard lumps and such like outgoings CHAP. 330. Of Peruinkle ¶ The Description 1 PEruinkle hath slender and long branches trailing vpon the ground taking hold here and there as it runneth small like to rushes with naked or bare spaces betweene ioint and ioint The leaues are smooth not vnlike to the Bay leafe but lesser The floures grow hard by the leaues spreading wide open composed of fiue small blew leaues We haue in our London gardens a kinde hereof bearing white floures which maketh it to differ from the former 1 Vinca Peruinca minor Peruinkle ‡ 2 Clematis Daphnoides sive Peruinca maior Great Peruinkle There is another with purple floures doubling it selfe somewhat in the middle with smaller leaues wherein is the difference 2 There is another sort greater than any of the rest which is called of some Clematis 〈◊〉 of the similitude the leaues haue with those of the Bay The leaues and floures are like those of the precedent but altogether greater wherein consisteth the difference ¶ The Place They grow in most of our London gardens they loue a moist and shadowie place the branches remaine alwaies greene ¶ The Time The floures of them do flourish in March Aprill and May and oftentimes later ¶ The Names Peruinkle is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it bringeth forth stalkes which creepe like those of the Vine and Daphnoides by reason that the leaues are like those of the Bay as aforesaid Pliny calleth it Vinca Peruinca and Chamaedaphne notwithstanding there is another 〈◊〉 of which in his place The same Author likewise calleth it Centunculus in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch Uincoorte maegden cruyt in French Pucellage Vauche Peruauche in Italian Prouenca in Spanish 〈◊〉 in shoppes Clematis peruinca in English Peruinkle Peruinkle and Periwinkle ¶ The Temperature Peruinkle is something hot but within the second degree something drie and astringent ¶ The Vertues The leaues boiled in wine and drunken stop the laske and bloudie flix An handfull of the leaues stamped and the iuice giuen to drinke in red wine stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix spitting of bloud which neuer faileth in any bodie either man or woman it 〈◊〉 stoppeth the inordinate course of the monethly sicknesse CHAP. 331. Of Capers ¶ The Kindes THere be two sorts of Capers especially one with broad leaues sharpe pointed the other with rounder leaues The Brabanders haue also another sort called Capparis fabago or Bean Capers 1 Capparis folio acuto Sharpe leafed Capers 2 Capparis rotundiore folio Round leafed Capers ¶ The Description 1 THe Caper is a prickly shrub the shoots or branches whereof be full of sharpe prickly thornes trailing vpon the ground if they bee not supported or propped vp whereupon doe grow leaues like those of the Quince tree but rounder amongst the which come forth long slender foot-stalkes whereon do grow round knoppes which doe open or spread abroad into faire floures after which commeth in place long fruit like to an oliue and of the same colour wherein is contained flat rough-seeds of a duskie colour The root is wooddie and couered with a thick bark or rinde which is much vsed in Physicke 2 The second kinde of Caper is likewise a prickly plant much like the bramble bush hauing many slender branches set full of sharpe prickles The whole plant traileth vpon the place where it groweth beset with round blackish leaues disorderly placed in shape like those of Astrabacca but greater approching to the forme of Fole-foot among which commeth forth a small and tender naked twig charged at the end with a small knap or bud which openeth it selfe to a small star-like floure of a pleasant sweet smell in place whereof comes a small fruit long and round like the Cornell berrie of a browne colour The root is long and wooddie and couered with a thicke barke or rinde which is likewise vsed in medicine ¶ The Place The Caper groweth in Italy Spaine and other hot Regions without manuring in a leane soyle in rough places amongst rubbish and vpon old walls as Dioscorides reporteth
former chapter called 〈◊〉 euen as Anthora is the Antidote and remedy against the poyson of Thora and Herba Paris against Pardalianches ¶ The Vertues Dogs-bane is a deadly and dangerous plant especially to foure footed beasts for as Dioscorides writeth the leaues hereof being mixed with bread and giuen killeth dogs wolues Foxes and leopards the vse of their legs and huckle-bones being presently taken from them and death it selfe followeth incontinent and therefore not to be vsed in medicine CHAP. 337. Of Solomons Seale 1 Polygonatum Solomons Seale 2 Polygonatum minus Small Solomons Seale ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Solomons Seale hath long round stalkes set for the most part with long leaues somewhat furrowed and ribbed not much vnlike Plantaine but 〈◊〉 which for the most part stand all vpon one side of the stalk and hath smal white floures resembling the floures of Lilly conuall on the other side when the floures be vaded there come sorth 〈◊〉 berries which at the first are greene and of a blacke colour tending to blewnesse and when 〈◊〉 be ripe be of the bignesse of Iuy berries of a very sweet and pleasant taste The root is white and thicke full of knobs or ioynts which in some places resemble the marke of a seale whereof I think it tooke the name Sigillum Solomonis and is sweet at the first but afterward of a bitter taste with some sharpenesse 2 The second kinde of Polygonatum doth not much vary from the former sauing in the leaues which be narrower and grow round about the stalke like a spur in fashion like vnto 〈◊〉 or red Madder among the leaues come forth floures like the former but of a greener white colour which being past there succeed berries like the former but of a reddish colour which being past there succeed berries like the former but of a reddish colour the roots are thick and knobby like the former with some fibres anexed thereto 3 Polygonatum latifolium 2. Clusij Sweet smelling Solomons Seale 4 Polygonatum ramosum Branched Solomons Seale 3 The third kinde of Solomons Seale which Carolus Clusius found in the wooddy mountaines of Leitenberg aboue Manderstorf and in many other mountaines beyond the riuer Danubius especially among the stones hee sent to London to Mr. Garth a worshipfull Gentleman and one that greatly delighteth in strange plants who very louingly imparted the same vnto me This plant hath stalkes very like vnto the common Solomons Seale a foot high beset with leaues vpon one side of the stalke like the first and common kinde but larger and more approching to the bignesse of the broad leafed Plantaine the taste whereof is not very pleasant from the bosome of which leaues come forth small well smelling greenish white floures not much vnlike the first which being past there follow seeds or berries that are at the first green but afterward blacke containing within the same berries a small seed as big as a Vetch and as hard as a stone The roots are like vnto the other of his kinde yet not so thicke as the first 4 The fourth kind according to my account but the third of Clusius which he found also in the mountaines aforesaid groweth a foot high but seldome a cubit differing from all the others of his kinde for his stalkes diuide themselues into sundry other branches which are garnished with goodly leaues larger and sharper pointed than any of the rest which do embrace the stalks about after the manner of Perfoliata or Thorow-wax yet very like vnto the kindes of Solomons Seale in shew saue that they are somewhat hoarie vnderneath the leaues which at the first are sweete in taste but somewhat acride or biting towards the later end From the backe part of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forth small long tender and crooked stems bearing at the end little gaping white floures not much vnlike Lilium conuallium sauouring like Hawthorne floures spotted on the inner side with blacke spots which being past there come forth three cornered berries like the narrow leafed 〈◊〉 seale greene at the first and red when they be ripe containing many white hard graines The roots differ from all the other kindes and are like vnto the crambling roots of 〈◊〉 which the grauer hath omitted in the picture 5 Polygonatum angustifolium ramosum Narrow leaued Solomons 〈◊〉 5 This rare sort of Solomons Seale rises vp from his tuberous or knobby root with a straight vpright stalke ioynted at certaine distances leauing betweene each ioynt a bare and naked stalke smooth and of a greenish colour tending to yellownes from the which ioynts thrust forth diuers smal branches with foure narrow leaues set about like a star or the herbe Woodroofe vpon which tender branches are set about the stalkes by certaine spaces long narrow leaues inclosing the same round about among which leaues come forth small whitish floures of little regard The fruit is small and of a red colour full of pulpe or meate among which is contained a hard stony seed like that of the first Solomons seale ‡ 6 There is kept in our gardens and said to be brought from some part of America another Polygonatum which sends vp a stalk some foot and more high and it hath leaues long neruous and very greene and shining growing one by another without any order vpon the stalke which is somewhat crested crooked and very greene bearing at the very top thereof aboue the highest leafe vpon little foot-stalks some eight or nine little white floures consisting of six leaues a piece which are succeeded by berries as in the former This floures in May and is vulgarly named Polygonatum Virginianum or Virginian Solomons seale ‡ ¶ The Place The first sort of Solomons seale growes naturally wilde in Somerset-shire vpon the North side of a place called Mendip in the parish of Shepton Mallet also in Kent by a village called Crayford vpon Rough or Row hill also in Odiam parke in Hampshire in Bradfords wood neere to a town in Wiltshire foure miles from Bathe in a wood neere to a village called Horsley fiue miles from Gilford in Surrey and in diuers other places That sort of Solomons seale with broad leaues groweth in certaine woods in Yorkshire called Clapdale woods three miles from a village named Settle ¶ The Time They spring vp in March and shew their 〈◊〉 in May the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names Solomons seale is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Polygonatum of many Knees for so the Greeke word doth import in shops Sigillum Salomonis and Scala coeli in English likewise Scala coeli Solomons seale and White-wort or white root in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Seau de Solomon of the Hetrurians Frasinella and Fraxinella ¶ The Temperature The roots of Solomons 〈◊〉 as Galen saith haue both a mixt facultie and qualitie also For they haue saith he a certaine kinde of astriction or binding and biting withall and likewise a certaine loathsome bitternesse
in the Turkish tongue Torobolos Catamer 〈◊〉 in English the double red Ranunculus or Crow-foot The fourth is called Ranunculus Tripolitanus of the place from whence it was first brought into these parts of the Turks Tarobolos Catamer without that addition 〈◊〉 which is a proper word to all floures that are double ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and vertues are referred to the other Crow-feet whereof they are thought to be kindes CHAP. 370. Of Speare-woort or Bane-woort ¶ The Description 1 SPeare-woort hath an hollow stalke full of knees or ioynts whereon do grow long leaues a little hairy not vnlike those of the willow of a shining green colour the floures are very large and grow at the tops of the stalks consisting of fiue leaues of a faire yellow colour verie like to the field gold cup or wilde Crow-foot after which come round knops or seed vessels wherein is the seed the root is contract of diuers bulbes or long clogs mixed with an infinite number of hairy threds 1 Ranunculus flammeus maior Great Speare-woort 2 Ranunculus flammeus minor The lesser Speare-woort 2 The common Spearewoort being that which we haue called the lesser hath leaues floures and stalks like the precedent but altogether lesser the roote consisteth of an infinite number of threddie strings 3 Ranunculus flammeus serratus Iagged Speare-woort 4 Ranunculus palustris rotundifolius Marish Crow-foot or Speare-worts 3 Iagged Speare-woort hath a thicke fat hollow stalke diuiding it selfe into diuers branches whereon are set somtimes by couples two long leaues sharp pointed cut about the edges like the teeth of a saw The floures grow at the top of the branches of a yellow colour in form like those of the field Crowfoot the root consisteth of a number of hairy strings 4 Marsh Crow-foot or Speare-woort whereof it is a kinde taken of the best approued authors to be the true Apium risus though diuers thinke that Pulsatilla is the same of some it is called Apium 〈◊〉 riseth forth of the mud or waterish mire from a threddie root to the height of a cubit sometimes higher The stalke diuideth it selfe into diuers branches whereupon doe grow leaues deeply cut round about like those of Doues-foot and not vnlike to the cut Mallow but somewhat greater and of a most bright shining green colour the floures grow at the top of the branches of a yellow colour like vnto the other water Crow-feet ¶ The Place They grow in moist and dankish places in brinkes or water courses and such like places almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure in May when other Crow-feet do ¶ The Names Speare-woort is called of the later Herbarists Flammula and Ranunculus Flammeus of Cordus Ranunculus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or broad leaued Crow-foot of others Ranunculus longifolius or long leafed Crow foot in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Speare-Crowfoot Speare-woort and Banewoort because it is dangerous and deadly for sheep and that if they feed of the same it inflameth their liuers fretteth and blistereth their guts and intrails ¶ The Temperature of all the Crowfeet Speare-woort is like to the other Crow-feet in facultie it is hot in the mouth or biting it exulcerateth and raiseth blisters and being taken inwardly it killeth remedilesse Generally all the Crow-feet as Galen saith are of a very sharpe or biting qualitie insomuch as they raise blisters with paine and they are hot and drie in the fourth degree ¶ The Vertues of all the Crowfeet The leaues or roots of Crowfeet stamped and applied vnto any part of the body causeth the skin to swell and blister and raiseth vp wheales bladders causeth scars crusts and ouglie vlcers it is laid vpon cragged warts corrupt nailes and such like excrescences to cause them to fall away The leaues stamped and applied vnto any pestilentiall or plague sore or carbuncle staieth the spreading nature of the same and causeth the venomous or pestilentiall matter tobreath forth by opening the parts and passages in the skin It preuaileth much to draw a plague sore from the inward parts being of danger vnto other remote places further from the heart and other of the spirituall parts as hath beene declared in the description Many do vse to tie a little of the herbe stamped with salt vnto any of the fingers against the pain of the teeth which medicine seldome-faileth for it causeth greater paine in the finger than was in the tooth by the meanes whereof the greater paine taketh away the lesser Cunning beggers do vse to stampe the leaues and lay it vnto their legs and arms which causeth such 〈◊〉 vlcers as we daily see among such wicked vagabonds to moue the people the more to pittie The kinde of Crowfoot of Illyria being taken to be Apium risus of some yet others thinke Aconitum Batrachioides to be it This plant spoileth the sences and vnderstanding and draweth together the sinewes and muscles of the face in such strange manner that those who beholding such as died by the taking hereof haue supposed that they died laughing so forceably hath it drawne and contracted the nerues and sinewes that their faces haue been drawne awry as though they laughed whereas contrariwise they haue died with great torment ‡ CHAP. 371. Of diuers other Crowfeet ‡ 1 Ranunculus Creticus latifolius Broad leaued Candy Crowfoot ‡ 2 Ranunculus folio Plantaginis Plantaine leaued Crowfoot ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe roots of this are somwhat like those of the Asian Ranunculus the leaues are verie large roundish of a light green colour cut about the edges here and there deeply diuided the stalke is thicke round and stiffe diuided into two or three branches at the setting on of which grow longish leaues a little nickt about the end the floures are of an indifferent bignesse and consist of fiue longish round pointed leaues standing a little each from other so 〈◊〉 the green points of the cups shew themselues between them there are yellow threds in the middle of these floures which commonly shew themselues in Februarie or March It is found only in some gardens and 〈◊〉 onely hath set it forth by the name we here giue you 2 This also that came from the Pyrenaean hills is made a Denizen in our gardens it hath a stalke some foot high set with neruous leaues like those of Plantaine but thinner and of the colour of Woad and they are something broad at their setting on and end in a sharpe point at the top of the stalke grow the floures each consisting of fiue round slender pure white leaues of a reasonable bignesse with yellowish threds and a little head in the middle the root is white and fibrous It floures about the beginning of May. Clusius also set forth this by the title of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 albo flore 3 The same Author hath also giuen vs the knowledge of diuers other plants of this kinde and this hee calls 〈◊〉 montanus 1. It hath many round leaues here and there
small white floures doe turne into long and crooked seeds growing at the top of the branches three cubits high ‡ 3 This in leaues stalkes and roots is larger than the last described the stalkes equalling or exceeding the height of a man the smell is strange and greiuous and in all the parts thereof it is like to the other plants of this kinde Lobel figures it by the name of Cicutaria maxima Brancionis and questions whither it be not Thapsia tertia Salamanticensium of Clusius but Clusius denies it so to be ‡ 2 Cicuta latifolia faetidissima Broad leafed stinking Hemlocks ‡ 3 Cicuta latifolia altera Gyant Hemlocke ¶ The Place Common Hemlocke groweth plentifully about towne walls and villages in 〈◊〉 places and fat soiles neere ditches The second groweth vpon mountaines and desart places and is a stranger in England yet I haue plants thereof in my garden ¶ The Time They flourish and seed in September ¶ The Names Homlocke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cicuta in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish 〈◊〉 Canaheia in French Cigue in English Hemlocke Homlocke Kexe and herbe Bennet The second is called Cicuta latifolia and Cicutaria latifolia and 〈◊〉 Peloponnense quorundam in English great Hemlockes and garden Homlocke ¶ The Temperature 〈◊〉 saith that Homlocke is extreme cold in operation euen in the fourth degree of coldnesse ¶ The Vertues It is therefore a very 〈◊〉 part to lay the leaues of Hemlocke to the stones of yong boyes or virgin brests and by that meanes to keepe those parts 〈◊〉 growing great for it doth not only 〈◊〉 cause those members to pine away but also hurteth the heart and liuer being outwardly 〈◊〉 then must it of necessitie hurt more being inwardly taken for it is one of the deadly 〈◊〉 which killeth by his cold qualitie as Dioscorides writeth saying Hemlocke is a very euill dangerous hurtfull and poysonous herbe insomuch that whosoeuer taketh of it into his body dieth remedilesse except the party drinke some wine that is naturally hot before the venome haue taken the heart as Pliny saith but being drunke with wine the poyson is with greater speed carie to the heart by reason whereof it killeth presently theresore not to be applied outwardly much lesse taken inwardly into the body The great Hemlocke doubtlesse is not possessed with any one good facultie as appeareth by his lothsome smell and other apparant signes and therefore not to be vsed in physicke CHAP. 430. Of wilde and water Hemlockes ¶ The Description 1 THis wilde kinde of Hemlocke hath a small tough white root from which arise vp diuets stiffe stalkes hollow somewhat reddish toward the Sun ioynted or kneed at certaine distances from which ioynts spring forth long leaues very greene and finely minced or iagged like the common Cheruill or Parsley the floures stand at the tops of the stalks in small spokie vmbels with little longish greene leaues about them the seed solloweth like those of Hemlocke or as they grow together on the tops of the stalks they resemble Coriander seeds but lesser the whole plant is of a naughty smell 1 Cicutaria tenuifolia Thin leafed wilde Hemlocke 2 Cicutaria 〈◊〉 Wilde water Hemlocke 2 Water Hemlock which Lobel calleth Cieutariapalustris Clusius and 〈◊〉 Phellandrium riseth vp with a thicke fat and empty hollow stalke full of knees or ioynts 〈◊〉 chamfered or furrowed of a yellowish greene colour the leaues shoot forth of the ioynts and branches like vnto wilde Hemlocke but much thicker fatter and oileous very finely cut or iagged almost like those of the smallest Visnaga or Spanish Tooth-pickes the floures stand at the top of the stalkes in small whitish tusts the seed followeth blackish of the bignesse of Anise seed and of a sweet sauour the root is thicke and long within the water very soft and tender with very many strings fastned thereto ¶ The Place 1 This growes among stones and rubbish by the walls of cities and towns almost euery where The other groweth in the midst of water ditches and standing pooles and ponds in most places of England it groweth very plentifully in the ditches by a causey as you goe from Redriffe to Detford neere London and in many other places ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iuly and August ¶ The Names ‡ 1 This is Petroselini vitium of Tragus and Dauci inutilis genus of Gesner Thalius calls it Apium cicutarium Lobel Cicutaria fatua Tabernamontanus Petroselinum caninum which name we may fitly make English and call it Dogs-parsley 2 This is Ligusticum syl Foeniculum syl of Tragus Cicutaria palustris of Lobel and others Dodonaeus thinkes it Plinies Phellandrion and Caesalpinus iudges it his Silaus ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and faculties are answerable to the common Hemlocke which haue no vse in physicke as we haue said CHAP. 431. Of Earth-nut Earth Chest-nut or Kipper-nut †1 Bulbocastanon minus Small Earth-nut 2 Bulbocastanon 〈◊〉 Great Earth-nut ¶ The Description 1 EArth-nut or Kipper-nut called after Lobelius Nucula terrestris hath small euen crested stalkes a foot or somewhat more high whereon do grow next the ground leaues like those of Parsley and those that doe grow higher like vnto those of Dill the white floures doe stand on the top of the stalkes in spokie rundles like the tops of Dill which turne into small seed growing together by couples of a very good smell not vnlike to those of Fennell but much smaller the root is round knobbed with certaine eminences or bunchings out browne without white within of a firme and sollid substance and of a taste like the Chesse-nut or Chestnut whereof it tooke his name 2 There is also another Earth-nut that hath stalkes a foot high whereon doe grow iagged leaues like those of English Saxifrage of a bright greene colour the floures grow at the top of the branches in small spokie tufts consisting of little white floures the root is like the other bulbous fashion with some few strings hanging at the bottome of a good and pleasant taste ‡ This differs from the former in that the leaues are larger and greener the root also is not so far within the ground and it also sends forth some leaues from the bulbe it selfe whereas our common kind hath only the end of a small root that carries the stem and leaues vpon it fastned vnto it as you see it exprest in the former figure ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in pastures and corne fields almost euery where there is a field adioining to High-gate on the right side of the middle of the village couered ouer with the same and likewise in the next field vnto the conduit heads by Maribone neere the way that leadeth to Paddington by London and in diuers other places ‡ I haue not yet obserued the second to grow wilde with vs. ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly the seed
much to say as Mouse prickle and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say 〈◊〉 Asparagus or Stone Sperage it is also named in Latine Asparagus syluestris and Corruda ¶ The Temperature The roots of the garden Sperage and also of the wilde doe clense without manifest heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The first sprouts or naked tender shoots hereof be oftentimes sodden in flesh broth and eaten or boyled in faire water and seasoned with oyle vineger salt and pepper then are serued at mens tables for a sallad they are pleasant to the taste easily concocted and gently loose the belly They 〈◊〉 prouoke vrine are good for the kidnies and bladder but they yeeld vnto the body little nourishment and the same moist yet not faultie they are thought to increase seed and stir vp lust CHAP. 458. Of Horse-taile or Shaue-grasse ¶ The Description 1 GReat Horse-taile riseth vp with a round stalke hollow within like a Reed a cubit high compact as it were of many small pieces one put into the end of another sometimes of a reddish colour very rough and set at euery ioint with many stiffe rush-like leaues or rough bristles which maketh the whole plant to resemble the taile of a horse whereof it tooke his name on the top of the stalke do stand in stead of floures clustered and thicke Catkins 〈◊〉 vnlike to the first shoots of Sperage which is called Myacantha the root is ioynted and creepeth 〈◊〉 the ground 2 This small or naked Shaue-grasse wherewith Fletchers and Combe-makers do rub and polish their worke 〈◊〉 out of the ground like the first shoots of Asparagus iointed or kneed by certaine distances like the precedent but altogether without such bristly leaues yet exceeding rough and cutting the root groweth aslope in the earth like those of the Couch-grasse 1 Equisetum maius Great Horse-taile 2 Equisetum nudum Naked Horse-taile 3 Horse-taile which for the most part groweth among corne and where corne hath been hath a very slender root and single from which rise vp diuers iointed stalkes whereon doe grow verie long rough narrow iointed leaues like vnto the first described but thicker and rougher as is the rest of the plant 4 Water Horse-taile that growes by the brinks of riuers and running streams and often in the midst of the water hath a very long root according to the depth of the water grosse thicke and iointed with some threds anexed thereto from which riseth vp a great thick iointed stalke whereon do grow long rough rushy leaues pyramide or steeple fashion The whole plant is also tough hard and fit to shaue and rub wooden things as the other 5 This kinde of Horse-taile that growes in woods and shadowie places hath a small root and single from which riseth vp a rough chamfered stalke ioynted by certaine spaces hauing at each ioynt two bushes of rough bristly leaues set one against another like the other of his kinde 3 Equisetum segetale Corne Horse-taile 4 Equisetum palustre Water Horse-taile 5 Equisetum 〈◊〉 Wood Horse-taile 6 Cauda equina foemina Female Horse-taile 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Italian rushie 〈◊〉 taile 6 The female Horse taile 〈◊〉 for the most part in waterish places and by the brinks of small rills and pirling brookes it hath a long root like that of Couch grasse from which rise vp diuers hollow stalkes set about at certaine distances with smal leaues in rundles like those of Woodroofe altogether barren of seed and floure whereof it was called by Lobel Polygonon foemina semine 〈◊〉 ‡ This is sometimes found with tenne or more seedes at each ioynt whence Bauhine hath called it 〈◊〉 palustre breuioribus folijs poly spermon ‡ ‡ 7 In some boggie places of this kingdome is found a rare and pretty Hippuris or Horse taile which growes vp with many little branches some two or three inches high putting forth at each ioynt many little leaues clustering close about the stalke and set after the 〈◊〉 of other Horse-tailes towards the tops of the branches the ioynts are very thicke the colour of the whole plant is gray a little inclining to green very brittle and as it were stony or grauelly like Coralline and will crash vnder your feet as if it were frozen and if you chew it you shall finde it all stonie or grauelly My friend Mr. Leonard Buckner was the first that found this plant and brought it to me he had it three miles beyond Oxford a little on this side Euansham-ferry in a bog vpon a common by the Beacon hill neere Cumner-wood in the end of August 1632. Mr. Bowles hath since found it growing vpon a bog not far from Chisselhurst in Kent I question whether this bee not the Hippuris lacustris quaedam folijs 〈◊〉 arenosis of Gesner but if Gesners be that which Bauhine in his 〈◊〉 pag. 24. sets forth by the name of Equisetum nudum minus variegatum then I iudge it not to be this of my description for Bauhines differs from this in that it is without leaues and ofttimes bigger the stalks of his are hollow these not so this may be called Hippuris Coralloides Horse-taile Coralline 8 Towards the later end of the yeare in diuers ditches as in Saint Iames his Parke in the ditches on the backe of Southwarke towards Saint Georges fields c. you may finde couered ouerwith water a kinde of stinking Horse-taile it growes sometimes a yard long with many ioints and branches and each ioint set with leaues as in the other Horse-tailes but they are somewhat iagged or diuided towards the tops I take this to be the Equisetum faetiduni sub aqua repens described in the fist place of Bauhinus his 〈◊〉 we may call it in English Stinking water Horse-taile ‡ 9 Clusius hath set forth a plant that he referreth vnto the stocke of Horse-tailes which he thus describeth it hath many twiggie or rushie stalks whereupon it was called Iuncaria and may bee Englished Rush-weed the leaues grow vpon the branches like those of Flax on the toppes of the stalks grow small chassie floures of a whitish colour The seed is small and blacke of colour The root is little and white the whole plant is sweetish in taste 10 Dodonaeus setteth forth another Horse-taile which he called climing Horse-taile or horstaile of Olympus There is saith he another plant like Horse-taile but greater and higher It riseth vp oftentimes with a stalke as big as a mans arme diuided into many branches out of which there grow long slender sprigs very full of ioints like to the first Horse-taile The floures stand about the ioints of a mossie substance small as are those of the Cornell tree in places whereof grow vp red fruit full of sowre iuice not vnlike to little Mulberries in which is the seed The root is hard and wooddie This growes now and then to a great height and sometimes lower Bellonius writeth in his Singularities that it hath been seene to be equall in height with the Plane 〈◊〉
afterwards the whole flocke vntill such time as the Shepheard take it forth of her mouth as Plutarch writeth CHAP. 485. Of bastard Sea Hollies ¶ The Description THis Eryngium which Dodonaeus in his last edition calleth Eryngium planum and Pena more fitly and truely Eryngium Alpinum caeruleum hath stalkes a cubite and a halfe high hauing spaces 〈◊〉 euery ioint the lower leaues are greater and broader and notched about the edges but those aboue are lesser compassing or enuironing each ioint star-fashion beset with prickles which are soft and tender not much hurtful to the hands of such as touch them the knobs or heads are also prickley and in colour blew The root is bunchie or knottie like that of Helenium that is Elecampane blacke without and white within and like the Eringes in sweetnesse and taste 2 The second bastard Sea Holly whose picture is set forth in Dodonaeus his last Edition veric gallantly being also a kind of Thistle hath leaues like vnto the former Erynges but broader next the rootes than those which grow next the stalkes somewhat long greenish soft and not prickley but lightly creuised or notched about the edges greater than Quince leaues The stalks grow more than a cubit high on the tops whereof there hang downwards fiue or six knobs or heads in colour and floures like the other hauing three or foure whitish roots of a foot long 1 Eryngium caeruleum Blew Sea Holly 2 Eryngium spurium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bastard Sea Holly 3 Eryngium 〈◊〉 Clusij Dwarfe Sea Holly 4 Eryngium Montanum Mountaine Sea Holly ‡ 5 Eryngium pusillum planum Small smooth Sea Holly 4 The fourth kinde of bastard Sea Holly which 〈◊〉 calleth Eryngium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and is the fourth according to 〈◊〉 his account is like to the Erynges not in 〈◊〉 but in taste this beareth a very small and slender stalke of a meane height whereupon doe grow three or foure leaues seldom fiue made of 〈◊〉 leaues set vpon a midd'e rib narrow long hard and of a darke greene 〈◊〉 dented on both edges of the leafe like a saw the 〈◊〉 is a cubit high iointed or kneed and diuiding it selfe into many branches on the tops whereof are round tufts or vmbels wherin are contained the floures and after they be vaded the seedes which are small somewhat long well smelling and sharpe in taste the 〈◊〉 is white and long not a finger thicke in taste sweet but afterwards somewhat 〈◊〉 and in sent and 〈◊〉 not vnpleasant when the root is dried 〈◊〉 may be crumbled in pieces and therefore quickly 〈◊〉 ‡ 5 This is a low plant presently from the root diuided into sundry branches slender round lying on the ground at each ioint grow leaues without any certain order broad toward their ends and narrower at their setting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about their edges those next the root were some inch broad and two or more long of a yellowish greene colour the stalkes are parted into sundry branches and at each ioint haue little leaues and rough and greene heads with 〈◊〉 floures in them the roots creepe and are somewhat like those of Asparagus This neither Clusius nor Lobel found wilde but it grew in the garden of Iohn 〈◊〉 of Tourney a learned Apothecarie verie skilfull in the knowledge of plants whereupon they both called it Eryngium pusillum planum Moutoni ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of sea Holly are strangers in England we haue the first and second in our London gardens ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the Thistles do ¶ The Names These plants be Eryngia spuria or bastard Sea Hollies and are lately obserued and therefore they haue no old names The first may bee called in Latine Eryngium Borussicum or Non spinosum Sea Hollie without prickles The second is called by Matthiolus Eryngium planum or flat Sea Holly others had rather name it Alpinum Eryngium or Sea Holly of the Alpes The third is rightly called Eryngium pumilum little Sea Huluer 〈◊〉 maketh the fourth to be Crithmum quartum or the fourth kinde of Sampier and others as Dodonaeus and Lobel haue made it a kinde of Sea Huluer ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Touching the faculties hereof we haue nothing to set downe seeeing they haue as yet no vse in medicine nor vsed to be eaten But yet that they be hot the very taste doth declare CHAP. 486. Of Star-Thistle ¶ The Description 1 THe Star-Thistle called Carduus stellatus hath many soft frizled leaues deepely cut or gasht altogether without prickles among which riseth vp a stalke diuiding it selfe into many other branches growing two foot high on the tops whereof are small knops or heads like the other Thistles armed round about with many sharpe prickles fashioned like a blasing star which at the beginning are of a purple colour but afterwards of a pale bleak or whitish colour the seed is small flat and round the root is long and browne without 1 Carduus stellatus The Star-Thistle 2 Carduus Solstitialis Saint Barnabies Thistle 2 Saint Barnabies Thistle is another kinde of Star-Thistle notwithstanding it hath prickles no where faue in the head onely and the prickles of it stand forth in manner of a star the stalks are two cubits high parted into diuers branches softer than are those of star-Thistle which stalks haue velmes or thin skins cleauing vnto them all in length by which they seeme to be foure-square the leaues are somewhat long set with deep gashes on the edges the floures are yellow and consist of threds the seed is little the root long and slender ¶ The Place The two first do grow vpon barren places neere vnto cities and townes almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure and flourish especially in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The first is called in Latine Stellaria as also Carduus Stellatus and likewise Carduus Calcitrapa but they are deceiued who take it to be Eryngium or Sea 〈◊〉 or any kinde thereof Matthiolus saith that it is called in Italian Calcatrippa in high Dutch Dallen distel in low Dutch Sterre distell in French 〈◊〉 in English Star-Thistle S. Barnabies Thistle is called in Latine 〈◊〉 spina because it floureth in the Sommer Solstice as Gesner saith or rather because after the Solstice the prickles thereof be sharpest of Guillandinus Eryngium but not properly and Stellaria 〈◊〉 Augerij who with good successe gaue it against the stone dropsies greene sicknesse and quotidian feuers It is called in English as aboue said Saint Barnabies Thistle ¶ The Temperature The Star-Thistle is of a hot nature ¶ The Vertues The seed is commended against the strangurie it is reported to driue forth the stone if it bee drunke with wine Baptista Sardus 〈◊〉 that the distilled water of this Thistle is a remedie for those that are infected with the French Pox and that the vse of this is good for the liuer that it taketh away the stoppings thereof That it clenseth the bloud from corrupt and putrified humours That it
Oxys is three leafed it is good for a feeble stomacke and is also eaten of those that are bursten But Galen in his fourth booke of Simples saith that Oxys is the same which Oxalis or Sorrell is and Oxys is found in Pliny to be also Iunci species or a kinde of Rush. ¶ The Nature These herbes are cold and dry like Sorrell ¶ The Vertues Sorrell du Bois or wood Sorrell stamped and vsed for greene sauce is good for them that haue sicke and feeble stomackes for it strengthneth the stomacke procureth appetite and of all Sorrel sauces is the best not onely in vertue but also in the pleasantnesse of his taste It is a remedie against putrified and stinking vlcers of the mouth it quencheth thirst and cooleth mightily an hot pestilentiall feuer especially being made in a syrrup with sugar CHAP. 504. Of noble Liuer-wort or golden Trefoile ¶ The Description 1 NOble Liuerwort hath many leaues spred vpon the ground three cornered resembling the three leaued grasse of a perfect grasse greene colour on the vpper side but grayish vnderneath among which rise vp diuers small tender foot-stalkes of three inches long on the ends whereof stands one smal single blew floure consisting of six little leaues hauing in the middle a few white chiues the seed is inclosed in little round knaps of a whitish colour which being ripe do start 〈◊〉 of themselues the root is slender composed of an infinite number of blacke strings 2 The second is like vnto the precedent in leaues roots and seeds the floures hereof are of a shining red colour wherein consisteth the difference This strange three leaued Liuerwort differeth not from the former sauing that this brings forth double blew floures tending to purple and the others not so There is another in my garden with white floures which in stalks and euery other respect is like the others 1 Hepaticum trifolium Noble Liuerwort 2 Hepatica trifolia rubra Noble red Liuerwort 3 Hepatica multiflora Lobelij Noble Liuerwort with double floures ¶ The Place These pretty floures are found in most places of Germanie in shadowie woods among shrubs and also by high-waies sides in Italy likewise and that not onely with the blew floures but the same with double floures also by the report of Alphonsus Pancius Dr. of Physicke in the Vniuersity of Ferrara a man excellently well seen in the knowledge of Simples They do all grow likewise in my garden except that with double floures which as yet is a stranger in England ‡ it is now plentiful in many gardens ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in March and April and perfect their seed in May. ¶ The Names Noble Liuerwort is called Hepatica trifolia Hepatica aurea Trifolium 〈◊〉 of Baptista Sardus Herba Trinitatis in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Hepatique in English Golden Trefoile three leaued Liuerwort noble Liuerwort and herbe Trinitie ¶ The Temperature These herbes are cold and drie with an astringent or binding qualitie ¶ The Vertues It is reported to be good against the weakenesse of the liuer which proceedeth of an hot cause for it cooleth and strengthneth it not a little Baptista Sardus commendeth it and writeth that the chiefe vertue is in the root if a spoonfull of the pouder 〈◊〉 be giuen certaine dayes together with wine or with some kinde of broth it profiteth much against the disease called Enterocele CHAP. 505. Of Melilot or plaister Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Melilot hath great plenty of small tough and twiggy branches and stalkes full of ioynts or knees in height two cubits set full of leaues 〈◊〉 together like vnto Burgondie hay The floures grow at the top of the stalke of a pale yellow colour standing thickly set and compact together in order or rowes very like the floures of Securidaca 〈◊〉 which being vaded there follow certaine crooked cods bending or turning vpward with a sharpe point in fashion not much vnlike a Parrets bill wherein is contained seed like Fenugreeke but flatter and slenderer the whole plant is of a reasonable good smell much like vnto honey and very full of iuyce the root is very tough and pliant 1 Melilotus Syriaca odora Assyrian Clauer 2 Melilotus Italica Patauina Italian Clauer 2 The second kinde of Melilot hath small and tender vpright stalkes a cubit high and somewhat more of a reddish colour set full of round leaues three together not snipt about the edges like the other Trefoiles and they are of a very deepe greene colour thicke fat and full of iuyce The floures grow alongst the tops of the stalkes of a yellow colour which turne into rough round seeds as big as a 〈◊〉 and of a pale colour The whole plant hath also the sauour of honey and perisheth when it hath borne his seed 3 The third kind of Melilot hath round stalks and iagged leaues set round about not much vnlike the leaues of Fenugreeke alwaies three growing together like the Trefoiles and 〈◊〉 couered ouer with an hoarinesse as though meale had been strewed vpon them The floures be yellow and small growing thicke together in a tuft which turne into little cods wherein the seed is contained the root is small tough and pliant 4 The fourth kinde of Melilot growes to the height of three cubits set full of leaues like the common Melilot and of the same sauour the floures grow alongst the top of the stalks of a white colour which turne into small soft huskes wherein is contained little blackish seed the root is also tough and pliant 3 Melilotus Coronata Kings Clauer 4 Melilotus Germanica Germane Clauer ‡ Although our Author intended this last description for our ordinarie Melilot yet he made it of another which is three times larger growing in some gardens where it is onely sowne aboue two yards high with white floures and many branches the whole shape thereof is like the common kinde as far as I remember The common Melilot hath weake cornered greene stalkes some two foot and better high whereon grow longish leaues snipt and oftentimes eaten about the edges of a fresh greene colour out of the bosomes of the leaues come little stalkes some handfull long set thicke on their tops with little yellow floures hanging downe and turning vp again each floure being composed of two little yellow leaues whereof the vppermost turnes vp again and the vndermost seemes to be parted into three The floures past there succeed little cods wherein is the seed ‡ ¶ The Place These plants grow in my garden the common English Melilot Pena setteth sorth for Melilotus Germanica but for certaintie no part of the world doth enioy so great part thereof as England and especially Essex for I haue feene betweene Sudbury in Suffolke and Clare in Essex and from Clare to Heningham and from thence to Ouendon Bulmare and 〈◊〉 very many acres of earable pasture overgrowne with the same insomuch that it doth not
planted setteth forth the difference ¶ The Place Pease are set and sown in gardens as also in the 〈◊〉 in all 〈◊〉 of England The tufted Pease are in reasonable plenty in the West part of 〈◊〉 about Sennocke or Seuenock in other places not so 〈◊〉 The wilde Pease do grow in pastures and 〈◊〉 fields in diuers places specially about the field belonging vnto Bishops Hatfield in 〈◊〉 ¶ The Time They be sowne in the Spring time like as be also other pulses which are ripe in Summer they prosper best in warme weather and easily take harme by cold especially when they floure ¶ The Names The great Pease is called in Latine 〈◊〉 Romanum or 〈◊〉 maius in English Roman Pease or the greater Pease also garden Pease of some Branch Pease French Pease and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and other old Writers do call it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Pisum in low Dutch Roomsche 〈◊〉 in French 〈◊〉 Pois The little Pease is called of the Apothecaries euery where Pisum and 〈◊〉 it is called in English little Pease or the common Pease ¶ The Temperature and Vertnes The Pease as Hippocrates saith is lesse windie than Beans but it passeth sooner through the belly Galen writeth that Peason are in their whole substance like vnto Beanes and be eaten after the same manner that Beans are notwithstanding they differ from them in these two things both because they are not so windie as be the beanes and also for that they haue not a clensing faculty and therefore they do more slowly descend through the belly They haue no effectuall qualitie manifest and are in a meane between those things which are of 〈◊〉 and bad iuice that nourish much and little that be windie and without winde as Galen in his booke of the Faculties of Nourishments hath written of these and of beans CHAP. 511. Of the 〈◊〉 or Garden Ciche ¶ The Description GArden Ciche bringeth forth round stalks branched and somewhat hairy leaning on the one side the leaues are made of many little ones growing vpon one stem or rib and set one right against another of which euery one is small broad and nicked on the edges lesser than the leaues of wilde Germander the floures be smal of colour either white or of a reddish purple after which come vp little short cods puffed vp as it were with winde like little bladders in which doe lie two or at the most three seeds cornered small towards the end with one sharp corner not much vnlike to a Rams head of colour either white or of a reddish blacke purple in which is plainly seen the place where they begin first to sprout The root is slender white and long For as Theophrastus saith the Ciche taketh deepest root of all the Pu ses ¶ The Place It is sowen in Italy Spaine and France euery where in the fields It is sowen in our London 〈◊〉 but not common Cicer sativum Garden Ciche ¶ The Time It is sowne in Aprill being first steeped in water a day before the fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cicer 〈◊〉 or Rams Ciches of the blackish purple colour Cicer nigrum vel 〈◊〉 blacke or red Ciche and the other is named Cand dum 〈◊〉 album 〈◊〉 orwhite Ciche in English Common Cich or Ciches red 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Sheepes Ciche Pease or Sheepes Ciche Peason ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 The Ciche as Galen writeth in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is no lesse 〈◊〉 than the true Bean but it yeeldeth a stronger nourishment than that doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lust and it is thought to ingender seed Some giue the same to stalion borses Moreouer Ciches do scoure more than do the true Beanes insomuch as certaine of them do manifestly diminish or 〈◊〉 away the stones in the Kidneyes those be the blacke and little Ciches called Arutina or 〈◊〉 Ciches but it is better to drinke the broth of them sodden in water Both the Rams Ciches as Dioscorides saith the white and the blacke proucke 〈◊〉 if the decoction therof be made with Rosemary and giuen vnto those that haue either the Dropsie or yellow iaundice but they are hurtfull vnto the bladder and Kidneies that haue vlcers 〈◊〉 them CHAP. 512. Of wilde Ciches ¶ The Kindes THe wilde Ciche is like to the tame saith Dioscorid 〈◊〉 but it differeth in seed the later writers haue set downe two kindes hereof as shall be declared ¶ The Description 1 THe first wilde Cich bringeth forth a great number of stalks branched lying flat on the ground about which be the leaues consisting of many vpon one rib as do those of the garden Ciche but not nicked in the edges more like to the leaues of 〈◊〉 the fioures come forth fastned on small stems which grow close to the stalks of a pale yellow colour and like vnto eares in their places come vp little cods in forme and bignesse of the fruit of garden Ciches black and something hairie in which lieth the seed that is smal hard flat and glittering in taste like that of Kidney Beane the root groweth deepe fastened with many strings 2 There is another kinde of wilde Cich that hath also a great number of stalks lying vpon the ground about which stand soft leaues something hairy and white consisting of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 standing vpon a middle rib the least of which stand neerest to the stem and the greatest at the very too the floures come forth at the bottome of the leaues many together of colour 〈◊〉 after which grow small long huskes soft and hairy in cuery one whereof is a little cod in which lie two seeds like little Cichlings 1 Cicer syluestre The wilde Cich 2 Cicer syluestre 〈◊〉 Broad leafed wilde Cich ¶ The Place These plants are sowne in the parts beyond the seas for to feed their cattell with in winter as we do tares vetches and such other base pulse ¶ The Time The time answereth the Vetch or tare ¶ The Names Thewild Cich hath no other name in Latine but Cicer syluestre the later writers haue not found any name at all ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their temperature and vertues are referred to the garden Cich as Theophrastus 〈◊〉 and Galen saith that the wilde Cich is in all things like vnto that of the garden but in Physicks vse more effectuall by reason it is more hotter and drier and also more biting and bitter CHAP. 513. Of Lentils ¶ The Description 1 THe first Lentil growes vp with slender stalks and leaues which be somwhat hard growing aslope from both sides of the rib or middle stalke narrow and many in number like those of Tares but narrower and lesser the floures be small tending somewhat towards a purple the cods are little and broad the seeds in these are in number three or foure little round plaine and flat the roots are small and threddy 2 The second kinde of Lentill hath small tender and pliant
Ferrum Equinum Horse-shoo 8 Horse-shoo hath many stalks slender and lying vpon the ground the leaues be thinne and lesser than those of Axseed the floures along the stalks are little after which come vp long 〈◊〉 something broad and a little bowing which haue vpon the one side deepe round and indented cuts like after a sort to an Horse-shoo the root is somewhat long ¶ The Place These plants do grow 〈◊〉 my garden the second kinde I found growing in Suffolke in the high-way on the right hand as you goe from Sudbury to Corner Church about an hundred paces from the end of the towne as also in sundry other places of the same countrey and in Essex about Dunmow and in the townes called Clare and Hennyngham ‡ Also it growes by Purfleet about the foot of the hill whereon the Wind-mill stands and in diuers parts of Kent ‡ Horse-shooe commeth vp in certaine vntilled and sunnie places of Italy and Languedocke it groweth likewise in my garden ¶ The Time These plants do floure in Iune and their seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names The Grecians name this whether it be a pulse or an infirmitie among corne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the forme of the seed Securidaca and Hedysarum in English Axseed Axwoort Ax-fitch and Hatchet Fitch it is vnknowne to the Apothecaries ‡ The second is the Faenugraecum Syluestre of Tragus and Dodonaeus the Glycyrhiza syluestris of Gesner and the Glaux vulgaris of Lobel ‡ Horse-shooe is commonly called in Italian Sferro de cauallo you may name it in Latine Ferrum equinum in English Horse-shooe ¶ The Temperature The seeds of these plants are hot and drie of complexion ¶ The Vertues Being drunke it is acceptable to the stomacke and remoueth stoppings out of the intrailes and of like vertue be the new leaues and tender crops of the whole plant Dioscorides sheweth that it is also good for the stomacke being taken in drink and is mixed with counterpo isons And it is thought to hinder conception if it be applied with honie before the act The seed of Axwoort openeth the stoppings of the liuer the obstruction of the spleen and of all the inward parts Horse-shooe is bitter and like in nature to Axseed CHAP. 519. Of Pease Earth-Nut ¶ The Description 1 THe Pease Earth nut commeth vp with slender and weake stalkes the leaues be thin and little growing vpon slender stems with clasping tendrels at the ends with which it imbraceth and taketh hold of such things as stand neere vnto it the floures on the tops of the stalkes are like to those of Pease but lesser of a red purple colour in smell not vnpleasant in their places come vp long cods in which are three or foure round seeds the roots be thicke long like after a sort to acorns but much greater blacke without gray within in taste like to the Chesse-nut out of which beneath doth hang a long slender string there grow out of the same also other strings hard to the setting on of the stalk vnto which creeping a slope do grow other kernelled roots whilst the plant doth thus multiplie it selfe ‡ 2 This with Thalius in his Sylua Harcynia set forth by the name of Astragalus syluaticus was by our Author 〈◊〉 for and confounded with the Terraeglandes and therefore I haue put it with it that the difference might the better appeare which is not a little to such as heedfully obserue it But our Author in this is to be pardoned seeing Dr. Turner a man more exquisite in the knowledge of plants and who had seene the true Terraeglandes in Germany mistooke this for it as may appeare by that little Tract of his of the names of plants in Latine and English set sorth Anno 1548 for there he saith I haue seene this herbe of late in Come parke more astringent than it of Germany and indeed this growes there and is much more astringent and wooddie than that of Germany and no wise fit to be eaten The root consists of many blacke tuberous particles here and there sending forth fibers from hence arise cornered stalks some foot high smal below somwhat larger aboue the leaues grow forth of the stalks consisting sometimes of two otherwhiles of 4. longish narrow leaues fastned to one sootstalk which at the setting on hath two little leaues or eares forth of the bosomes of these leaues grow stalks some two inches long each of which vsually carry a couple of Pease-fashioned floures of a purple colour which fading vsually become blew after these follow cods straight 〈◊〉 and blacke and in each of them are commonly contained nine or ten 〈◊〉 round seeds it floures most part of Summer and perfects the seed in Iuly and August ‡ 1 Terraglandes Pease Earth-nut ‡ 2 Astragalus syluaticus Wood Pease or Heath Pease ¶ The Place †1 This groweth in 〈◊〉 fields both with the corne it selfe and also about the borders of fields among briers and brambles it is found in diuers places of Germany but not with vs that I can yet learne 2 This is found in the woods and pastures of England especially in Hampstead wood neere London it groweth in Richmond Heath and in Come parke likewise ¶ The Time Itfloureth in Iune and Iuly the nuts after haruest be digged vp and gathered ¶ The Names It is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Muysen 〈◊〉 that is to say tailed Mise of the similitude or likenesse of domesticall mise which the blacke round and long nuts with a piece of the slender string hanging out behind do represent the later writers do call it in Latine Terrae glandes or Terrestres glandes and in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 balani in English Pease Earth nut ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Nuts of this Pease being boiled and eaten are hardlier digested than be either Turneps or Parsneps yet do they nourish no lesse than the Parsneps they are not so windie as they they doe more slowly passe through the belly by reason of their binding qualitie and being eaten raw they be yet harder of digestion and do hardlier and slowlier descend They be of temperature meanly hot and somewhat drie being withall not a little binding wherupon also they do not onely stay the fluxes of the belly but also all issues of bloud especially from the mother or bladder The root of Pease Earth-nut stoppeth the belly and the inordinate course of womens sicknesse CHAP. 520. Of Milke Vetch ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of herbes contained vnder the title of Astragalus whether I may 〈◊〉 breach of promise made in the beginning insert them among the 〈◊〉 pulses or 〈◊〉 plants it is doubtfull but seeing the matter is disputable I think it not amisse to suffer them thus to passe vntill some other shall finde a place more conuenient and agreeing vnto them in neighbourhood ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Astragalus hath reddish stalks a cubit
high a finger thicke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or surrowed and couered ouer with an hairy mossines which diuide 〈◊〉 into sundry smal branches 〈◊〉 with leaues consisting of sundry little leaues 〈◊〉 vpon a middle rib like the wilde Vetch placed on the small pliant branches like feathers which are 〈◊〉 couered ouer with a woollie 〈◊〉 in taste astringent at the first but afterwards burning hot among these leaues come forth many small white floures in fashion like the floures of 〈◊〉 which before their opening seeme to be somewhat yellow the root is maruellous great and large considering the smalnesse 〈◊〉 the plant for sometimes it groweth to the bignesse of a mans arme keeping the same bignesse for the space of a span in length and after diuideth it selfe into two or more forks or branches blacke without and wrinckled white within hard and wooddie and in taste vnpleasant which being dried becommeth harder than an horne 1 Astragalus Lusitanicus Clusij Portingale milke Vetch 2 Astragalus Syriacus Assyrian milke Vetch 2 The second kinde of Astragalus is a rare and gallant plant and may well be termed Planta 〈◊〉 guminosa by reason that it is accounted for a kinde of Astragalus resembling the same in the 〈◊〉 of his stalkes and leaues as also in the thicknesse of his rootes and the creeping and folding thereof and is garnished with a most thicke and pleasant comlinesse of his delectable red floures growing vp together in great tufts which are very seemly to behold 3 There hath been some controuersie about this third kinde which I am not willing to prosecute or enter into it may very well be Astragalus of Matthiolus his description or else his Polygala which doth exceeding well resemble the true Astragalus his small stalkes grow a foot high 〈◊〉 with leaues like Cicer or Galega but that they are somewhat lesser among which come forth small Pease like floures of an Orange colour very pleasant in sight the root is tough and flexible of a finger thicke ‡ 3 Astragalus Matthioli Matthiolus his milke Vetch ‡ 4 Astragaloides Bastard Milke Vetch 4 The fourth is called of 〈◊〉 and other learned Herbarists Astragaloides for that it resembleth the true Astragalus which groweth a cubit high and in shew resembleth Liquorice the floures grow at the tops of the stalks in shape like the Pease bloome of a faire purple colour which turne into small blacke cods when they be ripe the root is tough and very long creeping vpon the vpper part of the earth and of a wooddy substance The Place They grow amongst stones in open places or as 〈◊〉 writeth in places subiect to winds and couered with snow Dioscorides copies do adde in shadowie places it groweth plentifully in Phenea a citie in Arcadia as Galen and Pliny report in Dioscorides his copies there is read in Memphis a citie of Arcadia but Memphis is a citie of Egypt and in Arcadia there is none of that name some of them grow in my garden and in sundrie other places in England wilde they grow in the medowes neere Cambridge where the schollers vse to sport themselues they grow also in sundrie places of Essex as about Dunmow and Clare and many other places of that countrey ‡ I should be glad to know which or how many of these our Authour heere affirmes to grow wilde in England for as yet I haue not heard of nor seene any of them wilde nor in gardens with vs except the last 〈◊〉 which growes in some few gardens ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly and their seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Milke Vetch is called of Matthiolus Polygala but not properly of most it is called Astragalus in Spanish Garauancillos in the Portingales tongue Alphabeca in Dutch Cleyne Ciceren ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Astragalus as Galen saith hath astringent or binding roots and therefore it is of the number of those simples that are not a little drying for it glueth and healeth vp old vlcers and staieth the flux of the belly if they be boiled in wine and drunke the same things also touching the vertues of Astragalus Dioscorides hath mentioned the root saith he being drunke in wine staieth the laske and prouoketh vrine being dried and cast vpon old vlcers it cureth them it likewise procureth great store of milke in cattell that do eat thereof whence it tooke his name It stoppeth bleeding but it is with much ado beaten by reason of his hardnesse CHAP. 521. Of Kidney Vetch ¶ The Description 1 KIdney Vetch hath a stalke of the height of a cubit diuiding it selfe into other branches whereon do grow long leaues made of diuers leaues like those of the Lentill couered as it were with a softwhite downinesse the floures on the tops of the stalks of a yellow colour verie many ioined together as it were in a spokie rundle after which grow vp little cods in which is contained small seed the root is slender and of a wooddie substance ‡ This is sometimes found with white floures whereupon 〈◊〉 gaue two figures calling the one Lagopodium flore luteo and the other Lagopodium flo albo Our Author vnfitly gaue this later mentioned figure in the chapter of Lagopus by the name of Lagopum maximum ‡ 1 Anthyllis Leguminosa Kidney Vetch 2 Stella leguminosa 〈◊〉 Kidney Vetch 2 The Starry Kidney Vetch called Stella leguminosa or according to Cortusus Arcturo hath many small flexible tough branches full of small knots or knees from each of which springeth forth one long small winged leafe like birds foot but bigger from the bosome of those leaues come forth little tender stems on the ends whereof do grow small whitish yellow floures which are very slender and soone vaded like vnto them of Birds-foot these floures turne into small sharpe pointed cods standing one distant from another like the diuisions of a 〈◊〉 or as though it consisted of little hornes wherein is contained small yellowish seeds the root is tough and deeply growing in the ground 3 There is another sort of Kidney Vetch called Birds-foot or Ornithopodium which hath very many small and tender branches trailing here and there close vpon the ground set full of small and 〈◊〉 leaues of a whitish greene in shape like the leaues of the wilde Vetch but a great deale lesser and siner almost like small feathers amongst which the floures doe grow that are very small yellowish and sometimes whitish which being vaded there come in place thereof little crooked 〈◊〉 fiue or six growing together which in shew and shape are like 〈◊〉 a small birds foot and each and euery cod resembling a claw in which are inclosedsmall seed like that of Turneps ‡ 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The great Birds-foot ‡ 4 Ornithopodium minus Small Birds-foot ‡ 5 Scorpoides Leguminosa Small Horned pulse 4 There is also another kinde of Ornithopodium or Birds-foot called small Birds-foot which is very like vnto the first but that it is much smaller the branches or sprigs grow not
aboue a hand or halfe an hand in length spreading themselues vpon the ground with his small leaues and branches in maner of the lesser Arachus the floures are like vnto those of the former but very small and of a red colour ‡ 5 This small horned pulse may fitly here take place The root thereof consists of many little fibres from which arise two or three little slender straight stalkes some handfull and halfe or foot high at the tops of these grow little sharpe pointed crooked hornes rounder and slenderer than those of 〈◊〉 turning their ends inwards like the tailes of Scorpions and so jointed the floures are small and yellow the leaues little and winged like those of Birds foot Pena and 〈◊〉 found this amongst the corne in the fields in Narbon in France and they set it forth by the 〈◊〉 as I haue here giuen you it ‡ ¶ The Place 〈◊〉 4. These plants I found growing vpon Hampstead Heath neere London right against the Beacon vpon the right hand as you go from London neere vnto a grauell pit they grow also vpon blacke Heath in the high way leading from Greenwich to Charleton within halfe a mile of the towne ¶ The Time They floure from Iune to the middle of September ¶ The Names ‡ 1 This Gesner calls Vulneraria rustica Dodonaeus Lobel and Clusius call it Anthyllis and 〈◊〉 leguminosa ‡ 3. 4. I cannot finde any other name for these plants but Ornithopodium the 〈◊〉 is called in English great Birds-foot the second small Birds-foot ¶ The Nature and Vertues These herbes are not vsed either in meate or medicine that I know of as yet but they are very good food for cattel and procure good store of milke whereupon some haue taken them 〈◊〉 kindes of Polygala CHAP. 522. Of Blacke milke Tare Glaux Dioscoridis Dioscorides his milke Tare ¶ The Description THe true Glaux of Dioscorides hath very many tough and wooddy branches trailing vpon the ground set full of small winged leaues in shape like the common Glaux but a great deale smaller resembling the leaues of Tares but rather like Birds-foot of a very gray colour amongst which come forth knobby and scaly or chaffie heads very like the Medow Trefoile of a faire purple colour the root is exceeding long and wooddy which the figure doth not expresse and set forth ¶ The Place The true Glaux groweth vpon Barton hill foure miles from Lewton in Bedfordshire vpon both the sides of the declination of the hill ¶ The Time These plants do floure and flourish about Midsommer ¶ The Names These plants haue in times past been called Glaux i. folia habens glauca siue pallentia that is hauing skie coloured or pale leaues Sithens that in times past some haue counted Glaux among the kindes of Polygala or Milkewoorts we may therefore call this kinde of Glaux blacke Milke-woort ¶ The Nature These herbes are dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seeds of the common Glaux are in vertue like the Lentils but not so much astringent they stop the flux of the belly dry vp the moisture of the stomacke and ingender store of milke CHAP. 523. Of red Fitchling Medick Fitch and Cockes-head ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Onobrychis hath many small and twiggie pliant branches ramping and creeping through and about bushes or whatsoeuer it groweth neere vnto the leaues and all the rest of the pulfe or plant is very like to the wilde Vetch or Tare the floures grow at the top of small naked stalks in shape like the pease bloome but of a purple colour layed 〈◊〉 with blew which turne into small round prickly husks that are nothing else but the seed 1 Onobrychis sive Caput Gallinaceum Medick Fitchling or Cockes-head 2 Onobrychis flore purpureo Purple Cockes-head 2 The second kind of Fitchling or Cocks-head of Clusius his description hath very many stalks especially when it is growne to an old plant round hard and leaning to the ground like the other pulses and leaues very like Galega or the wilde Vetch of a bitter taste and lothsome sauour among which come forth small round stems at the ends whereof do grow floures spike fashion three inches long in shape like those of the great Lagopus or medow Trefoile but longer of an excellent shining purple colour but without smell after which there follow small coddes containing little hard and blacke seed in taste like the Vetch The root is great and long hard and of a wooddy substance spreading it selfe far abroad and growing very deep into the ground 3 The third kinde of Fitchling or Cocks-head hath from a tough smal and wooddie root many twiggie branches growing a cubit high full of knots ramping and creeping on the ground The leaues are like the former but smaller and shorter among which come forth smal tender stemmes whereupon do grow little floures like those of the Tare but of a blew colour tending to purple the floures being vaded there come the small cods which containe little blacke seed like a Kidney of a blacke colour 3 Onobrychis 2. Clusij Blew Medicke Fitch 4 Onobrychis 3. Clusij flore pallido Pale coloured Medicke Fitch 5 Onobrychis montana 4. Clusij Mountaine Medick Fetch 5 The fifth kinde of Onobrychis hath many grosse and wooddie stalks proceeding immediatly from a thick fat and fleshie tough root the vpper part of which are small round and pliant garnished with little leaues like those of Lentils or rather Tragacantha somewhat soft and couered ouer with a woollie hairinesse amongst which come forth little long and naked stems eight or nine inches long whereon do grow many small floures of the fashion of the Vetch or Lentill but of a blew colour tending to purple and after them come smal cods wherein the seed is contained ¶ The Place The first and second grow vpon Barton hill foure miles from Lewton in Bedfordshire vpon both the sides of the hill and likewise vpon the grassie balks between the lands of corn two miles from Cambridge neere to a water mill towards London diuers other places by the way from London to Cambridge the rest are strangers in England ¶ The Time These plants do floure in Iuly their seed is ripe shortly after ¶ The Names It is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or without a name among the later writers the old and antient Physitions do call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for all those things that are found written in Dioscorides or Pliny concerning 〈◊〉 doe especially agree hereunto Dioscorides writeth thus Onobrychis hath leaues like a Lentill but longer a stalk a span high a crimson floure a little root it groweth in moist and vntilled places and Pliny in like manner Onobrychis hath the leaues of a Lentill somwhat longer a red floure a small and slender root it groweth about springs or fountaines of water All which things and euery 〈◊〉 are in this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or namelesse herbe as
couples one against another without any odde leafe at the end these leaues are of an indifferent largenesse and of a light greene colour the floures grow vpon long foot-stalks comming 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of the leaues many together hanging downe small yet shaped like those of other Pulses and of a purple colour after these follow cods almost like those of Fetches but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when they be ripe and containing in them a longish white seed the root is hard and wooddy running 〈◊〉 wayes with many fibres and 〈◊〉 sundry yeares this varies somtimes with yellower 〈◊〉 leaues and white floures It floures in May and growes onely in some few gardens with vs. 2 The stalkes of this also are a foot or more high stiffe 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 on these do grow winged leaues six or eight on a rib after the manner of those of the last 〈◊〉 each of these leaues hath three veines running alongst it the floures in shape and manner of growing are like those of the former but of a most elegant purple colour which fading they become blew The floures are succeeded by such cods as the former wherein are contained longish small 〈◊〉 seed which ripe the cods fly open and twine themselues round as in most plants of this kinde the root is blacke hard tuberous and wooddy sending forth each yeare new shouts This floures in April and May and ripeneth the seed in Iune This was found by Clusius in diuers 〈◊〉 wooddie places of Hungarie he calls it Orobus Pannonicus 1. ‡ 3 Orobus montanus 〈◊〉 albo White mountaine Pease ‡ 4 Orobus montanus 〈◊〉 Narrow leafed mountaine Pease 3 This hath stalkes some cubit high stiffe straight and crested whereon by turnes are fastned winged leaues consisting of foure sufficiently large and sharpe pointed leaues whereto sometimes at the very end growes a fifth the veines in these run from the middle rib towards their edges their taste is first somewhat sourish afterwards bitterish The floures grow vpon short stalks comming forth of the bosomes of the leaues fiue or six together like those of the Fetch but of colour white with some little yellownesse on the two little leaues that turne vpwards The cods are like those of the last described and containe in them a brownish seed larger than in any of the other kindes This is an annuall plant and perishes as soone as it hath perfected the seed 〈◊〉 giues vs this by the name of Orobus Pannonicus 4. 〈◊〉 giues the same figure for his Arachus latifolius and Bauhine affirmes this to be the Galegamontana in the Hist. Lugd. pag. 1139. But these seeme to be of two seuerall plants for Dodonaeus affirmes his to haue a liuing root and such seemes also that in the Hist. Lugd. to be yet Clusius saith expressely that his is an annuall and floureth in Aprill and May and groweth in some wooddy mountainous places of the kingdom of 〈◊〉 4 This fourth hath straight firme cornered stalkes some foot or more high whereupon grow leaues vsually foure on a foot-stalke standing two against two vpright being commonly almost three inches long at first of a sourish taste but afterwards bitter it hath no clauicles because the stalkes need no supporters the floures grow vpon long foot-stalkes spike-fashion like those of Pease but lesse and white of colour after these follow long blackish cods full of a blacke or else spotted seed the roots are about the length of ones little finger fashioned like those of the Asphodill or lesser female 〈◊〉 but lesser blacke without and white within Clusius found this on the mountainous places 〈◊〉 the baths of Baden and in the like places in Hungarie he calls it Orobus Pannonicus 3. ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These are not knowne nor vsed in physicke yet if the third be the Galega montana of the Historia Lugd. then it is there said to be effectuall against poyson the wormes the falling sicknesse and the Plague ‡ ‡ CHAP. 527. Of some other Pulses ‡ 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ervilia Birds Pease ‡ 2 Ervum 〈◊〉 Crimson grasse Fetch ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe first of these hath cornered broad stalks like those of euerlasting Pease and they are weake and commonly lie vpon the ground vnlesse they haue something to support them the lower leaues are broad and commonly welt the stalke at their setting on and at the end of the first leafe do vsually grow out after an vnusuall manner two three or more other prety large leaues more long than broad and the middle rib of the first leafe runnes out beyond the setting on of the highest of the out-growing leaues and then it ends in two or three clasping tendrels Those leaues that grow the lowest vpon the stalkes haue commonly the fewest comming out of them The floures are like those of other Pulses of colour white the cods are some inch and halfe long containing some halfe dozen darke yellow or blackish small Pease these cods grow one at a ioynt on short foot-stalkes comming forth of the bosomes of the leaues and are welted on their broader side which stands towards the maine stalke This growes with vs only in gardens Dodonaeus Pena and Lobel call it Ochrus syluestris siue Ervilia 2 The stalkes of this grow vp sometimes a cubit high being very slender diuided into branches and set vnorderly with many grasse-like long narrow leaues on the tops of the stalkes and branches vpon pretty long foot-stalkes grow pretty pease-fashioned floures of a faire and pleasant crimson colour which fallen there follow cods long small and round wherein are nine ten or more round hard blacke shining graines the root is small with diuers fibres but whether it die when the seed is perfected or no as yet I haue not obserued This growes wilde in many places with vs as in the pasture and medow grounds about Pancridge Church Lobel and Dodon call this Ervum sylucstre and they both partly iudge it to be the first Catanance of Dioscorides and by that name it is vsually called It floures in Iune and Iuly and the seed is ripe in August 3 This also though it be not frequently found is no stranger with vs for I haue found it in the corne fields about Dartsord in Kent and some other places It hath long slender ioynted creeping stalkes diuided into sundry branches whereon stand pretty greene three cornered leaues two at a ioynt in shape and bignesse like those of the lesser Binde-weed Out of the bosomes of these leaues at each ioynt comes a clasping tendrel and commonly together with it a foot-stalke some inch or more long bearing a pretty little pease-fashioned yellow floure which is succeeded by a short flattish cod containing six or seuen little seeds This floures in Iune Iuly and August and so ripens the seed It is by Lobel and others thought to be the Aphace of Dioscorides Galen and Pliny and the Pitine of Theophrastus by Anguillara ‡ 3 Aphaca Small yellow Fetch I finde mention in Stowes
order composed of three leaues and sometimes of fiue or else the two lower leaues are diuided into two parts as Hop leaues are now and then of a light greene colour both aboue and vnderneath The floures grow on the tops of the branches racematim many together sometimes white sometimes of a very light purple colour euery floure containing fiue leaues which are crompled or wrinkled and do not grow plaine the fruit followes first green and afterwards blew euerie berry composed of one or two graines seldome oboue foure or fiue growing together about the bignesse of corans wherein is contained a stony hard kernell or seed and a iuyce of the colour of Claret wine contrarie to the common Rubus or Bramble whose leaues are white vnderneath the berries being ripe are of a shining blacke colour and euery berry containes vsually aboue forty graines closely compacted and thrust together The root is wooddy and lasting This growes common enough in most places and too common in ploughed fields Sept. 6. 1619. Iohn Goodyer ‡ 3 The Raspis or Framboise bush hath leaues and branches not much vnlike the common Bramble but not so rough nor prickly and sometimes without any prickles at all hauing onely a rough hairinesse about the stalkes the fruit in shape and proportion is like those of the Bramble red when they be ripe and couered ouer with a little downinesse in taste not very pleasant The root creepeth far abroad whereby it greatly encreaseth ‡ This growes either with prickles vpon the stalkes or else without them the fruit is vsually red but sometimes white of colour ‡ 1 Rubus The Bramblebush 2 Rubus Idaeus The Raspis bush or Hinde-berry 4 Stone Bramble seldome groweth aboue a foot high hauing many small flexible branches without prickles trailing vpon the ground couered with a reddish barke and somwhat hairy the leaues grow three together set vpon tender naked foot-stalkes somewhat snipt about the edges the floures grow at the end of the branches consisting of foure small white leaues like those of the Cherry tree after which come small Grape-like fruit consisting of one two or three large transparent berries set together as those of the common Bramble of a red colour when they be ripe and of a pleasant taste but somewhat astringent The roots creepe along in the ground very farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth 4 Chamaemorus called in the North part of England where they especially doe grow Knot-berries and Knought-berries is likewise one of the Brambles though without prickles it brings forth small weake branches or tender stems of a foot high whereon do grow at certaine distances rough leaues in shape like those of the Mallow not vnlike to the leaues of the Gooseberrie bush on the top of each branch standeth one floure and no more consisting of fiue small leaues of a dark purple colour which being fallen the fruit succeedeth like vnto that of the Mulberrie whereof it was called Chamaemorus dwarfe Mulberry at the first white and bitter after red and somwhat pleasant the root is long something knotty from which knots or ioynts thrust forth a few threddie strings ‡ I take that plant to which our Author hereafter hath allotted a whole chapter and called Vaccinia nubis or Cloud-berries to be the same with this as I shall shew you more largely in that place ‡ 4 Rubus Saxatilis Stone blacke Berry bush 5 Chamaemorus Knot berry bush ¶ The Place The Bramble groweth for the most part in euery hedge and bush The Raspis is planted in gardens it groweth not wilde that I know of except in the field by a village in Lancashire called Harwood not far from Blackburne I found it among the bushes of a causey neere vnto a village called Wisterson where I went to schoole two miles from the Nantwich in Cheshire The stone Bramble I haue found in diuers fields in the Isle of Thanet hard by a village called 〈◊〉 neere Queakes house sometimes Sir Henry Crispes dwelling place ‡ I feare our Author mistooke that which is here added in the second place for that which he figured and described in the third now the fourth which I know not yet to grow wilde with vs. ‡ Knot-berries do loue open snowie hills and mountaines they grow plentifully vpon 〈◊〉 hils among the heath and ling twelue miles from Lancashire being thought to be the highest hill in England They grow vpon Stane-more betweene Yorkshire and Westmerland and vpon other wet Fells and mountaines ¶ The Time These floure in May and Iune with the Roses their fruit is ripe in the end of August and September ¶ The Names The Bramble is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Ronges Loi Duyts Brelmers in Latine Rubus and Sentis and Vepres as Ouid writeth in his first booke of Metamorpho sis Aut Leporiqui vepre latens hostilia cernit Oracanum Or to th'Hare that vnder Bramble closely lying spies The hostile mouthes of Dogs Of diuers it is called Cynosbatus but not properly for Cynoslatus is the wild Rose as we haue written in high-Dutch Bremen in low-Dutch Breemen in French Rouce in Italian Garza in English Bramble bush and Black-berry bush The fruit is named in Latine Morum rubi and as Fuchsius thinketh Vacinium but not properly in shops Mora Bati and in such shops as are more barbarous Mora Bassi in English Blacke-berries The Raspis is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rubus Idaeus of the mountaine Ida on which it groweth in English Raspis Framboise and Hinde-berry ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 The yong buds or tender tops of the Bramble 〈◊〉 the floures the leaues and the vnripe fruit do very much dry and binde withall being chewed they take away the heate and inflammation of the mouth and almonds of the throat they stay the bloudy flix and other fluxes and all maner of bleedings of the same force is their decoction with a little honey added They heale the eyes that hang out hard knots in the fundament and stay the hemorrhoids if the leaues be layd thereunto The iuyce which is pressed out of the stalks leaues and vnripe berries and made hard in the Sun is more effectuall for all those things The ripe fruit is sweet and containeth in it much iuyce of a temperate heate therefore it is not vnpleasant to be eaten It hath also a certaine kinde of astriction or binding qualitie It is likewise for that cause wholsome for the stomack and if a man eat too largely therof saith Galen he shall haue the head-ache but being dried whilest it is yet vnripe it bindeth and drieth more than the ripe fruit The root besides that it is binding containeth in it much thin substance by reason whereof it wasteth away the stone in the kidnies saith Galen Pliny writeth that the berries and floures do prouoke vrine and that the decoction of them in wine is a present remedie against the stone The leaues of the Bramble boiled in
close vp vlcers and ioyne together greene wounds ¶ The Vertues The floures are of most force which being drunke with wine are good against the bloudy flix weakenesse of the stomacke fluxes and ouerflowings of moist humors They cure 〈◊〉 vlcers being applied in manner of a pultis Dioscorides teacheth that they are a remedie for eating vlcers called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being anointed therewith and that they cure 〈◊〉 scaldings and old vlcers Hypocistis is much more binding it is a sure remedie for all infirmities that come of fluxes 〈◊〉 voiding of bloud the whites the laske and the bloudy flix but if it be requisit to strengthen that part which is ouerweakned with a superfluous moisture it doth notably comfort and strengthen the same It is excellent to be mixed with somentations that serue for the stomacke and liuer It is put into the Treacle of Vipers to the end it should comfort and strengthen weake 〈◊〉 as Galen writeth CHAP. 6. Of other Plants reckoned for dwarfe kindes of Cistus 1. 2. Helianthemum Anglicum luteum vel album English yellow or white dwarfe Cistus ¶ The Description 1 THe English dwarfe Cistus called of Lobel 〈◊〉 Chironium 〈◊〉 there is another Panax of 〈◊〉 description which I hold to be the true and right Panax notwithstanding he hath inserted it amongst the kindes of Cistus as being indifferent to ioyne with vs and others for the insertion is a low and base plant creeping vpon the ground hauing many smal tough branches of a browne colour whereupon do grow little leaues set together by couples thicke fat and ful of substance and couered ouerwith a soft downe from the bosome whereof come forth other lesser leaues the floures 〈◊〉 they be open are small knops or buttons of a browne colour mixed with yellow and being open and spred abroad are like those of the wild Tansie and of a yellow colour withsome yellower chiues in the middle the root is thicke and of a wooddy substance 2 The second is very like vnto the precedent sauing that the leaues are long and doe not grow so thicke thrust together and are more woolly the floures are greater and of a white colour wherein the especiall difference consisteth The root is like the former 3 Helianthemum luteum Germanicum The yellow dwarfe Cistus of 〈◊〉 3 There is found in Germanie a certaine plant like to Cistus and Ledon but much lesser creeping vpon the ground vnlesse it be propped vp hauing a multitude of twiggie branches slender and sine whereupon do grow leaues lesser than those of Ledon or Cistus very like to that of our English white dwarfe Cistus of a full substance fleightly haired wherein is contained a tough iuice the floures are small like little Roses or the wilde Tansie of a yellow colour the roots be slender wooddie and something red 4 Helianthemum album Germanicum The white dwarse Cistus of Germanie 5 Helianthemum 〈◊〉 The dwarfe Cistus of Sauoy 6 Helianthemum angustifolium Narrow leafed dwarfe Cistus 4 This differeth not from the last described sauing that the floures hereof are very white and the others yellow wherein they especially differ 5 The Dwarfe Cistus of Sauoy hath diuers tough branches of a reddish colour very tough and wooddy diuided into diuers other branches whereon are set small leaues foure together by certain spaces the floures grow at the top of the branches like those of our yellow Dwarfe Cistus of a yellow colour the root is very wooddie 6 This dwarfe Cistus with narrow leaues hath very many 〈◊〉 flexible branches of a 〈◊〉 colour very smooth and ramping vpon the ground whereon do grow small long narrow leaues like those of Time of Candie from the bosome whereof come forth diuers 〈◊〉 smaller leaues the floures grow on the tops of the branches of a bleak yellow colour the root is 〈◊〉 wooddy ‡ 7 To these I may fitly adde two more the first of these hath creeping stalks some foot 〈◊〉 two long blackish and diuided into sundry smaller branches the leaues grow thick and many together set by couples though the figure do not wel expresse so much these leaues are smal of 〈◊〉 bignes of those of Time thick green aboue and whitish vnderneath and of a bitter tast at 〈◊〉 ends of the branches grow two or foure floures neere together very small composed of fiue little leaves of a kinde of flesh colour to these succeed heads opening themselues when they come to 〈◊〉 into fiue parts and containing a very small seed the root is hard and wooddie sending out certaine fibres also the branches here and there put forth some fibres This plant dryed hath a pretty pleasing smell This growes vpon the highest Austrian and Styrian alpes and is set forth by Clusius by the name of Chamaeciftus septimus ‡ 7 Chamaecistus serpillifolius Tyme leaued dwarfe Cistus ‡ 8 Chamaecistus 〈◊〉 Frisian Dwarfe Cistus 8 The same Author also in his Curae posteriores giues vs the historie of this which he receiued with some other rare plants from Iohn Dortman a famous and learned Apothecarie of Groeningen This little plant is in leafe and root almost like and neere of the same bignesse with the Celticke Nard yet the stalks are vnlike which are small set with a few longish leaues and at the tops they carry fiue or six pretty floures like those of Crow feet consisting of six leaues apiece of a yellow colour yet with some few spots of another colour and these set in a double ring about the middle after these follow heads or seed vessels with forked tops filled with a chaffie seed the whole plant smells somewhat strong It growes together with Gramen Pernassi in rotten moorish places about a village in the county of Drent Dortman called this Hirculus Frisicus Clusius addes qui Chamaecisti genus ‡ ¶ The Place Their 〈◊〉 titles haue touched their naturall countries they grow in rough drie and sunnie places in plaine fields and vpon mountaines Those of our English growing I haue found in very many places especially in Kent vpon the chalkie bankes about Graues-end Southfleet and for the most part all the way from thence vnto Canturburie and Douer ¶ The Time They floure from Iuly to the end of August ¶ The Names Tragus calleth dwarfe Cistus in the high Dutch tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Gratia Dei but there is another herbe called also of the later Herbarists Gratia Dei which is Gratiola Valerius Cordus nameth it Helianthemum and 〈◊〉 flos or Sunne floure of Clusius Chamaecistus or Dwarfe 〈◊〉 Pliny writeth that Helianthe groweth in the champion countrey Temiscyra in Pontus and in the mountaines of Cilicia neere to the sea and he saith further that the wise men of those countries and the kings of Persia do annoint their bodies herewith boiled with Lions fat a little Saffron and wine of Dates that they may seeme faire and beautiful and therefore haue they called it 〈◊〉 or the beautie of the Sun Matthiolus saith that
to their blame that call sweet and odoriferous smells euen all of them by that name because he doth especially make mention withall in one verse of Cedrus and Thya the copies haue falsly Larix or Larch tree in which it is manifest that he spake onely of trees the verse is extant in the fift booke of Odysses where he mentioneth that Mercurie by Iupiters commandement went to Calypsus den and that he did smell the burnt trees Thya and Cedrus a great way off Theophrastus attributeth great honor to this tree shewing that the roofs of old Temples became famous by reason of that wood and that the timber thereof of which the rafters are made is euerlasting and it is not hurt there by rotting cobweb nor any other infirmitie or corruption ¶ The Temperature The fruit and leaues of the Cypres are dry in the third degree and astringent ¶ The Vertues The Cypres nuts being stamped and drunken in wine as Dioscorides writeth stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix it is good against the spitting of bloud and all other issues of bloud They glue and heale vp great vlcers in hard bodies they safely and without harme soke vp and consume the hid and secret moisture lying deepe and in the bottome of weake and moist infirmities The leaues and nuts are good to cure the rupture to take away the Polypus being an excrescence growing in the nose Some do vse the same against 〈◊〉 and eating sores mixing them with parched Barley meale The leaues of Cypres boyled in sweet wine or Mede helpes the strangurie and difficulty of making water It is reported that the smoke of the leaues doth driue away gnats and that the clogs do so likewise The shauings of the wood laid among garments preserueth them from the moths the rosin killeth Moths little wormes and magots CHAP. 46. Of the Tree of Life Arhor Vitae The Tree of Life ¶ The Description THe tree Tree of Life groweth to the height of a small tree the barke being of a darke reddish colour the timber very hard the branches spreading themselues abroad hanging down toward the ground by reason of the weakenesse of the twiggie branches surcharged with very oileous and ponderous leaues casting and spreading themselues like the feathers of a wing resembling those of the Sauine tree but thicker broader and more ful of gummie or oileous substance which being 〈◊〉 in the hands do yeeld an aromatick spicie or gummie sauor very pleasant and comfortable amongst the leaues come forth small yellowish floures which in my garden fall away without any fruit but as it hath beene reported by those that haue seene the same there followeth a fruit in hot regions much like vnto the fruit of the Cypres tree but smaller compact of little and thinne scales closely pact one vpon another which my selfe haue not yet seene The branches of this tree laid downe in the earth wil very easily take root euen like the Woodbinde or some such plant which I haue often proued and thereby haue greatly multiplied these trees ¶ The Place This tree groweth not wilde in England but it groweth in my garden very plentifully ¶ The Time It endureth the cold of our Northerne clymat yet doth it lose his gallant greenes in the winter moneths it floureth in my garden about May. ¶ The Names Theophrastus and Pliny as some thinke haue called this sweet and aromatical tree Thuia or Thya some call it 〈◊〉 Lycia the new writers do terme it Arbor vitae in English the tree of life I doe not meane that whereof mention is made Gen. 3. 22. ¶ The Temperature Both the leaues and boughes be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues Among the plants of the New-found land this Tree which Theophrastus calls Thuia or 〈◊〉 is the most principal and best agreeing vnto the nature of man as an excellent cordial and of a very pleasant smell CHAP. 47. Of the Yew tree Taxus The Yew tree ¶ The Description ‡ IN stead of the description and place mentioned by our Author which were not amisse giue me leaue to present you with one much more accurate sent me by Mr. Iohn Goodyer Taxus glandifera bacciferáque The Yew bearing Acornes and berries THe Yew tree that beareth Acornes and berries is a great high tree remaining alwaies greene and hath vsually an huge trunke or body as big as the Oke couered ouer with a scabbed or scaly barke often pilling or falling off and a yong smooth barke appearing vnderneath the timber hereof is somewhat red neere as hard as Box vniuersally couered next the barke with a thickewhite sap like that of the Oke and hath many big limmes diuided into many smal spreading branches the leaues be about an inch long narrow like the leaues of Rosemary but smooth and of a darker greene colour growing all alongst the little twigs or branches close together seldome one opposite against another often hauing at the ends of the twigs little branches composed of many leaues like the former but shorter and broader closely compact or ioyned together amongst the leaues are to be seene at all times of the yeare small slender buds somewhat long but neuer any floures which at the very beginning of the Spring grow bigger and bigger till they are of the fashion 〈◊〉 little Acornes with a white kernell within after they are of this forme then groweth vp from the bottomes of the Acornes a reddish matter making beautiful reddish berries more long than round smooth on the out side very clammie within and of a sweet taste couering all the Acorne onely leauing a little hole at the top where the top of the Acorne is to be seene these 〈◊〉 or deuoured by birds leaue behinde them a littlewhitish huske made of a few scales appearing like a little floure which peraduenture may deceiue some taking it to be so indeed it seemes this tree if it were not hindred by cold weather would alwaies haue Acornes and berries on him for he hath alwaies little buds which so soone as the Spring yeelds but a reasonable heate they grow iuto the forme of Acornes about the beginning of August seldome before you shall finde them turned into ripe berries and from that time till Christmasse or a little after you may see on him both Acornes and red berries Taxus tantum florens The Yew which only floures The Yew which onely beareth floures and no berries is like the other in trunke timber barke and leaues but at the beginning of Nouember or before this tree doth beginne to be very thicke set or fraught on the lower side or part of the twigs or little branches with small round buds verie neere as big and of the colour of Radish seed and do so continue all the Winter till about the beginning or middle of Februarie when they open at the top sending forth one small sharpe pointall little longer than the huske diuided into many parts or garnished towards the top with many small dusty things like floures of the colour
purple colour very beautifull to behold and the rather to be esteemed because it floureth twise in the yeare the root is likewise wooddie 3 Erica maior flore albo 〈◊〉 The great Heath with white floures 4 Erica maior flore purpureo Great Heath with purple floures 5 Erica cruciata Crossed Heath 6 Erica Pyramidalis Steeple Heath ‡ 3 This saith Clusius which is the largest that I haue seene sometimes excceeds the height of a man very shrubby hauing a hard and blackish red wood the leaues are small and short growing about the branches by foures of a very a stringent taste it hath plentiful store of floures growing all alongst the branches so that somtimes the larger branches haue floures for a foot in length this floure is hollow and longish well smelling white and beautifull It growes betweene Lisbone and the Vniuersity of Conimbrica in Portugal where it floures in Nouember December and Ianuarie ‡ 4 Of this kind there is another sort with whitish purple floures more frequently found than the other sort which floures are somwhat greater than the former but in forme like and flouring at the same time ‡ The leaues also are hairy and grow commonly by foures the hollow floures grow clustering together at the very tops of the branches and are to be found in Iuly and August it growes on diuers heathy places of this kingdome ‡ 5 Crossed Heath groweth to the height of a cubit and a halfe full of branches commonly lying along vpon the ground of a swart darke colour whereon do grow small leaues set at certaine spaces by two vpon one side and two on the other opposite one answering another euen as doe the leaues of Crosse-wort The floures in like manner stand alongst the branches Crosse fashion of a darke ouerworne greenish colour The root is likewise wooddy as is all the rest of the plant 6 This Steeple Heath hath likewise many wooddy braunches garnished with small leaues which easily fall off from the dryed stalks among which come forth diuers little mossie greenish floures of small moment The whole bush for the most part groweth round together like a little cocke of hay broad at the lower part and sharp aboue like a Pyramide or steeple whereof it tooke his name 7 Erica tenuifolia Small leafed Heath 8 Erica tenuifolia caliculata Challice Heath 7 This small or thinne leafed Heath is also a low and base shrub hauing many small and slender shoots comming from the root of a reddish browne colour whereupon doe grow verie manie small leaues not vnlike to them of common Time but much smaller and tenderer the floures grow in tufts at certaine spaces of a purple colour The root is long and of a wooddie substance ‡ The branches of this are commonly whitish the leaues very green the floures are smallest at both ends and biggest in the middest hollow and of a faire purple colour which doth not easily decay it floures most part of Summer and growes in many Heathie grounds ‡ 8 Challice Heath hath also many wooddy branches growing from the roots slender of a reddish browne colour a foot and a halfe high garnished with very little leaues lesser than those of Time the floures grow on the tops and vpper parts of the branches and be in number fiue six or moe hanging downewards in fashion long hollow within like a little tunnell or open cup or challice of a light purplish colour the root creepeth and putteth forth in diuers places new springs or shoots 9 The Heath that bringeth forth berries hath many weake and slender branches of a reddish colour which trailing vpon the ground do take hold 〈◊〉 in sundry places whereby it mightily increaseth the leaues are somewhat broad of a thicke and fleshie substance in taste somthing drying at the first but afterwards somewhat sharpe and biting the tongue among which come forth small floures of an herbie colour which being vaded there succeed small round berries that at the first are greene and afterward blacke being as big as those of Iuniper wherein is contained purple iuice like that of the Mulberry within those berries are contained also small three cornered grains the root is hard and of a wooddy substance ‡ I found this growing in great plenty in Yorkshire on the tops of the hills by Gisbrough between it and Rosemary-topin a round hill so called and some of the people thereabouts told me they called the fruit Crake berries This is the same that Matthiolus calls Erica Baccifera and it is the Erica Coris folio 11. of Clusius ‡ ‡ 9 Erica baccifera procumbens Heath bearing Berries 10 Erica baccifera tenuifolia Small leafed Heath with Berries ‡ 10 This which our Authour figured as you seee in the tenth place putting the description of the former thereto hath brittle branches growing some cubit high couered with a barke blacker than the rest the leaues are like those of the former but blacker and smaller growing about the stalks by threes of a hottish taste with some astriction In September and October it carries a fruit on the tops of the branches different from the rest for it is very beautifull white transparent resembling dusky and vneuen pearles in forme and colour succulent also and of an acide taste commonly containing three little seeds in each berry in Nouember this fruit becomes dry and falls away of it selfe Clusius onely obserued this in Portugall and at the first sight a far off tooke the white berries to haue been graines of Manna He calls it Erica Coris folio 10. ‡ 11 Erica pumila 3. Dod. Dodonaeus his Dwarfe Heath ‡ 12 Erica ternis per intervalla ramis Heath with three branches at a ioint ‡ 13 Erica perigrina Lobelij Lobels strange Heath ‡ 14 Erica Coris folio 7. Clusij Creeping Dutch Heath ‡ 15 Erica Coris folio 9. Clusij Small Austrian Heath 12 This shrubby Heath is commonly some cubit high hauing slender branches which come out of the maine stemmes commonly three together and the leaues also grow in the same order the tops of the branches are adorned with many floures of a darke purple colour hollow round biggest below and standing vpon long foot stalks Clusius found this growing in the vntilled places of Portingale aboue Lisbone where it floured in December he calls it Erica 〈◊〉 folio 5. 13 Besides all these saith Lobel hauing first treated of diuers plants of this kinde there is a certaine rarer species growing like the rest after the manner of a shrub in pots in the Garden of Mr. Iohn 〈◊〉 the leafe is long and the purple floures which as far as I remember consisted of foure little leaues apiece grow on the tops of the branches I know not whence it was brought and therfore for 〈◊〉 rarity I call it Erica peregrina that is Strange or Forreine Heath 14 This hath many round blackish purple branches some foot or cubit high lying oft times along vpon the ground these are beset with many narrow
which barks doth flow the vpper barke being wounded a white Balsam like vnto teares or drops of a most sweet sauour and singular effects for one drop of this which thus 〈◊〉 out of the tree is worth a pound of that which is made by decoction the fruit hereof is small in respect of the others it seldome exceedeth the bignes of a Pease of a bitter taste inclosed in a narrow huske of the length of a finger something thin and of a white colour which the Indians do vse against head-ache which fruit of most is that we haue before described called Carpobalsamum It is also written that in the Island called Hispaniola there groweth a small tree of the height of two men without the industry of man hauing stalkes or 〈◊〉 of the colour of ashes whereon do grow greene leaues sharpe at both ends but more greene on the vpper side than on the lower hauing a middle rib somewhat thicke and standing out the foot-stalkes whereon they grow are somewhat reddish among which leaues commeth fruit growing by clusters as long as a mans hand fingers and all the stones or graines in the fruit be few and greene but growing to rednesse more and more as the fruit waxeth ripe From the which is gathered a juice after this manner they take the young shootes and buds of the tree and also the clusters of the fruit which they bruise and boile in water to the thickenesse of hony which being strained they keepe it for their vses They vse it against wounds and vlcers it stoppeth and stancheth the bloud maketh them cleane bringeth vp the flesh and healeth them mightily and with better successe than true Balsame The branches of the tree being cut do cast forth by drops a certaine cleare water more worth than Aqua vitae most wholesome against wounds and all other diseases proceeding from cold causes if it be drunken some few daies together ¶ The Place These trees grow in diuers parts of the world some in Aegypt and most of those countries adiacent there groweth of them in the East and West Indies as trauellers in those parts report ¶ The Time These trees for the most part keepe greene winter and Sommer ¶ The Names Balsame is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Balsamum of the Arabians Balseni Balesina and Belsan in Italian Balsamo in French Baume The liquor that floweth out of the tree when it is wounded is called Opobalsamum the wood 〈◊〉 the fruit Carpobalsamum and the liquor which naturally floweth from the tree in Aegypt Balsamum ¶ The Temperature Balsame is hot and dry in the second degree with astriction ¶ The Vertues Naturall Balsame taken in a morning fasting with a little Rosewater or wine to the quantitie of fiue or six drops helpeth those that be asthmatike or short of winde it preuaileth against the paines of the bladder and stomacke and comforteth the same mightily and also amendeth a stinking breath takes away the shaking fits of the quotidian 〈◊〉 if it be taken two or three times It helpeth consumptions clenseth the barren wombe especially being annointed vpon a pessary or mother suppositorie and vsed The stomacke being annointed therewith digestion is helped thereby it also preserueth the stomacke from obstructions and windinesse it helpeth the hardnesse of the spleene easeth the griefes of the reines and belly proceeding of cold causes It also taketh away all manner of aches proceeding of cold causes if they be annointed therewith but more speedily if a linnen cloth be wet therein and laid thereon vsed in the same manner it dissolueth hard tumors called 〈◊〉 and strengthneth the weake members The same refresheth the braine and comforteth the parts adioining it helpeth the palsie convulsions and all griefes of the sinewes if they be annoitned therewith The maruellous effects that it worketh in new and greene wound were heere too long to set downe and also superfluous considering the skilfull Chirurgion whom it most concerneth doth know the vse thereof and as for the beggerly Quacksaluers Runnagates and knauish Mountibanks we are not willing to instruct them in things so far aboue their reach capacitie and worthinesse CHAP. 146. Of a kinde of Balme or Balsame Tree ¶ The Description THis tree which the people of the Indies do call Molli groweth to the bignesse of a great tree hauing a trunke or body of a darke greene colour sprinkled ouer with many ash coloured spots the branches are many and of very great beautie whereupon do grow leaues not vnlike to those of the Ash-tree consisting of many small leaues set vpon a middle rib growing narrower euer towards the point euery particular one jagged on the sides like the teeth of a saw which being plucked from the stem yeeldeth forth a milkie juice tough and clammie 〈◊〉 like the bruised leaues of Fenell and as it seemeth in taste somewhat astringent the 〈◊〉 grow in clusters vpon the twiggie branches like those of the Vine a little before the grapes be formed after followeth the fruit or berries somewhat greater than Pepper cornes of an oilic substance greene at the first and of a darke reddish colour when they be ripe ‡ The first of the sigures was taken from a tree only of three yeeres growth but the latter from a tree come to his full growth as it is affirmed in Clusius his Cur. Poster It differs only in that the leaues of the old trees are not at all snipt or diuided on the edges ‡ 1 Molli siue Molly Clusij Lobelij The Balsame tree of Clusius and Lobels description ‡ 2 Molle arboris adult ae ramus A branch of the old tree of Molle ¶ The Place This tree saith a learned Physition called Ioh. 〈◊〉 doth grow in the King of Spaine his garden at Madryll which was the first that euer he did see since which time Iohn Ferdinando Secretary vnto the foresaid king did shew vnto the said Fragosus in his owne ' garden a tree so large and of such beautie that he was neuer satisfied with looking on it and meditating vpon the vertues thereof Which words I haue receiued from the hands of a famous learned man called Mr. 〈◊〉 Browne Dr. in Physicke and Physition to the Queenes 〈◊〉 at the impression hereof faithfully translated out of the Spanish tongue without adding or taking any thing away They grow plentifully in the vales and low grounds of Peru as all affirme that haue trauelled to the VVest Indies as also those that haue described the singularities thereof My selfe with diuers others as namely Mr. Nicholas Lete a worshipfull Merchant of the Citie of London and also a most skilfull Apothecary Mr. Iames Garret who haue receiued seeds hereof from the right Honorable the Lord Hunsdon Lord high Chamberlaine of England worthy of triple honour for his care in getting as also for his curious keeping rare and strange things brought from the farthest parts of the world which seedes we haue sowne in our gardens where
wherein he most shewed his weakenesse for that hee doth confound it with the Manihot or true Yuicca which all affirme to haue a leafe like that of hemp parted into seuen or more diuisions and also in that he puts it to the Arachidna of Theophrastus when as he denies it both floure and fruit yet within some few yeares after our Author had set forth this Worke it floured in his garden This some yeares puts forth a pretty stiffe round stalke some three cubits high diuided into diuers vnequall branches carrying many pretty large floures shaped somewhat like those of Fritillaria but that they are narrower at their bottomes the leaues of the floure are six the colour on the inside white but on the out side of an ouerworne reddish colour from the stalke to the middest of the leafe so that it is a floure of no great beautie yet to be esteemed for the raritie I saw it once floure in the garden of Mr. Wilmot at Bow but neuer since though it hath been kept for many yeares in sundry other gardens as with Mr. Parkinson and Mr. Tuggy This was first written of by our Author and since by Lobel and Mr. Parkinson who keepe the same name as also Bauhine who to distinguish it from the other calls it Yucca folijs Aloes ‡ ¶ The Place This plant groweth in all the tract of the Indies from the Magellane straights vnto the cape of Florida and in most of the Islands of the Canibals and others adioyning from whence I had that plant brought me that groweth in my garden by a seruant of a learned and skilfull Apothecary of Excester named Mr. Tho. Edwards ¶ The Time It keepeth greene both Winter and Sommer in my garden without any couerture at all notwithstanding the iniurie of our cold clymat ¶ The Names It is reported vnto me by Trauellers that the Indians do call it in some parts Manihot but generally Yucca and Iucca it is thought to be the plant called of Theophrastus Arachidna and of Pliny Aracidna ¶ The Temperature This plant is hot and dry in the first degree which is meant by the feces or drosse when the poisonous iuice is pressed or strained forth and is also dry in the middle of the second degree CHAP. 156. Of the fruit Anacardium and Caious or 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description THe antient writers haue been very briefe in the historie of Anacardium the Grecians haue touched it by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking the name from the likenesse it hath of an heart both in shape and colour called of the Portugals that inhabit the East Indies Faua de Malaqua the bean of Malaca for being greene and as it hangeth on the tree it resembleth a Beane sauing that it is much bigger but when they be dry they are of a shining blackish colour containing between the outward rinde and the kernell which is like an Almond a certaine oile of a sharpe causticke or burning qualitie called Mel Acardinum although the kernell is vsed in meates and sauces as we do Oliues and such like to procure appetite Anacardium The Beane of Malaca Caious The kidney Beane of Malaca The other fruit groweth vpon a tree of the bignesse of a Peare tree the leaues are much like to those of the Oliue tree but thicker and fatter of a feint greene colour the floures are white consisting of many small leaues much like the floures of the Cherry tree but much doubled without smell after commeth the fruit according to Clusius of the forme and magnitude of a goose egge full of iuice in the end whereof is a nut in shape like an Hares kidney hauing two rindes between which is contained a most hot and sharp oile like that of Anacardium whereof it is a kind The Beane or kernell it selfe is no lesse pleasant and wholsome in eating than the Pistacia or Fisticke nut whereof the Indians do eate with great delight affirming that it prouoketh Venerie wherein is their chiefest felicitie The fruit is contained in long cods like those of Beans but greater neere vnto which cods commeth forth an excrescence like vnto an apple very yellow of a good smell spongious within and full of iuice without any seeds stones or graines at all somewhat sweet in taste at the one end narrower than the other Peare fashion or like a little bottle which hath bin reputed of some for the fruit but not rightly for it is rather an excrescence as is the oke Apple ¶ The Place The first growes in most parts of the East Indies especially in Cananor Calecute Cambaya and Decan The later in Brasile ¶ The Time These trees floure and flourish Winter and Sommer ¶ The Names Their names haue been touched in their descriptions The first is called Anacardium of the likenesse it hath with an heart of the Arabians Balador of the Indians Bibo The second is called Caious and is thus written Caiöüs and Caius of some Caiocus ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The oile of the fruit is hot and dry in the fourth degree it hath also a causticke or corrosiue qualitie it taketh away warts breaketh apostumes preuaileth against leprie alopecia and 〈◊〉 the paine of the teeth being put into the hollownesse thereof The people of Malauar do vse the said oile mingled with chalke to marke their cloathes or any other thing they desire to be coloured or marked as we do vse chalke okar and red marking stones but their colour will not be taken forth againe by any manner of art whatsoeuer They also giue the kernell steeped in whay to them that be asthmaticke or short winded and when the fruit is yet green they sticke the same so steeped against the wormes The Indians for their pleasure will giue the fruit vpon a thorne or some other sharpe thing and hold it in the flame of a candle or any other flame which there will burne with such crackings lightnings and withall yeeld so many strange colours that it is great pleasure to the beholders which haue not seene the like before CHAP. 157. Of Indian Morrice Bells and diuers other Indian Fruits 1 〈◊〉 Theueti Indian Morrice Bels. 2 Fructus Higuero Indian Morosco bels ¶ The Description THis fruit groweth vpon a great tree of the bignesse of a Peare tree full of branches garnished with many leaues which are alwaies greene three or foure fingers long and in bredth two when the branches are cut off there issueth a milky iuice not 〈◊〉 to the fruit in his venomous qualitie The trunke or body is couered with a grayish barke the timber is white and soft not fit to make fire of much lesse for any othervse for being cut and put to the fire to burne it yeeldeth sorth such a loathsome and horrible stinke that neither man nor beast are able to endure it wherefore the Indians haue no vse thereof but onely of the fruit which in shape is like the Greeke letter 〈◊〉 of the bignesse of a Chestnut
which I heedfully obserued and carefully opening out some of the fairest leaues which as also the whole plant besides were carelesly dried I found the leaues grew vsually some dozen or more on a foot-stalke iust as many on one side as on the other they were couered ouer with a little downines which standing out on their edges made them look as if they had bin snipt about the edges which they were not also I found at euery ioint two little hooked prickles not two little leaues or appendices at the setting on of the foot-stalks but three or foure little leaues as the rudiment of a yong branch comming forth at the bosom of each foot-stalk the longest branch as far as I remember was not aboue a span long I then drew as perfect a figure as I could of the perfectest branch therof drawing as 〈◊〉 as I could the leaues to their ful bignesse the which I here present you withall There are two figures formerly extant the one this of 〈◊〉 which I here giue you and the other in the 18. booke 144 chap. of the Hist. Lug which is out of A Costa and this seems to be so far different from that of Clusius that Bauhine in his Pinax saith 〈◊〉 notis suis in Acostam diuer sam plane figuram proposuit herbam minosam nominans but he did not wel consider it for if he had he might haue found these so much different thus far to agree they both make the branches prickly weak the leaues many on one rib one opposite to another without an odde one at the end but Clusius figures the leaues so close together that they seem but one leafe and Acosta makes them too far a sunder and both of them make them too sharp pointed Clus. made his be taken from a dried plant and Acosta I iudg made his by the Idaea thereof which he had in his memorie and after this manner if my iudgement faile me not are most of the figures in him exprest but of this enough if not too much CHAP. 8. Of the Staffe tree and euer-greene Priuet 1 Celastrus Theophrasti The staffe tree 2 Phillyrea 1. Clus. Clusius his 1. Mocke-Priuet ¶ The Description 1 THe history and figure of this tree are set forth in Clusius his Curae poster and there it is asserted to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus for by diuers places in Theophrastus there collected it is euident that his Celastus was euer greene grew vpon very high and cold mountaines yet might be transplanted into plaine and milder places that it floured exceeding late and could not perfect the fruit by reason of the nigh approch of winter and that it was fit for no other vse but to make staues on for old men Now this tree growes but to a small height hauing a firme and hard body diuiding it selfe at the top into sundry branches which being yonge are couered with a greene barke but waxing old with a brownish one it hath many leaues growing alwaies one against another and thicke together of a deepe shining greene aboue and lighter vnderneath keeping their verdure both Winter and Sommer they are of the bignesse of those of 〈◊〉 not snipt about the edges but onely a little nickt when they are yet yong at the top of the tenderest branches among the leaues vpon footstalkes of some inch long grow fiue or six little floures consisting commonly of fiue little leaues of a yellowish greene colour and these shew themselues in the end of Autumne or the beginning of Winter and also in the beginning of the Spring but if the Sommer be cold and moist it shewes the buds of the sloures in October the fruit growes on a short stalke and is a berry of the bignesse of the Myrtle sirst green then red of the colour of that of Asparagus and lastly blacke when it is withered the stone within the berry is little and as it were three cornered conteining a kernell couered with a yellow filme Where this growes wilde I know not but it was first taken notice of in the publike Garden at the Vniuersitie of Leyden from whence it was brought into some few gardens of this Kingdome 2 The first Phyllyria of Clusius may fitly be refer'd to the rest of the same tribe and name described formerly in the 59. chapter of the the third booke It growes somewhat taller than the Scarlet Oke and hath branches of the thicknesse of ones thumbe or somewhat more and those couered with a greene barke marked with whitish spots the leaues somewhat resemble those of the Scarlet Oke but greater greener thicker somewhat prickley about the edges of an astringent taste but not vngratefull The floure thereof Clusius did not see the fruit is a little blacke berry hanging downe out from the bosome of the leaues and conteining a kernell or stone therein It growes wilde in many wilde places of Portugale where they call it Azebo The temperature and vertues are refer'd to those set downe in the formerly mentioned chapter CHAP. 9. Of Mocke-Willow Speiraea Theophrasti Clus. Mocke-Willow ¶ The Description THis Willow leaued shrub which Clusius coniectures may be refer'd to the Speiraea mentioned by Theophrastus lib. 1. cap. 23. histplant I haue named in English Mocke-Willow how fitly I know not but if any will impose a fitter name I shall be well pleased therewith but to the thing it selfe It is a shrub saith Clusius some two cubits high hauing slender branches or twigs couered ouer with a reddish barke whereon grow many leaues without order long narrow like those of the Willow snipt about the edges of a light green aboue and of a blewish greene vnderneath of a drying taste conjoyned with some bitternes The tops of the branches for some fingers length carry thicke spikes of small floures clustering together and consisting of fiue leaues apiece out of whose middle come forth many little threds of a whitish red or flesh colour together with the floure hauing no 〈◊〉 smell but such as is in the floure of the Oliue tree these floures fading there succeed small fiue cornered heads which comming to full maturitie containe a small and yellowish dusty seed it floures in Iuly and ripens the seed in the end of August Clusius had this plant from Fredericke 〈◊〉 Physition to the Duke of Briga and that from Briga in Silesia and he as I said refers it to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus which he reckons amongst the shrubs that carry spike fashioned floures This is not vsed in medicine nor the Temperature and faculties thereof as yet knowne CHAP. 10. Of the Strawberry-Bay Adrachne Theophrasti The Strawberry-Bay ¶ The Description THe figure and history of this were sent by Honorius Bellus out of Candy to 〈◊〉 from whom I haue it It is that which Theophrastus calls Adrachne or as most of the printed bookes haue it Andrachne but the former seemes the righter and is the better
liked by 〈◊〉 lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 22. At this day in Candy where it 〈◊〉 growes it is called Adracla It is rather a shrub than a tree delighting in rockie and mountanous places and keeping greene VVinter and Sommer hauing leaues so like those of Bayes that they are distinguishable only by the smell which these are destitute of The barke of the bole and all the branches is so smooth red and shining that they shew like branches of Corall this barke crackes or breakes off in Sommer and pills off in thinne fleakes at which time it is neither red nor shining but in a meane betweene yellow and ash-colour It hath floures twice in a yeere like as the Arbutus or Strawberry tree and that so like it that you can scarse know the one from the other yet this differs from it in that it growes onely in the mountaines hath not the leaues jagged neither a rough barke the wood hereof is very hard and so brittle that it will not bend and they vse it to burne and to make whorles for their womens spindles Theophrastus reckons vp this tree amongst those which die not when their barkes are taken off and are alwaies greene and retaine their leaues at their tops all winter long which to be so Honorius Bellus obserued Bellonius also obserued this tree in many places of Syria The fruit in Temperature as in shape is like that of the Stawberry-tree CHAP. 11. Of the Cherry-Bay ¶ The Description THe Cherry-bay is one of the euergreen trees it rises vp 〈◊〉 an indifferent height and is diuided into sundry branches couered ouer with a swart green barke that of the yonger shoots is wholly green the leaues alternately ingirt the branches they are long smooth thick green and shining snipt also lightly about the edges when the tree is growne to some height at the tops of the branches amongst the leaues of the former yeares growth vpon a sprig of some fingers length it puts forth a great many little white floures consisting of fiue leaues a piece with many little chiues in them these floures quickly fall away and the fruit that succeeds them is a berry of an ovall figure of the bignesse of a large Cherry or Damson and of the same colour and of a sweet and pleasant Laurocerasi flos The Cherry-bay in floure 〈◊〉 fructus The Cherry-bay with the fruit taste with a stone in it like to a Cherry stone This floures in May and ripens the fruit in August or September it was first sent to Clusius from Constantinople and that by the name of Trabison curmasi 1. Trapezuntina dactylus the Date of Trapeson but it hath no affinitie with the Date 〈◊〉 refers it to the second Lotus mentioned by Theophrastus hist. plant lib. 4. cap. 4. but therewith it doth not agree Clusius and most since cal it fitly Laurocerasus or 〈◊〉 folio Laurino It is now got into many of our choise English gardens where it is well respected for the beauty of the leaues and their lasting or continuall greenenesse The fruit hereof is good to be eaten but what physicall vertues the tree or leaues thereof haue it is not yet knowne CHAP. 12. Of the Euer-greene Thorne THis plant which Lobel and some other late writers haue called by the name of Pyracantha is the Oxyacantha mentioned by Theophrastus lib. 1. cap. 15. lib. 3. cap. 4. hist. plant among the euer green trees and I thinke rather this than our white Thorn to be the Oxyacantha of 〈◊〉 lib. 1. c. 123. and certainely it was no other than this Thorne which Virgil makes mention of by the name of Acanthus lib. 2. 〈◊〉 in these words 〈◊〉 semper frondentis Acanthi That is And the berries of the 〈◊〉 greene Thorn Oxyacantha Theophrasti The Euer-greene Thorne ¶ The Description THis growes vp like a bush vnlesse you keepe it with 〈◊〉 and then it will 〈◊〉 time grow to the 〈◊〉 of a smal tree as the Hawthorne whereto it is of affinitie 〈◊〉 the wood is white and hard like it and couered ouer with the like barke but the leaues are somwhat like those of the Damson tree longish sharp pointed and snipt about the edges they grow alongst the branches without any order yet sometimes they keep this maner of growing at each knot where commonly there is a sharpe prickle growes out one of the larger leaues which may be some inch and halfe long and some three quarters of an inch broad then vpon the prickle and at the comming out therof are three or soure more or lesse much smaller leaues now these leaues are of a 〈◊〉 and shining green aboue but paler vnderneath and they keep on al the yeare At the ends and oft times in the middles of the branches come forth clusters or vmbels of little whitish blush coloured floures consisting of fiue leaues apiece with some little chiues in their middles then follow clusters of berries in shape taste and bignesse like those of the Hawthorne and of the same but much more orient and pleasing colour and containing in 〈◊〉 the like seed now these berries hang long vpon the tree make a gallant shew amongst the greene leaues and chiefely then when as the Autumne blasts haue depriued other trees of their wonted verdure This floures in May and Iune and ripens the fruit in September and October it growes wilde in sundry places of Italy and Prouince in France but is kept in gardens with vs where it is held in good esteeme for his euer greenesse and pliablenesse to any worke or forme you desire to impose vpon him The fruit haue the same faculties that are formerly attributed to Hawes in the foregoing booke pag. 1328. and therefore I will not here repeat them CHAP. 13. Of the Aegyptian Nap or great 〈◊〉 tree ¶ The Description THis tree which for his leaues and manner of growing I thinke may fitly be referred to the Iuiubes tree is of two sorts that is the one prickly and the other not prickly in other respects they are both alike so that one figure and historie may serue for them both which I will giue you 〈◊〉 of Clusius who receiued this figure together with a description thereof from Honorius Bellus and also added therto that which Prosper Alpin hath written of it in his 5. chap. de Plant. Aegypt It grows to the height of an indifferent Peare-tree and the bodie and branches thereof are couered with a whitish ash coloured barke the leaues are like those of the Iuiubes tree two inches long and one broad with three nerues running alongst them of a deepe shining greene aboue and more whitish vnderneath and they grow alternately vpon the branches and at their comming forth grow 〈◊〉 of little white floures hanging vpon single long foot-stalks after these followes the fruit like vnto a small Apple of the bignesse for the most part of a large Cherry and sometimes as big as a VValnut of a sweet taste containing therein a kernell or stone like
Now let me say somewhat briefely of the temperature and qualities The Temperature and Vertues It is iudged to be hot and dry in the second degree it hath a drying attenuating dissoluing and clensing facultie as also to moue sweat and resist contagion and putrefaction The decoction of the barke or wood of Guajacum made either alone or with other ingredients as shall be thought most fit for the temper and age of the Patient is of singular vse in the cure of the French Poxes and it is the most antient and powerfull antidote that is yet known against that disease I forbeare to specifie any particular medicine made thereof because they are wel enough knowne to all to whom this knowledge belongs and they are aboundantly set downe by all those that haue treated of that disease It also conduceth to the cure of the dropsie Asthma Epilepsie the diseases of the bladder and reines paines of the ioints flatulences crudities and lastly all chronicall diseases proceeding from cold and moist causes for it oftentimes workes singular effects whereas other medicines little preuaile It doth also open the obstructions of the liuer and spleene warmes and comforts the stomacke and all the intrals and helps to free them of 〈◊〉 grosse viscous matter which may be apt to breed diseases in them CHAP. 20. Of the Guayaua or Orange-Bay ¶ The Description SImon de Touar sent Clusius a branch of the tree which the Spaniards call Guayauas from which he drew this figure and thus describes it This branch saith Clusius whose vpper part together with the fruit I caused to be drawne was some foot long foure square alternately set with leaues growing by couples being foure inches long and one and a halfe or two broad of the forme of Bay leaues very firme hauing a swelling rib running alongst the lower side with veins running obliquely from thence to the sides of an ash or grayish colour beneath but smooth aboue with the veines lesse appearing which broken though old yet retained the smell of Bay leaues and also after some sort the taste the fruit was smooth yet shriueled because peraduenture it was vnripe of the bignesse of a small apple longish blackish on the out side like a ripe plum but within full of a reddish pulpe of an acide taste and in the middle were many whitish seeds of the bignesse of Miller 〈◊〉 those that are in Figs. Guayavae arboris ramus The Orange-Bay The fruit is vsually eaten the rinde being first taken off it is pleasing to the palate wholesome and easie of concoction being greene it is good in fluxes of the belly for it powerfully bindes and ouer or throughly ripe it looseth the belly but betweene both that it is neither too greene nor ouer-ripe if rosted it is good both for sound and sicke for so handled it is wholesommer and of a more pleasing taste that also is the better which is gathered from domesticke and husbanded trees The Indians profitably bathe their swolne legges in the decoction of the leaues and by the same they free the spleene from obstruction The fruit seemes to be cold wherefore they giue it rosted to such as are in feuers It growes commonly in all the VVest Indies Thus much Monardus CHA. 21. Of the Corall tree ¶ The Description THe same last mentioned Simon de Touar a learned and prime Physition of Ciuill sent Clusius three or foure branches of this tree from whence he framed this history and figure He writ saith Clus. that this tree grew in his garden sprung vp of seeds sent from America which had the name of Corall imposed on them by reason the floures were like Corall but he did not set downe there shape writing onely this in his letter That he had two little shrubs which had borne floures and that the greater of them bore also cods full of large beanes but in the extreme Winter which they had the yeere before he lost not onely that tree and others sprung vp of Indian seed but also many other plants Now seeing that this tree carries coddes I coniecture the floures were in forme not vnlike to those of Pease or of the tree called Arbor Iudae but of another colour to wit red like Corall especially seeing that in the catalogue of his garden which hee sent me the yeere before he had writ thus Arbor Indica dicta Coral ob eius florem similem Corallo c. that is An Indian tree called Corrall by reason of the floure like to Corrall whose leaues are very like those of the Arbor Iudae but this hath thornes which that wants And verily the branches which he sent for he writ he sent the branches with the leaues but the tree brought 〈◊〉 some twice or thrice as bigge had leaues not much vnlike those of Arbor Iudae but fastened to a shorter footstalke and growing one against another with a single one at the end of the branch which was here and there set with sharpe and crooked prickles but whether these branches are onely the stalkes of the leaues or perfect branches I doubt because all that hee sent had three leaues apiece I could easily persuade my selfe that they were onely leaues seeing the vpper part ended in one leafe and the lower end of one among the rest yet shewed the place where it seemed it grew to the bough But I affirme nothing seeing there was none whereof I could inquire by Coral arboris ramus A branch of the Corall tree reason of his death who sent them m e which hapned shortly after yet I haue made the forme of the leaues with the manner as I coniectured they grow to be delineated in the figure which I here giue you 〈◊〉 Matthiolus in his last edition of his Commentaries vpon Dioscorides would haue 〈◊〉 this by the Icon of his first Acacia which is prickly and hath leaues resembling those of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I know not but if he would haue expressed this tree the painter did not well play his part After that Clusius had set forth thus much of this tree in his Hist. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the learned Dr. Castaneda a Physition also of Ciuill certified me saith he that the floures of this tree grow thicke together at the tops of 〈◊〉 branches ten twelue or more hanging vpon short foot 〈◊〉 growing out of the same place whose figure he also sent but so rudely drawne that I could not thereby haue come to any knowledge of the floures but that 〈◊〉 therewith sent me two dried floures by which I partly gathered their form Now these flours were very narrow 2. inches long or more consisting of three leaues the vppermost of which much exceeded the 2. narrow ones on the sides both in length and breadth and it was doubled but before the floure was opened it better resembled a horne or cod than a floure and the lower end of it stood in a short green cup in the middest of the floure vnder the vpper leafe that was folded but open at
conceiued in ones minde more easily than by a naked description Let the Studious thanke Pona for the knowledge hereof Thus much Clusius 2 In the 28 chapter of the first booke I gaue the figure of Zodoarie out of Clusius hauing not at that time this figure of Lobel which presents to your view both the long and the round with the manner how they grow together being not seuerall roots but parts of one and the same CHAP. 30. Of Rose-wood Aspalathus albicans torulo citreo White Rose-wood Aspalathus rubens Reddish Rose-wood ¶ The Description BOth these as also some other woods are referred to the Aspalathus described by Dioscorides l. 1. c. 19. But the later of these I take to be the better of the two sorts there mentioned The first of them is whitish without hauing a yellowish or citrine coloured round in the middle the taste is hottish and smell somewhat like that of a white-Rose The other hath also a small ring of white next the thicke and rugged barke and the inner wood is of a reddish colour very dense sollid and firme as also indifferent heauy the smell of this is also like that of a Rose whence they vulgarly call it Lignum Rhodium Rose-wood rather than from Rhodes the place where the later of them is said to grow ¶ The Faculties out of Dioscorides It hath a heating facultie with astriction whence the decoction thereof made in wine is conuenient to wash the vlcers of the mouth and the eating vlcers of the priuities and such vnclean sores as the Ozaena a stinking vlcer in the nose so called Put vp in a pessarie it drawes forth the childe the decoction thereof stayes the loosenesse of the belly and drunke it helpes the casting vp of bloud the difficultie of making water and windinesse AT the end of this Appendix I haue thought good to giue you diuers descriptions of Plants which I receiued from my often mentioned friend Mr. Goodyer which also were omitted in their fitting places partly through haste and partly for that I receiued some of them after the printing of those chapters wherein of right they should haue been inserted They are most of them of rare and not written of plants wherefore more gratefull to the curious Hicracium stellatum Boelij THis plant is in round hairy straked branched stalks and long rough blunt indented leaues like to Hieracium 〈◊〉 but scarce a foot high the floures are also yellow three times smaller which past there succeed long crooked slender sharpe pointed cods or huskes neere an inch long spreading abroad star-fashion wherein a long seed is contained this hath no heads or woolly down like any of the rest but onely the said crooked coddes which doe at the first spread abroad The root is small threddie full of milkie iuice as is also the whole plant and it perisheth when the seed is ripe Hieracium medio nigrum flore maiore Boelij This hath at the first spreading vpon the ground many long narrow green smooth leaues bluntly indented about the edges like those of Hieracium falcatum but smaller amongst which rise vp three foure or more small smooth straked round stalks diuided into other branches which grow longer than the stalks themselues leaning or trayling neere the ground the floures grow on the tops of the stalks but one together composed of many pale yellow leaues the middle of each floure being of a blackish purple colour Hieracium medio nigrum flore minore Boelij This is altogether like the last before described in stalkes and leaues the floures are also of a blackish purple in the middle but they are three times smaller Hieracium lanosum There groweth from one root three foure or more round vpright soft cottonie stalks of a reasonable bignesse two foot high diuided into many branches especially neere the top whereon groweth at each diuision one broad sharpe pointed leafe diuided into corners and very much crumpled and also very soft cottonie and woolly as is the whole plant the floures are small double of a pale yellow colour very like those of 〈◊〉 repens growing clustering very many together at the tops of the stalkes and branches forth of small round soft cottonie heads these foure plants grew from seed which I receiued from Mr. Coys 1620. and I made these descriptions by the Plants the 22. of August 1621. Blitum spinosum est Beta Cretica semine aculeato Baubini Matth. pag. 371. This sendeth forth from one root many round greene strailing ioynted small branches about a foot long the leaues are of a light greene colour and grow at euery ioint one somewhat like the leaues of great Sorrell but they are round topped without barbes or eares below or any manifest taste or smell very like the leaues of Beets but much smaller the floures grow clustering together about the ioints and at the tops of the branches small and greenish each floure containing fiue or six very small blunt topped leaues and a few dustie chiues in the middle which past there commeth great prickly shriuelled seed growing euen close to the root and vpwards on the ioints each seed hauing three sharpe prickes at the top growing side-waies which indeed may be more properly called the huske which huske in the in-side is of a darke reddish colour and containeth one seed in forme like the seed of Flos Adonis round at the lower end and cornered towards the top and sharp pointed couered ouer with a darke yellowish skin which skin pulled away the kernell appeareth yellow on the outside and exceeding white within and will with a light touch fall into very small pouder like 〈◊〉 Geranij Baeticae species Boelij This hath at the beginning many broad leaues indented about the edges somwhat diuided like those of Geranium Creticum but of a lighter greene colour and smaller amongst which grow vp many round hairy kneed trailing branches diuided into many other branches bearing leaues like the former but smaller and no more diuided The floures are smal like those of Geranum 〈◊〉 but of a deeper reddish colour each floure hauing fiue small round topped leaues after followeth small long hairie seed growing at the lower end of a sharpe pointed beak like that of Geranium Moschatum the whole plant perisheth when the seed is ripe Boelius a Low-countrey-man gathered the seeds hereof in Baetica a part of Spaine and imparted them to Mr. William Coys a man very skilfull in the knowledge of Simples who hath gotten plants thereof and of infinite other strange herbes and friendly gaue me seeds hereof and of many other Anno 1620. Antirrhinum minus flore Linariae luteum inscriptum This hath at the first many very small round smooth branches from one root trayling on the ground about foure or fiue inches long set with many small greene short sharp pointed leaues like those of Serpillum but that these are longer smooth and three or foure growing opposite one against another amongst which rise vp fiue or six sometimes
perisheth when the seed is ripe I first gathered seeds of this plant in the garden of my good friend Mr. Ioh. Parkinson an Apothecary of London Anno 1616. Fabaveterum serratis 〈◊〉 Boelij This is like the other wilde Beane in stalks floures cods fruit and clasping tendrels but it differeth from it in that the leaues hereof especially those that grow neere the tops of the stalks are notched or indented about the edges like the teeth of a saw The root also perisheth when the seed is ripe The seeds of this wilde Beane were gathered by Boelius a Low-country man in Baetica a part of Spaine and by him sent to Mr. William Coys who carefully preserued them and also imparted seeds thereof to me in Anno 1620. Iul. 31. 1621. Pisum maculatum Boelij They are like to the small common field Peason in stalkes leaues and cods the difference is the floures are commonly smaller and of a whitish greene colour the Peason are of a darke gray colour spotted with blacke spots in shew like to blacke Veluet in taste they are also like but somewhat harsher These peason I gathered in the garden of Mr. Iohn Parkinson a skilfull Apothecarie of London and they were first brought out of Spaine by Boelius a low-Countrey man Lathyrus aestivus flore 〈◊〉 Iuly 28. 1621 This is like Lathyris latiore folio 〈◊〉 in stalks leaues and branches but smaller the stalks are two or three foot long made flat with two skins with two exceeding small leaues growing on the stalks one opposite against another betweene which spring vp flat foot-stalks an inch long bearing two exceeding narrow sharpe pointed leaues three inches long betweene which grow the tendrels diuided into many parts at the top and taking hold therwith the floures 〈◊〉 smal and grow forth of the bosomes of the leaues on each foot-stalk one floure wholly yellow with purple strakes After each floure followeth a smooth cod almost round two inches long wherein is contained seuen round Peason somewhat rough but after a curious manner of the bignesse and taste of field Peason and of a darke sand colour Lathyrus aestivus Baeticus flore caeruleo Boelij This is also like Lathyris 〈◊〉 folio Lobelij but smaller yet greater than that with yellow flours hauing also adioining to the flat stalkes two eared sharpe pointed leaues and also two other slender sharpe pointed leaues about foure inches long growing on a flat foot-stalke beetweene them an inch and a halfe long and one tendrel between them diuided into two or three parts the floures are large and grow on long slender foure-square foot-stalkes from the bosomes of the leaues on each foot-stalk one the vpper great couering leafe being of a light blew the lower smaller leaues of a deeper blew which past there come vp short flat cods with two filmes edges or skins on the vpper side like those of Eruilia Lobelij containing within foure or fiue great flat cornered Peason bigger than field Peason of a darke sand colour Lathyrus aestivus edulis Baeticus flore albo Boelij This is in flat skinny stalks leaues foot-stalks and cods with two skins on the vpper side and in all things else like the said Lathyrus with blew floures only the floures of this are milk white the fruit is also like Lathyrus aestivus flore miniato This is also in skinnie flat stalks and leaues like the said Lathyris latiore folio but far smaller not three foot high it hath also small sharp pointed leaues growing by couples on the stalke between which grow two leaues about three inches long on a flat foot-stalk half an inch long also between those leaues grow the tendrels the floures are coloured like red lead but not so bright growing on smooth short foot-stalks one on a foot-stalke after which follow cods very like those of the common field peason but lesser an inch and a halfe long containing foure fiue or sixe cornered Peason of a sand colour or darke obscure yellow as big as common field peason and of the same taste Lathyrus palustris Lusitanicus Boelij Hath also flat skinnie stalks like the said Lathyrus latiore folio but the paire of leaues which grow on the stalke are exceeding small as are those of Lathyrus 〈◊〉 luteo and are indeed scarce worthie to be called leaues the other paire of leaues are about two inches long aboue halfe an inch broad and grow 〈◊〉 betweene those small leaues on flat foot-stalks an inch long betweene which leaues also grow the tendrels the floures grow on foot-stalks which are fiue inches long commonly two on a foot-stalke the great vpper 〈◊〉 leaues being of a bright red colour and the vnder leaues are somewhat paler after commeth flat cods containing seuen or eight small round peason no bigger than a Pepper corne gray and blacke spotted before they are ripe and when they are fully ripe of a blacke colour in taste like common Peason the stalks leaues foot-stalkes and coddes are somwhat hairy and rough Lathyrus aestivus dumetorum Baeticus Boelij Hath also flat skinnie stalks like the said Lathyrus latiore folio but smaller and in the manner of the growing of the leaues altogether contrarie This hath also two small sharp pointed leaues adioyning to the stalke betweene which groweth forth a flat middle rib with tendrels at the top hauing on each side not one against another commonly rhree blunt topped leaues sometimes three on the one side and two on the other and sometimes but foure in all about an inch and a halfe long the floures grow on foot-stalks about two or three inches long each foot-stalk vsually bearing two floures the great couering leafe being of a bright red colour and the two vnder leaues of a blewish 〈◊〉 colour afterwhich follow smooth cods aboue two inches long containing fiue sixe or seuen smooth Peason of a browne Chestnut colour not round but somewhat flat more long than broad especially those next both the ends of the cod of the bignesse and taste of common field peason Iuniperus sterilis This shrub is in the manner of growing altogether like the Iuniper tree that beareth berries only the vpper part of the leaues of the youngest and tenderest bowes and branches are of a more reddish greene colour the floures grow forth of the bosoms of the leaues of a yellowish colour which neuer exceed three in one row the number also of each row of leaues each floure is like to a small bud more long than round neuer growing to the 〈◊〉 of a quarter of an inch being nothing else but very small short crudely chiues very thicke and close thrust together fastened to a very small middle stem in the end turning into small dust which flieth away with the winde not much vnlike that of Taxus sterilis on this shrub is neuer found any fruit 15. Maij. 1621. WHen the last sheets of this worke were on the Presse I receiued a Letter from from Mr. Roger Bradshaghe wherein he sent me inclosed a
Bizantine Floure de-luce 5 Chamaeiris Angustifolia Narrow leafed Floure de 〈◊〉 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grasse Floure de 〈◊〉 ‡ 7 Iris flore caeruleo obsoleto polyanthos Narrow-leafed many-floured Iris. ‡ 8 Chamaeiris nivea 〈◊〉 Candida White Dwarfe Iris. ‡ 9 Chamaeiris latifolia flore rubello Red floured Dwarfe Iris. ‡ 10 Chamaeiris Lutea Yellow Dwarfe Iris. ‡ 11 Camaeiris variegata Varigated Dwarfe Iris. 3 The French or rather Sea Floure de-luce whereof there is also another of the same kinde altogether lesser haue their roots without any sauour In shew they differ little from the garden Floure de-luce but that the leaues of these are altogether slenderer and vnpleasant in smell growing plentifully in the rough crags of the rocks vnder the Alpes and neere vnto the sea side The which Pena found in the grassie grauelly grounds of the sea coast neere to Montpellier The learned Doctor Assatius a long time supposed it to be Medium Diosc. Matthiolus deceiued himselfe and others in that he said That the root of this plant hath the sent of the peach but my selfe haue proued it to be without sauour at all It yeeldeth his floures in Iune which are of all the rest most like vnto the grasse Floure de-luce The taste of his root is hot bitter and with much tenuitie of parts as hath been found by physicall proofe ‡ 4 This Iris Bizantina hath long narrow leaues like those of the last described very narrow sharpe pointed hauing no vngratefull smell the stalks are some cubit and an halfe in length and somtimes more at the top they are diuided into 2 or 3 branches that haue 2 or 3 floures a piece like in shape to the floures of the broad leafed variegated bulbous Iris they haue also a good smell the ends of the hanging-downe leaues are of a darke colour the other parts of them are variegated with white purple or violet colour The three other leaues that stand vp are of a deepe violet or purple colour The root is blackish slender hard knotty ‡ 5 Narrow leafed Floure de-luce hath an infinite number of grassie leaues much like vnto Reed among which rise vp many stalkes on the ends of the same spring forth two sometimes three right sweet and pleasant floures compact of nine leaues Those three that hang downward are greater than the rest of a purple colour stripped with white and yellow but those three small leaues that appeare next are of a purple colour without mixture those three that stand vpright are of an horse-flesh colour tipped with purple and vnder each of these leaues appeare three small browne aglets like the tongue of a small bird 6 The small grassie Floure de-luce differeth from the former in smalnesse and in thinnesse of leaues and in that the stalkes are lower than the leaues and the floures in shape and colour are like those of the stinking Gladdon but much lesse ‡ There are many other varieties of the broad leafed Floure de-luces besides these mentioned by our Authour as also of the narrow leafed which here wee doe not intend to insist vpon but referre such as are desirous to trouble themselues with these nicities to Clusius and others Notwithstanding I judge it not amisse to giue the figures and briefe descriptions of 〈◊〉 more of the Dwarfe Floure de-luces as also of one of the narrower leafed 7 This therefore which we giue you in the seuenth place is Iris slorc 〈◊〉 obsoleto c. 〈◊〉 The leaues of this are small and long like those of the wild 〈◊〉 Floure de-luce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is not very big hath many strong threds or fibres comming out of it the stalke which is somewhat tall diuides it selfe into two or three branches whereon grow floures in shape like those of the other Floure de-luces but their colour is of an ouer-worne blew or Ash colour 8 Many are the differences of the Chamaeirides latifoliae or Broad leafed 〈◊〉 Floure deluces but their principall distinction is in their floures for some haue flowers of violet or purple colour some of white other some are variegated with yellow and purple c. Therefore I will onely name the colour and giue you their figure because their shapes differ little This eighth therefore is Chamaeiris nivea aut Candida White Dwarfe Iris The ninth Chamaeiris 〈◊〉 flore rubello Red floured Dwarfe Iris The tenth Camaeiris lutea Yellow Dwarfe Iris The eleuenth Chamaeiris variegata Variegated Dwarfe Iris. The leaues and stalkes of these plants are vsually about a foot high the floures for the bignesse of the plants large and they floure betimes as in April And thus much I thinke may suffice for the names and descriptions of these Dwarfe varieties of Floure de-luces ‡ ¶ The place These plants do grow in the gardens of London amongst Herbarists and other Louers of Plants ¶ The nature They floure from the end of March to the beginning of May. ¶ The Names The Turky Floure de-luce is called in the Turkish tongue Alaia Susiani with this additament from the Italians Fiore Belle pintate in English Floure de-luce The rest of the names haue 〈◊〉 touched in their titles and historie ¶ Their nature and vertues The faculties and temperature of these rare and beautifull floures are referred to the 〈◊〉 sorts of Floure de-luces whereunto they do very well accord There is an excellent oyle made of the floures and roots of Floure de-luce of each a like quantitie called Oleum Irinum made after the same manner that oyle of Roses Lillies and such like be made which oyle profiteth much to strengthen the sinewes and joints helpeth the cramp proceeding of repletion and the disease called in Greeke Peripneumonia The floures of French Floure de-luce distilled with Diatrion sandalon and Cinnamon and the water drunke preuaileth greatly against the Dropsie as Hollerius and Gesner testifie CHAP. 43. Of stinking Gladdon ¶ The Description STinking Gladdon hath long narrow leaues like Iris but smaller of a darke greene colour and being rubbed of a stinking smell very lothsome The stalkes are many in number and round toward the top out of which do grow floures like the Floure de-luce of an ouer-worne blew colour or rather purple with some yellow and red streakes in the midst After the floures be vaded there come great huskes or cods wherein is contained a red berry or seed as bigge as a pease The root is long and threddy vnderneath ¶ The place Gladdon groweth in many gardens I haue seene it wilde in many places as in woods and shadowie places neere the sea ¶ The time The stinking Gladdon floureth in August the seed whereof is ripe in September ¶ The Names Stinking Gladdon is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus according to Pena in Latine Spatula 〈◊〉 among the Apothecaries it is called also Xyris in English stinking Gladdon and Spurgewort ¶ The nature Gladdon is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The
haue called Zea or Spelta by the name of Far as Dionysius Halicarnassaeus doth sufficiently testifie The old Romans saith he did call sacred marriages by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Zea siue Speltae Spelt Corne. the Bride and Bridegroome did eate of that Far which the Grecians do call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The same thing Asclepiades affirmeth in Galen in his ninth Booke according to the places affected writing thus Farris quod Zea appellant that is to say Far which is called Zea c. And this Far is also named of the Latines Ador 〈◊〉 and Semen adoreum ¶ The temper Spelt as Dioscorides reporteth nourisheth more than Barley Galen writeth in his Bookes of the Faculties of simple Medicines Spelt is in all his temperature in a meane betweene Wheat and Barley and may in vertue be referred to the kindes of Barley and Wheat being indifferent to them both ¶ The vertues The floure or meale of Spelt corne boyled in water with the pouder of red Saunders and a little oyle of Roses and Lillies vnto the forme of a Pultesse and applied hot taketh away the swelling of the legs gotten by cold and long standing ‡ Spelt saith Turner is common about Weisenburgh in high Almanie eight Dutch miles on this side Strausbourgh and there all men vse it for wheat for there groweth no wheat at all yet I neuer saw fairer and pleasamer bread in any place in all my life than I haue eaten there made onely of this Spelt The Corne is much lesse than Wheat and somewhat shorter than Rie but nothing so blacke ‡ CHAP. 49. Of Starch Corne. 〈◊〉 Amyleum Starch Corne. ¶ The Description THis other kind of Spelta or Zea is called of the Germane Herbarists Amyleum Frumentum or Starch corne and is a kinde of grain sowen to that end or a three moneths graine and is very like vnto wheat in stalke and seed but the eare thereof is set round about and made vp with two ranks with certaine beards almost after the manner of Barley and the seed is closed vp in chaffie huskes and is sowen in the Spring ¶ The place Amil corne or Starch corne is sowen in Germanie Polonia Denmarke and other those Easterne Regions as well to feed their cattel and pullen with as also to make starch for the which purpose it doth very fitly serue ¶ The time It is sowen in Autumne or the fall of the leafe and oftentimes in the Spring and for that cause hath beene called Trimestre or three months grain it bringeth his seed to ripenesse in the beginning of August and is sowen in the Low-Countries in the Spring of the yeare ¶ The Names Because the Germanes haue great vse of it to make starch with they do call it 〈◊〉 Wee thinke good to name it in Latine Amyleum frumentum in English it may be called 〈◊〉 after the Germane word and may likewise be called Starch Corne. Tragus and Fuchsius tooke it to be Triticum 〈◊〉 or three moneths wheat but it may rather be referred to the Farra 〈◊〉 Columella speaketh of a graine called Far Halicastrum which is sowen in the Spring and for that cause it is named Trimestre or three moneths Far. If any be desirous to learne the making of Starch let them reade Dodoneus last edition where they shall be fully taught my selfe not willing to spend time about so vaine a thing and not pertinent to the story It is vsed onely to feed cattell pullen and make starch and is in nature somewhat like to wheat or Barley CHAP. 50. Of Barley ¶ The Description BArley hath an helme or straw which is shorter and more brittle than that of Wheat and hath more joints the leaues are broader and rougher the eare is armed with long rough and prickly beards or ailes and set about with sundry rankes sometimes two otherwhiles three foure or six at the most according to 〈◊〉 but eight according to Tragus The graine is included in a long chaffie huske the roots be slender and grow thicke together Barley as Pliny writeth is of all graine the softest and least subiect to casualtie yeelding fruit very quickely and profitably 1 Hordeum Distichon Common Barley 2 Hordeum Polystichum vernum Beare Barley or Barley Big 1 The most vsuall Barley is that which hath but two rowes of Corne in the eare each graine set iust opposite to other and hauing his long awne at his end is couered with a huske sticking close thereto 2 This which commonly hath foure rowes of corne in the eare and sometimes more as wee haue formerly deliuered is not so vsually sowen with vs the eare is commonly shorter than the former but the graine very like so that none who knowes the former but may easily know the later at the first sight ¶ The place They are sowen as Columella teacheth in loose and dry ground and are well knowne all Europe through 2 The second is sowen commonly in some parts of Yorke shire and the Bishopricke of Durham ¶ The Names 1 The first is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Orzo in Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Orge in English Barley 2 The second is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Columella calleth it Galaticum and Hippocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of our English Northerne people Big and Big Barley Crimmon saith Galen in his Commentaries vpon the second booke of Hippocrates his Prognosticks is the grosser part of Barley meale being grossely ground Malt is well knowne in England insomuch that the word needeth no interpretation notwithstanding because these Workes may chance into the hands of Strangers that neuer heard of such a word or such a thing by reason it is not 〈◊〉 where made I thought good to lay downe a word of the making thereof First it is steeped in water vntill it swell then is it taken from the water and laid as they terme it in a Couch that is spred vpon an euen floore the thicknesse of some foot and an halfe and thus is it kept vntill it Come that is vntill it send forth two or three little strings or fangs at the end of each Corne then it is spred vsually twice a day each day thinner than other for some eight or ten daies space vntill it be pretty dry and then it is dried vp with the heate of the fire and so vsed It is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Latine of later time Maltum which name is borrowed of the Germanes Actius a Greeke Physitian nameth Barley thus prepared 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Bine The which Author affirmeth That a plaister of the meale of Malt is profitably laid vpon the swellings of the Dropsie Zythum as Diodorus Siculus affirmeth is not onely made in Aegypt but also in Galatia The aire is so cold saith he writing of Galatia that the country bringeth forth neither wine nor
where barley hath beene ‡ ¶ The place 1 Briza is sowen in some parts of Germany and France and my memorie deceiues me if I haue not often times found many eares thereof amongst ordinarie barley when as I liued in the further side of Lincolneshire and they there called it Brant Barley 2 This Aegilops growes commonly amongst their Barley in Italy and other hot countries ‡ ¶ The Names 1 Briza Monococcos after Lobelius is called by Tabernamontanus Zea Monococcos in English Saint Peters Corne or Brant Barley 2 Festuca of Narbone in France is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Aegilops Narbonensis according to the Greeke in English Hauer-grasse ¶ The nature They are of qualitie somewhat sharpe hauing facultie to digest ¶ The vertues The iuice of Festuca mixed with Barley meale dried and at times of need moistned with Rose water applied plaisterwise healeth the disease called Aegilops or Fistula in the corner of the eye it mollifieth and disperseth hard lumps and asswageth the swellings in the joynts CHAP. 54. Of Otes ¶ The Description 1 AVena Vesca Common Otes is called Vesca à Vescendo because it is vsed in many countries to make sundry sorts of bread as in Lancashire where it is their chiefest bread corne for Iannocks Hauer cakes Tharffe cakes and those which are called generally Oten cakes and for the most part they call the graine Hauer whereof they do likewise make drink for want of Barley 2 Auena Nuda is like vnto the common Otes differing in that that these naked Otes immediately as they be threshed without helpe of a Mill become Otemeale fit for our vse In consideration whereof in Northfolke and Southfolke they are called vnhulled and naked Otes Some of those good house-wiues that delight not to haue any thing but from hand to mouth according to our English prouerbe may whiles their pot doth seeth go to the barne and rub forth with their hands sufficient for that present time not willing to prouide for to morrow according as the Scripture speaketh but let the next day bring with it ¶ The nature Otes are dry and somewhat cold of temperature as Galen saith ¶ The vertues Common Otes put into a linnen bag with a little bay salt quilted handsomely for the same purpose and made hot in a frying pan and applied very hot easeth the paine in the side called the stitch or collicke in the belly If Otes be boyled in water and the hands or feet of such as haue the Serpigo or Impetigo that is certaine chaps chinks or rifts in the palmes of the hands or feet a disease of great affinitie with the pocks be holden ouer the fume or smoke thereof in some bowle or other vessell wherein the Otes are put and the Patient 〈◊〉 with blankets to sweat being first annointed with that ointment or vnction vsually applied contra 〈◊〉 Gallicum it doth perfectly cure the same in sixe 〈◊〉 so annointing and sweating Otemeale is good for to make a faire and wel coloured maid to looke like a cake of tallow especially if she take next her 〈◊〉 a good draught of strong vineger after it Otemeale vsed as a 〈◊〉 dries and moderately discusses and that without biting for it hath somewhat a coole temper with some astriction so that it is good against scourings 1 Auena 〈◊〉 Common Otes 2 Auena Nuda Naked Otes CHAP. 55. Of Wilde Otes The description 1 BRomos sterilis called likewise Auena fatua which the Italians do call by a very apt name Vena vana and Auena Cassa in English Barren Otes or wilde Otes hath like leaues and stalkes as our Common Otes but the heads are rougher sharpe many little sharpe huskes making each eare †2 There is also another kinde of Bromos or wilde Otes which Dodoneus calleth Festuca altera not differing from the former wilde Otes in stalkes and leaues but the heads are thicker and more compact each particular eare as I may terme it consisting of two rowes of seed handsomly compact and ioyned together being broader next the straw and narrower as it comes to an end ‡ ¶ The time and place ‡ The first in Iuly and August may be found almost in euery hedge the later is to be found in great plenty in most Rie ¶ The Names 1 This is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Bromos stirilis by Lobell Aegylops prima by Matthiolus in English Wilde-Otes or Hedge-Otes 2 Lobell calls this Bromos sterilis altera Dodonaeus termes it Festuca altera in Brabant they call it Drauich in English Drauke 1 Bromos sterilis Wilde Otes 2 Bromos 〈◊〉 Drauke or small wilde Otes ¶ The Nature and vertues 1 It hath a drying facultie as Dioscorides saith Boile it in water together with the roots vntill two parts of three be consumed then straine it out and adde to the decoction a quantitie of honey equall thereto so boile it vntill it acquire the thicknesse of thin honey This medicine is good against the OZaena and filthy vlcers of the nose dipping a linnen cloth therein and putting it vp into the nosthrils some adde thereto A loes finely poudred and so vse it Also boiled in Wine with dried Rose leaues it is good against a stinking breath ‡ CHAP. 56. Of Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description AEGylops Bromoides Belgarum is a Plant indifferently partaking of the nature of Aegilops and Bromos It is in shew like to the naked Otes The seed is sharpe hairy and somewhat long and of a reddish colour inclosed in yellowish chaffie huskes like as Otes and may be Englished Crested or bearded Otes I haue found it often among Barley and Rie in sundry grounds This is likewise vnprofitable and hurtfull to 〈◊〉 whereof is no mention made by the Antients worthy the noting CHAP. 57. Of Burnt Corne. †Aegilops Bromoides Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description 1 HOrdeum vstum or 〈◊〉 Hordei is that burnt or 〈◊〉 Barley which is altogether vnprofitable and good for nothing an enemy vnto corne for that in stead of an eare with corne there is nothing else but blacke dust which spoileth bread or whatsoeuer is made thereof 2 Burnt Otes or Vstilago Auenae or Auenacea is likewise an vnprofitable Plant degenerating from Otes as the other from Barley Rie and Wheat It were in vaine to make a long haruest of such euill corne considering it is not possessed with one good qualitie And therefore thus much shall suffice for the description 3 Burnt Rie hath no one good property in phisicke appropriate either to man birds or beast and is a hurtfull maladie to all corne where it groweth hauing an eare in shape like to corne but in stead of graine it doth yeeld a blacke pouder or dust which causeth bread to looke blacke and to haue an euill taste and that corne where it is is called smootie corne and the thing it selfe Burnt Corne or blasted corne 1 Hordeum vstum siue 〈◊〉 hordei Burnt Barley 2 Vstilago 〈◊〉 Burnt Otes
Sorgho in Portugal Milium Saburrum in English Turky Mill or Turky Hirsse ‡ This seemes to be the Milium which was brought into Italy out of India in the reigne of the Emperour Nero the which is described by Pliny lib. 18. cap. 7. ‡ ¶ The temperature and vertues The seed of Turky Mill is like vnto Panicke-In taste and temperature The country People sometimes make bread hereof but it is brittle and of little nourishment and for the most part it serueth to fatten hens and pigeons with CHAP. 63. Of Panick 1 Panicum Indicum Indian Panick 2 〈◊〉 Caeruleum Blew Panicke ¶ The kindes THere be sundry sorts of Panicke although of the Antients there haue beene set downe but two that is to say the wilde or field Panicke and the garden or manured Panicke ¶ The descrip tin 1 THe Panick of India groweth vp like Millet whose straw is knotty or full of ioynts the ears be round and hanging downward in which is contained a white or yellowish seed like Canarie seed or Alpisti 2 Blew Panick hath a reddish stalke like to Sugar cane as tall as a man thicker than a finger full of a fungous pith of a pale colour the stalkes be vpright and knotty these that grow neere the root are of a purple colour on the top of the stalk commeth forth a spike or eare like the water Cats Taile but of a blew or purple colour The Seed is like to naked Otes The Roots are very small in respect of the other parts of the plant ‡ 3 Panicum Americanum 〈◊〉 West-Indian Panicke with a very long eare ‡ 3 To these may be added another West-Indian Panicke sent to Clusius from M. Iames 〈◊〉 of London The eare hereof was thicke close compact and made Taper-fashion smaller at the one end than at the other the length thereof was more than a foot halfe The shape of the seed is much like the last described but that many of them together are contained in one hairie huske which is fastned to a very short stalke as you may see represented apart by the side of the figure ‡ 4 Panicum vulgare Common or Germane Panicke 5 Panicum syluestre Wild Panicke 4 Germane Panicke hath many hairy roots growing thicke together like vnto wheat as is all the rest of the plant as well leaues or blades as straw or stalke The eare groweth at the top single not vnlike to Indian Panicke but much lesser The graines are contained in chaffie scales red declining to tawny 5 The wilde Panicke groweth vp with long reeden stalkes full of ioynts set with long leaues like those of Sorghum or Indian Panicke the tuft or feather-like top is like vnto the common reed or the eare of the grasse called Ischaemon or Manna grasse The root is small and threddy ¶ The place and time The kindes of Panick are sowen in the Spring and are ripe in the beginning of August They prosper best in hot and dry Regions and wither for the most part with much watering as doth Mil and Turky wheat they quickly come to ripenesse and may be kept good a long time ¶ The Names Panick is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Diocles the Physition nameth it Mel Frugum the Spaniards Panizo the Latines Panicum of Pannicula in English Indian Panicke or Otemeale ¶ The temperature Panicks nourish little and are driers as Galen saith ¶ The vertues Panicke stoppeth the laske as Millet doth being boyled as Pliny reporteth in Goats milke and drunke twice in a day Outwardly in Pultesses or otherwise it dries and cooles Bread made of Panick nourisheth little and is cold and dry very brittle hauing in it neither clamminesse nor fatnesse and therefore it drieth a moist belly CHAP. 64. Of Canary seed or Pety Panicke 1 Phalaris Canarie seed 2 Phalaris pratensis Quaking grasse ¶ The Description 1 CAnarie seed or Canarie grasse after some hath many small hairy roots from which arise small strawie stalkes ioynted like corne whereupon do grow leaues like those of Barley which the whole plant doth very well resemble The small 〈◊〉 eare groweth at the top of the stalke wherein is contained small seeds like those of Panicke of a yellowish colour and shining 2 Shakers or Quaking Grasse groweth to the height of halfe a foot and sometimes higher when it groweth in fertile medowes The stalke is very small and benty set with many grassie leaues like the common medow grasse bearing at the top a bush or tuft of flat scaly pouches like those of Shepheards purse but thicker of a browne colour set vpon the most small and weake hairy foot stalkes that may be found whereupon those small pouches do hang by meanes of which small hairy strings the knaps which are the floures do continually tremble and shake in such sort that it is not possible with the most stedfast hand to hold it from shaking ‡ 3 There is also another Grassie plant which may fitly be referred to these the leaues and stalkes resemble the last described but the heads are about the length and bredth of a small 〈◊〉 and handsomely compact of light scaly filmes much like thereto whence some haue termed it Gramen Lupuli glumis The colour of this pretty head when it commeth to ripenesse is white ‡ ¶ The place 1 Canarie seed groweth naturally in Spaine and also in the Fortunate or Canary Islands and doth grow in England or any other of these cold Regions if it be sowen therein 3 Phalaris pratensis altera Pearle Grasse 2 Quaking Phalaris groweth in fertile pastures and in dry medowes 3 This growes naturally in some 〈◊〉 of Spaine and it is sowen yearely in many of our London Gardens ¶ The time 1 3 These Canarie seeds are sowen in May and are ripe in August ¶ The Names 1 Canary seed or Canarie corne is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines retaining the same name Phalaris in the Islands of Canarie Alpisti in English Cana rie seed and Canary grasse 2 Phalaris pratensis is called also Gramen tremulum in Cheshire about Nantwich Quakers and Shakers in some places Cow-quakes 3 This by some is termed Phalaris altera Clusius calleth it Gramen Amourettes majus Bauhine Gramen tremulum maximum In English they call it Pearle-Grasse and Garden-Quakers ¶ The Nature and vertues I finde not any thing set downe as touching the temperature of Phalaris notwithstanding it is thought to be of the nature of Millet The iuyce and seed as Galen saith are thought to be profitably drunke against the paines of the bladder Apothecaries for want of Millet doe vse the same with good successe in fomentations for in dry fomentations 〈◊〉 in stead thereof and is his succedaneum or quid pro quo We vse it in England also to feed the Canarie Birds 〈◊〉 Fox-taile CHAP. 65. Of Fox-Taile ¶ The Description 1 FOx-taile hath many grassie leaues or blades rough and hairy like vnto those of
proper Chapters it resteth that in like manner we set forth vnto your view certaine bulbous or Onion-rooted Floure de-luces which in this place do offer themselues vnto our consideration whereof there be also sundry sorts sorted into one chapter as followeth 3 Iris Bulbosa flore vario Changeable Floure de-luce ‡ 4 Iris Bulbosa versicolor Polyclonos Many branched changeable Floure de-luce ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe first of these whose figure here we giue you vnder the name of Iris Bulbosa Latifolia hath leaues somewhat like those of the Day-Lillie soft and somewhat palish greene with the vnder sides somewhat whiter amongst which there riseth vp a stalk bearing at the top thereof a Floure a little in shape different from the formerly described Floure de-luces The colour thereof is blew the number of the leaues whereof it consists nine three of these are little and come out at the bottome of the Floure as soone as it is opened three more are large and being narrow at their bottome become broader by little and little vntill they come to turne downwards whereas then they are shapen somewhat roundish or obtuse In the middest of these there runnes vp a yellow variegated line to the place whereas they bend backe The three other leaues are arched like as in other Floures of this kinde and diuided at their vpper end and containe in them three threads of a whitish blew colour This is called Iris Bulbosa Latifolia by Clusius and Hyacinthus Poetarum Latifolius by Lobell It floures in Ianuarie and Februarie whereas it growes naturally as it doth in diuers places of Portugall and Spaine It is a tender plant and seldome thriues well in our gardens ‡ 2 Onion Floure de-luce hath long narrow blades or leaues crested chamfered or streaked on the backe side as it were welted below somewhat round opening it selfe toward the top yet remaining as it were halfe round whereby it resembleth an hollow trough or gutter In the bottome of the hollownesse it tendeth to whitenesse and among these leaues do rise vp a stalke of a cubit high at the top whereof groweth a faire blew Floure not differing in shape from the common Floure de-luce the which being past there come in the place thereof long thicke cods or seed-vessels wherein is contained yellowish seed of the bignesse of a tare or fitch The root is round like an Onion couered ouer with certaine browne skinnes or filmes Of this kind there are some fiue or six varieties caused by the various colours of the Floures 5 Iris Bulbosa Flore luteo cum flore semine Yellow bulbed Floure de-luce in floure and seed 3 Changeable Floure de-luce hath leaues stalkes and Roots like the former but lesser The Floure hath likewise the forme of the Floure de-luce that is to say it consisteth of sixe greater leaues and three lesser the greater leaues fold backward and hang downward the lesser stand vpright and in the middle of the leaues there riseth vp a yellow welt white about the brimmes and shadowed all ouer with a wash of thinne blew tending to a Watchet colour Toward the stalke they are stripped ouer with a light purple colour and likewise amongst the hollow places of those that stand vpright which cannot be expressed in the figure there is the same faire purple colour the smell and sauour very sweet and pleasant The root is Onion fashion or bulbous like the other ‡ 4 There is also another variegated Floure de-luce much like this last described in the colour of the Floure but each plant produceth more branches and Floures whence it is termed Iris Bulbosa versicolor polyclonos Many-branched changeable Floure de-luce ‡ 5 Of which kinde or sort there is another in my Garden which I receiued from my Brother Iames Garret Apothecarie far more beautifull than the last described the which is dasht ouer in stead of the blew or watchet colour with a most pleasant gold yellow colour of smell exceeding sweet with bulbed roots like those of the other sort 6 It is reported that there is in the garden of the Prince Elector the Lantgraue of Hessen one of this sort or kinde with white Floures the which as yet I haue not seene ‡ Besides these sorts mentioned by our Author there are of the narrow leaued bulbous Floure de-luces some twenty foure or more varieties which in shape of roots leaues and Floures differ very little or almost nothing at all so that he which knows one of these may presently know the rest Wherefore because it is a thing no more pertinent to a generall historie of Plants to insist vpon these accidentall nicities than for him that writes a historie of Beasts to describe all the colours and their mixtures in Horses Dogs and the like I refer such as are desirous to informe themselues of those varieties to such as haue onely and purposely treated of Floures and their diuersities as De-Bry Swerts and our Countreyman M. Parkinson who in his Paradisus terrestris set forth in English Anno 1629. hath iudiciously and exactly comprehended all that hath beene deliuered by others in this nature ‡ ‡ 6 Iris Bulbosa 〈◊〉 cinereo Ash-coloured Floure de 〈◊〉 ‡ 7 Iris Bulbosa flore albido Whitish Floure de-luce ¶ The place The second of these bulbed Floure de-luces growes wilde or of it selfe in the corne fields of the West parts of England as about Bathe and Wells and those places adiacent from whence they were first brought into London where they be naturalised and encrease in great plenty in our London gardens The other sorts do grow naturally in Spaine and Italy wilde from whence we haue had Plants for our London gardens whereof they do greatly abound ¶ The time They floure in Iune and Iuly and seldome after ¶ The Names The Bulbed Floure de-luce is called of Lobelius Iris Bulbosa and also Hyacinthus flore Iridis of some Hyacinthus Poetarum and peraduenture it is the same that Apuleius mentioneth in the one and twentieth Chapter saying That Iris named among the old Writers Hieris may also be called and not vnproperly Hierobulbus or Hieribulbus as though you should say Iris Bulbosa or 〈◊〉 Ireos vnlesse you would haue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 called a greater or larger Bulbe for it is certaine that great and huge things were called of the Antients 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Sacra in English Holy ¶ The nature The nature of these Bulbed Floure de-luces are referred to the kindes of Asphodils ¶ The vertues Take saith Apuleius of the herbe Hierobulbus six Goats suet as much Oile of Alcanna one pound mix them together being first stamped in a stone morter it taketh away the paine of the Gout 〈◊〉 if a woman do vse to wash her face with the decoction of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the meale of Lupines it forthwith cleanseth away the freckles morphew and such like deformities CHAP. 75. Of Spanish Nut. 1 Sisynrichium majus Spanish Nut. ‡ 2 Sisynrichium minus
Small Spanish Nut. 3 Iris Tuberosa Veluet Floure de-luce ¶ The Description 1 SPanish Nut hath small grassie leaues like those of the Starres of Bethlem or Ornithogalum among which riseth vp a small stalke of halfe a foot high garnished with the like leaues but shorter The Floures grow at the top of a skie colour in shape resembling the Floure de-luce or common Iris but the leaues that turne downe are each of them marked with a yellowish spot they fade quickely and being past there succeed small cods with seeds as small as those of Turneps The root is round composed of two bulbes the 〈◊〉 lying vpon the other as those of the Corne flag vsually do and they are couered with a skinne or filme in shape like a Net The Bulbe is sweet in taste and may be eaten before any other bulbed 〈◊〉 2 There is set forth another of this kinde somewhat lesser with Floures that smell sweeter than the former 3 Veluet Floure de-luce hath many long square leaues spongeous or full of pith trailing vpon the ground in shape like to the leaues 〈◊〉 Rushes among which riseth vp a stalke of a foot high bearing at the top a Floure like the Floure de-luce The lower leaues that turne downward are of a perfect blacke colour soft and smooth as is blacke Veluet the blacknesse is welted about with greenish yellow or as wee terme it a Goose-turd greene of which colour the vppermost leaues do consist which being past there followeth a great knob or crested seed vessell of the bignesse of a mans thumbe wherein is contained round white seed as bigge as the Fetch or tare The root consisteth of many knobby bunches like fingers ¶ The place These bastard kindes of Floure de-luces are strangers in England except it be among some few diligent Herbarists in London who haue them in their gardens where they increase exceedingly especially the last described which is said to grow wilde about Constantinople Morea and Greece from whence it hath beene transported into Italy where it hath beene taken for Hermodactylus and by some exprest or set forth in writing vnder the title Hermodactylus whereas in truth it hath no semblance at all with Hermodactylus ¶ The time The wilde or Bastard Floure de-luces do floure from May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names 1 2 These bulbed bastard Floure de-luces which we haue Englished Spanish Nuts are called in Spaine Nozelhas that is little Nuts the lesser sort Parua Nozelha and Macuca wee take it to be that kinde of nourishing Bulbe which is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Pliny Sisynrichium ‡ 3 Some as Vlysses Aldroandus would haue this to be Louchitis Prior of Dioscor Matthiolus makes it Hermodactylius verus or the true Hermodactill Dodonaeus and Lobell more fitly refer it to the Floure de-luces and call it Iris tuberosa ‡ ¶ The Nature and vertues Of these kindes of Floure de-luces there hath beene little or nothing at all left in writing concerning their natures or vertues only the Spanish nut is eaten at the tables of rich and delicious nay vitious persons in sallads or otherwise to procure lust and lecherie CHAP. 76. Of Corne-Flagge 1 Gladiolus Narbonensis French Corne-Flag or Sword-Flag 2 Gladiolus Italicus Italian Corne-Flag or Sword-Flag ‡ 4 Gladiolus Lacustris Water Sword-Flag ¶ The Description 1 FRench Corne-Flagge hath small stiffe leaues ribbed or chamfered with long nerues or sinewes running through the same in shape like those of the small Floure deluce or the blade of a sword sharpe pointed of an ouer-worne greene colour among the which riseth vp a stiffe brittle stalke two cubits high whereupon doe grow in comely order many faire purple Floures gaping like those of Snapdragon or not much differing from the Fox-Gloue called in Latine Digitalis After them come round knobbie seed-vessels full of chaffie seed very light of a browne reddish colour The root consisteth of two Bulbes one set vpon the other the vppermost whereof in the beginning of the Spring 〈◊〉 lesser and more ful of juice the lower greater but more loose and lithie which a little while 〈◊〉 perisheth 2 Italian Corn-Flag hath long narrow leaues with many ribbes or nerues running through the same the stalke is stiffe and brittle whereupon do grow Floures orderly placed vpon one side of the stalke whereas the precedent hath his floures placed on both the sides of the stalke in shape and colour like the former as are also the roots but seldome seene one aboue another as in the former 3 There is a third sort of Corne-Flag which agreeth with the last described in euerie point sauing that the Floures of this are of a pale colour as it were betweene white and that which we call Maidens Blush ‡ 4 This Water Sword-Flag described by 〈◊〉 in his Cur. Post. hath leaues about a span long thicke and hollow with a partition in their middles like as wee see in the cods of StockeGillouers and the like their colour is greene and taste sweet so that they are an acceptable food to the wilde Ducks ducking downe to the bottome of the water for they sometimes lie some ells vnder water which notwithstanding is ouer-topt by the stalke which springs vp from among these leaues and beares Floures of colour white larger than those of Stock-Gillouers but in that hollow part that is next the stalke they are of a blewish colour almost in shape resembling the Floures of the Corne-Flag yet not absolutely like them They consist of fiue leaues whereof the two vppermost are reflected towards the stalke the three other being broader hang downewards After the floures there follow round pointed vessels filled with red seed It floures at the end of Iuly It was found in some places of West-Friseland by Iohn Dortman a learned Apothecary of Groningen It growes inwaters which haue pure grauell at the bottome and that bring forth no plant besides Clusius and Dortman who sent it him call it Gladiolus Lacustris or Stagnalis ‡ ¶ The place These kindes of Corne-Flags grow in medowes and in earable grounds among corne in many places of Italy as also in the parts of France bordering thereunto Neither are the fields of Austria and Morauia without them as Cordus writeth We haue great plenty of them in our London Gardens especially for the garnishing and decking them vp with their seemly Floures ¶ The time They floure from May to the end of Iuly ¶ The Names Corne-Flag is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Gladiolus and of some Ensis of others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Gladiolus Segetalis Theophrastus in his discourse of Phasganum maketh it the same with Xiphion Valerius Cordus calleth Corne-Flag Victorialis foemina others Victorialis rotunda in the Germane Tongue Seigwurtz yet we must make a difference betweene Gladiolus and Victorialis longa for that is a kinde of Garlicke found vpon the highest Alpish mountaines which is likewise called of the Germanes Seigwurtz The Floures of
haue done Of whose temperature and vertues there hath not any thing beene said but kept in gardens to the end aforesaid CHAP. 83. Of two feigned Plants ¶ The Description 1 I Haue thought it conuenient to conclude this historie of the Hyacinths with these two bulbous Plants receiued by tradition from others though generally holden for feigned and adulterine Their pictures I could willingly haue omitted in this historie if the curious eye could elsewhere haue found them drawne and described in our English Tongue but because I finde them in none I will lay them downe here to the end that it may serue for excuse to others who shall come after which list not to describe them being as I said condemned for feined and adulterine nakedly drawne onely And the first of them is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by others Bulbus Bomb cinus 〈◊〉 The description consisteth of these points viz. The floures saith the Author are no lesse strange than wonderfull The leaues and roots are like to those of Hyacinths which hath caused it to occupie this place The floures resemble the Daffodils or Narcissus The whole plant consisteth of a woolly or flockie matter which description with the Picture was sent vnto Dodonaeus by Iohannes Aicholzius It may be that Aicholzius receiued instructions from the Indies of a plant called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which groweth in India whereof Theophrastus and Athenaeus do write in this manner saying The floure is like the Narcissus consisting of a flockie or woolly substance which by him seemeth to be the description of our bombast Iacinth 1 Bulbus Bombicinus Commentitius False bumbaste Iacinth 2 Tigridis flos The floure of Tygris 2 The second feigned picture hath beene taken of the Discouerer and others of later time to be a kinde of Dragons not seene of any that haue written thereof which hath moued them to thinke it a feigned picture likewise notwithstanding you shall receiue the description thereof as it hath come to my hands The root saith my Author is bulbous or Onion fashion outwardly blacke from the which spring vp long leaues sharpe pointed narrow and of a fresh greene colour in the middest of which leaues rise vp naked or bare stalkes at the top whereof groweth a pleasant yellow floure stained with many small red spots here and there confusedly cast abroad and in the middest of the floure thrusteth forth a long red tongue or stile which in time groweth to be the cod or seed-vessell crooked or wreathed wherein is the seed The vertues and temperature are not to be spoken of considering that we assuredly persuade our selues that there are no such plants but meere fictions and deuices as we terme them to giue his friend a gudgeon ‡ Though these two haue beene thought commentitious or feigned yet Bauhinus seemeth to vindicate the latter and Iohn Theodore de Bry in his Florilegium hath set it forth He giues two Figures thereof this which we here giue you being the one but the other is farre more elegant and better resembles a naturall plant The leaues as Bauhine saith are like the sword-flag the root like a leeke the floures according 〈◊〉 De Bries Figure grow sometimes two or three of a stalke the floure consists of two leaues and a long stile or pestill each of these leaues is diuided into three parts the vttermost being broad and large and the innermost much narrower and sharper the tongue or stile that comes forth of the midst of the floure is long and at the end diuided into three crooked forked points All that De Bry saith thereof is this Flos Tigridis rubet egregiè circa medium tamen pallet albusque est maculatus ex Mexico à Casparo Bauhino That is Flos Tigridis is wondrous red yet is it pale and whitish about the middle and also spotted it came from about Mexico I had it from Caspar Bauhine ‡ CHAP. 84. Of Daffodils ¶ The Kindes DAffodill or Narcissus according to Dioscorides is of two sorts the floures of both are white the one hauing in the middle a purple circle or coronet the other with a yellow cup circle or coronet Since whose time there hath been sundry others described as shall be set forth in their proper places 1 Narcissus medio purpureus Purple circled Daffodill ‡ 4 Narcissus medio croceus serotinus Polyanthos The late many floured Daffodill with the Saffron-coloured middle ¶ The Description 1 THe first of the Daffodils is that with the purple crowne or circle hauing small narrow leaues thicke fat and full of slimie juyce among the which riseth vp a naked stalke smooth and hollow of a foot high bearing at the top a faire milk-white floure growing forth of a hood or thinne filme such as the floures of onions are wrapped in in the middest of which floure is a round circle or small coronet of a yellowish colour purfled or bordered about the edge of the said ring or circle with a pleasant purple colour which beeing past there followeth a thicke knob or button wherein is contained blacke round seed The root is white bulbous or Onion fashion 2 The second kinde of Daffodill agreeth with the precedent in euery respect sauing that this Daffodill floureth in the beginning of Februarie and the other not vntill Aprill and is somewhat lesser It is called Narcissus medio purpureus praecox That is Timely purple ringed Daffodill The next may haue the addition praecocior More timely and the last in place but first in time praecocissimus Most timely or very early flouring Daffodill ‡ 5 Narcissus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flore pleno Double floured 〈◊〉 circled Daffodill 6 Narcissus minor serotinus The late flouring small Daffodill 7 Narcissus medioluteus Primrose Pearles or the common white Daffodill 8 Narcissus medioluteus polyanthos French Daffodill 9 Narcissus Pisanus Italian Daffodill 10 Narcissus albus multiplex The double white Daffodill of Constantinople ‡ 11 Narcissus flore pleno 〈◊〉 The other double white Daffodill ‡ 12 Narcissus flore pleno medio luteo Double white Daffodil with the middle yellow 3 The third kind of Daffodil with the pnrple ring or circle in the middle hath many small narrow leaues very flat crookedly bending toward the top among which riseth vp a slender bare stalke at whose top doth grow a faire and pleasant floure like vnto those before described but lesser and floureth sooner wherein consisteth the difference ‡ There is also another somewhat lesse and flouring somewhat earlier than the last described 4 This in roots leaues and stalkes differeth very little from the last mentioned kindes but it beares many floures vpon one stalke the out-leaues being like the former white but the cup or ring in the middle of a saffron colour with diuers yellow threds contained therein 5 To these may be added another mentioned by Clusius which differs from these onely in the floures for this hath floures consisting of six large leaues fairely spread abroad within which are other
and leuen of rie bread hastneth to maturation hard impostumes which are not easily brought to ripenesse Being stamped with the meale of Darnell and honey it draweth forth thornes and stubs out of any part of the body The root by the experiment of Apuleius stamped and strained and giuen in drinke helpeth the cough and collicke and those that be entred into a ptisicke The roots whether they be eaten or drunken do moue vomit and being mingled with Vineger and nettle seed taketh away lentiles and spots in the face CHAP. 85. Of the Bastard Daffodill ¶ The Description 1 THe double yellow Daffodill hath small smooth narrow leaues of a darke greene colour among which riseth vp a naked hollow stalke of two hands high bearing at the top a faire and beautifull yellow floure of a pleasant sweet smell it sheddeth his floure but there followeth no seed at all as it hapneth in many other double floures The root is small bulbous or onion fashion like vnto the other Daffodils but much smaller 2 The common yellow Daffodill or Daffodowndilly is so well knowne to all that it needeth no description 3 We haue in our London gardens another sort of this common kind which naturally groweth in Spaine very like vnto our best knowne Daffodill in shape and proportion but altogether fairer greater and lasteth longer before the floure doth fall or fade ‡ 4 This hath leaues and roots like the last described but somewhat lesse the floure also is in shape not vnlike that of the precedent but lesse growing vpon a weake slender greene stalke of some fingers length the seed is contained in three cornered yet almost round heads The root is small bulbous and blacke on the outside 5 This hath a longish bulbous root somwhat blacke on the outside from which rise vp leaues not so long nor broad as those of the last described in the midst of these leaues springs vp a stalk slender and some halfe foot in height at the top of which forth of a whitish filme breakes forth a floure like in shape to the common Daffodill but lesse and wholly white with the brim of the cup welted about It floures in Aprill and ripens the seeds in Iune ‡ ¶ The Place The double yellow Daffodill I receiued from Robinus of Paris which he procured by meanes of friends from Orleance and other parts of France 1 Pseudonarcissus luteus multiplex Double yellow Daffodill 2 Pseudonarcissus Anglicus Common yellow Daffodill ‡ 3 Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus The Spanish yellow Daffodill ‡ 4 Pseudonarcissus minor Hispanicus The lesser Spanish Daffodill ‡ 5 Pseudonarcissus albo flore White Bastard Daffodill The yellow English Daffodill groweth almost euerie where through England The yellow Spanish Daffodill doth likewise decke vp our London Gardens where they increase infinitely ¶ The time The double Daffodill sendeth forth his leaues in the beginning of Februarie and his floures in Aprill ¶ The Names The first is called Pseudonarcissus multiplex and Narcissus luteus Polyanthos in English the double yellow Daffodill or Narcissus The common sort are called in Dutch Geel Sporckel bloemen in English yellow Daffodill Daffodilly and Daffodowndilly ¶ The Temperature The temperature is referred vnto the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues Touching the vertues hereof it is found out by experiment of some of the later Physitians that the decoction of the roots of this yellow Daffodill do purge by siege tough and flegmaticke humors and also waterish and is good for them that are full of raw humors especially if there be added thereto a little anise seed and ginger which will correct the churlish hardnesse of the working The distilled water of Daffodils doth cure the Palsie if the Patient be bathed and rubbed with the sayd liquor by the fire It hath beene proued by an especiall and trusty Friend of myne a man learned and a diligent searcher of nature M. Nicholas Belson sometimes of Kings Colledge in 〈◊〉 CHAP. 86. Of diuers other Daffodils or Narcisses ‡ THere are besides the forementioned sorts of Daffodils sundry others some of which may be referred to them other some not I do not intend an exact enumeration of them it being a thing not so fitting for a historie of Plants as for a Florilegie or booke of floures Now those that require all their figures and more exact descriptions may finde satisfaction in the late Worke of my kinde friend M. Iohn Parkinson which is intitled Paradisus terrestris for in other Florilegies as in that of De Bry Swertz c. you haue barely the names and figures but in this are both figures and an exact historie or declaration of them Therefore I in this place will but onely briefely describe and name some of the rarest that are preserued in our choice gardens and a few others whereof yet they are not possest ¶ The Descriptions 1 The first of these which for the largenesse is called Nonpareille hath long broad leaues and roots like the other Daffodils The floure consists of six very large leaues of a pale yellow colour with a very large cup but not very long this cup is yellower than the incompassing leaues narrower also at the bottome than at the top and vneuenly cut about the edges This is called Narcissus omnium maximus or Non pareille the figure well expresseth the floure but that it is somewhat too little There is a varietie of this with the open leaues cup both yellow which makes the difference There is also another Non pareille whose floures are all white and the six leaues that stand spred abroad are vsually a little folded or turned in at their ends 2 Besides these former there are foure or fiue double yellow Daffodils which I cannot passe ouer in silence the first is that which is vulgarly amongst Florists knowne by the name of Robines Narcisse and it may be was the same our Author in the precedent chapter mentions he receiued from Robine but he giuing the figure of another and a description not well 〈◊〉 this I can affirme nothing of certaintie This double Narcisse of Robine growes with a stalke 〈◊〉 foot in height and the floure is very double of a pale yellow colour and it seemes commonly to 〈◊〉 it selfe into some six partitions the leaues of the floure lying one vpon another euen to the middle of the floure This may be called Narcissus pallidus multiplex Robini Robines double pale Narcisse ‡ 1 Narcissus omnium maximus The 〈◊〉 Daffodill ‡ 3 Pseudonarcissus flore pleno The double yellow Daffodill 3 The next to this is that which from our Author the first obseruer thereof is vulgarly called Gerrards Narcisse the leaues and root do not much differ from the ordinarie Daffodill the stalk is scarce a foot high bearing at the top thereof a floure very double the sixe outmost leaues are of the same yellow colour as the ordinarie one is those that are next are commonly as deepe as the tube or trunke of the single one and
amongst them are mixed also other paler coloured leaues with some green stripes here there among those leaues these floures are somtimes all contained in a trunk like that of the single one the sixe out-leaues excepted other whiles this inclosure is is broke and then the floure stands faire open like as that of the last described Lobel in the second part of his Aduersaria tells That our Author Master Gerrard found this in Wiltshire growing in the garden of a poore old woman in which place formerly a Cunning man as they vulgarly terme him had dwelt This may be called in Latine according to the English Narcissus multiplex Gerardi Gerrards double Narcisse The figure we here giue you is expressed somewhat too tall and the floure is not altogether so double as it ought to be 4 There are also two or three double yellow Daffodils yet remaining The first of these is called Wilmots Narcisse from Master Wilmot late of Bow and this hath a very faire double large yellow floure composed of deeper and paler yellow leaues orderly mixed The second which is called Tradescants Narcisse from Master Iohn Tradescant of South-Lambeth is the largest and 〈◊〉 of all the rest in the largenesse of the 〈◊〉 it exceeds Wilmots which otherwise it much resembles some of the leaues whereof the floure consists are sharp pointed and these are of a paler colour other some are much more obtuse and these are of a deeper and fairer yellow This may be called Narcissus Roseus Tradescanti Tradescants Rose Daffodill The third M. Parkinson challengeth to himselfe which is a floure to be respected not so much for the beautie as for the various composure thereof for some of the leaues are long and sharpe pointed others obtuse and curled a third sort long and narrow and vsually some few hollow and in shape resembling a horne the vtmost leaues are commonly streaked and of a yellowish green the next to them fold themselues vp ronnd and are vsually yellow yet sometimes they are edged with greene There is a deepe yellow pestill diuided into three parts vsually in the midst of this floure It floures in the end of March I vsually before M. Parkinson set forth his Florilegie or garden of floures called this floure Narcissus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by reason of its various shape and colour but since I thinke it fitter to giue it to the Author and terme it Narcissus multiplex varius Parkinsoni Parkinsons various double Narcisse ‡ 5 Narcissus Iacobaeus Indicus The Indian or Iacobaean Narcisse ‡ 6 Narcissus juncifolius montanus minimus The least Rush-leaued Mountaine Narcisse 5 Now come I to treat of some more rarely to be found in our gardens if at all That which takes the first place is by Clusius called Narcissus Iacobaeus Indicus the Indian or Iacobaean Narcisse The root hereof is much like to an ordinarie onion the leaues are broad like the other Narcisses the stalke is smooth round hollow and without knots at the top whereof out of a certaine skinny huske comes forth a faire red floure like that of the flouring Indian reed but that the leaues of this are somewhat larger and it hath six chiues or threds in the middle thereof of the same colour as the floure and they are adorned with brownish pendants in the midst of these there stands a little farther out than the rest a three forked stile vnder which succeeds a triangular head after the falling of the floure This giues his floure in Iune or Iuly 6 This Lobell calls Narcissus montanus juncifolius minimus The least Rush-leaued mountaine Narcisse The leaues of this are like the Iunquilia the stalke is short the floure yellow with the six winged leaues small and paler coloured the cup open and large to the bignesse of the floure 7 This also is much like the former but the six incompassing leaues are of a greenish faint yellow colour the cup is indented or vnequally curled about the edges but yellow like the precedent Lobell calls this Narcissus montanus juncifolius flore 〈◊〉 The mountaine Rush-leaued Narcisse with an indented or curled cup. ‡ 7 Narcissus montanus juncifolius flore fimbriato The mountaine Rush leaued Narcisse with an indented or curled cup. ‡ 8 Narcissus omnium minimus montanus albus The least mountaine white Narcisse 8 The leaues of this are as small as the Autumne Iacinth the stalke some handfull high and the floure like the last described but it is of a whitish colour Lobell calls this last described Narcissus omnium minimus montanus albus The least mountaine white Narcisse These three last vsually floure in Februarie ‡ CHAP. 87. Of Tulipa or the Dalmatian Cap. ¶ The Kindes TVlipa or the Dalmatian Cap is a strange and forreine floure one of the number of thebul bed floures whereof there be sundry sorts some greater some lesser with which all studious and painefull Herbarists desire to be better acquainted because of that excellent diuersitie of most braue floures which it 〈◊〉 Of this there be two chiefe and generall kindes viz. Praecex and Serotina the one doth beare his floures timely the other later To these two we will adde another sort called Media flouring betweene both the others And from these three sorts as from their heads all other kindes do proceed which are almost infinite in number Notwithstanding my louing friend M. Iames Garret a curious searcher of Simples and learned Apothecary of London hath vndertaken to finde out if it were possible the infinite sorts by diligent sowing of their seeds and by planting those of his owne propagation and by others receiued from his Friends 1 Tulipa Bononie nsis Italian Tulipa 2 Tulipa Narbonensis French Tulipa 3 Tulipa praecox tota lutea Timely flouring Tulipa 4 Tulipa Coccinea serotina Late flouring Tulipa 5 Tulipa media sanguinea albis oris Apple bloome Tulipa 6 Tulipa Candida suaue 〈◊〉 oris Blush coloured Tulipa 7 Tulipa bulbifera Bulbous stalked Tulipa ‡ 8 Tulipa sanguinea luteo fundo The bloud-red Tulip with a yellow bottome beyond the seas for the space of twenty yeares not being yet able to attaine to the end of his trauell for that each new yeare bringeth forth new plants of sundry colours not before seene all which to describe particularly were to roll Sisiphus stone or number the sands So that it shall suffice to speake of and describe a few referring the rest to some that meane to write of Tulipa a particular volume ‡ 9 Tulipa purpurea The purple Tulip ‡ 10 Tulipa rubra amethistina The bright red Tulip ¶ The Description 1 THe Tulipa of Bolonia hath fat thicke and grosse leaues hollow furrowed or chanelled bending a little backward and as it were folded together which at their first comming vp seeme to be of a reddish colour and being throughly growne turne into a whitish greene In the middest of those leaues riseth vp a naked fat stalke a foot high or something more on the top
the three inner leaues are of a reddish purple the three out leaues are either wholly white or purplish on the middle in the inside or streaked with faire purple veins or spotted with such coloured spots all the leaues of the floure are blunter and rounder than in the common kinde 11 This in leaues roots manner and time of growing as also in the colour of the floures differs not from the first described but the floures as you may perceiue by the figure here expressed are very double and consist of many leaues ‡ 5 Colchicum montanum 〈◊〉 versicolore flore The lesser mountaine Saffron with a various coloured floure 6 Colchicum Illyricum Greeke medow Saffron 12 This Colchicum differs little from the first ordinarie one butthat the floures are somewhat lesse and the three out-leaues are somwhat bigger than the three inner leaues the colour is a little deeper also than that of the common one but that wherein the principall difference consists is That this floures twice in a yeare to wit in the Spring and Autumne and hence Clusius hath called it Colchicum biflorum Twice-flouring Mede Saffron 13 This also in the shape of the root and leaues is not much different from the ordinary but the leaues of the floure are longer and narrower the colour also when they begin to open and shew themselues is white but shortly after they are changed into a light purple each leafe of the floure hath a white thread tipt with yellow growing out of it and in the middle stands a white three forked one longer than the rest The floure growes vp between three or foure leaues narrower than those of the ordinarie one and broader than those of the small Spanish kinde Clusius to whom we are beholden for this as also for most of the rest calls it Colchicum vernum or Spring Mede-Saffron because it then floures together with the Spring Saffrons and Dogs Tooth 7 Colchicum Syriacum Alexandrinum Assyrian Mede Saffron 15 I giue you here in this place the true Hermodactill of the shops which probably by all is adiudged to this Tribe though none can certainly say what floures or leaues it beares the Roots are onely brought to vs and from what place I cannot tell yet I coniecture from some part of Syria or the adiacent countries Now how hard it is to iudge of Plants by one part or particle I shall shew you more at large when I come to treat of Pistolochia wherefore I will say nothing thereof in this place These roots which wanting the maligne qualitie of Colchicum either of their owne nature or by drinesse are commonly about the bignesse of a Chesnut smooth flattish and sharpe at the one end but somewhat full at the other and on the one side there is a little channell or hollownesse as is in the roots of Mede-Saffron where the stalke of the floure comes vp Their colour is either white browne or blackish on the outside and very white within but those are the best that are white both without and within and may easily be made into a fine white meale or pouder ‡ 8 Colchicum parvum montanum luteum Yellow mountaine Saffron ¶ The Place Medow Saffron or Colchicum groweth in Messinia and in the Isle of Colchis whereof it tooke his name The titles of the rest do set forth their natiue countries notwithstanding our London gardens are possessed with the most part of them The two first do grow in England in great aboundance in fat and fertile medowes as about Vilford and Bathe as also in the medowes neere to a small village in the West part of England called Shepton Mallet in the medowes about Bristoll in Kingstroppe medow neere vnto a Water-mill as you go from Northampton to Holmeby House vpon the right hand of the way and likewise in great plenty in Nobottle wood two miles from the said towne of Northampton and many other places ‡ The rest for the most part may be 〈◊〉 in the gardens of the Florists among vs. ‡ ‡ 9 Colchicum latifolium Broad leaued Mede Saffron ‡ 10 Colchicum ver sicolore flore Party-coloured Mede Saffron ¶ The Time The leaues of all the kindes of Mede-Saffron do begin to shew themselues in Februarie The seed is ripe in Iune The leaues stalkes and seed do perish in Iuly and their pleasant floures doe come forth of the ground in September ¶ The Names ‡ 11 Colchicum flore pleno Double floured Mede-Saffron ‡ 12 Colchicum biflorum Twice-flouring Mede-Saffron ‡ 13 Colchicumvernum Spring Mede-Saffron ‡ 14 Colchicum variegatum Chiense Checquered Mede Saffron of Chio. ‡ 15 Hermodactyli Officinarum The true Hermodactyls of the shops ‡ Our Author in this chapter was of many mindes for first in the deseription of Colchicum Anglicum being the second hee reproues such as make that white floured Colchicum the true Hermodactyl Then in the description of the eighth he hath these words which being omitted in that place I here set downe Of all these kindes saith he of Medow Saffrons it hath not beene certainly knowne which hath been the true Hermodactyll notwithstanding wee haue certaine knowledge that the Illyrian Colchicum is the Physicall Hermodactyll Yet when he comes to speake of the names after that out of Dodonaeus he had set downe the truth in these words But notwithstanding that Hermodactyll which we do vse in compound medicines differeth from this to wit Colchicum in many notable points for that the true Hermodactyll hath a bulbe or round root which being dried continueth very white within and without not wrinkled at all but full and smooth of a meane hardnesse and that he had out of the same Authour alledged the words of Valerius Cordus and Auicen which are here omitted he concludes contrarie to the truth his first admonition and second assertion That the white Medow Saffron which we haue in the West part of England growing especially about Shepton Mallet is the Hermodactyll vsed in shops Those we haue in shops seeme to be the Hermodactyls of Paulus 〈◊〉 yet not those of Nicholaus and Actuarius which were cordial and increasers of sperme the which the Authors of the Aduersaria pag. 55. thinke to be the Behen album rubrum of the Arabians And to these vnknowne ones are the vertues set downe by our Author in the third place vnder C to be referred ‡ ¶ The Temperature Medow Saffron is hot and dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues of Hermodactyls The roots of Hermodactyls are of force to purge and are properly giuen saith Paulus to those that haue the Gout euen then when the humors are in flowing And they are also hurtful to the stomacke The same stamped and mixed with the whites of egges barley meale and crums of bread and applied plaisterwise ease the paine of the Gout swellings and aches about the ioynts The same strengthneth nourisheth and maketh good iuyce encreaseth sperme or naturall seed and is also good to cleanse vlcers or rotten sores ¶ The correction
hurtfull to the eyes and braine They cause troublesome dreames and worke all the effects that the Leeke doth The Vine-leeke or Ampeloprason prouoketh vrine mightily and bringeth downe the floures It cureth the bitings of venomous beasts as Dioscorides writeth CHAP. 97. Of Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 THe bulbe or head of Garlicke is couered with most thinne skinnes or filmes of a very lightwhite purple colour consisting of many cloues seuered one from another vnder which in the ground below groweth a tassell of threddy fibres it hath long greene leaues like those of the Leeke among which riseth vp a stalke at the end of the second or third yeare whereupon doth grow a tuft of floures couered with a white skinne in which being broken when it is ripe appeareth round blacke seeds ‡ 2 There is also another Garlicke which growes wilde in some places of Germanie and France which in shape much resembles the ordinarie but the cloues of the roots are smaller and redder The floure is also of a more duskie and darke colour than the ordinarie ‡ ¶ The Place and Times Garlick is seldome sowne of seed but planted in gardens of the small cloues in Nouember and December and sometimes in Februarie and March ¶ The Names It is called in Latine 〈◊〉 in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Apothecaries keepe the Latine name the Germanes call it 〈◊〉 the Low Dutch Look the Spaniards Aios Alho the Italians Aglio the French 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 the Bohemians Czesnek the English Garlicke and poore mans Treacle ¶ The Temperature Garlicke is very sharpe hot and dry as Galen saith in the fourth degree and exulcerateth the skinne by raising blisters ¶ The Vertues Being eaten it heateth the body extremely attenuateth and maketh thinne thicke and grosse humors cutteth such as are tough and clammy digesteth and consumeth them also openeth obstructions is an enemie to all cold poysons and to the bitings of venomous beasts and therefore Galen nameth it Theriaca Rusticorum or the husbaudmans Treacle It yeeldeth to the body no nourishment at all it ingendreth naughty and sharpe bloud 〈◊〉 such as are of a hot complexion must especially abstaine from it But if it be boyled in water vntill such time as it hath lost his sharpenesse it is the lesse forcible and retaineth no longer his euill iuyce as Galen saith It taketh away the roughnesse of the throat it helpeth an old cough it prouoketh vrine it breaketh and consumeth winde and is also a remedie for the Dropsie which procceedeth of a cold cause It killeth wormes in the belly and driueth them forth The milke also wherein it hath beene sodden is giuen to yong children with good successe against the wormes 1 Allium Garlicke ‡ 2 Allium syluestre rubentibus nucleis Wilde Garlicke with red cloues It helpeth a very cold stomacke and is a preseruatiue against the contagious and pestilent aire The decoction of Garlick vsed for a bath to sit ouer bringeth downe the floures and secondines or after-burthen as Dioscorides saith It taketh away the morphew tetters or ring-wormes scabbed heads in children dandraffe and scurfe tempered with honey and the parts anointed therewith With Fig leaues and Cumin it is laid on against the bitings of the Mouse called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English a Shrew CHAP. 98. Of Crow-Garlicke and Ramsons ¶ The Description 1 THe wilde Garlicke or Crow-garlicke hath small tough leaues like vnto rushes smooth and hollow within among which groweth vp a naked stalke round slipperie hard and sound on the top whereof after the floures be gone grow little seeds made vp in a round cluster like small kernels hauing the smell and taste of Garlick In stead of a root there is a bulbe or round head without any cloues at all 2 Ramsons do send forth two or three broad longish leaues sharpe pointed smooth and of a light greene colour The stalke is a span high smooth and slender bearing at the top a cluster of white star-fashioned floures In stead of a root it hath a long slender bulbe which sendeth downe a multitude of strings and is couered with skinnes or thicke coats †1 Allium syluestre Crow Garlicke 2 Allium vrsinum Ramsons ¶ The Time They spring vp in Aprill and May. Their seed is ripe in August ¶ The Place The Crow Garlicke groweth in fertile pastures in all parts of England I found it in great plentie in the fields called the Mantels on the backside of Islington by London Ramsons grow in the Woods and borders of fields vnder hedges among the bushes I found it in the next field vnto Boobies barne vnder that hedge that bordereth vpon the lane and also vpon the left hand vnder an hedge adioyning to a lane that leadeth to Hampsted both places neere London ¶ The Names Both of them be wilde Garlicke and may be called in Latine Alliua syluestria in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The first by 〈◊〉 and Lobell is called Allium syluestretenuifolium Ramsons are named of the later practioners Allium Vrsinum or Beares Garlicke Allium latifolium and Moly Hippocraticum in English Ramsons Ramsies and Buckrams ¶ The Nature The temperatures of these wilde Garlickes are referred vnto those of the gardens ¶ The Vertues Wilde Garlicke or Crow-Garlicke as Galen saith is stronger and of more force than the garden Garlicke The leaues of Ramsons be stamped and eaten of diuers in the Low-countries with fish for a sauce euen as we do eate greene-sauce made with sorrell The same leaues may very well be eaten in April and May with butter of such as are of a strong constitution and labouring men The distilled water drunke breaketh the stone and driueth it forth and prouoketh vrine CHAP. 99. Of Mountaine Garlicks 1 Scorodoprasum Great mountaine Garlicke ‡ 2 Scorodoprasum primum Clusij Clusius his great mountaine Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 2 THe great Mountaine Garlicke hath long and broad leaues like those of Leekes but much greater and longer embracing or clasping about a great thicke stalke soft and full of juyce bigger than a mans finger and 〈◊〉 toward the top vpon which is set a great head bigger than a tennise ball couered with a skinne after the manner of an Onion The skinne when it commeth to perfection breaketh and discouereth a great multitude of whitish floures which being past blacke seeds follow inclosed in a three cornered huske The root is 〈◊〉 of the bignesse of a great Onion The whole plant smelleth very strong like vnto Garlicke and is in shew a Leeke whereupon it was called Scorodoprasum as if we should say Garlicke Leeke participating of the Leeke and Garlicke or rather a degenerate Garlicke growne monstrous ‡ I cannot certainely determine what difference there may be betweene the 〈◊〉 expressed by the first figure which is our Authors and the second figure which is taken out of Clusius Now the historie which Clusius giues vs to the second the same is out of him giuen by our Author to the
‡ The small sort I haue had many yeares growing in my garden but the greater I haue not had till of late giuen me by my louing friend M. Iames Garret Apothecarie of London ¶ The Time These Lillies of the mountaine floure at such time as the common white Lilly doth and sometimes sooner ¶ The Names The great mountaine Lilly is called of Tabernamontanus Lilium Saracenicum receiued by Master Garret aforesaid from Lisle in Flanders by the name of Martagon Imperiale of some Lilium Saracenicum mas It is Hemerocallis flore rubello of Lobel The small mountaine Lilly is called in Latine Lilium montanum and Lilium syluestre of Dodonaeus Hemerocallis of others Martagon but neither truly for that there is of either other Plants properly called by the same names In high Dutch it is called Goldwurtz from the yellownesse of the roots in low Dutch Lilikens van Caluarien in Spanish Lirio Amarillo in French Lys Sauvage in English Mountaine Lilly ¶ The Nature and Vertues There hath not beene any thing left in writing either of the nature or vertues of these plants notwithstanding we may deeme that God which gaue them such seemely and beautifull shape hath not left them without their peculiar vertues the finding out whereof we leaue to the learned and industrious Searcher of Nature CHAP. 105. Of the Red Lillie of Constantinople 1 Lilium Bizantinum The red Lilly of Constantinople ‡ 2 Lilium Byzantinum flo purpuro sanguineo The Byzantine purplish sanguine-coloured Lilly ¶ The Description 1 THe red Lilly of Constantinople hath a yellow scaly or cloued Root like vnto the Mountaine Lilly but greater from the which ariseth vp a faire fat stalke a finger thicke of a darke purplish colour toward the top which sometimes doth turne from his naturall roundnesse into a flat forme like as doth the great mountaine Lilly vpon which stalk grow sundry faire and most beautifull floures in shape like those of the mountaine Lilly but of greater beauty seeming as it were framed of red wax tending to a red leade colour From the middle of the floure commeth forth a tender pointall or pestell and likewise many small chiues tipped with loose pendants The floure is of a reasonable pleasant sauour The leaues are confusedly set about the stalke like those of the white Lilly but broader and shorter ‡ 2 This hath a large Lilly-like root from which ariseth a stalke some cubit or more in height set confusedly with leaues like the precedent The floures also resemble those of the last described but vsually are more in number and they are of a purplish sanguine colour ‡ 3 Lilium Byzantinum flo dilute rubente The light red Byzantine Lilly ‡ 4 Lilium Byzantinum miniatum polyanthos The Vermilion Byzantine many-floured Lilly 3 This differs little from the last but in the colour of the floures which are of a lighter red colour than those of the first described The leaues and stalkes also as Clusius obserueth are of a lighter greene 4 This may also more fitly be termed a varietie from the former than otherwise for according to Clusius the difference is onely in this that the floures grow equally from the top of the stalke and the middle floure rises higher than any of the rest and sometimes consists of twelue leaues as it were a twinne as you may perceiue by the figure ‡ ¶ The Time They floure and 〈◊〉 with the other Lillies ¶ The Names The Lilly of Constantinople is called likewise in England Martagon of Constantinople of Lobel Hemerocallis Chalcedonica and likewise Lilium Bizantinum of the Turks it is called Zufiniare of the Venetians Marocali ¶ The Nature and Vertues Of the nature or vertues there is not any thing as yet set down but it is esteemed especially for the beautie and rarenesse of the floure referring what may be gathered hereof to a further consideration ‡ CHAP. 106. Of the narrow leaued reflex Lillies ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe root of this is not much vnlike that of other Lillies the stalke is some cubit high or better the leaues are many and narrow and of a darker green than those of the ordinarie Lilly the floures are reflex like those treated of in the last chap. of a red or Vermilion colour This floures in the end of May wherefore Clùsius calls it Lilium rubrum praecox The early red Lilly ‡ 1 Lilium rubrum angustifolium The red narrow leaued Lilly ‡ 3 Lilium mont flore flauo punctato The yellow mountaine Lilly with the spotted floure 2 This Plant is much more beautiful than the last described the roots are like those of Lillies the stalke some cubit and an halfe in height being thicke set with small grassie leaues The floures grow out one aboue another in shape and colour like those of the last described but ofrtimes are more in number so that some one stalke hath borne some 48 floures The root is much like the former ‡ 4 Lilium mont flore flauo non punctato The yellow Mountaine Lilly with the vnspotted floure 3 This in roots is like those afore described the stalke is some 2 cubits high set confusedly with long narrow leaues with three conspicuous nerues running alongst them The floures are at first pale coloured afterwards yellow consisting of six leaues bended backe to their stalkes marked with blackish purple spots 4 There is also another differing from the last described onely in that the floure is not spotted as that of the former ¶ The Place These Lillies are thought Natiues of the Pyrenean mountaines and of late yeares are become Denizons in some of our English gardens ¶ The Time The first as I haue said floures in the end of May the rest in Iune ¶ The Names 1 This is called by Clusius Lilium rubrum praecox 2 Clusius names this Lilium rubrum praecox 3. angustifolium Lobel stiles it Hemerocallis Macedonica and Martagon Pomponeum 3 This is Lilium slauo flore maculis distinctum of Clusius and Lilium montanum flauo 〈◊〉 of Lobel 4 This being a varietie of the last is called by Clusius Lilium flauo flore maculis 〈◊〉 distinctum ¶ The Temper and Vertues These in all likelihood cannot much differ from the temper and vertues of other Lillies which in all their parts they so much resemble ‡ CHAP. 107. Of the Persian Lilly ¶ The Description THe Persian Lilly hath for his root a great white bulbe differing in shape from the other Lillies hauing one great bulbe firme or solid full of juyce which commonly each yeare setteth off or encreaseth one other bulbe and sometimes more which the next yeare after is taken from the mother root and so bringeth forth such floures as the old plant did From this root riseth vp a fat thicke and straight stemme of two cubits high whereupon is placed long narrow leaues of a greene colour declining to blewnes as doth those of the woade The floures grow alongst the naked part of the stalke like
to them other two being by most Writers adiudged to be of the same Tribe or kindred The vertues of 〈◊〉 first were by our Author out of Dodonaeus formerly put to the Thlaspi Candiae Chapter 20. from whence I haue brought them to their proper place in the end of this present Chapter ¶ The Description †1 The first hath crested slender yet firme stalkes of some foot long which are set with leaues of some inch in length broad at the setting on sinuated about the edges and sharpe pointed their colour is a whitish greene and taste acride the leaues that are at the bottome of the stalke are many and larger The tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches of an vnequall length and sustain many floures each whereof consists of soure litle white leaues so that together they much resemble the vmbell of the Elder when it is in floure Little swolne seed vessels diuided into two cells follow the fading floures the seed is whitish about the bignesse of millet the root also is white slender and creeping †2 This hath creeping roots from which arise many branches lying vpon the ground here and there taking root also the leaues which vpon the lower branches are many are in forme and colour much like those of the last described but-lesse and somewhat suipt about the edges The stalkes are about a handfull high or somewhat more round greene and hairy hauing some leaues growing vpon them The floures grow spoke fashion at the top of the stalkes white and consisting of foure leaues which fallen there follow cods conteining a small red seed 1 Draba Dioscoridis Turkie Cresses ‡ 2 Draba prima repens The first creeping Cresse 3 From a small and creeping root rise vp many shootes which while they are young haue many thicke juicy and darke greene leaues rose fashion adorning their tops out of the middest of which spring out many slender stalkes of some foot high which at certain spaces are encompassed as it were with leaues somewhat lesser then the former yet broader at the bottome the floures cods and seed are like the last mentioned 4 There is a plant also by some refer'd to this Classis and I for some reasons thinke good to make mention thereof in this place It hath a strong and very long root of colour whitish and of as sharpe a taste as Cresses the stalkes are many and oft times exceed the height of a man yet slender and towards their tops diuided into some branches which make no vmbell but carry their floures dispersed which consist of foure small yellow leaues after the floure is past there follow long slender cods conteining a small yellowish acride seed The leaues which adorne this plant are long sharpe pointed and snipt about the edges somewhat like those of Saracens Confound but that these towards the top are more vnequally cut in ‡ 3 Draba altera repens The other creeping Cresse ¶ The Time The first of these floures in May and the beginning of Iune The 2 and 3 in Aprill The fourth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Place None of these that I know of are found naturally growing in this kingdome 〈◊〉 last excepted which I thinke may be sound in some places ¶ The Names 1 This by a generall consent of 〈◊〉 Anguillara Lobell c. is iudged to be the Arabis or Draba of the Ancients 2 Draba alter a of Clusius 3 Draba tertia succulento folio of Clusius Eruca Muralis of Daleschampius 4 This by Camerarius is set forth vnder the name of Arabis quorundam and he affirmes in his Hor. Med. that he had it outof 〈◊〉 vnder the name of Solidago The which is very likely for without doubt this is the very plant that our Author mistooke for Solidago 〈◊〉 for he bewraies himselfe in the Chapter of Epimedium whereas he saith it hath cods like Sarraccens Consound when as both he and all other giue no cods at all to Sarracens Consound My very good friend Mr. Iohn Goodyer was the first I thinke that obserued this mistake in our Author for which his obseruation together with some others formerly and hereafter to be remembred I acknowledge my selfe beholden to him ¶ The Vertues attributed to the first 1 Dioscorides saith that they vse to eate the dryed seed of this herbe with meate as we do pepper especially in Cappadocia They vse likewise to boyle the herbe with the decoction of barly called Ptisana which being so boiled concocteth and bringeth forth of the chest tough and raw flegme which sticketh therein The rest are hot and come neere to the vertues of the precedent ‡ CHAP. 25. Of Shepheards-purse ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of Shepheards purse grow vp at the first long gashed in the edges like those of Rocket spred vpon the ground from these spring vp very many little weake stalks diuided into sundry branches with like leaues growing on them but lesser at the top whereof are orderly placed small white floures after these come vp little seed vessels flat and cornered narrow at the stem like to a certaine little pouch or purse in which lieth the seed The root is white not without strings ‡ There in another of this kinde with leaues not sinuated or cut in ‡ 2 The small Shepheards purse commeth forth of the ground like the Cuckow floure which I haue Englished Ladie-smockes hauing small leaues deepely indented about the edges among which rise vp many small tender stalkes with floures at the top as it were chasse The huskes and seed is like the other before mentioned ¶ The Place These herbes do grow of themselues for the most part neere common high waies in 〈◊〉 and vntilled places among rubbish and old walls 1 Bursa Pastoris Shepheards purse 2 Bursa Pastoria minima Small Shepheards purse ¶ The Time They floure flourish and seed all the Sommer long ¶ The Names Shepheards purse is called in Latine Pastorus bursa or Pera pastoris in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Bourse de pasteur on Curé in English Shepheards purse or scrip of some Shepheards pouch and poore mans Parmacetie and in the North part of England Toy-wort Pick-purse and Case-weed ¶ The Temperature They are of temperature cold and dry and very much binding after the opinion of Ruellius 〈◊〉 and Dodonaeus but Lobel and Pena hold them to be hot and dry iudging the same by their sharpe taste which hath caused me to insert them here among the kindes of Thlaspi considering the fashion of the leaues cods seed and taste 〈◊〉 which do so wel agree together that I might very well haue placed them as kindes thereof But rather willing to content others that haue written before than to please my selfe I haue followed their order in marshalling them in this place where they may stand for cousine germanes ¶ The Vertues Shepheards purse stayeth bleeding in any part of the body whether the iuyce or the decoction thereof be drunke or whether it be
and description from his friend Iaques Plateau of Tournay I coniecture this to be the same plant that Bauhine hath somewhat more accurately figured and described in his Prod. pag. 68. vnder the title of Chondrilla purpurascens foetida which plant being an annuall I haue seen growing some yeares since with Mr. Tuggy at Westminster and the last Summer with an honest and skilfull Apothecarie one Mr. Nicholas Swayton of Feuersham in Kent but I must confesse I did not compare it with Clusius yet now I am of opinion that both these figures and descriptions are of one and the same plant It floures in Iuly and August at the later end of which moneth the seeds also come to ripenesse 6 This other not described by Clusius but by Lobel hath long rough leaues cut in and toothed like to Dandelion with naked hairy stalkes bearing at their tops faire large and very double yellow floures which fading fly away in downe It growes in some medowes ‡ 5 Hieracium parvum Creticum Small Candy Hawk-weed ‡ 6 Hieracium Dentis leonis folio hirsutum Dandelion Hawk-weed ¶ The Place These kinds of Hawke-weeds according to the report of Clusius do grow in Hungarie and Austria and in the grassy dry hills and herby and barren Alpish mountaines and such like places notwithstanding if my memorie faile me not I haue seene them growing in sundry places in England which I meane God willing better to obserue hereafter as opportunitie shall serue me ¶ The Time He saith they floure from May to August at what time the seed is ripe ¶ The Names The Author himselfe hath not said more than here is set downe as touching the names so that it shall suffice what hath now been said referring the handling thereof to a further consideration ¶ The Nature and Vertues I finde not any thing at all set downe either of their nature or vertues and therefore I forbeare to say any thing else of them as a thing not necessarie to write of their faculties vpon my owne conceit and imagination CHAP. 36. ‡ Of French or Golden Lung-wort ‡ 1 Pulmonaria Gallica siue aurea latifolia Broad-leaued French or golden Lung-wort ‡ 2 Pulmonaria Gallica siue aurea 〈◊〉 Narrow leaued French or golden Lung-wort ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis which I here giue you in the first place as also the other two are of the kinds of Hawke-weed or Hieracium wherefore I thought it most fit to treat of them in this place and not to handle them with the Pulmonaria maculosa or Sage of Ierusalem whereas our Author gaue the name Pulmonaria Gallorum and pointed at the description but his figure being false and the description imperfect I iudged it the best to handle it here next to those plants which both in shape and qualities it much resembles This first hath a pretty large yet fibrous and stringy root from the which arise many longish leaues hairy soft and vnequally diuided and commonly cut in the deepest neerest the stalke they are of a darke green colour and they are sometimes broader and shorter and otherwhiles narrower and longer whence Tabernamontanus makes three sorts of this yet are they nothing but varieties of this same plant Amongst these leaues grow vp one or two naked stalks commonly hauing no more than one leafe apiece and that about the middle of the stalke these stalks are also hairy and about a cubit high diuided at their tops into sundry branches which beare double yellow floures of an indifferent bignesse which fading and turning into downe are together with the seed carried away with the winde This whole plant is milky like as the other Hawk-weeds ‡ 3 Hieracium hortense latifolium siue Pilosella major Golden Mouse-eare or Grimme the Colliar 3 This plant which some also haue confounded with the first described hath a root at the top of a reddish or brownish colour but whitish within the earth on the lower side sending forth whitish fibres it bringeth forth in good and fruitfull grounds leaues about a foot long and two or three inches broad of a darke greene colour and hairy little or nothing at all cut in about the edges amongst these leaues riseth vp a stalke some cubit high round hollow and naked but that it sometimes hath a leafe or two toward the bottome and towards the top it puts forth a branch or two The floures grow at the top as it were in an vmbell and are of the bignes of the ordinarie Mouse-eare and of an orange colour The seeds are round blackish and are caried away with the downe by the wind The stalkes and cups of the floures are all set thicke with a blackish downe or hairinesse as it were the dust of coles whence the women who keep in it gardens for noueltie sake haue named it Grim the Colliar ¶ The Time All these floure in Iune Iuly and August about the later part of which moneth they ripen their seed ¶ The Place 1 I receiued some plants of this from Mr. Iohn Goodyer who first found it May 27 1631. in floure and the 3 of the following May not yet flouring in a copse in Godlemen in Surrey adioyning to the orchard of the Inne whose signe is the Antilope 2 This I had from my kinde friend Mr. William Coote who wrot to mee That he found them growing on a hill in the Lady Bridget Kingsmills ground in an old Romane campe close by the Decumane port on the quarter that regards the West-South-West vpon the skirts of the hill 3 This is a stranger and onely to be found in some few gardens ¶ The Names 1 This was first set forth by Tragus vnder the name of Auricula muris major and by Tabern who gaue three figures expressing the seuerall varieties thereof by the name of Pulmonaria Gallicasiue aurea Daleschampius hath it vnder the name of Corchorus 2 This was by Lobel who first set it forth confounded with the former as you may see by the title ouer the figure in his Obseruations pag. 317. yet his figure doth much differ from that of Tragus who neither in his figure nor description allowes so much as one leafe vpon the stalke and Tabernamontanus allowes but one which it seldome wants Now this by Lobels figure hath many narrow leaues and by the Description Aduers pag. 253. it is no more than an handfull or handfull and halfe high which very well agrees with the plant wee heere giue you and by no meanes with the former whose naked stalkes are at least a cubit high So it is manifest that this plant I haue described is different from the former and is that which Pena and Lobel gaue vs vnder the title of Pulmonaria Gallorum flore Hieracij Bauchine also confounds this with the former 3 Basil Besler in his Hortus Eystettensis hath well exprest this plant vnder the title of Hieracium latifolium peregrinum Phlomoides Bauhinus calls it Hieracium hortense floribus atropurpurascentibus and saith that some
dayes together helpeth the spleene It is drunke against difficultie of breathing it throughly cleanseth women that are newly brought a bed CHAP. 64. Of Binde-weed Nightshade ¶ The Description INchanters Night-shade hath leaues like to Peti-morel sharpe at the point like vnto Spinage the stalke is straight and vpright very brittle two foot high the floures are white tending to carnation with certaine small browne chiues in the midst the seed is contained in small round Circaea Lutctiana Inchanters Night-shade bullets rough and very hairy The roots are tough and many in number 〈◊〉 themselues deep into the ground and 〈◊〉 far abroad whereby it doth greatly increase insomuch that when it hath once taken fast rooting it can hardly with great labour be rooted out or destroyed ¶ The Place It groweth in obscure and darke places about dung-hills and in vntoiled grounds by path-wayes and such like ¶ The Time It flourisheth from Iune to the end of September ¶ The Names It is called of Lobel Circaea Lutctiana in English Inchanters Night-shade or Binde-weed Nightshade ¶ The Nature and Vertues There is no vse of this herbe either in physicke or Surgerie that I can reade of which hath happened by the corruption of time and the errour of some who haue taken 〈◊〉 for Circaea in which errour they haue still persisted vnto this day attributing vnto Circaea the vertues of Mandragoras by which means there hath not any thing been said of the true Circaea by reason as I haue said that Mandragoras hath been called Circaea but doubtlesse it hath the vertue of Garden Night-shade and may serue in stead thereof without error CHAP. 65. Of Mandrake ¶ The Description THe male Mandrake hath great broad long smooth leaues of a darke greene colour flat spred vpon the ground among which come vp the floures of a pale whitish colour standing euery one vpon a single small and weake foot-stalke of a whitish greene colour in their places grow round Apples of a yellowish colour smooth soft and glittering of a strong smell in which are contained flat and smooth seeds in fashion of a little kidney like those of the Thorne-apple The root is long thicke whitish diuided many times into two or three parts resembling the legs of a man with other parts of his body adioyning thereto as the priuy part as it hath beene reported whereas in truth it is no otherwise than in the roots of carrots parseneps and such like forked or diuided into two or more parts which Nature taketh no account of There hath been many ridiculous tales brought vp of this plant whether of old wiues or some runnagate Surgeons or physicke-mongers I know not a title bad enough for them but sure some one or moe that sought to make themselues famous and skilfull aboue others were the first brochers of that errour I speake of They adde further That it 〈◊〉 neuer or very seldome to be found growing naturally but vnder a gallowes where the matter that hath fallen from the dead body hath giuen it the shape of a man and the matter of a woman the substance of a female plant with many other such doltish dreams They fable further and affirme That he who would take vp a plant thereof must tie a dog therunto to pull it vp which will giue agreat shreeke at the digging vp otherwise if a man should do it he should surely die in short space after Besides many fables of louing matters too full of scurrilitie to set forth in print which I forbeare to speake of All which dreames and old wiues tales you shall from henceforth cast out of your books and memory knowing this that they are all and euerie part of them false and most vntrue for I my selfe and my seruants also haue digged vp planted and replanted very many and vet neuer could either perceiue shape of man or woman but sometimes one straight root sometimes two and often six or seuen branches comming from the maine great root 〈◊〉 as Nature list to bestow vpon it as to other plants But the idle drones that haue little or nothing to do but eate and drinke haue bestowed some of their time in caruing the roots of Brionie forming them to the shape of men women which falsifying practise hath confirmed the errour amongst the simple and vnlearned people who haue taken them vpon their report to be the true Mandrakes The female Mandrake is like vnto the male sauing that the leaues hereof be of a more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 darke greene colour and the fruit is long like a peare and the other is round like an apple Mandragoras mas foemina The male and female Mandrake ¶ The Place Mandrake groweth in hot Regions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 woods and mountaines as in mount Garganus in Apulia and such like places we 〈◊〉 them onely planted in gardens and are not elsewhere to be sound in England ¶ The Time They spring vp with their leaues in March and sloure in the end of Aprill the fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names Mandrake is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 of diuers 〈◊〉 and Circaea of 〈◊〉 the witch who by art could procure 〈◊〉 for it hath beene thought that the 〈◊〉 hereof serueth to win loue of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 some of the Latines haue called it Terrae malum and Terrestre malum and Canina malus Shops and also other Nations doe receiue the Greeke name Dioscorides saith That the male is called of diuers 〈◊〉 and describeth also another Mandrake by the name of 〈◊〉 which as much as can be gathered by the description is like the male but lesse in all parts in English we cal it Mandrake Mandrage and Mandragon ¶ The Temperature Mandrake hath a predominate cold facultie as Galen saith that is to say cold in the third degree but the root is cold in the fourth degree ¶ The Vertues 〈◊〉 dath particularly set downe many faculties hereof of which notwithstanding there be none proper vnto it sauing those that depend vpon the drowsie and sleeping power thereof which qualitie consisteth more in the root than in any other part The Apples are milder and are reported that they may be eaten being boyled with pepper and other hot spices Galen saith that the Apples are something cold and moist and that the barke of the root is of greatest strength and doth not onely coole but also dry The iuyce of the leaues is very profitably put into the ointment called Populeon and all cooling ointments The iuyce drawne forth of the roots dried and taken in small quantitie purgeth the belly exceedingly from flegme and melancholike humors It is good to be put into medicines and colliries that do mitigate the paine of the eyes and put vnder a pessarie it draweth forth the dead childe and secondine The greene leaues stamped with barrowes grease and barley meale coole all hot swellings and inflammations and they haue vertue to consume apostumes and hot vlcers being bruised and applied thereon
of the leaues be taken for certaine daies together It is reported that such as be barren are made fruitfull herewith if the woman first be bathed in a fit and conuenient bath for the purpose the parts 〈◊〉 the share and matrix annointed herewith and the woman presently haue the company of her husband CHAP. 71. Of Ginnie or Indian Pepper 1 Capsicum longioribus siliquis Long codded Ginnie Pepper ‡ 2 Capsicum rotundioribus siliquis Round codded Ginnie Pepper 3 Capsicum minimis siliquis Small codded Ginnie Pepper ‡ 〈◊〉 siliquae variae Varieties of the cods of Ginnie Pepper ¶ The Description 1 THe first of these plants hath square stalkes a foot high or 〈◊〉 more set with many thicke and fat leaues not vnlike to those of garden Nightshade but narrower and sharper pointed of a darke greene colour The 〈◊〉 grow alongst the stalkes out of the wings of the leaues of a white colour hauing for the most part fiue small 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a star with a greene button in the middle 〈◊〉 them grow the cods 〈◊〉 at the first and when they be ripe of a braue colour glittering like red corall in which is contained little flat seed of a light yellow colour of a hot biting taste like common pepper as is also the cod it selfe which is song and as big as a finger and sharpe pointed ‡ 2 The difference that is betweene this and the last described is small for it consists in nothing but that the cods are pretty large and round after the fashion of cherries and not so long as those of the former ‡ 3 The third kinde of Ginnie pepper is like vnto the precedent in leaues floures and stalkes The cods hereof are small round and red very like to the berries of Dulcamara or wooddy Nightshade both in bignesse colour and substance wherein consisteth the difference notwithstanding the seed and cods are very sharpe and biting as those of the first kinde ‡ Capsici siliquae variae Varieties of the cods of Ginnie pepper ‡ There are many other varieties of Ginnie pepper which chiefly consist in the shape and colour of the cods wherefore I thought good and that chiefely because it is a plant that will hardly brooke our climate only to present you with the figures of their seuerall shapes whereof the cods of 〈◊〉 stand or grow vpright and other some hang 〈◊〉 such as desire further information of this plant may be aboundantly satisfied in Clusius his Curaeposter from pag. 95. to pag. 108. where they shall finde these treated of at large in a treatise written in Italian by Gregory de Regio a Capuchine Fryer and sent to Clusius who translating it into Latine left it to be set forth with other his obseruations whith was 〈◊〉 2. yeares after his death to wit Anno 〈◊〉 1611. The figures we here giue are the same which are in that tractate ‡ ¶ The Place These plants are brought from forrein countries as Ginnie India and those parts into Spaine and Italy from whence we haue receiued seed for our English gardens where they come to 〈◊〉 but the cod doth not come to that bright red colour which naturally it is 〈◊〉 with which hath happened by reason of these vnkindly yeeres that are past but we expect better when God shall send vs a hot and temperate yeere ¶ The Time The seeds hereof must be sowen in a bed of hot horse-dung as muske-Melons are and 〈◊〉 into a pot when they haue gotten three or foure leaues that it may the more conueniently 〈◊〉 caried from place to place to receiue the heate of the sunne and are toward Autumne to be caried into some house to auoide the iniurie of the cold nights of that time of the yeere when it is 〈◊〉 beare his fruite ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 calleth it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Capsicum and it is thought to be that which 〈◊〉 nameth Zinziber caninum or dogs Ginger and Pliny Siliquastrum which is more like in taste to pepper than is Panax and it is therefore called Piperitis as he hath written in his 19. booke 12. chap. 〈◊〉 saith he hath the tast of pepper and Siliquastrum for which cause it is called Piperitis The later Herbarists do oftentimes call it Piper Indianum or Indicum sometimes Piper 〈◊〉 or Piper Hispanicum in English it is called Ginnie pepper and Indian pepper in the Germane tongue 〈◊〉 Pfeffer in low Dutch 〈◊〉 Peper in French Poiure 〈◊〉 well knowne in the shops at Billingsgate by the name of Ginnie pepper where it is vsually to be bought ¶ The Temperature Ginnie pepper is extreame hot and drie euen in the fourth degree that is to say far hotter 〈◊〉 drier then 〈◊〉 sheweth dogs ginger to be ¶ The Vertues Ginnie pepper hath the taste of pepper but not the power or vertue notwithstanding in Spaine and sundrie parts of the Indies they do vse to dresse their meate therewith as we doe with Calecute pepper but saith my Authour it hath in it a malicious qualitie whereby it is an enemy to the liuer and other of the entrails 〈◊〉 writeth that it killeth dogs It is said to die or colour like Saffron and being receiued in such sort as Saffron is vsually 〈◊〉 it warmeth the stomacke and helpeth greatly the digestion of meates It dissolueth the swellings about the throat called the Kings Euill as kernels and cold swellings and taketh away spots and lentiles from the face being applied thereto with honie CHAP. 72. Of horned Poppie ¶ The Description 1 THe yellow horned Poppie hath whitish leaues very much cut or jagged somewhat like the leaues of garden Poppie but rougher and more hairie The stalks be long round and brittle The floures be large and yellow consisting of foure leaues which being past there come long huskes or cods crooked like an horne or cornet wherein is conteined small blacke seede The roote is great thicke scalie and rough continuing long 2 The second kinde of horned Poppie is much slenderer and lesser than the precedent and hath leaues with like deepe cuts as Rocket hath and something hairie The stalks be very slender brittle and branched into diuers armes or wings the floures small made of foure little leaues of a red colour with a small strake of blacke toward the 〈◊〉 after which commeth the seed inclosed in slender long crooked cods full of blackish seed The root is small and single and dieth euery yeere ‡ 3 This is much like the last described and according to Clusius rather a variety than difference It is distinguished from the last mentioned by the smoothnes of the leaues and the colour of the floures which are of a pale yellowish red both which accidents Clusius affirmes happen to the 〈◊〉 towards the later end of sommer ‡ 4 There is another sort of horned Poppie altogether lesser than the last described hauing tenderer leaues cut into fine little parcels the floure is likewise lesser of a blew purple
Dioscorides writeth that all the Dockes beeing boiled doe mollifie the bellie which thing also Horace hath noted in his second booke of Sermons the fourth Satyre writing thus Si dura morabitur alvus Mugilus viles pellent obstantia conchae Et lapathi brcuis herba He calleth it a short herbe being gathered before the stalke be growne vp at which time it is fittest to be eaten And being sodden it is not so pleasant to bee eaten as either Beetes or Spinage it ingendreth moist bloud of a meane thicknesse and which nourisheth little The leaues of the sharpe pointed Dockes are cold and drie but the seed of Patience and the water Docke doe coole with a certaine thinnesse of substance The decoction of the roots of Monkes Rubarbe is drunke against the bloudy flix the laske the wambling of the stomacke which commeth of choler and also against the 〈◊〉 of serpents as Dioscorides writeth It is also good against the spitting of bloud being taken with Acacia or his succedaneum the dried iuice of sloes as Plinie writeth Monkes Rubarb or Patience is an excellent wholesome pot-herbe for being put into the pottage in some reasonable quantitie it doth loosen the belly helpeth the iaunders the timpany and such like diseases proceeding of cold causes If you take the roots of Monkes Rubarb and red Madder of each halfe a pound Sena soure ounces annise seed and licorice of each two ounces Scabiouse and Agrimonie of each one handfull slice the roots of the Rubarb bruise the annise seed and licorice breake the herbes with your hands and put them into a stone pot called a steane with foure gallons of strong alc to steepe or infuse the space of three daies and then drinke this liquour as your ordinarie drinke for three weekes together at the least though the longer you take it so much the better prouiding in a readinesse another steane so prepared that you may haue one vnder another being alwaies carefull to keepe a good dict it cureth the dropsie the yellow iaunders all manner of itch scabbes breaking out and manginesse of the whole body it purifieth the bloud from all corruption 〈◊〉 against the greene sicknesse very greatly and all oppilations or stoppings maketh young wenches to looke faire and cherrie like and bringeth downe their tearmes the stopping whereof hath caused the same The seed of bastard Rubarb is of a manifest astringent nature insomuch that it 〈◊〉 the bloudy flix mixed with the seed of Sorrell and giuen to drinke in red wine There haue not beene any other faculties attributed to this plant either of the antient or later writers but generally of all it hath beene referred to the other Docks or Monks Rubarb of which number I assure my selfe this is the best and doth approch neerest vnto the true Rubarb Manie reasons induce me so to thinke and say first this hath the shape and proportion of Rubarbe the same colour both within and without without any difference They agree as well in taste as smell it coloureth the spittle of a yellow colour when it is chewed as Rubarb doth and lastly it purgeth the belly after the same gentle manner that the right Rubarb doth onely herein it differeth that this must be giuen in three times the quantitie of the other Other distinctions and differences with the temperature and euery other circumstance I leaue to the learned Physitions of our London colledge who are very well able to search this matter as a thing farre aboue my reach being no graduate but a Countrey Scholler as the whole framing of this Historie doth well declare but I hope my good meaning will be well taken confidering I doe my best not doubting but some of greater learning will perfect that which I haue begun according to my small skill especially the ice being broken vnto him and the wood rough hewed to his hands Notwithstanding I thinke it good to say thus much more in mine owne defence that although there bee many wants and defects in me that were requisite to performe such a worke yet may my long experience by chance happen vpon some one thing or other that may do the learned good considering what a notable experiment I learned of one Iohn Bennet a Chirurgion of Maidstone in Kent a man as slenderly learned as my selfe which he practised vpon a Butchers boy of the same towne as himselfe reported vnto me his practise was this Being desired to cure the foresaid lad of an ague which did grieuously vex him he promised him a medicine for want of one for the present for a shift as himselfe confessed vnto me he tooke out of his garden three or foure leaues of this plant of Rubarb which my selfe had among other simples giuen him which he stamped strained with a draught of ale and gaue it the lad in the morning to drinke it wrought extremely downeward and vpward within one houre after and neuer ceased vntill night In the end the strength of the boy ouercame the force of the Physicke it gaue ouer working and the lad lost his ague since which time as hee saith he hath cured with the same medicine many of the like maladie hauing euer great regard vnto the quantitie which was the cause of the violent working in the first cure By reason of which accident that thing hath been reuealed vnto posteritie which heretofore was not so much as dreamed of Whose blunt attempt may set an edge vpon some sharper wit and greater iudgement in the faculties of plants to seeke farther into their nature than any of the Antients haue done and none fitter than the learned Physitions of the Colledge of London where are many singularly wel learned and experienced in naturall things The roots sliced and boiled in the water of Carduus Benedictus to the consumption of the third part adding thereto a little honie of the which decoction eight or ten spoonfuls drunke before the fit cureth the ague in two or three times so taking it at the most vnto robustous or strong bodies twelue spoonfuls may be giuen This experiment was practised by a worshipfull Gentlewoman mistresse Anne Wylbraham vpon diuers of her poore Neighbours with good successe CHAP. 83 Of Rubarb ‡ IT hath happened in this as in many other forreine medicines or simples which though they be of great and frequent vse as Hermodactyls Muskc Turbeth c. yet haue we no certaine knowledge of the very place which produces them nor of their exact manner of growing which hath giuen occasion to diuers to thinke diuersly and some haue been so bold as to counterfeit figures out of their owne fancies as Matthiolus so that this saying of Pliny is found to be very true Nulla medicinae pars 〈◊〉 incerta quam quae ab alio quam nostro orhe petitur But we will endeauour to shew you more certaintie of this here treated of than was knowne vntill of very late yeres ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Rubarb hath very
broad leaues and bigge roots and such this Violet hath which we surname Latifolia or broad leased generally taken of all to be the great Lunaria or Moonwoort ¶ Their Temperature and Vertues The seed of Bolbonac is of Temperature hot and drie and sharpe of taste and is like in taste and force to the seed of Treacle Mustard the roots likewise are somewhat of a biting qualitie but not much they are eaten with sallads as certaine other roots are A certaine Chirurgian of the Heluetians composed a most singular vnguent for wounds of the leaues of Bolbonac and Sanicle stamped together adding thereto oile and wax The seed is greatly commended against the falling sicknesse CHAP. 124. Of Galen and Dioscorides Moonwoorts or Madwoorts 1 Alyssum Galeni Galens Madwoort 2 Alyssum Dioscoridis Dioscorides Moonwoort or Madwoort ¶ The Description 1 THis might be one of the number of the Horehounds but that Galen vsed it not for a kind thereof but for Alysson or Madwoort it is like in forme and shew vnto Horehound and also in the number of the stalks but the leaues thereof are lesser more curled more hoary whiter without any manifest smell at all The little coronets or spokie whurles that compasse the stalkes round about are full of sharpe prickles out of which grow floures of a blewish purple colour like to those of Horehound The root is hard woody and diuersly parted 2 I haue one growing in my garden which is thought to be the true right Lunary or Moonwoort of Dioscorides description hauing his first leaues somewhat round and afterward more long whitish and 〈◊〉 or somewhat woolly in handling among which rise vp rough brittle stalkes some cubite high diuided into many branches whereupon doe growe many little yellow floures the which being past there follow flat and rough huskes of a whitish colour in shape like little targets or bucklers wherein is contained flat seed like to the seeds of stock Gillofloures but bigger The whole huske is of the same substance fashion and colour that those are of the white Sattin ¶ The Place These Plants are sowne now and then in Gardens especially for the rarenesse of the m the seede beeing brought out of Spaine and Italy from whence I receiued some for my Garden ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in May the seede is ripe in August the second yeare after their sowing ¶ The Names Madwoort or Moonwoort is called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Alyssum in English Galens Madwoort of some Heale-dog and it hath the name thereof because it is a present remedy for them that are bitten of a mad dogge as Galen writeth who in his second booke Di Antidotis in Antoninus Cous his composition describeth it in these words Madwoort is an herbe very like to Horehound but rougher and more full of prick les about the floures it beareth a floure tending to blew ‡ 2 The second by Dodonaeus Lobell Camerarius and others is reputed to bee the Alysson of Dioscorides Gesner mames it Lunarta 〈◊〉 and Columna Leucoium Montanum Lunatum ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen saith it is giuen vnto such as are inraged by the biting of a mad dogge which thereby are perfectly cured as is knowne by experience without any artificiall application or method at all The which experiment if any shall proue he shall finde in the working thereof It is of temperature meanly drie digesteth and something scoureth withall for this cause it taketh away the morphew and Sun-burning as the same Authour affirmeth CHAP. 125. Of Rose Campion Lychnis Chalcedonica Floure of Constantinople ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Rose Campions some of the Garden and others of the Field the which shal be diuided into seuerall chapters and first of the Campion of Constantinople ¶ The Description THe Campion of Constantinople hath sundry vpright stalks two cubits high and ful of ioynts with a certaine roughnesse and at euery ioynt two large leaues of a browne greene colour The floures grow at the top like Sweet-Williams or rather like Dames violets of the colour of red lead or Orenge tawny The root is somewhat sharpe in taste ‡ There are diuers varieties of this as with white and blush coloured floures as also a double kinde with very large double and beautiful floures of a Vermelion colour like as the single one here described ‡ ¶ The Place The floure of Constantinople is planted in Gardens and is very common almost euerie where ‡ The white and blush single and the double one are more rare and not to be found but in the Gardensof our prime Florists ‡ ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly the second yeare after it is planted and many yeares after 〈◊〉 it consisteth of a root full of life and endureth long and can away with the cold of our clymate ¶ The Names It is called Constantinopolitanus 〈◊〉 and Lychnis Chalcedonica of Aldrouandus Flos Creticus 〈◊〉 Floure of Candy of the Germans 〈◊〉 Hierosolymitanus or Floure of Ierusalem in English Floure of Constantinople of some Floure of Bristow or None-such ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Floure of Constantinople besides that grace and beauty which it hath in gardens and garlands is for ought we know of no vse the vertues thereof being not as yet found out CHAP. 126. Of Rose-Campion 1 Lychnis Coronaria rubra Red Rose Campion 2 Lychnis Coronaria alba White Rose Campion ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Rose-Campion hath round stalks very knotty and woolly and at 〈◊〉 knot or ioynt there do stand two woolly soft leaues like Mulleine but lesser and much narrower The floures grow at the top of the stalke of a perfect red colour which being past there follow round cods full of blackish seed The root is long and threddy 2 The second Rose Campion differs not from the precedent in stalkes leaues or fashion of the floures the onely difference consisteth in the colour for the floures of this plant are of a milke white colour and the other red ‡ 3 This also in stalks roots leaues and manner of growing differs not from the former but the floures are much more beautifull being composed of some three or foure rankes or orders of leaues lying each aboue other ‡ ‡ 3 Lychnis coronaria multiplex Double Rose Campion ¶ The Place The Rose Campion growes plentifully in most gardens ¶ The Time They floure from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names The Rose Campion is called in Latine Dominarum Rosa Mariana Rosa 〈◊〉 Rosa Coeli flos of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Lychnis Coronaria or Satiua Gaza translateth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lucernula because the leaues thereof be soft and fit to make weekes for candles according to the testimonie of Dioscorides it was called Lychnis or Lychnides that is a torch or such like light according to the signification
Fleawoort or Fleabane from a thick long liuing fibrous root sends forth many stalkes of some yard high or more hard wooddy rough fat and of an ou erworne colour the leaues are many without order and alternately embrace the stalkes twice as big as those of the Oliue tree rough and fat being as it were besmeared with a gumminesse or fattinesse and of a yellowish greene colour the floures grow after a sort spoke fashion standing at the ends of footstalkes comming out of the bosomes of the leaues and they are yellow and round almost like to Groundswell and flie away in downe like as they doe the seed is small and ash coloured 〈◊〉 whole plant is fattie and glutinous with a strong yet not altogether vnpleasant smell This growes not that I know of in these cold Countries vnlesse sowne in gardens Clusius sound it by Lisbone and in diuers places of Spaine He as also Dodonaeus Lobel and others call this Conyzamaior and it is thought to be the Conyzamas of Theophrastus and Conyzamaior of Dioscorides 2 The lesser seldome sends vp more than one stalke and that of a cubit high yet vsually not so much it is diuided into little branches and also rough and glutionous as the precedent but more greene The leaues are three times lesse than those of the former somewhat shaped like those of Toad-flax yet hairy and vnctious the tops of the branches as in the bigger carrie lesse and lesse shining and sightly floures vanishing in like sort into downe The root is single and annuall and the whole plant more imelling than the former This is iudged the Conyza foemina of 〈◊〉 and Con. minor of Dioscorides it is the Con. minor of Gesner Lobel Clusius and others It growes in diuers of Spaine and Prouince in France but not here vnlesse in Gardens 3 Conyzamedia Middle Fleawoort 4 Conyzaminima Dwarfe Fleabane 3 The root of this middle kinde is prettie large and fibrous from whence ariseth a branched stalke of some cubite high engirt at certaine spaces with thicke rough grayish greene leaues at the tops of the branches grow pretty faire yellow floures of the bignes of a little Marigold which fading turne to downe and are carried away with the winde This floures in Iuly and August and may be found growing in most places about riuers and pond sides as in S. Iames his Parke Tuthill fields c. This is Conyzamedia of Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others Some haue referred it vnto the Mints as Fuchsius who makes it Calaminthae 3. genus and Lonicerus who calls it Mentha Lutea In Cheape-side the herbe-women call it Herbe Christopher and sell it to Empericks who with it as they say make Medicines for the eyes but against what affect of them or with what successe I know not 4 In like places or rather such as are plashy in winter this may be plentifully found growing The roots are small and fibrous from whence ariseth a branched stalke some foot high set with small longish leaues somewhat roundish pointed soft also and woolly with a smell not altogether vnpleasant like as the last described the floures are composed of many yellowish threds like to the middle part of Camomill floures or those of Tanscy and as the former turne into downe and are carried away with the winde it floures in Iuly and August This is the Conyzaminor of Tragus Mathiolus and others Lobel and Dodon call it Conyzaminima 5 This cut leaued Fleabane hath small fibrous roots from which arise thicke crested hollow stalks diuided towards the tops into sundry branches the leaues that incompasse the stalke are gashed or else onely sinuated on the edges the floures are star fashion and yellow and also flie away in downe the whole plant is couered ouer with a soft and tender downe and hath somewhat the smell of Honie This is a varietie of the third and is called by Dodon Conyzaemediae altera Lobel names it Conyza helenit is folijs laciniatis 6 The figure which you haue in this sixth place was formerly vnfitly giuen by our Authour for Solidago Saracenica it hath a large root which sends foorth many fibres and a crested hollow stalke some two cubites or more high which is vnorderly set with long yet narrow snipt leaues somewhat hairie and sharpe pointed the toppe is diuided into branches which beare prettie large yellow floures made after the manner of those of Ragwort and like as they are also carried away with the winde This Thalius cals Conyzamaxima serratifolia It is the Lingua maior of Daleschampius and the Consolida palustris of Tabernamontanus It groweth neere water sides and floures towards the latter end of Sommer I haue not yet heard that it doth grow wilde amongstvs ‡ 5 Conyza folijs laciniatis Great iagged leaued Fleabane ‡ 6 Conyza palustris serratifolia Water snipt Fleabanc ‡ 7 Conyza Austriaca Clusij Austrian Fleabane ‡ 8 Conyza incana Hoary Fleabane ‡ 9 Conyza Alpina pilosissima Hairie Fleabane of the Alpes 10 Conyza Caerulea 〈◊〉 Blew floured 〈◊〉 7 The stalkes of this are about a foot high straight stiffe hard and couered with a 〈◊〉 downe the leaues at the root grow vpon long stalkes and are soft and 〈◊〉 but those which are higher vp haue a short or else no stalke at all and rubbed they yeeld no vnpleasant smell and tasted they are somwhat bitter and acride The floures that grow vpon the tops of the branches are large and fashioned like those of Elecampane and are of the same yellow color The root is long slender and blackish creeping and putting vp new stalkes it hath many white fibres and a resinous smell Clusius sound it growing on dry hilly places in Austria and calls it Conyza 3. 〈◊〉 8 This which Lobel sets forth vnder the title of Conyza helentis 〈◊〉 incana I take to be the same Plant that I last figured and described out of Clusius onely the root is better exprest in Clusius his figure otherwise by the 〈◊〉 I cannot find any difference though 〈◊〉 reckon it vp in his Pinax as differing therefrom 9 This also seemes not much to differ from the last mentioned but onely in the hairinesse of the leaues and stalkes and that the floures are smaller This 〈◊〉 cals Conyza 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incana Helenitis because the floures and leaues haue some semblance of 〈◊〉 and Mellita 〈◊〉 that they smell somewhat like Honie These last grow vpon mountaines but none of them with vs in England that I can yet heare of 10 This hath a small fibrous and yellowish root of a very hot and biting taste which sends vp diuers longish leaues about the head thereof the stalke is some foot and halfe high and set alternately with twined longish narrow and somewhat rough leaues of an ouerworne greene colour the top of the stalke and branches are 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 set in longish scaly heads like those of 〈◊〉 the outer little leaues are of a 〈◊〉
blew colour and the inner threds are yellow It 〈◊〉 in August and the floures quickly turne into downe and are carried away with the wind It grows in many Chalkie hils and I first obserued it in the company of Mr. George 〈◊〉 Mr. Iohn Bugs and others close by Farmingham in Kent and the last yeare Mr. William Broad found it growing at the Blockehouse at Grauesend Tragus calls it Tinctorius flos alter Dodonaeus because the floure quickly turns to downe makes it 〈◊〉 quartum and Gesner for that the root is hot and drawes rheume like as Pellitorie of Spaine which therefore is vsed against the Tooth-ache names it Dentelaria he also cals it Conyza muralis and Conyzoides Caerulea Tabernamontanus also calls it Conyza caerulea and lastly Fabius Columna hath it by the name of Amellus Montanus to which kinde it may in mine opinion be as fitly referred as to these Conyza's Our Author had the figure hereof in the third place in this Chapter ¶ The Place Time and Names All these haue beene sufficiently shewne in their particular Titles and Descriptions ‡ ¶ The Nature Conyza is hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues and floures be good against the strangurie the iaundise and the gnawing or griping of the bellie The same taken with Vineger helpeth the Epilepsie or falling sicknesse If Women doe sit ouer the decoction thereof it greatly 〈◊〉 their paines of the Mother The Herbe burned where 〈◊〉 Gnats fleas or any venemous things are doth driue them away CHAP. 132. Of Starre-woort ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of 〈◊〉 or Inguinalis hath large broad leaues like Verbascum 〈◊〉 or the great Conyza among which riseth vp a stalke foure or fiue handfuls high hard rough and hairie beset with leaues like Rose Campions of a darke greene colour At the top of the said stalkes come forth 〈◊〉 of a shining and glistering golden colour and vnderneath about these floures grow fiue or six long leaues sharpe pointed and rough not much in shape vnlike the fish called Stella marina The floures turne into downe and are carried away with the winde The root is fibrous of a binding and sharpe taste ‡ 2 The second called Italian Starrewoort hath leaues not much vnlike Marigolds but of a darke greene colour and rough and they are somewhat round at the vpper end the stalkes are many and grow some cubite high and at their tops are diuided into sundry branches which beare 〈◊〉 blewish purple floures yellow in their middles and shaped like Marigolds and almost of the same bignesse whence some haue called them blew Marigolds ‡ 3 The third kinde hath leaues so like Italian Starwort that a man can scarcely at the sudden distinguish the one from the other The single stalke is a cubit long vpright and slender on the top whereof grow faire yellow floures like those of Enula Campana and they fly away in downe the root is small and threddie 4 The fourth kinde in talnesse and floure is not much vnlike that last before specified but in stalke and leaues more hairie and longer somewhat like our small Hounds-tongue and the rootes are lesse fibrous or threddie than the former 5 There is another sort that hath a browne stalke with leaues like the small Coniza The floures are of a darke yellow which turne into downe that flieth away with the wind like Conyza The root is full of threds or strings 6 There is also another that hath leaues like the great Campion somewhat hairie amongst which come vp crooked crambling stalkes leaning lamely many waies Whereupon doe growe faire yellow floures Starre-fashion which past the cups become so hard that they will scarcely be broken with ones nailes to take forth the seed The root is long and straight as a finger with some few strings annexed vnto the vppermost part thereof It groweth wilde in some parts of Spaine 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Starrewoort ‡ 2 〈◊〉 Italorum Italian 〈◊〉 7 There groweth another kinde of Starrewoort which hath many leaues like 〈◊〉 but thinner and of a more greene colour couered with a woollie hairinesse sharpe and bitter in taste amongst which 〈◊〉 vp a round stalke more than a cubite high 〈◊〉 growing vnto a 〈◊〉 colour set with the like leaues but smaller and sharper pointed diuiding it selfe toward the top into some few branches whereon doe grow large yellow floures like Doronicum or Sonchus The root is thicke and crooked ‡ This is 〈◊〉 Pannonicus maior sive 〈◊〉 of Clus. and his 〈◊〉 primus 8 Wee haue seene growing vpon wilde Mountaines another sort which hath leaues much lesser than the former somewhat like to the leaues of Willow of a faire greene colour which doe adorne and decke vp the stalke euen to the top whereupon doe grow yellow floures starre fashion like vnto the former The root is small and tender creeping farre abroad whereby it mightily increaseth ‡ This is 〈◊〉 Pannonicus salignis 〈◊〉 sive 〈◊〉 4. Austriacus 2. of Clusius It is 〈◊〉 luteum of Tabern And our Author gaue the Figure heereof for Aster Italorum ‡ 9 Clusius hath set forth a kinde that hath an vpright stalke somewhat hairy two cubits high beser with leaues somewhat woollie like to those of the Sallow hauing at the top of the stalke faire yellow floures like 〈◊〉 Campana which turne into down that is carried away with the wind the root is thicke with some 〈◊〉 or threds fastened thereto ‡ This is Aster lanuginoso folio sive 5. of Clusius Our Authour gaue the figure hereof vnder the title of Aster Hirsutus it is Aster 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Taber 10 Hee hath likewise described another sort that hath leaues stalks floures and roots like the ninth but neuer groweth to the height of one cubite ‡ It bringeth forth many stalkes and the leaues that grow disorderly vpon them are narrower blacker harder and sharper pointed than the former not vnlike those of the common Ptarmica yet not snipt about the edges the floures are yellow and like those of the last described but lesse This is the Aster 〈◊〉 sive sextus of Clusius ‡ 11 There is likewise set forth in his Pannonicke obseruation a kind of Aster that hath many small hairie leaues like the common great Daisie among which riseth vp an hairy stalke of a foot high hauing at the top faire blew floures inclining to purple with their middle yellow which turn in the time of seeding into a 〈◊〉 downe that flieth away with the winde The whole plant hath a drying binding and bitter taste The root is threddie like the common Daisie or that of Scabious ‡ This is Asper Alpinus 〈◊〉 flore sive 7. of Clusius ‡ 3 Aster montanus flore amplo Mountaine Starwoort 4 Aster hirsutus Hairie Srarwoort ‡ 5 Aster Conyzoides Gesneri Fleabane Starrewoort ‡ 6 Aster Luteus supinus Clusij Creeping Starwoort ‡ 7 Aster luteus foliis Succisae Scabious leaued Starwoort ‡ 8 Aster Salicis
chamfered or crested hard and wooddy being for the most part two foot high The leaues are three or foure times bigger than those of S. Iohns wort which be at the first greene afterwards and in the end of Sommet of a dark red colour out of which is pressed a iuyce not like blacke bloud but Claret or Gascoigne wine The floures are yellow and greater than those of S. Peters wort after which riseth vp a little round head or berry first greene afterwards red last of all blacke wherein is contained yellowish red seed The root is hard wooddy and of long continuance ‡ 2 This which Dodonaeus did not vnfitly call Ruta syluestris Hypericoides and which others haue set forth for Androsaemum and our Author the last chapter saue one affirmed to be the true 〈◊〉 though here it seemes he had either altered his minde or forgot what he formerly wrot may fitly stand in competition with the last described which may passe in the first place for the Androsaemum of the Antients for adhuc sub judice lis est I will not here insist vpon the point of controuersie but giue you a description of the plant which is this It sends vp round slender reddish stalkes some two cubits high set with fewer yet bigger leaues than the ordinarie S. Iohns Wort and these also more hairy the floures and seeds are like those of the common S. Iohns wort but somewhat larger It growes in some mountainous and wooddy places and in the Aduersaria it is called Androsaemum excellentius seu magnum and by Dodonaeus as we but now noted Ruta syluestris Hypericoides thinking it to be the Ruta syluestris which is described by Dioscorides lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 48. in the old Greeke edition of Manutius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And in that of Marcellus Virgilius his Interpretation in the chapter and booke but now mentioned but reiected amongst the Notha in the Paris Edition Anno 1549. You may finde the description also in Dodonaeus Pempt primae lib. 3. cap. 25 whither I refer the curious being loath here to insist further vpon it ‡ 1 Clymenon Italorum Tutsan or Parke leaues ‡ 2 Androsaemum Hypericoides Tutsan S. Iohns wort ¶ The Place Tutsan groweth in woods and by hedges especially in Hampsted wood where the Golden rod doth grow in a wood by Railie in Essex and many other places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August the seed in the meane time waxeth ripe The leaues becom 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 at that time is very easily pressed forth his winie iuyce ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines also Androsaemon it is likewise called 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 witnesseth They are farre from the truth that take it to be Clymenum and it is needlesse to finde fault with their error It is also called Siciliana and Herba Siciliana in English Tutsan and Parke-leaues ¶ The Temperature The faculties are such as S. Peters wort which doth sufficiently declare it to be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The seed hereof beaten to pouder and drunke to the weight of two drams doth purge cholericke excrements as Dioscorides writeth and is a singular remedie for the Sciatica prouided that the Patient do drinke water for a day or two after purging The herbe cureth burnings and applied vpon new wounds it stancheth the bloud and healeth them The leaues laid vpon broken shins and scabbed legs healeth them and many other hurts and griefes whereof it tooke his name Tout-saine or Tutsane of healing all things ‡ CHAP. 161. Of Bastard S. Johns wort ‡ 1 Coris Matthioli Matthiolus his bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ 2 Coris coerulea Monspeliaca French bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ THe diligence of these later times hath beene such to finde out the Materia medica of the Antients that there is scarse any plant described by them but by some or other of late there haue been two or more seuerall plants referred thereto and thus it hath happened vnto 〈◊〉 which Dioscorides lib. 3. cap. 174. hath set forth by the name of Coris and presently describes after the kindes of Hypericon and that with these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some also call this Hypericon to which Matthiolus and others haue fitted a plant which is indeed a kinde of Hypericon as you may perceiue by the figure and description which I giue you in the first place Some as 〈◊〉 referre it to Chamaepytis and indeed by Dioscorides it is placed betweene Androsaemon and Chamaepytis and to this that which is described by Pena and Lobel in the Aduers and by Clusius in his Historie may fitly be referred this I giue you in the second place ¶ The Description 1 THe first hath a wooddy thicke and long lasting root which sendeth vp many branches some foot or more high and it is set at certaine spaces with round leaues like those of the small Glasse-wort or Sea-Spurry but shorter the tops of the stalkes are diuided into 〈◊〉 branches which carry floures like those of S. Iohns wort of a whitish red colour with threds in their middles hauing little yellow pendants It growes in Italy and other hot countries in places not far from the sea side This is thought to be the true Coris by Matthiolus Gesner Lonicerus Lacuna Bellus Pona and others 2 This from a thicke root red on the outside sendeth vp sundry stalkes some but an handfull other some a foot or more long stiffe round purplish set thicke with leaues like those of Heath but thicker more succulent and bitter which so netimes grow orderly and otherwhiles out of order The spikes or heads grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a number of little cups diuided into fiue sharpe points and marked with a blacke spot in each diuision out of these cups comes a floure of a blew purple colour of a most elegant and not fading colour and it is composed of foure little biside leaues whereof the two vppermost are the larger the seed which is round and blackish is contained in seed-vessels hauing points somewhat sharpe or prickly It floures in Aprill and May and is to be found growing in many places of Spaine as also about Mompelier in France whence Pena and Lobel called it Coris Monspeliaca and Clusius Coris quorundam Gallorum Hispanorum ¶ The Temperature These Plants seeme to be hot in the second or third degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith That the seed of Coris drunke moue the courses and vrine are good against the biring of the Spider Phalangium the Sciatica and drunke in Wine against that kinde of Convulsion which the Greekes call Opisthotonos which is when the body is drawne backwards as also against the cold fits in Agues It is also good anointed with oyle against the aforesaid Convulsion ‡ CHAP. 162. Of the great Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Centory bringeth forth round smooth stalkes three cubits high the leaues are long diuided as it were into many parcels
Pliny and Theophrastus call it 〈◊〉 Gaza translates it Aurelia in English Gold-floure Golden Moth-wort ¶ The Temperature It is saith Galen of power to cut and make thinne ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides teacheth that the tops thereof drunke in wine are good for them that can hardly make water against stingings of Serpents paines of the huckle bones and taken in sweet wine it dissolueth congealed bloud The branches and leaues laid amongst cloathes keepeth them from moths whereupon it hath beene called of some Moth-weed or Mothwort CHAP. 207. Of Golden Floure-Gentle ¶ The Description 1 THis yellow Euerlasting or Floure-Gentle called of the later Herbarists Yellow Stoecas is a plant that hath stalkes of a span long and slender whereupon do grow narrow leaues white and downie as are also the stalks The floures stand on the tops of the stalks consisting of a scattered or disordered scaly tuft of a reasonable good smell of a bright yellow colour which being gathered before they be ripe do keep their colour and beauty a long time without withering as do most of the Cottonweeds or Cudweeds whereof this is a kinde The root is blacke and slender ‡ There is some varietie in the heads of this plant for they are sometimes very large and longish as Camerarius notes in his Epitome of 〈◊〉 otherwhiles they are very compact and round and of the bignesse of the ordinarie 2 This growes to some soot or more high and hath rough downie leaues like the former but broader the floures are longer but of the same yellow colour and long continuance as those of the last described This varies somthing in the bredth and length of the leaues whence Tabernamontanus gaue three figures thereof and therein was followed by our Author as you shall finde more particularly specified at the end of the chapter ‡ 3 About Nemausium and Montpelier there growes another kinde of Chrysocome or as Lobel termes it Stoechas Citrina altera but that as this plant is in all points like so in all points it is lesser and slenderer blacker and not of such beauty as the former growing more neere vnto an ash colour consisting of many small twigs a foot long The root is lesser and hath fewer strings annexed thereto and it is seldome found but in the cliffes and crags among rubbish and on walls of cities This plant is browne without sent or sauor like the other euery branch hath his own bunch of floures comming forth of a scaly or round head but not a number heaped together as in the first kinde It prospereth well in our London Gardens 1 〈◊〉 Citrina siue Amaranthus luteus Golden Stoechas or Goldilockes 2 Amaranthus luteus latifolius Broad leaued Goldilockes 3 Chrysocome capitulis conglobatis Round headed Goldilockes 4 Amaranthus luteus floreoblongo Golden Cudweed 4 There is a kinde hereof beeing a very rare plant and as rare to be found where it naturally groweth which is in the woods among the Scarlet-Okes betweene Sommieres and Mountpellier It is a fine and beautifull plant in shew passing the last described Stoechas Citrina altera but the leaues of this kinde are broad and somewhat hoarie as is all the rest of the whole plant the stalke a foot long and beareth the very floures of Stoechas Citrina altera but bigger and longer and somewhat like the floures of Lactuca agrestis the root is like the former without any manifest smel little knowne hard to finde whose faculties be yet vnknowne 5 Heliochrysos syluectris Wilde Goldylockes 5 This is a wilde kinde which Lobel setteth forth that here may be inserted called Eliochrysos 〈◊〉 The woolly or flockey leafe of this plant resembleth Gnaphalium vulgare but that it is somewhat broader in the middle the floures grow clustering together vpon the tops of the branches of a yellow colour and almost like those of Maudline the roots are blacke and wooddie ¶ The Place The first mentioned growes in Italy and other hot countries and the second growes in rough and grauelly places almost euery where neere vnto the Rhene especially between Spires and Wormes ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Golden floure is called in Latine Coma aurea of his golden locks or beautifull bush and also Tineraria in shops Stoechas citrina Amaranthus luteus 〈◊〉 Tragi of some Linaria aurea but not truely in Greeke Chryscome in Dutch Reynbloemen and Motten cruyt in Italian Amarantho Giallo in English Gold-floure Gods floure Goldilockes and Golden Stoechas ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The floures of Golden Stoechados boiled in wine and drunke expell worms out of the bellie and being boiled in Lee made of strong ashes doth kill lice and nits if they bee bathed therewith The other faculties are refered to the former plants mentioned in the last chapter CHAP. 208. Of Costmarie and Maudelein ¶ The Description 1 COstmary groweth vp with round hard stalkes two foot high bearing long broad leaues finely nicked in the edges of an ouerworn whitish green colour The tuft or bundle is of a golden colour consisting of many little floures like clusters ioyned together in a rundle after the manner of golden Stoechados The root is of a wooddy substance by nature verie durable not without a multitude of little strings hanging thereat The whole plant is of a pleasant smell sauour or taste 2 Maudleine is somewhat like to Costmary whereof it is a kinde in colour smell taste and in the golden floures set vpon the tops of the stalks in round clusters It bringeth forth a number of stalkes slender and round The leaues are narrow long indented and deepely cut about the edges The cluster of floures is lesser than that of Costmarie but of a better smell and yellower colour The roots are long lasting and many 1 Balsamita mas Costmarie 2 Balsamita foemina sive Ageratum Maudelein ‡ 3 Ageratum folijs non serratis Maudelein with vncut leaues 4 Ageratum floribus albis White floured Maudlein ‡ 4 This differeth not from the common Maudelein but in the colour of the floures which are white when as those of the ordinarie sort are yellow ‡ ¶ The Place They grow euery where in gardens and are cherished for their sweet floures and leaues ¶ The Time They bring forth their tufts of yellow floures in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Costmarie is called in Latine Balsamita maior or mas of some Costus 〈◊〉 it is also called Mentha Graeca and Saracenica Officinarum of Tragus Alisma of Matthiolus 〈◊〉 Graeca of others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Herbalassulata of some Herba D. Mariae in English Costmarie and Ale-coast in High Dutch Frauwenkraut in low Dutch 〈◊〉 windkraut in French Coq Maudlein is without doubt a kinde of Costmarie called of the Italians Herba Giulia of Valerius Cordus Mentha Corymbifera minor and Eupatorium Mesue It is iudged to be Dioscorides his Ageratum and it is the Costus minor hortensis of Gesner we
from his force of driuing away Agues ¶ The Temperature Feuerfew doth manifestly heat it is hot in the third degree and drie in the second it clenseth purgeth or scoureth openeth and fully performeth all that bitter things can do ¶ The Vertues It is a great remedie against the diseases of the matrix it procureth womens sicknes with speed it bringeth forth the after birth and the dead childe whether it bee drunke in a decoction or boiled in a bath and the woman sit ouer it or the herbes sodden and applied to the priuie part in manner of a cataplasme or pultis Dioscorides also teacheth that it is profitably applied to Saint Anthonies fire to all hot inflammations and hot swellings if it be laid vnto both leaues and floures The same Author affirmeth that the pouder of Feuerfew drunke with Oxymell or syrup of Vineger or wine for want of the others draweth away flegme and 〈◊〉 and is good for them that are pursie and haue their lungs stuffed with flegme and is profitable likewise to be drunke a gainst the stone as the same Author saith Feuerfew dried and made into pouder and two drams of it taken with honie or sweet wine purgeth by siege melancholy and flegme wherefore it is very good for them that are giddie in the head or which haue the turning called Vertigo that is a swimming and turning in the head Also it is good for such as be melancholike sad pensiue and without speech The herbe is good against the suffocation of the mother that is the hardnesse and stopping of the same being boiled in wine and applied to the place The decoction of the same is good for women to sit ouer for the purposes aforesaid It is vsed both in drinks and bound to the wrests with bay salt and the pouder of glasse stamped together as a most singular experiment against the ague CHAP. 211. Of Poley or Pellamountaine 1 Polium montanum album White Poley mountaine 2 Polium montanum 〈◊〉 Yellow Poley mountaine ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Polium or in English Poley of the mountain is a little tender and sweet smelling herbe verie hoarie whereupon it tooke his name for it is not onely hoary in part but his hoarie flockinesse possesseth the whole plant tufts and all being no lesse hoarie than Gnaphalium especially where it groweth neere the Sea at the bending of the hils or neere the sandie shores of the Mediterranean Sea from his wooddie and somewhat threddie root shooteth forth straight from the earth a number of small round stalkes nine inches long and by certaine distances from the stalke proceed somewhat long leaues like Gnaphalium which haue light nickes about the edges that stand one against another inclosing the stalke in the toppe of the stalkes stand spokie tufts of floures white of colour like Serpillum This plant is stronger of sent or sauour than any of the rest following which sent is somewhat sharp and affecting the nose with his sweetnesse 2 The tuftes of the second kinde of Polium are longer than the tuftes or floures of the last before mentioned and they are of a yellow colour the leaues also are broader otherwise they are very like 3 From the wooddie rootes of this third kinde of Polium proceed a great number of shootes like vnto the last rehearsed lying flat vpright vpon the ground whose slender branches take hold vpon the vpper part of the earth where they creepe The floures are like the other but of a purple colour 4 The last kinde of Polium and of all the rest the smallest is of an indifferent good smell in all points like vnto the common Polium but that it is foure times lesser hauing the leaues not snipt the floures white ‡ 5 This sends vp many branches from one root like to those of the first described but shorter and more shrubbie lying partly vpon the ground the leaues grow by couples at certain spaces somewhat like but lesser than those of Rosemarie or Lauander greene aboue and whitish beneath not snipt about their edges their taste is bitter and smell somewhat pleasant the floures grow plentifully vpon the tops of 〈◊〉 branches white of colour and in shape not vnlike those of the other Poleyes they grow on a bunch together and not Spike fashion the seed is blackish and contained in small vessels the root is hard and wooddie with many fibres Clusius calls this Polium 7. albo flore It is the Polium alterum of Matthiolius and Polium recentiorum foemina Lavandulae folio of Lobel I here giue you as Clusius also hath done two figures to make one good one the former shews the floures and their manner of growing the other the seede vessels and the leaues growing by couples together with a little better expression of the root ‡ 3 Polium montanum purpureum Purple Poley ¶ The Place These plants do grow naturally vpon the mountaines of France Italie Spaine and other hot regions They are strangers in England notwithstanding I haue plants of that Poley with yellow floures by the gift of Lobel ¶ The Time They floure from the end of May to the beginning of August 4 Polium montanum minimum Creeping Poley ‡ 5 Polium 〈◊〉 folio flore 〈◊〉 Lavander leaued Poley Another figure of the Lauander leaued Poley ¶ The Names Poley mountaine is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his hoarinesse and in Latine also Polium Diuers suspect that Polium is 〈◊〉 and that Dioscorides hath twise intreated of that herbe vnder diuers names the kindes the occasion of the name and likewise the faculties do agree There bee two of the Leucades one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is of the mountaine the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is that with the broader leafe it is called Leucas of the whitish colour and Polion of the hoarinesse because it seemeth like to a mans hoarie head for whatsoeuer waxeth hoarie is said to be white ¶ The Temperature Poley is of 〈◊〉 drie in the third degree and hot in the end of the second ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith it is a remedie for them that haue the dropsie the yellow iaundice and that are troubled with the spleene It prouoketh vrine is put into Mithridate treacle and counterpoisons It profiteth much against the bitings of venomous beasts and driueth away all venomous beasts from the place where it is strewed or burnt The same drunke with vineger is good for the diseases of the milt and spleene it troubleth the stomacke and afflicteth the head and prouoketh the loosenesse of the bellie CHAP. 212. Of Germander ¶ The Kindes THe old writers haue set downe no certaine kinds of Germander yet we haue thought it good and not without cause to intreat of mo sorts than haue been obserued of all diuiding those vnder the title of Teucrium from 〈◊〉 although they are both of one kind but yet differing very notably ¶ The Dèscription 3 THe first
‡ 5 Clinopodium Austriacum Austrian field Basill ‡ 6 Clinopodium Alpinum Wilde Basill of the Alpes ‡ 4 It may be our Authour would haue described this in the first place as I coniecture by those words which he vsed in mentioning the place of their growing and Clinopodium 〈◊〉 groweth in great plentie vpon Longfield downs in Kent but to this neither figure nor description did agree wherefore I will giue you the Historie therof It sends vp many little square stalks some handful and an halfe high seldome diuided into branches at each ioint stand two smal greenish leaues little hairy and not diuided or snipt about the edges and much like those of the next described as you see them exprest in the figure the little hollow and somewhat hooded floures grow in roundles towards the tops of the stalkes as in the first described and they are of a blewish violet colour The seeds I haue not yet obserued the root is fibrous and wooddie and lasts for many yeares The whole plant hath a pretty pleasing but weake smell It floures in Iuly and August I first obserued it Anno 1626 a little on this side Pomfret in Yorkshire and since by Datford in Kent and in the I le of Tenet I haue sometimes seene it brought to Cheapside market where the herbe women called it Poley mountaine some it may bee that haue taken it for Polium montanum misinforming them Clusius first tooke notice of this plant and called it Acinos Anglicum finding it growing in Kent Anno 1581. and he thinkes it to be the Acinos of Dioscorides now the vertues attributed by Dioscorides to his Acinos are set downe at the end of the chapter vnder the letter B. 5 This which Clusius hath also set forth by the name of 〈◊〉 or Acinos Austriacum doth not much differ from the last described for it hath tender square hard stalkes like those of the last described set also with two leaues at each joint heere and there a little snipt which is omitted in the figure the floures grow onely at the tops of the stalkes and these pretty large and of a violet colour yet they are sometimes found white they hang commonly forward and at is were with there vpper parts turned downe The seed vessels are like those of the first described and containe each of them foure little blacke seeds This floures in May and the seed is ripe in Iune It growes about the bathes of Badon and in diuers places of Austria 6 Pena also hath giuen vs knowledge of another that from a sibrous root sends vp many quadrangular rough branches of the height of the two former set also with two leaues at each joint and these rough and lightly snipt about the edges the floures grow thicke together at the tops of the stalkes of a darke red colour and in shape like those of the mountaine Calaminte It floures in the beginning of Iuly and growes vpon mount Baldus in Italy Pona sets it forth by the name of Clinopodium Alpinum 7 To these I thinke fit to adde another whose description was sent me by Mr. Goodyer and I question whether it may not be the plant which Fabius Columna 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sets forth by the name of Acinos Dioscoridis for he makes his to be endued odore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but to the purpose Acinos odoratissimum This herbe hath foure fiue or more foure square hard wooddy stalkes growing from one root diuided into many branches couered with a soft white hairinesse two or three foot long or longer not growing vpright but trailing vpon the ground the leaues grow on little-short footstalkes by couples of a light greene colour somewhat like the leaues of Basill very like the leaues of Acinos Lobelij but smaller about three quarters of an inch broad and not fully an inch long somewhat sharpe pointed lightly notched about the edges also couered with a light soft hoary hairinesse of a very sweete smell little inferiour to Garden Marjerome of a hot biting taste out of their bosomes grow other smaller leaues or else branches the floures also grow forth of the bosomes of the leaues toward the tops of the stalkes and branches not in whorles like the said Acinos but hauing one little short footstalke growing forth of the bosome of each leafe on which is placed three foure or more small floures gaping open and diuided into foure vnequall parts at the top like the floures of Basill and very neare of the likenesse and bignesse of the floures of Garden Marjerome but of a pale blewish colour tending towards a purple The seed I neuer obserued by reason it floured late This plant I first found growing in the Garden of Mr. William Yalden in Sheete neere Petersfield in Hampshire 〈◊〉 1620. amongst sweete Marjerome and which by chance they bought with the seedes thereof It is to be considered whether the seedes of sweete Marjerome degenerate and send forth this herbe or not 11. October 1621. Iohn Goodyer ‡ ¶ The Place The wilde kindes doe grow vpon grauelly grounds by water sides and especially I found the three last in the barren plaine by an house in Kent two miles from Dartford called Saint Iones in a village called Sutton and Clinopodium vulg are groweth in great plentie vpon Long field downes in Kent ‡ One of the three last of our Authors description is omitted as you may finde noted at the end of the chapter yet I cannot be persuaded that euer he found any of the foure he described euer wilde in this kingdome vnlesse the secoad which growes plentifully in Autumne almost by euery hedge also the fourth being of my description growes neere Dartford and in many such dry barren places in sundry parts of the kingdome ‡ ¶ The Time These herbes floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Vnprofitable Basil or wilde Basill is called by some Clinopodium ¶ The Nature The seed of these herbes are of complexion hot and dry ¶ The Vertues Wilde Basill pound with wine appeaseth the paine of the eyes and the juice doth mundifie the same and putteth away all obscurity and dimnesse all catarrhes and flowing humors that fall into the eies being often dropped into the same †The stone Basill howsoeuer it be taken stoppeth the laske and courses and outwardly applied it helpes hot Tumors and inflammations ‡ These plants are good for all such effects as require moderate heate and astriction ‡ CHAP. 224. Of Basill Valerian ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Ocymastrum called of Dodonaeus Valerianarubra bringeth forth long and brittle stalkes two cubits high sull os knots or joints in which place is joined long leaues much like vnto great Basill but greater broader and larger or rather like the leaues of Woade At the top of the stalkes do grow very pleasant and long red floures of the fashion of the floures of Valerian which hath caused Dodonaeus to call this plant red Valerian which being past the seedes are caried
helmets then commeth vp little smal seed in pretty round buttons but sharpe at the end the root is whitish beset with little knobs and bunches as it were knots and kernels 2 There is another Figge-wort called Scrophularia Indica that hath many and great branches trailing here and there vpon the ground full of leaues in fashion like the wilde or common Thistle but altogether without prickes among the leaues appeare the floures in fashion like a hood on the out side of a feint colour and within intermixt with purple which being fallen and withered there come in place small knops very hard to breake and sharpe at the point as a bodkin which containeth a small seed like vnto Time The whole plant perisheth at the first approch of Winter and must be sowen againe in Aprill in good and fertile ground ‡ This is the Scrophularia Cretica 1. of Clusius ‡ 1 Scrophularia maior Great Fig-wort ‡ 2 Scrophularia Indica Indian Fig-wort ‡ 3 The stalke of this is also square and some yard high set with leaues like those of the hedge Nettle but somewhat larger and thicker and a little deeper cut in out of the besomes of these leaues come little rough foot-stalkes some inch or two long carrying some foure or fiue hollow round floures of a greenish yellow colour with some threds in them being open at the top and cut in with fiue little gashes the seeds are blacke and contained in vessels like those of the first described the root is like that of the Nettle and liues many yeares it floures in May and the seeds are ripe in Iune I haue not found nor heard of this wilde with vs but seen it flourishing in the garden of my kinde friend Mr. Iohn Parkinson Clusius calls it Lamium 2. Pannonicum exoticum and Bauhine hath set it forth by the name of Scrophularia slore luteo whom in this I follow ‡ ‡ 3 Scrophularia flore luteo Yellow floured Fig-wort ¶ The Place The great Scrophularia groweth plentifully in shadowie Woods and sometimes in moist medowes especially in greatest aboundance in a wood as you go from London to Harnesey and also in Stow wood and Shotouer neere Oxford The strange Indian figure was sent me from Paris by Iohn Robin the Kings Herbarist and it now groweth in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Fig-wort or Kernel-wort is called in Latine Scrophularia maior that it might differ from the lesser Celandine which is likewise called Scrophularia with this addition minor the lesser it is called of some Millemorbia and Castrangula in English great Fig-wort or Kernel-wort but 〈◊〉 vsually Brown-wort ¶ The Vertues Fig-wort is good against the hard kernells which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 the Latines Strumas and commonly Scrophulas that is the Kings Euill and it is reported to be a remedy against those diseases whereof it tooke his name as also the painefull piles and swelling of the haemorrhoides Diuers do rashly teach that if it be hanged about the necke or else carried about one it keepeth a man in health Some do stampe the root with butter and set it in a moist shadowie place fifteene dayes together then they do boyle it straine it and keepe it wherewith they anoint the hard kernels and the haemorrhoide veines or the piles which are in the fundament and that with good successe CHAP. 246. Of Veruaine ¶ The Description 1 THe stalke of vpright Veruaine riseth from the root single cornered a foot high seldome aboue a cubite and afterwards diuided into many branches The leaues are long greater than those of the Oke but with bigger cuts and deeper the floures along the sprigs are little blew or white orderly placed the root is long with strings growing on it 2 Creeping Veruaine sendeth forth stalkes like vnto the former now and then a cubit long cornered more slender for the most part lying vpon the ground The leaues are like the former but with deeper cuts and more in number The floures at the tops of the sprigs are blew and purple withall very small as those of the last described and placed after the same manner and order The root groweth straight downe being slender and long as is also the root of the former 1 Verbena communis Common Veruaine 2 Verbena sacra Common Veruaine ¶ The Place Both of them grow in vntilled places neere vnto hedges high-wayes and commonly by ditches almost euery where ‡ I haue not seene the second and doubt it is not to be found wilde in England ‡ ¶ The Time The Veruaines floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Veruaine is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Verbena and Verbenaca Herculania Ferraria and Exupera of some Matricalis and Hiera botane of others Veruena and Sacra herba Verbenae are herbes that were taken from the Altar or from some holy place which because the Consull or Pretor did cut vp they were likewise called Sagmind which oftentiwes are mentioned in Liuy to be grassie herbes cut vp in the Capitoll Pliny also in his two and twentieth booke and eleuenth Chapter witnesseth That Verbenae and Sagmina be all one and this is manifest by that which wee reade in Andraea in Terence Ex ara verbenas hinc sume Take herbes here from the Altar in which place Terence did not meane Veruaine to be taken from the Altar but some certaine herbes for in Menander out of whom this Comedie was translated is read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Myrtle as Donatus saith In Spanish it is called Vrgebaom in Italian Verminacula in Dutch Jser cruijt in French Veruaine in English Iuno's teares Mercuries moist bloud Holy-herbe and of some Pigeons grasse or Columbine because Pigeons are delighted to be amongst it as also to eat thereof as Apuleius writeth ¶ The Temperature Both the Veruaines are of temperature very dry and do meanly binde and coole ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Veruaine pownd with oile of Roses or hogs grease doth mitigate and appease the paines of the mother being applied thereto The leaues of Veruaine and Roses stamped with a little new hogs grease and emplaistered after the manner of a pultesse doth cease the inflammation and grieuous paines of wounds and suffereth them not to come to corruption and the greene leaues stamped with hogs grease takes away the swelling and paine of hot impostumes and tumors and cleanseth corrupt and rotten vlcers It is reported to be of singular force against the Tertian and Quartane Feuers but you must obserue mother Bombies rules to take iust so many 〈◊〉 or sprigs and no more lest it fall out so that it do you no good if you catch no harm by it Many odde old wiues fables are written of 〈◊〉 tending to witchcraft and sorcerie which you may read elsewhere for I am not willing to trouble your eares with reporting such trifles as honest eares abhorre to heare Archigenes maketh a garland of Veruaine for the head-ache
Scabious whereof they be kindes therefore their faculties are like although not so proper to Physickes vse They be commended against the swellings of the Vvula as is Diuels bit but of lesse force and vertue CHAP. 250. Of Siluer Knapweed ¶ The Description 1 THe great Siluer Knapweed hath at his first comming vp diuers leaues spred vpon the ground of a deepe greene colour cut and iagged as are the other Knapweeds 〈◊〉 here and there with some siluer lines downe the same whereof it tooke his surname Argentea among which leaues riseth vp a straight stalke of the height of two or three cubits somwhat rough and brittle diuiding it selfe toward the top into other twiggie branches on the tops whereof do grow floures set in scaly heads or knaps like the other Matfellons of a gallant purple colour consisting of a number of threds or thrums thicke thrust together after which the seedes appeare slipperie smooth at one end and bear ded with blacke haires at the other end which maketh it to leap and skip away when a man doth but lightly touch it The root is small single and perisheth when the seed is ripe ‡ This is not streaked with any lines as our Author imagined nor called Argentea by any but himselfe and that very vnfitly ‡ 1 Stoebe argentea maior Great Siluer Knapweed 2 Stoebe argentea minor Little siluer Knapweed ‡ 4 Stoebe Rosmarini folio Narrow leafed Knapweed ‡ 5 Stoebe ex Codice Caesareo Thornie Knapweed ‡ 3 There is another like this in each respect but that the heads haue not so white a shining siluer colour and this I haue also seene growing with Master Iohn Tradescant at South Lambeth ‡ ‡ 4 To these may be added that plant which Pona hath set forth by the name of Stoebe capitata Rosmarini folio It hath a whitish wooddy root from whence arise diuers branches set with long narrow leaues somewhat like those of Rosemary but liker those of the Pine of a greenish colour aboue and whitish below at the tops of the branches grow such heads as in the first described Stoebe with floures of somewhat a deeper purple colour the seed is like that of Carthamus but blackish The root is not annuall but lasts many yeares ‡ ‡ 5 Though these plants haue of late been vulgarly set forth by the name of Stoebe's yet are they not iudged to bee the true Stoebe of Dioscorides and the Antients but rather another whose figure which we here giue was by Dodonaeus taken forth of a manuscript in the Emperours Library and he saith Paludanus brought home some of the same out of Cyprus and Morea as he returned from his journey out of Syria the bottome leaues are said to be much diuided those on the stalkes long and onely snipt about the edges and white the floures white and contained in scaly heads like the Blew-bottles and the tops of the branches end in sharpe prickles ‡ ¶ The Place These doe grow of themselues in fields neere common high waies and in vntilled places but they are strangers in England neuerthelesse I haue them in my garden ¶ The Time They spring vp in April they floure in August and the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Siluer Knapweed is called of Lobel Staebe Salamantica of Dodonaeus Aphyllanthes that is without leaues for the floures consist onely of a number of threds without any leaues at all in English Siluer Knapweed or Siluer Scabious whereof doubtlesse they be kindes ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties of these Matfellons are not as yet found out neither are they vsed for meat or medicine ‡ The faculties of Staebe out of Dioscorides The seed and leaues are a stringent wherefore the decoction of them is cast vp in Dysenteries and into purulent eares and the leaues applied in manner of a pultis are good to hinder the blacknesse of the eies occasioned by a blow and stop the flowing of bloud ‡ CHAP. 251. Of Blew Bottle or Corne Floure 1 Cyanus maior Great blew Bottle 2 Cyanus vulgaris Common blew Bottle ¶ The Description 1 THe great blew Bottle hath long leaues smooth soft downie and sharpe pointed among the leaues rise vp crooked and prettie thicke branches chamfered furrowed and garnished with such leaues as are next the ground on the toppes whereof stand faire blew floures tending to purple consisting of diuers little floures set in a scaly huske or knap like those of the Knapweeds the seed is rough or bearded at one end smooth at the other and shining The root is tough and long lasting contrary to the rest of the Corne floures and groweth yearely into new shoots and springs whereby it greatly increaseth 7 Cyanus coeruleus multiflorus Double Blew-Bottles 8 Cyanus purpurens multiflorus Double Purple-Bottles ‡ 9 Cyanus repens latifolius Broad leafed creeping Blew-Bottle ‡ 10 Cyanus repens angustifolius Small creeping Blew-Bottle 2 The common Corne-floure hath leaues spred vpon the ground of a whitish greene colour somewhat hackt or cut in the edges like those of Corne Scabious among which riseth vp a stalke diuided into diuers small branches whereon do grow long leaues of an ouerworne greene colour with few cuts or none at all The floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a blew colour consisting of many small floures set in a scaly or chaffie head like those of the Knapweeds the seed is smooth bright shining and wrapped in a woolly or flocky matter The root is small and single and perisheth when it hath perfected his seed 3 This Bottle is like the last described in each respect sauing in the colour of the floures which are purple wherein consisteth the difference 4 The fourth Bottle is also like the precedent not differing in any point but in the floures for as the last before mentioned are of a purple colour contrariwise these are of a milke white colour which setteth forth the difference 5 The Violet-coloured Bottle or Corne-floure is like the precedent in stalkes leaues seeds and roots the onely difference is that this bringeth floures of a violet colour and the others not so 6 Variable Corne-floure is so like the others in stalks leaues and proportion that it cannot be distinguished with words onely the floures hereof are of two colours mixed together that is purple and white wherein it differeth from the rest 7 There is no difference to be found in the leaues stalkes seed or rootes of this Cornefloure from the other but onely that the floures hereof are of a faire blew colour and very double 8 The eighth Corne-floure is like vnto the precedent without any difference at all sauing in the colour of the floures the which are of a bright purple colour that setteth 〈◊〉 the difference ‡ 9 This from a small root sends vp diuers creeping branches some foot long set with long hoary narrow leaues at the tops of the stalkes stand the floures in scaly heads like as the other Blew-Bottles
number according to my computation it hath leaues like the former but longer smaller and narrower toward the bottome greene aboue and of a pale colour vnderneath The floures are in fashion like to the former but of a most shining red colour within and on the outside of the colour of a mulberry the middle or eye of the floure is of a whitish pale colour the root is like the former 4 The fourth is a smaller plant than any of the foresaid whose leaues are thicke and fat nothing at all snipt about the edges greene aboue and grayish vnderneath The floures are like the former shining about the edges of an ouerworne colour toward the middle and in the 〈◊〉 commeth a forke couered with an hairinesse the root is blacke and threddy 5 Auricula Vrsierubescens Blush coloured Beares eare 6 Auricula Vrsi suane rubens Bright red Beares eare 7 Auricula Vrsi minima Stamell Beares eare 5 The blush-coloured Beares 〈◊〉 hath 〈◊〉 thicke fat leaues spred vpon the ground of a whitish green colour sleightly or not at all indented in the edges among which riseth vp a naked stalke likewise hairy or whitish on the top whereof stand very faire floures in shape like those of the common Cowslip but of a whitish colour tending to purple which wee terme blush-colour The root is tough and threddy as are all the rest 6 The bright shining red Beares eare of Matthiolus description seemes to late Herbarists to be rather a figure made by conceit or imagination than by the sight of the plant it self for doubtlesse we are persuaded that there is no such plant but onely a figure foisted for ostentations sake the description whereof we leaue to a further consideration because we haue not seene any such plant neither do we beleeue there is any such ‡ Our Author is here without cause iniurious to Matthiolus for he figures and describes onely the common first described yellow Beares eare yet if he had said the floures were of a light shining red he had not erred for I haue seen these floures of all the reds both bright and darke that one may imagine ‡ 7 Pena setteth forth a kinde of Beares eare vnder the name of Sanicula Alpina hauing his vppermost leaues an inch long somewhat iagged and hem'd at the ends and broad before like a shouel the lower leaues next the ground are somewhat shorter but of the same forme among which riseth a small slender foot-stalke of an inch long whereon doth stand a small floure consisting of fiue little leaues of a bright red or stammell colour 8 The snow white Beares eare differeth not from the last described but in the colour of the floure for as the others are red contrarie these are very white and the whole plant is lesser wherein consisteth the difference The root is long tough with some fibres thereto belonging Neither of these two last described will be content to grow in gardens ¶ The Place They grow naturally vpon the Alpish and Heluetian mountaines most of them do grow in our London gardens ¶ The Time These herbes do floure in Aprill and May. ¶ The Names Either the antient writers knew not these plants or else the names of them were not by them or their successors diligently committed vnto posteritie Matthiolus and other later writers haue giuen names according to the similitude or of the shape that they beare vnto other plants according to the likenesse of the qualities and operations you may call it in English Beares eare they that dwell about the Alps doe call it Orastkrawt and Schwindlekrawt by reason of the effects thereof for the root is amongst them in great request for the strengthning of the head that when they are on the tops of places that are high giddinesse and 〈◊〉 swimming of the braine may not afflict them it is there called the Rocke-rose for that it groweth vpon the rockes and resembleth the braue colour of the Rose ‡ Fabius Columna proues this to be the Alisma or Damasonium of 〈◊〉 and the Antients ¶ The Nature These herbes are dry and very astringent ¶ The Vertues It healeth all outward and inward wounds of the brest and the enterocele also if for some reasonable space of time it be put in drinkes or boyled by itselfe These plants are of the nature and temperature of Primula veris and are 〈◊〉 amongst the Sanicles by reason of their vertue Those that hunt in the Alps and high mountaines after Goats and Bucks do as highly esteeme hereof as of Doronicum by reason of the singular effects that it hath but as I said before one especially euen in that it preuenteth the losse of their best ioynts I meane their neckes if they take the roots hereof before they ascend the rocks or other high places ‡ The root of Damasonium according to Dioscorides taken in the weight of one or two drams helpeth such as haue deuoured the 〈◊〉 marinus or sea Hare or haue been bitten by a Toad or taken too great a quantitie of Opium It is also profitably drunke either by it selfe or with the like quantitie of Daucus seeds against gripings in the belly and the bloudy flux Also it is good against convulsions and the affects of the wombe The herbe stayes the fluxes of the belly moues the courses and applied in forme of a pultis asswageth oedematous tumors ‡ CHAP. 276. Of Mountaine Sanicle ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of herbes contained vnder the name of Sanicle and yet not one of them agreeing with our common Sanicle called Diapensia in any one respect except in the vertues whereof no doubt they tooke that name which number doth dayly increase by reason that the later writers haue put downe more new plants not written of before by the Antients which shall be distinguished in this chapter by seuerall titles ¶ The Description 1 Sanicula guttata Spotted Sanicle 2 Pinguicula siue Sanicula 〈◊〉 Butterwort or Yorkshire Sanicle 3 Sanicula Alpina Clusij siue Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle 2 The second kind of Sanicle which Clusius calleth Pinguicula not before his time remembred hath small thicke leaues fat and ful of iuyce being broad towards the root and 〈◊〉 towards the point of a faint greene colour and bitter in taste out of the middest wherof sprouteth or shooteth vp a naked slender stalke nine inches long euery stalke bearing one floure and no more sometimes white and commonly of a blewish purple colour fashioned like vnto the common Consolida regalis hauing the like spur or Larks heele anexed thereto 3 The third kinde of mountaine Sanicle some Herbarists haue called Sanicula alpina store 〈◊〉 the leaues shoot forth in the beginning of the Spring very thicke and fat and are like a purse or round lumpe at their first comming out of the ground and when it is spred abroad the vpper part thereof is full of veines or sinewes and houen vp or curled like Ranunculus Lusitanicus or like the crumpling of a cabbage
like those of the last described And the seed also growes like vnto that of the Water 〈◊〉 last described 5 There is also another kinde of water Milfoile which hath leaues very like vnto water Violet smaller and not so many in number the stalke is small and tender bearing yellow gaping floures fashioned like a hood or the small Snapdragon which caused Pena to put vnto his 〈◊〉 this additament Galericulatum that is hooded The roots are small and threddy with some few knobs hanging thereat like the sounds of fish 2 Millesolium aquaticum Water Yarrow 3 Millesolium siue 〈◊〉 flore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aquatici 〈◊〉 facie Crow-foot or water Milsoile ‡ 6 To these may we adde a small water Milfoile set sorth by Clusius It hath round greene stalkes set with many ioynts whereout come at their lower ends many hairy fibres whereby it taketh hold of the mud the tops of these stems stand some handfull aboue the water and at each ioynt stand fiue long finely winged leaues very greene and some inch long which wax lesse and lesse as they stand higher or neerer the top of the stalke and at each of these leaues about the top of the stem growes one small white floure consisting of six little leaues ioyned together and not opening themselues and these at length turne into little knobs with foure little pointals standing out of them Clusius calls this Myriophyllon aquaticum minus ‡ ‡ 4 Millefolium tenuifolium Fennell leaued water Milfoile ‡ 5 Millefolium palustre galericulatum Hooded water Milfoile ¶ The Place They be found in lakes and standing waters or in waters that run slowly I haue not found such plenty of it in any one place as in the water ditches adioyning to Saint George his field neere London ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in May and Iune ¶ The Names The first is called in Dutch water Uiolerian that is to say Viola aquatilis in English Water Gillofloure or water Violet in French Gyroflees d'eaue Matthiolus makes this to be also Myrophylli 〈◊〉 or a kinde of Yarrow although it doth not agree with the description thereof for neither hath it one stalke onely nor one single root as Myriophyllon or Yarrow is described to haue for the roots are full of strings and it bringeth forth many stalkes The second is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Millefolium and Myriophyllon and also Supercilium Veneris in shops it is vnknowne This Yarrow differeth from that of the land the rest are sufficiently spoken of in their titles ¶ The Nature and Vertues Water Yarrow as Dioscorides saith is of a dry facultie and by reason that it taketh away hot inflammations and swellings it seemeth to be of a cold nature for Dioscorides affirmeth that water Yarrow is a remedie against inflammations in greene wounds if with vineger it be applied greene or dry and it is giuen inwardly with vineger and salt to those that haue fallen from a high place Water Gillofloure or water Violet is thought to be cold and dry yet hath it no vse in physicke at all CHAP. 301. Of Ducks meate Lens palustris Ducks meate ¶ The Description DVckes meate is as it were a certaine greene mosse with very little round leaues of the bignesse of Lentils out of the midst whereof on the nether side grow downe very fine threds like haires which are to them in stead of roots it hath neither stalke floure nor fruit ¶ The Place It is found in pounds lakes city ditches and in other standing waters euery where ¶ The Time The time of Ducks meate is knowne to all ¶ The Names Duckes meate is called in Latine Lens lacustris Lens aquatilis and Lens palustris of the Apothecaries it is 〈◊〉 Aquae Lenticula in high-Dutch Meerlinsen in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 and more vsually Enden gruen that is to say Anatum herba Ducks herbe because Ducks doe feed thereon whereupon also in English it is called Ducks meate some terme it after the Greeke water Lentils and of others it is named Graines The Italians call it Lent 〈◊〉 in French Lentille d eaue in Spanish Lenteias de agua ¶ The Temperature Galen sheweth that it is cold and moist after a sort in the second degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that it is a remedie against all manner of inflammations Saint Anthonies fire and hot Agues if they be either applied alone or else vsed with partched barley meale It also knitteth ruptures in young children Ducks meate mingled with fine wheaten floure and applied preuaileth much against hot swellings as Phlegmons Erisipelas and the paines of the ioynts The same doth helpe the fundament fallen downe in yong children CHAP. 302. Of Water Crow-foot 1 Ranunculus aquatilis Water Crow-foot ¶ The Description 1 WAter Crow-foot hath slender branches trailing far abroad whereupon grow leaues vnder the water most finely cut and iagged like those of Cammomill Those aboue the water are somwhat round indented about the edges in forme not vnlike the smal tender leaues of the mallow but lesser among which do grow the floures small and white of colour made of fine little leaues with some yellownesse in the middle like the floures of the Straw-berry and of a sweet smell after which there come round rough and prickly knaps like those of the field Crowfoot The roots be very small hairy strings ‡ There is sometimes to be found a varietie of this with the leaues lesse and diuided into three parts after the manner of an Iuy leafe and the floures are also much lesser but white of colour with a yellow bottome I question whether this be not the Ranunculus hederaceus Daleschampij pag. 1031. of the hist. Lugd. ‡ 2 There is another plant growing in the water of smal moment yet not amisse to be remembred called Hederula aquatica or water Iuie the which is very rare to finde neuerthelesse I found it once in a ditch by Bermondsey house neere to London and neuer elsewhere it hath small threddy strings in stead of roots and stalkes rising from the bottome of the water to the top wherunto are fastned small leaues swimming or floting vpon the water triangled or three cornered like to those of barren Iuie or rather noble Liuerwort barren of floures and seeds 2 Hederula aquatica Water Iuie ‡ 3 Stellaria aquatica Water Starwort 3 There is likewise another herbe of small reckoning that floteth vpon the water called Stellaria aquatica or water Star-wort which hath many small grassie stems like threds comming from the bottome of the water vnto the vpper face of the same whereupon do grow smal double floures of a greenish or herby colour ‡ I take this Stellaria to be nothing else but a water Chickeweed which growes almost in euery ditch with two long narrow leaues at each ioynt and halfe a dozen or more lying close together at the top of the water in fashion of a starre it may be seene in this shape in the end of
Vine but tenderer and for the length and great spreading therof it is very fit to make shadows in arbors the leaues are smooth like Iuie but somewhat bigger and being broken are full of milke amongst which come forth great white and hollow floures like bells The seed is three cornered growing in small huskes couered with a thin skin The root is small white and long like the great Dogs grasse 2 Smilax 〈◊〉 minor is much like vnto the former in stalkes leaues floures seed and roots sauing that in all respects it is much smaller and creepeth vpon the ground The branches are small and smooth the little leaues tender and soft the floures like vnto little bells of a purple colour the seed three cornered like vnto the others 3 Convolvulus minimus spicae-folius Lauander leafed Binde-weed 4 Convolvulus argenteus 〈◊〉 Siluer leafed Binde-weed 3 This Bindweed Pena saith he neuer saw but in the brinks of quicke-sets and Oliuets in Prouence Sauoy and Narbone notwithstanding I found it growing in the corne fields about great Dunmow in Essex in such abundance that it doth much hurt vnto their corne This kind of Bindweed or Volubilis is like vnto the small Bindweed before mentioned but it hath a finer floure plaited or folded in the compasse of the bell very orderly especially before the Sun rise for after it opens it selfe the welts are not so much perceiued and it is of a darke purple colour the seed is not vnlike the rest cornered and flat growing out of slender branches which stand vpright and thicke together proceeding out of a wooddy white root The leaues are long and narrow resembling Linaria both in colour and hairinesse in taste drying and somewhat heating 5 Volubilis nigra Blacke Bindweed ‡ 4 The stalkes and branches of this are some cubite long slender weake and hairy so that they lie vpon the ground if they haue nothing to sustaine them vpon these without any order grow leaues shaped like those of luy or the marsh Mallow but lesse and couered ouer with a siluer-like downe or hairinesse and diuided somewhat deep on the edges sometimes also curled and otherwhiles onely snipt about The floure growes vpon long stalkes like as in other plants of this kinde and consists of one folding lease like as that of the last mentioned and it is either of a whitish purple or else absolute purple colour The root is small and creeping It growes in many places of Spaine and there floures in March and Aprill Clusius calls this Convoluulus Altheae folio and saith that the Portugals name it Verdezilla and commend it as a thing most effectuall to heale wounds Our Authour gaue the figure hereof how fitly let the Reader iudge by the name of Papauer cornutum luteum minus making it a horned Poppy as you may see in the former Edition Pag. 294. ‡ †5 This kinde of Bindweed hath a 〈◊〉 root full of threddie strings from which rise vp immediatly diuers trailing branches wherupon grow leaues like the common field Bindweed or like those of Orach of a black green colour whereof it tooke his name the floures are smal and like those of Orach the seed is black three square like but lesse than that of Buck-wheat The whole plant is not onely a hurtfull weed but of an euill smell also and too frequently found amongst corne Dodonaeus calls this Convolvulum 〈◊〉 and Helxine Cissampelos Tabernamontanus Volubilis nigra and Lobel Helxine Cissampelos altera Atriplicis effigie ¶ The Place All these kindes of Bindweeds do grow very plentifully in most parts of England ‡ The third and fourth excepted ‡ ¶ The Time They do floure from May to the end of August ¶ The Names The great Bindweed is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Smilax Laeuis of Galen and Paulus Aegineta 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is surnamed Laeuis or smooth because the stalkes and branches thereof haue no prickles at all Dolichus called also Smilax hortensis or Kidney beane doth differ from this and likewise Smilax the tree which the Latines call Taxus in English the Yew tree The later Herbarists do call this Bindweed Volubilis maior Campanella Funis arborum Convoluulus albus and Smilax laeuis maior in like manner Pliny in his 21. booke 5. chapt doth also name it Conuoluulus It is thought to be Ligustrum not the shrub priuet but that which Martial in his first booke of Epigrams speaketh of writing against Procillus The small Bindweed is called Convoluulus minor and Smilax laeuis minor Volubilis minor in high Dutch Windkraut in Low Dutch Wrange in French Liseron in Italian Vilucchio in Spanish Campanilla Yerua in English Withwinde Bindeweed and Hedge-bels ¶ The Nature These herbs are of an hot and dry temperature ¶ The Vertues The leaues of blacke Bindweed called Helxine Cissampelos stamped and strained and the iuice drunken doth loose and open the bellie exceedingly The leaues pound and laid to the grieued place dissolueth wasteth and consumeth hard lumps and swellings as Galen saith The rest of the Bindweeds are not fit for medicine but vnprofitable weeds and hurtfull vnto each thing that groweth next vnto them CHAP. 318. Of Blew Bindweed ¶ The Description 1 BLew Bindweed bringeth forth long tender and winding branches by which it climeth vpon things that stand neere vnto it and foldeth it selfe about them with many turnings and windings wrapping it selfe against the Sun contrary to all other things whatsoeuer that with their clasping tendrels do embrace things that stand neere vnto them whereupon doe grow broad cornered leaues very like vnto those of Iuie something rough and hairy of an ouerworne russet greene colour among which come forth most pleasant floures bell fashion somthing cornered as are those of the common Bindweed of a most shining azure colour tending to purple which being past there succeed round knobbed seed vessels wherein is contained long blackish seed of the bignesse of a Tare and like vnto those of the great hedge Bindweed The root is threddy and perisheth at the first approchof Winter 1 Convolvulus Caeruleus Blew Binde-weed ‡ 2 Convolvulus caeruleus folio rotundo Round leaued blew Bindweed ‡ 2 There are also kept in our gardens two other blew floured Bindweeds The one a large and great plant the other a lesser The great sends vp many large and long winding branches like those of the last described and a little hairie the leaues are large and roundish ending in a sharpe point the floures are as large as those of the great Bindweed and in shape like them but blew of colour with fiue broad purplish veines equally distant each from other and these floures commonly grow three neere together vpon three seuerall stalks some inch long fastened to another ‡ 3 Convolvulus caeruleus minor folio oblongo Small blew Bindweed 3 This small blew Bindweed sendeth forth diuers long slender creeping hairie branches lying flat vpon the ground vnlesse there be something for
toucheth the fruite groweth vpon slender footstalkes fashioned like vnto a Peare of the bignes of a great Quince 4 The Spanish Melon bringeth forth long trailing branches whereon are set broad leaues slightly indented about the edges not diuided at all as are all the rest of the Melons The fruite groweth neere vnto the stalke like vnto the common Pompion very long not crested or furrowed at all but spotted with very many such markes as are on the backeside of the Harts-tongue leafe The pulpe or meate is not so pleasing in taste as the other ¶ The Place They delight in hot regions notwithstanding I haue seen at the Queenes house at Saint Iames very many of the first sort ripe through the diligent and curious nourishing of them by a skilfull Gentleman the keeper of the said house called Mr. Fowle and in other places neere vnto the right Honorable the Lord of 〈◊〉 house of Bermondsey by London where from yeere to yeere there is very great plenty especially if the weather be any thing temperate ¶ The Time They are set or sowne in Aprill as I haue already shewne in the chapter of Cucumbers their fruite is ripe in the end of August and sometimes sooner ¶ The Names The Muske Melon is called in Latine Melo in Italian Mellone in Spanish Melon in French 〈◊〉 in High Dutch Melaun in low Dutch Meloenen in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which doth signifie an apple and therefore this kinde of Cucumber is more truely called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 by reason that Pepo hath the smell of an apple whereto the smell of this fruit is like hauing withall the smell as it were of Muske which for that 〈◊〉 are also named Melones 〈◊〉 or Muske Melons ¶ The Temperature The meate of the Muske Melon is very cold and moist ¶ The Vertues It is harder of digestion than is any of the rest of Cucumbers and if it remaine long in the stomacke is putrifieth and is occasion of pestilent feuers which thing also Aëtius witnesseth in the first booke of his Tetrabibles writing that the vse of Cucumeres or Cucumbers breedeth pestilent feauers for he also taketh Cucumis to be that which is commonly called a Melon which is vsually eaten of the Italians and Spaniards rather to represse the rage of 〈◊〉 than for any other Physicall vertue The seed is of like operation with that of the former Cucumber CHAP. 345. Of Melons or Pompions ¶ The Kindes THere be found diuers kindes of Pompions which differ either in bignesse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it shall be therefore sufficient to describe some one or two of them and referre the rest vnto the view of the figures which most liuely do expresse their differences especially because this volume waxeth great the description of no moment and I hasten to an end ¶ The Description 1 TThe great Pompion bringeth forth thicke and rough prickly stalkes which with their clasping tendrells take hold vpon such things as are neere vnto them as poles 〈◊〉 pales and ledges which vnlesse they were neere vnto them would creepe along vpon the ground the leaues be wilde and great very rough and cut with certaine deepe gashes nicked also on the edges like a saw the floures be very great like vnto a bell cup of a yellow colour like gold hauing fiue corners standing out like teeth 〈◊〉 fruite is great thicke round set with thicke ribbes like edges sticking forth The pulpe or meate whereof which is next vnder the rinde is white and of a meane hardnesse the pith or substance in the middle is spungie and slimie the seed is great broad flat something white much greater than that of the Cucumber otherwise not differing at all in forme The colour of the barke or rinde is oftentimes of an obscure greene sometimes gray The rinde of the greene Pompion is harder and as it were of a woody substance the rinde of the gray is softer and tenderer 2 The second kinde of Melons or Pompions is like vnto the former in stalkes and leaues and also in clasping tendrels but the gashes of the leaues are not so deepe and the stalkes be tenderer the floures are in like manner yellow gaping and cornered at the top as be those of the 〈◊〉 but the fruite is somewhat rounder sometimes greater and many times lesser and oftentimes of a greene colour with an harder barke now and then softer and whiter The meat within is like the former the seeds haue also the same forme but they be somewhat lesser 1 Pepo maximus oblongus The great long Pompion 2 Pepo maximus rotundus The great round Pompion 3 Of this kinde there is also another Pompion like vnto the former in rough stalkes and in gashed and nicked leaues the floure is also great and yellow like those of the others the fruit is of a great bignesse whose barke is full of little bunnies or hillie welts as is the rinde of the Citron which is in like manner yellow when it is ripe 4 The fourth Pompion doth very much differ from the others in form the stalks leaues and floures are like those of the rest but the fruit is not long or round but altogether broad and in a manner flat like vnto a shield or buckler thicker in the middle thinner in the compasse and curled or 〈◊〉 in certaine places about the edges like the rugged or vneuen barke of the Pomecitron the which rinde is very soft thin and white the meat within is meetely hard and dureable The seed is greater than that of the common Cucumber in forme and colour all one ‡ Macocks Virginiani sive Pepo Virginianus The Virginian Macocke or Pompion ‡ This hath rough cornered straked trailing branches proceeding from the roor eight or nine foot long or longer and those againe diuided into other branches of a blackish greene colour trailing 〈◊〉 or running alongst the earth couering a great deale of ground sending forth broad 〈◊〉 rough leaues on great grosse long rough hairy foot-stalks like and fully as big as the leaues of the common Pompion with clasping tendrels and great broad shriueled yellow floures also like those of the common Pompion the fruit succeedeth growing a longst the stalkes commonly not neere the root but towards the vpper part or toppes of the branches somewhat round not extending in length but flat like a bowle but not so bigge as an ordinarie bowle beeing seldome foure inches broad and three inches long of a blackish greene colour when it is ripe The substance or eatable part is of a yellowish white colour containing in the middest a great deale of pulpe or soft matter wherein the seed lyeth in certaine rowes also like the common Pompion but smaller The root is made of many whitish branches creeping far abroad in the earth and perish at the first approch of Winter 3 Pepo maximus compressus The great flat bottommed Pompion 4 Pepo maximus clypeatus The great buckler Pompion 5 Pepo Indicus minor rotundus The small round
a little kinde of heat in them ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the roots may be eaten and that a dram weight of them drunk in wine doth waste and consume away the windinesse of the Matrix Also Pliny 〈◊〉 that the root hereof is singular good for such as after weaknesse craue to be restored to their former strength The same Author affirmeth that the weight of a dram of it drunke in wine three times in a day is excellent good against the Ptisicke or consumption of the lungs CHAP. 359. Of Musked Cranes-bill ¶ The Description MVsked Cranes-bil hath many weake and feeble branches trailing vpon the ground whereon doe grow long leaues made of many smaller leaues set vpon a middle rib snipt or cut about the edges of a pleasant sweete smell not vnlike to that of Muske among which come forth the floures set vppon tender foote-stalkes of a red colour compact of fiue small leaues apiece after which appeare small heads and pointed beakes or bills like the other kindes of Cranes bills the root is small and threddy Geranium moschatum Musked Cranes bill ¶ The Place It is planted in Gardens for the sweet smell that the whole plant is possessed with ‡ but if you rub the leaues and then smell to them you shall finde them to haue a sent quite contrary to the former ‡ ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth all the sommer long ¶ The Names It is called Myrrhida Plinij Rostrum Ciconiae Arcus moschata in shops and Acus pastoris and likewise Geranium moschatum in English Musked Storkes bill and Cranes bill 〈◊〉 and of the vulgar sort Muschata and also Pickneedle ¶ The Temperature This Cranes bill hath not any of his faculties found out or knowne yet it seemeth to be colde and a little dry with some astriction or binding ¶ The Vertues The vertues are referred vnto those of Doues foot and are thought of Dioscorides to be good for greene and bloudy wounds and hot swellings that are newly begun CHAP. 360. Of Crow-foot Cranes-bill or Gratia Dei. ¶ The Description 1 CRow foot Cranes bill hath many long and tender branches tending to rednesse set with great leaues deepely cut or jagged in forme like those of the fielde Crow foot whereof it tooke his name the floures are pretty large and grow at the top of the stalkes vpon tender footstalkes of a perfect blew colour which being past there succeed such heads beakes and bils as the other Cranes bils I haue in my garden another sort of this Cranes bill bringing forth very faire white floures which maketh it to differ from the precedent in other respects there is no difference at all ‡ 2 This which is the Geranium 2. Batrachiodes minus of Clusius hath large stalkes and leaues and those very much diuided or cut in the stalkes also are diuided into sundry branches which vpon long footstalkes carry floures like in shape but lesse than those of the formerly described and not blew but of a reddish purple colour hauing ten threds and a pointall comming forth of the middle of the floure the beakes or bils which are the seed stand vpright and hang not downe their points as most others do The root is large and liues many yeares 3 The stalkes of this are stiffe greene and hairy diuided at their tops into sundry branches which end in long footstalkes vpon which grow floures commonly by couples and they consist of fiue leaues apiece and these of a darke red colour The leaues are large soft and hairy diuided into six or seuen parts and snipt about the edges the roots are large and lasting It is kept with vs in gardens and floures in May. Clusius calls it Geranium 1. 〈◊〉 flore 4 This also hath stalkes and leaues much like those of the last described but somewhat lesse the florues are as large as those of the last described but of a more light red and they are conteined in thicker and shorter cups and succeeded by shorter seeds or bills and are commonly of a sweet muske-like smell The root is very long red and lasting It floures in the middest of May and is †1 Geranium Batrachioides Crow-foot Cranes-bill 2 Geranium 〈◊〉 alterum Small Crow-foot Cranes-bill ‡ 3 Geranium 〈◊〉 pullo flore Duskie Cranes-bill 4 Geranium Batrachioides longius radicatum Long rooted Cranes-bill ¶ The Place These Cranes bils are wilde of their owne nature and grow in barren places and in vallies rather than in mountaines both of them do grow in my garden ¶ The Time They floure flourish and grow greene most part of the Summer ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Geranium batrachioides which name it taketh from the likenesse of Crowfoot of some it is called Ranunculus caeruleus or blew Crowfoot Fuchsius calleth it Gottes gnad that is in Latine Gratia Dei in English also Gratia dei blew Cranes bill or Cranes bill with the blew floures or blew Crowfoot Cranes bill ¶ The Temperature The Temperature is referred to the other Cranes bils ¶ The Vertues None of these plants are now in vse in Physicke yet Fuchsius saith that Cranes bill with the blew floure is an excellent thing to heale wounds CHAP. 361. Of Candy Cranes bill 1 Geranium Creticum Candy Cranes bill 2 Geranium Malacoides Bastard Candy Cranes bill ¶ The Description 1 THe Cranes bill of Candie hath many long tender stalks soft and full of iuice diuiding it selfe into diuers branches whereon are set great broad leaues cut or jagged in diuers sections or cuts among which come forth flowers composed of fiue leaues apicce of a 〈◊〉 or watchet colour in the middle part whereof come forth a 〈◊〉 chiues and a small pointell of a purplish colour the head and beake is like to the rest of the Cranes bills but greater the 〈◊〉 dieth when it hath perfected his seed 2 This Cranes-bill being a bastard kinde of the former hath lorg 〈◊〉 branches growing to the height of two or three cubits set about with very great leaues not vnlike to those of Hollihocks but somewhat lesser of an ouerworne greene colour among which rise vp little 〈◊〉 stalks on the ends whereof do grow small floures lesser than those of the precedent 〈◊〉 of a murrey colour the head and seeds are like also but much lesser the 〈◊〉 doe likewise die at the first approch of Winter ¶ The Place These are strangers in England except in the gardens of some Herbarists they grow in my garden very plentifully ¶ The Time The time answereth the rest of the Cranes-bils yet doth that of Candie floure sor the most part with me in May. ¶ The Names There is not more to be said of the names than hath been remembred in their seueral titles they may be called in English Cranes-bils or Storkes-bils ¶ The Temperature Their temperature answereth that of Doues-foot ¶ The Vertues Their faculties in working are equall to those of Doues-foot and vsed for the
the floure It floures in Iune and is preserued in diuers of our gardens some cal it Geran Romanum striatum in the Hortus 〈◊〉 it is set forth by the name of Geranium Anglicum variegatum Baubine calls it Geranium batrachiodes flore variegato We may call it Variegated or striped Cranes bill 5 There is of late brought into this kingdome and to our knowledge by the industry of Mr. Iohn Tradescant another more rare and no lesse beautifull than any of the former and he had it by the name of Geranium Indicum 〈◊〉 odoratum this hath not as yet beene written of by any that I know therefore I will giue you the description thereof but cannot as yet giue you the figure because I omitted the taking thereof the last yeare and it is not as yet come to his perfection The leaues are larger being almost a foot long composed of sundry little leaues of an vnequal bignes set vpon a thicke and stiffe middle rib and these leaues are much diuided and cut in so that the whole leafe somewhat resembles that of Tanacetum inodorum and they are thicke greene and somewhat hairy the stalke is thicke and some cubit high at the top of each branch vpon foot-stalkes some inch long grow some 〈◊〉 or twelue floures and each of these floures consisteth of 〈◊〉 round pointed leaues of a yellowish colour with a large 〈◊〉 purple spot in the middle of each leafe as if it were painted which giues the floure a great deale of beauty and it also hath a good smell I did see it in floure about the end of Iuly 1632. being the first time that it floured with the owner thereof We may fitly call it Sweet Indian Storks bill or painted Storks bill and in Latine Geranium Indicum odoratum flore maculato ‡ CHAP. 364. Of Sanicle Sanicula siue Diapensia Sanicle ¶ The Description SAnicle hath leaues of a blackish greene colour smooth and shining somewhat round diuided into fiue parts like those of the Vine or rather those of the maple among which rise vp slender stalkes of a browne colour on the tops whereof stand white mossie floures in their places come vp round seed rough cleauing to mens garments as they passe by in manner of little burs the root is blacke and full of threddie strings ¶ The Place It groweth in shadowie woods and copses almost euerie where it ioyeth in a fat and fruitful moist soile ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune the seed is ripe in August the leaues of the herbe are greene all the yeare and are not hurt with the cold of Winter ¶ The Names It is commonly called Sanicula of diuers Diapensia in high and low Dutch Sanikel in French Sanicle in English Sanickle or Sanikel it is so called à sanandis vulneribus or of healing of wounds as Ruellius saith there be also other Sanicles so named of most Herbarists as that which is described by the name of 〈◊〉 or Coral-wort and likewise Auricula vrsi or Beares care which is a kind of Cowslip and likewise another set forth by the name of Saniculaguttata whereof we haue entreated among the kindes of Beares eares ¶ The Temperature Sanicle as it is in taste bitter with a certaine binding qualitie so besides that it clenseth and by the binding faculty strengthneth it is hot and dry and that in the second degree and after some Authors hot in the third degree and astringent ¶ The Vertues The iuyce being inwardly taken is good to heale wounds The decoction of it also made in wine or water is giuen against spitting of bloud and the bloudie flix also foule and filthy vlcers be cured by being bathed therewith The herbe boyled in water and applied in manner of a pultesse doth dissolue and waste away cold swellings it is vsed in potions which are called Vulnerarie potions or wound drinkes which maketh whole and sound all inward wounds and outward hurts it also helpeth the vlcerations of the kidnies ruptures or burstings CHAP. 365. Of Ladies Mantle or great Sanicle Alchimilla Lyons foot or Ladies mantle ¶ The Description LAdies mantle hath many round leaues with fiue or six corners finely indented about the edges which before they be opened are plaited and folded 〈◊〉 not vnlike to the leaues of Mallowes but whiter and more curled among which rise vp tender stalks set with the like leaues but much lesser on the tops whereof grow small mossie floures clustering thicke together of a yellowish greene colour The seed is small and yellow inclosed in greene husks The root is thicke and full of threddy strings ¶ The Place It groweth of it selfe wilde in diuers places as in the towne pastures of Andouer and in many other places in Barkshire and Hampshire in their pastures and copses or low woods and also vpon the banke of a mote that incloseth a house in Bushey called Bourn hall fourteen miles from London and in the high-way from thence to Watford a small mile distant from it ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune it flourisheth in Winter as well as in Sommer ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Alchimilla and of most Stellaria Pes Leonis Pata Leonis and Sanicula maior in high-Dutch Synnauw and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mantel in French Pied de Lion in English Ladies mantle great Sanicle Lyons foot Lyons paw and of some Padelyon ¶ The Temperature Ladies 〈◊〉 is like in temperature to little Sanicle yet is it more drying and more binding ¶ The Vertues It is applied to wounds after the same manner that the 〈◊〉 Sanicle is being of like efficacie it stoppeth bleeding and also the ouermuch flowing of the natural sicknesse it keeps downe maidens paps or dugs 〈◊〉 when they be too great or flaggy it maketh them lesser or harder CHAP. 366. Of Neese-wort Sanicle 〈◊〉 Alpina Neesewort Sanicle ¶ The Description WHen I made mention of Helleborus albus I did also set downe my censure concerning Elleborine or Epipactis but this Elleborine of the Alpes I put in this place because it approcheth neerer vnto Sanicle and Ranunculus as participating of both it groweth in the mountaines and highest parts of the Alpish hills and is a stranger as yet in our English gardens The root is compact of many small twisted strings like black Hellebor from thence arise small tender stalkes smooth and easie to bend in whose tops grow leaues with fiue diuisions somewhat nickt about the edges like vnto Sanicle the sloures consist of six leaues somewhat shining in taste sharp yet not vnpleasant This is the plant which 〈◊〉 found in the forrest of Esens not sarre from Iupiters mount and sets forth by the name of Alpina Elleborine Saniculae Ellebori nigri facie ¶ The Nature and Vertues I haue not as yet sound any thing of his nature or vertues CHAP. 367. Of Crow-feet ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts or kinds of these pernitious herbes comprehended vnder the name of Ranunculus or Crowfoot
whereof most are very dangerous to be taken into the body and therefore they require a very exquisite moderation with a most exact and due manner of tempering not any of them are to be taken alone by themselues because they are of most violent force and therefore haue the greater need of correction The knowledge of these plants is as necessarie to the Physitian as of other herbes to the end they may shun the same as Scribonius Largus saith and not take them ignorantly or also if necessitie at any time require that they may vse them and that with some deliberation and speciall choice and with their proper correctiues For these dangerous Simples are likewise many times of themselues beneficiall and oftentimes profitable for some of them are not so dangerous but that they may in some sort and oftentimes in fit and due season profit and do good if temperature and moderation be vsed of which there be foure kindes as Dioscorides writeth one with broad leaues another that is downy the third very small and the fourth with a white floure the later herbarists haue obserued also many moe all these may be brought into two principall kindes so that one be a garden or 〈◊〉 one and the other wilde and of these some are common and others rare or forreigne Moreouer there is a difference both in the roots and in the leaues for one hath a bumped or knobby root another a long leafe as Speare-wort and first of the wilde or field Crowseet 〈◊〉 the Reader vnto the end of the stocke and kindred of the same for the temperature and vertues 1 Ranunculus pratensis etiamque hortensis Common Crow-foot 2 Ranunculus surrectis cauliculis Right Crow-foot 3 Ranunculus aruorum Crow foot of the fallowed field 4 Ranunculus Alpinus albus White mountaine Crow-foot ¶ The Description 1 THe common Crow-foot hath leaues diuided into many parts commonly three sometimes fiue cut here and there in the edges of a deepe greene colour in which stand diuers white spots the stalkes be round something hairie some of them bow downe toward the ground and put forth many little roots whereby it taketh hold of the ground as it traileth along some of them stand vpright a foot high or higher on the tops whereof grow small floures with fiue leaues apiece of a yellow glittering colour like gold in the middle part of these floures stand certaine small threds of like colour which being past the seeds follow made vp in a rough ball the roots are white and threddy 2 The second kinde of Crow-foot is like vnto the precedent sauing that his leaues are fatter thicker and greener and his small twiggy stalkes stand vpright otherwise it is like of which kind it chanced that walking in the field next to the Theatre by London in the company of a worshipfull merchant named Mr. Nicolas Lete I found one of this kinde there with double floures which before that time I had not seene ¶ The Place They grow of themselues in pastures and medowes almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure in May and many moneths after ¶ The Names Crow-foot is called of Lobel Ranunculus pratensis of Dodonaeus Ranunculus hortensis but vnproperly of Pliny Polyanthemum which he saith diuers name Batrachion in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English King Kob Gold cups Gold knobs Crowfoot and Butter-floures ¶ The Description 3 The third kinde of Crow-foot called in Latine Ranunculus aruorum because it growes commonly in fallow fields where corne hath beene lately sowne and may be called Corne Crow-foot hath for the most part an vpright stalke of a foot high which diuides it selfe into other branches whereon do grow fat thicke leaues very much cut or iagged resembling the leaues of Sampire but nothing so greene but rather of an ouerworne colour The floures grow at the top of the branches compact of fiue small leaues of a faint yellow colour after which come in place clusters of rough and sharpe pointed seeds The root is small and threddy 4 The fourth Crow-foot which is called Ranunculus Alpinus because those that haue first written thereof haue not found it elsewhere but vpon the Alpish mountains notwithstanding it groweth in England plentifully wilde especially in a wood called Hampsted Wood and is planted in gardens hath diuers great fat branches two cub its high set with large leaues like the common Crow-foot but greater of a deepe greene colour much like to those of the yellow Aconite called Aconitum luteum Ponticum The floures consist of fiue white leaues with small yellow chiues in the middle smelling like the floures of May or Haw-thorne but more pleasant The roots are greater than any of the stocke of Crow-feet ¶ The Place and Time Their place of growing is touched in their description their time of flouring and seeding answereth the other of their kindes ¶ The Names The white Crow-foot of the Alps and French mountaines is the fourth of Dioscorides his description for he describeth his fourth to haue a white floure more hath not bin said touching the names yet Tabern calls it Batrachium album in English white Crow-foot ¶ The Description 5 Among the wilde Crow-feet there is one that is syrnamed Illyricus which brings forth slender stalks round and of a meane length whereupon doe grow long narrow leaues cut into many long gashes somthing white and couered with a certaine downinesse the floures be of a pale yellow colour the root consisteth of many small bumpes as it were graines of corne or little long bulbes growing close together like those of Pilewort It is reported that it was first brought out of Illyria into Italy and from thence into the Low-Countries notwithstanding we haue it growing very common in England ‡ But only in gardens that I haue seene ‡ 6 The sixth kinde of Crow-foot called Ranunculus bulbosus or Onion rooted Crow-foot and round rooted Crow-foot hath a round knobby or onion-fashioned root like vnto a small Turnep and of the bignesse of a great Oliue from the which rises vp many leaues spred vpon the ground like those of the field Crow-foot but smaller and of an ouerworne greene colour amongst which rise vp slender stalkes of the height of a foot whereupon do grow floures of a feint yellow colour ‡ This growes wilde in most places and floures at the beginning of May. ‡ ¶ The Place It is also reported to be found not only in Illyria and Sclauonia but also in the Island Sardinia standing in the Midland or Mediteranian sea ¶ The Names This Illyrian Crow foot is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Apium syluestre or wilde Smallage also Herba Sardoa it may be saith my Author that kinde of Crowfoot called 〈◊〉 risus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and this is thought to be that Golotophillis of which Pliny maketh mention in his 24. booke 17. chap. which being drunke saith he with wine and myrrh causeth a man to see
diuers 〈◊〉 sights and not to cease laughing till he hath drunke Pine apple kernells with Pepper in 〈◊〉 of the Date tree I thinke he would haue said vntill he be dead because the nature of laughing Crowfoot is thought to kill laughing but without doubt the thing is cleane contrary for it 〈◊〉 such convulsions cramps and wringings of the mouth and jawes that it hath seemed to some that the partyes haue dyed laughing whereas in truth they haue died in great torment 5 〈◊〉 Illyricus Crowfoot of Illyria 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Roundrooted Crowfoot ¶ The Description 7 The seuenth kinde of Crowfoot called Auricomus of the golden lockes wherewith the 〈◊〉 is thrummed hath for his root a great bush of 〈◊〉 hairy strings from which shoote sorth small jagged leaues not much vnlike to Sanicle but diuided onely into three parts yet sometimes into fiue among which rise vp branched stalkes of a foot high whereon are placed the like leaues but smaller set about the top of the stalkes whereon do grow yellow floures sweet smelling of which it hath been called Ranunculus 〈◊〉 Tragi or Tragus his sweet Crowsoot ‡ It growes in medowes and about the sides of woods and floures in Aprill ‡ †8 Frogge Crowfoot called of Pena Aconitum Batrachioides of Dodonaeus Batrachion Apulei is that formerly described in the fourth place whereto this is much alike but that the stalkes and leaues are larger as also the floures which are white the root is tough and threddy 9 The ninth Crowfoote hath many grassie leaues of a deepe greene tending to blewnesse somewhat long narrow and smooth very like vnto those of the small Bistort or Snakeweed 7 Ranunculus auricomus Golden-haired Crow-foot †8 Ranunculus Aconiti folio Frog Crow-foot 9 Ranunculus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grassie Crow 〈◊〉 10 Ranunculus Autumnalis 〈◊〉 Winter Crow-foot 10 The Autumne or Winter Crow-foot hath diuers broad leaues spred 〈◊〉 the ground snipt about the edges of a bright shining greene colour on the vpper side and hoary vnderneath full of ribs or sinewes as are those of Plantaine of an vnpleasant taste at the first afterward nipping the tongue among which leaues rise vp sundry tender foot-stalkes on the tops whereof stand yellow floures consisting of six small leaues apiece after which succeed little knaps of seed like to a dry or withered straw-berry The root is compact of a number of limber roots rudely thrust together in manner of the Asphodill 11 The Portugall Crow-foot hath many thicke clogged roots fastned vnto one head very like those of the yellow Asphodill from which rise vp three leaues seldome more broad thicke and pusfed vp in diuers places as if it were a thing that were blistered by meanes whereof it is very vneuen From the middle of which leaues riseth vp a naked stalke thicke fat very tender but yet fragile or easie to breake on the end whereof standeth a faire single yellow floure hauing in the middle a naked rundle of a gold yellow tending to a 〈◊〉 colour 11 Ranunculus Lusitanicus Clusij Portugall Crow-foot 12 Ranunculus globosus Locker Gowlons or Globe Crow foot 12 The Globe Crow-foot hath very many leaues deepely cut and iagged of a bright greene colour like those of the field Crow-foot among which riseth vp a stalke diuided toward the top into other branches furnished with the like leaues of those next the ground but smaller on the tops of which branches grow very faire yellow floures consisting of a few leaues folded or rolled vp together like a round ball or globe whereupon it was called Ranunculus globosus or the Globe Crow-foot or Globe floure which being past there succeed round knaps wherein is blackish seed The root is small and threddy ‡ 13 This hath large leaues like those of the last described but rough and hairy the stalk is some foot high the floures are pretty large composed of 〈◊〉 white sharpish pointed leaues It floures in Iuly and growes in the Alps it is the Ranunculi montani 2. species altera of Clusius ‡ 13 Ranunculus hirsutus Alpinus flo albo Rough white floured mountaine Crow-foot ‡ 14 Ranunculus montanus hirsutus purpureus Rough purple floured mountain Crowfoot ¶ The Place The twelfth kind of Crowfoot groweth in most places of York-shire and Lancashire and other bordering shires of the North countrey almost in euery medow but not found wilde in these Southerly or Westerly parts of England that I could euer vnderstand of ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names The Globe floure is called generally Ranunculus globosus of some Flos Trollius and 〈◊〉 Alpinus in English Globe Crow-foot Troll floures and Lockron gowlons CHAP. 368. Of Double yellow and white Batchelors Buttons ¶ The Description 1 THe great double Crow-foot or Batchelors button hath many iagged leaues of a deepe greene colour among which rise vp stalkes whereon do grow faire yellow floures exceeding double of a shining yellow colour oftentimes thrusting forth of the middest of the said floures one other smaller floure the root is round or fashioned like a Turnep the form whereof hath caused it to be called of some S. Anthonies Turnep or Rape Crow-foot The 〈◊〉 is wrapped in a cluster of rough knobs as are most of the Crow-feet 2 The double yellow Crow-foot hath leaues of a bright greene colour with many weake branches trailing vpon the ground whereon do grow very double yellow floures like vnto the precedent but altogether lesser The whole plant is likewise without any manifest difference sauing that these floures do neuer bring forth any smaller floure out of the middle of the greater as the other doth and also hath no Turnep or knobby root at all wherein consists the greatest difference Ranunculus maximus Anglicus Double Crow-foot or Batchelors buttons 2 Ranunculus dulcis multiplex Double wilde Crow-foot 3 Ranunculus albus multiflorus Double white Crow-foot 3 The 〈◊〉 double Crow-foot hath many great leaues deeply cut with great gashes and those snipt about the edges The stalks diuide themselues into diuers brittle branches on the tops whereof do grow very double floures as white as snow and of the bignesse of our yellow Batchelors button The root is tough limber and disperseth it selfe farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth ¶ The Place The first and third are planted in gardens for the beauty of the floures and likewise the second which hath of late beene brought out of Lancashire vnto our London gardens by a curious gentleman in the searching forth of Simples Mr. Thomas Hesketh who found it growing wilde in the towne fields of a smal village called Hesketh not farre from 〈◊〉 in Lancashire ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 hath made no mention hereof but 〈◊〉 hath separated the first of these from the others intreating of it apart and naming it by a peculiar name Batrachion whereupon it is also called 〈◊〉 Batrachion
roots in shape like Creauises Hereunto agreeth the Emperors picture in all things sauing in the leaues which are not so large nor so much diuided but notched or toothed like the teeth of a saw 3 Napellus verus coeruleus Blew Helmet-floure or Monks-hood ‡ 4 Aconitum lycoctonum ex Cod. Caesareo ‡ 5 Besides these mentioned by our Author there are sundry other plants belonging to this pernitious Tribe whose historie I will briefely runne ouer The first of these is that which Clusius hath set forth by the name of Aconitum lycoctonum flo Delphinij Silesiacum it hath stalks some two or three cubits high smooth and hollow of a greenish purple colour and couered with a certaine mealinesse the leaues grow vpon long stalks being rough and fashioned like those of the yellow Wolfes bane but of a blacker colour the top of the stalke ends in a long spike of spurre-floures which before they be open resemble locusts or little Lyzards with their long and crooking tailes but opening they shew fiue leaues two on the sides two below and one aboue which ends in a crooked 〈◊〉 or horne all these leaues are wrinckled and purple on their outsides but smooth and of an elegant blew within After the floures are past succeed three square cods as in other Aconites wherein is contained an vnequall brownish wrinckled seed the root is thicke black and tuberous This growes naturally in some mountaines of Silesia and floures in Iuly and August 〈◊〉 ‡ 5 Aconitum lycoct hirsutum flo Delphinij Rough Larks-heele Wolfes-bane ‡ 6 Aconitum 〈◊〉 Violet coloured Monks hood ‡ 7 Aconitum purpureum 〈◊〉 Purple Monks-hood of Newburg ‡ 8 Aconitum maximum Iudenbergense Large floured Monks-hood 6 The leaues of this are somwhat like yet lesse than those of our common Monks-hood blackish on the vpper side and shining The stalke is some cubit and halfe high firme 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 smooth and shining diuided towards the top into some branches carrying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like 〈◊〉 forme to those of the vulgar Monks-hood of a most elegant and deepe 〈◊〉 colour the seeds are like the former and roots round thicke and short with many fibres It growes vpon the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saltsburg where it floures in Iuly but brought into gardens it floures sooner than the rest of 〈◊〉 kinde to wit in May. Clusius calls this Aconitum 〈◊〉 4. Tauricum 7 This hath leaues broader than those of our ordinarie Monks-hood yet like them the stalke is round straight and firme and of some three cubits height and oft times toward the top diuided into many branches which carry their floures spike-fashion of a purple colour absolutely like those of the common sort but that the thrummie matter in the middest of the floures is of 〈◊〉 duskier colour The root and rest of the parts are like those of the common kinde it growes naturally vpon the Styrian Alpes whereas it floures somewhat after the common kinde to wit in Iuly Clusius hath it by the name of Aconitum lycoctonum 5. 〈◊〉 ‡ 9 Aconitum maximum nutante coma Monkes-hood with the bending 〈◊〉 nodding head 8 The leaues of this are also diuided into fiue parts and snipt about the edges and doe very much resemble those of the smal 〈◊〉 described in the second place but that the leaues of that shine when as these do not the stalke is two cubits high not very thicke yet firme and straight of a greenish purple colour and at the top carries fiue or six floures the largest of all the 〈◊〉 hoods consisting of foure leaues as in the rest of this kind with a very large helmet ouer them being sometimes an inch long of an elegant blewish purple color the seed-vessels seeds and roots are like the rest of this kinde This growes on Iudenberg the highest hill of all Stiria and floures in August in gardens about the end of Iuly Clusius names it Aconitum Lycoct 9. Iudenbergense 9 This rises vp to the height of three cubits with a slender round stalke which is diuided into sundry branches and commonly hangs downe the head whence Clusius cals it Aconitum lycoctonum 8. 〈◊〉 nutante The floures are like those of the common Monks-hood but of somewhat a lighter purple colour The leaues are larger and long and much more cut in or diuided than any of the rest The roots seeds and other particles are not vnlike those of the rest of this kinde ‡ ¶ The Place Diuers of these Wolfs-banes grow in some gardens except Aconitum lycoctonon taken forth of the Emperors booke ¶ The Time These plants do floure from May vnto the end of August ¶ The Names The first is Lycoctoni specics or a kinde of Wolfes-bane and is as hurtfull as any of the rest and called of Lobel Aconitum flore Delphinij or Larke-spur Wolses-bare Auicen speaketh hereof in his second booke and afterwards in his fourth booke Fen. 6. the first Treatise hauing his reasons why and wherefore he hath separated this from Canach adip that is to say the Wolses strangler or the Wolfes-bane The later and barbarous Herbarists call the third Wolfes bane in Latine Napellus of the figure and shape of the roots of Napus or Nauet or Nauew gentle it is likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a kinde of Wolfes-bane also it may be called Toxicum sor Toxicum is a deadly medicine wherewith the Hunters poyson their speares darts and arrowes that bring present death so named 〈◊〉 arrowes which the Barbarians call Toxcumata and Toxa 〈◊〉 setting downe the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or accidents caused by Toxicum together with the remedies reckoneth vp almost the verie same that Auicen doth concerning Napellus notwithstanding Auicen writes of Napellus and Toxicum seuerally but not knowing what Toxicum is as he himselfe confesseth so that it is not to be maruelled that hauing written of Napellus he should afterward entreat againe of Toxicum ¶ The Nature and Vertues All these plants are hot and dry in the fourth degree and of a most venomous qualitie The force and facultie of Wolfes-bane is deadly to man and all kindes of beasts the same was tried of late in Antwerpe and is as yet fresh in memorie by an euident experiment but most lamentable for when the leaues hereof were by certaine ignorant persons serued vp in sallads all that did eate thereof were presently taken with most cruell symptomes and so died The symptomes that follow those that do eate of these deadly herbes are these their lips and tongues swell forthwith their eyes hang out their thighes are stiffe and their wits are taken from them as Auicen writeth in his fourth booke The force of this poyson is such that if the points of darts or arrowes be touched with the same it bringeth deadly hurt to those that are wounded therewith Against so deadly a poyson Auicen reckoneth vp certaine remedies which helpe after the poyson is vomited vp and among these he maketh mention of the Mouse as the copies euery where haue it nourished and fed vp with Napellus which
obscuritie and darknesse of the same CHAP. 421. Of Burnet 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Garden Burnet 2 Pimpinella syluestris Wilde Burnet ¶ The Kinds Bvrnet of which we will intreat doth differ from Pimpinella which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Burnets is lesser for the most part 〈◊〉 in gardens notwithstanding it groweth in barren fieldes where it is much smaller the other greater is 〈◊〉 wilde ¶ The Description 1 GArden Bumet hath long leaues made vp together of a great many vpon one stem euery one whereof is something round nicked on the edges somwhat 〈◊〉 among these riseth a stalke that is not altogether without leaues something chamsered vpon the tops whereof grow little round heads or knaps which bring sorth small floures of a 〈◊〉 purple colour and after them cornered seeds which are thrust vp together The root is long the whole plant doth smell something like a Melon or Cucumber 2 Wilde Burnet is greater in all parts it hath wider and bigger leaues than those of the sormer the stalke is longer sometimes two cubits high the knaps are greater of a darke purple colour and the seed is likewise cornered and greater the root longer but this Burnet hath no pleasant smell at all ‡ 3 There is kept in some gardens another of this kinde with very large leaues stalkes and heads for the heads are some inch and halfe long yet but slender considering the 〈◊〉 and the floures as I remember are of a whitish colour in other respects it differs not from the precedent it may fitly be called Pimpinella sanguisorba hortensis maxima Great Garden 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place The small Pimpinell is commonly planted in gardens notwithstanding it doth grow wilde vpon many barren heaths and pastures The great wilde Burnet groweth as Mr. Lyte saith in dry medowes about Viluord and my selfe haue found it growing vpon the side of a causey which crosseth the one halfe of a field whereof the one part is carable ground and the other part medow lying between Paddington and Lysson 〈◊〉 neere vnto London vpon the high way ¶ The Time They floure 〈◊〉 Iune vnto the end of August ¶ The Names The later herbarists doe call Burnet Pimpinella sanguisorba that it may differ from the other and yet it is called by seuerall names 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Gesner had rather it should be called 〈◊〉 of the smell of Melons or Pompious to which it is like as we haue said of others it is named Pimpinella or Bipennyla of most men Solbastrella in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Pimpennelle 〈◊〉 in English Burnet It agreeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say with Dioscorides his second Iron-woort the leafe and especially that of the lesser sort which we haue written to consist of many nicks in the edges of the leaues and this may be the very same which Pliny in his 24 book chapter 17. 〈◊〉 to be named in Persia Sissitiepteris because it made them merry he also calleth the same Protomedia and Casigneta and likewise 〈◊〉 for that it doth 〈◊〉 agree with wine to which also this Pimpinella as we haue said doth giue 〈◊〉 pleasant sent neither is that repugnant that Pliny in another place hath written De Sideritibus of the Iron-woorts for it osten falleth out that he intreateth of one and the selfe same plant in diuers places vnder diuers names which thing then 〈◊〉 sooner when the writers themselues do not well know the plant as that Pliny did not well know Sideritis or Iron-woort it is euen thereby manisest because he setteth not downe his owne opinion hereof but other mens ¶ The Temperature Burnet besides the drying and binding facultie that it hath doth likewise meanly coole and the lesser Burnet hath likewise with all a certaine superficiall sleight and temperate sent which when it is put into the wine it doth leaue behind it this is not in the dry herbe in the iuice nor in the decoction ¶ The Vertues Burnet is a singular good herb for wounds which thing Dioscorides doth attribute to his second Ironwoort and commended of a number it stancheth bleeding and therefore it was named Sanguisorba as well inwardly taken as outwardly applied Either the iuice is giuen or the decoction of the pouder of the drie leaues of the herbe beeing 〈◊〉 it is outwardly applied or else put among other externall medicines It staieth the laske and bloudy flix it is also most effectuall to stop the monthly course The lesser 〈◊〉 is pleasant to be eaten in sallads in which it is thought to make the heart 〈◊〉 and glad as also being put into wine to which it yeeldeth a certaine grace in the drinking The decoction of Pimpinell drunken cureth the bloudy flix the spitting of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud in man or woman The herbe and seed made into pouder and drunke with wine or water wherein iron hath beene quenched doth the like The leaues of Pimpinell are very good to heale wounds and are receiued in drinkes that are made for inward wounds The leaues of Burnet steeped in winc and drunken comfort the heart and make it merry and are good against the trembling and shaking thereof CHAP. 422. Of English Saxifrage ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Saxifrage our English women Physitions haue in great vse and is familiarly knowne vnto them vouchsafing that name vnto it of his vertues against the stone it hath the leaues of Fennel but thicker and broader very like vnto Seseli pratense Monspeliensium which addition Pena hath bestowed vpon this our English Saxifrage among which riseth vp a stalke of a cubit high or more bearing at the top spokie rundles beset with whitish yellow floures the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thicke blacke without and white within and of a good sauour 1 Saxifraga Anglicana facie Seseli pratensis English Saxifrage ‡ 2 Saxifraga Pannonica Clusq Austrian Saxifrage ‡ 2 Clusius hath set forth another plant not much different from this our common Saxifrage and called it Saxifraga Pannonica which I haue thought fit here to insert the leaus saith he are much 〈◊〉 than those of Hogs-Fennell and somewhat like those of Fumitorie the stalkes are some soot high slender hauing some few small leaues and at the top carrying an vmbel of white floures the root is not much vnlike that of Hogs-Fennel but shorter and more acride it is 〈◊〉 at the top thereof whence the stalkes and leaues come forth it growes vpon some hils in Hungarie and Au stria and floures in Iuly ‡ ¶ The Place Saxifrage groweth in most fields and medowes euery where through out this our kingdome of England ¶ The Time It floureth from the beginning of May to the end of August ¶ The Names Saxifraga Anglicana is called in our mother tongue Stone-breake or English Saxifrage 〈◊〉 and Lobel call it by this name Saxifraga Anglicana for that it groweth more plentifully in England than in any other countrey ¶ The Nature Stone-breake is hot
and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues A decoction made with the seeds and roots of 〈◊〉 breaketh the stone in the bladder and kidneies helpeth the strangurie and causeth one to pisse freely The root of Stone-breake boiled in wine and the decoction drunken bringeth downe womens sicknesse expelleth the secondine and dead childe The root dried and made into pouder and taken with sugar comforteth and warmeth the stomack cureth the gnawings and griping paines of the belly It helpeth the collicke and driueth away ventosities or windinesse Our English women vse to put it in their running or rennet for cheese especially in 〈◊〉 where I was borne where the best cheese of this Land is made CHAP. 423. Of Siler Mountaine or bastard Louage 1 Siler montanum Officinarum Bastard Louage 2 Seseli pratense 〈◊〉 Horse Fennell ¶ The Description 1 THe naturall plants of Seseli being now better knowne than in times past especially among our Apothecaries is called by them Siler montanum and Sescleos this plant they haue retained to very good purpose and consideration but the errour of the name hath caused diuers of our late writers to erre and to suppose that Siler 〈◊〉 called in shops Seselcos was no other than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides But this plant containeth in his substance much more acrimony sharpenesse and efficacy in working than any of the plants called Seselios It hath stalkes like Ferula two cubits high The root smelleth like Liguslicum the leaues are very much cut or diuided like the leaues of Fennell or Seseli 〈◊〉 and broader than the leaues of Peucedanum At the top of the stalkes grow spoky tufts like Angelica which bring forth a long and lcafie seed like Cumine of a pale colour in taste seeming as though it were condited with sugar but withall somewhat sharpe and sharper than Seseli pratense 2 There is a second kinde of Siler which Pena and Lobel set forth vnder the title of Seseli pratense Monspeliensiam which Dodonaeus in his last edition calleth Siler pratense alterum that is in shew very like the sormer the stalkes thereof grow to the height of two cubits but his leaues are somewhat broader and blacker there are not so many leaues growing vpon the stalke and they are lesse diuided than the former and are of little sauour The seed is smaller than the former and sauouring very little or nothing The root is blacke without and white within diuiding it selfe into sundry diuisions ¶ The Place It groweth of it selfe in Liguria not far from Genua in the craggy mountaines and in the gardens of diligent Herbarists ¶ The Time These plants do floure from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names It is called commonly Siler Montanum in French and Dutch by a corrupt name Ser-Montain in diuers shops Seseleos but vntruly for it is not Seseli nor a kinde thereof in English Siler mountaine after the Latine name and bastard Louage ‡ The first is thought to be the Ligusticum of the Antients and it is so called by Matthiolus and others ‡ ¶ The Nature This plant with his seed is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The seeds of Siler drunke with Wormewood wine or wine wherein Wormewood hath been sodden mooueth womens diseases in great abundance cureth the suffocation and strangling of the matrix and causeth it to returne vnto the naturall place againe The root stamped with hony and applied or put into old sores doth cure them and couer bare and naked bones with flesh Being drunke it prouoketh vrine easeth the paines of the guts or entrailes proceeding of cruditie or rawnesse it helpeth concoction consumeth winde and swelling of the stomacke The root hath the same vertue or operation but not so effectuall as not being so hot and dry CHAP. 224. Of Seselios or Harte-worts of Candy ¶ The Description 1 THis plant being the Seseli of Candy and in times past not elsewhere found tooke his surname of that place where it was first found but now adaies it is to be seen in the corne fields about Narbon in France from whence I had seeds which prosper well in mv garden This is but an annuall plant and increaseth from yeere to yeere by his owne sowing The leaues grow at the first euen with the ground somewhat hairy of an ouerworne greene colour in shape much like vnto Cheruill but thicker among which riseth vp an hairy rough stalke of the height of a cubit bearing at the top spokie tufts with white floures which being vaded there followeth round and flat seed compassed and cunningly wreathed about the edges like a ring The seed is flat like the other ioyned two together in one as you may see in the seed of Ferula or Angelica in shape like a round target in taste like Myrrhis Matthiolus did greatly mistake this plant 2 There is a kinde of Seseli Creticum called also Tordylion and is very like vnto the former sauing that his leaues are more like vnto common Parsneps than Cheruil and the whole plant is biggerthan the former 1 Seseli Creticum minus Small Seseleos of Candie ‡ 2 Seseli Creticum maius Great Seselios of Candie 3 There is likewise a kinde of Seseli that hath a root as big as a mans arme especially if the plant be old but the new and young plants beare roots an inch thicke with some knobs and tuberous sprouts about the lower part the root is thicke rough and couered ouer with a thicke barke the substance whereof is first gummie afterward sharpe and as it were full of spattle from the vpper part of the root proceed many knobs or thicke swelling roots out of which there issueth great and large wings or branches of leaues some whereof are notched and dented round about growing vnto one side or rib of the leafe standing also one opposite vnto another of a darke and delaid green colour and somewhat shining aboue but vnderneath of a grayish or ashe colour from amongst these leaues there ariseth a straked or guttered stalke a cubit and a halfe high sometimes an inch thicke hauing many ioints or knees and many branches growing about them and vpon each ioint lesser branches of leaues At the top of the stalkes and vpper ends of the branches grow little cups or vmbels of white floures which being vaded there commeth in place a seed which is very like Siler montanum ‡ I take this here described to be the Seseli montanum 1. of Clusius or Ligusticum alterum Belgarum of 〈◊〉 and therefore I haue giuen you Clusius his figure in this place ‡ There is also a kinde of Seseli which Pena setteth forth for the first kinde of Daucus whereof I take it to be a kinde growing euery where in the pastures about London that hath large leaues growing for a time euen with the earth and spred thereupon and diuided into many parts in manner almost like to the former for the most part in all things in the round
addition that it may differ from the true Melanthium for Pseudomelanthium Bastard Nigella or Cockle Hippocrates calleth it Melanthium ex Tritico of wheate Octauius Horatianus calleth that Gith which groweth among Corne and for the same cause it is named of the learned of this our time Nigellastrum Gigatho and Pseudomelanthium Ruellius saith it is called in French Niele and Flos Micancalus ¶ The Temperature The seed of Cockle is hot and dry in the later end of the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seed made in a pessarie or mother suppositorie with honey put vp bringeth 〈◊〉 the desired sicknesse as Hippocrates in his booke of womens diseases doth witnesse Octauius Horatianus giueth the seed parched and beaten to pouder to be drunke against the yellow jaundice Some ignorant people haue vsed the seed hereof for the seed of Darnell to the great danger of those who haue receiued the same what hurt it doth among 〈◊〉 the spoyle vnto bread as well in 〈◊〉 taste and vnwholesomnes is better known than desired CHAP. 445. Of Fumitorie ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers herbes comprehended vnder the title of Fumitorie some wilde and others of the garden some with bulbous or tuberous roots and others with fibrous or threddy roots and first of those whose roots are nothing but strings ¶ The Description 1 FVmitorie is a very tender little herbe the stalkes thereof are slender hauing as it were little knots or ioynts full of branches that scarse grow vp from the ground without proppings but for the most part they grow sidelong the leaues round about are small cut on the edges as those of Coriander which as well as the stalkes are of a whitish greene the floures be made vp in clusters at the tops of the small branches of a red purple colour then rise 〈◊〉 huskes round and little in which lieth the small seed the root is slender and groweth straight downe ‡ This is also found with floures of a purple violet colour and also somtimes with them white ‡ 2 The second kinde of Fumitorie hath many small long and tender branches wherupon grow little leaues commonly set together by threes or fiues in colour and taste like vnto the former hauing at the top of the branches many small clasping tendrels with which it taketh hold vpon hedges bushes and whatsoeuer groweth next vnto it the floures are small and clustering together of a white colour with a little spot in their middles after which succeed cods containing the seed the root is single and of a fingers length 3 The third kinde of Fumitorie hath a very small root consisting of diuers little strings from which arise small and tender branches trailing here and there vpon the ground beset with many small and tender leaues most finely cut and iagged like the little leaues of Dill of a deepe greene colour tending to blewnesse the floures stand on the tops of the branches in bunches or clusters thicke thrust together like those of the medow Clauer or three leafed grasse of a most bright red colour and very beautifull to behold the root is very small and threddy 1 Fumaria purpurea Common or purple Fumitory 2 Fumaria alba latifolia clauiculata White broad leafed Fumitorie 3 Fumaria 〈◊〉 Fine leafed Fumitorie 4 Fumaria lutea Yellow Fumitorie 4 The yellow Fumitorie hath many crambling threddy roots somewhat thicke grosse and fat like those of Asparagus from which rise diuers vpright stalkes a cubit high diuiding themselues toward the top into other smaller branches wheron are confusedly placed leaues like those of Thalictrum or English Rubarb but lesser and thinner alongst the tops of the branches grow yellow floures resembling those of Sage which being past there followeth small seed like vnto dust ¶ The Place The Fumitories grow in corne fields among Barley and other graine in vineyards gardens and such like manured 〈◊〉 I found the second and third growing in a corne field betweene a small village called Charleton and Greenwich ¶ The Time Fumitorie is found with his floure in the beginning of May and so continues to the end of sommer When it is in floure is the best time to gather it to keepe dry or to distill ¶ The Names Fumitorie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and often 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Fumaria of Pliny Capnos in shops Fumus terrae in high Dutch Erdtrauch in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 Duyuen kernel in Spanish Palomilha in French and English Fumiterre ¶ The Temperature Fumitorie is not hot as some haue thought it to be but cold and something dry it openeth and clenseth by vrine ¶ The Vertues It is good for all them that haue either scabs or any other filth growing on the skinne and for them also that haue the French disease It remoueth stoppings from the liuer and spleene it purifieth the bloud and is oft times good for them that haue a quartane ague The 〈◊〉 of the herbe is vsed to be giuen or else the syrrup that is made of the iuyce the distilled water thereof is also profitable against the purposes aforesaid It is oftentimes boyled in whay and in this manner it helpeth in the end of the Spring and in Sommer time those that are troubled with 〈◊〉 Paulus Aegineta saith that it plentifully prouoketh vrine and taketh away the stoppings of the liuer and feeblenesse thereof that it strengthneth the stomacke and maketh the belly soluble Dioscorides affirmeth that the iuyce of Fumitorie of that which groweth among Barley as Aegineta addeth with gum Arabicke doth take away vnprofitable haires that pricke the eyes growing vpon the eye lids the haires that pricke being first plucked away for it will not suffer others to grow in their places The decoction of Fumitorie drunken driueth forth by vrine and siege all hot cholericke burnt and hurtfull humors and is a most singular digester of salt and pituitous humors CHAP. 446. Of bulbous Fumitorie or Hollow-root ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of great Hollow root are iagged and cut in sunder as be those of Coriander of a light greenish colour that is to say like the gray colour of the leaues of Columbine whereunto they be also in forme like but lesser the stalks be smooth round and slender an handfull long about which on the vpper part stand little floures orderly placed long with a little horne at the end like the floures of Tode-flax of a light red tending to a purple colour the seed lieth in flat cods very soft and greenish when it is ready to yeeld vp his black shining ripe seed the root is bumped or bulbous hollow within and on the vpper part pressed down somewhat flat couered ouer with a darke yellow skin or barke with certaine strings fastned thereto and of a bitter and austere taste 2 The second is like vnto the first in each respect sauing that it bringeth floures of a white colour and the other not so 3 The small
purple Hollow-root hath roots leaues stalkes floures and seeds like the precedent the especiall difference is that this plant is somewhat lesse 4 The small white Hollow-root likewise agreeth with the former in each respect 〈◊〉 that this plant bringeth white floures and the other not so 1 〈◊〉 caua maior purpurea Great purple Hollow-root 2 Radix caua maior alba Great white Hollow-root 5 This kinde of Hollow-root is also like the last described sauing that the floures hereof are mixed with purple and white which maketh it to differ from the others 6 There is no difference in this that can possibly be distinguished from the last described sauing that the floures hereof are of a mixt colour white and purple with some yellow in the hollownesse of the same wherein consisteth the difference from the precedent 7 This thin leafed Hollow-root hath likewise an hollow root couered ouer with a yellow pilling of the bignesse of a tennise ball from which shoot vp leaues spred vpon the ground very like vnto the leaues of Columbines as well in forme as colour but much thinner more iagged and altogether lesser among which rise vp small tender stalkes weake and feeble of an handfull high bearing from the middle thereof to the top very fine floures fashioned vnto one piece of the Columbine floure which resembleth a little bird of a purple colour 8 This other thin leafed Hollow-root is like the precedent sauing that this plant brings 〈◊〉 white floures tending to yellownesse or as it were of the colour of the field Primrose 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Dutch men doe call it hath many small iagged 〈◊〉 growing immediately from the ground among which rise vp very slender stalkes whereon doe grow such leaues as those next the ground on the top of the branches stand faire purple floures like vnto the others of his kinde sauing that the floures hereof are as it were small birds the bellies or lower parts whereof are of a white colour wherein it differeth from all the rest of the Hollow-roots 10 The last and small hollow-root is like the last described sauing that it is altogether lesse and the floures hereof are of a greene colour not vnlike in shape to the floures of Cinkefoile ‡ This plant whose figure our Author here gaue with this small description is that which from the smel of muske is called Moschatella by Cordus and others it is the Denticulata of Daleschampius the Fumaria bulbosa tuberosaminima of Tabernamont anus and the Ranunculus minimus septentrionalium 〈◊〉 muscoso store of Lobel The root hereof is small and toothed or made of little bulbes resembling teeth and ending in white hairy fibres it sendeth vp diuers little branches some two or three inches high the leaues are somewhat like those of the yellow Fumitorie or Radix cava but much lesse the floures grow clustering on the top of the stalke commonly fiue or seuen together each of them made of foure yellowish green leaues with some threds in them it floures in Aprill and is to be found in diuers places amongst bushes at that time as in Kent about Chislehurst especially in Pits his wood and at the further end of Cray heath on the left hand vnder a hedge among bryers and brambles which is his proper seat ‡ 9 Radix caua minor Bunnikens Holwoort 10 Radix caua 〈◊〉 viridi flore Small Bunnikens Holwoort ¶ The Place These plants do grow about hedges brambles and in the borders of fields and vineyards in low and fertile grounds in Germanie and the Low-countries neuerthelesse the two first and also the two last described do grow in my garden ¶ The Time These do floure in March and their seed is ripe in Aprill the leaues and stalkes are gon in May and nothing remaining saue onely the roots so little a while do they continue ¶ The Names Hollow root is called in high Dutch Holwurtz in low Dutch Hoolewortele that is Radix cava in English Hollow root and Holewoort it is vsed in shops in steed of Aristolochia or round Birthwoort which errour is better knowne than needfull to be confuted and likewise their errour is apparant who rashly iudge it to be Pistolochia or little Birthwoort It should seem the old Writers knew it not wherefore some of our later Authors haue made it Leontopetali species or a kinde of Lions Turnep others Eriphium and othersome Thesium most men Capnos Chelidonia it seemeth to agree with Leontopetalon in bulbed roots and somewhat in leaues but in no other respects as may be perceiued by Dioscorides and Plinies description of Leontopetalon And if Eriphium haue his name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say of the Spring then this root may be not vnproperly Eriphium and Veris Planta or the Plant of the Spring for it is euident that it appeareth and is greene in the Spring onely some thinke it hath beene called Eriphium ab Hoedo or of the Goat but this Eriphion is quite another plant as both Apuleius writeth and that booke also mentioneth which is attributed to Galen and dedicated to Paternianus In the booke which is dedicated to Paternianus there be read these words Eriphion is an herbe which is found vpon high mountaines it hath leaues like 〈◊〉 a fine floure like the Violet and a root as great as an Onion it hath likewise other roots which send forth roots after roots Whereby it is euident that this root whereof we intreat is not this kinde of Eriphium Concerning Thesium the old Writers haue written but little Theophra 〈◊〉 saith that the root thereof is bitter and being stamped purgeth the belly Pliny in his 21. booke chap. 17. sheweth that the root which is called Thesium is like the bulbed plants and is rough in taste Athenaeus citing Timachida for an Authour saith that Thesium is called a floure of which 〈◊〉 garland was made These things seeme well to agree with Hollow root for it is bumped or bulbous of taste bitter and austere or something rough which is also thought to purge but what certaintie can be affirmed seeing the old writers are so briefe what manner of herbe Capnos Chelidonia is which groweth by hedges and hereupon is surnamed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aetius doth not expound onely the name thereof is found in his second Tetrab the third booke chap. 110. in 〈◊〉 his Collyrium and in his Tetrab 3. booke 2. chap. among such things as strengthen the liuer But if Capnos Chelidonia be that which Pliny in his 25. booke chap. 13. doth call Prima Capnos or the first Capnos and commendeth it for the dimnesse of the sight it is plain enough that Radix caua or the Hollow root is not Capnos Chelidonia for Plinies first Capnos is branched and foldeth it selfe vpon hedges but Hollow root hath no such branches growing on it and is a low herbe and is not held vp with props nor needeth them But if Aetius his Capnos Chelidonia be another herb
or Ladies little red bed-strow hath been taken for a kind of wild Madder neuerthelesse it is a kinde of Ladies bed-strow or cheese-renning as appeareth both by his vertues in turning milke to cheese as also by his forme being in each respect like vnto yellow Gallium and differs in the colour of the floures which are of a dark red colour with a yellow pointal in the middle consisting of foure small leaues the seed hereof was sent me from a Citisen of Strausburg in Germanie and it hath not been seen in these parts before this time 4 There is likewise another sort of Gallium for distinctions sake called Mollugo which hath stalks that need not to be propped vp but of it selfe standeth vpright and is like vnto the common white Gallium but that it hath a smoother leafe The floures thereof be also white and very small The root is blackish 3 Gallium rubrum Ladies Bed-strow with red floures 4 Gallium siue Mollugo montana Great bastard Madder ¶ The Place The first groweth vpon sunnie bankes neere the borders of fields in fruitfull soiles almost euery where The second groweth in marish grounds and other moist places The third groweth vpon mountaines and hilly places and is not yet found in England The fourth and last groweth in hedges among bushes in most places ¶ The Time They floure most of the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it hath that name of milke called in Greeke 〈◊〉 into which it is put as cheese-renning in Latine likewise Gallium in high-Dutch Magerkraut 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in French 〈◊〉 Muguet in Italian Galio in Spanish Coaia leche yerua in English our Ladies Bed-strow Cheese-renning Maids haire and pety Mugwet The others are Species Lappaginis or kindes of small Burres so taken of the Antients The last of the softnesse and smoothnesse of the leaues is commonly called Mollugo diuers take it 〈◊〉 a kinde of wilde Madder naming it Rubia syluestris or wilde Madder ¶ The Temperature These herbes especially that with yellow floures is dry and something binding as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The floures of yellow Maids haire as Dioscorides writeth is vsed in ointments against burnings and it stancheth bloud it is put into the Cerote or Cere-cloath of Roses it is set a sunning in a glasse with Oyle Oliue vntill it be white it is good to anoint the wearied Traueller the root thereof drunke in wine stirreth vp bodily lust and the floures smelled vnto worke the same effect The herbe thereof is vsed for Rennet to make cheese as Matthiolus reporteth saying That the people of Tuscanie or Hetruria do vse to turne their milke that the Cheese which they make of Sheeps and Goats milke might be the sweeter and more pleasant in taste and also more wholsome especially to breake the stone as it is reported The people in Cheshire especially about Namptwich where the best cheese is made do vse it in their Rennet esteeming greatly of that cheese aboue other made without it We finde nothing extant in the antient writers of the vertues and faculties of the white 〈◊〉 but are as herbes neuer had in vse either for physicke or Surgerie CHAP. 465. Of Ferne. ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Ferne differing as well in forme as place of growing whereof there be two sorts according to the old writers the male and the female and these be properly called Ferne the others haue their proper names as shall be declared 1 Filix mas Male Ferne. 2 Filix foemina Female Ferne or Brakes ¶ The Description 1 THe male Ferne bringeth forth presently from the root broad leaues and rough somewhat hard easie to be broken of a light greene colour and strong smell more than a cubit long spred abroad like wings compounded as it were of a great number standing vpon a middle rib euerie one whereof is like a feather nicked in the edges and on the backeside are sprinkled as it were with a very fine earthy-coloured dust or spots which many rashly haue taken for seed the root consisteth of a number of tufts or threds and is thicke and blacke and is without stalke and seed and altogether barren ‡ Filicis vulgo maris varietates differentiae Differences of the male Ferne. I haue obserued foure sorts of Ferne by most writers esteemed to be the male Ferne of Dioscorides by Anguillara Gesner Caesalpinus and Clusius accounted to be the famale and so indeed doe I thinke them to be though I call them the male with the multitude If you looke on these Fernes according to their seuerall growths and ages you may make many more sorts of them than I haue done which I am afraid hath beene the occasion of describing more sorts than indeed there are in nature These descriptions I made by them when they were in their perfect growths 1 Filix mas ramosa pinnulis dentatis The roots are nothing but an aboundance of small blacke hairy strings growing from the lower parts of the maine stalkes for stalkes I will call them where those stalkes are ioyned together At the beginning of the Spring you may perceiue the leaues to grow forth of their folding clusters couered with brownish scales at the superficies of the earth very 〈◊〉 ioyned together a young plant hath but a few leaues an old one ten twelue or more each stalke at his lower end neere the ioyning to his fellowes at his first appearing before he is an inch long hauing some of those blacke fibrous roots for his sustenance The leaues being at their full growth hath each of them a three-fold diuision as hath that Ferne which is commonly called the female the maine stalke the side branches growing from him and the nerues growing on those side branches bearing the leaues the maine stalke of that plant I describe was fully foure foot long but there are vsually from one foot to soure in length full of those brownish scales especially toward the root firme one side flat the rest round naked fully one and twenty inches to the first paire of side branches The side branches the longest being the third paire from the root were nine inches long and shorter and shorter towards the top in number about twenty paire for the most part towards the root they grow by couples almost opposite the neerer the top the further from opposition the nerues bearing the leaues the longest were two inches and a quarter long and so shorter and shorter toward the tops of the side branches about twentie in number on each side of the longest side branch The leaues grow for the most part by couples on the nerue eight or nine paire on a nerue each leafe being gashed by the sides the gashes ending with sharpe points of a deep green on the vpper side on the vnder side paler and each leafe hauing two rowes of dusty red scales of a browne or blackish colour toward the top of the maine stalke those
side branches change into nerues bearing only the leaues When the leaues are at their full growth you may see in the middest of them at their roots the said scaly folding cluster and as the old leaues with their blacke threddy roots wholly perish they spring vp most yeares you may finde many of the old leaues greene all the Winter especially in warme places This groweth plentifully in the boggy shadowie moores neere Durford Abbey in Sussex and also on the moist shadowie rockes by Mapledurham in Hampshire neere Peters-field and I haue found it often on the dead putrified bodies and stems of old rotten okes in the said moores neere the old plants I haue obserued verie many small yong plants growing which came by the falling of the seed from those dusty scales for I beleeue all herbes haue seeds in themselues to produce their kindes Gen. 1. 11. 12. The three other haue but a twofold diuision the many stalks and the nerues bearing the leaues The roots of them all are blacke fibrous threds like the first their maine stalks grow many thicke and close together at the root as the first doth the difference is in the fashion of their leaues and manner of growing and for distinctions sake I haue thus called them 2 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis densis minutim dentatis The leaues are of a yellowish greene colour on both sides set very thicke and close together on the nerue that you cannot see betweene them with maruellous small nickes by their sides and on their round tops each leafe hath also two rowes of dusty seed scales the figures set forth by Lobel Tabern and Gerard vnder the title of Filix mas do well resemble this Ferne. This growes plentifully in most places in shadowie woods and copses 3 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis angustis raris profunde dentatis The leaues are of a deepe greene not closely set together on the the nerue but you may far off see betwixt them deeply indented by the sides ending with a point not altogether sharpe each leafe hath also two rowes of dusty seed scales I haue not seene any figure well resembling this plant This groweth also in many places in the shade 4 Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis auriculatis spinosis The leaues are of a deeper greene than either of the two last described placed-on the nerue not very close together but that you may plainly see between them each leafe especially those next the stalke hauing on that side farthest off the stalk a large eare or outgrowing ending with a sharp pricke like a haire as doth also the top of the leafe some of the sides of the leaues are also nicked ending with the like pricke or haire Each leafe hath two rowes of dusty seed scales This I take to be Filix mas aculeat a maior Bauhini Neither haue I seene any figure resembling this plant It groweth abundantly on the shadowie moist rockes by Maple-durham neere Peters-field in Hampshire Iohn Goodyer Iuly 4. 1633. ‡ 2 The female Ferne hath neither floures nor seed but one only stalke chamfered something edged hauing a pith within of diuers colours the which being cut aslope there appeareth a certain forme of a spred-Eagle about this stand very many leaues which are winged and like to the leaues of the male Ferne but lesser the root is long and blacke and creepeth in the ground being now and then an inch thicke or somewhat thinner This is also of a strong smell as is the male ¶ The Place Both the Fernes are delighted to grow in barren dry and desart places and as Horace testifieth Neglectis vrenda Filix innascitur agris It comes not vp in manured and dunged places for if it be dunged as Theophrastus lib. 8. cap. 8. reporteth it withereth away The male ioyeth in open and champion places on mountaines and stony grounds as Dioscorides saith ‡ It growes commonly in shadowie places vnder hedges ‡ The female is often found about the borders of fields vnder thornes and in shadowie woods ¶ The Time Both these Fernes wither away in winter in the spring there grow forth new leaues which continue greene all Sommer long ¶ The Names The former is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nicander in his discourse of Treacle nameth it 〈◊〉 in Latine Filix mas in Italian Felce in Spanish Helecho Falguero and Feyto in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Farne in French Fougere or Feuchiere masle in low-Dutch Uaren Manneken in English male Ferne. The second kinde is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Filix foemina or female Ferne in Latine as Dioscorides noteth among the bastard names Lingna ceruina in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 weiblin and Grosz Farnkraut in low-Dutch Uaren 〈◊〉 in French Fougere femelle in English Brake common Ferne and female Ferne. ¶ The Temperature Both the Fernes are hot bitter and dry and something binding ¶ The Vertues The roots of the male Ferne being taken to the weight of halfe an ounce driueth forth long flat wormes out of the belly as Dioscorides writeth being drunke in Mede or honied water and more effectually if it be giuen with two scruples or two third parts of a dram of Scamonie or of blacke Hellebor they that will vse it saith he must first eate Garlicke After the same manner as Galen addeth it killeth the childe in the mothers wombe The root hereof is reported to be good for them that haue ill spleenes and being stamped with swines grease and applied it is a remedie against the pricking of the reed for proofe hereof Dioscorides saith the 〈◊〉 dieth if the Reed be planted about it and contrariwise that the Reed dieth if it be compassed with Ferne which is vaine to thinke that it hapneth by any antipathie or naturall hatred and not by reason this Ferne prospereth not in moist places nor the Reed in dry The female Ferne is of like operation with the former as Galen saith Dioscorides reports That this bringeth barrennesse especially to women and that it causeth women to be deliuered before their time he addeth that the pouder hereof finely beaten is laid vpon old vlcers and healeth the galled neckes of oxen and other cattell it is also reported that the root of Ferne cast into an hogshead of wine keepeth it from souring The root of the male Ferne sodden in Wine is good against the hardnesse and stopping of the milt and being boyled in water stayeth the laske in yong children if they be set ouer the decoction thereof to ease their bodies by a close stoole CHAP. 466. Of Water-Ferne or Osmund the water-man ¶ The Description WAter Ferne hath a great triangled stalke two cubits high beset vpon each side with large leaues spred abroad like wings and dented or cut like Polypodie these leaues are like the large leaues of the Ash tree for doubtlesse when I first saw them a far off it caused me to wonder thereat thinking that I had
simples which do manifestly heat and that men do vse it for food as they do Lupines for it is taken with pickle to keep the body soluble and for this purpose it is more agreeable than Lupines seeing it hath nothing in his owne proper substance that may hinder the working The iuice of boiled Fenegreeke taken with honie is good to purge by the stoole all manner of corrupt humors that remaine in the guts making soluble through his sliminesse and mitigating paine through his 〈◊〉 And because it hath in it a clensing or scouring facultie it raiseth humors out of the chest but there must be added vnto it no great quantitie of honie least the biting qualitie should abound In old diseases of the chest without a feuer fat dates are to be boiled with it but when you haue mixed the same iuice pressed out with a great quantitie of hony and haue againe boiled it on a soft fire to a mean thicknesse then must you vse it long before meat In his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines he saith that Fenegreek is hot in the second degree and dry in the first therefore it doth kindle and make worse hot inflammations but such as are lesse hot and more hard are thereby cured by being wasted and consumed away The meale of Fenegreeke as Dioscorides saith is of force to mollifie and waste away being boiled with mead and applied it taketh away inflammations as well inward as outward The same being tempered or kneaded with niter and vineger doth soften and waste away the hardnesse of the milt It is good for women that haue either imposthume vlcer or stopping of the matrix to bathe and sit in the decoction thereof The iuice of the decoction pressed forth doth clense the haire taketh away dandraffe scoureth running sores of the head called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being mingled with goose grease and put vp in manner of a pessarie or mother supposititorie it doth open and mollifie all the parts about the mother Greene Fenegreeke bruised and pounded with vineger is a remedie for weak and feeble parts and that are without skin vlcerated and raw The decoction thereof is good against vlcers in the low gut and foule stinking excrements of those that haue the bloudy flix The oile which is pressed out thereof scoureth haires and scars in the priuie parts The decoction of Fenegreeke seed made in wine and drunke with a little vineger expelleth all euill humors in the stomacke and guts The seed boiled in wine with dates and hony vnto the form of a syrrup doth mundifie and clense the breast and easeth the paines thereof The meale of Fenegreek boiled in mead or honied water consumeth and dissolueth all cold hard imposthumes and swellings and being mixed with the roots of Marsh Mallows and Linseed effecteth the same It is very good for women that haue any griefe or swelling in the matrix or other lower parts if they bathe those parts with the decoction thereof made in wine or sit ouer it and sweat It is good to wash the head with the decoction of the seed for it taketh away the scurfe scailes nits and all other such like imperfections CHAP. 501. Of Horned Clauer and blacke Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THe horned Clauer or codded Trefoile groweth vp with many weake and slender stalks lying vpon the ground about which are set white leaues somewhat long lesser aud narrower than any of the other Trefoiles the floures grow at the tops of the fashion of those of Peason of a shining yellow colour after which come certain straight cods bigger than those of Fenegreek but blunter at their ends in which are contained little round seed the root is hard and wooddie and sendeth forth young springs euery yeare 1 Lotus trifolia corniculata Horned or codded Clauer 2 Lotus quadrifolia Foure leafed grasse 2 This kinde of three leafed grasse or rather foure leafed Tre foile hath leaues like vnto the common Trefoile sauing that they bee lesser and of a browne purplish colour knowne by the name of Purple-wort or Purple-grasse whose floures are in shape like the medow Trefoile but of a dustie ouerworn colour tending to whitenesse the which doth oftentimes degenerate sometime into three leaues sometimes in fiue and also into seuen and yet the plant of his nature hathbut foure leaues no more ‡ I do not thinke this to be the purple leaued Trefoile with the white floure which is commonly called Purple-grasse for I could neuer obserue it to haue more leaues than three vpon a stalke ‡ ‡ 3 The root of this is small and white from which arise many weake hairie branches some cubit long wheron grow soft hairy leaues three on one foot-stalke with two little leaues at the root therof out of the bosoms of these vpon like footstalkes grow three lesser leaues as also floures of the bignes and shape of those of a Vetch but of a braue deep crimson veluet colour after these are past come cods set with foure thinne welts or skins which make them seem foure square whence Camerarius called it Lotus pulcherrima tetragonolobus the seed is of an ash colour somewhat lesse than a pease It floures most of the Sommer moneths and is for the prettinesse of the floure preserued in many Gardens by yearely sowing the seede for it is an annuall plant Clusius hath it by the name of Lotus siliquosus rubello flore and hee saith the seeds were diuers times sent out of Italy by the name of Sandalida It is also commonly called in Latine 〈◊〉 quadratum ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth wilde in barren ditch bankes pastures and drie Mountaines ‡ 3 Lotus siliqua qaudrata Square crimson veluet pease The second groweth likewise in pastures and fields but not so common as the other and is planted in gardens ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The second is called Lotus Trifolia in English horned Clauer or codded Trefoile The other is called Lotus quadrifolia or foure leafed Grasse or Purple-wort of Pena and Lobel Quadrifolium phaeum fuscum hortorum ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their faculties in working are referred vnto the medow Trefoiles notwithstanding it is reported that the leaues of Purple-wort stamped and the iuyce giuen to drinke cureth young children of the disease called in English the Purples CHAP. 502. Of Medicke Fodder or snaile Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Trefoile called Medica hath many small and slender ramping branches crawling and creeping along vpon the ground set full of broad leaues slightly indented about the edges the floures are very small and of a pale yellow colour which turne into round wrinkled knobs like the water Snaile or the fish called Periwinckle wherein is contained flat seed fashioned like a little kidney in colour yellow in taste like a Vetch or pease the 〈◊〉 is small and dieth when the seed is ripe it growes in my garden
but ingendreth a thicke bloud and apt to become melancholy CHAP. 516. Of Chichlings Pease and Tare euerlasting ¶ The Description 1 THere is a Pulse growing in our high and thicke woods hauing a very thicke tough and wooddy root from which rise vp diuers long weake and feeble branches consisting of a tough middle rib edged on both sides with a thin skinny membrane smooth and of a grasse greene colour whereon do grow at certaine distances small flat stems vpon which stand two broad leaues ioyning together at the bottome from betwixt those leaues come forth tough clasping tendrels which take hold of such things as grow next vnto them from the bosome of the stem whereon the leaues do grow shooteth forth a naked smooth foot-stalke on which doe grow most beautifull floures like those of the Pease the middle part whereof is of a light red tending to a red Purple in graine the outward leaues are somewhat lighter inclining to a blush colour which being past there succeed long round cods wherein is contained seed of the bignesse of a Tare but rounder blackish without and yellowish within and of a bitter taste ‡ 5 Lathyrus maior latifolius Pease euerlasting ‡ 2 Lathyrus angustifolius flore albo White floured Chichelings †2 Ofwhich kinde there is likewise another like vnto the precedent in each respect sauing that the leaues hereof are narrower and longer and therefore called of most which set forth the description Lathyrus angustifolia the floures of this are white and such also is the colour of the fruit the root is small and not lasting like that of the former ‡ 3 The stalks leaues and floures of this are like those of the precedent but the floures 〈◊〉 of a reddish purple colour the cods are lesser than those of the former and in them are contained lesser harder and rounder seeds of a darke or blackish colour This growes not wilde with vs but is sometimes sowne in gardens where it floures in Iune and Iuly 4 This Egyptian differs not in shape from the rest of his kinde but the floures are of an elegant blew on the inside but of an ash colour inclining to purple on the outside the cods grow vpon long foot-stalkes and are a little winged or welted and containe but two or three little cornered seeds spotted with blacke spots This floures in Iune and Iuly and the seed thereof was sent to Clusius from Constantinople hauing been brought thither out of Egypt ‡ 3 Lathyrus angustifol flo purp Purple floured Chichelings ‡ 4 Lathyrus Aegyptiacus Egyptian Chichelings 5 The stalkes of this are some two or three foot long winged weake and lying on the ground vnlesse they haue somewhat to support them Vpon these at certaine distances grow winged leaues with two little eares at their setting on to the stalke these leaues consist of six long and narrow greene leaues like those of the other plants of this kinde and these six leaues commonly stand vpright by couples one against another otherwhiles alternately the footstalke whereon these stand ends in clasping tendrels the floures are in shape like the former but the outer leafe is of a faire red or crimson colour and the inner 〈◊〉 white after the floures come the cods containing some foure or fiue pretty large flat seeds which swell out of the cods where they lie which in the spaces betweene each seed are deprest like that of Orobus This is only a garden plant with vs and floures in Iune and Iuly the seed is ripe in August I haue for this giuen you Lobels figure of his Lathyris angustiore gramineo folio which may serue if you but make the leaues and cods to agree with this description ‡ 6 The yellow wilde 〈◊〉 or Fetch hath diuers very small ramping stalkes tough and leaning this way and that way not able to stand of it selfe without the helpe of props or things that stand by it the leaues are very thin and sharpe pointed the floures grow alongst the leaues in fashion of the pease floures of a bright yellow colour the roots are very small long tough and in number infinite insomuch that it is impossible to root it forth being once gotten into the ground vnlesse the earth be digged vp with the roots and both cast into the riuer or burned Doubtlesse it is the most pernicious and hurtfull weed of all others vnto all manner of greene wholsome herbes or any wood whatsoeuer ‡ 5 Lathyrus annuus 〈◊〉 Orobi Party coloured Cicheling ‡ 6 〈◊〉 syluestris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tare euerlasting ¶ The Place The first growes in shadowie woods and among bushes there groweth great store thereof in Swainscombe wood a mile and a halfe from Greenhithe in Kent as you go to a village thereby called Betsome and in diuers other places The sixth groweth in most grassie pastures borders of fields and among graine almost euerie where ¶ The Time The time answereth the other Pulses ¶ The Names The first is called Lathyrus to make a difference betweene it and Lathyris or Spurge of Matthiolus Clymenum of Cordus Eruum sativum of Tragus Pisum Graecorum in English Pease euerlasting great wilde Tare and Cichling ‡ The second is the Evum album sativum of Fuchsius Lathyrus or Cicercula of Dodonaeus Lathyrus angustiore 〈◊〉 folio of Lobel The third is the Aracus siue Cicera of Dodonaeus the Lathyrus slore purpurco of Camerarius The fourth by Clusius is called Cicercula Aegyptiaca by Camerarius Aracus Hispanicus siue Lathyrus Aegyptiacus The 〈◊〉 is not mentioned by any that I remember but Mr. Parkinson in his garden of floures and that by the name I giue you it The sixth is the Lathyrus syluestris slo luteis of Thalius Legumenterrae glandibus 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Vicia of Tabernamontanus and it may be the Aracus 〈◊〉 luteo of the Aduers Howeuer I haue put 〈◊〉 figure of Aracus for it which well enough agrees with it I vse for some resemblance it hath to Aphaca to call it Aphacoides ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and vertues are referred to the manured Tare or Vetch notwithstanding they are not vsed 〈◊〉 meate or medicine CHAP. 517. Of the oylie Pulse called Sesamum Sesamum siue Sisamum The Oylie Graine ¶ The Description †SEsamum hath a thicke and fat vpright stalke a cubit and a halfe high garnished with leaues much like the Peach or Almond but 〈◊〉 and cut in with somwhat deepe gashes on their sides amongst these leaues come forth large white or else red floures somewhat shaped like those of Foxgloues which turne into round long crested cods containing white flat oileous seed Theophrastus affirmeth that there is a kinde thereof which is white bearing only one root No kinde of beast will eate this plant while it is greene because of his bitternesse but being withered and dried the seed thereof becommeth sweet and the cattell will feed on the whole plant ¶ The Place It groweth both in Egypt and in India Sesama saith Pliny
it is manifest and therefore it is not to be doubted at all but that the same is the Onobrychis of the old Writers it may be called in English red Fetchling or as some suppose Medick Fitch or Cockes-head ¶ The Temperature These herbs as Galen hath written in his books of the Faculties of simple Medicines do 〈◊〉 or make thin and waste away ¶ The Vertues Therefore the leaues thereof when it is greene being but as yet layed vpon hard swellings waxen kernals in manner of a salue do waste and consume them away but beeing dried and drunke in wine they cure the strangurie and laied on with oile it procureth sweat Which things also concerning Onobrychis Dioscorides hath in these words set downe the herbe stamped and applied wasteth away hard swellings of the kernels but beeing drunke with wine it helpeth the strangurie and rubbed on with oile it causeth sweatings CHAP. 524. Of Bastard Dittanie Fraxinella Bastard Dittanie ¶ The Description BAstard Dittanie is a very rare and gallant plant hauing many browne stalks somwhat rough diuided into sundry small branches garnished with leaues like Liquorice or rather like the leaues of the Ash tree but blacker thicker and more ful of iuice of an vnpleasant sauor among which grow floures consisting of fiue whitish leaues stripped with red whereof one which groweth vndermost hangeth downe low but the four which grow vppermost grow more stiffe and vpright out of the midst of this floure commeth forth a tassell which is like a beard hanging also downwards and somewhat turning vp at the lower end which beeing vaded there come in place foure huskes ioined together much like the husks or coddes of Columbines somewhat rough without slimie to handle and of a lothsome sauour almost like the smell of a goat whereupon some Herbarists haue called it Tragium in the cods are contained small black shining seeds like Peonie seeds in colour the roots are white a finger thicke one twisting or knotting within another in tast somwhat bitter There is another kinde hereof growing in my garden not very much differing the leaues of the one are greater greener harder and sharper pointed of the other 〈◊〉 not so hard nor so sharpe pointed the floures also hereof be somthing more bright coloured and of the other a little redder ¶ The Place Bastard Dittany groweth wilde in the monntaines of Italy and Germanie and I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly the seed is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Names The later Herbarists name it Fraxinella most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as though they should say Humilis Fraxinus or a low Ash in English bastard or false Dittanie the shops call it 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 but not truly and vse oftentimes the roots hereof in stead of the right Dittanie That it is not the right Dittanie it is better knowne than needfull at all to be confuted and it is as euident that the same is not Dioscorides his Pseudodictamnum or bastard Dittanie but it is plaine to be a kinde of Tragium of the old Writers wherewith it seemeth to agree in shew but not in substance ‡ The root of this is onely vsed in shops and there knowne by the name of Radix Diptamni 〈◊〉 Dictamni ‡ ¶ The Temperature The root of bastard Dittanie is hot and dry in the second degreee it is of a wasting attenuating and opening facultie ¶ The Vertues It bringeth downe the menses it also bringeth away the birth and after birth it helpeth cold diseases of the matrix and it is reported to be good for those that haue ill stomackes and are short winded They also say that it is profitable against the stingings and bitings of venomous serpents against deadly 〈◊〉 against contagious and pestilent diseases and that it is with good 〈◊〉 mixed with counterpoisons The seed of Bastard Dittanie taken in the quantitie of a dram is good against the strangury prouoketh vrine breaketh the stone in the bladder and driueth it forth The like vertue hath the leaues and iuice taken after the same sort and being applied outwardly it draweth thornes and splinters out of the flesh The root taken with a little Rubarb killeth and driueth forth wormes Dioscorides reporteth that the wilde Goats being stricken with darts or arrowes will eat Dictam and thereby cause them to fall out of their bodies which is meant of the right Dictam though Dodonaeus reporteth that this plant will do the like which I do not beleeue ‡ nor 〈◊〉 affirme ‡ CHAP. 525. Of Land Caltrops Tribulus terrestris Land Caltrops ¶ The Description LAnd Caltrops hath long branches full 〈◊〉 ioints spred abroad vpon the ground garnished with many leaues set vpon a middle rib after the manner of Fetches 〈◊〉 which grow little yellow branches consisting of fiue smal leaues like vnto the floures of Tormentill I neuer saw the plant beare yellow but white floures agreeing with the description of 〈◊〉 in each respect saue in the colour of the floures which 〈◊〉 turne into small square fruit rough and full of prickles wherein is a small kernell or seed the root is white and full of strings ¶ The Place It groweth plentifully in Spain in the fields it is hurtful to corne but yet as Pliny saith it is rather to be accounted among the diseases of corne than among the plagues of the earth it is also found in most places of Italy France I found it growing in a moist medow adioyning to the wood or Park of Sir Francis Carew 〈◊〉 Croidon not far from London and not elsewhere from whence I brought plants sor my garden ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly the fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Tribulus and that it may differ from the other which groweth in the water it is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Tribulus terrestris it may be called in English land Caltrops of the likenesse which the fruit hath with Caltrops that are instruments of 〈◊〉 cast in the way to annoy the feet of the Enemies horses as is before remembred in the Water Saligot ¶ The Temperature and Vertues In this land Caltrop there is an earthy and cold qualitie abounding which is also binding as Galen saith The fruit thereof being drunke wasteth away stones in the kidneyes by reason that it is of thin parts Land Caltrops saith Dioscorides being 〈◊〉 to the quantitie of a French crowne weight and 〈◊〉 applied cureth the bitings of the Viper And if it be drunke in wine it is a remedie against poysons the 〈◊〉 thereof sprinckled about killeth fleas ‡ CHAP. 526. Of Spring or mountaine 〈◊〉 or Vetches ‡ 1 Orobus Venetus Venice Pease ‡ 2 Orobus syluaticus vernus Spring Pease ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis which Clusius calls Orobus Venetus hath many cornered stalkes some foot long whereon grow winged leaues foure or six fastned to one rib standing by
hot burning agues and procureth appetite The conserue made of the fruite and sugar performeth all those things bescre remembred 〈◊〉 with better force and successe The roots of the tree steeped for certaine daies together in strong lie made with ashes of the ash-tree and the haire often moistned therewith maketh it yellow ‡ The barke of the roots is also vsed in medicines for the iaundise and that with good successe ‡ CHAP. 24. Of the white Thorne or Hawthorne Tree ¶ The Kindes THere be two sorts of the white Thorn Trees described of the later writers one very common in most parts of England there is another very rare and not found in Europe except in some few rare gardens of Germanie which differeth not from our common Haw thorne sauing that the fruit here of is as yellow as Saffron we haue in the West of England one growing at a place called Glastenburie which bringeth forth his floures about Christmas by the report of diuers of good credit who haue seen the same but my selfe haue not seen it and therefore leaue it to be better examined ¶ The Description 1 THe white Thorne is a great shrub growing oftentimes to the height of the Peare-tree the trunke or body is great the boughes and branches hard and wooddy set full of long sharpe thornes the leaues be broad cut with deepe gashes into diuers sections smooth and of a glistering greene colour the floures grow vpon spokie rundles of a pleasant sweet smell sometimes white and often dasht ouer with a light wash of purple which hath moued some to thinke some difference in the plants after which come the fruit being round berries green at the first and red when they be ripe wherein is found a soft sweet pulpe and certaine whitish seed the root groweth deepe in the ground of a hard wooddy substance 2 The second and third haue been touched in the first title notwithstanding I haue 〈◊〉 it not vnfit to insert in this place a plant perticipating with the Hawthorne in floures and fruit and with the Seruice tree in leaues and not vnlike in fruit also Theophrastus hath set forth this tree vnder the name of Aria which groweth vnto the 〈◊〉 of a small tree delighting to grow in our shadowie woods of Cumberland and Westmerland and many other places of the North country where it is to be found in great quantitie but seldome in Spaine Italy or any hot Region This tree is garnished with many large branches beset with leaues like the Peare tree or rather like the Aller leafe of a darke greene colour aboue and of a white colour vnderneath among these leaues come forth tufts of white floures very like vnto the Hawthorne floures but bigger after which succeed small red berries like the berries of the Hawthorne and in taste like the Neapolitan Medlar the temperature and faculties whereof are not yet knowne 1 Oxyacanthus The Haw-thorne tree 2 Aria Theophrasti Cumberland Haw-thorne ¶ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Haw-thorne groweth in woods and in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 high-waies almost euery where The second is a stranger in England The last 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abbey as it is credibly reported vnto me ‡ The Aria groweth vpon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in many places of the West of England ‡ ¶ The Time The first and second floure in May whereupon many do call the tree it selfe the May-bush as a chiefe token of the comming in of May the leaues come forth a little sooner the fruit is ripe in the beginning of September and is a food for birds in Winter ¶ The Names Dioscorides describeth this shrub and nameth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the foeminine gender and Galen in his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the masculine gender Oxyacanthus saith he is a tree and is like to the wilde Peare tree in forme and the vertues not vnlike c. Of Oxyacantha Dioscorides writeth thus It is a tree like to the wild Peare tree very full of thorns c. Serapio calleth it Amyrberis and some saith Dioscorides would haue it called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but the name Pyrina seemeth to belong to the yellow Haw-thorne it is called in high-Dutch Haogdoren in low-Dutch Hagedoren in Italian Bagaia in Spanish Pirlitero in French Aub-espine in English White-thorne Haw-thorne tree and of some Londoners May-bush ‡ This is not the Oxyacantha of the Greekes but that which is called Pyracantha as shall be shewed hereafter The second is thought to be the Aria of Theophrastus and so Lobel and Tabernamontanus call it Some as Bellonius Gesner and Clusius refer it to the Sorbus and that not vnfitly in some places of this kingdome they call it a white Beame tree ‡ ¶ The Temperature The fruit of the Haw-thorne tree is very astringent ¶ The Vertues The Hawes or berries of the Haw-thorne tree as Dioscorides writeth do both stay the laske the menses and all other fluxes of bloud some Authors write that the stones beaten to pouder and giuen to drinke are good against the stone CHAP. 25. Of Goats Thorne ¶ The Description 1 THe first Tragagantha or Goats-thorne hath many branchie boughes and twigs slender and pliant so spred abroad vpon euerie side that one plant doth sometimes occupie a great space or roome in compasse the leaues are small and in shape like Lentill leaues whitish and somewhat mossie or hairy set in rowes one opposite against another the floure is like the blossome of the Lentill but much lesser and of a whitish colour and sometimes marked with purple lines or streaks the seed is inclosed in small cods or husks 〈◊〉 like vnto the wilde Lotus or horned Trefoile the whole plant on euery side is set full of sharpe prickely thornes hard white and strong the roots run vnder the ground like Liquorice roots yellow within and blacke without tough limmer and hard to breake which being wounded in sundry places with some iron toole and laid in the Sun at the highest and hottest time of Sommer issueth forth a certain liquor which being hardned by the Sun is that gum which is called in shops Tragacantha and of some 〈◊〉 barbarously Dragagant 1 Tragacantha siue spina Hirci Goats Thorne 2 Spina 〈◊〉 minor Small Goats Thorne 2 The second kinde of Tragacantha is a low and thicke shrub hauing many shoots growing from one turfe of a white or grayish colour about a cubit high stiffe and wooddy the leaues are like the former and garded with most stiffe pricks not very safely to be touched among the 〈◊〉 leaues come forth many floures in small tufts like Genistella but that they are white the cods are many straight and thorny like Genistella wherein are many small white and three cornered seeds as big as mustard seed ‡ This differs from the former in that it is smaller and loseth the leaues euery Winter when as the former keepes on the leaues vntill new ones come in the Spring The middle rib of the winged leaues
ends in a pricke which by the falling of the leaues becommeth a long and naked thorne I haue giuen you a more accurate figure hereof out of Clusius wherein the leaues floures cods and seeds are all expressed apart ‡ 3 The Grecians haue called this plant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is good for the sinewes it should seeme it tooke the name Potcrion of Potrix because it loueth a watry or fenny soile it hath small branches and leaues of 〈◊〉 growing naturally in the tract of Piedmont in Italy it spreadeth abroad like a shrub the barke or rinde is blackish and dry without great moisture very much writhed or wrinkled in and out as that of Nepa or Corruda the sharpe pricks stand not in order as Tragacantha but confusedly and are finer and three times lesser than those of Tragacantha growing much after the manner of 〈◊〉 but the particular leaues are greene aboue and white below shaped somewhat like Burnet the seed is small and red like vnto Sumach but lesser ‡ 〈◊〉 minoris icon accuratior A better figure of the Goats-thorne 3 Poterion Lob. siue Pimpinella spinosa Camer Burnet Goats-thorne ¶ The Place Petrus Bellonius in his first booke of Singularities reports that there is great plenty hereof growing in Candy vpon the tops of the mountaines Theophrastus saith that it was thought to grow no where but in Candy but now it is certaine that it is found in Achaia Peloponessus and in Asia it doth also grow in Arcadia which is thought not to be inferiour to that of Candy It is thought by Lobel to grow in Languedock in France whereof Theophr hath written in his ninth booke that the liquor or gum issueth out of it selfe and that it is not needfull to haue the root broken or cut The best is that saith Dioscorides which is through-shining thin smooth vnmixt and sweet of smel and taste ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in the Sommer moneth I haue sowne the seed of Poterion in Aprill which I receiued from Ioachimus Camerarius of Noremberg that grew in my garden two yeares together and after perished by some mischance ¶ The Names Goats-thorne is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of most Herbarists likewise Tragacantha we may cal it in Latine Spina Hirci in French Barbe Renard and in English for want of a better name Goats-Thorne the liquor or gum that issueth forth of the roots beareth the name also of Tragacantha it is called in shops Gummi Tragacanthae and in a barbarous manner Gummi Tragacanthi in English Gum Dragagant ¶ The Temperature This plant in each part thereof is of a drying facultie without biting It doth consolidate or glew together sinewes that be cut but the roots haue that facultie especially which are boyled in wine and the decoction giuen vnto those that haue any griefe or hurt in the sinewes Gum Dragagant hath an emplasticke qualitie by reason whereof it dulleth or allayeth the sharpnesse of humors and doth also somthing dry ¶ The Vertues The Gumme is singular good to be licked in with honey against the cough roughnesse of the throat hoarsenesse and all sharpe and thin rheumes or distillations being laid vnder the tongue it taketh away the roughnesse thereof Being drunke with Cute or the decoction of Liquorice it taketh away and allayeth the heat of the vrine it is also vsed in medicines for the eyes The greatest part of those artificiall beades sweet chaines bracelets and such like pretty sweet things of pleasure are made hard and fit to be worne by mixing the gum hereof with other sweets being first steeped in Rose water till it be soft CHAP. 26. Of the Aegyptian Thorne ‡ 1 Acacia Dioscoridis The Egyptian Thorne 2 Acacia alteratrifolia Thorny Trefoile ¶ The Description 1 DIoscorides maketh mention of Acacia whereof the first is the true and right Acacia which is a shrub or hedge tree but not growing right or straight vp as other small small trees do his branches are wooddie beset with many hard and long Thorns about which grow the leaues compact of many small leaues clustering about one side as in the Lentill the floures are whitish the husks or cods be plaine and flat yea very broad like vnto Lupines especially on that side where the seed growes which is contained sometimes in one part and sometimes in two parts of the husk growing together in a narrow necke the seed is smooth and glistering There is a blacke iuice taken out of these huskes if they be dried in the shadow when they be ripe but if when rhey are not ripe then it is somewhat red some do wring out a iuice out of the leaues and fruit there floweth also a gum out of this tree which is the gum of Arabia called Gum Arabicke 2 Dioscorides hauing described Spina Acacia setteth downe a second kinde thereof calling it Acacia altera which hath the three leaues of Rue or Cytisus and coddes like those of Genistella but somewhat more blunt at the end and thicke at the backe like a Rasor and still groweth forward narrower and narrower vntill it come to haue a sharpe edge in these cods are contained three or foure flat seeds like Genistella which before they wax ripe are yellow but afterwards blacke the whole plant groweth to the height of Genista spinosa or Gorsse both in shape height and resemblance and not to the height of a tree as Matthiolus would persuade vs but full of sharpe Thornes like the former ¶ The Place The true Acacia groweth in Egypt Palestina Lombardie and Syria as Dioscorides writeth among the shrubs and trees that remaine alwaies greene Acacia is noted for one by Petrus Belloninius in his first booke of Singularities chap. 44. The other Acacia groweth in Cappadocia and Pontus as Dioscorides writeth it is also found in Corsica and on diuers mountaines of Italy and likewise vpon all the coast of Liguria and Lombardie and vpon the Narbone coast of the Mediterranean sea ¶ The Time These floure in May and their fruit is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Names The tree Acacia is named of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yea euen in our time and likewise of the Latins Acacia it is also called Aegyptia spina this strange thorne hath no English name that I can learn and therefore it may keep still the Latine name Acacia yet I haue named it the Egyptian thorne the iuice is called also Acacia after the name of the plant the Apothecarics of Germanie do vse in stead hereof the iuice that is pressed forth of sloes or snags which they 〈◊〉 call Acacia Germanica Matthiolus pictureth for Acacia the tree which the later Herbarists do call Arbor 〈◊〉 to which he hath vntruly added Thorns that he might belie Acacia and yet he hath not made it agree with Dioscorides his description They call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Acacia altera or the other Acacia and Pontica Acacia or Ponticke Acacia ¶
shining greene colour whereon is often found a most sweet dew and somewhat clammie and also a fungous excrescence which we call Oke Apples The fruit is long couered with a browne hard and tough pilling set in a rough scaly cup or husk there is often found vpon the body of the tree and also vpon the branches a certaine kind of long white mosse hanging downe from the same and sometimes another wooddie plant which we cal Misseltoe being either an excrescence or outgrowing from the tree it selfe or of the doung as it is reported of a bird that hath eaten a certaine berrie ‡ Besides these there are about the roots of old Okes within the earth certaine other excrescences which Bauhine and others haue called Vuoe quercinoe because they commonly grow in clusters together after the manner of Grapes and about their bignes being sometimes round otherwhiles cornered of a woody substance hollow within and somtimes of a purple otherwhiles of a whitish colour on the outside their taste is astringent and vse singular in all 〈◊〉 and fluxes of bloud as Encelius affirmes Cap. 51. de Lapid Gen. ‡ 3 Carolus Clusius reporteth that hee found this base or low Oke not far from Lisbone of the height of a cubite which notwithstanding did also beare an acorne like that of our Oke-tree sauing that the cup is smoother and the Acorne much bitterer wherein it differeth from the rest of his kinde 2 Quercus vulgaris cum excrementis fungosis The common Oke with his Apple or greene Gall. 3 Quercus humilis The dwarfe Oke There is a wilde Oke which riseth vp oftentimes to a maruellous height and reacheth very 〈◊〉 with his armes and boughes the body wherof is now and then of a mighty thicknesse in compasse two or three fathoms it sendeth forth great spreading armes diuided into a multitude of boughs The leaues are smooth something hard broad long gashed in the edges greene on the vpper 〈◊〉 the Acornes are long but shorter than those of the tamer Oke euery one 〈◊〉 in his owne cup which is rough without they are couered with a thin rinde or shell the substance or kernell within is diuided into two parts as are Beans Pease and Almonds the bark of the yong Okes is smooth glib and good to thicken skins and hides with but that of the old Okes is rugged thicke hard and full of chops the inner substance or heart of the wood is somthing yellow hard and sound and the older the harder the white and outward part next to the barke doth easily rot being subiect to the worme especially if the tree be not felled in due time some of the roots grow deepe into the earth and othersome far abroad by which it stiffely standeth ¶ The Place The Oke doth scarcely refuse any ground for it groweth in a drie and barren soile yet doth it prosper better in a fruitfull ground it groweth vpon hills and mountaines and likewise in vallies it commethyp euery where in all parts of England but is not so common in other of the South and hot regions ¶ The Time The Oke doth cast his leaues for the most part about the end of Autumne some keepe their leaues on but dry all winter long vntill they be thrust off by the new spring ¶ The Names The Oke is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Quercus of some Placida as Gaza translateth it It may be called 〈◊〉 Vrbana or Culta some also Emeros mudion and Robur the Macedonians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as though you should say Veriquercus as Gaza expo undeth it or Vere Quercus the true Oke We may name it in English the tamer Oke-tree in French Chesne in Dutch 〈◊〉 boom The fruit is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Lat ine Glans in high Dutch Eichel in low Dutch Eekel in Spanish Bellotus in Italian Chiande in English Acorne and Mast. The cup wherein the Acorne standeth is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Paulus Aegineta in his third booke 42 chapter testifieth saying Omphacis is the hollow thing out of which the Acorne groweth in Latine Calix glandis in shops Cupula glandis in English the Acorne cup. ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues barke Acorne cups and the Acornes themselues doe mightily binde and drie in the third degree being somewhat cold withall The best of them saith Galen is the thin skin which is vnder the barke of the tree and that next which lieth neerest to the pulpe or inner substance of the Acorne all these stay the whites the reds spitting of bloud and laskes the decoction os these is giuen or the pouder of them dried for the purposes aforesaid Acornes if they be eaten are hardly concocted they yeeld no nourishment to mans body but that which is grosse raw and cold Swine are fatted herewith and by feeding hereon haue their flesh hard and sound The Acorns prouoke 〈◊〉 and are good against all venome and poison but they are not of such a stopping and binding facultie as the leaues and barke The Oke apples are good against all fluxes of bloud and lasks in what manner soeuer they be taken but the best way is to boile them in red wine and being so prepared they are good also against the excessiue moisture and swelling of the iawes and almonds or kernels of the throat The decoction of Oke apples staieth womens diseases and causeth the mother that is falne downe to returne againe to the naturall place if they doe sit ouer the said decoction being very hot The same steeped in strong white wine vineger with a little pouder of Brimstone and the root of Ireos mingled together and set in the Sun by the space of a moneth maketh the haireb lacke consumeth proud and superfluous flesh taketh away sun-burning freckles spots the morphew with all deformities of the face being washed therewith The Oke Apples being broken in sunder about the time of their withering do foreshew the sequell of the yeare as the expert Kentish husbandmen haue obserued by the liuing things found in them as if they finde an Ant they foretell plenty of graine to insue if a white worme like a Gentill or Magot then they prognosticate murren of beasts and cattell if a spider then say they wee shall haue a pestilence or some such like sicknesse to follow amongst men these things the learned also haue obserued and noted for Matthiolus writing vpon Dioscorides saith that before 〈◊〉 haue an hole through them they containe in them either a flie a spider or a worme if a flie then war insueth if a creeping worme than scarcitie of victuals if a running spider then followeth great sicknesse or mortalitie CHAP. 33. Of the Scarlet Oke ¶ The Kindes ALthough Theophrastus hath made mention but of one of these Holme Holmeor Holly Okes onely yet hath the later age set downe two kindes thereof one bearing the scarlet grain and the other only the Acorn which
a weake and feeble heart vnlesse this stone called Lapis Cyaneus be quite left out Therefore he that is purposed to vse this composition against beatings and throbbings of the heart and swounings and that not as a purging medicine shall do well and wisely by leauing out the stone Cyaneus for this being taken in a little weight or small quantitie cannot purge at all but may in the meane season trouble and torment the stomacke and withall thorow his sharpe and venomous qualitie if it be oftentimes taken be very offensiue to the guts and intrailes and by this meanes bring more harme than good Moreouer it is not necessarie no nor expedient that the bristle died with Cochenele called Chesmes as the Apothecaries terme it should be added to this composition for this bristle is not died without Auripigmentum called also Orpiment and other pernitious things ioyned therewith whose poysonsome qualities are added to the iuyces together with the colour if either the bristle or died silke be boyled in them The berries of the Cochenele must be taken by themselues which alone are sufficient to dy the iuices and to impart vnto them their vertue neither is it likewise needfull to boile the raw silke together with the graines as most Physitians thinke this may be left out for it maketh nothing at all for the strengthning of the heart CHAP. 34. Of the great Skarlet Oke ¶ The Description THe great Skarlet Oke or the great Holme Oke groweth many times to the full height of a tree sometimes as big as the Peare tree with boughes far spreading like the Acorne or 〈◊〉 Mast trees the timber is firme and sound the leaues are set with prickles round about the edges like those of the former Skarlet Oke the leaues when the tree waxeth old haue on them no prickles at all but are somwhat bluntly cut or indented about the edges greene on the vpper side and gray vnderneath the Acorne standeth in a prickly cup like our common Oke Acorne which when it is ripe becommeth of a browne colour with a white kernel within of taste not vnpleasant There is found vpon the branches of this tree a certaine kinde of long hairy mosse of the colour of ashes not vnlike to that of our English Oke ‡ This tree is euer greene and at the tops of the branches about the end of May here in England carrieth diuers long catkins of mossie yellow floures which fall away and are not succeeded by the acornes for they grow out vpon other stalks Clusius in the yeare 1581 obserued two trees the one in a garden aboue the Bridge and the other in the priuat garden at White-Hall hauing lesser leaues than the former The later of these is yet standing and euery yeare beares small Acornes which I could neuer obserue to come to any maturitie ‡ Ilex maior Glandifera The great Skarlet Oke ‡ Ilicis ramus floridus The floures of the great Skarlet Oke ¶ The Place In diuers places there are great woods of these trees hills also and vallies are beautified therewith they grow plentifully in many countries of Spaine and in Languedocke and Prouence in great plenty It is likewise found in Italy It beareth an Acorne greater and of a larger size than doth the tame Oke in some countries lesser and shorter they are strangers in England notwithstanding there is here and there a tree thereof that hath been procured from beyond the seas one groweth in her Maiesties Priuy Garden at White-Hall neere to the gate that leadeth into the street and in some other places here and there one ¶ The Time It is greene at all times of the yeare it is late before the Acornes be ripe Clusius reporteth that he saw the floures growing in clusters of a yellow colour in May. ¶ The Names This Oke is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ilex in Spanish Enzina in Italian Elize in French Chesneuerd in English Barren Skarlet Oke or Holme Oke and also of some French or Spanish Oke The Spaniards call the fruit or Acorne Bellota or Abillota Theophrastus seemeth to call this tree not Prinos but Smilax for he maketh mention but of one Ilex onely and that is of Scarlet Oke and he sheweth that the Arcadians do not call the other Ilex but Smilax for the name Smilax is of many significations there is Smilax among the Pulses which is also called Dolichus and Phaseolus and Smilax aspera and Laeuis amongst the Binde-weeds likewise Smilax is taken of Dioscorides to be Taxus the Yew tree Of Smilax Theophrastus writeth thus in his third booke the inhabitants of Arcadia do call a certaine tree Smilax being like vnto the Skarlet Oke the leaues thereof be not set with such sharpe prickles but tenderer and softer Of this Smilax Pliny also writeth in his sixteenth booke chap. 6. There be of Ilex saith he two kindes Ex ijs in Italia folio non multum ab oleis distant called of certain Grecians Smilaces in the proninces Aquifolia in which words in stead of Oliue trees may perchance be more truly placed Suberis or the Corke tree for this kinde of Ilex or Smilax is not reported of any of the old writers to haue the leafe of the Oliue tree but Suber in Greeke called Phellos or the Corke tree hath a little leafe ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues of this Oke haue force to coole and repell or keepe backe as haue the leaues of the Acornes or Mast trees being stamped or beaten and applied they are good for soft swellings and strengthen weake members The barke of the root boiled in water vntill it be dissolued and layd on all night maketh the haire blacke being first scoured with Cimolia as Dioscorides saith Clusius reporteth that the Acorne is esteemed of eaten and brought into the market to be sold in the city of Salamanca in Spaine and in many other places of that countrey and of this Acorne Pliny also hath peraduenture written lib 16. cap. 5. in these words Moreouer at this day in Spain the Acorne is serued for a second course CHAP. 35. Of the great Holme-Oke 1 Cerris maiore Glande The Holme Oke with great Acornes 2 Cerris minore Glande The Holme Oke with lesser Acorns ¶ The Description ‡ Cerri minoris 〈◊〉 cum flore A branch of the smaller Holme Oke with floures 2 The second is altogether like the first sauing that this beareth smaller Acornes and the whole tree is altogether lesse wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Both this the former cary floures clustering vpon long stalkes like as in the common Oke but the fruit doth not succeed them but grow forth in other places ‡ ¶ The Place This Oke groweth in vntoiled places it is seldome times found and that but in Woods onely it is for the most part vnknowne in Italy as Pliny reporteth ¶ The Time They bring forth their fruit or 〈◊〉 in the fall of the leafe ¶ The Names This Oke
plaines are much worse than those of the mountaines the gum hereof is also blacker fitter to mingle with Pitch and such other stuffe to trim ships than for other vses Arbor Thurifera The Frankincense tree Thuris Limpidifolium Lobelij The supposed leafe of the Frankincense tree Theuet in his Cosmographie saith that the Frankincense tree doth resemble a gummie or rosiny Pine tree which yeeldeth a iuice that in time groweth hard and is called Thus Frankincense in whom is found sometime certaine small graines like vnto grauell which they call the Manna of Frankincense Of this there is in Arabia two other sorts the one the gum wherof is gathered in the Dog daies when the Sun is in Leo which is white pure cleare and shining Pena writeth that he hath seene the cleare Frankincense called Limpidum and yeelding a very sweet smell when it is burnt but the 〈◊〉 hath been seldome seene which the Physition Launanus gaue to Pena and Lobel together with 〈◊〉 pieces of the Rosine which he had of certaine mariners but he could affirme nothing of certaintie whether it were the leafe of the Frankincense or of some other Pine tree yeelding the like 〈◊〉 or gum It is saith he which doth seldom happen in other leaues from the lower part or foot of the 〈◊〉 to the vpper end as it were doubled consisting of two thin rindes or coats with a sheath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and a halfe long at the top gaping open like a hood or fooles coxcombe and as it were 〈◊〉 with a helm at which is a thing seldome seene in a leafe but is proper to the floures of Napellus or Lonchitis as writers affirme the other is gathered in the spring which is reddish worser than 〈◊〉 other in price or value because it is not so well concocted in the heat of the Sunne The Arabians wound this tree with a knife that the liquour may flow out more abundantly whereof some trees yeeld threescore pounds of Frankinsence ¶ The Place Dioscorides saith it groweth in Arabia and especially in that quarter which is called Thurifera the best in that countrey is called 〈◊〉 and is round and if it be broken is fat within and when it is burned doth quickly yeeld a smel next to it in goodnes is that which groweth in Smilo lesser than the other and more yellow ¶ The Time The time is already declared in the description ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Thus in Italian Incenso in Dutch Uueirauch in Spanish Encenso in French Enceus in English Frankincense and Incense in the Arabian tongue 〈◊〉 and of some few Cond r. ‡ The Rosin carries the same name but in shops it is called 〈◊〉 os the Greeke name and article put before it ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It hath as Dioscorides saith a power to heate and binde It driueth away the dimnesse of the eye-sight filleth vp hollow 〈◊〉 it closes raw wounds staieth all corruptions of bloud although it fall from the head Galen writeth thus of it Thus doth heate in the second degree and drie in the first and hath some small astriction but in the white there is a manifest astriction the rinde doth manifestly binde and dry exceedingly and that most certainly in the second degree for it is of more grosser parts than Frankincense and not so sharpe by reason whereof it is much vsed in spitting of bloud swellings in the mouth the collicke passion the flux in the belly rising from the stomacke and bloudy flixes The fume or smoke of it hath a more drier and hotter quality than the Frankincense it selfe being dry in the third degree It doth also clense and fill vp the vlcers in the eies like vnto Myrrhe thus far Galen Dioscorides saith that if it be drunk by a man in health it driueth him into a frensie but there are few Greekes of his minde Auicen reporteth that it doth helpe and strengthen the wit and vnderstanding but the often taking of it will breed the head-ache and if too much of it be drunke with wine it killeth CHAP. 87. Of Fisticke Nuts Pistacia The Fisticke Nut. ¶ The Description THe tree which beareth Fisticke Nuts is like to the Turpentine tree the leaues hereof be greater than those of the Masticke 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 after the same maner and in like order that they are being of a faint yellow colour out of a green the fruit or Nuts do hang by their stalks in clusters being greater than the Nuts of Pine Apples and much lesser than Almonds the husks without is of a grayish colour sometimes reddish the shell brickle and white the substance of the kernell greene the taste sweet pleasant to be eaten and something sweet of smell ¶ The Place Fisticke Nuts grow in Persia Arabia Syria and in India now they are made free Denizons in Italy as in Naples and in other Prouinces there ¶ The Time This tree doth floure in May and the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This Nut is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Athenaeus Nicander Colophonius in his booke of Treacles nameth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Possidonius nameth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines obseruing the same termes haue named it Pistacion Bistacion or Phistacion the Apothecaries Fistici the Spaniards Alhocigos and 〈◊〉 in Italian 〈◊〉 English Fisticke Nut. ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The kernels of the Fisticke Nuts are oftentimes eaten as be those of the Pine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of temperature hot and moist they are not so easily 〈◊〉 but much easier than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the iuice is good yet somewhat thicke they yeeld to the body no small nourishment 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bodies that are consumed they recouer strength They are good for those that haue the phthisicke or rotting away of the lungs They concoct ripen and clense forth raw humours that cleaue to the lights and chest They open the stoppings of the liuer and be good for the infirmities of the 〈◊〉 they also remoue out of the kidneies sand and grauell and asswage their paine they are also good for vlcers The kernels of Fisticke nuts condited or made into 〈◊〉 with sugar and eaten doe procure bodily lust vnstop the lungs and the brest are good 〈◊〉 the shortnesse of breath and are an excellent preseruatiue medicine being ministred in wine against the bitings of all manner of wilde beasts CHAP. 88. Of the Bladder Nut. Nux vesicaria The Bladder Nut. ¶ The Description THis is a low tree hauing diuers young springs growing forth of the root the substance of the wood is white very hard sound the barke is of a light greene the leaues consist of fiue little ones which be nicked in the edges like those of the Elder but lesser not so greene nor ranke of smell It hath the pleasant whitish floures of Bryonie or Labrusca both in smell and shape which turne into smal cornered bladders of winter Cherries called Alkakengie but
copies haue it it is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Betula by them of Trent Bedallo in French Bouleau in English Birch tree ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Concerning the medicinable vse of the Birch tree 〈◊〉 his parts there is nothing extant either in the old or new writers This tree saith Pliny in his 16-booke 18. chapter Mirabili candore tenuitate terribilis 〈◊〉 virgis for 〈◊〉 times past the Magistrates roddes were made heereof and in our time also the Schoolemasters and parents do terrifie their children with rods made of Birch It serueth well to the decking vp of houses and banquetting roomes for places of pleasure and 〈◊〉 of streets in the crosse or gang weeke and such like CHAP. 115. Of the Hornebeame or Hard beame Tree Betul us sive Carpinus The Hornebeame tree ¶ The Description BEtulus or the Hornebeam tree grows great and very like vnto the Elme or Wich 〈◊〉 tree hauing a great body the wood or timber whereof is better for arrowes and shafts pulleies for mills and such like deuises than Elme or Wich Hazell for in time it waxeth so hard that the toughnesse and hardnesse of it may be rather compared vnto horn than vnto wood and therefore it was called Hornebeame or Hardbeame the leaues hereof are like the Elme sauing that they be tenderer among those hang certaine triangled things vpon which be found knaps or little heads of the bignesse of Ciches in which is contained the fruit or seed the root is strong and thicke ¶ The Place Betulus or the Hornebeame tree growes plentifully in Northamptonshire also in Kent by Grauesend where it is commonly taken for a kinde of Elme ¶ The Time This tree doth spring in Aprill and the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names The Hornebeam tree is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is as if you should say Coniugalis or belonging to the yoke because it serueth well to make 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of in Latine Iuga yokes wherewith oxen are yoked together which are also euen at this time made thereof as witnesseth Benedictus Curtius Symphorianus and our selues haue sufficient knowledge thereof in our owne country and therefore it may be Englished Yoke Elme It is called of some Carpinus and Zugia it is also called Betulus as if it were a kinde of Birch but my selfe better like that it should be one of the Elmes in high Dutch Ahorne in French Carne in Italian Carpino in English Hornebeame Hardbeame Yoke Elme and in some places Witch hasell ¶ The Temperature and Vertues This tree is not vsed in medicine the vertues are not expressed of the Antients neither haue wee any certaine experiments of our owne knowledge more than hath beene said for the vse of Husbandrie CHAP. 116. Of the Elme tree ‡ OVr Author onely described two Elmes and those not so accurately but that I thinke I shall giue the Reader content in exchanging them for better receiued from Mr. Goodyer which are these Vlmus vulg 〈◊〉 folio lato scabro The common Elme 1 THis Elme is a very great high tree the barke of the young trees and boughes of the Elder which are vsually lopped or shred is smooth and very tough and wil strip or pil from the wood a great length without breaking the bark of the body of the old trees as the trees grow in bignesse teares or rents which makes it very rough The innermost wood of the tree is of reddish yellow or brownish colour and curled and after it is drie very tough hard to cleaue or rent whereof aues of Carts are most commonly made the wood next the barke which is called the sap is white Before the leaues come sorth the floures appeare about the end of March which grow on the 〈◊〉 or branches closely compacted or thrust together and are like to the chiues growing in the 〈◊〉 of most floures of a reddish colour afterwhich come flat seed more long than broad not much vnlike the garden Arach seed in forme and bignesse and doe for the most part fall away before or shortly after the leaues spring forth and some hang on a great part of the Sommer the leaues grow on the twigges of a darke greene colour the middle size whereof are two inches broad and three inches long some are longer and broader some narrower and shorter rough or harsh in handling on both sides nickt or indented about the edges and many times crumpled hauing a nerue in the middle and many smaller nerues growing from him the leafe on one side of the nerue is alwaies longer than on the other On these leaues oftentimes grow blisters or small bladders in which at the spring are little wormes about the bignesse of Bed-fleas This Elme is common in all parts of England where I haue trauelled Vlmus minor folio angusto scabro The Narrow leaued Elme 1 Vlmus vulgatiss folio lato scabro The common Elme tree ‡ 2 Vlmus minor folio augusto scabro The narrow leaued Elme ‡ 3 Vlmus folio latissimo scabro Witch Hasell or the broadest leaued Elme 4 Vlmus folio glabro Witch Elme or smooth leaued Elme Vlmus folio latissimo scabro Witch Hasell or the broadest leaued Elme 3 This groweth to be a very great tree and also very high especially when he groweth in moods amongst other trees the barke on the outside is blacker than that of the first and is also very tough so that when there is plenty of sap it will strip or peele from the wood of the boughes from the one end to the other a dozen foot in length or more without breaking whereof are often made cords or ropes the timber hereof is in colour neere like the first it is nothing so firme or strong for naues of Carts as the fruit is but will more easily cleaue this timber is also couered with a white sappe next the barke the branches or young boughes are grosser and bigger and do spread themselues broader and hang more downewards than those of the first the floures are nothing but chiues very 〈◊〉 those of the first kind the seed is also like but something bigger the leaues are much broader and longer than any of the kindes of Elme vsually three or foure inches broad and fiue or six inches long also rough or harsh in handling on both sides snipt or indented about the edges neere resembling the leaues of the Hasell the one side of the leaues are also most commonly longer than the other also on the leaues of this Elme are sometimes blisters or bladders like those on the first kinde This prospereth and naturally groweth in any soile moist or dry on high hills and in low vallies in good plenty in most places in Hampshire wher it is commonly called VVitch Hasell Old men affirme that when long boughes were in great vse there were very many made of the wood of this tree for which purpose it is mentioned in the statutes of England by
the name of VVitch Hasell as 8. El. 10. This hath little affiaitie with 〈◊〉 which in Essex is called VVitch Hasell Vlmus folio glabro VVitch Elme or smooth leauen Elme 4 This kinde is in bignesse and height like the first the boughes grow as those of the VVitch Hasell doe that is hanged more downewards than those of the common Elme the barke is blacker than that of the first kinde it will also peele from the boughes the floures are like the first and so are the seeds the leaues in forme are like those of the first kinde but are smooth in handling on both sides My worthy friend and excellent Herbarist of happy memorie Mr. William Coys of Stubbers in the parish of Northokington in Essex told me that the wood of this kinde was more desired for naues of Carts than the wood of the first I obserued it growing very plentifully as I rode between Rumford and the said Stubbers in the yeere 1620. intermixed with the first kinde but easily to be discerned apart and is in those parts vsually called VVitch Elme ‡ ¶ The Place The first kinde of Elme groweth plentifully in all places of England The rest are set forth in their descriptions ¶ The Time The seeds of the Elme sheweth it selfe first and before the leaues it falleth in the end of Aprill at what time the leaues begin to spring ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vlmus in high Dutch 〈◊〉 holtz 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch Oimen in French Orme and Omeau in Italian Olmo in Spanish Vlmo in English Elme tree The seed is named by Plinie and Columella Samera The little wormes which are found with the liquor within the small bladders be named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Culices and Muliones The other Elme is called by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Gaza translateth Montiulmus or mountaine Elme Columella nameth it Vernacula or Nostras Vlmus that is to say Italica or Italian Elme it is called in low Dutch Herseleer and in some places Heerenteer ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The leaues and barke of the Elme be moderately hot with an euident clensing facultie they haue in the chewing a certaine clammie and glewing qualitie The leaues of Elme glew and heale vp greene wounds so doth the barke wrapped and swadled about the wound like a band The leaues being stamped with vineger do take away scurffe Dioscorides writeth that one ounce weight of the thicker barke drunke with wine or water purgeth flegme The decoction of Elme leaues as also of the barke or root healeth broken bones very speedily if they be fomented or bathed therewith The liquor that is found in the blisters doth beautifie the face and scoureth away all spots freckles pimples spreading tetters and such like being applied thereto It healeth greene wounds and cureth ruptures newly made being laid on with Spleenwoort and the trusse closely set vnto it CHAP. 117. Of the Line or Linden Tree ¶ The Description 1 THe female Line or Linden tree waxeth very great and thicke spreading forth his branches wide and farre abroad being a tree which yeeldeth a most pleasant shadow vnder and within whose boughes may be made braue sommer houses and banqueting arbors because the more that it is surcharged with weight of timber and such like the better it doth flourish The barke is brownish very smooth and plaine on the outside but that which is next to the timber is white moist and tough seruing very well for ropes trases and halters The timber is whitish plaine and without knots yea very soft and gentle in the cutting or handling Better gunpouder is made of the coles of this wood than of VVillow coles The leaues are greene smooth shining and large somewhat snipt or toothed about the edges the floures are little whitish of a good sauour and very many in number growing clustering together from out of the middle of the leafe out of which proceedeth a small whitish long narrow leafe after the floures succeed cornered sharpe pointed Nuts of the bignesse of Hasell Nuts This tree seemeth to be a kinde of Elme and the people of Essex about Heningham wheras great plenty groweth by the way sides do call it broad leafed Elme 1 Tilia faemina The female Line tree 2 Tilia mas The male Line tree 2 The male Tilia or Line tree groweth also very great and thicke spreading it selfe far abroad like the other Linden tree his bark is very tough and pliant and serueth to make cords and halters of The timber of this tree is much harder more knottie and more yellow than the timber of the other not much differing from the timber of the Elme tree the leaues hereof are not much vnlike luy leaues not very greene somewhat snipt about the edges from the middle whereof come forth clusters of little white floures like the former which being vaded there succeed small round pellets growing clustering together like Iuy berries within which is contained a little round blackish seed which falleth out when the berry is ripe ¶ The Place The female Linden tree groweth in some woods in Northampton shire also neere Colchester and in many places alongst the high way leading from London to Henningham in the countie of Essex The male Linden tree groweth in my Lord Treasurers garden at the Strand and in sundry other places as at Barn-elmes and in a garden at Saint Katherines neere London ‡ The female growes in the places here named but I haue not yet obserued the male ‡ ¶ The Time These trees floure in May and their fruit is ripe in August ¶ The Names The Linden tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tilia in high Dutch Linden and Lindenbaum in low Dutch Linde and Lindenboom the Italians Tilia the Spaniards Teia in French Tilet and Tilieul in English Linden tree and Line tree ¶ The Temperature The barke and leaues of the Linden or Line tree are of a temperate heat somewhat drying and astringent ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Tilia boiled in Smithes water with a piece of Allom and a little honey cure the sores in childrens mouthes The leaues boiled vntill they be tender and pouned very small with hogs grease and the pouder of Fenugrecke and Lineseed take away hot swellings and bring impostumes to maturation being applied thereto very hot The floures are commended by diuers against paine of the head proceeding of a cold cause against dissinesse the Apoplexie and also the falling sicknesse and not onely the floures but the distilled water thereof The leaues of the Linden saith Theophrastus are very sweet and be a fodder for most kinde of cattle the fruit can be eaten of none CHAP. 118. Of the Maple tree ‡ 1 Acer maius The great Maple †2 Acer minus The lesser Maple ¶ The Description THe great Maple is a beautifull and high tree with a barke of a meane smoothnesse
the substance of the wood is tender and easie to worke on it sendeth forth on euery side very many goodly boughes and branches which make an excellent shadow against the heate of the Sun vpon which are great broad and cornered leaues much like to those of the Vine hanging by long reddish stalks the floures hang by clusters of a whitish greene colour after them commeth vp long fruit fastened together by couples one right against another with kernels bumping out 〈◊〉 to the place in which they are combined in all the other parts flat and thin like vnto parchment or resembling the innermost wings of grashoppers the kernels be white and little 2 There is a small Maple which doth oftentimes come to the bignes of a tree but most commonly it groweth low after the maner of a 〈◊〉 the barke of the young shoots hereof is likewise smooth the substance of the wood is white and easie to be wrought on the leaues are cornered like those of the former slippery and fastened with a reddish stalke but much lesser very like in bignes and smoothnes to the leafe of Sanicle but that the cuts are deeper the floures be as those of the former greene yet not growing in clusters but vpon spoked roundles the fruit standeth by two and two vpon a stem or foot-stalke ¶ The Place The small or hedge Maple groweth almost euery where in hedges and low woods The great Maple is a stranger in England only it groweth in the walkes and places of pleasure of noble men where it especially is planted for the shadow sake and vnder the name of Sycomore tree ¶ The Time These trees floure about the end of March and their fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Acer in English Maple or Maple tree The great Maple is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the French men Grand Erable and Plasne abusiuely and this is thought to be properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but they are far deceiued that take this for Platanus or the Plane tree being drawne into this errour by the neerenesse of the French word for the Plane tree doth much differ from this ‡ This is now commonly yet not rightly called the Sycomore tree And seeing vse will haue it so I thinke it were not vnfit to call it the bastard Sycomore ‡ The other is called in Latine Acer minor in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Erable in English small Maple and common Maple ¶ The Temperature and Vertues What vse the Maple hath in medicine we finde nothing written of the Grecians but Pliny in his 14. booke 8. chapter affirmeth that the root pouned and applied is a singular remedy for the paine of the liuer Serenus Sammonicus writeth that it is drunke with wine against the paines of the 〈◊〉 Si latus immeritum morbo tentatur acuto Accensum tinges lapidem stridentibus vndis Hinc bibis aut Aceris radicem tundis vna 〈◊〉 vino capis hoc praesens medicamen habetur Thy harmelesse side if sharpe disease inuade In hissing water quench a heated stone This drinke Or Maple root in pouder made Take off in wine a present med'cine knowne CHAP. 119. Of the Poplar tree ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers trees vnder the title of Poplar yet differing very notably as shall be declared in the descriptions whereof one is the white another the blacke and a third sort set downe by 〈◊〉 which is the Aspe named by him Lybica and by Theophrastus 〈◊〉 likewise there is another of America or of the Indies which is not to be found in these regions of Europe ¶ The Description 1 THe white Poplar tree commeth soone to perfection and groweth high in short time full of boughes at the top the barke of the body is smooth and that of the boughes is likewise white withall the wood is white easie to be cleft the leaues are broad deeply gashed cornered like almost to those of the Vine but much lesser smooth on the vpper side glib and somwhat greene and on the nether side white and woolly the catkins are long downy at the first of a purplish colour the roots spread many waies lying vnder the turfe and not growing deepe and therefore it happeneth that these trees be oftentimes blowne downe with the winde 1 Populus alba The white Poplar tree 2 Populus nigra The blacke Poplar tree 2 The black Poplar tree is as high as the white and now and then higher oftentimes fuller of boughes and with a thicker body the barke thereof is likewise smooth but the substance of the wood is harder yellower and not so white fuller of veines and not so easily cleft the leaues be somwhat long and broad below towards the stem sharp at the point and a little snipt about the edges neither white nor woolly like the leaues of the former but of a pleasant greene colour amongst which come forth long aglets or catkins which do turne into clusters the buds which shew themselues before the leaues spring out are of a reasonable good sauour of the which is made that profitable ointment called Vnguentum Populeon 3 The third kinde of Poplar is also a great tree the barke and substance of the wood is somewhat like that of the former this tree is garnished with many brittle and tender branches set full of leaues in a manner round much blacker and harder than the blacke Poplar hanging vpon long and slender stems which are for the most part stil wauering and make a great noise by being beaten one to another yea though the weather be calme and scarce any winde blowing and it is knowne by the name of the Aspen tree the roots hereof are stronger and grow deeper into the ground than those of the white Poplar 3 Populus Libyca The Aspen tree 4 Populus Americana The Indian Poplar tree ‡ 5 Populus alba folijs minoribus The lesser leaued white Poplar 5 There is also another sort of Poplar which groweth likewise vnto a great tree the branches whereof are knotty and bunched forth as though it were full of scabs or sores the leaues come forth in tufts most commonly at the end of the boughes not cut or iagged but resembling the leaues of that Atriplex called Pes Anserinus in colour like the former but the aglets are not so closely packed together otherwise it is like ¶ The Place These trees doe grow in low moist places as in medowes neere vnto ditches standing waters and riuers The first kinde of white Poplar groweth not very common in England but in some places here and there a tree I found many both small great growing in a low medow turning vp a lane at the farther end of a village called Black-wall from London and in Essex at a place called Ouenden and in diuers other places The Indian Poplar groweth in most parts of the Islands of the West Indies ¶
corne when there is scarsitie of victuals Galen writeth that he 〈◊〉 a plant of the Sycomore tree like to the wilde Fig tree fruit and all ¶ The Time It bringeth forth 〈◊〉 three or foure times in one yeare and oftner if it be 〈◊〉 with an iron knife or other like instrument ¶ The Names This tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Fig tree and the Mulbery tree in Latine Sycomorus 〈◊〉 Celsus nameth it backward Morosycos the Egyptians of our time do call it Ficus 〈◊〉 or Pharao his Fig tree as witnesseth Bellonius and it is likewise termed Ficus Aegyptia Egyptian Fig tree and also Morus Aegyptia or Egyptian Mulberrie tree We cal it English Sycomore tree after the Greek and Latine and also Mulberry Fig tree which is the right Sycomore tree and not the great Maple as we haue said in the chapter of the Maple The fruit is named in Greeke Sycomoron and in Italian Sycomoro and Fico d'Egitto ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The fruit of the Sycomore tree hath no sharpnesse in it at all as Galen saith It is somwhat sweet in raste and is of temperature moist after a sort and cold as be Mulberries It is good saith Dioscorides for the belly but it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is without any nourishment and troublesome to the stomacke There issueth forth of the barke of this tree in the beginning of the Spring before the fruit appeareth a liquour which being taken vp with a spunge or a little wooll is dried made vp into fine cakes and kept in gallie pots this mollifieth closeth wounds together and dissolueth grosse humours It is both inwardly taken and outwardly applied against the bitings of serpents hardnesse of the milt or spleene and paine of the stomacke proceeding of a cold cause this liquor doth very quickly putrifie CHAP. 133. Of the Fig tree ¶ The Description 1 THe garden Fig tree becommeth a tree of a meane slature hauing many branches full of white pith within like Elderne pith and large leaues of a darke greene colour diuided into sundry sections or diuisions The fruit commeth out of the branches without any floure 〈◊〉 all that euer I could perceiue which fruit is in shape like vnto Peares of colour either whitish or somewhat red or of a deep blew full of small graines within of a sweet and pleasant taste which beeing broken before it be ripe doth yeeld most white milk like vnto the kindes of Spurge and the leaues also beeing broken doe yeeld the like liquour but when the Figges be ripe the iuice thereof is like honie 1 Ficus The Fig tree ‡ 2 Chamaeficus The dwarfe Fig tree 2 The dwarfe Fig-tree is like vnto the former in leaues and fruit but it neuer groweth aboue the height of a man and hath many small shoots comming from the roots whereby it greatly increaseth There is also another wilde kinde whose fruit is neuer ripe Theophrastus nameth it Erincos 〈◊〉 Caprificus ¶ The Place The Fig trees do grow plentifully in Spain and Italy and many other countries as in England where they beare fruit but it neuer commeth to kindely maturitie except the tree be planted vnder an hot wall whereto neither North nor Northeast windes can come ¶ The Time The dwarfe Fig tree groweth in my garden and bringeth forth ripe and very great fruit in the moneth of August of which Figs sundry persons haue eaten at pleasure In England the Fig trees put not forth their leaues vntill the end of May where oftentimes the fruit commeth forth before the leaues appeare ¶ The Names The Fig tree is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of diuers for difference sake betweene it and the wild Fig tree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ficus and Ficus satiua and Vrbana in high Dutch Feygenbaum in low-Dutch Uijgheboom in French Figuier in Italian Fico in Spanish Higuera in English Fig tree The fruit is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Ficus and the vnripe fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Grossus that which is dried is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Carica in high-Dutch Feygen in low-Dutch Uijghen in French Figues in Italian Fichi in Spanish Higos in 〈◊〉 Fig the little seeds which are found in them are named by Galen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cechramides ¶ The Temperature The greene Figs new gathered are somewhat warme and moist the dry and ripe Figs are hot almost in the third degree and withall sharpe and biting The leaues also haue some sharpnesse with an opening power but not so strong as the iuice ¶ The Vertues The dry Figs do nourish better than the greene or new Figs notwithstanding they ingender not very good bloud for such people as do feed much thereon doe become low sie Figs be good for the throat and lungs they mitigate the cough and are good for them that be short winded they ripen flegme causing the same to be easily spet out especially when they be sodden with Hyssop and the decoction drunke Figges stamped with Salt Rew and the kernels of Nuts withstand all poyson and corruption of the aire The King of Pontus called Mithridates vsed this preseruatiue against all venom and poyson Figs stamped and made into the forme of a plaister with wheat meale the pouder of Fenugreek and Lineseed and the roots of marish Mallowes applied warme do soften and ripen impostumes phlegmons all hot and angry swellings and tumors behinde the eares and if you adde thereto the roots of Lillies it ripeneth and breaketh Venerious impostumes that come in the flanke which impostume is called Bubo by reason of his lurking in such secret places in plaine English termes they are called 〈◊〉 Figs boiled in Wormwood wine with some Barly meale are very good to be applied as an implaister vpon the bellies of such as haue the dropsie Dry Figges haue power to soften consume and make thinne and may be vsed both outwardly and inwardly whether it be to ripen or soften impostumes or to scatter dissolue and consume them The leaues of the Fig tree do waste and consume the Kings Euill or swelling kernells in the throat and do mollifie waste and consume all other tumors being finely pouned and laid thereon but after my practise being boiled with the roots of marish Mallowes vntill they be soft and so incorporated together and applied in forme of a plaister The milky iuyce either of the figs or leaues is good against all roughnesse of the skinne lepries spreading sores tetters small pockes measels pushes wheales 〈◊〉 lentiles and all other spots scuruinesse and deformitie of the body and face being mixed with 〈◊〉 meale and applied it doth also take away warts and such like excrescences if it be mingled with some fattie or greasie thing The milke doth also cure the tooth-ache if a little lint or cotton be wet therein and put into the hollownesse of the tooth It openeth
were a vault through the thickest part from which also they cut certaine loope-holes or windowes in some places to the end to receiue thereby the fresh coole aire that entreth thereat as also for light that they may see their cattell that feed thereby to auoid any danger that might happen vnto them either by the enemie or wilde beasts from which vault or close walke doth rebound such an admirable echo or answering voice if one of them speake vnto another aloud that it doth resound or answer againe foure or fiue times according to the height of the voice to which it doth answer and that so plainly that it cannot be knowne from the voice it selfe the first or mother of this wood or desart of trees is hard to be knowne from the children but by the greatnesse of the body which three men can scarsely 〈◊〉 about vpon the branches whereof grow leaues hard and wrinckled in shape like those of the Quince tree greene aboue and of a whitish hoary colour vnderneath whereupon the Elephants delight to feed among which leaues 〈◊〉 forth the fruit of the bignes of a mans thumbe in shape like a small Fig but of a sanguine or bloudy colour and of a sweet tast but not so pleasant as the Figs of Spaine notwithstanding they are good to be eaten and withall very 〈◊〉 Arbor ex Goa siue Indica The arched Indian Fig tree ¶ The Place This wondrous tree groweth in diuers places of the East Indies especially neere vnto Goa and also in Malaca it is a stranger 〈◊〉 most parts of the world ¶ The Time This tree keepeth his leaues green 〈◊〉 and Sommer ¶ The Names This tree is called of those that haue trauelled Ficus Indica the Indian Fig and Arbor Goa of the place where it groweth in greatest plenty we may call it in English the arched Fig tree ‡ Such as desire to see more of this Fig tree may haue recourse to Clusius his Exoticks lib. I. cap. I. where he shewes it was mentioned by diuers antient Writers as Q. Curtius lib. 9. Plin. lib. 12. ca. 5. Strabo lib. 5. and 〈◊〉 Hist. Plant. lib. 4. cap. 5. by the name of Ficus Indica ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues We haue nothing to write of the temperature or vertues of this tree of our owne knowledge neither haue wee receiued from others more than that the fruit hereof is generally eaten and that without any hurt at all but rather good and also nourishing CHAP. 136. Of Adams Apple tree or the West-Indian Plantaine ¶ The Description WHether this plant may be reckoned for a tree properly or for an herby Plant it is disputable considering the soft and herby substance whereof it is made that is to say when it hath attained to the height of six or seuen cubits and of the bignesse of a mans thigh notwithstanding it may be cut downe with one stroke of a sword or two or three cuts with a knife euen with as much ease as the root of a Radish or Carrot of the like bignesse from a thicke fat threddy root rise immediately diuers great leaues of the length of three cubits and a halfe sometimes more according to the soile where it groweth and of a cubit and more broad of bignes sufficient to wrap a childe in of two yeares old in shape like those of Mandrake of an ouerworn green colour hauing a broad rib running thorow the middle thereof which leaues whether by reason of the extreme hot scorching Sun or of their owne nature in September are so dry and withered that there is nothing thereof left or to be seene but onely the middle rib From the middest of these leaues riseth vp a thicke trunke whereon doth grow the like leaues which the people do cut off as also those next the ground by meanes whereof it riseth vp to the height of a tree which otherwise would remaine a low and base plant This manner of cutting they vse from time to time vntill it come to a certaine height aboue the reach of the Elephant which greedily seeketh after the fruit In the middest of the top among the leaues commeth sorth a soft and fungous stumpe whereon do grow diuers apples in forme like a small Cucumber and of the same bignesse couered with a thin rinde like that of the Fig of a yellow colour when they be ripe the pulpe or substance of the meate is like that of the Pompion without either seeds stones or kernels in tast not greatly perceiued at the first but presently after it pleaseth and entiseth a man to eat liberally thereof by a certaine entising sweetnes it yeelds in which fruit if it be cut according to the length saith myne Author oblique transuerse or any other way whatsoeuer may be seen the shape and forme of a crosse with a man fastned thereto My selfe haue seene the fruit and cut it in pieces which was brought me from Aleppo in pickle the crosse I might perceiue as the forme of a spred-Egle in the root of Ferne but the man I leaue to be sought for by those that haue better eyes and iudgment than my selfe Musa Serapionis Adams Apple tree Musae Fructus Adams Apple ‡ Aprill 10. 1633. my much honored friend Dr. Argent now President of the Colledge of Physitions of London gaue me a plant he receiued from the Bermuda's the length of the stalke was some two foot the thicknesse thereof some seuen inches about being crested and full of a soft pith so that one might easily with a knife cut it asunder It was crooked a little or indented so that each two or three inches space it put forth a knot of some halfe inch thicknesse and some inch in length which incompassed it more than halfe about and vpon each of these ioints or knots in two rankes one aboue another grew the fruit some twenty nineteene eighteene c. more or lesse at each knot for the branch I had contained nine knots or diuisions and vpon the lowest knot grew twenty and vpon the vppermost fifteene The fruit which I receiued was not ripe but greene each of them was about the bignesse of a large Beane the length of them some fiue inches and the bredth some inch and halfe they all hang their heads downewards haue rough or vneuen ends and are fiue cornered and if you turne the vpper side downward they somewhat resemble a boat as you may see by one of them exprest by it selfe the huske is as thicke as a Beanes and will easily shell off it the pulpe is white and soft the stalke whereby it is fastned to the knot is verie short and almost as thicke as ones little finger This stalke with the fruit thereon I hanged vp in my shop were it became ripeabout the beginning of May and lasted vntil Iune the pulp or meat was very soft and tender and it did eate somewhat like a Muske-Melon I haue giuen you the figure of the whole branch with the fruit thereon
with wine it keepeth proud flesh from growing in wounds The boughes and leaues do euidently binde but especially the hose that is to say the sheath 〈◊〉 case of the floures and therefore it is good to vse these so oft as there is need of binding The leaues and branches of the Date tree do heale greene wounds and vlcers refresh and coole hot inflammations Galen in his booke of Medicines according to the kindes mentioneth a composition called Diapalma which is to be stirred with the bough of a Date tree in stead of a spature or a thing to stirre with for no other cause than that it may receiue thereby some kinde of astriction or binding force CHAP. 138. Of the wilde Date trees ¶ The Description 1 THeophrastus maketh this plant to be a kinde of Date tree but low and of small growth seldome attaining aboue the height of a cubit on the top whereof shoot forth for the most part long leaues like those of the Date tree but lesser and shorter from the sides whereof breakes forth a bush of threddy strings among which riseth vp small branches garnished with clusters of white floures in which before they be opened are to be seene vnperfect shapes of leaues closely compassed about with an innumerable sort of thin skinny hulls which rude shapes with the floures are serued vp and eaten at the second course among other iunkets with a little salt and pepper being pleasant to the taste ‡ The stalke is about the thicknes of ones 1 Palmites siue Chamaerriphes The little wilde Datc tree 2 Palmapinus siue Palma conifera The wilde Date tree bearing 〈◊〉 ‡ Fructus Palmapini The fruit of the Cone-Date little finger here and there set with a few crooked pricks the leaues within some handfull or two of the stalke are cut vp and made into little besomes which are sold in many glasse shops here in London ‡ 2 The wilde Date tree that brings forth cones or key-clogs is of most trauellers into the Indies thought to be barren of Dates except sometimes it yeeldeth forth some small berries like vnto Dates but dry and nothing worth This tree groweth to the height and bignesse of a low tree the trunke or body whereof is soft of a fungous or pithy substance vnfit for building as is the manured Date tree the branch it selfe was brought vnto vs from the Indies dry void of leaues wherefore we must describe the leaues by report of the bringer The branches saith my Author are couered ouer with long flaggie leaues hanging downe of a great length like those of the Date tree the branches are also couered with a scaly or scabbed barke verie rough one scale or plate lying ouer another as tiles vpon a house thc fruit growes at the end of the branches not vnlike a great Pine Apple cone couered ouer with a skinne like the Indian Nut wherein is contained a shel within which shell lieth hid an acorn or long 〈◊〉 of an inch long and sometimes longer 〈◊〉 hard to be broken in taste like the 〈◊〉 which the sauage people do grate and stampe to pouder to make them bread ¶ The Place Theophrastus saith the first growes in Candy but much more plentifully in Cilicia and are now found in certaine places of Italy by the sea side and also in diuers parts of Spaine The other hath been found by trauellers into the West Indies from whence haue bin brought the naked branches with the fruit ¶ The Time The time answereth that of the manured Date tree ¶ The Names The little Date tree or wilde Date tree is named of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Naples Cephaglione in Latine commonly Palmites That which is found in the midst of the yong springs and is vsed to be eaten in banquets is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Palmae cerebrum the brain of the Date tree ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen supposeth that the brain of the Date tree consisteth of sundry parts that is to say of a certaine waterie and warme substance and of an earthy and cold therefore it is moist and cold with a certaine astriction or binding qualitie Being taken as a meat it ingendreth raw humors and winde and therefore it is good to be 〈◊〉 with pepper and salt CHAP. 139. Of the drunken Date tree Areca siue Faufel The drunken Date tree ¶ The Description THe drunken Date tree which Carolus Clusius calleth Faufel is an Indian tree of a great bignes the timber whereof is very soft and spongious exceeding smooth and plaine vnto a great height not possible to be climbed vp and therefore the Indians for their easier ascending vp at some distances do tie round about the tree certaine wyths or ropes made of the barkes of trees as may be perceiued by the figure whereby very easily they go vp and downe to gather the fruit at their pleasure The top of the tree is diuided into sundry branches in substance like to the great cane whereupon do grow faire flaggie leaues like those of the Palme or Date tree whereof doubtlesse this is a wilde kinde from the bottome of which branches commeth forth fruit in long bunches like traces of Onions couered with a soft pulpe like vnto the Wall-nut rough and 〈◊〉 full of haire of a yellowish colour and like the dried Date when it is ripe within which huske is contained fruit like vnto the Nutmeg but greater very hard and striped ouer with red and white veines or sinues ¶ The Place Time and Names This Date tree which the Arabians call Faufel that is by interpretation Auellana Indica the Indian Nut or Filberd Auicen and Scrapio call Filfel and Fufel It groweth in the East Indies in diuers and sundry places as in Malauar where vulgarly it is called Pac and of the Nobles and Gentlemen Areca which name is vsed amongst the Portugals which dwell in those Indies in Guzarate and Decan it is called Cupare in Zeilan Poaz in Malaca 〈◊〉 in Cochin 〈◊〉 in English the drunken Date tree which name we haue coined from his qualitie because the fruit maketh those drunke that eate thereof ¶ The Temperature It is cold and dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The fruit of Areca before it be ripe is reckoned amongst the stupefactiue or a stonishing medicines for whosoeuer eateth thereof waxeth drunke because it doth exceedingly amase and astonish the senses When the Indians are vexed with some intolerable ache or paine or must of necessitie endure some great torment or torture then do they take of this fruit whereby the rigor of that pain which otherwise they should feele is very much mitigated The iuice of the fruit of Areca doth strengthen the gums fasten the teeth comfort the stomack stay vomiting and loosenesse of the belly it doth also purge the body from congealed or clotted bloud gathered within the same CHAP. 140. Of the Indian Nut tree ¶ The Description 1 THe Grecians haue not known
but the Arabians haue mentioned this Indian Nut tree the body whereof is very great smooth and plaine void of boughes or branches of a great height wherefore the Indians do wrap ropes about the body thereof as they doe vpon the tree last described for their more ease in gathering the fruit the timber whereof is verie spongie within but hard without a matter fit to make their Canoos and boats of on the top of the tree grow the leaues like those of the Date tree but broad and sharpe at the point as thornes whereof they vse to make needles bodkins and such like instruments wherewith they sow the sailes of their ships and do such like businesse among these leaues come forth clusters of floures like those of the Chestnut tree which turne into great fruit of a round forme and somwhat sharp at one end in that end next vnto the tree is one hole somtimes two bored through this Nut or fruit is wrapped in a couerture consisting of a substance not vnlike to hempe before it be beaten soft there is also a 〈◊〉 and gentler stuffe next vnto the shell like vnto Flax before it be made soft in the middle whereof is contained a great Nut couered with a very hard shell of a browne colour before it be polished afterward of a blacke shining colour like burnished horne next vnto the shell vpon the inside there cleaueth a white cornelly substance firme and sollid of the 〈◊〉 and taste of a blanched Almond within the cauitie or hollownes thereof is contained a most delectable liquor like vnto milke and of a most pleasant taste 2 We haue no certaine knowledge from those that haue trauelled into the Indies of the tree which beareth this little Indian Nut neither haue we any thing of our owne knowledge more than that we see by experience that the fruit hereof is lesser wherein consisteth the difference 1 Nux Indica arbor The Indian Nut tree Nux Indica The Indian Nut. 2 Nucula Indica The little Indian Nut. 〈◊〉 3 ¶ The Place This Indian Nut groweth in some places of Africa and in the East Indies and in all the Islands of the West Indies especially in Hispaniola Cuba and Saint Iohns Island and also vpon the continent by Carthagena Nombre de Dios and Panama and in Virginia otherwise called Norembega part of the same continent for the most part neere vnto the sea side and in moist places but it is seldome found in the vplandish countries ¶ The Time It groweth greene Winter and Sommer ¶ The Names The fruit is called in Latine Nux Indica of the Indians Cocus of the Portugals that dwell in the East Indies Cocco taken from the end wherein are three holes representing the head of a Monkie Serapio and Rhasis do call this tree Iaralnare idest Arborem Nuciferam the tree bearing Nuts of 〈◊〉 Glauci al hend of the vulgar people Maro and the fruit Narel which name Narel is common among the Persians and Arabians it is called in Malauar Tengamaran the ripe fruit 〈◊〉 and the greene fruit Eleri in 〈◊〉 it is called Lanhan in Malaio Triccan and the Nut 〈◊〉 The distilled liquor is called Sula and the oile that is made thereof Copra ¶ The Temperature It is of a meane temper betwixt hot and cold ¶ The Vertues and vse The Indians do vse to cut the twigs and tender branches toward the euening at the ends whereof they haue bottle gourds hollow canes and such like things fit to receiue the water that droppeth from the branches thereof which pleasant liquor they drinke in stead of wine from the which is drawne a strong and 〈◊〉 Aqua Vitae which they vse in time of need against all manner of sicknesses of the branches and boughes they make their houses of the trunk or body of the tree ships and boates of the hempon the outward part of the fruit they make ropes and cables and of the siner stuffe sailes for their ships Likewise they make of the shell of the Nut cups to drinke in which we likewise vse in England garnished with siluer for the same purposes The kernell serueth them for bread and meat the milkie iuice doth serue to coole and refresh their wearied spirits out of the kernel when it is stamped is pressed a most precious oile not onely good for meat but also for medicine wherewith they annoint their feeble lims after their tedious trauell by meanes whereof the ache and paine is mitigated and other infirmities quite taken away proceeding of other causes CHAP. 141. Of the Dragon Tree 1 Draco arbor The Dragon tree Draconis fructus The Dragon tree fruit ¶ The Description THis strange and admirable tree groweth very great resembling the Pine tree by reason it doth alwaies flourish and hath his boughes or branches of equal length and bignesse which are bare and naked of eight or nine cubits long and of the bignesse of a mans 〈◊〉 from the ends of which do shoot out leaues of a cubit and a halfe long and full two inches broad somewhat thicke and raised vp in the middle then thinner and thinner like a two edged sword among which come forth little mossie floures of small moment and turne into berries of the bignesse of Cherries of a yellowish colour round light and bitter couered with a threesold skin or filme wherein is to be seene as 〈◊〉 and diuers other report the forme of a Dragon hauing a long necke or gaping mouth the ridge or backe armed with sharpe prickles like the Porcupine it hath also a long taile foure feet very easie to be discerned the figure of it we haue set forth vnto you according to the greatnesse thereof because our words and meaning may be the better vnderstood and also the 〈◊〉 of the tree in his full bignesse because it is impossible to be expressed in the figure the trunke or body of the tree is couered with a rough barke very thin and 〈◊〉 to be opened or wounded with any small toole or instrument which being so wounded in the Dog daies bruised or bored doth yeeld forth drops of a thicke red liquour which of the name of the tree are called Dragons teares or Sanguis Draconis Dragons bloud diuers haue doubted whether the liquour or gummie iuice were all one with Cinnabaris of Dioscorides not meaning that Cinaber made of Quicksiluer but the receiued opinion is they differ not by reason their qualitie and temperature worke the like effect ¶ The Place This tree groweth in an Island which the Portugals call Madera and in one of the Canarie Islands called Insula Portus Sancti and as it seemeth it was first brought out of Africke although some are of a contrary opinion and say that it was first brought from Carthagena in America by the Bishop of the same Prouince ¶ The Time The time of his growing we haue touched in the description where wee said that it flourisheth and groweth greene all the yeare ¶ The Names The names haue
beene sufficiently spoken of in the description and in their seuerall titles ¶ The Temperature and Vertues ‡ The Sanguis Draconis which is thought to proceed from this tree hath an astringent faculty and is with good successe vsed in the ouermuch flowing of the courses in fluxes Dysenteries spitting of bloud fastening loose teeth and such other affects which require astriction Smiths also vse it to varnish ouer their workes to giue them a sanguine colour and keep them from rust ‡ CHAP. 142. Of the Sassafras or Ague tree ¶ The Description THe Sassafras tree grows very great much like vnto the Pine tree the trunke or body is straight smooth and void of boughes of a great height it is couered with a two fold grosse rinde the vppermost of the colour of ashes that next the wood of a tawnie colour on the top come forth many goodly branches like those of the Palme tree whereon doe grow greene leaues somewhat like those of the Fig tree of a sweet smell when they be greene but much sweeter when they be dry declining to the smell of Fenell with much sweetnesse in taste they are greene Winter and Sommer neither bearing fruit nor floures but is altogether barren as it is said the roots are grosse conformable to the greatnesse of the tree of a tawnie colour dispersing themselues far abroad vnder the vpper crust of the earth by meanes whereof they are often cast downe with meane blasts of winde ‡ The wood of the tree is very strong hard and brittle it hath not so strong a pleasant smell as 〈◊〉 of the root neither is it in such vse The leaues are of two sorts some long and smooth and not snipt about the edges other-some and those chiefely on the ends of the branches are deeply gashed in as it were diuided into three seuerall parts I haue giuen the figure of a branch taken from a little tree which grew in the Garden of Master Wilmote at Bow who died some few yeares agoe ‡ ¶ The Place This tree groweth in the most parts of the West Indies especially about the cape of Florida Wingandico and Virginia otherwise named Norembega ¶ The Time It flourisheth and keepeth greene Winter and Sommer Svssafras The Sassafras tree ¶ The Names The Spaniards and French men haue named this tree Sassafras the Indians in their tongue 〈◊〉 for want of an English name we are contented to call it the Ague tree of his vertue in healing the Ague ¶ The Temperature The boughes and branches hereof are hot ct dry in the second degree the rinde is hotter 〈◊〉 that it entreth into the third degree of heate and drinesse as is manifestly perceiued in the decoction ¶ The Vertues The best of all the tree is the root and that worketh the best effect the which hath the rinde cleauing very fast to the inner part and is of colour tawnie and much more sweet of smell than all the tree and his branches The rinde tasteth of a more sweet smell than the tree and the water being sod with the root is of greater and better effects than any other part of the tree and is of a more sweet smell and therefore the Spaniards vse it for that it worketh better and greater effects It is a tree that groweth neere vnto the sea and in temperate places that haue not much drouth nor moisture There be mountaines growing full of them and they cast forth a most sweet smell so that at the beginning when they saw them first they thought they had been trees of Cinnamon in part they were not deceiued for that the rinde of this tree hath as sweet a smell as Cinamon hath and 〈◊〉 imitate it in colour and sharpnesse of taste and pleasantnesse of smell and so the water that is 〈◊〉 of it is of a most sweet smell and taste as the Cinamon is and procureth the same 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 as Cinamon doth The wood hereof cut in smal pieces and boiled in water to the colour of Claret wine and drunk for certaine daies together helpeth the dropsie remoueth oppilation or stopping of the liuer cureth quotidian and tertian agues and long feuers The root of Sassafras hath power to comfort the liuer and to free from oppilations to comfort the weake and feeble stomacke to cause good appetite to consume windinesse the 〈◊〉 cause of cruditie and indigestion stay vomiting and make sweet a stinking breath It prouoketh vrine remoueth the impediments that doe cause barrennesse and maketh women apt to conceiue CHAP. 143. Of the Storax tree ¶ The Description THe Storax tree groweth to the height and bignesse of the Quince tree the trunke or bodie is couered with a barke or rinde like vnto the Birch tree the branches are small and limmer whereon do grow leaues like those of the Quince tree greenish aboue and whitish vnderneath among which come forth white floures like those of the Orange tree of an vnpleasant smell after commeth the fruit or berries standing vpon long and slender footstalks couered ouer with a little woollinesse of the bignesse of a bladder nut and of the same colour wherein is contained small Styrax arbor The Storax tree seed whereunto also cleaue certaine 〈◊〉 teares bearing the name of the tree and which issue from the trunk or body when it is wounded ¶ The Place This tree groweth in diuers places of France Italy and Spaine where it bringeth forth little or no gum at all it groweth in Iudaea Pamphylia Syria Pisidia Sidon and many other places of Iurie or Palestine as also in diuers Islands in the Mediterranean sea namely Cyprus Candy Zant and other places where it bringeth forth his gummy liquour in full perfection of sweetnesse and also in great plenty where it is gathered and put into great Canes or Reeds whereof as some deeme it took the name Calamita others deeme oft he leaues of Reeds wherein they wrap it hereof I haue two small trees in my garden the which I raised of seed ¶ The Time It floureth in May and the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names This tree as may be gathered by some was called Styrax by reason of that gum or liquour which droppeth out of the same being like vnto the hollow pipes of Ise that hang at the eaues of houses in Winter called Styria or of the Canes or the leaues of Reeds spoken of before in Latine Storax Calamitae in English Storax which is kept in Canes or the leaues of Reeds there floweth from some of these trees a 〈◊〉 gummie liquor which neuer groweth naturally hard but remaineth alwaies thinne which is called liquid Styrax or Storax ¶ The Temperature The gum of this tree is of an heating mollifying and concocting qualitie ¶ The Vertues It helpeth the cough the falling downe of rheumes and humours into the chest and hoarsnesse of the voice it also helpeth the noise and sounding of the eares preuaileth against Strumas or the Kings euill nodes on the nerues and hard
second degree agreeing with Nardus in temperature or as others report with Mace it prouoketh vrine mightily warmeth and comforteth the stomacke and helpeth digestion It preuaileth against the pin and web in the eyes the inflamed and waterie eyes and all other infirmities of the same It is laid among cloathes as well to keepe them from moths and other vermine as also to giue vnto them a sweet smell CHAP. 150. Of the Cloue tree Caryophylli veri Clusij The true forme of the Cloue tree ¶ The Description THe Cloue tree groweth great in forme like vnto the Bay tree the trunke or bodie whereof is couered with a russet barke the branches are many long and very brittle whereupon do grow leaues like those of the Bay tree but somewhat narrower amongst which come the floures white at the first after of a greenish colour waxing of a darke red colour in the end which floures are the very cloues when they grow hard after when they be dried in the Sunne they become of that dusky black colour which we dayly see wherein they continue For those that wee haue in estimation are beaten downe to the ground before they be ripe and are suffered there to lie vpon the ground vntill they bee dried throughly where there is neither grasse weeds nor any other herbes growing to hinder the same by reason the tree draweth vnto it selfe for his nourishment all the moisture of the earth a great circuit round about so that nothing can there grow for want of moisture and therfore the more conuenient for the drying of the Cloues Contrariwise that grosse kinde of Cloues which hath beene supposed to be the male are nothing else than fruit of the same tree tarrying there vntill it fall downe of it selfe vnto the ground where by reason of his long lying and meeting with some raine in the mean season it loseth the quick taste that the others haue Some haue called these Fusti whereof we may English them Fusses Some affirme that the floures hereof surpasse all other floures in sweetnesse when they are greene and hold the opinion that the hardned floures are not the Cloues themselues as wee haue written but thinke them rather to be the seat or huske wherein the floures doe grow the greater number hold the former opinion And further that the trees are increased without labour graffing planting or other industrie but by the falling of the fruit which beare fruit within eight yeares after they be risen vp and so continue bearing for an hundred yeares together as the inhabitants of that countrey do affirme ¶ The Place The Cloue tree groweth in some few places of the Molucca Islands as in Zeilan Iaua the greater and the lesse and in diuers other places ¶ The Time The Cloues are gathered from the fifteenth of September vnto the end of Februarie not with hands as we gather Apples Cherries and such like fruit but by beating the tree as Wall-nuts are gotten as we haue written in the description ¶ The Names The fruit hereof was vnknowne to the antient Grecians of the later writers called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Caryophyllus and Clavus in French Clou de Gyrofle the Mauritanians Charhumfel in Italian Carofano in high-Dutch Nagel in Spanish Clauo de especia of the Indians Calasur in the Molucca's Changue of the Pandets Arumfel and Charumfel in English Cloue tree Cloues ¶ The Temperature Cloues are hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Cloues strengthen the stomacke liuer and heart helpe digestion and prouoke vrine The Portugall women that dwell in the East Indies draw from the Cloues when they bee yet greene a certaine liquor by distillation of a most fragrant smell which comforteth the heart and is of all cordials the most effectuall Cloues stop the belly the oile or water thereof dropped into the eyes sharpens the sight and clenseth away the cloud or web in the same The weight of foure drams of the pouder of Cloues taken in milke procureth the act of generation There is extracted from the Cloues a certaine oile or rather thicke butter of a yellow colour which being chafed in the hands smelleth like the Cloues themselues wherewith the Indians do cure their wounds and other hurts as we do with Balsam The vse of Cloues not onely in meat and medicine but also in sweet pouder and such like is sufficiently knowne therefore this shall suffice CHAP. 151. Of the Nutmeg tree 1 Nux Muscata rotunda siue foemina The round or female Nutmeg 2 Nux Myristica oblonga fiue 〈◊〉 The longish or male Nutmeg Nux Moschatacum sua Maci. The Nutmeg with his Mace about him ¶ The Description 1 THe tree that beareth the Nutmeg and the Mace is in forme like to the Peare tree but the leaues of it are like those of the Bay or Orenge tree alwaies greene on the vpper side and more whitish vnderneath among which come forth the Nut and Mace as it were the floures The Nut appeareth first compassed about with the Mace as it were in the middle of a single rose which in processe of time doth wrap and inclose the Nut round on euery side after commeth a huske like that of the Wall-nut but of an harder substance which incloseth the Nut with his Mace as the Wall-nut husk doth couer the Nut which in time of ripenesse doth cleaue of it selfe as the Wall-nut huske doth and sheweth his Mace which then is of a perfect crimson colour and maketh a most goodly shew especially when the tree is well laden with fruit after the Nut becommeth dry the Mace likewise gapeth and forsaketh the Nut euen as the first huske or couerture and leaues it bare and naked as we all do know at which time it getteth to it selfe a kinde of darke yellow colour and loseth that braue crimson dye which it had at the first ‡ 2 The tree which carrieth the male Nutmeg according to Clusius thus differs from the last described the leaues are like those of the former in shape but much bigger being sometimes a foot long and three or foure inches broad their common length is seuen or eight inches and bredth two and a halfe they are of a whitish colour vnderneath and greene and shining aboue The Nuts also grow at the very ends of the branches sometimes two or three together and not onely one as in the common kinde The Nut it selfe is also larger and longer the Mace that incompasses it is of a more elegant colour but not so strong as that of the former I can scarse beleeue our Authors assertion in the foregoing description that the Nut appeareth first compassed about with the Mace as it were in the middest of a single Rose c. But I rather thinke they all come forth together the Nutmeg Mace the greene outward huske and all iust as we see Wall-nuts do and onely open themselues when they come to full maturitie In the third figure you may see
the middle as much as may containe a Hasell Nut. 13 In this table are foure seuerall fruits described by Clusins Exot. lib. 2. c. 21. The first is called Baruce and is said to grow vpon a high tree in Guyana called Hura it consisted of many Nuts of some inch long strongly fastened or knit together each hauing a hard wooddy shell falling into two parts containing a round and smooth kernell couered with an ash coloured silme They say the natiues there vse this fruit to purge and vomite The second called Arara growes in Kaiana but how it is not knowne it was some inch long couered with a skin sufficiently hard and blacke fastened to a long and rugged stalke that seemed to haue carried more than one fruit the kernell is blacke and of the bignesse of a wilde Oliue The natiues vse the decoction hereof towash maligne vlcers and they say the kernell will loose the belly The third named Orukoria is the fruit of a tree in Wiapock called Iuruwa they vse this to cure their wounds dropping the iuice of the fruit into them This fruit is flat almost an inch broad and two long but writhen like the cod of the true Cytisus but much bigger very wrinckled of an ash colour containing a smooth seed The fourth called Cropiot is a small and shriuelled fruit not much vnlike the particular ioints of the Aethiopian pepper The sauages vse to take it mixed amongst their Tabaco to asswage head-ache there were diuers of them put vpon a string as you may see in the figure the better to dry them 14 This which by Clusius Lobel is thought to be the Guanabanus mentioned by Scaliger Exerc. 281. part 6. is a thicke fruit some foot and halfe long couered with a thicke and hard rinde freezed ouer with a soft downinesse like as a Quince is but of a greenish colour with some veines or rather furrowes running alongst it as in 〈◊〉 the lower end is somewhat sharp at the vpper end it is fastened to the boughes with a firme hard and fibrous stalke this fruit containes a whitish pulpe which the Ethiopians vse in burning seuers to quench the thirst for it hath a pleasant tartnesse this dried becomes friable so that it may be brought into pouder with ones fingers yet retaineth its aciditie in this pulp lye seeds like little Kidneis or the seeds of the true 〈◊〉 of a black shining colour with some fibres comming out of their middles these sowne brought forth a plant hauing leaues like the Bay tree but it dyed at the approch of Winter Clus. 15 Ananas Pinias or Pine Thistle is a plant hauing leaues like the Aizoon aquaticum or water ‡ 16 Fabae Aegyptiae affinis ‡ 17 Coxco Cypote Amygdalae Peruanae Almonds of Peru. ‡ 18 Buenas Noches ‡ 19 Fructus tetragonus The square Coco ‡ 20 Arboris laniferae siliqua A cod of the wooll-bearing tree 16 The forme of this is somewhat strange for it is like a large Poppy head cut off nigh the top the substance thereof was membranous and wrinckled of a brownish colour very smooth the circumference at the top is about nine inches and so it growes smallerand smaller euen to the stalke which seems to haue carried a floure whereto this fruit succeeded the top of the fruit was euen and in it were orderly placed 24. cauities in each whereof was contained a little Nut like an Acorn almost an inch long and as much thick the vpper part was of a brownish colour the kernel within was rank and all mouldy Clusius could learne neither whence this came nor how it grew but with a great deale of probability thinks it may be that which the Antients described by the name of Faba Aegyptia 17 The former of these two Clusius receiued by the name of Coxco Cypote that is the Nut Cypote It is of a dusky browne colour smooth and shining but on the lower part of an ash colour rough which the Painter did not well expresse in drawing the figure The 2. hee receiued by the name of Almendras del Peru i. Almonds 〈◊〉 Peru the shell was like in colour and substance to that of an almond and the kernell not vnlike neither in substance nor taste yet the forme of the shell was different for it was triangular with a backe standing vp and two sharp sides and these very rough 18 This was the fruit of a large kind of Convolvulus which the Spaniards called Buenas noches or Goodnight because the floures vse to 〈◊〉 as soone as night came The seeds were of a sooty colour as big as large Pease being three of them contained in a skinny three cornered head You may see more hereof in Clusius Exot. lib. 2. cap. 18. 19 This is the figure of a square fruit which Clusius coniectures to haue been some kind of Indian Nut or Coco it was couered with a smooth rinde was seuen inches long and a foot and halfe about being foure inches and a halfe from square to square 20 About Bantam in the East Indies growes a tall tree sending forth many branches which are set thicke with leaues long and narrow bigger than those of Rosemary it carries cods six inches long and fiue about couered with a thin skin wrinckled and sharp pointed which open themselues from below into fiue parts and are full of a soft woolly or Cottony matter wherewith they stuffe cushions pillowes and the like and also spin some for certaine vses amongst the downe lye blacke seeds like those of Cotton but lesse and not fastened to the downe 21 This which Clus calls Palma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the Bag Date because it carries the figure of an Hippocras bag was found in a desart Island in the Antlantick ocean by certaine Dutch mariners who obserued whole woods thereof these bags were some of them 22. or more inches long and some seuen inches broad in the broadest place strongly woue with threds crossing one another of a brownish yellow colour These sachels as they report who cut them from the tree were filled with fruit of the bignesse of a Walnut huske and all within these were others as round as if they had bin torned and so hard that you could scarce breake them with a hammer in the midst of these were white kernels tasting at the first 〈◊〉 like pulse but afterwards bitter like a Lupine 22. The tree which carries this rough cod is very large as I haue been told by diuers some who saw it in Persia others that obserued it in Mauritius Island Clusius also notes that they haue bin brought from diuers places the cod is some three inches long and some two inches broad of a duskie red colour and all rough and prickly in these cods are contained one two or more round nuts or seeds of a grayish ash colour hauing a little spot on one side where they are fastened to the cod they are exceeding hard and difficult to breake but broken they shew a white kernel
of a brownish colour and smooth the barke of the yongest shoots is whitish and rough the leaues which grow vpon footstalkes some two inches long are somewhat like Vine leaues but smaller by much and lesse cornered being cut into three and sometimes but seldomer into fiue parts somwhat thicke with many veines running ouer them greener aboue than they are below out of the branches in Spring time grow stalkes hanging downe some six inches in length carrying many little greenish floures which are succeeded by little red berries cleare and smooth of the bignesse of the Whortle berries of a pleasant tart taste Of this kinde there is another onely different from this in the fruit which is twice so big as that of the common kind 2 The bush which beares the white Currans is commonly straighter and bigger than the former the leaues are lesser the floures whiter and so also is the fruit being cleare and transparent with a little blackish rough end 1 Ribes vulgaris fructu rubro Red Currans 2 Ribes fructu albo White Currans 3 Besides these there is another which disfers little from the former in shape yet grows somwhat higher and hath lesser leaues the floures are of a purplish green colour and are succeeded by fruit as big againe as the ordinary red but of a stinking and somewhat loathing sauour the leaues also are not without this stinking smell ¶ The Place Time and Names None of these grow wild with vs but they are to be found plentifully growing in many gardens especially the two former the red and the white The leaues and floures come forth in the Spring and the fruit is ripe about Midsommer This plant is thought to haue been vnknowne to the antient Greekes some thinke it the Ribes of the Arabian Serapio Fuchsius Matthiolus and some other deny it notwithstanding Dodonaeus affirmes it neither is the controuersie easily to be decided because the Author is briefe in the description thereof neither haue we his words but by the hand of a barbarous Translator Howeuer the shops of late time take it the faculties consenting thereto for the true Ribes and of the fruit hereof prepare their Rob de Ribes 〈◊〉 calls it Ribesium grossularia rubra Grossularia transmarina and they are distinguished into three sorts Rubra Alba Nigra 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 white and blacke Currans the Germans call them S. 〈◊〉 traubell or traublin and S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Dutch 〈◊〉 ouer Zee the Italians Vuetta rossa the French Groisseles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bohemians 〈◊〉 S. 〈◊〉 the English Red Currans yet must they not be confounded with those Currans which are brought from Zant and the continent adioyning thereto and which are vulgarly sold by our Grocers for they are the fruit of a small Vine and differ much from these The Temperature and Vertues The berries of red Currans as also of the white are cold and dry in the end of the second degree and haue some astriction together with tenuitie of parts They extinguish and mitigate feuerish heates represse choler temper the ouer-hot bloud resist putrefaction quench thirst helpe the deiection of the appetite stay cholericke vomitings and scourings and helpe the Dysenterie proceeding of an hot cause The iuice of these boiled to the height of honey either with or without sugar which is called Rob de Ribes hath the same qualities and conduces to the same purposes CHAP. 3. Of Parsley Breake-stone and bastard Rupturewort 1 Percepier Anglorum Lob. Parsley Breake-stone 2. Polygonū Herniariae facie Bastard Rupture-wort ¶ The Description 1 I Thought it was not altogether inconuenient to 〈◊〉 these two Plants together in one Chapter first because they are 〈◊〉 one stature and secondly taken 〈◊〉 of one and the 〈◊〉 History of Plants to wit the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and Lobel The first of these which the Authors of the 〈◊〉 set sorth by the name of 〈◊〉 and rather assert than affirme to be the Scandix of the Antients is by 〈◊〉 called Scandix minor and by 〈◊〉 Columna 〈◊〉 montana minima it hath a small wooddy yellowish fibrous root 〈◊〉 which rise vp one two or more little stalks seldome exceeding the height of an handfull and these are round and hairy and vpon them grow little roundish leaues like the tender leaues of Cheruill but hairy and of a whitish green colour fastned to the stalkes with short foot-stalkes and hauing little eares at their setting on the floures are small greene and fiue cornered many clustering together at the setting on of the leaues the seed is small smooth and yellowish the stalks of this plant grow sometimes vpright and otherwhiles they lean on the ground it is to be found vpon diuers dry and barren grounds as in Hide Parke Tuthill fields c. It floures in May and ripens the feed in Iune and Iuly It seemes by the Authors of the Aduersaria that in the West countrey about Bristow they call this Herbe Percepier but our herbe women in Cheapside know it by the name of Parsley Breakestone This is hot and dry and of subtil parts it vehemently and speedily moues vrine and by some is kept in pickle and eaten as a sallad The distilled water is also commended to be effectuall to moue vrine and clense the kidnies of grauell 2 The historie of this by the forementioned Authors Aduers pag. 404. is thus set forth vnder this title Polygonium Herniariae folijs facie perampla radice 〈◊〉 Neither say they ought this to be despised by such as are studious of the knowledge of Plants for it is very little knowne being a very small herbe lying along vpon the ground and almost ouerwhelmed or couered with the grasse hauing little branches very full of ioints the little leaues and seeds are whitish and very like those of Herniaria or Rupture-wort the whole plant is white hauing a very small and mossie floure the root is larger than the smalnesse of the plant seemeth to require hard branched diuersly turning and winding and therefore hard to be plucked vp the taste is dry and hottish It growes vpon a large Plaine in Prouince betweene the cities Arles and Selon Thus much Pena and Lobel I am deceiued if some 〈◊〉 yeares agone I was not shewed this plant gathered in some part of this kingdome but where I am not able to 〈◊〉 CHAP. 4. Of Heath Spurge and Rocke Rose ¶ The Description 1 THese Plants by right should haue followed the historie of Thymelaea for in shape and facultie they are not much vnlike it The first is a low shrub sending from one root many branches of some cubit long and these bending flexible and couered with an outer blackish barke which comprehends another within tough and which may be diuided into fine threds the leaues are like those of Chamaelea yet lesser shorter and thicker a little rough also and growing about the branches in a certaine order if you chew them they are gummie bitter at the first and afterwards hot and biting the floures grow amongst
the leaues longish yellowish and diuided at the end into foure little leaues the fruit is said to be like that of Thymaelea but of a blackish colour the root is thicke and wooddie It growes frequently in the kingdome of Granado and Valentia in Spaine it floures in March and Aprill The Herbarists there terme it Sanamunda and the common people Mierda-cruz by reason of the purging facultie 1 Sanamunda 1. Clus. Heath Spurge 2 Sanamunda 2. Clus. The second Heath Spurge 2 The other is a shrub some cubit high hauing tough flexible branches couered with a dense and thick barke which the outward rinde being taken away ouer all the plant but chiefely next the root may be drawn into threds like Flax or Hemp the vpper branches are set with thick short fat rough sharp pointed leaues of somwhat a saltish taste at the first afterwards of a hot biting taste the floures are many little and yellow the root is thicke and wooddie like as that of the former this growes vpon the sea coast of Spaine and on the mountaines nigh Granado where they call it Sanamunda and the common people about Gibraltar call it Burhalaga and they only vse it to heat their ouens with It floures in Februarie Anguillara called this Empetron Caesalpinus 〈◊〉 and in the Historia Lugd it is the Cneoron nigrum Myconi Sesamoides minus Dalcchampij and Phacoides Oribasij 〈◊〉 3 This is bigger than either of the two former hauing whiter and more flexible branches whose barke is vnmeasurably tough and hard to breake the vpper branches are many and those very downie and hanging downe their heads set thicke with little leaues like Stone-crop and of the like hot or burning facultie the floures are like those of the former sometimes greenish otherwhiles yellow Clusius did not obserue the fruit but saith it floured at the same time with the former and grew in all the sea coast from the Straits of Gibralter to the Pyrenaean mountaines Alfonsus Pantius called this Cneoron Lobel and 〈◊〉 call it Erica Alexandrina 3 〈◊〉 3. Clus. The third Heath Spurge 4 Cneoron 〈◊〉 Rocke Rose 4 This also may not vnfitly bee ioined to the former for it hath many tender flexible tough branches commonly leaning or lying along vpon the ground vpon which without order grow leaues greeene skinny and like those of the true Thymelaea at first of an vngratefull and afterwards of a bitter taste yet hauing none or very little acrimony as far as may be perceiued by their taste the floures grow vpon the tops of the branches six seuen or more together consisting of foure little leaues of a reddish purple colour very beautifull and well smelling yet offending the head if they be long smelt vnto these are succeeded by small berries of colour white containing a round seed couered with an ash coloured skin The root is long of the thickenesse of ones little finger sometimes blackish yet most commonly yellowish tough and smallest at the top where the branches come forth It floures in Aprill and May and ripens the fruit in Iune it floures sometimes thrice in the yeare and ripens the fruit twise for Clusius affirmes that twise in one yeare he gathered ripe berries from one and the same plant It growes plentifully vpon the mountainous places of Austria about Vienna whither the countrey women bring the floures to the market in great plenty to sell them to deck vp houses it grows also in the dry medowes by Frankford on the Moene where there is obserued a variety with white floures Matthiolus would haue this to be the Cneoron album of Theophrastus Cordus calls it Thymelaea minor it is the Cneoron alterum Matthioli and Oleander syl 〈◊〉 Myconi in the Hist. Lugd. The Germans call it Stein Roselin and wee may call it Rocke Rose or dwarfe Oleander 5 This plant by Bauhine is called Cneorum album folio oleae argenteo 〈◊〉 and by Dalechampius Cneorum album which hath been the reason I haue put it here although Caesalpinus Imperatus and Plateau who sent it to Clusius would haue it to be and cal it Dorycnium It is a shrubby herb sending from one root many single stalkes some halfe cubit or better high the leaues which grow vpon the stalkes without order are like those of the Oliue but somewhat narrower and couered ouer with a soft siluer-like downinesse at the top of the stalks grow many floures clustering together of the shape of those of the lesser Bindeweed but white of colour This growes wilde in some parts of Sicily whence Caesalpinus calls it Dorychnium ex Sicilia 5 Cneorum album folijs argenteis White Rocke Rose Chamaebuxus flore Coluteae Bastard dwarfe box ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The three first are very hot and two first haue a strong purging facultie for taken in the weight of a dram with the decoction of Cicers they mightily purge by stoole both flegme choller and also waterish humours and they are often vsed for this purpose by the Countrey people in some parts of Spaine The faculties of the rest are not knowne nor written of by any as yet CHAP. 5. Of Bastard dwarfe Box. ¶ The Description THis which Clusius for want of a name calls Anonymos flore Coluteae Gesner called Chamaebuxus to which 〈◊〉 addes flore Coluteae and Besler in his hortus Eystettensis agreeable to the name I haue giuen it in English calls it Pseudochamaebuxus It is a small plant hauing many creping wooddy tough roots here and there sending forth small fibers from these arise many tough bending branches some span long hauing thicke sharpe pointed greene leaues almost like those of Boxe and these grow vpon the stalks without any order and when you first chew them they are of an vngratefull taste afterwards bitter and hot at the tops of the branches do come forth amongst the leaues three or foure longish floures for the most part without smell yet in some places they smell sweet like as some of the Narcisses they consist of three leaues apiece two whereof are white and spread abroad as wings a whitish little hood couering their lower ends the third is wrapt vp in forme of a pipe with the end hollow crooked and this is of a yellow colour which by age oft times becomes wholly red after those floures succeed cods broad and flat little lesse than those of the broad leaued Thlaspi and greene of colour rough and in each of these cods are commonly contained a couple of seeds of the bignes of little Chichlings of a blackish ash colour rough and resembling a little dug This is sometimes found to vary hauing the two winged leaues yellow or red and the middle one yellow ¶ The Place It floures in Aprill and May and ripens the seed in Iune it growes vpon most of the Austrian and Stirian Alpes and in diuers places of Hungarie It is neither vsed in Physicke nor the faculties thereof in medicine knowne CHAP. 6. Of Winged Bind weed or Quamoclit
Quamoclit sive Conuoluulus Pennatus Winged Windeweed ¶ The Description THe first that writ of and described this plant was 〈◊〉 that by the name of Gelsiminum rubrum alterum after him Camerarius gaue a description and figure therof in his Hortus Medicus by the name of Quamoclit and after him Fabius Columna both figured and described it more accurately whose description is put to the figure of it we here giue in Clus. his Curaeposteriores It is so tender a plant that it will not come to any perfection with vs vnlesse in extraordinary hot yeres and by other artificiall helps wherefore I will borrow the description thereof out of Fabius Columna This exoticke plant saith he cannot more fitly be referred to any kinde than to the family of the 〈◊〉 or Bindweeds for in the nature and whole habit it is almost like them excepting the shape of the winged leaues it is stored with lesse milk the flours are long hollow but parted into fiue at the top of a pleasing red colour with streaked lines or folds standing vpon long stalkes one or two together comming out of the bosomes of the leaues at each ioint of the branches and they haue in them fiue yellowish pointalls then succeeds a longish fruit standing in a scaly cup ending in a sharp pointall and couered with a tough skin as that of the common Convoluulus but lesser hauing within it foure longish blacke hard seedes of a biting taste The leaues grow alternately out of the ioints of the purple winding branches being winged and finely diuided twise as small as the common Rheseda of a darke greene colour but the young ones are yellowish first hauing a few diuisions but afterwards more till they come to haue thirteen on a side and one at the top but the lower ones are oft times forked by reason of the great plenty of leaues and flouring stalks or branches winding themselues about artificiall hoops crossings or other fashioned workes of Reeds or the like set for winding herbs to clime vpon it much delights the eie of the beholder and is therefore kept in pots in gardens of pleasure The seed sowne in the beginning of the Spring growes vp in Iune and the first leaues resemble the winged fruit of the Maple it floures in the end of August and ripens the seed in the end of September CHAP. 7. Of the sensitiue Herbe Herbamimosa The sensitiue berbe 〈◊〉 exactior icon A perfect figure thereof ¶ The Description THis which I here call the sensitiue herbe is that which Christopher a Costa sets forth by the name of Herba mimosa or the Mocking herbe because when one puts his hand thereto it forthwith seemes to wither and hang downe the leaues but when you take it away againe it recouers the pristine greenesse and vigor I wil here giue you that which Acosta writes thereof the figure historie which Clusius giues in his notes vpon him and also another figure better expressing the leaues and manner of growing There is found saith Acosta in some Gardens another plant some fiue handfuls long resting vpon the neighbouring shrubs or walls hauing a slender stalke of a fresh greene colour not very round set at certaine spaces with small and pricking thornes the leaues are not vnlike the former That is the Herba viua which in condition is little different from this being somewhat lesser than those of the female Ferne. It loues to grow in moist and stony places and is called Herbamimosa for the reason formerly giuen The nature hereof is much different from that of Arbor tristis for euery night at Sun-set it as it were withers and dries so that one would thinke it were dead but at Sun-rise it recouers the former vigor and by how much the Sun growes hotter by so much it becomes the greener and all the day it turnes the leaues to the Sun This plant hath the smell and taste of Liquorice and the leaues are commonly eaten by the Indians against the cough to clense the chest cleare the voice it is also thought good against the paines of the kidneies and to heale greene wounds Thus much Acosta Now saith Clusius the leaues of many plants especially pulses vse to contract or shrinke vp their leaues in the night time Now I receiued a dry plant which was sent to me by the name of Herbamimosa by Iames Garret in the end of October 1599 which he writ he had of the right Honourable the Earle of Cumberland who returning from Saint Iohn de Puerto rico in the West Indies brought it put in a pot with some earth but could not preserue it aliue But I caused the figure of that dried plant to be expressed as well as it might so to fit it to the description following made also by the dried plant This plant which was wholly drie and without leaues had a single root and that not thick but hard and wooddy with few fibres from whence arose three or foure short stalks which straight diuided themselues into slender branches which spread themselues round about vpon the ground at each ioint putting forth many long and slender fibres like as in the branches of the common Woodbinde which lye vpon the ground these branches were a cubit long and sometimes more round tough with some prickles broader at their setting on as you may see in the common bramble yet lesser fewer lesse firme these againe were diuided into other more slender branches set with many little prickles out of whose ioints betwixt two little leaues grew forth foot-stalks bedeckt with their little leaues which were many set in order with other to answer to them on the other side but hauing no single leafe at the end they were tender green not vnlike the little leaues of Acacia these at their first comming out couered with a thin whitish hairines as I gathered by a little branch retaining the foot-stalke and leaues thereon which he sent with the former and it had also some fibres comming forth thereof He also added to the former two little heads which growing vpon the same plant he writ he receiued of the forementioned right Honorable Earle with some branches yet retaining the leaues These little heads consisted of many slender narrow and as it were prickly little leaues amongst which lay hid round seeds smooth blacke and somewhat swoln in the middle the floures I saw not neither know 〈◊〉 whether they were brought with the rest but whether the leaues of this plant being green yet growing on the ground do wither at the approch of ones hand as Christopher A Costa writes and for that cause imposes the name thereon they best know who haue seene the greene and yet growing plant for the faculties you may haue recourse to that which A Costa hath set downe Thus much out of Clusius Novemb. 7. 1632. I being with Mr. Iob Best at the Trinity house in Ratcliffe among other varicties he shewed me a dry plant hereof
that of an Oliue It beares 〈◊〉 twise a yeare 〈◊〉 it hath ripe fruit both in the Spring and sall yet the vernall fruit seldom comes to good Oenoplia non spinosa The great Iuiubes tree by reason of the too much moisture of the season which causes it to become worme-eaten The Thorny kinde is described by Alpinus who rightly iudges it the Connarus of 〈◊〉 but the figure he giues is not very accurate That which wants prickles growes as well as the prickly one in Aegypt and Syria as also in the city Rhetimo in Candy whither it was brought out of Syria The historie of both these trees is in Serapio by the name of Sadar but he according to his custome confounds it with the Lotus of Dioscorides from which it very much differs Bellonius in his second booke and 79. chap. of his Obseruations reckons vp Napeca amongst the trees that are alwaies greene which is true in those that grow in Egypt and Syria but false in such as grow in Candy That tree in Aegypt and Syria is called Nep or Nap. Alpinus calls it Paliurus Athenaet or Nabca 〈◊〉 thinking it as I formerly said the Connarus mentioned in the 14. booke of Athenaeus his Deipnosophists ¶ The Vertues out of Alpinus The fruit is of a cold and dry facultie and the vnripe ones are frequently vsed to strengthen the stomacke and stop lasks the iuice of them being for this purpose either taken by the mouth or injected by clyster of the same fruit dried and macerated in water is made an infusion profitable against the relaxation and 〈◊〉 of the guts The decoction or infusion of the ripe dried fruit is of a very frequent vse against all pestilent feuers for 〈◊〉 affirme that this fruit hath a wonderfull efficacie against venenate qualities and putrifaction and that it powerfully streng thens the heart Also the iuice of the perfectly ripe fruit is very good to purge choler forth of the stomacke and first veines and they willingly vse an infusion made of them in all putride feuers to 〈◊〉 their heate or burning CHAP. 14. Of the Persian Plum ¶ The Description 1 THis tree is thought by Clusius to whom I am beholden for the historie and figure to be the 〈◊〉 arbor mentioned by Pliny and 〈◊〉 but he somewhat doubts whither it be that which is mentioned by Theophrastus Dioscorides also 〈◊〉 and Strabo make mention of the Persea arbor and they all make it a tree alwaies greene hauing a longish fruit shut vp in the shell and coat of an Almond with which how this agrees you may see by this description of Clusius This tree saith he is like to a Peare tree spreading it selfe far abroad and being alwaies green hauing branches of a yellowish green colour The leaues are like those of the broadest leaued Bay-tree greene aboue and of a grayish colour vnderneath firm hauing some nerues running 〈◊〉 of a good taste and smell yet biting the tongue with a little astriction The floures are like those of the Bay growing many thicke together and consist of six small whitish yellow leaues The fruit at the first is like a Plum and afterwards it becomes Peare fashioned of a blacke colour and pleasant taste it hath in it a heart 〈◊〉 kernell in taste not vnlike a Chesnut or sweet Almond I found it flouring in the Spring and I vnderstood the fruit was ripe in Autumne by the relation of 〈◊〉 Persea arbor The Persian Plum Iohn Placa Physition and Professor of 〈◊〉 who shewed me the tree growing in the garden of a Monasterie a mile from Valentia brought thither as they say out of America and he said they called it 〈◊〉 but the Spaniards who haue described America giue this name to another tree But diuers yeares after I vnderstood by the most learned Simon de Tovar a Physition of Ciuil who hath the same tree in his garden with other exoticke plants that it is not called Mamay but Aguacate Thus much out of Clusius where such as are desirous may finde more largely handled the question whither this be the Persea of the Antients or no Rariorum plan Hist. l. 1. c. 2. CHAP. 15. Of Gesners wilde Quince ¶ The Description Cotonaster Gesneri Gesners wilde Quince THe shrub which I here figure out of Clusius is thought both by him and others to be the Cotonastrum or Cidonago mentioned by Gesner in his Epistles lib. 3. pag. 88. It hath branches some cubit long tough and bare of leaues in their lower parts couered with a blacke barke and towards the tops of the branches grow leaues somewhat like those of Quinces of a darke greene aboue and whitish vnderneath snipt about the edges at the tops of the branches grow vsually many floures consisting of fiue purplish coloured leaues a piece with some threddes in their middles these decaying vnder them grow vp red dry berries without any pulp or iuice each of them containing foure triangular seeds Clusius found this flouring in Iune vpon the tops of the Austrian Alpes and he questions whether it were not this which Bellonius found in the mountains of Candy and called Agriomaelea lib. 1. cap. 17. This is not vsed in Physicke nor the faculties thereof knowne CHAP. 16. Of Tamarindes Tamarindus The Tamarinde Tamarindi siliqua The cod of the Tamarinde ¶ The Description TAmarinds which at this day are a medicine frequently vsed and vulgarly knowne in shops were not knowne to the antient Greekes but to some of the later as Actuarius and that by the name of Oxyphoenicae that is soure Dates drawne as it may seeme from the Arabicke appellation Tamarindi that is Indian Date but this name is vnproper neither tree nor fruit being of any affinitie with the Date vnlesse the Arabicke Tamar be a word vsed in composition for fruits of many kindes as the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latine Malum and Apple with vs in English for we call the Cone of the Pine and excrescence of the Oke leafe by the name of Pine Apple and Oke Apple But how soeuer it be it is no matter for the name whether it be proper or no if so be that it serue to distinguish the thing from others and we know what is denoted by it In Malauar they call it Puti in Guzarat Ambili by which name it is knowne in most parts of the East Indies This tree is thus described by Prosper Alpinus de Plant. Aegypti cap. 10. The Tamarind saith he is a tree of the bignesse of a Plum tree with many boughes and leaues like those of the Myrtle many standing vpon one rib one against another with a single one at the end it carrieth white floures very like those of the Orange tree out of whose middle comes forth foure white and very slender threds after these come thicke and large cods at first greene but when they are ripe of an ash colour and within these are contained thicke hard brownish cornered seeds and a blacke acide pulpe These
to be Anemone 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus 3 Clusius calls this Anemone Limonia or Ranunculus syluarum flo pleno albo 4 And he stiles this Anem limonia or Ranunc syl 〈◊〉 pleno purpurascente ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties and temperature of these plants are referred to the garden sorts of Anemones CHAP. 79. Of Bastard Anemones or Pasque floures ¶ The Description 1 THe first of these Pasque floures hath many small leaues finely cut or iagged like those of Carrots among which rise vp naked stalkes rough and hairie whereupon doe grow beautifull floures bell fashion of a bright delaied purple colour in the bottome whereof groweth a tuft of yellow thrums and in the middle of the thrums it thrusteth forth a small purple pointell when the whole floure is past there succeedeth an head or knop compact of many gray hairy lockes and in the solide parts of the knops lieth the seed flat and hoarie euery seed hauing his owne small haire hanging at it The root is thicke and knobby of a finger long running right downe and therefore not like vnto those of the Anemone which it doth in all other parts very notably resemble and whereof no doubt this is a kinde 2 There is no difference at all in the leaues roots or seedes betweene this red Pasque floure and the precedent nor in any other point but in the colour of the floures for whereas the other are of a purple colour these are of a bright red which setteth forth the difference 3 The white Passe floures hath many fine iagged leaues closely couched or thrust together which resemble an Holi-water sprinckle agreeing with the others in rootes seedes and shape of floures sauing that these are of a white colour wherein chiefely consisteth the difference ‡ 4 This also in shape of roots and leaues little differs from the precedent but the floures are lesser of a darker purple colour and seldome open or shew themselues so much abroad as the other of the first described to which in all other respects it is very like 5 There is also another kinde with leaues lesse diuided but in other parts like those already described sauing that the floure is of a yellow colour something inclining to a red ‡ 1 Pulsatilla vulgaris Purple Passe floure 2 Pulsatilla rubra Red Passe floure ¶ The Place Ruellius writeth that the Passe floure groweth in France in vntoiled places in Germanie they grow in rough and stonie places and oftentimes on rockes Those with purple floures doe grow verie plentifully in the pasture or close belonging to the parsonage house of a small village six miles from Cambridge called Hildersham the Parsons name that liued at the impression hereof was Mr. Fuller a very kind and louing man and willing to thew vnto any man the said close who desired the same ¶ The Time They floure for the most part about Easter which hath mooued mee to name it Pasque Floure or Easter floure and often they doe floure againe in September ‡ The yellow kinde floures in May. ‡ ¶ The Names †Passe floure is called commonly in Latine Pulsatilla and of some Apium risus herba venti Daleschampius would haue it to be Anemone Limonia Samolus of Pliny in French Coquelourdes in Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Pasque floure or Passe floure and after the Latine name Pulsatill or Flaw floure in Cambridge-shire where they grow they are named Couentrie bels 3 Pulsatilla flore albo White Passe floure ‡ 4 Pulsatilla flore minore The lesser purple Passe floure ¶ The Temperature Passe floure doth extremely bite and exulcerateth and eateth into the skinne if it be stamped and applied to any part of the body whereupon it hath been taken of some to be a kinde of Crowfoot and not without reason for that it is not inferiour to the Crowfoots and therefore it is hot and drie ¶ The Vertues There is nothing extant in writing among Authours of any peculiar vertue but they 〈◊〉 onely for the adorning of gardens and garlands being floures of great beautie CHAP. 80. Of Adonis floure ¶ The Description 1 THe first hath very many slender weake stalkes trailing or leaning to the ground set on 〈◊〉 part with fine iagged leaues very deepely cut like those of Camomill or rather those of May-weed vpon which stalkes do grow small red floures in shape like the field Crowfoot with a blackish greene pointell in the middle which being growne to 〈◊〉 turneth into a small greenish bunch of seeds in shape like a little bunch of grapes The root is small and threddie 2 The second differeth not from the precedent in any one point but in the colour of the floures which are of a perfect yellow colour wherein 〈◊〉 the difference ¶ The Place The red floure of Adonis groweth wilde in the West parts of England among their 〈◊〉 euen as May-weed doth in other parts and is likewise an enemie to corne as May-weed is from thence I brought the seed and haue sowne it in my garden for the beautie of the floures sake That with the yellow floure is a stranger in England 1 Flos Adonis flore rubro Adonis with red floures ¶ The Time They floure in the Sommer moreths May Iune and Iuly and sometimes later ¶ The Names Adonis floure is called in Latine Flos Adonis and Adonidis of the Dutchmer 〈◊〉 in English wee may call it 〈◊〉 Maythes by which name it is called of them that dwell where it groweth naturally and generally Red Camomill in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eranthemum our London women 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rose-a-rubie ¶ The Temperature There hath not beene any that hath 〈◊〉 of the Temperature hereof 〈◊〉 so farre as the taste thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is something hot but not much ¶ The Vertues The seed of Adonis flower is thought to bee good against the stone amongst the Ancients it was not knowne to haue any other facultie albeit experience hath of late taught vs that the seed stamped and the pouder giuen in wine ale or beere to drinke doth wonderfully and with great effect helpe the collicke CHAP. 81. Of Dockes ¶ The Kindes DIoscorides setteth forth foure kindes of Dockes wilde or sharpe pointed Docke Garden Docke round leafed Docke and the Soure Docke called Sorrell besides these the later Herbarists haue added certaine other Dockes also which I purpose to make mention of ¶ The Description 1 THat which among the Latines signifieth to soften case or purge the bellie the 〈◊〉 signification hath 〈◊〉 among the Graecians whereof Lapathum and 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 do reade tooke their names sor herbes which are vsed in pottage and medicine very well 〈◊〉 to haue the power of cleansing of these there be many kindes and differences great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where growing among whom is that which is now called sharpe pointed Docke or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Docke It groweth in most medowes and by running streames hauing long narrow leaues 〈◊〉 and hard pointed among the which commeth vp
Nauelwoort or Penniwoort of the Wall ¶ The Description 1 THe great Nauelwoort hath round and thicke leaues somewhat bluntly indented about the edges and somewhat hollow in the midst on the vpper part hauing a short tender stemme fastened to the middest of the leafe on the lower side vnderneath the stalke whereon the floures doe grow is small and hollow an handfull high and more beset with many small floures of an ouerworne incarnate colour The root is round like an oliue of a white colour ‡ The root is not well exprest in the figure for it should haue been more vnequall or tuberous with the fibers not at the bottome but top thereof ‡ 2 The second kinde of Wall Penniwoort or Nauelwoort hath broad thicke leaues somewhat deepely indented about the edges and are not so round as the leaues of the former but somewhat long towards the setting on spred vpon the ground in manner of a tuft set about the tender stalke like to Sengreene or Housleeke among which riseth vp a tender stalke whereon do grow the like leaues The floures stand on the top consisting of fiue small leaues of a white colour with red spots in them The root is small and threddie ‡ This by some is called Sedum Serratum ‡ ‡ 3. This third kinde hath long thicke narrow leaues very finely snipt or nickt on the edges which lie spred very orderly vpon the ground and in the midst of them rises vp a stalke some foot high which beares at the top thereof vpon three or foure little branches diuers white floures consisting of fiue leaues apiece 4 The leaues of this are long and thicke yet not so finely snipt about the edges nor so narrow as those of the former the stalke is a foot high set here and there with somewhat shorter and rounder leaues than those below and towards the top thereof out of the bossomes of these leaues come sundry little foot-stalkes bearing on their tops pretty large floures of colour white and spotted with red spots The rootes are small and here and there put vp new tufts of leaues like as the common Housleeke ‡ 5 There is a kinde of Nauelwoort that groweth in waterie places which is called of the husbandmen Sheeps bane because it killeth sheepe that do eat thereof it is not much vnlike the precedent but the round edges of the leaues are not so euen as the other and this creepeth vpon the ground and the other vpon the stone walls 1 Vmbilicus Veneris Wall Penniwoort ‡ 2 Vmbilicus Ven. sive Cotyledon altera Iagged or Rose Penniwoort ‡ 6 Because some in Italy haue vsed this for Vmbilicus Veneris and othersome haue so called it I thought it not amisse to follow Matthiolus and giue you the history thereof in this place rather than to omit it or giue it in another which may be perhaps as vnfit for indeed I cannot sitly ranke it with any other plant Bauhine sets it betweene Hedera Terrestris and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Columna refers it to the Linaria's but I must confesse I cannot referre it to any wherefore I thinke it as proper to giue it here as in any other place The branches of this are many long slender and creeping vpon which grow without any certaine order many little smooth thicke leaues fashioned like those of Ivie and fastened to stalkes of some inch long and together with these stalkes come sorth others of the same length that carry spur-fashioned floures of the shape and bignesse of those of the female Fluellen their outside is purple their inside blew with a spot of yellow in the opening The root is small creeping and threddie It floures toward the end of Sommer and growes wilde vpon walls in Italie but in gardens with vs. 〈◊〉 calls it Cymbalaria to which Lobel addes Italica Hederaceo folio Lonicerus termes it Vmbilicus Veneris 〈◊〉 and lastly Columna cals it Linaria hederae folio ‡ ¶ The Place The first kind of Penniwoort groweth plentifully in Northampton vpon euery stone wall about the towne at Bristow Bathe Wells and most places of the West Countrie vpon stone walls It groweth vpon Westminster Abbey ouer the doore that leadeth from Chaucers tombe to the old palace ‡ In this last place it is not now to be found ‡ The second third and fourth grow vpon the Alpes neere Piedmont and Bauier and vpon the mountaines of Germanie I found the third growing vpon Bieston Castle in Cheshire ‡ The fifth growes vpon the Bogges vpon Hampstead Heath and many such rotten grounds in other places ‡ ¶ The Time They are greene and flourish especially in VVinter They floure also in the beginning of Sommer ¶ The Names Nauelwoort is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vmbilicus Veneris and Acetabulum of diuers Herba Coxendicum Iacobus Manlius nameth it Scatum Coeli and Scatellum in Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Cupertoiule in French Escuelles in Spanish Capadella of some Hortus Veneris or Venus garden and Terrae vmbilicus or the Nauel of the earth in English Penniwoort Wall-penniwoort Ladies nauell Hipwoort and Kidney-woort VVater Penniwoort is called in Latine Cotyledon palustris in English Sheepe-killing Pennigrasse Penny-rot and in the North Countrey VVhite-rot for there is also Red-rot which is Rosa solis in Northfolke it is called Flowkwoort ‡ Columna and Bauhine fitly refer this to the Ranunculi or Crowfeet for it hath no affinitie at all with the Cotyledons but onely in the roundnesse of the leafe the former of them cals it Ranunculus aquaticus vmbilicatofolio and the later Ranunculus aquat Cotyledonis folio ¶ The Temperature Nauelwoort is of a moist substance and somewhat cold and of a certaine obscure binding qualitie it cooleth repelleth or driueth backe scoureth and consumeth or wasteth away as Galen testifieth ‡ The VVater Pennywoort is of an hot and vlcerating qualitie like to the Crowfeet whereof it is a kinde The bastard Italian Nauelwoort seemes to partake with the true in cold and moisture ‡ ¶ The Vertues The iuice of VVall Pennywoort is a singular remedie against all inflammations and hot tumors as Erysipelas Saint Anthonies fire and such like and is good for kibed heeles being bathed therwith and one or more of the leaues laid vpon the heele The leaues and rootes eaten doe breake the stone prouoke vrine and preuaile much against the dropsie The ignorant Apothecaries doe vse the VVater Pennywoort in stead of this of the wall which they cannot doe without great error and much danger to the patient for husbandmen know well that it is noisome vnto Sheepe and other cattell that feed thereon and for the most part bringeth death vnto them much more to men by a stronger reason 3 Vmbilicus Veneris minor Small Nauelwoort ‡ 4 Cotyledon minor montana altera The other small mountaine Nauelwoort 5 Cotyledon palustris Water Penniwoort ‡ 6 Cymbalaria Italica Italian Bastard Nauelwoort CHAP. 152. Of Sea Pennywoort 1 Androsace Matthioli Sea Nauel-woort 2 Androsace
like those of the first but much lesse and snipt onely from the middle to the end the floures grow after the manner of the former and as Clusius thinkes are like them as is also the seed Clusius hath this by the name of Sideritis 4. 4 The same Authour hath also giuen vs another which from the top of the root sends soorth many branches partly lying spred on the ground and partly standing vpright being hairy iointed and square like those of the former and such also are the leaues but that they are lesse snipt about the edges and in their bosomes from the bottome of the stalkes to the top grow roundles of whitish floures shaped like others of this kinde Clusius calls this Sideritis 5. He had onely the figures of these elegantly drawne by the hand of Iaques Plateau and so sent him 5 This from a small wooddie root sends forth a square hairie stalke some halfe foot high and sometimes higher and this stalke most commonly sends forth some foure branches which subdiuide themselues into smaller ones all of them sometimes lying vpon the ground and the stalke standing vpright the leaues grow by couples at each ioint from a broader bottome ending in an obtuse point the lower leaues being some inch long and not much lesse in breadth the floures are whitish or light purple small and hooded 〈◊〉 the stalkes in roundles which falling 〈◊〉 longish blacke seeds are contained in fiue cornered vessels I first found it August 1626 in floure and seed amongst the corne in a field ioining to a wood side not far from Greene-hiue in Kent and I at that time not finding it to be written of by any called it Sideritis humilis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 folio but since I finde that 〈◊〉 hath set it forth in his Prodromus by the name of Sideritis Alsine Trissaginis folio 6 This which Tabernamontanus calls Alyssum 〈◊〉 and whose figure was formerly giuen with the same title by our Authour in the 118 Chapter of the former Edition with a Description no waies agreeing therewith grows vp with square stalkes some cubite high set with pretty large and greene smooth leaues snipt about the edges the floures grow in roundles at the tops of the branches being hooded and of a pale yellow colour This grows in the Corne sields in some places of Germany and Italy and it is the Sideritis 2. of Matthiolus in 〈◊〉 opinion who cals it Sideritis aruensis latifolia glabra 7 There is another plant that growes frequently in the Corne fields of Kent and by Purfleet in Essex which may fitly be ioined to these for 〈◊〉 calls it Sideritis arvensis flore rubro and in the Historia Lugd. it is named Tetrahit angustifolium and thought to be Ladanum 〈◊〉 of Pliny mentioned lib. 29. cap. 8. and lib. 26. cap. 11. It hath a stalke some 〈◊〉 or better high set with sharp pointed longish leaues hauing two or three nickes on their sides and growing by couples at the top of the branches and also the maine stalke it selfe stand in one or two roundles faire red hooded floures the root is small and fibrous dying euery yeare when it hath 〈◊〉 the seed It floures in Iuly and August This is also sometimes found with a white floure ¶ The Time Place c. All these are sufficiently deliuered in the descriptions ¶ The Temperatures and Vertues These plants are drie with little or no heat and are endued with an astrictiue faculty They conduce much to the healing of greene wounds being beaten and applied or put in vnguents or plaisters made for that purpose They are also good for those things that are mentioned in the last chapter in B and C. Clusius saith the first and second are vsed in Stiria in fomentations to bathe the head against the paines or aches thereof as also against the stiffenesse and wearinesse of the limbs or ioints And the same Author affirmes that he hath knowne the decoction vsed with very good successe in curing the inflammations and vlcerations of the legs ‡ CHAP. 233. Of Water Horehound ‡ 1 Marubium aquaticum Water Horehound ¶ The Description 1 WAter Horehound is very like to blacke and stinking Horehound in stalke and floured cups which are rough pricking compassing the stalks round about like garlands the leaues thereof be also blacke but longer harder more deeply gashed in the edges than those of stinking Horehound yet not hairie at all but wrinkled the floures be small and whitish the root is fastened with many blacke strings ¶ The Place It growes in Brooks on the brinks of water ditches and neere vnto motes for it requireth store of water and groweth not in drie places ¶ The Time It flourishes and floures in the Sommer moneths in Iuly and August ¶ The Names It is called Aquatile and Palustre Marubium In English water Horehound Matthiolus taketh it to be Species prima Sideritidis or a kind of Ironwoort which Dioscorides hath described in the first place but with this doth better agree that which is called Herba Iudaica or Glid woort it much lesse agreeth with Sideritis secunda or the second Ironwoort which opinion also hath his fauourers for it is like in leafe to none of the Fernes Some also thinke good to cal it Herba Aegyptia because they that feine themselues Egyptians such as many times wander like vagabonds from citie to citie in Germanie and other places do vse with this herbe to giue themselues a swart colour such as the Egyptians and the people of Africke are of for the iuice of this herbe doth die euery thing with this kinde of colour which also holdeth so fast as that it cannot be wiped or washed away insomuch as linnen cloth being died herewith doth alwaies keepe that colour ¶ The Temperature It seemeth to be cold and withall very astringent or binding ¶ The Vertues There is little vse of the water Horehound in Physicke CHAP. 234. Of blacke or stinking Horehound ¶ The Description 1 BLacke Horehound is somewhat like vnto the white kinde The stalkes be also square and hairie The leaues somewhat larger of a darke swart or blackish colour somewhat like the leaues of Nettles snipt about the edges of an vnpleasant and stinking sauour The floures grow about the stalks in certain spaces of a purple colour in shape like those of Archangell or dead Nettle The roote is small and threddie ‡ I haue found this also with white floures ‡ 2 To this may fitly be referred that plant which some haue called Parietaria Sideritis and Herbaventi with the additament of Monspeliensium to each of these denominations but Bauhine who I herein follow calls it Marrubium nigrum longifolium It is thus described the root is thicke and very fibrous sending vp many square rough stalkes some cubite high set at certaine spaces with leaues longer and broader than Sage rough also and snipt about the edges and out of their bosomes come sloures hooded and purple of colour
plant bringeth forth floures of the same fashion but of a snow white colour wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Our Authour out of 〈◊〉 us gaue three figures with as many descriptions of this plant yet made it onely to vary in the colour of the floures being either purple white or red but he did not touch the difference which Tabernamontanus by his figures exprest which was the first had all the leaues whole being only snipt about the edges the lower leaues of the second were most of them whole and those vpon the stalkes deepely cut in or diuided and the third had the leaues both below and aboue all cut in or deepely diuided The figure which we here giue you expresses the first and third varieties and if you please the one may be with white and the other with red or purple floures ‡ ¶ The Place Sawe-woort groweth in woods and shadowie places and sometimes in medowes They grow in Hampsted wood likewise I haue seene it growing in great abundance in the wood adjoining to Islington within halfe a mile from the further end of the towne and in sundry places of Essex and Suffolke ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later age doe call them Serratula and Serratula tinctoria it differeth as we haue said from Betony which is also called Serratula other names if it haue any we know not it is called in English Sawewoort ‡ Coesalpinus calls it Cerretta and Serretta and Thalius 〈◊〉 or Centaurium maius sylvestre Germanicum ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Serratula is wonderfully commended to be most singular for wounds ruptures burstings and such like and is referred vnto the temperature of Sanicle CHAP. 243. Of Betony ¶ The Description 1 BEtony groweth vp with long leaues and broad of a darke greene colour slightly indented about the edges like a saw The stalke is flender foure square somewhat rough a foote high more or lesse It beareth eared floures of a purplish colour and 〈◊〉 reddish after the floures commeth in place long cornered seed The root consisteth of many strings 1 Betonica Betony 2 Betony with white floures is like the precedent in each respect sauing that the flours of this plant are white and of greater beautie and the others purple or red as aforesaid ¶ The Place Betony loues shadowie woods hedge-rowes and copses the borders of pastures and such like places Betony with white floures is seldome seene I found it in a wood by a village called Hampstead neere vnto a worshipfull Gentlemans house one of the Clerkes of the Queenes counsell called Mr. Wade from whence I brought plants for my garden where they flourish as in their naturall place of growing ¶ The Time They floure and flourish for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Betony is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Betonica of diuers Vetonica but vnproperly There is likewise another Betonica which Paulus Aegineta described and Galen in his first booke of the gouernment of health sheweth that it is called 〈◊〉 that is to say Betonica Betonie and also Sarxiphagon Dioscorides notwithstanding doth describe another Sarxiphagon ¶ The Temperature Betony is hot and dry in the second degree it hath force to cut as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Betony is good for them that be subject to the falling sickenesse and for those also that haue ill heads vpon a cold cause It clenseth the lungs and chest it taketh away obstructions or stoppings of the liuer milt and gall it is good against the yellow jaundise It maketh a man to haue a good stomack and appetite to his meate it preuaileth against sower belchings it maketh a man to pisse well it mitigateth paine in the kidnies and bladder it breaketh stones in the kidnies and driueth them forth It is also good for ruptures cramps and convulsions it is a remedie against the bitings of mad dogs and venomous serpents being drunke and also applied to the hurts and is most singular against poyson It is commended against the paine of the Sciatica or ache of the huckle bone There is a Conserue made of the floures and sugar good for many things and especially for the head-ache A dram weight of the root of Betonie dried and taken with meade or honied water procureth vomit and bringeth forth grosse and tough humors as diuers of our age do report The pouder of the dried leaues drunke in wine is good for them that spit or pisse bloud and cureth all inward wounds especially the greene leaues boyled in wine and giuen The pouder taken with meate looseth the belly very gently and helpeth them that haue the falling sicknesse with madnesse and head-ache It is singular against all paines of the head it killeth wormes in the belly helpeth the Ague it cleanseth the mother and hath great vertue to heale the body being hurt within by bruising or such like CHAP. 244. Of Water-Betony ¶ The Description WAter Betony hath great square hollow and brown stalks whereon are set very broad leaues notched about the edges like vnto those of Nettles of a swart greene colour growing for the most part by two and two as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against an other The floures grow at the top of the branches of a darke purple colour in shape like to little helmets The seed is small contained in round bullets or buttons The root is compact of many and infinite strings Betonica aquatica Water Betony ¶ The Place It groweth by brookes and running waters by ditch sides and by the brinks of riuers and is seldome found in dry places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August and from that time the seed waxeth ripe ¶ The Names Water Betonie is called in Latine Betonica aquatica some haue thought it Dioscorides his Clymenum others his Galeopsis it is Scrophularia altera of Dodonoeus of Turner Clymenon of some Sesamoides minus but not properly of others Serpentaria in Dutch S. Antonies cruyd in English Water Betonie and by some Browne-wort in Yorke-shire Bishops leaues ¶ The Temperature Water Betony is hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Water Betony are of a scouring or cleansing qualitie and is very good to mundifie foule and stinking vlcers especially the iuyce boyled with honey It is reported if the face be washed with the iuyce thereof it taketh away the rednesse and deformitie of it CHAP. 245. Of Great Figge-wort or Brownewort ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fig-wort springeth vp with stalkes foure square two cubits high of a darke purple colour and hollow within the leaues grow alwayes by couples as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against another broad sharpe pointed snipped round about the edges like the leaues of the greater Nettle but bigger blacker and nothing at all stinging when they be touched the floures in the tops of the 〈◊〉 are of a darke purple colour very like in forme to little
in stalkes 〈◊〉 or floures the fruit hereof is for the most part fashioned like a bottle or flagon wherein especially consisteth the difference 1 Cucurbita anguina Snakes Gourd 2 Cucurbita lagenaria Bottle Gourds ¶ The Place The Gourds are cherished in the gardens of these cold regions rather for pleasure than for profit in the hot countries where they come to ripenesse there are sometimes eaten but with small delight especially they are kept for the rindes wherein they put Turpentine Oyle Hony and also serue them for pales to fetch water in and many other the like vses ¶ The Time They are planted in a bed of horse-dung in April euen as we haue taught in the planting of cucumbers they flourish in Iune and Iuly the fruit is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Names The Gourd is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cucurbita edulis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Pliny Cucurbita Cameraria because it climeth vp and is a couering for arbours and walking places and banqueting houses in gardens he calleth the other which climeth not vp but lyeth crawling on the ground Cucurbita 〈◊〉 in Italian Zucca in Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Courge in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Gourds ¶ The Temperature The meate or inner pulpe of the Gourd is of temperature cold and moist and that in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The iuyce being dropped into the eares with oyle of roses is good for the paine thereof proceeding of a hot cause The pulpe or meate mitigateth all hot swellings if it be laid thereon in manner of a pultis and being vsed in this manner it taketh away the head-ache and the inflammation of the eyes The same Author affirmeth that a long Gourd or else a Cucumber being laid in the cradle or bed by the young infant whilest it is asleepe and sicke of an ague it shall be very quickely made whole The pulpe also is eaten sodden but because it hath in it a waterish and thinne iuyce it yeeldeth small nourishment to the body and the same cold and moist but it easily passeth thorow especially being sodden which by reason of the slipperinesse and moistnesse also of his substance mollifieth the belly But being baked in an ouen or fried in a pan it loseth the most part of his naturall moisture and therefore it more slowly descendeth and doth not mollifie the belly so soone The seed allayeth the sharpnesse of vrine and bringeth downe the same CHAP. 348. Of the wilde Gourd 1 Cucurbita lagenaria syluestris Wilde Bottle Gourd 2 Cucurbita syluestris fungiformis Mushrome wilde Gourd ¶ The Description 1 THere is besides the former ones a certaine wilde Gourd this is like the garden Gourd in clymbing stalkes clasping tendrels and soft leaues and as it were downy all and 〈◊〉 one of which things being farre lesse this also clymbeth vpon Arbours and banquetting houses the fruit doth represent the great bellied Gourd and those that be like vnto bottles in forme but in bignesse it is very farre inferiour for it is small and scarse so great as an 〈◊〉 Quince and may be held within the compasse of a mans hand the outward rinde at the first is greene afterwards it is as hard as wood and of the colour thereof the inner pulpe is moist and very full of iuyce in which lieth the seed The whole is as bitter as Coloquintida which hath made so many errors one especially in taking the fruit Coloquintida for the wilde Gourd 2 The second wilde Gourd hath likewise many trailing branches and clasping tendrels wherwith it taketh hold of such things as be neere vnto it the leaues be broad deepely cut into diuers sections like those of the Vine soft and very downy whereby it is especially knowne to be one of the Gourds the floures are very white as are also those of the Gourds The fruit succeedeth growing to a round forme flat on the top like the head of a Mushrome whereof it tooke his syrname ¶ The Place They grow of themselues wilde in hot regions they neuer come to perfection of ripenesse in these cold countries ¶ The Time The time answereth those of the garden ¶ The Names The wilde Gourd is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cucurbita syluestris or wilde Gourd Pliny lib. 20. cap. 3. affirmeth that the wilde Gourd is named of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is hollow an inch thicke not growing but among stones the iuyce whereof being taken is very good for the stomacke But the wilde Gourd is not that which is so described for it is aboue an inch thicke neither is it hollow but full of iuyce and by reason of the extreme bitternesse offensiue to the stomacke Some also there be that take this for Coloquintida but they are far deceiued for Colocynthis is the wilde 〈◊〉 Cucumber whereof we haue treated in the chapter of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature The wilde Gourd is as hot and dry as Coloquintida that is to say in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The wilde Gourd is extreme bitter for which cause it openeth and scoureth the stopped passages of the body it also purgeth downwards as do wilde Melons Moreouer the wine which hath continued all night in this Gourd likewise purgeth the belly mightily and bringeth forth cholericke and flegmaticke humors CHAP. 349. Of Potato's Sisarum Peruvianum 〈◊〉 Batata Hispanorum Potatus or Potato's ¶ The Description THis Plant which is called of some Sisarum Peruvianum or Skyrrets of Peru is generally of vs called Potatus or Potatoes It hath long rough flexible branches trailing vpon the ground like vnto Pompions whereupon are set greene three cornered leaues very like vnto those of the wilde Cucumber There is not any that haue written of this planthaue said any thing of the floures therefore I refer their description vnto those that shall hereafter haue further knowledge of the same Yet haue I had in my garden diuers roots that haue flourished vnto the first approch of Winter and haue growne vnto a great length of branches but they brought not forth any floures at all whether because the Winter caused them to perish before their time of flouring or that they be of nature barren of floures I am not certaine The roots are many thicke and knobbie like vnto the roots of Peionies or rather of the white Asphodill ioyned together at the top into one head in maner of the Skyrrit which being diuided into diuers parts and planted do make a great increase especially if the greatest roots be cut into diuers goblets and planted in good and fertile ground ¶ The Place The Potatoes grow in India Barbarie Spaine and other hot regions of which I planted diuers roots that I bought at the Exchange in London in my garden where they flourished vntil Winter at which time they perished and rotted ¶ The Time It flourisheth vnto the end of September at the first approch of great frosts the
leaues together with the roots and stalkes do perish ¶ The Names Clusius calleth it Battata Camotes Amotes and Ignames in English Potatoes Potatus and Potades ¶ The Temperature The leaues of Potatoes are hot and dry as may euidently appeare by the taste The roots are of a temperate 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues The Potato roots are among the Spaniards Italians Indians and many other nations common and ordinarie meate which no doubt are of mighty and nourishing parts and do strengthen and comfort nature whose nutriment is as it were a meane betweene flesh and fruit but somwhat windie but being tosted in the embers they lose much of their windinesse especially being eaten sopped in wine Of these roots may be made conserues no lesse toothsome wholesome and dainty than of the flesh of Quinces and likewise those comfortable and delicate meats called in shops 〈◊〉 Placentulae and diuers other such like These Roots may serue as a ground or foundation whereon the cunning Confectioner or Sugar-Baker may worke and frame many comfortable delicate Conserues and restoratiue sweete meates They are vsed to be eaten rosted in the ashes Some when they be so rosted infuse them and sop them in Wine and others to giue them the greater grace in eating doe boyle them with prunes and so eate them And likewise others dresse them being first rosted with Oyle Vineger and salt euerie man according to his owne taste and liking Notwithstanding howsoeuer they bee dressed they comfort nourish and strengthen the body procuring bodily lust and that with greedinesse CHAP. 350. Of Potatoes of Virginia ¶ The Description VIrginia Potato hath many hollow flexible branches trailing vpon the ground three square vneuen knotted or kneed in sundry places at certaine distances from the which knots commeth forth one great leafe made of diuers leaues some smaller and others greater set together vpon a fat middle rib by couples of a swart greene colour tending to rednesse the whole leafe resembling those of the Winter-Cresses but much larger in taste at the first like grasse but afterward sharpe and nipping the tongue From the bosome of which leaues come forth long round slender foot-stalkes whereon do grow very faire pleasant floures made of one entire 〈◊〉 leafe which is folded or plaited in such strange sort that it seemeth to be a sloure made of 〈◊〉 sundry small leaues which cannot easily be perceiued except the same be pulled open The whole floure is of a light purple colour striped downe the middle of euery fold or welt with a light shew of yellownesse as if purple and yellow were mixed together in the middle of the floure 〈◊〉 forth a thicke flat pointall yellow as gold with a small sharpe greene pricke or point in the middest thereof The fruit succeedeth the floures round as a ball of the bignesse of a little Bullesse or wilde plum greene at the first and blacke when it is ripe wherein is contained small white seed lesser than those of Mustard The root is thicke fat and tuberous not much differing either in shape colour or taste from the common Potatoes sauing that the roots hereof are not so 〈◊〉 nor long some of them are as round as a ball some ouall or egge-fashion some longer and others shorter the which knobby roots are fastened vnto the stalkes with an infinite number of threddie strings Battata Virginiana siue Virginianorum Pappus Virginian Potatoes ¶ The Place It groweth natnrally in America where it was first discouered as reports C. Clusius since which time I haue receiued roots hereof from Virginia otherwise called Norembega which grow and prosper in my garden as in their owne natiue countrey ¶ The Time The leaues thrust forth of the ground in the beginning of May the floures bud forth in August The fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The Indians do call this plant Pappus meaning the roots by which name also the common Potatoes are called in those Indian countries We haue the name proper vnto it mentioned in the title Because it hath not onely the shape and proportion of Potatoes but also the pleasant taste and vertues of the same we may call it in English Potatoes of America or Virginia ‡ Clusius questions whether it be not the Arachidna of Theophrastus Bauhine hath referred it to the Nightshades and calleth it Solanum tuberosum 〈◊〉 and largely figures and describes it in his Prodromus pag. 89. ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The temperature and vertues be referred vnto the common Potatoes being likewise a food as also a meate for pleasure equall in goodnesse and wholesomenesse vnto the same being either rosted in the embers or boyled and eaten with oyle vineger and pepper or dressed any other way by the hand of some cunning in cookerie ‡ Bauhine saith That he heard that the vse of these toots was forbidden in Bourgondy where they call them Indian Artichokes for that they were persuaded the too frequent vse of them caused the leprosie ‡ CHAP. 351. Of the Garden Mallow called Hollihocke ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts or kindes of Mallowes some of the garden there be also some of the Marish or sea shore others of the field and both wilde And first of the Garden Mallow or Hollihocke 1 Malua hortensis Single Garden Hollihocke 2 Malua rosea simplex peregrina Iagged strange Hollihoeke ¶ The Description 1 THe tame or garden Mallow bringeth forth broad round leaues of a whitish greene colour rough and greater than those of the wilde Mallow The stalke is straight of the height of foure or six cubits whereon do grow vpon slender foot-stalks single floures not much vnlike to the wilde Mallow but greater consisting only of fiue leaues sometimes white or red now and then of a deepe purple colour varying diuersly as Nature list to play with it in their places groweth vp a round knop like a little cake compact or made vp of a multitude of flat seeds like little cheeses The root is long white tough easily bowed and groweth deepe in the ground 3 Malua purpurea multiplex Double purple Hollihocke 2 The second being a strange kinde of Hollihocke hath likewise broad leaues rough and hoarie or of an ouerworne russet colour cut into diuers sections euen to the middle ribbe like those of Palma Christi The floures are very single but of a perfect red colour wherein consisteth the greatest difference ‡ And this may be called Malua rosea simplex peregrina folio Ficus Iagged strange Hollihocke ‡ 3 The double Hollihocke with purple floures hath great broad leaues confusedly indented about the edges and likewise toothed like a saw The stalke groweth to the height of foure or fiue cubits The floures are double and of a bright purple colour 4 The Garden Hollihocke with double floures of the colour of scarlet groweth to the height of fiue or six cubits hauing many broad leaues cut about the edges The stalke and root is like the precedent ‡ This may be called Multea
the top there came forth a smooth pointall diuided at the top into nine parts or threds who se ends of what colour they were as also the threds I know not because I could not gather by the dry floure whose colour was quite decayed and the picture it self expressed no separation of the leaues in the floure no forme of threds but onely the floures shut and resembling rather cods than floure sand those of a deepe red colour But if I could haue seen them fresher I should haue been able to haue giuen a more exact description wherefore let the reader take in good 〈◊〉 that which I haue here 〈◊〉 Thus much Clusius CHAP. 22. Of the sea Lentill ¶ The Description SOme call this Vna marina and others haue thought it the Lenticula marina of Serapio but they are deceiued for his Lenticula marina described in his 245. chapter is nothing else than the Muscus marinus or Bryon thalassion described by Dioscorides lib. 4. cap. 99. as any that compares these two places together may plainely see 1 The former of these hath many winding stalkes whereon grow short branches set thick with narrow leaues like those of Beluidere or Besome flax and among these grow many skinny hollow empty round berries of the bignesse and shape of Lentills whence it takes the name this growes in diuers places of the Mediterranian and Adriaticke seas 1 Lenticula marina angustifolia Narrow leaued Sea Lentill 2 Lenticula marina serratis 〈◊〉 Cut leaued Sea Lentill This plant pickled with salt and vineger hath the same tast as Sampier and may be vsed in stead thereof and also eaten by such as saile in place of Capers I willed it should be giuen newly taken forth of the sea to Goats which we carried in the ship and they fed vpon it greedily I found no faculties thereof but one of the Sailers troubled with a difficultie of making water casting out sand and grosse humors ate thereof by chance both raw and boiled onely for that the taste thereof pleased him 〈◊〉 a few dayes hee told to me that he found great good by the eating thereof and he tooke some of it with him that so he might vse it when he came ashore Hitherto A Costa. CHAP. 23. Of the Sea Feather Myriophyllum marinum The Sea Feather ¶ The Description THis elegant plant which Clusius receiued from Cortusus by the name of Myriophyllum Pelagicum is thus described by him As much saith hee as I could coniecture by the picture this was some cubit high hauing a straight stalke sufficiently slender diuided into many branches or rather branched leaues almost like those of Ferne but far finer bending their tops like the branches of the Palme of a yellowish colour the top of the stalk adorned with lesser leaues ended in certaine scales or cloues framed into a head which are found to containe no other seed than tender plants already formed in shape like to the old one which falling sinke to the bottome of the sea and there take root and grow and so become of the same magnitude as the old one from whence they came The stalke is fastned with most slender and more than capillarie fibres in stead of a root not vpon rocks and Oister shells as most other sea plants are but vpon sand or mud in the bottome of the sea this stalke when it is drie is no lesse brittle than glasse or Coralline but greene and yet growing it is as tough and flexible as Spartum or Matweed ¶ The Place It groweth in the deepest streames of the Illyrian sea whence the Fishermen draw it forth with hooks and other instruments which they call Sperne The whole plant though dried retains the faculties ¶ The Names The Italian Fishermen call it Penachio delle Ninfe and Palma de Nettuno some also Scettro di Nettuno ¶ The Vertues They say it is good against the virulent bites of the Sea serpents and the venomous stings or prickes of Fishes Applied to small greene wounds it cures them in the space of 24 houres Cortusus writ that he had made triall thereof for the killing and voiding of wormes and that he found it to be of no lesse efficacie than any Coralline and that giuen in lesse quantitie CHAP. 24. Of the Sea Fan. ¶ The Description THis elegant shrub groweth vpon the rockes of the sea where it is sometimes couered with the water in diuers places for it hath been brought both from the East and West Indies and as I haue been informed it is to be found in great plenty vpon the rocks at the Burmuda Isles Clusius Frutex marinus reticulatus Sea Fan. calls it Frutex Marinus elegantissimus and thinkes it may be referred to the Palma Marina of Theophrastus Bauhine hath referred it to the Corallina's calling it Corallina cortice reticulato maculoso purpurascente It growes vp somtimes to the height of three foot hauing a stalke some handfull or two high before it part into branches then is it diuided into three foure or more branches which are subdiuided into infinite other lesser strings which are finely interwouen and ioyned together as if they were netted yet leauing sometimes bigger otherwhiles lesser holes and these twiggy branches become smaller and smaller the farther they are from the root and end as it were in smal threds these branches grow not vp on euerie side as in other plants but flat one besides another so that the whole plant resembles a fan or a cabbage leafe eaten full of holes yet somtimes vpon the sides come forth other such fanne-like branches some bigger some lesse sometimes one or two otherwhiles more The inner substance of this Sea-Fan is a blackish tough and hard wood and it is all couered ouer with a rough 〈◊〉 like stony matter of a reddish or purplish colour and this you may with your naile or a knife scrape off 〈◊〉 the smooth and blacke wood I know no vse of this but it is kept for the beauty and raritie thereof by many louers of such curiosities amongst which for the rarenesse of the structure this may hold a prime place CHAP. 25. Of China and Bastard China ¶ The Description THis root which is brought from the remotest parts of the world and is in frequent vse with vs hath not been knowne in Europe little aboue fourescore and ten yeares for Garcias ab Orta the Portugall Physition writes That he came to the first knowledge thereof in the East Indies in the yeare 1535 and that by this meanes as he relates it It hapned saith he that about that time a merchant in the Isle Diu told the noble gentleman Sr. Mart. Alfonso de 〈◊〉 my Patron by what meanes he was cured of the French Poxes which was by a certaine root brought from China whose faculties he much extolled because such as vsed it needed not obserue so strict a diet as was requisit in the vse of Guajacum but should onely abstaine from Beefe Porke Fish and crude fruits but