like dust vpon any thing that toucheth them the heads or seede vessels are small and round with small edges about them wherein is contained flat browne seede like other Lillies but lesser The root is very apt to encrease or set of as we call it wherby the plant seldome commeth to so great a head of flowers but riseth vp with many stalkes and then carry fewer flowers Of this kinde there is sometimes one found that beareth flowers without any spots Martagon Imperiale flore non punctato the leaues whereof and stalke likewise are paler but not else differing Martagon flore albo The White Martagon We haue also some other of this kind the first wherof hath his stalke leafe greener than the former the stalke is a little higher but not bearing so thicke a head of flowers although much more plentifull than the lesser Mountaine Lilly being altogether of a fine white colour without any spots or but very few and that but sometimes also the pendents in the middle of this flower are not red as the former but yellow the roote of this and of the other two that follow are of a pale yellow colour the cloues or scales of them being brittle and not closely compact yet so as if two and sometimes three scales or cloues grew one vpon the head or vpper part of another which difference is a speciall note to know these three kindes from any other kinde of Mountaine Lilly as in all old rootes that I haue seene I haue obserued as also in them that are reasonably well growne but in the young rootes it is not yet so manifest Martagon flore albo maculato The White spotted Martagon The second is like vnto the first in all things saue in this that the flowers hereof are not altogether so white and besides hath many reddish spots on the inside of the leaues of the flower and the stalke also is not so greene but brownish Martagon flore carneo The blush Martagon A third sort there is of this kinde whose flowers are wholly of a delayed flesh colour with many spots on the flowers and this is the difference hereof from the former Lilium Montanum siue siluestre minus The lesser Mountaine Lilly The lesser Mountaine Lilly is so like in root vnto the greater that is first described that it is hard to distinguish them asunder but when this is sprung vp out of the ground which is a moneth after the first it also carrieth his leaues in rondles about the stalke although not altogether so great nor so many The flowers are more thinly set on the stalkes one aboue another with more distance betweene each flower than the former and are of a little deeper flesh colour or purple spotted in the same manner The buds 1 Martagon flore albo The white Martagon 2 Martagon sine Lilium Canadense maculatum The spotted Martagon or Lilly of Canada 3 Martagon Pomponeum The Martagon Pompony or early red Martagon or heads of flowers in some of these before they be blowne are hoary white or hairie whereas in others there is no hoarinesse at all but the buddes are smooth and purplish in others things this differeth not from the former Of this sort also there is one that hath but few spots on the flowers Lilium Montanum non maculatum whose colour is somewhat paler than the other Martagon Canadense maculatum The spotted Martagon of Canada Although this strange Lilly hath not his flowers hanging downe and turning vp again as the former kinds set forth in this Chapter yet because the green leaues stand at seuerall ioynts as they do I must needs insert it here not knowing where more fitly to place it It hath a small scaly roote with many small long fibres thereat from whence riseth vp a reasonable great stalke almost as high as any of the former bearing at three or foure distances many long and narrow greene leaues but not so many or so broad as the former with diuers ribbes in them from among the vppermost rundle of leaues breake forth foure or fiue flowers together euery one standing on a long slender foote stalke being almost as large as a red Lilly but a little bending downewards and of a faire yellow colour spotted on the inside with diuers blackish purple spots or strakes hauing a middle pointell and sixe chiues with pendents on them The Place All these Lillies haue been found in the diuers Countries of Germany as Austria Hungaria Pannonia Stiria c. and are all made Denisons in our London Gardens where they flourish as in their owne naturall places The last was was brought into France from Canada by the French Colonie and from thence vnto vs. The Time They flower about the later end of Iune for the most part yet the first springeth out of the ground a moneth at the least before the other which are most vsually in flower before it like vnto the Serotine Tulipas all of them being early vp and neuer the neere The Names The first is vsually called Martagon Imperiale the Imperiall Martagon and is Lilium Montanum maius the greatest Mountaine Lilly for so it deserueth the name because of the number of flowers vpon a head or stalke Some haue called it Lilium Sarasenicum and some Hemerocallis but neither of them doth so fitly agree vnto it The second is Lilium Montanum maius flore albo and of some Martagon Imperiale flore albo but most vsually Martagon flore albo the white Martagon The second sort of this second kinde is called Martagon flore albo maculato the spotted white Martagon And the third Martagon flore carneo the blush Martagon The third kinde is called Lilium Montanum the Mountaine Lilly and some adde the title â—inus the lesser to know it more distinctly from the other Some also Lilium Siluestre as Clusius and some others and of Matthiolus Martagon Of diuers women here in England from the Dutch name Lilly of Nazareth The last hath his title Americanum Canadense and in English accordingly CHAP. IV. 1. Martagon Pomponeum sine Lilium rubrum praecox vel Lilium Macedonicum The early red Martagon or Martagon Pompony AS in the former Chapter we described vnto you such Lillies whose flowers being pendulous turne their leaues backe againe and haue their greene leaues set by spaces about the stalke so in this wee will set downe those sorts which carry their greene leaues more sparsedly and all along the stalke their flowers hanging downe and turning vp againe as the former and begin with that which is of greatest beauty or at least of most rarity 1. Martagon Pomponeum angusti folium praecox 1. This rare Martagon hath a scaly root closely compact with broader and thinner scales than others in time growing very great and of a more deepe yellow colour then the former from whence doth spring vp a round greene stalke in some plants and flat in others two or three foote high bearing a
number of small long and narrow greene leaues very like vnto the leaues of Pinkes but greener set very thicke together and without order about the stalke vp almost vnto the toppe and lesser by degrees vpwards where stand many flowers according to the age of the plant and thriuing in the place where it groweth in those that are young but a few and more sparsedly and in others that are old many more and thicker set for I haue reckoned threescore flowers and more growing thicke together on one plant with mee and an hundred flowers on another these flowers are of a pale or yellowish red colour and not so deep red as the red Martagon of Constantinople hereafter set down nor fully so large yet of the same fashion that is euery flower hanging downe and turning vp his leaues againe It is not so plentifull in bearing of seede as the other Lillies but when it doth it differeth not but in being lesse 2. Martagon angusti folium magis serotinum There is another whose greene leaues are not so thicke set on the stalke but else differeth not but in flowring a fortnight later There is another also of this kind so like vnto the former in root stalk flower maner of growing 3. Martagon Pomponeum latifolium praecox that the difference is hardly discerned but consisteth chiefly in these two points First that the leaues of this are a little broader and shorter then the former and secondly that it beareth his flowers a fortnight earlier than the first In the colour or forme of the flower there can no difference bee discerned nor as I said in any other thing All these Lillies doe spring very late out of the ground euen as the yellow Martagons doe but are sooner in flower then any others 4. Martagon flore phaeniceo A fourth kinde hereof hath of late been knowne to vs whose leaues are broader and shorter then the last and the flowers of a paler red tending to yellow of some called a golden red colour but flowreth not so early as they 2. Lilium rubrum Byzantinum siue Martagon Constantinopolitanum The red Martagon of Constantinople 1. The red Martagon of Constantinople is become so common euery where and so well knowne to all louers of these delights that I shall seeme vnto them to lose time to bestow many lines vpon it yet because it is so faire a flower and was at the first so highly esteemed it deserueth his place and commendations howsoeuer encreasing the plenty hath not made it dainty It riseth out of the ground early in the spring before many other Lillies from a great thicke yellow scaly root bearing a round brownish stalke beset with many faire greene leaues confusedly thereon but not so broad as the common white Lilly vpon the toppe whereof stand one two or three or more flowers vpon long footestalkes which hang downe their heads and turne vp their leaues againe of an excellent red crimson colour and sometimes paler hauing a long pointell in the middle compassed with sixe whitish chiues tipt with loose yellow pendents of a reasonable good sent but somewhat faint It likewise beareth seede in heads like vnto the other but greater Martagon Constantinopolitanum maculatum The red spotted Martagon of Constantinople We haue another of this kinde that groweth somewhat greater and higher with a larger flower and of a deeper colour spotted with diuers blacke spots or strakes and lines as is to be seene in the Mountaine Lillies and in some other hereafter to be described but is not so in the former of this kinde which hath no shew of spots at all The whole plant as it is rare so it is of much more beauty then the former 2. Martagon Pannonicum siue Exoticum flore spadiceo The bright red Martagon of Hungarie Although this Martagon or Lilly bee of another Countrey yet by reason of the neerenesse both in leafe and flower vnto the former may more fitly be placed next vnto them then in any other place It hath his roote very like the other but the leaues are somewhat larger and more sparsedly set vpon the stalke else not much vnlike the flowers bend downe and turne vp their leaues againe but somewhat larger and of a bright red tending to an Orenge colour that is somewhat yellowish and not crimson like the other 3. Martagon Luteum punctatum The Yellow spotted Martagon 1. This Yellow Martagon hath a great scaly or cloued roote and yellow like vnto all these sorts of turning Lillies from whence springeth vp a round greene strong stalke three foote high at the least confusedly set with narrow long greene leaues white on the edges vp to the very toppe thereof almost hauing diuers flowers on the head turning vp againe as the former doe of a faint yellowish or greenish yellow colour with many blacke spots or strakes about the middle of the leafe of euery flower and a forked pointell with sixe chiues about it tipt with reddish pendents of a heauie strong smell not very pleasant to many It beareth seede very plentifully in great heads like vnto the other former Lillies but a little paler 2. Martagon Luteum non maculatum The Yellow Martagon without spots The other yellow Martagon differeth in no other thing from the former but onely that it hath no spots at all vpon any of the leaues of the flowers agreeing with the former in colour forme height and all things else 3. Martagon Luteum serotinum The late flowring Yellow Martagon There is yet another yellow Martagon that hath no other difference then the time of his flowring which is not vntill Iuly vnlesse in this that the flower is of a deeper yellow colour The Place The knowledge of the first kindes of these early Martagons hath come from Italy from whence they haue bin sent into the Low-Countries and to vs and as it seemeth by the name whereby they haue bin sent by some into these parts his originall should be from the mountaines in Macedonia The second sort is sufficiently knowne by his name being first brought from Constantinople his naturall place being not farre from thence as it is likely But the next sort of this second kinde doth plainly tell vs his place of birth to be the mountaines of Pannonia or Hungarie The third kindes grow on the Pyrenaean mountaines where they haue been searched out and found by diuers louers of plants as also in the Kingdome of Naples The Time The first early Martagons flower in the end of May or beginning of Iune and that is a moneth at the least before those that come from Constantinople which is the second kinde The two first yellow Martagons flower somewhat more early then the early red Martagons and sometimes at the same time with them But the third yellow Martagon as is said flowreth a moneth later or more and is in flower when the red Martagon of Constantinople flowreth And although the early red and yellow Martagons spring later
then the other Martagons or Lillies yet they are in flower before them The Names The first early red Lillies or Martagons haue beene sent vnto vs by seuerall names as Martagon Pomponeum and thereafter are called Martagon of Pompony and also Lilium or Martagon Macedonicum the Lilly or Martagon of Macedonia They are also called by Clusius Lilium rubrum praecox the one angustiore folio the other latiore folio And the last of this kinde hath the title flore phaeniceo added or giuen vnto it that is the Martagon or Lilly of Macedonia with gold red flowers The Martagons of Constantinople haue beene sent by the Turkish name Zufiniare and is called Martagon or Lilium Byzantinum by some and Hemerocallis Chalcedonica by others but by the name of the Martagon of Constantinople they are most commonly receiued with vs with the distinction of maculatum to the one to distinguish the sorts The last kinde in this classis hath his name in his title as it hath been sent vnto vs. The Yellow Martagons are distinguished in their seuerall titles as much as is conuenient for them CHAP. V. Lilium Aureum Lilium Rubrum The Gold and Red Lillies THere are yet some other kindes of red Lillies to bee described which differ from all the former and remaine to be spoken of in this place Some of them grow high and some lowe some haue small knots which wee call bulbes growing vpon the stalkes at the ioynts of the leaues or flowers and some haue none all which shall be intreated of in their seuerall orders Lilium pumilum cruentum The dwarfe red Lilly The dwarfered Lilly hath a scaly roote somewhat like vnto other Lillies but white and not yellow at all and the cloues or scales thicker shorter and fewer in number then in most of the former the stalke hereof is not aboue a foote and a halfe high round and greene set confusedly with many faire and short greene leaues on the toppe of which doe stand sometimes but a few flowers and sometimes many of a faire purplish red colour and a little paler in the middle euery flower standing vpright and not hanging downe as in the former on the leaues whereof here and there are some blacke spots lines or markes and in the middle of the flower a long pointell with some chiues about it as is in the rest of these Lillies Lilium rubrum multiplici flore This kinde is sometimes found to yeeld double flowers as if all the single flowers should grow into one and so make it consist of many leaues which notwithstanding 1 Martagon rubrum siue luteum The red or the yellow Martagon 2 Lilium Bulbiferum The red bulbed Lilly 3 Lilium aureum The gold red Lilly 4 Lilium album The white Lilly his so continuing sundry yeares vpon transplanting will redire ad ingentum that is quickly come againe to his old by as or forme Lilium Aureum The Gold red Lilly The second red Lilly without bulbes groweth much higher then the first and almost as high as any other Lilly the roote hereof is white and scaly the leaues are somewhat longer and of a darke or sad greene colour the flowers are many and large standing vpright as all these sorts of red Lillies doe of a paler red colour tending to an Orenge on the inside with many blacke spots and lines on them as in the former and more yellow on the outside the seede vessels are like vnto the roundish heads of other Lillies and so are the seedes in them likewise 1. Lilium minus bulbiferum The dwarfe bulbed Lilly The first of the Lillies that carrieth bulbes on the stalke hath a white scaly roote like the former from whence riseth vp a small round stalke not much higher then the first dwarfe Lilly seeming to be edged hauing many leaues thereon of a sad green colour set about it close thrust together the greene heads for flowers will haue a kind of woollinesse on them before the flowers begin to open and betweene these heads of flowers as also vnder them and among the vppermost leaues appeare small bulbes or heads which being ripe if they be put into the ground or if they fall of themselues will shoote forth leaues and beare flowers within two or three yeares like the mother plant and so will the bulbes of the other hereafter described the flowers of this Lilly are of a faire gold yellow colour shadowed ouer with a shew of purple but not so red as the first or the next to bee described This Lilly will shoote strings vnder ground like as the last red Lilly will doe also whereat will grow white bulbed roots like the rootes of the mother plant thereby quickly encreasing it selfe 2. Lilium Cruentum bulbiferum The Fierie red bulbed Lilly The second bulbed Lilly riseth vp with his stalke as high as any of these Lillies carrying many long and narrow darke greene leaues about it and at the toppe many faire red flowers as large or larger then any of the former and of a deeper red colour with spots on them likewise hauing greater bulbes growing about the toppe of the stalke and among the flowers then any else Lilium Cruentum flore pleno The Fierie red double Lilly The difference of this doth chiefly consist in the flower which is composed of manie leaues as if many flowers went to make one spotted with black spots and without any bulbes when it thus beareth which is but accidentall as the former double Lilly is said to be 3. Lilium maius bulbiferum The greater bulbed red Lilly The third red Lilly with bulbes riseth vp almost as high as the last and is the most common kinde we haue bearing bulbes It hath many leaues about the stalke but not of so sad a greene colour as the former the flowers are of as pale a reddish yellow colour as any of the former and comming neerest vnto the colour of the Gold red Lilly This is more plentifull in bulbes and in shooting strings to encrease rootes vnder ground then the others The Place These Lillies doe all grew in Gardens but their naturall places of growing is the Mountaines and the Vallies neere them in Italy as Matthiolus saith and in many Countries of Germany as Hungarie Austria Stiria and Bohemia as Clusius and other doe report The Time They flower for the most part in Iune yet the first of these is the earliest of all the rest The Names All these Lillies are called Lilia Rubra Red Lillies Some call them Lilium Aureum Lilium Purpureum Lilium Puniceum Lilium Cruentum Some also call them Martagon Chimistarum Clusius calleth these bulbed Lillies Martagon Bulbiferum It is thought to be Hyacinthus Poetarum but I referre the discussing thereof to a fitter time Wee haue to distinguish them most fitly as I take it giuen their proper names in their seuerall titles CHAP. VI. Lilium Album The White Lilly NOw remaineth onely the White Lilly of all the
whole family or stocke of the Lillies to bee spoken of which is of two sorts The one is our common or vulgar White Lilly and the other that which was brought from Constantinople Lilium Album vulgare The ordinary White Lilly The ordinary White Lilly scarce needeth any description it is so well knowne and so frequent in euery Garden but to say somewhat thereof as I vse to doe of euery thing be it neuer so common and knowne it hath a cloued or scaly roote yellower and bigger then any of the red Lillies the stalke is of a blackish greene colour and riseth as high as most of the Lillies hauing many faire broad and long greene leaues thereon larger and longer beneath and smaller vpon the stalke vpwards the flowers are many or few according to the age of the plant fertility of the soile and time of standing where it groweth and stand vpon long greene footstalkes of a faire white colour with a long pointell in the middle and white chiues tipt with yellow pendents about it the smell is somewhat heady and strong Lilium Album Byzantinum The White Lilly of Constantinople The other White Lilly differeth but little from the former White Lilly either in roote leafe or flower but only that this vsually groweth with more number of flowers then euer we saw in our ordinary White Lilly for I haue seene the stalke of this Lilly turne flat of the breadth of an hand bearing neere two hundred flowers vpon a head yet most commonly it beareth not aboue a dozen or twenty flowers but smaller then the ordinary as the greene leaues are likewise The Place The first groweth onely in Gardens and hath not beene declared where it is found wilde by any that I can heare of The other hath beene sent from Constantinople among other rootes and therefore is likely to grow in some parts neere thereunto The Time They flower in Iune or thereabouts but shoote forth greene leaues in Autumne which abide greene all the Winter the stalke springing vp betweene the lower leaues in the Spring The Names It is called Lilium Album the White Lilly by most Writers but by Poets Rosa Iunonis Iuno's Rose The other hath his name in his title The Vertues This Lilly aboue all the rest yea and I thinke this onely and none of the rest is vsed in medicines now adayes although in former times Empericks vsed the red and therefore I haue spoken nothing of them in the end of their Chapters reseruing what is to be said in this This hath a mollifying digesting and cleansing quality helping to suppurate tumours and to digest them for which purpose the roote is much vsed The water of the flowers distilled is of excellent vertue for women in trauell of childe bearing to procure an easie deliuery as Matthiolus and Camerarius report It is vsed also of diuers women outwardly for their faâ—es to cleanse the skin and make it white and fresh Diuers other properties there are in these Lillies which my purpose is not to declare in this place Nor is it the scope of this worke this that hath been said is sufficient for were it not that I would giue you some taste of the quaâ—ities of plants as I said in my Preface as I goe along with them a generall worke were fitter to declare them then this CHAP. VII Fritillaria The checkerd Daffodill ALthough diuers learned men do by the name giuen vnto this delightfull plant thinke it doth in some things partake with a Tulipa or Daffodill and haue therefore placed it betweene them yet I finding it most like vnto a little Lilly both in roote stalke leafe flower and seede haue as you see here placed it next vnto the Lillies and before them Hereof there are many sorts found out of late as white red blacke and yellow besides the purple which was first knowne and of each of them there are also diuers sorts and first of that which is most frequent and then of the rest euery one in his place and order 1. Frillaria vulgaris The common checkerd Daffodill The ordinary checkerd Daffodill as it is vsually called but might more properly be called the small checkerd Lilly hath a small round white roote and somewhat flat made as it were of two cloues and diuided in a maner into two parts yet ioyning together at the bottome or seate of the roote which holdeth them both together from betweene this cleft or diuision the budde for the stalke c. appeareth which in time riseth vp a foote or a foote and a halfe high being round and of a brownish greene colour especially neere vnto the ground whereon there standeth dispersedly foure or fiue narrow long and greene leaues being a little hollow at the toppe of the stalke betweene the vpper leaues which are smaller then the lowest the flower sheweth it selfe hanging or turning downe the head but not turning vp againe any of his leaues as some of the Lillies before described doe sometimes this stalke beareth two flowers and very seldome three consisting of sixe leaues of a reddish purple colour spotted diuersly with great spots appearing like vnto square checkers of a deeper colour the inside of the flower is of a brighter colour then the outside which hath some greennesse at the bottome of euery leafe within the flower there appeare 1 Fritillaria vulgaris The common Fritillaria 2 Fritillaria flore atrorubente The darke red Fritillaria 4 Fritillaria alba The white Fritillaria 7 Fritillaria lutea punctata The yellow checkerd Fritillaria 8 Fritillaria lutea Italica The great yellow Italian Fritillaria 10 Fritillaria lutea Lusitanica The small yellow Fritillaria of Portugall 11 Fritillaria Pyrenaea The blacke Fritillaria 12 Fritillaria vmbellifera The Spanish blacke Fritillaria sixe chiues tipt with yellow pendents and a three-forked stile or pointell compassing a greene head which when the flower is past riseth vpright againe and becommeth the seede vessell being somewhat long and round yet hauing a small shew of edges flat at the head like the head of a Lilly and without any crowne as the Tulipa hath wherein is contained pale coloured flat seede like vnto a Lilly but smaller Fritillaria vulgaris pallidior praecox serotina There is some variety to be seene in this flower for in some the colour is paler and in others againe of a very high or deepe colour sometimes also they haue eight leaues and sometimes ten or twelue as if two flowers were made one which some thereupon haue called a Double Fritillaria Some of them likewise doe flower very early euen with or before the early flowring Tulipas and some againe flower not vntill a moneth or more after the former 2. Fritillaria flore atrorubente The bloud red Fritillaria The roote of this Fritillaria is somewhat rounder and closer then the former from whence the stalke riseth vp being shorter and lower then in any other of these kindes hauing one or two leaues thereon and
minus rubra oris pallidis magnis vel paruis alia alijs magis aut minus elegans diuer simodo 6 A Testament Brancion or a Brancion Duke that is a faire deepe red or lesse red with a pale yellow or butter coloured edge some larger others smaller and some more pleasing then others in a very variable manner 7 Flambans ex rubore flauedine radiata vel striata fundo luteo 7 A Flambant differing from the Dutchesse for this hath no such great yellow edge but streaks of yellow through the leafe vnto the very edge 8 Mali Aurantij coloris ex rubore flauedine integrè non separatim mixta oris luteis paruis vel absque oris 8 An Orenge colour that is a reddish yellow or a red and yellow equally mixed with small yellow edges and sometimes without 9 Minij siue Cinabaris coloris i.e. ex purpurea rubedine flauedine radiata vnguibus luteis aliquando oris 9 A Vermillion that is a purplish red streamed with yellow the bottome yellow and sometimes the edges 10 Rex Tuliparum i.e. ex sanguineo aureo radiatim mixta à flammea diuersa fundo luteo orbe rubro 10 The Kings flower that is a crimson or bloud red streamed with a gold yellow differing from the Flambant the bottome yellow circled with red 11 Tunica Morionis i.e. ex rubore aureo separatim diuisa 11 A Fooles coate parted with red and yellow guardes Tulipa praecox lutea The early yellow Tulipa 1 Lutea siue flaua 1 A faire gold yellow without mixture 2 Pallida lutea siue straminea 2 A strawe colour 3 Aurea oris rubicundis 3 A faire yellow with reddish edges 4 Straminea oris rubris 4 A strawe colour with red edges 5 Aurea rubore perfusa extra 5 A faire yellow reddish on the outside onely 6 Aurea vel magis pallida rubore in gyrum acta simillima Ducissae nisi minus rubedinis habet 6 A gold or paler yellow circled on the inside a little with red very like the Dutchesse but that it hath lesse red therein 7 Aurea extremitatibus rubris dici potest Morionis Pilaeus praecox 7 A gold yellow with red toppes and may be called The early Fooles Cap. Tulipa de Caffa The Tulipa of Caffa There is another sort or kinde of early Tulipa differing from the former whose pale greene leaues being as broad and large as they and sometimes crumpled or waued at the edges in some haue the edges onely of the said leaues for a good breadth of a whitish or whitish yellow colour and in others the leaues are listed or parted with whitish yellow and greene the stalke riseth not vp so high as the former and beareth a flower at the toppe like vnto the former in some of a reddish yellow colour with a russet coloured ground or bottome and in others of other seuerall colours the seede and roote is so like vnto others of this kinde that they cannot be distinguished There is as I doe heare of this kinde both Praecoces and Serotinae early flowring and late flowring whereof although wee haue not so exact knowledge as of the rest yet I thought good to speake so much as I could hitherto vnderstand of them and giue others leaue if I doe not hereafter to amplifie it Tulipa Boloniensis siue Bombycina flore rubro major The greater red Bolonia Tulipa There are likewise other kindes of early Tulipas to bee spoken of and first of the red Bolonia Tulipa the roote whereof is plainly discerned to be differing from all others for that it is longer and not hauing so plaine an eminence at the bottome thereof as the former and later Tulipas but more especially because the toppe is plentifully stored with a yellowish silke-like woollinesse the outside likewise or skinne is of a brighter or paler red not so easie to be pilled away and runneth vnder ground both downeright and sidewise especially in the Countrey ground and ayre where it will encrease aboundantly but not either in our London ayre or forc't grounds somewhat like vnto the yellow Bolonia Tulipa next following It shooteth out of the ground with broad and long leaues like the former but neither so broad nor of so white or mealy a greene colour as the former but more darke then the late flowring Tulipa so that this may bee easily discerned by his leafe from any other Tulipa aboue the ground by one that is skilfull It beareth likewise three or foure leaues vpon the stalke like the former and a flower also at the toppe of the same fashion but that the leaues hereof are alwayes long and somewhat narrow hauing a large blacke bottome made like vnto a cheuerne the point whereof riseth vp vnto the middle of the leafe higher then any other Tulipa the flower is of a pale red colour nothing so liuely as in the early or late red Tulipas yet sweeter for the most part then any of them and neerest vnto the yellow Bolonia Tulipa which is much about the same sent Tulipa pumilio rubra siue Bergomensis rubra media minor The dwarfe red Bergomo Tulipa a bigger and a lesser There are two other sorts hereof and because they were found about Bergomo do carry that name the one bigger or lesser then another yet neither so great as the former hauing very little other difference to bee obserued in them then that they are smaller in all parts of them Tulipa Boloniensis flore luteo The yellow Bolonia Tulipa The roote of this Tulipa may likewise bee knowne from the former red or any other Tulipa in that it seldome commeth to bee so bigge and is not so woolly at the toppe and the skinne or outside is somewhat paler harder and sharper pointed but the bottome is like the former red and not so eminent as the early or late Tulipas This beareth much longer and narrower leaues then any except the Persian dwarfe yellow Tulipas and of a whitish greene colour it beareth sometimes but one flower on a stalke and sometimes two or three wholly yellow but smaller more open then the other kinds and as I said smelleth sweete the head for seede is smaller then in others and hath not that crowne at the head thereof yet the seed is like but smaller Tulipa Narbonensis siue Monspeliensis vel pumilio The French or dwarfe yellow Tulipa This Tulipa is very like vnto the yellow Bolonia Tulipa both in roote leafe and flower as also in the colour thereof being yellow the onely difference is that it is in all things lesser and lower and is not so apt to beare nor so plentifull to encrease by the roote Tulipa Italica maior minor The Italian Tulipa the greater and the lesser Both these kindes of Tulipas doe so neere resemble the last kinde that I might almost say they were the same but that some difference which I saw in them maketh mee set them apart and consisteth in these things the stalkes of neither of
both these rise so high as of the first yellow Bolonia Tulipa the leaues of both sorts are writhed in and out at the edges or made like a waue of the sea lying neerer the ground and the flower being yellow within is brownish or reddish on the backe in the middle of the three outer leaues the edges appearing yellow Both these kindes doe differ one from the other in nothing but in that one is bigger and the other smaller then the other which I saw with Iohn Tradescante my very good friend often remembred Tulipa Lusitanica siue pumilio versicolor The dwarfe stript Tulipa This dwarfe Tulipa is also of the same kindred with the three last described for there is no other difference in this from them then that the flower hath some red veins running in the leaues thereof There are two other sorts of dwarfe Tulipas with white flowers whereof Lobel hath made mention in the Appendix to his Aduersaria the one whereof is the same that Clusius setteth forth vnder the title of Pumilio altera but because I haue not seen either of them both I speake no further of them Tulipa pumilio alba The white dwarfe Tulipa But that white flower that Iohn Tradescante shewed me and as hee saith was deliuered him for a white Pumilio had a stalke longer then they set out theirs to haue and the flower also larger but yet had narrower leaues then other sorts of white Tulipas haue Tulipa Bicolor The small party coloured Tulipa Vnto these kindes I may well adde this kinde of Tulipa also which was sent out of Italy whose leaues are small long and narrow and of a darke greene colour somewhat like vnto the leaues of an Hyacinth the flower is small also consisting of sixe leaues as all other Tulipas doe three whereof are wholly of a red colour and the other three wholly of a yellow Tulipa Persica The Persian Tulipa This rare Tulipa wherewith we haue beene but lately acquainted doth most fitly deserue to be described in this place because it doth so neerely participate with the Bolonia and Italian Tulipas in roote leafe and flower the roote hereof is small couered with a thicke hard blackish shell or skinne with a yellowish woollinesse both at the toppe and vnder the shell It riseth out of the ground at the first with one very long and small round leafe which when it is three or foure inches high doth open it selfe and shew forth another small leafe as long almost as the former breaking out of the one side thereat and after it a third and sometimes a fourth and a fift but each shorter then other which afterwards be of the breadth of the dwarfe yellow Tulipa or somewhat broader but much longer then any other and abiding more hollow and of the colour of the early Tulipas on the inside the stalke riseth vp a foot and a halfe 1 Tulipa Bombycina flore rubro The red Bolonia Tulipa 2 Tulipa Boloniensis flore luteo The yellow Bolonia Tulipa 3 Tulipa pupilio rubra fiue lutea The red or yellow dwarfe Tulipa 4 Folium Tulipa de Caffa per totum striatum The leafe of the Tulipa of Caffa striped throughout the whole leafe 5 Folium Tulipa de Caffa per oras striatum The leafe of the Tulipa of Caffa striped at the edges onely 6 Tulipa Perfica The Persian Tulipa 7 Tulipa Cretica The Tulipa of Candie 8 Tulipa Armeniaca The Tulipa of Armenia high sometimes bearing one flower thereon composed of sixe long and pointed leaues of the forme of other small Tulipas and not shewing much bigger then the yellow Italian Tulipa and is wholly white both inside and outside of all the leaues except the three outtermost which haue on the backe of them from the middle toward the edges a shew of a brownish blush or pale red colour yet deeper in the midst and the edges remaining wholly white the bottomes of all these leaues are of a darke or dun tawnie colour and the chiues and tippes of a darkish purple or tawnie also This doth beare seed but seldome in our Country that euer I could vnderstand but when it doth it is small like vnto the Bolonia or dwarfe yellow Tulipas being not so plentifull also in parting or setting of by the roote as they and neuer groweth nor abideth so great as it is brought vnto vs and seldome likewise flowreth after the first yeare for the rootes for the most part with euery one grow lesse and lesse decaying euery yeare and so perish for the most part by reason of the frosts and cold and yet they haue been set deepe to defend them although of their owne nature they will runne downe deep into the ground Tulipa Býzantina duobus floribus Clusij The small Tulipa of Constantinople The small Tulipa of Constantinople beareth for the most part but two leaues on the stalke which are faire and broad almost like vnto the Candy Tulipa next hereunto to be described the stalke it selfe riseth not aboue a foote high bearing sometimes but one flower but most commonly two thereon one below another and are no bigger then the flowers of the yellow Bolonia Tulipa but differing in colour for this is on the outside of a purplish colour mixed with white and greene and on the inside of a faire blush colour the bottome and chiues being yellow and the tippes or pendents blackish the roote is very like the yellow Bolonia Tulipa Tulipa Cretica The Tulipa of Candie This Tulipa is of later knowledge with vs then the Persian but doth more hardly thriue in regard of our cold climate the description whereof for so much as wee haue knowledge by the sight of the roote and leafe and relation from others of the flower for I haue not yet heard that it hath very often flowred in our Country is as followeth It beareth faire broad leaues resembling the leaues of a Lilly of a greenish colour and not very whitish the stalke beareth thereon one flower larger and more open then many other which is eyther wholly white or of a deepe red colour or else is variably mixed white with a fine reddish purple the bottomes being yellow with purplish chiues tipt with blackish pendents the roote is small and somewhat like the dwarfe yellow Tulipa but somewhat bigger Tulipa Armeniaca The Tulipa of Armenia This small Tulipa is much differing from all the former except the small or dwarfe white Tulipas remembred by Lobel and Clusius as is before set downe in that it beareth three or foure small long and somewhat narrow greene leaues altogether at one ioynt or place the stalke being not high and naked or without leaues from them to the toppe where it beareth one small flower like vnto an ordinary red Tulipa but somewhat more yellow tending to an Orenge colour with a blacke bottome the roote is not much bigger then the ordinary yellow Bolonia Tulipa before set downe And these are the sorts of this first Classis of early Tulipas Tulipa media
Straminea oris rubris magnis intensis vel paruis remissis 8 A Strawe colour with red edges deeper or paler greater or smaller 9 Obscura fuliginosa lutea instar Folij decidui ideoque Folium mortuum appelatur 9 A sullen or smoakie yellow like a dead leafe that is fallen and therefore called Fueille mort 10 Flaua rubore perfusa etiamque striata per totum dorso coccineo oris pallidis 10 A yellow shadowed with red and striped also through all the leaues the backside of them being of a red crimson and the edges pale 11 Pallidè lutea perfusa magis aut minus rubore striata fundo vel luteo vel vi ridi 11 A pale yellow shadowed and striped with red in some more in some lesse the bottomes being either yellow or green 12 Testamentum Clusij i.e. lutea pallida fuligine obfusca exteriùs interiùs ad or as vsque pallidas per totum vero floris medium maculis interiùs aspersa instar omnium aliarum Holias dorso obscuriore fundo viridi 12 A Testamentum Clusij that is a shadowed pale yellow both within without spotted round about the middle on the inside as all other Holias are the backe of the leaues being more obscure or shadowed with pale yellow edges and a greene bottome 13 Flambans lutea diuersimodè intus magis aut minus striata vel in alijs extra maculata rubore fundo vt plurimum nigro vel in alijs luteo 13 A yellow Flambant of diuers sorts that is the whole flower more or lesse streamed or spotted on the inside and in some on the outside with red the bottome in most being blacke yet in some yellow 14 Flambans pallidior elegantior 14 A paler yellow Flambant more beautifull 15 Holias lutea intensior vel remissior diuersimodè in orbem radiata interius rubris maculis ad supremas vsque oras aliquoties crebrè alià s parcè fundo viridi vel tanetto obscuro 15 A yellow Holias paler or deeper yellow very variable spotted on the inside round about the middle with red sometimes plentifully or else sparingly with a green or dark tawny bottome 16 Holias straminea rubore striata punctata instar alba Holias 16 A strawe coloured Holias spotted and streamed with red as is to bee seene in the white Holias 17 Tunica Morionis lutea alijs dicta Flammea in qua color flavus magis conspicuus rubore diuersimodè radiata 17 A yellow Fooles coate of some called a flame colour wherein the yellow is more then the red diuersly streamed Huc reddenda esset viridium Tuliparum classis quae diuersarum etiam constat specierum Vna viridis intensior cuius flos semper ferè semiclausus manet staminibus fiâ—briatis Altera remissior instar Psittaci pennarum viridium luteo variata oris albis Tertia adhuc dilutiori viriditate oris purpureis Quarta cujus folia equaliter purpura diluta viriditate diuisa sunt Quinta folijs longissimis stellaemodo expansis ex rubore viriditate coacta Vnto these may be added the greene Tulipa which is also of diuers sorts One hauing a great flower of a deepe green colour seldome opening it selfe but abiding alwaies as it were halfe shut vp and closed the chiues being as it were feathered Another of a paler or yellowish green paned with yellow and is called The Parret c. with white edges A third of a more yellowish green with red or purplish edges A fourth hath the leaues of the flower equally almost parted with greene and a light purple colour which abiding a long time in flower groweth in time to be fairer marked for at the first it doth not shew it selfe so plainely diuided Some call this a greene Swisser A fifth hath the longest leaues standing like a starre consisting of greene and purple Tulipa Serotina The late flowring Tulipa The late flowring Tulipa hath had his description expressed in the precedent discourse so that I shall not neede to make a repetition of what hath already beene set downe The greatest matter of knowledge in this kinde is this That it hath no such plentifull variety of colours or mixtures in his flowers as are in the two former sorts but is confined within these limits here expressed as farre as hath come to our knowledge Tulipa Serotina The late flowring Tulipa Rosea intensior aut remissior A Rose colour deeper or paler Rubra vulgaris aut saturatior quasi nigricaus fundo luteo vel nigro vel nigro orbe aureo incluso dicta Oculus Solis An ordinary red or else a deeper red like blacke bloud with a blacke or yellow bottome or blacke circled with yellow called the Suns eye Lutea communis An ordinary yellow Lutea oris rubris A yellow with red edges Lutea guttis sanguineis fundo nigro vel vario A yellow with red spots and veines the bottome blacke or discoloured There yet remaine many obseruations concerning these beautifull flowers fit to be knowne which could not without too much prolixity be comprehended within the body of the description of them but are reserued to bee intreated of a part by themselues All sorts of Tulipas beare vsually but one stalke and that without any branches but sometimes nature is so plentifull in bearing that it hath two or three stalkes and sometimes two or more branches out of one stalke euery stalke or branch bearing one flower at the toppe but this is but seldome seene and when it doth happen once it is hardly seene againe in the same roote but is a great signe that the roote that doth thus being an old roote will the same yeare part into diuers rootes whereof euery one being of a reasonable greatnesse will beare both his stalke and flower the next yeare agreeing with the mother plant in colour as all the of-sets of Tulipas doe for the most part for although the young of-sets of some doe vary from the maine roote euen while it groweth with them yet being separated it will bee of the same colour with the mother plant There groweth oftentimes in the Medias and sometimes also in the Praecoces but more seldome a small bulbe or roote hard aboue the ground at the bottome of the stalke and betweene it and the lower leafe which when the stalke is dry and it ripe being put into the ground will bring forth in time a flower like vnto the mother plant from whence it was taken The flowers also of Tulipas consist most commonly of sixe leaues but sometimes they are seene to haue eight or tenne or more leaues but vsually those rootes beare but their ordinary number of sixe leaues the next yeare the head for seede then is for the most part foure square which at all other times is but three square or when the flower wanteth a leafe or two as sometimes also it doth it then is flat hauing but two sides The forme of the flower is also very variable
worse but rather the better for it is often seene that ouer early sowing causeth them to spring out of the ground ouer early so that if a sharpe spring chance to follow it may goe neere to spoile all or the most of your seede Wee vsually sowe the same yeares seede yet if you chance to keepe of your owne or haue from others such seed as is two years old they will thriue and doe well enough especially if they were ripe and well gathered You must not sowe them too thicke for so doing hath lost many a pecke of good seede as I can tell for if the seede lye one vpon another that it hath not roome vpon the sprouting to enter and take roote in the earth it perisheth by and by Some vse to tread downe the ground where they meane to sowe their seede and hauing sowne them thereon doe couer them ouer the thicknesse of a mans thumbe with fine sifted earth and they thinke they doe well and haue good reason for it for considering the nature of the young Tulipa rootes is to runne downe deeper into the ground euery yeare more then other they thinke to hinder their quicke descent by the fastnesse of the ground that so they may encrease the better This way may please some but I doe not vse it nor can finde the reason sufficient for they doe not consider that the stiffenesse of the earth doth cause the rootes of the young Tulipas to bee long before they grow great in that a stiffe ground doth more hinder the well thriuing of the rootes then a loose doth and although the rootes doe runne downe deeper in a loose earth yet they may easily by transplanting be holpen and raised vp high enough I haue also seene some Tulipas not once remoued from their sowing to their flowring but if you will not lose them you must take them vp while their leafe or stalke is fresh and not withered for if you doe not follow the stalke downe to the roote be it neuer so deepe you will leaue them behinde you The ground also must be respected for the finer softer and richer the mould is wherein you sowe your seede the greater shall be your encrease and varietie Sift it therefore from all stones and rubbish and let it be either fat naturall ground of it selfe or being muckt that it bee thoroughly rotten but some I know to mend their ground doe make such a mixture of grounds that they marre it in the making After the seede is thus sowne the first yeares springing bringeth forth leaues little bigger then the ordinary grasse leaues the second yeare bigger and so by degrees euery yeare bigger then other The leaues of the Praecoces while they are young may be discerned from the Medias by this note which I haue obserued The leaues of them doe wholly stand vp aboue the ground shewing the small footstalkes whereby euerie leafe doth stand but the leaues of the Medias or Serotines doe neuer wholly appeare out of the ground but the lower part which is broad abideth vnder the vpper face of the earth Those Tulipas now growing to bee three yeares old yet some at the second if the ground and ayre be correspondent are to bee taken vp out of the ground wherein yee shall finde they haue runne deepe and to be anew planted after they haue been a little dryed and cleansed eyther in the same or another ground againe placing them reasonable neare one vnto another according to their greatnesse which being planted and couered ouer with earth againe of about an inch or two thicknesse may be left vntaken vp againe for two yeare longer if you will or else remoued euery yeare after as you please and thus by transplanting them in their due season which is still in the end of Iuly or beginning of August or thereabouts you shall according to your seede and soyle haue some come to bearing in the fifth yeare after the flowring and some haue had them in the fourth but that hath beene but few and none of the best or in a rich ground some in the sixth and seuenth and some peraduenture not vntill the eighth or tenth yeare but still remember that as your rootes growe greater that in re-planting you giue them the more roome to be distant one from another or else the one will hinder if not rot the other The seede of the Praecoces doe not thriue and come forward so fast as the Medias or Serotines nor doe giue any of-sets in their running downe as the Medias doe which vsually leaue a small roote at the head of the other that is runne downe euery yeare and besides are more tender and require more care and attendance then the Medias and therefore they are the more respected This is a generall and certaine rule in all Tulipas that all the while they beare but one leafe they will not beare flower whether they bee seedlings or the of-sets of elder rootes or the rootes themselues that haue heretofore borne flowers but when they shew a second leafe breaking out of the first it is a certaine signe that it will then beare a flower vnlesse some casualty hinder it as frost or raine to nip or spoile the bud or other vntimely accident befall it To set or plant your best and bearing Tulipas somewhat deeper then other rootes I hold it the best way for if the ground bee either cold or lye too open to the cold Northerne ayre they will be the better defended therein and not suffer the frosts or cold to pierce them so soone for the deepe frosts and snowes doe pinch the Praecoces chiefly if they bee too neare the vppermost crust of the earth and therefore many with good successe couer ouer their ground before Winter with either fresh or old rotten dung and that will maruellously preserue them The like course you may hold with seedlings to cause them to come on the forwarder so it bee after the first yeares sowing and not till then To remoue Tulipas after they haue shot forth their fibres or small strings which grow vnder the great round rootes that is from September vntill they bee in flower is very dangerous for by remouing them when they haue taken fast hold in the ground you doe both hinder them in the bearing out their flower and besides put them in hazzard to perish at least to bee put backe from bearing for a while after as oftentimes I haue proued by experience But when they are now risen to flower and so for any time after you may safely take them vp if you will and remoue them without danger if you haue any good regard vnto them vnlesse it be a young bearing roote which you shall in so doing much hinder because it is yet tender by reason it now beareth his first flower But all Tulipa roots when their stalke and leaues are dry may most safely then be taken vp out of the ground and be so kept so that they lye in a
by diuers others Narcissus Africanus aureus maior we may call it in English The great African Daffodill or the great Barbary Daffodill or the great yellow Daffodill of Argiers which you please The second hath no other variation of name then a diminutiue of the former as is set downe in the title The third is no doubt the same that Clusius setteth downe in the twelfth Chapter of his second Booke of the History of more rare plants and maketh the fourth sort which came from Constantinople and may also be the same which he maketh his fifth which as he saith he receiued from Doctour Simor Touar of Seuill in Spaine Wee call it from the place from whence we receiued it Narcissus Byzantinus with the addition of totus luteus to put a difference from other sorts that come from thence also in English The yellow single Daffodill of Turkie Narcissus Sulphureus maior The greater Lemon coloured Daffodill The greater of these Daffodils beareth three or foure greene and very long leaues a foote and a halfe long at the least among which riseth vp a round yet crested stalke not so high as the leaues bearing fiue or sixe single flowers thereon euery one of them being greater then the ordinary French or Italian Daffodils with many flowers vpon a stalke of a faint but yet pleasant yellow colour at the first which after they haue been in flower a fortnight or thereabouts change into a deeper or more sullen yellow colour the cup in the middle is likewise larger then in those formerly named and of a deeper yellow colour then the outer leaues hauing onely three chiues within it The smell is very pleasant Narcissus Sulphureus minor The lesser Lemon coloured Daffodill This lesser Daffodill hath broader and shorter leaues then the former of the colour of other Daffodils and not greene like the former the stalke of this riseth vp higher then the leaues bearing foure or fiue flowers vpon shorter footestalkes and no bigger then the French Daffodill of a pale yellow which most doe call a Brimstone colour the cup or rather crowne in the middle is small and broad open of a little deeper yellow hauing many chiues within it and is as it were sprinkled ouer with a kinde of mealinesse The smell of this is not full so pleasant as the former The Place Both these haue been gathered on the Pyrenaean Mountaines and both likewise haue been sent out of Italy The Time They both flower in the middle time of the Daffodils flowring that is in Aprill The Names They haue their Latine names expressed in their titles and so are their English also if you please so to let them passe or else according to the Latine you may call them The greater and the lesser Brimstone coloured Daffodils some haue called them Narcissus Italicus but the Italians themselues haue sent them by the name of Narcisso Solfarigno Narcissus totus albus polyanthos The milke white Daffodill many vpon a stalke The leaues of this Daffodill are of a meane size both for length and breadth yet somewhat greener then in the ordinary sorts that haue some whitenesse in them the flowers are many vpon the stalke as small for the most part as any of these kindes that beare many together being wholly of a milke or rather snow white colour both the cuppe which is small and the outer leaues that compasse it after which come small heads wherein is contained round blacke seede as all other Daffodils doe although some greater and others lesser according to the proportion of the plants the roote is couered ouer with a blackish skinne or coate the smell is very sweete There are two other sorts more of this kinde the differences whereof are that the one hath his leaues somewhat broader and the flowers greater then the former And the other smaller leaues and flowers also whose cups being small are neuer seene fully open but as it were halfe closed at the brimmes Narcissus latifolius totus albus mediocri calice reflexus The milke white Daffodill with the great cup. There is yet another sort of these milke white Daffodils whose leaues are as broad as any of the former and whose cup in the middle of the flower is somewhat larger then in any of the lesser sorts and lesser then in the greater kinde but the leaues of the flowers doe a little turne themselues vpwards which maketh a chiefe difference The Place These Daffodils grow in Spaine from whence I receiued many that flourished a while but perished by some fierce cold Winters they likewise grow in France from whence many also haue been brought vnto vs. They haue likewise been sent from Constantinople to vs among other kindes of Daffodils The Time They that come from Constantinople for the most part doe flower earlier then the other euen after they are accustomed to our ayre Some of them flower notwithstanding in the end of March the rest in Aprill The Names They are vsually called Narcissus totus albus polyanthos adding thereunto the differences of maior medius and minor that is The milke white Daffodill the greater the middle and the lesser for so some doe distinguish them The last for distinction hath his name in his title sufficient to expresse him 1. Narcissus Narbonensis siue medio luteus praecox The early French Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill spring vp out of the ground a moneth or two sometimes before the other of this kinde that follow being also shorter and narrower the stalke likewise is not very high bearing diuers flowers at the top breaking through a thinne skinne as is vsuall with all the Daffodils euery one whereof is small consisting of six white leaues and a small yellow cup in the middle which is of a prettie small sent nothing so strong as many others the roote is great and round and seldome parteth into of-sets euen as all the other that follow bearing many single flowers doe 2. Narcissus Narbonensis vulgaris The ordinary French Daffodill This Daffodill hath long and broad greene leaues a little hollowish in the middle and edged on both sides the stalke is a foote and a halfe high bearing at the toppe diuers flowers somewhat larger then the former consisting of six white leaues somewhat round the cup is yellow in the middle small and round like vnto an Acorne cuppe or a little fuller in the middle this is the forme of that sort which was first 1 Narcissus Africanus aureus maior The great yellow Daffodill of Africa 2 Narcissus Africanus luteus minor The lesser yellow Daffodill of Africa 3 Narcissus Narbonensis medio luteus The French Daffodill 4 Narcissus Pisanus vel totus albus The Italian Daffodill or the all white Daffodill 5 Narcissus Mussart Mussart his Daffodill 6 Narcissus Anglicus polyanthos The great English Daffodill brought vnto vs But since there is found out some whose cup is shorter others flatter some of a paler others of a deeper yellow colour and some that haue their
cuppe longer then the rest The rootes of them all are couered with a blackish skin or coate 3. Narcissus Narbonensis maior amplo flore The French Daffodill with great flowers The leaues of this Daffodill are somewhat like vnto the last but not so broad yet full as long and spring sooner out of the ground yet not so early as the first of these kindes the stalke hereof is flatter and riseth higher bearing foure or fiue flowers much larger then any of this kinde for euery one of them doth equall the English Daffodill before described but whiter then it and the yellow cup larger and more open then in any of the rest The roote of this is not so great or round as the former but is more plentifull in of-sets then any other of these French or Italian kindes 4. Narcissus Pisaenus The Italian Daffodill This Italian Daffodill hath his leaues as large or larger then the second French Daffodill and his stalke somewhat higher bearing many white flowers very like vnto the common French Daffodill but somewhat larger also and the yellow cup in the middle likewise is larger and rounder then is vsually seen in any of the French kinds except the last with the greatest flowers 5. Narcissus mediocroceus polyanthos The French Daffodill with Saffron coloured cups This French Daffodill hath diuers leaues of a grayish greene colour not so broad or long as the last recited Daffodill but comming neerer vnto the second French kinde the flowers likewise are white and many vpon a stalke like thereunto but the yellow cup is somewhat large and circled with a Saffron like brimme or edge which maketh the chiefest difference 6. Narcissus mediocroceus alter dictus Mussart Mussart his Daffodill The affinity between this the last for it is not the same to be expressed vnder one title hath made me ioyne it next vnto it yet because it hath a notable difference it deserueth a place by himselfe The leaues are large and long and the flowers being white are larger also then in any other except the greatest but the cup hereof is small and short rather seeming a coronet then a cup of a deepe Saffron colour all about the brimmes or edges 7. Narcissus Anglicus polyanthos The great English Daffodill This Daffodill hath his leaues not much broader or longer then the French kinde with great flowers before described the stalke with flowers riseth not fully so high as it bearing many flowers thereon not altogether so white yet whiter then the former English Daffodill called Primrose Peerlesse but nothing so large and with short broad and almost round leaues standing close one vnto another the yellow cup in the middle is bowle fashion being somewhat deeper then in any of the former kinds but not much greater the smell hereof is very sweete and pleasant 8. Narcissus Narbonensis siue medio luteus serotinus maior The greater late flowring French Daffodill The roote as well as the leaues of this Daffodill are greater larger broader and longer then in any other of the former French or Italian kindes the stalke is as high as any of them bearing at the toppe fiue or sixe white flowers standing open spread like a starre and not close together euery one whereof is large and round pointed the cup is yellow small and short yet not lying flat to the flower but a little standing out with some threads in the middle as all the former Daffodils haue This is not so sweete as the earlier kindes 9. Narcissus medioluteus alter serotinus calice breui The lesser late flowring French Daffodill This Daffodill is of the same kinde with the last described the onely difference is that it is lesser and the yellow cuppe in the middle of the flower is somewhat shorter then the former although the former be shorter then many others otherwise it differeth not no not in time for it flowreth late as the former doth The Place These Daffodils haue been brought vs from diuers places The first and second grow naturally in many places of Spaine that are open to the Sea they grow likewise about Mompelier and those parts in France They haue been likewise sent among many other sorts of Daffodils from Constantinople so that I may thinke they grow in some places neere thereunto The fourth groweth plentifully in Italy about Pisa in Tuscane from whence we haue had plants to furnish our Gardens The seuenth is accounted beyond Sea to be naturall of our Country but I know not any with vs that haue it but they haue had it from them The rest haue been brought at diuers times but wee know no further of their naturall places The Time The first flowreth earlier then any of the rest by a moneth euen in the beginning of March or earlier if the weather be milde The other in Aprill some a little before or after another The late kinds flower not vntill May. The Names There can be no more said of the names of any of them then hath beene set out in their titles for they distinguish euery sort as fitly as we can onely some doe call the first two sorts by the name of Donax Narbonensis After all these Daffodils that hauing broad leaues beare single flowers either one or many vpon a stalke I shall now goe on to set forth those broad leafed Daffodils that carry double flowers either one or many vpon a stalke together in the same order that we haue vsed before 1. Narcissus albus multiplex The double white Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill are not very broad but rather of a meane size being of the same largenesse with the leaues of the purple ringed Daffodill the stalke riseth vp to be a foote and a halfe high bearing out of a thinne white skinne or hose one flower and no more consisting of many leaues of a faire white colour the flower is larger then any other double white Daffodill hauing euery leafe especially the outermost as large almost as any leafe of the single Daffodill with the yellow cup or purple ring Sometimes it happeneth that the flower is very little double and almost single but that is either in a bad ground or for that it hath stood long in a place without remouing for then it hath such a great encrease of rootes about it that it draweth away into many parts the nourishment that should be for a few but if you doe transplant it taking away the of-sets and set his rootes single it will then thriue and beare his flower as goodly and double as I haue before described it and is very sweete 2. Narcissus mediopurpureus multiplex The double purple ringed Daffodill There is little difference in the leaues of this kinde from the leaues of the single purple ringed Daffodill for it is probable it is of the same kinde but by natures gift and not by any humane art made more plentifull which abideth constant and hath not that dalliance which oftentimes nature sheweth to recreate the senses
head pointed which head groweth to bee small and long containing small blackish flat seede the roote is small long and round a little blackish on the outside and white on the inside The Place This bulbous plant was brought vs from Virginia where they grow aboundantly but they hardly thriue and abide in our Gardens to beare flowers The Time It flowreth in May and seldome before The Names The Indians in Virginia do call it Attamusco some among vs do call it Lilionarcissus Virginianus of the likenesse of the flower to a Lilly and the leaues and roote to a Daffodill Wee for breuity doe call it Narcissus Virgineus that is The Daffodill of Virginia or else you may call it according to the former Latine name The Lilly Daffodill of Virginia which you will for both names may serue well to expresse the plant Narcissus angustifolius albidus praecox oblongo calice The early white narrow leafed Daffodill with a long cup. This Daffodill hath three or foure narrow long and very greene leaues a foote long for the most part the stalke riseth not vp so high as the leaues whereon standeth one flower not altogether so great as the late flowring Daffodill with a long cuppe described before among the broad leafed ones which consisteth of six pale coloured leaues not pure white but hauing a wash of light yellow among the white the cuppe in the middle is round and long yet not so long as to bee accounted a bastard Daffodill within which is a middle pointell compassed with six chiues hauing yellow mealy pendents The Place This Daffodill groweth with the other sorts of broad leafed ones on the Pyrenaean Mountaines from whence they haue beene brought vnto vs to furnish our Gardens The Time It flowreth early a moneth before the other sorts of the same fashion that is in the beginning of March if the time be milde which the other before spoken of doe not The Names It hath no other name that I know then is expressed in the title 2. Narcissus mediocroceus tenuifolius The small Daffodill with a Saffron crown This small Daffodill hath foure or fiue narrow leaues about a spanne long among which riseth vp a stalke some nine inches high bearing at the toppe one small white flower made of six leaues with a small yellow cup in the middle shadowed ouer at the brimmes with a Saffron colour the roote is small round and little long withall couered with a blackish skinne or coate 3. Narcissus minimus mediopurpureus The least purple ringed Daffodill This little Daffodill hath small narrow leaues shorter by much then any of the purple ringed Daffodils before described the stalke and flower keepe an equall proportion to the rest of the plant being in forme and colour of the flower like vnto the Starre Daffodill before recited but vnlike in the greatnesse this also is to bee obserued that the purple colour that circleth the brimmes of the cuppe is so small that sometimes it is not well perceiued 4. Narcissus minimus Iuncifolij flore The least Daffodill of all This least Daffodill hath two or three whitish greene leaues narrower then the two last recited Daffodils and shorter by halfe being not aboue two or three inches long the stalke likewise is not aboue three or foure inches high bearing one single flower at the toppe somewhat bigger then the smalnesse of the plant should seeme to beare very like vnto the least Rush Daffodill and of the same bignesse or rather somewhat bigger being of a faint yellow colour both leaues and cup or crowne if you please so to call it for the middle part is spread very much euen to the middle of the leaues almost and lyeth flat open vpon the flower the roote is small euen the smallest of any Daffodill and couered with a blackish skinne or coate The Place The first of these Daffodils haue beene brought vs from the Pyrenaean Mountaines among a number of other rare plants and the last by a French man called Francis le Veau the honestest roote-gatherer that euer came ouer to vs. The second was sent to Mr. Iohn de Franqueuille before remembred who imparted it to mee as hee hath done many other good things but his naturall place wee know not The Time They all flower about the latter end of Aprill The Names Being brought without names wee haue giuen them their names according to their face and fashion as they are set downe in their titles Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus The little white Autumne Daffodill This little Autumne Daffodill riseth with his flowers first out of the ground without any leaues at all It springeth vp with one or two stalkes about a finger long euery one bearing out of a small huske one small white flower laid open abroad like vnto the Starre white Daffodill before spoken of in the middle of the flower is a small yellow cup of a meane size and after the flower is past there commeth in the same place a small head containing small round blacke seede like vnto the Autumne Hyacinth the leaues come vp after the seede is ripe and gone being small and narrow not much bigger then the Autumne Hyacinth the roote is small and blackish on the outside The Place This Daffodill groweth in Spaine where Clusius saw it and brought it into these parts The Time It flowreth in the beginning of Autumne and his seede is ripe in the end of October in those hot Countries but in ours it will scarce abide to shew a flower The Names The Spaniards as Clusius reporteth call it Tâ—nada and he vpon the sight 1 Narcissus Virgineus The Virginian Daffodill 2 Narcissus minimus Iuncifolij flore The least Daffodill of all 3 Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus The little white Autumne Daffodill 4 Narcissus albus Autumnalis medio obsoletus The white Autumne Daffodill with a sullen crown 5 Narcissus Iuncifolius maximus amplo calice The great Iunquilia with the largest flower or cup. 6 Narcissus totus albus flore plano Virginianus The double white Daffodill of Virginia thereof Narcissus Autumnalis minor albus and wee in English thereafter The little white Autumne Daffodill Narcissus albus Autumnalis medio obsoletus The white Autumne Daffodill with a sullen crowne This Autumne Daffodill hath two or three leaues at the most and very narrow so that some doe reckon it among the Rush Daffodils being somewhat broad at the bottome and more pointed at the toppe betweene these leaues commeth vp the stalke bearing vsually two flowers and no more at the toppe made of sixe white leaues a peece pointed and not round the cup is small and round like vnto the cup or crowne of the least Rush Daffodill of a yellow colour at the bottome but toward the edge of a dunne or sullen colour Narcissus angustifolius luteus semper florens Caccini The yellow Italian Daffodill of Caccini This Daffodill beareth a number of small long narrow and very greene leaues broader then the leaues of any Rush
aut Narcissus Indicus Autumnalis quorundam Lobelij The Indian Autumne Daffodill of Lobel This plant hath in my opinion a farre nearer resemblance vnto an Hyacinthus then vnto any Daffodill But because Lobel hath so set it forth I will so publish it vnto you leauing it to iudgement The roote is as he saith a span long and of the thicknesse of a mans arme couered with many white shells whereof the outermost are of a darke red or Chesnut colour the flowers rise vp in September and October being eight or ten in number euery one by it selfe vpon a small footstalke made of six leaues a peece somewhat long narrow and pointed like vnto the flowers of the English Colchicum or Medowe Saffron of a whitish yellow dunne colour with six long threads in the middle the greene leaues are long and broad and broad pointed 2. Narcissus Marinus Africanus siue Exoticus Lobelij The Sea Daffodill of Africa The roote of this strange plant which of some likenesse is called a Daffodill is very great made as it were of many scaly cloues from whence riseth vp a small short stalke bearing hard aboue the ground two faire broad greene pointed leaues more long then broad so compassing the stalke at the bottome that it seemeth to run through them the stalke is spotted with diuers discoloured spots and is bare or naked from these two leaues vnto the toppe where it beareth one faire double flower like vnto a double Auemone of a delayed reddish colour tending to a blush with many threads set about the middle head 3. Narcissus Marinus Exoticus The strange Sea Daffodill This strange Sea Daffodill hath fiue or six large and long leaues of a palegreene colour from among which riseth vp a strong and bigge stalke bearing at the toppe out of a thinne hose or skinne many very large flowers made of six long and pointed leaues a peece of a blewish purple colour with a large round open cup in the middle of a sadder colour then the leaues the roote is very great yet like vnto other great Daffodils the outer skins whereof are of a darke browne colour The Place The Indian Daffodils grew in the vpper part of Hispaniola in the West Indies and brought hither where they all soone perished The other grew neare the Cape of good Hope and was brought into the parts of Holland and thereabouts from whence we had it perished also The last is vnknowne where it was gathered The Time The first flowred in Autumne as it is said The other in the first Summer of their bringing And so did the last but the same rootes will not flower with vs againe The Names So much hath been said of their names in their titles as hath come to our knowledge and therefore let that suffice Thus hauing gone through the whole Family of the true Daffodils for so much as hath come to our knowledge and set them downe euery one by his name and in his order it is fit that we speake of their bastard brethren and shew you them also in the same order held with the former as neare as the plenty of variety herein which is not the like with the former will giue leaue that when you know them both by face and name you may the better know to place or distinguish of others that haue not passed vnder this rod. Pseudonarcissus aureus Hispanicus maximus The great yellow Spanish bastard Daffodill The roote of this kinde of Daffodill is reasonable great and blackish on the outside desiring to be deepe in the ground and therefore will runne downe where it will then encrease into many of-sets from whence rise vp many thicke long and stiffe leaues of a grayish greene colour among which riseth vp a round strong stalke sometimes three foote high or better bearing at the toppe one onely faire great yellow flower standing forth right and not pendulous consisting of six short and somewhat broad leaues with a very great large and long trunke of an equall largenesse but open at the mouth and turning vp the brimmes a little which are somewhat crumpled after the flower is past there commeth in the place a three square head containing round blacke seede like vnto other Daffodils Pseudonarcissus Pyrenaeus Hispanico Anglico similis The Mountaine bastard Daffodill of diuers kindes There is much variety in this kinde of bastard Daffodill For one sort hath verie broad and whitish greene leaues somewhat short in comparison of others that are of that breadth the flower is wholly yellow but a little paler then the former Spanish kinde hauing the leaues of his flower long and somewhat narrow standing like wings about the middle trunke which is as long as the leaues and smaller then in many other of this kinde but a little yellower then the wings Another sort hath narrower green leaues then this last and longer the flower is all yellow but the trunke is larger wider and more open at the mouth then the former and almost as large as the former Spanish but not so high as the last A third hath the wings of the flower of a Strawe colour but the trunke is long and narrow of a faire yellow A fourth hath such like flowers but that it is shorter both the wings and the trunke Some likewise haue the wings of the flower longer then the long trunke and some shorter Some also are all yellow and some haue their wings onely a little more pale or white like the English kinde Some againe haue their trunkes long and narrow others haue them larger and wider open and crumpled at the brimmes so that it is needlesse to spend a great deale of time and labour vpon such smally respected flowers but that in the beholding of them we may therein admire the worke of the Creatour who can frame such diuersity in one thing But this is beside the text yet not impertinent Pseudonarcissus pallidus praecox The early Strawe coloured bastard Daffodill The leaues of this Daffodill are of a meane size betweene the broadest and the narrower kindes of a grayish greene colour and not very long the stalke riseth vp a foot high or more whereon standeth one large great flower equalling the greatest Spanish bastard Daffodill before described in the largenesse of his trunke and hauing the brimmes turned vp a little which maketh it seeme the larger the wings or outer leaues are in a maner as short as they are in the greatest Spanish kinde and not long flagging down like vnto the Mountain kinds and stand straight outright all the whole flower is of one euen colour that is of a fine pale yellow somewhat like vnto the colour of a Lemon peele or rinde but somewhat whiter which vsually we call a Strawe colour the greatnesse of the flower the earlinesse of the flowring and the difference of colour from all the rest of this kinde hath made me entreate of it apart by it selfe as being no lesse worthy Pseudonarcissus Hispaenicus flore albo maior
said was brought from Constantinople The Time The two lesser sorts doe most commonly flower in February if the weather be any thing milde or at the furthest in the beginning of March but the first is seldome in flower before the other be well neare past or altogether The Names Lobel and Dodonaeus call the lesser kinde Leucoium triphyllum and Leuconarcissolirion triphyllum of the three leaues in the flower Some doe call it Viola bulbosa alba The first or greater kinde is called by Lobel Leuconarcissolirion paucioribus floribus and by Dodonaeus Leucoium bulbosum hexaphyllum We doe most vsually call them Leucoium bulbosum praecox maius minus The greater or the lesser early bulbous Violet In Dutch Somer Sottekens and not Druiskens which are Grape-flowers as some haue thought 1. Leucoium bulbosum Vernum minimum The small bulbous Violet of the Spring This small Leucoium sendeth forth his small and long greene leaues like haires in Autumne and before Winter which abide greene vntill Aprill and then wither away quite and about May there ariseth vp a naked slender stalke at the toppe whereof breake forth two small white flowers made of six leaues a peece hanging downe their heads the three inner leaues being a little larger then the three outward a little â—ed dish neare the stalke and very sweet the root is small and round and coâ—ered with a darke coate 2. Leucoium bulbosum Autumnâ—le The small Autumne bulbous Violet As the former small Leucoium sprang vp with his leaues without flowers in Autumne so this contrariwise riseth vp with his slender brownish stalke of flowers in Autumne before any greene leaues appeare whereon stand two or three very small snow white pendulous flowers consisting of six leaues a peece and a little reddish at the bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke so like vnto the former that one would take them to be both one after which there grow small browne heads containing small blacke round seed after the flower is past and the seede is ripening and sometimes after the heads are ripe the leaues begin to spring vp which when they are full growne are long greene and as small or smaller then the leaues of the Autumne Hyacinth which abide all the Winter and Spring following and wither away in the beginning of Summer the roote is small long and white 3. Leucoium maius bulbosum serotinum The great late flowring bulbous Violet The late bulbous Violet hath three or foure broad flat greene leaues very like vnto the first but longer among which riseth vp a flattish stalke being thicker in the middle then at both edges on the toppe whereof stand three or foure flowers hanging downe their heads consisting of six leaues a peece all of an equall length and bignesse wholly white except that each leafe hath a greene tippe at the end of them the seede hereof is blacke and round the roote is reasonable great and white The Place The two former small ones were first found in Spaine and Portugall and sent to me by Guillaume Boel but the first was so tender that scarce one of a score sprang with me or would abide The greatest haue beene found wilde in Germany and Austria The Time The small ones haue their times expressed in their titles and descriptions the last flowreth not vntill May. The Names These names that are set downe in their titles doe passe with all Herbarists in these daies The Vertues Wee haue not knowne these plants vsed Physically either inwardly or outwardly to any purposes in these dayes CHAP. XI Hyacinthus The Hyacinth or Iacinth THe Iacinths are next to be entreated of whereof there are many more kindes found out in these later times then formerly were knowne which for order and method sake I will digest vnder seuerall sorts as neare as I can that auoiding confusion by enterlacing one among another I may the better put euery sort vnder his owne kinde Hyacinthus Indicus maior tuberosa radice The greater Indian knobbed Iacinth I haue thought fittest to begin with this Iacinth both because it is the greatest and highest and also because the flowers hereof are in some likenesse neare vnto a Daffodill although his roote be tuberous and not bulbous as all the rest are This Indian Iacinth hath a thicke knobbed roote yet formed into seuerall heads somewhat like vnto bulbous rootes with many thicke fibres at the bottome of them from the diuers heads of this roote arise diuers strong and very tall stalkes beset with diuers faire long and broad leaues ioyned at the bottome close vnto the stalke where they are greatest and grow smaller to the very end and those that grow higher to the toppe being smaller and smaller which being broken there appeare many threeds like wooll in them the toppes of the stalkes are garnished with many faire large white flowers each whereof is composed of six leaues lying spread open as the flowers of the white Daffodill with some short threeds in the middle and of a very sweete sent or rather strong and headie Hyacinthus Indicus minor tuberosa radice The smaller Indian knobbed Iacinth The roote of this Iacinth is knobbed like the roote of Arum or Wake Robin from whence doe spring many leaues lying vpon the ground and compassing one another at the bottome being long and narrow and hollow guttered to the end which is small and pointed no lesse woolly or full of threeds then the former from the middle of these leaues riseth vp the stalke being very long and slender three or foure foot long so that without it be propped vp it will bend downe and lye vpon the ground whereon are set at certaine distances many short leaues being broad at the bottome where they doe almost compasse the stalke and are smaller toward the end where it is sharpe pointed at the top of the stalke stand many flowers with a small peece of a green leafe at the bottome of euery foot-stalke which seeme to bee like so many white Orientall Iacinths being composed of six leaues which are much thicker then the former with six chiues or threeds in the middle tipt with pale yellow pendents The Place They both grow naturally in the West Indies from whence being first brought into Spaine haue from thence been dispersed vnto diuers louers of plants The Time They flower not in these cold Countries vntill the middle of August or not at all if they bee not carefully preserued from the iniury of our cold Winters and then if the precedent Summer be hot it may be flower a moneth sooner The Names Clusius calleth the lesser for I thinke hee neuer saw the first Hyacinthus Indicus tuberosa radice that is in English The Indian Iacinth with a tuberous roote Some would call these Hyacinthus Eriophorus Indicus that is The Indian woolly Iacinth because they haue much wooll in them when they are broken yet some doe doubt that they are not two plants seuerall as of greater and lesser but that the
greatnesse is caused by the fertility of the soyle wherein it grew 1. Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus siue Muscari flore flauo The great yellow Muske grape-Grape-flower or yellow Muscari This Muske Iacinth or grape-Grape-flower hath fiue or six leaues spread vpon the ground in two or three heads which at the first budding or shooting forth out of the ground are of a reddish purple colour and after become long thicke hollow or guttered on the vpperside of a whitish greene colour and round and darke coloured vnderneath in the middle of these heads of leaues rise vp one or two hollow weake brownish stalkes sometimes lying on the ground with the weight of the flowers but especially of the seede yet for the most part standing vpright when they are laden towards the toppe with many bottle-like flowers which at their first appearing and vntill the flowers begin to blow open are of a browne red colour and when they are blowne of a faire yellow colour flowring first below and so vpwards by degrees euery one of these flowers is made like vnto a little pitcher or bottle being bigge in the belly and small at the mouth which is round and a little turned vp very sweete in smell like vnto Muske whereof it tooke the name Muscari after the flowers are past there come three square thicke heads puffed vp as if it were bladders made of a spongie substance wherein are here and there placed blacke round seed the roote is long round and very thicke and white on the outside with a little woollinesse on them being broken and full of a slimie iuice whereunto are annexed thicke fat and long fibres which perish not as most of the other Iacinths and therefore desireth not to bee often remoued as the other sorts may 2. Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus seu Muscari flore cineritio The Ashcoloured Muske grape-Grape-flower or Muscari This Muscari differeth not in rootes or forme of leaues or flowers from the former the chiefe differences are these the leaues hereof do not appeare so red at the first budding out of the ground nor are so darke when they are fully growne the stalke also most vsually hath more store of flowers thereon the colour whereof at the first budding is a little duskie and when they are full blowne are of a bleake yet bright ash-colour with a little shew of purple in them and by long standing change a little more gray being as sweete or as some thinke more sweete then the former the roote as I said is like the former yet yeeldeth more encrease and will better endure our cold clymate although it doth more seldome giue ripe seede 3. Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus siue Muscari flore rubro The red Muske Grape-flower This kinde if there be any such for I am in some doubt thereof doth chiefly differ in the colour of the flower from the first in that this should beare flowers when they are blowne of a red colour tending to yellownesse 4. Hyacinthus Botroides maior Moschatus siue Muscari flore albo The white Muske Grape-flower This also is said to haue if there bee such an one his leaues like vnto the second kinde but of a little whiter greene and the flowers pale tending to a white the roots of these two last are said vsually not to grow to be so great as of the former two The Place The rootes of the two first sorts haue been often sent from Constantinople 1 Hyacinthus Indicus maior tuberosa radice The greater Indian knobbed Iacinth 2 Hyacinthus Indicus minor tuberosa radice The lesser Indian knobbed Iacinth 3 Muscari flore flauo The yellow Muscari 4 Muscari flore cineritio The ashcoloured Muscari 5 Hyacinthus Botroides caruleus â—nus The skie coloured Grape-flower 6. Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo The white Grape flower 7 Hyacinthus Botroides ramosus The branched Grape-flower among many other sorts of rootes and it may be come thither from beyond the Bosphorus in Asia we haue them in our Gardens The other two sorts are sprung it is probable if they be in rerum natura from the seede of the two former for we could neuer get such from Constantinople as if the Turkes had neuer knowledge of any such The Time They flower in March or Aprill as the yeare is temperate but the first is soonest vp out of the ground The Names The two former haue beene sent from Turkie by the name of Muschoromi and Dipcadi Matthiolus calleth it Bulbus vomitorius saying that no root doth more prouoke vomit then it Caspar Bauhinus doth most properly call it Hyacinthus Moschatus It is most generally called Muscari by all Herbarists and Florists yet because it doth so neerely resemble the Grape-flower I haue named it Hyacinthus Botroides maior Muschatus to put a difference from the lesser grape-Grape-flowers that follow in English The great Muske grape-Grape-flower or Muscari Hyacinthus Botroides minor caeruleus obscurus The darke blew grape-Grape-flower This grape-Grape-flower hath many small fat and weake leaues lying vpon the ground which are somewhat brownish at their first comming vp and of a sad greene afterwards hollow on the vpperside and round vnderneath among which rise vp round smooth weake stalkes bearing at the toppe many small heauie bottle-like flowers in shape like the former Muscari but very thicke thrust together smaller and of a very darke or blackish blew colour of a very strong smell like vnto Starch when it is new made and hot the root is round and blackish without being compassed with a number of small rootes or of-sets round about it so that it will quickly choke a ground if it be suffered long in it For which cause most men doe cast it into some by corner if they meane to preserue it or cast it out of the Garden quite Alter maior There is another of this kinde that is greater both in leafe and flower and differeth not in colour or any thing else Hyacinthus Botroides caeruleus amoenus The skie coloured grape-Grape-flower This Iacinth springeth vp with fewer leaues then the first and not reddish but green at his first appearing the leaues when they are full growne are long and hollow like the former but greener shorter and broader standing vpright and not lying along vpon the ground as they doe the flowers grow at the toppe of the stalke more sparsedly set thereon and not so thicke together but like a thinne bunch of grapes and bottle-like as the former of a perfect blew or skie-colour euery flower hauing some white spots about the brimmes of them this hath a very sweet smell nothing like the former this roote is whiter and doth not so much encrease as the former yet plentifull enough Hyacinthus Botroides ramosus The branched Grape-flower Of this kinde there is another found to grow with many branches of flowers breaking out from the sides of the greater stalkes or branches the leaues as all the rest of the plant is greater then the former Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo
The white Grape-flower The white Grape-flower hath his greene leaues a little whiter then the blew or skie coloured Grape-flower his flowers are very pure white alike sparsedly set on the stalkes but a little lower and smaller then it in all other things there is no difference Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo rubente The blush Grape-flower The roote of this Grape-flower groweth greater then either the skie coloured or white Grape-flower and seldome hath any small rootes or of-sets as the other haue his leaues also are larger and somewhat broader the flowers are of a pale or bleake blush colour out of a white and are a little larger and grow a little higher and fuller of flowers then the white The Place They naturally grow in many places both of Germany and Hungary in Spaine likewise and on Mount Baldus in Italy and Narbone in France about the borders of the fields we haue them in our Gardens for delight The Time These flower from the beginning of March or sooner sometimes vntill the beginning of May. The Names They are most commonly called Botroides but more truely Botryodes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greeke word which signifieth a bunch or cluster of grapes Lobelius calleth the white one Dipcadi flore albo transferring the name Dipcadi whereby the Muscari is called to this Iacinth as if they were both one Their seuerall names whereby they are knowne and called are set downe in their titles The Dutchmen call them Driuekens as I said before Some English Gentlewomen call the white Grape-flower Pearles of Spaine 1. Hyacinthus Comosus albus The white haired Iacinth This Iacinth doth more neerly resemble the Grape-flowers then the faire haired Iacinths that follow whereof it beareth the name in that it hath no haire or threeds at the toppe of the stalke or sides as they and therefore I haue placed it next vnto them and the other to follow it as being of another kinde The root hereof is blackish a little long and round from whence rise vp three or foure leaues being smooth and whitish long narrow and hollow like a trough or gutter on the vpperside among which the stalke riseth vp a foote high or more bearing at the toppe diuers small flowers somewhat like the former but not so thicke set together being a little longer and larger and wider at the mouth and as it were diuided into six edges of a darke whitish colour with some blacker spots about the brimmes on the inside the heads or seede-vessels are three square and somewhat larger then the heads of any of the former lesser Grape-flowers wherein is contained round blacke seede 2. Hyacinthus Comosus Byzantinus The Turkie faire haired Iacinth This other Iacinth which came from Constantinople is somewhat like the former but that it is bigger both in roote and leafe and flower and bearing greater store of flowers on the head of the stalke the lower flowers although they haue short stalkes at their first flowring yet afterwards the stalkes grow longer and those that are lower stand out further then those that are highest whose foot-stalkes are short and almost close to the stemme and of a more perfect purple then any below which are of a duskie greenish purple colour the whole stalke of flowers seem like a Pyramis broad belowe and small aboue or as other compare it to a water sprinkle yet neither of both these Iacinths haue any threeds at the tops of the stalkes as the other following haue 3. Hyacinthus Comosus maior purpureus The great purple faire haired Iacinth This faire haired Iacinth hath his leaues softer longer broader and lesse hollow then the former lying for the most part vpon the ground the stalke riseth vp in the midst of the leaues being stronger higher and bearing a greater and longer head of flowers also then they the flowers of this stand not vpon such long foote-stalkes but are shorter below and close almost to the stalke aboue hauing many bright purplish blew threeds growing highest aboue the flowers as it were in a bush together euery one of these threeds hauing a little head at the end of them somewhat like vnto one of the flowers but much smaller the rest of the flowers below this bush are of a sadder or deader purple and not so bright a colour and the lowest worst of all rather enclining to a greene like vnto the last Turkie kinde the whole stalke with the flowers vpon it doth somewhat resemble a long Purse tassell and thereupon diuers Gentlewomen haue so named it the heads and seede are like vnto the former but greater the roote is great and white with some rednesse on the outside 4. Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus purpureus The faire haired branched Iacinth The leaues of this Iacinth are broader shorter and greener then of the last not lying so weakly on the ground but standing somewhat more vpright the stalke riseth vp as high as the former but branched out on euery side into many tufts of threeds with knappes as it were heads of flowers at the ends of them like vnto the head of threeds at the toppe of the former Iacinth but of a little darker and not so faire a blewish purple colour this Iacinth doth somewhat resemble the next Curld haire Iacinth but that the branches are not so fairely composed altogether of curled threeds nor of so excellent a faire purple or Doue colour but more duskie by much the roote is greater and shorter then of the next and encreaseth faster 5. Hyacinthus Pennatus siue Comosus ramosus elegantior The faire Curld-haire Iacinth This admirable Iacinth riseth vp with three or foure leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of the Muske Grape-flower but lesser betweene which riseth vp the stalke about a foote high or somewhat more bearing at the toppe a bush or tuft of flowers which at the first appearing is like vnto a Cone or Pineapple and afterwards opening it selfe spreadeth into many branches yet still retaining the forme of a Pyramis being broad spread below and narrow vp aboue each of these branches is againe diuided into many tufts of threeds or strings twisted or curled at the ends and of an excellent purple or Doue colour both stalkes and haires This abideth a great while in his beauty but afterwards all these flowers if you will so call them do fall away without any seede at all spending it selfe as it should seeme in the aboundance of the flowers the roote is not so great as the last but white on the outside The Place The two first haue been sent diuers times from Constantinople the third is found wilde in many places of Europe and as well in Germany as in Italy The two last are onely with vs in Gardens and their naturall places are not knowne vnto vs. The Time The three former kindes doe flower in Aprill the two last in May. The Names The first and second haue no other names then are expressed in their titles 1 Hyacinthus Comosus albus The white
haired Iacinth 2 Hyacinthus Comosus Byzantinus The Turkie faire haired Iacinth 3 Hyacinthus Comosus maior purpureus The purple faire haired Iacinth or Purse tassels 4 Hyacinthus Comosus ramosus siue Calamistratus The faire haired branched Iacinth 5 Hyacinthus Pennatus siue Comosus elegantior The faire curld haire Iacinth The third is called of some onely Hyacinthus maior and of others Hyacinthus comosus maior We call it in English The purple faire haired Iacinth because of his tuft of purple threeds like haires at the toppe and as I said of diuers Gentlewomen purple tassels The fourth is called by some as it is in the title Hyacinthus comosus ramosus and of others Hyacinthus Calamistratus And the last or fifth is diuersly called by diuers Fabius Columna in his Phytobasanos the second part calleth it Hyacinthus Sannesius because hee first saw it in that Cardinals Garden at Rome Robin of Paris sent to vs the former of the two last by the name of Hyacinthus Pennatus and Hyacinthus Calamistratus when as others sent the last by the name Pennatus and the other by the name of Calamistratus but I thinke the name Cincinnatus is more fit and proper for it in that the curled threeds which seeme like haires are better expressed by the word Cincinnus then Calamistrum this signifying but the bodkin or instrument wherewith they vse to frisle or curle the haire and that the bush of haire it selfe being curled Some also haue giuen to both these last the names of Hyacinthus Comosus Parnassi the one fairer then the other Of all these names you may vse which you please but for the last kinde the name Cincinnatus as I said is the more proper but Pennatus is the more common and Calamistratus for the former of the two last 1. Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis siue praecox flore albo The white Winter Orientall Iacinth This early Iacinth riseth vp with his greene leaues which are in all respects like to the ordinary Orientall Iacinths but somewhat narrower before Winter and sometimes it is in flower also before Winter and is in forme and colour a plaine white Orientall Iacinth but somewhat lesser differing onely in no other thing then the time of his flowring which is alwayes certaine to be long before the other sorts 2. Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis siue praecox flore purpureo The purple Winter Orientall Iacinth The difference of colour in this flower causeth it to bee distinguished for else it is of the kindred of the Orientall Iacinths and is as the former more early then the rest that follow Vnderstand then that this is the same with the former but hauing fine blewish purple flowers 3. Hyacinthus Orientalis maior praecox dictus Zumbul Indi The greatest Orientall Iacinth or Zumbul Indi The roote of this Orientall Iacinth is vsually greater then any other of his kinde and most commonly white on the outside from whence rise vp one or two great round stalkes spotted from within the ground with the lower part of the leaues also vpward to the middle of the stalkes or rather higher like vnto the stalkes of Dragons but darker being set among a number of broad long and somewhat hollow greene leaues almost as large as the leaues of the white Lilly at the toppe of the stalkes stand more store of flowers then in any other of this kinde euery flower being as great as the greatest sort of Orientall Iacinths ending in six leaues which turne at the points of a faire blewish purple colour and all standing many times on one side of the stalkes and many times on both sides 4. Hyacinthus Orientalis vulgaris diuersorum colorum The ordinary Orientall Iacinth The common Orientall Iacinth I call it common because it is now so plentifull in all Gardens that it is almost not esteemed hath many greene leaues long somewhat broad and hollow among which riseth vp a long greene round stalke beset from the middle thereof almost with diuers flowers standing on both sides of the stalkes one aboue another vnto the toppe each whereof next vnto the foote-stalke is long hollow round and close ending in six small leaues laid open and a little turning at the points of a very sweete smell the colours of these flowers are diuers for some are pure white without any shew of other colour in them another is almost white but hauing a shew of blewnesse especially at the brims and bottomes of the flowers Others againe are of a very faint blush tending towards a white Some are of as deepe a purple as a Violet others of a purple tending to rednesse and some of a paler purple Some againe are of a faire blew others more watchet and some so pale a blew as if it were more white then blew after the flowers are past there rise vp great three square heads bearing round blacke seede great and shining the roote is great and white on the outside and oftentimes purplish also flat at the bottome and small at the head There is a kinde of these Iacinths Flore purpuro violaceo lineis albicantis in dorso Floribus antrorsum respicientibus Serotinus erectis floribus diuersorum colorum whose flowers are of a deepe purplish Violet colour hauing whitish lines downe the backe of euery leafe of the flower which turne themselues a little backwards at the points There is another whose flowers stand all opening one way and not on all sides but are herein like the great Zumbul Indi before set out There is againe another kinde which flowreth later then all the rest and the flowers are smaller standing more vpright which are either white or blew or mixt with white and purple 5. Hyacinthus Orientalis folioso caule The bushy stalked Orientall Iacinth This strange Iacinth hath his rootes leaues and flowers like vnto the former Orientall Iacinths the onely difference in this is that his stalke is not bare or naked but hath very narrow long leaues growing dispersedly and without order with the flowers thereon which are blew and hauing for the most part one leafe and sometimes two at the foote or setting on of euery flower yet sometimes it happeneth some flowers to be without any leafe at the bottome as nature that is very variable in this plant listeth to play the heads and seede are blacke and round like the other also 6. Hyacinthus Orientalis flore duplici The bleake Orientall Iacinth once double This double Iacinth hath diuers long leaues like vnto the other Orientall Iacinths almost standing vpright among which riseth vp a stalke brownish at the first but growing greene afterwards bearing many flowers at the toppe made like the flowers of the former Iacinths and ending in six leaues greene at the first and of a blewish white when they are open yet retaining some shew of greennesse in them the brims of the leaues being white from the middle of each flower standeth forth another small flower consisting of three leaues of the same colour with the
other flower but with a greene line on the backe of each of these inner leaues in the middle of this little flower there stand some threeds tipt with blacke the smell of this flower is not so sweete as of the forme the heads seede and rootes are like the former 7. Hyacinthus Orientalis flore pleno caeruleo vel purpuro viâ—laceo The faire double blew or purple Orientall Iacinth The leaues of these Iacinths are smaller then the leaues of most of the other former sorts the stalkes are shorter and smaller bearing but three or foure flowers on the heads of them for the most part which are not composed like the last but are more faire full and double of leaues where they shew out their full beauties and of a faire blew colour in some and purple in others smelling pretty sweete but these doe seldome beare out their flowers faire and besides haue diuers other flowers that will be either single or very little double vpon the same stalke 8. Hyacinthus Orientalis candidissimus flore pleno The pure white double Orientall Iacinth This double white Iacinth hath his leaues like vnto the single white Orientall Iacinth his stalke is likewise long slender and greene bearing at the toppe two or three flowers at the most very double and full of leaues of a pure white colour without any other mixture therein hanging downe their heads a little and are reasonable sweete I haue this but by relation not by sight and therefore I can giue no further assurance as yet The Place All these Orientall Iacinths except the last haue beene brought out of Turkie and from Constantinople but where their true originall place is is not as yet vnderstood The Time The two first as is said flower the earliest sometimes before Christmas but more vsually after and abide a great while in flower in great beauty especially if the weather be milde when as few or no other flowers at that time are able to match them The other greatest kinde flowreth also earlier then the rest that follow for the most part The ordinary kindes flower some in March and some in Aprill and some sooner also and so doe the double ones likewise The bushy stalked Iacinth flowreth much about the same time The Names The former two sorts are called Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis and Hyacinthus Orientalis praecox flore albo or caeruleo The third is called of many Zumbul Indicum or Zumbul Indi and corruptly Simboline of others and that more properly Hyacinthus Orientalis maior praecox The Turkes doe call all Iacinths Zumbul and by adding the name of Indi or Arabi do shew from what place they are receiued In English The greatest Orientall Iacinth yet some doe call it after the Turkish name Zumbul Indi or Simboline as is said before The rest haue their names set downe in their titles which are most fit for them Hyacinthus Hispanicus minor Orientalis facie The little Summer Orientall Iacinth This little Iacinth hath foure or fiue long narrow greene leaues lying vpon the ground among which riseth vp a slender smooth stalke about a spanne high or more bearing at the toppe many slender bleake blew flowers Flore caeruleo with some white stripes and edges to be seene in most of them fashioned very like vnto the flowers of the Orientall Iacinth but much smaller the flower hath no sent at all the seede is like the seede of the English Iacinth or Hares-bels the roote is small and white Flore albo There is another of this kinde differing in nothing but in the colour of the flower which is pure white Flore rubente There is also another whose flowers are of a fine delayed red colour with some deeper coloured veines running along the three outer leaues of the flower differing in no other thing from the former The Place These plants haue been gathered on the Pyrenaean Mountaines which are next vnto Spaine from whence as is often said many rare plants haue likewise been gathered The Time They flower very late euen after all or most of the Iacinths in May for the most part 1 Hyacinthus Orientalis brumalis The Winter Orientall Iacinth 2 Zumbul Indi The greatest Orientall Iacinth 3 Hyacinthus Orientalis vulgaris The ordinary Orientall Iacinth 4 Hyacinthus Orientalis folioso caule The bushy stalked Orientall Iacinth 5 Hyacinthus Orientalis flore dupliâ—j The Orientall Iacinth once double 6 Hyacinthus Orientalis flore pleno caeruleo The faire double blew Orientall Iacinth The Names They are called eyther Hyacinthus Hispanicus minor Orientalis facie as it is in the title or Hyacinthus Orientalis facie that is to say The lesser Spanish Iacinth like vnto the Orientall yet some haue called them Hyacinthus Orientalis serotinus minor The lesser late Orientall Iacinth that thereby they may be knowne from the rest Hyacinthus Hispanicus obsoletus The Spanish dunne coloured Iacinth This Spanish Iacinth springeth very late out of the ground bearing foure or fiue short hollow and soft whitish greene leaues with a white line in the middle of euery one of them among which rise vp one or more stalkes bearing diuers flowers at the toppes of them all looking one way or standing on the one side hanging downe their heads consisting of six leaues three whereof being the outermost lay open their leaues and turne back the ends a little again the other three which are innermost do as it were close together in the middle of the flower without laying themselues open at all being a little whitish at the edges the whole flower is of a purplish yellow colour with some white and green as it were mixed among it of no sent at all it beareth blacke and flat seede in three square great and bunched out heads the roote is reasonable great and white on the outside with many strong white fibres at it which perish not yearely as the fibres of many other Iacinths doe and as it springeth late so it holdeth his greene leaues almost vntill Winter Mauritanicus There hath been another hereof brought from about Fez and Marocco in Barbary which in all respects was greater but else differed little Maximus Aethiopicus There was another also brought from the Cape of good Hope whose leaues were stronger and greener then the former the stalke also thicker bearing diuers flowers confusedly standing vpon longer foote-stalkes yet made after the same fashion but that the three inner leaues were whitish and dented about the edges otherwise the flowers were yellow and greenish on the inside The Place These plants grow in Spaine Barbary and Ethiopia according as their names and descriptions doe declare The Time The first flowreth not vntill Iune for as I said it is very late before it springeth vp out of the ground and holdeth his leaues as is said vntill September in the meane time the seede thereof ripeneth The Names They haue their names according to the place of their growing for one is called Hyacinthus Hispanicus obsoletioris
coloris The other is called also Hyacinthus Mauritanicus And the last Hyacinthus Aethiopicus obsoletus In English The Spanish Barbary or Ethiopian Iacinth of a dunne or duskie colour Hyacinthus Anglicus Belgicus vel Hispanicus English Hares-bels or Spanish Iacinth Our English Iacinth or Hares-bels is so common euery where that it scarce needeth any description It beareth diuers long and narrow greene leaues not standing vpright nor yet fully lying vpon the ground among which springeth vp the stalke bearing at the toppe many long and hollow flowers hanging downe their heads all forwards for the most part parted at the brimmes into six parts turning vp their points a little againe of a sweetish but heady sent somewhat like vnto the Grape-flower the heads for seede are long and square wherein is much blacke seede the colour of the flowers are in some of a deeper blew tending to a purple in others of a paler blew or of a bleake blew tending to an ash colour Some are pure white and some are party coloured blew and white and some are of a fine delayed purplish red or blush colour which some call a peach colour The rootes of all sorts agree and are alike being white and very slimie some whereof will be great and round others long and slender and those that lye neare the toppe of the earth bare will be greene Hyacinthus Hispanicus maior flore campanulae instar The greater Spanish bell-flowred Iacinth This Spanish bell-flowred Iacinth is very like the former English or Spanish Iacinth but greater in all parts as well of leaues as flowers many growing together at the toppe of the stalke with many short greene leaues among them hanging downe their heads with larger greater and wider open mouths like vnto bels of a darke blew colour and no good sent The Place The first groweth in many places of England the Lowe-Countries as we call them and Spaine but the last chiefly in Spaine The Time They flower in Aprill for the most part and sometimes in May. The Names Because the first is more frequent in England then in Spain or the Lowe-Countries it is called with vs Hyacinthus Anglicus The English Iacinth but it is also called as well Belgicus as Hispanicus yet Dodonaeus calleth it Hyacinthus non scriptus because it was not written of by any Authour before himselfe It is generally knowne in England by the name of Hare-bels The other Spanish Iacinth beareth his name in his title Hyacinthus Eriophorus The Woolly Iacinth This Woolly Iacinth hath many broad long and faire greene leaues very like vnto some of the Iacinths but stiffer or standing more vpright which being broken doe yeeld many threeds as if a little fine cotton wooll were drawne out among these leaues riseth vp a long greene round stalke a foote and a halfe high or more whereon is set a great long bush of flowers which blowing open by degrees first below and so vpwards are very long in flowring the toppe of the stalke with the flowers and their little footstalkes are all blew euery flower standing outright with his stalke and spreading like a starre diuided into six leaues hauing many small blew threeds standing about the middle head which neuer gaue ripe seede as farre as I can heare of the root is white somewhat like the root of a Muscari but as full of wooll or threeds or rather more then the leaues or any other part of it The Place This hath been sent diuers times out of Turkie into England where it continued a long time as well in my Garden as in others but some hard frosty Winters caused it to perish with me and diuers others yet I haue had it againe from a friend and doth abide fresh and greene euery yeare in my Garden The Time This flowred in the Garden of Mr. Richard Barnesley at Lambeth onely once in the moneth of May in the yeare 1606. after hee had there preserued it a long time but neither he nor any else in England that I know but those that saw it at that time euer saw it beare flower either before or since The Names It is called by diuers Bulbus Eriophorus or Laniferus that is Woolly Bulbous but because it is a Iacinth both in roote leafe and flower and not a Narcissus or Daffodill it is called Hyacinthus Eriophorus or Laniferus The Woolly Iacinth It is very likely that Theophrastus in his seuenth Book thirteenth Chapter did meane this plant where hee declareth that garments were made of the woolly substance of a bulbous roote that was taken from between the core or heart of the roote which as hee saith was vsed to be eaten and the outermost shels or peelings yet Clusius seemeth to fasten this woolly bulbous of Theophrastus vpon the next Iacinth of Spaine Hyacinthus Stellatus Baeticus maior vulgò Perûanus The great Spanish Starry Iacinth or of Peru. This Iacinth the greatest of those whose flowers are spread like a starre except the two first Indians hath fiue or six or more very broad and long greene leaues spread vpon the ground round about the roote which being broken are woolly or full of threeds like the former in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a round short stalke in comparison of the greatnesse of the plant for the stalke of the Orientall Iacinth is sometimes twice so high whose roote is not so great bearing at the toppe a great head or bush of flowers fashioned in the beginning before they bee blowne or separated very like to a Cone or Pineapple and begin to flower belowe and so vpwards by degrees euery flower standing vpon a long blackish blew foote-stalke which when they are blowne open are of a perfect blew colour tending to a Violet and made of six small leaues laid open like a starre the threeds likewise are blewish tipt with yellow pendents standing about the middle head which is of a deeper blew not hauing any good sent to be perceiued in it but commendable only for the beauty of the flowers after the flowers are past there come three square heads containing round blacke seede the roote is great and somewhat yellowish on the outside with a knobbe or bunch at the lower end of the roote which is called the seate of the roote like vnto the Muscari Scylla and many other bulbous rootes at which hang diuers white thicke and long fibres whereby it is fastened in the ground which perish not euery yeare but abide continually and therefore doth not desire much remouing Hyacinthus Stellatus Baticus siue Perûanus flore albo The great white Spanish starry Iacinth This other Spanish Iacinth is in most parts like vnto the former but that his leaues are not so large nor so deep a greene the stalks of flowers likewise hath not so thicke a head or bush on it but fewer and thinner set the flowers themselues also are whitish yet hauing a small dash of blush in them the threeds are whitish tipt with yellow pendents the seede and rootes
are like vnto the former and herein consisteth the difference betweene this and the other sorts Hyacinthus Stellatus Baticus siue Perûanus flore carneo The great blush coloured Spanish Starry Iacinth This likewise differeth little from the two former but onely in the colour of the 1 Hyacinthus Orientalis facie The little Summer Orientall Iacinth 2 Hyacinthus Mauritanicus The Barbary Iacinth 3 Hyacinthus obsoletus Hispanicus The Spanish duskie Iacinth 4 Hyacinthus Hispanicus flore campanulae The greater Spanish bel-flowred Iacinth 5 Hyacinthus Anglicus The English Iacinth or Harebels 6 Hyacinthus Eriophorus The Woolly Iacinth 7 Hyacinthus Stellaris Baticus maior fine Peruanus The great Spanish Starry Iacinth or of Peru. flowers for this being found growing among both the other hath his head of flowers as great and large as the first but the buds of his flowers before they are open are of a deepe blush colour which being open are more delayed and of a pleasant pale purple or blush colour standing vpon purplish stalkes the heads in the middle are whitish and so are the threeds compassing it tipt with yellow The Place These doe naturally grow in Spaine in the Medowes a little off from the Sea as well in the Island Gades vsually called Cales as likewise in other parts along the Sea side as one goeth from thence to Porto Santa Maria which when they be in flower growing so thicke together seeme to couer the ground like vnto a tapistry of diuers colours as I haue beene credibly enformed by Guillaume Boel a Freeze-lander borne often before and hereafter remembred who being in search of rare plants in Spaine in the yeare of our Lord 1607. after that most violent frosty Winter which perished both the rootes of this and many other fine plants with vs sent mee ouer some of these rootes for my Garden and affirmed this for a truth which is here formerly set downe and that himselfe gathered those he sent mee and many others in the places named with his owne hands but hee saith that both that with the white and with the blush flowers are farre more rare then the other The Time They flower in May the seede is ripe in Iuly The Names This hath beene formerly named Eriophorus Peruanus and Hyacinthus Stellatus Peruanus The Starry Iacinth of Peru being thought to haue grown in Peru a Prouince of the West Indies but he that gaue that name first vnto it eyther knew not his naturall place or willingly imposed that name to conceale it or to make it the better esteemed It is most generally receiued by the name Hyacinthus Peruanus from the first imposer thereof that is the Iacinth of Peru but I had rather giue the name agreeing most fitly vnto it and call it as it is indeede Hyacinthus Stellatus Baeticus The Spanish Starry Iacinth and because it is the greatest that I know hath come from thence I call it The great Starry Iacinth of Spaine or Spanish Iacinth Hyacinthus Stellatus vulgaris siue Bifolius Fuchsij The common blew Starry Iacinth This Starry Iacinth being longest knowne and therefore most common riseth out of the ground vsually but with two browne leaues yet sometimes with three inclosing within them the stalke of flowers the buds appearing of a darke whitish colour as soone as the leaues open themselues which leaues being growne are long and hollow of a whitish greene on the vpper side and browne on the vnder side and halfe round the browne stalke rising vp higher beareth fiue or sixe small starre-like flowers thereon consisting of six leaues of a faire deepe blew tending to a purple The seede is yellowish and round contained in round pointed heads which by reason of their heauinesse and the weaknesse of the stalke lye vpon the ground and often perish with wet and frosts c. The roote is somewhat long and couered with a yellowish coate Hyacinthus stellatus flore albo The white Starry Iacinth The white Starry Iacinth hath his leaues like the former but greene and fresh not browne and a little narrower also the buddes for flowers at the first appeare a little blush which when they are blowne are white but yet retaine in them a small shew of that blush colour We haue another whose flowers are pure white and smaller then the other Flore niueo the leaues whereof are of a pale fresh greene and somewhat narrower Hyacinthus Stellatus flore rubente The blush coloured Starry Iacinth The difference in this from the former is onely in the flowers which are of a faire blush colour much more eminent then in the others in all things else alike Hyacinthus Stellatus Martius siue praecox caeruleus The early blew Starry Iacinth This Iacinth hath his leaues a little broader of a fresher greene and not browne at all as the first blew Iacinth of Fuchsius last remembred the buds of the flowers while they are enclosed within the leaues and after when the stalke is gowne vp doe remaine more blew then the buds of the former the flowers when they are blowne open are like the former but somewhat larger and of a more liuely blew colour the roote also is a little whiter on the outside This doth more seldome beare seede then the former Hyacinthus Stellatus praecox flore albo The white early Starry Iacinth There is also one other of this kinde that beareth pure white flowers the green leafe thereof being a little narrower then the former and no other difference Hyacinthus Stellatus praecox flore suaue rubente The early blush coloured Starry Iacinth This blush coloured Iacinth is very rare but very pleasant his flowers being as large as the first of this last kinde and somewhat larger then the blush of the other kinde the leaues and rootes differ not from the last recited Iacinth The Place All these Iacinths haue beene found in the Woods and Mountaines of Germany Bohemia and Austria as Fuchsius and Gesner doe report and in Naples as Imperatus and others doe testifie Wee cherish them all with great care in our Gardens but especially the white and the blush of both kindes for that they are more tender and often perish for want of due regard The Time The common kindes which are first expressed flower about the middle of February if the weather bee milde and the other kindes sometimes a fortnight after that is in March but ordinarily much about the same time with the former The Names The first is called in Latine Hyacinthus Stellatus vulgaris and Hyacinthus Stellatus bifolius and Hyacinthus Stellaris Fuchsij and of some Hyacinthus Stellatus Germanicus wee might very well call the other kinde Hyacinthus Stellatus vulgaris alter but diuers call it Praecox and some Martius as it is in the title In English they may bee seuerally called the first The common and the other The early Starry Iacinth notwithstanding the first flowreth before the other for distinction sake The Hyacinthus seemeth to be called Vacinium of Virgil in
his Eclogues for hee alwayes reckoneth it among the flowers that were vsed to decke Garlands and neuer among fruits as some would haue it But in that hee calleth it Vacinium nigrum in seuerall places that doth very fitly answer the common receiued custome of those times that called all deepe blew colours such as are purples and the like blacke for the Violet it selfe is likewise called blacke in the same place where he calleth the Vacinium blacke so that it seemeth thereby that he reckoned them to be both of one colour and we know the colour of the Violet is not blacke as we doe distinguish of blacke in these dayes But the colour of this Starry Iacinth being both of so deepe a purple sometimes so neare vnto a violet colour and also more frequent then any other Iacinth with them in those places where Virgil liued perswadeth me to thinke that Virgil vnderstood this Starry Iacinth by Vacinium Let others iudge otherwise if they can shew greater probabilitie 1. Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus nigra radice The Starry Iacinth of Turkie with the blacke roote This Starry Iacinth of Constantinople hath three or foure fresh greene thinne and long leaues of the bignesse of the English Iacinth but not so long betweene which riseth vp a slender lowe stalke bearing fiue or six small flowers dispersedly set thereon spreading open like a starre of a pale or bleake blew colour the leaues of the flowers are somewhat long and stand as it were somewhat loosly one off from another and not so compactly together as the flowers of other kindes it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs because the heads are so heauie that lying vpon the ground they rotte with the wet or are bitten with the frosts or both so that they seldome come to good the roote is small in some and reasonable bigge in others round and long white within but couered with deepe reddish or purplish peelings next vnto it and darker and blacker purple on the outside with some long and thicke white fibres like fingers hanging at the bottome of them as is to be seene in many other Iacinths the roote it selfe for the most part doth runne downewards somewhat deep into the ground 2. Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus maior The greater Starry Iacinth of Constantinople This Iacinth may rightly be referred to the former Iacinth of Constantinople and called the greater it is so like thereunto that any one that knoweth that will soone say that this is another of that sort but greater as it is in all his parts bearing larger leaues by much and more store lying vpon the ground round about the roote it beareth many lowe stalkes of flowers as bleake and standing as loosly as the former onely the roote of this is not black on the outside as the other but three times bigger 3. Hyacinthus Stellatus Byzantinus alter siâ—e flore boraginis The other Starry Iacinth of Constantinople This other Iacinth hath for the most part onely foure leaues broader and greener then the first but not so large or long as the second the stalke hath fiue or six flowers vpon it bigger and rounder set like other starry Iacinths of a more perfect or deeper blew then either of the former hauing a whitish greene head or vmbone in the middle beset with six blew chiues or threeds tipt with blacke so closly compassing the vmbone that the threeds seeme so many prickes stucke into a clubbe or head some therefore haue likened it to the flower of Borage and so haue called it after the flowers are past come vp round white heads wherein is contained round and white seede the roote is of a darke whitish colour on the outside and sometimes a little reddish withall The Place The first and the last haue beene brought from Constantinople the first among many other rootes and the last by the Lord Zouch as Lobel witnesseth The second hath been sent vs out of the Lowe-Countries but from whence they had it we do not certainly know They growe with vs in our Gardens sufficiently The Time These flower in Aprill but the first is the earliest of the rest and is in flower presently after the early Starry Iacinth before described The Names The former haue their names in their titles and are not knowne vnto vs by any other names that I know but as I said before the last is called by some Hyacinthus Boraginis flore The first was sent out of Turkie by the name of Susam giul by which name likewise diuers other things haue beene sent so barren and barbarous is the Turkish tongue Hyacinthus Stellatus Aestivus maior The greater Summer Starry Iacinth This late Iacinth hath diuers narrow greene leaues lying vpon the ground somewhat like the leaues of the English Iacinth but stiffer and stronger among which riseth vp a round stiffe stalke bearing many flowers at the toppe thereof and at euery foote-stalke of the flowers a small short leafe of a purplish colour the flowers are starre-like of a fine delayed purplish colour tending to a pale blew or ash colour striped on the backe of euery leafe and hauing a pointed vmbone in the middle with some whitish purple threeds about it tipt with blew the seede is blacke round and shining like vnto the seede of the English Iacinth but not so bigge the roote is round and white hauing some long thicke rootes vnder it besides the fibres as is vsuall in many other Iacinths Hyacinthus Stellatus Aestivus minor The lesser Summer Starry Iacinth This lesser Iacinth hath diuers very long narrow and shining greene leaues spread vpon the ground round about the roote among which riseth vp a very short round stalke not aboue two inches high carrying six or seuen small flowers thereon on each side of the stalke like both in forme and colour vnto the greater before described but lesser by farre the seede is blacke contained in three square heads the roote is small and white couered with a browne coate and hauing some such thicke rootes among the fibres as are among the other The Place Both these Iacinths grow naturally in Portugall and from thence haue been brought by such as seeke out for rare plants to make a gaine and profit by them The Time They both flower in May and not before and their seed is ripe in Iuly The Names Some doe call these Hyacinthus Lusitanicus The Portugall Iacinth Clusius who first set out the descriptions of them called them as is expressed in their titles and therefore we haue after the Latine name giuen their English according as is set downe Or if you please you may call them The greater and the lesser Portugall Iacinth Hyacinthus Stellaris flore cinereo The ash coloured Starry Iacinth This ash coloured Iacinth hath his leaues very like vnto the leaues of the English Iacinth and spreading vpon the ground in the same manner among which rise vp one or two stalkes set at the toppe with a number of small starre-like
flowers bushing bigger below then aboue of a very pale or white blew tending to an ash colour and very sweete in smell the seede is blacke and round like vnto the seede of the English Iacinth and so is the roote being great round and white so like I say that it is hard to know the one from the other The Place The certaine originall places of growing thereof is not knowne to vs. The Time It flowreth in Aprill The Names Some doe call this Hyacinthus Someri Somers Iacinth because as Lobel saith he brought it first into the Lowe-Countries eyther from Constantinople or out of Italy Hyacinthus Stellatus Lilifolio radice caeruleo The blew Lilly leafed Starre Iacinth This Iacinth hath six or seuen broad greene leaues somewhat like vnto Lilly leaues but shorter whereof it tooke his name as well as from the roote spread vpon the ground and lying close and round before the stalke riseth out from the middle of these leaues there doth appeare a deepe hollow place like a hole to bee seene a good while which at length is filled vp with the stalke rising thence vnto a foote or more high bearing many starre-like flowers at the toppe of a perfect blew colour neare vnto a Violet and sometimes of paler or bleake blew colour hauing as it were a small cuppe in the middle diuided into six peeces without any threeds therein the seede is blacke and round but not shining the roote is somewhat long bigge belowe and small aboue like vnto the small roote of a Lilly and composed of yellow scales as a Lilly but the scales are greater and fewer in number Hyacinthus Stellatus Lilifolius albus The white Lilly leafed Starre Iacinth The likenesse of this Iacinth with the former causeth me to be briefe and not to repeate the same things againe that haue already been expressed You may therefore vnderstand that except in the colour of the flower which in this is white there is no difference betweene them Flore â—arneo I heare of one that should beare blush coloured flowers but I haue not yet seene any such The Place These Iacinths haue been gathered on the Pyrenaean Hils in that part of France that is called Aquitaine and in some other places The Time These flower in Aprill and sometimes later The Names Because the roote is so like vnto a Lilly as the leafe is also it hath most properly beene called Hyacinthus Stellatus Lilifolio radice or for breuity Lilifolius that is The Starry Lilly leafed Iacinth It is called Sarahug by the Inhabitants where it groweth as Clusius maketh the report from Venerius who further faith that by experience they haue found the cattell to swell and dye that haue eaten of the leaues thereof 1 Hyacinthus stellatus praecox caruleus The early blew starry Iacinth 2 Hyacinthus stellatus pracox albus The early white starry Iacinth 3 Hyacinthus stellatus Byzantinus nigra radice The Turkie starry Iacinth with a blacke roote 4 Hyacinthus Byzantinus alter siue flore Borâ—ginis The other starry Iacinth of Constantinople 5 Hyacinthus astibus maior The greater Summer starry Iacinth 6 Hyacinthus stellatus flore â—reâ— The ash coloured starry Iacinth 7 Hyacinthus stellatus Lilifolius The Lilly leafed starre Iacinth 8 Hyacinthus Autumnalis The Autumne Iacinth 9 Scilla alba siue Hyacinthus marinus The Sea Onion or Squill Hyacinthus Autumnalis maior The greater Autumne Iacinth The greater Autumne Iacinth hath fiue or six very long and narrow greene leaues lying vpon the ground the stalkes are set at the toppe with many starre-like flowers of a pale blewish purple colour with some pale coloured threeds tipt with blew standing about the head in the middle which in time growing ripe containeth therein small blacke seede and roundish the roote is great and white on the outside Hyacinthus Autumnalis minor The lesser Autumne Iacinth This lesser Iacinth hath such like long and small leaues but narrower then the former the stalke is not full so high but beareth as many flowers on it as the other which are of a pale or bleake purple colour very like vnto it also the roote and seed are like the former but smaller These both for the most part beare their flowers and seede before the greene leaues rise vp much aboue the ground Flore albo There is a kinde hereof found that beareth white flowers not differing in any other thing from the smaller purple kinde last mentioned The Place The first and last are onely kept in Gardens and not knowne to vs where their naturall place of growing wilde may be The second groweth wilde in many places of England I gathered diuers rootes for my Garden from the foote of a high banke by the Thames side at the hither end of Chelsey before you come at the Kings Barge-house The Time The greatest flowreth in the end of Iuly and in August The other in August and September you shall seldome see this plant with flowers and greene leaues at one time together The Names They haue their names giuen them as they are expressed in their titles by all former Writers except Daleschampius or hee that set forth that great worke printed at Lyons for hee contendeth with many words that these plants can bee no Iacinths because their flowers appeare before their leaues in Autumne contrary to the true Iacinth as he saith and therefore he would faine haue it referred to Theophrastus bulbus in libro primo cap. 12. and calleth it his Tiphyum mentioned in that place as also Bulbus aestivus Dalechampij Howsoeuer these things may carry some probability in them yet the likenesse both of rootes and flowers especially hath caused very learned Writers to entitle them as is set downe and therefore I may not but let them passe in the like manner The Vertues Both the rootes and the leaues of the Iacinths are somewhat cold and drying but the seede much more It stayeth the loosnesse of the belly It is likewise said to hinder young persons from growing ripe too soone the roote being drunke in wine It helpeth them also whose vrine is stopt and is auaileable for the yellow Iaundise but as you heare some are deadly to cattell I therefore wish all to bee well aduised which of these they will vse in any inward physicke Scilla alba The Sea Onion or Squill As I ended the discourse of both the true and the bastard Daffodils with the Sea kindes of both sorts so I thinke it not amisse to finish this of the Iacinths with the description of a Sea Iacinth which as you see I take to be the Scilla or Sea Onion all his parts so nearely resembling a Iacinth that I know not where to ranke him better then in this place or rather not any where but here You shall haue the description thereof and then let the iudicious passe their sentence as they thinke meetest The Squill or Sea Onion as many doe call it hath diuers thicke leaues broad long greene and hollowish
in the middle and with an eminent or swelling ribbe all along the backe of the leafe I relate it as I haue seene it hauing shot forth his leaues in the ship by the way as the Mariners that brought diuers rootes from out of the Straights did sell them to mee and others for our vse lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Lilly these spring vp after the flowers are past and the seed ripe they abiding all the Winter and the next Spring vntill the heate of the Summer hath spent and consumed them and then about the end of August or beginning of September the stalke with flowers ariseth out of the ground a foote and a halfe high bearing many starre-like flowers on the toppe in a long spike one aboue another flowring by degrees the lowest first and so vpwards whereby it is long in flowring very like as well in forme as bignesse to the flowers of the great Starre of Bethlehem these flowers I haue likewise seene shooting out of some of the rootes that haue been brought in the like manner after the flowers are past there come vp in their places thicke and three square heads wherin is contained such like flat black and round seed as the Spanish duskie Iacinth before described did beare but greater the root is great white couered with many peelings or couerings as is plainly enough seen to any that know them and that sometimes wee haue had rootes that haue beene as bigge as a pretty childes head and sometimes two growing together each whereof was no lesse then is said of the other Scilla rubra siue Pancratium verum The red Sea Onion The roote of this Squill is greater oftentimes then of the former the outer coates or peelings being reddish bearing greater longer stiffer and more hollow leaues in a manner vpright this bringeth such a like stalke and flowers as the former doth as Fabianus Ilges Apothecary to the Duke of Briga did signifie by the figure thereof drawne and sent to Clusius The Place They grow alwayes neare the Sea and neuer farre off from it but often on the very baich of the Sea where it washeth ouer them all along the coasts of Spaine Portugal and Italy and within the Straights in many places it will not abide in any Garden farre from the Sea no not in Italy as it is related The Time The time wherein they flower is expressed to be in August and September the seede to be ripe in October and Nouember and the greene leaues to spring vp in Nouember and December The Names These are certainly the true kindes of Scilla that should bee vsed in medicines although as Clusius reporteth the Spaniards forbade him to taste of the red Squill as of a most strong and present poison Pliny hath made more sorts then can be found out yet to this day with vs that Scilla that is called Epimenidia because it might be eaten is thought to be the great Ornithogalum or Starre of Bethlehem Pancratium is I know and as I said before referred to that kinde of bastard Sea Daffodill which is set forth before in the end of the history of the bastard Daffodils and diuers also would make the Narcissus tertius Matthioli which I call the true Sea Daffodill to be a Pancratium but seeing Dioscorides and no other is against him maketh Pancratium to be a kinde of Squill with reddish rootes I dare not vphold their opinion against such manifest truth The Vertues The Squill or Sea Onion is wholly vsed physically with vs because wee can receiue no pleasure from the sight of the flowers Pliny writeth that Pithagoras wrote a volume or booke of the properties thereof for the singular effects it wrought which booke is lost yet the diuers vertues it hath is recorded by others to be effectuall for the spleene lungs stomach liuer head and heart and for dropsies old coughs Iaundise and the wormes that it cleareth the sight helpeth the tooth-ache cleanseth the head of scurfe and running sores and is an especiall Antidote against poison and therefore is vsed as a principall ingredient into the Theriaca Andromachi which we vsually call Venice Treakle The Apothecaries prepare hereof both Wine Vinegar and Oxymel or Syrupe which is singular to extenuate and expectorate tough flegme which is the cause of much disquiet in the body and an hinderer of concoction or disgestion in the stomach besides diuers other wayes wherein the scales of the rootes being dryed are vsed And Galen hath sufficiently explained the qualities and properties thereof in his eight Booke of Simples CHAP. XII Ornithogalum Starre of Bethlehem AFter the Family of the Iacinths must needes follow the kindes of Starre-flowers or Starres of Bethlehem as they are called for that they doe so nearely resemble them that diuers haue named some of them Iacinths and referred them to that kindred all of them both in roote leafe and flower come nearer vnto the Iacinths then vnto any other plant They shall therefore bee next described euery one in their order the greatest first and the rest following Ornithogalum Arabicum The great starre-Starre-flower of Arabia This Arabian starre-Starre-flower hath many broad and long greene leaues very like vnto the leaues of the Orientall Iacinth but lying for the most part vpon the ground among which riseth vp a round greene stalke almost two foote high bearing at the toppe diuers large flowers standing vpon long foote-stalkes and at the bottome of euery one of them a small short pointed greene leafe these flowers are made of six pure white leaues a peece laid open as large as an ordinary Daffodill but of the forme of a Starre Iacinth or Starre of Bethlehem which close as they doe euery night and open themselues in the day time especially in the Sunne the smell whereof is pretty sweete but weake in the middle of the flower is a blackish head composed with six white threeds tipt with yellow pendents the seede hath not beene obserued with vs the roote is great and white with a flat bottome very impatient of our cold Winters so that it seldome prospereth or abideth with vs for although sometimes it doe abide a Winter in the ground yet it often lyeth without springing blade or any thing else a whole yeare and then perisheth or if it doe spring yet many doe not beare and most after their first bearing doe decay and perish But if any be desirous to know how to preserue the roote of this plant or of many other bulbous rootes that are tender such as the great double white Daffodill of Constantinople and other fine Daffodils that come from hot Countries let them keepe this rule Let either the roote be planted in a large pot or tubbe of earth and housed all the Winter that so it may bee defended from the frosts Or else which is the easier way keepe the roote out of the ground euery yeare from September after the leaues and stalkes are past vntill February in
some dry but not hot or windy place and then plant it in the ground vnder a South wall or such like defended place which will spring and no doubt prosper well there in regard the greatest and deepest frosts are past after February so that seldome any great frosts come after to pierce so deepe as the roote is to be set or thereby to doe any great harme to it in such a place The Place This hath been often sent out of Turkie and likewise out of Italy I had likewise two rootes sent mee out of Spaine by Guillaume Boel before remembred which as hee said hee gathered there but they prospered not with me for want of the knowledge of the former rule It may be likely that Arabia is the place from whence they of Constantinople receiue it The Time It flowreth in May if it be of the first yeares bringing or in Iune if it haue been ordered after the manner before set downe The Names It hath been sent out of Italy by the name of Lilium Alexandrinum The Lilly of Alexandria but it hath no affinity with any Lilly Others call it Hyacinthus Arabicus and the Italians Iacintho del pater nostro but it is no Iacinth neither although the flowers be like some of them Some also would referre it to a Narcissus or Daffodill and it doth as little agree with it as with a Lilly although his flowers in largenesse and whitenesse resemble a Daffodill Clusius hath most fitly referred it to the stocke or kindred of Ornithogala or Starres of Bethlehem as wee call them in English and from the Turkish name Zumbul Arabi entituled it Ornithogalum Arabicum although Zumbul as I haue before declared is with them a Iacinth wee may call it in English The Arabian Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem or the great Starre-flower of Arabia 1. Ornithogalum maximum album The greatest white Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem This great Starre-flower hath many faire broad long and very fresh green leaues rising vp very early and are greater longer and greener then the leaues of any Orientall Iacinth which doe abide greene from the beginning or middle of Ianuary or before sometimes vntill the end of May at which time they begin to fade and the stalke with the head of flowers beginneth to rise so that it will haue either few or no leaues at all when the flowers are blowne the stalke is strong round and firme rising two foote high or more bearing at the toppe a great bush of flowers seeming at the first to be a great greene eare of corne for it is made spike-fashion which when the flowers are blowne doth rise to be very high slender or small at the head aboue and broad spread and bushing below so that it is long in flowring for they flower below first and so vpwards by degrees these flowers are snow white without any line on the backside and is therein like vnto the former as also in whitenesse but nothing so large with a white vmbone or head in the middle beset with many white threeds tipt with yellow the seede is blacke and round contained in three square heads the roote is great thicke and short and somewhat yellowish on the outside with a flat bottome both like the former and the next that followeth 2. Ornithogalum maius spicatum album The great white spiked Starre-flower This spiked Starre-flower in his growing is somewhat like vnto the last described but springeth not vp so early nor hath his leaues so greene or large but hath broad long whitish greene hollow leaues pointed at the end among which riseth vp the stalke which is strong and high as the former hauing a great bush of flowers at the toppe standing spike-fashion somewhat like the former flowring in the same maner by degrees first below and so vpwards but it is not so thicke set with flowers nor so farre spread at the bottome as it the flowers also are not so white and each of the leaues of them haue a greene line downe the backe leauing the edges on both sides white after the flowers are past the heads for seede grow three square like the other bearing such like blacke seede therein the roote hereof is vsually bigger then the last and whiter on the outside 3. Ornithogalum Pannonicum The Hungarian starre-Starre-flower This Hungarian starre-Starre-flower shooteth out diuers narrow long whitish greene leaues spread vpon the ground before Winter which are very like vnto the leaues of Gilloflowers and so abide aboue ground hauing a stalke rising in the middle of them the next Spring about halfe a foote high or thereabouts bearing many white flowers at the toppe with greene lines downe the backe of them very like vnto the ordinary Starres of Bethlehem the roote is greater thicker and longer then the ordinary Starres and for the most part two ioyned together somewhat grayish on the outside 4. Ornithogalum vulgare The Starre of Bethlehem The ordinary Starre of Bethlehem is so common and well knowne in all countries and places that it is almost needlesse to describe it hauing many greene leaues with white lines therein and a few white flowers set about the toppe of the stalke with greenish lines downe the backe the roote is whitish and encreaseth aboundantly 5. Asphodelus bulbosus Galeni siue Ornithogalum maius flore subuirescente The bulbous Asphodill or greene Starre-flower Diuers haue referred this plant vnto the Asphodils because as I thinke the flowers hereof are straked on the backe and the leaues long and narrow like vnto the Asphodils but the roote of this being bulbous I rather as some others doe ioyne it with the Ornithogala for they also haue strakes on the backe of the flowers It hath many whitish greene leaues long and narrow spread vpon the ground which spring vp in the beginning of the yeare and abide vntill May and then they withering the stalke springeth vp almost as high as the first hauing many pale yellowish greene flowers but smaller and growing more sparsedly about the stalke vpon short foot-stalkes but in a reasonable long head spike-fashion the seede is like vnto the second kinde but smaller the roote is somewhat yellowish like the first great white kinde The Place The first is onely nursed in Gardens his originall being not well knowne yet some attribute it vnto Pannonia or Hungary The second hath been found neare vnto Barcinone and Toledo in Spaine The third was found in Hungary by Clusius Our ordinary euery where in the fields of Italy and France and as it is said in England also And the last groweth likewise by the corne fields in the vpper Hungary The Time They flower in Aprill and May and sometimes in Iune The Names 1 Ornithogalum Arabicum The great starre-flower of Arabia 2 Ornithogalum maximum album The greatest white starre flower 3 Ornithogalum maius spicatum album The great white spiked starre flower 4 Ornithogalum Pannonicum album The Hungarian starre-flower 5 Asphodalus bulbosus Galeni
siue Ornithogalum maius subuirescente flore The bulbed Asphodill or greene starre flower 6 Ornithogalum Hispanicum minus The little starre-flower of Spaine 7 Ornithogalum luteum The yellow starre-flower of Bethlehem 8 Ornithogalum Neapolitanum The starre-flower of Naples The second hath his name in his title as most authors doe set it downe yet in the great Herball referred to Dalechampius it is called Ornithogalum magnum Myconi The third hath his name from the place of his birth and the other from his popularity yet Dodonaeus calleth it Bulbus Leucanthemos The last is called by diuers Asphodelo-hyacinthinus and Hyacintho-asphodelus Galeni Dodonaeus calleth it Asphodelus faemina and Asphodelus bulbosus But Lobel and Gerrard from him and Dodonaeus doe make this to haue white flowers whereas all that I haue seene both in mine owne and in others Gardens bore greenish flowers as Clusius setteth it truely downe Lobel seemeth in the description of this to confound the Ornithogalum of Mompelier with it and calleth it Asphodelus hyacinthinus forte Galeni and saith that some would call it Pancratium Monspeliense and Asphodelus Galeni But as I haue shewed the Ornithogalum spicatum and this doe plainly differ the one from the other and are not both to be called by one name nor to be reckoned one but two distinct plants Ornithogalum Aethiopicum The Starre-flower of Aethiopia The leaues of this plant are a foote long and at the least an inch broad which being broken are no lesse woolly then the woolly Iacinth the stalke is a cubit high strong and greene from the middle whereof vnto the toppe stand large snow white flowers vpon long greene thicke foot-stalkes and yellowish at the bottome of the flower in the middle whereof stand six white threeds tipt with yellow chiues compassing the head which is three square and long containing the seede the roote is thicke and round somewhat like the Asphodelus Galeni The Place This plant was gathered by some Hollanders on the West side of the Cape of good Hope The Time It flowred about the end of August with those that had it The Names Because it came from that part of the continent beyond the line which is reckoned a part of Aethiopia it is thereupon so called as it is set downe Ornithogalum Neopolitanum The starre-Starre-flower of Naples This beautifull plant riseth out of the ground very early with foure or fiue hollow pointed leaues standing round together of a whitish greene colour with a white line downe the middle of euery leafe on the inside somewhat narrow but long Fabius Columna saith three foot long in Italy but it is not so with vs in the middle of these leaues riseth vp the stalke a foote and a halfe high bearing diuers flowers at the toppe euery one standing in a little cuppe or huske which is diuided into three or foure parts hanging downe very long about the heads for seede after the flower is past these flowers doe all hang downe their heads and open one way although their little foot-stalkes come forth on all sides of the greater stalke being large and composed of six long leaues of a pure white on the inside and of a blewish or whitish greene colour on the outside leauing the edges of euery leafe white on both sides in the middle of these flowers stand other small flowers each of them also made of six small white leaues a peece which meeting together seeme to make the shew of a cuppe within which are contained six white threeds tipt with yellow and a long white pointell in the middle of them being without any sent at all after the flowers are past come vp great round heads which are too heauie for the stalke to beare and therefore lye downe vpon the leaues or ground hauing certaine lines or stripes on the outside wherein is contained round blacke rough seede the roote is great and white and somewhat flat at the bottome as diuers of these kindes are and doe multiply as plentifully into small bulbes as the common or any other The Place This Starre-flower groweth in the Medowes in diuers places of Naples as Fabius Columna and Ferrantes Imperatus doe testifie from whence they haue been sent And Matthiolus who setteth out the figure thereof among his Daffodils had it should seeme seene it grow with him The Time It flowreth in May although it begin to spring out of the ground oftentimes in Nouember but most vsually in Ianuary the seede is ripe in Iuly The Names Matthiolus reckoneth this as is said among the Daffodils for no other respect as I conceiue then that he accounted the middle flower to bee the cuppe or trunke of a Daffodill which it doth somewhat resemble and setteth it forth in the fourth place whereupon many doe call it Narcissus quartus Matthioli The fourth Daffodill of Matthiolus Fabius Columna calleth it Hyacinthus aruorum Ornithogali flore Clusius to whom Imperatus sent it in stead of the Arabian which hee desired calleth it of the place from whence he receiued it Ornithogalum Neopolitanum and we thereafter call it in English The Starre-flower of Naples Ornithogalum Hispanicum minus The little Starre-flower of Spaine Clusius hath set forth this plant among his Ornithogala or Starre-flowers and although it doth in my minde come nearer to a Hyacinthus then to Ornithogalum yet pardon it and let it passe as he doth From a little round whitish roote springeth vp in the beginning of the yeare fiue or six small long green leaues without any white line in the middle of them among which rise vp one or two small stalkes an hand length high or better bearing seuen or eight or more flowers growing as it were in a tuft or vmbell with small long leaues at the foote of euery stalke the lower flowers being equall in length with the vppermost of a pale whitish blew or ash colour with a strake or line downe the backe of euery leafe of them with some white threeds standing about a blewish head in the middle these flowers passe away quickly and giue no seed so that it is not knowne what seede it beareth The Place This groweth in Spaine and from thence hath been brought to vs. The Time It flowreth in May. The Names It hath no other name then is set down in the title being but lately found out 1. Ornithogalum album vnifolium The white starre-starre-flower with one blade This little starre-starre-flower I bring into this place as the fittest in my opinion where to place it vntill my minde change to alter it It hath a very small round white roote from whence springeth vp one very long and round greene leafe like vnto a rush but that for about two or three inches aboue the ground it is a little flat and from thence springeth forth a small stalke not aboue three or foure inches high bearing at the top thereof three or foure small white flowers consisting of six leaues a peece within which are six
white chiues tipt with yellow pendents standing about a small three square head that hath a white pointell sticking as it were in the middest thereof the flower is pretty and sweete but not heady Ornithogalum luteum The yellow Starre of Bethlehem This yellow starre-Starre-flower riseth vp at the first with one long round greenish leafe which openeth it selfe somewhat aboue the ground and giueth out another small leafe lesser and shorter then the first and afterward the stalke riseth from thence also being foure or fiue inches high bearing at the toppe three or foure small green leaues and among them foure or fiue small yellow starre-like flowers with a greenish line or streake downe the backe of euery leafe and some small reddish yellow threeds in the middle it seldome giueth seede the roote is round whitish and somewhat cleare very apt to perish if it bee any little while kept dry out of the ground as I haue twice tryed to my losse The Place The first grew in Portugall and Clusius first of all others desciphers it The other is found in many places both of Germany and Hungary in the moister grounds The Time The first flowreth in May the other in Aprill and sometimes in March The Names Carolus Clusius calleth the first Bulbus vnifolius or Bolbine but referreth it not to the stocke or kindred of any plant but as you see I haue ranked it with the small sorts of Ornithogalum and giue it the name accordingly The other is referred for likenesse of forme and not for colour vnto the Ornithogala or Starres of Bethlehem It is called by Tragus and Fuchsius Bulbus siluestris because of the obuiousnesse Cordus taketh it to be Sisyrinchium Lacuna calleth it Bulbus esculentus Lobel and others in these dayes generally Ornithogalum luteum and wee thereafter in English The yellow Starre-flower or Starre of Bethlehem The Vertues The first kinde being but lately found out is not knowne to be vsed The rootes of the common or vulgar are as Matthiolus saith much eaten by poore people in Italy either rawe or roasted being sweeter in taste then any Chesnut and seruing as well for a necessary food as for delight It is doubtfull whether any of the rest may be so vsed for I know not any in our Land hath made any experience There are many other sorts of Starre-flowers which are fitter for a generall then this History and therefore I referre them thereunto CHAP. XIII Moly Wilde Garlicke VNto the former Starre-flowers must needes bee ioyned another tribe or kindred which carry their straked flowers Starre-fashion not spikewise but in a tuft or vmbell thicke thrust or set together And although diuers of them smell not as the former but most of their first Grandfathers house yet all doe not so for some of them are of an excellent sent Of the whole Family there are a great many which I must leaue I will onely select out a few for this our Garden whose flowers for their beauty of statelinesse forme or colour are fit to bee entertained and take place therein euery one according to his worth and are accepted of with the louers of these delights 1. Moly Homericum vel potius Theophrasti The greatest Moly of Homer Homers Moly for so it is most vsually called with vs riseth vp most commonly with two and sometimes with three great thicke long and hollow guttured leaues of a whitish greene colour very neare the colour of the Tulipa leafe hauing sometimes at the end of some of the leaues and sometimes apart by it selfe a whitist round small button like vnto a small bulbe the like whereof also but greater doth grow betweene the bottome of the leaues and the stalke neare the ground which being planted when it is ripe will grow into a roote of the same kinde among these leaues riseth vp a round strong and tall stalke a yard high or better bare or naked vnto the toppe where it beareth a great tuft or vmbell of pale purplish flowers all of them almost standing vpon equall foot-stalkes or not one much higher then another consisting of fiue leaues a peece striped downe the backe with a small pale line hauing a round head or vmbone with some threeds about it in the midst These flowers doe abide a great while blowne before they vade which smell not very strong like any Onion or Garlicke but of a faint smell and after they are past come the seede which is blacke wrapped in white close huskes the roote groweth very great sometimes bigger then any mans closed fist smelling strong like Garlicke whitish on the outside and greene at the toppe if it be but a while bare from the earth about it 2. Moly Indicum siue Caucafon The Indian Moly The Indian Moly hath such like thicke large leaues as the Homers Moly hath but shorter and broader in the middle whereof riseth vp a short weake stalke almost flat not hauing any flowers vpon it but a head or cluster of greenish scaly bulbes inclosed at the first in a large thinne skinne which being open euery bulbe sheweth it selfe standing close one vnto another vpon his foot-stalke of the bignesse of an Acorne which being planted will grow to bee a plant of his owne kinde the roote is white and great couered with a darke coate or skinne which encreaseth but little vnder ground but besides that head it beareth small bulbes aboue the ground at the bottome of the leaues next vnto the stalke like vnto the former The Place Both these doe grow in diuers places of Spaine Italy and Greece for the last hath been sent out of Turkie among other rootes Ferrantes Imperatus a learned Apothecary of Naples sent it to diuers of his friends in these parts and hath described it in his naturall history among other plants printed in the Italian tongue It grew also with Iohn Tradescante at Canterbury who sent me the head of bulbes to see and afterwards a roote to plant it in my Garden The Time The first flowreth in the end of May and abideth vnto the midst of Iuly and sometimes longer The other beareth his head of bulbes in Iune and Iuly The Names We haue receiued them by their names expressed in their titles yet the last hath also been sent by the name of Ornithogalum Italicum but as all may easily see it is not of that kindred 1. Moly montanum Pannonicum bulbiferum primum The first bulbed Moly of Hungary This first Hungarian Moly hath three or foure broad and long greene leaues folded together at the first which after open themselues and are carried vp with the stalke standing thereon one aboue another which is a foote high at the toppe whereof doe grow a few sad reddish bulbes and betweene them long footstalkes bearing flowers of a pale purplish colour after which followeth blacke seede inclosed in roundish heads the roote is not great but white on the outside very like vnto the roote of Serpents Moly hereafter described encreasing much vnder
with the last described and others also from Spain riseth vp with one long greene leafe hollow and round vnto the end towards this end on the one side breaketh out a head of flowers enclosed in a thinne skinne which after it hath so stood a good while the leafe in the meane time rising higher and growing harder becommeth the stalke breaketh and sheweth a great bush or head of buds for flowers thicke thrust together fashioned very like vnto the forme of a Pineapple from whence I gaue it the name of the bigness of a Walnut after this head hath stood in this manner a moneth or thereabouts the flowers shew themselues to bee of a fine delayed or whitish purple colour with diuers stripes in euery of them of the same cup-fashion with the former but not opening so plainly so that they cannot bee discerned to bee open without good heede and obseruation It flowreth so late in Autumne that the early frosts doe quickly spoile the beauty of it and soone cause it to rotte the roote is small and round and shining like the last very tender also as not able to abide our sharpe Winters which hath caused it vtterly to perish with me 12. Moly Dioscorideum Dioscorides his Moly The roote of this small Moly is transparent within but couered with a thicke yellowish skinne of the bignesse of an Hasell Nut or somewhat bigger which sendeth forth three or foure narrow grassie leaues long and hollow and a little bending downwards of a whitish greene colour among which riseth vp a slender weake stalke a foot and a halfe high bearing at the toppe out of a thinne skinne a tuft of milke white flowers very like vnto those of Ramsons which stand a pretty while in their beauty and then passe away for the most part without giuing any seede this hath little or no sent of Garlicke We haue another of this sort that is lesser and the flowers rounder pointed 13. Moly Dioscorideum Hispanicum The Spanish Moly of Dioscorides This Moly came vnto me among other Molyes from Spaine and is in all things like vnto the last described but fairer larger and of much more beauty as hauing his white flowers twice as great as the former but as it seemeth very impatient of our Winters which it could not at any hand endure but quickly perished as some others that came with it also 14. Moly Moschatinum vel Zibettinum Monspeliense The sweete smelling Moly of Mompelier This sweete Moly which I haue kept for the last to close vp your senses is the smallest and the finest of all the rest hauing foure or fiue small greene leaues almost as fine as haires or like the leaues of the Feather-grasse the stalke is about a foote high bearing fiue or six or more small white flowers laid open like Starres made of six leaues a peece of an excellent sweete sent resembling Muske or Ciuet for diuers haue diuersly censured of it It flowreth late in the yeare so that if the precedent Summer bee either ouer moist or the Autumne ouer early cold this will not haue that sweete sent that it will haue in a hot drie time and besides must be carefully respected for it will hardly abide the extremity of our sharpe Winters The Place The places of these Molyes are for the most part expressed in their titles or in their descriptions The Time The time is set downe for the most part to bee in Iune and Iuly the rest later The Names To make further relation of names then are expressed in their tiles were needlesse let these therefore suffice The Vertues All these sorts of Molyes are small kindes of wilde Garlicke and are to be vsed for the same purposes that the great Garden Garlicke is although much weaker in their effects For any other especiall property is in any of these more than to furnish a Garden of variety I haue not heard at all And thus much may suffice of these kindes for our Garden reseruing manie others that might be spoken of to a generall worke or to my Garden of Simples which as God shall enable me and time giue leaue may shew it self to the world to abide the iudicious and criticke censures of all CHAP. XIIII Asphodelus The Asphodill THere remaine some other flowers like vnto the last described to be specified which although they haue no bulbous rootes yet I thinke them fittest to bee here mentioned that so I may ioyne those of neerest similitude together vntill I haue finished the rest that are to follow 1. Asphodelus maior albus ramosus The great white branched Asphodill The great white Asphodill hath many long and narrow hollow three square leaues sharpe pointed lying vpon the ground round about the roote the stalke is smooth round and naked without leaues which riseth from the midst of them diuided at the toppe into diuers branches if the plant bee of any long continuance or else but into two or three small branches from the sides of the maine great one whereon doe stand many large flowers Starre-fashion made of six leaues a peece whitish on the inside and straked with a purplish line downe the backside of euery leafe hauing in the middle of the flowers some small yellow threeds the seede is blacke and three square greater then the seede of Bucke wheate contained in roundish heads which open into three parts the roote is composed of many tuberous long clogges thickest in the middle and smaller at both ends fastened together at the head of a darke grayish colour on the outside and yellow within 2. Asphodelus albus non ramosus The white vnbranched Aspodill The vnbranched Asphodill is like vnto the former both in leaues and flowers but that the flowers of this are whiter and without any line or strake on the backe side and the stalkes are without branches the rootes likewise are smaller and fewer but made after the same fashion 3. Asphodelus maior flore carneo The blush coloured Asphodill This Asphodill is like to the last in forme of leaues and branches and differeth in this that his leaues are marked with some spots and the flowers are of a blush or flesh colour in all other things alike 4. Asphodelus minimus albus The least white Asphodill This least Asphodill hath foure or fiue very narrow long leaues yet seeming three square like the greatest bearing a small stalke of about a foote high among them without any branches and at the toppe a few white flowers straked both within and without with a purplish line in the middle of euery leafe The rootes are such like tuberous clogges as are in the former but much lesser 5. Asphodelus albus minor siue Fistulosus The little hollow white Aspnodill This little white Asphodill hath a number of leaues growing thicke together thicker and greener then those of the small yellow Asphodill or Kings Speare next following among which riseth vp diuers round stalkes bearing flowers from the middle to the toppe Starre-fashion
Lilly last described but much greater then in any other of the Spider-worts of a pure white colour with some threeds in the middle tipt with yellow and a small forked pointell after the flowers are past the heads or seede vessels grow almost three square yet somewhat round wherein is contained blackish seede the rootes are many white round thicke brittle strings ioyned together at the head but are nothing so long as the rootes of the other Phalangia or Spider-worts 2. Phalangium maius Italicum album The great Italian Spider-wort This great Spider-wort hath diuers long and narrow leaues spread vpon the ground and not rising vp as the former and not so broad also as the former but somewhat larger then those that follow the stalke is bigger but seldome riseth vp so as the next whereof this is a larger kinde hauing a long vnbranched stalke of white flower laid open like starres as it hath but somewhat greater the rootes are long and white like the next but somewhat larger 3. Phalangium non ramosum vulgare Vnbranched Spider-wort The leaues of this Spider-wort doe seeme to bee little bigger or longer then the leaues of grasse but of a more grayish green colour rising immediately from the head or tuft of rootes among which rise vp one or two stalkes sometimes two or three foote long beset toward the toppe with many white Starre-like flowers which after they are past turne into small round heads containing blacke feede like vnto the seed of the little yellow Asphodill but lesser the rootes are long white strings running vnder ground 4. Phalangium ramosum Branched Spider-wort The branched Spider-wort hath his leaues somewhat broader then the former and of a more yellowish greene colour the stalke hereof is diuersly branched at the top bearing many white flowers like vnto the former but smaller the seedes and rootes are like the former in all things 1 Phalangium Allobrogicum The Sauoye Spider-wort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spider-wort 3 Phalangium ramosum Branched Spider-wort 4 Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Iohn Tradescante's Spider-wort The Place The first groweth on the Hils neare vnto Sauoye from whence diuers allured with the beauty of the flower haue brought it into these parts The second came vp in my Garden from the seede receiued out of Italy The others grow in Spaine France c. The Time The vnbranched Spider-wort most commonly flowreth before all the other and the branched a moneth after it the other two about one time that is towards the end of May and not much after the vnbranched kinde The Names The first as I said before hath beene taken to be a white Lilliasphodill and called Liliasphodelus flore albo but Clusius hath more properly entituled it a Phalangium and from the place of his originall gaue him his other denomination and so is called of most as is set downe in the title The other haue no other names then are expressed in their titles but only that Cordus calleth them Liliago and Dodonaeus lib. 4. hist. plant would make the branched kinde to bee Moly alterum Plinij but without any good ground The Vertues The names Phalangium and Phalangites were imposed on these plants because they were found effectuall to cure the poyson of that kinde of Spider called Phalangium as also of Scorpions and other Serpents Wee doe not know that any Physitian hath vsed them to any such or any other purpose in our dayes 5. Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Ioannis Tradescant The soon fading Spider-wort of Virginia or Tradescant his Spider-wort This Spider-wort is of late knowledge and for it the Christian world is indebted vnto that painfull industrious searcher and louer of all natures varieties Iohn Tradescant sometimes belonging to the right Honourable Lord Robert Earle of Salisbury Lord Treasurer of England in his time and then vnto the right Honourable the Lord Wotton at Canterbury in Kent and lastly vnto the late Duke of Buckingham who first receiued it of a friend that brought it out of Virginia thinking it to bee the Silke Grasse that groweth there and hath imparted hereof as of many other things both to me and others the description whereof is as followeth From a stringie roote creeping farre vnder ground and rising vp againe in many places springeth vp diuers heads of long folded leaues of a grayish ouer-worne greene colour two or three for the most part together and not aboue compassing one another at the bottome and abiding greene in many places all the Winter otherwhere perishing and rising anew in the Spring which leaues rise vp with the great round stalke being set thereon at the ioynts vsually but one at a ioynt broad at the bottome where they compasse the stalke and smaller and smaller to the end at the vpper ioynt which is the toppe of the stalke there stand two or three such like leaues but smaller from among which breaketh out a dozen sixteene or twenty or more round green heads hanging downe their heads by little foot-stalkes which when the flower beginneth to blow open groweth longer and standeth vpright hauing three small pale greene leaues for a huske and three other leaues within them for the flower which lay themselues open flat of a deepe blew purple colour hauing an vmbone or small head in the middle closely set about with six reddish hairy or feathered threeds tipt with yellow pendents this flower openeth it selfe in the day shutteth vsually at night and neuer openeth againe but perisheth and then hangeth downe his head againe the greene huske of three leaues closing it selfe againe into the forme of a head but greater as it was before the middle vmbone growing to bee the seede vessell wherein is contained small blackish long seede Seldome shall any man see aboue one or two at the most of these flowers blowne open at one time vpon the stalke whereby it standeth in flowring a long time before all the heads haue giuen out their flowers The Place This plant groweth in some parts of Virginia and was deliuered to Iohn Tradescant The Time It flowreth from the end of May vntill Iuly if it haue had greene leaues all the Winter or otherwise vntill the Winter checke his luxuriousnesse The Names Vnto this plant I confesse I first imposed the name by considering duely all the parts thereof which vntill some can finde a more proper I desire may still continue and to call it Ephemerum Virginianum Tradescanti Iohn Tradescante's Spider-wort of Virginia or Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum The soone fading or Day Spider-wort of Virginia The Vertues There hath not beene any tryall made of the properties since wee had it nor doe we know whether the Indians haue any vse thereof CHAP. XVI Colchicum Medowe Saffron TO returne to the rest of the bulbous and tuberous rooted plants that remaine to bee entreated of the Colchica or Medowe Saffrons are first to bee handled whereof these later dayes haue found out more varieties then formerly were knowne some flowring in
flower are of a reasonable breadth and length and of a pleasant fresh greennesse with a faire broad white line downe the middle of them but rising not out of the ground so early as the next described Crocus the flowers are likewise of a meane bignesse of a pale purple on the outside somewhat whitish especially the three outer leaues but on the inside of a deeper purple and striped with great stripes like flames hauing some chiues in the middle and a longer one also feathered a little at the toppe the roote is white on the outside somewhat flat and round but not so flat as the Neapolitane Crocus before described 19. Crocus purpureus flammeus minor The lesser purple flame coloured Crocus This Crocus hath almost as broad and long greene leaues as the former and of the same verdure which rise vp earlier then it and is in flower likewise somewhat before it being smaller for size by a little but of as deepe a purple on the outside as on the inside flamed with faire broad stripes from the middle of the leaues or somewhat lower vnto the edges each of these giue seed that is of a pale reddish colour the root is very like vnto the former but a little lesser 20. Crocus vernus purpureus Capillarifolio The purple Crocus with small leaues This small kinde of Saffron flower riseth out of the ground with two or three long and small green leaues very like vnto the leaues of the fine Fether-Grasse hereafter described standing vpright at the first but afterwards lying vpon the ground among which come the flowers sometimes three but most vsually two vpon one stalke if the roote be not young which then will beare but one on a stalke which is very short so that the flowers scarce arise aboue the ground yet laying themselues open in the day time if it be faire and the Sunne doe shine otherwise they keepe close and doe not open at all and after one flower is past which doth not last aboue three or foure dayes at the most the others follow which are of a bleake blewish purple in the middle of the flower and of a deeper purple towards the ends or points of the leaues but of a more sullen or darke purple on the outside of them and yellowish at the bottome with some yellow chiues in the middle the seede is small and darker coloured then any of the former Crocus contained also in smaller heads standing one by another vpon the same short foote-stalke which then riseth vp a little higher shewing the maner of the standing of the flowers which in their flowring time could not so easily bee discerned the roote is very small and round hauing one side at the bottome lower then the other very like the roote of a Colchicum or Medowe Saffron and somewhat neare resembling also the hoofe of an horse foote couered with a very thicke skinne of a darke or blackish browne colour this flowreth the last of all the former sorts of Saffron flowers euen when they are all past 21. Crocus vernus purpureus striatus Capillarifolio The stript purple Crocus with small leaues This small stript purple Saffron flower hath such like leaues as the last described hath betweene which riseth the flower vpon as short a foote-stalke consisting of six leaues like the former of a faire purple colour on the outside of the three outer leaues with three lines or strakes downe euery leafe of a deeper purple colour and on the inside of a paler purple as the other three leaues are also with some chiues tipt with yellow pendents and a forked pointell in the middle the roote of this is somewhat bigger then the former and rounder but couered with as thicke and as browne a skinne it flowreth about the same time with the former 22. Crocus vernus luteus siue Maesiacus The yellow Crocus The yellow Crocus or Saffron flower riseth vp with three or foure leaues out of the ground being somewhat neare the breadth of the great purple kindes with a white line in them as in most of the rest the flowers stand in the middle of these leaues and are very large of a gold yellow colour with some chiues and a forked point in the middle the seede hereof is of a brighter colour then in any of the other the roote is great and round as great or greater then a Wall Nut sometimes and couered with reddish skinnes or coates yeelding more store of flowers then most of the former and beginning to blowe with the first sorts or presently after but outlast many of them and are of a pleasant good sent Flore aureo Of this kinde we haue some whose flowers are of a deeper gold yellow colour then others so that they appeare reddish withall Flore pallido And we haue also another sort whose flowers are very pale betweene a white and a yellow not differing in any thing else Flore viridante luteo And another smaller whose flower hath a shew of greennesse in the yellow and more greene at the bottome 23. Crocus vernus flavus striatus The yellow stript Crocus This kinde of yellow stript Crocus or Saffron flower riseth vp with more store of narrower and greener leaues then the former and after the leaues are spread there rise vp many yellow flowers from among them which are not of so faire and bright a yellow colour but more dead and sullen hauing on the backside of each of the three outtermost leaues three small stripes of an ouer-worne or dull purple colour with some chiues and a pointell in the middle the roote of this kinde is very like the roote of the former yellow but somewhat smaller and shorter and couered with the like reddish skinnes but a little sadder it flowreth not so early as the former yellow but abideth almost as long as it 24. Crocus vernus luteus versicolor primus The best cloth of gold Crocus The fairest cloth of gold Crocus or Saffron flower riseth vp very early euen with the first or the first of all other Crocus with three or foure very narrow and short leaues of a whiter colour then any of the former which by and by after doe shew forth the flowers rising from among them out of the same white skinne which includeth the leaues but are not so plentifull as the former yellow being but two or three at the most of a faire gold yellow colour yet somewhat paler then the first hauing on the backe of euery of the three outer leaues three faire and great stripes of a faire deepe purple colour with some small lines at the sides or edges of those purple stripes on the inside of these flowers there is no signe or shew of any line or spot but wholly of a faire gold yellow with chiues and a fethertopt pointell in the middle the seede hereof is like the former but not so red the roote of this kinde is easily knowne from the roote of any other Saffron flower because the
great purple in Italy and now by such friends helpes as haue sent them they prosper as well in our Gardens as in their naturall places Yet I must giue you this to vnderstand that some of these formerly expressed haue been raised vp vnto vs by the sowing of their seede The Time Their seuerall times are likewise expressed in their descriptions for some shew forth their pleasant flowers in the Spring wherein for the three first 1 Crocus vernus luteus vulgaris The common yellow spring Crocus 2 Crocus verus sativus Autumnalis The true Saffron 3 Crocus Byzantinus argenteus The siluer coloured Autumne Crocus 4 Crocus Pyrenaeus purpureus The purple mountaine Crocus 5 Crocus montanus Autumnalis The Autumne mountaine Crocus 6 Sisyrinchium maius The greater Spanish Nut. moneths our Gardens are furnished with the varietie of one sort or another the rest in Autumne that so they might procure the more delight in yeelding their beauty both early and late when scarce any other flowers are found to adorne them The Names I shall not neede to trouble you with an idle tale of the name of Crocus which were to little purpose nor to reiterate the former names imposed vpon them let it suffice that the fittest names are giuen them that may distinguish them one from another onely this I must giue you to vnderstand that the gold yellow Crocus or Saffron flower is the true Crocus Maesiacus as I shewed before and that neither the yellow stript or cloth of gold which wee so call after the Dutch name Gaud Laken is the true Maesiacus as some suppose and that the great white Saffron flower by reason of his likenesse vnto the gold yellow is called Crocus albus Maesiaci facie or facie lutei that is The white Saffron flower that is like the Maesiacus or yellow The Vertues The true Saffron for the others are of no vse which wee call English Saffron is of very great vse both for inward and outward diseases and is very cordiall vsed to expell any hurtfull or venemous vapours from the heart both in the small Pockes Measels Plague Iaundise and many other diseases as also to strengthen and comfort any cold or weake members CHAP. XVIII Sisyrinchium The Spanish Nut. I Can doe no otherwise then make a peculiar Chapter of this plant because it is neither a Crocus although in the roote it come somewhat neare vnto that kinde that is netted but in no other part agreeing with any the delineaments of a Saffron flower and therefore could not be thrust into the Chapter amongst them neither can I place it in the forefront of the Chapter of the Iris bulbosa or bulbous Flowerdeluces because it doth not belong to that Family and although the flower thereof doth most resemble a Flowerdeluce yet in that no other parts thereof doe fitly agree thereunto I haue rather chosen to seate it by it selfe betweene them both as partaking of both natures and so may serue in stead of a bridge to passe from the one to the other that is from the Crocus or Saffron flower to the Iris bulbosa or bulbous rooted Flowerdeluce which shall follow in the next Chapter by themselues The Spanish Nut hath two long and narrow soft and smooth greene leaues lying for the most part vpon the ground and sometimes standing vp yet bending downewards betweene these leaues riseth vp a small stalke halfe a foote high hauing diuers smooth soft greene leaues vpon it as if they were skinnes through which the stalke passeth at the toppe whereof stand diuers flowers rising one after another and not all flowring at once for seldome shall you haue aboue one flower blowne at a time each whereof doth so quickly passe and fade away that one may well say that it is but one dayes flower or rather the flower of a few houres the flower it selfe hath nine leaues like vnto a Flowerdeluce whereof the three that fall downe haue in each of them a yellow spot the other three which in the Flowerdeluces are hollow and ridged couering the other three that fall downe in this stand vpright and are parted at the ends the three that stand vp in the middle are small and short the whole flower is smaller then any Flowerdeluce but of sundry colours for some are of an excellent skie colour blew others of a Violet purple others of a darker purple colour and some white and many others mixed either pale blew and deepe purple or white and blew mixed or striped together very variably quickly fading as I said before the seede is enclosed in small cods so thinne and transparent that one may easily see and tell the seeds as they lye which are of a brownish red colour the roote is small blackish and round wrapped in a thicke skinne or huske made like vnto a net or somewhat like vnto the roote of the cloth of gold Crocus when the plant is in flower it is found to haue two rootes one aboue another whereof the vppermost is firme and sound and the vndermost loose and spongie in like manner as is found in the rootes of diuers Orchides or Satyrions Bee-flowers and the like and without any good taste or sweetnesse at all although Clusius saith otherwise Sisyrinchium Mauritanicum The Barbary Nut. There is another of this kinde not differing from the former in any other notable part but in the flower which in this is of a delayed purplish red colour hauing in each of the three lower leaues a white spot in stead of the yellow in the former but are as soone fading as they The Place The former doe grow very plentifully in many parts both of Spaine and Portugall where Guillaume Boel a Dutch man heretofore remembred often in this Booke found them of the sundry colours specified whereas Clusius maketh mention but of one colour that he found The other was found in that part of Barbary where Fez and Morocco do stand and brought first into the Lowe-Countries but they are both very tender and will hardly abide the hard Winters of these colder regions The Time The first flowreth in May and Iune the last not vntill August The Names The name Sisyrinchium is generally imposed vpon this plant by all authors that haue written thereof thinking it to bee the right Sisyrinchium of Theophrastus but concerning the Spanish name Nozelha which Clusius saith it is called by in Spaine I haue beene credibly enformed by the aforenamed Boel that this roote is not so called in those parts but that the small or common stript Crocus is called Nozelha which is sweete in taste and desired very greedily by the Shepheards and Children and that the roote of this Sisyrinchium or Spanish Nut is without any taste and is not eaten And againe that there is not two kindes although it grow greater and with more flowers in those places that are neare the Sea where both the washing of the Sea water and the moisture and ayre of the Sea causeth the ground to bee more
the former not differing in roote leafe or flower from the former but onely that the flower in this is of a pale reddish purple colour comming somewhat neare vnto the colour of a peach blossome 5. Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia alba The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce riseth not vp so early out of the ground as the blew or purple doth but about a moneth or more after whose leaues are somewhat larger and broader then of the others the stalke is thicker and shorter bearing vsually two very large and great flowers one flowring a little before the other yet oftentimes both in flower together in the end of a bleake blewish white colour which wee call a siluer colour while they are in the budde and before they be blowne open but then of a purer white yet with an eye or shew of that siluer colour remaining in them the three falling leaues being very large and hauing that yellow spot in the middle of each of them the seedes are likewise inclosed in heads like vnto the blew or purple kindes but larger and are of a reddish yellow colour like them the roote likewise is not differing but greater 6. Iris bulbosa maior alba variegata The great white stript bulbous Flowerdeluce This white stript Flowerdeluce is in roote leafe and flower and in manner of growing like vnto the former white Flowerdeluce the onely difference is in the marking of the flower being diuers from it for this hath in the white flower great veines stripes or markes of a Violet blew colour dispersed through the leaues of the flower very variably which addeth a superexcellent beauty to the flower 7. Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia versicolor The great party coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce There is no difference in this from the former but in the flower which is of a whitish colour in the three falling leaues hauing a circle of ash-colour about the yellow spot the three rigged leaues being likewise whitish but ridged and edged with that ash-colour and the three vpright leaues of a pale blewish white colour with some veines therein of a blewish purple Varietas There hath beene brought vnto vs diuers rootes of these kindes with the dryed flowers remaining on them wherein there hath beene seene more varieties then I can well remember to expresse which variety it is very probable hath risen by the sowing of the seeds as is truely obserued in the narrower leafed kinde of Flowerdeluce in the Tulipa and in some other plants Flore luteo Wee haue heard of one of this kinde of broad leafed Flowerdeluces that should beare a yellow flower in the like manner as is to be seene in the narrow leafed ones but I haue not seene any such and therefore I dare report no further of it vntill time hath discouered the truth or falshood of the report The Place Lobelius is the first reporter that the blew Flowerdeluce or first kinde of these broad leafed Flowerdeluces groweth naturally in the West parts of England but I am in some doubt of the truth of that report for I rather thinke that some in their trauels through Spaine or other parts where it groweth being delighted with the beauty of the flower did gather the rootes and bring them ouer with them and dwelling in some of the West parts of England planted them and there encreasing so plentifully as they doe they were imparted to many thereby in time growing common in all Countrey folkes Gardens thereabouts They grow also and all the other and many more varieties about Tholouse from whence Plantinianus Gassanus both sent and brought vs them with many other bulbous rootes and rare plants gathered thereabouts 1 Iris bulbosa latifolia prima Clusii Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce 2 Iris bulbosa maior caerulea siue Anglica The great blew or English bulbous Flowerdeluce 3 Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce 4 Iris bulbosa angustifolia maior alba The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce 5 Iris bulbosa angustifolia versicolor The party coloured narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce 6 Iris bulbosa angustifolia Africana The purple African bulbous narrow leafed Flowerdeluce The Time These doe flower vsually in the end of May or beginning of Iune and their seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or August The Names Lobel calleth the first English blew Flowerdeluce Hyacinthus Poetarum flore Iridis propter Hyacinthinum colorem id est violaceum dictus but I know not any great good ground for it more then the very colour for it is neither of the forme of a Lilly neither hath it those mourning markes imprinted in it which the Poet faineth to bee in his Hyacinth It is most truely called an Iris or Flowerdeluce and there is great difference betweene a Lilly and a Flowerdeluce for the formes of their flowers because it answereth thereunto very exactly for the flower and is therefore called vsually by most either Iris bulbosa Anglica or Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia for a difference betweene it and the lesser with narrow leaues In English eyther The great English bulbous Flowerdeluce or the great broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce which you will adding the other name according to the colour And thus much for these broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces so much as hath come to our knowledge Now to the seuerall varieties of the narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces so much likewise as we haue been acquainted with Iris bulbosa minor siue angustifolia alba The smaller white or narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce This first Flowerdeluce which beareth the smaller flower of the two white ones that are here to bee described springeth out of the ground alwaies before Winter which after breaketh forth into foure or fiue small and narrow leaues a foote long or more of a whitish greene on the inside which is hollow and chanalled and of a blewish greene colour on the outside and round withall the stalke of this kinde is longer and slenderer then the former with some shorter leaues vpon it at the toppe whereof out of short skinny leaues stand one or two flowers smaller shorter and rounder then the flowers of the former broad leafed Flowerdeluces but made after the same proportion with nine leaues three falling downewards with a yellow spot in the middle other three are made like a long arch which couer the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues and turne vp at the ends of them where they are diuided into two parts the other three stand vpright betweene each of the three falling leaues being somewhat long and narrow the flower is wholly sauing the yellow spot of a pure white colour yet in some hauing a shew of some blew throughout and in others towards the bottome of the three vpright leaues after the flowers are past there rise vp so many long cods or seede vessels as there were flowers which are longer
and smaller then in the former and a little bending like a Cornet with three round squares and round pointed also which diuiding it selfe when the seede is ripe into three parts doe shew six seuerall cells or places wherein is contained such like round reddish yellow seedes but smaller then the former the roote is smaller and shorter then the former and without any haires or threeds couered with browne thin skinnes and more plentifull in giuing encrease Iris bulbosa anguistifolia alba flore maiore The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce I shall not neede to make a seuerall description to euery one of these Flowerdeluces that follow for that were but to make often repetition of one thing which being once done as it is may well serue to expresse all the rest and but onely to adde the especiall differences either in leafe or flower for bignesse colour or forme as is expedient to expresse and distinguish them seuerally This greater white bulbous Flowerdeluce is like vnto the last described in all parts sauing that it is a little larger and higher both in leafe stalke and flower and much whiter then any of these mixed sorts that follow yet not so white as the former the roote hereof is likewise a little bigger and rounder in the middle Albesâ—ens Milke white There is another whose falling leaues haue a little shew of yellownesse in them and so are the middle ridges of the arched leaues but the vpright leaues are more white not differing in roote or leafe from the first white Argentea Siluer colour And another whose falls are of a yellowish white like the last the arched leaues are whiter and the vpright leaues of a blewish white which we call a siluer colour Albida Whitish Another hath the fals yellowish and sometimes with a little edge of white about them and sometimes without the vpright leaues are whitish as the arched leaues are yet the ridge yellower Albida labris luteis White with yellow fals Albida angustior The narrow white Another hath his fals yellow and the vpright leaues white all these flowers are about the same bignesse with the first But we haue another whose flower is smaller and almost as white as the second the lower leaues are small and doe as it were stand outright not hauing almost any fal at all so that the yellow spot seemeth to be the whole leafe the arched leaues are not halfe so large as in the former and the vpright leaues bowe themselues in the middle so that the tops doe as it were meete together And another of the same whose falling leaues are a little more eminent and yellow with a yellower spot Aurea siue lutea Hispanica The Spanish yellow We haue another kinde that is called the Spanish yellow which riseth not vp so high as ordinarily most of the rest doe and is wholly of a gold yellow colour Pallide lutea Straw colour There is another that vsually riseth higher then the former yellow and is wholly of a pale yellow but deeper as the spot Albida lutea Pale Straw colour Mauritanica flaua serotina minor The small Barbary yellow Versicolor Hispanica caerulea labris albis The party coloured Spanish There is also another like vnto the pale yellow but that the falling leaues are whiter then all the rest of the flower There is a smaller or dwarfe kinde brought from the backe parts of Barbary neare the Sea like vnto the yellow but smaller and lower and in stead of vpright leaues hath small short leaues like haires it flowreth very late after all others haue almost giuen their seede We haue another sort is called the party coloured Spanish bulbous Flowerdeluce whose falling leaues are white the arched leaues of a whitish siluer colour and the vpright leaues of a fine blewish purple Yet sometimes this doth vary for the falling leaues will haue either an edge of blew circling the white leaues the arched leaues being a little blewer Diuersitas The diuersity or variation of this flower and the vpright leaues more purple Or the fals will be almost wholly blew edged with a blewer colour the arched leaues pale blew and the vpright leaues of a purplish blew Violet colour Or the fals white the arched leaues pale white as the vpright leaues are Or not of so faire a blewish purple as the first sort is Some of them also will haue larger flowers then others and be more liberall in bearing flowers for the first sort which is the most ordinary seldome beareth aboue one flower on a stalke yet sometimes two And of the others there are some that wil beare vsually two and three flowers yet some againe will beare but one All these kindes smell sweeter then many of the other Caerulea siue purpurea minor Lusitanica praecox The small early purple Portugall although the most part be without sent There is another kinde that is smaller in all the parts thereof then the former the stalke is slender and not so high bearing at the toppe one or two small flowers all wholly of a faire blewish purple with a yellow spot in euery one of the three falling leaues this vsually flowreth early euen with the first bulbous Flowerdeluces Purpurea maior The greater purple We haue another purple whose flower is larger and stalke higher and is of a very reddish purple colour a little aboue the ground at the foote or bottome of the leaues and stalke this flowreth with the later sort of Flowerdeluces Purpurea serotina The late purple There is another whose flower is wholly purple except the yellow spot and flowreth later then any of the other purples Purpura rubescens labris caeruleis A reddish purple with blew fals Purpura rubescens labris albido caruleis A reddish purple with whitish blew fals Purpurea labris luteis Party coloured purple yellow Purpurea labris ex albido caruleo luteo mixtis Party coloured purple with stript yellow fals Sub purpurea labris luteis Pale purple with yellow fals A paler purple Subcaerulea labris luteis Party coloured blew and yellow Criâ—is coloris elâ—gantioris A faire haire colour Altera obsoletior A dull haire colour There is yet another purple whose vpright leaues are of a reddish purple and the falling leaues of a blew colour And another of a reddish purple whose falling leaues are of a whitish blew colour in nothing else differing from the last Another hath his falling leaues of a faire gold yellow without any stripe yet in some there are veines running through the yellow leaues and some haue an edge of a sullen darke colour about them the vpright leaues in euery of these are of a Violet purple Another is altogether like this last but that the falling leaues are of a pale blew and yellow trauersing one the other and the arched leaues of a pale purplish colour Another hath his vpright leaues of a paler purple and the falling leaues
yellow And another little differing from it but that the arched leaues are whitish Another whose vpright leaues are of a pale blew and the falling leaues yellow And another of the same sort but of a little paler blew We haue another sort whose vpright leaues are of a faire brownish yellow colour which some call a Fuille mort and others an haire colour the falling leaues yellow And another of the same colour but somewhat deader Iris bulbosa Africana serpentariae caule The purple or muricy bulbous Barbary Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce as it is more strange that is but lately knowne and possessed by a few so it is both more desired and of more beauty then others It is in all respects of roote leafe and flower for the forme like vnto the middle sort of these Flowerdeluces onely the lowest part of the leaues and stalke for an inch or thereabouts next vnto the ground are of a reddish colour spotted with many spots and the flower being of a meane size is of a deepe purplish red or murrey colour the whole flower throughout except the yellow spot in the middle of the three lower or falling leaues as is in all others Purpura caerulea obsoleta labris fuscis The duskie party coloured purple And lastly there is another sort which is the greatest of all these narrow leafed Flowerdeluces in all the parts of it for the roote is greater then any of the other being thicke and short the leaues are broader and longer but of the same colour the stalke is stronger and higher then any of them bearing two or three flowers larger also then any of the rest whose falling leaues are of a duskie yellow and sometimes with veines and borders about the brimmes of another dunne colour yet hauing that yellow spot that is in all the arched leaues are of a sullen pale purplish yellow and the vpright leaues of a dull or duskie blewish purple colour the heads or hornes for seede are likewise greater and so is the seede also a little The Place These Flowerdeluces haue had their originall out of Spaine and Portugall as it is thought except those that haue risen by the sowing and those which are named of Africa The Time These flower in Iune and sometimes abide vnto Iuly but vsually not so early as the former broad leafed kindes and are soone spoiled with wet in their flowring The Names The seuerall names both in Latine and English are sufficient for them as they are set downe for we know no better The Vertues There is not any thing extant or to be heard that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious And thus much for these sorts of bulbous Flowerdeluces and yet I doubt not but that there are many differences which haue risen by the sowing of the seede as many may obserue from their owne labours for that euery yeare doth shew forth some variety that is not seene before And now I will conuert my discourse a while likewise to passe through the seuerall rankes of the other kindes of tuberous rooted Flowerdeluces called Flagges CHAP. XX. Iris latifolia tuberosa The Flagge or Flowerdeluce THere are two principall kindes of tuberous or knobby rooted Flowerdeluces that is the fall and the dwarfe or the greater and the lesser the former called Iris maior or latifolia and the other Iris minor or rather Chamaeiris and each of these haue their lesser or narrow leafed kindes to bee comprehended vnder them Of all which in their order And first of that Flowerdeluce which for his excellent beautie and raritie deserueth the first place Iris Chalcedonica siue Susiana maior The great Turkie Flowerdeluce The great Turkie Flowerdeluce hath diuers heads of long and broad fresh greene leaues yet not so broad as many other of those that follow one folded within another at the bottome as all other of these Flowerdeluces are from the middle of some one of those heads for euery head of leaues beareth not a flower riseth vp a round stiffe stalke two foote high at the toppe whereof standeth one flower for I neuer obserued it to beare two the largest almost but rarest of all the rest consisting of nine leaues like the others that follow but of the colour almost of a Snakes skinne it is so diuersly spotted for the three lower falling leaues are very large of a deepe or darke purple colour almost blacke full of grayish spots strakes and lines through the whole leaues with a blacke thrume or freeze in the middle of each of them the three arched leaues that couer them are of the same darke purple colour yet a little paler at the sides the three vpper leaues are very large also and of the same colour with the lower leaues but a little more liuely and fresh being speckled and straked with whiter spots and lines which leaues being laid in water will colour the water into a Violet colour but if a little Allome be put therein and then wrung or pressed and the iuice of these leaues dryed in the shadow will giue a colour almost as deepe as Indico and may serue for shadowes in limming excellent well the flower hath no sent that can be perceiued but is onely commendable for the beauty and rarity thereof it seldome beareth seedes in these cold Countries but when it doth it is contained in great heads being brownish and round but not so flat as in other sorts the roots are more browne on the outside and growing tuberous thicke as all other that are kept in Gardens Iris Chalcedonica siue Susiana minor The lesser Turkie Flowerdeluce There is another hereof little differing but that the leafe is of a more yellowish greene colour and the flower neither so large or faire nor of so perspicuous markes and spots nor the colour of that liuely though darke lustre The Place These haue been sent out of Turkie diuers times among other things and it should seeme that they haue had their originall from about Susis a chiefe Citie of Persia The Time They flower in May most vsually before any of the other kindes The Names They haue been sent vnto vs and vnto diuers other in other parts from Constantinople vnder the name of Alaia Susiana and thereupon it hath been called both of them and vs either Iris Chalcedonica or Susiana and for distinction maior or minor In English The Turkie Flowerdeluce or the Ginnie Hen Flowerdeluce the greater or the lesser Iris alba Florentina The white Flowerdeluce The great white Flowerdeluce hath many heads of very broad and flat long leaues enclosing or folding one within another at the bottome and after a little diuided one from another toward the top thin edged like a sword on both sides and thicker in the middle from the middle of some of these heads of leaues riseth vp a round stiffe stalk two or three foot high bearing at the top one two
or three large flowers out of seuerall huskes or skins consisting of nine leaues as all the other do of a faire white colour hauing in the middle of each of the three falling leaues a small long yellow frize or thrume as is most vsuall in all the sorts of the following Flowerdeluces both of the greater and smaller kindes after the flowers are past come the seed inclosed in thicke short pods full fraught or stored with red roundish and flat seede lying close one vpon another the roote is tuberous or knobby shooting out from euery side such like tuberous heads lying for the most part vpon or aboue the ground and fastened within the ground with long white strings or fibres which hold them strongly and encreaseth fast Flore pallido There is another like vnto this last in all things sauing that the colour of the flower is of a more yellowish white which we vsually call a Straw colour Iris alba maior Versicolor The white party coloured Flowerdeluce This variable Flowerdeluce is like vnto the former but that the leaues are not so large and broad the flower hereof is as large almost and as white as the former but it hath a faire list or line of a blewish purple downe the backe of euery one of the three vpright leaues and likewise round about the edges both of the vpper and lower leaues and also a little more purplish vpon the ridge of the arched leaues that couer the falling leaues the roote hereof is not so great as of the former white but a little slenderer and browner Iris Dalmatica maior The great Dalmatian Flowerdeluce This greater Flowerdeluce of Dalmatia hath his leaues as large and broad as any of the Flowerdeluces whatsoeuer his stalke and flower doe equall his other proportion onely the colour of the flower is differing being of a faire watchet or bleake blew colour wholly with the yellow frize or thrum downe the middle of the lower or falling leaues as before is said to be common to all these sorts of Flowerdeluces in all other parts it little differeth sauing onely this is obserued to haue a small shew of a purplish red about the bottome of the greene leaues Iris purpurea siue vulgaris The common purple Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce which is most common in Gardens differeth nothing at all from those that are formerly described either in roote leafe or flower for the forme of them but onely that the leaues of this are not so large as the last and the flower it selfe is of a deep purple or Violet colour and sometimes a little declining to rednesse especially in some places Sometimes this kinde of Flowerdeluce will haue flowers of a paler purple colour Purpurea pallidior versicolor comming neare vnto a blew and sometimes it will haue veines or stripes of a deeper blew or purple or ash-colour running through all the vpper and lower leaues There is another like vnto this but more purple in the fals Caerulea labris purpureis and more pale in the vpright leaues Iris Asiatica caerulea The blew Flowerdeluce of Asia This Flowerdeluce of Asia is in largenesse of leaues like vnto the Dalmatian but beareth more store of flowers on seuerall branches which are of a deeper blew colour and the arched leaues whitish on the side and purplish on the ridges but in other things like vnto it There is another neare vnto this but that his leaues are a little narrower Purpurea and his flowers a little more purple especially the vpper leaues Iris Damascena The Flowerdeluce of Damasco This is likewise altogether like the Flowerdeluce of Asia but that it hath some white veines in the vpright leaues Iris Lusitanica biflora The Portugall Flowerdeluce This Portugall Flowerdeluce is very like the common purple Flowerdeluce but that this is not so large in leaues or flowers and that it doth often flower twice in a yeare that is both in the Spring and in the Autumne againe and besides the flowers haue a better or sweeter sent but of the like purple or Violet colour as it is and comming forth out of purplish skins or huskes Iris Camerarij siue purpurea versicolor maior The greater variable coloured purple Flowerdeluce The greater of the variable purple Flowerdeluces hath very broad leaues like vnto the leaues of the common purple Flowerdeluce and so is the flower also but differing in colour for the three lower leaues are of a deepe purple colour tending to rednesse the three arched leaues are of the colour with the vpper leaues which are of a pale or bleake colour tending to yellownesse shadowed ouer with a smoakie purplish colour except the ridges of the arched leaues which are of a more liuely purple colour Iris purpurea versicolor minor The lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce differeth not in any thing from the last but onely that it hath narrower greene leaues and smaller and narrower flowers else if they be both conferred together the colours will not seeme to varie the one from the other any whit at all There is another somewhat neare vnto these two last kindes Altera minus fuliginea whose huskes from whence the flowers doe shoot forth haue purple veines in them and to haue the falling purplish leaues and the three vpright leaues are not so smoakie yet of a dun purple colour Iris caerulea versicolor The blew party coloured Flowerdeluce This party coloured Flowerdeluce hath his leaues of the same largenesse with the lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce last described and his flowers diuersly marked for some haue the fals blew at the edges and whitish at the bottome the arched leaues of a yellowish white and the vpright leaues of a whitish blew with yellowish edges Some againe are of a darker blew with brownish spots in them And some are so pale a blew that we may well call it an ash colour And lastly there is another of this sort whose vpright leaueâ— are of a faire pale blew with yellowish edges and the falling leaues parted into two colours sometimes equally in the halfe each side sutable to the other in colour And sometimes hauing the one leafe in that manner And sometimes but with a diuers coloured list in them in the other parts both of flower and leafe like vnto the other Iris lutea variegata The yellow variable Flowerdeluce This yellow variable Flowerdeluce loseth his leaues in Winter contrary to all the former Flowerdeluces so that his roote remaineth vnder ground without any shew of leafe vpon it but in the beginning of the Spring it shooteth out faire broad leaues falling downwards at the points or ends but shorter many times then any of the former and so is the stalke likewise not rising much aboue a foote high whereon are set two or three large flowers whose falling leaues are of a reddish purple colour the three that stand vpright of a smoakie yellow the arched leaues hauing their ridges of a bleake colour tending to
kinde because of the neare resemblance of the flower although it differ both in roote and leafe lest therefore it should haue no place let it take vp a roome here in the end of the Flowerdeluces with this description following It hath many small and foure square leaues two foote long and aboue sometimes of a grayish greene colour stiffe at the first but afterwards growing to their full length they are weak and bend downe to the ground out of the middle as it were of one of these leaues breaketh out the stalke a foot high and better with some leaues thereon at the toppe whereof out of a huske riseth one flower I neuer saw more on a stalke consisting of nine leaues whereof the three that fall downe are of a yellowish greene colour round about the edges and in the middle of so deepe a purple that it seemeth to be blacke resembling blacke Veluet the three arched leaues that couer the lower leaues to the halfe are of the same greenish colour that the edges and backside of the lower leaues are the three vppermost leaues if they may be called leaues or rather short peeces like eares are green also but wherein a glimpse of purple may be seene in them after the flower is past there followeth a round knob or whitish seede vessell hanging downe by a small foote-stalke from betweene the huske which is diuided as it were into two leaues wherein is contained round white seede The roote is bunched or knobbed out into long round rootes like vnto fingers two or three from one peece one distant from another and one longer then another for the most part of a darkish gray colour and reddish withall on the outside and somewhat yellowish within The Place It hath beene sent out of Turkie oftentimes as growing naturally thereabouts and not knowne to grow naturally any where else The Time It flowreth in Aprill or May sometimes earlier or later as the Spring falleth out to be milde or sharpe The Names Matthiolus contendeth to make it the true Hermodactylus rather from the shew of the rootes which as is said are like vnto fingers then from any other good reason for the rootes hereof eyther dry or greene do nothing resemble the true Hermodactyli that are vsed in Physicke as any that knoweth them may easily perceiue either in forme or vertue It is more truely referred to the Flowerdeluces and because of the tuberous rootes called Iris tuberosa although all the Flowerdeluces in this Chapter haue tuberous rootes yet this much differing from them all In English it is vsually called The Veluet Flowerdeluce because the three falling leaues seeme to be like smooth blacke Veluet The Vertues Both the rootes and the flowers of the great Flowerdeluces are of great vse for the purging and cleansing of many inward as well as outward diseases as all Authors in Physicke doe record Some haue vsed also the greene rootes to cleanse the skinne but they had neede to be carefull that vse them lest they take more harme then good by the vse of them The dryed rootes called Orris as is said is of much vse to make sweete powders or other things to perfume apparrell or linnen The iuice or decoction of the green roots doth procure both neezing to be snuft vp into the nostrils and vomiting very strongly being taken inwardly CHAP. XXI Gladiolus Corne Flagge NExt vnto the Flagges or Flowerdeluces come the Gladioli or Corne Flagges to bee entreated of for some resemblance of the leaues with them There are hereof diuers sorts some bigger and some lesser but the chiefest difference is in the colour of the flowers and one in the order of the flowers Of them all in their seuerall orders Gladiolus Narbonensis The French Corne Flagge The French Corne Flagge riseth vp with three or foure broad long and stiffe greene leaues one as it were out of the side of another being ioyned together at the bottome somewhat like vnto the leaues of Flowerdeluces but stiffer more full of ribbes and longer then many of them and sharper pointed the stalke riseth vp from among the leaues bearing them on it as it riseth hauing at the toppe diuers huskes out of which come the flowers one aboue another all of them turning and opening themselues one way which are long and gaping like vnto the flowers of Foxegloue a little arched or bunching vp in the middle of a faire reddish purple colour with two white spots within the mouth thereof one on each side made like vnto a Lozenge that is square and long pointed after the flowers are past come vp round heads or seede vessels wherein is contained reddish flat seede like vnto the seede of the Fritillaria but thicker and fuller the roote is somewhat great round flat and hard with a shew as if it were netted hauing another short spongie one vnder it which when it hath done bearing and the stalke dry that the roote may be taken vp sticketh close to the bottome but may be easily taken away hauing vsually a number of small rootes encreased about it the least whereof will quickly grow so that if it be suffered any long time in a Garden it will rather choake and pester it then be an ornament vnto it Gladiolus Italicus binis floribus ordinibus The Italian Corne Flagge The Italian Corne Flagge is like vnto the French in roote leafe and flower without any other difference then that the roote is smaller and browner the leafe and stalke of a darker colour and the flowers being of a little darker colour like the former and somewhat smaller stand out on both sides of the stalke Gladiolus Byzantinus Corne Flagge of Constantinople This Corne Flagge that came first from Constantinople is in all things like vnto the French Corne Flagge last described but that it is larger both in rootes leaues and flowers and likewise that the Flowers of this which stand not on both sides are of a deeper red colour and flower later after all the rest are past the roote hereof being netted as plainly as any of the former is as plentifull also to giue encrease but is more tender and lesse able to abide our sharpe cold Winters Gladiolus flore rubente Blush Corne Flagge This blush kinde is like vnto the French Corne Flagge in all respects sauing onely that the flowers are of a pale red colour tending to whitenesse which wee vsually call a blush colour Gladiolus flore albo White Corne Flagge This white Corne Flagge also differeth not from the last but onely that the rootes are whiter on the outside the leaues are greener without any brownnesse or darknesse as in the former and the flowers are snow white Gladiolus purpureus minor The small purple Corne Flagge This also differeth not from any of the former but onely in the smalnesse both of leafe stalke and flowers which stand all on the one side like vnto the French kinde and of the same colour the roote of this kinde is netted more then any other
The Place They grow in France and Italy the least in Spaine and the Byzantine as it is thought about Constantinople being as is said first sent from thence Iohn Tradescante assured mee that hee saw many acres of ground in Barbary spread ouer with them The Time They all flower in Iune and Iuly and the Byzantine latest as is said before The Names It hath diuers names for the Latines call it Gladiolus of the forme of a sword which the leafe doth resemble The Romanes Segetalis because it groweth in the Corne fields Some call it Victorialis rotunda to put a difference between it and the longa which is a kinde of Garlicke Plinie saith that Gladiolus is Cypirus but to decide that controuersie and many others belongeth to another discourse this being intended only for pleasure Gerrard mistaketh the French kinde for the Italian The Vertues The roote being bruised and applyed with Frankinsense and often of it selfe without it in the manner of a pultis or plaister is held of diuers to be singular good to draw out splinters thornes and broken bones out of the flesh Some take it to be effectuall to stirre vp Venerie but I somewhat doubt thereof For Galen in his eighth Booke of Simples giueth vnto it a drawing digesting and drying faculty 1 Gladiolus Narbonensis The French Corne Flagge 2 Gladiolus Italicus The Italian Corne Flagge 3 Gladiolus Byzantinus Corne Flagge of Constantinople 4 Palma Christi was The great male handed Satyrion 5 Orchis Hermaphroditica candida The white Butterflie Orchis 6 Orchis Melitias siue apifera The Bee flower or Bee Orchis 7 Deus Caninus flore purpurante Dogges tooth Violet with a pale purplish flower 8 Deus Caninus flore albo Dogges tooth Violet with a white flower CHAP. XXII Orchis siue Satyrium Bee flowers ALthough it is not my purpose in this place to giue a generall history of all the sorrs of Orchides Satyrions and the rest of that kinde yet because many of them are very pleasant to behold and if they be planted in a conuenient place will abide some time in Gardens so that there is much pleasure taken in them I shall intrude some of them for curiosities sake to make vp the prospect of natures beautifull variety and only entreate of a few leauing the rest to a more ample declaration 1. Satyrium Basilicum siue Palma Christi mas The greater male handed Satyrion This handed Satyrion hath for the most part but three faire large greene leaues neare vnto the ground spotted with small blackish markes from among which riseth vp a stalke with some smaller leaues thereon bearing at the toppe a bush or spike of flowers thicke set together euery one whereof is made like a body with the belly broader belowe then aboue where it hath small peeces adioyned vnto it the flower is of a faire purple colour spotted with deeper purple spots and hauing small peeces like hornes hanging at the backes of the flowers and a small leafe at the bottome of the foote-stalke of euery flower the rootes are not round like the other Orchides but somewhat long and flat like a hand with small diuisions belowe hanging downe like the fingers of a hand cut short off by the knockles two alwayes growing together with some small fibres or strings aboue the heads of these rootes at the bottome of the stalke 2. Satyrium Basilicum siue Palma Christi faemina The female handed Satyrion This female Satyrion hath longer and narrower leaues then the former and spotted with more and greater spots compassing the stalke at the bottome like the other this beareth likewise a bush of flowers like vnto the other but that each of these haue heads like hoods whereas the former haue none in some they are white with purple spots and in others of a reddish purple with deep or darke coloured spots the roots are alike 3. Orchis Hermaphroditica candida The white Butterflie Orchis The rootes of this kinde take part with both the sorts of Orchis and Satyrium being neither altogether round nor fully handed and thereupon it tooke the name to signifie both kindes the leaues are two in number seldome more being faire and broad like vnto the leaues of Lillies without any spot at all in them at the toppe of the stalke stand many white flowers not so thicke set as the first or second euery one being fashioned like vnto a white Butterflie with the wings spread abroad 4. Orchis Melitias siue apifera The Bee flower or Bee Orchis This is a small and lowe plant for the most part with three or foure small narrow leaues at the bottome the stalke is seldome aboue halfe a foote high with foure or fiue flowers thereon one aboue another hauing round bodies and somewhat flat of a kind of yellowish colour with purple wings aboue them so like vnto an honey Bee that it might soone deceiue one that neuer had seene such a flower before the roots are two together round and white hauing a certaine muccilaginesse or clamminesse within them without any taste almost at all as all or the most part of these kindes haue 5. Orchis Sphegodes Gnats Satyrion The leaues of this Orchis are somewhat larger then of the Bee flower the stalke also somewhat higher the flowers are fewer on the toppe but somewhat larger then of the Bee flowers made to the resemblance of a Gnat or great long Flie the rootes are two round bulbes as the other are 6. Orchis Myodes Flie Orchis The Flie Orchis is like vnto the last described both in leafe and roote the difference is in the flower which is neither so long as the Gnat Satyrion nor so great as the Bee Orchis but the neather part of the Flie is blacke with a list of ash-colour crossing the backe with a shew of legges hanging at it the naturall Flie seemeth so to bee in loue with it that you shall seldome come in the heate of the day but you shall finde one sitting close thereon The Place These grow in many places of England some in the Woods as the Butterflie and the two former handed Satyrions others on dry bankes and barren balkes in Kent and many other places The Time They flower for the most part in the beginning or middle of May or thereabouts The Names Their seuerall names are expressed in their titles so much as may suffice for this discourse The Vertues All the kindes of Orchis are accounted to procure bodily lust as well the flowers distilled as the rootes prepared The rootes boyled in red Wine and afterwards dryed are held to bee a singular good remedie against the bloody Fire CHAP. XXIII Dens Caninus Dogs tooth Violet VNto the kindes of Orchides may fitly be ioyned another plant which by many is reckoned to be a Satyrium both from the forme of roote and leafe and from the efficacy or vertue correspondent thereunto And although it cannot be the Satyrium Erythronium of Dioscorides as some would entitle it for that as I haue shewed
before his Satyrium tryphillum is the Tulipa without all doubt yet because it differeth very notably and carrieth more beauty and respect in his flower then they I shall entreate thereof in a Chapter by it selfe and set it next vnto them Dens Caninus flore albo Dogs tooth Violet with a white flower The white Dogs tooth hath for his roote a white bulbe long and small yet vsually greater then either of the other that follow bigger belowe then aboue with a small peece adioyning to the bottome of it from whence rise vp in the beginning of the Spring after the Winter frosts are past two leaues for the most part when it will flower or else but one and neuer three together that euer I saw closed together when they first come vp out of the ground which inclose the flower betweene them the leaues when they are opened do lay themselues flat on the ground or not much aboue it one opposite vnto the other with the stalke and the flower on it standing betweene them which leaues are of a whitish greene colour long and narrow yet broader in the middle then at both ends growing lesse by degrees each way spotted and striped all ouer the leaues with white lines and spots the stalke riseth vp halfe a foote high or more bearing at the toppe one flower and no more hanging downe the head larger then any of the other of this kinde that follow made or consisting of six white long and narrow leaues turning themselues vp againe after it hath felt the comfort of the Sunne that they doe almost touch the stalke againe very like vnto the flowers of Cyclamen or Sowebread it hath in the middle of the flower six white chiues tipt with darke purple pendents and a white three forked stile in the middle of them the flower hath no sent at all but commendable onely for the beauty and forme thereof after the flower is past commeth in the place a round head seeming three square containing therein small and yellowish seede Dens Caninus flore purpurascente Dogs tooth with a pale purple flower This other Dogs tooth is like vnto the former but lesser in all parts the leafe whereof is not so long but broad and short spotted with darker lines and spots the flower is like the other but smaller and of a delayed purple colour very pale sometimes and sometimes a little deeper turning it selfe as the other with a circle round about the vmbone or middle the chiues hereof are not white but declining to purple the roote is white and like vnto the former but lesser as is said before Dens Caninus flore rubro Dogs tooth with a red flower This is in all things like vnto the last both for forme and bignesse of flower and leafe the chiefe difference consisteth in this that the leaues hereof are of a yellowish mealy greene colour spotted and streaked with redder spots and stripes and the flower of a deeper reddish purple colour and the chiues also more purplish then the last in all other things it is alike The Place The sorts of Dens Caninus doe growe in diuers places some in Italy on the Euganean Hils others on the Apenine and some about Gratz the chiefe Citie of Stiria and also about Bayonne and in other places The Time They flower in March most vsually and many times in Aprill according to the seasonablenesse of the yeare The Names Clusius did call it first Dentali and Lobel and from him some others Satyrium and Erythronium but I haue said enough hereof in the beginning of the Chapter It is most commonly called Dens Caninus and we in English either Dogs tooth or Dogs tooth Violet Gesner called it Hermodactylus and Matthiolus Pseudohermodactylus The Vertues The roote hereof is held to bee of more efficacy for venereous effects then any of the Orchides and Satyrions They of Stiria vse the rootes for the falling sicknesse Wee haue had from Virginia a roote sent vnto vs that wee might well iudge by the forme and colour thereof being dry to be either the roote of this or of an Orchis which the naturall people hold not onely to be singular to procure lust but hold it as a secret loth to reueale it CHAP. XXIIII Cyclamen Sowebread THe likenesse of the flowers and the spotting of the leaues of the Dens Caninus with these of the Cyclamen or Sowebread maketh mee ioyne it next thereunto as also that after the bulbous rooted plants I might begin with the tuberous that remaine and make this plant the beginning of them Of this kinde there are diuers sorts differing both in forme of leaues and time of flowring for some doe flower in the Spring of the yeare others afterwards in the beginning of Summer but the most number in the end of Summer or beginning of Autumne or Haruest whereof some haue round leaues others cornered like vnto Iuie longer or shorter greater or smaller Of them all in order and first of those that come in the Spring 1. Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo Purple flowred Sowebread of the Spring This Sowebread hath a smaller roote then most of the others yet round and blackish on the outside as all or most of the rest are I speake of them that I haue seene for Clusius and others doe report to haue had very great ones from whence rise vp diuers round yet pointed leaues and somewhat cornered withall greene aboue and spotted with white spots circlewise about the leafe and reddish vnderneath which at their first comming vp are folded together among which come the flowers of a reddish purple colour and very sweete euery one vpon a small long and slender reddish foote-stalke which hanging downe their heads turne vp their leaues againe after the flowers are past the head or seede vessell shrinketh downe winding his footestalke and coyling it selfe like a cable which when it toucheth the ground there abideth hid among the leaues till it be growne great and ripe wherein are contained a few small round seedes which being presently sowne will growe first into round rootes and afterwards from them shoote forth leaues 2. Cyclamen Vernum flore albo White flowred Sowebread of the Spring The white flowring Sowebread hath his leaues like the former but not fully so much cornered bearing small snow white flowers as sweete as the other and herein consisteth the chiefest difference in all other things it is alike 3. Cylamen Vernum Creticum flore albo White Candy Sowebread of the Spring This Sowebread is somewhat like the former white kinde but that the leaues grow much larger and longer with more corners at the edges and more eminent spots on them the flowers also somewhat longer and larger and herein consisteth the whole difference 4. Cyclamen Aestivum Summer Sowebread Summer Sowebread hath round leaues like vnto the Romane Sowebread but somewhat cornered yet with shorter corners then the Iuie leafed Sowebread full of white spots on the vpperside of the leaues and very purple vnderneath sometimes they
found of any of them This onely they haue assured that there groweth none in the places where some haue reported them to grow The Time Those of the Spring doe flower about the end of Aprill or beginning of May. The other of the Summer about the end of Iune or in Iuly The rest some in August and September others in October The Names The Common Sowebread is called by most Writers in Latine Panis Poreinus and by that name it is knowne in the Apothecaries shops as also by the name Arthanita according to which name they haue an ointment so called which is to be made with the iuice hereof It is also called by diuers other names not pertinent for this discourse The most vsuall name whereby it is knowne to most Herbarists is Cyclamen which is the Greeke word or as some call it Cyclaminus adding thereunto their other seuerall titles In English Sowebread The Vertues The leaues and rootes are very effectuall for the spleene as the Ointment before remembred plainly proueth being vsed for the same purpose and that to good effect It is vsed also for women in long and hard trauels where there is danger to accelerate the birth either the roote or the leafe being applyed But for any amorous effects I hold it meere fabulous CHAP. XXV Anemone Windeflower and his kindes THe next tuberous rooted plants that are to follow of right in my opinion are the Anemones or Windeflowers and although some tuberous rooted plants that is the Asphodils Spiderworts and Flowerdeluces haue beene before inserted it was both because they were in name or forme of flowers sutable to them whom they were ioyned vnto and also that they should not be seuered and entreated of in two seuerall places the rest are now to follow at the least so many of them as be beautifull flowers fit to furnish a Florists Garden for natures delightsome varieties and excellencies To distinguish the Family of Anemones I may that is into the wilde kindes and into the tame or mannured as they are called and both of them noursed vp in Gardens and of them into those that haue broader leaues and into those that haue thinner or more iagged leaues and of each of them into those that beare single flowers and those that beare double flowers But to describe the infinite as I may so say variety of the colours of the flowers and to giue to each his true distinction and denomination Hic labor hoc opus est it farre passeth my ability I confesse and I thinke would grauell the best experienced this day in Europe and the like I said concerning Tulipas it being as contingent to this plant as is before said of the Tulipa to be without end in yeelding varieties for who can see all the varieties that haue sprung from the sowing of the seede in all places seeing the variety of colours risen from thence is according to the variety of ayres grounds wherein they are sowne skill also helping nature in ordering them aright For the seede of one and the same plant sowne in diuers ayres and grounds doe produce that variety of colours that is much differing one from another who then can display all the mixtures of colours in them to set them downe in so small a roome as this Book Yet as I haue done in the former part of this Treatise my good will to expresse as many of each kinde haue come to my knowledge so if I endeauour the like in this I hope the courteous wil accept it and hold me excused for the rest otherwise if I were or could be absolute I should take from my self and others the hope of future augmentation or addition of any new which neuer will be wanting To begin therefore with the wilde kinds as they are so accounted I shall first entreate of the Pulsatillas or Pasque flowers which are certainly kindes of wilde Anemones both in leafe and flower as may well be discerned by them that are iudicious although some learned men haue not so thought as appeareth by their writings the rootes of them making one speciall note of difference from the other sorts of wilde Anemones 1. Pulsatilla Anglica purpurea The purple Pasque flower The Pasque or Passe flower which is of our owne Country hath many leaues lying on the ground somewhat rough or hairie hard in feeling and finely cut into many small leaues of a darke greene colour almost like the leaues of Carrets but finer and smaller from among which rise vp naked stalkes rough or hairie also set about the middle thereof with some small diuided leaues compassing them and rising aboue these leaues about a spanne bearing euery one of them one pendulous flower made of six leaues of a fine Violet purple colour but somewhat deepe withall in the middle whereof stand many yellow threeds set about a middle purple pointell after the flower is past there commeth vp in the stead thereof a bushie head of long seedes which are small and hoarie hauing at the end of euery one a small haire which is gray likewise the roote is small and long growing downewards into the ground with a tuft of haire at the head thereof and not lying or running vnder the vpper crust thereof as the other wilde Anemones doe 2. Pulsatilla Danica The Passe flower of Denmarke There is another that was brought out of Denmarke very like vnto the former but that it is larger both in roote and leafe and flower also which is of a fairer purple colour not so deepe and besides will better abide to bee mannured then our English kinde will as my selfe haue often proued Vtriusque flore albo flore duplici Of both these sorts it is said that some plants haue bin found that haue borne white flowers And likewise one that bore double flowers that is with two rowes of leaues 3. Pulsatilla flore rubro The red Passe flower Lobel as I take it did first set forth this kinde being brought him from Syria the leaues whereof are finer cut the flower smaller and with longer leaues and of a red colour 4. Pulsatilla flore luteo The yellow Passe flower The yellow Passe flower hath his leaues cut and diuided very like vnto the leaues of the first kinde but somewhat more hairie greene on the vpperside and hairie vnderneath the stalke is round and hoary the middle whereof is beser with some small leaues as in the other from among which riseth vp the stalke of the flower consisting of six leaues of a very faire yellow colour on the inside and of a hoary pale yellow on the outside after which followeth such an head of hairie thrummes as in the former the roote is of the bignesse of a mans finger 5. Pulsatilla flore albo The white Passe flower The white Passe flower which Clusius maketh a kinde of Anemone and yet as hee saith himselfe doth more nearely resemble the Pulsatilla hath from amongst a tuft or head of haires which grow at
wilde Anemone hath his rootes very like vnto the former kindes the leaues are alwaies three set together at the toppe of slender stalkes being small and indented about very like vnto a three leafed Grasse but smaller the flower consisteth of eight small leaues somewhat like vnto a Crowfoote but of a whitish purple or blush colour with some white threads and a greene rough head in the middle Anemone siluestris flore pleno albo The double white wilde Windflower This double kinde is very like vnto the single white kinde before described both in his long running rootes and thin leaues but somewhat larger the flowers hereof are very thicke and double although they be small and of a faint sweete sent very white after it is full blowne for fiue or six dayes but afterwards it becommeth a little purplish on the inside but more on the outside this neuer giueth seede although it haue a small head in the middle like as many other double flowers doe Anemone siluestris flore pleno purpureo The double purple wilde Windflower This double purple kinde hath such like iagged leaues as the last described hath but more hoarie vnderneath the flower is of a fine light purple toward the points of the leaues the bottomes being of a deeper purple but as thicke and full of leaues as the former with a greene head in the middle like vnto the former this kinde hath small greene leaues on the stalkes vnder the flowers cut and diuided like the lower leaues The Place The first broad leafed Anemone groweth in diuers places of Austria and Hungary The yellow in diuers woods in Germany but not in this Countrey that euer I could learne The other single wilde kindes some of them are very frequent throughout the most places of England in Woods Groues and Orchards The double kindes were found as Clusius saith in the Lowe-Countries in a Wood neare Louaine The Time They flower from the end of March that is the earliest and the beginning of Aprill vntill May and the double kindes begin within a while after the single kinds are past The Names They are called Ranunculi siluarum and Ranunculi nemorum and as Clusius would haue them Leimonia of Theophrastus they are generally called of most Herbarists Anemones siluestres Wilde Anemones or Windflowers The Italians call them Gengeuo salnatico that is Wilde Ginger because the rootes are besides the forme being somewhat like small Ginger of a biting hot and sharpe taste Anemone Lusitanica siue hortensis latifolia flore simplici luteo The single Garden yellow Windflower or Anemone This single yellow Anemone or Windflower hath diuers broad round leaues somewhat diuided and endented withall on the edges brownish at the first rising vp out of the ground and almost folded together and after of a sad greene on the vpperside and reddish vnderneath among which rise vp small slender stalkes beset at the middle of them with two or three leaues more cut and diuided then those belowe with small yellow flowers at the toppe of them consisting of ten or twelue leaues a peece hauing a few yellow threads in the middle of them standing about a small greene head which in time growing ripe hath small flat seede inclosed within a soft wooll or downe which is easily blowne away with the winde the roote groweth downeward into the ground diuersly spread with branches here and there of a brownish yellow on the outside and whitish within so brittle that it can hardly bee touched without breaking Anemone latifolia flore luteo duplici The double yellow Anemone or Windflower This double yellow Anemone hath such broad round leaues as the single kinde hath but somewhat larger or ranker the stalkes are beset with larger leaues more deeply cut in on the edges the flowers are of a more pale yellow with some purplish veines on the outside and a little round pointed but they are all on the inside of a faire yellow colour consisting of two rowes of leaues whereof the innermost is the narrower with a small greene head in the middle compassed with yellow threads as in the former the roote is like the roote of the single neither of these haue any good sent and this springeth vp and flowreth later then the single kinde Anemone latifolia purpurea stellata siue papaveracea The purple Starre Anemone or Windflower The first leaues of this purple Anemone which alwayes spring vp before Winter if the roote be not kept too long out of the ground are somewhat like the leaues of Sanicle or Selfe-heale but the rest that follow are more deeply cut in and iagged among which rise vp diuers round stalkes beset with iagged leaues as all other Anemones are aboue which leaues the stalkes rising two or three inches high beare one flower a peece composed of twelue leaues or more narrow and pointed of a bleake purple or whitish ash-colour somewhat shining on the outside and of a fine purple colour tending to a murrey on the inside with many blackish blew threads or thrummes in the middle of the flower set about a head whereon groweth the seede which is small and blacke inclosed in soft wooll or downe which flieth away with the winde carrying the seede with it if it be not carefully gathered the roote is blackish on the outside and white within tuberous or knobby with many fibres growing at it Anemone purpurea Stellata altera Another purple Starre Anemone There is so great diuersity in the colours of the flowers of these broad leafed kinds of Anemones or Windflowers that they can very hardly be expressed although in their leaues there is but little or no difference I shall not neede therefore to make seuerall descriptions of euery one that shall be set downe but it will be sufficient I thinke to giue you the distinctions of the flowers for as I said therein is the greatest and chiefest difference This other Starre Anemone differeth not from the former in leafe or flower but onely that this is of a more pale sullen colour on the outside and of a paler purple colour on the inside 1 Anemone latifolia flore luteo simplici The single yellow Anemone 2 Anemone latifolia flore luteo duplici The double yellow Anemone 3 Anemone latifolia flore purpureo Stellaeto The purple Starre Anemone 4 Anemone latifolia purpurea dilutior The pale purple Starre Anemone 5 Anemone latifolia flore miniate dilutâ— The pale red Anemone 6 Anemone latifolia coccinea Cardinalis dicta The Cardinall Anemone 7 Anemone latifolia incarnata Hispanica The Spanish incarnate Anemone 8 Anemone latifolia Paâ—o simplex dicta The lesser Orenge tawney Anemone 9 Anemone latifolia flore carneo The carnation Anemone 10 Anemone latifolia Arantiaca siue Pauo maior The double Orenge tawney Anemone 11 Anemone Superitica siue Cyparissia The double Anemone of Cyprus 12 Anemone latifolia flore pleno albicante The double pale blush Anemone 13 Anemone Chalcedonica maxima The great Spanish Marigold Anemone
Italy although many of that sort haue come likewise from Constantinople And so haue the double red or Scarlet Anemones and the great double blush which I first had by the gift of Mr. Humfrey Packington of Worcestershire Esquire at Haruington The Time The times of their flowring are sufficiently expressed in the descriptions or in the rules for planting The Names The Turkish names whereby the great double broad leafed kindes haue beene sent vnto vs were Gial Catamer and Giul Catamer lale And Binizade Binizante and Galipoli lale for the thinne cut leafed Anemones All Authors haue called them Anemones and are the true Herba venti Wee call them in English eyther Anemones after the Greeke name or Windflowers after the Latine The Vertues There is little vse of these in Physicke in our dayes eyther for inward or outward diseases onely the leaues are vsed in the Ointment called Marciatum which is composed of many other hot herbes and is vsed in cold griefes to warme and comfort the parts The roote by reason of the sharpenesse is apt to drawe downe rheume if it be tasted or chewed in the mouth CHAP. XXVI Aconitum Wolfebane THere be diuers sorts of Wolfebanes which are not fit for this booke but are reserued for a generall History or Garden of Simples yet among them there are some that notwithstanding their euill quality may for the beauty of their flowers take vp a roome in this Garden of whom I meane to entreate in this place And first of the Winter Wolfesbane which for the beauty as well as the earlinesse of his flowers being the first of all other that shew themselues after Christmas deserueth a prime place and therefore for the likenesse of the rootes vnto the Anemones I ioyne it next vnto them 1. Aconitum Hyemale The Winters Wolfesbane This little plant thrusteth vp diuers leaues out of the ground in the deepe of Winter oftentimes if there be any milde weather in Ianaury but most commonly after the deepe frosts bearing vp many times the snow vpon the heads of the leaues which like vnto the Anemone doe euery leafe rise from the roote vpon seuerall short footestalkes not aboue foure fingers high some hauing flowers in the middle of them which come vp first most vsually and some none which leaues stand as it were round the stalke rising vp vnder the middle of the leafe deeply cut in and gashed to the middle stalke almost of a very faire deepe greene colour in the middle whereof close vnto the leafe standeth a small yellow flower made of six leaues very like a Crowfoote with yellow threads in the middle after the flower is fallen there rise vp diuers small hornes or cods set together wherein are contained whitish yellow round seede The roote is tuberous so like both for shape and colour vnto the rootes of Anemones that they will easily deceiue one not well experienced but that it is browner and smoother without and yellow within if it be broken 2. Aconitum flore albido siue Aconitum luteum Ponticum The whitish yellow Wolfesbane This Wolfesbane shooteth not out of the ground vntill the Spring be well begun and then it sendeth forth great broad greene leaues deeply cut in about the edges not much vnlike the leaues of the great wilde Crowfoote but much greater from among which leaues riseth vp a strong stiffe stalke three foote high hauing here and there leaues set vpon it like vnto the lowest but smaller the toppe of the stalke is diuided into three or foure branches whereon are set diuers pale yellow flowers which turne at the last to be almost white in fashion like almost vnto the flowers of the Helmet flower but much smaller and not gaping so wide open after the flowers are past come vp diuers short poddes wherein is contained blacke seede the roote is made of a number of darke browne strings which spread and fasten themselues strongly in the ground 3. Napellus verus flore caeruleo Blew Helmet flower or Monkes hood The Helmet flower hath diuers leaues of a fresh greene colour on the vpperside and grayish vnderneath much spread abroad and cut into many slits and notches more then any of the Wolfebanes the stalke riseth vp two or three foot high beset to the top with the like leaues but smaller the toppe is sometimes diuided into two or three branches but more vsually without whereon stand many large flowers one aboue another in forme very like vnto a Hood or open Helmet being composed of fiue leaues the vppermost of which and the greatest is hollow like vnto an Helmet or Headpeece two other small leaues are at the sides of the Helmet closing it like cheekes and come somewhat vnder and two other which are the smallest hang down like labels or as if a close Helmet were opened and some peeces hung by of a perfect or faire blew colour but grow darker hauing stood long which causeth it be so nourished vp in Gardens that their flowers as was vsuall in former times and yet is in many Countrey places may be laid among greene herbes in windowes and roomes for the Summer time but although their beauty may be entertained for the vses aforesaid yet beware they come not neare your tongue or lippes lest they tell you to your cost they are not so good as they seeme to be in the middest of the flower when it is open and gapeth wide are seene certaine small threads like beards standing about a middle head which when the flower is past groweth into three or foure or more small blackish pods containing in them blacke seede the rootes are brownish on the outside and white within somewhat bigge and round aboue and small downewards somewhat like vnto a small short Carrot roote sometimes two being ioyned at the head together But the name Napellus anciently giuen vnto it doth shew they referred the forme of the roote vnto a small Turnep Anthora The wholsome Helmet flower or counterpoison Monkes hood This wholsome plant I thought good to insert not onely for the forme of the flower but also for the excellent properties thereof as you shall haue them related hereafter The rootes hereof are small and tuberous round and somewhat long ending for the most part in a long fibre and with some other small threads from the head downeward from the head whereof riseth vp diuers greene leaues euery one seuerally vpon a stalke very much diuided as finely almost as the leaues of Larkes heeles or spurres among which riseth vp a hard round stalke a foote high and better with some such leaues thereon as grow belowe at the toppe whereof stand many small yellowish flowers formed very like vnto the former whitish Wolfesbane bearing many blacke seedes in pods afterwards in the like manner Many more sorts of varieties of these kindes there are but these onely as the most specious are noursed vp in Florists Gardens for pleasure the other are kept by such as are Catholicke obseruers of all natures
Colombine foure or fiue rising from the roote the stalke riseth about a foote and a halfe high somewhat reddish beset here and there with the like leaues at the toppe whereof stand diuers small white flowers made of fiue leaues a peece with some pale white threads in the middle the seede is round and reddish contained in small huskes or hornes the roote is made of a bush or tuft of white strings 7. Ranunculus Thalictrifolio minor Asphodeli radice The small white Colombine leafed Crowfoote This small Crowfoote hath three or foure winged leaues spread vpon the ground standing vpon long stalkes and consisting of many small leaues set together spreading from the middle ribbe euery leafe somewhat resembling both in shape and colour the smallest and youngest leaues of Colombines the flowers are white standing at the toppe of the stalkes made of fiue round leaues the root hath three or foure thick short and round yellowish clogs hanging at the head like vnto the Asphodill roote The great Herball of Lyons that goeth vnder the name of Daleschampius saith that Dr. Myconus found it in Spaine and sent it vnder the name of Oenanthe and therefore Ioannes Molineus who is thought to haue composed that booke set it among the vmbelliferous plants because the Oenanthes beare vmbels of flowers and seede and haue tuberous or cloggy rootes but with what iudgement let others say when they haue compared the vmbels of flowers and seede of the Oenanthes with the flowers and seede of this plant and whether I haue not more properly placed it among the Ranunculi or Crowfeete and giuen it a denomination agreeable to his forme 8. Ranunculus Globosus The Globe Crowfoot This Crowfoote which in the Northerne countries of England where it groweth plentifully is called Locker goulous hath many faire broad darke greene leaues next the ground cut into fiue sixe or seuen diuisions and iagged besides at the edges among which riseth vp a stalke whereon are set such like leaues as are belowe but smaller diuided toward the toppe into some branches on the which stand seuerall large yellow flowers alwayes folded inward or as a close flower neuer blowing open as other flowers doe consisting of eleuen leaues for the most part set or placed in three rowes with many yellow threads in the middle standing about a greene rough head which in time groweth to be small knops wherein are contained blacke seede the roote is composed of many blackish strings 9. Ranunculus protensis flore multiplici The double yellow field Crowfoot There is little or no difference in the leaues of this double Crowfoot from those of the single kindes that growe in euery medowe being large and diuided into foure or fiue parts and indented about the edges but they are somewhat smaller and of a fresher greene the flowers stand on many branches much diuided or separated being not very great but very thicke and double the roote runneth and creepeth vnder ground like as the single doth 10. Ranunculus Anglicus maximus multiplex The Garden double yellow Crowfoot or Batchelours buttons This great double Crowfoote which is common in euery Garden through England hath many great blackish greene leaues iagged and cut into three diuisions each to the middle ribbe the stalkes haue some smaller leaues on them and those next vnder the branches long and narrow the flowers are of a greenish yellow colour very thicke and double of leaues in the middle whereof riseth vp a small stalke bearing another double flower like to the other but smaller the roote is round like vnto a small white Turnep with diuers other fibres annexed vnto it 11. Ranunculus Gramineus Grasse leafed Crowfoot The leaues of this Crowfoote are long and narrow somewhat like vnto Grasse or rather like the leaues of single Gilloflowers or Pinckes being small and sharpe pointed a little hollow and of a whitish greene colour among these leaues rise vp diuers slender stalkes bearing one small flower at the toppe of each consisting of fiue yellow 1 Aconitum Hyemale Winter Wolfesbane 2 Aconitum flore albido siue luteum Ponticum The whitish yellow Wolfesbane 3 Napellus verus Blew Helmets or Monkes hood 4 Anthora The counterpoison Monkes hood 5 Ranunculus humilis albus simplex The single white low Crowfoot 6 Ranunculus humilis albus duplici flore The double lowe white Crowfoot 7 Ranunculus Coriandrifolio The early Coriander leafed Crowfoot 8 Ranunculus montanus elatior albus The great single white mountain Crowfoot 9 Ranunculus montanus albus flore pleno The double white mountain Crowfoot 10 Ranunculus Thalictrifolio minor The lesser Colombine leafed Crowfoot 11 Ranunculus globosus The globe Crowfoot leaues with some threads in the middle the roote is composed of many thicke long round white strings There is another of this kinde that beareth flowers with two rowes of leaues as if it were double differing in nothing else 12. Ranunculus Lusitanicus Autumnalis The Portugall Autumne Crowfoot This Autumne Crowfoote hath diuers broad round leaues lying on the ground set vpon short foote-stalkes of a faire greene colour aboue and grayish vnderneath snipt all about the edges hauing many veines in them and sometimes swelling as with blisters or bladders on them from among which rise vp two or three slender and hairy stalkes bearing but one small yellow flower a peece consisting of fiue and sometimes of six leaues and sometimes of seuen or eight hauing a few threads in the middle set about a small greene head like vnto many of the former Crowfeete which bringeth small blacke seede the roote is made of many thicke short white strings which seeme to be grumous or kernelly rootes but that they are somewhat smaller and longer then any other of that kinde 13. Ranunculus Creticus latifolius The broad leafed Candy Crowfoot This Crowfoote of Candy hath the greatest and broadest leaues of all the sorts of Crowfeete being almost round and without any great diuisions but onely a few notches about the edges here and there as large or larger sometimes then the palme of a mans hand among which riseth vp the stalke not very high when it doth first flower but afterwards as the other flowers doe open themselues the stalke groweth to be a foote and a halfe high or thereabouts hauing some leaues on it deeply cut in or diuided and bearing many faire yellow flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece being somewhat whitish in the middle when the flower hath stood blowne a little time the roote is composed of a number of small kernelly knobs or long graines set thicke together This flowreth very early being vsually in flower before the end of March and oftentimes about the middle thereof 14. Ranunculus Creticus albus The white Candy Crowfoote The leaues of this Crowfoote are very like vnto the leaues of the red Crowfoote of Tripoli or Asia hereafter set downe being somewhat broad and indented about the edges some of the leaues being also cut in or gashed thereby making
the flower being as white is as large as the next 6. Hepatica albida siue argentea Ash-coloured or Argentine Hepatica Both the leaues and the flowers of this Hepatica are larger then any of the former except the last the flowers hereof at the first opening seeme to bee a of blush ash-colour which doe so abide three or foure dayes decaying still vntill it turne almost white hauing yet still a shew of that blush ash-colour in them till the very last 7. Hepatica alba straminibus rubris White Hepatica with red threads There is no difference between this Hepatica and the first white one sauing that the threads in the middle of the flower being white as in the former are tipt at the ends with a pale reddish colour which adde a great beauty to the flowers 8. Hepatica flore rubro Red Hepatica or noble Liuerwort The leaues of this Hepatica are of a little browner red colour both at their first comming vp and afterwards especially in the middle of the leafe more then any of the former the flowers are in forme like vnto the rest but of a bright blush or pale red colour very pleasant to behold with white threads or chiues in the middle of them 9. Hepatica flore purpureo multiplici siue pleno The double purple Hepatica The double Hepatica is in all things like vnto the single purple kinde sauing onely that the leaues are larger and stand vpon longer foote-stalkes and that the flowers are small buttons but very thicke of leaues and as double as a flower can be like vnto the double white Crowfoote before described but not so bigge of a deepe blew or purple colour without any threads or head in the middle which fall away without giuing any seede 10. Hepatica flore caeruleo pleno The double blew Hepatica In the colour of this flower consisteth the chiefest difference from the last except one may say it is a little lesse in the bignesse of the flower but not in doublenesse of leaues The Place All these plants with single flowers grow naturally in the Woods and shadowie Mountaines of Germany in many places and some of them in Italy also The double kinde likewise hath been sent from Alphonsus Pantius out of Italy as Clusius reporteth and was also found in the Woods neare the Castle of Starnbeg in Austria the Lady Heusenstains possession as the same Clusius reporteth also The Time These plants doe flower very early and are of the first flowers that shew themselues presently after the deepe frosts in Ianuary so that next vnto the Winter Wolfesbane these making their pride appeare in Winter are the more welcome early guests The double kinde flowreth not altogether so early but sheweth his flower and abideth when the others are past The Names They haue obtained diuers names some calling them Hepatica Hepatica nobilis Hepaticum trifolium Trifolium nobile Trifolium aureum and some Trinitas and Herba Trinitatis In English you may call them either Hepatica after the Latine name as most doe or Noble Liuerwort which you please The Vertues These are thought to coole and strengthen the liuer the name importing as much but I neuer saw any great vse of them by any the Physitians of our London Colledge or effect by them that haue vsed them in Physicke in our Country 1 Hepatica flore albo amplo simplici The large white Hepatica 2 Hepatica flore rubro simplici The red Hepatica 3 Hepatica flore purpureo pleno The double purple Hepatica 4 Geranium tuberosum Knobbed Cranes bill 5 Geranium Batrachoides flore albo vel caeruleo The blew or white Crowfoote Cranes bill 6 Geranium Hematodes The red Rose Cranes bill 7 Geranium Romanum striatum The variable stript Cranes bill 8 Geranium Creticum Candy Cranes bill CHAP. XXX Geranium Storkes bill or Cranes bill AS was said before concerning the Crowfeet of their large extent and restraint the like may be said of the Storkes bils or Cranes bils for euen of these as of them I must for this worke set forth the descriptions but of a few and leaue the rest to a generall worke 1. Geranium tuberosum vel bulbosum Bulbous or knobbed Cranes bill The knobbed Cranes hath three or foure large leaues spread vpon the ground of a grayish or rather dusty greene colour euery one of them being as it were of a round forme but diuided or cut into six or seuen long parts or diuisions euen vnto the middle which maketh it seeme to be so many leaues each of the cuts or diuisions being deeply notched or indented on both sides among which riseth vp a stalke a foote high or better bearing thereon diuers pale but bright purple flowers made of fiue leaues a peece after which come small heads with long pointed beakes resembling the long bill of a Storke or Crane or such like bird which after it is ripe parteth at the bottome where it is biggest into foure or fiue seedes euery one whereof hath a peece of the beake head fastened vnto it and falleth away if it bee not gathered the roote is tuberous and round like vnto the roote of the Cyclamen or ordinary Sowbread almost but smaller and of a darke russet colour on the outside and white within which doth encrease vnder ground by certaine strings running from the mother root into small round bulbes like vnto the rootes of the earth Chesnut and will presently shoote leaues and quickly grow to beare flowers but will not abide to be kept long dry out of the ground without danger to be vtterly spoiled Geranium Batrachoides flore caeruleo The blew Crowfoote Cranes bill This Crowfoote Cranes bill hath many large leaues cut into fiue or six parts or diuisions euen to the bottome and iagged besides on the edges set vpon very long slender foote-stalkes very like the leaues of the wilde Crowfoot from among which rise vp diuers stalkes with great ioynts somewhat reddish set with leaues like the former the toppes of the stalkes are spread into many branches whereon stand diuers flowers made of fiue leaues a peece as large as any of the wilde or field Crowfeete round pointed of a faire blew or watchet colour which being past there doe arise such heads or bils as other of the Cranes bils haue the roote is composed of many reddish strings spreading in the ground from a head made of diuers red heads which lye oftentimes eminent aboue the ground Geranium Batrachoides flore albo The white Crowfoote Cranes bill This Cranes bill is in leafe and flower altogether like the former the onely difference betweene them consisteth in the colour of the flower which in this is wholly white and as large as the former but the roote of this hath not such red heads as the other hath Geranium Batrachoides flore albo caeruleo vario The party coloured Crowfoote Cranes bill The flowers of this Cranes bill are variably striped and spotted and sometimes diuided the one
others Geranium caeruleum The blew Cranes bill Lobel calleth it Batrachoides because both leafe and flower are like vnto a Crowfoote and the affinity with the Cranes bils in the seede causeth it rather to be referred to them then to the Crowfeete The stript Cranes bill is called by some Geranium Romanum The last sauing one is called Geranium Haematodes or Sanguineum of Lobel Geranium Gruinalâ— Haematodes supinum radice repente In English it may be called after the Greek and Latine The bloudy Cranes bill but I rather call it The Rose Cranes bill because the flowers are as large as single Roses or as the Rose Campion Some of them are called in many places of England Bassinets The Vertues All the kindes of Cranes bils are accounted great wound herbes and effectuall to stay bleedings yet some more then others The Emperickes of Germanie as Camerarius saith extoll it wonderfully for a singular remedie against the Stone both in the reines and bladder CHAP. XXXI Sanicula guttata maior Spotted Sanicie HAuing long debated with my selfe where to place this the other plants that follow in the two next Chapters I haue thought it not amisse for this worke to set them downe here both before the Beares eares which are kindes of Sanicle as the best Authors doe hold and after the Cranes bils both for some qualities somewhat resembling them and for some affinity of the flowers with the former The spotted Sanicle hath many small round leaues bluntly endented about the edges somewhat like vnto the leaues of our white Saxifrage of a full greene colour aboue and whitish hairy and somewhat reddish withall vnderneath the stalkes are set here and there with the like leaues rising a foote and a halfe high or more very much diuided at the toppe into sundry small branches bearing many very small white flowers consisting of fiue small leaues wherein are many small red spots to be seene as small as pins points of a pretty sweete sent almost like Hawthorne flowers in the middle whereof are many small threads compassing a head which when it is ripe containeth small blacke seede the roote is scaly or couered with a chaffie matter hauing many small white fibres vnderneath whereby it is fastened in the ground There is another of this kinde like both in roote leafe and flower to the former Minor non guttata the onely difference is that this is lesser then the former and hath no spots in the flower as the other hath We haue also another smaller kinde then the last both in leafe and flower Minus guttata the leaues whereof are smaller but rounder and more finely snipt or indented about the edge like the teeth of a fine sawe the stalke is little aboue a span high hauing many small white flowers spotted as the first but with fewer spots The Place These growe in the shadowie Woods of the Alpes in diuers places and with vs they more delight in the shade then the sunne The Time All these Sanicles doe flower in May and continue flowring vntill Iune and the seede soone ripeneth after the rootes abide all the Winter with some leaues on them springing a fresh in the beginning of the yeare The Names The former two are called by Clusius Sanicula montana and by others Sanicula guttata by Lobel Geum Alpinum The third or last hath been sent vs vnder the name of Sanicula montana altera minor The Vertues The name imposed on these plants doe certainly assure vs of their vertues from the first founders that they are great healers and from their taste that they are great binders CHAP. XXXII Cotyledon altera Matthioli Spotted Nauelwort THis spotted Nauelwort as many doe call it hath many thicke small leaues not so broad as long of a whitish greene colour lying on the ground in circles after the manner of the heads of Houseleeke and dented about the edges from the middle whereof sometimes for it doth not flower euery yeare in many places ariseth vp a stalke scarce a foote high beset with such like leaues as are belowe but somewhat longer from the middle of the stalke vp to the top it brancheth forth diuersly with a leafe at euery ioynt bearing three or foure flowers on euery branch consisting of fiue white leaues spotted with small red spots like vnto the spotted Sanicle but with fewer and greater spots hauing a yellowish circle or eye in the bottome of euery flower and many whitish threads with yellowish tips in it the seede is small and blacke contained in small round heads the roote is small long and threadie shooting out such heads of leaues which abide all the Winter those that beare flower perishing Cotyledon altera minor Small dented Nauelwort There is another like vnto that before described in most things the differences be these It hath shorter leaues then the former and dented about the edges in the like manner the flowers hereof are white but greater made of six leaues and most vsually without any spots at all in them some are seene to haue spots also the heads or seede vessels are more cornered then the former Cotyledon altera flore rubro stellato Small red flowred Nauelwort This hath also many heads of leaues but more open which are longer greener and sharper pointed then eyther of the former somewhat reddish also and not dented about the edges but yet a little rough in handling the stalke ariseth from among the leaues being somewhat reddish and the leaues thereon are reddish pointed diuided at the toppe into many branches with diuers flowers thereon made of twelue small long leaues standing like a starre of a reddish purple colour with many threads therein set about the middle head which is diuided at the toppe into many small ends like pods or hornes containing therein very small seede the root is small like the former Sedum serratum flore rubente maculato The Princes Feather This kinde of Sengreene is composed of heads of larger broader and thinner leaues then any of the former of a sadder greene colour somewhat vneuenly endented about the edges and not so close set together but spreading forth into seuerall heads like as the former sorts doe although not so plentifully from the middle of diuers of which heads rise vp brownish or reddish stalkes set with smaller leaues thereon to the middle thereof and then brancheth forth into seuerall sprigs set with diuers small reddish flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece the innerside of which are of a pale red somewhat whitish spotted with many small bloud red spots as small almost as pins points with some small threads in the middle standing about a small greene head which turneth into the seede vessell parted foure wayes at the head wherein is contained small blackish seede the rootes are small threads which spread vnder the ground and shoote vp seuerall heads round about it The Place All these growe in Germany Hungarie Austria the Alpes and other such like places where
the former likewise Wee haue another of this kinde whose leaues are somewhat larger Flore pallidiore and so are the flowers also but of a paler yellow colour 15. Paralysis inodora calicibus dissectis Oxelips with iagged huskes This kinde differeth not from the first Oxelip in the smalnesse of the greene leaues but in the flower which standing many together on a reasonable high stalke and being very small and yellow scarce opening themselues or layde abroade as it hath a greene huske vnder each flower but diuided into sixe seuerall small long peeces 16. Paralysis flore fatuo The Franticke or Foolish Cowslip Or Iacke an apes on horse backe Wee haue in our gardens another kinde not much differing in leaues from the former Cowslip and is called Fantasticke or Foolish because it beareth at the toppe of the stalke a bush or tuft of small long greene leaues with some yellow leaues as it were peeces of flowers broken and standing among the greene leaues And sometimes some stalkes among those greene leaues at the toppe which are a little larger then when it hath but broken peeces of flowers doe carry whole flowers in huskes like the single kinde 17. Paralysis minor flore rubro Red Birds eyes This little Cowslippe which will hardly endure in our gardens for all the care and industrie we can vse to keepe it hath all the Winter long and vntill the Spring begin to come on his leaues so closed together that it seemeth a small white head of leaues which afterwards opening it selfe spreadeth round vpon the ground and hath small long and narrow leaues snipt about the edges of a pale greene colour on the vpperside very white or mealy vnderneath among these leaues rise vp one or two stalks small hoary halfe a foot high bearing at the top a bush or tuft of much smaller flowers standing vpon short foot stalkes some what like vnto Cowslips but more like vnto the Beares eares of a fine reddish purple colour in some deeper in others paler with a yellowish circle in the bottomes of the flowers like vnto many of the Beares eares of a faint or small sent the seede is smaller than in any of the former kindes and so are the rootes likewise being small white and threddy 18. Paralyis minor flore albo White Birds eyes This kinde differeth very little or nothing from the former sauing that it seemeth a little larger both in leafe and flower and that the flowers hereof are wholly white without any great appearance of any circle in the bottome of them vnlesse it be well obserued or at least being nothing so conspicuous as in the former Flore geminato These two kindes haue sometimes but very seldome from among the middle of the flowers on the stalke sent out another small stalke bearing flowers theron likewise 19. Paralysis hortensis flore pleno Double Paigles or Cowslips The double Paigle or Cowslip hath smaller and darker greene leaues then the single kinde hath and longer stalkes also whereon the leaues doe stand it beareth diuers flowers vpon a stalke but not so many as the single kinde euery one whereof is of a deeper and fairer yellow colour then any of the former standing not much aboue the brimmes of the huskes that hold them consisting of two or three rowes of leaues set round together which maketh it shew very thicke and double of a prettie small sent but not heady 20. Paralysis flore viridante pleno Double greene Cowslips This double greene Cowslip is so like vnto the single greene kinde formerly expressed that vntill they be neare flowring they can hardly be distinguished but when it is in flower it hath large double flowers of the same yellowish greene colour with the single and more laid open then the former double Paigle 21. Paralysis flore viridante siue calamistrato The greene Rose Cowslip or double greene feathered Cowslip There is small difference in the leaues of this double kinde from the last but that they are not of so darke a greene the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers which are many standing together at the toppes of the stalkes but farre differing from all other of these kindes for euery flower standing vpon his owne stalke is composed of many very small and narrow leaues without any huske to containe them but spreading open like a little Rose of a pale yellowish greene colour and without any sent at all abiding in flower especially if it stand in a shadowie place out of the sunne aboue two moneths almost in as perfect beauty as in the first weeke The Place All these kindes as they haue been found wilde growing in diuers places in England so they haue been transplanted into Gardens to be there nourished for the delight of their louers where they all abide and grow fairer then in their naturall places except the small Birds eyes which will as I said hardly abide any culture but groweth plentifully in all the North Countries in their squally or wet grounds The Time These doe all flower in the Spring of the yeare some earlier and some later and some in the midst of Winter as they are defended from the colds and frosts and the mildnesse of the time will permit yet the Cowslips doe alwayes flower later then the Primroses and both the single and double greene Cowslips latest as I said in their descriptions and abide much after all the rest The Names All these plants are called most vsually in Latine Primulae veris Primulae pratenses and Primulae siluarum because they shew by their flowring the new Spring to bee comming on they being as it were the first Embassadours thereof They haue also diuers other names as Herba Paralysis Arthritica Herba Sancti Petri Claues Sancti Petri Verbasculum odoratum Lunaria arthritica Phlomis Alisma siluarum and Alismatis alterum genus as Fabius Columna calleth them The Birds eyes are called of Lobel in Latine Paralytica Alpina Sanicula angustifolia making a greater and a lesser Others call them Sanicula angustifolia but generally they are called Primula veris minor I haue as you see placed them with the Cowslips putting a difference betweene Primroses and Cowslips And some haue distinguished them by calling the Cowslips Primula veris Elatior that is the Taller Primrose and the other Humilis Lowe or Dwarfe Primroses In English they haue in like manner diuers names according to seuerall Countries as Primroses Cowslips Oxelips Palsiewort and Petty Mulleins The first kindes which are lower then the rest are generally called by the name of Primroses as I thinke throughout England The other are diuersly named for in some Countries they call them Paigles or Palsieworts or Petty Mulleins which are called Cowslips in others Those are vsually called Oxelips whose flowers are naked or bare without huskes to containe them being not so sweete as the Cowslip yet haue they some little sent although the Latine name doth make them to haue none The Franticke Fantasticke
like to the flowers of Buglosse for the forme and Borage for the colour the rootes are blacke thicker then either of them somewhat more spreading and not perishing hauing greene leaues all the Winter long and thereupon tooke his name 4. Anchusa Sea Buglosse or Alkanet The Sea Buglosse or Alkanet hath many long rough narrow and dark greene leaues spread vpon the ground yet some that growe by the Sea side are rather hoarie and whitish among these leaues riseth vp a stalke spread at the toppe into many branches whereon stand the flowers in tufts like vnto the Garden Buglosse or rather Comfrey but lesser in some plants of a reddish blew colour and in others more red or purplish and in others of a yellowish colour after which come the seedes very like vnto Buglosse but somewhat longer and paler the roote of most of them being transplanted are somewhat blackish on the outside vntill the later end of Summer and then become more red for those that grow wilde will be then so red that they will giue a very deepe red colour to those that handle them which being dryed keepe that red colour which is vsed to many purposes the roote within being white and hauing no red colour at all 5. Limonium Rauwolfij Marsh Buglosse This Limonium which I referre here to the kindes of Buglosse as presuming it is the fittest place where to insert it hath many long narrow and somewhat rough leaues lying vpon the ground waued or cut in on both sides like an Indenture somewhat like the leaues of Ceterach or Miltwast among which rise vp two or three stalkes somewhat rough also and with thin skinnes like wings indented on both sides thereof also like the leaues hauing three small long rough and three square leaues at euery ioynt where it brancheth forth at the toppe whereof stand many flowers vpon their foote stalkes in such a manner as is not seene in any other plant that I know for although that some of the small winged foot stalkes are shorter and some longer standing as it were flatwise or all on one side and not round like an vmbell yet are they euen at the toppe and not one higher than another each of which small foote stalkes doe beare foure or fiue greenish heads or huskes ioyned together out of each of which doe arise other pale or bleake blew stiffe huskes as if they were flowers made as it were of parchment which hold their colour after they are dry a long time and out of these huskes likewise doe come at seuerall times one after another and not all at one time or together white flowers consisting of fiue small round leaues with some white threds in the middle after these flowers are past there come in their places small long seede inclosed in many huskes many of those heads being idle not yeelding any good seede but chaffe especially in our Countrey for the want of sufficient heate of the Sunne as I take it the roote is small long and blackish on the outside and perisheth at the first approach of Winter The Place Borage and Buglosse grow onely in Gardens with vs and so doth the Semper virens his originall being vnknowne vnto vs. Alkanet or Sea Buglosse groweth neare the Sea in many places of France and Spaine and some of the kindes also in England But the Limonium or Marshe Buglosse groweth in Cales and Malacca in Spaine and is found also in Syria as Rauwolfius relateth and in other places also no doubt for it hath beene sent vs out of Italie many yeares before eyther Guillaume Boel found it in Cales or Clusius in Malacca The Time Borage and Buglosse doe flower in Iune and Iuly and sometimes sooner and so doth the euer-liuing or neuer dying Borage but not as Gerrard saith flowring Winter and Summer whereupon it should take his name but leaueth flowring in Autumne and abideth greene with his leaues all the Winter 1 Pulmonaria latifolia maculosa Cowslips of Ierusalem 2 Pulmonaria angustifolia Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem 3 Borrago Borage 4 Borrago semper virens Euerliuing Borage 5 Anchusa Sea Buglosse or Alkanet 6 Limonium Rauwolfij Marsh Buglosse flowring the next Spring following The other flower not vntill Iuly and so continue especially the Marshe Buglosse vntill September bee well spent and then giueth seede if early frosts ouertake it not for it seldome commeth to be ripe The Names Our ordinary Borage by the consent of all the best moderne Writers is the true Buglossum of Dioscorides and that our Buglosse was vnknowne to the ancients The Borago semper virens Lobel calleth Buglossum semper virens that is Euer-liuing or greene Buglosse but it more resembleth Borage then Buglosse yet because Buglosse abideth greene to auoyde that there should not be two Buglossa semper virentia I had rather call it Borage then Buglosse Anchusa hath diuers names as Dioscorides setteth downe And some doe call it Fucus herba from the Greeke word because the roote giuing so deepe a colour was vsed to dye or paint the skinne Others call it Buglossum Hispanicum in English Alkanet and of some Orchanet after the French Limonium was found by Leonhartus Rauwolfius neere vnto Ioppa which he setteth downe in the second Chapter of the third booke of his trauayles and from him first knowne to these parts I haue as you see referred it to the kindes of Buglosse for that the flowers haue some resemblance vnto them although I know that Limonium genuinum is referred to the Beetes Let it therefore here finde a place of residence vntill you or I can finde a fitter and call it as you thinke best eyther Limonium as Rauwolfius doth or Marshe Buglosse as I doe or if you can adde a more proper name I shall not be offended The Vertues Borage and Buglosse are held to bee both temperate herbes beeing vsed both in the pot and in drinkes that are cordiall especially the flowers which of Gentlewomen are candid for comfitts The Alkanet is drying and held to be good for wounds and if a peece of the roote be put into a little oyle of Peter or Petroleum it giueth as deepe a colour to the oyle as the Hypericon doth or can to his oyle and accounted to be singular good for a cut or greene wound The Limonium hath no vse that wee know more then for a Garden yet as Rauwolfius saith the Syrians vse the leaues as sallats at the Table CHAP. XXXVIII Lychnis Campions THere bee diuers sorts of Campions as well tame as wilde and although some of them that I shall here entreate of may peraduenture be found wilde in our owne Countrey yet in regard of their beautifull flowers they are to bee respected and noursed vp with the rest to furnish a garden of pleasure as for the wilde kindes I will leaue them for another discourse 1. Lychnis Coronaria rubra simplex The single red Rose Campion The single red Rose Campion hath diuers thicke hoary
it 6. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum maius flore pleno ferrugineo Double red Wall-flowers We haue also another sort of double Wall-flower whose leaues are as greene and almost as large as the great single yellow kinde or full as bigge as the leaues of the white Wall-flower the flowers hereof are not much larger then the ordinary but are of a darker yellow colour then the great single kinde and of a more brownish or red colour on the vnderside of the leaues and is as it were striped 7. Keiri siue Leucoium maximum luteum flore pleno The greatest double yellow Wall-flower This great double Wall-flower is as yet a stranger in England and therefore what I here write is more vpon relation which yet I beleeue to be most true then vpon sight and speculation The leaues of this Wall-flower are as greene and as large if not larger then the great single kinde the flowers also are of the same deepe gold yellow colour with it but much larger then any of the former double kindes and of as sweet a sent as any which addeth delight vnto beauty The Place The first single kind is often found growing vpon old wals of Churches and other houses in many places of England and also among rubbish and stones The single white and great yellow as well as all the other double kindes are noursed vp in Gardens onely with vs. The Time All the single kindes doe flower many times in the end of Autumne and if the Winter be milde all the Winter long but especially in the moneths of February March and Aprill and vntill the heate of the Spring doe spend them but the other double kindes doe not continue flowring in that manner the yeare throughout although very early sometimes and very late also in some places The Names They are called by diuers names as Viola lutea Leucoium luteum and Keiri or Cheiri by which name it is chiefly knowne in our Apothecaries shops because there is an oyle made thereof called Cheirinum In English they are vsually called in these parts Wall-flowers Others doe call them Bee-flowers others Wall-Gilloflowers Winter-Gilloflowers and yellow Srocke-Gilloflowers but we haue a kinde of Stocke-Gilloflower that more fitly deserueth that name as shall be shewed in the Chapter following The Vertues The sweetnesse of the flowers causeth them to be generally vsed in Nosegayes and to decke vp houses but physically they are vsed in diuers manners As a Conserue made of the flowers is vsed for a remedy both for the Appoplexie and Palsie The distilled water helpeth well in the like manner The oyle made of the flowers is heating and resoluing good to ease paines of strained and pained sinewes CHAP. XL. Leucoium Stocke-Gilloflower THere are very many sorts of Stocke-Gilloflowers both single and double some of the fields and mountaines others of the Sea marshes and medowes and some noursed vp in Gardens and there preserued by seede or slippe as each kinde is aptest to bee ordered But because some of these are fitter for a generall History then for this our Garden of Pleasure both for that diuers haue no good sent others little or no beauty and to be entreated of onely for the variety I shall spare so many of them as are not fit for this worke and onely set downe the rest 1. Leucoium simplex sativum diuersorum colorum Garden Stocke-Gilloflowers single of diuers colours These single Stocke-Gilloflowers although they differ in the colour of their flowers 1 Keiri siue Leucoium luteum vulgare Common Wall-flowers 2 Keiri siue Leucoium luteum maius simplex The great single Wall-flower 3 Keiri siue Leucoium luteum flore pleno vulgare Ordinary double Wall-flowers 4 Keiri maius flore pleno ferruginâ—o The great double red Wall-flower 5 Leucoium sativum simplex Single Stocke-Gilloflowers 6 Leucoium sativum simplex flore striato Single stript Stocke-Gilloflowers yet are in leafe and manner of growing one so like vnto another that vntill they come to flower the one cannot be well knowne that beareth red flowers from another that beareth purple and therfore one description of the plant shall serue with a declaration of the sundry colours of the flowers It riseth vp with round whitish woody stalkes two three or foure foot high whereon are set many long and not very broad sost and whitish or grayish greene leaues somewhat round pointed and parted into diuers branches at the toppes whereof grow many flowers one aboue another smelling very sweet consisting of foure small long and round pointed leaues standing in small long huskes which turne into long and flat pods sometimes halfe a foote long wherein is contained flat round reddish seedes with grayish ringes or circles about them lying flat all along the middle rib of the pod on both sides the roote is long white and woody spreading diuers wayes There is great variety in the colours of the flowers for some are wholly of a pure white colour others of a most excellent crimson red colour others againe of a faire red colour but not so bright or liuely as the other some also of a purplish or violet colour without any spot marke or line in them at all There are againe of all these colours mixed very variably as white mixed with small or great spottes strakes or lines of pure or bright red or darke red and white with purple spots and lines and of eyther of them whose flowers are almost halfe white and halfe red or halfe white and halfe purple The red of both sorts and the purple also in the like manner spotted striped and marked with white differing neyther in forme nor substance in any other point 2. Leucoium satiuum albido luteum simplex The single pale yellow Stocke-Gilloflower There is very little difference in this kind from the former for the manner of growing or forme of leaues or flower Only this hath greener leaues and pale yellow almost white flowers in all other things alike this is of no great regard but only for rarity and diuersity from the rest 3. Leucoium Melancholicum The Melancholick Gentleman This wilde kinde of stocke gilloflower hath larger longer and greener leaues then any of the former kindes vneuenly gashed or sinuated on both edges lying on the ground and a little rough or hairy withall from among which rise vp the stalks a yard high or more and hairy likewise bearing theron here and there some such like leaues as are below but smaller and at the top a great number of flowers as large or larger then any of the former single kindes made of 4. large leaues a peece also standing in such like long huskes but of a darke or sullen yellowish colour after which come long roundish pods wherein lye somewhat long but rounder and greater seede then any stocke gilloflower and nearer both in pod and seede vnto the Hesperis or Dames Violet this perisheth not vsually after seede bearing although sometimes it doth 4. Leucoium marinum Syriacum Leuant stocke gilloflowers
smoother and thicker and not at all indented or cut in on the edges the flowers are like the former but of a sullen pale colour turning themselues and seldome lying plaine open hauing many purple veines and streakes running through the leaues of the flowers of little or no sent in the day time but of a very sweete sent in the euening and morning the seedes are alike also but a little browner 1 Leucoium Melancholicum Sullen Stocke-Gilloflowers 2 Leucoium sativum flore pleno Double Stocke-Gilloflowers 3 Leucoium sativum flore pleno vario Party coloured Stocke-Gilloflowers 4 Leucoium marinum Syriacum Leuant Stocke-Gilloflowers 5 Hesperis vulgaris Dames Violets or Winter Gilloflowers 6 Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virginiana The tree Primrose of Virginia 7 Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach The white Sattin flower 3. Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virgiana The tree Primrose of Virginia Vnto what tribe or kindred I might referre this plant I haue stood long in suspence in regard I make no mention of any other Lysimachia in this work lest therfore it should lose all place let me ranke it here next vnto the Dames Violets although I confesse it hath little affinity with them The first yeare of the sowing the seede it abideth without any stalke or flowers lying vpon the ground with diuers long and narrow pale greene leaues spread oftentimes round almost like a Rose the largest leaues being outermost and very small in the middle about May the next yeare the stalke riseth which will be in Summer of the height of a man and of a strong bigge size almost to a mans thumbe round from the bottome to the middle where it groweth crested vp to the toppe into as many parts as there are branches of flowers euery one hauing a small leafe at the foote thereof the flowers stand in order one aboue another round about the tops of the stalks euery one vpon a short foot-stalke consisting of foure pale yellow leaues smelling somewhat like vnto a Primrose as the colour is also which hath caused the name and standing in a greene huske which parteth it selfe at the toppe into foure parts or leaues and turne themselues downewards lying close to the stalke the flower hath some chiues in the middle which being past there come in their places long and cornered pods sharpe pointed at the vpper end and round belowe opening at the toppe when it is ripe into fiue parts wherein is contained small brownish seed the roote is somewhat great at the head and wooddy and branched forth diuersly which perisheth after it hath borne seede The Place The two first grow for the most part on Hils and in Woods but with vs in Gardens onely The last as may be well vnderstood by the title came out of Virginia The Time They flower in May Iune and Iuly The Names The name of Hesperis is imposed by most Herbarists vpon the two first plants although it is not certainly knowne to be the same that Theophrastus doth make mention of in his sixth Booke and twenty fiue Chapter de causis plantarum but because this hath the like effects to smell best in the euening it is as I said imposed vpon it It is also called Viola Marina Matronalis Hyemalis Damascena and Muschatella In English Dames Violets Queens Gilloflowers and Winter Gilloflowers The last hath his Latine name in the title as is best agreeing with it and for the English although it be too foolish I confesse yet it may passe for this time till a fitter be giuen vnlesse you please to follow the Latine and call it Virginia Loose-strife The Vertues I neuer knew any among vs to vse these kindes of Violets in Physicke although by reason of the sharpe biting taste Dodonaeus accounteth the ordinary sort to be a kinde of Rocket and saith it prouoketh sweating and vrine and others affirme it to cut digest and cleanse tough flegme The Virginian hath not beene vsed by any that I know either inwardly or outwardly CHAP. XLII Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach The Sattin flower VNto the kindes of Stocke-Gilloflowers I thinke fittest to adioyne these kindes of Sattin-flowers whereof there are two sorts one frequent enough in all our Countrie the other is not so common 1. Viola Lunaris vulgaris The common white Sattin flower The first of those Sattin flowers which is the most common hath his leaues broad belowe and pointed at the end snipt about the edges and of a darke greene colour the stalkes are round and hard two foot high or higher diuided into many branches set with the like leaues but smaller the tops of the branches are beset with many purplish flowers like vnto Dames Violets or Stocke-Gilloflowers but larger being of little sent after the flowers are past there come in their places round flat thin cods of a darke colour on the outside but hauing a thinne middle skinne that is white and cleare shining like vnto very pure white Sattin it selfe whereon lye flat and round brownish seede somewhat thicke and great the rootes perish when they haue giuen their seede and are somewhat round long and thicke resembling the rootes of Lilium non bulbosum or Day Lilly which are eaten as diuers other rootes are for Sallets both in our owne Country and in many places beside 2. Viola Lunaris altera seu peregrina Long liuing Sattin flower This second kinde hath broader and longer leaues then the former the stalkes also are greener and higher branching into flowers of a paler purple colour almost white consisting of foure leaues in like manner and smelling pretty sweete bearing such like pods but longer and slenderer then they the rootes are composed of many long strings which dye not as the former but abide and shoot out new stalkes euery yeare The Place The first is as is said frequent enough in Gardens and is found wilde in some places of our owne Country as Master Gerard reporteth whereof I neuer could be certainly assured but I haue had it often sent mee among other seedes from Italy and other places The other is not so common in Gardens but found about Watford as he saith also The Time They flower in Aprill or May and sometimes more early The Names It hath diuers names as well in English as in Latine for it is called most vsually Bolbonach and Viola Lunaris Of some Viola latifolia and of others Viola Peregrina and Lunaria Graeca Lunaria maior and Lunaria odorata and is thought to be Thlaspi Crateuae In English White Satten or Satten flower Of some it is called Honesty and Penny-flower The Vertues Some doe vse to eate the young rootes hereof before they runne vp to flower as Rampions are eaten with Vinegar and Oyle but wee know no Physicall vse they haue CHAP. XLIII Linum siluestre Linaria Wilde Flaxe and Tode Flaxe ALthough neither the manured Line or Flaxe is a plant fit for our Garden nor many of the wilde sorts yet there are some whose pleasant and delightfull aspect doth entertaine the
former Tode Flaxe but much larger and without any heele or spurre of a faire white colour with a yellow spot in the mouth or gaping place after the flowers are past there come vp in their places hard round seede vessels fashioned somewhat like vnto a Calues head the snout being cut off wherein is contained small blacke seede the rootes are many white strings which perish in most places after they haue giuen seede notwithstanding any care or paines taken with them to preserue them aliue and yet they will abide in some places where they are defended in the Winter 2. Antirrhinum purpureum siue roseum Purple Snapdragon The purple Snapdragon is in stalkes leaues and flowers altogether like the former and as large and great in euery part or greater the only difference is that this beareth pale Stammell or Rose coloured flowers with a yellow spot in the mouth and sometimes of a paler colour almost blush 3. Antirrhinum variegatum Variable Snapdragon This variable kinde is somewhat lesse and tenderer then the last described hauing also a reddish or blush coloured flower lesser then the former but much bigger then the middle kinde of Snapdragon which is not set downe in this worke the yellow spot in the mouth of it hath some white about it and extending to both sides of the spot the heads and seede are like the former the rootes are smaller but neuer will abide after they haue giuen flowers and seede 4. Antirrhinum luteum Yellow Snapdragon There is likewise another of these kindes that beareth leaues as large as any of the former very faire yellow flowers as large likewise as they not differing in any thing else from the first let not any therefore imagine this to be a Linaria or Tode Flaxe for all parts are answerable vnto the Snapdragons The Place All these are nourished with vs in our Gardens although in Spaine and Italy they are found growing wilde The Time They flower for the most part the second yeare after the sowing from Aprill vntill Iuly and the seede is quickly ripe after The Names The name Antirrhinum is vsually giuen to this plant although it fully agreeth not eyther with the description of Dioscorides or Theophrastus It hath also diuers other names in Latine as Orontium Canis cerebrum Os Leonis Leo herba c. In English Calues snout from the forme of the seede vessels and Snapdragon or Lyons mouth from the forme of the flowers The Vertues They are seldome or neuer vsed in Physicke by any in our dayes CHAP. XLV Chamaenerium flore delphinij The Willowe flower THis plant riseth vp with many strong woddy round brownish great stalkes three or foure foote high beset here and there without order with one broad and long whitish greene leafe at a ioynt somewhat like vnto a Lysimachia or Willow herbe as also vnto a Peach leafe but larger and longer at the toppe of the branches stand many flowers one aboue another of a pale reddish purple colour consisting of fiue leaues spread open with an heele or spurre behinde them with many yellow threads in the middle much larger then any flower of the Larkes spurres and smelling somewhat sweete withall it beareth a shew of long pods with seede but I could neuer obserue the seede the rootes are like the rootes of Lysimachia or the ordinary yellow Loose-strife or Willowe herbe but greater running and spreading vnder ground and shooting vp in many places whereby it filleth a ground that it likes quickly the stalkes dye downe euery yeare and spring againe in many places farre asunder The Place Wee haue not knowne where this Willowe flower groweth naturally but we haue it standing in an out corner of our Gardens to fill vp the number of delightfull flowers The Time It flowreth not vntill May and abideth a long while flowring The Names It may seeme to diuers that this is that plant that Dodonaeus called Pseudolysimachium purpureum minus and Lobel seemeth by the name of Delphinium buccinum to aime at this plant but withall calleth it Chamaenerium Gâ—sneri and giueth the same figure that Dodonaeus hath for his Pseudolysimachium But that is one kinde of plant which hath smaller and shorter stalkes and very narrow long leaues whose flowers stand vpon long slender cods full of downe with reddish seede like vnto the Lysimachia siliquosa siluestris and rootes that abide many yeares but creepe not and this is another much greater whose true figure is not extant in any Author that I know It is vsually called Chamaenerium flore delphinij but the name of Delphinium buccinum in my minde may not so conueniently be applyed vnto it It is called in English The Willowe flower for the likenesse of the leaues and the beauty and respect of the flowers The Vertues There is no vse hereof in Physicke that euer I could learne but is onely cherished among other sorts of flowers that serue to decke and set forth a Garden of varieties CHAP. XLVI Aquilegia Colombines THere are many sorts of Colombines as well differing in forme as colour of the flowers and of them both single and double carefully noursed vp in our Gardens for the delight both of their forme and colours 1. Aquilegia vulgaris flore simplici Single Colombines Because the whole difference of these Colombines standeth in the varieties of the forme and colour of the flowers and little in the leaues I shall not neede to make anie repetitions of the description of them seeing one onely shall suffice for each peculiar kinde The Colombine hath diuers large spread leaues standing on long stalkes euery one diuided in seuerall partitions and roundly endented about the edges in colour somewhat like the leaues of Celondine that is of a darke blewish greene colour the stalkes rise vp sometimes two or three foote high diuided vsually into many branches bearing one long diuided leafe at the lower ioynt aboue which the flowers growe euery one standing on a long stalke consisting of fiue hollow leaues crooked or horned at the ends turning backward the open flower shewing almost like vnto a Cinquefoile but more hollow after the flowers are past there arise small long cods foure or fiue together wherein are contained blacke shining seede the rootes are thicke and round for a little space within the ground and then diuided into branches ending in many small fibres abiding many yeares and shooting a fresh euery Spring from the round heads that abide all the Winter The variety of the colours of these flowers are very much for some are wholly white some of a blew or violet colour others of a blush or flesh colour or deepe or pale red or of a dead purple or dead murrey colour as nature listeth to shew it selfe 2. Aquilegia vulgaris flore pleno Double Colombines The double Colombines differ not in leafe or manner of growing from the single so that vntill they come to flower they cannot bee discerned one from another the onely difference is it beareth
and white flowers and party coloured also these doe all beare seed like the single wherby it is encreased euery yeare 3. Delphinium aruense Wilde Larkes spurres This wilde Larkes spurre hath smaller and shorter leaues smaller and lower branches and more thinly or sparsedly growing vpon them then any of the former the flowers likewise are neyther so large as any of the former nor so many growing together the cods likewise haue smaller seede and is harder to grow in gardens then any of the former the most vsuall colour hereof is a pale reddish or blush colour yet sometimes they are found both white and blew and sometimes mixt of blew and blush variably disposed as nature can when she listeth but are much more rare 4. Diphinium elatius flore simplici diuersorum colorum Single vpright bearing Larkes heeles of many colours The difference betweene this and the last is that the leaues of this are not fully so greene nor so large the stalkes grow vpright to the height of a man and sometimes higher hauing some branches thereon but fewer then the former and standing likewise vpright and not leaning downe as the former the toppes of the stalkes are better stored with flowers then the other being sometimes two foote long and aboue of the same fashion but not altogether so large but of more diuers and seueral colours as white pale blush redde deeper or paler ashcoloured purple or violet and of an ouerworne blewish purple or iron colour for of all these we haue simple without any mixture or spot but we haue other sorts among the simple colours that rise from the same seede and will haue flowers that wil be halfe white and halfe blush or purple or one leafe white and another blush or purple or else variably mixed and spotted the seede and seede vessels are like the former but larger and harder 5. Delphinium elatius flore pleno diuersorum colorum Double vpright Larkes heeles of many colours These double Larkes heeles cannot bee knowne from the single of the same kinde vntill they come towards flowring for there appeare many flowers vpon the stalkes in the same manner and of as many colours almost as of the single except the party coloured which stand like little double Roses layd or spread broade open as the Rose Colombine without any heeles behinde them very delightfull to behold consisting of many small leaues growing together and after they are fallen there come vp in their places three or foure small cods set together wherein is contained here and there for all are not full of seede as the single kindes blacke seede like vnto all the rest but smaller which being sowen will bring plants that will beare both single and double flowers againe and it often happeneth that it variably altereth in colours from it owne sowing for none of them hold constantly his owne colour so farre as euer I could obserue but fall into others as nature pleaseth 6. Delphinium Hispanicum paruum Spanish wilde Larkes spurres This small Larkes spurre of Spaine hath diuers long and broad leaues next the ground cut-in on both sides somewhat like vnto the leafe of a Scabious or rather that kinde of Stoebe which Lobel calleth Crupina for it doth somewhat neerly resemble the same but that this is smooth on the edges and not indented besides the cuts as the Crupina is being of a whitish greene colour and somewhat smooth and soft in handling among the leaues riseth vp a whitish greene stalke hauing many smaller leaues vpon it that grow belowe but not diuided branching out into many small stalkes bearing flowers like vnto the wilde Larkes heeles but smaller and of a blâ—â—ke blewish colour which being past there come vp two or three small cods ioyned together wherein is blacke seede smaller and rounder then any of the former the roote is small and thready quickly perishing with the first cold that ouertaketh the plant The Place The greatest or first wilde kindes growe among corne in many countries beyond the Seas and where corne hath beene sowne and for his beauty brought and nourished in our Gardens the lesser wilde kinde in some fields of our owne Country The Spanish kinde likewise in the like places which I had among many seedes that Guillaume Boel brought mee out of Spaine The first double and single haue been common for many yeares in all countries of this Land but the tall or vpright single kindes haue been entertained but of late yeares The double kindes are more rare The Time These flower in the Summer onely but the Spanish wilde kinde flowreth very late so that oftentimes in our Country the Winter taketh it before it can giue ripe seede the double kindes as well the vpright as the ordinary or wilde are very choise and dainty many times not yeelding good seede The Names They are called diuersly by diuers Writers as Consolida regulis Câ—lcaris flos Flos regius Buccinum Romanorum and of Matthiolus Cuminum siluestre alterum Dioscoridis but the most vsuall name with vs is Delphinium but whether it be the true Delphinium of Dioscorides or the Poets Hyacinth or the flower of Aiax another place is fitter to discusse then this Wee call them in English Larkes heeles Larkes spurres Larkes toes or clawes and Monkes hoods The last or Spanish kinde came to mee vnder the name of Delphinium latifolium trigonum so stiled eyther from the diuision of the leaues or from the pods which come vsually three together Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus calleth it Consolida regalis peregrina paruo flore The Vertues There is no vse of any of these in Physicke in these dayes that I know but are wholly spent for their flowers sake CHAP. L. Balsamina foemina The Female Balsam Apple I Haue set this plant in this place for some likenesse of the flower rather then for any other comparison euen as I must also with the next that followeth This plant riseth vp with a thicke round reddish stalke with great and bunched ioynts being tender and full of iuice much like to the stalke of Purslane but much greater which brancheth it selfe forth from the very ground into many stalkes bearing thereon manie long greene leaues snipt about the edges very like vnto the Almond or Peach tree leaues among which from the middle of the stalkes vpwards round about them come forth vpon seuerall small short foot-stalkes many faire purplish flowers of two or three colours in them fashioned somewhat like the former Larkes heeles or Monks hoods but that they are larger open at the mouth and the spurres behinde crooke or bend downewards after the flowers are past there come in their places round rough 1 Radix Caua maior flore albo The white flowred Hollow roote 2 Capnâ—s fabacearadice The small Hollow roote 3 Delphinium flore simplici Single Larkes spurs 4 Delphinium vulgare flore medio duplici Larkes spurs double in the middle 5 Delphinium vulgare flore pleno Common Larks spurs double 6 Delphinium elatius flore
pleno Double vpright Larkes spurs 7 Delphinium Hispanicum parvuâ— Small Spanish Larkes spurs 8 Balsamina fâ—â—mina The Female Balsam apple 9 Nastâ—â—tium Indicum Indian Cresses or yellow Larkes spurs heads pointed at the end greene at the first and a little yellower when they bee ripe containing within them small round blackish seede which will soone skippe out of the heads if they be but a little hardly pressed betweene the fingers the rootes spread themselues vnder ground very much from the toppe with a number of small fibres annexed thereunto this is a very tender plant dying euery yeare and must bee sowne carefully in a pot of earth and tended and watered in the heate of Summer and all little enough to bring it to perfection The Place Wee haue alwaies had the seede of this plant sent vs out of Italy not knowing his originall place The Time It flowreth from the middle of Iuly to the end of August the seed doth seldome ripen with vs especially if the Summer be backward so that wee are oftentimes to seeke for new and good seede from our friends againe The Names Some vse to call it Charantia foemina Balsamina foemina Balsamella and Anguillara Herba Sanctae Katharinae We haue no other English name to call it by then the Female Balsame Apple or Balsamina The Vertues Some by reason of the name would attribute the property of Balme vnto this plant but it is not sufficiently knowne to haue any such yet I am well perswaded there may bee some extradinary quality in so beautifull a plant which yet lyeth hid from vs. CHAP. LI. Nasturtium Indicum Indian Cresses or yellow Larkes heeles THe likenesse as I said before of this flower likewise hauing spurres or heeles maketh me ioyne it with the rest which is of so great beauty and sweetnesse withall that my Garden of delight cannot bee vnfurnished of it This faire plant spreadeth it selfe into very many long trayling branches enterlaced one within another very confusedly yet doth it not winde it selfe with any claspers about either pole or any other thing but if you will haue it abide close thereunto you must tye it or else it will lye vpon the ground foure or fiue foot in length at the least wherby it taketh vp a great deale of ground the leaues are smooth greene and as round as the Penniwort that groweth on the ground without any cut or incisure therein at all in any part the stalkes whereof stand in the middle of each leafe and stand at euery ioynt of the stalke where they are a little reddish and knobbed or bunched out the flowers are of an excellent gold yellow colour and grow all along these stalkes almost at euery ioynt with the leaues vpon pretty long foote-stalkes which are composed of fiue leaues not hollow or gaping but standing open each leafe apart by it selfe two of them that be larger and longer then the other stand aboue and the other two that are lesser belowe which are a little iagged or bearded on both sides and the fift lowest in the middle of each of the three lower leaues yet sometimes it is but in two of them there is a little long spot or streake of an excellent crimson colour with a long heele or spurre behinde hanging downe the whole flower hath a fine small sent very pleasing which being placed in the middle of some Carnations or Gilloflowers for they are in flower at the same time make a delicate Tussimussie as they call it or Nosegay both for sight and sent After the flower is past come the seede which are rough or vneuen round greenish yellow heads sometimes but one and sometimes two or three standing together vpon one stalke bare or naked of themselues without any huske containing a white pulpy kernell the rootes are small and spreading vnder ground which perish with the first frosts and must be sowne a new euery yeare yet there needeth no bed of horse-dung for the matter the naturall ground will be sufficient so as you defend it a little from those frosts that may spoile it when it is newly sprung vp or being yet tender The Place This goodly plant was first found in the West Indies and from thence sent into Spâ—ine vnto Monardus and others from whence all other parts haue receiued it It is now very familiar in most Gardens of any curiosity where it yearly giueth ripe seed except the yeare be very vnkindly The Time It flowreth sometimes in Iune but vsually in Iuly if it be well defended and in any good ground and so continueth flowring vntill the cold frosts and mistes in the middle or end of October doe checke the luxurious nature thereof and in the meane time the seede is ripe which will quickly fall downe on the ground where for the most part the best is gathered The Names Some doe reckon this plant among the Clematides or Convolvuli the Clamberers or Bind weedes but as I said it hath no claspers neither doth it winde it selfe but by reason of the number of his branches that run one within another it may seeme to climbe vp by a pole or sticke which yet doth but onely close it as hauing something whereon to leane or rest his branches Monardus and others call it Flos sanguineus of the red spots in the flowers as also Mastnerzo de las Indias which is Nasturtium Indicum by which name it is now generally knowne and called and wee thereafter in English Indian Cresses yet it may bee called from the forme of the flowers onely Yellow Larkes heeles The Vertues The Spaniards and others vse the leaues hereof in stead of ordinary Cresses because the taste is somewhat sharpe agreeing thereunto but other Physicall properties I haue heard of none attributed to it CHAP. LII Viola Violets THe Garden Violets for the Wilde I leaue to their owne place are so well knowne vnto all that either keepe a Garden or hath but once come into it that I shall I thinke but lose labour and time to describe that which is so common Yet because it is not onely a choise flower of delight notwithstanding the popularity and that I let not passe any thing without his particular description I must also doe so by this And hereunto I must adde that kinde of Violet which although it want that smell of the other goeth beyond it in variety of dainty colours called Viola tricolor flammea or Harts eases 1. Viola simplex Martia Single March Violets The single Garden Violet hath many round greene leaues finely snipt or dented about the edges standing vpon seuerall small stalkes set at diuers places of the many creeping branches which as they runne doe here and there take roote in the ground bearing thereon many flowers seuerally at the ioynts of the leaues which consist of fiue small leaues with a short round tayle or spurre behinde of a perfect blew purple colour and of a very sweete sent it bringeth forth round seede vessels standing
likewise vpon their seuerall small stalkes wherein is contained round white seede but these heads rise not from where the flowers grew as in all other plants that I know but apart by themselues and being sowne will produce others like vnto it selfe whereby there may be made a more speedy encrease to plant a Garden as I haue done or any other place then by slipping as is the vsuall manner the rootes spread both deepe and wide taking strong hold in the ground Flore albo Of this kinde there is another that beareth white flowers not differing in smell or any thing else from the former Flore obsoleto And also another that beareth flowers of a dead or sad reddish colour in all other things alike sauing that this hath not altogether so good a sent as the other 2. Viola Martia flore multiplici Double March Violets There is no difference betweene this Violet and the former in any other thing then in the doublenesse of the flowers which haue so many leaues set and thrust together that they are like vnto hard buttons There is of this double kinde both white and purple as in the single but the white sort is seldome so thicke and double as the purple but of the red colour to be double I neuer heard 3. Viola flammea siue tricolor Harts eases or Pansies The Harts ease hath his leaues longer and more endented or cut in on the edges then the Violet hath and somewhat round withall the stalkes are vpright yet weake and ready to fall downe and lye vpon the ground set here and there with the like leaues from whence come forth the flowers of little or no sent at all made like vnto a Violet yet more open and with larger leaues but so variably mixed with blew or purple white and yellow that it is hard to set downe all the varieties For some flowers will be more white and but some spots of purple or blew in the two vpper leaues and the lower leaues with some stripes of yellow in the middle others will haue more purple in them then any other colour both in the vpper and lower leaues the side leaues blew and the middle yellow and others white and blew with yellow stripes as nature listeth to distribute their colours the seede is small whitish and round contained in small round heads the roote perisheth euery yeare and raiseth it selfe vp plentifully by it owne sowing if it be suffered 4. Viola tricolor flore duplici Double Harts ease We haue in our Gardens another sort that beareth flowers with more leaues then the former making it seeme to be twice double and that onely in Autumne for the first flowers are single that come in Summer This is of that sort that beareth purple flowers And it is to be obserued that the seed of this kinde will not all bring double flowers but only some if the ground be fit and liking so that if you haue once had of this double kinde you shall seldome misse to haue double flowers againe euery yeare of it owne growing or sowing 5. Viola flammea luteae maxima The great yellow Pansie There is one other kinde of Harts ease that decketh vp our Gardens not to be forgotten whose leaues and flowers are like the former but more plentifull in stalkes and branches and better abideth our Winters the flowers are larger then any of the former of a faire pale yellow colour with some yellower stripes now and then about the middle for it is sometimes without any stripes and also of a little deeper yellow colour this is to bee encreased by slips which will soone comprehend in a moist or moistened ground for that I neuer could obserue that it bore seede The Place These plants were first wilde and by manuring brought to be both fairer in colour and peraduenture of a better sent then when they grew wilde The Time The Violets flower in March and sometimes earlier and if the yeare be temperate and milde in Autumne againe The double Violets as they are later before they flower then the single so they hold their flowers longer The Harts ease flowreth seldome vntill May but then some will abide to flower vntill the end of Autumne almost especially if the frosts be not early The Names The Violet is called Viola nigra purpurea and Martia In English Violets March Violets and purple Violets The Harts ease is called Viola flammea Viola tricolor Viola multicolor and of some Iacea Flos trinitatis and Herba clauellata In English Harts ease and Pansies of the French name Pensees Some giue it foolish names as Loue in idlenesse Cull mee to you and Three faces in a hood The great yellow Harts ease is so called because it is like in forme and is the greatest of all other although it haue not that diuersity of colours in it that the other haue The Vertues The properties of Violets are sufficiently knowne to all to coole and moisten I shall forbeare to recite the many vertues that may be set downe and onely let you know that they haue in them an opening or purging quality being taken either fresh and greene or dryed and made into powder especially the flowers the dryed leaues will doe the like but in greater quantity Costaeus in his booke of the nature of all plants saith that the distilled water of Harts ease is commended in the French disease to be profitable being taken for nine dayes or more and sweating vpon it which how true it is I know not and wish some better experience were made of it before we put any great confidence in that assertion CHAP. LIII Epimedium Barrenwort THis pretty plant riseth vp out of the ground with vpright hard round small stalkes a foote and a halfe high or not two foote high at the highest diuided into three branches for the most part each branch whereof is againe diuided for the most part into three other branches and each of them beare three leaues seldome either more or lesse set together yet each vpon his owne foote-stalke each leafe being broad round and pointed at the end somewhat hard or dry in feeling hayrie or as it were prickly about the edges but very tenderly without harme of a light greene colour on the vpperside and a little whiter vnderneath from the middle of the stemme or stalke of leaues doth likewise come forth another long stalke not much higher then those with the leaues on them diuided into other branches each whereof hath likewise three flowers each vpon his owne footestalke consisting of eight small leaues a peece yet seeming to be but of foure leaus spread or layd open flat for that the foure vppermost which are the smaller and being yellow doe lye so close on the foure vndermost which are a little broader and red that they shew as if they were yellow flowers with red edges hauing yellow thredstipt with greene standing in the middle of the flowers the vnderside of the lower leaues are of
the ground taking roote still as it spreadeth the toppes of the branches haue white flowers with yellow thrummes in the middle very like vnto the Featherfew before described but somewhat greater not so hard but more soft and gentle in handling and the whole herbe to be of a very sweet sent 1. Chamaemaelum nudum Naked Camomill We haue another sort of Camomill in some Gardens but very rare like vnto the former but that it is whiter finer and smaller and raiseth it selfe vp a little higher and beareth naked flowers that is without that border of white leaues that is in the former and consisteth onely of a yellow round thrummie head smelling almost as sweete as the former 2. Chamaemaelum flore pleno Double flowred Camomill The double Camomill groweth with his leaues vpon the ground as the other single kinde doth but of a little fresher greene colour and larger withall the stalkes with the flowers on them doe raise themselues vp a little higher then the ordinary and bearing one or two flowers vpon a stalk which are composed of many white leaues set together in diuers rowes which make a fine double flower with a little yellow spot in the middle for the most part of euery one and are much larger then any single kinde smelling better and more pleasing then the ordinary this doth creepe vpon the ground as the other but is more tender to be kept in the Winter Yet if you saue the flowers hereof and so will the double Featherfew also when they haue stood long and ready to fade and keepe them dry vntill the Spring and then breaking them or pulling them to peeces sowe them there will spring vp from them Camomill and also Featherfew that will againe beare double flowers The Place Our ordinary Camomill groweth wilde in many places of our Country and as well neare London as in other places The others are onely found in our Gardens where they are cherished Bauhinus saith that the double flowred Camomill is found wilde about Orleance in France The Time The double kinde is vsually in flower in Iune before the ordinary kinde and most commonly past before it flowreth which is not vntill Iuly or August The naked Camomill flowreth betweene them both or later The Names Camomill is called Anthemis Leucanthemis and Leucanthemum of the whitenesse of the flowers and Chamaemaelum of the corrupted Italian name Camomilla Some call the naked Camomill Chrysanthemum odoratum The double Camomill is called by some Chamaemaelum Romanum flore multiplici The Vertues Camomill is put to diuers and sundry vses both for pleasure and profit both for inward and outward diseases both for the sicke and the sound in bathings to comfort and strengthen the sound and to ease paines in the diseased as also in many other formes applyed outwardly The flowers boyled in Posset drinke prouoketh sweat and helpeth to expell colds aches and other griefes A Syrupe made of the iuice of the double Camomill with the flowers and white wine as Bauhinus saith is vsed by some against the Iaundise and Dropsie caused by the euill disposition of the splene 1 Parthenium flore pleno Double Featherfew 2. Chamaemaelum nudum Naked Camomill 3 Chamaemaelum flore pleno Double Camomill 4 Pyrethrum officinarum Pelletory of Spaine 5 Flos Adonis flore rubro flore luteo Adonis flower both red yellow 6 Hâ—lleâ—orus niger feruâ—aceus siue Buphthalmum The great Oxe eye or the great yellow Anemone 7 Buphthalmum vulgare The common yellow Oxe eye CHAP. LIX Pyrethrum officinarum Pelletory of Spaine I Must needes adioyne vnto the Camomils this fine and tender plant for some neare resemblance it hath with them in face though not in quality It is a small and lowe plant bearing many fine greene leaues vpon his slender branches which leane or lye down vpon the ground diuided into many parts yet somewhat larger and broader then Camomill the stalkes whereof are bigger and more iuicie then it the flowers that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are single but much larger then any Camomill flower hauing a pale or border of many leaues white on the vpperside and reddish vnderneath set about the yellow middle thrumme but not standing so close together ioyning at the bottome as the Camomill flowers doe but more seuered one from another it beareth small whitish seede which is hardly found and discerned from the chaffe the roote is long and growing downe right of the bignesse of a mans finger or thumbe in our Countrey but not halfe so great where it groweth naturally with some fibres and branches from the sides thereof of a very hot sharpe and biting taste drawing much water into the mouth after it hath been chewed a while the plant with vs is very tender and will hardly or not at all endure the hardnesse and extremities of our Winters vnlesse it be very carefully preserued The Place It groweth in Spaine wilde in many places and in other hot Countries where it may feele no frosts to cause it perish The Time It flowreth so late with vs that it is not vntill August that oftentimes we cannot gather ripe seedes from it before it perish The Names The name Pyrethrum taken from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is ignis fire is giuen to this plant because of the heate thereof and that the roote is somewhat like in shew but specially in property vnto the true Pyrethrum of Dioscorides which is an vmbelliferous plant whose rootes are greater and more feruent a great deale and haue a hayrie bush or toppe as Meum and many other vmbelliferous plants haue It is also called in Latine Saliuaris of the effect in drawing much moisture into the mouth to be spit out We doe vsually call it Pelletory of Spaine The Vertues It is in a manner wholly spent to draw rheume from the teeth by chewing it in the mouth thereby to ease the tooth-ach and likewise from the head in the paines thereof CHAP. LX. Flos Adonis flore rubro Red Adonis flower ADonis flower may well be accounted a kinde of Camomill although it hath some especiall differences hauing many long branches of leaues lying vpon the ground and some rising vp with the stalke so finely cut and iagged that they much resemble the leaues of Mayweed or of the former Nigella at the top of the stalkes which rise a foote high or better stand small red flowers consisting of six or eight round leaues hauing a greene head in the middle set about with many blackish threads without any smell at all after the flowers are past there grow vp heads with many roundish white seedes at the toppes of them set close together very like vnto the heads of seede of the great Oxe eye set downe in the next Chapter but smaller the rootes are small and thready perishing euery yeare but rising of his owne seede againe many times before Winter which will abide vntill the next yeare Yellow Adonis flower is like vnto the
Perüuianum siue Flos Solis The golden flower of Peru or the Flower of the Sunne This goodly and stately plant wherewith euery one is now adayes familiar being of many sorts both higher and lower with one stalke without branches or with many branches with a blacke or with a white seede yet differing not in forme of leaues or flowers one from another but in the greatnesse or smalnesse riseth vp at the first like vnto a Pompion with two leaues and after two or foure more leaues are come forth it riseth vp into a great stalke bearing the leaues on it at seuerall distances on all sides thereof one aboue another vnto the very toppe being sometimes and in some places seuen eight or ten foote high which leaues standing out from the stemme or stalke vpon their seuerall great ribbed foote-stalkes are very large broad belowe and pointed at the end round hard rough of a sad greene colour and bending downewards at the topped of the stalke standeth one great large and broad flower bowing downe the head vnto the Sunne and breaking forth from a great head made of scaly greene leaues like vnto a great single Marigold hauing a border of manie long yellow leaues set about a great round yellow thrumme as it were in the middle which are very like vnto short heads of flowers vnder euery one whereof there is a seede larger then any seede of the Thistles yet somewhat like and lesser and rounder then any Gourd seede set in so close and curious a manner that when the seede is taken out the head with the hollow places or cels thereof seemeth very like vnto an hony combe which seede is in some plants very blacke in the hotter countries or very white and great or large but with vs is neither so large blacke or white but sometimes blackish or grayish Some sort riseth not vp halfe the height that others doe and some againe beare but one stemme or stalke with a flower at the toppe thereof and others two or three or more small branches with euery one his flower at the end and some so full of branches from the very ground almost that I haue accounted threescore branches round about the middle stalke of one plant the lowest neare two yards long others aboue them a yard and a halfe or a yard long with euery one his flower thereon but all smaller then those that beare but one or two flowers and lesser also for the most part then the flower on the middle stalke it selfe The whole plant and euery part thereof aboue ground hath a strong resinous sent of Turpentine and the heads and middle parts of the flowers doe oftentimes and sometimes the ioynts of the stalke where the leaues stand sweat out a most fine thin cleare Rossin or Turpentine but in small quantity and as it were in drops in the heate and dry time of the year so like both in colour smell and taste vnto cleare Venice Turpentine that it cannot be knowne from it the roote is strongly fastened in the ground by some greater roots branching out and a number of small strings which growe not deepe but keepe vnder the vpper crust of the earth and desireth much moisture yet dyeth euery yeare with the first frosts and must be new sowne in the beginning of the Spring The Place Their places are set downe in their titles the one to come out of Candy the other out of Peru a Prouince in the West Indies The Time The first flowreth in Iune the other later as not vntill August and sometimes so late that the early frosts taking it neuer suffer it to come to ripeness The Names The first hath his name in his title The second besides the names set downe is called of some Planta maxima Flos Maximus Sol Indianus but the most vsuall with vs is Flos Solis In English The Sunne Flower or Flower of the Sunne The Vertues There is no vse of either in Physicke with vs but that sometimes the heads of the Sunne Flower are dressed and eaten as Hartichokes are and are accounted of some to be good meate but they are too strong for my taste CHAP. LXIII Calendula Marigolds SOme haue reckoned vp many sorts of Marigolds I had rather make but two the single and the double for doubtlesse those that be most double rise from the best seede which are the middlemost of the great double and some will be lesse double whose seede is greater then the rest according to the ground where it groweth as also those that be of a paler colour doe come of the seed of the yellower sort 1. Calendula maxima The great Garden Marigold The Garden Marigold hath round greene stalkes branching out from the ground into many parts whereon are set long flat greene leaues broader and rounder at the 1 Chrysanthemum Creticum Corne Marigolds of Candy 2 Flos Solis The Flower of the Sunne 3 Calendula Marigolds 4 Aâ—ter Atticus siue Italorum The purple Marigold 5 Pilosâ—lla maior Golden Mouse-eare 6 Scorsonera Hispanica Spanish Vipers grasse 7 Tragopogon Goates beard or goe to bed at noone point then any where else and smaller also at the setting to of the stalke where it compasseth it about the flowers are sometimes very thicke and double breaking out of a scaly clammy greene head composed of many rowes of leaues set so close together one within another that no middle thrume can bee seene and sometimes lesse double hauing a small browne spot of a thrume in the middle and sometimes but of two or three rowes of leaues with a large browne thrume in the middle euery one whereof is somewhat broader at the point and nicked into two or three corners of an excellent faire deepe gold yellow colour in some and paler in others and of a pretty strong and resinous sweete sent after the flowers are past there succeede heads of crooked seede turning inward the outermost biggest and the innermost least the roote is white and spreadeth in the ground and in some places will abide after the seeding but for the most part perisheth and riseth againe of his owne feede Sometimes this Marigold doth degenerate and beareth many small flowers vpon short stalkes compassing the middle flower but this happeneth but seldome and therefore accounted but lusus naturae a play of nature which she worketh in diuers other plants besides 2. Calendula simplex The single Marigold There is no difference betweene this and the former but that the flowers are single consisting of one rowe of leaues of the same colour eyther paler or deeper yellow standing about a great browne thrumme in the middle the seed likewise is alike but for the most part greater then in the double kindes The Place Our Gardens are the chiefe places for the double flowers to grow in for we know not of any other naturall place but the single kinde hath beene found wilde in Spaine from whence I received seede gathered by Guillaume Boel in his time
a very curious and cunning searcher of simples The Time They flower all the summer long and sometimes euen in winter if it be milde and chiefly at the beginning of those monethes as it is thought The Names They are called Caltha of diuers and taken to be that Caltha wherof both Virgil and Columella haue written Others doe call them Calendula of the Kalendes that is the first day of the monthes wherein they are thought chiefly to flower and thereupon the Italians call them Fiori di ogni mese that is The Flowers of euery moneth We cal them in English generally eyther Golds or Marigolds The Vertues The herbe and flowers are of great vse with vs among other pot-herbes and the flowers eyther greene or dryed are often vsed in possets broths and drinkes as a comforter of the heart and spirits and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality gathered neere thereunto The Syrupe and Conserue made of the fresh flowers are vsed for the same purposes to good effect CHAP. LXIIII. Aster Starre-wort DIoscorides and other of the ancient Writers haue set forth but one kinde of Starre-wort which they call Aster Atticus of the place no doubt where the greatest plentie was found which was the Countrey of Athens the later Writers haue found out many other plants which they referre to this kinde calling them by the same name It is not my purpose to entreate of them all neyther doth this garden fitly agree with them I shall therefore select out one or two from the rest and giue you the knowledge of them leauing the rest to their proper place 1. Aster Atticus flore luteo Yellow Starre-wort This Starre-wort riseth vp with two or three rough hairy stalkes a foote and a halfe high with long rough or hairie brownish darke greene leaues on them diuided into two or three branches at the toppe of euery one whereof standeth a flat scaly head compassed vnderneath with fiue or sixe long browne rough greene leaues standing like a Starre the flower it selfe standing in the middle thereof made as a border of narrow long pale yellow leaues set with a brownish yellow thrume the roote dyeth euery yeare hauing giuen his flower 2. Aster Atticus Italorum flore purpureo Purple Italian Starre-wort This Italian Starre-wort hath many wooddy round brittle stalkes rising from the roote somewhat higher then the former sometimes standing vpright and otherwhiles leaning downewards whereon are set many somewhat hard and rough long leaues round pointed without order vp to the toppe where it is diuided into seuerall branches whereon stand the flowers made like vnto a single Marigold with a border of blewish purple leaues set about a browne middle thrume the heads sustaining the flowers are composed of diuers scaly greene leaues as is to be seene in the Knapweedes or Matfelons which after the flowers are past yeelde a certaine downe wherein lye small blacke and flat seedes somewhat like vnto Lettice seede which are carried away with the winde the roote is composed of many white strings which perisheth not as the former but abideth and springeth afresh euery yeare The Place The first is found in Spaine as Clusius and in France as Lobel say The other hath beene found in many places in Germany and Austria in Italie also and other places we haue it plentifully in our Gardens The Time The first flowreth in Summer And the other not vntill August or September The Names The first is called Aster Atticus flore luteo Buhonium Inguinalis and of many is taken to be the true Aster Atticus of Dioscorides yet Matthiolus thinketh not so for diuers good reasons which hee setteth downe in the Chapter of Aster Atticus as any man may vnderstand if they will but reade the place which is too long to bee inserted here The other is thought by Matthiolus to bee the truer Aster Atticus vnto whom I must also consent and constantly also affirmed to be the Amellus Virgilij as may be seene in the same place but it is vsually called at this day Aster Italorum flore caeruleo or purpureo Their English names are sufficiently expressed in their titles yet some call the last The purple Marigold because it is so like vnto one in form The Vertues They are held if they bee the right to bee good for the biting of a mad dogge the greene herbe being beaten with old hogs grease and applyed as also for swolne throats It is likewise vsed for botches that happen in the groine as the name doth import CHAP. LXV Pilosella maior Golden Mouse-eare SOme resemblance that the flowers of this plant hath with the former Golds maketh me to insert it in this place although I know it agreeth not in any other part yet for the pleasant aspect thereof it must bee in this my garden whose description is as followeth It hath many broade greene leaues spread vpon the ground spotted with pale spots yet more conspicuous at sometimes then at other somewhat hairy both on the vpper and vnderside in the middle of these leaues rise vp one two or more blackish hairy stalkes two foote high at the least bare or naked vp to the top where it beareth an vmbell or short tuft of flowers set close together vpon short stalkes of the forme or fashion of the Haukeweedes or common Mouse-eare but somewhat smaller of a deep gold yellow or orenge tawney colour with some yellow threds in the middle of little or no sent at all after the flowers are past the heads carry small short blacke seede with a light downie matter on them ready to bee carried away with the winde as many other plants are when they be ripe the rootes spread vnder ground and shoote vp in diuers other places whereby it much encreaseth especially if it be set in any moist or shadowie place The Place It groweth in the shadowie woods of France by Lions and Mompelier as Lobell testifieth we keepe it in our gardens and rather in a shadowie then sunnie place The Time It flowreth in Somer and sometimes againe in September The Names It is called by Lobell Pulmonaria Gallorum Hieratij facie and the Herbarists of France take it to be the true Pulmonaria of Tragus Others call it Hieratium flore aureo Pelleterius Hieratium Indicum Some Pilosella or Auricula muris maior flore aureo And some Chondrilla flore aureo Dalechamptus would haue it to bee Corchorus but farre vnfitly The fittest English name we can giue it is Golden Mouse-eare which may endure vntill a fitter bee imposed on it for the name of Grim the Collier whereby it is called of many is both idle and foolish The Vertues The French according to the name vse it for the defects of the lunges but with what good successe I know not CHAP. LXVI Scorsonera Vipers grasse ALthough there be foure or fiue sorts of Scorsonera yet I shall here desire you to be conâ—â—â—t with the knowledge only of a couple 1. Scorsonera Hispanica maior
of many long and narrow leaues snipt about the edges standing by couples one against another with an odde one at the end of a darke or full greene colour the stalke riseth to be three or foure foote high and diuideth it selfe from the middle thereof into many branches set with such like leaues to the toppes of them euery one bearing one great double flower of a gold yellow colour aboue and paler vnderneath yet some are of a pale yellow and some betweene both and all these rising from one and the same seede the flower before it be blowne open hath all the leaues hollow but when it is full blowne open it spreadeth it selfe larger then any Prouince Rose or equall vnto it at the least if it be in good earth and riseth out of a long greene huske striped or furrowed wherein after the flower is past which standeth in his full beauty a moneth and oftentimes more and being gathered may be preserued in his full beauty for two moneths after if it be set in water standeth the seede set thicke and close together vpright which is blacke somewhat flat and long the roote is full of small strings whereby it strongly comprehendeth in the ground the flower of this as well as the single is of the very smell of new waxe or of an honie combe and not of that poisonfull sent of the smaller kindes 2. Flos Africanus maior simplex The great single French Marigold This single Marigold is in all things so like vnto the former that it is hard to discerne it from the double but by the flowers onely the stalke will be browner then the double and to my best obseruation hath and doth euery yeare rise from the seede of the double flower so that when they are in flower you may see the difference or not much before when they are in bud this single flower euer appearing with thrums in the middle and the leaues which are the border or pale standing about them shewing hollow or fistulous which after lay themselues flat and open and the double flower appearing with all his leaues folded close together without any thrum at all and are of a deeper or paler colour as in the double 3. Flos Africanus fistuloso flore simplex multiplex Single and double French Marigolds with hollow leafed flowers As the former two greatest sorts haue risen from the seede of one and the same I meane the pod of double flowers so doe these also not differing from it in any thing but that they are lower and haue smaller greene leaues and that the flower also being smaller hath euery leafe abiding hollow like vnto an hollow pipe broad open at the mouth and is of as deepe a yellow colour for the most part as the deepest of the former yet sometimes pale also 4. Flos Africanus minor multiplex The lesser double French Marigold The lesser double French Marigold hath his leaues in all things like vnto the former but somewhat lesser which are set vpon round browne stalkes not so stiffe or vpright but bowing and bending diuers wayes and sometimes leaning or lying vpon the ground the stalkes are branched out diuersly whereon are set very faire double flowers like the former and in the like greene huskes but smaller and in some the outermost leaues will be larger then any of the rest and of a deeper Orenge colour almost crimson the innermost being of a deepe gold yellow colour tending to crimson the whole flower is smaller and of a stronger and more vnpleasant sauour so that but for the beautifull colour and doublenesse of the flower pleasant to the eye and not to any other sense this kinde would finde roome in few Gardens the rootes and seedes are like the former but lesser 5. Flos Africanus minor simplex The small single French Marigold This single kinde doth follow after the last in all manner of proportion both of stalkes leaues seedes and rootes the flowers onely of this are single hauing fiue or six broad leaues of a deepe yellow crimson colour with deepe yellow thrummes in the middle and of as strong a stinking sent or more then the last The Place They growe naturally in Africa and especially in the parts about Tunis and where old Carthage stood from whence long agoe they were brought into Europe where they are onely kept in Gardens being sowne for the most part euery yeare vnlesse in some milde Winters The last single and double kindes as being more hardy haue sometimes endured but that kinde with hollow leafed flowers as Fabius Columna setteth it downe is accounted to come from Mexico in America The Time They flower not vntill the end of Summer especially the greater kindes but the lesser if they abide all the Winter doe flower more early The Names They haue been diuersly named by diuers men Some calling them Caryophyllus Indicus that is Indian Gilloflowers and Tanacetum Perüvianum Tansie of Peru as if it grew in Peru a Prouince of America and Flos Indicus as a flower of the Indies but it hath not beene knowne to haue beene brought from thence Others would haue it to be Othonna of Plinie and others some to be Lycopersicum of Galen It is called and that more truely Flos Tunetensis Flos Africanus and Caltha Africana that is the flower of Tunis the flower of Africa the Marigold of Africa and peraduenture Pedna Paenorum We in English most vsually call them French Marigolds with their seuerall distinctions of greater or smaller double or single To that with hollow leafed flowers Fabius Columna giueth the name of Fistiluso flore and I so continue it 1 Flos Africanus maximus multiplex The greatest double French Marigold 2 Flos Africanus maior multiplex The greater double French Marigold 3 Flos Africanus maximus simplex The greatest single French Marigold 4 Flos Africanus multiplex fistulosus The doule hollow French Marigold 5 Flos Africanus simplex fistulosus The single hollow French Marigold 6 Flos Africanus minor multiplex The smaller double French Marigold 7 Flos Africanus minor multiplex alter Another sort of the leâ—â—er double French Marigold 8 Flos Africanus minor simplex The lesser single French Marigold The Vertues We know no vse they haue in Physicke but are cherished in Gardens for their beautifull flowers sake CHAP. LXIX Caryophyllus hortensis Carnations and Gilloflowers TO auoide confusion I must diuide Gilloflowers from Pinkes and intreate of them in seuerall Chapters Of those that are called Carnations or Gilloflowers as of the greater kinde in this Chapter and of Pinkes as well double as single in the next But the number of them is so great that to giue seuerall descriptions to them all were endlesse at the least needlesse I will therefore set downe onely the descriptions of three for vnto these three may be referred all the other sorts for their fashion and manner of growing and giue you the seuerall names as they are vsually called with vs of
or lower part of the leaues and are as sweete as the former this being sowne of seede doth not giue the starre of so bright a red colour but becommeth more dunne 4. Caryophyllus plumarius Austriacus siue Superba Austriaca The feathered Pinke of Austria This kinde of Pinke hath his first or lower leaues somewhat broader and greener then any of the former Pinkes being both for breadth and greennesse more like vnto the Sweete Iohns which shall bee described in the next Chapter the leaues on the stalkes are smaller standing by couples at euery ioynt at the toppes whereof stand such like iagged flowers as the last described and as large but more deeply cut in or iagged round about some of them of a purplish colour but the most ordinary with vs are pure white and of a most fragrant sent comforting the spirits and senses a farre off the seedes and rootes are like vnto the former Some haue mistaken a kinde of wilde Campion growing in our Woods and by the paths sides in Hornsie Parke and other places to be this feathered Pinke but the flowers declare the difference sufficiently 5. Caryophyllus minor repens simplex multiplex Single and double matted Pinkes The matted Pinke is the smallest both for leafe and flower of all other Pinkes that are nourished in Gardens hauing many short and small grassie greene leaues vpon the stalkes which as they grow and lye vpon the ground and not standing so vpright as the former doe take roote againe whereby it quickly spreadeth and couereth a great deale of ground in a liâ—tle space the flowers are small and round a little snipt about the edges whereof some are white and some red and some are white spotted with red and some red â—Potted with white all of them being single flowers But there is another of this kinde not differing in leafe but in flower for that the first flowers are but once double or of two rowes of leaues of a fine reddish colour spotted with siluer spots but those that follow are so thicke and double that they oftentimes doe breake the pod or huske being not altogether of so deepe a red colour but more pale 6. Caryophyllus Meditterraneus siue Marinus maior Great Sea Gilloflower or Great Thrift Vnto these kindes of Pinkes I must needs adde not only your ordinary Thrift which is more frequent in gardens to empale or border a knot because it abideth greene Winter and Summer and that by cutting it may grow thick and be kept in what form one list rather then for any beautie of the flowers but another greater kinde which is of as great beautie and delight almost as any of the former Pinkes as well for that the leaues are like vnto Gilloflowers being longer and larger then any Pinkes and of a whitish greene colour like vnto thâ—â— not growing long or by couples vpon the stalkes as Pinkes and Gilloflowers do but tufting close vpon the ground like vnto the common Thrift as also that the stalkes rising from among the leaues being sometimes two foote high as I haue obserued in my garden are yet so slender and weake that they are scarce able to beare the heads of flowers naked or bare both of leaues and ioynts sauing only in one place where at the ioynt each stalke hath two small and very short leaues not rising vpwards as in all other Gilloflowers Pinkes and other herbes but growing downewards and doe beare each of them a tuft or vmbell of small purplish or blush coloured flowers at the toppes them standing somewhat like vnto sweete Williams but more roundly together each flower consisting of fiue small round stiffe or hardish leaues as if they were made of paper the bottome or middle being hollow not blowing all at once as the ordinary Thrift but for the most part one after another not shewing vsually aboue foure or fiue flowers open at one time so farre as I could obserue in the plants that I kept so that it was long before the whole tuft of flowers were past but yet the hoter and dryer the times was the sooner it would be gone the seede I haue not perfectly obserued but as I remember it was somewhat like vnto the seede of Scabious I am sure nothing like vnto Gilloflowers or Pinkes the roote is somewhat great long and hard and not so much spreading in the ground as Gilloflowers or Pinkes Caryophyllus Marinus Thrift or Sea Cushion Our common Thrift is well knowne vnto all to haue many short and hard greene leaues smaller then many of the grasses growing thicke together and spreading vpon the ground the stalkes are naked of leaues a spanne high bearing a small tuft of light purple or blush coloured flowers standing round and close thrusting together Double Pinkes THe double white Pinke is onely with more leaues in it then the single which maketh the difference The double red Pinke is in the same manner double differing from the single of the same colour The double purple Pinke differeth not from the single purple for colour but only in the doublenesse of the flower The Granado Pinke differeth not from the Gilloflower of the same name but in the smalnesse both of leaues and flower The double Matted Pinke is before described The double blush Pinke is almost as great as the ordinary blush Gilloflower and some haue taken it for one but the greene leaues are almost as small as Pinks and therefore I referre it to them Single Pinkes THe single white ordinary Pinke hath a single white flower of fiue leaues finely iagged about the edges The single red Pink is like the white but that the leaues are not so much iagged and the flower is of a pale purplish red colour The single purple Pinke is of a faire purple colour like almost vnto the purple Gilloflower The great blush Pinke hath broader and larger leaues in the flower then any other Pinke and of a faire blush colour The white Feathered Pinke hath the edges of the flower more finely and deeply cut in then the former The red or light purple feathered Pinke is like the former feathered Pinke but only differeth in colour The Starre Pinke is a faire flower finely iagged on the edges with a faire red circle at the lower end of the leaues on the inside The white featherd Pinke of Austria is described before The purple featherd Pinke of Austria is so likewise The single matted Pinke is before described The speckled Pinke is a small flower hauing small spots of red here and there dispersed ouer the white flower Those single flowers being like vnto Pinkes that rise from the sowing of the orenge tawney I bring not into this classis hauing already spoken of them in the precedent Chapter The Place These are all like as the former nourished in Gardens with vs although many of them are found wilde in many places of Austria Hungarie and Germany on the mountaines and in many other places as Clusius recordeth The ordinary Thrift
Garden Daisies 7 Bellâ—â— minor hoâ—tensis flore vario Double red Daisies 〈◊〉 8 Bellis minor hortensis prolifera Double fruitfull Daisies or lacke an Apes on horsebacke 9 Bellis caruâ—ea siue Globularia Double blew Daisies or blew Globeflower 10 Bellis lutea montana siue Globularia lutea montaâ—â— Double yellow Daâ—sies or yellow Globeflower 1. Bellis maior flore albo pleno The great double white Daisie The great Daisie with the double white flower is in all things so like vnto the great single kinde that groweth by the high wayes and in diuers medowes and fields that there is no difference but in the flower which is double It hath many long and somewhat broad leaues lying vpon the ground deepely cut in on both sides somewhat like vnto an oaken leafe but those that are on the stalkes are shorter narrower and not so deeply cut in but onely notched on the edges the flowers at the toppe are as I said white and double consisting of diuers rowes of leaues being greater in compasse then any of the double Daisies that follow but nothing so double of leaues 2. Bellis minor flore rubro simplici Single red Daisies This single Daisie like as all the rest of the small Daisies hath many smooth greene round pointed leaues lying on the ground a little snipt about the edges from among which rise many slender round foote-stalkes rather then stalkes or stems about an hand breadth high at the most and oftentimes not halfe so high bearing one flower a peece consisting of many small leaues as a pale or border set about a middle thrumme the leaues of this kinde are almost wholly red whereas in the wilde they are white or whitish enclining to red on the edges the middle being yellow in both sorts the rootes are many small white threads or strings 3. Bellis minor hortensis flore pleno variorum colorum Double Garden Daisies of diuers colours The leaues of all the double Daisies are in forme like vnto the single ones but that they are smaller and little or nothing snipt or notched about the edges the small stalkes likewise are smaller and lower but bearing as double flowers as any that growe on the ground being composed of many small leaues thicke thrust together of diuers colours for some are wholly of a pure white others haue a little red either dispersed vpon the white leaues or on the edges and sometimes on the backes of the leaues some againe seeme to be of a whitish red or more red then white when as indeede they are white leaues dispersed among the red others of a deepe or darke red colour and some are speckled or striped with white and red through the whole flower and some the leaues will bee red on the vpperside and white vnderneath and some also but those are very rare are of a greenish colour 4. Bellis minor hortensis prolifera Double double Daisies or childing Daisies There is no difference either in leafe or roote in this kinde from the former double Daisies the chiefest variety consisteth in this that it beareth many small double flowers standing vpon very short stalkes round about the middle flower which is vsually as great and double as any of the other double kindes and is either wholly of a deepe red colour or speckled white and red as in some of the former kindes or else greenish all the small flowers about it being of the same colour with the middlemost 5. Bellis caerulea siue Globularia Blew Daisies The likenesse and affinity that this plant hath with the former both in the forme of leafe and flower as also in the name hath caused me to insert it and another rare plant of the same kinde in this place although they be very rare to be met with in our English Gardens This beareth many narrower shorter and blacker greene leaues then the former lying round about vpon the ground among which rise vp slender but stiffe and hard stalks halfe a foot high or more set here and there with small leaues and at the top a small round head composed of many small blew leaues somewhat like vnto the head of a Scabious It hath bin found likewise with a white head of flowers the roote is hard and stringie the whole plant is of a bitter taste 6. Globularia lutea montana Yellow Daisies This mountaine yellow Daisie or globe-Globe-flower hath many thicke smooth round pointed leaues spread vpon the ground like the former among which spring diuers small round rushie stalkes a foote high bearing about the middle of them two small leaues at the ioynts and at the toppes round heads of flowers thrust thicke together standing in purplish huskes euery of which flowers do blow or spread into fiue leaues starre-fashion and of a faire yellow colour smelling like vnto broome flowers with many small threads in the middle compassing a flat pointell horned or bended two wayes after the flowers are past rise vp the seede vessels which are round swelling out in the middle and diuided into foure parts at the toppes containing within them round flat blacke seede with a small cut or notch in them the roote is a finger long round and hard with a thicke barke and a woddy pith in the middle of a sharpe drying taste and strong sent the leaues are also sharpe but bitter The Place The small Daisies are all planted and found onely in Gardens and will require to be replanted often lest they degenerate into single flowers or at least into lesse double The blew Daisie is naturall of Mompelier in France and on the mountaines in many places of Italy as also the yellow kinde in the Kingdome of Naples The Time The Daisies flower betimes in the Spring and last vntill May but the last two flower not vntill August or September The Names They are vsually called in Latine Bellides and in English Daisies Some call them Herba Margarita and Primula veris as it is likely after the Italian names of Marguerite and Fior di prima vera gentile The French call them Pasquettes and Marguerites and the Fruitfull sort or those that beare small flowers about the middle one Margueritons our English women call them Iacke an Apes on horse-backe as they doe Marigolds before recited or childing Daisies but the Physitians and Apothecaries doe in generall call them especially the single or Field kindes Consolida minor The blew Daisie is called Bellis caerulea and Globularia of some Scabiosae pumilum genus The Italians call it Botanaria because the heads are found like buttons The yellow Globularia montana is onely described by Fabius Columna in his last part of Phytobasanos and by him referred vnto the former Globularia althougb it differ in some notable points from it The Vertues The properties of Daisies are certainly to binde and the roote especially being dryed they are vsed in medicines to that purpose They are also of speciall account among those herbes that are vsed for wounds in
the head CHAP. LXXIII Scabiosa Scabious THe sorts of Scabious being many yeeld not flowers of beauty or respect fit to bee cherished in this our Garden of delight and therefore I leaue them to the Fields and Woods there to abide I haue onely two or three strangers to bring to your acquaintance which are worthy this place 1. Scabiosa flore albo White flowred Scabious This white Scabious hath many long leaues very much iagged or gasht in on both sides of a meane bignesse being neither so large as many of the field nor so small as any of the small kindes the stalkes rise about a foote and a halfe high or somewhat higher at the tops whereof grow round heads thicke set with flowers like in all points vnto the field Scabious but of a milke white colour 2. Scabiosa rubra Austriaca Red Scabious of Austria This red Scabious hath many leaues lying vpon the ground very like vnto Deuils bit but not so large being shorter and snipt not gashed about the edges of a light greene colour yet there is another of a darker greene colour whose flower is of a deeper red the stalkes haue diuers such leaues on them set by couples at the ioynts as grow belowe and at the tops small heads of flowers each consisting of fiue leaues the biggest flowers standing round about in the outer compasse as is vsuall almost in all the kinds of Scabious or a fine light purple or red colour after the flowers are past come the seede which is somewhat long and round set with certaine haires at the head thereof like vnto a Starre the roote is composed of a number of slender strings fastened at the head 3. Scabiosa rubra Indica Red flowred Indian Scabious This reputed Indian Scabious hath many large faire greene leaues lying on the ground iagged or cut in on both sides to the middle ribbe euery peece whereof is narrower then that at the end which is the broadest among these leaues rise vp sundry slender and weake stalkes yet standing vpright for the most part set with smaller and more iagged leaues at certaine distances two or three at euery ioynt branching forth at the toppe into other smaller branches bearing euery one head of flowers like in forme vnto other Scabiouses but of an excellent deepe red crimson colour and sometimes more pale or delayed of no sent at all after which doe come small roundish seede like vnto the field Scabious the roote is long and round compassed with a great many small strings and perisheth vsually as soone as it hath borne out his flowers and seede otherwise if it doe not flower the first yeare of the sowing if it be carefully defended from the extremity of Winter it will flower the sooner the next yeare as I my selfe haue often found by experience The Place The first is sometimes found wilde in our owne Countrey but it is very geason and hath been sent among other rare seedes from Italy The second was first found and written of by Clusius in Pannonia and Austria where it is very plentifull The third hath been sent both from Spain Italy and is verily thought to grow naturally in both those parts 1 Scabiosa flore albo White flowred Scabious 2 Scabiosa rubra Austriaca Red Scabious of Austria 3 Scabiosa rubra Indica Red flowred Indian Scabious 4 Cyanus vulgaris minor Corn-flower of diuers colours 5 Cyanus â—â—ticus Spanish Corn-flower 6 Cyanus floridus Turcicus The braue Sultans flower 7 Carthamus sativus Spanish Saffron The Time The first and second flower earlier then the last for that it flowreth not vntill September or October vnlesse it be not apt to beare the first yeare as I before said so that many times if none be more forward it perisheth without bearing ripe seede whereby we are oftentimes to seeke new seede from our friends in other parts The Names They haue all one generall name of Scabious distinguished eyther by their flower or place of growing as in their titles yet the last is called of diuers Scabiosa exotica because they thinke the name Indica is not truely imposed vpon it The Vertues Whether these kindes haue any of the vertues of the other wilde kinds I know none haue made any experience and therefore I can say no more of them CHAP. LXXIIII Cyanus Corne flower or blew Bottles VNder the name of Cyanus are comprehended not onely those plants which from the excellent blew colour of their flowerâ— furnishing or rather pestering the Corne fieldes haue peculiarly obtained that name and which doth much vary also in the colour of the flowers as shall be shewed but some other plants also for their neere resemblance but with seuerall distinctions The Cyanus maior Ptarmica Austriaca Ptarmica Imperati and many others which may be adioyned vnto them do more fitly belong to the Garden of Simples whereunto I leaue them and will here only entreate of those that may most please the delight of our Gentle Florists in that I labour and striue to furnish this our garden with the chiefest choyse of natures beauties and delights 1. Cyanus vulgaris diuersorum colorum Corne flower of diuers colours All these sorts of Corne flowers are for the most part alike both in leaues and flowers one vnto another for the forme the difference betweene them consisteth in the varying colour of the flowers For the leaues are long and of a whitish greene colour deeply cut in on the edges in some places somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Scabious the stalkes are two foote high or better beset with such like leaues but smaller and little or nothing slit on the edges the toppes are branched bearing many smal greene scaly heads out of which rise flowers consisting of fiue or sixe or more long and hollow leaues small at the bottome and opening wider and greater at the brims notched or cut in on the edges and standing round about many small threds in the middle the colours of these flowers are diuers and very variable for some are wholly blew or white or blush or of a sad or light purple or of a light or dead red or of an ouerworne purple colour or else mixed of these colours as some the edges white and the rest blew or purple or the edges blew or purple and the rest of the flower white or striped spotted or halfed the one part of one colour and the other of another the threds likewise in the middle varying in many of them for some will haue the middle thrume of a deeper purple then the outer leaues and some haue white or blush leaues the middle thrume being reddish deeper or paler After the flowers are past there come small hard white and shining seede in those heads wrapped or set among a deale of flockie matter as is most vsuall in all plants that beare scaly heads the rootes are long and hard perishing euery yeare when it hath giuen seede 2. Cyanus floridus Turcicus The Sultans
flower As a kinde of these Corne flowers I must needes adioyne another stranger of much beautie and but lately obtained from Constantinople where because as it is said the great Turke as we call him saw it abroade liked it and wore it himselfe all his vassals haue had it in great regard and hath been obtained from them by some that haue sent it into these parts The leaues whereof are greener and not only gashed but finely snipt on the edges the stalkes are three foote high garnished with the like leaues as are below and branched as the former bearing large scaly heads and such like flowers but larger hauing eight or nine of those hollow gaping leaues in euery flower standing about the middle threds if it be planted in good and fertile ground and be well watered for it soone starueth and perisheth with drought the circling leaues are of a fine delayed purple or blush colour very beautifull to behold the seede of this is smaller and blacker and not enclosed in so much dounie substance as the former yet in our Countrey the seede is not so blacke as it came vnto vs but more gray the roote perisheth likewise euery yeere 3. Cyanus Baeticus supinus The Spanish corne-Corne-flower This Spanish kinde hath many square low bending or creeping stalkes not standing so vpright as the former but branching out more diuersly so that one plant will take vp a great deale of ground the leaues are broader then any of the rest softer also of a pale or whitish greene colour and not much gashed on the edges the flowers stand in bigger heads with foure or fiue leaues vnder euery head and are of a light pale purple or blush colour after which come seede but not so plentifully yet wrapped in a great deale of flockie matter more then any the roote groweth downe deepe into the ground but perisheth euery yeare as they doe The Place The first or former kindes grow many times in the Corne fields of our own Countrey as well as of others especially that sort with a blew flower but the other sorts or colours are not so frequent but are nourished in gardens where they will vary wonderfully The second as is before set downe groweth in Turkie and the last in Spaine found out and first sent to vs by that industrious searcher of simples Guillaume Boel before remembred The Time The first doe flower in the end of Iune and in Iuly and somtimes sooner The other two later and not vntill August most commonly and the seede is soone ripe after The Names The first is generally called Cyanus and some following the Ditch name call it Flos frumenti The olde Writers gaue it the name of Bapti saecuba which is almost worne out We doe call them in English Blew Bottles and in some places Corne flowers after the Ditch names The second hath beene sent by the name of Ambreboi which whether it be a Turkie or Arabian name I know not I haue called it from the place from whence we had it Turcicus and for his beauty Floridus The Turkes themselues as I vnderstand doe call it The Sultans flower and I haue done so likewise that it may bee distinguished from all the other kindes or else you may call it The Turkey blush Corne flower which you please The lâ—st was sent by the name of Iacea Baetica but I had rather to referre it to the Cyanus or Corne flowers because the flowers are like vnto the Corne flowers and not vnto the Iaceas or Knapweedes The Vertues These had no vse in Physicke in Galen and Dioscorides time in that as it is thought they haue made no mention of them We in these dayes doe chiefly vse the first kindes as also the greater sort as a cooling Cordiall and commended by some to be a remedy not onely against the plague and pestilentiall diseases but against the poison of Scorpions and Spiders CHAP. LXXV Iacea Marina Baetica Spanish Sea Knapweede THere are a great many sorts of Knapweedes yet none of them all fit for this our Garden but this only stranger which I haue beene bold to thrust in here for that it hath such like gaping or open flowers as the former Corne flowers haue but notably differing and therefore deserueth a peculiar Chapter as partaking both with Cyanus and Iacea It hath many long and narrow leaues vneuenly dented or waued on both edges and not notched gashed or indented as many other herbes are being thicke fleshie and brittle a little hairy and of an ouerworne darke greene colour among which rise lowe weake stalkes with such like leaues as grow at the bottome but smaller bearing but here and there a flower of a bright reddish purple colour like in forme vnto the Corne flowers but much larger with many threds or thrumes in the middle of the same colour standing vp higher then any of the former this flower riseth out of a large scaly head all set ouer with small sharpe but harmelesse white prickles the seedes are blackish like vnto the Knapweedes and larger then any of the former Corne flowers the roote is great and thicke growing deepe into the ground fleshie and full of a slimie or clammy iuice and easie to bee broken blackish on the outside and whitish within enduring many yeares like as the other Knapweedes or Matfelons doe growing in time to be very thicke and great The Place It groweth naturally by the Sea side in Spaine from whence I receiued the seedes of Guillaume Boel and did abide well in my garden a long time but is now perished The Time It flowreth in the beginning of Iuly or thereabouts and continueth not long in flower but the head abideth a great while and is of some beauty after the flower is past yet seldome giueth good seed with vs. The Names It hath no other name then is set down in the title being altogether a Nouelist and not now to be seene with any sauing my selfe The Vertues We haue not yet known any vse hereof in Physick CHAP. LXXVI Cnicus siuc Carthamus sativus Bastard or Spanish Saffron THere are two or three sorts of Cnicus or bastard Saffrons which I passe ouer as not fit for this Garden and onely set downe this kinde whose flowers are of a fairer and more liuely colour in our Country then any hath come ouer from Spaine where they manure it for the profit they make thereof seruing for the dying of Silke especially and transporting great quantities to diuers Countries It hath large broad leaues without any prickes at all vpon them in our Country growing vpon the stalke which is strong hard and round with shorter leaues thereon vp to the toppe where they are a little sharpe pointed and prickly about the edges sometimes which stalke riseth three or foure foote high and brancheth it selfe toward the toppe bearing at the end of euery branch one great open scaly head out of which thrusteth out many gold yellow threads of a most orient shining
colour which being gathered in a dry time and kept dry will abide in the same delicate colour that it bare when it was fresh for a very long time after when the flowers past the seede when it is come to maturity which is very seldome with vs is white and hard somewhat long round and a little cornered the roote is long great and wooddy and perisheth quickly with the first frosts The Place It groweth in Spaine and other hot Countries but not wilde for that it is accounted of the old Writers Theophrastus and Dioscorides to be a manured plant The Time It flowreth with vs not vntill August or September sometimes so that it hardly giueth ripe seede as I said neither is it of that force to purge which groweth in these colder Countries as that which commeth from Spaine and other places The Names The name Cnicus is deriued from the Greekes and Carthamus from the Arabians yet still sativus is added vnto it to shew it is no wilde but a manured plant and sowne euery where that wee know Of some it is called Crocus hortensis and Sarasenicus from the Italians which so call it We call it in English Bastard Saffron Spanish Saffron and Catalonia Saffron The Vertues The flowers are vsed in colouring meates where it groweth beyond Sea and also for the dying of Silkes the kernels of the seede are onely vsed in Physicke with vs and serueth well to purge melancholicke humours CHAP. LXXVII Carduus Thistles YOu may somewhat maruaile to see mee curious to plant Thistles in my Garden when as you might well say they are rather plagues then pleasures and more trouble to weede them out then to cherish them vp if I made therein no distinction or choise but when you haue viewed them well which I bring in I will then abide your censure if they be not worthy of some place although it be but a corner of the Garden where something must needes be to fill vp roome Some of them are smooth and without prickes at all some at the heads onely and some all ouer but yet not without some especiall note or marke worthy of respect Out of this discourse I leaue the Artichoke with all his kindes and reserue them for our Kitchin Garden because as all know they are for the pleasure of the taste and not of the smell or sight 1. Acanthus sativus Garden Beares breech The leaues of this kinde of smooth thistle as it is accounted are almost as large as the leaues of the Artichoke but not so sharp pointed very deeply cut in and gashed on both edges of a sad green shining colour on the vpperside and of a yellowish green vnderneath with a great thicke rib in the middle which spread themselues about the root taking vp a great deale of ground After this plant hath stood long in one place and well defended from the iniury of the cold it sendeth forth from among the leaues one or more great and strong stalkes three or foure foote high without any branch at all bearing from the middle to the top many flowers one aboue another spike-fashion round about the stalke with smaller but not diuided greene leaues at euery flower which is white and fashioned somewhat like vnto a gaping mouth after which come broad flat thicke round brownish yellow seede as I haue well obserued by them haue beene sent me out of Spaine and which haue sprung vp and doe grow with me for in our Countrey I could neuer obserue any seede to haue growne ripe the rootes are composed of many great and thicke long strings which spread farre in and vnder the ground somewhat darkish on the outside and whitish within full of a clammy moisture whereby it sheweth to haue much life and doe endure our Winters if they be not too much exposed to the sharpe violence thereof which then it will not endure as I haue often found by experience 2. Acanthus siluestris Wilde or prickly Beares breech This prickly Thistle hath diuers long greenish leaues lying on the ground much narrower then the former but cut in on both sides thicke set with many white prickes and thornes on the edges the stalke riseth not vp so high bearing diuers such like thornie leaues on them with such a like head of flowers on it as the former hath but the seede hereof as it hath come to vs from Italy and other places for I neuer saw it beare seed here in this Country is blacke and round of the bignesse of a small pease the roote abideth reasonable well if it be defended somewhat from the extremity of our Winters or else it will perish 3. Eringium Pannonicum siue Montanum Hungary Sea Holly The lower leaues of this Thistle that lye on the ground are somewhat large round and broad hard in handling and a little snipt about the edges euery one standing vpon a long foote-stalke but those that growe vpon the stalke which is stiffe two or three foote high haue no foote-stalke but encompasse it two being set at euery ioynt the toppe whereof is diuided into diuers branches bearing small round rough heads with smaller and more prickly leaues vnder them and more cut in on the sides then those belowe out of these heads rise many blew flowers the foote-stalkes of the flowers together with the toppes of the branches are likewise blew and transparent or shining Flore albo We haue another of this kinde the whole toppes of the stalkes with the heads and branches are more white then blew the seede contained in these heads are white flat and as it were chaffie the roote is great and whitish spreading farre into many branches and somewhat sweete in taste like the ordinary Sea Holly rootes 4. Carduus mollis The gentle Thistle The leaues of this soft and gentle Thistle that are next vnto the ground are greene 1 â—canthus sativus Garden Beares breech 2 Acanthus siluestris Wilde Beares breech 3 Eringium Pannâ—nicum Mountaine Sea Holly 4 Carlina humilis The lowe Carline Thistle 5 Carduus sphaerocephalus maior The greater Globe-Thistle 6 Carduus sphaerocephalus minor The lesser Globe-Thistle 7 Carduus Eriocaphalus The Friers crowne 8 Fraxinella Bastard Dittanie on the vpperside and hoary vnderneath broad at the bottome somewhat long pointed and vneuenly notched about the edges with some soft hairie prickles not hurting the handler euery one standing vpon a short foote-stalke those that growe about the middle stalke are like the former but smaller and narrower and those next the toppe smallest where it diuideth it selfe into small branches bearing long and scaly heads out of which breake many reddish purple threads the seede is whitish and hard almost as great as the seede of the greater Centory the roote is blackish spreading vnder the ground with many small fibres fastened vnto it and abideth a great while 5. Carlina humilis The lowe Carline Thistle This lowe Thistle hath many iagged leaues of a whitish greene colour armed with small sharp
white prickles round about the edges lying round about the root vpon the ground in the middle whereof riseth vp a large head without any stalke vnder it compassed about with many small and long prickly leaues from among which the flower sheweth it selfe composed of many thin long whitish hard shining leaues standing about the middle which is flat and yellow made of many thrums or threads like small flowers wherein lye small long seede of a whitish or siluer colour the roote is somewhat aromaticall blackish on the outside small and long growing downewards into the ground There is another of this kinde that beareth a higher stalke and a redder flower but there is a manifest difference betweene them 6. Carduus Sphaerocephalus siue Globosus maior The greater Globe Thistle The greatest of these beautifull Thistles hath at the first many large and long leaues lying on the ground very much cut in and diuided in many places euen to the middle ribbe set with small sharpe but not very strong thornes or prickles at euery corner of the edges greene on the vpperside and whitish vnderneath from the middle of these leaues riseth vp a round stiffe stalke three foote and a halfe high or more set without order with such like leaues bearing at the toppe of euery branch a round hard great head consisting of a number of sharpe bearded huskes compact or set close together of a blewish greene colour out of euery one of which huskes start small whitish blew flowers with white threads in the middle of them and rising aboue them so that the heads when they are in full flower make a fine shew much delighting the spectators after the flowers are past the seede encreaseth in euery one or the most part of the bearded huskes which doe still hold their round forme vntill that being ripe it openeth it selfe and the huskes easily fall away one from another containing within them a long whitish kernell the roote is great and long blackish on the outside and dyeth euery yeare when it hath borne seede 7. Carduus Globosus minor The lesser Globe Thistle The lesser kinde hath long narrow leaues whiter then the former but cut in and gashed on the edges very much with some small prickes on them the stalke is not halfe so long nor the heads halfe so great but as round and with as blew flowers as the greater this seldome giueth ripe seede but recompenseth that fault in that the roote perisheth not as the former but abideth many yeares 8. Carduus Eriocephalus siue Tomentosus The Friers Crowne This woolly Thistle hath many large and long leaues lying on the ground cut in on both sides into many diuisions which are likewise somewhat vnequally cut in or diuided againe hauing sharpe white prickles at euery corner of the diuisions of a dead or sad greene colour on the vpperside and somewhat woolly withall and grayish vnderneath the stalke is strong and tall foure or fiue foote high at the least branching out into diuers parts euery where beset with such like leaues as growe below at the toppe of euery branch there breaketh out a great whitish round prickly head flattish at the toppe so thicke set with wooll that the prickles seeme but small spots or haires and doth so well resemble the bald crowne of a Frier not onely before it be in flower but especially after it hath done flowring that thereupon it deseruedly receiued the name of the Friers Crowne Thistle out of these heads riseth forth a purple thrumme such as is to be seene in many other wilde Thistles which when they are ripe are full of a flockie or woolly substance which breake at the toppe shedding it and the seede which is blackish flat and smooth the roote is great and thicke enduring for some yeares yet sometimes perishing if it be too much exposed to the violence of the frosts in Winter The Place The first groweth naturally in Spaine Italy and France and in many other hot Countries and growe onely in Gardens in these colder climates and there cherished for the beautifull aspect both of the greene plants and of the stalkes when they are in flower The Carline Thistle is found both in Germany and Italy in many places and as it is reported in some places of the West parts in England The others are found some in France some in Hungary and on the Alpes and the last in Spaine The Time They doe all flower in the Summer moneths some a little earlier or later then others The Names The first is called Acanthus sativus because the other that is prickly is called siluestris or spinosus and Branea vrsina In English Branck vrfine and Beares breech The third is called Eringium montanum Alpinum and Pannonicum latifolium In English Mountaine or Hungary Sea Holly The fourth is called Carduus mollis The gentle Thistle because it hath no harmfull prickles although it seeme at the first shew to be a Thistle The fifth is called of diuers Chamaeleo albus and Carlina as if they were both but one plant but Fabius Columna hath in my iudgement very learnedly descided that controuersie making Carlina to be Ixine of Theophrastus and Chamaeleo another differing Thistle which Gaza translateth Vernilago We call it in English The Carline Thistle The other haue their names in their titles as much as is conuenient for this discourse The Vertues The first hath alwaies been vsed Physically as a mollifying herbe among others of the like slimie matter in Glisters to open the body yet Lobâ—l seemeth to make no difference in the vse of them both that is the prickly as well as the smooth The Carline Thistle is thought to bee good against poysons and infection The rest are not vsed by any that I know CHAP. LXXVIII Fraxinella Bastard Dittany HAuing finished those pleasing Thistles I come to other plants of more gentle handling and first bring to your consideration this bastard Dittany whereof there are found out two especiall kindes the one with a reddish the other with a whitish flower and each of these hath his diuersity as shall be presently declared 1. Fraxinella flore rubente Bastard Dittany with a reddish flower This goodly plant riseth vp with diuers round hard brownish stalkes neare two foote high the lower parts whereof are furnished with many winged leaues somewhat like vnto Liquerice or a small young Ashe tree consisting of seuen nine or eleuen leaues set together which are somewhat large and long hard and rough in handling of a darkish greene colour and of an vnpleasant strong resinous sent the vpper parts of the stalkes are furnished with many flowers growing spike fashion at certaine distances one aboue another consisting of fiue long leaues a peece whereof foure that stand on the two sides are somewhat bending vpwards and the fift hanging downe but turning vp the end of the leafe a little againe of a faint or pale red colour striped through euery leafe with a deeper red colour and
hauing in the middle a tassell of fiue or six long purplish threds that bowe downe with the lower leafe and turne vp also the ends againe with a little freese or thrume at the ends of euery one after the flowers are past arise hard stiffe rough clammy huskes horned or pointed at the end foure or fiue standing together somewhat like the seede vessels of the Wolfes-banes or Colombines but greater thicker and harder wherein is contained round shining blacke seede greater then any Colombine seede by much and smaller then Peony seede the roote is white large and spreading many wayes vnder ground if it stand long the whole plant as well roots as leaues and flowers are of a strong sent not so pleasing for the smell as the flowers are beautifull to the sight 2. Fraxinella flore rubro Bastard Dittaine with a red flower This differeth not from the former eyther in roote leafe or flower for the forme but that the stalkes and leaues are of a darker greene colour and that the flowers are of a deeper red colour and growing in a little longer spike wherein the difference chiefly consisteth which is sufficient to distinguish them 3. Fraxinella flore albo Bastard Dittanie with a white flower The white flowred Fraxinella hath his leaues and stalkes of a fresher greene colour then any of the former and the flowers are of a pure white colour in forme differing nothing at all from the other 4. Fraxinella flore albo caeruleo Bastard Dittanie with an ash coloured flower The colour of the flower of this Fraxinella onely putteth the difference betweene this and the last recited with a white flower for this beareth very pale or whitish blew flower tending to an ash colour The Place All these kindes are found growing naturally in many places both of Germany and Italie and that with the white flower about Franckford which being sent me perished by the way by long and euill carriage The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and the seede is ripe in August The Names The name Fraxinella is most generally imposed on those plants because of the resemblance of them vnto young Ashes in their winged leaues Yet some doe call them Dictamus albus or Dictamnus albus and Diptamus albus as a difference from the Dictamnus Creticus which is a farre differing plant Some would haue it to be Tragium of Dioscorides but beside other things wherein this differeth from Tragium this yeeldeth no milkie iuice as Dioscorides saith Tragium doth We in English doe eyther call it Fraxinella or after the other corrupted name of Dictamus Bastard Dittanie The Vertues It is held to be profitable against the stingings of Serpents against contagious and pestilent diseases to bring downe the feminine courses for the paines of the belly and the stone and in Epilepticall diseases and other cold paines of the braines the roote is the most effectuall for all these yet the seede is sometimes vsed CHAP. LXXIX Legumina Pulse IF I should describe vnto you all the kindes of Pulse I should vnfold a little world of varieties therein more knowne and found out in these dayes then at any time before but that must bee a part of a greater worke which will abide a longer time before it see the light I shall only select those that are fit for this garden and set them downe for your consideration All sorts of Pulse may be reduced vnder two generall heads that is of Beanes and Pease of each whereof there is both tame and wilde Of Beanes besides the tame or vsuall garden Beane and the French or Kidney Beane whereof I meane to entreate in my Kitchen garden as pertinent thereto there is the Lupine or flat Beane whereof I meane to entreate here and the blacke Beane and others which must bee reserued for the Physicke Garden And of the kindes of Pease some are fit for this Garden whereunto I will adioyne two or three other plants as neerest of affinitie the flowers of some and the fruit of others being delightfull to many and therefore fit for this garden some for the Kitchen the rest for the Physicke garden And first of Lupines or flat Beanes accepted as delightfull to many and therefore fit for this garden 1. Lupinus sativus albus The white garden Lupine The garden Lupine riseth vp with a great round stalke hollow and somewhat woolly with diuers branches whereon grow vpon long footestalkes many broade leaues diuided into seuen or nine parts or smaller leaues equally standing round about as it were in a circle of a whitish greene colour on the vpperside and more wholly vnderneath the flowers stand many together at seuerall ioynts both of the greater stalke and the branches like vnto beanes and of a white colour in some places and in others of a very bleake blew tending to white after the flowers are past there come in their places long broade and flat rough cods wherein are contained round and flat seede yellowish on the inside and couered with a tough white skin and very bitter in taste the rootes are not very great but full of small fibres whereby it fasteneth it selfe strongly in the ground yet perisheth euery yeare as all the rest of these kindes doe 2. Lupinus caeruleus maximus The greater blew Lupine The Stemme or stalke of this Lupine is greater then the last before recited as also the leaues more soft and woolly and the flowers are of a most perfect blew colour with some white spots in the middle the long rough greenish cods are very great and large wherein are contained hard flat and round seede not so white on the outside as the former but somewhat yellower greater also and more rough or hard in handling 3. Lupinus caeruleus minor The lesser blew Lupine This kinde of wilde Lupine differeth not in the forme of leafe or flower from the former but only that it is much smaller the leaues are greener and haue fewer diuisions in them the flower is of as deepe a blew colour as the last the cods likewise are small and long containing small round seede not so flat as the former but more discoloured or spotted on the outside Minimus then the greater kinde is There is a lesser kind then this not differing in any thing from this but that it is lesser 4. Lupinus flore luteo The yellow Lupine The yellow Lupine groweth not vsually so high but with larger leaues then the small blew Lupine the flowers grow in two or three rundles or tufts round about the stalke and the branches at the ioynts of a delicate fine yellow colour like in fashion vnto the other kindes being larger then the last but nothing so large as the greater kindes and of a fine small sent the seede is round and not flat but much about the forme and bignesse of the small blew or somewhat bigger of a whitish colour on the outside spotted with many spots The Place The first groweth in many places of Greece and
double white Peony 5 Helleborus vernus atrorubente flore The early â—â—ite Ellebor with a darke red flower 6 Helleborus niger verus The Christmas flower 7 Calceolus Mariae Our Ladies Slipper downe the causes reasons and errours were to spend more time then I intend for this worke Wee call them in English Peonie and distinguish them according to their titles The Vertues The male Peony roote is farre aboue all the rest a most singular approued remedy for all Epilepticall diseases in English The falling sicknesse and more especially the greene roote then the dry if the disease be not too inueterate to be boyled and drunke as also to hang about the neckes of the younger sort that are troubled herewith as I haue found it sufficiently experimented on many by diuers The seede likewise is of especiall vse for women for the rising of the mother The seede of the female kinde as well as the rootes are most vsually sold and may in want of the other be and so are generally vsed CHAP. LXXXI Helleborus niger Beares foote THere are three sorts of blacke Hellebor or Beares foote one that is the true and right kinde whose flowers haue the most beautifull aspect and the time of his flowring most rare that is in the deepe of Winter about Christmas when no other can bee seene vpon the ground and two other that are wilde or bastard kindes brought into many Gardens for their Physicall properties but I will only ioyne one of them with the true kinde in this worke and leaue the other for another 1. Helleborus niger verus The true blacke Hellebor or Christmas flower The true blacke Hellebor or Beare foote as some would call it but that name doth more fitly agree with the other two bastard kindes hath many faire greene leaues rising from the roote each of them standing on a thicke round fleshly stiffe green stalke about an hand breadth high from the ground diuided into seuen eight or nine parts or leaues and each of them nicked or dented from the middle of the leafe to the pointward on both sides abiding all the Winter at which time the flowers rise vp on such short thicke stalkes as the leaues stand on euery one by it selfe without any leafe thereon for the most part or very seldome hauing one small short leafe not much vnder the flower and very little higher then the leaues themselues consisting of fiue broad white leaues like vnto a great white single Rose which sometimes change to be either lesse or more purple about the edges as the weather or time of continuance doth effect with many pale yellow thrummes in the middle standing about a greene head which after groweth to haue diuers cods set together pointed at the ends like hornes somewhat like the seede vessels of the Aconitum hyemale but greater thicker wherein is contained long round and blackish seede like the seede of the bastard kindes the rootes are a number of brownish strings running downe deepe into the ground and fastened to a thicke head of the bignesse of a finger at the toppe manie times and smaller still downewards 2. Helleboraster minor The lesser bastard blacke Hellebor or Beare foote The smaller Beare foote is in most things like vnto the former true blacke Hellebor for it beareth also many leaues vpon short stalkes diuided into many leaues also but each of them are long and narrow of a blacker greene colour snipt or dented on both edges which feele somewhat hard or sharpe like prickes and perish euery yeare but rise againe the next Spring the flowers hereof stand on higher stalkes with some leaues on them also although but very few and are of a pale greene colour like in forme vnto the flowers of the former but smaller hauing also many greenish yellow threads or thrums in the middle and such like heads or seede vessels and blackish seed the rootes are stringie and blackish like the former The Place The first groweth onely in the Gardens of those that are curious and delight in all sorts of beautifull flowers in our Countrey but wilde in many places of Germany Italy Greece c. The other groweth wilde in many places of England as well as the other greater sort which is not here described for besides diuers places within eight or ten miles from London I haue seen it in the Woods of Northamptonshire and in other places The Time The first of these plants doth flower in the end of December and beginning of Ianuary most vsually and the other a moneth or two after and sometime more The Names The first is called Helleborus or Elleborus niger verus and is the fame that both Theophrastus and Dioscorides haue written of and which was called Melampodion of Melampus the Goateheard that purged and cured the mad or melancholicke daughters of Praetus with the rootes thereof Dodonaeus calleth it Veratrum nigrum primum and the other secundum Wee call it in English The true blacke Hellebor or the Christmas flower because as I said it is most commonly in flower at or before Christmas The second is a bastard or wilde kinde thereof it so nearely resembleth the true and is called of most of the later Writers Pseudoelleborus niger minor or Helleboraster minor for a distinction betweene it and the greater which is not here described and is called in English The smaller or lesser Beare foote and most vsed in Physicke because it is more plentifull yet is more churlish and strong in operation then the true or former kinde The Vertues The rootes of both these kindes are safe medecines being rightly prepared to be vsed for all Melancholicke diseases whatsoeuer others may feare or write and may be without danger applied so as care and skill and not temerary rashnesse doe order and dispose of them The powder of the dryed leaues especially of the bastard kinde is a sure remedy to kill the wormes in children moderately taken CHAP. LXXXII Elleborus albus White Ellebor or Neesewort THere are two sorts of great white Ellebors or Neeseworts whereas there was but one kinde knowne to the Ancients the other being found out of later dayes And although neither of both these haue any beauty in their flowers yet because their leaues being faire and large haue a goodly prospect I haue inserted them in this place that this Garden should not be vnfurnished of them and you not vnacquainted with them 1. Elleborus albus vulgaris White Ellebor or Neesing roote The first great white Ellebor riseth at the first out of the ground with a whitish greene great round head which growing vp openeth it selfe into many goodly faire large greene leaues plaited or ribbed with eminent ribbes all along the leaues compassing one another at the bottome in the middle whereof riseth vp a stalke three foot high or better with diuers such like leaues thereon but smaller to the middle thereof from whence to the toppe it is diuided into many branches hauing many small yellowish
or whitish greene starre-like flowers all along vpon them which after turne into small long three square whitish seede standing naked without any huske to containe them although some haue written otherwise the roote is thicke and reasonable great at the head hauing a number of great white strings running downe deepe into the ground whereby it is strongly fastened 2. Elleborus albus praecox siue atrorubente flore The early white Ellebor with reddish flowers This other Ellebor is very like the former but that it springeth vp a moneth at the least before it and that the leaues are not fully so thicke or so much plaited but as large or larger and doe sooner perish and fall away from the plant the stalke hereof is as high as the former bearing such like starry flowers but of a darke or blackish red colour the seede is like the other the roote hath no such head as the other so farre as I haue obserued both by mine own and others plants but hath many long white strings fastened to the top which is as it were a long bulbous scaly head out of which spring the leaues The Place The first groweth in many places of Germany as also in some parts of Russia in that aboundance by the relation of that worthy curious and diligent searcher and preseruer of all natures rarities and varieties my very good friend Iohn Tradescante often heretofore remembred that as hee said a good ship might be loaden with the rootes hereof which hee saw in an Island there The other likewise groweth in the vpland wooddy grounds of Germanie and other the parts thereabouts The Time The first springeth vp in the end or middle of March and flowreth in Iune The second springeth in February but flowreth not vntill Iune The Names The first is called Elleborus albus or Helleborus albus the letter H as all Schollers know being but aspirationis nota and Veratrum album flore viridante of some Sanguis Herculis The other is called Elleborus albus praecox and flore atrorubente or atropurpurante We call the first in English White Ellebor Neesewort or Neesing roote because the powder of the roote is vsed to procure neesing and I call it the greater in regard of those in the next Chapter The other hath his name according to the Latine title most proper for it The Vertues The force of purging is farre greater in the roote of this Ellebor then in the former and therefore is not carelesly to bee vsed without extreame danger yet in contumatious and stubborne diseases it may bee vsed with good caution and aduice There is a Syrupe or Oxymel made hereof in the Apothecaries shops which as it is dangerous for gentle and tender bodies so it may be very effectuall in stronger constitutions Pausanias in Phocicis recordeth a notable stratagem that Solon vsed in besieging the Citie of Cirrheus viz. That hauing cut off the riuer Plistus from running into the Citie he caused a great many of these rootes to be put into a quantity thereof which after they had steeped long enough therein and was sufficiently infected therewith he let passe into the Citie againe whereof when they had greedily drunke they grew so weake and feeble by the superpurgation thereof that they were forced to leaue their wals vnmand and not guarded whereby the Amphyctions their enemies became masters of their Citie The like stratagems are set downe by diuers others Authors performed by the helpe of other herbes CHAP. LXXXIII Elleborine Small or wilde white Ellebor THe likenesse of the leaues of these plants rather then any other faculty with the former white Ellebor hath caused them to be called Elleborine as if they were smaller white Ellebors And I for the same cause haue ioyned them next whereof there are found many sorts One which is the greater kinde is of greatest beauty the other which are lesser differ not much one from another more then in the colour of the flowers whereof I will onely take three being of the most beautie and leaue the rest to another worke 1. Helleborine vel Elleborine maior siue Calceolus Mariae Our Ladies Slipper This most beautifull plant of all these kindes riseth vp with diuers stalkes a foote and a halfe high at the most bearing on each side of them broad greene leaues somewhat like in forme vnto the leaues of the white Ellebor but smaller and not so ribbed compassing the stalke at the lower end at the tops of the stalkes come forth one or two or three flowers at the most one aboue another vpon small short foote-stalkes with a small leafe at the foote of euery stalke each of these flowers are of a long ouall forme that is more long then round and hollow withall especially at the vpper part the lower being round and swelling like a belly at the hollow part there are two small peeces like eares or flippers that at the first doe couer the hollow part and after stand apart one from another all which are of a fine pale yellow colour in all that I haue seene yet it is said there are some found that are more browne or tending to purple there are likewise foure long narrow darke coloured leaues the setting on of the flower vnto the stalke wherein as it were the flower at the first standeth the whole flower is of a pretty small sent the seede is very small very like vnto the seede of the Orchides or Satyrions and contained in such like long pods but bigger the roots are composed of a number of strings enterlacing themselues one within another lying within the vpper crust of the earth not spreading deep of a darke brownish colour 2. Elleborine minor flore albo The small or wilde white Ellebor with a white flower This smaller wilde white Ellebor riseth vp in the like manner vnto the former and not much lower bearing such like leaues but smaller and of a whiter greene colour almost of the colour and fashion of the leaues of Lilly Conually the top of the stalke hath many more flowers but lesser growing together spike-fashion with small short leaues at the stalke of euery flower which consisteth of fiue small white leaues with a small close hood in the middle without any sent at all the seede and seede vessels are like vnto the former but smaller the rootes are many small strings dispersing themselues in the ground 3. Elleborine minor flore purpurante The small or wilde white Ellebor with blush flowers The leaues of this kinde are like vnto the last described but somewhat narrower the stalkes and flowers are alike but smaller also and of a pale purplish or blush colour which causeth the difference The Place The first groweth in very many places of Germany and in other Countries also It groweth likewise in Lancashire neare vpon the border of Yorkeshire in a wood or place called the Helkes which is three miles from Ingleborough the highest Hill in England and not farre from Ingleton as I
stately to behold both for the order height and proportion of the plant the seede is browne and flat contained in round heads somewhat like vnto the seede of the Fritillaria or checkerd Daffodill but browner the rootes are great thicke and long yellow and exceeding bitter 2. Gentiana maior folio Asclepiadis Swallow-wort Gentian This kinde of Gentian hath many stalkes rising from the roote neere two foote high whereon grow many faire pale greene leaues set by couples with three ribs in euery one of them and doe somewhat resemble the leaues of Asclepias or Swallow-wort that is broade at the bottome and sharpe at the point the flowers grow at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes from the middle vpwards two or three together which are long and hollow like vnto a bell flower ending in fiue corners or pointed leaues and folded before they are open as the flowers of the Bindeweedes are of a faire blew colour sometimes deeper and sometimes paler the heads or seede vessels haue two points or hornes at the toppes and containe within them flat grayish seed like vnto the former but lesse the rootes hereof are nothing so great as the former but are yellow small and long of the bignesse of a mans thumbe 3. Gentiana minor Cruciata Crosse-wort Gentian This small Gentian hath many branches lying vpon the ground scarce lifting themselues vpright and full of ioynts whereat grow vsually foure leaues one opâ—â—â—â— vnto another in manner of a Crosse from whence it tooke his name in shape v◠〈…〉 vnto Saponaria or Sopewort but shorter and of a darker greene colour at the tops of the stalkes stand many flowers thick thrusting together and likewise at the next ioynt vnderneath euery one of them standing in a darke blewish greene huske and consisting of fiue small leaues the points or ends whereof only appeare aboue the huskes wherein they stand and are hardly to be seene but that they are of a fine pale blew colour and that many grow together the seed is small and brown hard and somewhat 1 Lilium Conuallium Liriconfancy or Lilly Conually 2 Gentiana maior The great Gentian 3 Gentianâ—lla verna Small Gentian of the Spring 4 Gentiana Cruciata Crossewort Gentian 5 Pneumonanthe seu Gentiana Autumnalisâ— Autumne Gentian 6 Sapanaria flore duplici Double flowred Sopewort 7 Plantago Rosea Rose Platane like vnto the seed of the Marian Violets or Couentry bels the roots are small and whitish dispersing themselues diuersly in the ground of as bitter a taste almost as the rest 4. Gentianella Verna Small Gentian of the Spring The small Gentian of the Spring hath diuers small hard greene leaues lying vpon the ground as it were in heads or tufts somewhat broad below and pointed at the end with fiue ribs or veines therein as conspicuous as in the former Gentians among which riseth vp a small short stalke with some smaller leaues thereon at the toppe whereof standeth one faire large hollow flower made bell fashion with wide open brimmes ending in fiue corners or diuisions of the most excellent deepe blew colour that can be seene in any flower with some what spots in the bottome on the inside after the flower is past there appeare long and round pods wherein are contained small blackish seede the rootes are small long pale yellow strings which shoot forth here and there diuers heads of leaues and thereby encrease reasonable well if it finde a fit place and ground to grow or else will not be noursed vp with all the care and diligence can be vsed the whole plant is bitter but not so strong as the former 5. Gentiana Autumnalis siue Pneumonanthe Calathian Violet or Autumne Gentian This Gentian that flowreth in Autumne hath in some places higher stalkes then in others with many leaues thereon set by couples as in other Gentians but long and narrow yet shewing the three ribbes or veines that are in each of them the toppes of the stalkes are furnished euery one with a flower or two of an excellent 〈◊〉 â—urple colour ending in fiue corners and standing in long huskes the rootes are somewhat great at the top and spreading into many small yellow strings bitter as the rest are 6. Saponaria flore duplici Double flowred Sopeworte Vnto these kindes of Gentians I must needes adde these following plants for that the former is of some neere resemblance in leafe with some of the former And because the ordinary Sopeworte or Bruiseworte with single flowers is often planted in Gardens and the flowers serue to decke both the garden and the house I may vnder the one describe them both for this with double flowers is farre more rare and of greater beautie It hath many long and slender round stalkes scarce able to sustaine themselues and stand vpright being ful of ioynts and ribbed leaues at them euery one somewhat like a small Gentian or Plantane leafe at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers consisting of two or three rowes of leaues of a whitish or pale purple colour and of a strong sweet sent somewhat like the smell of Iasmin flowers standing in long and thicke pale greene huskes which fall away without giuing any seede as most other double flowers doe that encrease by the roote which spreadeth within the ground and riseth vp in sundry distant places like the single 7 Plantago Rosea Rose Plantane This other plant is in all things like vnto the ordinary Plantane or Ribworte that groweth wilde abroade in many places whose leaues are very large but in stead of the long slender spike or eare that the ordinary hath this hath eyther a thicke long spike of small greene leaues vpon short stalkes or elsâ— a number of such small g◠〈…〉 leaues layd round-wise like vnto a Rose and sometimeâ— both these may be seen◠〈…〉 one and the same roote at one and the same time which abide a great while fres◠〈…〉 the roote and sometims also giueth seede especially from the more long and slender spikes The Place Some of these Gentians grow on the toppes of hils and some on the sides and foote of them in Germany and other Countreyes some of them also vpon barren heaths in those places as also in our owne Countrey especially the Autumne Gentian and as it is reported the Vernall likewise The single or ordinary Sopeworte is found wilde in many places with vs but the double came to vs from beyond the Sea and â—s scarce known or heard of in England The Rose Plantaine hath beene long in England but whether naturall thereof or no I am not assured The Time They flower for the most part in Iune and Iuly but the small Gentian of the Spring flowreth somewhat earlier and that of the Autumne in August and September The Names Gentiana is the generall name giuen to the Gentians We call them in English Gentian Fellworte Bitterwort and Baldmoney Saponarta taketh his name from the scouring qualitie it hath Wee call it in English Sopewort and in some
only giuen for difference sake the leaues whereof are not so rough but as large and dented about the edges somewhat larger pointed and of a fresher greene colour the stalkes beare such like leaues on them but more thinly or dispersedly set hauing a flower at the setting on of euery one of the leaues from the middle vpwards and are somewhat like the great Throateworte in forme but of a pale or bleake reddish purple colour turning the brims or corners a little backwards with a forked clapper in the middle sufficient eminent and yellow the seede hereof is white and plentifull in the heads which will abide all the winter vpon the stalkes vntill all the seede being shed the heads remaining seeme like torne rags or like thin peeces of skin eaten with wormes the roote is greate thicke and white abiding long without perishing Flore albo There is another which differeth not any thing but in the flower which is white 7. Trachelium minus flore albo purpureo Small Throateworte or Canterbury Bells both white and purple The lesser Throateworte hath smaller leaues nothing so broade or hard as the former great kinde but long and little or nothing dented about the edges the stalkes are square and brownish if it beare purple flowers and greene if it beare white flowers which in forme are alike and grow in a bush or tuft thicke set together more then any of the former and smaller also being not much bigger then the flowers of the fielde or garden Rampions the roote is lasting and shooteth afresh euery yeare 8. Trachelium Americarum flore ruberrimo siue Planta Cardinalis The rich crimson Cardinals flower This braue plant from a white roote spreading diuers wayes vnder ground sendeth forth many greene leaues spread round about the head thereof each whereof is somewhat broade and long and pointed at the end finely also snipt about the edges from the middle whereof ariseth vp a round hollow stalke two foote high at the least beset with diuers such leaues as grow below but longer below then aboue and branching out at the toppe aboundantly euery branch bearing diuers greene leaues on them and one at the foote of euery of them also the toppes whereof doe end in a great large tuft of flowers with a small greene leafe at the foote of the stalke of euery flower each footestalke being about an inch long bearing a round greene huske diuided into fiue long leaues or points turned downwards and in the midst of euery of them a most rich crimson coloured flower ending in fiue long narrow leaues standing all of tâ—â—m foreright but three of them falling downe with a long vmbone set as it were at the backe of them bigger below and smaller aboue and at the toppe a small head being of a little paler colour then the flower but of no sent or smell at all commendable only for the great bush of so orient red crimson flowers after the flowers are past the seede commeth in small heads closed within those greene husks that held the flowers which is very like vnto the seede vessels of the Viola Mariana or Couentry Bels and is small and brownish The Place All these Bell-flowers do grow in our Gardens where they are cherished for the beautie of their flowers The Couentry Bels doe not grow wilde in any of the parts about Couentry as I am credibly informed by a faithfull Apothecary dwelling there called Master Brian Ball but are noursed in Gardens with them as they are in other places The last groweth neere the riuer of Canada where the French plantation in America is seated The Time They flower from May vntill the end of Iuly or August and in the mean time the seed is ripe But the Peache-leafed Bell-flowers for the most part flower earlier then the other The Names The first is generally called Campanula Persicifolia in English Peach-leafed Bell-flower The second is called Campanula maior Campanula lactescens Pyramidalis and Pyramidalis Lutetiana of Lobel in English Great or Steeple Bell-flower The third is vsually called Viola Mariana and of some Viola Marina Lobel putteth a doubt whether it be not Medium of Dioscorides as Matthiolus and others doe thinke but in my opinion the thicknesse of the roote as the text hath it contradicteth all the rest We call it generally in English Couentry Bels. Some call it Marian and some Mercuries Violets The fourth and fift are called Trachelium or Ceruicaria of some Vvularia because many haue vsed it to good purpose for the paines of the Vvula or Throate Yet there is another plant called also by some Vvularia which is Hippoglossum Horse tongue or Double tongue The sixt hath his title to descipher it out sufficiently as is declared The seuenth is called Trachelium minus and Ceruiaria minor of some Saponaria altera in English Small Throateworte or Small Canterbury Bels. The last hath his name in the title as it is called in France from whence I receiued plants for my Garden with the Latine name but I haue giuen it in English The Vertues The Peach-Bels as well as the others may safely bee vsed in gargles and lotions for the mouth throate or other parts as occasion serueth The rootes of many of them while they are young are often eaten in sallets by diuers beyond the Seas CHAP. LXXXVII Campana Caerulea siue Convolvulus Caeruleus Blew Bell flowers or blew Bindeweede THere are two other kindes of Bell-flowers much differing from the Tribe or Familie of the former because of their climbing or winding qualitie which I must needes place next them for the likenesse of the flowers although otherwise they might haue beene placed with the other clamberers that follow Of these there is a greater and a lesser and of each likewise some difference as shall be declared 1. Convolvulus caeruleus maior rotundifolius The greater blew Bindweede or Bell-flower with round leaues This goodly plant riseth vp with many long and winding branches whereby it climbeth and windeth vpon any poles herbes or trees that stand neare it within a great compasse alwaies winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sunne on these branches doe growe many faire great round leaues and pointed at the end like vnto a Violet leafe in shape but much greater of a sad greene colour at the ioynts of the branches where the leaues are set come forth flowers on pretty long stalkes two or three together at a place which are long and pointed almost like a finger while they are buds and not blowne open and of a pale whitish blew colour but being blowne open are great and large bels with broad open mouths or brims ending in fiue corners and small at the bottome standing in small greene huskes of fine leaues these flowers are of a very deepe azure or blew colour tending to a purple very glorious to behold opening for the most part in the euening abiding so all the night and the next morning vntill the Sunne
hath a great strong round greene stalke as high as any man if it be planted in good ground and of the bignesse of a mans wrest almost at the bottome spreading out at the toppe into many branches whereon stand many very large and broad darke greene leaues cut in very deeply on the edges and hauing manie points or corners therein the flowers come forth at the ioynts betweene two branches towards the toppe of them being very large long and wide open ending in fiue points or corners longer and larger then any other bell-Bell-flowers whatsoeuer after the flowers are past come the fruit which are thorny long heads more prickly and greene then the lesser kindes which being ripe openeth it selfe into three or foure parts hauing a number of flat blackish seede within them the roote is aboundant in fibres whereby it strongly taketh hold in the ground but perisheth with the first frosts yet the seede that is shed when the fruit is ripe commeth vp the next yeare 2. Stramonium maius purpureum The great purple flowred Thorne-Apple This purple Thorne-Apple is in largenesse of leaues thicknesse and height of stalke greatnesse and forme of flowers and fruit euery way equall and correspondent vnto the former the chiefe differences be these the stalke is of a darke purple colour the leaues are of a darker greene somewhat purplish and the flowers are of light purple or pale Doue colour enclining to white and whiter at the bottome 3. Stramonium minus seu Nux Metel flore albo The smaller Thorne-Apple with a white flower The smaller Thorne-Apple riseth vp with one round stalke of the bignesse of a mans finger and neuer much aboue two foote high with vs bearing a few large broad smooth leaues thereon without any branches at all which are vneuenly rent or 〈◊〉 about the edges with many ribs and smaller veines running through them yet lesser by much then the greater kinde at the ioynts where the leaues stand come forth long and large white flowers with broad or wide open brims folded together before their opening as the other former Bell-flowers or Bindeweedes but hauing their fiue corners more pointed or horned then either they or the former Thorne-Apples after the flowers are past succeed small fruit rounder and harder set with harder but blunt prickes then the former wherein is contained brownish yellow flat seede 1 Convolvulus maior caeruleus The greater blew Bindweed or Bell flower 2 Convolvâ—lus trifolius seu hederaceus The great purple Bindeweed 3 Convolvulus minor caerulâ—â—â— Hispanicus The Spanish small blew Bindweed 4 Stramonium maius seu pomum spinosâ—â—â— The great Thorne Apple 5 Datura seu Stramonium minus The small Thorne-Apple 6 Stramonium flore duplici The double flowred Thorne-Apple 7 Stramonium fâ—ore gemiâ—â—to Double Thorne-Apple one out of another 8 Tabacco latifolium Broad leafed Tabacco 9 Mirabilia Peâ—â—â—na The Meruaâ—â—e of the world sticking to the inward pulpe the roote is not very great but full of strings and quickly perisheth with the first frosts 4. Stramonium minus flore geminato purpurante The small double flowred purple Thorne-Apple In the flower of this plant consisteth the chiefest difference from the former which is as large as the last pointed into more hornes or corners and beareth two flowers standing in one huske one of them rising out from the middle of the other like vnto those kindes of Cowslips and Oxelips called double or Hose in hose before described which are of a pale purplish colour on the outside and almost white within the fruit is round like the last and beareth such like seede so that vntill it bee in flower their difference can hardly bee discerned this is more tender then the last although euen it is so tender that it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs. Flore duplici Sometimes for I think it is not another kind the flower will haue as it were double rowes of leaues close set together and not consisting of two rising so distinctly one aboue another The Place All these kindes haue been brought or sent vs out of Turkie and Egypt but Garcias and Christopherus Acosta with others affirme that they grow in the East Indies The lesser kindes are very rare with vs because they seldome come to maturity and therefore we are still to seeke of new seede to sowe The greater kindes are plentifull enough in our Gardens and will well abide and giue ripe fruit The Time The smaller kindes flower later then the greater and therefore their fruit are the sooner spoiled with the cold ayres dewes and frosts that come at the latter end of the yeare but the greater kinds neuer misse lightly to ripen The Names Both the greater and smaller kindes are generally called Stramonium Stramonia Pomum spinosum and Datura Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus his Comentaries on Dioscorides calleth it Solanum faetidum spinosum Some learned men haue referred it to Nux Metel of the Arabian Authors Wee call them generally in English Thorne-Apples and distinguish them by their titles of greater and lesser single and double The Vertues The East Indian lasciuious women performe strange acts with the seed of the smaller kinde as I suppose or it may be of either giuing it their husbands to drinke The whole plant but especially the seed is of a very cold and soporiferous quality procuring sleep and distraction of senses A few of the seeds steeped and giuen in drinke will cause them that take it to seem starke drunke or dead drunke which fit will within a few houres we are away and they recouer their senses againe as a drunken man raysed after sleep from his wine It may therefore in my opinion be of safe and good vse to one that is to haue a legge or an arme cut off or to be cut for the stone or some other such like cure to be performed to take away the sense of paine for the time of doing it otherwise I hold it not fit to be vsed without great caution But the greene leaues of the greater kindes as also of the lesser but that with vs they are not so plentifull are by tryed experience found to be excellent good for any scalded or burned part as also to take away any hot inflammations being made vp into a salue or ointment with suet waxe and rossin c. or with Axungia that is Hogs larde CHAP. LXXXIX Tabacco Indian Henbane or Tabacco THere hath beene formerly but three kindes of Tabacco knowne vnto vs two of them called Indian and the third English Tabacco In these later yeares we haue had in our gardens about London before the suppressing of the planting three or foure other sorts at the least and all of the Indian kinde hauing some especiall difference eyther in leafe or flower or both And in regard the flowers of some of these carry a pretty shew I shall only entreate of them and not of the English kind Tabacco latifolium Broade leafed Tabacco The great Indian Tabacco hath many
with blush flowers There is a Mallow that hath long stalkes and flowers like vnto the common wilde 1 Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo The Spanish Mallow 2 Alcea Veneta The Venice Mallow 3 Alcea Americana Thorney Mallow 4 Alcea Aegâ—ptiae The Mallow of Egypt 5 Althaea â—rutex The shrubbe Mallow 6 Malua hortensis simplex Single Hollihockes 7 Malua rosea multiplex Double Hollihockes Mallow and of the same deepe colour with it so that you can hardly know it from the ordinary kinde which is found growing wilde together with it but onely by the leafe which is as round and as large as the former but cut into many fine diuisions euen to the stalke that vpholdeth it that it seemeth to consist onely of ragges or peeces of leaues Of this kinde I take a plante for this garden growing in all respects like vnto it but differing onely in the colour of the flowers which are of the same blush or light carnation colour or not much differing from the former Spanish kinde with some veines therein of a deeper colour the root hereof liueth as the root of the common wilde kinde doth 3. Alcea peregrina siue vesicaria Venice Mallow or Good night at noone The Venice Mallow hath long and weake stalkes most vsually lying or leaning vpon the ground hauing here and there vpon them long leaues and somewhat broad cut in or gashed very deepely on both edges that it seemeth as if they were diuers leaues set together euery one standing on a long footestalke at the ioynts of these stalkes where the leaues are set come forth seuerall flowers standing vpon long foot-stalkes which are somewhat larger then any of the former flowers consisting of fiue leaues small at the bottome and wide at the brimmes of a whitish colour tending to a blush and sometimes all white with spots at the bottomes of the leaues on the inside of a very deepe purple or murrey colour which addeth a great grace to the flower and hauing also a long pestle or clapper in the middle as yellow as gold these flowers are so quickly faded and gone that you shall hardly see any of them blowne open vnlesse it bee betimes in the morning before the Sunne doe grow warme vpon them for as soone as it feeleth the Sunnes warme heate it closeth vp and neuer openeth againe so that you shall very seldome see a flower blowne open in the day time after nine a clocke in the morning after these flowers are past there rise vp in their places thinne round shining or transparent bladders pointed at the toppe and ribbed down all along wherein are contained small round blackish seede the roote is long and small and perisheth euery yeare 4. Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea Cinquefoile Mallow The stalkes of this Mallow are very long hard or wooddy more then of any of the other Mallowes at the lower part whereof and vp to the middle stand diuers leaues vpon long footestalkes parted or diuided into fiue parts or leaues and dented about the edges but vpwards from the middle to the toppe the leaues haue but three diuisions among these leaues stand large wide open flowers of the colour of the common Mallow the seede is smaller then in any other Mallow but the rootes are great and long spreading in the ground like vnto the roots of Marsh Mallowes springing vp afresh euery yeare from the roote 5. Sabdarifa seu Alcea Americana Thorney Mallowe This Thorney Mallowe hath greene leaues next vnto the ground that are almost round but pointed at the end and dented very much about the edges the other leaues that growe vpon the stalke are diuided into three parts like vnto a trefoile and some of them into fiue diuisions all of them dented about the edges the stalke is reddish with some harmelesse prickles in sundry places thereon and riseth vp three or foure foote high in a good ground a fit place and a kindly yeare bearing plenty of flowers vpon the stalkes one at the foote of euery leafe the toppe it selfe ending in a long spike as it were of buddes and leaues together the flowers are of a very pale yellow tending to a white colour spotted in the bottome of each of the fiue leaues with a deepe purple spot broad at the lower part and ending in a point about the middle of the leafe which are quickly fading and not abiding aboue one day with a long pestle in the middle diuided at the toppe after the flower is past commeth vp a short prickly podde set within a small greene huske or cup that bore the flower wherein is contained whitish or rather brownish yellow seede flat and somewhat round like vnto the seedes of Hollyhocke the roote is stringie and quickly perisheth for it will hardly endure in our cold Country to giue flowers much lesse seede vnlesse as I said before it happen in a kindly yeare and be well planted and tended 6. Bamia seu Alcea Aegyptia The Mallow of Egypt This Mallow is also as tender to nourse vp as the last hauing the lower leaues broad like a Marsh Mallow and of a fresh greene colour but those that growe vpon the stalke and vp to the toppe are diuided into fiue parts or points but are not cut in to the middle ribbe like the former Thorney Mallow yet dented about the edges like vnto them the flowers growe at the setting to of the leaues like vnto a Mallow for forme but of a whitish colour after which come long fiue square pointed pods with hard shels wherein are contained round blackish gray seede as bigge as a Vetch or bigger the roote perisheth quickly with vs euen with the first frosts 7. Althaea frutex flore albo vel purpureo Shrubbe Mallow with a white or purple flower There are diuers sorts of shrubbe Mallowes whereof some that haue their stemmes or stalkes lesse wooddy dye downe to the ground euery yeare and others that abide alwayes are more wooddy Of the former sorts I intend not to speake referring them to a fitter place and of the other I will onely giue you the knowledge of one or two in this place although I doe acknowledge their fittest place had been to be among the shrubbes but because they are Mallowes I pray let them passe with the rest of their kindred and their descriptions in this manner These wooddy kindes of shrub Mallowes haue somewhat large long and diuided leaues of a whitish greene colour soft also and as it were woolly in handling set dispersedly on the whitish hard or wooddy stalkes their flowers are large like vnto a single Rose or Hollyhocke in the one being white with purple spots in the bottome in the other either of a deepe red colour or else of a paler purple with a deeper bottome and with veines running in euery leafe they are somewhat tender and would not be suffered to be vncouered in the Winter time or yet abroad in the Garden but kept in a large pot or tubbe in the house
an excellent pale gold yellow colour and shining with some yellow threads or thrummes in the middle the roote dyeth not euery yeare but liueth long especially in the South and East Countries where no colds or frosts are felt but will require extraordinary care and keeping and yet scarce sufficient to preserue it in these cold Countries 4. Chrysocome siue Staechas Citrina Golden tufts or Golden Cassidony This Golden flower is somewhat like the former of these two last described hauing hoary stalkes and leaues standing confusedly on them being long and narrower then any of the former the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many parts each bearing a small long yellow head or flower at the toppe with some yellow thrummes in them which heads being many are diffusedly set together like a loose or sparsed vmbell keeping their colour long before they wither and when they are ripe haue thinne small reddish seede like Mariorome seede but smaller the roote is small and blacke the whole plant as well leaues and flowers as rootes are of a strong sharpe sent yet pleasant 5. Argyrocome siue Gnaphalium Americanum Liue long or Life euerlasting This siluer tuft or Indian Cotton weede hath many white heads of leafes at their first springing out of the ground couered with a hoary woollinesse like cotton which rising into hard thicke round stalkes containe still the same hoarinesse vpon them as also vpon the long and narrow leaues which are set thereon especially on the vnder side for the vpper sides are of a darke shining greene colour the stalkes are diuided at the toppe into many small branches each whereof haue many scaly tufted heads set together couered ouer with cotton before their opening and then disseuering one from another abiding very white on the outside when they are fully growne but with a small yellow thrume in the midde of euery flower which in time turne into yellow doune apt to be blowne away with euery winde the roots are long and black on the outside creeping vnder ground very much 6. Gnaphalium montanum flore albo flore purpureo White and purple Catsfoote This small Cudweede or Cottonweede hath many small white woolly leaues growing from the roote which is composed of a few small blackish threds and lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of a small Mouse eare but smaller from among which riseth vp a small stalke of halfe a foote high or thereabouts beset here and there with some few leaues at the top whereof commeth forth a tuft of small flowers set close together in some of a pure white in others of a purple or reddish colour in some of a pale red or blush and in others of a white and purple mixt together which for the beauty is much commended and desired but will hardly abide to be kept in Gardens so vnwilling they are to leaue their naturall abiding 7. Gnaphalium Roseum The Cotton Rose This little rose Cotton weede hath many such like woolly leaues growing as the former from the roote vpon small short branches not full an hand breadth high in fashion somewhat like vnto Daysie leaues but lesser and round pointed at the toppe of euery stalke or branch standeth one flower composed of two rowes of small white leaues layd open like a Starre or a Rose as it beareth the name hauing a round head in the middle made of many yellow threds or thrumes which falling away there riseth vp a small round head full of small seedes the root is small long and threddy The Place The foure first plants doe grow naturally in many of the hot Countries of Europe as Spaine Italie and Prouince in France as also in Candy Barbary and other places and must be carefully kept with vs in the winter time The Liue long was brought out of the West Indies and groweth plentifully in our gardens The two last doe grow as well in the colder Countries of Germany as in France and other places The Time They all flower in the end of September if they will shew out their beauty at all with vs for sometimes it is so late that they haue no faire colour at all especially the foure first sorts The Names Variable and many are the names that seuerall Writers do call these foure first sorts of plants as Helichrysum Heliochrysum or Elichrylum Eliochrysum Chrysocome Coma aurea Amaranthus luteus Stoechas Citrina and Aurelia with others needlesse here to be recited it is sufficient for this worke to giue you knowledge that their names are sufficient as they are expressed in their titles The fift is called Gnaphalium by Carolus Clusius from the likenesse of the vmbels or tufts of heads though greater and white for as I said before the Cotton weedes are of kindred with the golden tufts It hath been called by our English Gentlewomen Liue long and Life euerlasting because of the durabilitie of the flowers in their beautie The two last are called Gnaphalium according to their titles and in English they may passe vnder those names are set downe with them The Vertues The foure first are accounted to bee hot and dry and the three last to bee cold and dry yet all of them may to some good purpose bee applyed to rheumaticke heads The former foure are likewise vsed to cause vrine and in baths to comfort and heate cold parts They are also layd in chests and wardrobes to keepe garments from moths and are worne in the heads and armes of Gentiles and others for their beautifull aspect CHAP. XCIIII Canna Indica The Indian flowring Reede THere are two kindes or sorts of this beautifull plant the one with a red flower the other with a yellow spotted with reddish spots both which in some kindly yeares haue borne their braue flowers but neuer any ripe seede and doth not abide the extremities of our winters eyther abroade or vnder couert vnlesse it meete with a stoue or hot-house such as are vsed in Germany or such other like place For neyther house nor cellar will preserue it for want of heate Canna Indica flore rubro Red flowred Indian Reede This beautifull plant riseth vp with faire greene large broade leaues euery one rising out of the middle of the other and are folded together or writhed like vnto a paper Coffin as they call it such as Comfitmakers and Grocers vse to put in their Comfits and Spices and being spread open another riseth from the bottome thereof folded in the same manner which are set at the ioynts of the stalke when it is risen vp like vnto our water Reede and growing if it runne vp for flower to be three or foure foote high as I haue obserued in mine owne garden the flowers grow at the toppe of the stalke one aboue another which before their opening are long small round and pointed at the end very like vnto the claw of a Crauise or Sea-Crab and of the same red or crimson colour but being open are very like vnto the flower
of Gladiolus or Corne-flagge but of a more orient colour then at the first and standing in a rough huske wherein afterwards standeth a three square head containing therein round blacke seede of the bignesse of a pease the roote is white and tuberous growing into many knobs from whence arise such other leaues and stalkes whereby it encreaseth very much if it be righrly kept and defended Canna Indica flore flauo punctato Yellow spotted Indian Reede This Reede groweth vp with leaues and flowers in all points so like vnto the former that it cannot bee knowne from it vntill it come to flower which is of a yellow colour spotted with reddish spots without any other difference The Place These plants grow naturally in the West Indies from whence they were first sent into Spaine and Portugall where Clusius saith he saw them planted by the houses sides flowring in winter which might be in those warme Countreyes We preserue them with great care in our gardens for the beautifull aspect of their flowers The Time They flower not with vs vntill the end or middle of August at the soonest The Names They are called of some Canna Indica and Arundo Indica of others Cannacorus and of some Flos Cancri because the colour of the flowers as well as the forme of the buds are so like vnto a Sea-Crabs cle or claw The Vertues There is not any vse of these in Physicke that I know CHAP. XCV Mandragoras Mandrake THe Mandrake is distinguished into two kindes the male and the female the male hath two sorts the one differing from the other as shall be shewed but of the female I know but one The male is frequent in many gardens but the female in that it is more tender and rare is noursed vp but in a few Manadrgoras mas The male Mandrake The male Mandrake thrusteth vp many leaues together out of the ground which being full growne are faire large and greene lying round about the roote and are larger and longer then the greatest leaues of any Lettice whereunto it is likened by Dioscorides and others from the middle among these leaues rise vp many flowers euery one vpon a long slender stalke standing in a whitish greene huske consisting of fiue pretty large round pointed leaues of a greenish white colour which turne into small round apples greene at the first and of a pale red colour when they are ripe very smooth and shining on the outside and of a heady or strong stuffing smell wherein is contained round whitish flat seede the roote is long and thicke blackish on the outside and white within consisting many times but of one long roote and sometimes diuided into two branches a little below the head and sometimes into three or more as nature listeth to bestow vpon it as my selfe haue often seene by the transplanting of many as also by breaking and cutting off of many parts of the rootes but neuer found harme by so doing as many idle tales haue beene set downe in writing and deliuered also by report of much danger to happen to such as should digge them vp or breake them neyther haue I euer seene any forme of man like or woman like parts in the rootes of any but as I said it hath oftentimes two maine rootes running down-right into the ground and sometimes three and sometimes but one as it likewise often happeneth to Parsneps Carrots or the like But many cunning counterfeit rootes haue bin shaped to such formes and publickly exposed to the view of all that would see them and haue been tolerated by the chiefe Magistrates of the Citie notwithstanding that they haue beene informed that such practices were â—eerâ— deceit and vnsufferable whether this happened through their ouer â—reâ—â—litie of the thing or of the persons or through an opinion that the information oâ— the truth rose vpon enuy I know not I leaue that to the searcher of all hearts But this you may bee bold to rest vpon and assure your selues that such formes as haue bin publickly exposed to â—e seene were neuer so formed by nature but only by the art and cunning of knaues and deceiuers and let this be your Galeâ—â—â—â— against all such vaine idle and ridiculous toyes of mens inuentions There is likewise another sort of these male Mandrakes which I first saw at Canterbury with my very louing and kinde friende Iohn Tradescante in the garden of the Lord Wotton whose gardiner he was at that time the leaues whereof were of a more grayish greene colour and somewhat folded together when as the former kind that grew hard by it was of the same forme that is before described and ordinary in all others but whether the apples were differing from the other I know not nor did they remember that euer it had borne any Mandragoras faemina The female Mandrake The female Mandrake doth likewise put vp many leaues together from the head of the roote but they are nothing so large and are of a darker greene colour narrower also and shining more crumpled and of a stronger sent the flowers are many rising vp in the middle of the leaues vpon slender stalkes as in the male kind but of a blewish purple colour which turne into small round fruite or apples and not long like a peare as Clusius reporteth that saw them naturally growing in Spaine greene at the first and of a pale yellowish colour when they arc full ripe of a more pleasing or if you will of a lesse heady sent then the apples of the male wherein is contained such like seede but smaller and blacker the rootes are like the former blacke without and white within and diuided in the same manner as the male is sometimes with more and sometimes with fewer parts or branches The Place They grow in many places of Italie as Matthiolus reporteth but especially on Mount Garganus in Apulia Clusius saith hee found the female in many wet grounds of Spaine as also in the borders of those medowes that lye neere vnto riuers and water courses The male is cherished in many Gardens for pleasure as well as for vse but the female as is said is both very rare and farre more tender The Time The Male flowreth in March and the fruit is ripe in Iuly The Female if it be well preserued flowreth not vntill August or September so that without extraordinary care we neuer see the fruite thereof in our gardens The Names Mandragoras mas is called albus as the Faemina is called niger which titles of blacke and white are referred vnto the colour of the leaues the female is called also Thridacias from the likenesse of Lettice whereunto they say in forme it doth carry some similitude Dioscorides saith that in his time the male was called Mâ—rion and both of them Antimelum and Circaea Wee call them in English The male and the female Mandrake The Vertues The leaues haue a cooling and drying qualitie fit for the oyntment Popâ—leoâ— wherein it is put But the Apples haue
the common sort but of a blush colour 3. Digitalis media flore luteo rubente Orenge tawnie Foxegloue As this Foxegloue is none of the greatest so also is it none of the smallest but a sort betweene both hauing leaues in some proportion correspondent to the lesser yellow Foxegloue but not so large as the lesser white the flowers are long and narrow almost as large as the last white but nothing so large as the first white of a faire yellowish browne colour as if the yellow were ouershadowed with a reddish colour and is that colour wee vsually call an Orenge tawnie colour the seede is like the former the rootes perish euery yeare that they beare seede which is vsually the second yeare of the springing 4. Digitalis maior alba The greater white Foxegloue This white Foxegloue is in all things so like vnto the purple wilde kinde that it can hardly be distinguished from it vnlesse it be in the fresher greennesse and largenesse of the leaues the flowers are as great in a manner as the purple but wholly white without any spot in them the seed and other things agree in all points 5. Digitalis alba altera seu minor The lesser white Foxegloue We haue in our Gardens another sort of white Foxegloue whose leaues are like vnto the last described but not altogether so long or large and of a darker greene colour the stalke groweth not so high as not full three foote the flowers are pure white fashioned like vnto the former but not so great or large in all other things alike the rootes hereof did abide sometime in our Gardens but since perished and the seede also since when we neuer could obtaine from any our friends of that kinde againe 6. Digitalis maior lutea flore amplo The great yellow Foxegloue The leaues of this greater yellow Foxegloue are in forme somewhat like vnto the common purple kinde but not altogether so large the stalke groweth to bee three or foure foote high whereon stand many long hollow pendulous flowers in shape like the ordinary purple but somewhat shorter and more large and open at the brimmes of a faire yellow colour wherein are long threads like as in the others the roote hereof is greater at the head and more wooddy then any of the rest with many smaller fibres spreading themselues in the ground and abideth almost as well as our common purple kinde 7. Digitalis minor lutea siue pallida The small pale yellow Foxegloue This small pale yellow Foxegloue hath somewhat short broad smooth and darke greene leaues snipt or dented about the edges very finely the stalke is two foot high beset with such like leaues but lesser the flowers are moe in number then in any of the rest except the first and greatest and growe along the vpper part of the stalke being long and hollow like the other but very small and of a pale yellow colour almost white the seede vessels are small like the former wherein are contained seede like the rest but smaller the rootes are stringy but durable and seldome perish with any iniury of the extreamest frosts The Place The great white kinde hath been often and in many places found wilde in our owne Country among or hard by the common purple kinde All the rest are strangers but cherished in our Gardens The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and some in August their seede becomming ripe quickly after The Names Onely the name Digitalis is of all Writers giuen vnto these plants for it is not knowne to bee remembred of any of the old Authors Wee call them generally in English Foxegloue but some as thinking it to bee too foolish a name doe call them Finger-flowers because they are like vnto the fingers of a gloue the ends cut off The Vertues Foxegloues are not vsed in Physicke by any iudicious man that I know yet some Italians of Bononia as Camerarius saith in his time vsed it as a wound herbe CHAP. XCVIII Verbascum Mullein THere be diuers kindes of Mullein as white Mullein blacke Mullein wooddy Mullein base Mullein Moth Mullein and Ethiopian Mullein all which to distinguish or to describe is neither my purpose nor the intent of this worke which is to store a Garden with flowers of delight and sequester others not worthy of that honour Those that are fit to bee brought to your consideration in this place are first the Blattarias or Moth Mulleins and then the wooddy Mullein which otherwise is called French Sage and lastly the Ethiopian Mullein whose beauty consisteth not in the flower but in the whole plant yet if it please you not take it according to his Country for a Moore an Infidell a Slaue and so vse it 1. Blattaria lutea odorata Sweete yellow Moth Mullein The yellow Moth Mullein whose flower is sweete hath many hard grayish greene leaues lying on the ground somewhat long and broad and pointed at the end the stalks are two or three foot high with some leaues on them branching out from the middle vpwards into many long branches stored with many small pale yellow flowers of a pretty sweete sent somewhat stronger then in the other sorts which seldome giueth seede but abideth in the roote liuing many yeares which few or none of the others doe 2. Blattaria lutea maior siue Hispanica The great yellow Moth Mullein This Spanish kinde hath larger and greener leaues then the former and rounder and larger then the next that followeth the stalke is higher then in any of the Moth Mulleins being for the most part foure or fiue foote high whereon toward the toppe growe many goodly yellow flowers consisting of fiue leaues as all the rest doe not so thicke set as the former but much larger with some small purplish threads in the middle the ends whereof are fashioned somewhat like as if a Flie were creeping vp the flower which turne into round heads sometimes two or three or more standing together but vsually one wherein lye small duskie seed the roote is not great nor full of threads and doth perish most vsually hauing giuen seede except the Winter bee very milde 3. Blattaria lutea altera vulgatior The ordinary yellow Moth Mullein This yellow Moth Mullein which is the most frequent in our Gardens hath longer and narrower leaues then any of the former and roundly notched or dented on the edges of a darke greene colour the stalke is sometimes branched but most vsually single whereon stand many gold yellow flowers not fully so large as the Spanish kinde but with the like purple threads in the middle the seede is small and contained in the like round heads but alwaies euery one single by it selfe the roote perisheth euery yeare that it beareth seede 4. Blattaria flore luteo purpurascente Cloth of gold Moth Mullein The greatest point of difference betweene this and the last described consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flower which in this is of the colour of cloth of gold that
is the ground yellow and ouershadowed with a bright crimson colour which is a fine colour of much delight the threads in the middle are not so purple red as in the former but much about the colour of the flower this is not so willing to giue seede and will as hardly abide in the roote and hath out of question risen from the seede of the former 5. Blattaria flore albo White Moth Mullein The leaues of the white Moth Mullein are somewhat like vnto the yellow yet not altogether so much roundly notched about the edges but rather a little dented with sharper notches the stalke riseth as high as the yellow and hath now and then some branches about it the flowers hereof are pure white as large and great as the ordinary yellow or somewhat larger with the like purple threads in the middle as are in the yellow the seed is like the other the root perisheth in like maner and will not endure 6. Blattaria flore purpureo Purple Moth Mullein The Purple Moth Mullein hath his leaues lying on the ground broader and shorter then any of the other of a more grayish greene colour and without any denting for the most part about the edges sharpe pointed also at the end of the leafe among the leaues riseth vp the stalke not so high as either the white or the yellow and many times branched bearing many flowers thereon of the same fashion and no whit smaller of a faire deepe blewish colour tending to rednesse the threads in the middle of the flowers being yellow the seede vessels hereof are somewhat smaller then any of the former except the first sweete yellow kinde the roote hereof is long thicke and blackish on the outside abiding very well from yeare to yeare and riseth well also from the sowing of the seede 7. Blattaria flore caeruleo Blew Moth Mullein This blew Moth Mullein is in all respects like vnto the former purple kinde sauing onely in the colour of the flower which is of a blewish violet colour and is not much inferiour either in greatnesse of the plant or in the largenesse of the flower vnto the former purple kinde and endureth many yeares in the like manner And these be all the sorts of this kinde of Moth Mullein that I haue seene and noursed vp for this my Garden without interposing any vnknowne not seene or vnworthy 8. Verbascum siluestre siue quartum Matthioli Wooddy Mullein or French Sage Wooddy Mullein or French Sage hath diuers wooddy branches two or three foot high very hoary or white whereon at seuerall ioynts stand diuers thicke leaues white also and hoary long somewhat broad round pointed and rough somewhat resembling the leaues of Sage in the forme and roughnesse but not in the sent whereof our people gaue it the name of Sage calling it French Sage when as it is as great a stranger in France as in England yet they doe with this as with many other things calling them French which come from beyond the Seas as for example all or most of our bulbous flowers they call French flowers c. at the toppes of the stalkes and branches at certaine distances are placed round about them many gaping flowers like vnto the flowers of Sage but yellow after which now and then come seede somewhat bigger then the Moth Mulleins and lesse then the next Mullein of Ethiopia the roote is wooddy at the toppe with diuers blackish strings growing from it and endureth as well aboue ground with his leaues as vnder it with his rootes 9. Aethiopis Ethiopian Mullein This Mullein of Ethiopia hath many great broad and large leaues lying on the ground rent or torne in diuers of them very much on the sides of so hoary a white greene colour that it farre passeth any of the white Mulleins that growe wilde abroad in our owne Country for they are of a yellowish white hoarinesse nothing so pleasant to looke on as this in the middle of these leaues riseth vp a square strong stalke foure or fiue foote high set full of such like leaues as growe belowe but much lesser and lesser still vp to the toppe all hoary and woolly as the rest and diuided into manie branches spreading farre and taking vp a great compasse of ground more then any one roote of Garden Clary or other such like plant at each of the stalkes and branches are set two small leaues and with them round about the stalkes stand many small gaping flowers of a pale bleake blew colour the seede is almost as large as Garden Clary seede and of the same forme and colour the roote is wooddy and perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede which is vsually the second yeare after the sowing for the first yeare it seldome runneth vp to flower 10. Lamium Pannonicum siue Galeopsis Pannonica Hungary dead Nettle or the Dragon flower Let mee thrust this plant into this place rather then make a peculiar Chapter because I haue no other of the same stocke or kindred to be ioyned with it and is a pretty ornament in a Garden The leaues whereof are very large round and great rough or full of veines which make it seeme crumpled dented or deepely notched about the edges and of a very darke greene colour and sometimes brownish or of a darke reddish colour withall euery one standing on a long foote-stalke very like in forme vnto the great white Arch-Angell leaues but farre larger and blacker the stalkes are great and foure square hauing leaues and flowers standing round about them at the ioynts like coronets which flowers are very great long and wide gaping open of a darke red or purple colour with some whitenesse or spots in the iawes and some hairinesse also on the sides which stand in full flower two or three moneths most vsually and sometimes longer after which come brownish seede the roote is a great tuft or bush of long whitish strings and encreaseth euery yeare not fearing the greatest iniuries of our coldest and extreamest Winters The Place All these plants are strangers in our Countrey and onely preserued in Gardens to furnish them with variety but as I said the cloth of gold Moth Mullein hath been raised from seed in our owne Country The Time The last flowreth first before all the rest beginning in Aprill The Moth Mulleins in May and Iune The French Sage in Iuly The Names All the sorts of Blattaria may bee comprehended vnder the kindes of Verbascum nigrum as any one but meanely exercised in the knowledge of plants may discerne And although Plinie saith that Moths doe most frequently haunt where Blattaria either groweth or is laid yet it is not obserued sufficiently in our Country so to doe notwithstanding the name of Moth Mullein is generally giuen them The last is generally called with vs Lamium Pannonicum but certainely it is the Galeosis maxima Pannonica of Clusius The Vertues Other qualities I haue not found hath been allotted vnto the Blattaria or Moth
Mullein then those of Plinie to engender Moths Wee vse none of these plants in Physicke in these daies CHAP. XCIX Valeriana Valerian THe many sorts of Valerian or Set-wall as many doe call them are fitter for a generall worke or a generall Physicall Garden of Simples then this of delightfull flowers I will therefore select out a few worthy of the place and offer them to your considerations 1. Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Red Valerian This Valerian hath diuers hard but brittle whitish greene stalkes rising from the roote full of tuberous or swelling ioynts whereat stand two leaues on each side one and now and then some small leaues from betweene them which are somewhat long and narrow broadest in the middle and small at both ends without either diuision or incisure on the edges of a pale greene colour the stalkes are branched at the top into diuers parts at the ends whereof stand many flowers together as it were in an vmbell or tuft somewhat like vnto the flowers of our ordinary Valerian but with longer neckes and of a fine red colour very pleasant to behold but of no sent of any Valerian after these flowers haue stood blowne a very great while they sodainely fall away and the seede is ripe very quickly after which is whitish standing vpon the branches naked as the Valerians doe and very like vnto them with a little white doune at the end of euery one of them whereby they are soone carried away with the winde the roote is great thicke and white continuing long and shooting out new branches euery yeare and smelling somewhat like a Valerian 2. Nardus Montana tuberosa Knobbed Mountaine Valerian This kinde of Valerian or Spiknard if you will so call it hath his first leaues lying on the ground without any diuision in them at all being smooth and of a dark greene colour which so abide all the winter but those that spring vp after and when it runneth vp to flower are cut in on the edges very like vnto the iagged leaues of the great garden Valerian and so the elder they grow the more cut and iagged they are the stalke and flowers are very like the stalke with flowers of the garden Valerian but of a darke or deepe red colour and more store of them thrust together by double the number almost the seede is like the seede of the great Valerian the root is tuberous or knobbed in many parts round about aboue and below also with some fibres shooting from them whereby it is encreased and smelleth very like the roote of the garden Setwall or not altogether so strong 1 Blattaria flore albo Moth Mullein with a white flower 2 Blattaria flore purpureo Moth Mullein with a purple flower 3 Verbascum â—uertum Matthioli French Sage 4 Aethiopis Ethiopian Mullein 5 Valeriana rubra Dodonaei Red Valerian 6 Valeriana Graeca Greek Valerian 7 Lamium Pannoniâ—â—m Hungary dead Nettle 8 Cardamine flore pleno Double Cuckowe flower or Ladies smocks 3. Valeriana Graeca Greeke Valerian The Greek Valerian hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground that is many small leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe very like vnto the wilde Valerian that groweth by the ditch sides but much smaller and tenderer among which rise vp one or two round brittle stalkes two foote high or thereabouts whereon are set at the ioynts such like leaues as grow below but smaller the toppes of the stalkes are diuided into many small branches thicke set together full with flowers consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece layd open like vnto the Cinquefoile flower with some white threds in the middle tipt with yellow pendents the colour of these flowers in some plants is of a faire bleake blew colour and in others pure white And I doe heare of one beyond the Seas if the report bee true for I haue not seene such a one which should beare red flowers after the flowers are past there come vp in their places small hard huskes or heads containing small blackish seedes the roote is composed of a number of small long blackish threds fastened together at the head without any sent at all of a Valerian eyther in roote or leafe and why it should bee called a Valerian I see no great reason for it agreeth with none of them in flower or seede and but onely with the wilde Valerian in leafe as I said before but as it is we so giue it you and for the flowers sake is receiued into our gardens to helpe to fill vp the number of natures rarities and varieties The Place All these Valerians are strangers but endenizond for their beauties sake in our Gardens The Mountaine Valerian I had of the liberalitie of my louing friend Iohn Tradescante who in his trauaile and search of natures varieties met with it and imparted thereof vnto me The Time They flower in the Summer moneths and seed quickly after The Names The first is generally called of most Valeriana rubra Dodonaei who saith also that some would haue it to be Behen rubrum Some call it Valerianthon others make it a kinde of Ocimastrum and some Saponaria altera with other names which are to no great purpose to set downe in this place it beeing fitter for a generall worke to discusse of names wherein both reading knowledge and iudgement must bee shewen to correct errours and set downe the truth that one may rest thereon The others haue their names in their titles sufficient to distinguish them The Vertues The Mountaine Valerian is of all the the rest here set downe of most vse in Physicke the rest hauing little or none that I know although it be much weaker then the great garden kinde or the Indian Nardus in whose steed anciently it was vsed in oyles oyntments c. CHAP. C. Cardamine Cuckow flowers or Ladies smockes OF the common sorts of Cuckow flowers that grow by ditch-sides or in moist medowes wet grounds it is not my purpose here to write but of one or two other the most specious or faire of all the tribe that doe best befit this garden 1. Cardamine flore pleno Double Cuckow flowers The double Cardamine hath a few winged leaues weake and tender lying on the ground very like vnto the single medow kinde from among which riseth vp a round greene stalke set here and there with the like leaues that grow below the top wherof hath a few branches whereon stand diuers flowers euery one vpon a small footestalk consisting of many small whitish round leaues a little dasht ouer with a shew of blush set round together which make a double flower the roote creepeth vnder ground sending forth small white fibres and shooteth vp in diuers places 2. Cardamine trifolia Trefoile Ladies smockes This small plant hath diuers hard darke round greene leaues somewhat vneuen about the edges alwayes three set together on a blackish small footstalke among which rise vp small round blackish stalkes halfe a foote high with three small
at the ioynts but they are broader and larger by the halfe the flowers are larger consisting of fiue leaues that are blew a little deeper then the former blew this plant is farre tenderer to keepe then the other and therefore would stand warme as well as in a moist shadowie place 4. Clematis altera siue vrens flore albo Burning Clamberer or Virgins Bower This Causticke or burning Climer hath very long and climing tender branches yet somewhat woody below which winde about those things that stand neere it couered with a brownish greene barke from the ioynts whereof shoote forth many winged leaues consisting for the most part of fiue single leaues that is two and two together and one at the end which are a little cut in or notched on the edges here and there but euery part of them is lesser then the leaues of the next following Climer without any clasping tendrels to winde about any thing at all towards the vpper part of the branches with the said leaues come forth long stalks wheron stand many white flowers clustering together opening the brims into sixe or eight small leaues spreading like a starre very sweet of smell or rather of a strong heady sent which after turne into flattish and blackish seede plumed at the head which plume or feather flyeth away with the winde after it hath stood long and leaueth the seede naked or bare the roote is white and thicke fleshie and tender or easie to be broken as my selfe can well testifie in that desiring to take a sucker from the roote I could not handle it so tenderly but that it broke notwithstanding all my care Master Gerard in his Herball maketh mention of one of this kinde with double white flowers which hee saith he recouered from the seede was sent him from Argentine that is Strasborough whereof hee setteth forth the figure with double flowers but I neuer saw any such with him neither did I euer heare of any of this kinde with double flowers Clusius indeed saith that hee receiued from a friend some seede vnder the name of Clematis flore albo pleno but he doubteth whether there bee any such the plants that sprang with him from that seede were like vnto the vpright kinde called Flammila Matthioli or Iouis cresta as he there saith but assuredly I haue beene informed from some of my especiall friends beyond Sea that they haue a double white Clematis and haue promised to send it but whether it will be of the climing or vpright sort I cannot tell vntill I see it but surely I doe much doubt whether the double will giue any good seede 5. Clematis altera siue peregrina flore rubro Red Ladies Bower This Climer hath many limber and weake climing branches like the former couered with a browne thin outer barke and greene vnderneath the leaues stand at the ioynts consisting but of three leaues or parts whereof some are notched on one side and some on both without any clasping tendrels also but winding with his branches about any thing standeth next vnto it the flowers in like manner come from the same ioynts with the leaues but not so many together as the former vpon long footstalkes consisting of foure leaues a peece standing like a crosse of a darke red colour the seed is flat and round and pointed at the end three or foure or more standing close together vpon one stalk without any doune vpon them at all as in the former the roots are a bundell of brownish yellow strong strings running down deep into the ground from a bigge head aboue 6. Clematis peregrina flore purpureo simplici Single purple Ladies Bower This Ladies Bower differeth in nothing from the last described but onely in the colour of the flower which is of a sad blewish purple colour so that the one is not possible to be known from the other vntill they be in flower 7. Clematis peregrina flore purpureo pleno Double flowred purple Ladies Bower This double Clematis hath branches and leaues so neere resembling the single kinds that there can be knowne no difference vnlesse it be that this groweth more goale and great and yeeldeth both more store of branches from the ground and more spreading aboue the chiefest marke to distinguish it is the flower which in this is very thicke and double consisting of a number of smaller leaues set close together in order in the middle the foure outermost leaues that encompasse them being much broader and larger then any of the inward but all of a dull or sad blewish purple colour the points or ends of the leaues seeming a little darker then the middle of them this beareth no seede that euer I could see heare of or learne by any of credit that haue noursed it a great while and therefore the tales of false deceitfull gardiners and others that diliuer such for truth to deceiue persons ignorant thereof must not bee credulously entertained In the great booke of the Garden of the Bishop of Eystot which place is neere vnto Noremberg in Germany I reade of a Clematis of this former kinde Clematis peregrina flore carnec caeruâ—eo whose figure is thereto also annexed with double flowers of an incarnate or pale purple tending to a blush colour whereof I haue not heard from any other place 8. Flammula Iouis erecta Vpright Virgins Bower This kinde of Clematis hath diuers more vpright stalkes then any of the foure last described sometimes foure or fiue foote high or more yet leaning or bending a little so that it had some neede of sustaining couered with a brownish barke from whence come forth on all sides diuers winged leaues consisting of fiue or seuen leaues set on both sides of a middle ribbe whereof one is at the end the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many branches bearing many white sweet smelling flowers on them like in fashion vnto the white Virgins Bower after which come such like feather topt seede which remaine and shew themselues being flat like the other when the plumes are blowne abroad the roote spreadeth in the ground from a thicke head into many long strings and fasteneth it selfe strongly in the earth but all the stalkes dye downe euery yeare and spring afresh in the beginning of the next 9. Clematis caerulea Pannonica The Hungarian Climer The stalks of this plant stand vpright are foure square bearing at euery ioynt two leaues which at the first are closed together and after they are open are somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asclepias or Swallow-wort from the tops of the stalks and sometimes also from the sides by the leaues commeth forth one flower bending the head downward consisting of foure leaues somewhat long narrow standing like a crosse and turning vp their ends a little againe of a faire blew or skie colour with a thicke pale yellow short thrumme made like a head in the middle after the flower is past the head turneth into such a like round
feather topt ball as is to be seene in the Trauellers ioy or Viorna as it is called that groweth plentifully in Kent and in other places by the way sides and in the hedges wherein is included such like flat seede These stalkes like as the last dye downe to the ground euery yeare and rise againe in the Spring following shooting out new branches and therby encreaseth in the root 10. Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana The Virginia Climer Because this braue and too much desired plant doth in some things resemble the former Climers so that vnto what other family or kindred I might better conioyne it I know not let me I pray insert it in the end of their Chapter with this description It riseth out of the ground very late in the yeare about the beginning of May if it be a plant hath risen from the seed of our owne sowing and if it be an old one such as hath been brought to vs from Virginia not till the end thereof with a round stalke not aboue a yard and a halfe high in any that I haue seene but in hotter Countries as some Authors haue set it downe much higher bearing one leafe at euery ioynt which from the ground to the middle thereof hath no claspers but from thence vpwards hath at the same ioynt with the leafe both a small twining clasper like vnto a Vine and a flower also euery leafe is broad at the stalke thereof and diuided about the middle on both sides making it somewhat resemble a Figge leafe ending in three points whereof the middlemost is longest the bud of the flower before it doe open is very like vnto the head or seede vessell of the ordinary single Nigella hauing at the head or top fiue small crooked hornes which when this bud openeth are the ends or points of fiue leaues that are white on the inside and lay themselues flat like vnto an Anemone and are a little hollow like a scoope at the end with fiue other smaller leaues and whiter then they lying betweene them which were hid in the bud before it opened so that this flower being full blowne open consisteth of ten white leaues laide in order round one by another from the bottome of these leaues on the inside rise diuers twined threads which spread and lay themselues all ouer these white leaues reaching beyond the points of them a little and are of a reddish peach colour towards the bottomes likewise of these white leaues there are two red circles about the breadth of an Oten strawe one distant from another and in some flowers there is but one circle seen which adde a great grace vnto the flower for the white leaues shew their colour through the peach coloured threads and these red circles or rings vpon them being also perspicuous make a tripartite shew The Iesuites Figure of the Maracoc GRANADILLVS FRVTEX INDICVS CHRISTI PASSIONIS IMAGO of colours most delightfull the middle part of this flower is hollow and yellowish in the bottome whereof riseth vp an vmbone or round stile somewhat bigge of a whitish greene colour spotted with reddish spots like the stalkes of Dragons with fiue round threads or chiues spotted in the like manner and tipt at the ends with yellow pendents standing about the middle part of the said vmbone and from thence rising higher endeth in three long crooked hornes most vsually but sometimes in foure as hath beene obserued in Rome by Dr. Aldine that set forth some principall things of Cardinall Farnesius his Garden spotted like the rest hauing three round greene buttons at their ends these flowers are of a comfortable sweete sent very acceptable which perish without yeelding fruit with vs because it flowreth so late but in the naturall place and in hot Countries it beareth a small round whitish fruit with a crowne at the toppe thereof wherein is contained while it is fresh and before it be ouer dried a sweet liquor but when it is dry the seede within it which is small flat somewhat rough and blacke will make a ratling noise the rootes are composed of a number of exceeding long and round yellowish browne strings spreading farre abroad vnder the ground I haue seene some rootes that haue beene brought ouer that were as long as any rootes of Sarsa parilla and a great deale bigger which to be handsomely laid into the ground were faine to be coyled like a cable and shooting vp in seuerall places a good distance one from another whereby it may be well encreased The Place The first blew Perwinkle groweth in many Woods and Orchards by the hedge sides in England and so doth the white here and there but the other single and double purple are in our Gardens onely The great Perwinkle groweth in Prouence of France in Spaine and Italy and other hot Countries where also growe all the twining Clamberers as well single as double but both the vpright ones doe growe in Hungary and thereabouts The surpassing delight of all flowers came from Virginia Wee preserue them all in our Gardens The Time The Perwinkles doe flower in March and Aprill The Climers not vntill the end of Iune or in Iuly and sometimes in August The Virginian somewhat later in August yet sometimes I haue knowne the flower to shew it selfe in Iuly The Names The first is out of question the first Clematis of Dioscorides and called of 1 Thalspi Creticum Candy tufts 2 Vinca peruinca flore simplici Single Perwinkle 3 Vinca peruinca flore duplici Double Perwinkle 4 Flammula Matthioli Vpright Virgins Bower 5 Clematis peregrina flore simplici The single Ladies Bower 6 Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo Double flowred Ladies Bower 7 Maracoc siue Clematis Virginiana The Virginian Climer many Clematis Daphnoides but not that plant that is simply called Daphnoides for that is Laureola and is vsually called Vinca pervinca but it is not Chamaedaphne for that is another plant as shall be shewed in his place some call it Centunculus In English wee call it Perwinkle The other is Clematis altera of Dioscorides and is called also Clematis peregrina whose distinctions are set downe in their titles In English Ladies Bower or Virgins Bower because they are fit to growe by Arbours to couer them The first vpright Clamberer is called and that rightly of some Clematis erecta or surrecta Of others Flammula frutex and Flammula Iouis or surrecta In English Vpright Virgins Bower The next is called by Clusius Clematis Pannonica caerulea who thought it to be Climeni species by the relation of others at the first but after entituled it Clematis In English the Hungarian Climer The last may be called in Latine Clematis Virginiana In English The Virgin or Virginian Climer of the Virginians Maracoc of the Spaniards in the West Indies Granadillo because the fruit as is before said is in some fashion like a small Pomegranate on the outside yet the seede within is flattish round and blackish Some superstitious
Iesu-ite would faine make men beleeue that in the flower of this plant are to be seene all the markes of our Sauiours Passion and therefore call it Flos Passionis and to that end haue caused figures to be drawne and printed with all the parts proportioned out as thornes nailes speare whippe pillar c. in it and all as true as the Sea burnes which you may well perceiue by the true figure taken to the life of the plant compared with the figures set forth by the Iesuites which I haue placed here likewise for euery one to see but these bee their aduantagious lies which with them are tolerable or rather pious and meritorious wherewith they vse to instruct their people but I dare say God neuer willed his Priests to instruct his people with lyes for they come from the Diuell the author of them But you may say I am beside my Text and I am in doubt you will thinke I am in this besides my selfe and so nothing to be beleeued herein that I say For for the most part it is an inherent errour in all of that side to beleeue nothing be it neuer so true that any of our side shall affirme that contrarieth the assertions of any of their Fathers as they call them but I must referre them to God and hee knoweth the truth and will reforme or deforme them in his time In regard whereof I could not but speake the occasion being thus offered against such an erroneous opinion which euen Dr. Aldine at Rome before remembred disproued and contraried both the said figures and name and seek to disproue it as doth I say not almost but I am affraid altogether leade many to adore the very picture of such things as are but the fictions of superstitious brains for the flower it selfe is farre differing from their figure as both Aldine in the aforesaid booke and Robinus at Paris in his Theatrum Florae doe set forth the flowers and leaues being drawne to the life and there exhibited which I hope may satisfie all men that will not be perpetually obstinate and contentious The Vertues Costaeus saith hee hath often seene that the leaues of Perwinkle held in the mouth hath stayed the bleeding at the nose The French doe vse it to stay the menstruall fluxes The other are causticke plants that is fiery hot and blistering the skinne and therefore as Dioscorides saith is profitable to take away the scurse leprye or such like deformities of the skin What property that of Virginia hath is not knowne to any with vs I thinke more then that the liquor in the greene fruit is pleasant in taste but assuredly it cannot be without some speciall properties if they were knowne CHAP. CIII Chamaelaea Dwarfe Spurge Oliue or Dwarfe Baye I Haue three sorts of Chamaelaea to bring to your consideration euery one differing notably from other two of them of great beauty in their flowers as well as in the whole plant the third abiding with greene leaues although it haue no beauty in the flower yet worthy of the place it holds And vnto these I must adioyne another plant as comming nearest vnto them in the brauery of the flowers 1. Chamaelaea Germanica siue Mezereon floribus dilutioris coloris saturatioris Dwarfe Baye or flowring Spurge Oliue We haue two sorts of this Spurge Oliue or Dwafe Baye differing onely in the colour of the flowers They both rise vp with a thicke wooddy stemme fiue or six foot high sometimes or more and of the thicknesse if they be very old of a mans wrest at the ground spreading into many flexible long branches couered with a tough grayish barke beset with small long leaues somewhat like vnto Priuet leaues but smaller and paler and in a manner round pointed the flowers are small consisting of foure leaues many growing together sometimes and breaking out of the branches by themselues in the one sort of a pale red at the first blowing and more white afterwards the other of a deeper red in the blossome and continuing of a deeper red colour all the time of the flowring both of them very sweete in smell after the flowers are past come the berries which are greene at the first and very red afterwards turning blackish red if they stand too long vpon the branches the rootes spread into many tough long branches couered with a yellowish barke 2. Chamaelaea Alpina Mountaine Spurge Oliue This Mountaine Laurell riseth vp with a small wooddy stemme three or foure foot high or more branching forth towards the vpper parts into many slender and tough branches couered with a rough hoary greene barke beset at the ends thereof with flatter fuller and smaller round pointed leaues then the former of a grayish greene colour on the vpperside and hoary vnderneath which abide on the branches in Winter and fall not away as the former the flowers are many set together at the ends of the branches greater then the former and consisting of foure leaues a peece of a light blush colour standing in small grayish huskes of little or no sent at all the fruit followeth which are small long graines or berries of an excellent red colour which afterwards turne blacke the roote is long and spreadeth about vnder the vpper part of the earth 3. Chamaelaea tricoccos Widowe Wayle This three berried Spurge Oliue hath no great stemme at all but the whole plant spreadeth from the ground into many flexible tough greene branches whereon are set diuers narrow long darke greene leaues all along the branches which abide greene all the Winter the flowers are very small scarce to be seene and come forth between the leaues and the stalke of a pale yellow colour made of three leaues after which come small blackish berries three vsually set together the roote spreadeth it selfe in the ground not very farre being hard and wooddy and often dyeth if it bee not well defended from the extremity of our sharpe Winters 4. Cneorum Matthioli Small Rocke Roses I was long in doubt in what place I should dispose of this plant whether among the Campions as Bauhinus or among these as Clusius doth but lest my Gorden should want it wholly let it take vp roome for this time here This gallant plant hath diuers long weake slender but yet tough branches lying vpon the ground diuided vsually into other smaller branches whereon growe many small long and somewhat thicke leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of the former Mezereon set without any order to the very tops from whence doe come forth a tuft of many small flowers together made or consisting of foure leaues a peece of a bright red or carnation colour and very sweete withall which turne into small round whitish berries wherein is contained small round seede couered with a grayish coate or skinne the roote is long and yellowish spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground and abideth many yeares shooting forth new branches Flore albo It hath beene obserued in some of these plants to bring
of the young branches most vsually commeth forth a great tuft or ball as it were of many white flowers set so close together that there can be no distinction of any seuerall flower seene nor doth it seeme like the double flower of any other plant that hath many rowes of leaues set together but is a cluster of white leaued flowers set together vpon the stalke that vpholdeth them of a small sent which fall away without bearing any fruit in our Country that euer I could obserue or learne The roote spreadeth neither farre nor deepe but shooteth many small rootes and fibres whereby it is fastened in the ground and draweth nourishment to it and sometimes yeeldeth suckers from it The Place It should seeme that the naturall place of this Elder is wet and moist grounds because it is so like vnto the Marsh Elder which is the single kind hereof It is onely noursed vp in Gardens in all our Country The Time It flowreth in May much about the time of the double Peony flower both which being set together make a pleasant variety to decke vp the windowes of a house The Names It is generally called Sambucus Rosea In English The Elder Rose and more commonly after the Dutch name the Gelder Rose Dalechampius seemeth to make it Thraupalus of Theophrastus or rather the single Marsh Elder for I thinke this double kinde was not knowne in Theophrastus his time The Vertues It is not applyed to any Physicall vse that I know CHAP. CIX Rosa The Rose tree or bush THe great varietie of Roses is much to be admired beeing more then is to bee seene in any other shrubby plant that I know both for colour forme and smell I haue to furnish this garden thirty sorts at the least euery one notably differing from the other and all fit to be here entertained for there are some other that being wilde and of no beautie or smell we forbeare and leaue to their wilde habitations To distinguish them by their colours as white red incarnate and yellow were a way that many might take but I hold it not so conuenient for diuers respects for so I should confound those of diuers sorts one among another and I should not keepe that methode which to me seemeth most conuenient which is to place and ranke euery kinde whether single or double one next vnto the other that so you may the better vnderstand their varieties and differences I will therefore beginne with the most ancient and knowne Roses to our Countrey whether naturall or no I know not but assumed by our precedent Kings of all others to bee cognisances of their dignitie the white Rose and the red whom shall follow the damaske of the finest sent and most vse of all the other sorts and the rest in their order 1. Rosa Anglica alba The English white Rose The white Rose is of two kindes the one more thicke and double then the other The one riseth vp in some shadowie places vnto eight or ten foote high with a stocke of a great bignesse for a Rose The other growing seldome higher then a Damaske Rose Some doe iudge both these to be but one kinde the diuersitie happening by the ayre or ground or both Both these Roses haue somewhat smaller and whiter greene leaues then in many other Roses fiue most vsually set on a stalke and more white vnderneath as also a whiter greene barke armed with sharpe thornes or prickles whereby they are soone known from other Roses although the one not so easily from the other the flowers in the one are whitish with an eye or shew of a blush especially towards the ground or bottome of the flower very thicke double and close set together and for the most part not opening it selfe so largely and fully as eyther the Red or Damaske Rose The other more white lesse thicke and double and opening it selfe more and some so little double as but of two or three rowes that they might be held to be single yet all of little or no smell at all To describe you all the seuerall parts of the Rose as the bud the beards the threds c. were needlesse they are so conuersant in euery ones hand that I shall not neede but to touch the most speciall parts of the varieties of them and leaue a more exact relation of all things incident vnto them vnto a generall worke 2. Rosa Incarnata The Carnation Rose The Carnation Rose is in most things like vnto the lesser white rose both for the growing of the stocke and bignesse of the flower but that it is more spreade abroade when it is blown then the white is and is of a pale blush colour all the flower thoroughout of as small a sent as the white one is almost Rosa Belgica siue Vitrea This kinde of Rose is not very great but very thicke and double and is very variable in the flowers in that they will be so different one from another some being paler then others and some as it were blasted which commeth not casually but naturally to this rose but the best flowers whereof there will bee still some will be of a bright pale murrey colour neere vnto the Veluet rose but nothing so darke a colour 3. Rosa Anglica rubra The English red Rose The red Rose which I call English not only for the reason before expressed but because as I take it this Rose is more frequent and vsed in England then in other places neuer groweth so high as the damaske Rose bush but most vsually abideth low and shooteth forth many branches from the roote and is but seldome suffered to grow vp as the damaske Rose into standards with a greene barke thinner set with prickles and larger and greener leaues on the vpperside then in the white yet with an eye of white vpon them fiue likewise most vsually set vpon a stalke and grayish or whitish vnderneath The Roses or Flowers doe very much vary according to their site and abiding for some are of an orient red or deepe crimson colour and very double although neuer so double as the white which when it is full blowne hath the largest leaues of any other Rose some of them againe are paler tending somewhat to a damaske and some are of so pale a red as that it is rather of the colour of the canker Rose yet all for the most part with larger leaues then the damaske and with many more yellow threds in the middle the sent hereof is much better then in the white but not comparable to the excellencie of the damaske Rose yet this Rose being well dryed and well kept will hold both colour and sent longer then the damaske bee it neuer so well kept 4. Rosa Damascena The Damaske Rose The Damaske Rose bush is more vsually noursed vp to a competent height to stand alone which we call Standards then any other Rose the barke both of the stocke and branches is not fully so greene
their flowers and fruit The Place This bush groweth as plentifully in the Woods of our owne Countrey as in any other beyond the Seas The Time It flowreth sometimes in Iune and in Iuly the fruit is ripe in August and a September The Names There is great controuersie among the moderne Writers concerning this plant some taking it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides other to be Phillyrea of Dioscorides which followeth next after Cyprus Plinie maketh mention of Cyprus in two places in the one he saith Cyprus hath the leafe of Ziziphus or the Iuiube tree in the other he saith that certain do affirme that the Cyprus of the East Country and the Ligustrum of Italy is one and the same plant whereby you may plainly see that our Priuet which is Ligustrum cannot be that Cyprus of Plinie with Iuiube leaues Besides both Dioscorides Plinie say that Cyprus is a tree but all know that Ligustrum Priuet is but an hedge bush Againe Dioscorides saith that the leaues of Cyprus giue a red colour but Priuet giueth none Bellonius and Prosper Alpinus haue both recorded that the true Cyprus of Dioscorides groweth plentifully in Egypt Syria and those Easterne Countries and noursed vp also in Constantinople and other parts of Greece being a merchandise of much worth in that they transport the leaues and young branches dryed which laid in water giue a yellow colour wherewith the Turkish women colour the nailes of their hands and some other parts of their bodies likewise delighting much therein and that it is not our Ligustrum or Priuet because Cyprus beareth round white seede like Coriander seede and the leaues abide greene alwaies vpon the tree which groweth if it bee not cut or pruined to the height of the Pomegranet tree I haue I confesse beyond the limits I set for this worke spoken concerning our Priuet because I haue had the seede of the true Cyprus of Dioscorides sent mee which was much differing from our Priuet and although it sprang vp yet would not abide any time whereas if it had beene our Priuet it would haue beene familiar enough to our Countrey The Vertues It is of small vse in physicke yet some doe vse the leaues in Lotions that serue to coole and dry fluxes or sores in diuers parts CHAP. CXXVI Saluia variegata Party coloured Sage And Maiorana versicolor siue aurea Yellow or golden Marierome VNto all these flowers of beauty and rarity I must adioyne two other plants whose beauty consisteth in their leaues and not in their flowers as also to separate them from the others of their tribe to place them here in one Chapter before the sweete herbes that shall follow as is fittest to furnish this our Garden of pleasure This kinde of Sage groweth with branches and leaues very like the ordinary Sage but somewhat smaller the chiefest difference consisteth in the colour of the leaues being diuersly marked and spotted with white and red among the greene for vpon one branch you shall haue the leaues seuerally marked one from another as the one halfe of the leafe white and the other halfe greene with red shadowed ouer them both or more white then greene with some red in it either parted or shadowed or dasht here and there or more greene then white and red therein eyther in the middle or end of the leafe or more or lesse parted or striped with white and red in the greene or else sometimes wholly greene the whole branch together as nature listeth to play with such varieties which manner of growing rising from one and the same plant because it is the more variable is the more delightfull and much respected There is another speckled Sage parted with white and greene but it is nothing of that beauty to this because this hath three colours euidently to bee discerned in euery leafe almost the red adding a superaboundant grace to the rest Maiorana aurea siue versicolor Yellow or golden Marierome This kinde of Marierome belongeth to that sort is called in Latine Maiorana latifolia which Lobel setteth forth for Hyssopus Graecorum genuina In English Winter Marierome or pot Marierome for it hath broader and greater leaues then the sweete Marierome and a different vmbell or tuft of flowers The difference of this from that set forth in the Kitchin Garden consisteth chiefly in the leaues which are in Summer wholly yellow in some or but a little greene or parted with yellow and greene more or lesse as nature listeth to play but in Winter they are of a darke or dead greene colour yet recouering it selfe againe the sent hereof is all one with the pot Marierome Wee haue another parted with white and greene much after the manner with the former The Place Time Names and Vertues of both these plants shall be declared where the others of their kindes are specified hereafter and in the Kitchen Garden for they differ not in properties CHAP. CXXVII Lauendula Lauender Spike AFter all these faire and sweete flowers before specified I must needes adde a few sweete herbes both to accomplish this Garden and to please your senses by placing them in your Nosegayes or else where as you list And although I bring them in the end or last place yet are they not of the least account 1. Lauendula maior Garden Lauender Our ordinary Garden Lauender riseth vp with a hard wooddy stemme aboue the ground parted into many small branches whereon are set whitish long and narrow leaues by couples one against another from among which riseth vp naked square stalkes with two leaues at a ioynt and at the toppe diuers small huskes standing round about them formed in long and round heads or spikes with purple gaping flowers springing out of each of them the roote is wooddy and spreadeth in the ground The whole plant is of a strong sweete sent but the heads of flowers much more and more piercing the senses which are much vsed to bee put among linnen and apparrell There is a kinde hereof that beareth white flowers and somewhat broader leaues Flore albo but it is very rare and seene but in few places with vs because it is more tender and will not so well endure our cold Winters 2. Lauendula minor sen Spica Small Lauender or Spike The Spike or small Lauender is very like vnto the former but groweth not so high neither is the head or spike so great and long but shorter and smaller and of a more purplish colour in the flower the leaues also are a little harder whiter and shorter then the former the sent also is somewhat sharper and stronger This is not so frequent as the first and is nourished but in some places that are warme and where they delight in rare herbes and plants The Place Lauender groweth in Spaine aboundantly in many places so wilde and little regarded that many haue gone and abiden there to distill the oyle thereof whereof great quantity now commeth
toppes of the leaues that by this meanes all the inner leaues may growe whitish which then are to be cut vp and vsed for the keeping of the leaues close doth make them taste delicately and to bee very tender And these sorts of Lettice for the most part are spent after Summer is past when other Lettice are not to be had Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is an herbe which abiding all Winter is the first Sallet herbe of the yeare that is vsed before any ordinarie Lettice is ready it is therefore vsually sowne in August when the seede thereof is ripe Purslane is a Summer Sallet herbe and is to be sowne in the Spring yet somewhat late because it is tender and ioyeth in warmth and therefore diuers haue sowne it vpon those beddes of dung whereon they noursed vp their Cowcumbers c. after they are taken away which being well and often watered hath yeelded Sallet vntill the end of the yeare Spinach is sowne in the Spring of all for the most part that vse it but yet if it be sowne in Summer it will abide greene all the Winter and then seedeth quickly it is a Sallet that hath little or no taste at all therein like as Lettice and Purslane and therefore Cookes know how to make many a good dish of meate with it by putting Sugar and Spice thereto Coleworts are of diuers kinds and although some of them are wholly spent among the poorer sort of people yet some kindes of them may be dressed and ordered as may delight a curious palate which is that being boyled tender the middle ribs are taken cold and laid in dishes and vinegar and oyle poured thereon and so eaten Coleflowers are to be had in this Countrey but very seldome for that it is hard to meete with good seede it must bee sowne on beds of dung to force it forward or else it would perish with the frost before it had giuen his head of flowers and transplanted into verie good and rich ground lest you lose the benefit of your labours Endiue is of two sorts the ordinary and another that hath the edges of the leaues curld or crumpled it is to be whited to make it the more dainty Sallet which is vsually done in this manner After they are grown to some reasonable greatnesse but in any case before they shoote forth a stalke in the midst for seede they are to be taken vp and the rootes being cut away lay them to dry or wither for three or foure houres and then bury them in sand so as none of them lye one vpon another or if you can one to touch another which by this meanes will change whitish and thereby become verie tender and is a Sallet both for Autumne and Winter Succorie is vsed by some in the same manner but because it is more bitter then Endiue it is not so generally vsed or rather vsed but of a verie few and whereas Endiue will seede the same yeare it is sowne and then dye Succorie abideth manie yeares the bitternesse thereof causing it to be more Physicall to open obstructions and therefore the flowers pickled vp as diuers other flowers are vsed to be now adaies make a delicate Sallet at all times when there is occasion to vse them Of red Beetes the rootes are onely vsed both boyled and eaten cold with vinegar and oyle and is also vsed to trimme vp or garnish forth manie sorts of dishes of meate the seede of the best kinde will not abide good with vs aboue three yeares but will degenerate and growe worse and therefore those that delight therein must be curious to be prouided from beyond Sea that they may haue such as will giue delight Sorrell is an herbe so common and the vse so well knowne both for sawce and to season broths and meates for the sound as well as sicke persons that I shall not neede to say anie more thereof Cheruill is a Sallet herbe of much vse both with French and Dutch who doe much more delight in herbes of stronger taste then the English doe it is sowne early and vsed but a while because it quickly runneth vp to seede Sweete Cheruill or as some call it Sweete Cis is so like in taste vnto Anise seede that it much delighteth the taste among other herbes in a Sallet the seede is long thicke blacke and cornered and must be sowne in the end of Autumne that it may lye in the ground all the Winter and then it will shoote out in the Spring or else if it be sowne in the Spring it will not spring vp that yeare vntill the next the leaues as I said before are vsed among other herbes the rootes likewise are not onely cordiall but also held to be preseruatiue against the Plague either greene dryed or preseruâ—d with sugar Rampion rootes are a kinde of Sallet with a great many being boyled tender and eaten cold with vinegar and pepper Cresses is an herbe of easie and quick growth and while it is young eaten eyther alone or with parsley and other herbes it is of a strong taste to them that are not accustomed thereunto but it is much vsed of strangers Rocket is of the same nature and qualitie but somewhat stronger in taste they are both sowen in the Spring and rise seede and dye the same yeare Tarragon is an herbe of as strong a taste as eyther Rocket or Cresses it abideth and dyeth not euery yeare nor yet giueth ripe seede as far as euer could bee found with vs any yeare but maketh sufficient increase within the ground spreading his roots all abroad a great way off Mustard is a common sawce both with fish and flesh and the seed thereof and no part of the plant besides is well knowne how to be vsed being grownded as euery one I thinke knoweth The rootes of horse Radish likewise beeing grownd like Mustard is vsed both of strangers and our owne nation as sawce for fish Tansie is of great vse almost with all manner of persons in the Spring of the yeare it is more vsually planted of the rootes then otherwise for in that the rootes spread far and neere they may be easily taken away without any hurt to the rest of the rootes Burnet although it be more vsed in wine in the Summer time then any way else yet it is likewise made a sallet herbe with many to amend the harsh or weak rellish of some other herbs Skirrets are better to be sowen of the seed then planted from the roots and will come on more speedily and be fairer rootes they are as often eaten cold as a Sallet being boyled and the pith taken out as stewed with butter and eaten warme Let not Parsley and Fenell be forgotten among your other Sallet herbes wherof I haue spoken before and therefore need say no more of them The flowers of Marigolds pickt cleane from the heads and pickled vp against winter make an excellent Sallet when no flowers are to be had in a garden
wound being bruised with sugar and applyed I finde it is also much commended against the falling sickenesse especially being made into pils after the manner before rehearsed It is accounted a speciall remedy against the sting or biting of an Adder if the place be rubbed with Hyssope bruised and mixed with honey salt and cummin seede A decoction thereof with oyle and annointed taketh away the itching and tingling of the head and vermine also breeding therein An oyle made of the herbe and flowers being annointed doth comfort benummed sinewes and ioynts CHAP. V. Pulegium Pennyroyall PEnnyroyall also is an herbe so well knowne that I shall not neede to spend much time in the description of it hauing many weake round stalkes diuided into sundry branches rather leaning or lying vpon the ground then standing vpright whereon are set at seuerall ioynts small roundish darke greene leaues the flowers are purplish that grow in gardens yet some that grow wilde are white or more white then purple set in roundles about the tops of the branches the stalkes shoote forth small fibres or rootes at the ioynts as it lyeth vpon the ground thereby fastening it selfe therein and quickly increaseth and ouer-runneth any ground especially in the shade or any moist place and is replanted by breaking the sprouted stalkes and so quickely groweth Other sorts of Pennyroyall are fit for the Physicke Garden or Garden of Simples The Vse of Pennyroyall It is very good and wholesome for the lunges to expell cold thin flegme and afterwards to warme and dry it vp and is also of the like propertie as Mintes to comfort the stomacke and stay vomiting It is also vsed in womens baths and washings and in mens also to comfort the sinewes It is yet to this day as it hath beene in former times vsed to bee put into puddings and such like meates of all sorts and therefore in diuers places they know it by no other name then Pudding-grasse The former age of our great Grandfathers had all these hot herbes in much and familiar vse both for their meates and medicines and therewith preserued themselues in long life and much health but this delicate age of ours which is not pleased with any thing almost be it meat or medicine that is not pleasant to the palate doth wholly refuse these almost and therefore cannot be partaker of the benefit of them CHAP. VI. Salvia Sage THere are two especiall kindes of Sage noursed vp in our Gardens for our ordinary vse whereof I intend to write in this place leauing the rest to his fitter place Our ordinary Sage is reckoned to bee of two sorts white and red both of them bearing many foure square wooddy stalkes in some whiter in others redder as the leaues are also standing by couples at the ioynts being long rough and wrinkled of a strong sweete sent at the tops of the stalkes come forth the flowers set at certaine spaces one aboue another which are long and gaping like vnto the flowers of Clary or dead Nettles but of a blewish purple colour after which come small round seede in the huske that bore the flower the roote is wooddy with diuers strings at it It is more vsually planted of the slips pricked in the Spring time into the ground then of the seed Saluia minor siue pinnata Small Sage or Sage of vertue The lesser Sage is in all things like vnto the former white Sage but that his branches are long and slender and the leaues much smaller hauing for the most part at the bottome of each side of the leafe a peece of a leafe which maketh it shew like finns or eares the flowers also are of a blewish purple colour but lesser Of this kinde there is one that beareth white flowers The Vse of Sage Sage is much vsed of many in the moneth of May fasting with butter and Parsley and is held of most much to conduce to the health of mans body It is also much vsed among other good herbes to bee tund vp with Ale which thereupon is termed Sage Ale whereof many barrels full are made and drunke in the said moneth chiefly for the purpose afore recited and also for teeming women to helpe them the better forward in their childe bearing if there be feare of abortion or miscarrying It is also vsed to be boyled among other herbes to make Gargles or waters to wash sore mouths and throates As also among other herbes that serue as bathings to wash mens legs or bodies in the Summer time to comfort nature and warme and strengthen aged cold sinewes and lengthen the strength of the younger The Kitchen vse is either to boyle it with a Calues head and being minced to be put with the braines vinegar and pepper to serue as an ordinary sawce thereunto Or being beaten and iuyced rather then minced as manie doe is put to a rosted Pigges braines with Currans for sawce thereunto It is in small quantity in regard of the strong taste thereof put among other fasting herbes to serue as sawce for peeces of Veale when they are farsed or stuffed therewith and rosted which they call Olliues For all the purposes aforesaid the small Sage is accounted to be of the more force and vertue CHAP. VII Horminum sativum Garden Clary THere is but one sort of Garden Clary though many wilde which hath foure squares stalks with broad rough wrinkled whitish leaues somewhat vneuenly cut in on the edges and of a strong sweete sent growing some next the ground some by couples vpon the stalkes the flowers growe at certaine distances with two small leaues at the ioynts vnder them somewhat like vnto the flowers of Sage but lesser and of a very whitish or bleake blew colour the seede is of a blackish browne colour somewhat flat and not so round as the wilde the rootes spread not farre and perish euery yeare that they beare flowers and seede It is altogether to bee sowne of seed in the Spring time yet sometimes it will rise of it owne sowing The Vse of Clary The most frequent and common vse of Clary is for men or women that haue weake backes to helpe to comfort and strengthen the raines being made into Tansies and eaten or otherwise The seede is vsed of some to be put into the corner of the eye if any mote or other thing haue happened into it but assuredly although this may peraduenture doe some good yet the seede of the wilde will doe much more The leaues taken dry and dipped into a batter made of the yolkes of egges flower and a little milke and then fryed with butter vntill they be crispe serue for a dish of meate accepted with manie vnpleasant to none CHAP. VIII Nepeta Nep. ALthough those that are Herbarists do know three sorts of Nep a greater two lesser yet because the lesser are not vsuall but in the Gardens of those that delight in natures varieties I do not here shew you them That which is vsuall and called
of manie Cat Mint beareth square stalkes but not so great as Clarie hauing two leaues at euery ioynt somewhat like vnto Balme or Speare Mintes but whiter softer and longer and nicked about the edges of a strong sent but nothing so strong as Clary the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes as it were in long spikes or heads somewhat close together yet compassing the stalkes at certaine ioynts of a whitish colour for forme and bignesse like vnto Balme or somewhat bigger the rootes are composed of a number of strings which dye not but keepe greene leaues vpon them all the Winter and shoote anew in the Spring It is propagated both by the seede and by slipping the rootes The Vse of Nep. Nep is much vsed of women either in baths or drinkes to procure their feminine courses as also with Clarie being fryed into Tansies to strengthen their backes It is much commended of some if the iuyce thereof be drunke with wine to helpe those that are bruised by some fall or other accident A decoction of Nep is auaileable to cure the scabbe in the head or other places of the body CHAP. IX Melissa Baulme THe Garden Baulme which is of common knowne vse hath diuers square blackish greene stalkes and round hard darke greene pointed leaues growing thereon by couples a little notched about the edges of a pleasant sweete sent drawing nearest to the sent of a Lemon or Citron and therefore of some called Citrago the flowers growe about the toppes of the stalkes at certaine distances being small and gaping of a pale carnation colour almost white the rootes fasten themselues strongly in the ground and endure many yeares and is encreased by diuiding the rootes for the leaues dye downe to the ground euery yeare leauing no shew of leafe or stalke in the Winter The Vse of Baulme Baulme is often vsed among other hot and sweete herbes to make baths and washings for mens bodies or legges in the Summer time to warme and comfort the veines and sinewes to very good purpose and effect and hath in former ages beene of much more vse then now adaies It is also vsed by diuers to be stilled being steeped in Ale to make a Baulme water after the manner they haue beene taught which they keepe by them to vse in the stead of Aqua vitae when they haue any occasion for their owne or their neighbours Families in suddaine qualmes or passions of the heart but if they had a little better direction for this is somewhat too rude it would doe them more good that take it For the herbe without all question is an excellent helpe to comfort the heart as the very smell may induce any so to beleeue It is also good to heale greene wounds being made into salues and I verily thinke that our forefathers hearing of the healing and comfortable properties of the true naturall Baulme and finding this herbe to be so effectuall gaue it the name of Baulme in imitation of his properties and vertues It is also an herbe wherein Bees doe much delight as hath beene found by experience of those that haue kept great store if the Hiues bee rubbed on the inside with some thereof and as they thinke it draweth others by the smell thereof to resort thither Plinie saith it is a present remedy against the stinging of Bees CHAP. X. Mentha Mintes THere are diuers sorts of Mints both of the garden and wilde of the woods mountaines and standing pooles or waters but I will onely in this place bring to your remembrance two or three sorts of the most vsuall that are kept in gardens for the vses whereunto they are proper Red Mint or browne Mint hath square brownish stalkes with somewhat long and round pointed leaues nicked about the edges of a darke greene colour set by couples at euery ioynt and of a reasonable good sent the flowers of this kinde are reddish standing about the toppes of the stalkes at distances the rootes runne creeping in the ground and as the rest will hardly be cleared out of a garden being once therein in that the smallest peece thereof will growe and encrease apace Speare Mint hath a square greene stalke with longer and greener leaues then the former set by couples of a better and more comfortable sent and therefore of much more vse then any other the flowers hereof growe in long eares or spikes of a pale red or blush colour the rootes creepe in the ground like the other Party coloured or white Mint hath square greene stalkes and leaues somewhat larger then Speare Mint and more nicked in the edges whereof many are parted halfe white and halfe greene and some more white then greene or more green then white as nature listeth the flowers stand in long heads close set together of a blush colour the rootes creepe as the rest doe The Vse of Mintes Mintes are oftentimes vsed in baths with Baulme and other herbes as a helpe to comfort and strengthen the nerues and sinewes 1 Horminum sativum Garden Clary 2 Nepeta Nep. 3 Melissa Baulme 4 Mentha satiua Garden Mintes 5 Balsamita mas seu Cestus hortorum Costmary 6 Ageratum Maudeline It is vsed to be boyled with Mackarell and other fish Being dryed is often and much vsed with Penniroyall to bee put into puddings as also among pease that are boyled for pottage Where Dockes are not ready at hand they vse to bruise Mintes and lay them vpon any place that is stung with Bees Waspes or such like and that to good purpose CHAP. XI Balsamita mas faemina seu Costus hortorum maior minor Costmary and Maudeline COstmary or Alecoast is a sweet herbe bearing many broad and long pale green leaues snipped about the edges euery one vpon a long foote-stalke among which rise vp many round greene stalkes with such like leaues on them but lesser vp to the toppe where it spreadeth it selfe into three or foure branches euery one bearing an vmbell or tuft of gold yellow flowers somewhat like vnto Tansie flowers but lesser which turne into small heads containing small flat long seede the roote is somewhat hard and stringy and being diuided is replanted in the Spring of the yeare for increase Maudeline hath somewhat long and narrow leaues snipt about the edges the stalks are two foot high bearing many yellow flowers on the tops of the branches in an vmbell or tuft like vnto Tansie the whole herbe is sweete and somewhat bitter and is replanted by flipping The Vse of Costmary and Maudeline Costmary is of especiall vse in the Spring of the yeare among other such like herbes to make Sage Ale and thereupon I thinke it tooke the name of Alecoast It is also vsed to be put among other sweete herbes to make sweete washing water whereof there is great store spent The leaues haue an especiall vertue to comfort both the stomack and heart and to warme and dry a moist braine The seede is much vsed in the Country to be
giuen to children for the wormes in the stead of wormseed and so is the seede of Maudeline also Maudeline is much vsed with Costmary and other sweet herbes to make sweete washing water the flowers also are tyed vp with small bundels of Lauender toppes these being put in the middle of them to lye vpon the toppes of beds presses c. for the sweete sent and sauour it casteth It is generally accounted of our Apothecaries to be the true Eupatorium of Auicen and the true Ageratum of Dioscorides but Dodonaeus seemeth to contradict both CHAP. XII Tanacetum vulgare crispum Tansie OVr Garden Tansie hath many hard greene leaues or rather wings of leaues for they are many small ones set one against another all along a middle ribbe or stalke and snipt about the edges in some the leaues stand closer and thicker and somewhat crumpled which hath caused it to be called double or curld Tansie in others thinner and more sparsedly It riseth vp with many hard stalks whereon growe at the tops vpon the seuerall small branches gold yellow flowers like buttons which being gathered in their prime will hold the colour fresh a long time the seede is small and as it were chaffie the roote creepeth vnder ground and shooteth vp againe in diuers places the whole herbe both leaues and flowers are of a sharpe strong bitter smell and taste but yet pleasant and well to be endured The Vse of Tansie The leaues of Tansie are vsed while they are young either shred small with other herbes or else the iuyce of it and other herbes fit for the purpose beaten with egges and fryed into cakes in Lent and the Spring of the yeare which are vsually called Tansies and are often eaten being taken to be very good for the stomack to helpe to digest from thence bad humours that cleaue thereunto As also for weak raines and kidneyes when the vrine passeth away by drops This is thought to be of more vse for men then for women The seed is much commended against all sorts of wormes in children CHAP. XIII Pimpinella siue Sanguisorba Burnet BVrnet hath many winged leaues lying vpon the ground made of many small round yet pointed greene leaues finely nicked on the edges one set against another all along a middle ribbe and one at the end thereof from among which rise vp diuers round and sometimes crested browne stalkes with some few such like leaues on them as growe belowe but smaller at the toppes of the stalkes growe small browne heads or knaps which shoote forth small purplish flowers turning into long and brownish but a little cornered seede the roote groweth downe deepe being small and brownish the whole plant is of a stipticke or binding taste or quality but of a fine quicke sent almost like Baulme The Vse of Burnet The greatest vse that Burnet is commonly put vnto is to put a few leaues into a cup with Claret wine which is presently to be drunke and giueth a pleasant quicke taste thereunto very delightfull to the palate and is accounted a helpe to make the heart merrie It is sometimes also while it is young put among other Sallet herbes to giue a finer rellish thereunto It is also vsed in vulnerary drinkes and to stay fluxes and bleedings for which purposes it is much commended It hath beene also much commended in contagious and pestilentiall agues CHAP. XIIII Hippolapathum sativum siue Rhabarbarum Monachorum Monkes Rubarbe or Patience GArden Patience is a kinde of Docke in all the parts thereof but that it is larger and taller then many others with large and long greene leaues a great strong and high stalke with reddish or purplish flowers and three square seede like as all other Dockes haue the roote is great and yellow not hauing any shew of flesh coloured veines therein no more then the other kinde with great round thin leaues commonly called Hippolapathum rotundifolium Bastard Rubarbe or Monkes Rubarbe the properties of both which are of very weake effect but I haue a kinde of round leafed Dock growing in my Garden which was sent me from beyond Sea by a worthy Gentleman Mr. Dr. Matth. Lister one of the Kings Physitians with this title Rhaponticum verum and first grew with me before it was euer seen or known elsewhere in England which by proof I haue found to be so like vnto the true Rubarbe or the Rha of Pontus both for forme and colour that I dare say it is the very true Rubarbe our climate only making it lesse strong in working lesse heauy and lesse bitter in taste For this hath great and thicke rootes as diuersly discoloured with flesh coloured veines as the true Rubarbe as I haue to shew to any that are desirous to see and know it and also other smaller sprayes or branches of rootes spreading from the maine great roote which smaller branches may well be compared to the Rhaponticum which the Merchants haue brought vs which we haue seene to be longer and slenderer then Rubarbe but of the very same colour this beareth so goodly large leaues that it is a great beauty in a garden to behold them for I haue measured the stalke of the leafe at the bottome next the roote to bee of the bignesse of any mans thumbe and from the roote to the leafe it selfe to bee two foote in length and sometimes more and likewise the leafe it selfe from the lower end where it is ioyned to the stalke to the end or point thereof to bee also two foote in length and sometimes more and also in the broadest part of the leafe to be two foote or more ouer in breadth it beareth whitish flowers contrary to all other Dockes and three square brownish seede as other Dockes doe but bigger and therefore assuredly it is a Docke and the true Rubarbe of the Arabians or at the least the true Rhaponticum of the Ancients The figure of the whole plant I haue caused to be cut with a dryed roote as it grew in my garden by it selfe and haue inserted it here both because Matthiolus giueth a false figure of the true Rubarbe and that this hath not been expressed and set forth by any before The Vse of Patience and of the Rubarbe The leaues of Patience are often and of many vsed for a pot-herbe and seldome to any other purpose the roote is often vsed in Diet-beere or ale or in other drinkes made by decoction to helpe to purge the liuer and clense the blood The other Rubarbe or Rhaponticum wherof I make mention and giue you here the figure I haue tryed and found by experience to purge gently without that astriction that is in the true Rubarbe is brought vs from the East Indies or China and is also lesse bitter in taste whereby I coniecture it may bee vsed in hot and feauerish bodies more effectually because it doth not binde after the purging as the East India Rubarbe doth but this must bee giuen in double quantitie to the other and
then no doubt it will doe as well The leaues haue a fine acide taste A syrrupe therefore made with the iuice and sugar cannot but be very effectuall in deiected appetites and hot fits of agues as also to helpe to open obstructions of the liuer as diuers haue often tryed and found auaileable by experience CHAP. XV. Lapathum sanguineum Blood-wort AMong the sorts of pot-herbes Blood-worte hath alwayes beene accounted a principall one although I doe not see any great reason therein especially seeing there is a greater efficacie of binding in this Docke then in any of the other but as common vse hath receiued it so I here set it downe Blood-worte is out of the sorts of Dockes and hath long leaues like vnto the smaller yellow Docke but striped with red veines and ouer-shadowed with red vpon the greene leafe that it seemeth almost wholly red sometimes the stalke is reddish bearing such leaues but 1 Tanacetum Tansie 2 Pimpinella Burnet 3 Rhaponticum verum seu potius Rhabarbarum verum True Raponticke or rather true Rubarbe 4 Lapithum sativum seu Patientia Monkes Rubarbe or Patience 5 Lapathum sanguineum Bloudwort 6 Acetosa Sorrell smaller vp to the toppe where it is diuided into diuers small branches whereon grow purplish flowers and three square darke red seede like vnto others the roots are not great but somewhat long and very red abiding many yeares yet sometimes spoiled with the extremitie of winter The Vse of Blood-worte The whole and onely vse of the herbe almost serueth for the pot among other herbes and as I said before is accounted a most especiall one for that purpose The seede therof is much commended for any fluxe in man or woman to be inwardly taken and so no doubt is the roote being of a stipticke qualitie CHAP. XVI Oxalis siue Acetosa Sorrell SOrrell must needes bee reckoned with the Dockes for that it is so like vnto them in all things and is of many called the sower Docke Of Sorrels there are many sorts but I shall not trouble you with any other in this place then the common Garden Sorrell which is most knowne and of greatest vse with vs which hath tender greene long leaues full of iuice broade and bicorned as it were next vnto the stalke like as Arrach Spinach and our English Mercurie haue of a sharpe sower taste the stalkes are slender bearing purplish long heads wherein lye three square shining browne seede like but lesser then the other the root is smaller then any of the other Dockes but browne and full of strings and abideth without decaying hauing greene leaues all the winter except in the very extremitie thereof which often taketh away all or most of his leaues The Vse of Sorrell Sorrell is much vsed in sawces both for the whole and the sicke cooling the hot liuers and stomackes of the sicke and procuring vnto them an appetite vnto meate when their spirits are almost spent with the violence of their furious or fierie fits and is also of a pleasant rellish for the whole in quickning vp a dull stomacke that is ouer-loaden with euery daies plenty of dishes It is diuers waies dressed by Cooks to please their Masters stomacks CHAP. XVII Buglossum luteum siue Lingua Bouis Langdebeefe VNto this place may well bee referred our ordinary Borage and Buglosse set forth in the former Booke in regard of the properties whereunto they are much employed that is to serue the pot among other herbes as is sufficiently knowne vnto all And yet I confesse that this herbe although it bee called Buglossum luteum as if it were a kind of Buglosse hath no correspondency with Buglosse or Borage in any part sauing only a little in the leafe our Borage or Buglosse might more fitly according to the Greeke name bee called Oxe tongue or Langdebeefe and this might in my iudgement more aptly be referred to the kinds of Hieratium Hawkeweed whereunto it neerest approacheth but as it is commonly receiued so take it in this place vntill it come to receiue the place is proper for it It hath diuers broad and long darke green leaues lying vpon the ground very rough in handling full of small haires or prickes ready to enter into the hands of any that handle it among which riseth 1 Lingua bouis siue Buglossum luteum Langdebeefe 2 Atriplex siue Olus aureum Arrach 3 Blitum Blites 4 Beta Beetes 5 Hipposelinum siue Olus atrum Allisanders 6 Selinum dulce Sweete Parsley vp a round greene hairy or prickly stalk bearing at the toppe among a few small green leaues diuers small yellow flowers in rough heads which turne into doune containing within them browne yellowish small long seedes somewhat like vnto the seede of Hawkeweede the roote is wooddy which perisheth quickly after it hath borne seed but is tender while it is young The Vse of Langdebeefe The leaues are onely vsed in all places that I know or euer could learne for an herbe for the pot among others and is thought to bee good to loosen the belly CHAP. XVIII Atriplex siue Olus Aureum Arrach THere be diuers kindes of Arrach or Orach as some doe call them some of the Garden whereof I meane to entreate in this place others wilde of the Fieldes c. and others of the Sea which are not to bee spoken of in this worke but referred to a generall historie The white garden Arrach or Orach hath diuers leaues standing vpon their seuerall footestalkes broade at the bottome ending in two points like an arrow with two feathers at the head and small pointed at the end of the leafe of a whitish yellow greene colour and as it were strewed ouer with flower or meale especially while they are young the stalke likewise is mealy bearing many branches with small yellow flowers on them which turne into small leafie seeds the rooote groweth somewhat deepe in the ground with many small threds fastened thereto it quickly springeth vp of the seede groweth great and fadeth away as soon as it hath borne seede The purple Arrach is in all things like vnto the white sauing onely in the colour of the leafe stalke seede c. which are all of a mealy dusty purplish colour The Vse of Arrach Arrach is cold and moist and of a lubricke or slippery qualitie whereby it quickely passeth through the stomacke and belly and maketh it soluble and is of many vsed for that purpose being boyled and buttered or put among other herbes into the pot to make pottage There are many dishes of meate made with them while they are young for being almost without sauour of themselues they are the more conuertible into what rellish any one will make them with Sugar Spice c. CHAP. XIX Blitum Blites THere be diuers sorts of Blites some whereof I haue entreated in the former part of this worke vnder the title of Amaranthus Flower gentle others that are noursed vp in Gardens I will set forth in this place
which are onely two that haue come to my knowledge that is the white and the red and are of a qualitie as neere vnto Arrach as vnto Beetes participating of both and therefore I haue placed them betwixt them The white Blite hath leaues somewhat like vnto Beetes but smaller rounder and of a whitish greene colour euery one standing vpon a small long footestalke the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high with many such like leaues thereon the flowers grow at the top in long round tufts or clusters wherein are contained small round seede the roote is very full of threds or strings The red Blite is in all things like the white but that his leaues and tufted heades are exceeding red at the first and after turne more purplish The Vse of Blites Blites are vsed as Arrach eyther boyled of it selfe or stewed which they call Loblolly or among other herbes to bee put into the pot and yet some doe vtterly refuse it because in diuers it prouoketh castings It is altogether insipide or without taste but yet by reason of the moist slipperie qualitie it hath it helpeth to loosen the belly The vnsauorinesse whereof hath in many Countries growne into a prouerbe or by-word to call dull slow or lazie persons by that name They are accounted more hurtfull to the stomacke and so to the head and eyes then other herbes and therefore they are the lesse vsed CHAP. XX. Beta Beetes THere are many diuersities of Beetes some growing naturally in our own Country others brought from beyond Sea whereof some are white some greene some yellow some red the leaues of some are of vse only and the root not vsed others the roote is only vsed and not the leaues and some againe both roote and leafe The ancient Authors as by their workes appeare knew but two sorts the white and the blacke Beete whereof the white is sufficiently known and was of them termed Sicula of the later Physitians Sicla because it was thought first to be brought from Sicilie the blacke abideth some controuersie some thinking that our common greene Beete because it is of a darke greene colour was that they called the blacke Beete others that our small red Beete which is of a darke red colour was their black Beete which in my opinion is the more likely But to come to the matter in hand and giue you the descriptions of them which are in vse with vs and leaue controuersies to such a worke as is fit for them wherein all such matters may be discussed at large The common white Beete hath many great leaues next the ground in some hot Countries growing to be three foote long and very broade in our Countrey they are very large but nothing neere that proportion of a whitish greene colour the stalke is great strong and ribbed or crested bearing great store of leaues vpon it vp to the very toppe almost the flowers grow in very long tufts small at the ends and turning down their heads which are small pale greenish yellow burres giuing cornered prickly seede the roote is great long and hard when it hath giuen seede of no vse at all but abideth a former winter with leaues vpon it as all other sorts following do The common red Beet differeth not from the white Beete but only that it is not so great and both the leaues and rootes are somewhat red the leaues bee in some more red then in others which haue but red veines or strakes in them in some also of a fresh red in others very darke red the roote hereof is red spongy and not vsed to bee eaten The common greene Beete is also like vnto the white Beete but of a darke greene colour This hath beene found neere the salt Marshes by Rochester in the foote-way going from the Lady Levesons house thither by a worthy diligent and painefull obseruer and preseruer both of plants and all other natures varieties often remembred before in this worke called Iohn Tradescante who there finding it gaue me the knowledge thereof and I haue vpon his report set it here down in this manner The Romane red Beete called Beta raposa is both for leafe and roote the most excellent Beete of all others his rootes bee as great as the Carrot exceeding red both within and without very sweete and good fit to bee eaten this Beete groweth higher then the last red Beete whose rootes are not vsed to bee eaten the leaues likewise are better of taste and of as red a colour as the former red Beete the roote is sometimes short like a Turnep whereof it took the name of Rapa or raposa and sometimes as I said before like a Carrot and long the seede is all one with the lesser red Beete The Italian Beete is of much respect whose faire greene leaues are very large and great with great white ribbes and veines therein the stalke in the Summer time when it is growen vp to any height is six square in shew and yellowish withall as the heades with seede vpon them seeme likewise The great red Beete that Master Lete a Merchant of London gaue vnto Master Gerrard as he setteth it downe in his Herball seemeth to bee the red kinde of the last remembred Beete whose great ribbes as he saith are as great as the middle ribbe of the Cabbage leafe and as good to bee eaten whose stalke rose with him to the height of eight cubits and bore plenty of seede The Vse of Beetes Beetes both white greene and red are put into the pot among other herbes to make pottage as is commonly known vnto all and are also boyled whole both in France vsually with most of their boyled meates and in our Countrey with diuers that delight in eating of herbes The Italian Beete and so likewise the last red Beete with great ribbes are boyled and the ribbes eaten in sallets with oyle vinegar and pepper and is accounted a rare kinde of sallet and very delicate The roote of the common red Beete with some but more especially the Romane red Beete is of much vse among Cookes to trimme or set out their dishes of meate being cut out into diuers formes and fashions and is grown of late dayes into a great custome of seruice both for fish and flesh The rootes of the Romane red Beete being boyled are eaten of diuers while they are hot with a little oyle and vinegar and is accounted a delicate sallet for the winter and being cold they are so vsed and eaten likewise The leaues are much vsed to mollifie and open the belly being vsed in the decoction of Glisters The roote of the white kinde scraped and made vp with a little honey and salt rubbed on and layd on the belly prouoketh to the stoole The vse of eating Beetes is likewise held to bee helpefull to spleneticke persons CHAP. XXI Hipposelinum siue Olus atrum Alisanders ALisanders hath beene in former times thought to be the true Macedonian Parsley and in that errour many doe
Let him marke out those plants that hee meaneth shall run vp for seede which must be the most likely after they haue begun to shoote forth stalkes strip away the lower leaues for two or three hands breadth aboue the ground that thereby in taking away the lowest leaues the stalke doe not rot nor the seed be hindered in the ripening There are two manner of wayes to whiten Lettice to make them eate the more tender the one is by raysing vp earth like moale hils round about the plants while they are growing which will make them grow white the other is by tying vp all the loose leaues round together while it groweth that so the close tying may make it grow white and thereby be the more tender Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet is a small plant while it is young growing close vpon the ground with many whitish greene long and narrow round pointed leaues all the winter and in the beginning of the spring if it bee sowen in autumne as it is vsuall to serue for an early sallet riseth vp with small round stalkes with two leaues at euery ioynt branching forth at the toppe and bearing tufts of small bleake blew flowers which turne into small round whitish seede the roote is small and long with some small threds hanging thereat the whole plant is of a waterish taste almost insipide The Vse of Lettice All sorts of Lettice are spent in sallets with oyle and vinegar or as euery one please for the most part while they are fresh and greene or whited as is declared of some of the sorts before to cause them to eate the more delicate and tender They are also boyled to serue for many sorts of dishes of meate as the Cookes know best They all coole a hot and fainting stomacke The iuice of Lettice applyed with oyle of Roses to the foreheads of the sicke and weake wanting sleepe procureth rest and taketh away paines in the head bound likewise to the cods it helpeth those that are troubled with the Colts euill If a little camphire be added it restraineth immoderate lust but it is hurtfull to such as are troubled with the shortnesse of breath Lambes Lettice is wholly spent for sallets in the beginning of the yeare as I said before any almost of the other sorts of Lettice are to be had CHAP. XXXI Portulaca Purslane PVrslane hath many thicke round shining red stalkes full of iuice lying vpon the ground for the most part whereon are set diuers long thicke pale green leaues sometimes alone by themselues and sometimes many small ones together with them among which grow small yellow flowers which stand in little greene huskes containing blacke seede the roote is small and perisheth euery yeare and must be new sowen in Aprill in the alleyes of the Garden betweene the beds as some haue heretofore vsed where it may haue the more moisture or as I haue seene in some Gardens vpon those beds of dung that Gardiners haue vsed to nourse vp their Cowcumbers Melons and Pompions whereon after they haue beene taken away they haue sowen Purslane where if it be much watered the warmth of the dung and the water giuen it the Purslane hath grown great and large and continued vntill winter The Vse of Purslane It is vsed as Lettice in sallets to coole hot and faint stomackes in the hot time of the yeare but afterwards if only for delight it is not good to bee too prodigall in the vse thereof The seede of Purslane doth coole much any inflammation inward or outward and doth a little binde withall CHAP. XXXII Dracoherba siue Tarchon Dracunculus hortensis Tarragon TArragon hath long and narrow darke greene leaues growing on slender and brittle round stalkes two or three foote high at the tops whereof grow forth long slender spikes of small yellowish flowers which seldome giue any good seede but a dustie or chaffie matter which flieth away with the winde the roote is white and creepeth about vnder ground whereby it much encreaseth the whole herbe is of a hot and biting taste The Vse of Tarragon It is altogether vsed among other cold herbes to temper their coldnesse and they to temper its heate so to giue the better rellish vnto the Sallet but many doe not like the taste thereof and so refuse it There are some Authors that haue held Tarragon not to be an herbe of it owne kinde but that it was first produced by putting the seede of Lin or Flaxe into the roote of an Onion being opened and so set into the ground which when it hath sprung hath brought forth this herbe Tarragon which absurd and idle opinion Matthiolus by certaine experience saith hath been found false CHAP. XXXIII Nasturtium hortense Garden Cresses GArden Cresses growe vp to the height of two foote or thereabouts hauing many small whitish broad endented torne leaues set together vpon a middle ribbe next the ground but those that growe higher vpon the stalkes are smaller and longer the tops of the stalkes are stored with white flowers which turne into flat pods or pouches like vnto Shepheard purse wherein is contained flat reddish seede the roote perisheth euery yeare the taste both of leaues and seedes are somewhat strong hot and bitter The Vse of Cresses The Dutchmen and others vse to eate Cresses familiarly with their butter and bread as also stewed or boyled either alone or with other herbes whereof they make a Hotch potch and so eate it Wee doe eate it mixed among Lettice or Purslane and sometimes with Tarragon or Rocket with oyle and vinegar and a little salt and in that manner it is very sauoury to some mens stomackes The vse of Cresses physically is it helpeth to expectorate tough flegme as also for the paines of the breast and as it is thought taketh away spots being laid to with vinegar The seede is giuen of many to children for the wormes 1 Portulaca Purslane 2 Dracho herba seu Tarchon Tarragon 3 Eruca satiua Garden Rocket 4 Nasturtium sativum Garden Cresse 5 Sinapi Mustard 6 Asparagus Asparagus or Sperage CHAP. XXXIIII Eruca satiua Garden Rocket OVr Garden Rocket is but a wilde kinde brought into Gardens for the true Romane Rocket hath larger leaues this hath many long leaues much torne or rent on the edges smaller and narrower then the Romane kinde the flowers hereof are of a pale yellowish colour whereas the true is whitish consisting of foure leaues the seede of this is reddish contained in smaller and longer pods then the true which are shorter and thicker and the seede of a whitish yellow colour the rootes of both perish as soone as they haue giuen seede Some haue taken one sort of the wilde kinde for Mustard and haue vsed the seede for the same purpose The Vse of Rocket It is for the most part eaten with Lettice Purslane or such cold herbes and not alone because of its heate and strength but that with the white seede is milder The seede of Rocket is
colours in one plant as white yellow red purple or crimson so variably mixed the leaues being curld on the edges like a ruffe band that it is very beautifull to behold There is also another curld Colewort of lesse beauty and respect being but a little curld on the edges whose leaues are white edged with red or green edged with white Two other there are the one of a popingaye greene colour the other of a fine deepe greene like vnto the Sauoyes Then there is the Cole rape which is also a kinde of Coleworte that beareth a white heade or headed stalke aboue the ground as bigge as a reasonable Turnep but longer and from the toppe thereof springeth out diuers great leaues like vnto Colewortes among which rise diuers stalkes that beare yellow flowers and seede in pods almost as small as Mustard seede the roote is somewhat long and very bushie with threds The Vse of Cabbages and Colewortes They are most vsually boyled in poudered beefe broth vntil they be tender and then eaten with much fat put among them The great ribs of the Popingay and deepe greene Colewortes beeing boyled and layde into dishes are serued to the table with oyle and vinegar in the Lent time for very good sallets In the cold Countries of Russia and Muscouia they pouder vp a number of Cabbages which serue them especially the poorer sort for their most ordinary foode in winter and although they stinke most grieuously yet to them they are accounted good meate 1 Brassica capitata Close Cabbage 2 Brassica patula Open Cabbage 3 Brassica Sabaudica crisâ—a Curld Sauoye Colewort 4 Caulis florida Cole flower 5 Caulis crispa Curld Colewort 6 Caulis crispa variata Changeable curld Colewort 7 Rapocaulis Cole rape CHAP. XXXVIII Sisarum Skirrets AFter all the herbes before rehearsed fit for sallets or otherwise to bee eaten there must follow such rootes as are vsed to the same purpose and first Skirrets haue many leaues next the ground composed of many small smooth green leaues set each against other vpon a middle ribbe and euery one snipt about the edges the stalke riseth vp two or three foote high set with the like leaues hauing at the toppe spoakie tufts of white flowers which turne into small seede somewhat bigger and darker then Parsley seede the rootes be many growing together at one head beeing long slender rugged or vneuen of a whitish colour on the outside and more white within hauing in the middle of the roote a long small hard pith or string these heads are vsually taken vp in February and March or sooner if any so please the greater number of them being broken off to bee vsed the rest are planted againe after the heads are separated and hereby they are encreased euery yeare by many but it is now adayes more sowen of the seed which come forwards well enough if the ground be fat and good The Vse of Skirrets The rootes being boyled peeled and pithed are stewed with butter pepper and salt and so eaten or as others vse them to roule them in flower and fry them with butter after they haue beene boyled peeled and pithed each way or any way that men please to vse them they may finde their taste to be very pleasant far beyond any Parsnep as all agree that taste them Some doe vse also to eate them as a sallet colde with vinegar oyle c. being first boyled and dressed as before said They doe helpe to prouoke vrine and as is thought to procure bodily lust in that they are a little windy CHAP. XXXIX Pastinaca satiua latifolia Parsneps THe common garden Parsnep hath diuers large winged leaues lying vpon the ground that is many leaues set one by another on both sides of a middle stalk somewhat like as the Skirret hath but much larger and closer set the stalke riseth vp great and tall fiue or six foot high somtimes with many such leaues thereon at seuerall ioynts the top whereof is spread into diuers branches whereon stand spoakie rundles of yellow flowers which turne into brownish flat seede the root is long great and white very pleasant to bee eaten and the more pleasant if it grow in a fat sandy soyle 1 Sisarum Skirrits 2 Pastinaca latifolia Parsneps 3 Pastinaca tenuifolia Carrets 4 Rapuâ— Turneps 5 Napus saetivus Narewes 6 Raphanus niger Blacke Raddish 7 Raphanus vulgaris Common Raddish Moreouer the wilde kinde which groweth in many places of England and wherof in some places there might be gathered a quarter sacke full of the seede if it be sowen in Gardens and there well ordered will proue as good as the former kinde of Garden Parsneps The Vse of Parsneps The Parsnep root is a great nourisher and is much more vsed in the time of Lent being boyled and stewed with butter then in any othertime of the yeare yet it is very good all the winter long The seede helpeth to dissolue winde and to prouoke vrine CHAP. XL. Pastina satiua tenuifolia Carrots THe Carrot hath many winged leaues rising from the head of the roote which are much cut and diuided into many other leaues and they also cut and diuided into many parts of a deepe greene colour some whereof in Autumne will turne to be of a fine red or purple the beautie whereof allureth many Gentlewomen oftentimes to gather the leaues and sticke them in their hats or heads or pin them on their armes in stead of feathers the stalke riseth vp among the leaues bearing many likewise vpon it but nothing so high as the Parsnep being about three foote high bearing many spoakie tufts of white flowers which turne into small rough seede as if it were hairy smelling reasonable well if it bee rubbed the roote is round and long thicke aboue and small below eyther red or yellow eyther shorter or longer according to his kinde for there is one kinde whose roote is wholly red quite thoroughout another whose roote is red without for a pretty way inward but the middle is yellow Then there is the yellow which is of two sorts both long and short One of the long yellow sorts which is of a pale yellow hath the greatest and longest roote and likewise the greatest head of greene and is for the most part the worst being spongy and not firme The other is of a deepe gold yellow colour and is the best hauing a smaller head or tuft of greene leaues vpon it The shorte rootes are likewise distinguished into pale and deepe yellow colours The Vse of Carrots All these sorts being boyled in the broth of beefe eyther fresh or salt but more vsually of salted beefe are eaten with great pleasure because of the sweetenesse of them but they nourish lesse then Parsneps or Skirrets I haue not often knowne the seede of this Garden kinde to bee vsed in Physicke but the wilde kinde is often and much vsed to expell winde c. CHAP. XLI Rapum hortense Turneps THere are diuers sorts of Turneps as
cloues which serue both to set againe for increase and also to vse as neede shall require and is of a very strong smell and taste as euery one knoweth passing either Onions or Leekes but exceeding wholsome withall for them that can take it Allium Vrsinum Ramsons Ramsons are another kinde of Garlicke and hath two or three faire broad leaues of a fresh or light greene colour pointed at the end the stalke groweth about an hand length high bearing many small and pure white starre-like flowers at the toppe and afterwards small blacke and smooth round seede the roote is also diuided into many parts whereby it is much encreased and is much milder then the former both in smell and taste The Vse of Garlicke It being well boyled in salt broth is often eaten of them that haue strong stomackes but will not brooke in a weake and tender stomacke It is accounted and so called in diuers Countries The poore mans Treakle that is a remedy for all diseases It is neuer eaten rawe of any man that I know as other of the rootes aforesaid but sodden alwaies and so taken Ramsons are oftentimes eaten with bread and butter and otherwise also as euery mans affection and course of life leadeth him to vse CHAP. XLVI Rapunculus siue Rapuntium Rampions GArden Rampions are of two sorts the one greater the other lesser the leaues of Rampions are in the one somewhat broad like a Beete in the other somewhat long and narrow and a little broader at the end of a light greene colour lying flat vpon the ground all the first winter or yeare of the springing and the next Spring shooteth forth stalkes two or three foote high bearing at the toppe in the bigger sort a long slender spike of small horned or crooked flowers which open their brimmes into foure leaues in the lesser many small purplish bels standing vpon seuerall small foote-stalkes which turne into heads bearing small blackish seede the root is white branched into two or three rootes of the bignesse and length of a mans finger or thumbe The Vse of Rampions The rootes of both are vsed for Sallets being boyled and then eaten with oyle and vinegar a little salt and pepper CHAP. XLVII Tragopogon Goates beard GOates beard hath many long and narrow leaues broader at the bottome and sharper at the end with a ridge downe the backe of the leafe and of a pale greene colour among which riseth vp a stalke of two or three foote high smooth and hollow bearing thereon many such like leaues but smaller and shorter and at the toppe thereof on euery branch a great double yellow flower like almost vnto the flower of a Dandelion which turneth into a head stored with doune and long whitish seede therein hauing on the head of euery one some part of the doune and is carried away with the winde if it bee neglected the roote is long and round somewhat like vnto a Parsnep but farre smaller blackish on the outside and white within yeelding a milkie iuyce being broken as all the rest of the plant doth and of a very good and pleasant taste This kinde as also another with narrower leaues almost like grasse growe wilde abroad in many places but are brought into diuers Gardens The other two kindes formerly described in the first part the one with a purple flower and the otherwith an ash-coloured haue such rootes as these here described and may serue also to the same purpose being of equall goodnesse if any will vse them in the same manner that is while they are young and of the first yeares sowing else they all growe hard in running vp to seede The Vse of Goates beard If the rootes of any of these kindes being young be boyled and dressed as a Parsnep they make a pleasant dish of meate farre passing the Parsnep in many mens iudgements and that with yellow flowers to be the best They are of excellent vse being in this manner prepared or after any other fit and conuenient way to strengthen those that are macilent or growing into any consumption CHAP. XLVIII Carum Carawayes CArawayes hath many very fine cut and diuided leaues lying on the ground being alwaies greene somewhat resembling the leaues of Carrots but thinner and more finely cut of a quicke hot and spicie taste the stalke riseth not much higher then the Carrot stalke bearing some leaues at the ioynts along the stalke to the toppe where it brancheth into three or foure parts bearing spoakie vmbels of white flowers which turne into small blackish seede smaller then Aniseede and of a hotter and quicker taste the roote is whitish like vnto a Parsnep but much smaller more spreading vnder ground and a little quicke in taste as all the rest of the plant is and abideth long after it hath giuen seede The Vse of Carawayes The rootes of Carawayes being boyled may be eaten as Carrots and by reason of the spicie taste doth warme and comfort a cold weake stomacke helping to dissolue winde whereas Carrots engender it and to prouoke vrine and is a very welcome and delightfull dish to a great many yet they are somewhat stronger in taste then Parsneps The seede is much vsed to bee put among baked fruit or into bread cakes c. to giue them a rellish and to helpe to digest winde in them are subiect thereunto It is also made into Comfits and put into Trageas or as we call them in English Dredges that are taken for the cold and winde in the body as also are serued to the table with fruit CHAP. XLIX Pappas sine Battatas Potatoes THree sorts of Potatoes are well knowne vnto vs but the fourth I rest doubtfull of and dare not affirme it vpon such termes as are giuen vnto it vntill I may be better informed by mine owne sight The Spanish kinde hath in the Islands where they growe either naturally or planted for increase profit and vse of the Spaniards that nourse them many firme and verie sweete rootes like in shape and forme vnto Asphodill rootes but much greater and longer of a pale browne on the outside and white within set together at one head from whence rise vp many long branches which by reason of their weight and weaknesse cannot stand of themselues but traile on the ground a yard and a halfe in length at the least I relate it as it hath growne with vs but in what other forme for flower or fruit we know not whereon are set at seuerall distances broad and in a manner three square leaues somewhat like triangled Iuie leaues of a darke greene colour the two sides whereof are broad and round and the middle pointed at the end standing reasonable close together thus much we haue seene growe with vs and no more the roote rather decaying then increasing in our country The Potatoes of Virginia which some foolishly call the Apples of youth is another kinde of plant differing much from the former sauing in the colour and taste of the roote
of Pulse are subiect vnto they increase bodily lust much more then any other sorts and as it is thought doth helpe to encrease seede CHAP. LIII Cucumer The Cowcumber OF Cowcumbers there are diuers sorts differing chiefly in the forme and colour of the fruit and not in the forme of the plant therefore one description shall serue in stead of all the rest The Cowcumber bringeth forth many trailing rough greene branches lying on the ground all along whereof growe seuerall leaues which are rough broad vneuen at the edges and pointed at the ends with long crooked tendrels comming forth at the same ioynt with the leafe but on the other side therof between the stalks the leaues at the ioynts come forth the flowers seuerally euery one standing on a short foot-stalke opening it selfe into fiue leaues of a yellowish colour at the bottome whereof groweth the fruit long and greene at the first but when it is thorough ripe a little yellowish hauing many furrowes and vneuen bunches all the length of it wherein is a white firme substance next vnto the skin and a cleare pulpe or watery substance with white flat seede lying dispersed through it the roote is long and white with diuers fibres at it The kindes The first described is called The long greene Cowcumber There is another is called The short Cowcumber being short and of an equall bignesse in the body thereof and of an vnequall bignesse at both ends The long Yellow which is yellowish from the beginning and more yellow when it is ripe and hath beene measured to be thirteene inches long but this is not that small long Cowcumber called of the Latines Cucumis anguinus Another kinde is early ripe called The French kinde The Dantsicke kinde beareth but small fruit growing on short branches or runners the pickled Cowcumbers that are vsually sold are of this kind The Muscouie kinde is the smallest of all other yet knowne and beareth not aboue foure or fiue at the most on a roote which are no bigger then small Lemons The Vse of Cowcumbers Some vse to cast a little salt on their sliced Cowcumbers and let them stand halfe an houre or more in a dish and then poure away the water that commeth from them by the salt and after put vinegar oyle c. thereon as euery one liketh this is done to take away the ouermuch waterishnesse and coldnesse of the Cowcumbers In many countries they vse to eate Cowcumbers as wee doe Apples or Peares paring and giuing slices of them as we would to our friends of some dainty Apple or Peare The pickled Cowcumbers that come from beyond Sea are much vsed with vs for sawce to meate all the Winter long Some haue striuen to equall them by pickling vp our Cowcumbers at the later end of the yeare when they are cheapest taking the little ones and scalding them thoroughly well which after they put in brine with some Dill or Fenell leaues and stalkes but these are nothing comparable to the former wee either missing of the right and orderly pickling of them or the kinde it selfe differing much from ours as I said of the Dantsicke kinde for ours are neither so tender and firme nor so sauoury as the other The rawe or greene Cowcumbers are fittest for the hotter time of the yeare and for hot stomackes and not to be vsed in colder weather or cold stomackes by reason of the coldnesse whereby many haue been ouertaken The seede is vsed physically in many medicines that serue to coole and a little to make the passages of vrine slippery and to giue ease to hot diseases CHAP. LIIII Melo Milions or Muske Melons THere bee diuers sorts of Melons found out at this day differing much in the goodnesse of taste one from another This Countrey hath not had vntill of late yeares the skill to nourse them vp kindly but now there are many that are so well experienced therein and haue their ground so well prepared as that they will not misse any yeare if it be not too extreme vnkindly to haue many ripe ones in a reasonable time yet some will be later then others alwayes The Melon is certainly a kinde of Cowcumber it doth so neare resemble it both in the manner of his growing hauing rough trailing branches rough vneuen leaues and yellow flowers after which come the fruit which is rounder thicker bigger more rugged and spotted on the outside then the Cowcumber of a russet colour and greene vnderneath which when it groweth full ripe will change a little yellowish being as deepe furrowed and ribbed as they and besides hauing chaps or rifts in diuers places of the rinde the inward hard substance is yellow which onely is eaten the seede which is bigger and a little yellower then the Cowcumber lying in the middle onely among the moister pulpe the smell and changing of his colour fore-shew their ripenesse to them that are experienced the roote is long with many fibres at it The fruit requireth much watering in the hot time of the day to cause them to ripen the sooner as I haue obserued by diuers of the best skill therein The Vse of the kindes of Melons The best Melon feede doe come to vs out of Spaine some haue come out of Turkie but they haue been nothing so good and kindly Some are called Sugar Melons others Peare Melons and others Muske Melons They haue beene formerly only eaten by great personages because the fruit was not only delicate but rare and therfore diuers were brought from France and since were noursed vp by the Kings or Noblemens Gardiners onely to serue for their Masters delight but now diuers others that haue skill and conueniencie of ground for them doe plant them and make them more common They paire away the outer rinde and cut out the inward pulpe where the seede lyeth slice the yellow firme inward rinde or substance so eate it with salt and pepper and good store of wine or else it will hardly disgest for this is firmer hath not that moisture in it that the Cowcumbers haue It is also more delicate and of more worth which recompenseth the paine The seed of these Melons are vsed as Cowcumbers physically and together with them most vsually CHAP. LV. Pepo Pompions WE haue but one kinde of Pompion as I take it in all our Gardens notwithstanding the diuersities of bignesse and colour The Pompion or great Melon or as some call it Milion creepeth vpon the ground if nothing bee by it whreeon it may take hold and climbe with very great ribbed rough and prickly branches whereon are set very large rough leaues cut in on the edges with deepe gashes and dented besides with many claspers also which winde about euery thing they meete withall the flowers are great and large hollow and yellow diuided at the brims into fiue parts at the bottome of which as it is in the rest groweth the fruit which is very great sometimes of the bignesse of a mans body
running vp to seede the whole plant both leafe roote and seede is of an excellent comfortable sent sauour and taste The Vse of Angelica The distilled water of Angelica eyther simple or compound is of especiall vse in deliquium animi vel cordis tremores passiones that is swounings when the spirits are ouercome and faint or tremblings and passions of the heart to expell any windy or noysome vapours from it The green stalkes or the young rootes being preserued or candied are very effectuall to comfort and warme a colde and weake stomacke and in the time of infection is of excellent good vse to preserue the spirits and heart from infection The dryed roote made into pouder and taken in wine or other drinke will abate the rage of lust in young persons as I haue it related vnto me vpon credit A Syrupe made thereof in this manner is very profitable to expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges and to procure a sweete breath Into the greene stalke of Angelica as it standeth growing make a great gashe or incision wherein put a quantitie of fine white Sugar letting it there abide for three dayes and after take it forth by cutting a hole at the next ioynt vnder the cut where the Syrupe resteth or cut off the stalke and turne it downe that the Syrupe may drayne forth which keepe for a most delicate medicine CHAP. LVIII Dracunculus hortensis siue Serpentaria Dragons DRagons riseth out of the ground with a bare or naked round whitish stalke spotted very much with purplish spots and strakes bearing at the toppe therof a few greene leaues very much diuided on all sides standing vpon long footestalkes in the middle whereof if the roote be old enough commeth forth a great long huske or hose green on the outside and of a darke purplish colour on the inside with a slender long reddish pestell or clapper in the middle the roote is great round flat and whitish on the outside and whiter within very like vnto the rootes of Arum or Wakerobin and tasting somewhat sharpe like it The Vse of Dragons The chiefe vse whereunto Dragons are applyed is that according to an old receiued custome and tradition and not the iudgement of any learned Author the distilled water is giuen with Mithridatum or Treakle to expell noysome and pestilentiall vapours from the heart CHAP. LIX Ruta Garden Rue or Herbe Grace GArden Rue or Herbe Grace groweth vp with hard whitish wooddy stalkes whereon are set diuers branches of leaues being diuided into many small ones which are somewhat thicke and round pointed of a blewish greene colour the flowers stand at the tops of the stalkes consisting of foure small yellow leaues with a greene button in the middle and diuers small yellow threds about it which growing ripe containe within them small blacke seede the roote is white and wooddy spreading farre in the ground The Vse of Rue The many good properties whereunto Rue serueth hath I thinke in former times caused the English name of Herbe Grace to be giuen vnto it For without doubt it is a most wholesome herbe although bitter and strong and could our dainty stomackes brooke the vse thereof it would worke admirable effects being carefully and skilfully applyed as time and occasion did require but not vndiscreetly or hand ouer head as many vse to doe that haue no skill Some doe rippe vp a beade rowle of the vertues of Rue as Macer the Poet and others in whom you shall finde them set downe to bee good for the head eyes breast liuer heart spleene c. In some places they vse to boyle the leaues of Rue and keep them in pickle to eate them as Sampire for the helpe of weake eyes It is very auaileable in glisters or drinkes against the winde or the collicke and to procure vrine that is stayed by the paines therof The distilled water is often vsed for the same purposes aforesaid but beware of the too frequent or ouermuch vse thereof because it heateth exceedingly and wasteth nature mightily CHAP. LX. Carduus Benedictus The Blessed Thistle CArduus benedictus or the blessed Thistle hath many weake tender branches lying for the most part on the ground whereon are set long and narrow leaues much cut in or waued about the edges hairy or rough in handling yet without any hard or sharpe thornes or prickles at all that the tenderest hand may touch them without harme but those that grow toward the toppes of the stalkes are somewhat more prickly and the heads which grow on the tops of the seuerall branches are somewhat sharpe set with prickles like a Thistle the flower is yellow and the seede lying within the woolly or flocky doune like to all other thistles are blackish long and round with a few haires on the head of them the roote is white and perisheth euery yeare after it hath giuen seede The Vse of the blessed Thistle The distilled water hereof is much vsed to be drunke against agues of all sortes eyther pestilentiall or humorall of long continuance or of lesse 1 Angellica Angellica 2 Dracuncuâ—us bortensis Dragons 3 â—uta bortensis Garden Râ—e or Herbegrace 4 Carduits benedict bâ—essed Thistle 5 Alkakengi suâ—e Solanum Halicâ—cabum Vesicatium Winter Cheâ—â—â— 6 Asarum Asarabacca 7 Liqueritia but the decoction of the herbe giuen in due time hath the more forcible operation it helpeth to expell wormes because of the bitternesse and is thereby also a friend to the stomack ouercharged with chollar and to clense the liuer it prouoketh sweate and vrine is helpefull to them are troubled with the stone and to ease paines in the sides CHAP. LXI Solanum veficarium siue Alkakengi Winter Cherries THe Winter Cherry hath a running or creeping roote in the ground of the bignesse wany times of ones little finger shooting forth at seuerall ioynts in seuerall places whereby it quickly spreadeth a great compasse of ground the stalke riseth not aboue a yard high whereon are set many broade and long greene leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of Nightshade but larger at the ioynts whereof come forth whitish flowers made of fiue leaues a peece which after turne into green berries inclosed with thin skins or bladders which change to bee reddish when they grow ripe the berry likewise being reddish and as large as a Cherry wherein are contained many flat and yellowish seed lying within the pulpe which being gathered and strung vp are kept all the yeare to be vsed vpon occasion The Vse of Winter Cherries The distilled water of the herbe and fruit together is often taken of them that are troubled with the sharpnesse or difficultie of vrine and with the stone in the kidneyes or grauel in the bladder but the berries themselues either greene or dryed boyled eyther in broth in wine or in water is much more effectuall It is likewise conducing to open obstructions of the liuer c. and thereby to helpe the yellow Iaundise CHAP. LXII Asarum
by good experience a better way is found and may be learned and therefore if some can doe a thing better than others I thinke it is no shame to learne it of them You shall not then to take the surest course take any long spindled branches nor those branches that haue any young shootes from the ioynts on them nor yet sliue or teare any slippe or branch from the roote for all these waies are vsuall and common with most which causeth so many good rootes to rot and perish and also so many slippes to be lost when as for the most part not the one halfe or with some not a third part doth grow and thriue of those slippes they set And although many that haue store of plants doe not so much care what hauocke they make to gaine some yet to saue both labour and plants I doe wish them to obserue these orders Take from those rootes from whence you intend to make your encrease those shootes onely that are reasonable strong but yet young and not either too small and slender or hauing any shootes from th◠〈◊〉 vpon them cut these slippes or shootes off from the stemme or roote with a knife as conueniently as the shoote or branch will permit that is either close vnto the maine branch if it be short or leauing a ioynt or two behinde you if it be long enough at which it may shoote anew When you haue cut off your slippes you may either set them by and by or else as the best Gardiners vse to doe cast them into a tubbe or pot with water for a day or two and then hauing prepared a place conuenient to set them in which had neede to bee of the finest richest and best mould you can prouide that they may thriue therein the better cut off your slippe close at the ioynt and hauing cut away the lowest leaues close to the stalke and the vppermost euen at the top with a little sticke make a little hole in the earth and put your slippe therein so deep as that the vpper leaues may be wholly aboue the ground some vse to cleane the stalke in the middle and put a little earth or clay within the cleft but many good and skilfull Gardiners doe not vse it put the earth a little close to the slippe with your finger and thumbe and there let it rest and in this manner doe with as many slippes as you haue setting them somewhat close together and not too farre in sunder both to saue ground and cost thereon in that a small compasse will serue for the first planting and also the better to giue them shadow For you must remember in any case that these slippes new set haue no sight of the Sunne vntill they be well taken in the ground and shot aboue ground and also that they want not water both vpon the new planting and after When these slippes are well growne vp they must be transplanted into such other places as you thinke meete that is either into the ground in beds or otherwise or into pots which that you may the more safely doe after you haue well watered the ground for halfe a day before you intend to transplant them you shall separate them seuerally by putting down a broad pointed knife on each side of the slippe so cutting it out take euery one by it selfe with the earth cleauing close vnto the root which by reason of the moisture it had formerly and that which you gaue presently before will be sufficient with any care had to cause it to hold fast vnto the roote for the transplanting of it for if the earth were dry and that it should fall away from the roote in the transplanting it would hazzard and endanger the roote very much i◠it did thriue at all You must remember also that vpon the remouing of these slips you shadow them from the heate of the Sunne for a while with some straw or other thing vntill they haue taken hold in their new place Thus although it bee a little more labour and care than the ordinary way is yet it is surer and will giue you plants that will be so strongly growne before Winter that with the care hereafter specified you shall haue them beare flowers the next yeare after and yeeld you encrease of slippes also To giue you any set time wherein these slippes will take roote and begin to shoote aboue ground is very hard to doe for that euery slip or yet euery kinde of Gilloflower is not alike apt to grow nor is euery earth in like manner fit to produce and bring forward the slippes that are set therein but if both the slippe be apt to grow and the earth of the best fit to produce I thinke within a fortnight or three weekes you shall see them begin to put forth young leaues in the middle or else it may be a moneth and more before you shall see any springing The best time likewise when to plant is a speciall thing to be knowne and of as great consequence as any thing else For if you slippe and set in September as many vse to doe or yet in August as some may thinke will doe well yet vnlesse they be the most ordinary sorts which are likely to grow at any time and in any place the most of them if not all will either assuredly perish or neuer prosper well for the more excellent and dainty the Gilloflower is the more tender for the most part and hard to nurse vp will the slippes be The best time therefore is that you cut off such slippes as are likely and such as your rootes may spare from the beginning of May vntill the middle of Iune at the furthest and order them as I haue shewed you before that so you may haue faire plants plenty of flowers and encrease sufficient for new supply without offence or losse of your store For the enriching likewise of your earth wherein you shall plant your slippes that they may the better thriue and prosper diuers haue vsed diuers sorts of manure as stable soyle of horse beasts or kine of sheepe and pigeons all which are very good when they are thoroughly turned to mould to mixe with your other earth or being steeped in water may serue to water the earth at times and turned in with it And some haue likewise proued Tanners earth that is their barke which after they haue vsed doth lye on heapes and rot in their yards or the like mould from wood-stackes or yards but especially and beyond all other is commended the Willow earth that is that mould which is found in the hollow of old Willow trees to be the most principall to mixe with other good earth for this purpose And as I haue now giuen you directions for the first way to encrease them by slipping so before I come to the other way let mee giue you a caueat or two for the preseruing of them when they are beginning to runne vtterly to decay
is assuredly first naturall of our owne Countrey for Mr. Gerrard first discouered it to the world finding it in a poore womans Garden in the West parts of England where it grew before the woman came to dwell there and as I haue heard since is naturall of the Isle of Wight The Time They doe all flower much about one time that is from the middle or end of March as the yeare is forward vnto the middle of Aprill The Names Vpon the three first I haue imposed the names in Latine as they are expressed in their titles and for the English names if you please you may let them passe likewise as they are expressed there also that thereby euery one may be truely distinguished and not confounded The fourth besides the name in the title is called of some Narcissus Germanicus which whether it be of Germany or no I know not but that the name should import so much The last doth vsually carry Mr. Gerrards name and called Gerrards double Daffodill 1. Pseudonarcissus augustifolius flore flauescente tubo quasi abscisso The narrow leafed bastard Daffodill with the clipt trunke This kinde of Daffodill hath long and narrow grayish greene leaues bearing one single flower at the toppe of his stalke like vnto the former single bastard kindes before specified hauing his outer leaues of a pale yellow colour and his trunke of a deeper yellow the chiefe differences in this from the former is in the leaues being narrow and then in the trunke of the flower which is not crumpled or turned vp as most of the other are and that the brimmes or edges of the flower is as if it had beene clipt off or cut euen 2. Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus medius minor luteus The two lesser Spanish yellow bastard Daffodils These two lesser kindes of Spanish Daffodils doe but differ in greatnesse the one from the other and not in any thing else so that in declaring the one you may vnderstand the other to bee a little greater The lesser then hath three or foure narrow short whitish greene leaues from among which commeth forth a short stalke not aboue an hand breadth or halfe a foote high bearing one single flower not fully standing outright but a little bending downe consisting of six small leaues standing as wings about a small but long trunke a little crumpled at the brimmes the whole flower as well leaues as trunke are of one deepe yellow colour like vnto the great Spanish kinde the roote is but small and couered with a darkish coate The other is in all parts greater and as I said differeth not else 3. Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus luteus minimus The least Spanish yellow bastard Daffodill The leaues of this small kinde are smaller and shorter then the former seldome exceeding the length of three inches and very narrow withall but of the same grayish greene colour with the former euery flower standeth vpon a small and short footestalke scarce rising aboue the ground so that his nose for the most part doth lye or touch the ground and is made after the same fashion and of the same colour with the former but much smaller as his roote is so likewise 4. Pseudonarcissus Gallicus minor flore pleno The lesser French double bastard Daffodill The rootes of this lesser French kinde if I may lawfully call it or the greater kinde before specified a bastard Daffodill for I somewhat doubt thereof in that the flower of either is not made after the fashion of any of the other bastard Daffodils but doth more nearely resemble the forme of the double white Daffodill expressed before among the true Daffodils are like vnto the double English kinde as also to the former double greater French kinde and the leaues are of the same whitish greene colour also but narrower and not longer the stalke riseth a little higher then the English and not fully so high as the greater French bearing one faire double flower thereon of a pale yellow or Lemon colour consisting of six rowes of leaues euery rowe growing smaller then other vnto the middle and so set and placed that euery leafe of the flower doth stand directly almost in all one vpon or before another vnto the middle where the leaues are smallest the outermost being the greatest which maketh the flower seeme the more beautifull this and the greater kinde hath no trunke or shew of any other thing in the middle as all or most of the other former double bastard Daffodils haue but are flowers wholly composed of leaues standing double euen to the middle The Place The first is vndoubtedly a naturall of the Pyrenaean Mountaines The Spanish kindes grew in Spaine and The French double kinde about Orleance in France where it is said to grow plentifully The Time The first flowreth at the end of March. The Spanish kindes are the most early flowring betimes in March The French double doth flower presently after The Names More cannot bee said or added concerning the names of any of these Daffodils then hath been set downe in their titles onely the French kinde is most vsually called Robinus his Daffodill Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius albus The white bastard Rush Daffodill or Iunquilia This bastard Rush Daffodill hath two or three long and very greene leaues very like vnto the small yellow Rush Daffodill formerly described but not altogether so round among which riseth vp a short stalke seldome halfe a foote high bearing at the toppe out of a small skinnie huske one small white flower sometime declining to a pale colour hauing six small and short leaues standing about the middle of the trunke which is long and much wider open at the mouth then at the bottome the small outer leaues or wings are a little tending to greene and the trunke as I said is either white or whitish hauing the brimmes a little vneuen the seede is small blacke and round like vnto other Rush Daffodils but smaller Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus maior The greater yellow Iunquilia or bastard Daffodill The leaues of this greater kinde are longer greater and a little broader then the former the stalke also is higher and the flower larger more open at the mouth and crumpled then the white but wholly of a yellow colour the seede and the roots are bigger according to the proportion of the plant Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus minor The lesser yellow bastard Iunquilia This is so like vnto the last in all things that I shall not neede to trouble you with repetitions of the same things formerly spoken the chiefest difference is the smalnesse of the plant in all parts Pseudonarcissus Iuncifolius luteus serotinus The late yellow bastard Iunquilia There is likewise a third kinde as great as the greater yellow and in all his parts expressing and equalling it but is accounted the fairer and flowreth somewhat later The Place The Pyrenaean Hils haue afforded vs all these varieties and wee preserue them carefully for they are all tender The Time All these flower
ground smelling strong 2. Moly montanum Pannonicum bulbiferum secundum The second bulbed Moly of Hungary The second Moly hath narrower greene leaues then the former the stalke is about the same height and beareth at the toppe a great cluster of small greene bulbes which after turne of a darker colour from among which come forth long foot-stalks whereon stand purplish flowers the roote is couered with a blackish purple coate or skinne 3. Moly Serpentinum Serpents Moly This Moly must also be ioyned vnto the bulbous Molyes as of kindred with them yet of greater beauty and delight because the bulbes on the heads of the small stalkes are redder and more pleasant to behold the stalke is lower and his grassie winding leaues which turne themselues whereof it tooke the name are smaller and of a whiter greene colour it beareth among the bulbes purplish flowers also but more beautifull the sent whereof is nothing so strong the roote is small round and whitish encreasing into a number of small rootes no bigger then pease round about the greater roote 4. Moly caule folijs triangularibus The three cornered Moly This three square Moly hath foure or fiue long and somewhat broad pale greene leaues flat on the vpper side and with a ridge downe the backe of the leafe which maketh it seeme three square the stalke which riseth vp a foote and a halfe high or better is three square or three cornered also bearing at the toppe out of a skinnie huske diuers white flowers somewhat large and long almost bell-fashion with stripes of greene downe the middle of euery leafe and a few chiues tipt with yellow in the middle about the head wherein when it is ripe is inclosed small blacke seede the roote is white on the outside and very like the yellow Moly both roote leafe and flower hath a smacke but not very strong of Garlicke 5. Moly Narcissinis folijs Daffodill leafed Moly This Moly hath many long narrow and flat greene leaues very like vnto the leaues of a Daffodill from whence it tooke his name or rather of the early greater Leucoium 1 Moly Homericum vel potius Theophrasti The greatest Moly of Homer 2 Moly Indicum siue Caucafon The Indian Moly 3 Moly Pannonicum bulbiserum The bulbed Moly of Hungary 4 Moly Serpentinum Serpents Moly 5 Moly purpureum Neapolitanum The purplish Moly of Naples 6 Moly caule folijs triangularibus The three cornered Moly 7 Moly latifolium flore luteo The yellow Moly 8 Moly Dioscorideum Hispanicum The Spanish Moly of Dioscorides 9 Moly Zibettinum vel Moschatinum The sweete smelling Moly of Mompelier 10 Moly serâ—tinum Coniferum The late Pineapple Moly bulbosum or bulbed Violet before described ioyned next vnto the Daffodils because it is so like them among which riseth vp two or three stalkes sometimes each of a foot and a halfe high bearing at the toppe inclosed in a skinny hose as all the Molyes haue a number of small purplish flowers which doe not long abide but quickly fade the seede is blacke as others are the roote is sometimes knobbed and more often bulbed hauing in the knobs some markes of the old stalkes to be seene in them and smelleth somewhat like Garlicke whereby it may be knowne 6. Moly montanum latifolium luteo flore The yellow Moly The yellow Moly hath but one long and broad leafe when it doth not beare flower but when it will beare flower it hath two long and broad leaues yet one alwaies longer and broader then the other which are both of the same colour and neare the bignesse of a reasonable Tulipa leafe betweene these leaues groweth a slender stalke bearing at the toppe a tuft or vmbell of yellow flowers out of a skinnie hose which parteth three wayes made of six leaues a peece laid open like a Starre with a greenish backe or outside and with some yellow threeds in the middle the seede is blacke like vnto others the roote is whitish two for the most part ioyned together which encreaseth quickly and smelleth very strong of Garlicke as both flowers and leaues doe also 7. Moly Pyrenaeum purpureum The purple mountaine Moly This purple Moly hath two or three leaues somewhat like the former yellow Moly but not so broad nor so white the stalke hath not so many flowers thereon but more sparingly and of an vnpleasant purple colour the roote is whitish smelling somewhat strongly of Garlicke but quickly perisheth with the extremity of our cold Winters which it will not abide vnlesse it be defended 8. Moly montanum latifolium purpureum Hispanicum The purple Spanish Moly This Moly hath two broad and very long greene leaues like vnto the yellow Moly in this that they doe compasse one another at the bottome of them between which riseth vp a strong round stalke two foote high or more bearing at the toppe out of a thinne huske a number of faire large flowers vpon long foot-stalkes consisting of six leaues a peece spread open like a Starre of a fine delayed purple or blush colour with diuers threeds of the same colour tipt with yellow standing about the middle head betweene the stalke and the bottome of the leaues it hath some small bulbes growing which being planted will soone spring and encrease the roote also being small and round with many fibres thereat hath many small bulbes shooting from them but neither roote leafe nor flower hath any ill sent of Garlicke at all 9. Moly purpureum Neapolitanum The purple Moly of Naples The Neapolitan Moly hath three or foure small long greene leaues set vpon the stalke after it is risen vp which beareth a round head of very fine purple flowers made of six leaues a peece but so closing together at the edge that they seeme like vnto small cuppes neuer laying themselues open as the other doe this hath some sent of his originall but the roote more then any part else which is white and round quickly encreasing as most of the Molyes doe 10. Moly pyxidatum argenteum Hispanicum The Spanish siluer cupped Moly This Spanish Moly hath two or three very long rush like leaues which rise vp with the stalke or rather vanish away when the stalke is risen vp to bee three foote high or more bearing a great head of flowers standing close at the first but afterwards spreading much one from another euery flower vpon a long foote-stalke being of a white siluer colour with stripes or lines on euery side and fashioned small and hollow like a cuppe or boxe the seede I could neuer obserue because it flowreth so late that the Winter hindereth it from bearing seede with vs the roote is small and round white and in a manner transparent at least so shining as if it were so and encreaseth nothing so much as many of the other sorts this hath no ill sent at all but rather a pretty smell not to bee misliked 11. Moly serotinum Coniferum The late Pineapple Moly This late Moly that was sent me
the Spring but the most in Autumne and some bearing double but the greatest part single flowers whereof euery one in their order and first of our owne Country kindes 1. Colchicum Anglicum album The white English Medowe Saffron It is common to all the Medowe Saffrons except that of the Spring and one other to beare their flowers alone in Autumne or later without any green leaues with them and afterwards in February their greene leaues So that I shall not neede to make manie descriptions but to shew you the differences that consist in the leaues and colours of the flowers and briefly to passe after I haue giuen you a full description of the first from one vnto another touching onely those things that are note worthy The white English Medowe Saffron then doth beare in Autumne three or foure flowers at the most standing seuerally vpon weake foote-stalkes a fingers length or more aboue the ground made of six white leaues somewhat long and narrow and not so large as most of the other kindes with some threeds or chiues in the middle like vnto the Saffron flowers of the Spring wherein there is no colour of Saffron or vertue to that effect after the flowers are past and gone the leaues doe not presently follow but the roote remaineth in the ground without shew of leafe aboue ground most part of the Winter and then in February there spring vp three or foure large and long greene leaues when they are fully growne vp standing on the toppe of a round weake green and short foote-stalke somewhat like the leaues of white Lillies but not so large and in the middest of these leaues after they haue been vp some time appeare two or three loose skinny heads standing in the middle of the leaues vpon short thicke greene stalkes and being ripe conteine in them round small brownish seede that lye as it were loose therein and when the head is dry may bee heard to rattle being shaken the roote is white within but couered with a thicke blackish skinne or coate hauing one side thereof at the bottome longer then the other with an hollownesse also on the one side of that long eminence where the flowers rise from the bottome and shooting downe from thence a number of white fibres whereby it is fastened in the ground the greene leaues afterwards rising from the top or head of the roote 2. Colchicum Anglicum purpureum The purple English Medowe Saffron There is no difference at all in this Medowe Saffron from the former but only in the colour of the flowers which as they were wholly white in the former so in this they are of a delayed purple colour with a small shew of veines therein 3. Colchicum Pannonicum album The white Hungary Medowe Saffron The greatest difference in this Colchicum from the former English white one is that it is larger both in roote leafe and flower and besides hath more store of flowers together and continuing longer in beauty without fading so soone as the former and are also somewhat of a fairer white colour 4. Colchicum Pannonicum purpureum The purple Hungary Medowe Saffron This purple Medowe Saffron is somewhat like vnto the white of this kinde but that it beareth not so plentifully as the white nor doth the roote grow so great but the flowers are in a manner as large as they and of the like pale delayed purple colour or somewhat deeper as is in the purple English with some veines or markes vpon the flowers making some shew of a checker on the out side but not so conspicuous as in the true checkerd kindes Wee haue a kinde hereof is party coloured with white streakes and edges which abide constant and hath been raised from the seede of the former 5. Colchicum Byzantinum Medowe Saffron of Constantinople This Medowe Saffron of Constantinople hath his leaues so broad and large that hardly could any that neuer saw it before iudge it to be a Colchicum for they are much larger then any Lilly leaues and of a darke greene colour the flowers are correspondent to the leaues larger and more in number then in any of the former purple kindes of the same colour with the last purple kinde but of a little deeper purple on the inside with diuers markes running through the flowers like vnto it or vnto checkers but yet somewhat more apparantly the roote is in the middle greater and rounder then the others with a longer eminence whereby it may easily bee knowne from all other sorts 6. Colchicum Lusitanicum Fritillaricum The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Portugall The flowers of this Medowe Saffron are larger and longer then the flowers of either the English or Hungarian and almost as large as the last before mentioned and of the same colour but a little deeper the spots and markes whereof are somewhat more easie to be seene euen a farre off like vnto the flower of a Fritillaria from whence it tooke his significatiue name the leaues of this Medowe Saffron doe rise vp sooner then in any other of the Autumne kindes for they are alwayes vp before Winter and are foure or fiue in number short rather then long broad belowe and pointed at the end canaled or hollow and standing round aboue the ground one encompassing another at the bottome like the great Spanish Starre Iacinth called the Iacinth of Peru 1 Colchi um Pannonicum The Hungarian Medow Saffron 2 Colchicum Byzantinum Medowe Saffron of Constantinople 3 Colchicum â—usitanicum Fritillaricum The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Portugall 4 Colchicum Neapolitanum Fritillaricum The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Naples 5 Colchicum Fritillaricum Chiense The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Chio or Sio 6 Colchicum Heâ—modactylum Physicall Medowe Saffron but shorter and of a pale or grayish greene colour differing from the colour of all the other Medowe Saffrons the roote is like the roote of the English or Hungarian without any difference but that it groweth somewhat greater It is one of the first Medowe Saffrons that flower in the Autumne 7. Colchicum Neapolitanum Fritillaricum The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Naples This checkerd Medowe Saffron of Naples is very like vnto the last recited checkerd Saffron of Portugall but that the flower is somewhat larger yet sometimes very little or not at all the greatest marke to distinguish them is that the flowers of this are of a deeper colour and so are the spots on the flowers likewise which are so conspicuous that they are discerned a great way off more like vnto the flowers of a deepe Fritillaria then the former and make a goodlier and a more glorious shew the leaues of this doe rise vp early after the flowers and are somewhat longer of a darker greene colour yet bending to a grayish colour as the other not lying so neatly or round but stand vp one by another being as it were folded together neither of both these last named checkerd Medowe Saffrons haue giuen any seede in this Countrey that euer I could learne or heare
of but are encreased by the roote which in this is like the former but a little bigger 8. Colchicum Fritillaricum Chiense The checkerd Medowe Saffron of Chio or Sio This most beautifull Saffron flower riseth vp with his flowers in the Autumne as the others before specified doe although not of so large a size yet farre more pleasant and delightfull in the thicke deepe blew or purple coloured beautifull spots therein which make it excell all others whatsoeuer the leaues rise vp in the Spring being smaller then the former for the most part three in number and of a paler or fresher greene colour lying close vpon the ground broad at the bottome a little pointed at the end and twining or folding themselues in and out at the edges as if they were indented I haue not seene any seede it hath borne the roote is like vnto the others of this kinde but small and long and not so great it flowreth later for the most part then any of the other euen not vntill Nouember and is very hard to be preserued with vs in that for the most part the roote waxeth lesse and lesse euery yeare our cold Country being so contrary vnto his naturall that it will scarce shew his flower yet when it flowreth any thing early that it may haue any comfort of a warme Sunne it is the glorie of all these kindes 9. Colchicum versicolor The party coloured Medowe Saffron The flowers of this Medowe Saffron most vsually doe not appeare vntill most of the other Autumne sorts are past except the last which are very lowe scarce rising with their stalkes three fingers breadth aboue the ground but oftentimes halfe hid within the ground the leaues whereof are smaller shorter and rounder then in any of the other before specified some being altogether white and others wholly of a very pale purple or flesh colour and some againe parted the one halfe of a leafe white and the other halfe of the same purple and sometimes striped purple and white in diuers leaues of one and the same flower and againe some will be the most part of the leafe white and the bottome purple thus varying as nature list that many times from one roote may be seene to arise all these varieties before mentioned these flowers doe stand long before they fade and passe away for I haue obserued in my Garden some that haue kept their flower faire vntill the beginning of Ianuary vntill the extremitie of the Winter frosts and snowes haue made them hide their heads the leaues therefore accordingly doe rise vp after all other and are of a brownish or darke greene colour at their first springing vp which after grow to be of a deepe greene colour the roote is like the former English or Hungarian kindes but thicker and greater for the most part and shorter also 10. Colchicum variegatum alterum Another party coloured Medowe Saffron There is another whose party coloured flowers rise a little higher diuersly striped and marked with a deeper purple colour and a pale or whitish blush throughout all the leaues of the flower 11. Colchicum montanum Hispanicum minus The little Spanish Medowe Saffron The flowers of this little Medowe Saffron are narrower and smaller then any of the former and of a deeper reddish purple colour then either the English or Hungarian kindes the greene leaues also are smaller then any other lying on the ground of a deepe or sad greene colour rising vp within a while after the flowers are past and doe abide greene all the Winter long the roote is small and long according to the rest of the plant and like in forme to the others 12. Colchicum montanum minus versicolore flore The small party coloured Medowe Saffron This little kinde differeth not from the Spanish kinde last set forth but in the varietie of the flower which is as small as the former the three inner leaues being almost all white and the three outer leaues some of them pale or blush and some party coloured with a little greene on the backe of some of them 13. Colchicum Hermodactilum Physicall Medowe Saffron This Physicall Medowe Saffron springeth vp with his leaues in Autumne before his flowers appeare beyond the nature of all the former kindes yet the flower doth after they are vp shew it selfe in the middle of the greene leaues consisting of six white leaues with diuers chiues in the middle and passeth away without giuing any seede that euer I could obserue the greene leaues abide all the Winter and Spring following decaying about May and appeare not vntill September when as I said the flowers shew themselues presently after the leaues are sprung vp 14. Colchicum atropurpureum The darke purple Medowe Saffron The greatest difference in this kinde consisteth in the flower which at the first appearing is as pale a purple as the flower of the former Hungarian kinde but after it hath stood in flower two or three dayes it beginneth to change and will after a while become to bee of a very deepe reddish purple colour as also the little foote-stalke whereon it doth stand the flower is of the bignesse of the Hungarian purple and so is the greene leafe the seede and roote is like the English purple kinde 15. Colchicum atropurpureum variegatum The party coloured darke purple Medowe Saffron We haue of late gained another sort of this kinde differing chiefly in the flower which is diuersly striped thorough euery leafe of the flower with a paler purple colour whereby the flower is of great beauty this might seeme to bee a degeneration from the former yet it hath abiden constant with me diuers yeares and giueth seede as plentifully as the former 16. Colchicum flore pleno Double flowred Medowe Saffron The double Medowe Saffron is in roote and leafe very like vnto the English kinde the flowers are of a fine pale or delayed purple colour consisting of many leaues set thicke together which are somewhat smaller as in the English flower being narrow and long and as it were round at the points which make a very double flower hauing some chiues with their yellow tips dispersed as it were among the leaues in the middle it flowreth in September a little after the first shew of the earlier Medowe Saffrons are past 17. Colchicum variegatum pleno flore The party coloured double Medowe Saffron We haue another of these double kinds if it be not the very same with the former varying in the flower as nature pleaseth oftentimes for I haue this flower in my garden as I here set it forth euery yeare whose flowers are diuersified in the partition of the colours as is to be seene in the single party coloured Medowe Saffron before described hauing some leaues white and others pale purple and some leaues halfe white and halfe purple diuersly set or placed in the double flower which doth consist of as many leaues as the former yet sometime this party coloured flower doth not shew it selfe double like
the former but hath two flowers one rising out of another making each of them to be almost but single flowers consisting of eight or ten leaues a peece but this diuersity is not constant for the same roote that this yeare appeareth in that manner the next yeare will returne to his former kinde of double flowers againe 18. Colchicum Vernum Medowe Saffron of the Spring This Medowe Saffron riseth vp very early in the yeare that is in the end of Ianuarie sometimes or beginning or at the furthest the middle of February presently after the deepe Frosts and Snowes are past with his flowers inclosed within three greene leaues which opening themselues as soone almost as they are out of the ground shew their buds for flowers within them very white oftentimes before they open farre and sometimes also purplish at their first appearing which neuer shew aboue two at the most vpon one roote and neuer rise aboue the leaues nor the leaues much higher then they while they last the flower consisteth of six leaues long and narrow euery leafe being diuided both at the bottome and toppe each from other and ioyned together onely in the middle hauing also six chiues tipt with yellow in the middle euery chiue being ioyned to a leafe of a pale red or deepe blush colour when it hath stood a while blowne and is a smaller flower then any Medowe Saffron except the small Spanish kindes onely but continueth in his beauty a good while if the extremity of sharpe Frosts and Windes doe not spoile it the leaues wherein these flowers are enclosed at their first comming vp are of a brownish greene colour which so abide for a while especially on the outside but on the inside they are hollow and of a whitish or grayish greene colour which after the flowers are past grow to bee of the length of a mans longest finger and narrow withall there riseth vp likewise in the middle of them the head or seede vessell which is smaller and shorter and harder then any of the former wherein is contained small round browne seede the roote is small somewhat like vnto the rootes of the former but shorter and not hauing so long an eminence on the one side of the bottome 19. Colchicum Vernum atropurpureum Purple Medowe Saffron of the Spring The flower of this Medowe Saffron is in the rising vp of his leaues and flowers together and in all things else like vnto the former onely the flowers of this sort are at their first appearing of a deeper purple colour and when they are blowne also are much deeper then the former diuided in like manner both at the bottome and toppe as the other so that they seeme like as if six loose leaues were ioyned in the middle part to make one flower and hath his small chiues tipt with yellow cleaning in like manner to euery leafe The Place All these Medowe Saffrons or the most part of them haue their places expressed in their titles for some grow in the fields and medowes of the champion grounds others on the mountaines and hilly grounds The English kindes grow in the West parts as about Bathe Bristow Warmister 1 Colchicum montamum Hispanicum The little Spanish Medowe Saffron 2 Colchicum montanum minus versicolore flore The small party coloured Medowe Saffron 3 Colchicum versicolor The party coloured Medowe Saffron 4 Colchicum variegatum alterum Another party coloured Meadowe Saffron 5 Colchicum atropurpureum The darke purple Medowe Saffron 6 Colchicum atropurpureum variegatum The variable darke purple Meadowe Saffron 7 Colchicum vernum Medowe Saffron of the spring 8 Colchicum flore pleno Double Medowe Saffron and other places also The double kindes are thought to come out of Germany The Time Their times likewise are declared in their seuerall descriptions those that are earliest in Autumne flower in August and September the later in October and the latest in the end of October and in Nouember The other are said to bee of the Spring in regard they come after the deepe of Winter which is most vsually in December and Ianuary is past The Names The generall name to all these plants is Colchicum whereunto some haue added Ephemerum because it killeth within one dayes space and some Strangulatorium Some haue called them also Bulbus agrestis and Filius ante Patrem The Sonne before the Father because as they thinke it giueth seede before the flower but that is without due consideration for the root of this as of most other bulbous plants after the stalke of leaues and seede are dry and past may be transplanted and then it beginneth to spring and giue flowers before leaues and therein onely it is differing from other plants but the leaues and seede follow successiuely after the flowers before it may be remoued againe so that here is not seede before flowers but contrarily flowers vpon the first planting or springing and seede after as in all other plants though in a diuers manner The Colchicum Hermodactilum may seeme very likely to bee the Colchicum Orientale of Matthiolus or the Colchicum Alexandrinum of Lobelius And some thinke it to be the true Hermodactilus and so call it but it is not so We doe generally call them all in English Medowe Saffrons or Colchicum according to the Latine giuing to euery one his other adiunct to know it by The Vertues None of these are vsed for any Physicall respect being generally held to be deadly or dangerous at the least Only the true Hermodactile if it be of this tribe and not this which is here expressed is of great vse for paines in the ioynts and of the hippes as the Sciatica and the like to be taken inwardly Costaeus in his Booke of the nature of plants saith that the rootes of our common kindes are very bitter in the Spring of the yeare and sweet in Autumne which Camerarius contradicteth saying that he found them bitter in Autumne which were as he saith giuen by some imposters to diuers as an antidote against the Plague CHAP. XVII Crocus Saffron THere are diuers sorts of Saffrons whereof many doe â—ower in the Spring time and some in Autumne among whom there is but one onely kinde that is called tame or of the Garden which yeeldeth those blades or chiues that are vsed in meates and medicines and many wayes profitable for other respects none of the rest which are all wilde kindes giuing any blade equall vnto those of the tame kinde or for any other vse then in regard of their beautifull flowers of seuerall varieties and as they haue been carefully sought out and preserued by diuers to furnish a Garden of dainty curiosity To entreate therefore of these I must to obserue an orderly declaration diuide them into two primary families the former shall be of those that yeeld their pleasant flowers in the Spring of the yeare and the other that send out their colours in the Autumne among whom that Rex pomarij as I may so call it the
tame or manured kinde properly called of the Garden is to be comprehended for that it giueth his pleasant flowers at that time among others I shall againe distribute those of the Spring time into three chiefe colours that is into white purple and yellow and vnder euery one of them comprehend the seuerall varieties that doe belong vnto them which course I will also hold with those of the Autumne that thus being rightly ranked they may the more orderly be described 1. Crocus Vernus albus purus minor The smaller pure white Saffron flower of the Spring This small Saffron flower springeth vp in the beginning of the yeare with three or foure small greene leaues somewhat broader but much shorter then the true Saffron leaues with a white line downe the middle of euery leafe betweene these leaues out of a white skinne riseth vp one or two small flowers made of six leaues a peece as all the rest in generall are of a pure white colour without any mixture in it which abide not in flower aboue a weeke or rather lesse so sodainly is the pleasure of this and the purple lost it flowreth not for the most part vntill a moneth after the yellow Crocus appeareth in flower and the ordinary stript Crocus is past the seede is small round and reddish yet not so red as the seede of the yellow contained in three square heads yet seldome beareth but encreaseth by the roote plentifully enough which is small round and flat at the bottome somewhat white on the outside but whiter within shooting out small sprouts on euery side of the roote which is the best note to know this kinde and the lesser purple which are both alike from all other rootes of Saffron flowers 2. Crocus albus maior multiflorus The great snow white Crocus This greater Saffron flower riseth vp vsually with three or foure greene leaues larger then the former with a white line in euery one of them the flowers are greater and more in number rising together but flowring one after another of a pure snow white colour and abiding but little longer in flower then the former 3. Crocus albus maior alter dictus Masiacus The great white Saffron flower or Crocus of Mesia This great white Crocus of Mesia riseth vp out of the ground almost as early as the first sort of the yellow with foure or fiue leaues being very like vnto the leaues of the yellow Crocus and as large with white lines in them the flowers also are as large as the flowers of the yellow and many also rising one after another like vnto it but not of so pure a white colour as the former or last described but rather tending to a Milky or Creame colour the roote is not couered with any reddish but rather pale skinnes or coates 4. Crocus albus Maesiacus fundo violaceo The great white Crocus of Mesia with a blew bottome There is another of this kinde like vnto the former in all things sauing that the bottomes of the flowers of this kinde with some part of the stalke next the flower are of a pale shining purple colour and rising vp a pretty way into the flower whereas another also of this kind hath a little shew or marke of blew and not purple at the bottome of the flower onely which maketh a difference 5. Crocus albus fundo purpureo The white Crocus with a purple bottome This Saffron flower is of the same kinde with the first both in roote leafe and flower in none of them differing from it but in that the bottome of this flower with that part of the short foote-stalke next vnto it is of a violet or purple colour and sometimes hauing here and there some purple small lines or spots on the white leaues it flowreth also with the first white or somewhat later 6. Crocus vernus albus striatus The white stript Crocus This stript Saffron flower is likewise neare the same first kind or first white Crocus hauing the like leaues and flowers somewhat larger but as soone fading almost as it but herein this flower differeth that it hath pale blewish lines and spots in all the leaues thereof and more principally in the three outer leaues the root is also white on the outside like the first white but greater with young ones growing round about it 7. Crocus vernus albus polyanthos versicolor The greater party coloured white Crocus The greater party coloured Saffron flower hath his greene leaues like vnto the second great white Crocus before mentioned hauing more flowers then any of the former except the first great white the leaues whereof haue greater stripes then the last recited Crocus but of a purple Violet colour making each leafe seeme oftentimes to haue as much purple as white in them the roote hereof is somewhat like the second white but of a little more duskie colour on the outside and not budding out on the sides at all or very little 8. Crocus vernus albus versicolor The lesser party coloured white Crocus The leaues and flowers of this other party coloured Crocus are for bignesse in a manner equall with the last but hath not so many flowers rising together from the roote the flower is finely marked with blew strakes on the white flower but nothing so much as in the former the roote also is like the last 9. Crocus Episcopalis The Bishops Crocus This party coloured or Bishops Saffron flower is very like both in leaues and rootes vnto the Neapolitane blew Crocus but somewhat greater the flowers doe abide not so long time blowne and hath all the leaues either wholly white with blew stripes on both sides of them or wholly of a fine delayed blew Violet colour and the three innermost more blew and finely striped both on the inside and outside of them and sometimes it hath been seen to haue three leaues white and three leaues of a pale blew 10. Crocus vernus striatus vulgaris The ordinary stript Crocus There is another sort of stript Saffron flower which is most common and plentifull in most Gardens which I must needes bring vnder the ranke of these white kinds although it differre very notably both in roote leafe and flower from all of them the leaues of this rise vp sooner then the yellow or white Crocus lying spread vpon the ground for the most part but narrower then any of the former among these leaues spring vp diuers flowers almost as large as the former great white Crocus of a very bleake or pale purple colour tending to white on the inside and in many almost white with some small whitish chiues tipt with yellow in the middle the three outer leaues are of a yellowish white colour on the backe side of them stript euery one of them with three broad stripes of a darke murrey or purple colour and a little sprinkled with some small purple lines on both sides of those stripes but on the inside of the same pale purple or white colour with the
rest the seede hereof is somewhat darker coloured then of the white and is more liberall in bearing the roote is differing from all the former being rounder and bigger then any of them except the kindes of Misia yet somewhat flat withall not hauing any shootes from the sides but setting off into rootes plentifully hauing a round circle compassing the bottome of the roote which easily falleth away when it is taken vp out of the ground and couered with a browne coate somewhat neare the colour of the yellow Crocus but not altogether so bright it flowreth vsually the first of all these sorts or with the first of the early yellowes 1 Crocus vernus albus minor The small white Saffron flower of the spring 2 Crocus vernus Masiacus albus The great white Crocus of Misia 3 Crocus vernus albus striatur The white stript Crocus 4 Crocus vernus albus polyanthos versicolor The party coloured white Crocus 5 Crocus albus fundo purpureâ— The white Crocus with a purple bottome 6 Crocus vernus Neapolitanus The great blew Crocus of Naples 7 Crocus vernus purpureus maximus The great purple Crocus 8 Crocus vernus purpureus striatus The purple stript Crocus 9 Crocus vernus purpureus Capillarifolio The purple Crocus with small leaues 10 Crocus vernus flavus striatus The yellow stript Crocus 11 Crocus vernus luteus versicolor The cloth of gold Crocus 11. Crocus vernus striatus Turcicus The Turkie stript Crocus There is another of this kinde whose flower is a little larger and of a deeper purple colour both on the inside and outside the greene leafe also is bigger and of a more whitish colour 12. Crocus vernus Capillarifolio albus The white Crocus with small leaues This white Crocus is in all things like vnto the purple of the same kinde but that the flower of this is wholly white the full description therefore hereof you shall haue in that purple with small leaues of this kinde hereafter set downe whereunto I referre you 13. Crocus vernus purpureus minor The smaller purple Crocus The smaller purple Saffron flower of the Spring hath his greene leaues so like vnto the first white flowred Saffron that they can hardly be distinguished onely they seem to bee a little narrower the flower is also much about the same bignesse or a little bigger and seldome beareth aboue one flower from a roote euen as the first doth of a deepe purple Violet colour the bottome of the flower with the vpper part of the stalke next thereunto being of a deeper or blacker purple in the middle of the flower are some pale chiues tipt with yellow pendents and a longer pointell diuided or forked at the toppe the roote of this is in all things so like vnto the first white that it is impossible for the most cunning and conuersant in them to know the one from the other This beareth seede very sparingly as the white doth and is reddish like vnto it but recompenseth that defect with a plentifull encrease by the roote it likewise flowreth at the very same time with the white and endureth as small a time 14. Crocus vernus purpureus maximus The greatest purple Crocus This great purple Crocus is of the same kinde with the next described as well in roote as leafe but greater for the greene leaues hereof are the greatest and broadest of all other Crocus with a large white line in the middle of euery one it springeth vp much later then the former and doth not shew his flower vntill the other bee past a good while the flowers also are the largest of all these Crocus of the Spring time and equalling if not surpassing that purple kinde that flowreth in Autumne hereafter set forth of a very faire and deepe Violet colour almost as deepe as the former the seed vessels are large also and white wherein is contained pale reddish seede like vnto the next blew kinde but somewhat greater the roote is as I said before like vnto the next that is flat and round with a duskie coloured outside whose head for springing in it is as hardly discerned Alter Apicibus albidis We haue one of this kinde the toppes onely of whose purple flower are whitish for the breadth of halfe the naile of a mans hand which abideth constant euery yeare in that manner and therefore is a difference fit to be remembred 15. Crocus vernus Neapolitanus siue caeruleus maior The greater blew Crocus of Naples This great blew Crocus riseth vp with diuers greene leaues broader then any of the former except the last with a white line running downe the inside of euery leafe as in the former among which riseth vp out of diuers great long white skinnes diuers large flowers but not fully so great as the former consisting of six leaues of a paler blew or Violet colour then in the former hauing in the middle of the flowers a few pale threeds tipt with yellow and a longer pointell of a gold yellow colour forked or diuided at the toppe smelling sweeter then in the former and abiding a great while longer being in flower vsually euen with the stript yellow Crocus or before the former purple and yeelding more plenty of seede the roote hereof is not very great but a little darke on the outside being round and flat withall that one can hardly know which is the vpperside thereof This kinde differeth very little from the former either in roote leafe or flower Crocus Neapolitanus pracocior for the bignesse or colour but that it seemeth to be a little bleaker or paler blew because it flowreth a little earlier 16. Crocus vernus purpureus striatus The stript purple Crocus The leaues of this stript purple Saffron flower are as large and broad as the last of rather a little longer the flowers also are as plentifull and as large of a fine delayed purple colour on the outside with three broad strakes or lines downe the backe of the three outer leaues and of a little deeper purple on the inside as the other three leaues are also of a deeper purple colour and are striped with the same deepe purple about the ground or bottome of the leaues this sometimes yeelde three square heads containing in them brownish seede the roote is like vnto the last and flowreth much about the time of the former 17. Crocus vernus purpureus versicolor The siluer stript purple Crocus This stript Saffron flower is in leaues and flowers somewhat like vnto the last stript purple but a little smaller the flowers are of a little deeper purple through the whole leaues striped with white lines both on the leaues and towards the edges which maketh a peculiar difference from all the rest the roote of this is not so flat though like it and couered with a darke ash coloured skinne it flowreth about the same time 18. Crocus purpureus flammeus maior The greater purple flame coloured Crocus The greene leaues of this Crocus or Saffron
outer peelings or shels being hard are as it were netted on the outside hauing certaine ribbes rising vp higher then the rest of the skinnes diuided in the forme of a net-worke of a darke browne colour and is smaller and rounder then the former yellow and not encreasing so plentifully by the roote 25. Crocus vernus luteus versicolor alter The second cloth of gold or Duke Crocus There is no difference either in roote leafe or colour of flower or time of flowring in this sort from the last before mentioned for the flower of this is of the same bignesse and colour the only note of difference is in the marking of the three outer leaues which haue not three stripes like the former but are wholly of the same deepe purple colour on the backe of them sauing that the edges of them are yellow which is the forme of a Duke Tulipa and from thence it tooke the name of a Duke Crocus 26. Crocus vernus versicolor pallideluteus The pale cloth of gold Crocus We haue a third sort of this kinde of cloth of gold Crocus which hath leaues and flowers like the former but differeth in this that the colour of the flower is of a paler yellow by much but stript in the same manner as the first but with a fainter purple colour the roote also is netted like them to shew that this is but a variation of the same kinde 27. Crocus vernus versicolor albidoluteus The cloth of siluer Crocus The chiefest note of difference in this Saffron flower is that being as large a flower as any of the former of this kinde it is of so pale a yellowish white that it is more white then yellow which some doe call a butter colour the three outer leaues are striped on the backe of them with a paler purple blew shining colour the bottome of the flower and the vpper part of the stalke being of the same purple blew colour the roote of this is also netted as the other to shew it is a variety of the same kinde And thus much for those Saffron flowers that come in the Spring time now to those that flower in Autumne onely and first of the true Saffron 1. Crocus verus sativus Autumnalis The true Saffron The true Saffron that is vsed in meates and medicines shooteth out his narrow long greene leaues first and after a while the flowers in the middle of them appeare about the end of August in September and October according to the soile and climate where they growe these flowers are as large as any of the other former or later sorts composed of six leaues a peece of a murrey or reddish purple colour hauing a shew of blew in them in the middle of these flowers there are some small yellow chiues standing vpright which are as vnprofitable as the chiues in any other of the wilde Saffrons before or hereafter specified but besides these each flower hath two three or foure greater and longer chiues hanging downe vpon or betweene the leaues which are of a fierie red colour and are the true blades of Saffron which are vsed physically or otherwise and no other All these blades being pickt from the seuerall flowers are laid and pressed together into cakes and afterwards dryed very warily on a Kill to preserue them as they are to be seene in the shops where they are sold I neuer heard that euer it gaue seede with any the roote groweth often to be as great or greater then a green Wall Nut with the outer shell on it couered with a grayish or ash-coloured skin which breaketh into long hairie threeds otherwise then in any other roote of Crocus 2. Crocus Byzantinus argenteus The siluer coloured Autumne Crocus This Saffron flower springeth vp in October and seldome before with three or foure short greene leaues at the first but growing longer afterwards and in the midst of them presently after they haue appeared one flower for the most part and seldome two consisting of six leaues the three outermost whereof are somewhat larger then the other three within and are of a pale bleake blew colour almost white which many call a siluer colour the three innermost being of a purer white with some yellow chiues in the middle and a longer pointell ragged or fethered at the toppe this very seldome beareth seede but when the yeare falleth out to bee very milde it is small round and of a darke colour the roote is pretty bigge and rounder then any other Crocus without any flat bottome and couered with a darke russet skinne 3. Crocus Pyrenaeus purpureus The purple mountaine Crocus This purple Saffron flower of the Autumne riseth vp but with one flower vsually yet sometimes with two one after another without any leaues at all in September or sometimes in August standing vpon a longer foote-stalke then any kinde of Saffron flower either of the Spring or Autumne and is as large as the flower of the greatest purple Saffron flower of the Spring of a very deepe Violet purple colour which decayeth after it hath stood blowne three or foure dayes and becommeth more pale hauing in the middle some yellow chiues and a long fether topt pointell branched and rising sometimes aboue the edges of the flowers about a moneth after the flowers are past and sometimes not vntill the first of the Spring there riseth vp three or foure long and broad greene leaues with a white line in euery one of them like vnto the first purple Vernall kindes which abide vntill the end of May or Iune the roote is small and white on the outside so like vnto the roote of the lesser Vernall purple or white Crocus that it cannot be distinguished vntill about the end of August when it doth begin to shoot and then by the early shooting vp a long white sprout for flower it may be knowne I neuer could obserue it to giue any seede the Winter as I thinke comming on it so quickly after the flowring being the cause to hinder it 4. Crocus montanus Autumnalis The Autumne mountaine Crocus The mountaine Saffron flower springeth vp later then any of the former and doth not appeare vntill the middle or end of October when all the flowers of the former are past appearing first with three or foure short greene leaues like vnto the Byzantine Crocus and afterwards the flowers betweene them which are of a pale or bleake blew tending to a purple the foote-stalkes of them bring so short that they scarce appeare aboue ground at the first but after two or three dayes they grow a little higher the roote is very great and flat bottomed couered with a grayish duskie coate or skinne and encreaseth very little or seldome The Place The seuerall places of these Saffron flowers are in part set downe in their titles the others haue beene found out some in one Countrey and some in another as the small purple and white and stript white in Spaine the yellow in Mesia about Belgrade the
are in some of a pure white in others paler or somewhat yellowish through the whole flower except the yellow frize or thrume in the middle of euery one of the falling leaues after the flowers are past come forth great heads containing within them round pale seed the roote is small according to the proportion of the plant aboue ground but made after the fashion of the greater kindes with tuberous peeces spreading from the sides and strong fibres or strings whereby they are fastened in the ground 2. Chamaeiris latifolia maior purpurea The greater purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce There is no difference either in roote leafe or forme of flower in this from the former dwarfe kinde but onely in the colour of the flower which in some is of a very deepe or blacke Violet purple both the toppes and the fals in others the Violet purple is more liuely and in some the vpper leaues are blew and the lower leaues purple yet all of them haue that yellow frize or thrume in the middle of the falling leaues that the other kindes haue Altera There is another that beareth purple flowers that might be reckoned for the smalnesse and shortnesse of his stalke to the next kinde but that the flowers and leaues of this are as large as any of the former kindes of the smaller Flowerdeluces 3. Chamaeiris latifolia minor alba The lesser white dwarfe Flowerdeluce There is also another sort of these Flowerdeluces whose leaues and flowers are lesse and wherein there is much variety The leaues of this kinde are all for the most part somewhat smaller narrower and shorter then the former the stalke with the flower vpon it scarce riseth aboue the leaues so that in most of them it may be rather called a foote-stalke such as the Saffron flowers haue and are therefore called of manie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without stalkes the flowers are like vnto the first described of the dwarfe kindes and of a whitish colour with a few purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues and a list of greene in the falling leaues Stramiâ—â—a Another hath the flowers of a pale yellow called a Straw colour with whitish stripes and veines in the fals and purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues 4. Chamaeiris latifolia minor purpurea The lesser purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce The difference of this from the former consisteth more in the colour then forme of the flower which is of a deep Violet purple sometimes paler and sometimes so deep that it almost seemeth blacke And sometimes the fals purplish and the vpper leaues blew Some of these haue a sweete sent and some none Caerulea There is another of a fine pale or delayed blew colour throughout the whole flower 5. Chamaeiris latifolia minor suaeuerubens The lesser blush coloured dwarfe Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce hath the falling leaues of the flower of a reddish colour and the thrumes blew the vpper and arched leaues of a fine pale red or flesh colour called a blush colour in all other things it differeth not and smelleth little or nothing at all 6. Chamaeiris latifolia minor lutea versicolor The lesser yellow variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce The falling leaues of this Flowerdeluce are yellowish with purple lines from the middle downewards sometimes of a deeper and sometimes of a paler colour and white thrumes in the middle the vpper leaues are likewise of a yellowish colour with purple lines in them And sometimes the yellow colour is paler and the lines both in the vpper and lower leaues of a dull or dead purple colour 3. Chamaeiris latifolia minor caerulea versicolor The lesser blew variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce The vpper leaues of this flower are of a blewish yellow colour spotted with purple in the broad part and at the bottome very narrow the falling leaues are spread ouer with pale purplish lines and a small shew of blew about the brimmes the thrume is yellow at the bottome and blewish aboue the arched leaues are of a blewish white being a little deeper on the ridge And sometimes the vpper leaues are of a paler blew rather whitish with the yellow both these haue no sent at all 8. Chamaeiris marina purpurea The purple dwarfe Sea Flowerdeluce This small Flowerdeluce is like vnto the narrow leafed Sea Flowerdeluce before described both in roote leafe and flower hauing no other difference but in the smalnesse and lownesse of the growing being of the same purple colour with it 9. Chamaeiris angustifolia maior The greater Grasse Flowerdeluce This Grasse Flowerdeluce hath many long and narrow darke greene leaues not so stiffe as the former but lither and bending their ends downe againe among which rise vp diuers stalkes bearing at the toppe two or three sweete flowers as small as any of them set downe before of a reddish purple colour with whitish yellow and purple strakes downe the middle of the falling leaues the arched leaues are of a horse flesh colour all along the edges and purple vpon the ridges and tips that turne vp againe vnder these appeare three browne aglets like vnto birds tongues the three vpper leaues are small and narrow of a perfect purple or Violet colour the heads for seede haue sharper and harder cornered edges then the former the seedes are somewhat grayish like the former and so are the rootes being small blacke and hard growing thicke together fastened in the ground with small blackish hard strings which hardly shoote againe if the roote be remoued 10. Chamaeiris angustifolia minor The lesser Grasse Flowerdeluce This Flowerdeluce is in leaues flowers and rootes so like the last described that but onely it is smaller and lower it is not to be distinguished from the other And this may suffice for these sorts of Flowerdeluces that furnish the Gardens of the curious louers of these varieties of nature so farre forth as hath passed vnder our knowledge There are some other that may be referred hereunto but they belong to another history and therefore I make no mention of them in this place The Place The places of most of these are set downe in their seuerall titles for some are out of Turkie others out of Hungaria Dalmatia Illyria c. as their names doe import Those that grow by the Sea are found in Spaine and France The Time Some of these do flower in Aprill some in May and some not vntill Iune The Names The names expressed are the fittest agreeing vnto them and therefore it is needlesse againe to repeate them Many of the rootes of the former or greater kindes being dryed are sweete yet some more then other and some haue no sent at all but aboue all the rest that with the white flower called of Florence is accounted of all to be the sweetest root fit to be vsed to make sweete powders c. calling it by the name of Orris rootes Iris tuberosa The Veluet Flowerdeluce Vnto the Family of Flowerdeluces I must needes ioyne this peculiar
haue fewer spots and little or no purple vnderneath the flowers hereof are as small as purple and as sweete as the purple Sowebread of the Spring time the roote hereof is likewise small blacke and round 5. Cyclamen Romanum rotundifolium Romane Sowebread with round leaues The Romane Sowebread hath round leaues somewhat like vnto the common Sowebread but not fully so round pointed at the ends a little cornered sometimes also or as it were indented with white spots round about the middle of the leaues and very conspicuous which make it seeme the more beautifull the flowers appeare in Autumne and are shorter and of a deeper purplish red colour then the Iuie Sowebread rising vp before the leaues for the most part or at least with them and little or nothing sweete the roote is round and blacke vsually not so flat as it but growing sometimes to bee greater then any other kinde of Sowebread There is sometimes some variety to be seene both in the leaues and flowers of this kinde for that sometime the leaues haue more corners and either more or lesse spotted with white the flowers likewise of some are larger or lesser Varietas longer or rounder paler or deeper coloured one then another This happeneth most likely from the sowing of the seede causing the like variety as is seene in the Iuie leafed Sowebread It doth also many times happen from the diuersity of soyles and countries where they grow the seed of this as of all the rest is small and round contained in such like heads as the former standing almost like the head of a Snake that is twined or folded within the body thereof This and the other Autumnall kindes presently after their sowing in Autumne shoote forth leaues and so abide all the Winter according to their kinde 6. Cyclamen folio hederae autumnale Iuie leafed Sowebread The Iuie leafed Sowebread groweth in the same manner that the former doth that is bringeth forth flowers with the leaues sometimes or most commonly before them whose flowers are greater then the common round leafed Sowebread somewhat longer then the former Romane or Italian Sowebreads and of a paler purple colour almost blush without that sweete sent as is in the first kinde of the Spring the greene leaues hereof are more long then round pointed at the ends and hauing also one or two corners on each side sometimes much spotted on the vpperside with white spots and marks and sometimes but a little or not at all and so likewise sometimes more or lesse purple vnderneath all the leaues and flowers doe stand vsually euery one seuerally by themselues vpon their owne slender foote-stalkes as most of all the other kindes doe Varietas but sometimes it happeneth that both leaues and flowers are found growing from one and the same stalke which I rather take to be accidentall then naturall so to continue the seede hereof is like the former kindes which being sowne produceth variety both in the forme of the leaues and colour and smell of the flowers some being paler or deeper and some more or lesse sweete then others the leaues also some more or lesse cornered then others the root groweth to be great being round and flat and of a blackish browne colour on the outside 7. Cyclamen autumnale hederaefolio flore albo Iuie leafed Sowebread with white flowers There is one of this kinde whose leaues are rounder and not so much cornered as the former flowring in Autumne as the last doth and whose flowers are wholly white not hauing any other notable difference therein 8. Cyclamen autumnale angustifolium Long leafed Sowebread This kinde of Sowebread may easily be knowne from all the other kindes because his leafe is longer and narrower then others fashioned at the bottome thereof with points somewhat like vnto Arum or Wake Robin leaues the flowers are like the former sorts for forme but of a purple colour There is also another of this kinde in all things like the former but that the flowers are white 9. Cyclamen Antiochenum Autumnale flore purpureo duplici Double flowred Sowebread of Antioch 1 Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo Purple flowred Sowebread of the Spring 2 Cyclamen astivum Summer Sowebread 3 Folium Cyclaminis Cretici verâ—alis flore candido A leafe of Candie Sowebread 4 Cyclamen Romanum Autumnale Romane Sowebread of the Autumne 5 Cyclamen hederafolio Autumnale Iuie leafed Autumne Sowebread 6 Folium Cyclaminis Autumnalis flore albo A leafe of the Autumne Sowebread with a white flower 7 Folium Cyclaminis angustifolij Autumnalis A leafe of the long leafed Sowebread 8 Cyclamen Antiochenum Autumnale flore amplo purpureo duplici The double flowred Sowebread of Antioch 9 Cyclamen vulgare folis râ—â—undo The common round leafed Sowebread There are of this kinde some whose flowers appeare in the Spring and are as large and double as the former but of a pure white colour There are of these Sowebreads of Antioch that haue but single flowers some appearing in the Spring and others in Autumne 10. Cyclamen vulgare folio rotundo The common Sowebread The common Sowebread which is most vsed in the Apothecaries Shops hath many leaues spread vpon the ground rising from certaine small long heads that are on the greater round rootes as vsually most of the former sorts doe being in the like manner folded together and after spread themselues into round greene leaues somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asarum but not shining without any white spots on the vpperside for the most part or but very seldome and reddish or purplish vnderneath and very seldome greener the flowers stand vpon small foot-stalkes and shew themselues open for the most part before any leaues doe appeare being smaller and shorter then those with Iuie leaues and of a pale purple colour yet sometimes deeper hanging downe their heads and turning vp their leaues againe as all others doe but more sweete then many other of the Autumne flowers after the flowers are past come the heads turning or winding themselues downe in like manner as the other do hauing such like seede but somewhat larger and more vneuen or not so round at the least the roote is round and not flat of a browner colour and not so blacke on the outside as many of the others The Place The Sowebreads of the Spring doe both grow on the Pyrenaean Mountaines in Italy and in Candy and about Mompelier in France Antioch in Syria also hath yeelded some both of the Spring and Autumne Those with round and Iuie leaues grow in diuers places both of France and Italy and the common in Germany and the Lowe-Countries But that Autumne Sowebread with white flowers is reported to grow in the Kingdome of Naples I haue very curiously enquired of many if euer they found them in any parts of England neare or farther off from the places where they dwell but they haue all affirmed that they neuer found or euer heard of any that haue
vnto this kinde or as it were betweene this and the first kinde of these great double Anemones we haue diuers other sorts bearing flowers very thicke and double some of them being white or whitish or purple deeper or paler and some of a reddish colour tending to Scarlet or a Carnation colour and some also of a blush or flesh colour and diuers other colours and all of them continue constant in their colours Anemone Cacumeni Maringi siue Persica The double Persian Anemone This rare Anemone which is said to come out of Persia to Constantinople and from thence to vs is in leafe and roote very like vnto the former double Anemones before described onely the flower hereof is rather like vnto the second great double Orenge coloured Anemone vsually called Pauo maior flore pleno being composed of three rowes of leaues the outtermost rowe consisting of ten or twelue larger leaues and those more inward lesser and more in number but all of them variably mixed with white red and yellow hauing the bottomes of the leaues white but instead of a middle head with thrums about it as the other hath this hath a few narrow leaues of a deepe yellow colour in the middle of the flower standing vpright Hauing thus farre proceeded in the two parts of the kindes of Anemones or Wind-flowers it remaineth to entreate of the rest which is those Anemones which haue thin cut leaues whereof some haue reckoned vp thirty sorts with single flowers which I confesse I haue not seene but so many as haue come to my knowledge I shall here set downe Anemone tenuifolia siue Geranifolia caerulea The Watchet Anemone or Storkes bill leafed Windflower This first Windflower with thin cut leaues riseth not out of the ground vntil the great Winter frost be past that is about the middle or end of February and are somewhat brownisâ—â—t their first appearing but afterwards spread into wings of greene leaues somâ—what broader then the rest that follow diuided into three parts each part into â—ree leaues euery one cut in about the edges one standing against another vpon a long slender foote-stalke and the end leafe by it selfe among these riseth vp two or three greene stalkes garnished with such like thin leaues as are at the bottome from aboue which rise the flowers but one vpon a stalke consisting of fourteene or fifteene small pale blew or watchet leaues lesser then any of the single kindes that follow compassing many whitish threads and a small greene head in the middle somewhat like the head of the wilde Crowfoote wherein is contained such like seede the roote is blackish without thrusting out into long tuberous peeces somewhat like vnto some of the broad leafed Anemones Alba. Of this kinde there is another whose leaues are not browne at their first rising but greene and the flowers are white in other things not differing Anemone tenuifolia purpurea vulgaris The ordinary purple Anemone with thin leaues This purple Anemone which is most common and therefore the lesse regarded hath many winged leaues standing vpon seuerall stalkes cut and diuided into diuers leaues much like vnto the leaues of a Carrot among which rise vp stalkes with some leaues thereon as is vsuall to the whole Family of Anemones both wilde and tame as is before said at the toppes whereof stand the flowers made of six leaues most vsually but sometimes they will haue seuen or eight being very large and of a perfect purple Violet colour very faire and liuely the middle head hath many blackish thrums or threads about it which I could neuer obserue in my Gardens to beare seed the roote is smaller and more spreading euery way into small long flat tuberous parts then any other kindes of single or double Anemones Carnea pallida There is another very like in leafe and roote vnto the former but the flower is nothing so large and is whitish tending to a blush colour and of a deeper blush colour toward the bottome of the flower with blackish blew thrums in the middle and giueth no seede that I could euer obserue Carnea viuida vnguibus albis There is likewise another like vnto the last in leafe and flower but that the flower is larger then it and is of a liuely blush colour the leaues hauing white bottomes Alba venis purpureis And another whose flower is white with purple coloured veines and stripes through euery leafe and is a lesser flower then the other Anemone tenuifolia coccinea simplex The single Scarlet Anemone with thin leaues The leaues of this Scarlet Windflower are somewhat like vnto the former but a little broader and not so finely cut and diuided the flower consisteth of six reasonable large leaues of an excellent red colour which we call a Scarlet the bottomes of the leaues are large and white and the thrums or threads in the middle of a blackish purple colour the roote is tuberous but consisting of thicker peeces somewhat like vnto the rootes of the broad leafed Anemones but somewhat browne and not so blacke and most like vnto the roote of the double Scarlet Anemone Coccinea absque vnguibus There is another of this kinde whose flower is neare vnto the same colour but this hath no white bottomes at all in his leaues Fâ—oâ—â— hâ—losericeo We haue another which hath as large a flower as any single and is of an Orient deepe red crimson Veluet colour Sanguinea There is another of a deeper red colour and is called The bloud red single Anemone Rubra fundo luteo Coccinea dilutior And another whose flower is red with the bottomes yellow Another of a perfect crimson colour whereof some haue round pointed leaues and others sharpe pointed and some a little lighter or deeper then others Alba staminibus purpureis There is also one whose flower is pure white with blewish purple thrums in the middle Carnea Hispanica And another whose flower is very great of a kinde of sullen blush colour but yet pleasant with blewish threads in the middle Alba carneis venis Alba purpureis vnguibus And another with blush veines in euery leafe of the white flower And another the flower whereof is white the bottomes of the leaues being purple Purpurascens Another whose flower consisteth of many small narrow leaues of a pale purple or blush colour on the outside and somewhat deeper within Facie florum pomi simplex There is another like in leafe and roote vnto the first Scarlet Anemone but the flower hereof consisteth of seuen large leaues without any bottomes of a white colour hauing edges and some large stripes also of a carnation or flesh colour to bee seene in them marked somewhat like an Apple blossome and thereupon it is called in Latine Anemone tenuifolia simplex alba instar florum pomi or facie florum pomi that is to say in English The single thin leafed Anemone with
halfe of euery leafe being white and the other halfe blew sometimes with lesser or greater spots of blew in the white leafe very variably and more in some years then in others that it is very hard to expresse all the varieties that may be obserued in the flowers that blow at one time In all other parts of the plant it is so like vnto the former that vntill it be in flower the one cannot be knowne from the other 5. Geranium Batrachoides alterum flore purpureo Purple Crowfoote Cranes bill This purple Cranes bill hath many leaues rising from the roote set vpon long foot-stalkes somewhat like vnto the other yet not so broad but more diuided or cut that is into seuen or more slits euen to the middle each whereof is likewise cut in on the edges more deeply then the former the stalkes are somewhat knobbed at the ioynts set with leaues like vnto the lower and bearing a great tuft of buds at the toppes of the branches which breake out into faire large flowers made of fiue purple leaues which doe somewhat resemble the flower of a Mallow before it be too full blowne each whereof hath a reddish pointell in the middle and many small threads compassing it this vmbell or tuft of buds doe flower by degrees and not all at once and euery flower abideth open little more then one day and then sheddeth so that euery day yeeldeth fresh flowers which because they are so many are a long while before they are all past or spent after the flowers are past there arise small beake heads or bils like vnto the other Cranes bils with small turning seede the roote is composed of a great tuft of strings fastened to a knobby head 6. Geranium Romanum versicolor siue striatum The variable stript Cranes bill This beautifull Cranes bill hath many broad yellowish greene leaues arising from the roote diuided into fiue or six parts but not vnto the middle as the first kindes are each of these leaues hath a blackish spot at the bottome corners of the diuisions the whole leafe as well in forme as colour and spots is very like vnto the leafe of the Geranium fuscum or spotted Cranes bill next following to be described but that the leaues of this are not so large as the other from among these leaues spring vp sundry stalkes a foote high and better ioynted and knobbed here and there bearing at the tops two or three small white flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece so thickly variably striped with fine small reddish veines that no green leafe that is of that bignesse can shew so many veines in it nor so thick running as euery leafe of this flower doth in the middle of the flower standeth a small pointell which when the flower is past doth grow to be the seed vessell wheron is set diuers small seeds like vnto the small seedes of other Cranes bils the root is made of many small yellow threads or strings 7. Geranium fuscum siue maculatum Swart tawny or spotted Cranes bill The leaues of this Cranes bill are in all points like the last described as well in the forme and diuisions as colour of the leaues being of a yellowish greene colour but larger and stronger by much the stalkes of this rise much higher and are ioynted or knobbed with reddish knees or ioynts on the tops whereof stand not many although large flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece each whereof is round at the end and a little snipt round about and doe bend or turne themselues backe to the stalkewards making the middle to be highest or most eminent the colour of the flower is of a darke or deepe blackish purple the bottome of euery leafe being whiter then the rest it hath also a middle pointell standing out which afterwards bring forth seede like vnto others of his kinde the roote consisteth of diuers great strings ioyned to a knobby head 8. Geranium Hematodes The red Rose Cranes bill This Cranes bill hath diuers leaues spread vpon the ground very much cut in or diuided into many parts and each of them againe slit or cut into two or three peeces standing vpon slender long foote-stalkes of a faire greene colour all the Spring and Summer but reddish in Autumne among these leaues spring vp slender and weake stalkes beset at euery ioynt which is somewhat reddish with two leaues for the most part like vnto the lower the flowers grow seuerally on the toppe of the stalkes and not many together in bunches or branches as in all other of the Cranes bils euery flower being as large as a single Rose Campion flower consisting of fiue large leaues of a deeper red colour then in any other Cranes bill at the first opening and will change more blewish afterwards when the flower is past there doth arise such like beakes as are in others of the same kinde but small the roote is hard long and thicke with diuers branches spreading from it of a reddish yellow colour on the outside and whitish within which abideth and perisheth not but shooteth forth some new greene leaues which abide all the Winter although those that turne red doe fall away Geranium Creticum Candy Cranes bill Candy Cranes bill beareth long and tender stalkes whereon growe diuers broad and long leaues cut in or iagged on the edges the toppes of the stalkes are branched into many flowers made of fiue leaues of a reasonable bignesse and of a faire blew or watchet colour with a purplish pointell in the middle which being past there follow beake heads like other Cranes bils but greater containing larger greater and sharper pointed seede able to pierce the skinne if one be not warie of it the roote is white and long with some fibres at it and perisheth when it hath perfected his seede and will spring of it owne sowing many times if the Winter be not too sharpe otherwise being annuall it must be sowne in the Spring of the yeare The Place Most of these Cranes bils are strangers vnto vs by nature but endenizond in our English Gardens It hath beene reported vnto mee by some of good credit that the second or Crowfoot Cranes bill hath been found naturally growing in England but yet I neuer saw it although I haue seen many sorts of wilde kindes in many places Matthiolus saith that the first groweth in Dalmatia and Illyria very plentifully Camerarius Clusius and others that most of the rest grow in Germany Bohemia Austria c. The last hath his place recorded in his title The Time All these Cranes bils doe for the most part flower in Aprill and May and vntill the middle of Iune The variable or stript Cranes bill is vsually the latest of all the rest The Names The first is vsually called Geranium tuberosum of some Geranium bulbosum of the likenesse of the roote vnto a bulbe It is without controuersie Geranium primum of Dioscorides The second is called Geranium Gratia Dei of
or tawnie colour when it is blowne as the buds of the former are before they are blowne hauing a white circle at the bottome of the flower and yellowish in the middle belowe the circle 4. Auricula Vrsi flore rubro saturo orbe luteo Deepe or bloud red Beares eares with eyes This kinde hath small and long greene leaues nothing mealy but snipt about the edges from the middle of the leaues forwards to the ends the flowers hereof are of a deepe red colour tending to a bloud red with a deepe yellow circle or rather bottome in the middle Auricula Vrsi flore rubro sature absque orbe There is another of this kinde whose leaues are somewhat mealy and smaller then any that I haue seene that haue mealy leaues the flowers are of the same deepe red colour with the last described yet hath no circle or bottome of any other colour at all 5. Auricula Vrsi flore purpuro caeruleo The Violet coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leaues are somewhat mealy and large the flowers whereof are of a paler purple then the first somewhat tending to a blew 6. Auricula Vrsi flore obsoleto magno The Spaniards blush Beares eare This great Beares eare hath as large leaues as any other of this kindred whatsoeuer and whitish or mealy withall somewhat snipt about the edges as many other of them are the flowers stand at the toppe of a strong and tall stalke larger then any of the other that I haue seene being of a duskie blush colour resembling the blush of a Spaniard whose tawney skinne cannot declare so pure a blush as the English can and therefore I haue called it the Spaniards blush 7. Auricula Vrsi flore rubello Scarlet or light red Beares eares The leaues of this kinde are very like the leaues of the first purple kinde but that they are not so thicke of a little paler greene colour and little or nothing snipt about the edges the flowers are of a bright but pale reddish colour not halfe so deepe as the two last with white circles in the bottomes of them in other things this differeth not from others 8. Auricula Vrsi Roseo colore The Rose coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leafe is a little mealy almost as large as any of the former whose flowers are of a light red colour very neare the colour of an ordinary Damaske Rose with a white eye at the bottome 9. Auricula Vrsi flore caeruleo folio Boraginis Blew Beares eares with Borage leaues This plant is referred to the kindred or family of the Beares eares onely for the forme of the flower sake which euen therein it doth not assimilate to the halfe but because it hath passed others with that title I am content to insert it here to giue you 1 Auricula Vrsi flore purpureo Purple Cowslips or Beares eares 2 Auricula Vrsi flore â—annetto Tawney Beares eare 3 Auricula Vrsi flore folio Boraginis Blew Beares eares with Borage leaues 4 Auricula Vrsi flore carneo Blush Beares eare 5 Auricula Vrsi maxima lutea flore eleganti The greatest faire yellow Beares eares with eyes 6 Auricula Vrsi altera flore luteo The yellow Beares eare 7 Auricula Vrsi crinis coloris siue flore fusco The haire coloured Beares eare 8 Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle the knowledge thereof and rather to satisfie others then my selfe with the place thereof the description whereof is as followeth It hath diuers broad rough hairy leaues spread vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of Borage for the roughnesse but not for the largenesse the leaues hereof being somewhat rent in some places at the edges from among these leaues rise vp one or two or more brownish round and hairy stalkes a span high or thereabouts bearing at the toppes three or foure flowers a peece consisting of fiue large pointed leaues of a faire blew or light azur colour with some small yellow threads in the middle standing in small greene cups the roote is long and brownish hauing many small fibres annexed vnto it 10. Auricula Vrsi maior flore albo The great white Beares eare This white Beares eare hath many faire whitish greene leaues somewhat paler then the leaues of any of the kindes of Beares eares and a little snipt about the ends as manie other are among these leaues rise vp stalkes foure or fiue inches high bearing at the toppe many flowers like vnto the small yellow Beares eare hereafter set downe of a pale whitish colour tending to yellow at the first opening of the flower which after two or three dayes change into a faire white colour and so continue all the while it flowreth the roote is like the purple kinde as all or most of the rest are or very little differing 11. Auricula Vrsi minor flore albo The lesser white Beares eare The lesser Beares eare hath smaller leaues of a little darker green colour the stalke and flowers are likewise lesser then the former and haue no shew of yellownesse at all eyther in budde or flower but is pure white differing not in other things from the rest 12. Auricula Vrsi maxima lutea flore eleganti The greatest faire yellow Beares eare with eyes This yellow Beares eare hath many faire large thicke leaues somewhat mealy or hoary vpon the greennesse being larger then any other kinde except the sixth and the next yellow that followeth smooth about the edges and without any endenting at all the stalke is great round and not higher then in other of the former but bearing manie more flowers thereon then in any other kinde to the number of thirty many times standing so round and close together that they seeme to be a Nosegay alone of the same fashion with the former but that the leaues are shorter and rounder yet with a notch in the middle like the rest of a faire yellow colour neither very pale nor deepe with a white eye or circle in the bottome about the middle of euery flower which giueth it the greater grace the seede is of a blackish browne colour like vnto others but contained in greater round heads then any other with a small pointell sticking in the middle the roote is greater and thicker then any other with long strings or fibres like vnto the other sorts but greater 13. Auricula Vrsi maior lutea folio in cauo The greater yellow Beares eare This greater yellow Beares eare hath his leaues larger and more mealy or hoarie then the last or any other of these kindes the flowers are not so many but longer and not so thicke thrusting together as the first but of a deeper yellow colour without any eye or circle in the middle 14. Auricula Vrsi maior flore pallido The great Straw coloured Beares eare This hath almost as mealy leaues as the last but nothing so large the flowers are of a faire strawe colour with a white circle at the bottome of
them these three last haue no shew or shadow of any other colour in any part of the edge as some others that follow haue 15. Auricula Vrsi minor flore pallente The lesser straw coloured Beares eare We haue another whose leafe is lesse mealy or rather pale green and a little mealy withall the flowers whereof are of a paler yellow colour then the last and beareth almost as many vpon a stalke as the first great yellow 16. Auricula Vrsi minor lutea The lesser yellow Beares eares The leaues of this Beares eare are nothing so large as either of the three former yellow kindes but rather of the bignesse of the first white kinde but yet a little larger thicker and longer then it hauing vnder the greennesse a small shew of mealinesse and somewhat snipt about the edges the flowers are of a pale yellow colour with a little white bottome in them the seed and rootes are like vnto the other kindes 17. Auricula Vrsi flore flauo The deepe yellow or Cowslip Beares eare This kinde hath somewhat larger leaues then the last of a yellowish greene colour without any mealinesse on them or endenting about the edges but smooth and whole the flowers are not larger but longer and not laide open so fully as the former but of as deepe a yellow colour as any Cowslip almost without any circle in the bottome neither of these two last haue any shew of other colour then yellow in them sauing the white in the eye 18. Auricula Vrsi versicolor prima siue flore rubescente The blush Beares eare The blush Beares eare hath his leaues as large and as hoary or mealy as the third greater yellow or straw coloured Beares eare among which riseth vp a stalke about foure inches high bearing from six to twelue or more faire flowers somewhat larger then the smaller yellow Beares eare before described hauing the ground of the flower of a darke or dunne yellow colour shadowed ouer a little with a shew of light purple which therefore we call a blush colour the edges of the flower being ript with a little deeper shew of that purple colour the bottome of the flower abiding wholly yellow without any circle and is of very great beauty which hath caused me to place it in the forefront of the variable coloured Beares eares And although some might thinke it should be placed among the first ranke of Beares eares because it is of a blush colour yet seeing it is assuredly gained from some of the yellow kindes by sowing the seede as many other sorts are as may be seene plainly in the ground of the flower which is yellow and but shadowed ouer with purple yet more then any of the rest that follow I thinke I haue giuen it his right place let others of skill experience be iudges herein 19. Auricula Vrsi crinis coloris Haire coloured Beares eares The leaues of this kinde are more mealy like then the last blush kinde but somewhat longer and larger and snipt about the edges in the same manner from the middle of the leafe forwards the flower is vsually of a fine light browne yellow colour which wee doe vsually call an Haire colour and sometimes browner the edges of the flower haue a shew or shadow of a light purple or blush about them but more on the outside then on the inside 20. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutea The yellow variable Beares eare This variable Beares eare hath his greene leaues somewhat like vnto the deepe yellow or Cowslip Beares eare before described but somewhat of a fresher greene more shining and smaller and snipt about the edges towards the ends as many of those before are the flowers are of a faire yellow colour much laid open when it is full blowne that it seemeth almost flat dasht about the edges onely with purple being more yellow in the bottome of the flower then in any other part 21. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutescente viridi flore The variable green Beares eare This kinde of Beares eare hath greene leaues very like vnto the last described and snipt in the like manner about the edges but in this it differeth that his leaues do turne or fold themselues a little backwards the flowers are of a yellowish greene colour more closed then the former hauing purplish edges especially after they haue stood blowne some time and haue little or none at the first opening these haue no circles at all in them Many other varieties are to be found with those that are curious conseruers of these delights of nature either narurally growing on the mountaines in seuerall places from whence they being searched out by diuers haue been taken and brought or else raised from the seede of some of them as it is more probable for seuerall varieties haue beene obserued and no doubt many of these before specified to bee gotten by sowing of the seedes euery yeare lightly shewing a diuersity not obserued before either in the leafe diuers from that from whence it was taken or in the flowers I haue onely set downe those that haue come vnder mine owne view and not any by relation euen as I doe with all or most of the things contained in this worke The Place Many of these goodly plants growe naturally on mountaines especially the Alpes in diuers places for some kindes that growe in some places doe not in others but farre distant one from the other There hath likewise some beene found on the Pyrenaean mountaines but that kinde with the blew flower and Borage leafe hath beene gathered on the mountaines in Spaine and on the Pyrenaeans next vnto Spaine The Time They all flower in Aprill and May and the seede is ripe in the end of Iune or beginning of Iuly and sometimes they will flower againe in the end of Summer or in Autumne if the yeare proue temperate moist and rainie The Names It is very probable that none of these plants were euer knowne vnto the ancient Writers because we cannot be assured that they may be truely referred vnto any plant that they name vnlesse we beleeue Fabius Columna that it should be Alisma of Dioscorides for thereunto hee doth referre it Diuers of the later Writers haue giuen vnto them diuers names euery one according to his owne conceit For Gesner calleth it Lunaria arthritica and Paralytica Alpina Matthiolus accounteth it to bee of the kindred of the Sanicles and saith that in his time it was called by diuers Herbarists Auricula Vrsi which name hath since bin receiued as most vsuall We in English call them Beares eares according to the Latine or as they are called by diuers women French Cowslips they may be called Mountaine Cowslips if you will for to distinguish betweene them and other Cowslips whereof these are seuerall kindes Sanicula Alpina siue Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle I cannot chuse but insert this delicate plant in the end of the Beares eares for that it is of so neare affinity although it
and encrease much Thalictrum Montanum purpureum Purple tufted Colombines This purple tufted Colombine differeth onely from the former in that it is not so high nor so large and that the colour of the flower or tuft is of a blewish purple colour with yellow tips and is much more rare then the other The Place These grow both in Spaine and Italie The Time They flower in the end of May or in Iune and sometime later The Names Some doe call them Thalietrum and some Thalictrum Others Ruta paâ—ustris and Ruta pratensis and some Rhabarbarum Monachorum or Pseudo-rhabarbarum by reason that the rootes being yellow haue an opening qualitie and drying as Rubarbe In English what other fit Names to giue these then I haue expressed in the titles I know not The Vertues The are a little hot and drying withall good for old Vlcers as Dioscorides saith to bring them to cicatrising in Italy they are vsed against the Plague and in Saxonye against the Iaundise as Camerarius saith CHAP. XLVIII Radix caua Hollow roote THe likenesse of the leaues likewise of this plant with Colombines hath caused mee to insert it next the other and although some of this kinde bee of small respect being accounted but foolish yet let it fill vp a waste corner that so no place be vnfurnished 1. Radix Caua maior flore albo The white Hollow roote The leaues of this hollow roote breake not out of the ground vntill the end of March or seldome before and are both for proportion and colour somewhat like vnto the leaues of Colombines diuided into fiue parts indented about the edges standing on small long footestalkes of a whitish greene colour among which rise vp the stalkes without any leaues from the bottome to the middle where the flowers shoote forth one aboue another with euery one a small short leafe at the foote thereof which are long and hollow with a spurre behinde it somewhat like vnto the flowers of Larckes spurres but hauing their bellies somwhat bigger and the mouth not so open being all of a pure white colour after the flowers are past arise small long and round cods wherein are contained round blackish seede the roote is round and great of a yellowish browne colour on the outside and more yellow within and hollow vnderneath so that it seemeth but a shell yet being broken euery part will grow it abideth greene aboue ground but a small time 2. Radix Caua maior flore carneo Blush colourd Hollow roote The blush Hollow roote is in all things like vnto the former but onely that the flowers hereof are of a delayed red or purple colour which we call blush and sometimes of a very deepe red or purple colour but very rare to meete with 3. Radix Caua minor seu Capuos fabacea radice Small hollow roote This small kinde hath his leaues of a blewish greene colour yet greener and smaller then the former growing more thicke together the flowers are like in proportion vnto the former in all respects but lesser hauing purplish backes and white bellyes standing closer and thicker together vpon the short stalkes the roote is solid or firme round and a little long withall two being vsually ioyned together yellowish both within and without but I haue seene the dry roots that came from beyond Sea hither that haue beene as small as hasell nuts and somewhat flat with the roundnesse differing from those that growe with vs whether the nature thereof is to alter by manuring I know not The Place The greater kindes Clusius reporteth he found in many places of Hungarie and the other parts neere thereunto the lesser in the lower Germany or Low Countries as we call them The Time These are most truely to bee reckoned Vernall plants for that they rise not out of the ground vntill the Spring bee come in and are gone likewise before it be past remaining vnder ground all the rest of the yeare yet the lesser abideth longer aboue ground then the greater The Names Concerning the former of these there is a controuersie among diuers whether it should be Thesium of Theophrastus or Eriphium of Galen but here is no fit place to trauerse those opinions Some would haue it to bee Corydalis and some referre it to Plinie his Capuos Cheledonia for the likenesse it hath both with Fumeterie and Celandine It is generally called of all moderne Writers Radix Caua and we in English thereafter Hollow roote The lesser for the firmenesse of his round roote is vsually called Capuos fabacea radice and the Dutch men thereafter Boonkens Hollwortell we of the likenesse with the former doe call it the lesse Hollow roote The Vertues Some by the bitternesse doe coniecture for little proofe hath beene had thereof but in outward cases that it clenseth purgeth and dryeth withall CHAP. XLIX Delphinium Larkes heeles OF Larkes heeles there are two principall kindes the wilde kinde and the tame or garden the wilde kinde is of two sorts one which is with vs noursed vp chiefly in gardens and is the greatest the other which is smaller and lower often found in our plowed landes and elsewhere of the former of these wilde sorts there are double as well as single and of the tame or more vpright double also and single and of each of diuers colours as shall be set downe 1. Delphinium maius siue vulgare The ordinary Larkes heeles The common Larkes heele spreadeth with many branches much more ground then the other rather leaning or bending downe to the ground then standing vpright whereon are set many small long greene leaues finely cut almost like Fennell leaues the branches end in a long spike of hollow flowers with a long spurre behinde them very like vnto the flowers of the Hollow roote last described and are of diuers seuerall colours as of a blewish purple colour or white or ash colour or red paler or deeper Varietas as also party coloured of two colours in a flower after the flowers are past which in this kinde abide longer then in the other there come long round cods containing very blacke seede the root is hard after it groweth vp to seede spreading both abroad and deepe and perisheth euery yeare vsually raising it selfe from it own sowing as well as from the seede sowen in the spring time 2. Delphinium vulgare flore pleno Double common Larkes heeles Of this vulgar kinde there is some difference in the flower although in nothing else the flowers stand many vpon a stalke like the former but euery one of them are as if three or foure small flowers were ioyned together with euery one his spurre behinde the greatest flower being outermost and as it were containing the rest which are of a pale red or deepe blush colour Another of this kinde will beare his flowers with three or foure rowes of leaues in the middle making a double flower with one spurre behinde onely and of this kinde there is both with purple blew blush
a pale yellowish red striped with white lines after the flowers are past there come small long pods wherin are contained flat reddish seede the rootes are small reddish and hard spreading branching and enterlacing themselues very much and is fit to be placed on some shady side of a garden the whole plant is rather of a strong then any good sent yet is cherished for the pleasant varietie of the flowers The Place Caesalpinus saith it groweth on the mountaines of Liguria that is nigh vnto Ligorne in the Florentine Dominion Cametarius saith nigh vnto Vicenzo in Italie Bauhinus on the Euganian hils nigh vnto Padoa and in Romania in shadowie wet grounds The Time It flowreth from Iune vntill the end of Iuly and to the middle of August if it stand as I said it is fittest in a shadowie place The Names It is of most Writers accepted for the true Epimedium of Dioscorides though he saith it is without flower or seede being therein eyther mistaken or mis-informed as he was also in Dictamnus of Candy and diuers other plants From the triple triplicitie of the standing of the stalkes and leaues and quadriplicitie of the flowers it might receiue another name in English then is already imposed vpon it but lest I might be thought to be singular or full of noueltie let it passe with the name Barrenwort as it is in the title The Vertues It is thought of diuers to agree in the propertie of causing barrennesse as the ancients doe record of Epimedium CHAP. LIIII Papauer satiuum Garden Poppies OF Poppies there are a great many sorts both wilde and tame but because our Garden doth entertaine none but those of beautie and respect I wil onely giue you here a few double ones and leaue the rest to a general suruey 1. Papauer multiplex album Double white Poppies The double white Poppy hath diuers broade and long whitish greene leaues giuing milke as all the rest of the plant aboue ground doth wheresoeuer it is broken very much rent or torne in on the sides and notched or indented besides compassing at the bottome of them a hard round brittle whitish greene stalke branched towards the toppe bearing one faire large great flower on the head of euery branch which before it breaketh out is contained within a thin skinne and being blowne open is very thick of leaues and double somewhat iagged at the ends and of a white colour in the 1 Viola Martia simplex Single March Violets 2 Viola Martia multiplex Double March Violets 3 Viola flammea siue tricolor Ordinary garden Pansies or Harts ease 4 Viola flammea lutea magna Great yellow Pansies 5 Viola triâ—olor dâ—pleâ— Double Panâ—ies or Harts eases 6 Epimedium Barrenwort 7 Papauer sativum flore plâ—no Double garden Poppies 8 Papauer sativum flore pleâ—â— lacivâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 feathereâ— Poppieâ— 9 Nigella Hispanica flore amplo Spanish Nigella or Fenell flower 10 Nigella multiplex caerulea Double blew Nigella or Fenell flower 11 Nigella duplex flore albo Double white Nigella 12 Ptarmica flore pleno Double wilde Pelletory middle whereof standeth a round head or bowle with a striped crowne on the heade of it very like a starre compassed about with some threds wherein when it is ripe is contained small round white seede disposed into seuerall cels the roote is hard wooddy and long perishing euery yeare and must bee new sowne euery Spring if they doe not spring of their own sowing which if it doe the flowers are seldome so faire and double as they that are sowne in the Spring the whole plant is of a strong heady smell 2. Papauer multiplex rubescens Double red or blush Poppies This other kind of double Poppy differeth not in any other thing from the former but only in the colour of the flowers which are of a bright red tending to a blush colour parted paned or striped in many places with white and exceedingly more iagged then the former almost like a feather at the ends the bottomes of all the leaues being white the seede hereof is white as the former which is not so in any other Poppie that beareth not a full white flower 3. Papauer multiplex nigrum siue purpureum Double purple or murry Poppies This kinde varyeth both in flowers and seede although neyther in leaues or any other thing from the first the flowers are thicke and double and somewhat iagged at the ends in some more in some lesse eyther red or blush or purplish red more or lesse or of a sad murrey or tawney with browne or blacke or tawny bottomes the seede is eyther of a grayish blew colour or in others more blackish 4. Papauer Rhaas flore multiplici The double red field Poppie This double Poppie is like the wilde or fielde Poppie which is well knowne to all to haue longer narrower and more iagged greene leaues then the former the stalkes more hairy and the flower of a deepe yellowish red colour knowne to all Now this differeth in nothing from it but in the doublenesse of the flower which is very thicke and double but not so large as the former This riseth of seede in the like manner as they doe and so to bee preserued The Place From what place they haue beene first gathered naturally I cannot assure you but we haue had them often and long time in our gardens being sent from Italie and other places The double wilde kindes came from Constantinople which whether it groweth neere vnto it or further off we cannot tell as yet The Time They flower in the beginning or middle of Iune at the furthest the seede is ripe within a small while after The Names The generall knowne name to all is Papauer Poppie the seuerall distinctions are according to their colours Yet our English Gentlewomen in some places call it by a by-name Ione siluer pinne subauditur Faire without and fowle within The Vertues It is not vnknowne I suppose to any that Poppie procureth sleepe for which cause it is wholly and onely vsed as I thinke but the water of the wilde Poppies besides that it is of great vse in Pleuresies and Rheumatick-or thinner Distillations is found by daily experience to bee a soueraigne remedy against surfeits yet some doe attribute this propertie to the water of the wilde Poppies CHAP. LV. Nigella The Fenell flower or Nigella AMong the many sorts of Nigella both wilde and tame both single and double I will onely set downe three sorts to be noursed vp in this garden referring the rest to a Physicke garden or a generall Historie which may comprehend all 1. Nigella Hispanica flore simplici The great Spanish Nigella Spanish Nigella riseth vp with diuers greene leaues so finely cut and into so many parts that they are finer then Fenell and diuided somewhat like the leaues of Larkes heeles among which rise vp stalkes with many such like leaues vpon them branched into three or foure parts at the toppe of each whereof standeth one faire
red but that the flower is somewhat larger Flore luteo and of a faire yellow colour The Place The first groweth wilde in the corn fields in many places of our own country as well as in others and is brought into Gardens for the beauties sake of the flower The yellow is a stranger but noursed in our Gardens with other rarities The Time They flower in May or Iune as the yeare falleth out to be early or late the seed is soone ripe after and will quickly fall away if it be not gathered The Names Some haue taken the red kinde to be a kinde of Anemone other to be Eranthemum of Dioscorides the most vsuall name now with vs is Flos Adonis and Flos Adonidis In English where it groweth wilde they call it red Maythes as they call the Mayweede white Maythes and some of our English Gentlewomen call it Rosarubie we vsually call it Adonis flower The Vertues It hath been certainly tryed by experience that the seed of red Adonis flower drunke in wine is good to ease the paines of the Collicke and Stone CHAP. LXI Buphthalmum Oxe eye VNder the name Buphthalmum or Oxe eye are comprehended two or three seuerall plants each differing from other both in face and property yet because they all beare one generall name I thinke fittest to comprise them all in one Chapter and first of that which in leafe seed commeth nearest to the Adonis flower 1. Buphthalmum maius siue Helleborus niger ferulacâ—us Great Oxe eye or â—he yellow Anemone This great Oxe eye is a beautifull plant hauing many branches of greene leaues leaning or lying vpon the ground for the most part yet some standing vpright which are as fine but shorter then Fenell some of them ending in a small tuft of green leaues and some hauing at the toppes of them one large flower apeece somewhat reddish or brownish on the outside while they are in bud and a while after and being open shew themselues to consist of twelue or fourteene long leaues of a faire shining yellow colour set in order round about a greene head with yellow thrums in the middle laying themselues open in the sunne or a faire day but else remaining close after the flower is past the head growing greater sheweth it selfe compact of many round whitish seede very like vnto the head of seede of the Adonis flower last described but much greater the rootes are many long blackish fibres or strings set together at the head very like vnto the rootes of the lesser blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote but somewhat harder stiffer or more brittle and seeming without moisture in them which abide and encrease euery yeare 2. Buphthalmum minus seu Anthemis flore luteo Small Oxe eye This plant might seeme to be referred to the Camomils but that it is not sweete or to the Corne-Marigolds but that the stalkes and leaues are not edible it is therefore put vnder the Oxe eyes and so we will describe it hauing many weake branches lying vpon the ground beset with winged leaues very finely cut and iagged somewhat like vnto Mayweede but a little larger the flowers are like vnto the Corne Marigold and larger then any Camomill being wholly yellow as well the pale or border of leaues as the middle thrummes the rootes are somewhat tough and long 3. Buphthalmum vulgare Common Oxe eye This Oxe eye riseth vp with hard round stalkes a foote and a halfe high hauing many winged leaues vpon them made of diuers long and something broad leaues snipt about the edges set together somewhat like vnto Tansie but smaller and not so much winged the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes of a full yellow colour both the outer leaues and the middle thrum and not altogether so large as the last the rootes of this kinde perish euery yeare and require a new sowing againe The Place The first groweth in diuers places of Austria Bohemia and those parts it hath beene likewise brought out of Spaine The second in Prouence a country in France The last in diuers places as well of Austria as Morauia and about Mentz and Norimberg as Clusius setteth downe We haue them in our Gardens but the first is of the greatest respect and beauty The Time The first flowreth betimes oftentimes in March or at the furthest in Apill the seede is ripe in May and must be quickly gathered lest it bee lost The other two flower not vntill Iune The Names The first is called Buphthalmum of Dodonaeus Pseudohelleborus of Matthiolus Helleborus niger ferulaceus Theophrasti by Lobel of some others Elleborus niger verus vsing it for the true blacke Ellebor but it is much differing as well in face as properties Of others Sesamoides minus Some haue thought it to be a yellow Anemone that haue looked on it without further iudgement and by that name is most vsually knowne to most of our English Gentlewomen that know it But it may most fitly be called a Buphthalmum as Dodonaeus doth and Hispanicum or Austriacum for distinctions sake We doe most vsually call it Helleborus niger ferulaceus as Lobel doth Bauhinus calleth it Helleborus niger tenuifolius Buphthalmi flore The second is called Buphthalmum Narbonense In English The French or lesser Oxe eye as the first is called The Great Oxe eye The last The common Oxe eye The Vertues The first hath been vsed in diuers places for the true blacke Ellebor but now is sufficiently knowne to haue been an errour but what Physicall property it hath other then Matthiolus hath expressed to be vsed as Setterwort for cattell when they rowell them to put or draw the rootes hereof through the hole they make in the dewe lappe or other places for their coughes or other diseases I know not or haue heard or read of any The others likewise haue little or no vse in Physicke now a dayes that I know CHAP. LXII Chrysanthemum Corne Marigold ALthough the sorts of Corne Marigolds which are many are fitter for another then this worke and for a Catholicke Garden of Simples then this of Pleasure and Delight for faire Flowers yet giue me leaue to bring in a couple the one for a corner or by-place the other for your choisest or vnder a defenced wall in regard of his statelinesse 1. Chrysanthemum Creticum Corne Marigold of Candy This faire Corne Marigold hath for the most part one vpright stalke two foote high whereon are set many winged leaues at euery ioynt one diuided and cut into diuers parts and they againe parted into seuerall peeces or leaues the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes rising out of a scaly head composed of ten or twelue large leaues of a faire but pale yellow colour and more pale almost white at the bottome of the leaues round about the yellow thrumme in the middle being both larger and sweeter then any of the other Corne Marigolds the seede is whitish and chaffie the roote perisheth euery yeare 2. Chrysanthemum
grandiâ— The ground Carnation if it be not the same with the graund or great old Carnation first set downe as the alteration but of one letter giueth the coniecture is a thicke flower but spreadeth not his leaues abroade as others doe hauing the middle standing higher then the outer leaues and turning vp their brimmes or edges it is a sad flower with few stripes or spots in it it is very subiect to breake the pod that the flower seldome commeth faire and right the greene leaues are as great as the Hulo or Lombard red Caryophyllus maximus Chrystallinus The Chrystall or Chrystalline for they are both one howsoeuer some would make them differ is a very delicate flower when it is well marked but it is inconstant in the markes being sometimes more striped with white and crimson red and sometimes lesse or little or nothing at all and changing also sometimes to be wholly red or wholly blush Caryophyllus maximus flore rubro The red Chrystall which is the red hereof changed is the most orient flower of all other red Gilloflowers because it is both the greatest as comming from the Chrystall as also that the red hereof is a most excellent crimson Caryophyllus maximus dictus Fragrans The Fragrant is a faire flower and thought to come from the Chrystall being as large but of a blush red colour spotted with small speckes no bigger then pinnes points but not so thicke as in the Pageant Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus varius The stript Sauadge is for forme and bignesse equall with the Chrystall or White Carnation but as inconstant as eyther of them changing into red or blush so that few branches with flowers containe their true mixtures which are a whitish blush fairely striped with a crimson red colour thicke and short with some spots also among Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus carneus The blush Sauadge is the same with the former the same root of the stript Sauadge as I said before yeelding one side or part whose flowers will be eyther wholly blush or hauing some small spots or sometimes few or none in them Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus ruber The red Sauadge is as the blush when the colour of the flower is wholly red without any stripes or spots in them and so abideth long yet it is sometimes seene that the same side or part or roote being separate from the first or mother plant will giue striped and well marked flowers againe Caryophyllus maximus Oxoniensis The Oxeford Carnation is very like vnto the French Carnation both for forme largenesse and colour but that this is of a sadder red colour so finely marbled with white thereon that the red hauing the maistry sheweth a very sad flower not hauing any flakes or stripes at all in it Caryophyllus maximus Regius siue Bristoliensis maior The Kings Carnation or ordinary Bristow is a reasonable great flower deepely iagged of a sad red very smally striped and speckled with white some of the leaues of the flower on the one side will turne vp their brimmes or edges the greene leafe is very large Caryophyllus maximus Granatensis The greatest Granado is a very faire large flower bigger then the Chrystall and almost as bigge as the blew Hulo it is almost equally diuided and stript with purple and white but the purple is sadder then in the ordinary Granado Gilloflower else it might bee said it were the same but greater Diuers haue taken this flower to bee the Gran Pere but you shall haue the difference shewed you in the next ensuing flower Caryophyllus maximus Gran Pere dictus The Gran Pere is a fair great flower and comely for the forme but of no great beautie for colour because although it be stript red and white like the Queenes Gilloflower yet the red is so sad that it taketh away all the delight to the flower Caryophyllus maximus Cambersine dictus The Cambersine is a great flower and a faire beeing a redde flower well marked or striped with white somewhat like vnto a Sauadge say some but that the red is not crimson as the Sauadge others say the Daintie but not so comely the leaues of the flowers are many and thrust together without any due forme of spreading Caryophyllus maximus Longobardicus ruber The great Lombard red is a great sad red flower so double and thick of leaues that it most vsually breaketh the pod and seldome sheweth one flower among twenty perfect the blades or greene leaues are as large as the Hulo Caryophylli majores GILLOFLOWERS Caryophyllus maior Westminsteriensis THe lustie Gallant or Westminster some make them to be one flower and others to bee two one bigger then the other at the first blowing open of the flower sheweth to be of a reasonable size and comelinesse but after it hath stood blowen some time it sheweth smaller and thinner it is of a bright red colour much striped and speckled with white Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis purpureus The Bristow blew hath greene leaues so large that it would seeme to bring a greater flower then it doth yet the flower is of a reasonable size and very like vnto the ordinary Granado Gilloflower striped and flaked in the same manner but that the white of this is purer then that and the purple is more light and tending to a blew this doth not abide constant but changeth into purple or blush Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis carneus The Bristow blush is very like the last both in leafe and flower the colour only sheweth the difference which seldome varyeth to be spotted or change colour Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis ruber The red Douer is a reasonable great Gilloflower and constant being of a faire red thicke poudered with white spots and seemeth somewhat like vnto the ground Carnation Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis dilâ—tus siue albus The light or white Douer is for forme and all other things more comely then the former the colour of the flower is blush thicke spotted with very small spots that it seemeth all gray and is very delightfull Caryophyllus maior Cantii The faire maide of Kent or Ruffling Robin is a very beautiful flower and as large as the white Carnation almost the flower is white thicke poudered with purple wherein the white hath the mastrie by much which maketh it the more pleasant Caryophyllus maior Regineus The Queenes Gilloflower is a reasonable faire Gilloflower although very common striped red and white some great and some small with long stripes Caryophyllus maior elegans The Daintie is a comely fine flower although it be not great and for the smallnesse and thinnesse of the flower being red so finely marked striped and speckled that for the liuelinesse of the colours it is much desired beeing inferiour to very few Gilloflowers Caryophyllus maior Brasiliensis The Brassill Gilloflower is but of a meane size being of a sad purple colour thicke poudered and speckled with white the purple herein hath the mastrie which maketh it shew the sadder it is vnconstant varying
groweth in the salt Marshes at Chattam by Rochester and in many other places in England but the great kinde was gathered in Spaine by Guillaume Boel that painefull searcher of simples and the seede thereof imparted to me from whence I had diuers plants but one yeare after another they all perished The Time Many of these Pinkes both single and double doe flower before any Gilloflower and so continue vntill August and some most of the Summer and Autumne The Names The seuerall titles that are giuen to these Pinkes may suffice for their particular names and for their generall they haue beene expressed in the former Chapter beeing of the same kindred but that they are smaller and more frequently found wilde The two sorts of Thrift are called Caryophyllus Marinus The greater Maior Mediterraneus In English The greater or Leuant Thrift or Sea Gilloflower The lesser Minimus and is accounted of some to be a grasse and therefore called Gramen Marinum Polyanthemum In English Thrift Sea grasse and our Ladies Cushion or Sea Cushion The Vertues It is thought by diuers that their vertues are answerable to the Gilloflowers yet as they are of little vse with vs so I thinke of as small effect CHAP. LXXI Armerius Sweet Iohns and sweet Williams THese kindes of flowers as they come neerest vnto Pinkes and Gilloflowers though manifestly differing so it is fittest to place them next vnto them in a peculiar Chapter 1. Armerius angustifolius rubens simplex Single red sweete Iohns The sweete Iohn hath his leaues broader shorter and greener then any of the former Gilloflowers but narrower then sweete Williams set by couples at the ioynts of the stalkes which are shorter then most of the former and not aboue a foote and a halfe high at the tops whereof stand many small flowers like vnto small Pinkes but standing closer together and in shorter huskes made of fiue leaues smaller then most of them and more deeply iagged then the Williams of a red colour in the middle and white at the edges but of a small or soft sent and not all flowring at once but by degrees the seede is blacke somewhat like vnto the seede of Pinkes the roote is dispersed diuersly with many small fibres annexed vnto it 2. Armerius angustifolius albus simplex Single white sweet Iohns This white Iohn differeth not in any thing from the former but onely that the leafe doth neuer change brownish and that the flower is of a faire white colour without any mixture 3. Armerius angustifolius duplex Double sweet Iohns There is of both those former kindes some whose flowers are once double that is consisting of two or three rowes of leaues and the edges not so deepely iagged not differing in any thing else 4. Armerius latifolius simplex flore rubro Single red sweet Williams The sweet Williams doe all of them spread into many very long trayling branches with leaues lying on the ground in the very like manner that the sweet Iohns doe the chiefe differences betweene them are that these haue broader and darker greene leaues somewhat brownish especially towards the points and that the flowers stand thicker and closer and more in number together in the head or tuft hauing many small pointed leaues among them but harmlesse as all men know the colour of the flower is of a deep red without any mixture or spot at all 5. Armerius latifolius flore rubro multiplici Double red sweete Williams The double kinde differeth not from the single kinde of the same colour but only in the doublenesse of the flowers which are with two rowes of leaues in euery flower 6. Armerius latifolius variegatus siue versicolor Speckled sweete Williams or London pride These spotted Williams are very like the first red Williams in the forme or maner of growing hauing leaues as broade and browne sometimes as they the flowers stand as thicke or thicker clustring together but of very variable colours for some flowers will be of a fine delayed red with few markes or spots vpon them and others will bee full peckled or sprinkled with white or siluer spots circlewise about the middle of the flowers and some will haue many specks or spots vpon them dispersed all these flowers are not blowne at one time but some are flowring when others are decaying so that abiding long in their pride they become of the more respect The seede is blacke as all the rest and not to be distinguished one from another the roots are some long and some small and threddy running vnder the vpper crust of the earth 7. Armerius latifolius flore rubro saturoholosericeâ— Sweet Williams of a deepe red or murrey colour The leaues of this kinde seeme to be a little larger and the ioints a little redder then the former but in the flower consisteth the chiefest difference which is of a deepe red or murrey purple colour like vnto veluet of that colour without any spots but smooth and as it were soft in handling hauing an eye or circle in the middle at the bottome of the leaues 8. Armerius latifolius simplex flore albo Single white sweete Williams The white kinde differeth not in forme but in colour from the former the leaues are not browne at all but of a fresh greene colour and the flowers are wholly white or else they are all one The Place These for the most part grow wilde in Italie and other places we haue them in our Gardens where they are cherished for their beautifull varietie The Time They all generally doe flower before the Gilloflowers or Pinkes or with the first of them their seede is ripe in Iune and Iuly and doe all well abide the extremitie of our coldest winters The Names They all generally are called Armerius or Armeria as some doe write and distinguished as they are in their titles Yet some haue called them Vetonica agrestis and others Herba Tunica Scarlatea Caryophyllus siluestris Wee doe in English in most places call the first or narrower leafed kindes Sweet Iohns and all the rest Sweete Williams yet in some places they call the broader leafed kindes that are not spotted Tolmeiners and London tufts but the speckled kinde is termed by our English Gentlewomen for the most part London pride The Vertues We haue not knowne any of these vsed in Physicke CHAP. LXXII Bellis Daisie THere be diuers sorts of Daisies both great and small both single and double both wilde growing abroade in the fieldes and elsewhere and manured growing only in Gardens of all which I intend not to entreate but of those that are of most beautie and respect and leaue the rest to their proper place 1 Armerius angustifolius simplex Single sweete Ioâ—ns 2 Armerius angustifolius multiplex Double sweet Iohns 3 Armerius latifolius simplex Single sweete Williâ—ms 4 Armerius latifolius versicoloâ— Spâ—tted sweet Williams or pride of London 5 Armerius latifolius multiplex Double sweet Williaâ—s 6 Bâ—llis hoâ—tensis minor muâ—tiplex Double
sowen them with the seedes of some Medica's to make the experience All the other sorts are pleasures to delight the curious and not any way profitable in Physicke that I know CHAP. LXXX Paeonia Peonie THere are two principall kindes of Peonie that is to say the Male and the Female Of the male kinde I haue onely known one sort but of the Female a great many which are thus to be distinguished The Male his leafe is whole without any particular diuision notch or dent on the edge his rootes long round diuided into many branches somewhat like to the rootes of Gentian or Elecampane and not tuberous at all The Female of all sorts hath the leaues diuided or cut in on the edges more or lesse and hath alwaies tuberous rootes that is like clogs or Asphodill rootes with many great thick round peeces hanging or growing at the end of smaller strings and all ioyned to the toppe of the maine roote 1. Paeonia mas The Male Peonie The Male Peonie riseth vp with many brownish stalkes whereon doe grow winged leaues that is many faire greene and sometimes reddish leaues one set against another vpon a stalke without any particular diuision in the leafe at all the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes consisting of fiue or six broade leaues of a faire purplish red colour with many yellow threds in the middle standing about the head which after riseth to be the seede vessels diuided into two three or foure rough crooked pods like hornes which when they are ful ripe open and turn themselues down one edge to another backeward shewing within them diuers round black shining seede which are the true seede being full and good and hauing also many red or crimson graines which are lancke and idle intermixed among the blacke as if they are good seede whereby it maketh a very pretty shew the roots are great thick and long spreading in the ground and running downe reasonable deepe 2. Paeonia faemina vulgaris flore simplici The ordinary single Female Peonie This ordinary Female Peonie hath many stalkes with more store of leaues on them then the Male kinde hath the leaues also are not so large but diuided or nicked diuersly on the edges some with great and deepe and others with smaller cuts or diuisions and of a darke or dead greene colour the flowers are of a strong heady sent most vsually smaller then the male and of a more purple tending to a murrey colour with yellow thrumes about the head in the middle as the male kinde hath the heads or hornes with seed are like also but smaller the seede also is blacke but lesse shining the rootes consist as I said of many thicke and short tuberous clogs fastened at the ends of long strings and all from the head of the roote which is thicke and short and tuberous also of the same or the like sent with the male 3. Paeonia faemina vulgaris flore pleno rubro The double red Peonie This double Peonie as well as the former single is so frequent in euerie Garden of note through euery Countrey that it is almost labour in vaine to describe it but yet because I vse not to passe ouer any plant so slightly I will set down the description briefly in regard it is so common It is very like vnto the former single female Peony both in stalkes and leaues but that it groweth somewhat higher and the leaues are of a fresher greene colour the flowers at the tops of the stalkes are very large thicke and double no flower that I know so faire great and double but not abiding blowne aboue eight or ten daies of a more reddish purple colour then the former female kinde and of a sweeter sent after these flowers are past sometimes come good seed which being sowne bring forth some single flowers and some double the rootes are tuberous like vnto the former female 4. Paeonia faemina flore carneo simplici The single blush Peony The single blush Peony hath his stalkes higher and his leaues of a paler or whiter greene colour then the double blush and more white vnderneath so that it is very probable it is of another kinde and not risen from the seede of the double blush as some might thinke with many veines that are somewhat discoloured from the colour of the leafe running through them the flowers are very large and single consisting of fiue leaues for the most part of a pale flesh or blush colour with an eye of yellow dispersed or mixed therewith hauing many whitish threads tipt with yellow pendents standing about the middle head the rootes are like the other female Peonies 5. Paeonia faemina flore pleno albicante The double blush Peony The double blush Peony hath not his stalkes so high as the double red but somewhat lower and stiffer bearing such like winged leaues cut in or diuided here and there in the edges as all these female kindes are but not so large as the last the flowers are smaller and lesse double by a good deale then the former double red of a faint shining crimson colour at the first opening but decaying or waxing paler euery day so that after it hath stood long for this flower sheddeth not his leaues in a great while it will change somewhat whitish and therefore diuers haue ignorantly called it the double white Peony the seedes which sometimes it beareth and rootes are like vnto the former female kindes but somewhat longer and of a brighter colour on the outside 6. Paeonia faemina Byzantina The single red Peony of Constantinople This red Peony of Constantinople is very like in all things vnto the double red Peonie but that the flowers hereof are single and as large as the last and that is larger then either the single female or the male kinde consisting of eight leaues of a deeper red colour then either the single or double Peonies and not purplish at all but rather of the colour of an ordinary red Tulipa standing close and round together the roots of this kinde haue longer clogs and not so short as of the ordinary female kinde and of a paler colour on the outside The Place All these Peonies haue beene sent or brought from diuers parts beyond the Seas they are endenized in our Gardens where wee cherish them for the beauty and delight of their goodly flowers as well as for their Physicall vertues The Time They all flower in May but some as I said abide a small time and others many weekes The Names The name Paeonia is of all the later Writers generally giuen to these plants although they haue had diuers other names giuen by the elder Writers as Rosae fatuina Idaeus dactylus Aglaophotis and others whereof to set 1 Paeonia maâ— cum semine The male Peony the seed 2 Paeonia faemina Byzantina The female red Peony of Constantinople 3 Paeonia faemina flore pleno vulgaris The ordinary double Peony 4 Paeonia flore pleno albicante The
am enformed by a courteous Gentlewoman a great louer of these delights called Mistris Thomasin Tunstall who dwelleth at Bull-banke neare Hornby Castle in those parts and who hath often sent mee vp the rootes to London which haue borne faire flowers in my Garden The second groweth in many places of England and with the same Gentlewoman also before remembred who sent me one plant of this kinde with the other The last I haue not yet knowne to growe in England but no doubt many things doe lye hid and not obserued which in time may bee discouered if our Country Gentlemen and women and others in their seuerall places where they dwell would be more carefull and diligent and be aduertised either by themselues or by others capable and fit to be imployed as occasion and time might serue to finde out such plants as growe in any the circuits or limits of their habitations or in their trauels as their pleasures or affaires leade them And because ignorance is the chiefe cause of neglect of many rare things which happen to their view at sometimes which are not to be seene againe peraduenture or not in many yeares after I would heartily aduise all men of meanes to be stirred vp to bend their mindes and spend a little more time and trauell in these delights of herbes and flowers then they haue formerly done which are not onely harmlesse but pleasurable in their time and profitable in their vse And if any would be better enformed and certified of such things they know not I would be willing and ready to my best skill to aduertise them that shall send any thing vp to me where I dwell in London Thus farre I haue digressed from the matter in hand and yet not without some good vse I hope that others may make of it The Time The two first flower earlier then the last and both the first about one time that is in the end of Aprill or beginning of May. The last in the end of May or in Iune The Names The first is called Elleborine recentiorum maior and Calceolus Mariae Of some thought to be Cosmosandalos because it is Sandali forma In English we call it our Ladies Slipper after the Dutch name The other two lesser kinâ—â— haue their names in their titles I haue thought it fit to adde the title of small white Ellebors vnto these for the forme sake as is before said The Vertues There is no vse of these in Physicke in our dayes that I know CHAP. LXXXIIII Lilium Conuallium Lilly Conually THe remembrance of the Conuall Lilly spoken of in the precedent Chapter hath caused me to insert these plants among the rest although differing both in face and properties but lest it should lose all place let it keepe this It is of two sorts differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers the one being white and the other reddish as shall be shewed in their descriptions following 1. Lilium Conuallâ—um flore albo The white Lilly Conually The white Conuall or May Lilly hath three or foure leaues rising together from the roote one enclosed within another each whereof when it is open is long and broad of a grayish shining greene colour somewhat resembling the leaues of the former wilde Neesewort at the side whereof and sometime from the middle of them riseth vp a small short naked foote-stalke an hand breadth high or somewhat more bearing at the toppe one aboue another many small white flowers like little hollow bottles with open mouths nicked or cut into fiue or six notches turning all downewards one way or on one side of the stalke of a very strong sweete sent and comfortable for the memory and senses which turne into small red berries like vnto Asparagus wherein is contained hard white seede the rootes runne vnder ground creeping euery way consisting of many small white strings 2. Lilium Conuallium flore rubente May Lillies with red flowers This other May Lilly differeth neither in roote leafe nor forme of flower from that before but onely in the colour of the flower which is of a fine pale red colour being in my iudgement not altogether so sweet as the former The Place The first groweth aboundantly in many places of England The other is a stranger and groweth only in the Gardens of those that are curious louers of rarities The Time They both flower in May and the berries are ripe in August The Names The Latines haue no other name for this plant but Lilium Conuallium although some would haue it to be Lilium vernum of Theophrastus and others Oenanthe of the same Author Gesner thinketh it to be Callionymus Lonicerus to be Cacalia and Fuchsius to be Ephemerum non lethale but they are all for the most part mistaken We call it in English Lilly Conually May Lilly and of some Liriconfancie The Vertues The flowers of the white kinde are often vsed with those things that help to strengthen the memory and to procure ease to Apoplecticke persons Camerarius setteth downe the manner of making an oyle of the flowers hereof which he saith is very effectuall to ease the paines of the Goute and such like diseases to be vsed outwardly which is thus Hauing filled a glasse with the flowers and being well stopped set it for a moneths space in an Ants hill and after being drayned cleare set it by to vse CHAP. LXXXV Gentiana Gentian or Fell-wort THere are diuers sorts of Gentians or Fell-wortes some greater others lesser and some very small many of them haue very beautifull flowers but because some are very suddenly past before one would thinke they were blowne open and others will abide no culture and manuring I will onely set forth vnto you two of the greater sorts and three of the lesser kindes as fittest and more familiarly furnishing our gardens leauing the rest to their wilde habitations and to bee comprehended in a generall Worke. 1. Gentiana maior flore flauo The great Gentian The great Gentian riseth vp at the first with a long round and pointed head of leaues closing one another which after opening themselues lye vpon the ground and are faire long and broad somewhat plaited or ribbed like vnto the leaues of white Ellebor or Neeseworte but not so fairely or eminently plaited neyther so stiffe but rather resembling the leaues of a great Plantane from among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke three foote high or better full of ioynts hauing two such leaues but narrower and smaller at euery ioynt so compassing about the stalke at the lower end of them that they will almost hold water that falleth into them from the middle of the stalke to the toppe it is garnished with many coronets or rundles of flowers with two such greene leaues likewise at euery ioynt and wherein the flowers doe stand which are yellow layd open like starres and rising out of small greenish huskes with some threds in the middle of them but of no sent at all yet
leaues at the ioynts where they branch forth at the toppes whereof stand many flowers consisting of foure leaues a peece of a whitish or blush colour very pale after which come vp small thicke and long pods wherein is contained small round seede the root is composed of many white threds from the heads whereof runne out small strings of a dark purple colour whereby it encreaseth The Place The first with the double flower is found in diuers places of our owne Countrey as neere Micham about eight miles from London also in Lancashire from whence I receiued a plant which perished but was found by the industrie of a worthy Gentlewoman dwelling in those parts heretofore remembred called Mistresse Thomasin Tunstall a great louer of these delights The other was sent me by my especial good friend Iohn Tradescante who brought it among other dainty plants from beyond the Seas and imparted thereof a roote to me The Time The last most vsually flowreth before the former yet not much differing that is in the end of Aprill or in May. The Names The first is a double kinde of that plant that growing wilde abroade is vsually called Cardamine altera and Sisymbrium alterum of Dioscorides and of some Flos cuculi but not fitly for that name is more vsually giuen vnto the wilde featherd Campions both single and double as is before expressed yet for want of a fitter name wee may call it in English eyther Cuckowe flower or Ladyes smockes which you will The second hath beene sent vnder the name of Sanicula trifolia but the most frequent name now receiued is Cardamine trifolia and in English Trefoile Ladies spockes The Vertues The double Ladies smockes are of the same qualitie with the single and is thought to be as effectuall as Watercresses The propertie of the other I thinke is not much knowne although some would make it a wound herbe CHAP. CI. Thlaspi Creticum Candy Tufts OF the many sorts of Thlaspi it is not the scope of this worke to relate I will select but onely two or three which for their beautie are fit to bee inserted into this garden Thlaspi Creticum vmbellatum flore albo purpureo Candy Tufts white and purple This small plant riseth seldome aboue a foote and a halfe high hauing small narrow long and whitish greene leaues notched or dented with three or foure notches on each side from the middle to the point-wards from among which rise vp the stalkes branched from the bottome almost into diuers small branches at the toppes whereof stand many small flowers thick thrust together in an vmbell or tuft making them seeme to be small round double flowers of many leaues when as euery flower is single and standeth a part by it selfe of a faire white colour in some plants without any spot and in others with a purplish spot in the centre or middle as if some of the middle leaues were purple in others againe the whole flower is purplish all ouer which make a pretty shew in a garden the seede is contained in many small and flat seed vessels which stand together in an vmbell as the flowers did in which are contained somewhat reddish seede like vnto some other sorts of Thlaspi called Treakle Mustards the roote is small and hard and perisheth euery yeare hauing giuen seede Thlaspi Marinum Baticum We haue another sort whose leaues before it sendeth forth any stalke are a little toothed or finely dented about the edges and brancheth not so much out but carryeth an vmbell of purplish flowers like vnto the former and paler yellow seede The Place These doe grow in Spaine and Candie not farre from the Sea side The Time These Thlaspi giue not their flowers vntill the end of Iune or beginning of Iuly and the seed is ripe soone after The Names The first is named by some Draba or Arabis as Dodonaeus but Draba is another plant differing much from this Wee call one sort Thlaspi Creticum and the other Thlaspi Baticum marinum because the one came from Spaine and the other from Candy we giue it in English the name of Tufts because it doth fit the forme of the flowers best although ordinarily all the Thlaspi are Englished Wilde Mustardes The Vertues Candy or Spanish Tufts is not so sharpe biting in taste as some other of the Thlaspies are and therefore is not to be vsed in medicines where Thlaspi should be in the stead thereof CHAP. CII Clematis Clamberers or Creepers HAuing shewed you all my store of herbes bearing fine flowers let mee now bring to your consideration the rest of those plants be they Shrubs or Trees that are cherished in our garden for the beauty of their flowers chiefly or for some other beautifull respect and first I will begin with such as creepe on the ground without climing and then such as clime vp by poles or other things that are set or grow neere them fit to make Bowers and Arbours or else are like them in forme in name or some other such qualitie or propertie 1. Clematis Daphnoides siue Vinca peruinca simplex minor diuersorum colorum Single Perwinkle of diuers colours The smaller Perwinkle which not onely groweth wilde in many places but is most vsuall in our Gardens hath diuers creeping branches trayling or running vpon the ground shooting out small fibres at the ioynts as it creepeth taking thereby hold in the ground and rooteth in diuers places at the ioynts of these branches stand two small darke greene shining leaues somewhat like vnto small Baye leaues but smaller and at the ioynts likewise with the leaues come forth the flowers one at a ioynt standing vpon a tender footestalke being somewhat long and hollow parted at the brims sometimes into foure leaues and sometimes into fiue the most ordinary sort is of a pale or bleake blew colour but some are pure white and some of a darke reddish purple colour the root is in the body of it little bigger then a rush bushing in the ground and creeping with his branches farre about taking roote in many places whereby it quickely possesseth a great compasse and is therefore most vsually planted vnder hedges or where it may haue roome to runne 2. Vinca peruinca flore duplici purpureo Double purple Perwinkle The double Perwinkle is like vnto the former single kinde in all things except in the flower which is of that darke reddish purple colour that is in one of the single kindes but this hath another row of leaues within the flower so that the two rowes of leaues causeth it to be called double but the leaues of these are lesser then the single I haue heard of one with a double white flower but I haue not yet seene it 3. Clematis Daphnoides siue Peruinca maior The greater Perwinkle This greater Perwinkle is somewhat like the former but greater yet his branches creepe not in that manner but stand more vpright or lesse creeping at the least the leaues also hereof stand by couples
on the one part cornered on the other and sharpe pointed greene on both sides almost alike hauing so slender long footestalkes that the leaues cannot stand forthright but bend downwards with a more rugged barke then the white Poplar tree Clusius thinketh this large description is but an ample description of the third kinde of Poplar called Lybica the Aspen tree which Gaza translateth Alpina but who so will well consider it shall finde it neyther answerable to any Poplar tree in that it beareth not cods as Cercis doth nor vnto this Arbor Iudae because it beareth not white branches Clusius saith also that the learned of Mompelier in his time referred it to Colytea of Theophrastus in his third booke and seuenteenth chapter where he doth liken it to the leaues of the broadest leafed Bay tree but larger and rounder green on the vpperside and whitish vnderneath and whereunto as he saith Theophrastus giueth cods in the fourteenth chapter of the same third booke and by the contracting of their descriptions both together saith they agree vnto this Iudas tree But I find some doubts and differences in these places for the Colutaea that Dioscorides mentioneth in the said fourteenth chapter of his third booke hath as he saith there a leafe like vnto the Willow and therefore cannot bee the same Colutaea mentioned in the seuenteenth chapter of the same third book which hath a broade Bay leafe indeede hee giueth seede in cods but that with broade Bay leaues is as he saith without eyther flower or fruite and besides all this he saith the rootes are very yellow which is not to bee found in this Arbor Iudae or Iudas tree let others now iudge if these things can bee well reconciled together Some haue for the likenesse of the cods vnto Beane cods called it Fabago And Clusius called it Siliqua siluestris It is generally in these dayes called Arbor Iudae and in English after the Latine name vntill a fitter may be had Iudas tree The Vertues There is nothing extant in any Author of any Physicall vse it hath neyther hath any later experience found out any CHAP. CXX Laburnum Beane Trefoile THere be three sorts of these codded trees or plants one neere resembling another whereof Anagyris of Dioscorides is one The other two are called Laburnum the larger whereof Matthiolus calleth Anagyris altera and so doe some others also the third is of the same kinde with the second but smaller I shall not for this our Garden trouble you or my selfe with any more of them then one which is the lesser of the two Liburnum in that it is more frequent and that it will far better abide then the Anagyris which is so tender that it will hardly endure the winters of our Countrey and the greater Laburnum is not so easily to be had Laburnum Beane Trefoile This codded tree riseth vp with vs like vnto a tall tree with a reasonable great body if it abide any long time in a place couered with a smooth greene barke the branches are very long greene pliant and bending any way whereon are set here and there diuers leaues three alwaies standing together vpon a long stalk being somwhat long and not very narrow pointed at the ends greene on the vpperside and of a siluer shining colour vnderneath without any smell at all at the ioynts of these branches where the leaues stand come forth many flowers much like vnto broome flowers but not so large or open growing about a very long branch or stalke sometimes a good span or more in length and of a faire yellow colour but not very deepe after which come flatthin cods not very long or broade but as tough and hard as the cods of Broome wherein are contained blackish seede like but much lesse then the seede of Anagyris vera which are as big as a kidney beane purplish and spotted the roote thrusteth down deepe into the ground spreading also farre and is of a yellowish colour The Place This tree groweth naturally in many of the woods of Italie and vpon the Alpes also and is therefore still accounted to be that Laburnum that Plinie calleth Arbor Alpina It groweth in many gardens with vs. The Time It flowreth in May the fruit or cods and the seedes therein are ripe in the end of August or in September The Names This tree as I said before is called of Matthiolus Anagyris altera siue secunda of Cordus Gesner and others especially of most now adayes Laburnum It is probable in my opinion that this should bee that Colutaea of Theophrastus mentioned in the fourteenth Chapter of his third book with the leafe of a Willow for if you take any one leafe by it selfe it may well resemble a Willow leafe both for forme and colour and beareth small seed in cods like vnto pulse as that doth Of some it hath beene taken for a kinde of Cytisus but not truely We call it in English Beane Trefoile in regard of his cods and seede therein somewhat like vnto Kidney Beanes and of the leaues three alwayes standing together vntill a more proper name may bee giuen it The Vertues There is no vse hereof in Physicke with vs nor in the naturall place of the growing saue only to prouoke a vomit which it will doe very strongly CHAP. CXXI Cytisus Tree Trefoile THere are so many sorts of Cytisus or Tree trefoiles that if I should relate them all I should weary the Reader to ouerlooke them whereof the most part pertaine rather to a generall worke then to this abstract I shall not therefore trouble you with any superfluous but only with two which we haue noursed vp to furnish waste places in a garden Cytisus Maranthae Horned Tree Trefoile This Tree Trefoile which is held of most Herbarists to bee the true Cytisus of Dioscorides riseth vp to the height of a man at the most with a body of the bignesse of a mans thumbe couered with a whitish bark breaking forth into many whitish branches spreading farre beset in many places with small leaues three alwayes set together vpon a small short footestalke which are rounder and whiter then the leaues of Beane Trefoile at the ends of the branches for the most part come forth the flowers three or foure togethers of a fine gold colour and of the fashion of Broome flowers but not so large after the flowers are past there come in their places crooked flat thinne cods of the fashion of a halfe moone or crooked horne whitish when they are ripe wherein are contained blackish seede the roote is hard and woody spreading diuers wayes vnder the ground the whole plant hath a pretty small hot sent Cytisus vulgatior The common Tree Trefoile This Cytisus is the most common in this Land of any the other sorts of tree trefoiles hauing a blackish colourd barke the stemme or body whereof is larger then the former both for height and spreading bearing also three leaues together but smaller and greener then
Tymes are indeede but kindes of wilde Tyme although in the defect or want of the true Tyme they are vsed in the stead of it With the Tymes I must doe as I did with the Marieromes in the Chapter before that is reserue the most common in vse for the common vse of the Kitchen and shew you only those here that are not put to that vse and first with the true Tyme because it is knowne but to a few 1. Thymum legitimum capitatum The true Tyme The true Tyme is a very tender plant hauing hard and hoary brittle branches spreading from a small wooddy stemme about a foote and a halfe high whereon are set at seuerall ioynts and by spaces many small long whitish or hoary greene leaues of a quicke sent and taste at the tops of the branches stand small long whitish greene heads somewhat like vnto the heads of Stoechas made as it were of many leaues or scales out of which start forth small purplish flowers and in some white as Bellonius saith after which commeth small seede that soone falleth out and if it be not carefully gathered is soone lost which made I thinke Theophrastus to write that this Tyme was to be sowne of the flowers as not hauing any other seede the root is small and wooddy This holdeth not his leaues in Winter no not about Seuill in Spaine where it groweth aboundantly as Clusius recordeth finding it there naked or spoiled of leaues And will not abide our Winters but perisheth wholly roote and all 2. Serpillum hortense siue maius Garden wilde Tyme The wilde Tyme that is cherished in gardens groweth vpright but yet is lowe with diuers slender branches and small round greene leaues somewhat like vnto small fine Marierome and smelling somewhat like vnto it the flowers growe in roundels at the toppes of the branches of a purplish colour And in another of this kinde they are of a pure white colour There is another also like hereunto that smelleth somewhat like vnto Muske and therefore called Muske Tyme whose greene leaues are not so small as the former but larger and longer 3. Serpillum Citratum Lemon Tyme The wilde Tyme that smelleth like vnto a Pomecitron or Lemon hath many weake branches trayling on the ground like vnto the first described wilde Tyme with small darke greene leaues thinly or sparsedly set on them and smelling like vnto a Lemon with whitish flowers at the toppes in roundels or spikes 4. Serpillum aureum siue verficolor Guilded or embroidered Tyme This kinde of wilde Tyme hath small hard branches lying or leaning to the ground with small party coloured leaues vpon them diuided into stripes or edges of a gold yellow colour the rest of the leafe abiding greene which for the variable mixture or placing of the yellow hath caused it to be called embroidered or guilded Tyme The Place The first groweth as is said before about Seuill in Spaine in very great aboundance as Clusius saith and as Bellonius saith very plentifully on the mountaines through all Greece The others growe some in this Country and some in others but wee preserue them with all the care wee can in our gardens for the sweete and pleasant sents and varieties they yeeld The Time The first flowreth not vntill August the rest in Iune and Iuly The Names Their names are seuerally set downe in their titles as is sufficient to distinguish them and therefore I shall not neede to trouble you any further with them The Vertues The true Tyme is a speciall helpe to melancholicke and spleneticke diseases as also to flatulent humours either in the vpper or lower parts of the body The oyle that is Chimically drawne out of ordinary Tyme is vsed as the whole herbe is in the stead of the true in pils for the head and stomach It is also much vsed for the toothach as many other such like hot oyles are CHAP. CXXXII Hyssopus Hyssope THere are many varieties of Hyssope beside the common or ordinary which I reserue for the Kitchen garden and intend onely in this place to giue you the knowledge of some more rare viz. of such as are noursed vp by those that are curious and fit for this garden for there are some other that must be remembred in the Physicke garden or garden of Simples or else in a generall worke 1. Hyssopus folijs niueis White Hyssope This white Hyssope is of the same kinde and smell with the common Hyssope but differeth in that this many times hath diuers leaues that are wholly of a white colour with part of the stalke also others are parted the one halfe white the other halfe greene and some are wholly greene or with some spots or stripes of white within the greene which makes it delightfull to most Gentlewomen 2. Hyssopus folijs cinereis Russet Hyssope As the last hath party coloured leaues white and greene so this hath his leaues of an ash-colour which of some is called russet and hath no other difference either in forme or smell 3. Hyssopus aureus Yellow or golden Hyssope All the leaues of this Hyssope are wholly yellow or but a little greene in them and are of so pleasant a colour especially in Summer that they prouoke many Gentlewomen to weare them in their heads and on their armes with as much delight as many fine flowers can giue but in Winter their beautifull colour is much decayed being of a whitish greene yet recouer themselues againe the next Summer 4. Hyssopus surculis densis Double Hyssope As this kinde of Hyssope groweth lower then the former or ordinary kinde so it hath more branches slenderer and not so wooddy leaning somewhat downe toward the ground so wonderfully thicke set with leaues that are like vnto the other but of a darker greene colour and somewhat thicker withall that it is the onely fine sweete herbe that I know fittest if any be minded to plant herbes to set or border a knot of herbes or flowers because it will well abide and not growe too wooddy or great nor be thinne of leaues in one part when it is thicke in another so that it may be kept with cutting as smooth and plaine as a table If it be suffered to growe vp of it selfe alone it riseth with leaues as before is specified and flowreth as the common doth and of the same sent also not differing in any thing but in the thicknesse of the leaues on the stalkes and branches and the aptnesse to be ordered as the keeper pleaseth Chamaedrys Germander Lest Germander should be vtterly forgotten as not worthy of our Garden seeing many as I said in my treatise or introduction to this Garden doe border knots therewith let me at the leaft giue it a place although the last being more vsed as a strewing herbe for the house then for any other vse It is I thinke sufficiently knowne to haue many branches with small and somewhat round endented leaues on them and purplish gaping flowers the rootes spreading far
and grounds THE seuerall situations of mens dwellings are for the most part vnauoideable and vnremoueable for most men cannot appoint forth such a manner of situation for their dwelling as is most fit to auoide all the inconueniences of winde and weather but must bee content with such as the place will afford them yet all men doe well know that some situations are more excellent than others according therfore to the seuerall situation of mens dwellings so are the situations of their gardens also for the most part And although diuers doe diuersly preferre their owne seuerall places which they haue chosen or wherein they dwell As some those places that are neare vnto a riuer or brooke to be best for the pleasantnesse of the water the case of transportation of themselues their friends and goods as also for the fertility of the soyle which is seldome bad neare vnto a riuers side And others extoll the side or top of an hill bee it small or great for the prospects sake And againe some the plaine or champian ground for the euen leuell thereof euery one of which as they haue their commodities accompanying them so haue they also their discommodities belonging vnto them according to the Latine Prouerbe Omne commodum fert suum incommodum Yet to shew you for euerie of these situations which is the fittest place to plant your garden in and how to defend it from the iniuries of the cold windes and frosts that may annoy it will I hope be well accepted And first for the water side I suppose the North side of the water to be the best side for your garden that it may haue the comfort of the South Sunne to lye vpon it and face it and the dwelling house to bee aboue it to defend the cold windes and frosts both from your herbes and flowers and early fruits And so likewise I iudge for the hill side that it may lye full open to the South Sunne and the house aboue it both for the comfort the ground shall receiue of the water and raine descending into it and of defence from winter and colds Now for the plaine leuell ground the buildings of the house should be on the North side of the garden that so they might bee a defence of much sufficiency to safeguard it from many iniurious cold nights and dayes which else might spoyle the pride thereof in the bud But because euery one cannot so appoint his dwelling as I here appoint the fittest place for it to be euery ones pleasure thereof shall be according to the site cost and endeauours they bestow to cause it come nearest to this proportion by such helpes of bricke or stone wals to defend it or by the helpe of high growne and well spread trees planted on the North side thereof to keepe it the warmer And euery of these three situations hauing the fairest buildings of the house facing the garden in this manner before specified besides the benefit of shelter it shall haue from them the buildings and roomes abutting thereon shall haue reciprocally the beautifull prospect into it and haue both sight and sent of whatsoeuer is excellent and worthy to giue content out from it which is one of the greatest pleasures a garden can yeeld his Master Now hauing shewed you the best place where this your garden should be let me likewise aduise you where it should not be at least that it is the worst place wherein it may be if it be either on the West or East side of your house or that it stand in a moorish ground or other vnwholsome ayre for many both fruits herbes and flowers that are tender participate with the ayre taking in a manner their chiefest thriuing from thence or neare any common Lay-stalles or common Sewers or else neare any great Brew-house Dye-house or any other place where there is much smoake whether it be of straw wood or especially of sea-coales which of all other is the worst as our Citie of London can giue proofe sufficient wherein neither herbe nor tree will long prosper nor hath done euer since the vse of sea-coales beganne to bee frequent therein And likewise that it is much the worse if it bee neare vnto any Barnes or Stackes of corne or hey because that from thence will continually with the winde bee brought into the garden the strawe and chaffe of the corne the dust and seede of the hey to choake or pester it Next vnto the place or situation let mee shew you the grounds or soyles for it eyther naturall or artificiall No man will deny but the naturall blacke mould is not only the fattest and richest but farre exceedeth any other either naturall or artificiall as well in goodnesse as durability And next thereunto I hold the sandy loame which is light and yet firme but not loose as sand nor stiffe like vnto clay to be little inferiour for this our Garden of pleasure for that it doth cause all bulbous and tuberous rooted plants to thriue sufficiently therein as likewise all other flower-plants Roses Trees c. which if it shall decay by much turning and working out the heart of it may soone be helped with old stable manure of horses being well turned in when it is old and almost conuerted to mould Other grounds as chalke sand grauell or clay are euery of them one more or lesse fertill or barren than other and therefore doe require such helpes as is most fit for them And those grounds that are ouer dry loose and dustie the manure of stall fedde beasts and cattell being buried or trenched into the earth and when it is thorough rotten which will require twice the time that the stable soyle of horses will well turned and mixed with the earth is the best soyle to temper both the heate and drinesse of them So contrariwise the stable dung of horses is the best for cold grounds to giue them heate and life But of all other sorts of grounds the stiffe clay is the very worst for this purpose for that although you should digge out the whole compasse of your Garden carry it away and bring other good mould in the stead thereof and fill vp the place yet the nature of that clay is so predominant that in a small time it will eate out the heart of the good mould and conuert it to its owne nature or very neare vnto it so that to bring it to any good there must bee continuall labour bestowed thereon by bringing into it good store of chalke lime or sand or else ashes eyther of wood or of sea-coales which is the best for this ground well mixed and turned in with it And as this stiffe clay is the worst so what ground soeuer commeth nearest vnto the nature thereof is nearest vnto it in badnesse the signes whereof are the ouermuch moysture thereof in Winter and the much cleauing and chapping thereof in Summer when the heate of the yeare hath consumed the moysture which tyed and bound
it fast together as also the stiffe and hard working therein but if the nature of the clay bee not too stiffe but as it were tempered and mixed with sand or other earths your old stable soyle of horses will helpe well the small rifting or chapping thereof to be plentifully bestowed therin in a fit season Some also do commend the casting of ponds and ditches to helpe to manure these stiffe chapping grounds Other grounds that are ouermoist by springs that lye too neare the vpper face of the earth besides that the beds thereof had need to be laid vp higher and the allies as trenches and furrowes to lye lower the ground it selfe had neede to haue some good store of chalke-stones bestowed thereon some certaine yeares if it may be before it be laid into a Garden that the Winter frosts may breake the chalke small and the Raine dissolue it into mould that so they may bee well mixed together than which there is not any better manure to soyle such a moist ground to helpe to dry vp the moysture and to giue heate and life to the coldnesse thereof which doth alwayes accompany these moist grounds and also to cause it abide longer in heart than any other For the sandy and grauelly grounds although I know the well mollified manure of beasts and cattell to be excellent good yet I know also that some commend a white Marle and some a clay to be well spread thereon and after turned thereinto and for the chalkie ground è conuerso I commend fatte clay to helpe it You must vnderstand that the lesse rich or more barren that your ground is there needeth the more care labour and cost to bee bestowed thereon both to order it rightly so to preserue it from time to time for no artificiall or forc't ground can endure good any long time but that within a few yeares it must be refreshed more or lesse according as it doth require Yet you shall likewise vnderstand that this Garden of pleasure stored with these Out-landish flowers that is bulbous and tuberous rooted plants and other fine flowers that I haue hereafter described and assigned vnto it needeth not so much or so often manuring with soyle c. as another Garden planted with the other sorts of English flowers or a Garden of ordinary Kitchin herbes doth Your ground likewise for this Garden had neede to bee well cleansed from all annoyances that may hinder the well doing or prospering of the flowers therein as stones weedes rootes of trees bushes c. and all other things cumbersome or hurtfull and therefore the earth being not naturally fine enough of it selfe is vsed to bee sifted to make it the finer and that either through a hurdle made of sticks or lathes or through square or round sieues platted with fine and strong thin stickes or with wyers in the bottome Or else the whole earth of the Garden being course may be cast in the same manner that men vse to try or fine sand from grauell that is against a wall whereby the courser and more stony falling downe from the fine is to betaken away from the foote of the heape the finer sand and ground remaining still aboue and on the heape Or else in the want of a wall to cast it against I haue seene earth fined by it selfe in this manner Hauing made the floore or vpper part of a large plat of ground cleane from stones c. let there a reasonable round heape of fine earth be set in the midst thereof or instead thereof a large Garden flower-pot or other great pot the bottome turned vpwards and then poure your course earth on the top or head thereof one shouell full after another somewhat gently and thereby all the course stuffe and stones will fall downe to the bottome round about the heape which must continually be carefully taken away and thus you may make your earth as fine as if it were cast against a wall the heape being growne great seruing in stead thereof Those that will not prepare their grounds in some of these manners aforesaid shall soone finde to their losse the neglect thereof for the trash and stones shall so hinder the encrease of their roots that they will be halfe lost in the earth among the stones which else might be saued to serue to plant wheresoeuer they please CHAP. II. The frame or forme of a Garden of delight and pleasure with the seuerall varieties thereof ALthough many men must be content with any plat of ground of what forme or quantity soeuer it bee more or lesse for their Garden because a more large or conuenient cannot bee had to their habitation Yet I perswade my selfe that Gentlemen of the better sort and quality will prouide such a parcell of ground to bee laid out for their Garden and in such conuenient manner as may be fit and answerable to the degree they hold To prescribe one forme for euery man to follow were too great presumption and folly for euery man will please his owne fancie according to the extent he designeth out for that purpose be it orbicular or round triangular or three square quadrangular or foure square or more long than broad I will onely shew you here the seuerall formes that many men haue taken and delighted in let euery man chuse which him liketh best or may most fitly agree to that proportion of ground hee hath set out for that purpose The orbicular or round forme is held in it owne proper existence to be the most absolute forme containing within it all other formes whatsoeuer but few I thinke will chuse such a proportion to be ioyned to their habitation being not accepted any where I think but for the generall Garden to the Vniuersity at Padoa The triangular or three square is such a forme also as is seldome chosen by any that may make another choise and as I thinke is onely had where another forme cannot be had necessitie constraining them to be therewith content The foure square forme is the most vsually accepted with all and doth best agree to any mans dwelling being as I said before behinde the house all the backe windowes thereof opening into it Yet if it bee longer than the breadth or broader than the length the proportion of walkes squares and knots may be soon brought to the square forme and be so cast as the beauty thereof may bee no lesse than the foure square proportion or any other better forme if any be To forme it therfore with walks crosse the middle both waies and round about it also with hedges with squares knots and trayles or any other worke within the foure square parts is according as euery mans conceit alloweth of it and they will be at the charge For there may be therein walkes eyther open or close eyther publike or priuate a maze or wildernesse a rocke or mount with a fountaine in the midst thereof to conuey water to euery part of the Garden eyther
the roote will grow very thicke and yet not require so great tending nor so much perish as any of the former and is onely receiued into the Gardens of those that are curious This as I before said I commend and hold to bee the best and surest herbe to abide faire and greene in all the bitter stormes of the sharpest Winter and all the great heates and droughts of Summer and doth recompence the want of a good sweet sent with his fresh verdure euen proportion and long lasting continuance Yet these inconueniences it hath that besides the vnpleasing sent which many mislike and yet is but small the rootes of this Boxe do so much spread themselues into the ground of the knot and doe draw from thence so much nourishment that it robbeth all the herbes that grow neare it of their sap and substance thereby making all the earth about it barren or at least lesse fertile Wherefore to shew you the remedy of this inconuenience of spreading without either taking vp the Boxe of the border or the herbes and flowers in the knot is I thinke a secret knowne but vnto a few which is this You shall take a broad pointed Iron like vnto a Slise or Chessill which thrust downe right into the ground a good depth all along the inside of the border of Boxe somewhat close thereunto you may thereby cut away the spreading rootes thereof which draw so much moisture from the other herbes on the inside and by this meanes both preserue your herbes and flowers in the knot and your Boxe also for that the Boxe will be nourished sufficiently from the rest of the rootes it shooteth on all the other sides And thus much for the liuing herbes that serue to set or border vp any knot Now for the dead materials they are also as I said before diuers as first Leade which some that are curious doe border their knots withall causing it to be cut of the breadth of foure fingers bowing the lower edge a little outward that it may lye vnder the vpper crust of the ground and that it may stand the faster and making the vpper edge either plain or cut out like vnto the battlements of a Church this fashion hath delighted some who haue accounted it stately at the least costly and fit for their degree and the rather because it will be bowed and bended into any round square angular or other proportion as one listeth and is not much to be misliked in that the Leade doth not easily breake or spoile without much iniury and keepeth vp a knot for a very long time in his due proportion but in my opinion the Leade is ouer-hot for Summer and ouer-cold for Winter Others doe take Oaken inch boords and sawing them foure or fiue inches broad do hold vp their knot therewith but in that these boordes cannot bee drawne compasse into any small scantling they must serue rather for long outright beds or such knots as haue no rounds halfe rounds or compassings in them And besides these boordes are not long lasting because they stand continually in the weather especially the ends where they are fastned together will soonest rot and perish and so the whole forme will be spoyled To preuent that fault some others haue chosen the shanke bones of Sheep which after they haue beene well cleansed and boyled to take out the fat from them are stucke into the ground the small end downewards and the knockle head vpwards and thus being set side to side or end to end close together they set out the whole knot therewith which heads of bones although they looke not white the first yeare yet after they haue abiden some frosts and heates will become white and prettily grace out the ground but this inconuenience is incident to them that the Winter frosts will raise them out of the ground oftentimes and if by chance the knockle head of any doe breake or be strucke off with any ones foot c. going by from your store that lyeth by you of the same sort set another in the place hauing first taken away the broken peece although these will last long in forme and order yet because they are but bones many mislike them and indeed I know but few that vse them Tyles are also vsed by some which by reason they may bee brought compasse into any fashion many are pleased with them who doe not take the whole Tyle at length but halfe Tyles and other broken peeces set somewhat deepe into the ground that they may stand fast and these take vp but little roome and keepe vp the edge of the beds and knots in a pretty comely manner but they are often out of frame in that many of them are broken and spoiled both with mens feete passing by the weather and weight of the earth beating them downe and breaking them but especially the frosts in Winter doe so cracke off their edges both at the toppes and sides that stand close one vnto another that they must bee continually tended and repaired with fresh and sound ones put in the place of them that are broken or decayed And lastly for it is the latest inuention round whitish or blewish pebble stones of some reasonable proportion and bignesse neither too great nor too little haue beene vsed by some to be set or rather in a manner but laide vpon the ground to fashion out the traile or knot or all along by the large grauelly walke sides to set out the walke and maketh a pretty handsome shew and because the stones will not decay with the iniuries of any time or weather and will be placed in their places againe if any should be thrust out by any accident as also that their sight is so conspicuous vpon the ground especially if they be not hid with the store of herbes growing in the knot is accounted both for durability beauty of the sight handsomnesse in the worke and ease in the working and charge to be of all other dead materials the chiefest And thus Gentlemen I haue shewed you all the varieties that I know are vsed by any in our Countrey that are worth the reciting but as for the fashion of Iawe-bones vsed by some in the Low-Countries and other places beyond the Seas being too grosse and base I make no mention of them among which euery one may take what pleaseth him best or may most fitly be had or may best agree with the ground or knot Moreouer all these herbes that serue for borderings doe serue as well to be set vpon the ground of a leuelled knot that is where the allies and foot-pathes are of the same leuell with the knot as they may serue also for the raised knot that is where the beds of the knot are raised higher than the allies but both Leade Boordes Bones and Tyles are only for the raised ground be it knot or beds The pebble stones againe are onely for the leuelled ground because they are so shallow that as I
the Sunne in any dry place Double Marigolds also are the most common in all Gardens And so are the French Marigolds that haue a strong heady sent both single and double whose glorious shew for colour would cause any to beleeue there were some rare goodnesse or vertue in them These all are sometimes preserued in the Winter if they bee well defended from the cold But what shall I say to the Queene of delight and of flowers Carnations and Gilloflowers whose brauery variety and sweete smell ioyned together tyeth euery ones affection with great earnestnesse both to like and to haue them Those that were knowne and enioyed in former times with much acceptation are now for the most part lesse accounted of except a very few for now there are so many other varieties of later inuention that troubleth the other both in number beauty and worth The names of them doe differ very variably in that names are imposed and altered as euerie ones fancy will haue them that carryed or sent them into the seuerall Countries from London where their truest name is to be had in mine opinion I will here but giue you the names of some and referre you to the worke ensuing for your further knowledge The red and the gray Hulo The old Carnation differing from them both The Gran Pere The Cambersiue The Sauadge The Christall The Prince The white Carnation or Delicate The ground Carnation The French Carnation The Douer The Oxford The Bristow The Westminster The Daintie The Granado and many other Gilloflowers too tedious to recite in this place because I haue amply declared them in the booke following But there is another sort of great delight and varietie called the Orange tawny Gilloflower which for the most part hath risen from seed and doth giue seed in a more plentifull manner than any of the former sorts and likewise by the sowing of the seed there hath been gained so many varieties of that excellent worth and respect that it can hardly be expressed or beleeued and called by diuers names according to the marking of the flowers as The Infanta The Stript Tawny The Speckled Tawny The Flackt Tawny The Griseld Tawny and many others euery one to bee distinguished from others Some also haue their flowers more double and large than others and some from the same seed haue single flowers like broad single Pinkes the further relation of them viz. their order to sowe encrease and preserue them you shall haue in the subsequent discourse in a place by it selfe Pinkes likewise both single and double are of much variety all of them very sweete comming neare the Gilloflowers Sweete Williams and Sweete Iohns both single and double both white red and spotted as they are kindes of wilde Pinkes so for their grace and beauty helpe to furnish a Garden yet desire not to stand so open to the Sunne as the former Double and single Peonies are fit flowers to furnish a Garden and by reason of their durability giue out fresh pleasure euery yeare without any further trouble of sowing And lastly Hollihocks both single and double of many and sundry colours yeeld out their flowers like Roses on their tall branches like Trees to sute you with flowers when almost you haue no other to grace out your Garden the single and double doe both yeeld seed and yet doe after their seeding abide many yeares Thus haue I shewed you most of the English as well as I did before the Outlandish flowers that are fit to furnish the knots trailes beds and borders of this Garden Roses onely as I said before I reserue to circle or encompasse all the rest because that for the most part they are planted in the outer borders of the quarters and sometimes by themselues in the middle of long beds the sorts or kindes whereof are many as they are declared in their proper place but the White Rose the Red and the Damaske are the most ancient Standards in England and therefore accounted naturall CHAP. VI. The order and manner to plant and replant all the sorts of Out-landish flowers spoken of before as well those with bulbous rootes as others with stringie rootes WHereas it is the vsuall custome of most in this Land to turne vp their Gardens and to plant them againe in the Spring of the yeare which is the best time that may bee chosen for all English flowers yet it is not so for your Out-landish flowers And herein indeede hath beene not onely the errour of a great many to hinder their rootes from bearing out their flowers as they should but also to hinder many to take delight in them because as they say they will not thriue and prosper with them when as the whole fault is in the want of knowledge of the fit and conuenient time wherein they should bee planted And because our English Gardiners are all or the most of them vtterly ignorant in the ordering of these Out-landish flowers as not being trained vp to know them I haue here taken vpon mee the forme of a new Gardiner to giue instructions to those that will take pleasure in them that they may be the better enabled with these helpes I shall shew them both to know how they should be ordered and to direct their Gardiners â—hat are ignorant thereof rightly to dispose them according to their naturall qualities And I doe wishall Gentlemen and Gentlewomen whom it may concerne for their owne good to bee as carefull whom they trust with the planting and replanting of these fine flowers as they would be with so many Iewels for the rootes of many of them being small and of great value may be soone conueyed away and a cleanly tale faire told that such a roote is rotten or perished in the ground if none be seene where it should be or else that the flower hath changed his colour when it hath been taken away or a counterfeit one hath beene put in the place thereof and thus many haue been deceiued of their daintiest flowers without remedy or true knowledge of the defect You shall therefore if you will take the right course that is proper for these kindes of flowers not set or plant them among your English flowers for that when the one may be remoued the other may not be stirred but plant those rootes that are bulbous or round like Onions eyther in knots or beds by themselues which is the best or with but very few English or Out-landish flower plants that haue stringie rootes For you must take this for a generall rule that all those rootes that are like Lillies or Onions are to bee planted in the moneths of Iuly or August or vnto the middle or end of September at the furthest if you will haue them to prosper as they should and not in the Spring of the yeare when other gardening is vsed Yet I must likewise giue you to vnderstand that if Tulipas and Daffodils and some other that are firme and hard rootes and not
limber or spongie being taken vp out of the ground in their fit season that is in Iune Iuly and August and likewise kept well and dry may bee reserued out of the ground vntill Christmas or after and then if they could not be set sooner being set will thriue reasonable well but not altogether so well as the former being set long before but if you shall remoue these bulbous rootes againe either presently after their planting hauing shot their small fibres vnder the round rootes and sprung likewise vpwards or before they be in flower at the soonest yet Tulipas Daffodils and many other bulbous may be safely remoued being in flower and transplanted into other places so as they be not kept too long out of the ground you shall much endanger them either vtterly to perish or to be hindered from bearing out their flowers they then would haue borne and for two or three years after from bearing flowers againe For the order of their planting there are diuers wayes some whereof I will shew you in this place Your knot or beds being prepared fitly as before is declared you may place and order your rootes therein thus Eyther many rootes of one kind set together in a round or cluster or longwise crosse a bed one by another whereby the beauty of many flowers of one kinde being together may make a faire shew well pleasing to many Or else you may plant one or two in a place dispersedly ouer the whole knot or in a proportion or diameter one place answering another of the knot as your store will suffer you or your knot permit Or you may also mingle these rootes in their planting many of diuers sorts together that they may giue the more glorious shew when they are in flower and that you may so doe you must first obserue the seuerall kindes of them which doe flower at one and the same time and then to place them in such order and so neare one vnto another that their flowers appearing together of seuerall colours will cause the more admiration in the beholders as thus The Vernall Crocus or Saffron flowers of the Spring white purple yellow and stript with some Vernall Colchicum or Medow Saffron among them some Deus Caninus or Dogges teeth and some of the small early Leucoium or Bulbous Violet all planted in some proportion as neare one vnto another as is fit for them will giue such a grace to the Garden that the place will seeme like a peece of tapestry of many glorious colours to encrease euery ones delight Or else many of one sort together as the blew white and blush Grape flowers in the same manner intermingled doe make a maruellous delectable shew especially because all of them rise almost to an equall height which causeth the greater grace as well neare hand as farre of The like order may be kept with many other things as the Hepatica white blew purple and red set or sowne together will make many to beleeue that one roote doth beare all those colours But aboue and beyond all others the Tulipas may be so matched one colour answering and setting of another that the place where they stand may resemble a peece of curious needle-worke or peece of painting and I haue knowne in a Garden the Master as much commended for this artificiall forme in placing the colours of Tulipas as for the goodnesse of his flowers or any other thing The diuers sorts and colours of Anemones or Winde-flowers may be so ordered likewise which are very beautifull to haue the seuerall varieties planted one neare vnto another that their seuerall colours appearing in one place will be a very great grace in a Garden or if they be dispersed among the other sorts of flowers they will make a glorious shew Another order in planting you may obserue which is this That those plants that grow low as the Aconitum Hyemale or Winter-wolues bane the Vernall Crocus or Saffron-flowers of diuers sorts the little early Leucoium or Bulbous Violet and some such other as rise not vp high as also some Anemones may be very well placed somewhat neare or about your Martagons Lillies or Crownes Imperiall both because these little plants will flower earlier than they and so will bee gone and past before the other greater plants will rise vp to any height to hinder them which is a way may well be admitted in those Gardens that are small to saue roome and to place things to the most aduantage Thus hauing shewed you diuers wayes and orders how to plant your rootes that your flowers may giue the greater grace in the Garden let mee shew you likewise how to set these kindes of rootes into the ground for many know not well eyther which end to set vpwards or downewards nor yet to what depth they should be placed in the ground Daffodils if they be great rootes will require as must bee obserued in all other great plants to bee planted somewhat deeper then the smaller of the same kinde as also that the tops or heads of the rootes be about two or three fingers breadth hid vnderground The Tulipas likewise if you set them deepe they will be the safer from frosts if your ground be cold which will also cause them to be a little later before they be in flower yet vsually if the mould be good they are to be set a good hand breadth deep within the ground so that there may be three or foure inches of earth at the least aboue the head which is the smaller end of the roote for if they shall lye too neare the vpper face or crust of the earth the colds frosts will pierce and pinch them the sooner After the same order and manner must Hyacinthes whether great or small and other such great rootes be planted Your greater rootes as Martagons Lillies and Crownes Imperiall must be set much deeper then any other bulbous roote because they are greater rootes then others and by themselues also as is most vsuall either in some square round triangle or other small part in the Garden because they spread and take vp a very great deale of ground All of them likewise are to be set with the broad end of the roote downewards and the small end vpwards that is both Lillies Daffodils Hyacinthes and Tulipas and all other sorts of round rootes which shew one end to bee smaller than another But the Colchicum or Medow-Saffron onely requireth an exception to this generall rule in regard the roote thereof hath a small eminence or part on the one side thereof which must bee set or planted downeward and not vpward for you shall obserue if the roote lye a little moist out of the ground that it will shoote fibres out at the small long end thereof although you may perceiue when you take it vp that the fibres were at the other broad end or side of the roote As for the Crowne Imperiall which is a broad round roote and flat withall hauing a
hole in the middle for the most part quite thorow when it is taken vp in his due time out of the ground you shall perceiue the scales or cloues of the rootes to bee a little open on the vpperside and close and flat on the vnderside which will direct you which part to set vpward as also that the hole is bigger aboue then it is below The Persian Lilly is almost like vnto the Crowne Imperiall but that the roote thereof is not so flat and that it hath a smaller head at the one part whereby it may be discerned the plainer how to be set The Fritillaria is a small white root diuided as it were into two parts so that many haue doubted as formerly in the Crowne Imperiall what part to set vppermost you shall therefore marke that the two parts of the roote are ioyned together at the bottome where it shooteth out fibres or small stringie rootes as all other sorts of bulbous rootes doe and withall you shall see that betweene the two parts of the roote a small head will appeare which is the burgeon that will spring vp to beare leaues and flowers In the rootes of Anemones there are small round swelling heads easie enough to be obserued if you marke it which must be set vpwards All other sorts of stringie rooted plants and not bulbous or tuberous rooted that lose their greene leaues in Winter will shew a head from whence the leaues and flowers will spring and all others that keepe their greene leaues are to bee planted in the same manner that other herbes and flower-plants are accustomed to be But yet for the better thriuing of the stringie rooted plants when you will plant them let me informe you of the best way of planting and the most sure to cause any plant to comprehend in the ground without failing and is no common way with any Gardiner in this Kingdome that euer I heard or knew which is thus Presuming that the stringie rooted plant is fresh and not old gathered and a plant that being remoued will grow againe make a hole in the ground large enough where you meane to set this roote and raise the earth within the hole a little higher in the middle then on the sides and set the roote thereon spreading the strings all abroad about the middle that they may as it were couer the middle and then put the earth gently round about it pressing it a little close and afterwards water it well if it be in Summer or in a dry time or otherwise moderately thus shall euery seuerall string of the roote haue earth enough to cause it to shoote forth and thereby to encrease farre better than by the vsuall way which is without any great care and respect to thrust the rootes together into the ground Diuers other flower plants are but annuall to bee new sowne euery yeare as the Maruaile of the world the Indian Cresses or yellow Larkes heeles the Flower of the Sunne and diuers other they therefore that will take pleasure in them that they may enioy their flowers the earlier in the yeare and thereby haue ripe seede of them while warme weather lasteth must nurse vp their seedes in a bed of hot dung as Melons and Cowcumbers are but your bed must be prouided earlier for these seeds than for Melons c. that they may haue the more comfort of the Summer which are to be carefully tended after they are transplanted from the hot bed and couered with straw from colds whereby you shall not faile to gaine ripe seed euery yeare which otherwise if you should misse of a very kindly hot Summer you should neuer haue Some of these seedes neede likewise to be transplanted from the bed of dung vnder a warme wall as the Flower of the Sunne and the Maruaile of the world and some others and that for a while after their transplanting as also in the heate of Summer you water them at the roote with water that hath stood a day or two in the Sunne hauing first laid a round wispe of hay or such other thing round about the roote that so all helpes may further their giuing of ripe seede One or two rules more I will giue you concerning these dainty flowers the first whereof is this That you shall not bee carefull to water any of your bulbous or tuberous rooted plants at any time for they all of them do better prosper in a dry ground than in a wet onely all sorts of tuberous rooted Flower deluces vpon their remouall had neede of a little water and some will doe so also to such Tulipas and other bulbous rootes as they transplant when they are in flower and this is I grant in some sort tolerable if it bee not too much and done onely to cause the stalke and flower to abide sometime the longer before they wither but else in no other case to be permitted The second rule is That I would aduise you to water none of your dainty flowers or herbes with any water that hath presently before been drawne out of a well or pumpe but onely with such water that hath stood open in the Sunne in some cisterne tubbe or pot for a day at the least if more the better for that water which is presently drawne out of a well c. is so cold that it presently chilleth killeth any dainty plant be it younger or elder grown wherof I haue had sufficient proofe and therfore I giue you this caution by mine own experience Thus haue I directed you from point to point in all the particulars of preparing planting that belong to this Garden sauing only that yet I would further enforme you of the time of the flowring of these Out-landish plants according to the seuerall moneths in the yeare that euery one may know what flowers euery moneth yeeldeth and may chuse what them liketh best in that they may see hat there is no moneth but glorieth in some peculiar sorts of rare flowers I would likewise rather in this place shew you the true and best manner order to encrease and preserue all sorts of Gilloflowers Carnations then ioyne it with the Chapter of Gilloflowers in the worke following because it would in that place take vp too much roome And lastly I must of necessity oppose three sundry errours that haue possessed the mindes of many both in former and later times which are that any flower may be made to grow double by art that was but single before by nature And that one may by art cause any flower to grow of what colour they will And that any plants may be forced to flower out of their due seasons either earlier or later by an art which some can vse All which being declared I then suppose enough is spoken for an introduction to this worke referring many other things to the seuerall directions in the Chapters of the booke CHAP. VII The seuerall times of the flowring of these Out-landish flowers
vpon the greene leaues or as little as may be and by this onely way haue they been better defended from the frosts that spoile them in Winter then by any other that I haue seen or knowne The windes in March and Sunneshine dayes then are one of the greatest inconueniences that happeneth vnto them for they that haue had hundreds of plants that haue kept faire and greene all the Winter vntill the beginning or middle of March before the end thereof haue had scarce one of many that either hath not vtterly perished or been so tainted that quickly after haue not been lost which hath happened chiefly by the neglect of these cautions before specified or in not defending them from the bitter sharpe windes and sunne in this moneth of March You shall therefore for their better preseruation besides the litter laid about the rootes which I aduise you not to remoue as yet shelter them somewhat from the windes with eyther bottomlesse pots pales or such like things to keep away the violent force both of windes and sun for that moneth and for sometime before after it also yet so that they be not couered close aboue but open to receiue ayre raine Some also vse to wind withes of hey or straw about the rootes of their Gilloflowers and fasten them with stickes thrust into the ground which serue very well in the stead of the other Thus haue I shewed you the whole preseruation of these worthy and dainty flowers with the whole manner of ordering them for their encrease if any one haue any other better way I shall be as willing to learne it of them as I haue beene to giue them or any others the knowledge of that I haue here set downe CHAP. IX That there is not any art whereby any flower may be made to grow double that was naturally single nor of any other sent or colour than it first had by nature nor that the sowing or planting of herbes one deeper than other will cause them to be in flower one after another euery moneth in the yeare THe wonderfull desire that many haue to see faire double and sweete flowers hath transported them beyond both reason and nature feigning and boasting often of what they would haue as if they had it And I thinke from this desire and boasting hath risen all the false tales and reports of making flowers double as they list and of giuing them colour and sent as they please and to flower likewise at what time they will I doubt not but that some of these errours are ancient and continued long by tradition and others are of later inuention and therefore the more to be condemned that men of wit and iudgement in these dayes should expose themselues in their writings to be rather laughed at then beleeued for such idle tales And although in the contradiction of them I know I shall vndergoe many calumnies yet notwithstanding I will endeauour to set downe and declare so much as I hope may by reason perswade many in the truth although I cannot hope of all some being so strongly wedded to their owne will and the errours they haue beene bred in that no reason may alter them First therefore I say that if there were any art to make some flowers to grow double that naturally were single by the same art all sorts of flowers that are single by nature may be made to grow double but the sorts of flowers that are single by nature whereof some are double were neuer made double by art for many sorts abide still single whereof there was neuer seene double and therefore there is no such art in any mans knowledge to bring it to passe If any man shall say that because there are many flowers double whereof there are single also of the same kinâ—â— as for example Violets Marigolds Daisyes Daffodils Anemones and many other that therefore those double flowers were so made by the art of man viz. by the obseruation of the change of the Moone the constellations or coniunctions of Planets or some other Starres or celestiall bodies Although I doe confesse and acknowledge that I thinke some constellations and peraduenture changes of the Moone c. were appointed by the God of nature as conducing and helping to the making of those flowers double that nature hath so produced yet I doe deny that any man hath or shall euer be able to proue that it was done by any art of man or that any man can tell the true causes and seasons what changes of the Moone or constellations of the Planets wrought together for the producing of those double flowers or can imitate nature or rather the God of nature to doe the like If it shall bee demanded From whence then came these double flowers that we haue if they were not so made by art I answer that assuredly all such flowers did first grow wilde and were so found double as they doe now grow in Gardens but for how long before they were found they became double no man can tell we onely haue them as nature hath produced them and so they remaine Againe if any shall say that it is likely that these double flowers were forced so to be by the often planting and transplanting of them because it is obserued in most of them that if they stand long in any one place and not be often remoued they will grow still lesse double and in the end turne single I doe confesse that Facilior est descensus quà m ascensus and that the vnfruitfulnesse of the ground they are planted in or the neglect or little care had of them or the growing of them too thicke or too long are oftentimes a cause of the diminishing of the flowers doublenesse but withall you shall obserue that the same rootes that did beare double flowers and not any other that neuer were double before haue returned to their former doublenesse againe by good ordering and looking vnto single flowers haue only beene made somewhat fairer or larger by being planted in the richer and more fruitfull ground of the Garden than they were found wilde by nature but neuer made to grow double as that which is naturally so found of it selfe For I will shew you mine owne experience in the matter I haue been as inquisitiue as any man might be with euery one I knew that made any such report or that I thought could say any thing therein but I neuer could finde any one that could assuredly resolue me that he knew certainly any such thing to be done all that they could say was but report for the obseruation of the Moone to remoue plants before the change that is as some say the full of the Moone others the new Moone whereupon I haue made tryall at many times and in many sorts of plants accordingly and as I thought fit by planting transplanting them but I could neuer see the effect desired but rather in many of them the losse of my plants And
the yeare or the temper of the climate being further North or South to bring them on earlier or later as it doth with all other fruits flowers and growing greene herbes c. except that by chance some one or other extraordinarily may be hindered in their due season of flowring and so giue their flowers out of time or else to giue their flowers twice in the yeare by the superaboundance of nourishment or the mildnesse of the season by moderate showers of raine c. as it sometimes also happeneth with fruits which chance as it is seldome and not constant so we then terme it but Lusus naturae or else by forcing them in hot stoues which then will perish when they haue giuen their flowers or fruits It is not then as some haue written the sowing of the seedes of Lillies or any other plants a foote deepe or halfe a foote deepe or two inches deepe that will cause them to be in flower one after another as they are sowne euery moneth of the yeare for it were too grosse to thinke that any man of reason and iudgement would so beleeue Nor is it likewise in the power of any man to make the same plants to abide a moneth two or three or longer in their beauty of flowring then naturally they vse to doe for I thinke that were no humane art but a supernaturall worke For nature still bendeth and tendeth to perfection that is after flowring to giue fruit or seede nor can it bee hindered in the course thereof without manifest danger of destruction euen as it is in all other fruit-bearing creatures which stay no longer then their appointed time is naturall vnto them without apparent damage Some things I grant may be so ordered in the planting that according to that order and time which is obserued in their planting they shall shew forth their faire flowers and they are Anemones which will in that manner that I haue shewed in the worke following flower in seuerall moneths of the yeare which thing as it is incident to none or very few other plants and is found out but of late so likewise is it knowne but vnto a very few Thus haue I shewed you the true solution of these doubts And although they haue not beene amplified with such Philosophicall arguments and reasons as one of greater learning might haue done yet are they truely and sincerely set downe that they may serue tanquam galcatum against all the calumnies and obiections of wilfull and obdurate persons that will not be reformed As first that all double flowers were so found wilde being the worke of nature alone and not the art of any man by planting or transplanting at or before the new or full Moone or any other obseruation of time that hath caused the flower to grow double that naturally was single Secondly that the rules and directions to cause flowers to bee of contrary or different colours or sents from that they were or would be naturally are meere fancies of men without any ground of reason or truth And thirdly that there is no power or art in man to cause flowers to shew their beauty diuers moneths before their naturall time nor to abide in their beauty longer then the appointed naturall time for euery one of them THE GARDEN OF PLEASANT FLOWERS CHAP. I. Corona Imperialis The Crowne Imperiall BEcause the Lilly is the more stately flower among manie and amongst the wonderfull varietie of Lillies knowne to vs in these daies much more then in former times whereof some are white others blush some purple others red or yellow some spotted others without spots some standing vpright others hanging or turning downewards The Crowne Imperiall for his stately beautifulness deserueth the first place in this our Garden of delight to be here entreated of before all other Lillies but because it is so well knowne to most persons being in a manner euery where common I shall neede onely to giue you a relation of the chiefe parts thereof as I intend in such other things which are these The roote is yellowish on the outside composed of fewer but much thicker scales then any other Lilly but the Persian and doth grow sometimes to be as great as a pretty bigge childes head but somewhat flat withall from the sides whereof and not from the bottome it shooteth forth thicke long fibres which perish euery yeare hauing a hole in the midst thereof at the end of the yeare when the old stalke is dry and withered and out of the which a new stalke doth spring againe from a bud or head to be seen within the hollownesse on the one side the yeare following the stalke then filling vp the hollownesse riseth vp three or foure foote high being great round and of a purplish colour at the bottome but greene aboue beset from thence to the middle thereof with many long and broad greene leaues very like to the leaues of our ordinary white Lilly but somewhat shorter and narrower confusedly without order and from the middle is bare or naked without leaues for a certaine space vpwards and then beareth foure sixe or tenne flowers more or lesse according to the age of the plant and the fertility of the soyle where it groweth The buddes at the first appearing are whitish standing vpright among a bush or tuft of greene leaues smaller then those below and standing aboue the flowers after a while they turne themselues and hang downewards euerie one vpon his owne footestalke round about the great stemme or stalke sometimes of an euen depth and other while one lower or higher than another which flowers are neare the forme of an ordinary Lilly yet somewhat lesser and closer consisting of sixe leaues of an Orange colour striped with purplish lines and veines which adde a great grace to the flowers At the bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke euery leafe thereof hath on the outside a certaine bunch or eminence of a darke purplish colour and on the inside there lyeth in those hollow bunched places certaine cleare drops of water like vnto pearles of a very sweete taste almost like sugar in the midst of each flower is a long white stile or pointell forked or diuided at the end and sixe white chiues tipt with yellowish pendents standing close about it after the flowers are past appeare sixe square seede vessels standing vpright winged as it were or welted on the edges yet seeming but three square because each couple of those welted edges are ioyned closer together wherein are contained broad flat and thinne seedes of a pale brownish colour like vnto other Lillies but much greater and thicker also The stalke of this plant doth oftentimes grow flat two three or foure fingers broad and then beareth many more flowers but for the most part smaller then when it beareth round stalkes And sometimes it happeneth the stalke to be diuided at the top carrying two or three tufts of greene leaues without any flowers on them And sometimes
likewise to beare two or three rowes or crownes of flowers one aboue another vpon one stalke which is seldome and scarce seene and besides is but meere accidentall the whole plant and euery part thereof as well rootes as leaues and flowers doe smell somewhat strong as it were the sauour of a Foxe so that if any doe but come neare it he cannot but smell it which yet is not vnwholsome I haue not obserued any variety in the colour of this flower more then that it will be fairer in a cleare open ayre and paler or as it were blasted in a muddy or smoakie ayre And although some haue boasted of one with white flowers yet I could neuer heare that any such hath endured in one vniforme colour The Place This plant was first brought from Constantinople into these Christian Countries and by the relation of some that sent it groweth naturally in Persia The Time It flowreth most commonly in the end of March if the weather be milde and springeth not out of the ground vntill the end of February or beginning of March so quicke it is in the springing the heads with seed are ripe in the end of May. The Names It is of some called Lilium Persicum the Persian Lilly but because wee haue another which is more vsually called by that name as shall be shewed in the next Chapter I had rather with Alphonsus Pancius the Duke of Florence his Physitian who first sent the figure thereof vnto M sr Iohn de Brancion call it Corona Imperialis The Crowne Imperiall then by any other name as also for that this name is now more generally receiued It hath been sent also by the name Tusai and Tuschai and Turfani or Turfanda being as it is like the Turkish names The Vertues For any Physicall Vertues that are in it I know of none nor haue heard that any hath been found out notwithstanding the strong sent would perswade it might be applyed to good purpose CHAP. II. Lilium Persicum The Persian Lilly THe roote of the Persian Lilly is very like vnto the root of the Crowne Imperiall and losing his fibres in like maner euery yeare hauing a hole therin likewise where the old stalke grew but whiter rounder and a little longer smaller and not stinking at all like it from whence springeth vp a round whitish greene stalke not 1 Corona Imperialis The Crowne Imperiall 2 Liliuâ—â— Persicum The Persian Lilly 3 Martagon Imperiale The Martagon Imperiall much lower than the Crowne Imperiall but much smaller beset from the bottome to the middle thereof with many long and narrow leaues of a whitish or blewish greene colour almost like to the leafe of a Tulipa from the middle vpwards to the toppe of the stalke stand many flowers one aboue another round about it with leaues at the foote of euery one of them each whereof is pendulous or hanging downe the head like vnto the Crowne Imperiall and not turning vp any of the flowers againe but smaller than in any other kinde of Lilly yea not so bigge as the flower of a Fritillaria consisting of sixe leaues a peece of a dead or ouerworne purplish colour hauing in the midst a small long pointell with certaine chiues tipt with yellow pendents after the flowers are past which abide open a long time and for the most part flower by degrees the lowest first and so vpwards if the weather be temperate come sixe square heads or seede vessels seeming to be but three square by reason of the wings very like to the heads of the Crowne Imperiall but smaller and shorter wherein are contained such like flat seed but smaller also and of a darker colour The Place This was as it is thought first brought from Persia vnto Constantinople and from thence sent vnto vs by the meanes of diuers Turkie Merchants and in especiall by the procurement of Mr. Nicholas Lete a worthy Merchant and a louer of all faire flowers The Time It springeth out of the ground very neare a moneth before the Crowne Imperiall but doth not flower till it bee quite past that is to say not vntill the latter end of Aprill or beginning of May the seed when it doth come to perfection as it seldome doth is not ripe vntill Iuly The Names It hath been sent by the name of Pennachio Persiano and wee thereupon doe most vsually call it Lilium Persicum The Persian Lilly Clusius saith it hath been sent into the Low-Countries vnder the name of Susam giul and he thereupon thinking it came from Susis in Persia called it Lilium Susianum The Lilly of Susis The Vertues Wee haue not yet heard that this hath beene applyed for any Physicall respect CHAP. III. Martagon Imperiale siue Lilium Montanum maius The Martagon Imperiall VNder this title of Lilium Montanum or Lilium Siluestre I do comprehend only those kindes of Lillies which carry diuers circles of greene leaues set together at certaine distances round about the stalke and not sparsedly as the two former and as other kindes that follow doe And although there bee many of this sort yet because their chiefest difference is in the colour of the flower wee will containe them all in one Chapter and begin with the most stately of them all because of the number of flowers it beareth vpon one stalke The Imperiall Lilly hath a scaly roote like vnto all the rest of the Lillies but of a paler yellow colour closely compact or set together being short and small oftentimes in comparison of the greatnesse of the stemme growing from it The stalke is brownish and round at the bottome and sometimes flat from the middle vpwards three foote high or more beset at certaine distances with rondles or circles of many broad leaues larger and broader for the most part than any other of this kinde and of a darke green colour It hath two or three and sometimes foure of these rondles or circles of leaues and bare without any leafe betweene but aboue toward the tops of the stalkes it hath here and there some leaues vpon it but smaller than any of the other leaues at the toppe of the stalke come forth many flowers sometime three or foure score thicke thrust or confusedly set together and not thinne or sparsedly one aboue another as in the lesser of this kinde of Mountaine Lilly It hath been sometimes also obserued in this kinde that it hath borne manie flowers at three seuerall spaces of the stalke one aboue another which hath made a goodly shew each flower whereof is pendulous hanging downe and each leafe of the flower turning vp againe being thicke or fleshy of a fine delayed purple colour spotted with many blackish or brownish spots of a very pleasant sweet sent which maketh it the more acceptable in the middle of the flower hangeth downe a stile or pointell knobbed or buttoned at the end with sixe yellow chiues tipt with loose pendents of an Orient red or Vermillion colour which will easily sticke
for the leaues of some Tulipas are all sharpe pointed or all blunt and round pointed and many haue the three outer leaues sharpe pointed and the three inner round or pointed and some contrariwise the three outermost round pointed and the three inner sharpe pointed Againe some haue all the leaues of the flowers long and narrow and some haue them broader and shorter Some Praecoces also haue their flowers very large and great equall vnto eyther the Media or Serotina which most commonly are the largest and others haue them as small as the Bolonia Tulipa The bottomes of the leaues of the flowers are also variably diuersified and so are both the chiues or threeds that stand vp about the head and the tips or pendents that are hanging loose on the toppes of them and by the difference of the bottomes or chiues many flowers are distinguished which else are very like in colour and alike also marked For the smell also there is some diuersity for that the flowers of some are very sweete of others nothing at all and some betweene both of a small sent but not offensiue and yet some I haue obserued haue had a strong ill sent but how to shew you to distinguish them more then by your owne sense I cannot for the seedes of sweete smelling Tulipas doe not follow their mother plant no more then they doe in the colour And lastly take this which is not the least obseruation worth the noting that I haue obserued in many When they haue beene of one entire colour for diuers yeares yet in some yeare they haue altered very much as if it had not beene the same viz. from a purple or stamell it hath beene variably either parted or mixed or striped with white eyther in part or through the whole flower and so in a red or yellow flower that it hath had eyther red or yellow edges or yellow or red spots lines veines or flames running through the red or yellow colour and sometimes it hath happened that three leaues haue been equally parted in the middle with red and yellow the other three abiding of one colour and in some the red had some yellow in it and the yellow some red spots in it also whereof I haue obserued that all such flowers not hauing their originall in that manner for some that haue such or the like markes from the beginning that is from the first and second yeares flowring are constant and doe not change but as I said were of one colour at the first doe shew the weaknesse and decay of the roote and that this extraordinary beauty in the flower is but as the brightnesse of a light vpon the very extinguishing thereof and doth plainly declare that it can doe his Master no more seruice and therefore with this iollity doth bid him good night I know there is a common opinion among many and very confidently maintained that a Tulipa with a white flower hath changed to beare a red or yellow and so of the red or yellow and other colours that they are likewise inconstant as though no flowers were certaine but I could neuer either see or heare for certaine any such alteration nor any other variation but what is formerly expressed Let not therefore any iudicious be carried away with any such idle conceit but rather suspect some deceit in their Gardeners or others by taking vp one and putting in another in the place or else their owne mistaking Now for the sowing planting transplanting choise and ordering of Tulipas which is not the least of regard concerning this subiect in hand but as I think would be willingly entertained What I haue by my best endeauours learned by mine owne paines in almost forty yeares trauell or from others informations I am willing here to set downe not doubting but that some may adde what hath not come to my knowledge First in the sowing of seedes of Tulipas I haue not obserued whatsoeuer others haue written nor could of certainty learne of others that there doth arise from the seedes of Praecoces any Medias or Serotine Tulipas or but very seldome nor am certainly assured of any but that the seedes of all Praecoces so they be not doubtfull or of the last flowring sorts will bring Praecoces And I am out of doubt that I neuer saw nor could learne that euer the seede of the Medias or Serotines haue giuen Praecoces but Medias or Serotines according to their naturall kinde But if there should bee any degeneration I rather incline to thinke that it sooner commeth to passe à meliore ad peius for facilis est descensus that is that Praecoces may giue Medias then that Medias or Serotines should giue Praecoces For the choise of your seede to sowe First for the Praecoces Clusius saith that the Praecox Tulipa that beareth a white flower is the best to giue the greatest variety of colours Some among vs haue reported that they haue found great variety rise from the seede of the red Praecox which I can more hardly beleeue but Clusius his experience hath the greater probability but especially if it haue some mixture of red or purple in it The purple I haue found to be the best next thereunto is the purple with white edges and so likewise the red with yellow edges each of them will bring most of their owne colours Then the choise of the best Medias is to take those colours that are light rather white then yellow and purple then red yea white not yellow purple not red but these againe to be spotted is the best and the more the better but withall or aboue all in these respect the ground or bottome of the flower which in the Praecox Tulipa cannot because you shall seldome see any other ground in them but yellow for if the flower be white or whitish spotted or edged and straked and the bottome blew or purple such as is found in the Holias and in the Cloth of siluer this is beyond all other the most excellent and out of question the choisest of an hundred to haue the greatest and most pleasant variety and rarity And so in degree the meaner in beauty you sowe the lesser shall your pleasure in rarities be Bestowe not your time in sowing red or yellow Tulipa seede or the diuers mixtures of them for they will as I haue found by experience seldome be worth your paines The Serotina or late flowring Tulipa because it is seldome seene with any especiall beautifull variety you may easily your selues ghesse that it can bring forth euen as I haue also learned no raritie and little or no diuersity at all The time and manner to sowe these seedes is next to be considered You may not sowe them in the spring of the yeare if you hope to haue any good of them but in the Autumne or presently after they be thorough ripe and dry yet if you sowe them not vntill the end of October they will come forward neuer the
one Alter minori flore two or three at the most vpon a stalke and of lesse beauty by much The Place All these Rush Daffodils doe for the most part grow in Spaine and France and on the Pyrenaean Mountaines which are betweene Spaine and France which Mountains are the Nourseries of many of the finest flowers that doe adorne the Gardens of these louers of natures pride and gathered in part by industrious learned generous men inhabiting neare thereunto and in part by such as make a gaine of their labours bestowed vpon these things Onely that with the greene flower was gathered in Barbary and imparted vnto vs from France The Time They flower in the Spring that is in March and Aprill except such whose time is set downe to be in Autumne The Names Their names are specified in their titles and therefore I shall not need to set downe any further repetitions To conclude therefore this discourse of true Daffodils there remaineth to speake of the Sea Daffodils which as I said in the beginning is but one that is frequent and doth abide with vs. But there bee some others found about the Cape of good Hope and in the West Indies and brought into these parts rather for ostentation then continuance where they haue flowred onely once if peraduenture so often so that being such strangers of so remote Countries and of so diuers natures I shall but shew you some of them rather cursorily then curiously and but onely for your satisfaction giue you knowledge of two or three of them that there haue beene seene such in flower and that they are scarce to bee seene againe except they bee fetcht a new euery yeare that they be seene Narcissus Marinus siue tertius Matthioli The great white Sea Daffodill or Matthiolus his third Daffodill The roote of this Daffodill by long continuance standing in one place without being remoued groweth to be much greater and larger then any other Daffodill whatsoeuer and as bigge as any meane Squilla or Sea Onion roote hauing many long thicke and white fibres or long rootes diuersly branched and spread vnder the vpper part of the earth beside some others that grow downward and perish not euery yeare as the fibres of all or most of the other Daffodils doe and therefore this plant will not thriue and beare flowers if it be often transplanted but rather desire to abide in one place without remouing as I said and that not to be ouershadowed or couered with other herbes standing too neare it which then will flourish and beare aboundantly from this roote which is couered with many blackish coates ariseth six or seuen or more leaues twice so broad almost as any of the former Daffodils but not so long by halfe as many of them being but short in comparison of the breadth and of a white greene colour from the middle of which leaues as also from the sides sometimes springeth vp one or two or more stalkes roundish and thicke and sometimes a little flat and cornered a foote high or somewhat more bearing at the toppe out of a skinnie huske eight ten twelue or more very large flowers consisting of six white leaues a peece spread or laid open with a white short cuppe or crowne in the middle lying flat vpon the leaues cut or diuided into six corners and not whole as the cuppe or crowne of any other single Daffodill from euery of which edges or corners of this cup or crowne standeth one white long thread a little crooked or turning vp at the end tipt with a yellow pendent and some other white threads tipt with yellow pendents standing also in the middle after the flower is past there come vp great three square heads wherein the seede is contained which is great blacke and round like vnto the seede of other Daffodils but greater the flower hath a reasonable good sent but not very strong The Place It was first found by the Sea side in the Isle of Sardinia and on the high Mountaines also of the same Isle where it hath borne by report thirty fiue flowers vpon a stalke it groweth likewise about Illyricum and in diuers other places The Time It springeth later out of the ground then any other Daffodill that is to say not vntill the later end of March or beginning of Aprill and flowreth in the end of May or the beginning of Iune the seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or beginning of August The Names The first that hath made mention of this Daffodill was Matthiolus who placed it in the third place among his Daffodils and is most vsually now adayes called Narcissus tertius Matthioli Matthiolus his third Daffodill the rather because Clusius vpon a more mature deliberation first referred it thereunto but called it at the first Lilionarcissus Hemerocallidis facie and as hee saith Iacobus Plateau who first sent him the figure hereof with the description called it Lilionarcissus Orientalis but Clusius vpon certaine information that it grew in the places aforesaid misliked the name of Orientalis and added Hemerocallis which yet is not fit for that his Hemerocallis Valentina is a plaine Pancration or Sea bastard Daffodill whose middle cup is longer then the cup of any true Daffodill which as I said in the beginning of this Chapter is the chiefest note of difference betweene a true and a bastard Daffodill I receiued the seede of this Daffodill among many other seedes of rare plants from the liberality of Mr. Doctor Flud one of the Physitians of the Colledge in London who gathered them in the Vniuetsity Garden at Pisa in Italy and brought them with him returning home from his trauailes into those parts by the name of Martagon rarissimum and hauing sowne them expected fourteene yeares before I saw them beare a flower which the first yeare that it did flower bore foure stalkes of 1 Narcissus tertius Matthioli The great white Sea Daffodill 2 Narcissus Indicus autumnalis The Indian Autumne Daffodill 3 Narcissus marinus Africanus The Sea Daffodill of Africa 4 Narcissus marinus exoticus The strange Sea Daffodill flowers with euery one of them eight or ten flowers on them which of all other names doth least answer the forme or qualities of this plant It may most fitly be called Narcissus marinus maximus in English The great Sea Daffodill both because it is a true Daffodill and the greatest of all other and also because it hath not been found but in Islands or else in other places neare the Sea Lobelius entituleth it Pancratium Indicum alterum vernum siue Narcissus Indicus alter facie Pancratij Monspeliaci but all this is wide from the matter as may easily be known by that that hath been said before It is generally as I said before called of all Narcissus tertius Matthioli Matthiolus his third Daffodill which may either so passe with vs or as I called it The great Sea Daffodill which you will so Clusius doth lastly entitle it 1. Pancratium Indicum
name which middle thrums are as fine and small and as euen at the toppes as the white or last Carnation Anemones 12. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno tricolor The double purple Veluet Anemone of three colours This double Anemone also is very like the last described Anemone but that in the middle of the purple thrums there thrusteth forth a tuft of threads or leaues of a more light crimson colour And thus much for the kindes of Anemones or Windflowers so farre forth as haue hitherto come to our knowledge yet I doubt not but that more varieties haue beene elsewhere collected and will be also in our Countrey daily and yearly obserued by diuers that raise them vp from sowing the seede wherein lyeth a pretty art not yet familiarly knowne to our Nation although it be very frequent in the Lowe-Countries where their industry hath bred and nourished vp such diuersities and varieties that they haue valued some Anemones at such high rates as most would wonder at and none of our Nation would purchase as I thinke And I doubt not if wee would be as curious as they but that both our ayre and soyle would produce as great variety as euer hath been seene in the Lowe-Countries which to procure if any of our Nation will take so much paines in sowing the seedes of Anemones as diuers haue done of Tulipas I will set them downe the best directions for that purpose that I haue learned or could by much search and tryall attaine vnto yet I must let them vnderstand thus much also that there is not so great variety of double flowers raised from the seede of the thin leafed Anemones as from the broad leafed ones First therefore as I said before concerning Tulipas there is some speciall choice to be made of such flowers whose seed is fittest to be taken Of the Latifolias the double Orenge tawney seede being sowne yeeldeth pretty varieties but the purples and reds or crimsons either Latifolias or Tenuifolias yeeld small variety but such as draw nearest to their originall although some be a little deeper or lighter then others But the light colours be they which are the chiefe for choice as white ash-colour blush or carnation light orenge simple or party coloured single or double if they beare seede which must bee carefully gathered and that not before it bee thorough ripe which you shall know by the head for when the seede with the wollinesse beginneth to rise a little of it selfe at the lower end it must bee then quickly gathered lest the winde carry it all away After it is thus carefully gathered it must be laid to dry for a weeke or more which then being gently rubbed with a little dry sand or earth will cause the seede to be somewhat better separated although not thoroughly from the woollinesse or downe that compasseth it Within a moneth at the most after the seede is thus gathered and prepared it must be sowne for by that meanes you shall gaine a yeare in the growing ouer that you should doe if you sowed it in the next Spring If there remaine any woollinesse in the seede pull it in sunder as well as you can and then sowe your seede reasonable thin and not too thicke vpon a plaine smooth bed of fine earth or rather in pots or tubbes and after the sowing sift or gently straw ouer them some fine good fresh mould about one fingers thicknesse at the most for the first time And about a moneth after their first springing vp sift or straw ouer them in like manner another fingers thicknesse of fine earth and in the meane time if the weather proue dry you must water them gently and often but not to ouerglut them with moisture and thus doing you shall haue them spring vp before Winter and grow pretty strong able to abide the sharpe Winter in their nonage in vsing some little care to couer them loosely with some fearne or furse or beane hame or straw or any such which yet must not lye close vpon them nor too farre from them neither The next Spring after the sowing if you will but it is better if you stay vntill August you may then remoue them and set them in order by rowes with sufficient distance one from another where they may abide vntill you see what manner of flower each plant will beare which you may dispose of according to your minde Many of them being thus ordered if your mould be fine loose and fresh not stonie clayish or from a middin will beare flowers the second yeare after the sowing and most or all of them the third yeare if the place where you sowe them be not annoyed with the smoake of Brewers Dyers or Maultkils which if it be then will they neuer thriue well Thus much haue I thought good to set downe to incite some of our owne Nation to be industrious and to helpe them forward haue giuen such rules of directions that I doubt not but they will vpon the tryall and view of the variety proceede as well in the sowing of Anemones as of Tulipas I cannot Gentlewomen withhold one other secret from you which is to informe you how you may so order Anemones that after all others ordinarily are past you may haue them in flower for two or three moneths longer then are to be seene with any other that vseth not this course I direct you The ordinary time to plant Anemones is most commonly in August which will beare flower some peraduenture before Winter but most vsually in February March and Aprill few or none of them abiding vntill May but if you will keepe some roots out of the ground vnplanted vntill February March and Aprill and plant some at one time and some at another you shall haue them beare flower according to their planting those that shall be planted in February will flower about the middle or end of May and so the rest accordingly after that manner And thus may you haue the pleasure of these plants out of their naturall seasons which is not permitted to be enioyed in any other that I know Nature being not so prone to bee furthered by art in other things as in this Yet regard that in keeping your Anemone rootes out of the ground for this purpose you neither keep them too dry nor yet too moist for sprouting or rotting and in planting them that you set them not in too open a sunny place but where they may be somewhat shadowed The Place I shall not need to spend much time in relating the seuerall places of these Anemones but onely to declare that the most of them that haue not beene raised from seed haue come from Constantinople to vs yet the first broad leafed or yellow Anemone was first found in Portugall and from thence brought into these parts And the first purple Starre Anemone in Germanie yet was the same sent among others from Constantinople also And the first thin cut leafed Anemone came first out of
double kinde another sort Polifero flore whose flower is of the same colour with the former but out of the middle of the flower ariseth another double flower but smaller The Place These plants grow naturally in diuers Countries some in France and Germany and some in England some in Spaine Portugall and Italy and some haue been sent out of Turkie from Constantinople and some from other parts their titles for the most part descrying their Countries The Time Some of them flower early as is set downe in their descriptions or titles The others in Aprill and May. The white Candy Crowfoote and the other single and double sorts of Asia about the same time or somewhat later and one in Autumne as it is set downe The Names The names that are giuen seuerally to them may well serue this worke that thereby they may bee distinguished one from another For to set downe any further controuersie of names how fitly or vnfitly they haue beene called and how variably by diuers former Writers is fitter for a generall History vnto which I leaue what may be said both concerning these and the rest Onely this I would giue you to vnderstand that the Turkie kindes haue been sent to vs vnder the names of Terobolos for the single and Terobolos Catamer lale for the double and yet oftentimes those that haue been sent for double haue proued single so little fidelity is to bee found among them The Vertues All or most of these plants are very sharpe and exulcerating yet the care and industry of diuers learned men haue found many good effects in many of them For the rootes and leaues both of the wilde kindes and of some of these of the Garden stamped and applyed to the wrists haue driuen away the fits in Feuers The roote likewise of the double English kinde is applyed for pestilent sores to helpe to breake them by drawing the venome to the place They helpe likewise to take away scarres and markes in diuers places of the body CHAP. XXVIII Caltha palustris flore pleno Double Marsh Marigold AS an appendix to the Crowfeete I must needes adde this plant yet seuerally by it selfe because both it and his single kinde are by most adioyned thereunto for the neare resemblance both in shape and sharpenesse of quality The single kinde I leaue to the Ditch sides and moist grounds about them as the fittest places for it and onely bring the double kinde into my Garden as fittest for his goodly proportion and beauty to be entertained and haue place therein The double Marsh Marigold hath many broad and round greene leaues a little endented about the edges like vnto the single kinde but not altogether so large especially in a Garden where it standeth not very moist the stalkes are weake round hollow and greene diuided into three or foure branches at the toppe with leaues at the seuerall ioynts whereon stand very double flowers of a gold yellow colour the fiue outer leaues being larger then any of the rest that are encompassed by them which fall away after they haue stood blowne a great while for it endureth in flower a moneth or more especially if it stand in a shadowie place without bearing any seed the rootes are composed of many thicke long and round whitish strings which runne downe deep into the ground and there are fastened very strongly The Place This plant groweth naturally in diuers Marshes and moist grounds in Germany yet in some more double then in others it hath long agoe beene cherished in our Gardens The Time It flowreth in Aprill or May as the yeare proueth earlier or later all his leaues doe in a manner quite perish in Winter and spring anew in the end of February or thereabouts The Names There is great controuersie among the learned about the single kinde but thereof I shall not neede to speake in this place if God permit I may in a fitter This is called generally in Latine Caltha palustris multiplex or flore pleno And wee in English after the Latine which take Caltha to be that which wee vsually call Calendula a Marigold The double Marsh Marigold The Vertues The roote hereof is sharpe comming neare vnto the quality of the Crowfeete but for any speciall property I haue not heard or found any CHAP. XXIX Hepatica nobilis siue trifolia Noble Liuerwort NExt vnto the Crowfeete are to follow the Hepaticas because of the likenesse with them seeming to be small Crowfeete in all their parts but of another and more wholsome kinde Their diuersity among themselues consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flowers all of them being single except one which is very thicke and double 1. Hepatica flore caeruleo simplici maior The great single blew Hepatica or noble Liuerwort The flowers of this Hepatica doe spring vp blow open and sometimes shed and fall away before any leaues appeare or spread open The rootes are composed of a bush of blackish strings from the seuerall heads or buttons whereof after the flowers are risen and blowne arise many fresh greene leaues each seuerally standing vpon his foot-stalke folded together and somewhat browne and hairy at their first comming which after are broad and diuided at the edges into three parts the flowers likewise stand euery one vpon his owne seuerall foote-stalke of the same height with the leaues for the most part which is about foure or fiue fingers breadth high made of six leaues most vsually but sometimes it will haue seuen or eight of a faire blew colour with many white chiues or threads in the middle standing about a middle green head or vmbone which after the flower is fallen groweth greater and sheweth many small graines or seede set close together with three small greene leaues compassing them vnderneath as they did the flower at the bottome very like the head of seed of manie Crowfeete 2. Hepatica minor flore pallido caeruleo The small blew Hepatica The leaues of this Hepatica are smaller by the halfe then the former and grow more aboundantly or bushing thicke together the flowers when it sheweth them for I haue had the plant halfe a score yeares and yet neuer saw it beare flower aboue once or twice are of a pale or bleake blew colour not so large as the flowers of the former 3. Hepatica flore purpureo Purple Hepatica or noble Liuerwort This Hepatica is in all things like vnto the first but onely the flowers are of a deeper blew tending to a Violet purple and therefore I shall not neede to reiterate the former description 4. Hepatica flore albo minor The lesser white Hepatica The flowers of this Hepatica are wholly white of the bignesse of the red or purple and the leaues somewhat smaller and of a little whiter or paler greene colour else in all other things agreeing with the former 5. Hepatica alba magno flore The great white Hepatica There is no other difference herein from the last but that
large flower like vnto other single Nigella's consisting of fiue or six leaues sometimes of a bleake blew or of a purplish blew colour with a greene head in the middle compassed about with seuen or eight small blewish greene flowers or peeces of flowers rather made like gaping hoodes with euery of them a yellowish line thwart or crosse the middle of them with some threds also standing by them after the flower is past the head groweth greater hauing sixe seuen or eight hornes as it were at the toppe greater and longer and standing closer together then any other Nigella spreading very like a starre or the crowne of the Poppy head but larger and longer each whereof being folded together openeth a little when the head is ripe which is greater aboue and smaller below and not so round as the others are containing within them small yellowish greene seede or not so blacke as the other sorts the rootes are small and yellow perishing euery yeare as the others likewise doe 2. Nigella Damascena flore multiplici Double blew Nigella or The Fenell flower The double Nigella is in leaues stalkes and rootes very like vnto the former Nigella so that the one can very hardly bee discerned from the other before this rise vp to flower except it be that the leaues hereof are not fully so large as they the flower consisteth of three or foure rowes of leaues layde one vpon another of a pale blew colour with a greene round head compassed with diuers short threads in the middle and hauing fiue or sixe such small greene Fenell-like leaues vnder the flower to beare it vp as it were below which adde a greater grace to the flowers which at the first sheweth sometimes white but changeth quickely after the horned heads hereof are like vnto the heads of the other wilde kinde which are somewhat rounder and greater hauing within them blacke vneuen seedes but without any sent 3. Nigella Catrina flore albo multiplici Double white Nigella This double white Nigella hath such like leaues as the last hath but somewhat larger of a yellower greene colour and not so finely cut and iagged the flowers are somewhat lesse and lesser double then the former and in colour white hauing no greene leaues vnder the flower as the former hath the head whereof in the middle is very like the head of the last double kinde but not so great wherein is contained black seede for the most part and sweete like the Romane Nigella which only is sweet besides this yet sometimes it is not so blacke but rather a little more white or yellowish the roote is yellow and perisheth as the others euery yeare The Place All these and the rest be found wilde in diuers Countreyes as France Spaine Italie c. but wee onely cherish them in our Gardens for our delight The Time They flower in the end of Iune and in Iuly or thereabouts The Names They are called Melanthium Gith and Nigella and of some Flos Diuae Catherinae We may either call them Nigella according to the Latine name or the Fenell flower as some doe because the double blew Nigella hath small Fenell-like leaues bearing vp the flower as I shewed before in the description The Vertues These Nigella's are nothing so hot in qualitie as the single Romane kind is as may well be knowne by the smell of the seede thereof and therefore are not fit to be vsed in the steed of it as many ignorant persons vse to doe for the single Romane seede is vsed to helpe paines and cold distillations in the head and to dry vp the rheume Pena saith that the pressed oyle of the seede as well taken inwardly as vsed outwardly is an excellent remedy for the hardnesse and swelling of the spleene CHAP. LVI Ptarmica siluestris flore pleno Double wilde Pelletory THe double wilde Pelletorie hath straight and slender stalkes beset with long and narrow leaues snipt round about the edges in all points like vnto the single wilde kinde that groweth common with vs almost euery where on the toppes of the stalkes stand foure or fiue or more white flowers one aboue another with a greene leafe at the bottome of the footestalke of euery one of them beeing small thicke and very double with a little yellowishnesse in the middle of euery flower like both for forme and colour vnto the flower of the double Featherfew but smaller the rootes are many long strings running here and there in the ground this hath no smell at all but is delightsome only for the double white flowers The Place It is only cherished in some few Gardens for it is very rare The Time It flowreth in the end of Iune or thereabouts The Names It is called of most Ptarmica or Sternutamenteria of his qualitie to prouoke neesing and of some Pyrethrum of the hot biting taste We vsually call it Double wilde Pelletorie and some Sneesewort but Elleborus albus is vsually so called and I would not two things should be called by one name for the mistaking and mis-using of them The Vertues The properties hereof no doubt may well bee referred to the single kinde beeing of the same qualitie yet as I take it a little more milde and temperate CHAP. LVII Parthenium flore pleno Double Featherfew FEatherfew that beareth double flowers is so like vnto the single kinde that the one cannot be discerned from the other vntill it come to flower bearing broad pale or fresh greene leaues much cut in on the sides the stalkes haue such like leaues on them as grow below from the toppes whereof come forth many double white flowers like vnto the flowers of the former wilde Pelletory but larger and like also vnto the flowers of the double Camomill the sent whereof is as strong as of the single The Place We haue this kinde only in Gardens and as it is thought by others is peculiar only to our owne Countrey The Time It flowreth in the end of May and in Iune and Iuly The Names It is called diuersly by diuers Some thinke it to be Parthenium of Dioscorides but not of Galen for his Parthenium is a sweet herbe and is thought to bee Amaracus that is Marierome others call it Matricaria and some Amarella Gaza translateth it Muraleum Theoph. lib. 7. cap. 7. It is generally in these parts of our Country called Double Feaverfew or Featherfew The Vertues It is answerable to all the properties of the single kinde which is vsed for womens diseases to procure their monthly courses chiefly It is held to bee a speciall remedy to helpe those that haue taken Opium too liberally In Italy some vse to eate the single kinde among other greene herbes as Camerarius saith but especially fryed with egges and so it wholly loseth his strong and bitter taste CHAP. LVIII Chamaemaelum Camomill OVr ordinary Camomill is well knowne to all to haue many smal trayling branches set with very fine smal leaues bushing and spreading thicke ouer
formes of both which came their names but afterwards growing whiter more soft and open wherein lyeth yellowish round and flat seede somewhat like vnto the Kidney beane the roote is small and stringie dying downe euery yeare and must be new sowne in the spring if you desire to haue it 6. Medica spinosa maior Prickly or thorny Snailes or Buttons This kinde of Medica is in all things very like vnto the former both in the long trayling branches three leaues alwaies growing together but a little greater pale yellow flowers and crooked or winding heads but herein chiefly consisteth the difference that this kinde hath his heads or buttons harder a little greater more closed together and set with short and somewhat hard prickles all the head ouer which being pulled open haue those prickles standing on each side of the filme or skinne whereof the head consisteth somewhat like vnto a fish bone and in this kinde goeth all one way in which are contained such like seedes for the forme as are in the former but great and blacke and shining withall 7. Medica spinosa altera Small thorney Buttons or Snailes This other kinde is also like vnto the last described in all other things except in the heads or buttons which are a little smaller but set with longer and softer prickes vpon the filmes and may easily bee discerned to goe both forwards and backewards one enterlacing within another wherein are contained such like flat and blacke shining seede made after the fashion of a kidney as are in the former but somewhat smaller the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare 8. Medica lata Broade Buttons This kinde differeth not from the first in leafe or flower the fruite onely hereof is broade and flat and not so much twined as it 9. Medica Lunata Halfe Moones This is also a kinde of these Medicke fodders hauing a trefoyle leafe and yellow flowers like the former sorts but both somewhat larger the chiefest different consisteth in the head or fruite which is broade and flat and not twined like the rest but abideth halfe closed resembling a halfe Moone and thereupon hath assumed both the Latine and English name wherein is contained flat seede kidney fashion like the former 10. Hedysarum clypeatum The red Sattin flower This red flowred Fitchling hath many stalkes of winged faire greene leaues that is of many set on both sides a middle ribbe whereof that at the end is the greatest of the rest from the ioynts where the leaues stand come forth pretty long small stalkes bearing on them very many flowers vp to the toppe one aboue another of an excellent shining red or crimson colour very like vnto Sattin of that colour and sometimes of a white colour as Master William Coys a Gentleman of good respect in Essex a great and ancient louer and cherisher of these delights and of all other rare plants in his life time assured me he had growing in his garden at Stubbers by North Okenden which are somewhat large and more closed together almost flat and not open as in most of the other sorts after the flowers are past there come rough flat round huskes somewhat like vnto the old fashioned round bucklers without pikes three or foure standing one vpon or aboue another wherein are contained small brownish seede the roote perisheth the same yeare it beareth seede for oftentimes it flowreth not the first yeare it is sowne 11. Scorpioides maius minus Great and small Caterpillers Vnder one description I comprehend both these sorts of Scorpions grasse or Caterpillers or Wormes as they are called by many whereof the greater hath been known but of late yeares and ioyne them to these pulses not hauing a fitter place where to insert them It is but a small low plant with branches lying vpon the ground and somewhat long broad and hard leaues theron among which come forth small stalkes bearing at the end for the most part two small pale yellowish flowers like vnto Tares or Vetches but smaller which turne into writhed or crooked tough cods in the greater sort they are much thicker rounder and whiter and lesser wound or turned together then in the smaller which are slenderer more winding yet not closing like vnto the Snailes and blacker more like vnto a Caterpiller then the other wherein are contained brownish yellow seede much like vnto a Medica the rootes of both are small and fibrous perishing euery yeare The Place These are found seuerally in diuers and seuerall places but wee sow and plant them vsually to furnish our gardens The Time They doe all flower about the moneths of Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe soone after but the second is earlier then the rest The Names The first is called Clymenum of Matthiolus and Lathyris of Lobel and others but Lathyris in Greeke is Cataputia in Latine which is our Spurge farre differing from this Pulse and therefore Lathyrus is more proper to distinguish them asunder that two plants so farre vnlike should not bee called by one name this is also called Lathyrus latifolius because there is another called augustifolius that differeth from it also It is most vsually called with vs Pisum perenne and in English Pease blossome or Pease euerlasting The second is called by Clusius Orobus venetus because it was sent him from Venice with another of the same kinde that bore white flowers yet differeth but little or nothing from that kinde he found in Hungary that I thinke the seuerall places of their growing only cause them to beare seuerall names and to be the same in deede Although I yeeld vnto Clusius the Latine name which doth not sufficiently content mee yet I haue thought good to giue it a differing English name according as it is in the title The third because I first receiued it among other seeds from Spaine I haue giuen it the name as it is entituled The fourth is called of some Sandâ—lida Cretica Lotus siliquosus flore rubello Lotus tetragonolobus Pisum rubrum Pisum quadratum We vsually call it in English Crimson Pease or square Pease The Medica Cochleata is called of Dodonaeus Trifolium Cochleatum but not iudged to be the true Medica Wee call it in English Medick fodder Snailes Clauer or as it is in the title and so the rest of the Medica's accordingly The Hedysarum clypeatum or Securidaca is called of Dodonaeus Onobrichis altera and we in English for the likenesse The red Sattin flower although some foolishly call it the red or French Honysuckle The last is called by Lobel Scorpioides bupleurifolio I haue called it minus because the greatest sort which came to me out of Spaine was not knowne vnto him in English they are generally called Caterpillers The Vertues The Medica's are generally thought to feede cattell fat much more then the Medow Trefoile or Clauer grasse and therefore I haue known diuers Gentlemen that haue plowed vp some of their pasture grounds and
places Bruisewort Some haue thought it to bee Struthium of Dioscorides or at least haue vsed it for the same causes but therein they are greatly dâ—ceiued as Matthiolus hath very well obserued thereon and so is Dodonaeus that thought it to be Alisma The Rose Plantaine is so called of the double spikes it carrieth The Vertues The wonderfull wholsomnesse of Gentian cannot bee easily knowne to vs by reason our daintie tastes refuse to take thereof for the bitternesse sake but otherwise it would vndoubtedly worke admirable cures both for the liuer stomacke and lunges It is also a speciall counterpoison against any infection as also against the violence of a mad dogges tooth wilde Sopewort is vsed in many places to scoure the countrey womens treen and pewter vessels and physically some make great boast to performe admirable cures in Hydropicall diseases because it is diureticall and in Lue Veneria when other Mercuriall medicines haue failed The Rose Plantaine no doubt hath the same qualities that the ordinary hath CHAP. LXXXVI Campanula Bell-flowers VNder the title of Bell-flowers are to bee comprehended in this Chapter not only those that are ordinarily called Campanula but Viola Mariana and Trachelium also whereof the one is called Couentry the other Canterbury Bells 1. Campanula Persicifolio alba vel caerulea Peach-leafed Bell-flowers white or blew The Peach-leafed Bell-flower hath many tufts or branches of leaues lying vpon the gâ—â—â—â—d which are long and narrow somewhat like vnto the leafe of an Almond or Pâ—â—ch tree being finely nicked about the edges and of a sad greene colour from among which rise vp diuers stalkes two foote high or more set with leaues to the middle and from thence vpwards with many flowers standing on seuerall small footestalkes one aboue another with a small leafe at the foote of euery one the flowers stand in small greene huskes being small and round at the bottome but wider open at the brimme and ending in fiue corners with a three forked clapper in the middle set about with some small threds tipt with yellow which flowers in some plants are pure white and in others of a pale blew or watchet colour hauing little or no sent at all the seede is small and contained in round flat heads or seede vessels the roote is very small white and threddy creeping vnder the vpper crust of the ground so that oftentimes the heat and drought of the Summer wil goe near to parch and wither it vtterly it requireth therefore to be planted in some shadowie place 2. Campanula maior siue Pyramidalis Thâ— great or steeple Bell-flower This great Bell-flower hath diuers stalkes three foote high or better whereon grow diuers smooth darke greene leaues broade at the bottome and small at the point somewhat vneuenly notched about the edges and standing vpon longer footestalkes below then those aboue the flowers are blew and in some white not so great or large as the former but neare of the â—ame fashion growing thicker and more plentifully together with smaller leaues among them bushing thicke below and rising smaller and thinner vp to the toppe in fashion of a Pyramis or speere Steeple the roote is thicke and whitish yeelding more store of milke being broken as the leaues and stalks also doe then any other of the Bell-flowers euery one whereof doe yeelde milke some more and some lesse 3. Viola Mariana flore albido vel purpureo Couentry Bels white or purple The leaues of Couentry Bels are of a pale or fresh greene colour long and narrow next vnto the bottome and broader from the middle to the end and somewhat round pointed a little hairy all ouer and snipt about the edges the stalkes rise vp the yeare after the sowing being somewhat hairy also and branching forth from the roote into diuers parts whereon stand diuers leaues smaller then the former and of a darker greene colour at the end of euery branch stand the flowers in greene huskes from whence come large round hollow Bels swelling out in the middle and rising somewhat aboue it like the necke of a pot and then ending in fiue corners which are either of a faire or faint white or of a pale blew purplish colour and sometimes of a deeper purple or violet after the flowers are past there rise vp great square or cornered seede vessels wherein is contained in diuers diuisions small hard shining browne flat seeds the roote is white and being young as in the first yeares sowing is tender and often eaten as other Rampions are but the next yeare when it runneth vp to seede it groweth hard and perisheth so that it is to be continued by euery other yeares sowing 4. Trachelium maius flore albo vel purpureo Great Canterbury Bels white or purple The greater Canterbury Bels or Throateworte hath many large rough leaues somewhat like vnto Nettle leaues being broad and round at the bottome and pointed at the end notched or dented on the edges and euery one standing on a long footstalk among these leaues rise vp diuers square rough stalkes diuided at the toppe into diuers branches whereon grow the like leaues as grow below but lesser toward the ends of the branches stand the flowers mixed with some longer leaues euery one in his seuerall huske which are hollow long and round like a bell or cup wide open at the mouth and cut at the brimme into fiue corners or diuisions somewhat lesser then the Couentry Bels in some of a pure white and others of a faire deepe purple violet colâ—â—â— and sometimes paler after the flowers are past come smaller and rounder heâ—â—â— then in the former containing flat seede but blacker and not so redde as the laâ—â— the roote is hard and white dispersing it selfe into many branches vnder ground not perishing euery yeare as the former although it loseth all the leaues in winter but abiding many yeares and encreasing into diuers heades or knobs from whence spring new leaues and branches 1 Campanula persicifolia Peach leafed Bell-flower 2 Trachelium maius simplex Canterbury Bels. * Trachelium flore duplici Double Canterbury Bels. 3 Viola Mariana Couentry Bels. 4 Trachelium Giganteum Giants Throatewort 5 Trachelium minus The lesser Throatewort 6 Trachelâ—um Americanum siue Cardinalis planta The rich crimson Cardinals flower 5. Trachelium maius flore duplici albo caeruleo Canterbury Bels with double flowers both white and blew Of this kinde of Throateworte or Canterbury Bels there is another sort not differing in any thing from the former but in the doublenesse of the flower For there is of both the kindes one that beareth double white flowers and the other blew Of each whereof I receiued plants from friends beyond the Sea which grow well with me 6. Trachelium Giganteum flore purpurante Pale purple Giants Throateworte This Bell-flower although it hath a Gigantine name yet did I neuer perceiue it in my Garden to rise vp h gher then the former the epithite beeing in my perswasion
a yellow Iasmine but differeth much from their tribe in many notable points but because the flowers haue some likenesse with the flowers of the true Iasmine it hath been vsually called a Iasmine and therefore I am content for this Garden to conioyne them in one Chapter 1. Iasminum album The white Iasmine The white Iasmine hath many twiggy flexible greene branches comming forth of the sundry bigger boughes or stems that rise from the roote which are couered with a grayish darke coloured barke hauing a white pith within it like the Elder but not so much the winged leaues stand alwaies two together at the ioynts being made of manie small and pointed leaues set on each side of a middle ribbe six most vsually on both sides with one at the end which is larger more pointed then any of the rest and of a darke greene colour at the toppes of the young branches stand diuers flowers together as it were in an vmbell or ruft each whereof standeth on a long greene stalke comming out of a small huske being small long and hollow belowe opening into fiue white small pointed leaues of a very strong sweete smell which fall away without bearing any fruit at all that euer I could learne in our Country but in the hot Countries where it is naturall it is said to beare flat fruit like Lupines the rootes spread farre and deepe and are long and hard to growe vntill they haue taken strong hold in the ground 2. Iasminum Catalonicum The Spanish Iasmine This Catalonia Iasmine groweth lower then the former neuer rising halfe so high and hath slender long greene branches rising from the toppe of the wooddy stemme with such like leaues set on them as the former but somewhat shorter and larger the flowers also are like vnto the former and stand in the same manner at the end of the branches but are much larger being of a blush colour before they are blowne and white with blush edges when they are open exceeding sweete of smell more strong then the former 3. Iasminum luteum siue Trifolium fruticans alijs Polemonium The yellow Iasmine This that is called the yellow Iasmine hath many long slender twiggy branches rising from the roote greene at the first and couered with a darke grayish barke afterwards whereon are set at certaine distances three small darke greene leaues together the end leafe being alwaies the biggest at the ioynts where the leaues come forth stand long stalkes bearing long hollow flowers ending in fiue and some in six leaues very like vnto the flowers of the first Iasmine but yellow whereupon it is vsually called the Yellow Iasmine after the flowers are past there come in their places round blacke shining berries of the bignesse of a great Pease or bigger full of a purplish iuyce which will dye ones fingers that bruise them but a little the roote is tough and white creeping farre about vnder the ground shooting forth plentifully whereby it greatly encreaseth The Place The first is verily thought to haue been first brought to Spaine out of Syria or thereabouts and from Spaine to vs and is to be seene very often and in many of our Country Gardens The second hath his breeding in Spaine also but whether it be his originall place we know not and is scarce yet made well acquainted with our English ayre The third groweth plentifully about Mompelier and will well abide in our London Gardens and any where else The Time The first flowreth not vntill the end of Iuly The second somewhat earlier The third in Iuly also The Names The first is generally called Iasminum album and Gelseminum album In English The white Iasmine The second hath his name in his title as much as may be said of it The third hath been taken of some to be a Cytisus others iudge it to be Polemonium but the truest name is Trifolium fruticans although many call it Iasminum luteum In English most vsually The yellow Iasmine for the reasons aforesaid or else after the Latine name Shrubbie Trefoile or Make-bate The Vertues The white Iasmines haue beene in all times accepted into outward medicines eyther for the pleasure of the sweete sent or profit of the warming properties And is in these dayes onely vsed as an ornament in Gardens or for sent of the flowers in the house c. The yellow Iasmine although some haue adiudged it to be the Polemonium of Dioscorides yet it is not vsed to those purposes by any that I know CHAP. CVII Syringa The Pipe tree VNder the name of Syringa is contained two speciall kinds of Shrubs or Trees differing one from another namely the Lilac of Matthiolus which is called Syringa caerulea and is of two or three sorts And the Syringa alba which also is of two sorts as shall bee declared 1. Lilac siue Syringa caerulea The blew Pipe tree The blew Pipe tree riseth sometimes to be a great tree as high and bigge in the bodie as a reasonable Apple tree as I haue in some places seene and obserued but most vsually groweth lower with many twigs or branches rising from the roote hauing as much pith in the middle of them as the Elder hath couered with a grayish greene barke but darker in the elder branches with ioynts set at a good distance one from another and two leaues at euery ioynt which are large broad and pointed at the ends many of them turning or folding both the sides inward and standing on long foote-stalkes at the toppes of the branches come forth many flowers growing spike-fashion that is a long branch of flowers vpon a stalke each of these flowers are small long and hollow belowe ending aboue in a pale blewish flower consisting of foure small leaues of a pretty small sent after the flowers are past there come sometimes but it is not often in our Country vnlesse the tree haue stood long and is grown great the suckers being continually taken away that it may growe the better long and flat cods consisting as it were of two sides a thin skinne being in the midst wherein are contained two long flattish red seede the rootes are strong and growe deepe in the ground 2. Syringa flore lacteo siue argenteo The siluer coloured Pipe tree This Pipe tree differeth not from the former blew Pipe tree either in stemme or branches either in leaues or flowers or manner of growing but onely in the colour of the flower which in this is of a milke or siluer colour which is a kinde of white wherein there is a thinne wash or light shew of blew shed therein comming somewhat neare vnto an ash-colour 3. Lilac lacimatis folijs The blew Pipe tree with cut leaues This Pipe tree should not differ from the first in any other thing then in the leaues which are said to be cut in on the edges into seuerall parts as the relation is giuen à viris fide dignis for as yet I neuer saw any such but I here
the flower after the flowers are past there come in their places small round heads being two forked at the end containing within them small brownish chaffie seede the roote is small and slender with many fibres thereat creeping vnder ground and shooting forth in diuers places whereby it much encreaseth the whole plant and euery part of it smelleth strong without any pleasant sent 4. Cistus annuus The Holly Rose of a yeare This small Cistus that endureth but a year and will require to be sowne euery year if ye will haue it riseth vp with straight but slender hard stalkes set here and there confusedly with long and narrow greenish leaues very like vnto the leaues of the Gum Cistus or Ledon being a little clammy withall at the toppe of the stalkes and at the ioynts with the leaues stand two or three pale yellow flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece with a reddish spot neere the bottome of euery leafe of the flower as quickely fading as any of the former after which follow small three square heades containing small seede like vnto the first female kinde but somewhat paler or yellower the root is small and woody and perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede 5. Cistus Ledon The Gum Cistus or Sweete Holly Rose This sweete Holly Rose or Gum Cistus riseth higher and spreadeth larger then the former male kind doth with many blackish woody branches whereon are set diuers long and narrow darke greene leaues but whitish vnderneath two alwayes standing together at a ioint both stalks and leaues bedeawed as it were continually with a clammy sweete moisture which in the hot Countries is both more plentifull and more sweet then in ours almost transparent and which being gathered by the inhabitants with certaine instruments for that purpose which in some places are leather thongs drawne ouer the bushes and after scraped off from the thongs againe and put together is that kind of blacke sweet gum which is called Ladanum in the Apothecaries shops at the tops of the branches stand single white flowers like vnto single Roses being larger then in any of the former kindes consisting of fiue leaues whereof euery one hath at the bottome a dark purplish spot broad below and small pointed vpwards with some yellow threds in the middle after which are past there arise cornered 1 Cistus mas The male Holly Rose 2 Chamaecistus Frisucus The dwarfe Holly Rose of Frisia 3 Cistus Ledon The sweet Holly Rose or gumme Cistus 4 Ledum Alpinum The mountaine Holly Rose 5 Ledum Silesiacum The sweet Mary Rose of Silesia 6 Rosmarinum aureum Gilded Rosemary heads containing such small brownish seede as is in the former male kinde the roote is woody and spreadeth vnder ground abiding some yeares if it be placed vnder a wall where it may bee defended from the windes that often breake it and from the extremitie of our winters and especially the snow if it lye vpon it which quickly causeth it to perish 6. Ledum Alpinum seu Rosa Alpina The Mountaine sweet Holly Rose The fragrant smell with properties correspondent of two other plants causeth me to insert them in this Chapter and to bring them to your knowledge as well worthy a fit place in our Garden The first of them hath diuers flender woody branches two foote high or thereabouts couered with a grayish coloured barke and many times leaning downe to the ground whereby it taketh roote againe vpon these branches grow many thicke short hard greene leaues thicke set together confusedly without order sometimes whitish vnderneath and sometimes yellowish the toppes of the branches are loden with many flowers which cause them to bend downwards being long hollow and reddish opening into fiue corners spotted on the outside with many white spots and of a paler red colour on the inside of a fine sweet sent after the flowers are past there follow small heads containing small brownish seede the root is long hard and woody abiding better if it comprehend in the ground then some of the former because his originall is out of a colder country 7. Ledum Silesiacum The sweete Mary Rose or Rosemary of Silesia This other sweete plante riseth vp with woody ash-coloured branches two foote high or more which shoote forth other branches of a reddish or purplish colour couered with a brownish yellow hoarinesse on which are set many narrow long greene leaues like vnto Rosemary leaues but couered with the like hoarinesse as the stalks are especially in the naturall places but not so much being transplanted and folding the sides of the leaues so close together that they seeme nothing but ribbes or stalkes of an excellent sweet and pleasant sent at the ends of the branches there grow certaine brownish scaly heads made of many small leaues set thicke together out of which breake forth many flowers standing in a tuft together yet seuerally euery one vpon his owne footstalke consisting of fiue white leaues with certaine white threds in the middle smelling very sweete after which rise small greene heads spotted with brownish spots wherein is contained very small long yellowish seede the roote is hard and woodie The Place The first second fourth and fifth grow in the hot Countries as Italie Spaine c. The third and the two last in the colder Countries as Friseland Germanie Bohemia The Time They do all flower in the Summer moneths of Iune Iuly and August and their seede is ripe quickly after The Names The first second fourth and fift haue their names sufficiently expressed in their descriptions The third was sent vnto Clusius vnder the name of Herculus Frisicus because of the strong sent but he referreth it to the kinds of Chamaecistus that is dwarfe or low Cistus both for the low growth and for the flowers and seede sake The sixt is diuersly called for Clusius calleth it Ledum Alpinum others Nerium Alpinum making it to bee a Rose Bay Gesner according to the Countrey peoples name Rosa Alpina and Rosa Montana Lobel calleth it Balsamum Alpinum of the fragrant smell it hath and Chamaerbododendros Chamaelaeae folio And some haue called it Euonymus without all manner of iudgement In English wee may call it The Mountaine Rose vntill a fitter name be giuen it The last is called of Matthiolus Rosmarinum siluestre but of Clusius Ledum referring it to their kindred and Silesiacum because he found it in that Countrey or for distinction sake as he saith it may bee called Ledum folijs Rosmarini or Ledum Bohemicum Cordus as it seemeth in his History of Plants calleth it Chamaepeuce as though he did account it a kinde of low Pine or Pitch tree The Vertues The first second and fift are very astringent effectuall for all sorts of fluxes of humours The sweet Gum called Ladanum made artificially into oyle is of singular vse for Alopecia or falling of the haire The seed of the fourth is much commended against the stone of the Kidneyes The sweete Rosemary of Silesia is vsed of the
the former the flowers are smaller but of the same fashion and colour the cods blackish and thin and not very long or great but lesser then Broome cods wherein there lyeth small blackish hard seede the roote is diuersly dispersed in the ground The Place The first groweth in the kingdome of Naples and no doubt in many other places of Italie as Matthiolus saith The other groweth in diuers places of France The Time They flower for the most part in May or Iune the seede is ripe in August or September The Names The first as I said is thought of most to be the true Cytisus of Dioscorides and as is thought was in these later dayes first found by Bartholomaeus Maranta of Naples who sent it first to Matthiolus and thereupon hath euer since beene called after his name Cytisus Maranthae Some doe call it Cytisus Lunatus because the cods are made somewhat like vnto an halfe Moone We call it in English Horned Tree Trefoile The other is called Cytisus vulgaris or vulgatior in English The common Tree Trefoile because we haue not any other so common The Vertues The chiefest vertues that are appropriate to these plants are to procure milke in womens breasts to fatten pullen sheep c. and to be good for bees CHAP. CXXII Colutaea The Bastard Sena Tree WEe haue in our Gardens two or three sorts of the Bastard Sena tree a greater as I may so call it and two lesser the one with round thin transparent skins like bladders wherein are the seede the others with long round cods the one bunched out or swelling in diuers places like vnto a Scorpions tale wherein is the seede and the other very like vnto it but smaller 1. Colutaea Vesicaria The greater Bastard Sena with bladders This shrub or tree or shrubby tree which you please to call it riseth vp to the height of a pretty tree the stemme or stock being sometimes of the bignesse of a mans arme couered with a blackish greene rugged barke the wood whereof is harder then of an Elder but with an hollownesse like a pith in the heart or middle of the branches which are diuided many wayes and whereon are set at seuerall distances diuers winged leaues composed of many small round pointed or rather flat pointed leaues one set against another like vnto Licoris or the Hatcher Fitch among these leaues come forth the flowers in fashion like vnto Broome flowers and as large of a very yellow colour after which appeare cleare thinne swelling cods like vnto thinne transparent bladders wherein are contained blacke seede set vpon a middle ribbe or sinew in the middle of the bladder which if it be a little crushed betweene the fingers will giue a cracke like as a bladder full of winde The roote groweth branched and woody 2. Colutaea Scorpioides maior The greater Scorpion podded Bastard Sena This Bastard Sena groweth nothing so great or tall but shooteth out diuersly like vnto a shrub with many shoots springing from the root the branches are greener but more rugged hauing a white barke on the best part of the elder growne branches for the young are greene and haue such like winged leaues set on them as are to be seen in the former but smaller greener and more pointed the flowers are yellow but much smaller fashioned somewhat like vnto the former with a reddish stripe downe the backe of the vppermost leafe the long cods that follow are small long and round distinguished into many diuisions or dents like vnto a Scorpions tayle from whence hath risen the name in these seuerall diuisions lye seuerall blacke seede like vnto the seede of Fenigrecke the roote is white and long but not so woody as the former 3. Colutaea Scorpioides minor The lesser Scorpion Bastard Sena This lesser Bastard Sena is in all things like the former but somewhat lower and smaller both in leafe flower and cods of seede which haue not such eminent bunches on the cods to be seene as the former The Place They grow as Matthiolus saith about Trent in Italie and in other places the former is frequent enough through all our Countrey but the others are more rare The Time They flower about the middle or end of May and their seede is ripe in August The bladders of the first will abide a great while on the tree if they be suffered and vntill the winde cause them to rattle and afterwards the skins opening the seed will fall away The Names The name Colutaea is imposed on them and by the iudgement of most writers the first is taken to bee that Colutaea of Lipara that Theophrastus maketh mention of in the seuenteenth chapter of his third booke But I should rather thinke that the Scorpioides were the truer Colutaea of Theophrastus because the long pods thereof are more properly to bee accounted siliquae then the former which are vesicae tumentes windy bladders and not siliquae and no doubt but Theophrastus would haue giuen some peculiar note of difference if he had meant those bladders and not these cods Let others of iudgement be vmpeeres in this case although I know the currant of writers since Matthiolus doe all hold the former Colutaea veficaria to be the true Colutaea Liparae of Theophrastus Wee call it in English Bastard Sena from Ruellius who as I thinke first called it Sena from the forme of the leaues The second and third as I said before from the forme of the cods receiued their names as it is in the titles and descriptions yet they may as properly be called Siliquosae for that their fruite are long cods The Vertues Theophrastus saith it doth wonderfully helpe to fatten sheepe But sure it is found by experience that if it be giuen to man it causeth strong castings both vpwards and downwards and therefore let euery one beware that they vse not this in steede of good Sena lest they feele to their cost the force thereof CHAP. CXII Spartum Hispanicum frutex Spanish Broome ALthough Clusius and others haue found diuers sorts of this shrubby Spartum or Spanish Broome yet because our Climate will nourse vp none of them and euen this very hardly I shall leaue all others and describe vnto you this one only in this manner Spanish Broome groweth to bee fiue or sixe foote high with a woody stemme below couered with a darke gray or ash-coloured barke and hauing aboue many pliant long and slender greene twigs whereon in the beginning of the yeare are set many small long greene leaues which fall away quickly not abiding long on towards the tops of these branches grow the flowers fashioned like vnto Broom flowers but larger as yellow as they and smelling very well after which come small long cods crested at the backe wherein is contained blackish flat seede fashioned very like vnto the Kidney beanes the roote is woody dispersing it selfe diuers waies The Place This groweth naturally in many places of France Spaine and Italie wee haue it as an ornament
in our Gardens among other delightfull plaats to please the senses of sight and smelling The Time It flowreth in the end of May or beginning of Iune and beareth seede which ripeneth not with vs vntill it be late The Names It is called Spartium Graecorum and Spartum frutex to distinguish it from the sedge or rush that is so called also Of some it is called Genista and thought not to differ from the other Genista but they are much deceiued for euen in Spaine and Italie the ordinary Ganista or Broome groweth with it which is not pliant and fit to binde Vines or such like things withall as this is The Vertues There is little vse hereof in Physicke by reason of the dangerous qualitie of vomiting which it doth procure to them that take it inwardly but being applyed outwardly it is found to helpe the Sciatica or paine of the hippes 1 Coâ—utaea vulgaris Ordinary bastard Sene. 2 Periploca recta Virginiana Virginian Silke 3 Colutaeâ— Scorpicides Scorpion bastard Sene. 4 Spartum Hispanicum Spanish Broome 5 Ligustrum Priuet 6 Saluia variegata Party coloured Sage 7 Maiorana auroa Gâ—â—ded Matierome CHAP. CXXIIII Periploca recta Virginiana Virginian Silke LEst this stranger should finde no hospitality with vs being so beautifull a plant or not finde place in this Garden let him be here receiued although with the last rather then not at all It riseth vp with one or more strong and round stalkes three or foure foote high whereon are set at the seuerall ioynts thereof two faire long and broad leaues round pointed with many veines therein growing close to the stemme without any foote-stalke at the tops of the stalkes and sometimes at the ioynts of the leaues groweth forth a great bush of flowers out of a thinne skinne to the number of twenty and sometimes thirty or forty euery one with a long foote-stalke hanging downe their heads for the most part especially those that are outermost euery one standing within a small huske of greene leaues turned to the stalkeward like vnto the Lysimachia flower of Virginia before described and each of them consisting of fiue small leaues a peece of a pale purplish colour on the vpperside and of a pale yellowish purple vnderneath both sides of each leafe being as it were folded together making them seeme hollow and pointed with a few short chiues in the middle after which come long and crooked pointed cods standing vpright wherein are contained flat brownish seede dispersedly lying within a great deale of fine soft and whitish browne silke very like vnto the cods seede and silke of Asclepias or Swallow-wort but that the cods are greater and more crooked and harder also in the outer shell the roote is long and white of the bignesse of a mans thumbe running vnder ground very far and shooting vp in diuers places the heads being set full of small white grumes or knots yeelding forth many branches if it stand any time in a place the whole plant as well leaues as stalkes being broken yeeld a pale milke The Place It came to me from Virginia where it groweth aboundantly being raised vp from the seede I receiued The Time It flowreth in Iuly and the seede is ripe in August The Names It may seeme very probable to many that this plant is the same that Prosper Alpinus in the twenty fift Chapter of his Booke of Egyptian plants nameth Beidelsar and Honorius Bellus in his third and fourth Epistles vnto Clusius which are at the end of his History of plants calleth Ossar frutex And Clusius himselfe in the same Booke calleth Apocynum Syriacum Palastinum and Aegyptiacum because this agreeth with theirs in very many and notable parts yet verily I thinke this plant is not the same but rather another kinde of it selfe First because it is not frutex a shrub or wooddy plant nor keepeth his leaues all the yeare but loseth both leaues and stalks dying down to the ground euery yeare Secondly the milke is not causticke or violent as Alpinus and Bellus say Ossar is Thirdly the cods are more crooked then those of Clusius or of Alpinus which Honorius Bellus acknowledgeth to be right although greater then those he had out of Egypt And lastly the rootes of these doe runne whereof none of them make any mention Gerard in his Herball giueth a rude figure of the plant but a very true figure of the cods with seede and saith the Virginians call it Wisanck and referreth it to the Asclepias for the likenesse of the cods stuffed with silken doune But what reason Caspar Bauhinus in his Pinax Theatri Botanici had to call it for it is Clusius his Apocynum Syriacum by the name of Lapathum Aegyptiacum lactescens siliqua Asclepiadis I know none in the world for but that he would shew an extreame singularity in giuing names to plants contrary to all others which is very frequent with him how could he thinke that this plant could haue any likenesse or correspondencie with any of the kindes of Dockes that euer he had seene read or heard of in face or shew of leaues flowers or seede but especially in giuing milke I haue you see and that not without iust and euident cause giuen it a differing Latine name from Gerard because the Asclepias giueth no milke but the Periploca or Apocymum doth and therefore fitter to be referred to this then to that And because it should not want an English name answerable to some peculiar property thereof I haue from the silken doune called it Virginian Silke but I know there is another plant growing in Virginia called Silke Grasse which is much differing from this The Vertues I know not of any in our Land hath made any tryall of the properties hereof Captaine Iohn Smith in his booke of the discouery and description of Virginia saith that the Virginians vse the rootes hereof if his be the same with this being bruised and applyed to cure their hurts diseases CHAP. CXXV Ligustrum Primme or Priuet BEcause the vse of this plant is so much and so frequent throughout all this Land although for no other purpose but to make hedges or arbours in Gardens c. whereunto it is so apt that no other can be like vnto it to bee cut lead and drawne into what forme one will either of beasts birds or men armed or otherwise I could not forget it although it be so well knowne vnto all to be an hedge bush growing from a wooddy white roote spreading much within the ground and bearing manie long tough and plyant sprigs and branches whereon are set long narrow and pointed sad greene leaues by couples at euery ioynt at the tops whereof breake forth great tufts of sweete smelling white flowers which when they are fallen turne into small blacke berries hauing a purple iuyce within them and small seede flat on the one side with an hole or dent therein this is seene in those branches that are not cut but suffered to beare out
seede The ordinary time to soyle a Garden is to bring in manure or dung before Christmas and eyther bury it some small depth not too deepe or else to lay it vpon the ground that the winter frostes may pierce it and then turne it shallow into the ground to sow your seeds in the Spring CHAP. III. How to order diuers Garden herbes both for their sowing spending and gathering of the seede OVr chiefest and greatest Gardiners now adaies doe so prouide for themselues euery yeare that from their owne grounds they gather the seede of many herbes that they sowe againe for hauing gained the best kind of diuers herbes they will be still furnished with the same and be not to seeke euery yeare for new that oftentimes will not yeelde them halfe the profit that their choyce seede will I say of many herbes but not of all for the best of them all hath not ground sufficient for all sorts nor will our climate bring some to that perfection that other forraine doth and therefore the seede of some things are continually brought from beyond Sea vnto vs. And againe although our chiefe Gardiners doe still prouide their owne seede of diuers things from their owne ground because as I said it is of the best kinde yet you must vnderstand also that good store of the same sortes of seeds are brought from beyond the Seas for that which is gathered in this Land is not sufficient to serue euery mans vse in the whole Kingdome by many parts yet still it is true that our English seede of many things is better then any that commeth from beyond the Seas as for example Reddish Lettice Carrots Parsneps Turneps Cabbages and Leekes of all which I intend to write in this place for these are by them so husbanded that they doe not sow their owne grounds with any other seede of these sorts but their owne which that you may know the manner how to doe I will here set it downe that euery one may haue the best directions if they will follow them Of Reddish there are two sorts one more early then the other they vse therfore to sow their early Reddish first that they may haue the earliest profit of them which is more worth in one fortnight then in a moneth after And to effect this they haue some artificiall helps also which are these They vse to digge vp a large plot of ground where they intend to sow their seede a little before or after Christmas casting it into high balkes or ridges fiue or sixe foote asunder which they suffer to lye and take all the extreame frosts in Ianuary to mellow the earth and when the frostes are past they then beginne to bring into it good store of fresh stable dung which they laye neyther too deepe nor too thicke and couer it with the mould a hand breadth thicknesse aboue the dung which doth giue such a warmth and comfort to whatsoeuer is sowen thereon that it forceth it forward much sooner then any other way can doe And to preuent both the frostes and the cold bitter windes which often spoyle their seede new sprung vp they vse to set great high and large mattes made of reedes tyed together and fastened vnto strong stakes thrust into the ground to keepe them vp from falling or being blowne down with the winde which mattes they place on the North and East side to breake the force of these winds and are so sure and safe a defence that a bricke wall cannot better defend any thing vnder it then this fence will In this manner they doe euery yeare to bring forward their seede to gaine the more by them and they that will haue Reddish early must take the same course The other sort of Reddish for the most part is sowen in Februarie a fortnight after the other at the least and likewise euery moneth after vnto September that they may haue young continually For the blacke Reddish although many in many places doe sowe it in the same time and in the same manner that the ordinary is sowen yet the nature thereof is to runne vp to seede more speedily then the other if it haue so rich ground to grow vpon and therefore the best time to sow it is in August that so it may abide all winter wherein is the chiefest time for the spending thereof and to keepe it vntill the beginning of the next yeare from running vp to seede the gathering whereof as also of the other sort is all after one manner that is to be pulled vp when the pods change whitish and then hanged vpon bushes pales or such other thing vntill they bee thorough dry and then beaten or thrashed out vpon a smooth plancher or vpon clothes as euery ones store is and their conueniencie Lettice is sowen oftentimes with the early Reddish in the same manner before said that they may haue Lettice likewise as early as the time of the year will permit them which they pull vp where they grow too thicke spending them first and so taking vp from time to time vntill they stand two foote in sunder one from another and beginne to spindle and shoote vp for seede In this is vsed some arte to make the plants strong to giue the better seede without danger of rotting or spoyling with the wet which often happeneth to those about whom this caution is not obserued Before your Lettice is shot vp marke out the choysest and strongest plantes which are fittest to grow for seede and from those when they are a foote high strippe away with your hand the leaues that grow lowest vpon the stalke next the ground which might rot spoyle or hinder them from bearing so good seede which when it is neere to be ripe the stalkes must be cut off about the middle and layde vpon mats or clothes in the Sunne that it may there fully ripen and be gathered for it would be blowne away with the winde if it should be suffered to abide on the stalkes long Parsneps must be sowen on a deep trenched mellow ground otherwise they may run to seede the first yeare which then are nothing worth or else the rootes will be small staruelings and short and runne into many spires or branches whereby they will not bee of halfe the worth Some vse to sow them in August and September that so they may bee well growne to serue to spend in Lent following but their best time is in February that the Summers growth may make them the fairer and greater When they runne vp to seede you shall take the principall or middle heades for those carry the Master seede which is the best and will produce the fairest rootes againe You shall hardly haue all the seede ripe at one instant for vsually the chiefest heads will be fallen before the other are ripe you must therefore still looke them ouer and cut them as they ripen Carrots are vsually sowen in March and Aprill and if it chance that some of them
doe runne vp for seede the same year they are to be weeded out for neyther the seed nor roots of them are good You must likewise pull them vp when they are too thicke if you will haue them grow fair or for seed that they may grow at the least three or foure foot in sunder the stalkes of Carrots are limber and fall downe to the ground they must therefore be sustained by poles layde acrosse on stalkes thrust into the ground and tyed to the poles and stalkes to keepe them vp from rotting or spoyling vpon the ground the seed hereof is not all ripe at once but must be tended and gathered as it ripeneth and layd to dry in some dry chamber or floore and then beaten out with a stick and winnowed from the refuse Turneps are sowne by themselues vpon a good ground in the end of Iuly and beginning of August to haue their rootes best to spend in winter for it often happeneth that those seedes of Turneps that are sowen in the Spring runne vp to seede the same yeare and then it is not accounted good Many doe vse to sow Turneps on those grounds from whence the same yeare they haue taken off Reddish and Lettice to make the greater profit of the ground by hauing two crops of increase in one yeare The stalkes of Turneps will bend downe to the ground as Carrots doe but yet must not be bound or ordered in that manner but suffered to grow without staking or binding so as they grow of some good distance in sunder when the seede beginneth to grow ripe be very carefull to preserue it from the birds which will be most busie to deuour them You shall vnderstand likewise that many doe account the best way to haue the fairest and most principall seede from all these fore-recited herbes that after they are sowen and risen to a reasonable growth they be transplanted into fresh ground Cabbages also are not only sowen for the vse of their heads to spend for meat but to gather their seede likewise which howsoeuer some haue endeauoured to doe yet few haue gained good seede because our sharpe hard frostes in winter haue spoyled and rotted their stockes they preserued for the purpose but others haue found out a better and a more sure way which is to take vp your stocks that are fittest to be preserued and bring them into the house and there wrap them eyther in clothes or other things to defend them from the cold and hang them vp in a dry place vntill the beginning of March following then planting them in the ground and a little defend them at the first with straw cast ouer them from the cold nights thereby you may be sure to haue perfect good seede if your kinde be of the best Sowe your seed in the moneths of February or March and transplant them in May where they may stand to grow for your vse but be carefull to kill the wormes or Caterpillers that else will deuoure all your leaues and be carefull also that none of the leaues bee broken in the planting or otherwise rubbed for that oftentimes hindereth the well closing of them Leekes are for the most part wholly noursed vp from the seede that is here gathered and because there is not so much store of them either sowne or spent as there is of Onions by the twentieth part we are still the more carefull to be prouided from our owne labours yet there be diuers Gardiners in this Kingdome that doe gather some small quantity of Onion seede also for their owne or their priuate friends spending The sowing of them both is much about one time and manner yet most vsually Leeks are sowne later then Onions and both before the end of March at the furthest yet some sowe Onions from the end of Iuly to the beginning of September for their Winter prouision Those that are sowne in the Spring are to be taken vp and transplanted on a fresh bed prepared for the purpose or else they will hardly abide a Winter but hauing taken roote before Winter they will beare good seede in the Summer following You must stake both your Leekes and your Onion beds and with poles laid a crosse binde your lopple headed stalkes vnto them on high as well as belowe or else the winde and their owne weight will beare them downe to the ground and spoile your seede You must thinne them that is pull vp continually after they are first sprung vp those that growe too thicke as you doe with all the other herbes before spoken of that they may haue the more roome to thriue Of all these herbes and rootes before spoken of you must take the likeliest and fairest to keepe for your seede for if you should not take the best what hope of good seede can you expect The time for the spending of these herbes and rootes not particularly mentioned is vntill they begin to runne vp for seede or vntill they are to be transplanted for seede or else vntill Winter while they are good as euery one shall see cause CHAP. IIII. How to order Artichokes Melons Cowcumbers and Pompions THere are certaine other herbes to be spoken of which are wholly noursed vp for their fruit sake of whom I shall not need to say much being they are so frequent in euery place Artichokes being planted of faire and large slips taken from the roote in September and October yet not too late will most of them beare fruit the next yeare so that they be planted in well dunged ground and the earth raised vp like vnto an Anthill round about each roote to defend them the better from the extreame frosts in Winter Others plant slips in March and Aprill or sooner but although some of them will beare fruit the same yeare yet all will not And indeede many doe rather choose to plant in the spring then in the fall for that oftentimes an extreame hard Winter following the new setting of slips when they haue not taken sufficient heart and roote in the ground doth vtterly pierce and perish them when as they that are set in the Spring haue the whole Summers growth to make them strong before they feele any sharpe frosts which by that time they are the better able to beare Muske Melons haue beene begun to bee noursed vp but of late dayes in this Land wherein although many haue tryed and endeauoured to bring them to perfection yet few haue attained vnto it but those rules and orders which the best and skilfullest haue vsed I will here set downe that who so will may haue as good and ripe Melons as any other in this Land The first thing you are to looke vnto is to prouide you a peece of ground fit for the purpose which is either a sloping or sheluing banke lying open and opposite to the South Sunne or some other fit place not sheluing and this ground also you must so prepare that all the art you can vse about it to make it
good to prouoke vrine and to stirre vp bodily lust The seede bruised and mixed with a little vinegar and of the gall of an Oxe cleanseth the face of freckles spots and blew markes that come by beatings fals or otherwaies Matthiolus saith that the leaues boyled and giuen with some Sugar to little children cureth them of the cough The seede is held to be helpfull to spleneticke persons as also to kill the wormes of the belly CHAP. XXXV Sinapi sativum Garden Mustard THe Mustard that is most vsuall in this Country howsoeuer diuers doe for their priuate vses sowe it in their Gardens or Orchards in some conuenient corner yet the same is found wilde also abroad in many places It hath many rough long diuided leaues of an ouerworne greene colour the stalke is diuided at the toppe into diuers branches whereon growe diuers pale yellow flowers in a great length which turne into small long pods wherein is contained blackish seede inclining to rednesse of a fiery sharpe taste the roote is tough and white running deepe into the ground with many small fibres at it The Vse of Mustard The seede hereof grownd between two stones fitted for the purpose and called a Querne with some good vinegar added vnto it to make it liquid and running is that kinde of Mustard that is vsually made of all sorts to serue as sawce both for fish and flesh The same liquid Mustard is of good vse being fresh for Epilepticke persons to warme and quicken those dull spirits that are sopite and scarce appeare if it be applyed both inwardly and outwardly It is with good successe also giuen to those that haue short breathes and troubled with a cough in the lungs CHAP. XXXVI Asparagus Sperage or Asparagus ASparagus riseth vp at the first with diuers whitish greene scaly heads very brittle or easie to breake while they are young which afterwards rise vp into very long and slender greene stalkes of the bignesse of an ordinary riding wand at the bottome of most or bigger or lesser as the rootes are of growth on which are set diuers branches of greene leaues shorter and smaller then Fennell vp to the toppe at the ioynts whereof come forth small mossie yellowish flowers which turne into round berries greene at the first and of an excellent red colour when they are ripe shewing as if they were beades of Corrall wherein are contained exceeding hard and blacke seede the rootes are dispersed from a spongious head into many long thicke and round strings whereby it sucketh much nourishment out of the ground and encreaseth plentifully thereby We haue another kinde hereof that is of much greater account because the shootes are larger whiter and being dressed taste more sweete and pleasant without any other difference The Vse of Asparagus The first shootes or heads of Asparagus are a Sallet of as much esteeme with all sorts of persons as any other whatsoeuer being boyled tender and eaten with butter vinegar and pepper or oyle and vinegar or as euery ones manner doth please and are almost wholly spent for the pleasure of the pallate It is specially good to prouoke vrine and for those that are troubled with the stone or grauell in the reines or kidneyes because it doth a little open and cleanse those parts CHAP. XXXVII Brassica Cabbages and Coleworts THere is greater diuersity in the forme and colour of the leaues of this plant then there is in any other that I know groweth vpon the ground But this place requireth not the knowledge of all sorts which might be shewen many of them being of no vse with vs for the table but for delight to behold the wonderfull variety of the workes of God herein I will here therefore shew you onely those sorts that are ordinary in most Gardens and some that are rare receiued into some especiall Gardens And first of Cabbages and then of Coleworts Our ordinary Cabbage that closeth hard and round hath at the first great large thicke leaues of a grayish greene colour with thicke great ribbes and lye open most part of the Summer without closing but toward the end of Summer being growne to haue many leaues it then beginneth to growe close and round in the middle and as it closeth the leaues growe white inward yet there be some kindes that will neuer be so close as these but will remaine halfe open which wee doe not account to be so good as the other in the middle of this head the next yeare after the sowing in other Countries especially and sometimes in ours if the Winter be milde as may be seene in diuers Gardens but to preuent the danger of our Winter frosts our Gardiners now doe vse to take vp diuers Cabbages with their rootes and tying a cloth or some such thing about the rootes doe hang them vp in their houses where they may be defended from cold and then set them againe after the frosts are past and then there shooteth out a great thicke stalke diuided at the toppe into many branches bearing thereon diuers small flowers sometime white but most commonly yellow made of foure leaues which turne into long round and pointed pods containing therein small round seede like vnto Turnep seede the roote spreadeth not farre nor deepe and dyeth vsually in any great froste for a small frost maketh the Cabbage eate the tenderer The red Cabbage is like vnto the white last spoken of but differing in colour and greatnesse for it is seldome found so great as the white and the colour of the leaues is very variable as being in some stript with red in others more red or very deepe red or purple The sugar loafe Cabbage so called because it is smaller at the toppe then it is at the bottome and is of two sorts the one white the other greene The Sauoy Cabbadge one is of a deepe greene coloured leafe and curld when it is to be gathered the other is yellowish neyther of both these doe close so well as the first but yet are vsed of some and accounted good The Cole flower is a kinde of Coleworte whose leaues are large and like the Cabbage leaues but somewhat smaller and endented about the edges in the middle wherof sometimes in the beginning of Autumne and sometimes much sooner there appeareth a hard head of whitish yellow tufts of flowers closely thrust together but neuer open nor spreading much with vs which then is fittest to be vsed the green leaues being cut away close to the head this hath a much pleasanter taste then eyther the Coleworte or Cabbage of any kinde and is therefore of the more regard and respect at good mens tables The ordinary Coleworte is sufficiently knowne not to close or cabbage and giueth seede plentifully enough The other Colewortes that are noursed vp with those that delight in curiosities besides the aforesaid ordinary greene which is much vsed of Dutchmen and other strangers are these The Curld Coleworte eyther wholly of a greene colour or of diuers
white yellow and red the white are the most common and they are of two kinds the one much sweeter then the other The yellow and the red are more rare and noursed vp only by those that are curious as also the Navewe which is seene but with very few The ordinary Garden Turnep hath many large and long rough greene leaues with deepe and vneuen gashes on both sides of them the stalke riseth vp among the leaues about two foote high spread at the toppe into many branches bearing theron yellow flowers which turne into long pods with blackish round seede in them the roote is round and white some greater some smaller the best kinde is knowne to be flat with a small pigges tale-like roote vnderneath it the worser kinde which is more common in many places of this land both North and West is round and not flat with a greater pigges tayle-like roote vnderneath The yellow kinde doth often grow very great it is hardly discerned from the ordinary kinde while it groweth but by the greatnesse and spreading of the leaues beeing boyled the roote changeth more yellow somewhat neare the colour of a Carrot The red Turnep groweth vsually greater then any of the other especially in a good ground being of a faire red colour on the outside but being pared as white as any other on the inside This as Matthiolus saith doth grow in the Countrey of Anania where hee hath seene an infinite number of them that haue waighed fifty pound a peece and in some places hee saith a hundred pound a peece both which we would thinke to be incredible but that we see the kind is greatly giuen to grow and in warme Countries they may so thriue that the bulke or bignesse of the roote may so farre passe the growth of our Countrey as that it may rise to that quantity aboue specified The Navew gentle is of two kindes a smaller and a greater the smaller is vsually called in France Navean de Cane the roote is somewhat long with the roundnesse this kinde is twice as bigge as a mans thumbe and many of them lesse The other is long and great almost as big as the short Carrot but for the most part of an vneuen length and roundnesse vnto the very end where it spreadeth into diuers small long fibres neyther of them doth differ much from the Turnep in leafe flower or seed The Vse of Turneps Being boyled in salt broth they all of them eate most kindly and by reason of their sweetnesse are much esteemed and often seene as a dish at good mens tables but the greater quantitie of them are spent at poore mens feasts They nourish much and engender moist and loose flesh and are very windy The seede of the Navew gentle is as I take it called of Andromachus in the composition of his Treakle Bunias dulcis for Dioscorides and Plinie doe both say that the seede of the tame Bunias or Napus is put into Antidotes and not the seede of the wilde which is more sharpe and bitter neyther the seede of the Turnep which is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Rapum because the seede is not sweete CHAP. XLII Raphanus Raddish THere are two principall kindes of Garden Raddish the one is blackish on the outside and the otherwhite and of both these there is some diuision againe as shall be shewed Dittander and horse Raddish be reckoned kinds thereof The ordinary Raddish hath long leaues vneuenly gashed on both sides the stalke riseth vp to the height of three or foure foote bearing many purplish flowers at the top made of foure leaues a peece which turne into thicke and short pods wherein are contained round seede greater then Turnep or Coleworte seede and of a pale reddish colour the roote is long white and of a reddish purple colour on the outside toward the toppe of it and of a sharpe biting taste There is a small kind of Raddish that commeth earlier then the former that we haue had out of the low Countries not differing in any thing else The blacke Raddish I haue had brought me out of the lowe Countries where they sell them in some places by the pound and is accounted with them a rare winter sallet the roote of the best kinde is blackish on the outside and yet the seede gathered from such an one hath after the sowing againe giuen rootes whereof some haue beene blacke but the most part white on the outside and white within great and round at the head almost like a Turnep but ending shorter then a Raddish and longer then a Turnep almost peare-fashion of a firmer and harder substance then the ordinary Raddish but no lesse sharpe and biting and somewhat strong withall the leaues are somewhat smaller and with deeper gashes the flower and seede are like the former but smaller Another sort of blacke Raddish is like in leafe and seede to the former but the flower is of a lighter purple colour the roote is longer and smaller and changeth also to bee white as the former doth so that I thinke they haue both risen from one kinde The Horse Raddish is a kinde of wilde Raddish but brought into Gardens for the vse of it and hath great large and long greene leaues which are not so much diuided but dented about the edges the roote is long and great much stronger in taste then the former and abideth diuers yeares spreading with branches vnder ground Dittander is likewise a wilde kinde hereof hauing long pointed blewish greene leaues and a roote that creepeth much vnder ground I confesse this might haue bin placed among the herbes because the leaues and not the rootes are vsed but let it passe now with the kindes of Raddish The Vse of these Raddishes Raddishes doe serue vsually as a stimulum before meat giuing an appetite thereunto the poore eate them alone with bread and salt Some that are early sowen are eaten in Aprill or sooner if the season permit others come later and some are sowen late to serue for the end of Summer but as of all things else the earlier are the more accepted The blacke Raddishes are most vsed in the winter yet some in their naturall and not forc'd grounds haue their rootes good most part of the Summer and therefore must bee sowen after Midsomer for if they should bee sowen earlier they would presently runne vp to stalke and seed and so lose the benefit of the roote The Physicall propertie is it is often vsed in medicines that helpe to breake the stone and to auoyde grauell The Horse Raddish is vsed Physically very much in Melancholicke Spleneticke and Scorbuticke diseases And some vse to make a kinde of Mustard with the rootes and eate it with fish Dittander or Pepperworte is vsed of some cold churlish stomackes as a sawce or sallet sometimes to their meate but it is too hot bitter and strong for weake and tender stomackes Our Gardiners about London vse great fences of reede tyed together which
Asarabacca A Sarabacca from a small creeping roote set with many fibres shooteth forth diuers heads and from euery of them sundry leaues euery one standing vpon a long greene stalke which are round thicke and of a very sad or darke greene colour and shining withall from the rootes likewise spring vp short stalkes not fully foure fingers high at the toppe of euery one of which standeth the flower in fashion very like the seede vessell of Henbane seede of a greenish purple colour which changeth not his forme but groweth in time to containe therein small cornered seed the greene leaues abide all the winter many times but vsually sheddeth them in winter and recouereth fresh in the spring The Vse of Asarabacca The leaues are much and often vsed to procure vomits fiue or seuen of them bruised and the iuice of them drunke in ale or wine An extract made of the leaues with wine artificially performed might bee kept all the yeare thorough to bee vsed vpon any present occasion the quantitie to bee proportioned according to the constitution of the patient The roote worketh not so strongly by vomit as the leaues yet is often vsed for the same purpose and besides is held auaileable to prouoke vrine to open obstructions in the liuer and spleene and is put among diners other simples both into Mithridatum and Andromachus Treakle which is vsually called Venice Treakle A dram of the dryed roots in pouder giuen in white wine a little before the fit of an ague taketh away the shaking fit therby cause the hot fit to be the more remisse and in twice taking expell it quite CHAP. LXIII Glycyrrhiza siue Liqueritia Licorice ALthough there are two sorts of Licorice set downe by diuers Authors yet because this Land familiarly is acquainted but with one sort I shall not neede for this Garden to make any further relation of that is vnknowne but onely of that sort which is sufficiently frequent with vs. It riseth vp with diuers wooddy stalks whereon are set at seuerall distances many winged leaues that is to say many narrow long greene leaues set together on both sides of the stalke and an odde one at the end very well resembling a young Ashe tree sprung vp from the seede this by many yeares continuance in a place without remouing and not else will bring forth flowers many standing together spike-fashion one aboue another vpon the stalkes of the forme of Pease blossomes but of a very pale or bleake blew colour which turne into long somewhat flat and smooth cods wherein is contained small round hard seede the roote runneth downe exceeding deep into the ground with diuers other smaller roots and fibres growing with them and shoote out suckers from the maine rootes all about whereby it is much encreased of a brownish colour on the outside and yellow within of a farre more weake sweete taste yet far more pleasing to vs then that Licorice that is brought vs from beyond Sea because that being of a stronger sweet taste hath a bitternesse ioyned with it which maketh it the lesse pleasing and acceptable to most The Vse of Licorice Our English Licorice is now adaies of more familiar vse as I said before then the outlandish and is wholly spent and vsed to helpe to digest and expectorate flegme out of the chest and lunges and doth allay the sharpenesse or saltnesse thereof It is good also for those are troubled with shortnesse of breath and for all sorts of coughes The iuice of Licorice artificially made with Hyssope water serueth very well for all the purposes aforesaid It being dissolued with Gum Tragacanth in Rose water is an excellent Lohoc or licking medicine to breake flegme and to expectorate it as also to avoyde thin frothy matter or thin salt flegme which often fretteth the lunges It doth also lenifie exulcerated kidneyes or the bladder and helpeth to heale them It is held also good for those that cannot make their water but by drops or a small deale at a time The dryed root finely minced is a speciall ingredient into all Trageas or Dredges seruing for the purposes aforesaid but the vse of them is almost wholly left now adaies with all sorts Thus haue I shewed you not only the herbes rootes and fruites noursed vp in this Garden but such herbes as are of most necessary vses for the Country Gentlewomens houses And now I will shew you the Orchard also THE ORDERING OF THE ORCHARD The third part or ORCHARD CHAP. I. The situation of an Orchard for fruit-bearing trees and how to amend the defects of many grounds AS I haue done in the two former parts of this Treatise so I meane to proceede in this first to set downe the situation of an Orchard and then other things in order And first I hold that an Orchard which is or should bee of some reasonable large extent should be so placed that the house should haue the Garden of flowers iust before it open vpon the South and the Kitchen Garden on the one side thereof should also haue the Orchard on the other side of the Garden of Pleasure for many good reasons First for that the fruit trees being grown great and tall will be a great shelter from the North and East windes which may offend your chiefest Garden and although that your Orchard stand a little bleake vpon the windes yet trees rather endure these strong bitter blasts then other smaller and more tender shrubs and herbes can doe Secondly if your Orchard should stand behinde your Garden of flowers more Southward it would shadow too much of the Garden and besides would so binde in the North and East and North and West windes vpon the Garden that it would spoile many tender things therein and so much abate the edge of your pleasure thereof that you would willingly wish to haue no Orchard rather then that it should so much annoy you by the so ill standing thereof Thirdly the falling leaues being still blowne with the winde so aboundantly into the Garden would either spoile many things or haue one daily and continuall attending thereon to cleanse and sweepe them away Or else to auoide these great inconueniences appoint out an Orchard the farther off and set a greater distance of ground betweene For the ground or soile of the Orchard what I haue spoken concerning the former Garden for the bettering of the seuerall grounds may very well serue and be applyed to this purpose But obserue this that whereas your Gardens before spoken of may be turned vp manured and bettered with soile if they growe out of heart your Orchard is not so easily done but must abide many yeares without altering and therefore if the ground be barren or not good it had the more neede to bee amended or wholly made good before you make an Orchard of it yet some there be that doe appoint that where euery tree should bee set you onely digge that place to make it good but you must know that
nothing you must cast it away and cut another that may haue that eye abiding within the budde on the inside you may perceiue if that eye be wanting if you see an emptie hole in the place where the eye should be to fill it vp on the inside thereof thus hauing taken off your bud well and cleanly which is set forth vnto you at the figures 3 and 4. presently set it on the tree you would graft for your small bud can abide no delay lest by taking the ayre too long it become dry and nothing worth in this manner Cut the barke of your tree you would graft in a smooth place at what height you please first aboue or ouerthwart and then downe right in the middle thereof more then an inch long the figure whereof you shall haue at the figure 1. and then raise vp both sides of the barke first one and then another with the flat and thinne haft end of your knife a prettie way inwards for if the barke will not rise easily the stocke is not then fit to graft vpon put in your budde into the cleft with the point downewards holding the stalke of the leafe that is with the budde betweene your fingers of the one hand and opening the cleft with the flat end of your knife with the other hand that the head of your bud may be put close vnder the ouerthwart cut in the stocke or tree which must not be raised or stirred as the sides are the eye of the bud stand iust in the middle of the slit that is downeright and then closing the barke of the stocke or tree softly vnto the bud thus put in with your fingers let it be bound gently with a small long peece of baste or other such like soft thing first aboue the eye then compassing it belowe as close as you can but not too hard in any case vntil you haue bound it all ouer the slit you made especially the lower end lest any winde get in to dry and spoile it and hauing tyed both ends thereof fast leaue it so for a fornight or somewhat more in which space it will take and hold if it be well done which you shall perceiue if the bud abide green and turne not blacke when you haue vnloosed the tying for if it hold fast to the tree and be fresh and good tye it vp gently againe and so leaue it for a fortnight longer or a moneth if you will and then you may take away your binding cleane this budde will if no other mischance happen vnto it spring and shoote forth the next yeare and sometimes the same yeare but that is seldome and therefore in the beginning of the yeare cut off the head of the grafted tree about an handfull aboue the grafted place vntill the graft be growne strong and then cut it off close that the head may be couered with the graft and doe not suffer any buds to sprout besides the graft either aboue or belowe it If you graft diuers buds vpon one stocke which is the best way let that onely remaine and abide that shooteth best forth and rubbe off or take away the other the seuerall parts of this grafting I haue caused to be expressed for your further information 5. Grafting in the scutcheon is accounted another kinde of grafting and differeth verie little from grafting in the budde the difference chiefly consisteth in this that in stead of the downe right slit and that aboue ouerthwart they take away iust so much barke of the great tree as your bud is in bignesse which vsually is a little larger then the former and placing it therein they binde it as formerly is said some vse for this purpose a paire of compasses to giue the true measure both of bud and stocke this manner of grafting is most vsed vpon greater trees whose young branches are too high to graft vpon in the former maner and whose tops they cut off for the most part at the latter end of the next yeare after the bud is taken both these waies were inuented to saue the losse of trees which are more endangered by grafting in the stocke then any of these waies and besides by these waies you may graft at a farre grea height without losse CHAP. V. Of the manner of grafting and propagating all sorts of Roses HAuing now spoken of the grafting of trees let mee adioyne the properties of Roses which although they better fit a Garden then an Orchard yet I could not in a fitter place expresse them then here both for the name and affinity of grafting because I do not expresse it in the first part All sorts of Roses may be grafted although all sorts are not some seruing rather for stockes for others to be grafted on as easily as any other tree is only performed by inoculating in the same maner I haue set downe in the former Chapter of grafting trees in the bud for both stocke and budde must bee dealt with after the same fashion And although some haue boasted of grafting Roses by slicing or whipping as they call it or in the stocke after the first manner set downe in the former Chapter yet I thinke it rather a bragge not hauing seene or heard any true effect proceede from that relation The sweete Briar or Eglantine the white and the Damaske Roses are the chiefest stockes to graft vpon And if you graft lowe or neare the ground you may by laying downe that graft within the ground after it hath bin shot out well and of a years growth by pinning it fast downe with short stickes a thwart or acrosse cause that grafted branch by taking roote to become a naturall Rose such as the graft was which being separated and transplanted after it hath taken root wel will prosper as well as any naturall sucker And in this maner by laying downe branchese at length into the ground if they be full of spreading small branches you may increase all sorts of Roses quickly and plentifully for they will shoote forth rootes at the ioynt of euery branch But as for the manner of grafting white Roses or Damaske vpon Broome stalkes or Barbary bushes to cause them to bring forth double yellow Roses or vpon a Willowe to beare greene Roses they are all idle conceits as impossible to be effected as other things whereof I haue spoken in the ninth Chapter of my first part concerning a Garden of flowers vnto which I referre you to be satisfied with the reasons there alledged And it is the more needlesse because we haue a naturall double yellow Rose of it owne growing The sowing of the seedes of Roses which are sometimes found vpon most sorts of Roses although not euery yeare and in euerie place hath bin formerly much vsed but now the laying downe of the young shootes is a way for increase so much vsed being safe and verie speedie to take especially for those Roses that are not so apt to giue suckers that it
The Vse of Almonds They are vsed many wayes and for many purposes either eaten alone with Figges or Raysins of the Sunne or made into paste with Sugar and Rosewater for Marchpanes or put among Floure Egges and Sugar to make Mackerons or crusted ouer with Sugar to make Comfits or mixed with Rosewater and Sugar to make Butter or with Barley water to make Milke and many other waies as euery one list that hath skill in such things The oyle also Almonds is vsed many waies both inwardly and outwardly for many purposes as the oyle of sweete Almonds mixt with poudered white Sugar Candy for coughes and hoarsenesse and to be drunk alone or with some other thing as the Syrupe of Marsh Mallowes for the stone to open and lenifie the passages and make them slipperie that the stone may passet the easier And also for women in Child bed after their sore trauell And outwardly either by it selfe or with oyle of Tartar to make a creame to lenifie the skin parched with the winde or otherwise or to annoint the stomacke either alone or with other things to helpe a cold The oyle of bitter Almonds is much vsed to be dropped into their eares that are hard of hearing to helpe to open them And as it is thought doth more scoure and cleanse the skin then the sweet oyle doth and is therefore more vsed of many for that purpose as the Almonds themselues are CHAP. XVIII Mala Arantia Orenges I Bring here to your consideration as you see the Orenge tree alone without mentioning the Citron or Lemmon trees in regard of the experience we haue seen made of them in diuers places For the Orenge tree hath abiden with some extraordinary looking and tending of it when as neither of the other would by any meanes be preserued any longtime If therefore any be desirous to keepe this tree he must so prouide for it that it be preserued from any cold either in the winter or spring and exposed to the comfort of the sunne in summer And for that purpose some keepe them in great square boxes and lift them to and fro by iron hooks on the sides or cause them to be rowled by trundels or small wheeles vnder them to place them in an house or close gallerie for the winter time others plant them against a bricke wall in the ground and defend them by a shed of boardes couered ouer with seare-cloth in the winter and by the warmth of a stoue or other such thing giue them some comfort in the colder times but no tent or meane prouision will preserue them The Orenge tree in the warme Countries groweth very high but with vs or else it is a dwarfe kinde there of riseth not very high the barke of the elder stemmes being of a darke colour and the young branches very greene whereon grow here and there some few thornes the leaues are faire large and very greene in forme almost like a Bay leafe but that it hath a small eare or peece of a leafe fashioned like vnto an heart vnder euery one of them with many small holes to be seene in them if you hold them vp betweene you and the light of a sweet but strong smell naturally not falling away but alwaies abiding on or vntill new be come vp bearing greene leaues continually the flowers are whitish of a very strong and heady sent after which come small round fruit greene at the first while they are small and not neere maturitie but being grown and ripe are as all men know red on the out side some more pale then others and some kindes of a deeper yellowish red according to the climate and as it receiueth the heate of the sunne wherein is contained sower or sweete iuice and thicke white kernels among it it beareth in the warme Countries both blossomes and greene fruit continually vpon it and ripe fruit also with them for the best part of the yeare but especially in Autumne and Winter The Vse of Orenges Orenges are vsed as sawce for many sorts of meates in respect of their sweete sowernesse giuing a rellish of delight whereinsoeuer they are vsed The inner pulpe or iuice doth serue in agues and hot diseases and in Summer to coole the heate of deiected stomackes or fainting spirits 1 Malus Arantia The Orenge tree 2 Malus The Apple tree 3 Malum Carbonarium The Pomewater 4 Malum Curtipendulum The golden 〈◊〉 5 Melapium The Pearemaine 6 Malum Regineiâ—â— The Queene Apple 7 Malum Primo matuâ—um The Genneting 8 Malum Regule The pound Roâ—all 9 Malum Kentij ad feruescondum The Kentish Codlin 10 Malum Regineum spurium The Bardfield Quining The dryed rinde by reason of the sweete and strong sent serueth to bee put among other things to make sweet pouthers The outer rindes when they are clensed from all the inner pulpe and skins are preserued in Sugar after the bitternesse by often steepings hath been taken away do serue either as Succots and banquetting stuffes or as ornaments to set out dishes for the table or to giue a rellish vnto meats whether baked or boyled Physically they helpe to warme a cold stomack and to digest or breake winde therein or they are candid with Sugar and serue with other dryed Iunquets The water of Orange flowers is oftentimes vsed as a great persume for glones to washe them or in stead of Rose-water to mixe with other things It is vsed to bee drunke by some to preuent or to helpe any pestilentiall feuer The oyntment that is made of the flowers is very comfortable both for the stomache against the could or cough or for the head for paines and disinesse The kernels or seede beeing cast into the ground in the spring time will quickely grow vp but will not abide the winter with vs to bee kept for growing trees and when they are of a finger length high being pluckt vp and put among sallats will giue them a maruellous fine aromaticke or spicy taste very acceptable The seed or kernels are a little cordiall although nothing so much as the kernels of the Pomecitron CHAP. XIX Poma Apples THe sorts of Apples are so many and infinite almost as I may say that I cannot giue you the names of all though I haue endeauoured to giue a great many and I thinke it almost impossible for any one to attaine to the full perfection of knowledge herein not onely in regard of the multiplicitie of fashions colours and tastes but in that some are more familiar to one Countrey then to another being of a better or worse taste in one place then in another and therefore diuersly called I will therefore as I haue done before giue you the description of the Tree in generall as also of the Paradise or dwarfe Apple because of some especiall difference and afterwards the names of as many with their fashions as haue come to my knowledge either by sight or relation for I doe confesse I haue not seene all that I
made for the purpose to this and that vnderneath it vpon the boughes were laid boards to tread vpon which was the goodliest spectacle mine eyes euer beheld for one tree to carry The coles of the wood are the best to make Gunpowder And being kindled and quenched in vinegar are good to dissolue clotted bloud in those that are bruised with a fall The inner barke being steeped in water yeeldeth a slimie iuyce which is found by experience to be very profitable for them that haue been burnt with fire 17. Tamarix Tamariske tree THe Tamariske tree that is common in our country although in some places it doth not grow great yet I haue seene it in some other to be as great as a great apple tree in the body bearing great arms from whose smaller branches spring forth young slender red shootes set with many very fine small and short leaues a little crisped like vnto the leaues of Sauine not hard or rough but soft and greene the flowers be white mossie threads which turne into dounie seede that is carried away with the winde Tamariscus folijs ablidis White Tamariske There is another kinde hereof very beautifull and rare not to be seene in this Land I thinke but with Mr. William Ward the Kings seruant in his Granary before remembred who brought me a small twigge to see from his house at Boram in Essex whose branches are all red while they are young and all the leaues white abiding so all the Summer long without changing into any shew of greene like the other and so abideth constant yeare after yeare yet shedding the leaues in Winter like the other The Vse of Tamariske The greatest vse of Tamariske is for spleneticke diseases either the leaues or the barke made into drinkes or the wood made into small Cans or Cups to drinke in 18. Acer maius latifolium The great Maple or Sycomore tree THe Sycomore tree as we vsually call it and is the greatest kind of Maple cherished in our Land onely in Orchards or elsewhere for shade and walkes both here in England and in some other countries also groweth quickly to bee a faire spreading great tree with many boughes and branches whose barke is somewhat smooth the leaues are very great large and smooth cut into foure or fiue diuisions and ending into so many corners euery one standing on a long reddish stalke the bloomings are of a yellowish greene colour growing many together on each side of a long stalke which afrer turne into long and broad winged seede two alwaies standing together on a stalke and bunched out in the middle where the seed or kernell lyeth very like vnto the common Maple growing wilde abroad but many more together and larger The Vse of the Sycomore tree It is altogether planted for shady walkes and hath no other vse with vs that I know 19. Nux Vesicaria The bladder Nut. THis tree groweth not very high but is of a meane stature when it is preserued and pruined to grow vpright or else it shooteth forth many twigges from the rootes and so is fit to plant in a hedge rowe as it is vsed in some places the body and armes are couered with a whitish greene barke the branches and leaues on them are like vnto the Elder hauing three or fiue leaues set one against another with one of them at the end each whereof is nicked or dented about the edges the flowers are sweete and white many growing together on a long stalke hanging downeward in forme resembling a small Daffodill hauing a small round cup in the middle and leaues about it after which come the fruit inclosed in russetish greene bladders containing one or two brownish nuts lesser then Hasell nuts whose outer shell is not hard and woody like the shell of a nut but tough and hard withall not easie to breake within which is a greene kernell sweetish at the first but lothsome afterwards ready to procure casting and yet liked of some people who can well endure to eate them The Vse of the Bladder Nut. The greatest vse that I know the tree or his fruit is put vnto is that it is receiued into an Orchard either for the rarity of the kinde being suffered to grow into a tree or as I said before to make an hedge being let grow into suckers Some Quacksaluers haue vsed these nuts as a medicine of rare vertue for the stone but what good they haue done I neuer yet could learne 20. Rhus Myrtifolia The Mirtle leafed Sumach THis lowe shrubbe groweth seldome to the height of a man hauing many slender branches and long winged leaues set thereon euery one whereof is of the bignesse of the broad or large Mirtle leafe and set by couples all the length of the ribbe running through the middle of them It beareth diuers flowers at the tops of the branches made of many purple threads which turne into small blacke berries wherein are contained small white and rough seed somewhat like vnto Grape kernels or stones This vseth to dye down to the ground in my Garden euery Winter and rise vp again euery Spring whether the nature thereof were so or the coldnesse of our climate the cause therof I am not well assured It is also rare and to be seen but with a few The Vse of this Sumach It is vsed to thicken or tanne leather or hides in the same manner that the ordinary Sumach doth as also to stay fluxes both in men and women 21. Rhus Virginiana The Virginia Sumach or Buckes horne tree of Virginia THis strange tree becommeth in some places to bee of a reasonable height and bignesse the wood whereof is white soft and pithy in the middle like vnto an Elder couered with a darke coloured barke somewhat smooth the young branches that are of the last yeares growth are somewhat reddish or browne very soft and smooth in handling and so like vnto the Veluet head of a Deere that if one were cut off from the tree and shewed by it selfe it might soone deceiue a right good Woodman and as they grow seeme most like thereunto yeelding a yellowish milke when it is broken which in a small time becommeth thicke like a gumme the leaues grow without order on the branches but are themselues set in a seemly order on each side of a middle ribbe seuen nine ten or more on a side and one at the end each whereof are somewhat broad and long of a darke greene colour on the vpperside and paler greene vnderneath finely snipped or toothed round about the edges at the ends of the branches come forth long and thicke browne tufts very soft and as it were woolly in handling made all of short threads or thrums from among which appeare many small flowers much more red or crimson then the tufts which turne into a very small seede the roote shooteth forth young suckers farre away and round about whereby it is mightily encreased The Vse of this Sumach It is onely kept as a
or Foolish Cowslip in some places is called by Country people Iacke an Apes on horse-backe which is an vsuall name with them giuen to many other plants as Daisies Marigolds c. if they be strange or fantasticall differing in the forme from the ordinary kinde of the single ones The smallest are vsually called through all the North Country Birds eyen because of the small yellow circle in the bottomes of the flowers resembling the eye of a bird The Vertues Primroses and Cowslips are in a manner wholly vsed in Cephalicall diseases either among other herbes or flowers or of themselues alone to ease paines in the head and is accounted next vnto Betony the best for that purpose Experience likewise hath shewed that they are profitable both for the Palsie and paines of the ioynts euen as the Beares eares are which hath caused the names of Arthritica Paralysis and Paralytica to bee giuen them The iuice of the flowers is commended to cleanse the spots or marks of the face whereof some Gentlewomen haue found good experience CHAP. XXXVI Pulmonaria Lungwort or Cowslips of Ierusalem ALthough these plants are generally more vsed as Pot-herbes for the Kitchen then as flowers for delight yet because they are both called Cowslips and are of like forme but of much lesse beauty I haue ioyned them next vnto them in a distinct Chapter by themselues and so may passe at this time 1. Pulmonaria maculosa Common spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem The Cowslip of Ierusalem hath many rough large and round leaues but pointed at the ends standing vpon long foot stalkes spotted with many round white spots on the vppersides of the sad greene or browne leaues and of a grayer greene vnderneath among the leaues spring vp diuers browne stalkes a foote high bearing many flowers at the toppe very neare resembling the flowers of Cowslips being of a purple or reddish colour while they are buds and of a darke blewish colour when they are blowne standing in brownish greene huskes and sometimes it hath beene found with white flowers when the flowers are past there come vp small round heads containing blacke seed the roote is composed of many long and thicke blacke strings 2. Pulmonaria altera non maculosa Vnspotted Cowslips of Ierusalem The leaues of this other kinde are not much vnlike the former being rough as they are but smaller of a fairer greene colour aboue and of a whiter greene vnderneath without any spots at all vpon the leaues the flowers also are like the former and of the same colour but a little more branched vpon the stalkes then the former the rootes also are blacke like vnto them 3. Pulmonaria angustifolia Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem The leaues hereof are somewhat longer but not so broad and spotted with whitish spots also as the former the stalke hereof is set with the like long hairy leaues but smaller being a foote high or better bearing at the toppe many flowers standing in huskes like the first being somewhat reddish in the bud and of a darke purplish blew colour when they are blowne open the seede is like the former all of them doe well resemble Buglosse and Comfrey in most parts except the roote which is not like them but stringie like vnto Cowslips yet blacke The Place The Cowslips of Ierusalem grow naturally in the Woods of Germany in diuers places and the first kinde in England also found out by Iohn Goodier a great searcher and louer of plants dwelling at Maple-durham in Hampshire The Time They flower for the most part very early that is in the beginning of Aprill The Names They are generally called in Latine Pulmonaria and maculosa or non maculosa is added for distinctions sake Of some it is called Symphitum maculosum that is spotted Comfrey In English it is diuersly called as spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem Sage of Ierusalem Sage of Bethlehem Lungwort and spotted Comfrey and it might bee as fitly called spotted Buglosse whereunto it is as like as vnto Comfrey as I said before The Vertues It is much commended of some to bee singular good for vlcered lungs that are full of rotten matter As also for them that spit bloud being boyled and drunke It is of greatest vse for the pot being generally held to be good both for the lungs and the heart CHAP. XXXVII 1. Buglossum Borrago Buglosse and Borage ALthough Borage and Buglosse might as fitly haue been placed I confesse in the Kitchen Garden in regard they are wholly in a manner spent for Physicall properties or for the Pot yet because anciently they haue been entertained into Gardens of pleasure their flowers hauing been in some respect in that they haue alwaies been enterposed among the flowers of womens needle-worke I am more willing to giue them place here then thrust them into obscurity and take such of their tribe with them also as may fit for this place either for beauty or rarity The Garden Buglosse and Borage are so well knowne vnto all that I shall I doubt but spend time in waste to describe them yet not vsing to passe ouer any thing I name and appropriate to this Garden so sleightly they are thus to bee knowne Buglosse hath many long narrow hairy or rough sad greene leaues among which rise vp two or three very high stalks branched at the top whereon stand many blew flowers consisting of fiue small round pointed leaues with a small pointell in the middle which are very smooth shining and of a reddish purple while they are buds and not blowne open which being fallen there groweth in the greene huske wherein the flower stood three or foure roundish blacke seedes hauing that thread or pointell standing still in the middle of them the roote is blacke without and whitish within long thicke and full of slimie iuice as the leaues are also and perisheth not euery yeare as the roote of Borage doth 2. Borrago Borage Borage hath broader shorter greener and rougher leaues then Buglosse the stalkes hereof are not so high but branched into many parts whereon stand larger flowers and more pointed at the end then Buglosse and of a paler blew colour for the most part yet sometimes the flowers are reddish and sometimes pure white each of the flowers consisting of fiue leaues standing in a round hairy whitish huske diuided into fiue parts and haue a small vmbone of fiue blackish threads in the middle standing out pointed at the end and broad at the bottome the seed is like the other the root is thicker and shorter then the roote of Buglosse somewhat blackish without also and whitish within and perisheth after seede time but riseth of it owne seede fallen and springeth in the beginning of the yeare 3. Borrago semper virens Euerliuing Borage Euerliuing Borage hath many broad greene leaues and somewhat rough more resembling Comfrey then Borage yet not so large as either the stalkes are not so high as Borage and haue many small blew flowers on them very
the rest belowe and the end leafe biggest of all this proportion generally it holdeth in euery winged leafe through the whole plant which at the first comming forth are somewhat reddish with the young branch that shooteth out with them but being full growne are of a deepe greene colour and somewhat shining dented about the edges and fall not away from the branches as other Roses doe but abide thereon for the most part all the Winter the flowers stand foure or fiue together at the tops of the branches being single Roses made of fiue leaues a peece of a pure white colour much larger then the ordinary Muske Rose and of a fine sent comming nearest thereunto with many yellow chiues or threads in the middle The Place Some of these Roses had their originall as is thought in England as the first and second for these dryed red Roses that come ouer to vs from beyond the Seas are not of the kinde of our red Rose as may well be perceiued by them that will compare our English dryed leaues with those Some in Germany Spaine and Italy Some againe in Turkie as the double yellow Rose which first was procured to be brought into England by Master Nicholas Lete a worthy Merchant of London and a great louer of flowers from Constantinople which as wee heare was first brought thither from Syria but perished quickly both with him and with all other to whom hee imparted it yet afterwards it was sent to Master Iohn de Franqueuille a Merchant also of London and a great louer of all rare plants as well as flowers from which is sprung the greatest store that is now flourishing in this Kingdome The Time The Cinamon Rose is the earliest for the most part which flowreth with vs about the middle of May and sometimes in the beginning The ordinary Muske Roses both single and double flower latest as is said All the other flower much about one time in the beginning of Iune or there abouts and continue flowring all that moneth and the next throughout for the most part and the red vntill August be halfe past The Names The seuerall names whereby they are most commonly knowne vnto vs in this Countrey are expressed in their titles but they are much differing from what they are called in other Countries neare vnto vs which to compare conferre and agree together were a worke of more paines then vse But to proportion them vnto the names set downe by Theophrastus Pliny and the rest of the ancient Authors were a worke wherein I might be sure not to escape without falling into errour as I verily beleeue many others haue done that haue vndertaken to doe it I will therefore for this worke desire that you will rest contented with so much as hath already been deliuered and expect an exact definition and complete satisfaction by such a methodicall course as a generall History will require to be performed by them that shall publish it The Vertues The Rose is of exceeding great vse with vs for the Damaske Rose besides the superexcellent sweete water it yeeldeth being distilled or the perfume of the leaues being dryed seruing to fill sweete bags serueth to cause solublenesse of the body made into a Syrupe or preserued with Sugar moist or dry candid The Damaske Prouince Rose is not onely for sent nearest of all other Roses vnto the Damaske but in the operation of solubility also The red Rose hath many Physicall vses much more then any other seruing for many sorts of compositions both cordiall and cooling both binding and loosing The white Rose is much vsed for the cooling of heate in the eyes diuers doe make an excellent yellow colour of the iuyce of white Roses wherein some Allome is dissolued to paint or colour flowers or pictures or any other such things There is little vse of any other sort of Roses yet some affirme that the Muske Roses are as strong in operation to open or loosen the belly as the Damaske Rose or Prouince CHAP. CXI Cistus The Holly Rose or Sage Rose THere are three principall kindes of Cistus the male the female and the gumme or sweete smelling Cistus bearing Ladanum called Ledon Of each of these three there are also diuers sorts Of them all to intreate in this worke is not my minde I will onely select out of the multitude some few that are fit for this our Garden and leaue the rest to a greater 1. Cistus mas The male Holly Rose or Sage Rose The male Cistus that is most familiar vnto our Countrey I meane that will best abide is a small shrubby plant growing seldome aboue three or foure foote high with vs hauing many slender brittle wooddy branches couered with a whitish barke whereon are set many whitish greene leaues long and somewhat narrow crumpled or wrinckled as it were with veines and somewhat hard in handling especially the old ones for the young ones are softer somewhat like vnto Sage leaues for the forme and colour but much smaller two alwaies set together at a ioynt the flowers stand at the toppe of the branches three or foure together vpon seuerall slender foot-stalkes consisting of fiue small round leaues a peece somewhat like vnto a small single Rose of a fine reddish purple colour with many yellow threads in the middle without any sent at all and quickly fading or falling away abiding seldome one whole day blowne at the most after the flowers are past there come vp round hard hairie heads in their places containing small brownish seede the roote is wooddy and will abide some yeares with vs if there be some care had to keepe it from the extreamity of our Winters frostes which both this and many of the other sorts and kinds will not abide doe what we can 2. Cistus faemina The female Holly Rose The female Holly Rose groweth lower and smaller then the former male kinde hauing blackish branches lesse woody but not lesse brittle then it the leaues are somewhat rounder and greener but a little hard or rough withall growing in the same manner vpon the branches by couples the flowers grow at the toppes of the branches like vnto the former consisting of fiue leaues but somewhat lesser and wholly white with yellow threds in the middle as quickly fading and of as little sent as the former the heads and seede are somewhat bigger then in the former 3. Chamaecistus Frisicus The dwarfe Holly Rose of Friseland This dwarfe Cistus is a small low plant hauing diuers shootes from the rootes full of leaues that are long and narrow very like vnto the leaues of the French Spikenard or Spica Celtica from among which leaues shoote forth short stalkes not aboue a span high with a few smaller leaues thereon and at the toppes diuers small flowers one aboue another consisting of six small round leaues of a yellow colour hauing two circles of reddish spots round about the bottome of the leaues a little distant one from another which adde much grace to