was much forked diuided into branches wherwith folk vsed to kil fishes But among al other herbs of name Peucedanum is much talked of and commended principally that which groweth in Arcadie next to it most account is made of that in Samothrace a slender stalk it carrieth and a long resembling the stem of Fennell neere vnto the ground it is replenished well with leaues the root is black thick full of sap and of a strong and vnpleasant smell it delighteth to come vp and grow among shady mountains The proper time to dig it out of the ground is in the later end of Autumne the tenderest roots and those that run deepest downe into the earth are most commendable The manner is to cut these roots ouerthwart into certaine cantels or pieces of foure fingers in length with kniues made of bone whereout there issueth a juice which ought to be dried kept in the shade but the party who hath the cutting of them had need first to annoint his head all ouer and his nosthrils with oile rosat for feare of the gid and least he should fall into a dizzinesse or swimming of the braine There is another juice or liquor found in this plant lying fast within the stems therof which they yeeld forth after incision made in them The best juice is knowne by these marks It carieth the consistence of honey the colour is red the smell strong and yet pleasant and in the mouth it is very hot and stinging Much vse there is of it in many medicines as also of the root and decoction thereof but the juice is of most operation which being dissolued with bitter almonds or rue people vse to drink against the poison of serpents in case the body be annointed all ouer with oile it preserueth them safe against their stings CHAP. X. ¶ Of ground Elder or Wallwoort Of Mullen or Taper wort Of the Aconit called Thelyphonos Of remedies against the pricke of Scorpions the venome of Hedge-toads the biting of mad Dogs and generally against all poysons THe smoke or perfume also of VValwort a common herb and knowne to euery man chaseth and putteth to flight any serpents The juice of Polemonia is a proper defensatiue especially against scorpions if one haue it tied about him or hanging at his neck likewise it resisteth the prick of the spiders Phalangia and any other of these venomous vermins of the smaller sort Aristolochia hath a singular vertue contrary vnto serpents so hath Agaricke if foure oboli thereof be drunke in as many cyaths of some artificiall or compound aromatized wine Vervaine is a soueraigne herb also against the venomous spider Phalangium being taken in wine or oxycrat i. vineger and water so is Cinquefoile and the yellow Carrot That herb which the Latines call Verbascum i. Lungwort or Hightaper is named in Greek Phlomos Two special kinds there be of it the one is whiter which you must take for the male the other black that may go for the female There is a third sort also but it is found no where but in the wild woods The leaues of all the former be broader than those of the Colewort and hairy withal they beare a main vpright stem a cubit in height with the vantage the seed is black and of no vse in Physicke a single root they haue of a finger thicknes These grow also vpon plains and champian grounds The wild kinde beareth leaues resembling sauge the branches be of a wooddy substance the same grow high There be moreouer of this kind two other herbs named Phlomides both of them hairy their leaues be round and they grow but low A third sort there is be sides named by some Lychnitis and by others Thryallis it sheweth 3 leaues or foure at the most and those be thick fat good to make wyks or matches for lights It is said that if figs be kept in the leaues of that which I named the female they will not rot To distinguish these herbs into seuerall kinds is a needlesse peece of work considering they agree all in the same effects their root together with rue is to be drunk in water against the poyson of scorpions true it is that the drinke is very bitter but the effect that it worketh maketh amends There is an herbe called by some Thelyphonon by others Scorpion for the resemblance that the root hath to the Scorpion and yet if Scorpions be but touched therwith they will die thereupon no maruell therefore if there be an ordinary drinke made of it against their poison and here commeth to my mind that which I haue heard namely that if a dead scorpion be rubbed with the white Ellebore root it wil reuiue and quicken again The said Thelyphonon hath such a spightful nature against the four-footed beasts of the female sex that if the root be laid to their shap or naturall place it killeth them and if the leafe which is like vnto the Cyclamin or Sowbread leafe aboue named be applied in that maner they will not liue one day to an end This herb is parted and diuided into knots or joints taking pleasure to grow in coole and shady places To conclude and knit vp these remedies against scorpions the juice of Betonie and of Plantaine likewise is a singular remedie for their poison Moreouer Frogs such especially as keep in bushes and hedges and be called in Latine Rubetae i. toads are not without their venom I my self haue seen these vaunting Montebanks calling themselues Psylli as comming from the race of those people Psylli who feared no kind of poison I haue seen them I say in a brauery because they would seem to surpasse all others of that profession to eat those toads baked red hot between 2 platters but what became of them they caught their bane by it and died more suddenly than if they had bin stung by the Aspis but what is the help for this rank poison surely the herb Phrynion drunk in wine Some cal it Neuras others Poterion pretty flours it beareth the roots be many in number full of strings like vnto sinews and the same of a sweet pleasant sent Likewise Alisura is counted another remedy in this case an herb it is called by some Damosorium by others Liron the leaues might be taken for Planta in but that they be narrower more iagged and plaited bending also toward the ground for otherwise ribbed they be and full of veins as like as may be to Plantain As for the stalk it is likewise one and no more plain and slender of a cub it in heigth in the head wherof it hath knobs roots growing many and thick together and those but small like vnto those of the blacke Ellebore but they be hot and biting of a sweet and odoriferous smell and of a fatty substance withall it groweth ordinarily in watery and moist places And yet there is a second kind of it which commeth vp in woods of a more
or poole it would draw the same dry and was of power by touching onely to open lockes or vnbolt any dore whatsoeuer Of Achoemenis also another herb they made this boast That beeing throwne against an armie of enemies ranged in battel array it would driue the troups and squadrons into feare disorder their ranks and put them to flight Semblably they gaue out and said That when the king of Persia dispatcâ—…ed his Embassadors to any forrein states and Princes he was wont to giue them an herb called Latace which so long as they had about them come where they would they should want nothing but haue plenty of all that they desired besides a number of such fooleries wherewith their bookes bee pestered But where I beseech you were these herbs when the Cimbrians and Teutons were defeated in a most cruell and terrible battell so as they cried and yelled again What became of these Magitians and their powerfull herbs when Lucullus with a small army consisting of some few legions ouerthrew and vanquished their owne kings If herbs were so mighty what is the reason I pray you that our Romane captaines prouided euermore aboue all things how to be furnished with victuals for their camp and to haue al the waies and passages open for their purveâ—…ours In the expedition of Pharsalia how came it to passe that the souldiers were at the point to be famished for want of victuals if Caesar by the happy hauing of one hearbe in his campe might haue injoied the abundance of all things Had it not bin better think ye for Scipio Aemilianus to haue caused the gates of Carthage to flie open with the help of one herbe than to lie so many yeres as he did in leaguer before the city with his engins ordinance to shake their wals batter their gates Were there such vertue in Ethiopius aforesaid why do we not at this day dry vp the Pontine lakes and recouer so much good ground vnto the territory about Rome Moreouer if that composition which Democritus hath set downe and his bookes maketh prayse of to be so effectual as to procure men to haue faire vertuous and fortunat children how happeneth it that the kings of Persia themselues could neuer attaine to that felicity And verily wee might maruell well enough at the credulity of our Ancestors in doting so much vpon these inuentions howsoeuer at the first they were deuised and brought in to right good purpose in case the mind and wit of man knew how to stay and keepe a meane in any thing els besides or if I could not proue as I suppose to doe in due place that euen this new leech-craft brought in by Asâ—…lepiades which checketh those vanities is growne to farther abuses and absurdities than are broched by the very Magitians themselues But this hath beene alwaies and euer will bee the nature of mans mind To exceed in the end and go beyond all measure in euery thing which at the beginning arose vpon good respects and necessary occasions But to leaue this discourse let vs proceed to the effects and properties remaining behind of those herbs which were described in the former booke with a supplement also and addition of some others as by occasion shall be offered and presented vnto vs. Howbeit to begin first with the remedies of the said Tettars so foule and vnseemly diseases I mean to gather a heape of as many medicines as I know appropriat for that malady notwithstanding I haue shewed alreadie of that kind not a few Well then in this case Plantaine stamped is very commendable so is Cinquefoile and the root of the white Daffodill punned and applied with vineger The young shoots or tender branches of the fig-tree boiled in vineger likewise the root of the Marsh-Mallow sodden with glow in a strong and sharpe vineger to the consumption of a fourth part Moreouer it is singular good to rub tettars throughly with a pumish stone first to the end that the root of Sorrell stamped and reduced into a liniment with vineger might be applied afterwards therupon with better successe as also the floure of Miselto tempred incorporat with quick-lime the decoction likewise of Tithymale together with rosin is much praised for this cure but the herb Liuerwort excelleth all the rest which therupon tooke the name Lichen it groweth vpon stony grounds with broad leaues beneath about the root hauing one stalke and the same small at which there hang downe long leaues and surely this is a proper herb also to wipe away all marks and cicatrices in the skin if it be bruised and laid vpon them with hony Another kind of Lichen or Liuerwort there is cleauing wholly fast vpon rockes and stones in manner of mosse which also is singular for those tettars being reduced into a liniment This herb likewise stancheth the flux of bloud in green wounds if the juice be dropped into them and in a liniment it serueth well to be applied vnto apostumat places the jaundise it healeth in case the mouth and tongue be rubbed and annointed with it and hony together but in this cure the Patients must haue in charge To bathe in salt water to anoint themselues with oile of almonds and in any case to abstain from all salads and pothearbs of the garden For to heale tettars the root of Thapsia stamped with hony is much vsed As for the Squinsie Argemonia is a soueraigne remedy if it be drunk in wine Hyssop also boiled in wine and so gargarized likewise Harstrang with the rennet of a Seale or Sea-calse taken both of them in equall portion moreouer Knot-grasse stamped with the pickle made of Cackrebs and oile and so gargled or els but held only vnder the tongue Semblaby the juice of Cinquefoile being taken in drink to the quantity of three cyaths this juice besides in a gargarisme cureth all other infirmities of the throat And to conclude with Mullen if it be drunk in water it hath a speciall vertue to cure the inflammation of the amygdals or almond kernels of the throat CHAP. V. ¶ Receits for the scrophules ar wens called the Kings-euill for the paines and griefes of the singers for the diseases of the breast and namely for the Cough PLantaine is a soueraigne herb to cure the Kings euill also Celendine applied with honey and hogs lard so is Cinquefoile The root of the great Clot-bur serueth for the same purpose if it be incorporat with hogs grease so that the place after it is annointed therewith be couered with a leafe of the said Bur laid fast vpon it in like manner Artemisia or Mugwort also a Mandrage root applied with water is good for that purpose The broad leafed Sideritis or Stone-sauge being digged round about with a spike of yron and taken vp with the left hand and so applied vnto the place cureth the kings euill prouided alwaies that the Patients when they be healed keep the same herbe still by them
a rank smell like vnto a Goat with this herbe they vse in the Picene countrey to driue away those hob-goblins which they haue a maruellous opinion to be spirits called Fatui but for mine own part I am verily persuaded they be nothing else but fantasticall illusions of such as be troubled in mind and bestraught the which may be chased and rid away by the vse of this medicinable herbe Odontitis may be reckoned among the kinds of hey-grasse putting forth many small stems growing thicke together from one root and those knotted and ful of ioints triangled and blackish withall in euery ioint small leaues it hath resembling those of knot-grasse howbeit somwhat longer in the concauities between the said leaues and the stem there is contained a seed like vnto Barly corns the floure is of a purple colour and very small It groweth ordinarily in medow grounds The decoction of the branches and tender stalks of this herb to the quantitie of one handful boiled in some astringent wine cureth the toothach if the patient hold the same in the mouth Othonne groweth plenteously in Scythia like vnto Rocket the leaues be full of holes and the floure resembleth Safron which is the cause that some haue called it Anemone The juice of this herbe entreth very well into those medicines which are appropriate to the eies for it is somewhat mordicatiue and heateth gently besides exiccatiue it is and by that meanes astringent It clenseth the eies of those films and clouds which darken the sight and remoueth whatsoeuer hindereth the same Some ordain for this purpose that it should be washed first and after it is dried againe made into certain balls or troschisks Onosma beareth leaues wel-neare three fingers long and those lying flat vpon the ground three in number and indented or cut after the manner of Orchanet without stem without flour without seed If a woman with child eat thereof or do but step ouer it she shal cast her vntimely birth out of her wombe As for Onopordon they say if Asses eat thereof they will fall a fizling and farting Howbeit of vertue it is to prouoke vrine and the monethly sicknesse of women to stop a laske to discusse and resolue impostumes and to heale them when they be broken and do run Osyris putteth forth small branches of a browne colour slender pliable and easie to wind the same be garnished with leaues resembling those of Line or flax of a dark duskish green at first but afterwards changing colour and inclining to a red colour and the seed is contained in those branches Of these leaues are made certain washing balls to scoure womens skin and make them look faire The decoction of the root being drunk cureth those that haue the jaundise The same roots gathered before the seed be ripe cut into roundles and dried in the Sun do stop the laske but drawn after that the seed is ripe they represse all catarrhes and fluxes of the belly if the patient drink the supping wherein they are boiled Also stamped simply and so giuen in rain water they haue the same effect Oxys beareth three leaues and no more This herb is singular to be giuen for a feeble stomack which hath lost all appetite to meat They also who haue a rupture and whose guts be fallen down eat thereof to very good successe Polyanthemum which some call Batrachion hath a causticke quality whereby it doth blister any vnseemly scars by means whereof reduceth them to their fresh and former colour the same also applied scoureth away the morphew and bringeth the skin to the natiue hue answerable to the rest of the body Knot grasse is that herb which the Greeks name Polygonon and we in Latine Sanguinaria in leaf it resembleth Rue in seed common quich grasse riseth not from the ground but creepeth along the juice of this herb conueied vp into the nosthrils stancheth bleeding at the nose They who set down many kinds of Polygonon do hold that this is to be taken for the male and by reason of the multitude of seed which it beareth is called Polygonon or for that it groweth so thick in tufts Calligonon Others name it Polygonaton for the number of knots or knees which it carrieth There be again who giue it the name Theuthalis some cal it Carcinetron others Clema many Myrtopetalon and yet I meet with some writers who say this is the female knot-grasse and that the male is the greater and not altogether so dark of colour growing also thicker with knots swelling with seed vnder euery leaf wel how soeuer it it the property of them both the one as well as the other is to bind and coole and yet their seed doth loosen the belly which if taken in any great quantity is diuretical and represseth any rheums prouided alwaies that the patient be troubled therwith otherwise it doth no good The leaues are singular good to be applied vnto the stomack for to assuage the heat thereof in a liniment they mitigat the griefe of the bladder and stop the course of shingles and such like wilde-fires The juice is soueraigne to be dropped alone by it selfe into the eares that run and into the eyes to abate their pain It is vsually giuen to the quantity of 2 cyaths in tertian Agues and Quartans especially before the fit commeth likewise for the feeblenesse of the stomack when it will keep nothing for the bloudy flix and the rage of cholerick humors both vpward and downward A third kind there is which they cal Oreon growing vpon the mountains resembling a tender reed rising vp in one single stem but full of little knees or knots and those couched thrust together Leafed it is like the Pitch tree the root needlesse and of no vse and generally the whole herb of lesse strength and operation than the former Howbeit this singular propertie hath it to help the sciatica A fourth Polygonum there is called the wild and this busheth like a shrub or a prety tree rather the root is of a wooddy substance the stock or plant of a reddish colour resembling the Cedar it beareth branches much like to Spart or Spanish broome two spans long iointed into three or four knots and those of a blackish colour This also hath an astringent nature and tasteth in the mouth like to a Quince The decoction thereof in water till the third part be consumed or the pouder of it dried is commended for the sores in the mouth and for any part that is fretted and galled And the very substance thereof is good to be chewed in case the gums be sore It represseth the malignity of eating corrosiue vlcers and cankers and in one word staieth the malice of all sores that run on end and
be more sweet and pleasant There is sound within a resemblance of canes and reeds full of this iuice Howbeit about the rising of the Dog star there be certain winged wormes settle vpon the said reeds creepe in and eat away the marrow as it were which lay within so as a man shall find nought left behind but a mouldy dust or rotten powder good for nothing Next to this Storax of Syria great account is made of that which commeth out of Pisidia from Sidon Cypres and Cilicia but least reckoning is made of that which Candie sendeth vs. That which is brought from the mount Amanus in Syria is good for the Physicians but better for the perfumers and confectioners From what nation soeuer it comes the best Storax is that which is red somewhat glutinous besides by reason of the fattines The worst is that which hath no consistence and tenacitie but crumbles like bran and is so mouldie that it is ouergrowne with a white hoarie mosse The pedlers and such like petie merchants can skill how to sophisticate this drug also with the rosin of cedar and gum otherwhiles also with honie or bitter almonds But al these deceits are known by the tast The price of the best is 19 deniers a pound There is a Storax besides which Pamphylia doth yeeld but drier it is and nothing so full of moisture Moreouer we haue from Syria out of the same mountain Amanus another kind of gum called Galbanum issuing out of an hearbe like Fennell-geant which some call by the name of the said Rosin others Stagonitis The best Galbanum and which is most set by is gristly and cleare withall resembling Hammoniacum without any spils of wood in it For in that wise the hucksters vse to deceiue chapmen by mingling beanes with it or the gum Sagapenum The right Galbanum if you burn it chaseth away Serpents with the strong perfume or smoke thereof It is sold for fiue deniers the pound and is vsed only in Physicke for medicines CHAP. XXVI ¶ Of Panaces Spondylium and Malobathrum THe same perfumers seeke also into the same Syria for Panaces growing there and yet it is to be found also about Psophis a citie in Arcadia and the fountaines from whence floweth the riuer Erymanthus yea and in Affricke besides and Macedonie This Panax is an hearbe with a tall stalke and round tuft in the head like Fennell and yet it is a plant by it selfe growing to the height of fiue cubits At the first it putteth out foure leaues and afterwards six They be very large and round withall lying vpon the ground but toward the top they resemble the leaues of an Oliue it beareth seed in the head hanging within certaine round tufts as doth the Ferula Out of the stalk of this hearb there there is drawn a liquor by way of incision made in haruest time and likewise out of the root in Autumne or the fall of the leaf And this is called Opopanax The best lookes white when it is gathered and congealed The next in worth and weight is that which is yellow As for the blacke it is of no account The berter Opoponax costeth not aboue two Asses a pound Another hearbe there is of this Fennell kind namely Spondylium somwhat different from the former but in leaues only because they be lesse than those of Panax and diuided after the manner of the Plane leaues This Spondylium groweth no where but in cold and shadowie places It carrieth a fruit or graine called also Spondylium which resembleth the forme of Sil or Siler montanum and serueth for no vse but Physick We are beholden moreouer to Syria for Malobathrum This is a tree that beares leaues rolled vp round together and seeming to the eie withered Out of which there is drawne and pressed an Oile for perfumers to vse Aegypt is more fruitfull of this hearbe than Syria And yet there comes a better kind therof from India than both those countries It is said that it grows there in meeres and standing waters swimming aloft after the manner of Fen-lentils or Duckes meat more odoriferous than Saffron enclining to a blacke colour rough in handling in tast salt or brackish The white is not so well esteemed It wil soon be mouldie when it is stale The rellish thereof ought to resemble Nardus at the tongues end The perfume or smell that Malobathrum or the leafe yeeldeth when it is boiled in wine passeth all others It is strange and monstrous which is obserued in the price for it hath risen from one denier to 300 a pound whereas the Oile it selfe doth cost 60. CHAP. XXVII ¶ Of Oile Olive made of greene Oliues likewise of Grape Veriuice FOr the mixture and composition of ointments the Oile of vnripe Oliues and Veriuice is very good and verily made it is in two kinds after two sorts to wit of the Oliue and the Vine Of the Oliues if yee would haue good they ought to bee pressed whiles they be yet white for if they turn colour once and be blackish the worse is the Oyle or Veriuice that commeth thereof And such kind of Oliues be called Drupae namely before they be fully ripe and good to eat and yet haue lost their colour And herein is the difference for that the oyle of this later sort is green the other is white Now as for grape Verjuice it should be made of the Vine Psythia or Amminea and before the canicular daies when as the grapes bee but new knit and no bigger than the Cich-pease The grapes I say must be gathered for this purpose at the beginning before they change colour the juice thereof ought then to be taken Then should the Verjuice that comes from it be sunned and heed must be taken in any case that no dews by night do catch it and therefore it would stand in couvert Now when this iuice or verjuice is gathered it is put vp in earthen pots and otherwhiles kept also in vessels of copper The best grape verjuice is red sharp and soure in taste dry withall and scyptick A pound or a pinte of such verjuice is worth six deniers It may be made in another sort namely by punning and stamping vnripe grapes in morters drying it afterwards in the Sunne and so made vp into certain rolls or trochisks CHAP. XXVIII ¶ Of Bryon and Oenanthe of the tree Elate and Cinnamon Cariopus THe mosse of the white Poplar or Asp which is reputed as the grape therof is vsed likewise in these odoriferous and sweet compositions The best grows about Cnidos or Caria in thirsty dry and rough places A second sort is that which is found vpon the Cedar of Lycia To this pertaineth Oenanthae which is no more but the grapes of the wild vine called Labrusca Gathered it is when it floureth that is to say when it smels best It is dried in the shade vpon a linnen sheet lying vnder it and then put vp into little barrels
make them cups of diuers forms and fashions out of which they take no small pleasure to drink And now adaies this herb is planted here in Italy Next to Colocasia the Aegyptians make most account of that Cichory which I named before the wild and wandring Endiue which herb commeth vp in that country after the rising of the Brood hen star it floureth not all at once but bloweth by branches one after another a supple and pliable root it hath and therefore the Aegyptians vse it in stead of cords to binde withall As for Anthalium it groweth not in Nilus but not far from the riuer it beareth a fruit in bignesse and roundnesse resembling a Medlar hauing neither kernell within nor husk without and the leafe of this plant is like to Cyperus or English Galangale This herbe they vse to eat being first dressed and prepared in the kitchin They feed likewise vpon Oetum a plant that hath few leaues and chose very small howbeit a great root Touching Aracidna and Aracos they haue many roots verily branching and spreading from them but neither leafe nor herbage ne yet any thing els appearing aboue ground And thus much of the chiefest and greatest herbs of Egypt serued vp to the table the rest are common or vulgar and euery mans meat by name Condrylla Hypochoeris Caucalis Authriscum Scandix called by some Tragopogon which beareth leaues like to Saffron Parthenium Strychnum Corchorus and A pace which sheweth his head about the Aequinox also Acinos and that which they name Epipetron and it neuer beareth floure whereas Aphace contrariwise neuer giueth ouer flouring but when one floure is faded and shed another commeth vp and this course it holdeth all Winter long throughout the Spring also euen to the heat of Summer Many other hearbs they haue of base reckoning but aboue all they make greatest account of Cnicus an herbe not knowne in Italy not for any good meat they find in it but for the oyle drawne out of the seed thereof Of this herb there be two principall kinds to wit the Wild and the Tame the Wild is subdiuided into two speciall sorts the one of a more mild and gentle nature than the other although the stalks of both be alike that is to say stiffe and streight vpright and therefore women in old time vsed the stems thereof for rocks and distaffes whereupon some do call the herb Atractylis the seed is white big and bitter The second is more rough and hairy creeping long on the ground with stalks more musculous and fleshy and carrieth a small seed The herb may be ranged among those that be prickly for so must herbs be diuided into such general heads namely that some be full of pricks others cleane without and smooth As for those which stand vpon pricks they be subdiuided into many members and branches And to begin with a kind of Sperage called also Scorpio it hath no leafe at all but instead therof pricks and nothing els some there be leafed indeed but those are beset with prickes as the Thistle Sea-holly Liquorice and Nettle for the leaues of all these herbs be pricky stinging withall Others besides their leaues haue prickles also as the bramble Rest harrow or whin Some be provided of pricks both in lease and stalk as Phleos which others haue called Stoebe As for Hippophacet it hath a prick or thorne in euery joint but the bramble Tribulus aforesaid hath this property by it selfe That the fruit also which it beareth is set with pricks Of all these sorts the Nettle is best knowne which carrieth certain goblets and concauities and the same yeelding a purple kind of downe in the floure and it riseth vp sometimes aboue two cubits high Many kinds there be of these Nettles namely the wild Nettle which some would haue to be the female and this is more milde than the rest In this wilde kinde is to be reckoned also that which they cal Cania and is of the twain more aegre for the very stalke will sting and the leaues be purfled as it were and jagged But that Nettle which carrieth a stinking sauor with it called is Herculanea All the sort of them are full of seed and the same blacke A strange quality in these Nettles that the very hairy downe of them hauing no euident prickes sticking out should be so shrewd as it is that if one touch it neuer so little presently there followeth a smarting kind of itch and anon the skin riseth vp in pimples and blisters as if it had been skalt or burnt but well knowne is the remedie of this smart namely to annoint the place with oyle Howbeit this biting property that it hath commeth not to it at the beginning when it is new comevp but it is the heat of the Sun that fortifieth this mordacitie And verily in the Spring when the Nettle is young and peepeth first out of the ground they vse to eat the crops therof for a pleasant kind of meat and many be persuaded besides that it is medicinable therefore precisely religiously feed thereupon as a preservatiue to put by all diseases for that present yeare Also the root of the wild Nettle if it be sodden with any flesh maketh it to eat more tender The dead nettle which stingeth not at all is called Lamium As touching the herb Scorpio I will write in the treatise of herbs medicinable CHAP. XVI ¶ Of Carduus and Ixine of Tribulus and Anchusa THe common Thistle is ful of pricky hairs both in leafe stalk likewise Acorna Leucacanthos Chalceos Cnicos Polyacanthos Onopyxos Ixine Scolymos As touching the Thistle Chamaeleon it hath no pricks in the leafe Moreouer these pricky hearbes are distinguished different one from another in this that some of them be furnished with many stems and spred into diuers branches as the Thistle others againe rise vp with one maine stalk and branch not as Cnecos Also there be of them that be prickly only in the head as the Eryngium or Sea-holly Some floure in Summer as Tetralix and Ixine As for Scolymus late it is also ere it blow but it continueth long in the floure Acorna differeth from it onely in the red colour and fattier juice that commeth from it Atractylis also might go for Scolymus but that it is whiter and yeeldeth a liquor like bloud wherupon there be some who cal it Phonos i. Murderer this quality it hath besides that it senteth strong the seed also ripeneth late not before Autumne and yet this is a property common to all plants of this pricky and thistly kind But all these herbs wil come of seed and root both As for Scolymus it differeth from the rest of these Thistles herein that the root if it be sodden is good to be eaten besides it hath a strange nature for all the sort of them during the Summer throughout neuer rest and giue ouer but
either they floure or they apple or els be ready to bring forth fruit and look when the leaues begin to wither their prickes lose their force and will not pierce Ixine is a rare herb and geason to be seen and not found growing in al countries alike Immediatly from the root it putteth forth leaus plenty out of the mids of which root there swelleth out a bunch like an apple but the same is couered with the foresaid leaues in the very â—…p of which fruit there is contained a gum of a pleasant tast called the thistle Mastick Touching the herb Cactos which groweth also in Sicily and no where els it hath a property by it self the stalks whereof shooting from the root creep along the ground and it carrieth a broad leafe full of pricks and thorns and indeed these stalks thus running vpon the earth the Sicilians cal Cactos which they vse to keep and preserue and being thus condited also they commonly eat as very good meat One stem it hath growing vpright which they terme Pternix as sweet pleasant as the other but it will not abide to be kept long The seed thereof is couered with a certain soft down which they call Pappos which being taken off with the husk there remaineth a tender kernell within which they eat find it as delicat as the very heart of the Date tree top which is called the Brain and this pith aforesaid the Sicilians name Ascalia The Caltrop thistle Tribulus groweth not but in moory grounds and standing dead waters Surely in other places folke curse it as they passe by the prickes and spurs stick out so dangerously but about the riuers Nilus and Strymon the inhabitants do gather it for their meat the nature of this plant is to lean and bend downward in the head to the water The leafe resembles in form those of the Elme and they hang by a long stele or taile But in other parts of the world there be two other kinds of Tribulus the one is leafed like vnto the Cichling pease the other hath leaues sharp pointed this second kind is later ere it floure and commonly groweth about the mounds of closes lying by villages and town sides the seed lieth in a cod rounder than the other and black withall whereas the former hath a sandy seed Of these thorny and pricky plants there is yet one kind more namely Ononis i. Rest. harrow for it carrieth pricks close to the very branches the leafe is like to Rue the whole stalk throughout is set with leaues disposed in manner of a garland This plant commonly groweth after corn it plagueth the plough and yet there is much adoto rid it out of a ground so loth it is to die Of plants that be prickie some haue their stalkes and branches trailing by the ground as namely that hearbe which they call Coronopus i. Harts horn or Buck-horne Plantaine contrariwise there stand vpright Orchanet the root whereof is so good to colour wax and wood red And of such as be more gentle in handling Camomile Phyllanthus Anemone and Aphace As for Crepis Apate their stalks be all leafe Moreouer this would be noted that the leaues of herbs differ one from another as well as in trees some in the length or shortnesse of the stele whereto they hang others in the breadth or narrownesse of the leafe it selfe in form also whereby you shal haue some cornered others cut and indented likewise in sent and floure for some there be that continue longer in flouring than others and blow not all at once but one part after another as Basill Tornsall Aphaca and Onocheile CHAP. XVII ¶ The difference of herbs in their leafe what hearbes they be that floure all the yeare long of the Asphodell Pistana and Petie-Gladen or Sword-grasse MAny hearbes there be as well as some trees which continue greene and hold their leaues from one end of the yeare to the other as Tornsol and Adianthum or Capillus Veneris Another sort there is of herbs that floure spike-wise of which kind are Cynops Alopecurus i. Foxtaile Stelephuros which some call Ortyx others Plantaine of which I will write more at large among Physick herbs and Thryollis Of these Alopecurus carrieth a soft spike and a thick mossie down not vnlike to Fox-tails whereupon it tooke that name in Greeke and Stelephurus resembleth it very much but that the Foxtaile bloweth not all together but beareth floures some at one time some at another Cichory and such like haue their leaues spreading vpon the ground and those put forth directly from the root beginning to spring immediatly after the apparition of the star Vergiliae As touching Parietary there be other nations as wel as the Aegyptians who feed vpon it it took the name Perdicium in Latine of the bird Perdix i. the Partridge that seeketh after it so much and plucketh it out of the wals where it groweth it hath many roots and the same thick In like maner the herb Ornithogale i. Dogs onion hath a small stem and a white but a root halfe a foot long the same is full of bulbs like onions soft also and accompanied with three or foure other spurs growing out of it This hearbe they vse to seeth among other pot-herbs for potage I will tell you a strange quality of the herb Lotos and of Aegilops if their seed be cast into the ground it wil not come vp in a yeare As wonderfull is the nature also of the Camomile for it beginneth to floure in the head whereas all other herbes which blow not all at once floure at the foot first Notable is the Bur likewise and worthy to be obserued I mean that which sticketh to our clothes as we passe by the floure lieth close and groweth within the said Bur and neuer appeareth without-forth it is I say as it were hatched within much like vnto those liuing creatures that couve and quicken their egges within their belly Semblably about the city Opus there is an herb called Opuntia which men delight to eat this admirable gift the leafe hath That if it be laied in the ground it will take root and there is no other way to plant this herb maintain the kind As for Iasione one leafe it hath and no more but so lapped and infolded that it seemeth as if they were many Touching Condrylla the herb it selfe is bitter but the juice of the root is hot and biting Bitter also is Aphaca or Dent de Lion as also that which is called Picris which name it took of the exceeding bitternesse that it hath the same floureth all the yere long As for Squilla and Safron they be both of a maruellous nature for whereas all other hearbes put out leafe first and then knit round into a stem in those two a man may euidently see the stalk before the leafe And in Saffron verily the said stalk thrusteth out the floure before it but
Euphorbium The same being grown thick and hard if a man break it resembleth gum Ammoniacke Tast it neuer so little at the tongues end it setteth all the mouth on a fire and so continueth it a long time hot but more by fits vntill in the end it parcheth and drieth the chaws and throat also far within CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Plantain Buglosse and Borrage Of Cynoglossa or Hounds tongue Of Buphthalmus i. Oxe eie or Many-weed Of Scythica Hippice and Ischaemon Of Vettonica and Cantabrica Of * Consiligo and Hiberis Of Celendine the great Canaria and Elaphoboscos Of Dictamnum Aristolochie or Hertwort That fish are delighted so much therwith that they will make hast vnto it and be soon taken Also the medicinable vertues of those herbs aboue named THemison a famous Physitian set forth a whole booke of the herbe Way-bred or Plantaine wherein he highly praiseth it and challengeth to himselfe the honor of first finding it out notwithstanding it be a triuiall and common herb trodden vnder euery mans foot Two kinds of it be found the one which is the lesser hath also narrower leaues and inclining more to a blackish green resembling for all the world sheepe * or lambs tongues the stalke is cornered bending downward to the ground it growes ordinarily in medows The other is greater with leaues enclosed as it were within certain ribs resembling the sides of our body which being in number seuen gaue occasion to some herbarists for to call it Heptapleuron as a man would say the seuen ribbed herb The stem of this Plantain riseth to a cubit in height much like to that of the Naphew That which groweth in moist and waterie places is of greater vertue than the other Of wonderfull power and efficacy it is by the astringent quality that it hath for to dry and condensate any part of the body and serueth many times in stead of a cautery or searing yron And there is nothing in the world comparable vnto it in staying of fluxes and destillations which the Creeks call Rheumatismes To Plantain may be ioined the herb * Buglossos so called for that the leafe is like an Oxe tongue This herb hath one speciall property aboue the rest that if it be put into a cup of wine it cheareth the heart and maketh them that drink it pleasant and merry whereupon it is called Euphrosynon Vnto this for affinity of name it were good to annex Cynoglossos i. Hounds tongue for the resemblance that the leaues haue to a dogs tongue a proper herb for vinet-works and knots in gardens It is commonly said That the root of that Cynoglossos which putteth forth 3 stems or stalks and those bearing seed if it be giuen to drink cureth tertian agues but the root of that which hath foure is as good for the Quartains Another * Cynoglossos there is like to it which carrieth small burs the root whereof being drunke in water is a singular counterpoison against the venome of toads and serpents An herb there is with flours like vnto oxe eies wherupon it took the name in Greek * Buphthalmos the leaues resemble Fennel it groweth about town sides it shutteth forth stalkes from the root plentifully which being boiled are good to be eaten Some there be who call it Cachla This herb made into a salue with wax resolueth all * schirrous and hard swellings Other plants there be which beare the names not of men but of whole nations which first found them and their vertues out And to begin withall beholden we are to Scythia for that which is called Scythica It groweth notwitstanding in Boeotia and is exceeding sweet in tast Also there is another of that name singular good for the cramps called by the Greeks Spasmata An excellent property it hath besides for that whosoeuer holds it in their mouth shall for the time be neither hungry nor thirsty Of the same operation there is another herb among the Scythians or Tartars called Hippice because it workes the like effect in horses keeping them from hunger and thirst And if it be true that is reported the Scythians with these herbs wil endure without meat or drink for twelue daies together Touching the herbe Ischaemon the Thracians first found out the rare vertue that it hath in stanching bloud according as the very name implies For say they it wil stop the flux of bloud running and gushing out of a veine not only opened but also if it were â—…ut through It coucheth and creepeth low by the ground and is like vnto Millet but that the leaues be rough and hairy The manner is to stuffe the nosthrils therewith for to stay the bleeding at nose And that which groweth in Italy stancheth bloud if it be but hanged about the neck or tied to any part of the body The people in Spaine named Vettones were the first authors of that herb which is called in France * Vettonica in Italy Serratula and by the Greeks Cestron or Psychotrophon Surely an excellent herb this is and aboue all other simples most worthy of praise It commeth forth of the ground and riseth vp with a cornered stalke to the heigh of two cubits spreading from the very root leaues of the bignesse of Sorrell cut in the edges or toothed in manner of a saw with floures of a purple color growing in a spike seed correspondent therto The leaues dried and brought into pouder be good for very many vses There is a wine and vineger made or condite rather with Betony soueraign for to strengthen the stomack and clarifie the eiesight This glorious prerogatiue hath Betony that look about what house soeuer it is set or sowed the same is thought to be in the protection of the gods and safe enough for committing any offence which may deserue their vengeance and need any expiation or propitiatory sacrifice In the same Spain groweth * Cantabrica lately found by the people Cantabri and no longer since than in the daies of Augustus Caesar. This herb is to be seen euery where rising vp with a benty or rushy stalk a foot high vpon which you may behold small long floures like to cups or beakers wherein lie enclosed very small seeds Certes to speak the truth of Spain it hath bin alwaies a nation curious in seeking after simples And euen at this day in their great feasts where they meet to make merry Sans-nombre they haue a certain wassell or Bragat which goeth round about the table made of honied wine or sweet mead with a hundred distinct herbs in it and they are persuaded that it is the most pleasant and wholsomest drinke that can be deuised yet there is not one amongst them all who knoweth precisely what speciall herbs there be in all that number in this only they be all perfect that there go a hundred seuerall kinds therto according as the name doth import In our age we remember well that there was an hero discouered
Anthonies fire In agues it procureth sweat so that the patient drink the juice thereof mingled with hot water But of all herbes that be there is none more wonderful then Greimile some call it in Greek Lithospermon others Aegonychon some Diospyron and other Heracleos It groweth ordinarily fiue inches high and the leaues be twice as big as those of Rue The foresaid stalks or stems be no thicker than bents or rushes and the same garnished with small and slender branches It bringeth forth close ioining to the leaues certain little beards one by one in the top of them little stones white and round in manner of pearls as big as cich pease but as hard as very stones Toward that side where they hang to their steles or tailes they haue certain holes or concauities containing seed within This herb groweth in Italy but the best in the Island Candy And verily of all the plants that euer I saw I neuer wondred at any more so sightly it groweth as if some artificiall goldsmith had set in an alternatiue course and order these prety beads like orient pearls among the leaues so rare a thing it is difficult to be conceiued that a very hard stone should grow out of an herb The Herbarists who haue written thereof do say that it lieth along and creepeth by the ground for mine owne patt I neuer saw it growing in the plant but shewed it was vnto me plucked out of the ground This is for certaine knowne that these little stones called Greimile seed drunke to the weight of one dram in white wine breake the stone expell the same by grauell and dispatch those causes that be occasions of strangurie Certes a man no sooner seth this hearb but he may presently know the vertues thereof and for what it serueth in Physicke a thing that he shall not obserue again in any other whatsoeuer for at the very first sight of these little stones his eie will tell him what it is good for without information from any person at all There be common stones found about riuers bearing a certain drie hoary mosse vpon them Rub one of these stones against another hauing spit first therupon and then therewith touch the tettar or ringworme in any part of the body it will kill the same but the party must as he toucheth it vtter this charme following 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is to say Cantharides flie apace for a wilde Wolfe followeth in chase The French-men haue a certaine herbe which they call Limeum out of which they draw a venomous juice named by them Stags-poison wherewith they vse to envenome their Arrow heads when they go to hunt their red Deere Take of this as much as goeth to the poysoning of one arrow and put it in three measures or Modij of a mash wherewith they vse to drench cattel and make sops thereof and conuey them down the throat of sick oxen or kine it will recouer them But presently after the receit of this medicine they must be tied vp sure vnto their bousies vntill the medicine haue done purging for the beasts commonly fare all the while that it is in working as if they were wood In case they fall a sweating vpon it they must be washed all ouer with cold water Leuce is an herbe like vnto Mercury but it tooke that name by reason of a certaine white strake or line that runneth crosse through the mids of the leafe for which cause some cal it Mesoleucas The iuice of this herbe healeth fistuloes and the substance of the herbe it selfe stamped cureth cancerous sores It may be peraduenture the same herb which is named Leucas that is so effectuall against all venomous stings proceeding from any sea-fishes The herbarists haue not described this herb otherwise than thus That the wild kind thereof with the broader leafe is more effectual in the leaues and that the seed of the garden kind hath more acrimony than the other Touching Leucographis what manner of herbe it should be I haue not found in any writer and I wonder thereat the rather because it is reported to be so good for them that void reach bloud vpward namely if it be taken to the weight of three oboli with Safron likewise stamped with water and so applied it is singular good against those fluxes that proceed from the imbecility of the stomacke soueraigne also for to stav the immoderat flux of womens termes And it entereth into those medicines which are appropriate for the eies yea and into incarnatiues such especially as be fit to incarnat those vlcers which are in the most tender and delicat parts of the body CHAP. XII ¶ Of Medium Myosota Myagros Nigina Natrix Odontitis Othonne Omosma Onopordos Osyris Oxys Batrachion Polygonon Pancration Peplos Periclymenos Laucanthemon Phyteuma Phyllon Phellandrion Phalaris Polyrrhizon and Proserpinaca of Rhacoma Reseda and Stoechas MEdion hath leaues like vnto garden Floure-de-lis A stem three foot high garnished with faire large floures of purple colour and round in forme the seed is small and the root halfe a foot long it groweth willingly vpon stony grounds lying in the shade The root taken in a liquid electuary or lohoch made with hony to the quantity of 2 drams for cerdaies together staieth the immoderat flux of womens monethly termes The seed also reduced into pouder and drunke in wine represseth their extraordinary shifts Myosota otherwise called Myosotis is a smooth herbe shooting forth many stems from one single root and those in some sort of a reddish colour and hollow garnished with leaues which toward the root be narrow long and blackish hauing their backe part sharpe and edged which leaues grow along the stems two by two together and out of the concauities or armpits between the stalk and them there put forth other small branches with a blew floure The root is of the thicknesse of a mans finger bearded with many small strings resembling hairs This root is of a corrosiue nature fretting and exulcerating any place wherunto it is applied in which regard it healeth vp the fistulous vlcers called Aegilops growing between the nose and angles of the eies The Aegyptians are of opinion that if vpon the 27 day of that moneth which they call Thiatis and which answereth very neare to our moneth August a man or woman do annoint themselues with the juice of this herb in a morning before they haue spoken one word he or she shall not be troubled with bleared eies all that yeare long Myagros is an herb growing vp with stems in manner of Fenell geant in leaues resembling Madder and riseth to the height of 3 foot The seed which it beareth is oleous out of it there is an oile drawne which is good for the sores in the mouth if they be annointed therewith The herbe called Nigina hath three long leaues like vnto those of Succorie wherewith if scars remaining after vlcers and wounds be rubbed it will reduce them to the natural color of the other skin There is an herb which in Latine is named Natrix the root whereof being pulled out of the ground hath
Nicander Homer Hesiodus Musaeus Sophocles and Anaxilaus Physicians Mnestheus and Callimachus who wrote both of Guirlands made of floures Phanias the naturall Philosopher or Physician Simus Timaristus Hippocrates Chrysippus Diocles Ophion Heraclides Hicesias Dionysius Apollodorus of Citia Apollodorus of Tarentum Praxagoras Plistonicus the Physician Dieuches Cleophantus Philistio Asclepiades Cratevas Pâ—…tronius Diodotus Iolla Erasistratus Diagoras Andreas Mnesicles Epicharmus Damion Dalion â—…osimenes Theopolemus Metrodorus Solon Lycus Olympias the midwife of Thebes Phillinus Petreius Miction Glaucias and Xenocrates ¶ IN THE XXII BOOKE ARE CONTAINED discourses as touching the estimation of Hearbes Chap. 1. Of certaine nations that vse herbes to beautifie their bodies 2. Of clothes died with the juice of herbes 3. Of the Chaplet made of the common medow grasse 4. How rare these Guirlands of grasse were 5. Which were the only men that had the honour to be crowned with the sad Chaplets 6. The onely Centurion allowed to weare the said Guirlands 7. Medicinable vertues obserued in the rest of herbes and floures that serue for Guirlands and first of Eringe or sea Holly 8. Of the Thystle or hearbe which they call Centum-capita 9. Of Acanus and Liquerice 10. Of Brambles or Thystles called Tribuli their kinds and vertues 11. The vertues and properties of the hearbe Stoebe 12. Of Hippophyes and of Hippope i. the Tazill and their properties 13. Of the Nettle and the medicinable vertues of it 14. Of the white dead Nettle or Archangell Lamium and the vertues of it 15. Of the hearbe Scorpius or Caterpillers the kinds and vertues thereof 16. Of Leucacantha or our ladies Thystle and the vertues of it 17. Of Parietarie of the wall called Helxine or Perdicum of Feuerfew or Motherwort Parthenium of Sideritis i. wall Sauge or stone Sauge and the vertues thereof good for Physicke 18 Of Chamaeleon the sundry sorts and properties that it hath 19. Of Coronopus i. Crow-foot Plantaine or Buckhorn Plantain and the vertues therof 20. Of Orchanet as well the right as the bastard and the vertues of them both 21. Another kind of Orchanet called Onochelis of Camomile of the hearbe Lotus or common Melilot of Lotometra which is a kind of garden Lotus or sallade Clauer of Heliotropia i. Turnsoll or Solcium and Tricoccum a kind thereof of Maiden haire called Adiantum and Callitricum 22. Of bitter Lectuce or wild Cichorie of Thesium of Daffodill of Halimus of Brankursine of Buprestis of Elaphoboscum or Gratia Dei of Scandix i. wild Cheruill or shepheards needle of the wild wort Iasione of bastard Persly Caucalis of Lauer or Sillybum of Scolimus i. the Artichoke or Limonia of Sowthystle of Chondrilla and of Mushromes 23 Of Toadstools of Silphium of Laserjuice 24. The nature of Hony of Mead or Hydromel how it commeth that the fashions are changed in certaine kinds of meat of honied wine of wax A discourse against the composition of many simples 25. The medicinable vertues of corne In summe here you shall find of medicines stories and obseruations 906 gathered out of The same Authours which were named in this booke before and besides out of Chrysermus Eratosthenes and Alcaeus ¶ IN THE XXIII BOOKE IS CONTAINED a Treatise of Hort-yard trees Chap. 1. The medicinable qualities of grapes fresh and new gathered of Vine cuttings and of grape kernils of the grape Theriace or Treacle Grape of dried Grapes or Raisins of Astaphus of Stauesacre called also Pituitaria of the wild Vine of the white Vine which is called Bryonie of the blacke Vine of new wines of diuerse and sundry sorts of wines and also of vinegre 2. Of the medicinable vertues of vinegre Sqilliticke of Oxymell or honied vinegre of cuit of the dregs or lees of wine vinegre and cuit 3. The vertue of Oliues of the leaues of the Oliue of the floure and ashes of the Oliue of the white and blacke fruit of the Oliue also of the dregs or grounds of oile 4. Medicinable properties obserued in the leaues of the wild Oliue of the oile made of the wild vine floures of the oile Cicinum the oiles of Almonds Baies and Myrtles the oile of Chamamyrsine or grand Myrtle also of Cypresse of Cytrons walnuts c. 5. The Aegyptian Palmetree that beareth Ben also of the Date tree called Elate and the vertues of them 6. The medicinable vertues of sundry plants namely in their floure leafe fruit boughs barke wood juice root and ashes 7. Of peares and the obseruations to them belonging of Figges both wild and sauage of Erineum and other sorts of plants with their vertues 8. Of Pine-nuts and Almonds of the Filbard and Walnut of Fistickes and Chestnuts of Charobs Corneiles Strawberrie trees and Baies 9. Of the Myrtle gentle of Myrtidanum and the wild Myrtle In summe there be noted in this booke medicines stories and obseruations a thousand foure hundred and nineteene Latine Authours cited C. Volgius Pompeius Lenaeus Sextius Niger and Iulius Bassus who wrote both in Greeke Antonius Castor M. Varro Cornelius Celsus and Fabianus Forreine Writers Theophrastus Democritus Orpheus Pythagoras Mago Menander the author of the booke Biochresta Nicander Homer Hesiodus Musaeus and Anaxilaus Physicians Mnestheus Callimachus Phanias the naturall Philosopher Simus Tamaristus Hippocrates Chrysippus Diocles Ophion Heraclides Hicesius Dionysius Apollodorus of Cittia Apollodorus the Tarentine Praxagoras Plistonicus Medius Dieuches Cleophantus Philistio Asclepiades Cratevas Petronius Diodotus Iolla Erasistratus Diagoras Andreas Mnesicles Epicharmus Damion Dalion Sosimenes Theopolemus Metrodorus Solon Lycus Olympias the midwife of Thebes Phyllinus Petreius Miction Glaucia and Xenocrates THE XXIIII BOOKE TREATETH OF Trees growing wilde Chap. 1. Medicinable vertues obserued in wild trees 2. The Aegyptian Beane tree Lotus 3. Mast and Acornes 4. The grain or berrie of the tree Ilex of Gals of Misselto of little bals and mast of trees the root of Cirrus and of Corke 5. Of the Beech the Cypresse tree the tall Cedar the fruit or berry therof and of Galbanum 6. Of Ammoniacum Storax Spondylium Spagnus the Terebinth tree of Chamaepitys or Iva Muscata of Esula or Pityusa of Rosins of the Pitch-tree and the Lentiske 7. Of stiffe Pitch of Tarre of Pitch twice boyled of Pissasphalt of Sopissa of the Torch tree and Lentiske 8. The vertues of the Plane tree the Ash the Maple the Aspe the Elme the Linden tree or Teil the Elder and Iuniper 9. Of the Willow the Sallow Amerina and such like good for windings and bands also of Heath or Ling. 10. Of Virga Sanguinea of the Oisier of the Priuet the Aller of Yvie of Cistus or Cifsus of Erythranum of ground Yvie or Alehoufe of Withwind of Perwinke or Lesseron 11. Of Reeds of Paper cane of Ebene of Oleander of Rhus or Sumach of Madder of Alysium of Sopeweed of Apaynum of Rosemarie and the seed thereof of Selago of Samulus of Gums and the medicinable vertues of them all 12. Of the Arabian thorne or thistle of Bedegnar of Acanthium
Chamelaea Tragacanth of Tragium or Scorpio Also of Myrice Brya and Galla. THe shrub or bush which beares the graine Gnidium that some call Linum is after some writers named Thymelaea according to others Chamelaea there be that call it Pyrosachne some again giue it the name of Cneston others of Cneoros This plant how soeuer it be named resembleth the wild Oliue but that the leaues be narrower and gummy to the teeth if a man bite them for height and bignesse answerable to the myrtle the seed thereof is for colour and fashion like to the grain of wheat and serueth only for physicke As touching the plant Tragium it is to be found in the Isle Candy onely It hath a resemblance of the Terebinth like as the seed also which by report is most excellent and effectuall to heale wounds made by darts and arrowes The same Isle hath the bush Tragacanth growing in it the root whereof is like to that of Bedegnar and the same Tragacanth is much preferred before that which growes either in Media or Achaia A pound of Tragacanth is worth 30 deniers Roman As for the plant Tragium or Scorpio it grows likewise in Asia A kind of bramble or brier it is without any leaues bearing fruit of berries much like to red grapes whereof there is good vse in physicke Touching Myrice which others call Tamarix and Achaia Brya the wilde Italy brings it forth this special propertie it hath that the tame kind thereof only namely that which grows in gardens beareth fruit like galls In Syria Egypt this groweth plenteously and the wood thereof we cal Vnhappy but the more vnluckie and vnfortunate be those of Greece for there groweth Ostrys named also Ostrya a solitary tree about watery and moist rocks hauing barke and branches like to the Ash but Peare-tree leaues saue that they be somwhat longer thickker with long cuts or lines wrinkled and riuiled thoroughout and the seed in forme and color is like to barley The wood of it is hard and strong and some say if any peece therof be brought into an house where a woman is in trauaile of child-birth she shall haue difficult labour and hardly be deliuered and whosoeuer lyeth sicke there shall die a miserable death CHAP. XXII ¶ Of Euonymus or the Spindle tree of Adrachne Congygria and Thapsia IN the Island Lesbos there groweth a tree named Euonymos no better nor more lucky than Ostrya before said Much vnlike it is not the Pomegranat tree As for the leafe that it beares it is of a middle size between that of the Pomegranat and the Bay otherwise for shape and softnesse it resembles that of the Pomegranat the floure is whiter the smell and tast wherof is pestiferous and menaces present death it beares cods like to Sesama within which be grains or seeds foure square and thick but deadly vnto all creatures that eat them The leafe also is as venemous as the graine yet otherwhiles there ensues therof a fluxe and gurrie of the belly which saues their life or else there were no way but one Alexander Cornelius called that tree Eone whereof the famous ship Argo was made and like it was by his saying to the Oke that carries Misselto the timber whereof neither water wil putrifie nor fire consume no more than the Misselto it selfe But so far as euer I could learn no man knew that tree but himselfe As for the tree Adrachne all the Greeks in manner take Porcellaine for it whereas indeed Porcellaine is an hearb called in Greeke Andrachne so as they differ in one letter but Adrachne is a tree of the wild forrests growing vpon mountaines and neuer in the plaines beneath resembling the Arbut or Strawberrie tree saue that the leaues be lesse and neuer fade nor fall And for the barke rough and rugged indeed it is not but a man would say it were frozen and al an yee round about so vnpleasant it is to the eye Like in leafe to Adrachne is the tree Congygria but otherwise it is lesse and lower This propertie it hath To lose the fruit wholly together with the soft downe that it beareth which they cal Pappus a qualitie that no other tree hath beside it Like to Andrachne also is Apharce and beares fruit twice in one yeare as well as it The former is ripe when the grape begins to bud and bloom the latter in the beginning of winter but what manner of fruit this should be I haue not found written As touching the Ferula it will not be amisse to speake therof among sorrain plants yea and to range it among trees for as herafter we wil distinguish in the diuision of trees some plants are of this nature To sâ—…ew al the wood they haue where the bark should be that is to say without sorth and where the heart of the wood ought to be they haue nought but a light and spongeous pith as the Elder or else nothing at all as Canes and Reeds But to come to our Ferula aboue named it growes in hot countries beyond-sea with a stalk or stem full of knotty joints Two kinds be knowne of them for that which the Greeks call Marthex groweth tall but Narthecia is always low The leaues that put forth at the joints be euer biggest toward the ground this plant otherwise is of the nature of Dill and the fruit is not vnlike There is not a plant in the world lighter than it for the bignesse being easie therfore to weld and carrie the stem therof serues old men in stead of staues to rest vpon The seed of this Ferula or Fennell-gyant some haue called Thapsia but herin they be deceiued for that Thapsia doubtlesse is a kind of Ferula by it selfe leafed like Fennel with an hollow stalke and neuer exceeds in hight the length of a walking-staffe the seed is like to that of the Ferula and the root white cut it there issues forth milke stampe it you shall see it yeeld plenty of juice Neither is the barke of the root rejected and cast aside although both it the milke and the juice â—…e very poisons for surely the root is hurtfull to them that dig it vp and if neuer so little of the aire therof breath vpon them so venomous it is their bodies will bolne and swell their faces will be all ouerrun with a wild fire to preuent which mischifes they are forced to anoint their bodies with a cerot Howbeit as dangerous as they be Phisicians make vse thereof in the cure of many inward diseases so they be wel corected and tempered with other safe medicines In like maner they say that the juice of Thapsia is singular good for the shedding and falling of the haire also against the blacke blew markes remaining after stripes as if Nature furnished not Physicians sufficiently with other wholsom remedies but that needs they must haue recourse to such poisonful and mischieuous medicines But this is the cast of them all to pretend
greedily nibble thereupon vntill they haue made way and pierced into them and by that means let in at first the breath of the warme Sun and that comfortable and vegetatiue aire besides that helpeth to ripen them Soon after they suck vp and spend the milky humor which they find there and which keeps the figs still as it were in their infancie and hindreth their speedy and timely maturitie True it is that the figs in time would ripen of themselues by the power and benefit of Nature only how beit skilfull and industrious husbandmen take order alwaies to set these wild fig trees neere to the place where other fig trees grow but with due regard of the winde side that when the foresaid gnats breake forth and are ready to fly out a blast of wind might carry them to the other And hereupon came the deuise and inuention to bring whole swarms casts of them as they hang one to another from other places that they might settle vpon the figs to consume the raw moisture within Now if the soile be lean and hungry and the fig trees growing therupon exposed to the North wind there is no such need of this help for the figs will dry sufficiently of themselues by reason as well of the scituation of the place as the clifts and rifts in them which will effect that which the gnats or flies aboue named might performe The like effect is to be seen also where much dust is namely if a fig tree grow neere vnto a high-way much frequented and trauelled by passengers For the nature of dust is to dry and soke vp the superfluous moisture of the milke within figs. And therefore when they are thus dried whether it be by the meanes of dust or of the said flies feeding which is called Caprification they fall not from the tree so easily by reason they are discharged of that liquid substance which maketh them both tender and also ponderous weighty and brittle withall All figs ordinarily are tender and soft in handling Those which be ripe haue small graines within them their succulent substance besides when they begin to ripen is white like milke but when they are perfectly ripe it is of the colour of hony They will hang vpon the tree vntil they be old and when they are aged they yeeld a certain liquor which distilleth from them in maner of a gum and then in the end become dry The better sort of figs haue this honor and priuiledge to be kept in boxes and cases for the purpose and chiefly those which come from the Isle Ebusus which of all others are the very best and largest yea and next to them those that grow in the Marrucines country But where they are in more plenty they put them vp in great vessels called Orcae as namely in Asia also in barrels pipes as at Ruspina a city in Barbary And in very truth the people of those countries make that vse of them when they be very dry that they serue both for bread and meat For Cato setting downe an order for dyet and victuals fit and sufficient for labourers ordained that they should be cut short of their other pittance when figs are ripe and make vp their ful meals with it And it is not long since the manner came vp to eat fresh new figs with salt and poudered meats in stead of cheese And for to be eaten in this sort the figs called Coctana whereof we haue written before and the dried figges Caricae are commended as also the Cauneae which when M. Crassus should imbarque in that expedition against the Parthians wherein he was slain presaged ill fortune and warned him not to go forward namely when at the very instant that he was ready to set foot a ship-bord there was a fellow heard to cry those figs for to be sold pronouncing aloud Cauneas Cauneas which word in short speaking was all one with Cave ne eas i. Beware of this voiage and go it not All these sorts of figges L. Vitellius brought out of Syria into his ferm or manor that he had neere Alba hauing L. Gouernor or Lieutenant generall in those parts namely in the later end of Tiberius Caesar the Emperor and the same Vitellius was afterward Censor at Rome CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Medlars three kinds of them MEdlars and Seruices may well and truely be ranged in the ranke of Apples and Peares Medlars be of three sorts namely Anthedon Setania and the third which they call Gallicum i. the French Medlar which is of a bastard nature yet it resembles the Anthedon rather than the other As for the Setanian Medlar the fruit is greater and whiter than the rest also the kernels or stones within are of a more soft substance and not altogether so wooddy and hard The rest are smaller than these Setania or common Medlars but they haue a better smell and more odoriferous and withall will last longer The tree it selfe that beareth Medlars is reckoned among the greatest sort the leaues before they fall wax red the roots be many in number and run downe right deep into the ground by which meanes vnneth or verie hardly they be quite rooted vp This tree was not known in Italy by Cato's dayes CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Services foure kinds OF Seruices there be foure sundry sorts differing one from another for some of them are round like apples others pointed at the end as Peares a third kinde are fashioned like egs as some long or tankard apples and these are apt to be soon soure For sweet sent and pleasant tast the round excell all others the rest haue a rellish of wine The best kinde of them are they that haue soft tender leaues about their steles whereby they hang. The fourth sort they call Torminale allowed onely for the remedie that they affoord to mitigate the torments and wringing of the colique This tree is neuer without fruit howbeit the smallest of all the rest and differeth from the other for it beareth leaues very like to the Plane There are none of them that beare fruit before they be three yeares old Lastly Cato would haue Seruises to be preserued and condite in Cuit CHAP. XXII ¶ Of the Wall-nut THe next place to these for bignes the Walnuts doe challenge which they cannot claime for their credit and authoritie and yet they are in some request among other licentious and wanton Fescennine ceremonies at weddings for lesse they be than Pine nuts if a man consider the grosnesse of the body outwardly but in proportion therto they haue a much bigger kernel within Moreouer Nature hath much graced and honoured these nuts with a peculiar gift she hath endued them with namely a double robe wherewith they are clad the first is a tender and soft husk the next a hard and wooddy shel which is the cause that at mariages they serue for religious ceremonies resembling the manifold tunicles and membranes wherin the infant is lapped and enfolded within the
fire than to flie from it to the leaues of the Ash. A wonderfull goodnesse of dame Nature that the Ash bloometh and flourisheth alwaies before that serpents come abroad and neuer sheddeth leaues but continueth greene vntill they be retired into their holes and hidden within the ground CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of the Line or Linden tree two sorts thereof GReat difference there is euery way between the male female Linden tree for the wood of the male is hard and knottie of a redder colour also and more odoriferous than the female The barke moreouer is thicker and when it is plucked from the tree it is stiffe and will not bend It beareth neither seed nor floure as the female doth which also is rounder and bigger in bodie and the wood is whiter more faire and beautifull by farre than is the male A strange thing it is to consider that there is no liuing creature in the world will touch the fruit of the Linden tree and yet the juice both of leaf and barke is sweet ynough Between the bark and the wood of this tree there be thin pellicles or skins lying in many folds together whereof are made bands cords called Brazen ropes The finest of these pellicanes or membrans serued in old time for to make labels and ribbands belonging to chaplets and it was reputed a great honor to weare such The timber of the Linden or Tillet tree will neuer be worm-eaten The tree it selfe is nothing tall but of a meane height howbeit the wood is very commodious CHAP. XV. ¶ Ten kinds of the Maple tree THe Maple in bignesse is much about the Linden tree the wood of it is very fine and beautifull in which regard it may be raunged in the second place and next to the very Citron tree Of Maples there be many kinds to wit the white and that is exceeding faire and bright indeed growing about Piemont in Italie beyond the riuer Po also beyond the Alps and this is called the French Maple A second kind there is which hath a curled graine running too and fro with diuers spots the more excellent worke whereof resembling the eies in the Peacockes taile thereupon took also the name And for this rare and singular wood the countries of Istria and Rhaetia be chiefe As for that which hath a thicke and great graine it is called Crassiuenium of the Latines and is counted to be of a baser kind The Greekes distinguish Maples by the diuerse places where they grow For that of the champion or plaine countrey which they name Glinon is white and nothing crisped contrariwise the wood of the mountaine Maple is harder and more curled and namely the male of that sort and therefore it is in great request for most exquisite and sumptuous workes A third sort they name Zygia which hath a reddish wood and the same easie to cleaue with a barke of a swe rt colour and rough in handling Others would haue it to be no Maple but rather a tree by it selfe and in Latine they call it Carpinus CHAP. XVI ¶ Of the Bosses Wennes and Nodosities called Bruscum and Molluscum Of the wild Fisticke or Bladder nut-tree called Staphylodendron also three kinds of the Box tree THe bunch or knurre in the Maple called Bruscum is passing faire but yet that wich is named Molluscum excelleth it Both the one and the other swell like a wen out of the Maple As for the Bruscum it is curled and twined after a more crawling and winding manner whereas the Molluscum is spread with a more direct and strait course of the grain And certes if there might be plankes hereof found broad enough to make tables doubtlesse they would be esteemed and preferred before those of the Citron wood But now it serueth only for writing tables for painels also and thin bords in wainscote work to set out beds heads and seelings and such are seldome seen As for Bruscum there be tables made of it inclining to a blackish color Moreouer there be found in Alder trees such nodosities but not so good as those by how much the wood of the Alder it selfe is inferior to the Maple for beauty and costlines The male Maples do put forth leaues and flourish before the female Yea and those that grow vpon dry grounds are ordinarily better esteemed than those of moist and waterish places in like sort as the ashes Beyond the Alps there is a kind of bladder Nut-tree whereof the wood is very like to the white white Maple and the name of it is Staphylodendron It beareth certain cods and within the same kernels in tast like the Filberd or Hazell-nut Now for the Box tree the wood thereof is in as great request as the very best seldom hath it any grain crisped damask-wise and neuer but about the root the which is dudgin and ful of work For otherwise the grain runneth streight and euen without any wauing the wood is sad enough and weighty for the hardnesse thereof and pale yellow colour much set by and right commendable As for the tree it selfe gardeners vse to make arbors borders and curious works thereof Three sorts there be of the Box tree the first is called the French Box it groweth taper-wise sharp pointed in the top and runneth vp to more than ordinarie height The second is altogether wild and they name it Oleastrum good for no vse at all and besides careith a strong and stinking sauor with it The third is our Italian box and so called Of a sauage kind I take this to be also howbeit by setting and replanting brought to a gentle nature This spreadeth and brancheth more broad and herewith a man shall see the borders and partitions of quarters in a garden growing thick and green all the yeare long and kept orderly with cutting and clipping Great store of box trees are to be seen vpon the Pyrenaean hils the Cytorian mountains and the whole Berecynthian tract The thickest and biggest Box trees be in Corsica and they beare a louely and amiable floure which is the cause that the hony of that Island is so bitter there is not a beast that will eat the fruit or grain thereof The Boxes of Olympus in Macedonie are more slender than the rest and but low of growth This tree loueth cold grounds yet lying vpon the Sun The wood is as hard to burn as iron it will neither flame nor burn cleare it selfe nor serue to make charcole of CHAP. XVII ¶ Of the Elme foure kinds BEtween these wild trees abouesaid and those that bear fruit the Elm is reckoned of a middle nature in regard of the wood and timber that it affords as also of the friendship acquaintance that it hath with vines The Greekes acknowledge two sorts thereof namely one of the mountains which is the taller and the bigger and the other of the plaines champion which is rather more like a shrub the branches that it shooteth forth are so smal and slender
In Italy men hold the Elmes about Atinum to be the tallest and of those they prefer them which grow in dry grounds and haue no water comming to them before those by riuers sides A second sort of them which are not all out so great they call the French Elmes The third kinde be the Italian Elmes thicker growne with leaues than the rest and those proceeding in greater number from one stem In the fourth place be ranged the wilde Elmes The Atinian Elmes aboue said beare no Samara for so they cal the seed or grain of the Elme All the kind of them are planted of sets taken from the roots whereas others come of seeds CHAP. XVIII ¶ The nature of trees as touching the place where they grow HAuing thus discoursed in particular of the most famous and noble trees that are I think it not amisse to say somewhat of their natures in generall And first to beginne with the mountain high countries the Cedar the Larch and the Torch-tree loue to grow among the hills like as all the rest that ingender rosin semblably the Holly the Box tree the Mast-Holme the Iuniper the Terebinth the Poplar the wilde Ash Ornus the Cornell tree and the Carpin Vpon the great hill Apennine there is a shrub named Cotinus with a red or purple wood most excellent for in-laid works in Marquetry As for Firs the wild hard okes Robora Chestnut trees Lindens Mast-holmes and Cornell trees they can away with hills and vallies indifferently The Maple the Ash the Seruis tree the Linden and the cherry tree delight in the mountains neere to waters Lightly a man shall not see vpon any hills Plum trees Pomegranat trees wild Oliues Walnut trees Mulberry trees and Elders And yet the Cornel tree the Hasel the common Oke the wild Ash the Maple the ordinary Ash the Beech and the Carpin are many times found to come downe into the plaines like as the Elme the Apple tree the Peare tree the Bay tree the Myrtle the Bloud shrubs the Holme and the Broome which naturally is so good for to dry clothes do as often climbe vp the mountains The Servis tree gladly groweth in cold places so doth the Birch and more willingly of the twaine This is a tree which is meere French and came first out of France it sheweth wonderfull white and hath as fine and small branches or twigs which are so terrible to the offenders as wherewith the Magistrates rods are made for to execute justice And yet the wood of this tree is passing good for hoopes so pliable it is and easie to bend the twigs thereof serue also for to make paniers and baskets In France they vse to boile the wood and thereof draw a glutinous and clammy slime in maner of Bitumen In the same quarters there loueth to grow for company the white thorn which in old time they were wont to burne for torches at weddings and it was thought to be the most fortunate and lucky light that could be deuised because as Massurius reporteth the Romane shepheards and heardmen who rauished the Sabine maidens were furnished euery one with a branch thereof to make them torches But now adaies the Carpine and Hazel are commonly vsed for such nuptial lights The Cypres walnut Chestnut trees and the Laburnum cannot in any wise abide waters This last named is a tree proper to the Alps not commonly known the wood thereof is hard and white it beares a blossom of a cubit long but Bees will not settle vpon it The plant likewise called Iovis Barba so handsom to be cut in arbors and garden works which groweth so thicke and round withall full of leaues and those of a siluer colour hates waterie places Contrariwise Willows Alders Poplars and Osiars the Privet which is so good for to make dice will not grow well and prosper but in moist grounds Also the Vacinia or Whortles set and sowed in Italy for the Fowlers to catch birds withall but in France for the purple colour wherewith they vse to die clothes for their seruants and slaues To conclude this is a generall rule What trees soeuer will grow indifferently as well vpon hills as plaines arise to be taller bigger and carry a fairer head to see to in the low champion grounds but timber is better and caries a more beautifull grain vpon the mountaines except only Apple trees and Pyrries CHAP. XIX ¶ A diuision of Trees according to their generall kinds MOreouer some trees lose their leaues others continue alwaies green And yet there is another difference of trees before this and whereupon this dependeth For trees there be which are altogether wild and sauage there be again which are more gentle and ciuil and these names me thinks are very apt to distinguish them Those trees therefore which are so kind and familiar vnto vs as to serue our turns either with their fruit which they bear or shade which they yeeld or any other vertue or property that they haue may be very aptly and fitly be called ciuill and domesticall CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Trees that neuer shed their leaues also of Rhododendron AMong these trees and plants which are of the gentle kind the Olive the Lawrel the Date tree Myrtle Cypres Pines Ivy and the Oleander lose not their leaues As for the Oleander although it be called the Sabine herb yet it commeth from the Greeks as may appeare by the name Rhododendron Some haue called it Nerion others Rhododaphne it continueth alwaies green leafed beareth floures like roses and brancheth very thicke Hurtfull it is and no better than poison to Horses Asses Mules Goats and Sheepe and yet vnto man it serueth for a countrepoyson and cureth the venom of serpents CHAP. XXI ¶ What trees shed not their leaues at all which they be that lose them but in part and in what countries all trees are euer greene OF the wild sort the Fir the Larch the wilde Pine the Iuniper the Cedar the Terebinth the Box tree the Mast-holme the Holly the Cork tree the Yew and the Tamariske be green all the yeare long Of a middle nature between these two kinds aboue named are the Adrachne in Greece and the Arbut or Strawberry tree in all countries for these lose the leaues of their waterboughs but are euer green in the head Among the shrubs kind also there is a certain bramble and Cane or Reed which is neuer without leaues In the territorie of Thurium in Calabria where somtime stood the city Sybaris within the prospect from the said Citie there was an Oke aboue the rest to be seen alwaies green and ful of leaues and neuer began to bud new before Midsummer where by the way I maruel not a little that the Greek writers deliuered thus much of that tree in writing and our countrymen afterwards haue not written a word thereof But true it is that great power there is in the clymat insomuch as about Memphis in Egypt and Elephantine in the territorie of Thebais
there is not a tree not so much as the very Vine that sheddeth leaues CHAP. XXII ¶ The nature of such leaues as fall from trees and what leaues they be that change colour ALl trees without the range of those before rehearsed for to reckon them vp by name particularly were a long and tedious piece of work do lose their leaues in winter And verily this hath bin found and obserued by experience that no leaues doe fade and wither but such as be thinne broad and soft As for such as fall not from the tree they be commonly thick skinned hard and narrow and therefore it is a false principle and position held by some That no trees shed their leaues which haue in them a fatty sap or oleous humiditie for who could euer perceiue any such thing in the Mast-holme a drier tree there is not and yet it holdeth alwaies green Timaeus the great Astrologer and Mathematician is of opinion that the Sun being in the signe Scorpio he causeth leaues to fall by a certain venomous and poysoned infection of the aire proceeding from the influence of that maligne constellation But if that were true we may wel and iustly maruell why the same cause should not be effectuall likewise in all other trees Moreouer we see that most trees do let fall their leaues in Autumne some are longer ere they shed continuing green vntill winter be come Neither is the timely or slow fall of the leafe long of the early or late budding for wee see some that burgen and shoot out their spring with the first and yet with the last shed their leaues and become naked as namely the Almond trees Ashes and Elders And contrariwise the Mulberry tree putteth forth leaues with the latest and is one of them that soonest sheddeth them again But the cause hereof lies much in the nature of the soile for the trees that grow vpon a leane dry and hungry ground do sooner cast leafe than others also old trees become bare before yonger and many of them also lose their leaues before their fruit be fully ripe for in the Fig tree that commeth and beaâ—…th late in the winter Pyrry and Pomegranate a man shall see in the later end of the yere fruit only and no leaues vpon the tree Now as touching those trees that continue euer greene you must not think that they keep still the same leaues for as new come the old wither fal away which hapneth commonly in mid-Iune about the Summer Sunne-stead For the most part the leaues in euery kind of tree do hold one and the same colour and continue vniform saue those of the Poplar Ivy and Croton which wee said was called also Cici iâ—… est Ricinus or Palma Christi CHAP. XXIII ¶ Three sorts of Poplar and what leaues they be that change their shape and figure OF Poplars there be found three sundry kinds to wit the white the blacke and that which is named Lybica or the Poplar of Guynee this hath least leaues and those of all other blackest but mow commendable they are for the fungous meazles as it were that come forth thereof As for the white Poplar leafe the leaues when they be yong are as round as if they were drawn with a paire of compasses like vnto those of Citron before named but as they grow elder they run out into certain angles or corners Contrariwise the Ivy leaues at the first be cornered and afterwards become round All Poplar leaues are full of downe as for the white Poplar which is fuller of leaues than the rest the said downe flieth away in the aire like to mossie chats or Thistle-downe The leaues of Pomegranats and Almond trees stand much vpon the red colour But very strange it is and wonderfull which hapneth to the Elme Tillet or Linden the Oliue tree Aspe and Sallow or Willow for their leaues after Midsummer turn about vpside downe in such sort as there is not a more certaine argument that the Sun is entred Cancer and returneth from the South point or Summer Tropicke than to see those leaues so turned CHAP. XXIIII ¶ What leaues they be that vse to turne euery yeare Of Palme or Date tree leaues how they are to be ordered and vsed Also certain wonderfull obseruations about leaues THere is a certain general and vniuersal diuersitie difference obserued in the very leaf for commonly the vpper side which is from the ground is of greene grasse colour more smooth also polished The outside or nether part of the leaf hath in it certain strings sinues or veins brawns and ioynts bearing out like as in the back part of a mans hand but the inside cuts or lines in maner of the palme of ones hand The leaues of the oliue are on the vpper part whiter and lesse smooth and likewise of the Ivy. But the leaues of all trees for most part euery day do turn and open to the Sunne as desirous to haue the inner side warmed therewith The outward or nether side toward the ground of all leaues hath a certaine hoary downe more or lesse here in Italy but in other countries so much there is of it that it serueth the turn for wooll and cotton In the East parts of the world they make good cordage and strong ropes of date tree leaues as we haue said before and the same are better serue longer within than without With vs these Date leaues are pulled from the tree in the Spring whiles they are whole and entire for the better be they which are not clouen or diuided Being thus plucked they are laid a drying within house foure daies together After that they be spred abroad and displaied open to the Sun and left without dores to take all weathers both day and night and to be bleached vntil they be dry and white which done they be sliued and slit for cord-work But to come again to other leaues the broadest are vpon the Fig-tree the Vine and the Plane the narrowest vpon the Myrtle Pomegranat and oliue as for those of the Pine and cedar they be hairy the Holly leaues and all the kindes of Holme be set with sharpe prickes As for the Iuniper in stead of leafe it hath a very pointed thorne The Cypresse and Tamariske carrie fleshie leaues those of the Alder be most thick of all other The Reed and the Willow haue long leaues the Date tree hath them double The leaues of the Peare tree are round but those of the Apple tree are pointed of the Ivie cornered of the Plane tree diuided into certaine incisions of the Pitch tree and the Fir cut in after the maner of comb-teeth of the wild hard Oke waued and indented round about the edges of the brier and bramble sharpe like thornes all the skin ouer Of some they be stinging and biting as of Nettles of others ready to pricke like pins or needles as of the Pine the Pitch tree the Larch the Firre the Cedar and all the
the same which at first was Helix and clasped trees in tract of time changed the leafe and became a very Iuie tree but fouly they are deceiued and disproued plainly they may be by this That of the said clasping Iuie Helix there be many kinds and three principall aboue the rest The first of grasse greene colour which groweth most common the second with a white leafe and the third called also the Thracian Iuie which hath leaues of diuers colours The foresaid greene Iuie is fuller of leaues and those finer and set in better order than in others whereas the contrary is to be seen in the white kind also in the third sort with variety of colours some haue smaller and thinner leaues couched likewise in good order and thicker growing whereas in the middle kind no such thing may be obserued Ouer and besides the leaues of Iuie are bigger or lesse spotted also and marked in which regard one differeth from another Among the white Iuies some be whiter than other The green Iuie groweth most of all others in length the white killeth trees for by sucking and soking al the sap and moisture out of them it feedeth and thriueth so wel it selfe that it becommeth in the end as big as a tree A man may know an Iuie being come to his perfection by these signes the leaues are very big and large withal the tree putteth forth yong shoots straight whereas in others they be crooked and bend inward the berries also stand in their clusters directly vpright Moreouer whereas the branches of all other Iuies be made like vnto roots this hath boughes strong and sturdy aboue the rest and next vnto it the black kind howbeit this property hath the white Iuie by it self that amid the leaues it putteth forth armes that clasp and embrace the tree round on euery side which it doth vpon walls likewise although it cannot so well compasse them And hereupon it is that although it be cut asunder in many places yet it continueth and liueth stil and looke how many such arms it hath so many heads likewise of roots are to be seen whereby it maintaineth it selfe safe and sound and is besides of that force as to suck and choke the trees that it claspeth Furthermore there is great diuersity in the fruit as well of the white as the black Iuie As for the rest the berries of them are so exceeding bitter as no bird wil touch them And yet there is one kind more of Iuy which is very stiffe and standeth alone of it selfe without any prop to beare it vp and this of all others only is therupon called Cissos or Iuie indeed Contrariwise Chamaecissos i. ground Iuie is neuer knowne but to creep along the ground CHAP. XXXV ¶ Of the Bind-weed or Iuie called Smilax LIke vnto Iuie is that plant which they call Smilax or rough Bind-weed It came first out of Cilicia howbeit more commonly it is to be seen in Greece it putteth forth stalks set thicke with ioints or knots and those thrust out many thornie branches The leafe resembleth Iuie and the same is small and nothing cornered from a little stele that it hath it sendeth forth certain pretty tendrils to clasp and wind about the floure is white and smelleth like to a Lilly it beareth clusters comming nearer to those grapes of the wild vine Labrusca than to the berries of Iuie red of color wherof the bigger contain within them 3 kernels or pepins apiece the smaller but one and those be hard and black withall This Smilax is not vsed in any sacrifices or diuine seruice of the gods nor serueth for garlands and chaplets for that it is held to be dolefull and ominous or of an vnlucky presage by occasion of a certain yong lady or Damosell of that name who for the loue of the young gallant and knight Crocus was turned into this shrub or plant retaining still her name which the ignorant people not knowing but taking it for a kind of Iuie stick not to make coronets therof profaning by that means many times their high feasts and sacred solemnities and yet who woteth not with what chaplets Poets are crowned and what garlands prince Bacchus or Silenus vsed to weare Of this Smilax are made certain manuell writing tables And this property moreouer hath the wood thereof That if a man hold it close to his eare he shall heare it to giue a pretty sound But to return againe to the Iuie indeed it hath by report a strange and wonderful vertue to trie wines whether they be delaied with water or no for make a cup of Iuie wood and put wine thereinto all the wine will soke and run through but the water if any be mingled therewith will tarry behind CHAP. XXXVI ¶ Of Reeds Canes and other water shrubs IN this discourse touching plants that loue cold places it wil not be amisse to treat of those that grow in waters Among which the Reeds and Canes may be raunged in the first place for necessarie they be in time both of war and peace they haue their vse besides and are accepted among the delightsom pleasures of this world Moreouer in the Northern regions the people vse therewith to couer and thatch their houses and this kind of roofe will last many ages if it be laid with a thick coat euen vpon high and stately houses In other parts also of the world they are woont with it to make their arch-roufes and hanging floores of most sleight worke As for Canes particularly and those of Aegypt by name which haue a certaine resemblance of the Papyr-reed in Nilus they serue for writing Paper Howbeit those of Gnidos and which grow in Asia along the lake or meere of Anaia be held for the best As for ours heere in Italy they are of a more spungeous substance and gristly matter apt to sucke and drinke vp any liquour The same within-forth is full of holes and concauities but conuerted aloft into a fine wooddy rind and in time becommeth drie fast and hard Apt it is to cleaue and the clifts euermore carry with them a very sharp edge and besides it is full of ioints Now this woodie substance being thus distinctly parted by knots runneth alwaies euen and smooth growing smaller and smaller vntill it proue sharpe pointed in the top with a head consisting of a good thicke downe or plume which serueth also to right good purposes for either in stead of feathers they vse to stuffe beds therewith in common Innes or when it is growne hard and hath a slimie callositie about it they in Picardie and those Nether-lands do stampe it and therewith calfret or calke the ioints of their ships betweene the ribs and plankes and herein it hath no fellow for it taketh faster hold than any glue and for filling vp any rifts and chinks no solder so strong no pitch so sure and trustie Of Reeds the Easterlings make their shafts and archers they be that fight their battels and
determine all quarrels These shafts they arme with sharpe barbed arrow heads in manner of fish-hooks which wound with a mischiefe because they cannot be drawne out of the body againe and to make these arrowes flie the faster and kill more presently they set feathers vnto them Now say that a shaft be broken as it is set fast in the body that end without the flesh wil serue againe to be shot so inured are the people in those parts to these kind of weapons so practised withall in discharging of them so nimbly that a man seeing how thick the shafts flie in the aire would say they were a cloud of arrowes that shadowed the very Sun And therefore when they goe to battell they wish euer for faire weather and Sunne-shine daies Windes and raine as most aduerse vnto their warres they cannot abide then are they quiet and rest in peace ful sore against their wils because their weapons at such a time wil not serue their turne Certes if a man would fall to an exact reckoning and aestimate of Aethyopians Egyptians Arabians Indians Scythians and Bactrians of so many nations also of the Sarmatians and other East-countries together with all the kingdomes of the Parthians hee should finde that the one moietie or halfe of the world hath been vanquished and conquered by the meanes of arrowes and darts made of Reedes The Candiots aboue all others were so readie and perfect in this kinde of feat that the ouerweening of their owne skill and the confidence which they had in this manner of seruice made them too bold and was in the end their owne ouerthrow But herein also as in all other things else whatsoeuer Italie hath carried the name and woon the prize for there is not a better Reed growing for to make shafts than that which is found about the Rhene a little riuer running vnder Bononia very full of marrow or pith stiffe also it is and weightie withall it cutteth the aire it flyeth away most swiftly and last of all it will hold the owne and stand in the weather so counterpoised that no winde hath any power on it And those Reeds in Picardie and the Low-countries are nothing comparable ne yet of Candie how highly soeuer they be commended for warre-seruice And yet the Reeds that grow in India be preferred before them and beare the name which indeed some thinke to be of another nature considering they bee so firme and bigge withall that beeing well headed with yron they serue in stead of Speares and Iauelins In very truth the Indian Canes for the most part grow to the bignesse of Trees such as we see commonly in Temples standing there for a shew The Indians doe affirme that there is a difference amongst them also in regard of sexe and namely That the substance and matter of the male is more fast and massie but that of the female larger and of greater capacitie within Moreouer if wee may beleeue their words the verie Cane betweene euery ioint is sufficient to make a boat These great Canes do grow principally along the riuer Acesine All Reeds in generall doe shoot and spring in great number from one root and principall stocke and the more they bee cut the better they come againe The root liueth long and without great iniurie offered vnto it will not die it also is divided into many knottie ioints Those onely of India haue short leaues But in all of them the leafe springeth out of the ioint which embracing the Cane doth clad it round about with certaine thin membranes or tunicles as far as to the middle space between the ioints and then for the most part they giue ouer to claspe the Cane and hang downeward to the ground As well Reeds as Canes spread their leaues like wings round one after another on either side vpon the very ioints and that in alternatiue course alwaies very orderly so as if the one sheath come forth of the right side the other at the next ioint or knot aboue it putteth out on the left and thus it doth throughout by turnes From these nodosities otherwhiles a man shall perceiue as it were certaine little branches to breake foorth and those bee no other but small and slender Reeds Moreouer there be many kindes of Reedes and Canes for some of them stand thicker with ioints and those are more fast and solid than others small distance there is between the same there be again that haue not so many of them and greater space there is from the one to the other and such Canes for the most part are of a thinner substance Yee shall haue a Cane all full of holes within called therupon Syringias and such are very good to make whistles or smal flutes because they haue within them neither gristly nor fleshy substance The Orchomenian Cane is hollow throughout from one end to the other and this they call Auleticus or the pipe Cane for as the former was fit for flutes so is this better for great pipes Now you shall meet with Canes also that stand more of the wood haue but a narrow hole and concauity within and this is full of a spungeous pith or marow within-forth Some be shorter some longer than other and where you haue one that is thin and slender you shall spie a fellow to it more grosse and thicker That which brancheth most putteth forth greatest store of shoots is called Donax and is neuer known to grow but in marishes and watery places for herein also lieth a difference and preferred it is far before the Reed that commeth vp in dry ground The archers reed is a seuerall kind by it selfe as we haue shewed before but of this sort those in Candy haue the greatest spaces betweene euery ioint and if they be made hot they are very pliable and will bend and follow which way soeuer a man would haue them Moreouer Reeds are distinguished one from another by the leafe not for the number but the strength and colour The leaues of those about Lacedaemon are stiffe and strong growing thicker of the one side than of the other And such as these are thought generally to grow along standing pooles and dead waters far vnlike to those about running riuers and besides to be clad with long pellicles which claspe and climbe about the Cane higher aboue the ioint than the rest doe Furthermore there is another kind of Reeds that groweth crooked and winding trauers and not vpright vnto any height but creeping low toward the ground and spreading it selfe in manner of a shrub Beasts take exceeding great delight to feed thereof and namely when it is young and tender for the sweet and pleasant taste that it hath Some cal this Reed Elegia Ouer and besides there breedeth in Italy also among the fens a certain salt fome named Adarca sticking to the rind or vtmost barke of Reedes and Canes onely vnder the verie tuft and head passing good it is for the
at root and beare the fairer head Let that which you cut or shred be so little short withal that it resemble a mans fist rather than a bough the thicker will it come again a tree no doubt that would not be set in the lowest rank but be wel regarded how soeuer we make but base reckoning thereof for surely there is not a tree for reuenue and profit more safe and certain for cost lesse chargeable and for iniury of weather in better security Certes Cato among the commodities that commend a good ferm or manor esteemeth it in the third place and preferreth the increase and benefit thereby before the gain that groweth from oliue rows corn fields good medows Yet hereof we must not infer that we are not furnished with many other things which wil serue for bands to bind withal for we haue certain sorts of Spart or Spanish broom we haue Poplars Elmes the Sanguine-shrubs Birch clouen Reeds leaues of Cane as for example in Liguria the cuttings also of the very Vine and Briars so their sharp pricks be cut away to tie withall yea and the Hazell wands also so they be writhen and twined wherein a man may see a wonderful property That a wood should be stronger for to bind withal when it is crushed and bruised than whiles it was entire and sound All these I say are good for bands and yet the willow hath a gift therein beyond all the rest The Greek willow is red and commonly is sliuen for to make wit hs The Amerian Osier is the whiter but more brittle and soon wil crack therfore it is put to that vse of binding sound and whole as it groweth and not clouen through In Asia they make account of three sorts of willows the black which they imploy to wind and bind withal so tough and pliant it is the white wherewith husbandmen make their wicker paniers and baskets with other such vessels for their vse as for the third it is the shortest of all other and they cal it Helix or Helice With vs also here in Italy there be as many kinds those distinguished by their seuerall names the first which is of a deep purple colour they call the free osier or willow and that is so good for bands the second which is more thin and slender is named Vitelina or Vitellinam rather for the yellow colour of the yolke of egges for the bright hew that it hath the third that is smallest of all three is the French willow To come now to the brittle Rushes that grow in marish grounds which serue to thatch houses and to make mats and the pith whereof when the rind is pilled maketh wieke for watch-candles and funerall lights to burne by a dead corps whiles it lieth aboue ground they cannot iustly be reckoned in the ranke either of shrubbes or Brier-bushes and Brambles ne yet of tall plants growing vp with stems and stalks no more than among Hearbes and Weeds creeping along the ground but are to be counted a seuerall kind by it selfe True it is that in some places there are to be found rushes more stiffe hard and strong than in others For not onely mariners and watermen in the riuer Po do make sailes thereof but fishermen also of Affrick in the maine sea howbeit they hang their sailes betweene the masts from mast to mast after a preposterous manner contrary to all other The Mores also do couer their cottages with Bulrushes and surely if a man looke neerly to the nature of them they may seeme to serue for that vse which the Papyr-reeds in the netherland of Aegypt are put vnto about the descent and fall of the riuer Nilus As touching Brambles they may go among the shrubs of the water so may the Elders also which consist of a spungeous kind of matter yet cannot wel be counted among those plants which bee termed Fenels-gyant for surely the Elder standeth more vpon the wood than they do The shepherds are verily persuaded that the Elder tree growing in a by-place farre out of the way and from whence a man cannot heare a cock crow out of any town maketh more shrill pipes and louder trumpes than any other The Brambles beare certaine berries like the Mulberries euen as the sweet Brier of another kind which they call Cynosbatos or the Eglantine carieth the resemblance of a Rose A third sort there is of brambles which the Greeks cal Idea of the mountaine Ida. This is the Raspis smaller it is and more slender than the rest with lesse pricks vpon it and nothing so sharpe and hooked The floure of this Raspis beeing tempered with hony is good to be laied to bleared and bloud-shotten eies as also to the wild-fire or disease called Saint Anthonies fire Being taken inwardly and namely drunk with water it is very comfortable to a weake stomacke The Elder beareth certain blacke and small berries full of a grosse and viscous humor vsed especially to die the haire of the head black If they be boiled in water they are good and wholsome to be eaten as other pot-herbs CHAP. XXXVIII ¶ Of the iuice or humor in trees The nature of their wood and timber The time and manner of felling and cutting downe trees TRees haue a certaine moisture in their barkes which we must vnderstand to be their very bloud yet is it not the same nor alike in all for that of the Fig trees is as white as milke and as good as rendles to giue the forme to cheese Cherry trees yeeld a glutinous and clammy humor but Elmes a thin liquor in manner of spittle In Apple trees the same is fattie and viscous in Vines and Pyrries waterish And generally those trees continue and liue longest that haue such a glewy moisture in them In summe there are to be considered in the substance and body of trees like as of all other liuing creatures their skin their bloud flesh sinues veins bones and marrow For in lieu of their hide is the barke And I assure you a strange and maruellous thing it is to be obserued here in the Mulberry that when Physitians seek to draw the foresaid liquour out of it at seuen or eight a clocke in a morning if they scarifie or lightly cut the bark with a stone it issueth forth and they haue their desire but if they crush or cut it deeper in they meet with no more moisture than if it were stark dry In most trees next to the skin lieth the fat this is nought else but that white sap which of the colour is called in Latin Alburnum As it is soft in substance so is it the worst part of the wood and euen in the strong oke as hard as otherwise it is ye shal haue it soon to putrifie and rot yea and quickly be worm-eaten And therefore if a man would haue sound and good timber this white must be alwaies cut away in the squaring After it followeth the flesh of the tree and so
good husbandry if so be a man haue the cast of it to eare breake them vp skilfully As for the plaines they are not all of them exposed to the Sun or subiect to the wind more than need requireth And to speake of frosts mists and fogs there be Vines as we haue said already which are nourished and fed with them And to conclude hereby we may see that in euery thing there is some one deep secret or other wherein it behoueth each man to employ his spirit and set his mind for to search them throughly and find them out what shall we say then to this That oftentimes those things which haue bin approoued by long experience and many obseruations become otherwise and change their vsuall manner In Thessalie about Larissa the whole region by reason of a lake that was let out and drained drie prooued much colder and the Oliues which there grew before left bearing and died all vpon it In like sort neer vnto Aenos the Vines were all scorched and burnt by occasion that the course of the riuer Ebrus was brought neere vnto them an accident that beforetime neuer befell vnto them Semblably about the citie Philippi the whole country being made drie by sluces and trenches artificiall altered withall the whole disposition of the aire and weather and changed the very habite of the heauen aboue their heads But in the territory of Syracusa the forraine Coloners that thither came to inhabit and practise husbandry by ridding the ground from all the stones marred all the corn in the country so mirie and durtie it was by that meanes vntil such time as they were driuen to lay the stones againe where they had them In Syria the husbandmen goe lightly ouer with their plough take no deep stitch in making their furrowes for feare of the stony rocke lying ebbe vnder the good ground which in Summer season will burne all their graine and seed sowne there Now there be certain parts of the world where a man shall see one and the same effect to proceed both of extreame heat and also of excessiue cold Thracia is exceeding cold and thereby plentifull in corne Africke and Aegypt be as hot and yet come not after it for fertilitie in that kind In Chalcia an Island belonging to the Rhodians there is one place aboue the rest so fruitful that the Barly which was sowed in the due time season of the yere they mow once and presently put it into the ground againe which will be ready to be cut downe the second time with other corne in haruest In the Venafrane tract within the realme of Naples the grauellie ground is thought meetest for Oliue trees therin they bear most plentifully contrariwise about Boetica in Spaine the fattest soile is best for that purpose The excellent grape that makes the good Punicke wine ripeneth soon vpon the very rockes but the Caecube Vines stand soaked drenched as it were in the marish low grounds of Pomptinum See what a difference and diuersitie there is in causes to make this variety in sundry plots of ground Caesar 〈◊〉 being conuented before the Censors and there pleading his cause affirmed openly that the plaines of Rosea were the very fat of Italy and resembled the kell or leafe of a fed and franked swine wherein quoth he if a man left forks or props to day they will bee ouergrowne and couered with grasse by to morrow But surely this ground is good for nothing but pasture Yet notwithstanding Nature would haue vs still to learne and grow skilfull euery day more than other and for that intent she hath laid open the defects and imperfections of the ground euen there whereas the commodities thereof be neither so certain nor so well knowne And therefore let vs in the first place speake of those faults for which the earth is blamed CHAP. V. ¶ Sundry sorts of earth IF a man would know which is a lean hungry bitter ground there is no better experiment and proofe thereof than by the blackish misliking and vnkind herbs growing thereupon like as when they come vp scortched and burnt they shew a cold soile also when they seem il fauored and vnpleasant to the eie the earth no doubt is soked and drowned in wet As for red sandy ground and clay you need go no farther than to your owne eie-sight And such soiles as these be is of all other hardest to be wrought and tilled they so clog and load both the harrow teeth and the plow-shares with huge and heauie clods Howbeit the ground that is thus churlish to be eared and husbanded is not alwaies bad and naught for increase But it fareth cleane contrary with the pale and wan ashie earth as also with the white sandy soile for the barren ground is soon found by a thicke and callous crust that it hath euen at the first dent of culter or stroke of mattocke Cato setteth down briefely as his maner is all the defects and faults of ground in these words Take heed quoth hâ—… of a rotten ground and see that you stir it neither with cart nor touch it with beast What should we think was his meaning by this term of his that he should feare rotten ground so much as to forbid in a manner to tread and goe thereupon Let vs call to mind the rottennesse that is in wood and thereby shall we find those faults that he abhorreth and detesteth so much in the earth In good faith by rotten earth hee vnderstandeth dry spungeous and full of holes rugged hoary eaten old and hollow So as in that one significant word Cariosa hee said more than could be expressed possibly by any multip icity of language whatsoeuer for if a man would rip vp to the quicke the imperfections that are in grounds he should find that some pieces there be of it that may be termed truly old and ouerworne not for any age for who can say properly that earth is subiect to old age but by reason of their naturall defects in regard wherof a ground may be weake feeble barren and no longer good for to bring forth any thing The same Cato iudgeth That ground to be principall which lieth at the foot of an hill and runneth forth in manner of a plaine into the South which is the very scituation of all Italy and by a blackish and swart earth which he calleth Pulla he meaneth a gentle tender and mellow soile And this we will determine to be the best simply both for worke or tillage and also for gaine and increase now let vs if ye please stand a little vpon this word Tenera i. Tender which he vseth in this sence you shall find a maruellous signification thereof and that he implieth thereby as much as your heart can wish to be in a ground That is it which is so temperat in fertility that is it which to be wrought is so gentle soft pliable and mellow neither wet nor yet dry and
swine is most commended only Columella condemneth it Some praise the mucke of any foure-footed beasts whatsoeuer so they were fed with Tree-trifolie called Cytisus Others prefer the doung of Pigeons before any other in the second place that of Goats thirdly of sheepe then of kine and oxen and lastly of cart-jades mules asses and such like Thus you see as well what difference there was in times past between this dung and that as also what were the rules so farre as I can guesse and learne whereby they went in the vse and ordering thereof for to say a truth the old way is best euen herein as well as in other matters Ouer and besides the practise hath bin already seen in some of our prouinces where there is so great store of cattell bred to riddle and sift their dung ouer their ground through sieues in manner of meale and so in processe of time it loseth not only the stinking sent and ill-fauored sight that it had but also turneth into a pleasant smel and looketh louely withall Of late found it hath been by experience that Oliue trees doe like and prosper very well if the ashes of lime-kills especially be laid to their roots Varro among many other precepts addeth and saith That corne grounds would be manured with hors-dung because it is the lightest but medowes require compost that is heauier and namely made by beasts that haue barley for their prouender for that such soile bringeth plentie of grasse Some there bee aâ—…so that preferre the dung made by horses before the mucke of kine and Oxen likewise sheeps treddles before Goats dung but Asses mucke before all other because they eat and chew their meat most leisurely But daily experience teacheth the contrary and testifieth against the one and the other And thus much as touching compost of mucke Furthermore all men are of opinion that nothing is better for the ground than to sow Lupines therupon prouided alwaies that before it cod it be turned into the ground by the plough spade or two-piked yron forke also when it is cut down to make it into wads or bottles and so to bury them at the roots of trees and vines especially In countries where there are no cattell to better the lands it is thought good to manure the same in stead of beasts dung with very hawme straw and ferne Cato hath a deuise to make an artificiall mucke or compost of litter lupine straw chaffe beane stalks leaues and branches both of Mast-holm and oke He saith moreouer to the same purpose Weed out of the standing corn Walwort otherwise called Danewort and Hemlock also from about oâ—…er-plots plucke vp ranke weeds or ground Elder also Reeke or Sea-grasse and dead leaues or branches lying rotten vnder trees when thou haste so done strew and lay a course of them vnder sheep where they be folded Item If the Vine begin to decay and wax leane burne the shreads and cuttings of the owne and turne the ashes vnder ground hard to the roots thereof Item where thou meanest to sow any wheat or such like bread-corn draw thy sheep thither and there fold them He saith moreouer that the sowing of some graine is as good as a dunging to the ground for these be his very words The fruit it selfe of the earth is a batling to the earth and namely Lupines Beans and Vetches for they muck the lands like as on the contrary side Chiches do burn the ground both because they are plucked and also for that they stand vpon salt Semblably doth Barley Foenigreeke Eruile and generally all kind of pulse which are pulled and not mowne downe Item Take heed quoth Cato that you set no pepins or kernels where you meane to sow corne As for Virgil he is of opinion that the sowing of Line-seed for flax likewise of Otes and Poppies do burne corne-ground and pill it out of heart He also giueth rules as touching mucke-hills That they should be made in the open aire within some hollow place where it may gather water that they be couered ouer with straw and litter for feare they should dry in the Sun and last of all that they haue a good strong stake of Oke pitched and driuen in about the mids thereof for so there will no snakes nor such like serpents breed and ingender therein Moreouer as touching the spreading of mucke and mingling it with the mould of a land it is exceeding good to do it when the winde setteth full West so that the Moon then be past the full and in the Waine But this rule many haue mistaken and not construed aright supposing that they should so do when the Western wind Fauonius beginneth to rise and namely in the moneth of Februarie only whereas indeed most cornlands require this point of husbandry in other moneths as wel But looke what time soeuer you list to do it be sure in any hand that the wind do then blow from the Equinoctiall point of the West and that the moone then be in the waine and drie withall Haue regard to these rules and obseruations you will wonder to see the effects thereof and what increase the earth thereby will yeeld CHAP. X. ¶ The planting and setting of trees the manner how trees do grow by a Sion sliued and plucked from the root NOw that we haue already sufficiently treated of the considerations as well of the aire and skie as of the earth belonging vnto plants and trees me thinks it were to good purpose to discourse of the industry and artificiall meanes that men haue vsed to make trees grow and verily we shall find no fewer kinds of them that come by mans hand than of such as nature it selfe hath brought forth so kind and thankfull we haue bin to her as to make recompence in this behalfe First and formost therefore this is to be noted That all trees do grow either of seed sowne or of branches growing to the tree and couched in the ground or of an old stocke from whence new imps may sprout also either of a slip or sprig plucked from another tree and so laid in the ground or of a young shoot twig impe or Sion engraffed in the very trunk of a tree slit and clouen for that purpose For I cannot chuse but maruell much at Trogus who was verily persuaded That about Babylon the leaues onely of Date trees beeing set or sowne would prooue trees Now whereas there be so many deuises abouesaid for to nourish trees this you must vnderstand that some trees there be which will grow by many of these waies before specified and others by them all And verily the most part of this knowledge hath beene taught by Nature her selfe for first of all we haue learned by her for to sow seed by occasion that we haue seen some to fall from trees which being receiued by the ground haue chitted taken root and liued And in very truth some trees there be that grow no otherwise as Chestnut and Walnut-trees excepting
backward vnder the ground And hereupon it is that folke forbeare either to go at all vpon it or else they tread very lightly Being thus sowed it must be gently watered for three daies following after the Suns setting that the earth may drinke equally in all places vntill the sprouts appeare aboue ground Now after they haue had a yeares growth they be translated and re-planted againe in rewes for by that time they are come to a span or nine inches in height but great care must be had that the time be temperat that is to say that the weather be fresh and faire without any wind Certes a wonderfull thing it is to be spoken that all the danger or security of this tree standeth vpon the choice of that only day wherein it is replanted for let there fall neuer so smal a rain or dew nay let the wind blow neuer so little it is a great hasard whether it will die For euer after it is warished and safe enough howbeit it cannot abide a glut of rain at any time following Moreouer as touching Iujubes they are likewise set of their graines in the moneth of Aprill But that kinde of Peaches or Abricots which be called Tuberes loue better to be graffed either vpon a skeg or wilde Plum-stocke or Quince or else vpon the wild Hart-Rhamme called Calabricum or Spina Cervina To knit vp this discourse the fruit Sebesten and the Servises may be graffed and planted both vpon the same kind of stocke and looke what will beare the one is apt to receiue the other CHAP. XI ¶ The manner of translating or replanting out of one seminarie or nource-garden vnto another How Elmes are to be planted Also as touching trenches SOme would haue vs to remoue plants out of one seminarie into another before they be set indeed where they should be for to continue which me-thinkes is a matter of more toile and curiositie than necessitie howsoeuer they make promise that by such transplanting the leaues will proue larger and broader Now for Elms their seed or grain is to be gathered about the Calends of March when it beginneth to turn yellow and before the leaues break forth After it hath bin dried in the shadow for two daies it is to be sown thick in a plot of ground well broken vp and laid hollow beforehand and then must there be mould searced ouer through a fine riddle to the same thickenesse as we haue appointed for the Cypres In case no raine do fall in due time it ought to be watered by hand After one yere the plants that come herof must be taken vp out of the trenches and ranges wherein they came vp and translated directly into the Elme plots where they are to grow with this care good regard that they stand a foot at least euery way distant one from another As for the male Elmes vnto which Vines are wedded because they are without seed it is better they were planted in the Autumne and for that they want seed they would be set of plants Here with vs about Rome â—…de they vse to replant them again in their groue-plots when they be fiue yeares old or as some would haue it so soon as they be come to 20 foot in height The maner whereof is this in a trench or ditch called Novenarius 3 foot deep in the ground and as many broad or rather more they are set which done for three foot in height euery way about the foot of each tree from the ground as it stands there must be banks raised of some earth after the maner of those seats which they cal Arulae in Campanie As for the spaces between tree and tree they ought to be set out and disposed according to the nature and scituation of the place and as the ground wil giue leaue In the champion and plain country those would be planted that are of a drier nature and likewise in a thinner course As for Ashes and Poplars because they make hast to spring leafe and bud out betimes it is meet that their plants likewise were set and ranged with the first that is to say about the Ideas of Februarie for they also grow of plants and may well be replanted Now for the order of setting trees either in groues hort-yards or vine-yards wee ought to follow the vsuall maner of checquer row called Quincuntial which is not so common but it is also as necessarie not only good to admit all kindes of winde to passe betweene but also faire and pleasant to the eye considering that which way soeuer a man looks there offer to his sight both the allies and rewes directly ranged in order The Opiets or Wich-Hazels are sown of seed after the same maner as Elme in like sort also are they to be remoued transplanted out of their nource-plots as if they were wild drawn from the very forrests Moreouer aboue all things this would be considered that a tree to be remoued ought to be translated either into the like ground from whence it came or else into a better For we must take heed how we remoue plants out of warme grounds where the fruit is early ripe into others that be colder or late in ripening Semblably out of cold hard places they would not be translated into warm mellow and forward Item if it be possible let the trenches be cast and digged so long before that a good thicke green sourd be ouergrowne against the time that you mean to plant Mago is of opinion That the said trenches should stand made a yeare before at the least that they might be fully seasoned with the Sun and receiue all rain winde weather throughly But in case it fall out otherwise that the opportunitie thereof be ouerslipt oâ—… our leisure wil not serue he would haue fires to be made in the midst of them two moneths before and in no case any trees to be set but after showres of rain And if the ground be tough or hard and standing vpon the cley the ditches ought according to Mago for to be three cubits deepe euery way and if they be toplant plum trees he would haue them be a hand-bredth more or spanne in deapth and digged on euery side hollow and vaulted in manner of a fournace with a narrower mouth in the top In a blacke veine of ground by his direction it is sufficient that they be two cubites and a hand-breadth or spanne deepe and made foure-square in manner of a quadrangle In the measure and proportion of these ditches the Greeke writers doe accord in one saying that they ought not to be more than two foot and a halfe deepe nor wider than two foot bare also that in no place it must be vnder a foot and a halfe deepe for that in a moist soile we shal come ordinarily neer to water about that skantlin and not before But Cato is of another judgment If quoth he the place be waterish let the trenches be
Date tree grew out of the base or foot of a Columne that Caesar Dictator caused there to be erected Semblably at Rome also twice during the war between the Romans and K. Perseus there was a Date tree known to grow vpon the lanterne or top of the Capitoll temple foreshewing those victories and triumphs which afterward ensued to the great honor of the people of Rome And when this was by stormes and tempests ouerthrowne and laid along there sprung vp of it selfe in the very same place a Fig tree at what time as M. Mâ—…ssala and Caius Cassius the two Censors held their Quinquennall solemne sacrifices for the assoiling and purging of the city of Rome From which time Piso a renowmed Historiographer and Writer of good credit hath noted that the Romans were giuen ouer to voluptuousnesse and sensuality and that euer since all chastitie and honest life hath bin exiled But aboue all the prodigies that were euer seen or heard there is one that passeth and the same hapned in our age about the very time that Nero the emperor came to his vnhappy end and fall for in the Marrucine territorie there was an oliue garden belonging to Vectius Marcellus a right worshipfull knight of Rome which of it selfe remoued all and whole as it stood ouer the broad highway to a place where lay tillage and earable ground and the corn lands by way of exchange crossed ouer the said causey againe and were found in lieu of the Oliue plot or hortyard aforesaid CHAP. XXVI ¶ The remedies for the maladies and diseases of Trees NOw that I haue declared the diseases of Trees meet it is that I should set down the cure and remedies thereto Where this one thing would be first noted That of Remedies some be common to all trees others appropriate to certain Common be these following To bare and clense the roots to hil and bank them again that is to say to giue aire vnto the roots let the wind into them and contrariwise to couer them keep both wind weather from them to water them or to deriue diuert water from them to refresh their roots with the fat liquor of dung to discharge them of their burden by pruning their superfluous branches Item to giue their humors issue and as it were by way of phlebotomie to let them bloud and to skice and scrape their bark round about in maner of scarification To take downe their strength and keep them vnder that they be not too lusty proud Also if the cold hath caught their buds or burgeons therby caused them to look burnt rough and vnpleasant to slick polish smooth them again with the pumy stone These verily be the diuers helps to cure trees howbeit vsed they must be with great discretion for that which is very good for one is not so good for another and some trees require this course others that to be taken with them As for example the Cypres tree canot abide either to be dunged or watered it hateth all digging and deluing about it it may not away with cutting and pruning it is the worse for all good physick nay all remedies to others are mischiefs to it and in one word go about to medicine it you kil it All Vines and Pomegranat trees especially loue alife riuer sides desire to be watered for thereby will they thriue and prosper The Fig tree also it selfe is nourished and fed in waterie grounds but the fruit that it beareth is the poorer by that means Almond trees if they be plied with digging will either not bloome at all or else shed their floures before due time Neither must any yong plants or trees newly graffed be digged about their roots before they haue gathered sufficient strength and begin to beare fruit Most trees are willing enough to be disburdened of their superfluous and ouer-â—…ank branches like as we men can spare our nails to be pared and bush of hair to be cut when they be ouergrowne As for old trees they would be cut down hard to the ground for vsually they rise again of some shoot springing from the root and yet not all of them Regard therefore must be had that none be so vsed but such as we haue noted before as are able of nature to abide it For trees to be watered at the roots in the heate of summer it is good but in winter it is as bad In the fal of the leaf it may be wholsom it may also be hurtfull and therefore the nature of the soile would be considered for the grape-gatherer in Spain meeteth with a good vintage notwithstanding the Vines stand in a marish and fennie ground howbeit in most parts of the world besides it is thought good husbandry to draine away from the roots the very rain water that falls from aboue in Autumne About the rising of the Dog-star trees desire most of all to be wel watered and yet they would not haue too much thereof euen in that time for in case their roots be ouer-drenched and drowned therewith they will catch harm Herein also the age of trees is to be respected which in this case prescribeth what is meet and sufficient for yong trees be lesse thirsty than others also Custome is a great matter For such as haue beene vsed vnto watering must not change their old woont but they require most of all others to be vsed so still Contrariwise Those Trees which grow vpon dry grounds naturally desire no more moisture than that which is needful In the territory about Sulmo in Italy and namely within the Liberties of Fabianum the Vines which doe beare the harder and sowrer Grapes must of necessitie be watered And no maruaile for the verie lands and Corne-fields vse to haue water let in vnto them And here a wonderfull thing is to be obserued This water cherisheth the Corne but killeth all the hurtfull Grasse among and the riuer ouer flowing the lands is as good as a weeding In the same countrey the maner is in midwinter to open a sluce or draw vp their floodgates for to ouerflow their vine roots with the riuer and so much the rather if either it be an hard frost or snow lie vpon the ground And why so because the pinching cold should not burne them and this they call there by the name of Tepidare i. to giue them a kindly warmth as in a stouve see the memorable nature of this only riuer to be warme in winter and yet the same in summer is so cold that hardly a man can endure his hand in it CHAP. XXVII ¶ Of caprification or scarifying trees also the maner of dunging them TOuching the remedies for blasting as well by heat as cold I will treat in the booke next following Meane while I cannot omit one manner of cure by way of Scarification For when the bark is poore and lean by reason of some disease or mislike so as it clengs together pressing and binding the quick wood
if you would know which end serueth for the one and the other certaine it is that the bigger and thicker part of the grain yeeldeth root and the smaller the greene blade In all other seeds there is no such diuersitie for from one and the same end breaketh our both root and greene blade All kind of corn carying spike or eare called Frumenta shew nothing but the green blade during winter howbeit no sooner commeth the spring but they begin to grow vp into straw and to spindle vpward pointwise I meane all that be of the winter kind But Millet and Panick run vp into an hollow stem full of knots and ioynts and Sesama by it self into a kex or hollow stem in maner of fenell and such like The fruit or seed of all graine that is sowne or set is contained within eares as we see in bearded wheat and barley and the same is defended as it were with a palisaide of eales disposed square in foure rankes or is inclosed within long cods and husks as the Pulse kind or els lieth in little cups as Sesame and Poppie Millet and Panick only put forth their fruit grape-wise and openly without any partitions and defences so as their seed is exposed to the little birds of the aire for no otherwise are they defended than within small skins and thin huls And as for Panick it taketh the name of certain panicles or chats hanging from the top thereof whereby the head bendeth and leaneth downward as if it were weake and wearie of the burden The stem or stalk thereof groweth smaller and smaller and pointed vpward insomuch as by little and little it runneth vp in maner of a little sprig or sion and there you shall see a number of seeds or grains clustered together thicke insomuch as they are somtimes bunched with an head a good foot long As touching the Millet the head thereof bearing seed round about is bent likewise and curbed beset also with fringes as it were of hairy fillets But to return to Panick againe there be sundry sorts thereof for some of it is found with a tuft or bunch from which depend certain small clustered chats or panicles the same also hath two knaps or heads and this is called Mammosum as one would say the Panick with bigs or dugs Moreouer you shall haue Panick seed of sundry colours white blacke and red yea and purple Of Mill or Millet there be diuers sorts of bread made in many places but of panick it is not so common howbeit there is no grain more ponderous and weighty than it or which in the seething or baking swelleth and riseth more for out of one Modius or pecke thereof there is ordinarily made 60 pound of dough for bread Moreouer take but 3 sextares or quarts of it being steeped and it will yeeld a measure called Modius of thicke gruel or batter called in Latine Puls It is not fully ten yeres since there was a kind of Millet brought out of India into Italy and the same was of colour black the seed or grain in quantitie big and faire and for stem like vnto a reed It riseth vp in height seuen foot the stalks are mighty and great some call them Lobae or Phobae Of all sorts of corne it is most fruitfull and yeeldeth greatest increase for of one grain a man shal haue 3 sextars or quarts again But it loueth yea 〈◊〉 to be sown in a moist soile Moreouer some kinds of spiked corn begin to spindle and gather eare at the third ioynt others at the fourth but there it lieth as yet hidden and inclosed Now as touching these 〈◊〉 wheat beareth vsually foure beere Barly six and the common sprit Barly eight which is wel 〈◊〉 be considered for no corn vseth to spier before it be fully knotted or iointed in maner abouesaid And so soon as the said spier sheweth some hope of an eare within 4 or fiue daies after at the most they begin to bloum and in as many dayes space or little more they will haue done and shed their floures And yet I must needs say that all sorts of barley are a seuen-night at the vtmost in so doing Varro saith that in foure times 9 daies this kind of corn commeth to perfection but it ought to stay nine moneths before it be ripe for to be reaped and mowne downe As for Beanes after they be set or cast into the ground first they put forth leafe and afterward stalk that shooteth vp euen without any partition of ioynts or knots between All other pulse besides the Bean haue a more sollid and wooddy substance in the straw Of which the Chich pease the Ervile and Lentils doe spred forth in branches And some of them runne so low that they creep along the ground vnlesse they be born vp and supported with some props as for example Pease which help if they misse they proue the worse for it Of all manner of Pulse the Bean alone and Lupine beare but one single stalke apiece the rest doe branch into very small sprigs or tendrils Howbeit none of them but their stalke or straw is fistulous and hollow in maner of reeds Some pulse put out leaues presently from the root others again from the top or head only wheat and Barly both the one and the other and what corn soeuer standeth vpon a stalk beareth one leafe in the head or top thereof But the leaues of Barly are rough wheras in other corn they be smooth Contrariwise Beanes Chiches and Pease haue many leaues In spiked corn the leafe resembleth that which groweth to reeds in beans they be round and so likewise in the most kinds of puls how beit in pease and Ervile we see they be somwhat longer The leaues of Fasels or Kidney beanes are ribbed and full of veines of Sesama and Irio they be red and resemble bloud The Lupines only and the Poppies do shed their leaues All pulse is long in the bloom and namely Ervile and the Cich pease but Beans continue longest euen for the space of 40 daies together howbeit euery single stalk beareth not bloom so long but thus it is as one hath done and giuen ouer another beginneth afresh Neither bloumeth the whole field at once as spiked corn doth Also all kinds of Pulse doe cod at sundrie times and not vpon the same day beginning first at the bottome and so likewise the floure riseth vp higher by little and little All corne growing in spike or eare so soone as it hath done blooming waxeth big and strong and commeth to maturitie within forty daies at the farthest so doth Beanes also but the Cich pease receiueth her full perfection in very few daies for from the time that it was first sowed it groweth to be ripe in forty daies Millet Panick Sesame and all Summer corn haue their full ripenesse forty daies after their blooming But herein there is great diuersitie according to the clyme and the soile in which respects
be made of Zea than of Wheat and called it is Granum or Granatum although in Alica that be counted a fault To conclude they that wil not vse chalk do blanch and make their Frumentie white by seething milke with it and mingling all together CHAP. XII ¶ Of Pulse IT followeth now to write of the nature of Pulse among which Beanes do challenge the first ranke and principall place for thereof men haue assaied to make bread The meale of Beans is called in Latine Lomentum There is not a Pulse weigheth more than it and Beane meale makes euery thing heauier wherin it is Now adaies they vse to sel it for prouender to feed horses And indeed Beanes are dressed and vsed many waies not only to serue all kind of four-footed beasts but also for man especially For in most countries it is mingled with Frumentiâ—… corn and namely with Pannicke most of all whole and entire as it is but the more delicat and daintie way is to break and bruise it first Moreouer by ancient rites and religious ceremonies at the solemn sacrifice called Fabraria the maner was to offer vnto certain gods and goddesses Beane cakes This was taken for a strong food being eaten with a thick grewel or pottage howbeit men thought that it dulled a mans sences and vnderstanding yea and caused troublesome dreames in the night In regard of which inconueniences Pythagoras expressely forbad to eat Beanes but as some haue thought and taught it was because folke imagined that the soules of such as were departed had residence therein which is the reason also that they be ordinarily vsed and eaten at the funerals and obsequies of the dead Varro also affirmeth That the great Priest or Sacrificer called the Flamine abstains from Beanes both in those respects aforesaid as also for that there are to be seen in the floure thereof certain letters or characters that shewheauines and signs of death Further there was obserued in old time a religious ceremonie in Beanes for when they had sown their grounds their maner was of all other corne to bring back with them out of the fieldes some Beanes for good luck sake presaging thereby that their corne would returne home again vnto them and these Beanes thereupon were called in Latine Refriuae or Referiuae Likewise in all port-sales it was thought that if Beanes were entermingled with the goods offered to be sold they would be luckie and gainefull to the seller This is cerataine that of all the fruits of the earth this only will be full and sound when the Moone is croisant notwithstanding it were gnawne and halfe eaten with some thing before Set them ouer the fire in a pan with sea water or any other that is saltish they will neuerbe thoroughly sodden They are set or sowne before the retrait of the Starre Vergiliae i. the Brood-hen the first of al other Pulse because they might take root betimes and preuent the Winter And yet Virgill would haue them to be put into the ground in the Spring like as the manner is in Piemont and Lombardie all about the riuer Po. But the greater part of good Husbandmen are of this opinion That the stalke or straw of Beanes sowne early or set betimes are better than the very fruit it selfe which hath had but three months being in the ground For the cods and stalks only of Beans are passing good fodder and forage for cattell Beanes when they are blouming and in their floure desire most of al to be refreshed with good store of rain but after they haue don flouring they care for little the sowing of this Pulse in any ground is as good as a mucking vnto it for it enriches it mightily And therefore towards Macedonie and about Thessalie the manner is when Beanes begin to blossom for to turne them into the ground with the plough Beans come vp and grow in most places of their owne accord without sowing and namely in certaine Islands lying within the Northern ocean which our countrymen therupon haue named Fabariae Semblably they grow wild commonly thoroughout Mauritania but exceeding hard and tough they be and such as possibly canot be sodden tender There are likewise in Aegypt to be found Beanes with a stalk beset full of prickles or thornes which is the cause that Crocodiles wil not come neer them for feare of hurting their eyes The stemme of these Beanes is foure cubites in height but exceeding thicke and big withall tender it is notwithstanding and soft running vp euen and smooth without any knots or joints at al it caries a head in the top like Chesboule or Poppy of a rose red color wherin are contained not aboue 30 Beanes at the most The leaues be large the fruit it selfe or the Bean is bitter in tast and the smel not pleasant howbeit the root is a most dainty meat which the inhabitants do eat as wel raw as sodden and like it is to reed cane roots These grow in Syria and Cylicia as also about the lake Torone within Chalcis As touching other Pulse Lentils be sown in Nouember and so are Pease but in Greece only Lentils loue a light ground better than a fat heauie they like also drie and faire weather Two kinds thereof be found in Aegypt the one more round and blacke than the other the rest be fashioned as common Lentils According to the manifold vse and diuers effects of Lentils there haue sundrie names and denominations beene borrowed from them for I find in writers that the eating of Lentils maketh men to be mild and patient whereupon they be called Lenti and Lenes As for Pease it ought to be sowed in warm places lying well vpon the Sunne for of all things it cannot abide the cold Which is the cause that in Italie and in other countries where the clime is tough and hard they are not sowne vsually but in the Spring and folke chuse a gentle light and loose ground To come now to the Ciâ—…h pease the nature of it is to be nitrous and saltish and therefore it burneth the ground where it grows Neither must it be sowne vnlesse it were well steeped and soked in water the day before many sorts there be of these cich-pease different in bignes form colour and tast for there are both blacke and white and those in fashion shaped like to a Rams head and therupon they are so called There is a second kind named Columbinum or by others Venerium These are white round light lesse than the former Rams-head ciches which men do eat ceremoniously with great religion when they meane to watch thoroughly all night long There is a little cich pease also called Cicercula made cornered and otherwise vneuen like vnto a Pease But the best ciches and most pleasant are those that come neerest in resemblance to the Eruile and generally the red kind and the black are more firm and fast than the white cich pease grow within round cods whereas other Pulse
he contained in long and flat according to the forme and figure of the seed which they hold Pease by themselues haue a long round cod in forme of a Cylinder The Pulse called Phasâ—…oli i. Kidney Beans vse to be eaten cod and al together These may be set or sowne in what ground you list from the Ides of October to the Calends of Nouember Finally all kinds of Pulse so soone as they begin to ripen are to be gathered or plucked hastily for stay neuer so little they leape out of their cods and shed and being once fallen they lie hidden in the ground like as the Lupine also CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Rapes or Neuewes of Amiternium Turneps NOw let vs proceed and passe to other matters and yet in this discourse it were meet to write somwhat as touching Rapes or Nauews The Latin writers our countreymen haue slightly passed by and touched them only by the way The Greeks haue treated of them somwhat more diligently and yet among pot-hearbes and worts growing in gardens whereas indeed according to good order they would be spoken of immediatly after Corne or Beanes at least wise considering there is not a plant of more or better vse than is the Rape or Nauew First and formost they grow not only for beasts of the earth and the Foules of the aire but also for men For all kinds of Pullen about a Farme-house in the countrey doe feed vpon the feed thereof as much as of any thing else especially if they be boiled first in water As for four-footed beasts they eat the leaues thereof with great delight and wax fat therewith Last of al men also take as great pleasure and delight in eating the leaues and heads of Rapes or Nauewes in their season as they do of young Coly-flories Cabbages or any tender crops of hearbs whatsoeuer yea when they are faded flaggie and dead in the Barn they are esteemed better than being fresh and green As for Rapes or Nauewes they will keep long and last al Winter both within the ground where they grew and being well wintered they will continue afterwards out of the earth lying abroad euen almost till new come so as they yeeld men great comfort to withstand hunger and famin In Piemont Lombardie those countries beyond the Po the people make the most account of gaine by gathering Rapes next to wine vintage and corne haruest It is not choise and daintie of the ground where it will grow for lightly it wil prosper where nothing els can be sowed In foggy mists hard frosts and other cold weather it thriues passing wel and grows to a wonderfull bignes I haue seene one of their roots weigh aboue fortie pounds As touching the handling and dressing of them for our table there be many waies and deuises to commend and set them out Preserued they may be till new come specially condite with sharp and biting Senuie or Mustard seed Moreouer our Cooks know how to giue them six other colours besides their owne which is pure and naturall they haue the cast to set euen a purple hew vpon them And to say a truth there is no kind of viands besides that being thus painted colored hath the like grace The Greeke writers haue diuided them by the sexe and therby made two principal kinds therof to wit the male and the female Nay more than that out of one and the same seed according as it is sowed they can make male or female whether they please For if they sow thicke and chuse therto a hard and churlish ground it will proue of the male kind Also the smaller that the seed is the better it is esteemed But of al Rapes male or female three especiall sorts there be no more For some roots spread flat and broad others are knit round like a ball the third sort that runs downe into the ground with a long root in manner of a Raddish they cal the wild Rape or Nauew this bears a rough lease and ful of angles or corners the juice that it yeelds is sharp hote and biting which being gathered in haruest time reserued mundisieth the eies and cleareth the sight especially being tempered with brest-milke If the weather be cold they are thought not only to thriue in bignesse of the root but also to prooue the sweeter whereas contrariwise in a warm season they run vp all to stalke and leafe The best simply are those that grow in the Nursine territory For they are sold by the weight and euery pound is worth a Roman Sesterce yea and otherwhiles twaine if there be any scarcity of them Next to these in goodnes be those that come out of Algidum Thus much of Rapes Navews As for the Turneps of Amiternum they be in a manner of the same nature that the Rapes aforesaid cold they loue as well Sown they are before the Calends of March foure quarts of their seed will take vp a whole acre of ground The best Husbandmen and such as are more exquisite in their practise of Agriculture giue order That the ground for Turneps should haue fiue tilthes whereas Rapes or Nauewes are content with foure but both the one and the other had need of a soile well inriched with dung or compost By their sayings also Rapes will prosper the better and come vp thicker if they be sowed in their huls chaffe and all together Moreouer they would haue the seeds-man to be naked when he sowes them and in sowing to protest that this which he doth is for himselfe and his neighbors and withall to pray as he goeth The proper season for the seednesse of them both is between the feasts of the two gods to wit Neptune and Vulcan To conclude there is a subtill and curious obseruation that many go by and do hold namely this To marke how many daies old the Moon was when the first snow sel the winter next before for if a man do sow Rapes or Turneps within the foresaid compasse of that time the moon being so many daies old they will come to be wondrous great and increase exceedingly Men vse to sow them also in the Spring but then they make choise of moist and hot grounds CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of Lupines AFter Rapes and Turneps the Lupines haue greatest vse and serue to be raunged next for that they indifferently serue both men and also all foure footed beasts that be houfed either whole or clouen Now for that the stalke is very shittle in mowing and therefore flyeth from the edge of the syth the onely remedie therefore that the mower may catch it is to goe to worke presently after a good shower And verily there is not a plant growing vpon the earth I meane of such as are sowne of seed more admirable than the Lupine in regard of the great amity and sympathie betweene the earth and it Looke how the Sun keepeth his course in our Horizon aboue so doth it turne and go withall insomuch as the
Husbandmen of the countrey go by no other clocke to know how the day passeth in close and cloudie weather than this obseruation Moreouer it hath three seasons of blowming it loueth the earth well but yet willingly it would not be couered ouer with mould for this is the onely seed that is sowne vpon ground without any ploughing or digging it would grow to chuse in a most grauelly drie and sandy soile and in no case can it abide any tending or husbandry about it so affected is it to the earth that cast it vpon any rough ground among bushes leaues briers and brambles it will chit and spurt neuerthelesse neuer lin til it take root within the earth If Lupines be sowed either in vineyards or vpon corne lands they inrich the same and make the ground better as we haue before written and so little need haue they of dung that they stand in stead of the very best To say a truth there is no graine lesse chargeable to be sowne than it nay there is none costeth nought at all but it for it needeth not so much as to be brought into the field and why it soweth it selfe presently in the same field where it grew and sâ—…edding as it doth of the own accord a man neuer needs to cast and throw it vpon the land as other corne It is first sowne and last gathered and lightly both these seasons fall out in the moneth of September for if the Seed-nes preuent not the winter so as it may haue good root before it commeth it will be in danger of the cold Ouer and besides if it chance to lie bare and vncouered aboue-ground left carelessely without any keeping and that no raine come vpon it presently for to driue it into the ground it is safe enough and catcheth no harme for so bitter it is that no liuing creature will touch it and yet for the most part the husbandmen bestow a light furrow vpon it and so couer it verie shallow If the ground be fast and heauie it loueth that â—…est which standeth vpon a red clay And for the maintaining and inriching of this kind of soile it must be turned vp or eared after the third flouring but in case it be grauelly or sandy it wil serue to do it after the second Chalkie grounds onely and myrie it hateth and therein it wil not grow As bitter as otherwise it is yet if it be steeped and soked in hot water it is mans meat also Moreouer one Modius or pecke of Lupines is sufficient for to satisfie and feed an Oxe or a cow at a time and this kind of prouender will make beasts strong and healthfull Moreouer the meale of Lupines applied to the bellies of yong children that haue the wormes is a singular remedy For the good keeping of Lupines all men agree that they should be laid vp in some chimney or smokie place especially for if they lie in a moist roome there be certain little worms that wil nibble off and eat the tip or nauill that it hath and by that meanes marre it for euer sprouting againe Finally if Lupines be eaten downe by beasts while they be greene in the leafe the ground where they grew must presently be ploughed vp CHAP. XV. ¶ Of Vetches and Eruile VEtches also do manure and fat the ground where they be sowed neither be they chargeable or stand the husbandman in much they be sown with one tilth otherwise there needs no harrowing nor weeding there is required no mucking onely they would be couered with mould and the clods broken for sowing of vetches there be three sundry times first about the setting of the star Arcturus that by the moneth of December it may get a good head for to be eaten with beasts and it is generally holden that being sowne in this season it will bring the best seed for say it be eaten downe then it will carry the burden neuerthelesse the second Seednesse is in Ianuarie the last in March and being then put into the ground it will run vp most to blade and yeeld the best forrage for cattell Of all seeds that are cast into the earth it loueth drought most it can brooke also shadie places well enough The chaffe that commeth of the seed thereof is excellent good and better than any other in case it were ripe when it was gathered It robbeth vines of their nourishment if it be sowed neere those trees wherto vines are wedded in somuch as a man may see euidently how they languish As touching Eruile it asketh no great hand or trauell about it yet thus much more attendance it requireth than Vetches for that it must be weeded and grubbed about the roots Besides this kind of Pulse is of great vse in Physick for Augustus Caesar was cured of a disease that he had and recouered his health by the means of Eruile as himselfe reporteth in some of his letters now extant Moreouer fiue Modij or pecks of Eruile sown is sufficient to maintain and find a yoke of oxen As for that which is sowne in March it is hurtfull forage men say for kine and oxen as also that which is sowne in Autumne maketh beasts heauie and stuffed in the head but that which is put into the ground in the beginning of the Spring is harmlesse CHAP. XVI ¶ Of Foenigreeke of Rie of Dredge of the prouender corne or Bolimong Ocymum of Spanish Trefoile or horned Clauer-grasse called in Latine Medica of the shrub Trifoile named Cytisus FOr the sowing of Silicia or Siliqua otherwise called Foenigreeke there needs no more but to scarrifie or scrape it lightly vp with a furrow not aboue foure fingers breadth deepe for the lesse cost and husbandry that is bestowed about it and the worse that it is vsed the better it prospereth and yeeldeth greater increase a strange thing to be spoken and seldom verified That Negligence should be any waies profitable and yet herein it prooueth true That which is called Secale and Farrago in Latine i. Rie needeth no more adoe but to be harrowed the clods well broken There is a kinde of Secale or Rie which the people called Taurines dwelling vnder the Alpes doe call Asia it is simply worst of all other and good for nothing but onely to driue away hunger plentifull enough this corne is and yeeldeth good increase but the straw is slender blacke it is and of an vnpleasant colour howbeit exceeding weightie and ponderous they vse to mingle the red wheat Far therewith and make thereof a Mascelline to allay the bitternesse thereof and yet for all that the bread which it maketh is most vnsauorie to the mouth and ill for the stomack It wil come vp in any ground whatsoeuer and bring forth a hundred fold ordinarily neither doth it eat the ground out of heart but rather maketh it more battle and serueth in stead of compost or mucke As for that kind of dredge of farrage which commeth of the refuse and light corne purged
from the red wheat Far it ought to be sowne very thicke with Vetches otherwhiles mingled among In Africke the same mixture is made of Barley All these are good onely for prouender and beasts forage as also a bastard kind of Vetches called Cracca which pigeons loue so well that if they be fed once therewith they will neuer leaue the place where they tasted it nor flie far from thence In time past our ancestors had a kind of fodder or prouender which Cate called Ocymum wherewith they vsed to stay the gurrie in kine and oxen This forrage was made of beane stalks cut downe greene as it stood before it was iointed and codded But Sura Manlius taketh this dredge to be another thing saying that in old time they vsed to put vnto ten Modij of beanes two of Vetches and as many of Eruile and so were wont to blend al together and sow them in an acre of ground at the fall of the leafe and saith he it would be the better balimong if there were some Greek Otes mingled withall such as neuer shed the seed out of the haw this manner of dredge was called vsually Ocymum and was woont to be sowne for a kind of forrage to serue kine and Oxen. Varro saith that it tooke that name because it commeth vp so speedily as being deriued from the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth Quicke or Swift As for the grasse or herbe Medica a kind of Clauer or Trefoile the Greekes held it in old time for a meere stranger as being brought into Greece from Media during the Persian warres which king Darius leuied against Greece howbeit an excellent Simple it is and worthie to be written of in the first place And to begin withal this singular property it hath That with once sowing it continueth aboue thirty yeares without any need of renewing Like it is to Clauer or three leaued grasse both in lease and stalke but that the stemme is parted by knots and ioints Moreouer as it riseth higher and runneth vp in the stalke the leaues grow narrower of this herb alone and of Cytisus Amphilochus compiled one whole book howbeit he wrote of them both confusedly The ground wherein it is to be sowed after it is well rid of stones and clensed must be broken vp and well tilled in the fall of the leafe Soone after it needeth to haue another fallow and be harrowed withall and then couered with hardles this would be done two or three times fiue daies between and therewith it ought to be throughly dunged This herb requireth a sound dry ground and yet such as is full of succulent moisture within or else where water is neere at hand to command The ground being thus prepared ought to be sowed in the moneth of May following for otherwise the frost would take it and marre all Moreouer requisite it is that it be sowed very thick so as euery place be taken vp therewith thereby to exclude all other weeds and giue them no roome there to grow To this effect therefore euery acre will take 20 Modij or pecks of seed But take heed withall that it be not burnt so soon as it is put into the ground therfore immediatly it must be couered with mould If the soile be moist and giuen to bear other grasse the seed is soon ouergrown and choked and then al wil run to grasse turn to be a medow which grasse or coich when you see begin to ouerrun the ground it must be all weeded out presently an inch deepe within the ground and by hand rather than any weeding-hooke or thistle spade Now when this hearbe Medica or Clauer grasse begins once to floure cut it down and so oftenas it floureth againe downe with it Thus you may haue six mathes in one yere or four at the least You must neuer let it spindle and beare seed for better is it to take it thus in the growth while it is but young and greene grasse for three yeares together and the forrage or fodder is most profitable Sowne I say it must be in the Spring and weeded for the first three yeares The green sourd afterwards ought to be pared away with hookes and spades close to the ground for by this meanes you shall be sure that all other weeds will die and this hearbe take no harme by it for that by this time it is deepely rooted If the weeds do get head and ouercome it the onely remedie is by the plough to turne vp the ground ouer and ouer so many times vntill all other roots be killed Moreouer heed must be taken that of this herbage or fodder beasts do not eat their fil for feare you be driuen of necessitie to let them bloud and take downe their rankenesse The greener that it is the more profit commeth thereof for it drieth branch after branch vntil at length it will crumble like dust or powder and then is it good for nothing As touching Cytisus i. the Shrub Trifolie which is a singular kind of pasturage passes al the rest I haue written at ful in my discourse of shrubs For now at this present I am to prosecure and goe through the treatise of other sorts of corne and their nature if I had once written somewhat in one part thereof as touching the accidents and imperfections that happen among them CHAP. XVII ¶ The faults incident to corne and their remedies Also what corne is respectiue to this or that soile for to be sowne therein THe first and principall defect obserued in bread-corne and Wheat especially is when it doth degenerate and turne into Otes and not only it but Barley also doth the like Semblably Otes otherwhiles serue the turne in stead of bread corne as wee may see in some countries of Almaine where they do vsually sow it and commonly they haue no other pottage there than Oatmeale gruell which they call Abremouz The foresaid defect and imperfection is occasioned chiefely by the moist soile or ouerwet weather Another cause there followeth also thereupon proceeding from the feeblenesse and weaknesse of the seed namely when it lieth long sobbing in the ground before it come vp and hereto may be referred the faultines of the seed otherwise namely if it were worm-eaten or otherwise rotten at the time of sowing and verily no sooner appeareth it aboue ground but the foresaid change or bastardie may be seene whereby it doth appeare that the cause is in the root A second defect or imperfection there is also incident to corn which hath some neer resemblance to the Otes aforesaid namely when the graine being formed and newly come to the iust proportion of bignesse howbeit not yet full and ripe before that it is firm and hard is smitten with a noisome blast and so like an abortiue fruit decaieth and windereth away within the eare in such sort as there is no substance left therein but appeareth void and emptie Now these aduerse and malignant
winds hurt all spiked corne as well Wheat as Barly at three seueral times to wit in their floure presently vpon their blooming and last of all when they begin to ripen for then namely when they are vpon the point of maturitie those blasts consume the grain and bring it to nothing which before was full whereas at the two former seasons they hinder it altogether from knitting and growing The hot gleames moreouer of the Sun betweene often clouding do much harme to corne Furthermore there be certaine little wormes breeding in the root that do eat it which happeneth by occasion of much raine falling immediatly after the seednesse especially when some sudden heat and drowth ensueth therupon which bindeth the earth aboue and so encloseth the moisture conceiued within the very cause nourice of putrifaction Ye shall haue other such like vermin engender likewise in the very grain of the corn namely when the ear doth glow within and is chafed with sultry hot rains Ouer and besides there be certain green flies like small Beetles called Cantharides which do gnaw and eat the corne But al these and such like worms or flies die presently when the corn which was their food is gone Moreouer Oile Pitch and Tarre all manner of greace also be contrarie to seed-corne especially and therefore take heed that you sow none such as hath caught oile pitch or grease As for showers of raine good they are for corne so long only as it is in the green blade when corne is blooming be it either wheat or barley or such like raine is hurtfull Mary Pulse takes no harme thereby vnlesse it be the Cich-pease All kinds of wheat and other bread corne when they be toward ripenesse catch hurt by showers but Barley more than any Besides all this there is a certaine white hearbe or weed resembling Panicke growing among corne and ouerspreading whole fields which not onely hindereth corne but also killeth all the cattell that feedeth thereupon For as touching ray or darnel burs thistles and brambles I may hold and reckon them not so much for faults and imperfections of corn as rather the plagues and infections proceeding from the very earth And for blasting which commeth of some distemperature of the aire a mischiefe common as well to corn as vines it is as hurtful as any other malady whatsoeuer This vnhappie blast falleth most often in places subject to mists and dewes and namely hollow vallies and low grounds lying vnder the winde for contrariwise windie quarters and such as are mounted high are not subiect to this inconuenience Also we may number among the faults incident to corne their rankenesse namely when the blade is so ouergrowne and the stalke so charged and loden with a heauie head that the corn standeth not vpright but is lodged lieth along Moreouer when there fals a great glut of rain insomuch as the ground stands with water there befalleth vnto all corn and pulse yea and whatsoeuer is sowne a certaine disease called in Latine Vrica insomuch as the very Cich-pease taketh hurt therby for by reason that the rain washed from them that salt quality which was naturall thereunto it becommeth sweeter than it should be and loseth the kind tast There is a weed that claspeth and tieth about Ciches and Eruiles wherby it choketh and killeth them both and thereupon it is called Orobanctum i. Choke Eruile After the same maner dealeth Ray or Darnel by wheat wild Otes likewise named by some Aegilops with barly as also the weed Securidaca i. Ax-fitch which the Greeks also for the resemblance that it hath to an axe head call Pelicinon with Lentils These weeds I say kill corne by winding about it Another herb there is growing neere to the city Philippi which killeth Beans if the ground be fat and good they name the said weed Ateramnon but if it be found in a hungry and leane soile and namely when being wet some vnhappy wind bloweth vpon it they call it Teramnon As for the graine of Raie or Darnell it is very small and lieth inclosed with a sharpe-pointed husk The bread which hath any of this seed in it soone causeth dizinesse and swimming of the head And by report in Asia and Greece the masters of the common Bains and Stuphes when they would keep away the great resort of multitude thither haue a deuise to cast Darnell seeds vpon burning coles for this perfume will quickly set them farther off Moreouer if the Winter proue to be wet and waterish ye shall haue in the Pulse called Eruile a little vermin ingendred there called Phalangion and it is of the kind of these spiders Likewise vpon Vetches there wil breed naked dew-snails yea otherwhile those little ones with shels or houses on their backs which creeping from the ground wil gnaw eat them that it is a wonder to see what foul work they will make Thus much concerning all the maladies and inconueniences to speak of incident to corne It remaineth now to treat of the remedies As touching the cure of those harms that come by hurtful weeds to the corn in blade it consisteth principally in two things namely either in the vse of the weeding knife or hooke when they be newly come vp or els in strewing ashes when the corn is a sowing But as for those dangers that touch the seed or grain in the eare and cod as also that settle about the root they must be preuented by good forecast euen before it be thrown into the ground It is generaly thought that if seed-corn lie steeped beforehand in Wine it will be better able afterwards to resist all diseases whatsoeuer Virgil giueth order to infuse or soke the Beanes that must be sown in nitre and oile lees or dregs and he assureth vs that they will prosper mightily besides and become exceeding great But others are of opinion that if for 3 daies before they be cast into the earth they lie in vrine shere water mingled together they wil being thus prepared come on apace and thriue passing well It is said moreouer That if Beans be thrice raked and rid from weedes one Modius of them being whole and solid wil yeeld a Modius again after it is husked broken As for other seed-corn it wil escape the danger of the worme if either it lie before among Cypresse leaues bruised or be sowed in and about the change of the Moon namely when she is not to be seen aboue the earth in our hemisphaere Many there be who practise other remedies namely for the Millet they would haue a toad to be caried round about the field before that it be harrowed which done to be put close within an earthen pot and so buried in the middest of the said field and by this meanes for sooth neither Sparrows will lie vpon the corn nor any worm hurt it Mary in any case this same toad must be digged out of the ground againe before the field be
mowed els will the Millet proue bitter in tast The like experiment they say is of a Moldwarps shoulder for if any corn be sowed or touched therewith before it will come vp the better and bring more increase Democritus had a deuise by himselfe for all seed corn whatsoeuer namely to temper soke the same corn in the iuice of the herb housleeke or Sen-greene growing vpon houses either tiled or shindled which in Greeke is called Aizoon and in Latine Sedum or Digitellum for this medicine will serue for all maladies The common practise of our husbandmen is this in case through the ouersweet sap or juice in greene corne wormes take to the roots for to sprinkle them with simple oile lees pure and clean without any salt afterwards to rake it in Also when the corn begins to ioint and gathet into knots then to clense the ground and put off no longer for feare least the weeds do get head ouergrow This I am sure vpon mine owne knowledge that there is an herbe but what proper name it hath I wote not which if it be interred in the foure corners of a field that is sown with Millet it wil driue away Stares and Sparrows which otherwise would by whole flights and flocks lie thereupon and do much harme nay I will speake a greater word and which may seeme wonderfull There is not a bird of the aire one or other that dare enter or approch such a field Field-mice and Rats are skared away and will not touch corne which before the sowing was either bestrewed with the ashes of weasels or cats or els drenched with the liquor and decoction of water wherein they were boiled howbeit this inconuenience insueth hereupon That bread made of such corn will haue a smach and sent strongly of such cats and Weasels and therefore it is supposed a more expedient and safer way to medicine our seed corne with oxe gall for to preserue it from the said Mice and Rats But what remedy against the blast and mildew the greatest plague that can befall vpon corn Mary prick downe certaine Lawrell boughes here and there among the standing corne all the said mists and mildewes will leaue the corne and passe to the Bay leaues and there settle What shall we do then to corne when it is ouer-rank Eat it me downe with sheep and spare not whiles it is young and in the blade onely before I say it be knotted and neuer feare harm by the sheeps teeth as neere as they go to the ground for let it be thus eaten many times the corn will be the better yea and the head will take no harme thereby but prooue the fairer If such rank corne be once cut down with the syth no more certain it is that the grain in the eare will be the longer to see to howbeit void and without any floure within it for sow such seed again it wil neuer grow nor come vp And yet about Babylon the maner is to mow it twise first and the third time to put in sheep to it for to eat it down otherwise the corn would neuer spindle but blade still and run all to leafe But being thus cut and cut again and eaten in the end ye shall haue it to increase and multiply 50 for one so fertile is the soile and if the owner be a good husband besides and vse the ground accordingly he shall reap thrice as much euen a 150 sold. And what carefull diligence is that which is here required Surely neither much nor difficult only he must be sure to keep the ground well with watering for a long time together to the end that it may be discharged of the ouermuch fat within it which by this means will be washed all away and the ranknesse delaied Yet as rich and fertile as this soile is the two riuers Euphrates and Tigris which vse to ouerflow and water the country bring no slimy mud with them as Nilus doth in Egypt wherby the ground is made so fat as it is neither is the nature of the earth there giuen to breed herbs that it should need any weeding and yet so plenteous and fruitfull it is that it soweth it selfe against the next yere for the corne that sheddeth in the reaping and mowing being troden vnder foot into the ground is as good as a sowing and riseth of it selfe without any further labor Seeing then there is so great difference in the soile I am put in minde thereby to fit euery ground with seed respectiuely according to the nature and goodnesse thereof This therfore is the opinion of Cato that in a grosse and fat soile there would be wheat and such like hard corne sown and if the same be subiect also to mists and dews there may be sown therein raddish millet and Panick must be sowne first in a cold and waterish ground and afterwards for change in a hot soile Item the red bearded wheat Far or Adoreum requireth a chalkie and sandy ground and namely if it be well watered Item the common wheat loueth a drie soile exposed to the Sun and not giuen much to breed superfluous weeds Item Beanes will doe well in a sound and fast soile As for Vetches they care not how little they be sowed in a moist piece of ground and such as is apt to run to grasse Moreouer for the fine winter wheat Siligo whereof the best manchet is made and also for the common frumenty wheat there would be chosen an open high ground lying pleasantly vpon the Sunne that it might haue the heat thereof to parch it as long and as much as is possible As for Lentils they doe like a good rough and shrubbie soile full of red earth so as it be not apt quickly to gather a green-sord Barly would gladly grow vpon a restie ground new broken vp or else such as be in heart to beare euery yeare And as for Summer barley of three moneths it would be sowne in a ground where it could not haue an earely or timely Seednes which is so fat and rich as it may affoord to beare crop yere by yere finally to speak to the purpose indeed this also is Catoes witty resolution in one word for all if the soile be light and lean seed it with such grain or forage seed as require no great nourishment as for example with Cytisus and excepting the Cich-pease with all pulse that are vsed to be plucked out of the earth and not mowed downe and thereupon indeed are these pulse called in Latine Legumina because they are plucked and gathered in that sort but in case the ground be good and fat sow such things as require fuller food and nutriment and namely all garden worts and pot-herbes wheat both the common and the fine and Linseed Then according to this rule a leane and hungry soile will well agree with barly for the root is contented with lesse nutriture wheras contrariwise we allow
throw in their seed and mould or couer it afterwards with yron-toothed harrows drawn aloft Lands in this manner sown need no other raking or weeding for commonly they make not past two or three bouts in a land and as many ridges Finally it is thought that in this manner there may be sown in one yere by the help of one yoke of oxen 40 arpens or acres of land ordinarily if the ground be gentle and easie to be eared but if it be stiffe and stubborne they shall haue worke enough to go through thirty CHAP. XIX ¶ The seasons that be proper for tilling the ground also the manner of coupling oxen in yoke IN this operation of ploughing ground I am of mind to follow that Oracle or Aphorisme of Cato who being asked which was the first and principall point of Agriculture answered thus Euen to husband order and tend ground well being demanded againe what was the second hee made answer To plough well And when the question was propounded concerning the third point of husbandry he said That it consisted in manuring and dunging it well There be other necessarie rules besides set downe by him as touching this matter namely Make no vnequall furrowes in ploughing but lay them alike with one and the same plough Passe not the kindly season but care the ground in due time In the warmer countries lands would be broken vp and fallowes made immediatly after the Winter Solstice or Sun-stead In colder regions touch them not before the spring Aequinox or Mid-march In a drie quarter plough more early than in a moist sooner also in a fast and compact soile than in a loose and light ground in a fat and rich field than in a leane and poore land Looke in what climat the Summer is ordinarily drie and hot it is thought more profitable to eare vp a chalky or a light and leane ground between the Summer Sunstead and the Aequinoctiall in the fall of the leafe If the climat be such as yeeldeth but little heat in Summer and therewith many showers of raine where the soile also is fat and beareth a thick green-sourd it were better to break vp ground and fallow in the hotest season where the soile is heauie grosse and fat and wherein a man may tread deepe I like well that it should be tilled and stirred in winter but in case it be very light and drie withall it would not be medled with but a little before seednes Here also be other proper rules set down by Cato pertinent to Agriculture Touch not qd he in any hand a piece of ground that soon will turne to dust and mire When thou doest plough indeed for to sow imploy thy whole strength thereto but before thou take a deep stitch for all giue it a pin-fallow before this commodity commeth therof that by turning vp the turfe with the bottom vpward the roots of weeds are killed Some are of this opinion that howsoeuer we do els a ground should haue the first brâ—…aking vp about the springe â—…inox a land that thus haâ—…h bin once plowed in the spring is called in Latin Vervactum hath that name of the foresaid time Ver i. spring Indeed ley grounds such as rest each other yere must be in this wise followed Now if you would know what the Latines mean by Nouale they take it for a field sowed euerysecond yere And thus much of the land To come now vnto our draught oxen that must labour at the plough they ought to be coupled in yoke as close together as streight as is possible to the end that whilst they be at work and ploughing they may beare vp their heads for by that meanes they least doe gall or bruise their necks If they chance to goe to plough among trees and vines they must be muzled with some frailes or deuises made of twigs to the end they should not brouse and crop off the yong springs and soft tendrils Moreouer there ought a little hatchet to hang euermore fast to the plough beame before therewith to cut through roots within the ground that might breake or stay the plough for better is it so to do than to put the plough to it to keep a plucking at them or to force the poore oxen to lie tugging wrestling with them Also in ploughing this order is to be kept That when the oxen are gone down with one furrow to the lands end they turne and goe vp againe with another so that in ploughing of a land they rest betweene whiles as little as may be but euermore go forward in their labour vntill they haue made an end of their halfe acre or halfe daies worke and verily it is thought sufficient for a teem of oxen to breake vp at the first tilth in one day of restie or ley ground one acre taking a furrow or stitch of nine inches but at the second tilth or stirring an acre and a halfe which is to be vnderstood of an easie and mellow soile to be wrought for if it be tough and churlish it is wel if they eare vp at the first halfe an acre and at the next time they may go through with one whole acre how hard soeuer the ground be for thus haue poore beasts their taske set and their labour limited by Natures lore and appointment Euery field to be sown must be eared at first with streight direct furrows but those that follow after ought to go byas and winding If a ground vpon the pendant or hanging of the hil be to be broken vp the furrowes must go crosse and ouerthwart howbeit the point and beak of the plough-share must be so guided that one while it beare hard aboue on the one side and another while beneath on the other side and verily in this mountaine worke the ploughman that holdeth the plough hath toile enough and laboreth at it as hard as the oxen do Certes there be some mountaines that haue no vse at all of this beast but they eare their ground with raking and scraping hooks only The ploughman vnlesse he bend and stoope forward with his body must needs make sleight worke and leaue much vndon as it ought to be a fault which in Latine we call Preuarication and this terme appropriate vnto husbandrie is borrowed from thence by Lawyers and translated by them into their courts and halls of pleas if it be then a reprochfull crime for Lawyers to abuse their clients by way of collusion wee ought to take heed how we deceiue and mocke the ground where this fault was first found and discouered To proceed the plough-man euer and anone had need to cleanse the culter and the share with his staffe tipped and pointed at the end like a thistle-spade he must beware that between two furrowes he leaue no naked balks raw and vntilled also that the clots ride not one vpon anothers back Badly is that land ploughed which after the corn is
18 day before the Calends of Ianuary The Spring Aequinox when nights and daies be of a length in the eight degree of Aries Semblably the summer Sunstead or longest day of the yeare is alwaies when the Sun is entred eight degrees into Cancer Last of all the other Aequinox in Autumne when day and night is equall lighteth vpon the eight degree of Libra And certes seldom or neuer shall you see any of these foure daies without euident shew of some notable change in the weather Again these cardinall seasons or quarters of the yeare admit also their sub-diuisions still into some notable and special times obserued in the very middle space from the one and the other For betweene the summer Sunstead and the Aequinox in Autumne iust vpon the fiue and forty day after the same Sunstead the retrait or setting of the star called in Latine Fidicula i. the Harp beginneth the Autumne Likewise betweene that Aequinox and the winter Sunstead or shortest day of the yeare the Matutine or morning fall of the star Virgiliae vpon the three and fortieth day after the said Aequinox setteth the beginning of the winter So likewise vpon the fiue and fortieth day between mid-winter or the shortest day of the yeare and the spring Aequinox the blowing of the Western wind Favonius beginneth the Spring And last of all vpon the three and fortieth day from the sayd Aequinox toward the Summer Sunstead at what time as the star Virgiliae doth rise Matutine begins the Summer But to returne again to our Agriculture begin I will at the Seednes of Frument corne that is to say at the rising or apparition of the starre Vergiliae in the morning without making any mention at all of other pety stars for to interrupt the train and course of our treatise to heap difficulties one vpon another considering that the fierce and vehement star Orion is departed a great way off from vs by that time I am not ignorant that many fall to sowing corne long before and preuent this time beginning their Seednes within 11 daies after the Aequinox in Autumne namely at the approch and rising of the star Corona i. the Crowne promising themselues assuredly to haue rain vpon it for certain daies together Xenophon would not haue vs begin to sow before that God giue vs some good signe and token so to do And Cicero our countryman expounding this saying of Xenophon taketh the raines in Nouember to be that signe which God giueth whereas in very deed the true and vndoubted rule to goe by is to make no great hast into the field for to sow before the leaues begin to fall and this euery man holdeth to be at the very occultation or retrait of the star Vergiliae Some as we haue before said haue obserued it about 3 daies before the Ides of Nouember And for that the said star is so euident in the heauen and easiest to be known of all others called it is by the name of a garment hanging out at a Brokers shop And therefore by the fall or retrait thereof as many men as haue a care and forecast to preuent the couetous dealing of the merchant-Tailor as commonly such occupiers lie in the wind for gain guesse aforehand what winter will follow for if it be a cloudie season when the star retireth it threatens a rainy winter and then these merchants presently raise the price of the clokes which they sel but if the weather be faire and cleare at the setting or occultation thereof it sheweth a pinching and hard winter toward and then they hold other garments also very deare But this Husbandman of ours who cannot skill at all to looke vp and to learn the order and position of the heauens must spy this signe of winter amongst his briers and brambles he must find I say the time of Seednes as he looketh downe vpon the ground namely when he sees the leaues fallen and lying vnder his feet Thus may a man know the temperature of the climat and the yeare according as he perceiues the leaues be fallen more at one time than another sooner also in some places and later elsewhere For as the season is forward or late as the climate also is affected so are the trees knowne to shed their leaues accordingly And in very truth this is the truest signe of all others And the best thing therein is this that being generall throughout the whole world and yet peculiar to each place it neuer faileth A man might make a wonder hereat if he did not see and remember that vpon the very shortest day in the yere euen in midwinter when the Sun is entred Capricorn the herb Penyroyal vseth of it selfe to floure either set in chaplets or otherwise hanging and sticking in the shambles so willing is Nature to shew vs all her secrets and to keepe nothing hidden from vs. For loe what signes and marks she hath giuen vs wherby we might know the time of sowing corn and verily this is the only true and infallible direction grounded vpon approoued experience and the same shewed first by dame Nature for by this dropping fall of leaues what doth she els teach and counsell vs but to haue our eye vpon the ground and to cast seed into it assuring vs of a certain supply of dung and compost by ouerspreading the ground and cast seed into it that soon will turne into muck what doth she else I say but by couering the earth in this manner with leaues shew how carefull she is to defend it against hard frosts and pinching winds and in one word thereby putteth vs in mind to make the more hast and get our seed vnder mould As for Varro he is of the same opinion for beans also and willeth vs to obserue the said rule in sowing them at the fall of the leafe Others are of this mind that the best sowing thereof is in the full Moone But for Lentils we should attend the last quarter toward the change to wit from the 25 day to the thirtieth Also that Vetches must be sowed at the said age of the Moon for in so doing we shall preserue such pulse from the naked snaile Howbeit some others there be that indeed would haue these kindes of Pulse to be sowed at this time of the yeare and age of the Moon for prouender and forrage to be spent out of hand mary if we would keepe the same for seed then we should take the season of the Spring Besides those rules and tokens aboue specified there is one more which Nature vpon an extraordinarie prouidence ouer vs hath presented vnto our eies after a wonderfull manner which Cicero expresseth in these termes Iam vero semper viridis semperque gravata Lentiscus triplici solit a est grandescere foetu Ter fruges fundens tria tempora monstrat arandi The Mastick tree All times you see Is clad and richly dight With green in cold With fruit three-fold A faire and goodly
sight As she therefore By Natures lore Doth fruit thrice yearely beare So thereby we Know seasons three Our land to duly eare Of which three seasons one is appropriate for the sowing both of Poppy and also of Lineseed But since I haue named Poppy I will tell you what Cato saith as touching the sowing thereof vpon that land quoth he where you mean to sow Poppy burn your winding rods the cuttings also and twigs of vines which remained and were left at the pruning time when you haue burned them sow wild Poppy seed in the place for it is a singular medicine being boiled vp to a syrrup in honey for to cure the maladies incident to the chawes and throat As for the garden Poppy it hath an excellent and effectuall vertue to procure sleep And thus much concerning Winter corne and the Seednes thereof CHAP. XXVI ¶ A summarie or recapitulation of all points of Husbandry and to what out-works in the field a husbandman should be imployed respectiuely to euerie moneth of the yeare BVt now to compasse vnder a certain briefe Abridgement or Breviarie all points of husbandrie together At the same time before named to wit at the falling of the leafe it is good also to lay dung vnto the roots of trees likewise to mold and bank vines and one workeman is sufficient for one acre Also where the nature of the ground will beare it the husbandman shall not do amisse to disbranch and lop his tree-groues to prune his vineyards to hollow the ground of his seminaries and nourse-plots with mattocke and spade and dresse the mould light to open his sluces and trenches for water-course to driue and drain it out of the fields and finally to wash his Wine-presses first and then to shut and lay them vp dry and safe Item after the Calends or first day of Nouember let him set no hens vpon egs vntill the winter Sunstead be past when that time is come and gon set Hens hardly and let them couve 13 egs marie better it were all Summer long to put so many vnder them for in winter fewer will serue howbeit neuer vnder nine Democritus giueth a guesse what Winter we shall haue by the very day of the Winter Sunstead for look what weather is then and for threedaies about it the like winter he supposeth will ensue Semblably for the Summer he goeth by the other Sunstead or longest day of the yeare and yet commonly for a fortnight about the shortest day in the yeare to wit during the time that the fowles Halcyones do lay couve and hatch their egs in the sea the windes lie and the weather is more mild and temperat But as well by these signes as all other whatsoeuer we must guesse the influences and effects of the stars according to the euent within some latitude of time and not so precisely to limit and tie them alwaies to certain daies prefixed as if they were bound to make their appearance peremptorily in court iust then and faile not Moreouer in mid-winter meddle not at all with vines touch them not in any hand but let them alone What then is the husbandman to do Mary then quoth Hyginus after seuen daies be once past from the Sunnestead he is to refine his wines from the lees and let them settle yea and to poure them out of one vessel into another prouided withall that the Moon be a quarter old Also about that season to wit when the Sun is in Capricorn it is not amisse to plant cherrie trees and set their stones then is it good also to giue oxen Mast to feed them and one Modius or pâ—…cke is sufficient to serue a yoke at one refection allow them more at once you glut them and fill them full of diseases but at what time soeuer you make them this allowance vnlesse you hold on thirty daies together folke say they will be scabbed and mangie when the Spring commeth that you will repent for cutting them so short As for felling timber trees this was the proper season which we appointed heretofore All other winter works for an husbandman to be busied in would be done in the night for the most part sit vp he must late and rise betimes by candle light and watch hardly about them for that the nights be so much longer than the daies let him a Gods name find himselfe occupied with making Wicker baskets and hampers winding of hurdles twisting of frailes and paniers let him thwite torch wood taperwise with links and lights and when he hath by day light made ready and prepared thirtie poles or railes for vines to run on and sixty stakes or props to support them hee may in the euening make fiue poles or perches and ten forks or supporters and likewise as many early in the morning before day light But now to come to Caesars reckoning of the times digestion of the coelestial signes these be the notable stars which are significant and do rule that quarter which is between the winter Sunstead and the rising of the Western wind Favonius Vpon the third day saith he before the Calends of Ianuarie which is the 30 day of December the Dog-starre goeth downe in the morning vpon which day in Attica and the whole tract thereto adioyning the star Aquila i. the Aegle setteth by report in the euening and loseth her light The euen before the Nones of Ianuarie i. the fourth day thereof by Caesars account I mean for the meridian of Italy the Dolphin star riseth in the morning and the morrow after the Harp-star Fidicula vpon which day in Aegypt the star Sagitta i. the Arrow setteth in the euening Item from that time to the sixt day before the Ides of Ianuarie i. the eighth day of that moneth when as the same Dolphin goeth down or retireth out of sight in the euening vsually we haue in Italy continual frost and winter weather as also when the Sun is perceiued to enter into Aquarius which ordinarily falleth out sixteen daies before the Calends of Februarie i. the seuenteenth of Ianuary As for the cleare and bright star called the star Royal appearing in the breast of the signe Leo Tubero mine Author saith that eight daies before the Calends of Februarie to wit the 25 day of Ianuarie it goeth out of our sight in the morning also ouer-night before the Nones of Februarie i. the fourth day of the same moneth the Harp-star Fidicula goeth down and is no more seene Toward the later end of this quarter it is good and necessarie to dig and turne vp fresh mould with mattock and spade against the time that roses or vines shal be set wheresoeuer the temperature of the climat will beare it and for an acre of such worke sixty labourers in a day are sufficient to doe it well At which time also old trenches and ditches would be scoured or new made For morning worke before day the Husbandman must look to his iron tooles that they be ground whetred
and sharpned that their steles helues or handles be fitted and set to their heads that shaken tubs barrels and such like vessels be new cowped bound with hoops and calfretted that their staues â—…e well scraped and cleansed or else new set into them And thus much of this Winter Quarter as farre as to the comming of the Westerne winde Favonius Now as touching the entrance of the new Spring which is from the rising of the said winde to the Equinox in March Caesar sets downe for it the time which for three daies together is variable and inconstant weather to wit seuenteen daies before the calends of March which is the thirteenth of Februarie Also 8 daies before the said Calends which is the 22 of Februarie vpon the sight of the first Swallow and the morrow after vpon which day the star Arcturus riseth Vespertine i. appeareth in the â—…ning In like manner Caesar hath obserued that the said wind hath begun to blow three daies before the Nones of March to wit the fift of March just with the rising or apparition of the Crab-star Cancer Howbeit most writers of Astrologie do assigne the first entry of the Spring and the comming of this wind to the 8 day before the Ides of March which is the eight of that moneth when as the star Vinâ—…emiator id est the Grape-gatherer beginneth to appeare at what time also the Northerly starre called the Fish ariseth vpon the morrow whereof to wit the ninth day the great starre Orion sheweth himselfe in his likenesse In the region Atâ—…ica where Athens standeth it is obserued that the star Milvus i the Kite or Glede appeareth then in that climat Caesar moreouer noted that the star Scorpio rises vpon the Ides of March those fatall Ides I say that were so vnfortunate vnto himselfe also that vpon the 15 Calends of Aprill which is the 18 of March the foresaid Milvus i the Kitestar appeareth to them in Italie and three daies after the Horse-star is hidden toward the morning This is the freshest the most busie or stirring interual or time between that husbandmen haue and yet therin they be oftenest deceiued for commonly called they are not to their work the very same day that the wind Fauonius should by course blow but when it begins to be aloft which is a point to be considered and obserued with right great regard for if a man would take heede and marke well this is that moneth wherein God giueth vs that sure and infallible sign which neuer faileth Now from what quarter or coast this wind doth blow and which way it commeth albeit I haue shewed alreadie in the second booke of this storie yet will I speake thereof more distinctly and exactly anon mean while from that day whensoeuer it hapneth on which that wind beginneth to blow come it sooner as namely when it is a timely and forward spring or come it later if it be a long winter for it is not alwaies the sixth day just before the Ides of February from that time I say must the rustical paisants settle to their work then are they to goe about a world of toilesome labour then must they plie their businesse and make speed to dispatch those things first that may not be defer'd put off then or neuer would their summer three month corne be sowne their vines be pruned in manner abouesaid their Oliue trees dressed and trimmed accordinglâ—… Apple-tree stocks and such like fruits are then to to be set and graffed then is the time to be digging and deluing in vineyards to remoue some yong plants out of their seminaries and digest them in order as they must grow and to supply their plots with new seed and impes Canes and Reeds Willows and Osiers Broom also would then some be set and others cut downe Elmes Poplars and Plane trees ought then to be planted as hath been said before then is the meetest season to cleanse the corne fields to sarcle and rid the winter corn from weeds and especially the bearded red wheat Far in doing wherof this must be the certain rule to direct the husbandmen namely when the root of the said Far begins to haue foure strings or threads to it As for Beans they must not be medled withall in that order before they haue put out three leaues and then verily they must be lightly gone ouer and cleansed rather with a light hooke than otherwise When Beanes be bloumed for 15 daies together they ought not to be touched As touching Barley it would not be sarcled or raked but in a drie ground and when the weather holds vp Order the matter so that by the Aequinox in March all your pruning and binding of Vines be done and finished If it be a vineyard foure men are enough to cut and tie an acre of vines and if they grow to trees one good workeman will be able to ouercome fifteen trees in one day This is the very time moreouer of gardening and dressing rose-plots or rosiers whereof I mean to treat apart and seuerally in the booke next following of drawing vinets also knots and fine storie works in gardens this is the only season to make trenches and ditches the ground also would now be broken vp for a fallow against the next yeare according to the mind and counsell of Virgil especially to the end that the Sunne might throughly parch and concoct the clots and thereby make it more mellow for the Seednes Howbeit I doe like better of their opinion as the more thristie and profitable of the two who aduise to plough no ground in the mids of the Spring but that which is of a mean temperature for if it be rich and fat presently the weeds will ouergrow and take vp the seams and furrowes againe say it be poore and leane the hot weather comming so soon vpon the fallow will dry it too fast spend all the moisture and kill the heart therof which should maintain the seed When thou hast found out in this maner the North-east wind Aquilo be sure that the wind which bloweth ful against it from the point where the Sun setteth in midwinter when daies be shortest is the Southwest called in Latin Africus and in Greek Lybs Obserue this wind wel for if a beast after she be couered turn about directly into this wind she will for certaine conceiue a female And thus much of the Line in the Quadrant next to the North point on the East side The third line from the North point which we drew first through the latitude of the shadow before said and which we called Decumana pointeth out the Equinoctial Sun-rising in March and September directeth thee also to the East wind vnder it called in Latine Subsolanus and in Greek Apeliotes Where the climat is healthful and temperat let vineyards be planted and arranged into this wind let ferm-houses also in the country be so built as the dores and windowes open into it This wind
names thereof in former times ibid. it brought forth that noble Citizen Cadmus ibid. Millet how it groweth in the head and beareth fruit 558. h it maketh diuerse kindes of bread ibid. Milke rained See Raine Indish Millet of greatest encrease ibid. i Milke of a woman before shee haue gone seuen moneths is not good 548. g Millet where it is much vsed 555. f. 556. g Milke vsed in sacrifice 418. h of Milke a discourse 348. h Milke of a woman how it is most pleasant ibid. Millet how to be ordered for preuenting maladies incident thereto 575. d Milke that commeth first from a Cow is called Beestings it will be as hard as a pumish stone ibid. Milke of shee Asses when it is not good ibid. Milke of Cammels most thin 348. i Milke-way what circle 599. c Milke of Asses most thicke ib. it whiteth womans skin ibid. Milke of all sorts will thicken by the fire ibid. Minutius Augurius honoured with a statue 551. c Misselto a wonder in Nature 496. h Misselto vpon the Oke 460. m Misselto of three kindes 496. g Misselto of what tree it groweth ibid. k Misselto how it groweth and whereupon it commeth ibid. m Misselto for what it is thought good 497. d Mines of brasse who first digged 188. i Mists when they are seene 29. b a kinde of Mist like vnto a pillar and so called 23. a Milo his strength 166. m Militarie orders and discipline who first deuised 189. c M O Modenna a territorie 39. d Mola a Moone-calfe 163. c a Monster embaulmed and preserued in hony 158. g Molluscum what it is 467. a Monstrous births 157. f Monarchie who first erected 189. a Mona an Island 36. k Monkie 206. h Monoceros what kinde of beasts 212. h Monosceli what kinde of men 156. g Moon her nature motion and effect 6. l. the diuerse motions hereof obserued first by Endimion who therefore is said to be in loue with her 7. a. eclipse thereof in the night only and why 7. d. See further in Eclipse Moone lesse than the other Planets and the reason thereof 9. f. what difference there is betweene the earth and the Moone 14. i Moon how many furlongs from the cloudy region tâ—… her 14 m Moone in the middest between the earth and the Sun 15. b Moon calfe what it is 163. e Moon to be obserued in cutting hair of head beard 488 i Moone to be obserued in falling timber 487. e Moones threè appeared 18. g. by her power grow the bodies of sisters Muskles 20. i. foresheweth wind and weather 611. e Moone with all power it hath ouer things on earth and in the sea 44. c. creatures that haue no bloud doe most of all feele her power ibid. a Planet feminine and of her nature 44. k. nourished by the fresh water ibid. how to be knowne croisant in the wane full and change 607. d to be obserued in some points of husbandrie 607. b Moone-calues how engendred 304. a Moramarusa what 85. c Morphnos a kinde of Aegle 271. e Mosses sweet 375. e Mouldwarpes vndermine a towne 212. h Mouldwarpes passe vs in the sence of hearing 306. g Mould blacke and red not alwaies best 502. k M V Mucke when best to be spread 508. i Muckhils how made and where ib. how kept froÌ„ snakes ib. Muing of foules who first deuised 297. c Mulberry tree lasteth long aad why 474. g Mulberries described 447. c. it is of three colours ibid. Mulberies of the bramble 447. d Mulberrie trees the wisest of all others 472. l. how to be cut for the liquor thereof 486. h. they giue signe that cold weather is gone 494. h Mules how engendred 223. f. which be so called properly 224. h. bearing foles prodigious ibid. in Cappadocia they engender and beare ibid. Mullets their nature 245. 〈◊〉 a Mule eighteen yeares old 224. i Mulvianâ—… Quinces 436. h Mures Marini what they be 247. b Murex what fish 249. a Munkies and Marmosetes adore the new Moone 231. e Muscadell grapes and wines See Apianae Musicke who first inuented 189. d Musicall instruments ibid. Mushromes 460. l Mustea what Quinces 436. h M Y Myagirus the god of the Elaeans 285. a Myrobalanus See Ben. Myrobalanos Petraea 374. k Myrtles of sundry kindes 451. d Myrtle Hexastica ibid. why so called ibid. Myrtle tree lasteth long 494. l Myrtles of three principall kindes 451. c Myrtle berries vsed in stead of Pepper 450. l Myrtle growing in the place where Rome standeth ibid. m Myrtle Plebeia and patritia at Rome 451. b Myrtle Coniugula ibid. c Myrice 398. m Myrrhina what wine 419. a Myrrhe Atramiticke 369. b Myrrhe Ausaritis ibid. Myrrhe Dusaritis ibid. Myrrhe trees where they grow 368. k. their description ib. l Myrrhe of sundry sorts 369. b Myrtle berries of diuerse kindes ibid. d. how counterfeit ib. Myrtle leaues in pouder very good 451. e Myrtle wine how made 451. d Myrtle oyle the vse thereof ibid. e Myrtle coronets vsed in triumph 452. g Myrtle rods and rings to what vse ibid. N A NAcre a kinde of fish 261. c Naevius Pollio a giant 165. h Names of Uine sprigs or sets 526. k. 527. a of Nailes a discourse 349. f Naphtha the strange nature thereof and affinitie it hath with fire 47. a Naphtha what it is ibid. Nard leafe of three sorts 364. k Nard the best ibid. l Nard Celticke ibid. m Nard Rusticke ibid. Narcissimum ointment 381. d Nardinum oyle 382. k Nardus sophisticated and true how distinguished 364. k root spike and leafe ibid. Actius Nauius the Augur 443. d Nathecusa Island 40. k Nature onely accounted of diuine power 5. b Nature of wild trees mitigated by translating them 510. l. Natures secrets not to be attained vnto ibid. i Nature or ground diuerse 506. l Nauell the place where veines do meet 345. e Nabis a kinde of beast 205. d Navew See Rape Navigation who deuised 190. g. Nauigations vpon the sea 32. k. by whom the parts thereof were sailed and discouered ibid. Nauplius a fish how it swimmeth 252. h Nautilos or Pompiles a fish and wonder of Nature 150. l Nayles grow in dead men 550. g Nayles are the extremities of the fingers 345. 〈◊〉 Nayles in creatures except the Elephant ibid. N E Nea Island 40. g Necke how it is composed 339. a Neckes of all beasts may turne about ibid. Needle fishes Belonae 266. h Needle worke whose inuention 228. i Nemesis her place behind the right eare 250. k Neptune his chappell famous for the games there vsed euery fiue yeares 74. m Nereides See Meremaids Nerion See Oleander Nero how he tooke out the blew and blacke markes in his face after beating 400. h Nero borne with his feet forward 160. h Nero how much Incense he wasted at the funerall of Poppea 371. e Neasts wonderfully made by birds 288. l sea-Nettle a fish 262. i N I Nicaeus borne of his mother afaire woman resembled his Grand-father a blacke Aethiopian 161. b Nicias ouer
especially I say if it thunder much Secondly they wil not last aboue one yere Item The tenderest daintiest be those that breed in the Sprinâ—… and that indeed is the best time for them Item In some countries the ouerflow of riuers engender Mushromes and namely at Mitylene where by report they will not otherwise grow but vpon floten grounds and namely in such places whither the water hath brought from Tiara a certain vegetatiue seed to breed them And verily That Tiara is wonderfully stored replenished with such As touching the Truffles or Mushroms of Asia the most excellent of all others be neer vnto Lampsacum and Alopeconnesus but the best that Greece yeeldeth are in the territorie about the citie Elis. In this Toad-stoole or Mushrome kind are those flat Fusses and Puffes to be reckoned which the Greekes name Pezitae as they haue no root at all so they be altogether without either stele or taile In the next place to these I must needs speake of the most noble and famous plant Laserpitium which the Greeks name Silphium discouered and found first in the abouesaid prouince of Barbarie Cyrenaica The juice or liquor drawne out of this hearb they cal Laser a drug so magnified of such singularitie and vse in Physicke especially that it was sold by weight and a dram thereof cost commonly Romane denier For these many yeares of late there is none of this plant to be found in that country of Cyrenaica beforesaid for that the Publicans and Farmers of the pastures and grounds there vnder the people of Rome doe put in their cattell among these plants and eat al downe by that means finding thereby a greater gaine or commodity than by letting them stand for the juice or liquor aforesaid One only stalk or stem thereof hath bin found in our days which was sent vnto Emperor Nero as a present for a great nouelty If it chance at any time that either sheepe or goat which commonly bite neer to the ground do light vpon a yong plant thereof newly peeping forth and not euident to be seene you shall know it by these signes The sheepe presently so soone as she hath tasted it will drop asleep and the goat fal a neesing For these many yeres the merchants haue brought vs into Italy no other Laser than that which grows abundantly in Persis or Media and in Armenia but it is far inferior to this of Cyrenaica and commeth short of it for goodnes And this that we haue is no better than it should be for they sophisticate and corrupt it with gum with Sagapeum or else with bruised Beans In regard of which scarsity I canot chuse but remember that which befell at Rome in that yere wherin C. Valerius and M. Herennius were consuls when by great good fortune there was brought from Cyrenae thirtie pound weight of the best Laser and set abroad to be seene in open place of all commers As also I may not let passe another occurrent namely how Caesar Dictatour at the beginning of the ciuile war tooke forth openly out of the chamber of the citie with other treasure both of gold and siluer an hundred and eleuen pounds of the best Laser Moreouer this one thing more I canot forget the best and most renowned Greeke Authors haue left in writing That 7 years before the foundation of the citie Cyrenae which was built 143 yeres after our citie of Rome this plant Laserpitium that beareth the said Laser was engendered at one instant by occasion of a certain thicke grosse and black shewer of raine in manner of pitch which sodainely fell and drenched the ground about the hortyards or gardens of the Hesperides the greater Syrtis The which rain was effectual and left the strength thereof for the compasse of foure thousand stadia within Affricke or Barbarie They affirme moreouer That the herb Laserpitium there growing is of so sauage and churlish a nature that it canot abide any culture or good ordering by mans hand but if one should goe about to tend and cherish it it would rather chuse to be gon into the desart and vnpeopled parts of the countrey or else winder away and die Moreouer they set downe this description of it That it hath many roots and those bigge and thicke a stemme or stalke resembling the hearb Sagapeum or Fennell-geant howbeit not altogether so great the leaues of this plant which they termed by the name of Maspetum come very near in all respects to those of Smallach or Persely As touching the seed that it beareth flat and thin it is in maner of leaues but the leafe it selfe therof sheddeth in the Spring time The cattell that vse to feed thereupon and whereof they be very greedy first fall a scouring but afterwards when they be clensed and rid of il humors begin to wax fat and their flesh by this means becommeth wonderfull sweet and pleasant They report moreouer that after the leaues be fallen men also were wont in old time to eat the stem or stalk thereof either rosted and baked vnder the cindres or else boiled and sodden in water and their bodies likewise for the first 40 daies ensuing did nothing but purge til they were cleared of al diseases breeding by occasion of any Cacochymie or collection of ill humours within them Now concerning the juice or soueraigne liquor before said the manner was to draw it after two sorts to wit by scarification either out of the root or forth of the stem and maister stalke And hereof it came to haue two names Rhizias and Caulias But the later of these two to wit that which came of the stem was counted the worst fubiect to putrifaction and sold cheaper than the other To come now to the root of Laserpitium it hath a blacke rind or barke vpon it wherewith the merchants vse to sophisticat many of their drugs As for the manner of dressing and ordering the juice thereof it was no sooner drawne but they put it into certaine vessels together with brans among then euer and anone they plied it with stirring and shogging vntil it had lost the cruditie and verdure thereof and by that working came to the maturity and perfection for if it were not thus well followed soon would it catch a vinew begin to putrifie and so continue but a while In this worke of theirs they had an eye vnto the color how it changed for when they perceiued it to be high that they saw it once drie and haue don sweating breathing out the raw humidity and vapor within then they knew therby that it was wrought sufficiently and come to the full ripenesse Others there be who say that the root of Laserpitium beareth more than a cubit in bignesse and that out of it there swelleth an excresence aboue the ground out of which there was wont by way of incision to issue forth a certaine white juice in manner of milke vpon which grew the stalke
translate it into a warm sun-shine bank and there replant it then cut it off leauing not aboue 2 fingers breadth from the root aboue the ground but this must be don about the Spring Aequinox in mid-March then take a Cucumber seed set it within the soft pith of the said bramble bank it will round about with fine fresh mould dung blended together This is the way he assureth vs to make that the roots therof bearing such cucumbers or Melons will abide the greatest cold in Winter and neuer shrink at it of cucumbers the Greeks haue set down 3 kinds to wit the Laconick the Scvtalick the Boeotick Of which as they say the first sort only they be that loue waters so wel some there be who prescribe to take the seed of Cucumber or Melon to temper it in the juice of a certain hearb stamped which they cal Culix then to sow it persuading vs that we shal haue fruit therof without anyseed Of the like nature I meane for their manner of growing be the Gourds Winter and al cold weather they canot endure they loue also places wel watered dunged As wel Gourds as the cucumbers or Melons aboue said are commonly sowed between the Aequinox in March the Sunstead in Iune prouided alwaies that their seedly in a trench within the ground a foot a halfe deepe But in very deed the best and meetest time to sow them is about the feast Parilia howsoeuer there be some would haue the seed of gourds to be put into the ground presently after the Calends or first day of March but of cucumbers about the Nones i. the 7 day thereof or at farthest by the feast or holy-daies of Minerva named Quinquatrus They loue both alike to creep and crawle with their winding top branches or tendrels and gladly they would be clambering vpon walls and climbing vp to the house roofe if they can meet with any rough places to take hold by for naturally they are giuen to mount on high Howbeit their strength is not answerable â—…o their will and desire for stand they canot alone without the help of some props forks or railes to stay them vpright Exceeding forward and swift they be in growth They run on end when they are set on it and if they may be born vp sustained in maner aforesaid they will gently ouershade galleries walking places arbors frames allies vnder them in a garden and that right quickly In regard of which nature and behauior of theirs two principall kindes there be of them the one Camerarium as one would say the frame or trail Gourd and cucumber which climbeth aloft the other Plebeium i. the vulgar and common which creepeth along the ground beneath In the former kind it is worth the noting to see how the fruit heauy as it is hangeth stiffe poised as it were in the wind and will not stir notwithstanding the stele wherto it groweth be wondrous fine and smal Moreouer Gourds also may be fashioned in the head euery way as a man will like as the Cucumbers or Melons before named and specially within wicker cases made of pliable oisiers into which they are put for to grow to take their form so soon as they haue cast their blossom The nature of them I say is to receiue what figure a man will force and put them to but commonly shaped they are in their growth like to a Serpent winding and turnign euery way There haue bin known of them such I meane as were of the traile kind being led vpon a frame from the ground and permitted to run at libertie which grew to an incredible length for one of them hath bin seen 9 foot long As for cucumbers they bloom not all at once but by piece-meale floure after floure now one and then another yea and floure vpon floure one vpon the head of another Howsoeuer the Cucumber loueth waterish grounds yet can he abide drier places also Couered al ouer this plant and fruit is with a white down euen at the first but especially all the while he is in his growth Gourds are imploied sundry waies and to many more vses than Cucumbers For first their yong and tender stalks be very good meat and being dressed are serued vp as a dish to the table but the rind is of a cleane contrary nature Gourds of late time came to be vsed in stouves and baines for pots and pitchers but long before that they stood in stead of rundlets or small barrels to keep wine in The green of this kind hath a tender rind which must be scraped notwithstanding before a dish of meat can be made thereof And certes albeit Gourds be of digestion hard and such as will not throughly be concocted in a mans stomacke yet they are taken 〈◊〉 be a light mild and wholsom meat as they be handled and dressed diuers waies for that they 〈◊〉 not a mans belly to swel as some meats doe Of those seeds which be found within the gourd next â—…o the neck therof if they be set come the long gourds commonly such lightly you shall haue ingendred of those also that are in the bottom howbeit nothing comparable to the other Those that lie in the midst bring forth round ones but from the seeds that are taken out of the sides ordinarily there grow the shorter sort of Gourds such as be thicke and broad These grains or seeds would be handled in this manner First they are dried in the shadow and afterwards when a man list to sow them they ought to be steeped in water The longer slenderer that a Gourd is the better meat it yeelds and more pleasant to be eaten and therefore it is that they be thought more wholesome which grew hanging vpon trailes such indeed haue least store of seed within them Howbeit wax they once hard away with them out of the kitchen for then they haue lost all their grace and goodnes which commended them to the cooks dresser Such as are to be kept for seed the manner is not to cut vp before winter and then are they to hang or stand a drying in the smoake as proper stuffe and implements to be seen in a country house to keep as good chaffer seeds for the gardner against the time Moreouer there is a means deuised how to preserue them and cucumbers too for meat sound and good almost til new come that is by laying both the one and the other in a kind of brine or pickle Some say also that they may be kept fresh and greene interred in a caue or ditch vnder the ground in some darke and shady place with a good course or bed of sand laid vnder them and well couered afterward with dry hay and earth vpon the same in the end Ouer besides as in all plants and herbs in maner of the garden there be both wild and tame so is there of Gourds and Cucumbers both a certain sauage
kinde Such are not for the kitchen but for the Apothecaries shop and good only in Physick and therefore I will put off for this present the discourse of them their nature reseruing them for their seueral treatises in other books concerning such medicinable simples As touching the rest of garden plants which are of the like cartilage and pulpous substance they be all the sort of them roots growing hidden within the ground amongst which I might seem to haue written already fully and sufficiently of Rapes and Turneps but that the Physitians haue obserued in them both sexes to wit masculine foeminin for the rounder kind they wil haue to be the male but the broader and flatter sort which also are somewhat hollow they account the female and these last they hold to be the better far and more pleasant as being easier to be kept and condite which also if they be often remoued and replanted will turn to be males Physitians likewise haue set down fiue kinds of Nauewes namely the Corinthian the Cleonaean the Liothasian the Boeotian and that which simply by it self they called the green Nauew Of all these the Corinthian Nauews grow to a great bignes and in maner all the root is seen naked aboue ground for this is the only kind that coueteth to be aloft and groweth not downward into the earth as the rest do As for the Liothasian some call it also the Thracian of all others it will abide and endure frost and cold weather best Next to it is the Boeotian nauew sweet in tast differing from the rest in the notable shortnesse and roundnesse withall that the root carieth nothing at all like to the Cleonaean which is passing long Generally this is obserued as a rule that all Nauews the slenderer smaller and smoother leaues that they beare the more pleasant is their root to the tast and contrariwise the rougher that they be the more cornered also and pricky the bitterer they are There is a wild kind of them besides the leaues wherof resemble Rocket The best Nauews that are sold at Rome be those that come from Amiternum in Bruzze The next to them in goodnes are those of Nursium In the third place are they to be ranged which our country about Verona yeelds As concerning all things els and namely the maner of sowing them I haue said enough in the treatise of Rapes or Turneps As for Radishes their roots do consist of a rind without a cartilage or pulpous substance within and verily many of them are known to haue a thicker skin or rinde than the barke is of some trees bitter such are more or lesse according to the thicknes of the said rind otherwhile also the rest is all pitch and as hard as wood All Radishes breed wind wonderfull much prouoke a man that eateth of them to belch A base and homely meat therefore it is and not for a gentlemans table especially if it be eaten with other worts as Beets mary if a man take them with vnripe oliues condite he shall neither belch or rift wind so much ne yet so soure and stinking will his breath be afterwards The Egyptians make maruellous great account of radishes for the plenty of oile that they draw out of the seed and therefore a great desire they haue to sow them if they may for as they find it more gainful than corn so they pay lesse tribute custom in regard of that commoditie and yet there is nothing yeeldeth more abundance of oile The Greeks haue made three sorts of Radishes differing all in leafe the first crisped and curled like a ruffe the second smooth and plain the third wild and sauage and these wild ones verily haue smooth leaues but short and round plentiful also they be and otherwise ful of branches a rough and harsh tast they haue howbeit medicinable they be and as good as a purgation to loosen the belly and make it laxatiue As for the other two former kindes a difference there is in the seed for in some it is very fair good in others as small and bad howbeit these imperfections light vpon none but such as haue the crisped and frizled leaues Our countrymen here in Italy haue made other kinds therof to wit Algiclense so called of the place long they be transparent and cleare that a man may see through them A second sort there be fashioned in maner of a Rape root and those they call Syriaca the sweetest for the most part of all others and tenderest such also as will hold out best against frost and winter weather Yet the principal and very best indeed are those which as it should seem were but lately brought out of Syria at leastwise the seed of them for that in no writers there is found any mention made of them and they wil continue all winter long Ouer and besides all these there is one sauage kind of them more which the Greeks name Agrion the inhabitants of Pontus Armon others Leuce and our countrymen giue it the name of Armoracia more shew it maketh in leafe than in the root or all the body besides Moreouer the best token to know good Radishes by is their stem or stalk for such as bite at the tongues end haue rounder and longer stems than the other that be mild they haue long and hollow gutters also the leaues besides are more bitter and vnsauorie cornered more rough and vntoward to be handled Radish seed would willingly be sowne in a loose or light ground and nathelesse moist enough it cannot abide rank mucke but contenteth it selfe with rotten chaffe or pugs and such like plain mullock It likes and thriues so well in cold countries that in Germanie a man shall haue their roots as big as prety babes To haue Radish roots in the spring the seed would be sowed presently after the Ides or 13 day of Februarie and a second time again about the feast of Vulcan which is indeed the better season for Seednes Mary there be that put the seeds into the ground in March Aprill and September When they are come vp and begin to grow to some bignesse it is very good to enterre and couer with mould round about the leaues now one and then another but in any case to banke the roots well with earth for looke how much appeareth bare aboue ground prooues either to be hard or els fungous and hollow like a Kex and nothing good to be eaten Aristomachus would haue them to be stript from their leaues in winter in any hand to be banked well about that the water stand not there in any hollow furrow or hole lower than the other ground promising vs by this meanes that they will proue faire and big against Summer Some haue reported that if a man make a hole in the ground with as big a stake as he wil and strew or lay it in the bottom with a bed of chaffe six fingers deepe and
may easily take them with his hand yea and if one stay a little he shall see them fall asleep therewith Finally there is another kind of sauage or wild Garlick called Vrsinum i. Beare Garlicke the head whereof is very small the blade or leaues great and large and the sauor or sent mild and gentle in comparison of the rest CHAP. VII ¶ In how many daies euery herbe that is sowed will come vp and appeare aboue ground The nature of seedes The manner of sowing any of them Which they be whereof there is but one single kind and which haue many sorts AMong all the herbes sowne in a garden these come vp soonest to wit Basill Beets Navews or Turneps and Rocket for by the third day the seed will breake and spurt Dill seed will chit within foure daies Lectuce in fiue Radish in sixe Cucumbers and gourds in a seuen-night but the Cucumber first Cresses and Mustard seed in fiue daies Beets in six by Summer time and by winter in ten Orach in eight daies Onions in 19 or 20 at the farthest Chibols in ten or twelue at the most Coriander seed is more stubborne and will not shew so soone Sauerie and Origan seed lieth thirty daies ere it come but of all others Parsley seed is latest ere it spring for when it commeth vp soonest it is forty daies first but for the most part it lieth fifty daies before it appeare Something there is also in the age of the seed for the newer that the seed is either of Leeks or Chibols Cucumbers gourds the more hast it maketh to be aboue ground contrariwise Parsely Beets garden Cresses Sauery Origan and Coriander grow sooner of old seed But the Beet seed hath a strange and wonderful quality aboue the rest for it wil not come vp all in one and the same yeare But some in the first others in the second and the rest in the third And therfore sow as much seed as you will yet shall you haue it grow but indifferently There be herbs which wil grow and beare but one yere and no more and there be other again which will continue many yeares together as for example Parsely Porret Chibbols For sow these but once in a garden they will beare from yere to yere from the same root or els sow themselues The most part of herbs do beare round seed in some the seeds are long in few broad and flat in manner of a leafe as in Orach You shall haue seed also narrow chamfered like a gutter tile as that of Cumin Moreouer there is a difference in colour for some seeds be white others black in hardnesse also and softnesse for some be harder or softer than others Some seeds at euery branch of the plant are contained within cods or bladders as we may see in Raddish Senuie and Turneps or Rapes The seeds of Parsely Coriander Dill Fenell Cumen grow naked bare But that of the Bleet the Beet Orach and Basil is inclosed in a huske or hull Lectuce seed lieth within a downe As touching Basill aforesaid nothing fructifieth more than it to the end that it may come vp in more plenty abundance they say it should be sowed with maledictions and ill words for the more that it is cursed the better it wil speed and prosper yea and when it is sowed the mould of the bed must be parted and rammed down in manner of a pauement And more particularly they that sow Cumin pray to God that it may neuer come vp Such seeds as lie within an husk hardly come to be dry and ripe therin but Basil seed especially and Gith or Nigella Romana But they must be all throughly dried before they be seedow and fruitfull This is generall in all herbs throughout that they wil thriue and grow the better if their seede bee sowed by heapes one vpon another than scattering And certainly both Leeks seed is sown Garlick cloues set in that wise namely bound vp tied together in some clouts or ragges wherein they be lapped As for Parsely seed against it should be sown there would be an hole made with a little wooden dibil or pin therin it must be put with some dung after it Furthermore all garden herbs come vp either of seed and cloues set or els of slips pulsed from the mother-plant Some grow of seeds and sprigs both as Rue Origan Basil for euen this herb also last named will abide cutting when it is come to be one handbreadth or a span high and those cuttings will grow if they be planted There be that are maintained by root and seed both as Onions garlick and those which haue bulbous roots likewise all such as when they haue born yerely leaue a root behind them stil in strength vertue Of such as grow of roots replanted their roots continue long branch much as we may see in the bulbs in Chibbols sea onions Others put out branches sufficient but not from the head or root as Parsely and Beets All herbs for the most part do spring shute again if their stalke be cut off vnlesse it be those that haue a smooth stem And this is most seen in Basil Raddish Lectuce the stems wherof are cut for many purposes And as for Lectuce men hold that the later spring thereof when the first is gon is the sweeter Certainly Raddishes eat the more pleasantly if their leaues be cropt off before the master stem or spire be growne big And this also we obserue in Rapes or Turneps for if you strip them also from their leaues couer them ouer head with earth yet will they grow all winter and continue till Summer following Touching Basill Sorrel red Porret or Bleets garden Cresses Rocket Orach Coriander they are all of one sort singular in their kind for sow them where you wil they be the same stil neither are they better in one place than in another It is a common receiued opinion that Rue wil grow the better if it be filched out of another mans garden and it is as ordinary a saying that stollen Bees wil thriue worst Some hearbes there be which come without sowing or setting as wild Mint Nep Endiue and Peniroial But howsoeuer there be but one single kind of those before rehearsed yet on the contrary side there be many sorts of others which wee haue already spoken of and will write more hereafter and principally of Ach or Parsely CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Garden herbes which serue for to season our meats their diuers natures their sundry kinds and seuer all histories related to the number of 36. FOr that kind of Ach which groweth of it selfe in moist grounds with one leafe and is not rough but smooth and plaine is called in Greeke Heleoselinon i. Smallach Again there is another sort with more leaues resembling Smallach aforesaid but that it commeth vp in drie places and this the Greeks named Hipposelinon i. Alisanders A third there
is besides found in mountains named by them thereupon Orâ—…oselinum i. Mountain Ach or Parsely of the hils it beareth leaues like Hemlocke and a little slender root the seed resembleth Dill seed verie much but only that it is smaller And as for the garden Ach commonly called Parsely there be many kinds thereof differing one from another first in leafe whereby you shall haue some leafed thick and ful and the same jagged and curled others thinner and those also more plain smooth and broad Item in stalk which in some is more grosse or thin than in other in one kind white in another purple and in a third of sundry colours Of Lectuce the Greeks haue set downe three kinds whereof the first riseth vp with so large and broad a stalke that by their report little garden wickets were commonly made thereof in partitions between quarter and quarter And yet the leafe of this Lectuce is not much bigger than others that be common and serue for pot-herbes the same also passing narrow by reason that all the nutriment is otherwise spent in the maine stem The second hath a round stalk the third is the broad flat Lectuce which settles neer the ground called Laconicon or the Lectuce of Lacedaemon But other writers haue described the distinct kinds therof by their colour and the sundry seasons wherein they be set for say they there be black Lectuces the seed whereof ought to be sowed in Ianuary there be white also and such would be sowed in March there are a third sort which be red and the fit time of their seednesse is the moneth of April and according to those authors all the sort of them are to be remoued in yong plants when they haue growne two moneths Howbeit those Herbarists who haue looked farther into the knowledge of Simples adde more kinds yet vnto the other to wit the purple the crisp or curled the Cappadocian the Greekish Lectuce As for these of Greece they are taller in stem than the rest and broader withall besides their leaues be long and narrow like to those of Endiue or Cichorie The worst kind of all is that which the Greeks by way of reproofe and reproch for their bitternesse terme Picris Yet is there another distinct kind of the black Lectuce which for the plenty that it yeeldeth of a milky white iuice procuring drowsinesse is termed Meconis although all of them are thought to cause sleep In old time our ancestors knew no other Lectuce in Italy but this alone and thereupon it tooke the name in Latine of Lactuca The purple Lectuce which hath the biggest root they name Caeciliana but the round kinde with smallest root and broad leaues is called Astylis i. the chaste Lectuce or the ciuil Lectuce howbeit some giue it the name of Eunuchij because of all others it cooleth lust most and is â—…n enemy to the sports of Venus And to say a truth all Lectuces are by nature refrigeratiue and do coole the body and therfore be they eaten ordinarily in Summer for they please the stomacke when it is inclined to loath meat and procureth good appetite Certes reported it is of Augustus Caesar late Emperour of famous memorie that he escaped a dangerous disease and was recouered by the meanes of Lectuce whereunto he was directed by the discreet counsell of Musa his Physician And whereas in times past folke precisely forbare to eat Lectuce now there is no doubt or scruple at all made thereof nay they are so far from abstinence that way that it is a meat generally receiued and commended insomuch as they haue deuised to keepe it in the syrrup of Oxymel all winter long for to haue it ready and euer at hand yea and more than so men are verily persuaded that Lectuce will increase good bloud Ouer and besides all the sorts of Lettuce before specified there is yet another kind named in Latine Caprina as one would say the Goats Lectuce whereof I purpose to speake more at large among other medicinable herbs As touching the wild Lectuce called Cilician see how it is crept apace into the garden after it came once to be knowne and is commended as exceeding good among other herbs there sown and planted the leafe resembleth the Cappadocian Lectuce but that it is jagged broader than it As for Endiues and Cichories I cannot tell what to make of them for neither can they be truly said a kind of Lectuce nor yet ranged well amongst other herbs More vnpatient they are and fearfull of winter than Lectuces and withall carry vnpleasant strong tast howbeit their stalks are no lesse acceptable than they Their yong plants vse to be set in the beginning of the spring but translated afterwards and replanted in the later end thereof There is a certain wild and wandring Endiue which the Aegyptians call Cichorie whereof I meane to discourse more amply in another place There hath bin a deuise lately come vp to condite and preserue as well the stems as the leaues of all Lectuces for the winter time in pitchers pots within some appropriate liquor as also to dresse and seeth them yong fresh and greene in a kinde of broth or browesse and so serue them vp between two platters And yet where the ground is rich good well watered and holpen with doung Lectuce may be sowed at all times of the yere for within two months they will grow to be good big plants and in as little space come to their ful maturity and perfection Howbeit the true time and ordinary season is to sow their seeds about the mids of December when the daies begin to lengthen and then to remooue their plants at the comming of the Western wind Fauonius in February or els to sow in that wind and to replant in March about the Spring Aequinox White Lectuce of all other can best away with the winter All Garden-herbs loue moisture and muck they loue as well Lectuce especially yet I must needs say that Endiue more than it Some gardiners there be that thinke it a great point of cunning to besmere the roots of Lectuce plants and other such herbs with dung when they are set or after they be bared at the root within the ground to cast in the mould againe and fill vp the place so soon as they be greased as it were with muck at the root Others there be who practise another feat with them to make them cabbage the better and grow faire big by cutting them vp close to the ground when they are come once to be halfe a foot high and then bedaubing them with green swines dung It is thought that white Lectuce come onely of white seed and yet that is not sufficient vnlesse there be some sea sand taken fresh from the shore and laid about the heart of the plant where the leaues put forth first and so reared and heaped vp to the mids and then to take order that the leaues growing ouer them
afterwards be tied fast vnto them Of all Garden-hearbs Beets are the lightest The Greeke writers make two kinds thereof in regard of the colour to wit the black Beets and the whiter which they prefer before the other although it be very scant and sparie of seed these also they cal the Sicilian Beets and for their beautiful white hew and nothing else they esteeme them aboue Lectuce But our countreymen here in Italy put no other difference between Beets but in respect of the two seasons when they be sowed namely in the Spring and Autumne whereof we haue these two sorts the spring Beets and the Autumnall and yet they be vsually sowne in Iune also This herbe likewise is ordinarily remooued in the plant and so replanted or set againe it loueth besides to haue the roots medicined with muck as well as the other abouesaid yea and it is very wel content with a moist and waterish ground The roots as well as the leaues or herbage thereof vse to be eaten with Lentils Beans but the best way to eat them is with Senuie or Mustard for to giue a tast and edge as it were to that dull and wallowish flatnesse that it hath Physitians haue set downe their iudgement of this herb That the roots be more hurtfull than the leafe and therefore being set vpon the bourd before all persons indifferently as well the sound as the sick and crasie yet many a one maketh it nice and scrupulous once to tast therof and if they do it is but slightly for fashion only leauing the hearty feeding thereupon to those rather that be in health and of strong constitutions The Beet is of two diuers natures and qualities for the herbage or leafe hath one and the bulbs comming from the head of the stem another but their principall grace and beautie lieth in their spreading and breadth that they beare as they cabbage And this they come vnto as the manner is of Lectuces also by laying some light weight vpon the leaues when they begin once to gather into a stalke and shew their colour And there is not an hearbe throughout the Garden that taketh vp greater compasse with fuellage than doth the Beet for otherwhiles you shal see it to spread it selfe two foot euery way whereunto the goodnesse and nature of the soile is a great help The largest that be knowne of these Beets are those which grow in the territory about Circij Some hold opinion that the only time to sow Beets is when the Pomegranat doth blossome and to transplant them so soon as they haue 5 leaues A wonderfull thing to see the diuersitie in Nature of these Beets if it be true namely that the white should gently loosen the belly and make one soluble whereas contrariwise the black doe stay a flux and knit the body It is as strange also to obserue another effect thereof for when the Colewort hath marred the taste of wine within the tun or such like vessell the only sauour and smell of Beet leaues steeped therein will restore and fetch it againe As touching the Beets as also Colewoorts which now beare all the sway and none but they in Gardens I do not find that the Greeks made any great account of them yet Cato highly extolleth Coules and reporteth great wonders of their vertues and properties which I meane to relate in my treatise of Physick For this present you shall vnderstand that he putteth downe three kinds of them the first that stretcheth out broad leaues at ful and carieth a big stem the second with a crisped and frizled leafe the which he calleth Apiana the third is smooth plain and tender in leafe and hath but a little stalke and these are of no reckoning at all with Cato Moreouer like as Coleworts may be cut at all times of the yeare for our vse so may they be sown set al the yere long yet the most appropriat season is after the Aequinox in Autumn Transplanted they be when they haue once gotten fiue leaues The tender crops called Cymae after the first cutting they yeeld the Spring next following now are these Cymae nothing else but the yong delicat tops or daintier tendrils of the maine stem And as pleasant and sweet as these crops were thought to other men yet Apicius that notable glutton tooke a loathing of them and by his example Drusus Caesar also careth not for them but thought them a base and homely meat for which nice and dainty tooth of his he was well checked and shent by his father Tiberius the Emperor after this first crop or head is gone there grow out of the same colewort other fine colliflories if I may so say or tendrils in Summer in the fall of the leafe and after them in winter and then a second spring of the foresaid Cymae or tops against the spring following as the yeare before so as there is no hearb in that regard so fruitfull vntill in the end her owne fertility is her death for in this manner of bearing she spends her heart her selfe and all There is a third top-spring also at mid-summer about the Sunstead which if the place bee any thing moist affoordeth yong plants to be set in summer time but in case it be ouer-drie against Autumne If there be want of moisture and skant of muck the better taste Colewoorts haue if there be plenty and to spare of both the more fruitfull and ranke they are The onely muck that which agreeth best with Coleworts or Cabbages is Asses dung I am content to stand the longer vpon this Garden-wort because it is in so great request in the kitchin and among our riotous gluttons Would you haue speciall and principal Coleworts both for sweet tast and also for great and faire cabbage first and foremost let the seed be sowne in a ground throughly digged more than once or twice and wel manured secondly see you cut off the tender springs and yong stalkes that seem to put out far from the ground or such as you perceiue mounting too ranke and ouer-high from the earth thirdly be sure to raise other mould in maner of a bank vp to them so as there peep no more without the ground than the very top these kind of Coleworts be fitly called Tritiana for the threefold hand and trauell about them but surely the gaine will pay double for all the cost and toile both Many more kindes there be of them to wit that of Cumes which beareth leaues spreading flat along the ground and opening in the head Those of Aricia be for heigth no taller than they but rather more in number than for substance thinner and smaller this kind is taken for the best and most gainfull because vnder euery main leafe in maner it putâ—… forth other yong tendrils or buds by themselues which are good to be eaten The Colewort Pompeianum so called of the towne Pompeij is taller than the rest rising vp with a smal
hard tumors whatsoeuer Semblably that if S. Anthonies fire were annointed therewith being incorporat with hony vineger and nitre or if it were applied vnto the gouty parts there would ensue great easement Moreouer in case the nailes be grown crooked vneuen rugged it is said that it wil cause one to cast them without any vlcer and sore at all Some there be who prescribe an electuary made with the seed of Orach and hony to be giuen for the Iaundise also if the windpipes be hoarse with some fell or sharp rheume falling downe vpon them or if the Amygdales on either side of the throat be amisse it is very good to rub those parts therewith They affirme moreouer That a simple decoction of it alone moueth the body downward but with Mallows or Lentils prouoketh vpward and causeth vomit Finally to conclude with the wild Orach it is vsed much to colour the haire black and for the other aboue named purposes as well as that of the gardens CHAP. XXI ¶ Of the common Mallow Of the Mallow Malope Of the Marish Mallow or Altaea Of the common Docke the soure Docke or Sorrell of the water Docke of the tall Docke called Patience and lastly of that Docke with the long root called Bulapathum ORaches were not so much discommended but on the contrary side Mallows be as highly praised as wel that of the garden as the wild Two kinds there be of the garden mallows distinguished both by the largenesse of their leaues The greater of those that grow in gardens the Greekes call Malopum the other is supposed to be named Malachum for that it doth mollifie and soften the belly Of the wild sort that which carrieth a broad leafe and white roots is called Althaea and of some Aristalthaea for the excellent vertues that it hath in Physick This property haue Mallows To inrich and fatten any ground whersoeuer they be sown or set But this marish Mallow Althaea is more effectuall than the rest against all wounds by sharp pricks or thornes and principally against the sting of Scorpions Waspes and such like as also the biting of the Hardishrew mouse Nay whosoeuer be throughly rubbed or annointed before hand with any Mallow whatsoeuer stamped with oyle or do but carry it about them they shall not be stung or bitten at all As for the leafe of Mallowes if it be laid vpon a Scorpion it will be streightwaies benummed Moreouer good counterpoisons they be all a liniment made of them being raw together with nitre draweth forth all pricks or stings remaining within the flesh but if leafe and root be sodden together and so drunk it represseth the poison of the venomous fish called the sea-Hare but some say it must be cast vp and vomited againe or else it doth no good Certes strange and wonderfull things be spoken as touching the operation of Mallows ouer and aboue those already rehearsed But this passeth all the rest That if a man or woman sup off a smal draught though it were no more but half a cyath euery day of the juice of any mallow it skills not which he shall be free from all diseases and liue in perfect health True it is that if they be putrified and resolued in chamber-lie they will heale all the scurfe running scalls in the head but if they be tempered with hony a collution made thereof cureth the cankers of the mouth and a lauature represseth all tettars ringwormes any such wild fire running vpon the skin A decoction of the root clenseth the head of dandruffe if it be washed therwith setteth the teeth fast that were loose Take the root of that mallow which riseth vp with one only stem prick the gums therwith about the tooth pained do this I say till the ach be gone The same root reduced into a liniment with the fasting spittle of man or woman and applied accordingly resolues the Kings euil dispatcheth the swelling kernels behind the ears and discusseth biles and pushes without any breaking of the skin or making vlcer The seed of mallows if it be taken in thick wine deliuereth the patient from phlegmatick humors from the rheume and the heauing of the stomack making offer to cast and cannot The root wrapped fast and tied within a lock of blacke wooll preuenteth the euill accidents that may befall vnto womens brests The same sodden in milk taken after a sippling sort in manner of a supping for fiue daies together cureth the cough And yet Sextius Niger saith they be hurtfull to the stomack And Olympias of Thebes affirmeth That if women vse it with goose grease they shall not go their full time with childe Others do write That if women take an handfull of Mallow leaues in oyle and wine they shall be throughly purged in their due times This is known for a truth and resolued by all that write or make profession of Physicke That a woman in labour if she sit vpon Mallows strewed vnder her stoole shal be deliuered with greater speed and expedition but then must they be taken away presently after that she is laied for feare that the very matrice follow after the child An ordinary practice it is of sage and discreet midwiues to giue vnto women in trauell fasting a small pint of the juice of Mallows sodden in wine yet those that cannot contain but shed their naturall seed are inioined to take mallow seed brused and so to bind it to their arme Moreouer so good and fauorable naturally be mallows to the game of loue as if they grew for nothing els insomuch as Xenocrates doth affirme That if the seed of that Mallow which runneth vp in one stalk be reduced into pouder and strewed vpon that part of a woman which Nature hath hidden she will be so wood after the company of a man as she will neuer be satisfied nor contented with embracing The like effect saith he there wil ensue if three roots thereof be bound neere to the place of Nature Also that a decoction of Mallows ministred by way of clyster is a singular injection to cure the bloudy flixe or exulceration of the guts as also the extraordinary and bootlesse desire to the seege In like manner a fomentation thereof is very good for other accidents befalling to the seat or tuil The juice of Mallows is giuen warm the quantity of three cyaths to melancholick persons that be troubled in mind and of foure to those that be stark mad indeed and besides themselues A whole hemina of the juice drawne and pressed from mallows boyled is giuen at one time to those that be subject to the falling sicknesse The same being reduced into a liniment is to good purpose applied warm vnto those who are troubled with the stone and grauell with winde cholique and ventosities with the cramp also or crick that doth draw their necks backward The leaues being sodden in oyle are layd with good successe in manner of a cataplasme vpon the hot
fretting humor called S. Anthonics fire also to places scorched burnt or scalded but for the accidents and Symptomes concurrent with wounds they be rather laid raw with crums of bread The juice of mallows boiled is comfortable to the sinews the bladder and the fretting or grinding of the guts Mallows being either eaten or their decoction ministred by way of injection with a metrenchyte mollifieth the said tumors in the matrice The juice of mallows wel sodden either taken in drinke or applyed by way of fomentation in largeth the Vretere conduits and giueth good and easie passage for the vrine The root of Althaea is more effectual to all these infirmities and purposes aboue named than of any other Mallow but especially in case of convulsions cramps and ruptures If it be sodden in water it bindeth the belly Boyled in white wine and applyed as a cataplasme it resolueth the swelling kernels commonly called the Kings euil those also that appeare behind the ears yea and the inflammations of the paps and breasts As for the byles or risings called Pani the leaues of Althaea or the Marish Mallow sodden in Wine and brought to the forme of a liniment doe discusse and rid away The same after they bee drie and sodden in milke cure the Cough how tough and shrewd soeuer it were and that most speedily Hippocrates gaue counsell to them that were wounded for losse of bloud exceeding thirstie for to drink the juice of Althaea roots sodden He saith moreouer That the root it selfe emplastred with hony and rosin is good for wounds bruises dislocations and swellings comfortable also to muscles sinews or joints He gaue it likewise to those that were troubled with difficulty of taking wind and with wheezing for the dysentery also or bloudy flix to be drunken in wine A wonderfull thing of this root that if it be put into water and the same let to stand abroad in the open aire the water will gather to a thicknesse and cruddle yea turne white it wil like milk To conclude the newer and fresher Althaea is the more effectuall you shal haue it in operation Touching the Dock the properties therof are not vnlike to those of the marsh Mallow there is a wild kind thereof which some call Oxalis in Greek i. wild Sorrel or Soure-dock this herb resembleth very neere that of the garden in regard of the sharpe pointed leaues in colour like the white Beet hauing a very small root our countrymen name it in Latine Rumex other Lapathum Cantherinum this herb being incorporat with hogs grease is singular to mollifie all the swelled kernels which some call the Kings euill A second sort there is which commonly is called Oxylapathum i. Sharp pointed Docke this commeth yet neerer to the garden Docke than the former for it hath leaues sharper at the point and redder and groweth not but in marish grounds There is another kind of Dock comming vp in the very water as some say Hydrolapathum Yet is there one more called Hippolapathum bigger than the garden Docke or Sorrell white also and of a more fast and pulpous substance As for all the wild Dockes or Sorrells they be holden medicinable to cure the sting of Scorpions and whosoeuer hath any of them about him is secure from the sting or prick of Scorpions The root if it be sodden in vineger and strained the juice thereof if the mouth be washed therewith helpeth the teeth-ach and if the same be taken in drink it cureth the jaundise The seed of this hearbe remooueth the tough humors bedded in the stomack how hard impacted soeuer they be the roots of Patience haue this peculiar property To cause the nailes to fall off that grow rugged and vneuen The seed taken to the weight of two drams in wine riddeth away the bloudy flix The seed of the sharp Dock being washed in rain water is singular good for those that reach and cast vp bloud if there be added thereto as much Acacia as the bignesse of a Lentill There be most excellent Trochisques made of the leaues and root thereof with the addition of nitre and some little quantity of conuenient liquor to incorporat and vnite them and these must bee infused and dissolued in vineger at the time that they are to be vsed As touching the garden Sorrell there is a liniment made thereof which being applied in manner of a frontall to the forehead cureth the distillation of the watery humours to the eies The root is singular for the wens or imposthumes called Melecerides and likewise of the Lepry The decoction in wine is as good for the stone and grauell as also to resolue the Kings euill and the swelling kernels behind the ears If the seed be drunk in wine it helpeth the spleen and the tumors thereof the bloudy flix likewise the stomachicall flux and the vaine desire to the stoole without effect But for all these purposes the juice of the Dock is more effectual Ouer and aboue it breaketh wind vpward it prouoketh vrine and discusseth the cloud and Mist that troubleth the eies If this herbe be put vp vnder the bathing tub within the baine or otherwise if the body be annointed with a liniment thereof without oyle before one enter into the bath it taketh away the itch If the root be but chewed only it fasteneth the teeth that shake in the head The same root sodden in wine staieth the flux of the belly and bindeth it and yet the leaues make the body soluble Finally because I would willingly omit nothing Solon hath made mention of another Docke called Bulapathum nothing different from other Dockes but that the root runneth deeper into the ground which if it be taken in wine cureth the bloudy flix CHAP. XXII ¶ Of three kinds of Senvey of Horehound and wilde running Thyme of water Cresses of water Mints otherwise called Thymbraeum of Lineseed and Bleets THe herbe Senvey whereof there be three kinds as I haue already obserued in my treatise of garden plants Pythagoras hath placed in the highest ranke of those simples that sume vp aloft for there is not a thing that sooner biteth one by the nose pierceth and mounteth more quickly into the brains than doth Senvey The seed thereof commonly called mustard seed being stamped with vineger reduced into a liniment cureth the sting of serpents and namely the prick with the Scorpion It hath besides a singular vertue to mortifie kil the venomous quality of mushrums If it be but held in the mouth vntill it melt and resolue or otherwise be gargarised with honied water it draweth waterie fleame out of the head Beeing chewed it easeth the toothach For the falling down of the Vvula a gargarisme made of it with vineger and honey is excellent There is not a medicine so singular for the stomack and all the infirmities thereof ne yet for the lungs Being eaten at meat it doth loosen superfluous fleame and causeth a man to reach and fetch
Reader that we Romanes are acquainted with very few garden floures for Guirlands and know in manner none but Violets and roses CHAP. IV. ¶ Of the Rose employed in Coronets The diuers kinds thereof and where it is set and groweth THe plant whereupon the Rose doth grow is more like a thorn or bush than a shrub or any thing else For it will come of a very Brier or Eglantine also where it wil cast a sweet and pleasant smell although it reach not far off All Roses at their first knitting seeme to be inclosed within a certain cod or huske full of graines which soon after beginneth to swell and grow sharp pointed into certain green indented or cut buds then by little and little as they wax red they open and spred themselues abroad containing in the midst of their cup as it were certain small tufts or yellow threds standing out in the top Vsed they are exceeding much in Chaplets and Guirlands As touching the oile Rosat made by way of infusion it was in request before the destruction of Troy as may appeare by the poet Homer Moreouer Roses enter into the composition of sweet ointments and perfumes Ouer and besides the Rose of it selfe alone as it is hath medicinable vertues and serueth to many purposes in physick It goeth into emplastres and collyries or eye-salues by reason of a certain subtil mordacitie and penetratiue qualitie that it hath Furthermore many delicate and dainty dishes are serued vp to the table either couered and bestrewed with Rose leaues or bedewed and smeared all ouer with their juice which doth no harme to those viands but giue a commendable tast therto We at Rome make most account of two kinds of Roses aboue the rest to wit those of Praeneste and of Capua And yet some haue ranged with these principal Roses those of Miletum which are of a most liuely and deep red colour and haue but twelue leaues in a floure at the most The next to them are the Trachinian Roses not so red all out Then those of Alabanda which be of a baser reckoning with a weak colour inclining to white Howbeit the meanest and worst of all is the Rose Spineola Most leaues in number it hath of all others and those in quantity smaller For this would be knowne that Roses differ one from another either in number of leaues more or lesse or els that some be smooth others rough and pricky also in colour and smell The fewest leaues that a Rose hath be fiue and so vpward they grow euer still more and more vntill they come to those that haue an hundred namely about Campain in Italy and neere to Philippos a city in Greece whereupon the Rose is called in Latine Centifolia How beit the territorie of Philippi hath no such soile as to bring forth these hundred-leafe Roses for it is the mountain Pangaeus neare adioyning vpon which they naturally doe grow with a number of leaues I say but the same small which being remoued transplanted by the neighbor borderers do mightily thriue in another ground namely about Philippi aforesaid proue much fairer than those of Pangaeus Yet are not such Roses of the sweetest kind that are so double and double againe no more than those which are furnished with the largest and greatest leaues But in one word if you would know a sweet smelling rose indeed chuse that which hath the cup or knob vnder the floure rough pricky Caepio who liued in the time of Tiberius the Emperour was of opinion That the hundred-leafe Rose had no grace at all in a garland either for smel or beauty therfore should not be put into chaplets vnlesse it were last in maner of a tuft to make a sur-croist or about the edges as a border no more than the Rose Campion which our men cal the Greek Rose and the Greekes name Lychnis which lightly groweth not but in moist grounds and neuer hath more than siue leaues The floure exceeds not the bignes of a certain violet and carieth no sent or sauor at all Yet is there another Rose called Graecula the floures leaues wherof are folded and lapped one within another neither wil they open of themselues vnlesse they be forced with ones fingers but looke alwaies as if they were in the bud notwithstanding that the leaues when they be out are of all others largest Moreouer there be Roses growing from a bush that hath a stalk like a Mallow and beareth leaues resembling those of the oliue and this kind is named in Greek Moscheuton Of a middle sise between these abouenamed is the Rose of Autumne commonly called Coroneola And to say a truth all the said Roses except this Coroneola and that which groweth vpon the brier or Eglantine before-named haue no smell with them in the whole world naturally but are brought to it by many deuises sophistications yea the very Rose it selfe which of the own nature is odoriferous carieth a better smell in some one soile than in another For at Cyrene they passe all other for sweetnes and pleasant sauor which is the reason that the oile Rosat and ointment compounded thereof is most excellent there of all other places And at Cartagena in Spain there be certaine timely or hastie Roses that blow and floure all winter long The climat also and temperature of the aire makes for the sweetnesse of the Rose for in some yeares yee shall haue them lesse odoriferous than in others Ouer besides the place would be considered for the roses be euer more sweet growing vpon dry than wet grounds And indeed the Rose bush loueth not to be planted in a fat and rich soile ne yet vpon a vein of cley no more than it liketh to grow neere vnto riuers where the banks be ouerflowed or in a waterish plot but it agreeth best with a light and loose kinde of earth and principally with a ground full of rubbish and among the ruines of old houses The Campain Rose bloweth early and is very forward The Milesian comes as late How beit those of Praeneste be longest ere they giue ouer bearing As touching the maner of planting them as the ground would be delued deeper than for corn so a lighter stitch had need be taken than for Vine sets Those that be sowed of seed be latest of all others ere they come vp and thriue most slowly Now lieth this seed in the cup or husk thereof iust vnder the very floure and is couered all ouer with a down And therefore it is better to set sions cut from the stalk or els to slip the little oilets and shoots from the root as the maner is in reeds and canes After which sort they vse to set yea to graf one kind of a pricky pale rose bush putting forth very long twigs shoots like to those of the Cinq-foile rose which is one of the Greekish kind There is no rose bush whatsöeuer but prospereth the better for cutting
head it somwhat stuffeth and offendeth The floure is of a golden colour And say that it carrieth neither seed nor floure yet commeth it vp of it selfe in void and vacant places altogether neglected and without any culture for it doth propagat and increase by the tops and tips of the branches lying vpon the ground and so taking root And therefore it groweth the better if it be set of root or slip than sowed of seed For of seed much adoe there is to make it come vp and when it is aboue ground the yong plants are remoued and set as it were in Adonis gardens within pots of earth and that in Summer time after the maner of the herb and floure Adonium for as well the one as the very tender and can abide no cold and yet as chill as they be they may not away with ouer-much heat of the Sun for taking harme But when they haue gotten head once and be strong enough they grow and branch as Rue doth Much like vnto Sothernwood in sent and smell is Camomile the floure is white consisting of a number of pretty fine leaues set round about the yellow within CHAP. XI ¶ Of Marioram the greater and the lesse called in Latine Amaracus or Sampsuchum Of Nyctygretum Melilote the white Violet of Codiaminum and wild Bulbes of Heliochrysum and Lychnis or Rose Campain And of many other herbs growing on this side the sea DIocles the Physitian and the whole nation in maner of the Sicilians haue called that herb Amaracus which in Egypt and Syria is commonly named Sampsuchum It commeth vp both waies as well of seed as of a slip and branch It liueth and continueth longer than the herbs beforenamed and hath a more pleasant and odoriferous sent Marjoram is as plentifull in seed as Sothernewood but whereas Sothernewood hath but one tap root and the same running deep into the ground the rest haue their roots creeping lightly aloft and eb within the earth As for all the other herbes they are for the most part set and sowne in the beginning of the Autumne some of them also in the spring and namely in places which stand much in the shade which loue to be well watered also and inriched with dung As touching Nyctygretum or Lunaria Democritus held it to be a wonderfull herb and few like vnto it saying that it resembleth the colour of fire that the leaues be pricky like a thorne that it creeps along the ground he reporteth moreouer That the best kind therof growes in the lad Gedrosia That if it be plucked out of the ground root and all after the Spring Aequinox and be laid to drie in the Moonshine for 3 daies together it will giue light and shine all night long also That the Magi or Sages of Persia as also the Parthian kings vse this herb ordinarily in their solemn vowes that they make to their gods last of all That some call it Chenomychos because Geese are afraid of it when they see it first others name it Nyctilops because in the night season it shineth and glittereth afarre off As for Melilote it commeth vp euery where howbeit the best simply wherof is made the greatest account is in Attica but inwhat place soeuer it growes that is most accâ—…pted which is fresh new gathered not enclining to white but as like vnto Saffron as is possible And yet in Italie the white Melilote is the sweeter and more odoriferous The first floure bringing tidings of the springs approch is the white bulbous stock-Gillofre And in some warmer climates they put forth and shew euen in Winter Next vnto it for their timely appearance is the purple March Violet and then after them the Panse called in Latine Flammea and in Greeke Phlox I meane the wild kind onely Codiaminon bloweth twice in the yeare namely in the Spring and the Autumne for it cannot abide either Winter or Summer Somewhat later than those before rehearsed are the Daffodil and Lilly ere they flour especially in countries beyond sea in Italy verily as I haue said before they bloum not till after Roses for in Greece the Passe-floure Anemone is yet more lateward Now is this Anemone the floure of certain wild Bulbes different from that other Anemone whereof I will speake in the Treatise of Physick-hearbs Then followeth Oenanthe and Melanion and of the wild sort Heliochrysos After them a second kind of Passe-flower or Anemone called also Leimonia beginneth to blow And immediatly vpon it the pety Gladen or sword-grasse accompanied with the Hyacinth last of all the Rose sheweth in her likenes But quickly hath the Rose done and none so soone and yet I must except the garden Rose Of all the rest the Hyacinths or Harebels the stock-Gillo floure and Oenanthe or Filipendula beare floures longest But of this Oenanthe this regard must bee had that the floures bee often picked and plucked off and not suffered to run to seed This groweth in warme places It hath the very same sent that Grapes when they first bud and put out blossom whereupon it took the name Oenanthe But before I leaue the Hyacinth I cannot chuse but report the fable or tale that goeth thereof and which is told 2 maner of waies by reason that the floure hath certaine veines to be seen running in and out resembling these two letters in Greek AI plaine and easie to be read which as some say betoken the lamentable mone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Apollo made for his wanton minion Hyacinthus whome he loued or as others make report sprung vp of the bloud of Aiax who slew himselfe and represented the two first letters of his name AI. Helyachrysos beareth a yellow floure like to gold a small and fine leafe a little stalk also a slender but hard and stiffe withall The Magi or Sages of Persia vse to weare this hearbe and floure in their Guirlands and they be fully persuaded that by this meanes they shall win grace and fauour in this life yea and attaine to much honour in glorie prouided alwaies that their sweet compositions wherewith they annoint and perfume themselues be kept in a vessel or box of gold not yet fined nor purified in the fire which gold they call Apyron And thus much for the floures of the Spring Now succeed and comeafter in their rank the summer floures to wit Lychnis Iupiters flower or Columbine-and a second kind of Lilly likewise Iphyon and that Amaracus or Marjeram which they cal the Phrygian But of all others the flower Pathos is most louely beautifull whereof there be two kinds the one with a purple flower like vnto the Hyacinth the other is whiter and groweth commonly in churchyards among graues and tombs and the same holdeth on flouring better and liueth longer The flower de-luce also is a Summer flower These haue their time fade and are soone gone And then come other flowers for them in their place in
the ears cureth their infirmities A cataplasme applied to the belly helpeth them as they say very much who are vexed either with gripes or fluxes of the wombe Concerning Ruscus the decoction of the root if it be giuen in drink each other day to them that be tormented either with the stone or the wringing paines of the strangurie or to such as pisse bloud it helpeth them Now the preparing of this medicine and the proportion also of it is in this wise The said root must be taken out of the ground as it might be to day and tomorrow morning betimes it would be sodden and a sextar of this decoction is to be mingled with two cyaths of wine and so the Patient is to drink it Some make no such ado but take the root while it is green stamp it and in water draw the juice raw as it is and so drink it In sum it is held for certain That there is no better thing in the world for the infirmities and diseases incident to the priuy members of men than to bruse the tender crops of this herbe and then with wine and vinegre to presse out the juice and afterwards to drink the same In like maner Batis is good for them that be bound and costiue in the belly and a liniment of it after it is rosted in the embres and stamped is singular for the gout Last of all as touching the herbe Acinos the Egyptians vse to sow it as well to make guirlands thereof as to eat it Surely I would say it were Basil but that the branches and leaues be more hairy for certainly it is very odoriferous It hath a property to prouoke vrine and womens fleures CHAP. XXVIII ¶ The medicines that Colocasia or the Egyptian Bean doth afford GLausias was of opinion that Colocasia was good to lenifie or mitigat the acrimony of humors within the body and withall to help the stomack CHAP. XXIX ¶ The medicines made of Anthalium TOuching Anthalium wherof the Egyptians vse much to eat I find no other vse of it but only from the kitchin to the table Indeed there is an herb much like to it in name which some call Anthyllion others Anticellion whereof be two kind the one hath leaues and branches like to the Lentill and groweth a hand breadth or span high it commeth vp in sandy grounds exposed to the Sun and is saltish in taste The other resembles Chamaepitys but that it is lower and more hairy it beareth a purple floure carrieth a strong sent and loueth to grow in stony places The former kind is a most conuenient and proper herb for the diseases of the matrice and the natural parts of women Also being applied as a cataplasme with oyle Rosat and milke it is an vmbretarie medicine In case of the strangury and pains of the kidnies it is giuen with good successe to the quantitie of three drams The other likewise is giuen to drink the weight of four drams with hony and vinegre for to mollifie the hardnesse of the matrice to asswage the torments of the belly and to cure those that be taken with the falling sicknesse CHAP. XXX ¶ Of Parthenium and the medicinable vertues that it hath AS for Parthenium some name it Leucanthe others Tamnaum but our countryman Celsus the Physitian calleth it Perdicium and Muralium It groweth in the mounds hedges about gardens it bringeth forth a white floure sauouring like an apple and hauing a bitter taste The decoction of this herbe if a woman sit ouer it and receiue the fume into her body is good to mollifie the hard tumours of the matrice and natural parts as also to discusse all inflammations A pouder made of this herb dried and incorporat with honey and vinegre i. Oxymel and so applied purgeth choler adust and melancholy In which regard it is good for the swimming and dizzinesse of the brain and those that are giuen to breed the stone Being vsed in maner of a liniment it is good for the shingles and S. Anthonies fire likewise for the Kings euil if it be incorporate with old swines grease The Magitians vse it much for Tertian agues but they lay a great charge that it should in any wise be plucked vp with the left hand and the parties precisely named for whose sake they gather it but in any case they who pluck it must not look behind them which done a leafe of the herbe must be put vnder the tongue of the sick patient and when it hath bin held so a little while it must anon be swallowed down in a cyath of water CHAP. XXXI ¶ Of Night-shade or Morell of Alkakengi and Halicacabus and their vse in Physicke NOw concerning Nightshade or Morel which some name Strychnos others haue written by the name of Trychnos would to God that the guirland-makers of Aegypt had not imployed and vsed in their chaplets the floures of two kinds of them induced therto by the resemblance that they haue to the Iuy floures of which the second that hath red berries like cherries of a scarlet colour contained within certain bladders those berries ful of grains or seeds some name Halicacabus others Callion but our countreymen here in Italy call it Vesicaria because it is good for the stone in the bladder Certes this plant is more like a shrub or little tree full of branches than any herb bearing great and large bladders those fashioned like a top broad and flat at one end and sharp pointed at another inclosing within it a great berry which ripeneth in the month Nouember The third kind of Strychnos or Solanum hath leaues like to Basil but I must but lightly touch this herb and not stand long about the description either of it or the properties which it hath since my purpose is to treat of holsom remedies to saue folke and not of deadly poisons to kill them for certes this herb is so dangerous that a very little of the iuice therof is enough to trouble a mans brain and put him beside his right wits And yet the Greeke writers haue made good sport with this herb and reported pretty jeasts of it For say they whosoeuer taketh a dram of the iuice shall haue many strange fantasies appearing euidently vnto them in their dreames if they be men that they dally with faire women if they be women that they be wantons playing and toying with men without all shame and modesty and a thousand such vain illusions but in case they take this dose double then they shall proue foolish indeed broad waking yea go besides themselues let them take neuer so little more it is mortal and no remedy then but death This is that poison which the most harmlesse and best minded writers that euer wrot called simply Dorycnion for that soldiers going to battel vsed to anoint and invenom therewith the heads of their arrows darts and speares growing as it did so commonly in
excellent for vlcers ruptures and bruises whether it be that one hath tumbled head-long from some high downfal or that he hath bin crushed by the ouerthrow of some waggon or chariot It fortuned that a Page of Pericles a prince of the Atheniens whom he loued intirely hauing climed vp to the top of the lanterne or spire of a temple which the said prince built in the castle or citadell of Athens fel downe from thence who was cured by the means of this herb reuealed vnto Pericles in his sleep by the goddesse Minerva whereupon it tooke the name first of Parthenium and is consecrat vnto the said goddesse this is that Page whose molten statue is to be seen at this day made of brasse this is I say that noble and famous image called Splaâ—…hnoptes CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of Chamaeleon the hearbe the sundry kindes thereof and the vertues medicinable COncerning Chamaeleon some there be who name it Ixias whereof be two kinds the whiter hath the rougher leaues it creepeth close by the ground and setteth vp stiffe prickles in manner of an Vrchin the root is sweet in tast but of a most strong sent In some places it ingendreth a white kind of gum or clammie glew vnder the wings or arm-pits as it were of the leaues after the same manner as Frankincense is said to breed but especially about the rising of the Dog-star for that it is like to a kind of birdlime it is called Ixia our women vse this instead of Mastick And the reason why this herb is named Chamaeleon is by occasion of the variable leaues which it beareth for according to the nature of the soile where it groweth it changeth hew whereby in one place you shall haue it blacke in another green here you shall see it look blew and there yellow and euermore altering the color Of which Chamaeleons the white cureth such as are in a dropsie if the root be boiled and the juice thereof taken to the quantity of a dram in sweet wine cuit The measure of one acetable of the same juice if one drink in a green harsh wine made of the hedge vnripe grape wherein certain bunches of Origanum haue lien infused it is thought to be a singular remedy to kill the worms that breed in the guts It auaileth much also to help those who pisse with difficulty and yet this juice being giuen to dogs or swine in barly groats killeth them If there be water and oile mingled therto it draweth rats and mice to it but it is their bane vnlesse presently they drinke water Some prescribe for to cut the root thereof into thin roundles and to keep them enfiled vp or hanging by a string and then to seeth them for to be eaten against the flux of humours which the Greekes name Rheumatismes Of the black kind some hath named that the male which hath the purple floure and the female with the violet colour They all grow vp with one stem and no more and the same is a cubit high and a finger thick The roots are good to heale ringworms tettars and such like wild fires if they be sodden together with brimstone and Bitumen but if the said root be chewed in the mouth or a collution be made therwith sodden in vineger it fastens the teeth which shake and be loose in the head The juice of this root healeth the scab or mange in four-footed beasts Herewith also folke vse to kill the ticks that breed in dogges but it stoppeth the wind of heifers and yong steers in maner of a squinancy and therefore of some it is called Vlophonon and Cynozolon in regard of the strong and stinking smell that it hath These Chamaeleons do beare a certain viscous gumme most proper for vlcers And the roots of all the sort of them as well blacke as white are singular against the poison of serpents CHAP. XIX ¶ Of Coronopus or Harts-horne with the medicinable vertues thereof COronopus is an herb bearing long leaues and those clouen into certain fissures and knags and howsoeuer it groweth wild yet otherwhiles it is set and sowne in gardens for the excellency of the root which being rosted vnder the ashes is soueraign for the flux weaknesse of the stomacke CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Orchanet or Alkanet as well the right as the bastard and their properties in Physicke THe root of Orchanet is much vsed about medicines of the thicknesse it is of a finger it wil rend and cleaue in manner of the papyr reed and it coloreth the hands of as many as handle it with a red and bloudy colour it prepareth wooll and woollen cloth for to take rich and deep colours If it be incorporat into the form of a cerot it healeth vlcers especially in old men as also places that be burnt It cannot be resolued in water but it is oile that must dissolue it and verily this is a good experiment of that which is true and nothing sophisticat A dram thereof giuen in wine to drink is singular good for the pain in the kidnies but in case the Patient haue a feuer vpon him then it ought to be taken in the decoction of Balanos In like manner is it to be vsed in the opilations or obstructions of the liuer of the spleen and in the Iaundise A liniment made of it and vineger cureth the leprosie and the red pimples arising in the face The leaues stamped with hony and meale vntill they be incorporat together and so applied as a cataplasme are thought to be good for dislocations but if they be taken inwardly to the quantity of two drams in honied wine they bind and knit the belly The root boiled in water is said to kill fleas Another herb there is much like vnto it and thereupon called Pseudanchusa i. bastard Orchanet of some but of others Enchusa or Doris and many other names it hath besides More full of downe or hairy mosse it is and lesse fatty but the leaues are smaller more ranke and feeble The root yeeldeth no oleous substance but a reddish juice wherin it differeth from the right Anchusa or Orchanet The leaues or feed being taken in drinke is a most effectual counterpoison against serpents The substance of the leaues being applied to the places which bee stung are soueraigne for to cure and heale them vp The very herb it selfe chaseth away all poison of serpents There is a drink made therof commended highly for the chine or ridge-bone of the back The Magitians do prescribe the leaues to be bound vnto some part of the Patient against a tertian ague with this charge That they be gathered with the left hand that in the gathering the party or patient for whose sake they are gotten be named CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Onochiles Anthemis Lotos and Lotometra of Turnsoll-Tricoccus of Adiantum and Callitrichon ANother herb there is particularly named Onochiles which some call Anchusa others Arcebion or Onochelis some Rhexias and many Enchusa a small herb this is
it carrieth a purple floure leaues and branches rough a root in haruest time as red as bloud otherwise black and groweth in sandy grounds effectuall it is against serpents and Vipers most of all others both in the root and leafe as well eaten with meat as taken in drinke In the full strength it is in haruest The leaues if it be bruised or stamped do yeeld the sauor and smel of a Cucumber If the matrice of a woman be slipt downe a draught of three cyaths thereof doth reduce it vp into the place and together with hyssope it driueth out the broad wormes in the belly For the pain of the kidnies or the liuer it ought to be taken in mead or honied water if the Patient haue an ague withall otherwise in wine The root brought into a liniment cureth the Lentils or red spots yea and the infection of the leprosie And it is said That as many as haue it about them cannot be stung by serpents There is yet another Orchanet or Anchusa like vnto this in regard of the red floure which it beareth howbeit a lesse herb than the other hauing the like operation and imploied in the same vses It is reported That if one chew it in his mouth spit it forth vpon a serpent the same will surely die thereupon As touching Anthemis i. Camomile Asclepiades the Physitian doth highly praise and commend it Some name it Leucanthemis others Leucanthemus there be who giue it the name Eranthemon because it flourisheth in the Spring others againe name it Chamaemelon for the sent or sauour that it hath of an Apple many call it Melanthemon Three kinds there be of it differing onely in the floures for none of them exceed an hand-breadth in heighth which bee small and in forme resemble those of Rue howbeit these floures be either white yellow or red In a lean ground and neer to beaten paths this herb loueth to grow gathered it is in the spring and layed vp for to serue in garlands at which time the Physitians also stampe the leaues and make them vp into Trosches so do they also by the floure and the root This vertue they haue That if they be all mingled together to the weight of one dram they are thought to be a soueraigne remedie against the sting of all serpents This herbe expelleth dead infants within the mothers wombe if it be taken in drinke It bringeth downe also the monthly fleurs of women prouoketh vrine and sendeth forth the stone and grauell Being chewed it dissolueth ventosities it cureth the obstructions and defects of the liuer it helpeth the jaundise healeth the fistuloes between the angle of the eye and the nose and generally all running sores and mattering vlcers But of all these kinds that which beareth the red purple floure hath most effectuall operation for the stone and indeed both the leaues and also the branches of this Camomile are somewhat larger than of the rest and some there be who giue this a name it selfe and call it Eranthemon As for those who take lotos to be a tree only may be conuinced euen by the authority and restimony of Homer who among other herbes growing for the delight and pleasure of the gods hath named Lotos as principall The leaues of this herbe incorporat with honey and so applied cureth the cicatrices or scars in the eie the spots also appearing therein and disolueth the cloudy skins which ouercast the sight there is a kind of lotos named Lotometra comming of the garden Lotos it carrieth a seed like to Millet whereof in Aegypt the Bakers make bread but they work knead the floure of this seed with water or milk There is not any bread in the world by report more wholsom and lighter than this so long as it is hot but being once cold it is harder of digestion becommeth weighty ponderous This is known for certain that as many as liue thereof are infested troubled neither with the dysenterie or bloudy flix ne yet with the trouble some offers and strains to the siege without doing any thing nor any other diseases of the belly and therefore it is counted a principal remedie for those maladies Concerning Turnsol I haue oftentimes related the wonderfull nature thereof namely how it turneth about with the sun although it be a close and cloudy day so great is the loue of this herb to that planet and in the night season for want of the Suns presence as if it had a great misse thereof it draweth in and shutteth the blew floure which it beareth Two kinds there be of this Heliotropium or Turnesol of which the lesse is called Tricoccum the other Helioscopium of the twain this later is the taller and yet neither of them both exceedeth halfe a a foot in height and putteth forth branches from the very root The seed of this greater sort lieth within a little cod and is gathered in haruest time it groweth not but in a fat soil wel manured whereas Tricoccum comes vp euery where I find that if it be boiled it is a pleasant and delectable meat but sodden in milk it loosneth the belly gently and with ease for otherwise the bare colature of the decoction in water if it be taken purgeth most extremely The juice of the greater kinde ought to be drawn or gathered in summer at noontide which if it be tempered with wine becommeth more strong and effectual A property it hath being mingled with oile of roses to mitigat the head-ach The juice drawn out of the leafe medled with salt takes away werts whereupon our herbarists haue called the herb in Latine Verrucaria 〈◊〉 Wertwort whereas indeed for other better effects and operations that it hath it deserueth to haue some denominations correspondent thereunto for a countre-poison it is against serpents and scorpions if it be drunk with wine or honied water as Apollophanes and Apollodorus do report in their writings A liniment made of the leaues cureth the rheumes and distillations of the braine in children which disease they call Siriasis Likewise it helpeth contractions of sinues and the drawing in of joints although the patient be taken after the maner of the falling sicknesse and for such as be thus afflicted a somentation made of the decoction of this herb is very wholesom and comfortable but if one drink the colature thereof it thrusteth forth the wormes in the belly and scoureth out the grauell in the kidnies If Cumin be put thereto it breaks the stones ingendred and confirmed there already Boiled it ought to be root and all the which with the leaues and goats tallow being reduced into a liniment is singular good for all kinds of gout The other kind which we call Tricoccon and is otherwise named Scorpiurion hath not only smaller leaues but also they incline and bend downward to the ground A seed it beareth resembling the figure of a scorpions taile whereupon it took that name A liniment made
is to drinke it in wine next the heart fasting And as Petricus the Poet hath deliuered in verse a liniment of this herb is singular against the poisons of venomous sea-beasts Among these herbs is reckoned * Sion a plant growing in waters of it selfe with leaues like Parsly or Smallach but that they be larger fatter of a deeper blackish green it beareth seed plentifully and in tast resembleth water-Cresses It is thought to be excellent good for those that canot make water for the diseases of the reins and paine of the spleene yea and for women whose monethly termes are suppressed whether the substance thereof be taken as meat or the juice of the herb decocted or the seed drunk in wine to the weight of two drams It breaks the stones ingendred within the body and notwithstanding it groweth in water yet it euacuateth those aquosities and waterie humors which ingender the same Being clisterized it helps those that haue the bloudy flix If women anoint their faces with a liniment made of it ouer-night it doth embellish their skin at one instant and with one dressing yea it taketh away the pimples and spots that disfigure the face in maner of Lentils This ointment is held also to be good for the farsins and such sores in horses and such like beasts and to mitigat the grieuous paines and trouble of any ruptures As concerning Silybus an herbe like vnto the white Chamaeleon and as full of thornes it groweth abundantly in Cilicia Syria and Phoenice and yet in these countries they make not so much account of it as to bestow the dressing of it it asketh so much adoe in the kitchen before it be in case to be serued vp in the hall And for physicke there is no goodnesse in it at all The plant * Scolymus is vsed also much to be eaten in the East parts where they call it by another name Limonia It neuer exceedeth a cubit in height the leaues be crested the root blacke but yet sweet Eratosthenes commendeth it as a principal dish for a poor mans table and it is said that it hath a special vertue to prouoke vrine and with vinegre if it be applied to cure the soule tettars called Lichenes and the leprosie also by the testimony of Hesiodus and Alcaeus if it be taken in wine it inciteth to wantonnesse and fleshly pleasures These Poets doe write That when this hearb doth flourish and is at the best then grashoppers chaunt loudest and sing most shril and as women at such a time be most desirous of mens company and hottest in lust so contrariwise men are most loth to turn vnto them and least able to content their appetite as if Nature to satisfie the pleasure of these good wiues had prouided against that faint season the help of the Artichoke as a viand most powerful at this time to set their husbands in a heat and to enable them to that businesse Moreouer an ounce of the root cleansed from the pith sodden to the thirds in three hemines of the best Falerne wine and either taken in drinke vpon an emptie stomack presently after that one hath sweat and is new come soorth of the Baine or else to the quantitie of one cyath immediatly after euery meale doth correct and take away the stinke and ranke smell of the arme-pits And a straunge thing it is that Xenocrates affirmeth vpon his owne experience and promiseth That this decoction is of such efficacie that it causeth the said strong sent to passe away by the vrine Moreouer the Sowthistle is an hearbe for to be eaten for we read in the Poet Callimachus That the poore old woman Hecale at what time as prince Theseus fortuned on necessitie to take his repast in her simple cottage made him a feast and set before him a principal dish of Sowthistles Two kinds there be of them the white and the black both like vnto lectuce but that they are full of pricks They run vp into a stalke of a cubite in height the same is cornered and hollow within but breake it and you shall see it run out with milke plentifully The white which hath that bright colour of the milke within it is thought to bee as good as Lectuces for those that be streight winded and cannot take their breath but vpright Erasistratus sheweth plainely That if it be eaten it expelleth grauell by vrine and chewed only it correcteth the stinking sauour of the mouth and causeth one to haue a sweet breath The juice thereof drawn to the measure of three ciaths made hot in white wine and oile and so taken helpeth women in labor that they may be soone deliuered but presently after they haue drunk it they ought to stir their bodies and walke vp and down their chamber Also it is vsed to be sodden in broth and so supped vp The very stalke therof being boiled maketh milch nources to haue good store of milk and the children at their breast to be better coloured But most excellent it is for such nources as feele their milk to cruddle in their breasts The juice thereof dropped into the ears doth them much good and a measure of one cyath drunk hot is as good for the strangurie But in the fretting and gnawing of the stomack it would be taken with Cucumber seed and Pine-nut kernils Applied in form of a liniment it cureth the apostemations in the fundament A drinke is made thereof which is a countrepoison against serpents and scorpions but then the root also must be laid outwardly vnto the sore place The same root boiled with oile within the pill of a pomgranat is a good remedie for the paines and maladies of the ears Note that all these vertues must be vnderstood of the white Sowthistle And Cleemporus doth accord hereunto as touching the white but he alloweth in no wise to eat of the black for he is of opinion that it breedeth diseases Agathocles also prescribeth the juice of the white Sowthistle to them who haue drunk Bulls bloud and suspect themselues poysoned therwith Howbeit they be all agreed that the blacke is refrigeratiue in which regard it ought to be applied outwardly with Barly groats Zenon declareth That the root of the white Sow-thistle cureth the strangurie As for Chondrillon or Chondrille it hath leaues like to Endiue or Cichory leaues gnawed or eaten round about a stem not a foot high and the same full of a bitter iuice a root like vnto Beane and otherwhile there be many of them together This hearbe putteth forth close to the ground a certain kind of gum like Mastick swelling out to the bignesse of a Bean which being applied to the naturall parts of women is said to draw down their monthly courses The same hearbe being stamped root and all together and digested into trosches is thought to bee singular good against serpents and a probable reason herof is collected because the field mice and rats when they are stung by
serpents haue recourse to this hearb and eat thereof The juice drawne out of this herb after it is sodden in wine bindeth the belly The same is singular good to rectifie couch and lay euen the disorderly hairs of the eye-lids as effectually as the best gum in the world Dorotheus the Poet hath deliuered in his verses that it is good for the stomack and helpeth digestion Some hold opinion That it is naught for women hurtful to the eies also that it is contrarie to the feed of man and doth hinder generation Among all those things which are earen with danger I take that Mushromes may iustly be ranged in the first and principal place true it is that they haue a most pleasant and delicat tast but discredited much they are and brought into an ill name by occasion of the poyson which Agrippina the Empresse conueighed vnto her husband Tiberius Claudius the Emperour by their means a daungerous president giuen for the like practise afterwards And verily by that fact of hers she set on foot another poison to the mischiefe of the whole world and her owne bane especially euen her own sonne Nero the Emperor that wicked monster The venomous qualitie of some of these Mushromes may be soone known by their weak rednesse their mouldy hew so vnpleasant to see to their leaden and wan colour within-forth their chamfered streakes full of chinks and chaps and finally their edges round about pale and yellow For others there be that haue none of all these markes but are drie and carie certain white spots like to drops or grains of Sal-nitre putting foorth in the top out of their tunicles And in truth before that the Mushrome is formed the earth bringeth forth a certain pellicle or coat first called in Latin Volua for this purpose that the Mushrome should lie in it and then afterwards shee engendreth it enclosed within much like as the yolke of an egge câ—…uched within the while And so long as the Mushrome is young and not come forth but â—…eth as a â—…abe within the said core or tunicle is as good meat as the Mushrom it selfe but so soon as the Mushrom is formed this membran breaketh and incontinently the body or substance therof is spent in the stele or foot that beareth it vp and seldom shall you see 2 Mushromes vpon one of these steles or feet Moreouer these mushroms take their first originall and beginning of a slim mud and the humor of the earth that is in the way of corruption or els of some root of a tree such for the most part as beare Mast. It seemeth at the first as if it were a kind of glutinous some or froth then it growes to the substance of a pellicle or skin and soone after sheweth the Mushrom indeed bred formed and consummat within as is aforesaid And verily al such are pernicious and vtterly to be rejected neer to which when they come new out of the ground there lay either a grieue-stud or leg harneisnaile or some rustie yron or so much as an old rotten cloutâ—… for looke what naughtiuesse soeuer was in any of them the same they draw and conuert into venome and poyson But none are able to discern these hurtful Mushromes from others how curious and circumspect soeuer they be saue only the peasants of the country where they grow and such as haue the gathering of them And here is not al the mischiefe that lieth in them For dangerous they be otherwise and meet with more meanes to make them deadly namely if a serpents hole or nest be neare by or if at their first discouerie and comming forth a serpent chance to breath and blow vpon them for so prepared they be and disposed as a fit subject to enter that presently they will catch and entertain any poison And therfore on any hand we must not be bold and lusty with them before the time that serpents be retired into the ground there taken vp their harbor Which is an easy matter to know by the tokens of so many herbs trees shrubs which from the time that they first came abroad aboue ground vntill they haue taken vp their winrer lodging again looke alwaies fresh and greene and principally by the leaues of the Ash alone if there were no more trees for Ashes neither bud and spring forth but after that serpents come abroad nor shed and fall away before they be gone into the ground again In summe this would be noted That Mushromes be vp and down come and gon alwaies in a seuen-night space Thus much of the Mushromes named in Latine Boleti CHAP. XXIII ¶ Of other Mushromes or Tad-stoles called Fungi Of Silphium and Laser AS touching those excrescenses in manner of Mushromes which be named Fungi they are by nature more dull and slow And albeit there bee many kinds of them yet they all take their beginning of nothing els but the slimy humor of trees The safest and least daungerous be those which haue a red callositie or outward skin and the same not of so weak a red as that of the Mushromes called Boleti Next to them in goodnesse are the white and such as hauing a white foot also bear a head much resembling the Flamins turbant or mitre with a tuffet or crest in the crown As for the third sort that be called Suilli as one would say Swine-Mushroms or Puffs they are of al others most perilous and haue the best warrant to poison folk It is not long since that in one place there died thereof all that were of one houshold and in another as many as met at a feast and did eat thereof at the same bourd Thus Anneus Serenus captaine of the Emperour Nero his guard came by his death with diuers coronels and centurions at one dinner And I wonder much what pleasure men should take thus to venture vpon so doubtfull and daungerous a meat Some haue put a difference of these mushroms according to the seuerall Trees from which they seeme to spring and haue made choise of those that come from the Fig-tree the Birch and such as beare gum For mine own part as I haue said before I hold those good that the Beech Oke and Cypresse trees doe yeeld But what assurance can a man haue hereof from their mouths who sit in the market to sell them for all the sort of those Puffes and Toadstooles look with a leaden hew and wan color Howbeit the nearer that a Mushrome or Toadstoole commeth to the color of a fig hanging vpon the tree the lesse presump tion there is that it is venomous Touching the remedies for to help those who suspect they haue eaten these dangerous mushroms I haue said somwhat alreadie and wil say more herafter Mean while this would be noted that as perilous as they be yet some goodnesse there is in them and diuers medicines they doe yeeld First and foremost Glaucias thinketh and affirmeth That the Mushromes Boleti be
no wholsome meat for the stomack and more than that it causeth a stinking breath Howbeit they hold it excellent to withstand the venomous sting of the Stellions and the dangers that it may inferre as also to heale the old cancerous and maligne vlcers named Cacoethe i. Morimals There is an oile made thereof which as I haue before shewed is good for the eares Touching Sesamoeides which taketh that name of the resemblance that it hath to Sesama but that the graine thereof is bitter and the leafe lesse and it groweth in grauelly grounds the same being taken to drink in water purgeth chollerick humors A liniment made of the seed doth assuage the heat of S. Anthonies fire and doth discusse and resolue biles And yet there is another Sesamoeides growing in Anticyra which thereupon some do cal Anticyricon otherwise much like it is to the herb Groundswell whereof I will speake in place conuenient The graine or seed of this Sesamoeides is giuen in sweet wine as a purgatiue of chollerick and flegmatick humors to the quantity of as much as may be contained with three fingers but to quicken the same the Physitians vse to put one Obole and an halfe of the white Ellebore-root or Neesewort which purgation they vse in case of madnesse the melancholicke disease the falling sicknesse and the gout By it selfe alone the weight of one dram is a sufficient laxatiue doth euacuat the belly The best Barley is that which is whitest The iuice of Barley boiled in rain water is made vp into certain trosches which is singular good to be either conueied into the guts by way of clyster for the exulceration thereof or els injected into the Matrice by the metrenchyte for the vlcers therein The ashes of Barly burnt are good in a liniment for Burnes for places where the flesh is gone from the bones for wheales and small pocks and for the biting of the Hardishrew mouse The same with a little sprinckling of salt and some honey amongst is counted a good dentifrice to make the teeth look white and the breath to smel sweet There is an opinion commonly receiued That whosoeuer vse to eat Barly bread shall not be troubled with the gout of the feet And they say that if a man take nine barly corns with euery one of them draw three imaginary circles about a felon with his left hand and when he hath so done throw them all into the fire presently it shall be cured There is an herb which the Greeks cal Phoenicea and our countrymen in Latine Hordeum Murinum This herb or weed being beaten to pouder taken in wine is singular to bring down the course of womens fleurs Hippocrates the famous Physitian hath made one intire book in the praise of Ptisana which is a groat made of Barly but all the vertues and properties thereof are now attributed vnto our Frumenty Alica and that goeth away with all the commendation And yet a man may see how much more harmlesse it is than Alica Hippocrates commended it only for a supping as being slippery easie to be taken good to put away thirst not swelling in the belly passing quickly and easily through the body and such a kinde of meat as might alone of all others be giuen twice a day in a feuer to those who were vsed to it so farre was hee in opinion from them who would famish all diseases cure them by fasting vtter hunger Howbeit he forbad to giue it whole in substance to be supped off allowed nothing but the very simple juice and broth of Ptisane or husked Barly neither allowed he it in the beginning of an ague fit so long as the feet continued cold for during that time he would not admit so much as a thin potion therof Now besides the Alica or frumenty made of Zea there is another which commeth of the common wheat more glutinous and better indeed for the exulceration of the wind pipes As touching Amylum or starch pouder it dimmeth the eyesight is hurtful to the throat and is nothing good to be eaten contrary to the common receiued opinion It staieth the inordinat flux of the belly represseth the rheum into the eies it healeth vlcers and cureth pushes wheals and blains and restraineth fluxes of bloud It mollifieth the hardnesse growing in the eye-lids To such as cast vp bloud it is vsually giuen in an egge In pain of the bladder halfe an ounce of Amylum made hot ouer the fire vntill it siuer with one egge and as much cuit as will go into three eg-shels taken immediatly after the bath or hot house is a singular remedy moreouer oatmeale sodden in vineger taketh away moles and freckles of the skin The very ordinary bread which is our daily food hath an infinit number of medicinable faculties Bread crums being applied with water and common oile or els with oile of Roses doth mollifie impostumes with honied water assuageth any hardnes wonderfully Giuen in wine it is good to discusse and resolue It is of force also to bind and knit where need is and so much the rather if it be giuen with vineger Also it is singular against the sharp eager flux of fleam which the Greeks cal Rheumes likewise for bruised places vpon stripes or blows yea and for dislocations And in very deed for all these purposes leauened bread called of the Greeks Autopyros i. downright made is better than any other Moreouer a liniment thereof applied with vineger is good for whitflaws and the callosities of the feet Moreouer stale bread and bisket such as sea-faring men do eat being stamped sod again is good to bind the belly for singing men and choristers who are desirous to haue a cleare voice for such also as be subject to rheums falling from the head it is the wholsomest thing in the world to eat dry bread in the beginning of meals The Sitanian bread i. that which is made of three months corn being incorporat with hony is a faire medicine to cure either the black prints remaining after strokes or the scailing and pilling of the face White bread crums soked either in hot or cold water yeeld vnto sicke men a meat of light digestion The same being applied with wine cureth swelled eies And so it healeth the breaking out in the head especially if dry Myrtles be put thereto It is an ordinary thing to prescribe vnto them that are giuen to shaking for to eat fasting bread soked in water presently after they come forth of the bath The perfume of bread burnt taketh away all other euill smels that may be in a bed chamber being put into those Hippocras bags through which wines be strained it altereth the naughty tast which they haue Furthermore euen Beanes haue their properties which serue in Physicke for being fried all whole as they be and so cast piping hot into sharp vineger they help the collicke and pangs of the belly
drink The leaues boiled in rain water together with the barke of the blacke fig-tree and the vine do make a lauature or water to colour the haire blacke The iuice of mulberries doth work speedily and prouoke to the siege and the very fruit or mulberry it selfe for the present is comfortable to the stomacke it cooleth for the time but bringeth thirst with it If a man eat them alone or last and lay no other meat vpon them they swell in the stomack and be very flatuous The juice drawn out of vnripe mulberries are of vertue to bind the belly In sum there be strange and wonderfull properties worthy to be obserued in this tree which seemeth to haue some sense and vnderstanding as if it were a liuing and sensible creature whereof I haue already written more at large in the description of it and the nature thereof There is a notable composition made of mulberries respectiue to the mouth and throat called thereupon Panchrestos Stomatice and by another name Arteriace the receit and making whereof is in this manner Recipe of the juice drawne out of Mulberries three sextars seeth it ouer a gentle and soft fire or rather let it stew in balneo Mariae vntil it be reduced to the consistence of hony afterwards put thereto of veriuice made of dried grapes the weight of two deniers or drams of myrrhe the poise of one denier of saffron likewise one dram or denier Let these ingredients I say be first beaten to pouder such I mean as need pulverising and so mingle them together with the foresaid decoction and put it vp for your vse A better and more pleasant medicine there is not for the mouth the windpipe the uvula and the stomack There is another way of making it in this sort Take of the juice aforesaid the quantity of two measures called sextars of Atticke hony one sextar seeth them together as before Many maruels besides are reported of this tree of which I will giue you a little tast Spie where the little mulberries that shall be are newly knit to wit when the tree first buddeth and before the leaues be fully out gather their yong knots of the fruit toward which the Greeks call Ricinos but in any case with the left hand take heed also that they touch not the ground how soeuer you do and if when you haue obserued these circumstances you weare them about your wrests hang them about your necke or otherwise tie them about you be sure they will stanch bloud whether it gush downe from your nosthrils flow out of a wound run out of the mouth or issue by the haemorrhoid veins And in truth folke vse to keepe these little buds or knots very carefully for this purpose The same vertue and operation the branches haue as they say but then they must be broken from the tree at the full of the moon when they begin to knit giue some hope of fruit if the same touch not the ground then they haue a speciall property respectiue vnto women for to restrain the immoderat flux of their monthly terms being tied or fastened to their arms And it is thought that they work this effect if the woman her selfe do gather them at any time whensoeuer prouided alwaies that the branch in any wise touch not the ground and that shee weare it fast about her in manner aforesaid The leaues of the mulberry tree stamped greene or beeing dry and boiled serue in a cataplasme to be applied vnto those places which are stung by serpents the same good they do also if they be taken in drink The juice of the bark which grew to the root if it be drunk either in wine or oxycrat i. vineger and water together is singular against the pricke of scorpions But here I must set downe the compositions that our antients deuised and made of mulberries first and formost they tooke a quantity of the juice pressed out of mulberries as well ripe as vnripe which they sod in a brasse pan vnto the consistence or thicknesse of honey Some vsed to put thereunto myrrh and Cypresse setting all to frie and take their fermentation in the sun vntil it grew to hardnesse in the foresaid vessell stirring it thrice a day with a spatule This was the stomaticall medicine of the antients which they vsed also in healing skinning vp wounds And yet there was another kind made after this sort they pressed forth the juice of the vnripe mulberries but first they let the said fruit to be very wel dried this serued them in lieu of sauce which gaue an excellent tast to their other meats In physick also they imploied it much namely about corrosiue and eating vlcers and for to euacuat tough fleame out of the brest they vsed it also as need required as an astrictiue to corroborat the noble and principall parts within the body It stood them also in good stead for collutions to wash the teeth withall Moreouer a third kind of juice they had which they drew from the leaues and roots after they were wel boiled and with this juice oile together they were woont to annoint any burnt or scalded place of the body for which purpose the leaues also they applied alone without more ado As touching the root of the Mulberry tree it yeeldeth in haruest time by way of incision an excellent juice for the tooth-ach for biles and impostumes especially such as are growne to suppuration and be at hand to break the same purgeth the belly The leaues of the Mulberry tree infused soked in vrine fetch off the haire from those skins which are to be courried and dressed Cherries loosen the belly and be hurtfull to the stomack yet if they be hanged vp and dried they do bind the belly and prouoke vrine I find a notable experiment in some authors That if a man eat Chery-stones and all in a morning new gathered from the tree with the dew vpon them they will purge so effectually that he shall find himselfe cleane rid from the gout of the feet if he were diseased that way Medlars all of them except those great ones called Setania which indeed are more like to Apples do close vp the stomack and bind the belly In like manner Sorueises if they be dried for being fresh and new gathered they be good to scoure and send excrements speedily out of the stomacke and belly both CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of Pine-nuts or Pine-apples of Almonds Filberds and Hazell-nuts of Wal-nuts Fisticks Chestnuts Carobs and Cornoils Of the fruit of the Arbut or Strawberry tree and the Bay THe Pine apples or nuts which haue rosin in them if they be lightly bruised and then sodden to the half in water with this proportion to wit one sextar of water to euery such apple do yeeld a decoction singular good for such as reach and spit vp bloud so that the patient drink two cyaths thereof at one time The decoction
the Pitch tree Larch tree brused and sodden in vineger do ease the tooth-ache if the mouth be washed with the decoction The ashes made of their barks skin the places that be chafed fretted and galled betweene the thighs and heale any burn or scald Taken in drinke they bind the belly but open the passages of the vrin A perfume or suffumigation therof doth settle the matrice when it is loose and out of the right place But to write more distinctly of these two trees the leaues of the Pitch tree haue a particular property respectiue to the liuer and the infirmities thereof if one take a dram weight of them and drink it in mead and honied water It is well known and resolued vpon that to take the aire of those woods and forests only where these trees be cut lanced and scraped for to draw pitch and rosin out of them is without all comparison the best course which they can take who either be in a consumption of the lungs or after some long and languishing sicknes haue much ado to recouer their strength Certes such an aire is far better than either to make a long voiage by sea into Egypt or to goe among the cottages in summer time for to drinke new milk comming of the fresh and green grasse of the mountains As for Chamaepitys it is named in Latine by some Abiga for that it causeth women to slip their conception beforetime of others Thus terrae i. ground Frankincense this herb putteth forth branches a cubit long and both in floure and sauor resembleth the Pine tree A second kind there is of Chamaepitys lower than the other seeming as though it bended and stooped downward to the ground There is also a third sort of the same odor that the rest and therefore so named This last Chamaepitys riseth vp with a little stalke or stem of a finger thicknesse it beareth rough small slender and white leaues and it groweth commonly amongst rockes All these three be herbs indeed and no other and should not be ranged among trees yet for names sake because they carry the denomination of Pitys i. the Pitch-tree I was induced the rather to treat of them in this present place to stay no longer Soueraigne they bee all against the pricks or stings of Scorpions applied in manner of a liniment with dates and quinces they be wholsome for the liuer their decoction together with barly meale is good for the infirmities of reins and bladder Also the decoction of these hearbes boiled in water helpeth the jaundise and the difficulty of vrine if the Patient drinke thereof The third kind last named taken with hony is singular against the poison of serpents and in that maner only applied as a cataplasme it clenseth the matrice natural parts of women If one drink the same herbe it will dissolue and remoue the cluttered thick bloud within the body it prouoketh sweat if the body be therwith annointed and it is especially good for the reins Being reduced into pills together with figs it is passing wholsome for those that be in a dropsie for it purgeth the belly of waterish humors If this herb be taken in wine to the weight of a victoriat piece of siluer i. halfe a Roman denier it warisheth for euer the pain of the loins and stoppeth the course of a new cough Finally if it be boiled in vineger and so taken in drink it is said that it will presently expel the dead infant out of the mothers wombe For the like cause and reason I will do the herb Pityusa this honor as to write of it among trees since that it seemeth by the name to come from the Pitch tree this plant some do reckon among the Tithymals a kind of shrub it is like vnto the Pitch tree with a small floure and the same of purple color If one drink the decoction of the root to the quantity of one hemina it purgeth downward both fleam and choler so doth a spoonfull of the seed therof put vp into the body by suppositories The decoction of the leaues in vineger doth cleanse the skin of dandruffe and scales if the decoction of rue be mingled therwith it is singular for sore brests to appease the wrings and tormenrs of the cholick against the sting of serpents and generally for to discusse and resolue all apostemations and botches a breeding But to returne againe to our former trees how Rosine is ingendred in them of their seuerall kinds and the countries where they grow I haue shewed before first in the treatise of wines and afterwards in the discourse and histories of Trees And to speak summarily of rosins they may be diuided into two principal kinds to wit the dry and the liquid rosin The dry is made of the Pine and the Pitch trees the liquid commeth from the Terebinth Larch Lentisk Cypresse trees for these beare rosin in Asia and Syria wheras some there be of opinion That the rosins of the Pitch and Larch trees be all one they be much deceiued for the Pitch tree yeeldeth a fatty rosin and in maner of frankincense vnctuous but from the Larch tree there issueth a subtill and thin liquor running like to life hony of a strong and rank vnpleasant smell Physitians seldome vse any of these liquid Rosins and neuer prescribe them but to be taken or supped off with an egge As for that of the Larch tree they giue it for the cough and exulceration of some noble parts within neither is that per-rosin of the Pine tree much vsed as for the rest they be not of any vse vnlesse they be boiled Touching the diuers manners of boiling them I haue shewed them sufficiently But if I should put a difference between these rosins according to the trees from whence they come the right Terpentine indeed which the Terebinth yeeldeth liketh and pleaseth me best being of all others lightest and most odoriferous If I should make choice of them in regard of the countries where they are found certes they of Cypresse and Syria be best and namely those that in colour resemble Attick hony and for the Cyprian rosin that which is of a more fleshie substance and drier consistence Of the dry per-rosins those are in most request which be white pure transparent or cleare quite through In generall those that come from trees growing vpon mountains be preferred before them of the plains also regarding the Northeast rather than any other wind For salues to heale wounds as also for emollitiue plasters rosins ought to be dissolued in oile for drinks or potions with bitter almonds As touching their medicinable vertues they be good to clense and close vp wounds to discusse and resolue any apostemes which bee in gathering Moreouer they be vsed in the diseases of the brest and namely true Terpentine by way of liniment for then it is singular good especially if it be applied hot also for the
Trees and their medicinable vertues I must needs say we are beholden to them yet for one excellent medicine more which is called Oporice by the Greeks as one would say made of fruits This composition is singular for the bloudy flix or exulceration of the guts also for the infirmities of the stomack The manner of making it is in this wise Take 5 quinces with their kernels seeds all as many pomgranats likewise let them boil gently ouer a soft fire in one gallon of new white wine put therto the weight or measure or one sextar of Seruises and as much in quantity of the Sumach which is called Rhus Syriacum together with halfe an ounce of saffron seeth all these together to the height or consistence of hony Thus much concerning the properties of trees seruing in Physicke It remaineth now to annex hereunto a discourse of those plants which the Greek writers by giuing them names in some analogie respectiue vnto trees haue left an ambiguity and made vs doubt of them whether they be trees or herbs CHAP. XV. ¶ Of Chamaedrys i. Germander Chamaedaphne i. Lawrcoll Chamelaea Chamaesyce Chamaecissos i. Ale-hooue Chamaeleuce i. Fole-foot Chamaepeuce Chamae-cyparissus i. Lauander-cotton Ampelo-prasos Stachys Clinopodium Centunculus and Clematis Aegyptia with the medicines that they affoord GErmander is an herb called in Greek Chamaedrys and in Latine Trissago some haue named it Chamaedrope others Teucrion it beareth leaues for bignes resembling mints in colour like vnto the oke leaues cut and indented also after the same maner Of some it is called Serrata and they affirme that the first pattern of a saw was taken from the leafe of this herb whereupon it should be so called The floure beareth much vpon the purple colour it loueth to grow in stony places and would be gathered whiles it is full of juice and thus gathered in due season whether it be taken in drink or taken outwardly in a liniment most effectuall it is against the poison of serpents likewise it is wholsome for the stomack good against an inueterat cough singular to cut dissolue and raise the tough fleam sticking in the throat a special remedy for ruptures convulsions and pleurisies it waneth away the ouergrown spleen it prouokes vrine and womens fleurs in which regard a bundle or handfull of Germander boiled in 3 hemines of water vntill a third part be consumed maketh a soueraigne decoction or drinke for those who are newly faln into a dropsie Some there be who stamp this herb and sprinkle water among and so reduce it into troschs Ouer and besides the vertues before rehearsed it it is good to heale botches newly broken and full of matter yea old vlcers though they be filthy and putrified if it be applied thereto for the spleen it is vsually taken with vineger this juice doth chause and heat those parts which be annointed therewith As touching Lawreol called by the Greeks Chamaedaphne it ariseth vp with one only stem of a cubit high or thereabout the leaues are but smal howbeit like to those of the Lawrell it bringeth forth a reddish seed appearing among the leaues which being vsed in a liniment fresh and green easeth the head-ach The same cooleth all excessiue heats and if it be drunk in wine appeaseth the wrings and torments of the belly The juice thereof taken in drink drawes downe womens fleurs and prouokes vrine the same applied in wooll to the naturall parts of a woman causeth her to be soon deliuered when she is in hard trauell of child-birth As for Chamelaea it hath leaues like vnto those of the oliue the same be bitter in tast and in smell odoriferous This plant groweth in stony grounds and exceedeth not in heigth a hand-breadth or span at most a purgatiue herb it is for thereof is made an excellent syrrup to euacuat fleame and choler namely if there be taken one part of the leaues of this herbe with two parts of wormwood and so boiled for certainly this decoction drunk with hony is singular for to purge the foresaid humors A cataplasme made with the leaues clenseth vlcers It is commonly said that if this herb be gathered before the sun-rising and the party to say expressely in the gathering That it is for the pin and web in the eies it will dispatch and rid away the said infirmity if one do but weare it tied about him And how soeuer it be gathered whether it be with any such circumstance and ceremony or without yet is it singular for the haw gnawing in the eies of horses and sheepe Chamaesyce beareth leaues resembling those of the Lentil but they alwaies creep along the ground and rise not vp This herbe groweth in drie and stony grounds the same boiled in wine and vsed as a liniment vnto the eies cleareth their sight for it is singular to dispatch and remoue cataracts suffusions and cicatrices growing therein as also to rid away the misty clouds and films that ouercast the sight Being put vp into the matrice within a linnen cloath in manner of a pessarie it allaieth the paines thereof VVarts of all sorts it taketh away if they be annointed therewith It is a soueraigne remedy also for those who cannot take their wind but sitting vpright Chamaecissos groweth vp spiked with an ear like vnto wheat and ordinarily putteth forth fiue branches and those ful of leaues VVhen it sheweth in the floure a man would take it to be the white Violet or Gillofre The root is but small They that are troubled with the Sciatica vse to drinke the leauâ—… thereof to the weight of three oboli in two cyaths of wine for seuen daies together but it is an exceeding bitter potion As for Fole-foot it is called in Greeke Chamaeleuce but we in Latine name it Farranum or Farfugium It loueth to grow by riuers sides The leaues somwhat resemble those of the Poplar but that they be larger If the root of Fole-foot be burnt vpon the coles made with Cypres wood the smoke or perfume thereof receiued or drunk through a pipe or tunnell into the mouth is singular for an old cough Touching Chamaepeuce in leafe it is like vnto the Larch-tree a plant very appropriat to the paine of the back and the loins The herb Chamaecyparissos if it be drunk in wine is singular good against all the venomous stings of serpents and scorpions The herb Ampeloprasos groweth in vineyards bearing leaues resembling Porret but it causeth them to belch soure that eat thereof Howbeit of great power it is against the sting of serpents It prouoketh vrine womens monthly terms And yet whether it be drunke or applied outwardly it is passing good for them that pisse bloud represseth the issue eruption thereof Our midwiues vse to giue it vnto women newly deliuered and brought to bed likewise it is found to auaile much vnto them that be bitten with mad dogs Moreouer
the herb called Stachys hath a resemblance also to Porret but that the leaues be longer and more in number it yeeldeth a pleasant smell and the leaues be of a pale colour inclining somwhat to yellow The nature of this plant is to moue the monethly purgation of women As for Clinopodium called otherwise Cleonicion Zopyron Ocymoeides like it is to running wilde Thyme and full of branches growing vp a span or handfull high at the least It groweth in stony places with a spoky tuft of floures shewing in a round compasse and for all the world resembleth the feet or pillers that beare vp a table or bed This herb taken in drinke is good for convulsions ruptures stranguries and serpents stings So is the syrrup or juleb that is made thereof by way of decoction Thus much of those herbs which in name carry a shew and resemblance of trees It remaineth now to write of some other herbs which I must needs say are of no great name and reckoning howbeit such as be indued with wonderfull vertues As for the famous and notable herbs indeed I will reserue the treatise of them for the books following And first I meet with that which we in Italy call Centunculus but the Greekes Clematis with leaues pointed like the beak of a bird or resembling the cape of a cloke growing close to the ground in toiled corn fields This herbe is most effectuall and singular aboue all other for to stay a laske if it be drunk in some red or green hard wine The same beaten into pouder and taken to the weight of one denier Roman in fiue cyaths of Oxymell or hot water stancheth bleeding and yet in that sort it is of great effect to fetch away the after-birth of women lately deliuered But there be other herbes among the Greeke writers going vnder the name of Clematides and namely one which some cal Echites others Lagines and there are besides who name it Pety Scammonie and in very truth branches it hath a foot long full of leaues and not vnlike vnto those of Scammonie but that the leaues be more black or duskish and smaller This herbe is found as well in vineyards as corne lands People vse to eat this herb with oile and salt as they do Beets Coles and other such pot-herbs and so eaten it maketh the body soluble And yet neuerthelesse those who be troubled with the bloudy flix are wont to take it in some astringent wine with Lineseed and find it to work with good successe The leaues applied to the eies with parched Barly groats do restraine the waterish humors which fall thither so there be a fine linnen cloth wet between The same applied in a pultesse to the wens called the kings euil bring them first to suppuration and afterwards hauing hogs grease put thereto heale them throughly Incorporat with green oile Oliue they ease the hemorrhoids and with honey helpe those that be in a Phthisicke or Consumption If nources eat them with their meat they shall haue good store of milke in their breasts And if they annoint therewith the heads of their young infants the haire will come the thicker A collution made with them and vineger assuageth the tooth-ache if the mouth be washed therewith To conclude it stirreth vp to fleshly lust There is besides another kind of Clematis known by the name of the Aegyptian Clematis howsoeuer some call it Daphnoeides others Polygonoeides Leaued it is like the Lawrel saue that the leaues be long and thin But against all serpents and especially the Aspides it is a soueraigne counterpoison if it be drunk in vineger Aegypt bringeth forth this herb in great abundance CHAP. XVI ¶ Of Aron Dracunculus or Dracontium Of Aris. Of Millefoile Of another hearbe of that name Of Pseudobunium Of Myrrhis and Onobrichis with their medicinable vertues THere is a great difference betweene * Aron of which herbe I haue written amongst those with bulbous roots and * Dracontium although writers be at some variance about this point for some haue affirmed that they be both one Howbeit Glaucias hath distinguished them in that the one groweth wild and the other is planted and hee pronounceth and calleth Dragon the sauage Aron others are of opinion that there is no other difference between them but that the onion root is called Aron and the stem of the same herb Dracontium whereas indeed there is no likenesse at all between the one and the other if so be that Dracontium of the Greeks be the same that we call Dracunculus in Latine For Aros hath a black root growing broad flat and round yea and far greater insomuch as it is a good handful but the root of Dracunculus is somwhat red and the same wrythed and folded round in manner of a Dragon wherupon it took that name Nay the very Greeks themselues haue made an exceeding great difference between Dragon and Wake-Robin for they affirme That the seed of Dragon is hot and biting and besides of such a virulent and stinking smell that the very sent thereof is enough to driue a woman great with childe to trauell before her time and to slip an vntimely birth Contrariwise they haue wonderfully commended Aron for first and foremost they preferre the female of this kind as a principall meat before the male which is harder to be chewed and longer ere it be concocted and digested moreouer they affirm That as well the one as the other doth expectorat the fleam gathered in the chest and whether it be dried and brought into pouder and so the drink spiced withall or otherwise taken in form of a lohoch or electuary it prouoketh both vrine and also womens monthly termes Drunke with oxymell it mundifieth and comforteth the stomacke and Physitians haue giuen it in Ewes milke for the exulceration of the guts rosted vnder the embers they haue prescribed it to be taken with oil for the cough Some haue sodden it in milke and giuen the decoction thereof to be drunke in that case They haue appointed it also to be boiled and then applied accordingly to watery eies for to represse the violence of rheum likewise vnto places black and blew with stripes as also for the inflammation of the amygdales also they haue giuen direction to inject the same with oile by way of clystre as an excellent remedy for the Hemorrhoids and to applie it in a liniment with hony for to take away the pimples and freckles of the skin Cleophantus hath giuen it the praise of an excellent antidote or counterpoison prescribing also the vse thereof for the pleurisie and inflammation of the lungs in the same manner as in case of the cough he appointed likewise to beat the seed into pouder being mixed either with common oile or oile rosat to drop it into the eares for to assuage the pain Dieuches ordained to take and temper it with meale and so to worke it into a paste
to giue the bread so made vnto them that cough to those who be short winded such also as cannot breath vnlesse they sit vpright and lastly to as many as reach vp filthy matter out of their brest Diodotus the Physitian made thereof an electuary or lohoch with hony for them to licke who are in a Phthisick or otherwise diseased in the lights and hee appointed it to be laid as a pultesse for fractures of bones There is not a beast or liuing creature whatsoeuer but if the shap or naturall parts be annointed therewith it will fetch away the fruit of their womb The juice drawn out of the root if it be incorporat with Attick hony scattereth the misty clouds and filmes in the eies that trouble the sight the same also cureth the defects and infirmities of the stomack And a syrrup made with the decoction thereof hony is good to stint a cough All vlcers whatsoeuer be they wolues cankerous sores or otherwise corrosiue and eating forward stil yea the very ill-fauoured Polype and Noli-me-tangere in the nosthrils the iuice of this root doth cure and heale wonderfully The leaues sodden in wine and oile are good to be applied vnto any burne or place scalded Being eaten in a salad with salt and vineger they purge the belly sodden with hony and applied as a cataplasme they are good for dislocations and bones out of ioint Semblably the said leaues whether they be green or dried are excellent for the gout in any ioint being laid too with salt Hippocrates deuised a plaster of them and hony together which was singular for all impostumations whatsoeuer For to bring downe the desired sicknesse of women 2 drams of the root or seeds it skils not whether taken in two cyaths of wine is a sufficient dose The same potion fetches away the after-birth in case it make no hast to come away after a woman is deliuered of child And for this purpose Hippocrates appointed the very bulbous root of Aron in substance to be applied to the nature of a woman in the like case It is said that in time of pestilence it is a singular preseruatiue if it be eaten with meats Certes it is excellent to keep them for being drunke who haue taken their liquor liberally or at leastwise to make them sober again And yet the perfume or smoke thereof when it burneth chaseth serpents away and especially the Aspides or els doth intoxicat their heads make them so drunk that a man shall find them lying benummed and astonied as if they were dead The same serpents moreouer will not come neere vnto those that be annointed all ouer with this herb Aros and oile of baies hereupon it is thought that it is a good preseruatiue against their stings if it be drunk in grosse red wine They say moreouer that cheeses will keepe passing well if they be wrapped within the leaues of Aron To come now to Dragons called in Latine Dracunculus wherof I haue spoken before the only time to dig it out of the ground is when barly beginneth to ripen and within the two first quarters of the Moon all the while that she doth increase in light Let one but haue the root of this herb about him in any part of the body it makes no matter how or where he cary it he shal be sure that serpents wil flie from him And therefore it is said that the greater kind of them is singular to be giuen in drink vnto those who are stung already by them as also that it stoppeth the immoderat course of womens fleurs in case it touched no yron instrument when it was gathered The juice thereof is passing good for pain in the ears As for tht Dragon which the Greeks name Draconatium it hath bin shewed described to me in three forms the one leaued like vnto the Beets growing with an vpright main stem with a floure of a purple colour this Dragon is like vnto Aron Others brought to me a second kind with a long root as it were marked forth and diuided into certaine ioints it putteth out three small stems and no more and they declared moreouer and gaue direction to seeth the leaues thereof in vineger against the sting of serpents There was a third sort shewed vnto me bearing a leafe bigger than that of the Cornell tree with a root resembling those of the canes or reeds and as they auouched parted into as many joints and knots just as it was yeares old and so many leaues likewise it had neither more nor lesse Those that presented it to me vsed to giue the same in wine or water against serpents There is an herb also named Aris growing in the same Egypt like vnto Aron abouesaid saue that it is lesse hath smaller leaues and not so big a root and yet the same is full as great as a good round and large oliue Of these there be two kinds the one which is white riseth vp with two stalks the other puts forth but one single stem Both of them haue vertue to cure running scals and vlcers to heale burns also and fistulous sores if a collyrie or tent be made thereof and put into the sore the leaues boiled in water and afterwards stamped and incorporate with oile rosat do stay the spreading of corrosiue eating vlcers But mark one wonderful property that this plant hath touch the nature or shap of any female beast therwith she wil neuer lin gadding vntill she die with one mischiefe or other Touching Mille foile or Yarrow which the Greeks call Myriophyllon we in Latine Millefolium it is an herb growing vp with a tender and feeble stalke like in some sort vnto Fenell and charged with many leaues whereupon it took the name it groweth in moores and fennie grounds vsed to very good purpose and with singular successe in curing of wounds Ouer and besides it is giuen to drink with vineger for the difficulty of vrine and the stoppage of the blader for those that take wind thick and shoâ—…t and such as are inwardly bruised by falling headlong from on high the same is most effectuall to take away the tooth ache In Tuscan they haue another herb so called growing in medowes which putteth forth on either side of the stalk or stem a number of pretty leaues as smal in maner as hairs The same also is a most excellent wound-hearb And it is auouched by the people of that countrey That if an Oxe chance to haue his strings or sinews cut quite atwowith the plough-share this hearb will conglutinat and souder them againe if it be made into a salue with swines grease Concerning bastard Navew called in Greeke Pseudo Bunion it hath the leaues of Navew gentle and brancheth to the height of a hand-bredth or span The best of this kind groweth in the Isle Candy where they vse to drink fiue or six branches thereof for the wringing torments of the belly for the strangury the pain of the sides midriffe and
the muskles and sinews that he became paralyticke in that part and euer after vnto his dying day was rid as well of all sence as of the paine of the gout But say that in these cases it might be tollerable to set down in their books some poisons what reason nay what leaue had those Greeks to shew the means how the brains and vnderstanding of men should be intoxicat and troubled what colour and pretence had they to set downe medicines and receits to cause women to slip the vntimely fruit of their womb and a thousand such like casts deuises that may be practised by herbs of their penning for mine owne part I am not for them that would send the conception out of the body vnnaturally before the due time they shall learne no such receits of me neither will I teach any how to temper spice an amatorious cup to draw either man or woman into loue it is no part of my profession For wel I remember that Lucullus a most braue Generall and a captain of great execution lost his life by such a loue potion Much lesse then shall ye haue me to write of Magick witch-craft charmes inchantments and sorceries vnlesse it be to giue warning that folk should not meddle with them or to disproue those courses for their vanities and principally to giue an Item how little trust and assurance there is to be had in such trumpery It sufficeth me and contenteth my mind yea and I think that I haue done wel for mankind in recording those herbs which be good and wholsome found out by men of wit and learning for the benefit of posterity CHAP. IIII. ¶ Of Moly and Dodecatheos of Poeony otherwise called Pentorobus or Glycyside Of Panaces Asclepium Heraclium and Chironium Of Panaces Centarium or Pharnaceum Of Heraclium Siderium Of Henbane called Hyoscyamus Apollinaris or Altercangenus HOmer is of opinion That the principall and soueraigne hearb of all others is Moly so called as he thinketh by the gods themselues The inuention or finding of this hearbe hee ascribeth vnto Mercury and sheweth that it is singular against the mightiest witcheraft inchantments that be Some say that this herb Moly euen according to Homers description with a round and black bulbous root to the bignesse of an onion and with a leafe or blade like that of Squilla groweth at this day about the riuer or lake Peneus and vpon the mountain Cylleum in Arcadia also that it is hard to be digged out of the ground The Grecian Simplists describe this Moly with a yellow floure wheras Homer hath written that it is white I met with one physitian a skilful Herbarist who affirmed vnto me That this Moly grew in Italy also and in verie truth he brought and shewed me a plant which came out of Campaine about the digging vp whereof among hard and stony rocks he had bin certain daies but get he could not the entire root whole and sound but was forced to break it off and yet the root which he shewed mee was thirtie foot long Next vnto Moly in account and reputation is that plant which they call Dodecatheos for that it doth represent comprehend the maiesty of all the chiefe gods They say if it be drunk in water it is a soueraign medicine for al maladies Seuen leaues it hath resembling very much those of Lectuce and the same spring from a yellow root As touching Paeony it is one of the first herbs that were euer known and brought to light as may appeare by the author or inuentor thereof whose name it beareth still Some call it Pentorobos others Glycyside where by the way I am to aduertise the Reader of the difficulty in the knowledge of herbs by their names considering that the same herbe hath in sundry places diuers appellations But to proceed forward with our Paeony it groweth among bleake and shady mountains rising vp with a stem between the leaues 4 fingers high and bearing in the top 4 or 5 heads fashioned somwhat like to Filberds within which there is plenty of seed both red and black This herb is good against the fantasticall illusions of the Fauni which appeare in sleep It is said that this herb must be gathered in the night season for if the Rainbird woodpeck or Hickway called Picus Martius should chance to spie it gathered he would flie in the face and be ready to peck out the eies of him or her that had it The herb Panace promiseth by the very name a remedy of all diseases A number there be of herbs so called and all ascribed to some god or other for the inuention of them for one of them hath the addition of Asclepion for that Aesculapius had a daughter named also Panacea As touching the concret juice named Opopanax it is drawn from the root of this plant beeing of the Ferula or Fennell kind such as I haue heretofore shewed by way of incision the which root hath a thick rind and of a saltish sauor When the root is pulled out of the ground there is a religious ceremony obserued to fil vp the hole again with all sorts of corn as it were in satisfaction to the earth for the violence offered in tearing it vp As for the said juice Opopanax where and how it should be made and which is the best kind therof and not sophisticat I haue declared already in my Treatise of forrain and strange plants That which is brought out of Macedony they cal Bucosicum because the Neat-heards of the country mark when the liquor breakes forth and runneth out of it selfe and so receiue and gather it from the plant this wil not last but of all the rest soonest loseth the force Moreouer in all sorts of it that is rejected principally which is black and soft for these be markes to know that it is corrupted and sophisticate with wax A second kind there is of Panaces which they cal Heraclium the inuention of the vertues and properties whereof is attributed vnto Hercules Some there be who call it Origanum Heracleaticum the wild because it is like to Origan wherof I haue heretofore written but the root of this Panaces is good for nothing A third kind of Panaces took the name of Chiron the Centaur who was the first that gaue intelligence of the herbe and the vertues thereof The leafe is like vnto the Dock but that it is bigger and more hairy the floure is of a golden yellow color the root but small it loueth to grow in rich fat and battle grounds The floure of this Panaces is most effectual in Physick in which regard there is more vse and profit thereof than of all the former kindes A fourth Panaces there is besides found out also by the same Chiron whereupon it hath the denomination of Centaureum called also it is Pharnaceum the occasion of this two fold name is this because there is some controuersie in the first inuention
drink the same with salt and hony mixed therwith but the said decoction if it be made with an hogs foot with a hen capon or cock boiled withal is the wholsomer Some Physitians were of opinion That for to purge the body both Mercuries as wel the male as the female are to be giuen either boiled alone by themselues or els with Mallows they clense the brest parts and euacuat choler but they hurt the stomacke Touching all the other properties of Mercury I will write in place conuenient As Chiron the Centaure found out the medicinable vertues of certaine herbes so we are beholden to his scholler Achilles for one which is singular to heale wounds and of his name is called Achilleos This is that wound-herb wherewith by report he cured prince Telephus Some haue thought that hee deuised first the rust of brasse or verdegreece which is so excellent for salues and plasters therfore you shall see Achilles commonly painted scraping off the rust of his speare head with his sword into the wound of the said Telephus Others say that he tooke both the said rust or verdegreece and also the herb Achilleos to worke his cure Some would haue this Achillea to be Panaces Heracleon and others Sideritis we in Latine call it Millefolia An herb it is growing with a stalk or stem to the height of a cubit spreading into many branches clad from the very root vp to the top with leaues smaller than those of Fenell Others confesse indeed that this herb is singular good for wounds but the true Achilleos say they hath a blewish stalk a foot high no more bare and naked without any branches at all howbeit finely deckt and garnished on euery side with round leaues standing one by one in excellent order and making a faire sight There be again who describe it with a foursquare stem bearing heads in the top in manner of Horehound and leaued like vnto an Oke And this they say is of that efficacy that it wil conglutinat vnite sinews again if they were cut quite a sunder Moreouer you shall haue some who take it for Achillea that kinde of Sideritis growing vpon mud walls which if it be brused or stamped yeeldeth a stinking sent Moreouer there is another going vnder the name Achilleos like to this last described but that the leaues be whiter and fattier the little stalks or sprigs more tender it groweth in vineyards Last of al there is one more called Achilleos which riseth vp to the height of 2 cubits bearing pretty fine slender branches and those three square leaues resembling Fearn hanging by a long stele the seed is much like to that of the Beet In one word they be al of them most excellent for healing wounds And as for that especially which hath the largest leaues our countrimen in Latine haue called it Scopa Regia And the same is holden to be good for to heale the Squinancy or Gargle in swine In the same age wherin Achilles liued prince Teucer also gaue the first name and credit to one speciall herb called after him Teucrion which some nominat Hemionium this plant putteth forth little stalks in maner of rushes or bents and spreadeth low the leaues be small it loueth to grow in rough and vntoiled places a hard and vnpleasant sauor it hath in tast it neuer floureth and seed it hath none Soueraigne it is for the swolne and hard spleene the knowledge of which property came by this occasion as it is credibly and constantly reported It fortuned on a time when the inwards of a beast killed for sacrifice were cast vpon the ground where this herb grew it took hold of the spleen or milt and claue fast vnto it so as in the end it was seen to haue consumed and wasted it clean hereupon some there be that call it Splenion i. Spleenwort and there goeth a common speech of it That if swine doe eat the root of this herbe they shall be found without a milt when they are opened Some there be who take for Teucrium and by that name do call another herb full of branches in manner of hyssop leafed like vnto beans and they giue order that it should be gathered whiles it is in floure as if they made no doubt but that it would floure The best kind of this herb they hold to be that which commeth from the mountains of Cilicia and Pisidia Who hath not heard of Melampus that famous diuinor and prophet he it was of whom one of the Ellebores tooke the name and was called Melampodion and yet some therebe who attribute the finding of that herb vnto a shepheard or heardman of that name who obseruing wel that his she goats feeding therupon fell a scouring gaue their milk vnto the daughters of king Proetus whereby they were cured of their furious melancholy and brought again to their right wits This herb then being of so excellent operation it shall not be amisse to discourse at once of all the kinds of Ellebore whereof this maketh one And to begin withal two principal sorts there be of it namely the white and the black which distinction of colour most writers would haue to be meant and vnderstood of the roots only and no part else others there be who would haue the root of the blacke Ellebore to be fashioned like vnto those of the Plane-tree but that they be smaller and of a more darke duskish green diuided also into more jags and cuts but those of the white Ellebore to resemble the yong Beet new appearing aboue the ground saue onely that they be of a more blackish colour and along the back part of their concauitie inclining to red Both the one and the other bringeth forth a stalke in fashion like the Ferula or Fenel-geant a span or good hand-breadth high and the same consisteth of certain tunicles or skins folded one within another in manner of bulbous plants rising from the like root and the said root is full of strings or fringes as is the head of an onion The blacke Ellebore is a very poison to horses kine oxen and swine for it killeth them and therefore naturally these beasts beware how they eat of it whereas confidently they feed vpon the white The right season of gathering the Ellebores is in haruest time Great store thereof groweth vpon the hill Oeta but the best is that which is found in one only place therof neere about Pyra The black Ellebore commeth vp euery where but the best is in Helicon a mountaine much renowned and praised for other herbs beside it wherewith it is well furnished As touching the white that of the mount Oeta is counted the principall in a second degree is the white Ellebore of Pontus in the third place is to be ranged that which commeth from Elaea which they say groweth among vines in the fourth and last place for goodnesse is that of the mount Pernassus which is sophisticated with the
the root resembling the leaues of Branc-vrsin there riseth vp a stem between them both in the mids carrying an incarnat floure in the head like a rose Pompeius Lenaeus who by the commandement of Pompey the Great translated into Latine the Physick notes and receits of K. Mithridates saith moreouer that the said prince found out another herb named Scordotis or Scordium and that among other his writings hee met with the description of the said herb set down vnder the kings own hand in this manner namely That it grew a cubit high with a main stem four-square and the same full of branches garnished with downy or furred leaues indented and cut like to those of the oke This herb is found ordinarily growing within the region of Pontus in battle and moist champian grounds and in taste is very bitter There is another kind of Scordium with larger and broader leaues and like it is vnto wild Minth or Calamint both the one the other be of great vse in Physicke either by themselues alone or els put into opiats and antidots among other ingredients Touching Polemonia which others call Philetaeria it tooke the name vpon ocasion of the strife and controuersie betweene certaine princes which debated about the first inuention thereof The Cappadocians know it by the name Chiliodynama i. as one would say endued with a thousand vertues This plant hath a thicke and grosse root but smal slender branches from the tops whereof there hang down certaine berries in tufts and clusters inclosing within them black seed in all other respects it resembles rue groweth commonly vpon mountaines As for Agrimony called otherwise Eupatoria it hath gotten credit reputation by a king as it may appeare by the name The stalk or stem of this herb is of a wooddy substance blackish in colour hairy and of a cubit in height or rather more The leaues grow disposed and distant by certaine spaces asunder much like vnto those of cinquefoile or hempe snipped cut about the edges ordinarily in fiue parts the same are of a blackish or dark green and full of a kinde of plume or downe The root is superfluous for any operation that it hath in Physick the seed of this herb drunk in wine is a singular remedy for the dysentery or bloudy flix The greater * Centaury is that famous herbe wherewith Chiron the Centaure as the report goeth was cured at what time as hauing entertained Hercules in his cabin hee would needs be handling tempering with the weapons of his said guest so long vntill one of his arrows light vpon his foot and wounded him dangerously wherupon some there be who name it Chironion The leaues grow large broad and long indented or cut rather like a saw round about the edges neare vnto the root they come vp very thick the stems run vp three cubits high full of knots and joints all the way knobbed in the top like vnto Poppie heads the root is of a mighty bignesse inclining to a red colour howbeit tender and easie to break or knap in sunder two cubits it beareth in length full of a liquid juice bitter in taste and yet sweet withal it loueth to grow vpon banks and prety hils where the ground is fat and battle The best Centaury of this greater kinde commeth out of Arcadie Elis Messenia Pholoe and mount Lycaeus and yet there is good found vpon the Alpes and in many other places Some there be who out of this plant draw a juice in manner of Lycium Of such efficacy it is to incarnat wounds that by report if it be put into the pot to seeth among many gobbets or pieces of flesh it wil cause them to grow together and vnite The root only is to be giuen inwardly and namely in drinke to the weight of two drams in such cases as I will shew hereafter with this charge That if the Patient haue an ague hanging vpon him it be stamped and taken in water others may drink it well enough in wine Also the juice drawn forth of it when it is boiled is good for the diseases or rot of sheep Another Centaury there is syrnamed also in Greeke Lepton i. Small for that it hath little leaues in comparison of the other some name it Libadion for that it loueth to grow neere to springs or fountains it is somwhat like to Origan saue that the leaues be narrower and longer the stalk is cornered rising vp to a smal height to wit a hand-breadth or a span at most the same also putteth forth little branches the floure hath some resemblance of the red-Rose campion the root is small needlesse for any Physicke vse but the juice of the herb it selfe is of singular operation This herb would be gathered in Autumne when it is fresh full of leaues and floures for then it yeeldeth best iuice Some take the stalks and branches thred them smal let them lie infused in water 18 daies and then presse forth the juice This is that Centaury which we here in Italy call Fel Terrae i. the Gal of the earth by reason of the exceeding bitternesse which it hath the Gauls terme it Exacos because if it be drunk it sendeth downeward by seege out of the body any hurtfull poison whatsoeuer There is a third Centaury named Centauris knowne by the addition Triorches whosoeuer commeth to cut this herb he quits himselfe wel and escapeth faire if he wound not himselfe This plant yeeldeth forth a certaine red juice like vnto bloud Theophrastus hath deliuered in his history of Plants that the hawkes * Triorchides protect and defend this herbe are ready to incounter and fight with them that come to gather it wherupon it took the foresaid name Triorchis But many ignorant and vnskilfull persons there be who write confusedly of all these Centauries and attribute this last property and name to the first Centaurie the great CHAP. VII ¶ Of Clymenos Gentian Lysimachia Parthenis or Artemisia Ambrosia Nymphaea Heraclium and Euphorbium with their operations in Physicke THe herb Clymenos beareth the name of K. Clymenus the first inuenter and finder out therof Leafed it is like vnto Ivie full of branches the stalkes or stems be hollow and emptie within diuided by joints and partitions of a strong and vnpleasant smell the seed resembleth the grains or berries of Ivie and it taketh pleasure to grow in wilde woods and among mountains As touching the operations which it hath namely what diseases it cureth being taken in drink I will shew hereafter mean while I will not put off any longer but aduertise the Reader euen in this place That this herb as it doth good one way so it hurteth another for if they be men that drink it wel may it cure them of the maladies for which it is giuen but surely it killeth their naturall seed and disableth them for getting children so long as they vse it The Grecian writers described it
Langwort and indeed so like as oftentimes one is taken for the other howbeit the leaues be not altogether so white and more little branches it putteth forth bearing likewise a pale yellow floure cast this herb or strew it in any place all the moths there about will gather to it whereupon at Rome they call it Blattaria The herbe Lemonium yeeldeth a white juice much like vnto milke which will harden and grow together in manner of a gum and it groweth in moist places The weight of one denarius giuen in wine is a singular preseruatiue against the dangerous sting of serpents As for Cinque soile or fiue leaued grasse there is not one but knoweth it so common it is and commendable besides for the strawberries which it beareth The Greeks call it Pentapetes Chamaezelon or Pentaphyllon the Latines Quinquefolium The root when it is new digged looketh red but as it beginneth to drie aboue ground so it waxeth black and becommeth also cornered It tooke the common naâ—…e both in Greeke and Latine of the number of leaues which it beareth This herb herein is of great affinitie with the vine that they both bud spring leafe and shed the same together It is vsed also about purging blessing of the house against naughtie spirits or inchantments As for Sparganium an herb so called by the Greeks the root thereof is good to be giuen in white wine against venomous serpents Of Carrots Petronius Diodotus hath set downe 4 seueral kinds But what need I to go through them all foure seeing they may be reduced well enough into twaine and doe require no other distinctions The best and most approued Carrots be those of Candy the next to which in goodnesse come out of Achaia But generally in what countrey soeuer they grow the better be such as come vp in the sounder and drier grounds As touching the Candy Carot it resembleth fennel but that the leaues stand more vpon the white they be smaller also and hairy withall The stem groweth vpright a foot high and hath a root odoriferous to smell vnto and of a most pleasant tast this ioieth in stony places exposed to the South quarter of the world As for the other Carots of a wild nature In what countrey grow they not you shall finde them vpon earthie bankes and hils you shall haue them about high waies but neuer shal a man meet with them in a leane and hungry ground they loue a battle and fat soile their leaues come neare to the Coriander their stem ariseth to a cubit heigth bearing round heads three ordinarily and otherwhiles more the root is of a wooddy substance and being once dried it serueth to no purpose The seed of this kind is like vnto Cumin but of the former to Millet grain white quick and sharp and they be all odoriferous and hot in the mouth The seed of the second is more aegre and biting than the former and therefore ought to be taken in lesse quantitie As for the third kind if we list to make so many it is much like to the wild Parsnep called in Greek Staphylinos and in Latine Pastinaca Erratica the same beareth a seed somwhat long in form and a sweet root All the sort of these Dauci or Carots are safe enough from the bit of four-footed beasts both winter summer vnlesse it be after they haue cast their abortiue fruit before-time for then they seek therto to be clensed of their gleane Of all Carots the seeds be vsed only but that of Candie affordeth the root also which is sweet but both the seed of the one sort and the root of the other be most appropriat remedies against serpents a dram weight in wine is a sufficient dose at a time which also may be giuen in a drench to foure-footed beasts that be stung by them Touching the herb Therionarca I mean not that which the Magitians vse it groweth also in this part of the world here with vs in Italy many branches it putteth forth and springs thick with diuers shoots from the root the leaues be of a light green and the floure of a red-rose colour it killeth serpents outright besides it hath this property That if it be brought neere vnto any wild beast whatsoeuer it benummeth their sences whereupon it took that name Persolata which the Greek writers call Arcion there is not one but knoweth large leaues it hath and bigger than the very Gourds more hairy blacker also and thicker a white root and a great this root taken in wine to the weight of two deniers Roman is good likewise against the venom of serpents In like manner the root of Cyclaminus or Sow-bread is as effectual against them all leaues it hath somewhat resembling those of Ivy but that they be of a more duskish and sad greene smaller also and without corners wherein a man may perceiue certaine whitish specks The stem is little and hollow within the flours of a purple colour the root broad so as a man would take it to be a Turnep and couered ouer with a black rind it groweth in shadowy places Our countrymen here in Italy call it in Latine Tuber terrae that is to say The knur or bunch of the ground Sowne and planted it would be in euery garden about an house if so be it be true that is reported of it namely that wheresoeuer it groweth it is as good as a countercharm against al witchcraft and sorceries which kind of defensatiue is called properly Amuletum Moreouer this root they say if it be put into a cup of wine turneth the brain presently and maketh as many drunk as drink therof For the better keeping and preseruing of this root it must be ordered after the manner of Squilla or Sea-onion roots i. cut into thinne slices or roundles then dried and so laid vp the same also is vsually sodden to the consistence or thickenesse of hony As good as this root is in those former respects yet it is not without some venomous quality for it is commonly said That if a woman with child chance to step ouer it shee will fall presently to labour before her time and lose the fruit of her wombe A second kind of Cyclaminus or Swine bread I finde syrnamed by the Greekes Cissanthemos growing with stems full of knots or joints hollow within and good for nothing far different from the former winding and clasping about trees bearing berries much like to those of Ivy but they are soft a white floure faire and louely to see too but a needlesse root for any goodnesse in it the berries that it beareth be only in vse and those are of a sharp and biting tast yet they be viscous and clammy to the tongue these being dried in the shadow and stamped are afterwards reduced into certain bals or trosches My self haue seen a third kind also of Cyclaminos carying the name besides of Chamaecissos which brought forth but one only leafe the root
carot also called in Latine Daucum is a good remedy for the pain in the head Moreouer the foresaid herb or root Cyclaminos if it be mixed with hony and put vp as an errhin or nasal into the nosthrils purgeth the brain the same brought into an ointment healeth the scalls and sores in the head Of the like operation is Veruain which they cal in Greek Peristereos The wild Caraway named Cacalia or Leontine beareth certain grains resembling smal seed pearls which a man shal see hanging between the leaues which be big large and it groweth lightly vpon hils take 15 of these grains or seeds steep them well in oile and make therof a liniment it is passing good to rub and annoint the head withall so it be done vpward against the haire Furthermore the herb Callitriche is singular good to prouoke sneezing it beareth leaues much like vnto those of Lentils or Ducks meat the stalks be very small like sine bents and the root is as little it delighteth to grow in coole shady and moist grounds and is of a sharp and hot tast For the lowsie disease wherein lice and such vermin crawle in exceeding abundance all ouer the head there is not a better medicine than an ointment made of hyssope and oyle stamped and incorporat together the same likewise killeth the itch in the head Now the best hyssop is that of Cilicia growing vpon the mountaine Taurus and in a second degree there is reckoning made of that which commeth out of Pamphylia and Smyrna An herb this is nothing friendly to the stomack being taken with figs it purgeth downward with hony by vomit howbeit stamped with hony salt and cumin and so reduced into a plaster it is thought to be a proper remedy for the sting of serpents Lonchitis is not the same herb as most men haue thought that Xiphion or Phasganion although the seed be pointed like to a speare head for it beareth leaues resembling leeke blades which toward the root be red and more in number than about the stem it selfe it carrieth little heads in the top made after the fashion of maskes or visors such as players in Comoedies are wont to weare lilling out pretty little tongues and the roots be exceeding long yet it groweth in drie grounds far from water Contrariwise Xiphion or Phasganion delighteth in waterish and moist places at the first comming vp it maketh a shew of a sword blade the stem riseth vp to the heigth of two cubits the root hath beards or fringes as it were hanging about it and is in fashion shaped to a filberd nut which ought to be digged out of the ground before haruest and to be dried in the shade the vpper part of this root for it groweth double stamped with Frankincense and mixed with wine of equal weight and so made into a salue draweth out the spills or broken scales in the brain-pan or scull the same is good likewise to draw any impostume that is broken and to fetch out corruption in any part of the body and it is singular for the bones that be broken and crushed vnder cart or waggon wheels lastly the same is an effectuall remedy against poisons But to returne againe to the head ach the said Ellebore boiled either in common oile or els in oile rosat and applied in manner of a liniment doth assuage the same so doth Peucedanum i. Hare-strange being incorporat in oile of roses and vineger The same also being laied vnto the head warm doth mitigat the pain called the migram when as the one half of the head doth ake and it cureth beside the dizzinesse of the braine The root of Peucedanum made into an ointment and vsed accordingly prouoketh sweat by reason of the hot nature that it hath which is burning and causticke The herb Fleawort which some cal Psyllion others Cynoides Chrystallion Sicelion and Cynomyia hath a small root whereof there is little or no vse in Physick The branches that it bringeth forth be slender and pliable in manner of vine shoots bearing in the top certain big berries or knobs like vnto beans the leaues not vnlike to dogs heads the seed resembleth dogs fleas whereupon it hath that name Cynomyia and the same lieth within the foresaid berries The herb it selfe is ordinarily growing in vineyards of great vertue it is to refrigerat and to discusse or resolue withall but the seed it is which yeeldeth most vse in Physicke and the same is applied in a frontall to the forehead and temples with vineger and oile of roses or else with vineger and water together for to allay the paine of the head For other accidents when it is applied in forme of a liniment the manner is to take the measure of one acetable and to infuse it in a sextar of water vntill it gather together into a thicke and clammie substance then it would be stamped and the mucilage or slime drawne out thereof serueth for any paine impostume and inflammation Ouer and besides Aristolochia is a singular herb for the wounds of the head it draweth forth broken bones and spils in any part of the head and so doth Pistolochia To conclude there is an herb called Thysselium not vnlike to garden Parsley the root whereof if it be but chewed in the mouth purgeth the head of phlegmaticke humours CHAP. XII ¶ Receits for the diseases of the eies made of Centaurie Celendine Panaces Henbane and Euphorbium IT is thought that the Rha-pontick which is the greater Centaurie helpeth the eie-sight verie much if a fomentation be made therewith and water together The juice of the lesse Centaurie tempered with hony and applied helpeth the imperfections of the eies namely when there seeme gnats to flie before them or when they are ouer cast with a cloud for it scattereth the dimnesse and web which darkeneth the sight and doth subtiliate the cataract or cicatrices that ouergrow the ball or apple The herbe Sideritis is so appropriate vnto the eies that it cureth the verie haw that groweth in horses eies But so excellent is the herbe Celendine that it passeth them all and is a soueraigne medicine for all such imperfections The root of Panaces mixed with parched or fried barly meale maketh a good cataplasme for to represse the rheume of watery and weeping eies And there is a singular drink commended for the staying of such humors made of Henbane seed one obulus of Opium or the juice of Poppy and wine as much Some put therto the like quantity of the juice of Gentian which also they vsed to mingle with collyries and eie-salues that require some sharpnesse and acrimony in stead of the foresaid Opium or Poppy juice Moreouer Euphorbium clarifies the eie-sight if there be an inunction made therewith For bleered eies it is good to drop the juice of Plantain into them As for the thick mists that hinder the eie-sight Aristolochia doth discusse and resolue them The herb Iberis bound vnto
the forehead together with Cinquefoile stoppeth the fall of humors into the eies and cureth all other maladies incident vnto them Mullen or Lungwort is likewise a great defensatiue against the foresaid rheums which haue taken a course to the eies and cause them to water so is Veruain if it be applied with oile rosat or vineger For the cataract or suffusion of the eies for the pin and web which offend the eie-sight the Trosches of Cyclamine being dissolued and so applied are soueraigne As for the juice of Peucedanum i. Hare-strange it is as I said before a notable medicine for to cleare the sight and rid away the muddy mists before the eies if it be laid to with Opium and oile rosat Finally Flea-woort staieth and keepeth vp the flux of humors into the eies if the forehead be annointed with the mucilage thereof CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Pimpernell named Anagallis and Corchoros Of Mandragoras or Circeium Of Hemlocke Crestmarine or Sampire named in Greeke Crithmos Agria Of the herbe Molybdaena Of Fumiterre Of Acorus or Galangale Of Floure-de-lys Of Cotyledon or Venus navill Of Sengreen and Purcellane Of Groundswell Of Ephemeron Of the Tazill and of Crowsoot with the medicinable vertues of the said hearbes appropriate to the diseases of the eies cares nosthrils teeth and mouth THe herbe Pimpernell some call Anagallis others Corchoros Of it be found two kindes the male with a red floure the female with a blew neither of them both be taller than the hand-bredth or a span at most tender they be likewise in all parts the leaues be very smal round and lying vpon the ground they grow as well the one as the other in gardens and watery places that with the blew floure bloweth first the juice of them both tempered with hony dispatcheth the mist and dimnesse of the eies consumeth the rednesse occasioned by a stripe or bruise and taketh away the red spots in the white of the eie and so much the sooner if the hony be of the best and made about Athens wherewith the eies be annointed The said medicine likewise is good for to extend and dilate the tunicles that make the ball or apple of the eie and therefore it is an ordinary course that their eies be annointed therewith beforehand who are to be pricked with a needle for couching of a cataract These herbs be singular good likewise for the haw in horses or beasts eies The iuice of Pimpernell conueyed vp into the nosthrils cleanseth the braine by the emunctory of the nose so that afterwards the Patient do draw vp wine into the nosthrils for a collution to wash them A dram of the said iuice drunk in wine is a counterpoison against the venom of snakes But this is strange and I cannot chuse but maruell of it that sheep should so much hate and abhor the female Pimpernell as they do howbeit in case they should mistake the one for the other because they are so like for in flour only they differ and tast the Pimpernel with the blew floure presently they haue recourse by a natural instinct to an herbe for remedy called in Greeke Asyla and by vs in Latine Ferus oculus i. the wild and cruell eie or Margellane Some there be who set down certain ceremonies and circumstances to be obserued by them who are to dig or plucke vp this hearbe namely That they goe to this businesse before the Sun-rising and salute or bid good morrow to it three times before they speak any other word that morning and then to take it vp and cast it on high which don to presse forth the iuice of it Thus ordered forsooth they say it is of better operation and will do the deed surely Touching Euphorbium what it is I haue sufficiently spoken The iuice thereof is singular for bleered eies especially if they be swelled withall likewise wormwood stamped and incorporat with hony as also the pouder of Betony There groweth many times a fistulous vlcer betweene the corner of the eie and the nose called Aegilops for to heale which sore there is a soueraigne herbe of that name growing among Barly in blade or leafe it resembleth that of wheat the seed or graine whereof beaten into pouder and mixed with meale or floure or the juice drawne out of the herbe they vse for the said purpose to applie vnto the affected place in manner of a salue or liniment Now the said juice must be pressed out of the stalke and leaues thereof whiles they be fresh and fullest of sap but then the haw or eare that it beareth ought to be taken away which being incorporat with the floure of three moneths corn is made vp into bals or trosches Some were wont in this cure to vse the juice also of Mandragoras but they gaue it ouer afterwards Howbeit for certain the root of Mandragoras bruised or stamped and tempered with the oile of roses and wine cureth weeping and watering eies yea and assuageth their pain the said juice how soeuer it be rejected in the former case goeth into many collyries or eye-salues This herbe Mandragoras some writers cal Circeium and two kinds there be of it the white which is supposed the male and the black which you must take for the female the leaues of this female resemble those of the Lectuce but that they be narrower hairy also they are and al of an equall bignesse Two or three roots it hath and those of a reddish or russet colour without but white within of a fleshy substance and tender running downe into the earth almost a cubit in length A certain fruit or apple they beare of the bignesse of Filberds or Hazel-nuts within which there be seeds like vnto the pippens or Pears The white Mandrage some name Arsen i the male others Morion and there be again who cal it Hypophlomos The white leaues of this Mandrage be broader than the other and indeed equall to the garden Docke or Patience In the digging vp of the root of Mandrage there are some ceremonies obserued first they that goe about this worke looke especially to this that the wind be not in their face but blow vpon their backs then with the pont of a sword they draw three circles round about the plant which don they dig it vp afterwards with their face into the West There is a juice pressed forth both of the fruit and also of the leaues shred and minced of the stem likewise being first headed or the top cut off and also of the root which somtime they do pounce and prick for to let out the liquor otherwhiles they boile it and the root so prepared is as good as the juice The same also being cut into certain thin rundles they vse to preserue in wine Howbeit Mandrage is not found alwaies and euery where full of juice but in what place soeuer such may bee gotten the right season to seek for it is about vintage time the sent therof is
therewith annointed it cleanseth and cleareth them but it causeth them to weepe and water like as smoke doth whereupon it tooke the name Capnos in Greek If the haire of the eie-lids be once pulled forth and then the edges or brims be annointed therewith it will keep them for euer comming vp againe Acorus hath leaues like to the Flour-de-lis but that they be only narrower growing to a longer stele or taile the roots be black not so full of veins nor grained otherwise they agree well with the Ireos root hot biting at the tongues end To smel vnto they are not vnpleasant and being taken inwardly they do gently moue rifting and cause the stomack to breake winde vpward The best Acoros roots be those which come from Pontus then they of Galatia and in a third rank are they to be set which are brought out of Candy Howbeit the principall and the greatest plenty are those esteemed which grow in the region Colchis neere to the riuer Phasis and generally in what countrey soeuer they that come vp in watery grounds be chiefe the fresher that the roots be and more newly drawn the stronger sent and lesse pleasant taste they haue with them than after they haue bin long kept aboue ground Those of Candy be whiter than the other of Pontus They vse to cut them into gobbets as big as a mans finger and then hang them within bags or pouches of leather a drying in the shade I find in certain writers that the root of Oxymyrsine is called Acaros and therfore some alluding to the name of Acoros chuse rather to call this plant Acaron the wild Well the root of Acorus is of great operation and effect to heat and extenuat and therefore the juice thereof taken in drinke is singular against catarracts or any accidents of the eies that cause dimnesse Soueraigne likewise it is taken to be against the venome of serpents Cotyled on named in Latine Vmbilicus Veneris is a pretty little herb hauing a tender and a smal stem a leafe thick fatty growing hollow like to the concauity wherin the huckle-bone turneth and therupon it took the foresaid name in Greek It groweth by the sea side and in rocky or stony grounds of a liuely green colour and the root round much like to an Oliue The juice is thought to cure the eies Another kind there is of Cotyledon with grosse and sattie leaues likewise but broader than the former Toward the root they grow thicker which they seem to compasse and inclose as it were an eie A most harsh vnpleasant tast it hath the stem is high but very slender This herb hath the same properties which the Flour-de-lis Of Sengreen or Housleek which the Greeks call Aizoon there be two kinds The greater is ordinarily planted in earthen pans or vessels set out before the windows of houses which some name Buphthalmon others Zoophthalmon and Stergethron because it is thought so good in loue drinks or amorous medicines others again giue it the name Hypogeson for that it is seen to grow vnder the eaues of houses There are also who loue to term it Ambrosia Amerimnos Here in Italy they call it Sedum the greater Oculus also and Digitellus For the second kinde is somewhat lesse which the Grecians distinguish by the name Erithales or Trithales because it beareth floures thrice in the yeare others Chrysothales and some again Isoetes But both the one and the other they call Aizoon because they be alwaies fresh and green according to which name in Greek some giue it the Latine name Sempervivum The greater kind beareth a stem a cubit high and more and the same of the thicknesse of a mans thumb with the better The leaues in the head or top whereof be like vnto a tongue fleshy and fat full of juice a good inch broad some bending downe and coping toward the earth others standing vpright but so as if a man mark their round circle or compasse wherein they lie couched he shal obserue the very proportion of an eie The lesse Sengreen or Iubarb groweth vpon walls and specially such as be ruinat and broken down likewise vpon the tiles of house-roofs This herb is tufted with leaues from the very root euen to the top of the branches The leaues be narrow and sharp pointed and full of juice The stalk groweth a good hand breadth or span high The root is not medicinable nor of any vse Much like to this is that herb which the Greeks call Andrachne Agria i. wilde Purcellane the Italians Illecebra The leaues be but small to speake of how be it broader than those of the herb before named and shorter toward the top It groweth vpon rocks and stony places folke vse to gather it for to eat All these last rehearsed haue the same operation for they be exceeding cold and a stringent withall Good they be to stay the rheum that salleth into the eies and causeth them to water whether the leaues be applied to them or the juice in manner of a liniment moreouer they clense and mundifie the vlcers of the eies theâ—… do also incarnat heale and skin them vp singular good besides to loose and open the eie-lids when they are glued and closed vp with viscous gum The same do allay the head-ache if either the temples be annointed with the iuice therof or the leaues be applied to them Moreouer they mortifie or kil the poyson inflicted by the prick of the venoâ—…ous spiders Phalangia but the greater Sengreene hath this peculiar vertue to resist the deadly poison of the herb Aconitum Furthermore it is sayd that whosoeuer carry it about them shal not be stung by scorpions All the kinds of them are proper remedies for the pain in the ears Like as the iuice of Henbane also if it be applied moderatly of Achillea and the best Centaury of Plantaine and Harstrang together with oile rosat and Opium finally the juice of Acorns or Galangale vsed with Roses is much commended in that case But this would be noted that the manner of preparing of all these juices is to heat them first then to conuey or infuse them into the ear by a pipe for the purpose called an Orenchyte Semblably the herb Vmbilicus Veneris or Cotyledon is much commended for mundifying the ears when they run with filthy matter especially if it be tempered with deere sewet and namely of a Stag or Hind and so instilled hot The iuice of the Walwort root clarified and strained through a fine linnen cloth and soon after dried hardened in the Sun healeth the swelling impostumations vnder the ears if as need requireth it be dissolued in oile of Roses and so applied hot The like effect in that case hath Veruain Plantain Sideritis also being incorporat in old Hogs grease After the same manner Aristolochia together with Cyperus healeth the stinking and ilfauored vlcer of the nose called Noli-me-tangere The
for feare least it being replanted againe by these Herbarists such is the malicious sorcerie of some of them as I haue already shewed the malady returne and be as bad as it was before the like caueat I find giuen vnto them who are cured of this disease eitherby Mugwort or Plantaine The herb Damasonium called likewise Alisma if it be gathered about the Summer solstead applied vnto the foresaid wens with rain water is singular good for them for which purpose the leaues are to be stamped or the root bru sed and incorporat with hogs grease and so applied in a liniment with charge That the place be couered with a leafe of the same in which manner prepared and vsed it serueth to allay all pains in the nape of the neck and to keep downe or dissipat the swelling in any part of the body There is an herb growing commonly in â—…o vs called the Daisie with a white floure partly inclining to a red which if it be ioined with Mugwort in an ointment is thought to make the medicine far more effectual for the kings euil Condurdum is an herb of smal continuance for about the Summer Solstice it sheweth a red floure and soon sheddeth the same which as they say if it be hanged about the neck represseth and keepeth vnder the foresaid disease the like doth Veruaine together with Plantaine vsed and worne in the same manner Touching all the accidents happening to the fingers and namely the excrescences risings of the skin about the roots of the nailes called in Greeke Pterygia Cinquefoile is a singular good herb for them Amongst all the infirmities of the breast the cough is most troublesome and grieuous for which the root of Panaces in sweet wine is a soueraigne remedie The juice of Henbane is excellent for them also that reach vp bloud out of the breast and the very smoke therof as it burneth is as proper for them that cough In like manner Scordotis beeing dried and made into pouder afterwards mingled with cresses and rosin and so reduced into a liquid confection or lohoch cureth the cough The said herb taken simply by it self alone raiseth tough flegme out of the brest and causeth it to break from the patient with ease The like effect hath Centaurie the greater yea though a man did bring vp bloud for which infirmity the juice of Plantain also is thought to be singular Betony taken in water to the weight of three oboli is of great force against the spitting of bloud and raising vp of filthy matter out of the chest The root of the great bur hath the like vertue if it be eaten to the weight of one dram with 11 Pine-nuts The juice of Harstrang as also Galangale is good for the pain in the brest and therfore they go both of them into preseruatiues and antidots which serue for counterpoisons The Carot likewise helpeth those that cough like as the herb Scythica which is the wild Caraway for beeing drunk to the weight of 3 cyaths in sweet wine cuit it is generally good for all diseases of the brest for the cough and helpeth such as fetch vp filthy and rotten matter CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Mullen or Lungwort of Cacalia of Folefoot called Tussilago or Bechium and of Sauge herbs all appropriate for the cough MVllen or Lungwort with the yellow golden floure being in like maner taken to the same quantity eases the foresaid infirmities Certes this herb is of that efficacy in these cases that if a drench thereof be giuen to horses which not onely haue the cough but also bee broken winded it wil help them the same effects I find attributed to Gentian The root of Cacalia soked in wine and chewed is good not onely for the cough but also for the infirmities in the throat Take 5 branches or slips of hyssop and two sprigs of rue with 3 figs seeth these together it is an excellent drink for to discharge the brest of flegme that stuffeth it Folefoot called in Greek Bechion that is to say in Latin Tussilago doth appease the violence of the cough Two kinds there be of this herb the wild which wheresoeuer it is seene to grow sheweth that there is water vnder it a thing that they know well enough who seek for springs for they take it to be an assured sign and direction to water it beareth leaues like to Iuy but somwhat bigger either 5 or 7 in number which vnderneath or toward the ground be somwhat whitish but aboue in the vpper side of a pale colour without floure stem or seed and the root is but small Some would haue it and Chamâ—…leuce both to be one and the same herb called by diuers names take this herb leafe and root together when they be dried set all on fire and receiue the smoke by a pipe as if you would suck or drinke it downe it is they say a notable medicine to cure an old cough but between euery pipe you must sip a pretty draught of sweet wine The second Bechion some would haue to be called Saluia an herb like vnto Mullen stampe the same and let the juice run through a streiner which being made hot drink it for the cough and pain in the sides This herb likewise is very effectuall against scorpions sea-dragons Also an inunction made therwith and oile together is commended much for the sting of serpents A bunch of hyssope sodden with three ounces of hony is a fine medicine for the cough CHAP. VII ¶ For the paine of the sides and breast for those that cannot draw their wind but sitting vpright for the paine of the lâ—…uer the heart ach for the lights difficulty of vrine the cough the breast vlcers for the eies for the flux of the belly occasioned by a feeble liuer against immoderat vomits for the yex the pleurisie and all griefes of the side LVngwort or Mullen drunke in water with Rue is very good for the pain of the sides and the brest for which purpose also they say that pouder of Betony is as good if it be taken in water wel warmed The juice of Scordotis is holden to be a great corroboratiue of the stomack so is Centaury also Gentian drunk in a draught of water Plantain either eaten alone by it selfe or with a gruell broth of Lentils or els with a frumenty potage made with wheat is comfortable to the stomack Betony although otherwise it lie heauy in the stomacke yet if one either chew the leaues or drink them in some broth it helpeth much the defects infirmities thereof In like case Aristolochia if it be taken in drinke Also Agaricke chewed drie so as betwixt whiles the patient sup a little of pure wine of the grape hath like vertue as for Nymphâ—…a or Nemphar syrnamed Heraclia it strengtheneth the stomacke applied outwardly in a siniment euen so doth the juice of Harstrang For the hot distemper of the stomacke it is good to lay vnto
it the herbe Flea-wort or Cotyledon otherwise called Vmbilicus veneris stamped with fried Barly meale into a cataplasme or els to take Iubarb i. Sengreen to the same effect The herbe Molon hath a stem chamfered or channelled along soft leaues those small a root foure fingers long in the end whereof it beareth an head like vnto Garlicke Some call it Syron Taken in wine it helpeth the stomack and difficulty of drawing breath In which cases the greater Centaury is singular if it be reduced into a lohoch or liquid electuary Plantain also eaten any way either in a green-sauce or sallad This composition is reputed a soueraign medicine Take of Betony stamped the weight of one pound of Atticke hony as much incorporat them together and hereof drinke euery day the quantity of halfe an ounce in some conuenient liquor or in water warm Aristolochia or Agarick are soueraigne meanes to be vsed in these infirmities if one drinke the weight of three oboli thereof either in warme water or asses milke The herb Cissanthemos is good to be drunk for those that be streight winded and must sit vpright when they draw their breath In the like case Hyssop is commended as also for pursiuenesse and shortnesse of wind The juice of Harstrang is an ordinary medicine for the griefe of the liuer the pains also of brests and sides in case the Patient be cleare of the ague As for Agarick it helpeth all such as spit bloud if the pouder thereof to the weight of one Victoriat be giuen in fiue cyaths of honied wine Of the same operation is Amomum But particularly for the liuer the herb Teucria is thought to be soueraign if it be taken fresh green to the weight of foure drams in one hemine of water and vineger mixed together One dram of Betony giuen in three cyaths of warm water or in tw ain of cold is thought to be a singular cordiall The iuice of Cinquefoile helpeth all the imperfections of the liuer and lights it cureth them that voyd or reach vp bloud and generally it serueth for al inward corruptions and distemperatures of the whole masse of bloud Both Pimpernels be wonderfull medicinable for the liuer Fumiterre the herb whosoeuer do eat shal purge choler by vrine Galangale is helpfull likewise to the liuer to the chest also and the midriffe or precordial parts The herb Caucon named also Ephedra and by some Anabasis groweth ordinarily in open tracts exposed to the wind it wil clime vpon trees and hang down from their boughs and branches Leafe it hath none but is garnished with a number of haires which are no other but rushes indeed full of ioints and knots the root is of a pale colour Let this herb be beaten to pouder and giuen in red wine that is greene and hard it is good for the cough for the shortnesse of wind and the wrings of the belly it may be taken also in some other supping whereto it were conuenient to put wine In like sort the infusion of one dram of Gentian which hath lien steeped the day before may be very wel taken in three cyaths of wine for those purposes Herb Benet or Auens hath a small root of a blackish colour which hath a good sent this herb not only cureth the pains of the brest and side but also discusseth all crudities proceeding of vnperfect digestion by reason of the pleasant sauour that it hath As for Veruaine it is medicinable vnto all the prrncipall and noble parts within the body good for the sides the lungs the liuer and the breast but most properly it respecteth the lungs and namely when the patient is in a phthy sick or consumption by the means of their vlcer The root of Bearfoot an herb which I said was but lately found out is a present remedie for swine sheep goats all such cattel in case they be diseased in the lights if it be but drawn crosse through any of their eares The same ought to bee drunke in water and a piece thereof continually held vnder the tongue As for any other part of this hearbe aboue ground be it leafe stalke floure or seed it is not yet certainly knowne whether it be good or no for any purpose in Physicke As for the kidneies the hearbe Plantaine is good to be eaten Betonie to be drunke Agaricke also to be taken in drinke like as for the cough Tripolium groweth vpon the rocks by the sea side on which the sea-water beateth so as a man cannot say that it is either in the sea or the drie land in leafe it resembleth woad but that it is thicker the stemme is a span or hand-breadth high forked and diuided at the point the root white odoriferous grosse and hot in taste when it is sodden in a frumenty pottage of wheat they giue it with good successe to those that be diseased in the liuer this is thought of some to be all one with Polium whereof I haue spoken in due place Symphonia or Gromphena an herbe hauing leaues some red others greene growing to the stem in order one red and another greene is a soueraigne medicine for such as reach and void vp bloud if it be taken in oxycrat or vineger water mingled together Melandryum is an herb found growing in corn-fields medows with a white floure and the same of a sweet and pleasant sent the smal stems therof be commended for the liuer in case they be stamped giuen in old wine Chalcetum commeth vp in vineyards which if it be punned serueth for a good cataplasme to be applied vnto the region of the liuer The root of Betony taken to the weight of foure drams in wine cuit or honied wine prouoketh vomit readily as well as Ellebore But for this purpose Hyssope is better being beaten in pouder and giuen with honey but order would be giuen before vnto the Patient to eat Cresses or Irio Molemonium also is of the like effect if it be taken to the weight of one denier Moreouer the herb Silybum hath a white juice like vnto milke which after it is thickened to the substance of a gum is vsually taken to the foresaid weight with hony for a vomitorie and doth euacuat cholericke humors especially On the contrary side wild Cumin and the poâ—…der of Betony if they be drunk with water do stay vomiting For to digest the crudities of the stomack and to rid away the loathing to meat Carrot is thought to be very good so is the pouder of Betony if it be taken in honied water and Plantain also boiled in potage after the manner of Coleworts or such like potherbs Hemonium staieth the painful yex oâ—… hocquet In like sort Aristolochia Clymenos giues liberty to draw the wind more freely The greater Centaury and Hyssop are singular in drink for the pleurisie and inflammation of the lungs The iuice of Harstrang principally is a proper remedy for those that haue
the pleurisie Touching that Plant which the French cal Halum the Venetians Cotonea it is holden excellent for the griefe of the sides for the reines those that be plucked with the cramp and bursten by any inward rupture this herb somwhat resembleth wild Origan or Marjeram saue that in the â—…ead it is like rather vnto Thyme sweet it is in tast and quencheth thirst a spungeous and â—…ht root it hath in one place white in another black Of the same operation for the paires of the â—…de is Chamaerops an herbe which hath leaues growing double about the stalk and those like vnto the Myrtle leaues and bearing certain buttons or heads much after the manner of the Greekish Rose and the way to take it is in wine Agarick drunk in that order as it was prescribed for the cough doth assuage the paine of the Sciatica and the back bone Semblably doth the pouder of dried Stoechas or Betony if it be taken in mead or honied water CHAP. VIII ¶ Of all the infirmities and remedies of the belly and those parts that either be adioining to it or within contained The means how to loosen and bind the belly TOuching the panch or belly much ado there is with it and although most men care for nothing els in this life but to content and please the belly yet of all other parts it putteth them to most trouble for one while it is so costiue as that it will giue no passage to the meat another while so slippery as it will keep none of it one time you shal haue it so peeuish as that it can receiue no food and another time so weake and feeble that it is able to make no good concoction of it And verily now adaies the world is growne to that passe that the mouth and panch together are the chiefe meanes to worke our death The wombe I say the wickedest vessell belonging to our bodies is euermore vrgent like an importunat creditour demanding debt and oftentimes in a day calleth vnto vs for victuals for the bellies sake especially we are so couetous to gather good for the belly we lay vp so many dainties and superfluities to content the belly we stick not to saile as far as the riuer Phasis and to please the belly we seek sound the bottome of the deep seas and when all is done no man euer thinketh how base and abject this part of the body is considering that filthy ordure and excrement which passeth from it in the end No maruell then if Physitians be much troubled about it and be forced to deuise the greatest number of medicines for the help and cure thereof And to begin with the staying and binding of it a dram of Scordotis the herbe stamped greene and taken in wine doth the feat so doth the decoction thereof if it be drunke Also Polemonia is a soueraigne herb to be giuen in wine for the bloudy flix The root of Mullen or Lungwort taken to the quantity of two fingers in water worketh the same effect The seed of Nymphaea Heraclea drunk in wine is of the like operation so is the vpper part of the double root of Glader or the Flagge ministred to the weight of two drams in vineger To this purpose also serueth Plantaine seed done into pouder and put into a cup of wine or the herb it selfe boiled with vineger or els frumenty pottage taken with the juice thereof Plantaine sodden with Lentils or the pouder of the dry herb strewed like spice into drinke together with the pouder of starched Poppie The iuice also of Plantain or of Betony put into wine that hath bin heat with a red hot gad of steele either ministred by clystre or drunk in the said case is very commendable Moreouer the same Plantain or Betony is singular to be giuen in some green or austere wine for those who are troubled with the lask proceeding from a weake stomack and for that purpose Iberis may be applied vnto the region of their belly as I haue before said In the disease Tinesmus which is an inordinat quarrell to the stool and a straining vpon it without doing any thing the root of Nemphar or Nymphaea Heraclia is singular good to bee drunk in wine likewise Fleawort taken in water the decoction of Galangale root the juice of Housleeke or Sengreene stoppeth the flux of the womb staieth the bloudy flix and chaseth out of the body the round worms The root of Comfrey and of the Carot stoppeth likewise the bloudy flix The leaues of Housleeke stamped and taken in wine are singular good against the wringing torments of the belly The pouder of dried Alcaea drunk cureth the said wrings Astragalus i. Pease Earth-nut an herb bearing long leaues indented with many cuts or jags and those which be about the root made bias riseth vp with three or foure stems full of leaues carieth a floure like to the Hyacinth or Crow toes the roots are bearded and full of strings enfolded one within another red of colour and exceeding hard in substance it groweth in rockes and stonie grounds exposed to the Sun and yet charged or couered with snow the most part of the yeare such as is the mountain Pheneus in Arcadia This herb hath an astringent power the root if it be drunk in wine bindeth the belly by which means it prouoketh vrine namely by driving backe the serous and watery humors to the reines like as most of those simples that be astringent that way are diureticall The same root stamped and taken in red wine healeth the exulceration of the guts thereby staieth the bloudy flix but suâ—…ely hard it is to bruise or stamp it the same is singular for the apostumation of the gums if they be fomented therwith the right season to draw and gather those roots is in the end of Autumne when the herb hath lost the leaues and then they ought to be dried in the shade Both sorts of Ladanum growing among corne be excellent for to knit the belly if they be stamped and searced The manner is to drink them in mead likewise in wine to represse choler Now the herb whereof Ladanum is made is called Lada groweth in the Island Cypros the liquor wherof sticketh commonly to goats beards The excellent Ladanum commeth out of Arabia There is a kind of it made now adaies in Syria and Africke which they call Toxicon for that in those countries the people vse to take their bow strings lapped about with wooll trail the same after them among those plants which beare Ladanum and so the fattie dew cleaueth therto Of this Ladanum I haue written more at large in my treatise of ointments redolent compositions but this later kind is strongest in sauor hardest in hande and no maruell for it gathereth much grosse and earthy substance whereas indeed the best Ladanum is commended and chosen when it is pure clear odoriferous soft green and full of rosin The
hath a round root and the same yellowish and senting much of the earth the stem is foure cornered of a mean height small and slender and the floure much like to that of Basill Found it is ordinarily in stony grounds The root of this hearb drunk in mead to the weight of 2 deniers doth euacuat downward by the belly both cholericke and also flegmatick humors The seed causeth troublesome and vnquiet dreams if one drinke a dram therof in wine Fumiterre also consumeth and dispatcheth the kings-euill Polypodium which wee cal in Latine Filicula because it is like vnto Fearn purgeth choler The root which is only medicinable and in vse is ful of hairs of a greenish colour within as big commonly as a mans little finger full of hollow concauities it is representing those holes that the fishes called Polypi haue about their feet or clees sweetish it is in tast and groweth either vpon rocks or else at the foot of old trees After that this root hath bin wel soked in water they vse to presse the iuice forth of it or the same may be shred minced smal strewed among pothearbs either of Beers or Mallows yea and put into the pot with them or els tempered in some salt sauce or sodden in broth a fine medicine and a safe gently loosing the belly though the patient were in an ague it doth euacuat choler and flegme both but somwhat offensiue it is to the stomack The pouder of it dried conueighed vp into the nosthrils consumeth the ill-fauoured sore within called Polypus or Noli-me-tangere It floureth but seedeth not Moreouer Scammonie also ouerturns and hurteth the stomack vnlesse two drams of Aloe be put vnto as many oboli of it for then it purgeth choler and sendeth it down by the belly Now this Scammonie is the juice of a certain herb called likewise Scammonea which brancheth and tufteth immediatly from the root the leaues be fat white and made triangle wise the root thick moist and in handling wil make ones stomack to rise and be ready to heaue It loueth to grow in battle grounds and those of a white leere About the rising of the great Dog-star they vse to make an hollow trough in the root as it groweth to the end that all the moisture thereof may fall and gather into it which liquor beeing dried in the Sun is wrought and made into bals or trochisks The root it selfe also is commonly dried or at leastwise the rind thereof In regard of the countrey where it groweth that is commended most which comweth from Colophon Mysia and Priene but if you respect the form and look of it chuse that which is neat and clean resembling as neare as possibly may be strong Oxe glue spungeous or fistulous full of holes or passing small pipes If you go by other qualities take that which wil soon dissolue or melt which also hath a strong and stinking smel clammy and gummy turning into a whitish liquor like milk if you taste it at the tongues end exceeding light in the hand and when it is resolued growing to a whitish colour And yet this property you shall see in that Scammonie which is sophisticate and that yw is may soone be done for do but take the meale or floure of Eruile and the iuice of the sea Tithymal such is that commonly which commeth from Iudaea it wil counterfeit the right Scammony but such stuffe as this offendeth the throat and is ready to choke or strangle as many as vse it Howbeit this may be soon found by the very tast only for the Tithymall setteth the tongue in a heat as if it were a bulb root and is not good to purge whether a man take it fasting or full As for the true and sincere Scammony they were wont to exhibit it for a purgation euen simply by it self alone in a draught of mead with some salt and the dose was four oboli But it was found to do the deed best and most effectually taken with Aloe so that the patient when it began once to worke took a prety draught of sweet honied wine Furthermore the root if it be boiled in vineger to the consistence of hony maketh a singular liniment for to annoint the leptosie yea and in case of head-ach it is found good to annoint the head with it oile together As for the Tithymall aforesaid our countrymen here in Italy some call it Lactaria as one would say the Milke herb other Lactuca caprina i. Goats Lectuce It is commonly said that with the milke or juice of these Tithymals a man may write vpon the skinne of the body for draw any letters therewith and strew ashes or dust thereupon when they be drie they will appeare very legible And this is a tricke practised by those that make court vnto other mens wiues their mistresses deliuering their minds secretly vnto them by this means which they dare not set down in paper or missiue letters Many kinds there be of these Tithymals The first is known by the addition of Characias which also is called the male Tithymall the branches be of a finger thicknes red riueled 5 or 6 in number running vp to the height of a cubit and leaued they be immediatly from the root which hang downward inclining to the earth but in the top it hath an hairy tuft or head in manner of rushes This groweth in rough places and rocks by the seas side The seed together with the hairy bush that it hath they vse commonly to gather in Autumn which after it be dried in the Sun they stamp and then lay vp against their need As for the iuice men draw it about the time that Quinces begin to ripen and gather a downe about them for then they breake the sprigges and tender crops of the plant out of which there issueth the iuice or milk which they receiue either in Eruile floure or els vpon figs that it may dry with them together Now it is sufficient to let fiue drops fall vpon euery such fig for this opinion they haue that looke how many drops light vpon a fig so many stooles shall hee haue who taketh that fig in a dropsie to purge waterish humors But in the gathering of this iuice or liquour great heed must be taken that no drop of it touch the eyes There is a iuice also pressed out of the leaues being bruised and stamped but not so effectuall as the former The decoction of the branches also is vsed to the same purpose And the seed being sodden serueth to the making of certaine pils confected with hony which are highly commended for purgatiues the same seed enclosed within wax is good to be put into hollow teeth when they ake in which case also a collution made of the root boiled in wine or oile is singular good if they be washed therewith With the iuice of this herb there is a liniment made for tettars and ringworms and some
busheth and spreadeth with a number of branches the seed whereof is hot and the root of no validity or vse in Physick likewise they imposed vpon other the names of Arrhenogonum and Thelygonum the seeds or graines of which resemble cods or cullions Moreouer it is said That whosoeuer haue about them the marow or pith of the Tithymal branches shall be very prone and forward to the sports of Venus Theophrastus a renowned author and otherwise a graue and modest writer exceedeth in this point and telleth vs of strange and incredible wonders and namely of a man who was able to company with women seuenty times together by touching or handling one only herb but he hath not put downe either the name or portraiture of that herb Sideritis the herb if it be bound to the swelling and painfull veins called Varices in Latine doth not only diminish their tumor but also appease and take away their dolour Touching the gout the time hath bin when it was not so common a disease as now it is and not only in our fathers and grandsires daies but euen in our age and within my remembrance it was no ordinary sicknesse here in Italy as being a forrain malady and come out of strange countries hither to vs for certainly if it had bin known to the Italians in old time I doubt not but it would haue found a Latine name to be called by Neither is the gout a disease incureable as some haue beleeued for known it hath bin in some to haue worne away of it selfe without any medicines but in many more to haue been cured by the meanes of Physicke Among the appropriat remedies for this malady are to be ranged the roots of Panaces applied in a cataplasm with raisins the juice of Henbane or the seed with the floure or pouder of Selama Scordium laid too in a pultesse with vineger and the hearbe Iberis as hath beene sayd before also Veruaine stamped and incorporat with hogs grease is good for the gout so is the root of Sowbread the decoction wherof healeth kibed heels if they be bathed therin the root of Xiphion cooleth the hot gout the seed of Psyllium doth the same Hemlock also incorporat with Litharge or hogs grease but aboue all other Housleek or Sengreen is right soueraigne to be applied at the first assault or fit of the red gout i. when it is occasioned by a flux of hot humors and whether it be hot or cold gout Groundswell tempered into a liniment with swines grease and so applied is a very fit and conuenient medicine as also Plantain leaues stamped with a little salt mixed among and Argemonia punned in a mortar applied with hony moreouer Veruain reduced into an vnguent is singular in that case yea and if the goutie feet be well soked in the decoction therof much ease wil insue thereupon also Lappago an herb resembling Pimpernell but that it is fuller of branches and tufted more with leaues which also be rough rugged and wrinckled yeelding a juice in tast more harsh and in smell strong and vnpleasant as for that of this kind which is soft they call Mollugo like vnto which but for the leaues that be more rough in handling is Asperugo whereupon it took the name Now for the gout let the Patient take euery day 11 deniers weight of the juice pressed forth of the former Lappago in two cyaths of wine but for this disease the most excellent remedy and that which rids it quite is the sea-weed which in Greeke they call Phycos Thalassion and in Latine Fucus Marinus an herb like vnto Lettuce commonly Murets other shel-fishes lye bedded vpon these weeds which being applied before they are dried do cure not the gout of the feet onely but also any disease of all other joints Now of this Sea-grasse so named there be found three kinds the first is broad and large the second longer and somwhat red the third hath curled and frizled leaues which in Candy they do vse in dying of their clothes but all are of one and the same operation in Physick Nicander was wont to giue them in wine as a counterpoison against the venome of serpents Moreouer the seed of that herb which I named Psyllium is singular good for the gout if the same be well steeped in water so that in euery hemine of the seed there be mingled the quantity of two spoonfuls of Colophonian rosin and one of frankincense Finally the leaues of Mandragoras be highly commended in this case if they be stamped and incorporat with fried Barly groats into a cataplasme CHAP. XI ¶ Generall medicines and receits for all the infirmities incident to the Feet the Ankles Ioints and Sinews Item the remedies for those diseases which possesse and trouble the whole body Of the herbe Mirthrida Medicines for those that cannot sleep and for the Palsie Of cold feuers and the ague that is incident to horses of the Phrensie Of the herbs Walwort and Housleek Last of all of the Shingles or S. Anthonies fire IF the feet be swoln about the ankles the mud that is found in the bottom of waters wrought and concorporat together with oile is of wonderful operation to allay the same For the pain in the ioints or griefe of sinews the juice drawn out of Centaury is passing good in like maner the herb Centauris As for Betony it is comfortable vnto the nerues which run and spread behind ouer the shoulder-blades the shoulders the back-bone the loins and hanches if it bee taken in * drink after the manner as it was ordained for the liuer Cinquefoile is soueraign for the pain of the joints if it be applied outwardly likewise the leaues of Mandragoras made into a pultesse with parched barly meale or the root it selfe newly drawn out of the ground stamped with the wild Cucumber or els boiled in water for the chaps that appeare in the feet or vpon the elbows the root of Polypodie is singular good for the griefe of the joints the juice of Henbane reduced into an ointment with swines grease is a proper remedy likewise the iuice of the herb * Amomum together with the decoction also Cotton-weed or Cudwort boiled in water or fresh gathered mosse soked in water and bound to the grieued place and there kept fast without remouing vntill it be drie as also the root of the Bur called Lappa Boaria drunke in wine Sow-bread sodden in water cureth the eluish angry kibes beginning to rise vpon the heels and all other chilblanes and bloudy fals occasioned by cold Semblably Vmbilicus Veneris applied with hogs grease healeth the foresaid kibed heels so do Crowfoot leaues and the juice of Epithymum Ladanum made into a salue with Castoreum and so applied fetcheth out the core of agnels or corns by the roots the like effect hath Vervaine if it be laied too with wine And now that I haue run through those maladies which are offensiue
juice of the root either after it hath lien a time infused or simply stamped without any such preparation yea and the substance of the root reduced into pouder and giuen in a draught of water made hot with a gad of steel quenched in it Some haue appointed in this kind of ague 3 of those roots and 3 cyaths of water precisely and the same Physitians for a Quartaine haue prescribed foure of either and by their saying if when Borage beginneth to fade vpon the ground one take out the pith or marow within the stem and whiles he is so doing name withal the sick party and say hee doth it for to rid him or her from the ague and withall bestow it in 7 leaues neither more nor lesse of the said herbe and hang all tied fast about the patient before the time that the sit should come the feuer wil neuer returne again Also a dram of Betony or Agaricke taken in three cyaths of mead driueth away any intermittent ague especially those that begin with quiuering and quaking Some are wont to giue of Cinquefoile three leaues in a tertian and foure in a quartan and so rise to more according to the period or type of the rest others ordain indifferently for all agues the weight of 3 oboli with some pepper in mead or honied water Veruaine verily giuen in wine as a drench to horses cureth them of their feauers but in Tertians it must be cut just aboue the third joint where it brancheth but for Quartanes at the fourth The seed of both kinds of Hypericon is good to be drunk in Quartans And the pouder of Betony dried is singular for the quaking fits and in very deed the herb it selfe represseth all shiuering and whatsoeuer proceeding of cold In like maner Panaces is of so hot a nature that Physitians giue direction to them who are to trauell ouer high mountains couered with snow for to drink it annoint their bodies all ouer with it Semblably Aristolochia doth withstand all chilling and through colds The best cure of those who be in a frensie is by sleepe and that may be procured easily by the juice of Peucedanum vineger together infused vpon the head by way of imbrocation or by rubbing the same with it likewise with the juice of both the Pimpernels Contrariwise there is more adoe with those that are in a lethargy to awaken them and keep them from drowsinesse and yet may that be affected some say by rubbing their nosthrils with the juice of the said * Harstrang in vineger For those that be out of their right wits or bestraught Betony is singular good to be giuen in drink Panaces breaks the Carbuncle also the pouder of Betony in water healeth it or the Colewort with Frankincense if the patient drinke often therof hot Some take a burning cole of fire and when it is extinguished or gon out in the presence of the patient with their finger gather vp the cindres or light ashes which settle therupon and apply them vnder the carbuncle others stamp Plantain and lay it to the sore the Tithymall called Characites cureth the dropsie Also Panaces and Plantaine taken as a meat in bole with this regard That the patient haue eaten some dry bread before without any drinke at all In which case Betony likewise is singular if two drams thereof be giuen in as many cyaths of wine simply or wine honied Moreouer Agaricke or the seed of Lonchitis drunke to the quantitie of two Ligulae or spoones full in water Flea-woort beeing vsed with wine the juice of Pimpernels both the red and the blew the root of Vmbilicus Veneris in honied wine the root of Walwoort newly drawne out of the ground so that the earth bee onely shaken off without any washing at all in case as much thereof as two fingers will comprehend be taken in one hemine of old wine hot the root of Clauer or Trefoile drunke in wine to the weight of two drams Tithymall named Platyphillon the seed of Hypericon and namely that which otherwise is called Coris Chamaeacte which some think to be Wall-wort if either the root be beaten to pouder and ministred in three cyaths of wine so the patient haue no feuer hanging vpon him or the seed giuen in thick red wine be appropriat remedies euery one for a dropsie In like maner Vervaine if a good hand full thereof be boiled in water vnto the consumption of the one halfe But principally the juice of Wall-wort is thought to be the meetest medicine for to fit this malady For the bleach or breaking out in wheales for small pocks swine pocks and such like eruptions of flegmatick humors Plantain is a proper remedy to rid them away so is the root of sowbread applied with hony The leaues of Walwort or ground Elder stamped incorporat in old wine and so laid too doe heale the meazels purples or red blisters which some call Boa The juice of Nightshade or pety Morell vsed as a liniment killeth the itch The shingles and such hot pimples called S. Anthonies fire are cured by nothing better than by Housleek by the leaues of Hemlock stamped into an vnguent or the root of Mandragoras Now the manner of prâ—…paring and ordering it thus take the said root drie it abroad in the open aire like as they do Cucumbers but principally let it hang first ouer new wine afterwards in the smoke this don stamp it and temper it with wine or vineger Good it is also in this case to make a fomentation with wine of Myrtles and therwith to bathe the grieued place Also take of Mints two ounces of sulphur-vif one ounce pouder them both and mingle them together with vineger vse this mixture for the said S. Anthonies fire And some take soot vineger tempred together for the same purpose Now of this disease which we terme * S. Anthonies fire there be many kindes whereof there is one more daungerous than the rest which is called * Zoster for that it coueteth to goe round about the middle of a man or woman in manner of a girdle and in case both ends meet together indeed it is deadly and incureable To meet with it therefore by the way to preuent this extremity Plantaine is thought to be a soueraign remedy if it be incorporate with Fullers earth Also Veruaine alone by it selfe and the root of the great Bur. Now for other corrosiue vlcers and tettars it is very good to vse the root of Vmbilicus veneris with honied wine Sengreen the juice of Mercurie also with vineger CHAP. XII ¶ For dislocations or members out of ioint Against the Iaundise Felons hollow sores called Fistula's Tumors Burnes and Scaldings Against other diseases For to comfort the sinewes and stanch bloud THe root of Polypodium brought into a liniment is a proper remedy for any dislocation The seed of Fleawort the leaues of Plantaine punned with some few cornes of salt put
the Aconite also giueth the bucklers to enemies twaine pernicious poisons both the one to it selfe and the other to all the world Now if happely any man should say That the wit and head alone of man could possibly compasse the knowledge of these things surely he should shew therein his ingratitude and impiety vnto the gods in not acknowledging their beneficence The people about Heraclea to kil the Panthers which breed in those parts vse to rub with Aconite certain gobbets of flesh which they doe lay about the mountains as a bait and bane for them and vnlesse by this meanes they did destroy them no doubt they would fill the whole countrie which is the cause that some call it Pardalianches i. libard-bane but they again on the other side presently haue recourse to the excrements of a man as I haue before declared the only counterpoison whereby they saue themselues who doubteth now but the knowledge of this secret came first to them by meere chance and considering that it is not possible to render a reason of the nature and vsage of such wild beasts and whensoeuer we see the like to fall out we count it still a new strange accident we must needs attribute the finding thereof to Fortune CHAP. III. ¶ That of all Creatures and Inuentions in this life the author is a god THis Chance and Fortune then by means wherof we attaine to so many inuentions that we haue is a diuine power and no lesse indeed than a God by which name also we vnderstand and call that great mother and mistresse of all things dame Nature and surely considering that conjecturall it is and doubtfull Whether these wild beasts come by this knowledge day by day at a venture or were indued naturally at the first with that perceiuance we haue as great reason to attribute a diuinity and godhead to the one as the other Well be it Chance or be it Nature that hath thus ordered the matter certes a great shame it had bin that all other creatures should haue knowne thus as they do what is good and profitable for them and man only remain ignorant But such was the industrie and goodnesse of those ancestours of ours in times past that they not only deuised means but also deliuered to posterity how this venomous herbe Aconitum might be most safely and commodiously mingled in those collyries and medicines which be ordained for the eies an euident argument and plaine proofe I assure you that there is nothing so bad but it hath some goodnesse in it and may be vsed wel And therfore dispensed withall I looke to be if I who hitherto haue written of no poisons put downe the description thereof to the end that a man may know it and by knowing take heed and beware This herb hath leaues resembling Cyclamin or the Cucumber in number no more than foure and those toward the root in some sort rough and hairy The root but small and the same like vnto a sea crab fish and therfore some haue named it Cammaron whereas others for the reason before shewed call it Theliphonon And for that the root doth turn and crook inward in maner of a scorpions taile there be that giue it the name Scorpion There wanted not others who chose rather to call it Myoctonon because with the very sent it is able to kill mice and rats a great way off It groweth naturally vpon bare and naked rocks which the Greeks cal Aconas which is the reason as some haue said why it was named Aconitum And for that in the place where it groweth or neare vnto it there is no mould nor so much as any dust found for to giue it nourishment some haue thought it took the name therupon Yet there be others who assigne another cause of that denomination to wit for that it is as forcible and as speedy in working the death of those whom it toucheth as the hard stone or rag in turning or wearing the edge of any yron toole for no sooner commeth it neere vnto the body and is applied vnto it but the quicke operation is sensibly found CHAP. IIII. ¶ Of Aethiopis Ageraton Aloe Alcea Alypon Alsina Androsace Androsaemon Ambrosia Anonis Anagyron and Anonymon THe leaues of Aethiopis are great and many in number hairy also neere vnto the root and otherwise correspondent to those of Mullen It riseth vp with a four cornered stem rough in handling and after the maner of the main stem of the Clot-bur hauing many concauities or holes like arm-pits in the grafting of the branches to the said stem It beareth seeds like vnto Eruile which ordinarily grow double two by two and are white The roots be many and those long ful and well nourished soft and clammy in tast being dried they wax black grow hard withal in such sort as a man would take them for horns They grow ordinarily in Aethyopia also vpon the mountain Ida in the region of Troas and in Messenia The right season to gather these roots is in Autumne and then they ought to be laid a drying in the Sun for certain daies together to keep them from moulding Being taken in white wine they help the infirmities of the matrice and the decoction therof drunk is good for the Sciatica the pleurisie the hoarsnesse in the throat But that which commeth out of Aethyopia is counted best and hath no fellow for it worketh presently As for Ageraton it is an herb of the Ferula kind growing vp to the height of 2 spans like to Origanum but that the floures resemble buttons or brooches of gold The fume of this herbe when it burneth prouoketh vrin and mundifieth the matrice especially if a woman sit in a bath thereof and do foment the natural parts therewith The reason of the name Ageraton is this because the floures continue very long before they seem to fade and wither Aloe is an herbe which hath the resemblance of the sea-onion but that it is bigger and the leaues be more grosse and fat chamfered or channelled biais all along the stem that it beareth is tender red in the middest not vnlike to Anthericon one root it hath and no more which runneth directly deep into the ground in manner of a big stake strong it is to smell vnto and biter in tast The best Aloe is brought out of India but there groweth good store thereof in Asia howbeit of no vse but that they lay the leaues fresh vnto green wounds for they do incarnat and heale wonderfully like as their juice also And for that it is such an excellent wound-herbe folk vse to set and sow it in barels or pipes pointed beneath and broad aboue like as they do the greater Housleek Some there be who for to draw a juice or liquor out of it stay not vntill the seed be ripe but cut the stem for that purpose others make incision also in the leaues moreouer there is otherwhile found in
Aloe a certain liquid gum issuing out of it self and sticking fast to the stem thereof and therefore they hold it good to paue or ram the ground hard all about the place where Aloe groweth that the earth should not drink vp the liquor which distilleth from it Some haue written that in Iury aboue Ierusalem higher into the country there is a certain minerall Aloe to be found growing in manner of a mettal within the ground but there is none worse than it neither is there any blacker or moister If you would know the best chuse that which is fat and cleare of a red colour brittle and apt to crumble close compact in manner of a liuer easie also to melt and resolue If you see any that is black hard sandy or grittie a thing which may soone be knowne betweene the teeth in tasting of it the same is to be rejected for naught Many there be who do sophisticat it with other gums and the juice Acacia Aloe is of an astringent nature seruing to make thick to close fast and gently to heat any part of the body Much vse there is of it in many cases but principally to loosen the belly being the onely purgatiue medicine that is comfortable to the stomack and strengtheneth it so farre is it from offending the same by that laxatiue vertue or any contrary qualitie that it hath for this purpose the ordinary dose to be giuen in drinke is one dram But when the stomacke is feeble and wil keep nothing the manner is to take the quantity of one spoonfull thereof in two cyaths of water either warm or cold twice or thrice in a day by turns pausing some space between as need requireth and as the patient shall find expedient Moreouer if occasion be to purge the bodie throughly Physitians vse to giue three drams thereof and not aboue And the better wil it work if it be taken presently before meat If the head be rubbed or annointed therewith and some austere and astringent wine against the haire and in the Sunne it retaineth the haire that is ready to fail A liniment made of it together with vineger and oile Rosat applied vnto the forehead and temples in maner of a frontall easeth the head ach so doth it also if by way of embrochation it be distilled from aloft vpon the head in a more thin and liquid substance A very conuenient and singular medicine it is to heale all the diseases incident to the eies but especially for the itch and scab rising in the eie-lids Also when the skin looketh blacke and blew vnder the eies or otherwise be marked by occasion of some bruise it taketh them all away if it be applied thereto with hony and namely that which commeth out of Pontus It is a proper remedy for the amygdals the gums and all the vlcers of the mouth Taken to the weight of a dram in water it staieth the spitting and voiding of bloud vpward if it be not excessiue but in case it bee violent immoderat it ought to be drunk in vineger The flux of bloud in wounds or the bleein any part whatsoeuer it stancheth either applied by it self alone or els with vineger In other respects also it is right soueraign for wounds a great healer and that which vniteth skinneth quickly A singular remedy it is to be either cast vpon the vlcers of a mans yard the swelling piles the rifts chaps of the seat in plain dry pouder by it self alone or els to be applied therto with wine or with cuit according as the griefe requireth to be mitigated or repressed Moreouer it gently staieth the immoderat flux of bloud by the haemorrhoids And in a clyster it is excellent to heale the exulceration of the guts in the bloudy flix Also it is very good wholsom for those who hardly digest their meat to drink it a pretty while after supper And for the Iaundise it is singular to take the weight of 3 oboli thereof in water It is good to swallow pils of Aloe either with boiled hony or Turpenttne for to purge the guts and inward bowels and a salue made therewith taketh away the whitflaws and impostumations about the naile roots for eie-salues and other ocularie medicines it ought to be washed that the most sandy and grosse parts therof may settle to the bottom and be separated from the purer substance or els it ought to be torrified in an earthen vessell and plied continually with stirring with a quill or feather that it may be burnt and calcined equally Touching Alcaea it is an herb bearing leaues like vnto Veruain which also is called Peristereon rising vp with three or foure stems well garnished with leaues and carrying floures in maner of Roses it putteth forth for the most part six white roots and those a cubit long not directly but crooked and bending bias It groweth ordinarily in battle grounds and such as stand somwhat vpon water The roots chiefely do serue in Physick which being taken with wine or water do cure the dysentery or bloudy flix stop a lask and knit those that are burst inwardly vpon some violent strain or convulsion As for Alypon a pretty herbe it is shooting vp with a slender stem adorned with little soft and tender heads not vnlike to the Beet quick and sharp in taste biting exceedingly and burning howbeit clammy to the tongue Taken in mead with a little salt it maketh the body soluble The least dose that is giuen thereof is two drams from which they arise to foure which is counted a reasonable indifferent potion but neuer exceed the weight of six And ordinarily this purgation is taken by them that haue occasion to vse it in broth of a cock capon or pullet Alsine which some call Myosoton is an herbe growing among groues whereupon it tooke that name Alsine It begins to put forth and appeare aboue ground about midwinter and by midsummer it is dried away when it traileth and creepeth vpon the ground the leaues doe represent the ears of little mice But another herb there is as I will shew hereafter which more fitly and properly in that regard may be called Myosotis Surely this might be taken well enough for Hexine but that the leaues be smaller and those lesse hairy It groweth vsually in gardens and most of all vpon walls when it is stamped or bruised it senteth of a Cucumber Commonly vsed it is in cataplasmes for to be applied vnto impostumes and inflammations and emploied it may be in all those cases whereunto Parietary serueth For the same effect they haue both but that Chickweed is weaker in operation And this particular property it hath by it selfe besides to stay the flux of waterie humors into the eies also to heale all vlcers and those especially which are in the priuy parts being applied thereto in a pultesse with Barly meale the juice thereof is good to be dropped or poured into
tooth-ach so that the patient hold the decoction in his mouth For the Sciatica and strangurie it is good to be taken at the mouth in wine and outwardly applied it healeth burns and cureth kibed heeles in which cases the root is much commended if together with the seed it be stamped with wine and a fomentation made with the decoction thereof As touching Asplenum some there be who call it Hemionion an herbe putting forth many leaues foure inches long the root is giuen to haue cranks and holes and those full of mud or durt much-what do the leaues grow like to Fearn the root is white and rough It beareth neither stalk stem nor seed It delighteth to grow among rockes and stones vpon walls standing in the shade and in moist grounds The best is that which we haue out of Candy It is commonly said that if the decoction of the leaues boiled in vineger be drunke forty daies together it wasteth the swelled spleen The same may be applied in a liniment for that purpose so also they do stay the excessiue yex or hocket This herb would not be giuen to women for it causeth them to be barren Asclepias beareth leaues resembling Iuie long branches many small roots and those odoriferous howbeit the flours haue a strong and rank stinking smell with them the seed much like to the Axvitch It loueth to grow vpon mountains The roots of this herbe not only taken inwardly in drinke but also applied outwardly in a liniment do ease the wrings of the belly and resist the sting of serpents After is by some named Bubonium for that it is a present remedy for the tumours arising in the share This herbe putteth vp a small stemme with two or three leaues somewhat long In the top thereof it beareth certaine little heads inuironed with spokie leaues and those disposed round in manner of a starre Taken in drinke it is thought to be a preseruatiue against the venom of serpents But to make a medicine for the share beforenamed it must they say be gathered with the left hand nd then kept fast bound neere vnto the middle or girding place of the patient And surely it helpeth the Sciatica in case it be tied sure to the affected place Ascyron and Ascyroides be herbes resembling one another and both like vnto Hypericon howbeit that which is named Ascyroides hath the bigger branches and those streight and direct much after the manner of Fenell and such like red throughout and in the top thereof appeare little heads or knobs of a yellow color The seed contained in certain pretty cups is smal black and gummie bruise the said tops or knobs between your fingers they seem to stain them with bloud which is the cause that some cal this herb Androsaemon The seed is singular for the Sciatica namely if the patient drink two drams weight thereof in a sextar of Hydromel that is to say mead or honied water for it looseneth the belly and purgeth choler A liniment made therewith is much commended for a burne Apace is an herb which hath very fine and small leaues and a little taller it is than the Lentill but larger cods it beareth wherin lie three or foure seeds blacker moister and smaller than the grains of the said Lentill It groweth vpon corn lands More astringent it is by nature than the Lentill and bindeth stronger for all other matters it worketh the same effects The seed boiled staieth vomits and lasks Touching Alcibion what manner of herb it should be I neuer could yet finde in any writer But they giue direction to stamp the roots and leaues thereof and so in a cataplasme to apply them vnto any place stung with serpents and to drink them also Now they prescribe for the drink to take of the leaues one good handfull and to stamp them and so to giue them in three cyaths of meere wine ful of the grape or of the root three drams weight with the like measure of wine Alectorolophos in Greek called by vs in Latine Crista Galli i. Cocks-comb hath leaues for all the world resembling the crest or comb of a cock and those in number many a slender stem and black seed inclosed within certain cods A soueraign herb it is for them that cough if it be boiled with bruised beans and taken in maner of an electuary with hony It scattereth the cloudy films that trouble the eie-sight the maner is to take the seed whole and sound as it is and to put it into the eie it is nothing offensiue nor troubleth that part one whit but gathereth to it selfe all those grosse humors which impeached the sight And in very truth this seed whiles it is within the eie changeth colour and being black before beginneth to wax white it swelleth withall and in the end commeth out of the eie by the owne accord CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Alum THe herb which we name in Latine Alum the Greeks call Symphytum Petraeum as if one would say Comfrey of the rock and verily like it is to wild Origan The leaues be small and three or foure branches spring immediatly from the root the tops whereof resemble those of Thyme Much branched it is otherwise odoriferous in smel and sweet in tast it draws down water into the mouth and causeth spitting The root which it putteth forth is long red This herb taketh pleasure to grow in stony places among rocks in which regard it took the addition of the name Petraeum Singular good it is for the sides and flanks the spleen reines and wrings of the belly for the breast the lights for such as reject or cast vp bloud and are troubled with the asperity and hoarsnesse in the throat for which infirmities the root is to be stamped boiled in wine and so drunk yea and otherwhiles to be reduced into a liniment and so applied Moreouer the chewing of it only quencheth thirst and hath a principal vertue to coole the lungs Being applied outwardly in the form of a cataplasm it knitteth dislocations helpeth convulsions is comfortable to the spleen the bowels or guts if they be fallen by any rupture The same root rosted or baked vnder the ashes staieth a lask in case it be first shrigged from the hairy strings thereof and pilled and then after it is beaten into pouder be drunk in water with nine Pepper corns And for healing of wounds so soueraigne it is that if it be put into the pot and sodden with pieces of flesh it will souder and reioine them whereupon the Greekes imposed vpon it the name Symphytum i. Consound finally it serueth to vnite again broken bones CHAP. VII ¶ Of Reits or sea-grasse and Wallwort Of the wild vine and Wormewood THe sea-weed that looketh red named in Latine Alga is very proper for the prick and sting of Scorpions Touching Wallwort it hath leaues carrying a strong and stinking smell with them the stems be rough and parted into ioints the seed black like
blacke and blew vnder the eies with hony it reduceth the place to the natiue colour againe The vapour or fume of the decoction of wormwood receiued into the eares assuageth their paine or if they run with corrupt matter it is good to apply the same reduced into pouder and incorporat in hony Take three or foure sprigs of wormwood one root of Nardus Gallicus boile them in six cyaths of water it is a soueraigne medicine to drinke for to prouoke vrine and bring downe the desired sicknesse of women or beeing taken simply alone with hony and withall put vp in a pessarie made with a locke of wooll it is of speciall operation to procure their monthly terms with honey and sal-nitre it is singular for the Squinancie it healeth chill-blanes if they be bathed with the decoction thereof in water applied vnto fresh or green wounds in a cataplasme before any cold water come vnto them it healeth them and besides in that manner it cureth the scals in the head being incorporat with Cyprian wax or figges and so applied to the flankes or hypochondrial parts it hath a particular vertue by it selfe to helpe their griefes Moreouer it killeth any itch Howbeit this would be noted that wormewood in no case must be giuen to those that haue an ague Let a man or woman vse to drinke wormewood they shall not be sea-sicke nor giuen to heauing as commonly they be that are at sea If wormewood be worne in a trusse to the bottome of the bellie it allayeth the swelling in the share The smell of wormewood procureth sleepe or if it be laid vnder the pillow or bolster prouided alwaies that the patient be not ware of it Either basted within cloaths or strewed vpon them it keepeth away the moth If one rub his body therewith and oile together it driueth gnats away so doth the smoke therof also when it burneth If writing inke be tempered with the infusion of wormewood it preserueth letters and bookes written therewith from being gnawne by mice The ashes of wormewood burnt and incorporate with oile Rosat to an ointment coloureth the haire of the head black There is yet another kinde of Sea-wormewood which some call Seriphium and excellent good is that which groweth about the city Taphositis in Aegypt Of this wormewood it is that the priests of Isis in their solemne marches and processions vse to beare branches before them The leaues be somewhat narrower than those of the former and the bitternesse not altogether so much An enemy it is to the stomacke howbeit the belly it loosneth and chaseth worms out of the guts for which purpose it is good to drink it with oile and salt or else the infusion therof in a supping or grewell made with the floure of the three moneth corne To make the decoction of wormwood well there would be taken a good handfull of wormwood and sodden in a sextar of water to the consumption of the one halfe CHAP. VIII ¶ Of stinking Horehound of Mille-graine or Oke of Ierusalem of Brabyla Bryon Bupleuros Catanance of Calla Circaea and Cersium of Crataeogonon and Thelygonum of Crocodilium and Cynosorchis of Chrysolachanon Cucubalon and Conserua STinking Horehound which some Greeks call Ballote others Melamprasion i. Black Horehound is an herbe tufted full of branches the stems be black and cornered the leaues wherwith they be clad and garnished are somewhat hairy resembling those of sweet or white Horehound but that they be bigger blacker and of a stinking sauor but the leaues stamped and applied with salt be very effectuall against the biting of a mad dog also if they be wrapped in a Colewort or Beet leafe and so rosted vnder the embers they are commended for the swelling piles in the fundament This Horehound made into a salue with honey clenseth filthie vlcers Botrys is an herb ful of branches and those of a yellowish colour and beset round with seed the leaues resemble Cichorie Found it is commonly growing about the banks of brookes and riuerets Good it is for them that be streight winded and cannot draw their breath but sitting vpright The Cappadocians call it Ambrosia others Artemisia As for Brabyla they be astringent in manner of Quinces More than so I find not any Author to write thereof Bryon no doubt is a Sea-herbe like in leaues to Lettuce but that they be riuelled and wrinkled as if they were drawne together in a purse no stem it hath and the leaues come forth at the bottom from the root it groweth ordinarily vpon rockes bearing out of the sea and ye shall find it also sticking to the shels of certaine fishes especially such as haue gathered any mud or earth about them The herbe is exceeding astringent and desiccatiue by vertue whereof it is a singular repercussiue in all impostumes and inflammations of the gout especially such as require to be repressed or cooled Touching Bupleuros I read that the seed thereof is giuen against the sting of serpents and that the wounds inflicted by them are to bee washed or somented with the decoction of the herb putting thereto the leaues of the Mulberrie tree or Origan Catanance is a meere Thessalian herb and growing no where els but in Thessalie and forasmuch as it is vsed only in amatorious matters and for to spice loue drinks withall I meane not to busie my selfe in the description therof howbeit thus much it would not be amisse to note for to detect and lay open the folly and vanities of Magitians namely that they went by this conjecture onely that it should be of power to win the loue of women because forsooth when it is withered it draweth it selfe inward like a dead Kites foot For the same reason also I will hold my tongue and say neuer a word of the herb Cemos Cala is of two sorts the one like to Aron which loueth to grow in toiled and ploughed grounds the time to gather this herb is before it begin to wither the same operation it hath that Aron and is vsed to the like purposes the root thereof is commended to be giuen in drink for a purgation of the belly and to prouoke the monethly termes of women the stalkes boyled leafe and all together with some pulse or other into a pottage and so taken cure the inordinate prouocations to the stoole and streinings therupon without doing any thing The second kind some call Anchusa others Rhinochisia the leaues resemble Lettuce but that they be longer ful of plume or down the root red which being applied with the floure of barly groats healeth shingles or any other kind of S. Anthonies fire but drunke in white wine cureth the infirmities of the liuer Circaeum is an herb like to winter Cherry or Alkakengi but for the flours which are black the seed small as the graine of Millet and the same groweth in huskes or bladders resembling little hornes the root is halfe a foot long forked
for the most part into three or foure grains or branches the same is white odoriferous and hot in the mouth it loueth to grow vpon rockes and stonie grounds lying pleasantly vpon the Sun The infusion of this root in wine is good to be drunke for the paine and other diseases of the matrice but of the said root there ought to be taken three ounces stamped and the same to steepe a day and night in 3 sextars of wine for to make the infusion aboue-named This portion also serues to send down the after-birth if it stay behind The seed of this herbe drieth vp milke if it be drunke in wine or mead Cirsion commeth vp with a slender stalke two cubits high and seemeth to be made 3 cornered triangle-wise the same is beset round about with prickie leaues howbeit the said prickes are but tender and soft The leaues in forme resemble an oxe tongue or the herb Langue-deboeufe but that they be smaller and somewhat white in the top whereof there put forth purple buttons or little heads which in the end turne to a plume like thistle down Some writers hold that this herb or the root onely bound vnto the swelling veines called Varices doth allay the paine thereof Crataeogonos spindleth in the head like vnto the eare of wheat and out of one single root ye shall haue many shoots to spring and rise vp into blade and straw and those also ful of ioints It gladly groweth in coole and shadowie places the seed resembleth the grain of the Millet which is very sharp and biting at the tongues end If a man his wife before they company together carnally drink before supper for 40 daies together the weight of three oboli of this seed either in wine or as many cyaths of water they shall haue a man childe betweene them as some say There is another Crataeogonos called also Thelygonos the difference from the other may soon be known by the mildnesse in taste Some authors affirm that if women vse to drinke the floures of Crataeogonos they shal within 40 daies conceiue with child But as well the one as the other applied with hony do heale old vlcers they incarnat and fill vp the hollow concauities of fistulous sores and such parts as do mislike and want nourishment they cause to gather flesh and fill the skin again foule and filthy vlcers they mundifie the flat biles and risings called Pani they rarifie and discusse gouts of the feet they mitigat generally all impostumations in womens brests specially they resolue and assuage Theophrastus would haue a kind of tree to be called Crataegonos or Crataeogon which here in Italy they call Aquifolia Crocodilion doth in shape resemble the thistly herbe or Artichoke called the blacke Chamaeleon the root is long and thicke in all parts alike of an hard and vnpleasant smel it groweth ordinarily in sandy or grauelly grounds If one drinke of it they say it will set the nose a bleeding and send out a deale of thicke and grosse bloud that the spleene will diminish and weare away by that means As touching Testiculus Canis or Dogs-stones which the Greeks cal Cynosorchis others simply Orchis it hath leaues like vnto those of the oliue soft tender they are and about halfe a foot long and therfore no maruell if they lie spred vpon the ground the root is bulbous and growing long-wise in a double ranke or two together the one aboue which is the harder the other vnder it and that is the softer when they be sodden folke vse to eat them after the manner of other bulbs and lightly a man shall find them growing in vineyards Of these two roots if a man eat the bigger it is said that he shal beget boies and if the woman eat the smaller she shal conceiue a maiden childe In Thessalie men vse for to drinke in goats milke the softer of these roots to make themselues lustie for the act of generation but the harder when they would coole the heat of lust whereby we may see that they be contrarie and one hindereth the operation of the other Chrysolachanon commeth vp like a Lettuce and commonly groweth in plots of ground set with Pines the vertue of this herbe is to heale wounds of the sinewes thought they were cut quite asunder if it be presently laied too There is another kinde of Chrysolachanon bearing floures of a golden colour and leafed like vnto the Beet when it is boiled folke vse to eat it in stead of meat and it looseneth the belly as well as Beets Coleworts and such like and if it be true that is reported whosoeuer beare this hearbe tied fast about any place of their bodies which is euer in their eie so as they may see the same continually it wil cure them of the jaundise Touching this hearb Chrysolachanum well I wot that I haue not written sufficiently that men might know it by this description and yet could I neuer meet with any author who hath said more or described it better This verily hath been the fault and ouersight euen of our moderne Herbarists of late daies To write sleightly of those herbes and simples which they themselues knew and were acquainted with as if forsooth they had been knowne to euery man setting downe onely their names and no more which is euen as much as to tell vs a tale and say that with the rennet or rundles of the earth one might stay a laske or giue free passage to the vrine in the strangury so it be drunke in wine or water As for Cucubalum they write of it That if the leaues bee stamped with vineger they heale the stings of serpents and scorpions Some of them cal this herb by another name Strumus and others giue it the Greeke name Strychnos and black berries they say it hath The iuice thereof taken to the quantity of one cyath with twice as much honied wine is soueraigne for the loins or small of the back likewise it easeth the head-ache if together with oile of roses it bee distilled vpon the head by way of embrochation The herb it selfe in substance made into a liniment healeth the wens called the kings euill Concerning the fresh water Spunge for so I may more truly terme it than either mosse or herbe so thicke of shag haires it is and fistulous withal it groweth ordinarily within the riuers that issue from the root of the Alpes and is named in Latine * Conferua for that it is good to conglutinat in manner of a souder Certes I my selfe know a poore labourer who as he was lopping a tall tree fell from the top down to the ground and was so pitiously bruised thereby that vnneth he had any sound bone in all his body that was vnbroken and in very truth lapped he was all ouer with this mosse or spunge call it whether you will and the same was kept euermore moist and wet with sprinckling his owne
water vpon it whensoeuer it began to drie vpon him with the heat of his body seldome was it vndone or remooued and neuer but when of necessity for verie change fresh was laied too for default of the other and by this manner of cure and no other the poore wretch recouered perfectly in so smal a time that it was wonderful and almost incredible CHAP. IX ¶ Of the berrie called Coccum Gnidium Of the Tazill and Oke ferne Of Dryophonon and Elatine Of Empetrum otherwise named Calcifraga Of Epipactis or Elleborine Of Epimedium Enneaphyllon and Ferne. Of the herbe named Oxe-thigh Of Galeopsis otherwise Galeobdolon Of Glaux or Eugalactum THe berrie Coccum Gnidium in colour resembleth the Scarlet graine in quantity a pepper corne but that it is bigger of an ardent and caustick quality it is and therefore they vse to lap it in the soft crum or pith of a loaf of bread and to swallow it for feare it should burn the throat as it passeth down A present remedy this is for those who are impoisoned with Hemlocke and it hath a good propertie to stop a laske The Tazill called in Greeke Dipsacos hath leaues much resembling Lectuce sauing that in the mids of the back-part there are to be seen certain bubbles as it were or risings and those be prickly the main stem which it beareth is two cubits high and the same armed with pricks at euery ioint and knot whereof it putteth forth two leaues which do compasse and inclose the same round about in maner of wings making thereby a certaine concauitie or hollow receptacle wherein alwaies there standeth a saltish dew or water In the top of this maine stem and other branches proceeding from it it beareth certaine burry heads beset all ouer with sharpe pricks like those of an Vrchin and it loueth to grow in waterie places This herb closeth vp and skinneth the fissures or chaps in the fundament also the root boiled in wine healeth fistuloes but the same ought to be so tender sodden as it may be wrought like wax that a colyrie or tent made of it may be put into the concauitie of the sore Moreouer it cureth werts of all sorts and some there be who to take away werts wash them with the liquor found in the hollow pith of the foresaid wings The Oke fern named in Greek Dryopteris is like to other fern groweth vpon trees hauing leaues finely slit and those somewhat sweet in tast the root is rough and hairy of a caustick and fiery nature is this herb and therefore the root being punned is a depilatory and fetcheth off haire for which purpose the manner is to apply it in manner of a liniment vntill it procure sweat which course would be re-iterated twice or thrice during which time the sweat must not be wiped away Dryophonon is an herb much like to Dryopteris the stems wherof be small yet growing to the length of a cubit those be inuironed on both sides with leaues an inch broad in shape much like to Bruscus or butchers-broom called in Greek Oxymyrsine but they be whiter and softer bearing a white floure likewise in manner of the Elder The young crops and tendrils of this herb may be eaten when they are sodden and the seed is commonly vsed in stead of pepper Running Buckwheat or Bindweed named in Greek Elatine putteth forth smal leaues round and hairy much like to those of Parietary of the wal and immediatly from the root there spring fiue or six prety branches halfe a foot long furnished well with leaues This herb grows among corn soure it is and harsh in tast wherupon it is taken to be very effectuall to represse the fluxe of humors which cause watering eies if the leaues be stamped with barley groats and applied with a fine linnen cloath vnderneath The same boiled together with Lineseed cureth the bloudy flix in case the patient drinke the broth or decoction thereof As for Empetron which our countrymen in Latine name Calcifraga it groweth vpon mountains regarding the sea and commonly vpon rocks and stony cliffes the nearer it is to the sea the salter tast it hath by which means if it be taken in drink it purgeth choler fleam the farther off that it groweth from the sea and the more terrene and earthly substance that it hath the bitterer is it found to be and this doth euacuat waterish humors but the manner of taking it is in some potage or els in mead Being long kept it loseth the force if it be fresh and new gathered and then either sodden or stamped it is diureticall and breaketh the stone And verily they that promise thus much in the behalfe of Empetron and would seem to justifie and make good their word do affirme for the better credit thereof That if stones doe boile with it in the same pan they will burst in pieces Epipactis named by some Elleborine is a little herb bearing small leaues soueraign for the diseases of the liuer and against all poisons if it be taken in drinke Epimenidion putteth forth no great stem bearing ten or twelue leaues resembling the Iuie but it neuer sheweth floure the root is smal black and of a strong and stinking smel it groweth vpon moist grounds of an astringent nature it is and cooleth mightily an hearbe that women must beware of The leaues stamped and applied to the paps of maides keep them down that that they shall not grow Enneaphyllon hath long leaues in number nine neither fewer nor more and those be of a burning or causticke nature a singular hearbe for the paines of loines and the Sciatica but it ought to be applied enwrapped well in wooll for feare least it burne the flankes for presently it raiseth blisters Of Ferne be two kinds and they beare neither floure nor seed Some of the Greekes call the one Pteris others Blechnon from one root whereof there spring many branches representing wings and those exceed two cubits in length yeelding no vnpleasant sauor and this they suppose to be the male The second kind the said Greeks some call Thelypteris others Nymphaea Pteris this groweth single and brancheth not into many stems shorter it is than the former softer also and thicker of leaues and those toward the root guttered and somwhat hollow there is neither of them both but their roots will feed swine fat and the leaues of the one as well as the other are disposed on both sides so as they do represent birds wings wherupon the Greeks gaue them the name Pteris The roots of both Fernes be long and those growing bias in colour blacke especially when they be drie and dried they ought to be in the Sunne Fern groweth euery where but their most delight is in a cold soile The due time of digging them vp is about the setting of the star Virgiliae There is no vse in Physicke of their roots but when they be iust two yeres
old for both before after the time they serue for no purpose Taken in this their season they do expell all kind of vermin out of the guts with honey if they be broad and flat wormes but in some sweet wine for all the rest whether they be round or small so that the Patient continue this drink three daies together Neither of them both but are very contrarie and offensiue to the stomack howbeit they purge the belly and first euacuat choler then soon after waterish humors but the better do they chase the foresaid flat wormes out of the body in case they be quickened with the like quantitie of Scammonie The root of Ferne taken to the weight of two oboli in water cureth all rheums but the Patient ought to fast one whole day before and likewise eat a little hony somewhat before that he take the said drink As for women neither the male nor the female Fern would be giuen vnto them for if they be with child it wil driue them to trauell before their time and slip an vntimely birth and if they be cleare it hindereth conception and causeth them to be barren The pouder of Ferne roots is singular to be strewed or cast vpon maligne vlcers yea and the farcins and sores in horse necks The leaues of Ferne kill punaises or wallice and a serpent they will not harbor and therefore it is good for those who are to lie in suspected places to make them pallets of Ferne leaues or at leastwise to lay them vnder their beds the very smoke also of them when they be burned do chase away serpents Moreouer Physitians haue made some difference and choice euen in this herbe also for the best is counted that of Macedony and the next to it in goodnesse commeth from Cassiope As touching the herb called in Latine Femur bubulum i. Ox-thigh it is very good for the sinews if being new gathered it be stamped and incorporat in vineger and salt Galeopsis otherwise called by some Galeobdolon or Galion hath a stem and leaues like to the nettle but that they are more smooth and mild in hand which being bruised or stamped yeeld a stinking smell and it beareth a purple floure it groweth euery where about hedges and path-waies The leaues and stalks both stamped and applied with vineger heal all hard tumors and cancerous sores likewise the wens called the kings euill they resolue flat impostumes and the swellings behind the ears now the manner is to foment the said infirmities with their decoction Being laid too with salt they heale vlcers tending to putrifaction and gangrens As touching Glaux in old time called Eugalacton it is an herb in leafe resembling Treetrifolie and the Lentill but that the back part of the leafe in Glaux is whiter The branches that be in number fiue or six and those springing directly from the root very small doe creepe along the ground the flours which it putteth forth be of a purple colour and this herb is found growing ordinarily neare the sea-side Being boiled in a gruell made of fine wheat floure it causeth nources that drinke it to haue plenty of milke in their brests but then they must presently goe to a baine or hot house CHAP. X. ¶ Of Glaucion Of Paeonie and Cudwced or Cottonwort called also Chamaezelon Of Galedragon Holcus Hyosiris Helosteon and Hippophaeston GLaucion grows naturally in Syria and Parthia a low herb tufted thick with leaues much like vnto Poppie but that they be smaller and looke more foule and greasie of an vnpleasant and stinking smell bitter also in tast styptick and astringent graines it beareth of a Safron colour whereout is drawne the juice Memithra called by the Greeks Glaucium also as wel as the herb Now for to get this juice they vse to couer the graines in mud or clay and put them in an earthen pot which they set in an ouen where after they are well heat they vse to presse out of it the foresaid juice And not onely it but the leaues also if they be stamped are much vsed for the flux of humors to the eies especially such as fal together all at once in great violence And of this herb or juice there is a certaine collyrie compounded which the Physitians call Diaglaucion a good medicine also for nources to drinke in water if they haue lost their milke and would recouer it againe Paeony which some in Greeke call Glycyside others Paeonia or Pentorobos hath one main stem two cubits high the same accompanied with two or three more lesse stalks of a reddish colour and the rind resembleth that of a Bay tree the leaues be very like vnto Woad were they not fatter rounder and smaller seed it beareth in certaine husks like grains and those be partly red and partly blacke Of Paeony there be two kinds the female it is thought to be to the root whereof there sticke eight long bulbes commonly or six at least the male hath more of them hanging to it by reason it standeth not vpon one single and entire root onely but of many and those run downe a span deep and be white withall These roots are found to be astringent and stypticke at the tongues end As for the female the leaues thereof do sent of Myrrhe and grow somewhat thicker than those of the male They loue both to grow in woods It is commonly said That the roots must be digged vp in the night season for feare that the Wood-speight or Hickway should see them for in the day time the said bird would flie in their faces that carry it away and be readie to job out their eies In the very drawing also of those roots out of the ground there is some danger least their fundament or tiwill fal out of their bodies who are imployed about that businesse But I suppose all this to be but a fabulous and vaine inuention deuised onely to make folke beleeue it is an herbe of wonderfull operation Moreouer the grains are diuersly vsed for the red beeing taken to the number of fifteene or thereabout in some grosse or hard VVine doe stay the monethly fluxe of the reds in women whereas the blacke drunke to the same number in sweet wine cuit or simple wine cure the passions of the matrice and namely the rising of the mother The root giuen in wine appeaseth all the paines of the belly clenseth the guts cureth the convulsion or cramp which plucketh the neck body backward and the jaundise it pacifieth also the griefes of the reins and bladder As for the wrings of the matrice and stomack the same boiled in wine doth assuage them the lask it staieth and being eaten with meat it is good for those that be troubled in their braines or otherwise giuen to melancholy But in these cases foure drams is counted a sufficient dose The black grains taken to the number aboue said in wine help those that be ridden with the night-mare and in danger thereby to haue
leafe commeth neere vnto garden Parsley the seed thereof is good to be drunke for the stone and the infirmities incident to the bladder As for Phalaris it hath a long slender stem like vnto a reed in the top whereof it beareth a floure bending downward and the seed resembleth that of Sesama and this also breaketh the stone if it be drunke in wine or vineger or otherwise with milk and honey The same cureth the accidents of the bladder Polyrrhizon is leafed like vnto the Myrtle and hath many roots which being bruised are giuen in wine against the poison of serpents not only if men but also if fourfooted beasts be stung by them Proserpinaca likewise being otherwise a common herb is counted a soueraigne remedy against scorpions the same stamped and incorporat with fish-pickle and oile is by report a singular medicine against the prick of scorpions Ouer and besides it is said that if it be but held vnder the tongue it refresheth those who be ouertrauelled or any waies wearied so as they haue lost their speech with very faintnesse but in case it be swallowed downe the throat it procureth vomit which alwaies is good and wholsome for the Patient As touching Rhacoma it is brought vnto vs out of those countries which are beyond the kingdome of Pontus a root it is much resembling the black Costus but that it is smaller and somewhat redder also without any smell hot at the tongues end and astringent being punned it is of a wine colour inclining to safron a liniment made of this root doth mitigate all impostumes and inflammations healeth wounds and appeaseth the violence of any rheums taking a course to the eies especially if it be applied with cuit al marks remaining after stripes other places of the skin black and blew it taketh away if they be annointed with it and vineger together the pouder thereof is good to be cast vpon old morimals and vlcers vntoward to be healed being to the weight of one dram taken in water it is singular for them that cast vp bloud moreouer in case of the dysentery and the flux proceeding from imbecility of the stomacke it is an excellent medicine to be taken in wine if the Patient bee free of the ague otherwise it would be giuen in water For to pun or stamp this root more easily it had need to lie and soke in water ouernight the decoction thereof is giuen to drinke in double measure or quantity for those that be plucked with the cramp bursen bruised or to such as haue tumbled down from some high loft In pains of the brest there had need some Pepper and myrrh to be put thereto in case the stomack be feeble and clean done it ought to be taken in cold water and whether it be giuen inwardly or applied outwardly it helpes all those that void vp filthy matter from the parts beneath likewise it cureth such as haue weak liuers hard or swelled spleens and the Sciatica it healeth the infirmities of the kidnies shortnesse of wind straitnesse of breath namely when a man is driuen to sit vpright for it The hoarsnesse and roughnesse of the throat it cureth if either the pouder be taken to the quantity of 3 oboli in cuit or the decoction drunk The filthy tettars called Lichenes it scoureth away applied vnto them in a liniment with vineger In drink it dissolueth ventosities riddeth away through-colds and namely the shiuerings and shakings in cold agues it represseth the yex or hicquet appeaseth the wrings of the belly cleareth the windpipes dispatcheth the pose the murre and heauinesse of the head stilleth the dizzines of the head and turning of the brain occasioned by melancholy humors and finally assuageth all painfull lassitudes and is singular good for cramps or convulsions About the towne Ariminum there groweth an herb commonly knowne by the name of Reseda it resolueth and discusseth all impostumes it reduceth also into temperature any inflammation But they that vse to cure with this herb must when they lay it to the place say withall these words following Reseda morbos Reseda scisne scisne quis hic pullos egerit Radices nec caput nec pedes habeant That is to say Reseda cause these maladies to cease knowest thou knowest thou who hath driuen these pullets here Let the roots haue neither head nor foot This charm I say they must pronounce three times ouer and spit vpon the ground as often To conclude Stoechas groweth in those Islands onely which carry that name and be called Stoechades an odoriferous herb it is bearing leaues like vnto hyssop and is bitter in tast taken in drink it procureth womens moneths and doth mitigat the pains of the brest Also it is one of the species or ingredients entring into the preseruatiue compositions called Antidotes CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Nightshade of Smyrnium and Telephium Of Trichomanes Thalietrum and Thlaspi Of Tragonia Tragonis Tragum Tragoprgon and Spondylis Also that some diseases are not incident to certaine countries NIght shade called in Latine Solanum the Greeks name Strychnos as saith Cornelius Celsus an herbe this is which hath a vertue repercussiue and refrigeratiue Loueach named otherwise Smyrnium hath a stem like vnto Persley and the leaues be larger it putteth forth many sions or imps from about the stem and out of their concauities there spring certain fatty leaues those hanging as if they were broken toward the ground hauing an aromaticall smel joined with a certain acrimony which is not vnpleasant of a colour inclining to a weak and faint yellow The stem beareth in the head certain round spoky tufts in manner of Dill. The seed round and black which waxeth to be dry in the beginning of summer The root is likewise redolent but in tast quick and biting full of juice soft and tender the rind of which root is black without but pale within the odour which it hath testifieth the qualitie of myrrh whereupon it took the name Smyrnium This herb groweth vpon hills as well such as be rocky as those that be altogether earthy The nature of it generally is to heat and extenuat The leaues and root both prouoke vrine and the monthly terms of women the seed knitteth the belly and staieth a lask The root vsed in a liniment discusseth all impostumes as well broken as not broke so that they be not inueterat and of long continuance and in one word resolueth all hardnesse in the flesh Soueraigne it is against the prick of the venomous spiders Phalangia and the sting of serpents being drunk in wine with Cachrys Polium or Baulm with this charge That if it be taken peece meale for if it were taken entire and whole it would prouoke vomit and for this cause otherwhiles it is giuen with Rue The seed or root chuse whether you will cureth the cough and difficulty of breath when the Patient cannot take his breath but sitting vpright In like manner it helpeth those who are diseased
in the chest spleene reines and bladder The root hath a particular property to heale ruptures and convulâ—…ons the same giues speedie deliuerance to women in trauell of child and expelleth the after-birth also for the sciatica it is giuen in wine together with Crestmarine otherwise called Sampier it prouoketh sweat breaketh wind vpward and causeth rifting whereby it riddeth the stomack of the ventosities that trouble it it healeth wounds and bringeth them to cicatrice or skin again Out of the root there is a juice also pressed good in womens infirmities and in the maladies incident to the chest and precordiall parts for it clenseth increaseth naturall heat and helpeth digestion The seed hath a speciall operation to cure them that haue a dropsie giuen in drink like as the juice also applied in a liniment and the rind of the foresaid root dry incorporate in an emollitiue cataplasme Moreouer it is much vsed in meats together with honied wine oile fish sauce named Garum but principally if flesh meats be boiled together therewith It helpes concoction in the stomack as hauing a sauor and tast much like vnto pepper The same is right effectuall to allay the paine of the said stomacke As touching Telephium it is an herb in leaf and stem resembling Purcellane immediatly from the root there spring seuen or eight small shoots or branches and those garnished with grosse fleshy leaues It loueth to grow in toiled grounds but principally among vines whiles it is green it serueth in a liniment to fetch out spots and freckles in the visage for which purpose also it is good dry being brought into pouder it mundifieth the skin also from the morphew so that the place be annointed therewith euery day or night six houres together for the space of three moneths and afterwards well rubbed with barly meale It healeth all wounds besides and cureth fistuloes The Maidenhaire called in Greek Trichomanes is like vnto Adiantum only it is more slender and blacker the leaues grow thicke in manner of Lentils one ouer-against another and the same be bitter in tast The decoction of this hearbe sodden in white wine and so drunke with wine or rusticke cumin cureth the strangurie the juice keepeth the haire on the head which is ready to fall off or if it be shed already causeth new to come vp againe in the place The same beeing beaten to powder and incorporate with oile into a liniment maketh the haire to grow thicke where it is thin by occasion of the infirmity Alopecia If it be tasted at the tongues end it prouoketh sneezing Thalietrum otherwise named Thalictrum hath leaues made like vnto Coriander saue that they be somwhat fattier and in the stem resembleth Poppy it liketh any ground but loueth especially to grow vpon plains the leaues incorporat with hony heale any vlcers Thlaspi or Thlaspe is of two kinds the one with narrow leaues a finger long and as broad as a finger breadth the same grow inclining toward the ground and in the head diuided or slit the stem is but slender and halfe a foot high howbeit not altogether naked and without branches In form the fruit or cod resembleth a buckler inclosing seed within not vnlike in shape to Lentils but that it seemeth crusht and broken whereupon the plant took the name Thlaspi the floure which it beareth is whitish This herb groweth ordinarily about common foot-paths in hedges The seed in tast is hot and vnpleasant working vpon choler and fleam which humors it doth euacuat vpward and downward the right dose wherof is the measure of one acetable for a potion Good it is also for the Sciatica being ministred in a clystre vntil it bring away bloud Moreouer it procureth women their desired sicknesse but if they be with child it killeth that which they go withal The second Thlaspi which some cal the Persian Napi hath broad leaues and great roots this herb also is good to be clysterized for the Sciatica and as well the one as the other is soueraigne for the tumors or risings in the share but the party who gathereth it must haue in charge to pluck it vp with one hand and say withall That he taketh it for the botches in the share for all impostumes and wounds As for Trachinia I find not in any writer what manner of herb it should be and verily I cannot beleeue that Democritus reporteth truly of it as he doth for monstrous it is and incredible which he promiseth of it namely That in three daies it will wast the spleene if the patient doe but weare it tied to any part of the body Tragonus or Tragion groweth vpon the sea-coasts of the Island Candy only an herb in seed leafe and branch very like vnto the Iuniper a iuice or liquor it yeeldeth resembling milk which gathering thick to the consistence of a gum with once laying too draweth forth arrow heads thorns or whatsoeuer sticking within the flesh for which purpose it ought to be stamped green and so made into a liniment with wine or else the pouder of it drie must be incorporat with hony The same causeth nources to haue good store of milk in their brests and is besides an excellent medicine for the sores and diseases incident to that part There is another hearbe called Tragos which some name also Scorpion it groweth halfe a foot high putting forth many shoots and branches but without leaues in stead whereof you shall see pretty little berries or grapes as it were of a ruddy colour of the bignesse of wheat-corns and pointed sharp in the head This herb likewise groweth by the sea-side Of these berries ten or twelue kernels dried and beaten into pouder and so taken in wine do helpe the fluxe proceeding from a weak and feeble stomack in like manner those also that haue a bloudy flix and that reach vp bloud They cure likewise women of the extraordinary shifts of their monthly fleurs Moreouer there is an herb called Tragopogon which others name Come the stem thereof is small the leaues like vnto those of Safron the root long and sweet bearing aloft vpon the top of the stem a certain cup which is broad and large with black seed within it In rough places it groweth commonly amongst greeues and bushes but goodnesse there is little or none at all in it Thus much verily as touching herbs I thought memorable and worth the writing which either I haue seen my selfe or learned from others howbeit for a farewell to this treatise I think it not amisse to aduertise the reader thus much more concerning herbs that some of them keep their strength and vertue longer than others for as I haue before noted Elaterium continueth a world of yeres the black Chamaeleon lasteth 40 yeares good but Ceutaury will not indure aboue twelue Harstrang Aristolochia and the wilde Vine may be preserued sound one yere in the shade Moreouer this would be obserued That of the herbs aboue named there is not a
with vs for sheets to make conduit pipes also it is driuen with the hammer into thin plates and leaues This mettal requireth much labor toile in Spain and France before it be gotten out of the mine so deepe it lieth whereas in Brittaine it runneth ebb in the vppermost coat of the ground and that in such abundance that by an expresse act among the Islanders themselues it is not lawfull to dig and gather ore aboue such a proportion set down by stint Furthermore all the black lead which now men haue in request is known by these names to wit Iovetanum Captariense and Oleastrense As for the drosse and refuse that is purged from it there is no difference at all so that it haue the due clensing by the fire as it ought These mines alone of lead haue one wonderfull and admirable gift aboue all others That if they be forelet a time and suffered to rest they will grow againe and be more fertile of ore thereby And in truth this seems to be the reason thereof for that the aire hath good means and libertie to infuse it selfe and to enter in at the pores and passages which it findes inlarged and open much like as we obserue in certain women who vpon their slips of abortiue fruit proue thereby more fruitfull and apt to conceiue And that this is true that I say of lead mines it was found of late by good experience in the mines of Santaria in the prouince of Boetica in Spain for whereas in times past for two hundred yeares together it was wont to be set for a rent of ten pound weight after it had taken repose and was opened againe it yeelded for euerie ten 55. Likewise the lead mine named Antimonianum within the said prouince which paid in old time but a chiefe of ten pound weight is come now to a yearly reuenue of four hundred pound To conclude one maruellous quality lead hath besides That no vessel made thereof will melt ouer the fire if there be water in it and yet cast into the said water a little stone or a small piece of brasse coin although it be no more than a Quadrant you shall see it melt and a hole burnt through it by and by CHAP. XVIII ¶ The medicines that we haue from Lead and the refuse and drosse of Lead of the veine of Lead called Molybdaena or Galena of Ceruse white Lead or Spanish White called Psimmithyum and of Sandaracha GReat vse there is in physicke of lead applied by it selfe alone and namely to represse and keepe downe the skars and cicatrices that rise aboue the other skin also by the refrigeratiue quality that it hath to coole the heat of fleshly lust if there be bound vnto the loins and region of the reins a thin plate or leafe thereof And verily Calvus the Orator who by occasion of much dreaming in his sleepe of venereous sports fell into mighty pollutions and so farther into the grieuous maladie of Gonorrhaea or running of the reines with wearing ordinarily these leaden plates stayed by report all such vaine and wanton fantasies and imaginations by which means he preserued also his strength and had a body able to endure the labor of much study and sitting at his booke And Nero the Emperor since the gods would haue it so vsed ordinarily to weare a plate of Lead to his breast vnder which he would chaunt out lustily with a wide throat and strong voice his filthy Sonnets and beastly Ballads but hee shewed thereby that Lead was a singular meanes to maintaine a good voice But to serue otherwise in Physick lead ought to be prepared and baked after this manner take an earthen pan of potters worke and lay one bed therin of brimstone finely poudered vpon which bestow another couch of thin leaues or plates of lead and a third course ouer them of brimstone and yron file dust together for to couer all this being done set the vessel into a furnace but while these things are calcining meet it is and necessary that the vessell or pan aforesaid be well luted and stopped close that there be no venting or breathing hole at all for otherwise the lead within the said pan would send forth a noisome vapour and pestilent most dangerous to all that be within the sent thereof but to dogges especially whom it killeth out of hand and verily as this exhalation of lead is deadly vnto them so the aire of all mettals in generall is aduerse and contrary vnto flies and gnats which is the reason that a man shall neuer see any of these insects in mines forges and bloome-smithies where mettals be vsually tried Now in the calcining of lead some there be who chuse rather to take the dust of lead gotten off with a file to mix the same with brimstone others think it better to vse cerusse rather than brimstone Furthermore lead doth yeeld from it selfe a certaine substance by way of loture which is of right great and manifold vse in physicke the making whereof is in this manner They take a leaden mortar they pun and stamp the same with a leaden pestill casting in raine water eftsoones and thus they labour at it continually vntill such time as the water grow to some consistence and be thicke againe this they permit to rest and settle the pure and cleare portion that is aloft they suck and soke away with spunges the grossest part that is setled in the bottome after it is dried they reduce into trochisks There be some who stamp in the same order the file-dust which commeth of lead others put thereto some lead ore among and as there be many that vse vineger or wine in this operation so there are some againe who take greace or roses in lieu thereof You shal haue those that for this purpose make choice of a stone mortar especially of Thebaicke marble but they take a leaden pestill rather than any other to bray and pun withall and by this means the medicinable lead will be the whiter Now as touching the lead calcined in manner aforesaid it may be washed also after the order of Antimonie and Cadmia and in this manner prepared it is of power astringent good to stop any flux or rheume proper also to skin and make a smal skar Much vse there is of lead thus burnt and washed in collyries or eie-salues and principally if the eies either stand out too far or be sunke in too deepe also it is singular to represse the excrescence of flesh in vlcers to heale the chaps in the seat or fundament to cure the running haemorrhoids and to discusse or keepe downe the blind and swolne piles and for all these accidents in generall the loture of lead aforesaid is most excellent But the ashes of lead burnt and calcined is more proper for the cure of corroding vlcers and filthy sores And in one word the same effects and operations it hath that the ashes of paper Also the manner of
nature thereof is to soften to drie to concoct and to procure sleep it retaineth the haire of the head being giuen to shed and maintaineth the same blacke still that it turne not hoary wholsom it is for the eares if it be instilled into them with Hydromel that is to say mead or honied water or els with oile Rosat It cleanseth the skin of dandruffe and when it seemeth to pill and withall healeth the running scals of the head if salt be mixed therewith And being taken with Storax Calamita it cureth an inueterat cough but most proper it is for those who belch soure and strong Moreouer Chondris which also is called bastard Dictamnum is a great binder of the belly so is Hypocisthis named by some Orobathion much resembling a green or vnripe Pomegranat This plant growes as I haue said vnder Cisthus whereupon it took the name Both kinds of it for twaine there be to wit the white and the red being dried in the shade stay a lask if they be drunk in thick austere or green wine the iuice only is vsed in Physick the which is astringent and desiccatiue and the red kind is of the twaine more appropriat for the staying or drying vp of rheumes which if it be drunke to the weight of three oboli is soueraigne for them that reach and raise vp bloud Either drunke or clysterized with Amyl it cureth the bloudy flix The like effects hath Veruaine giuen in water yea and in Amminean wine if the Patient haue no ague hanging vpon him with this proportion that there be the quantity of fiue spoonefulls of the herb put to three cyaths of wine Moreouer the herb Lauer which loueth to grow in brooks and riuers being either condite and preserued or els sodden allaieth the wrings of the belly Water-speeke or Pondweed called in Greek Potamogeton is singular good for the dysentery or bloudy flix for the flux also which proceedeth from a weak stomack This herb beareth leaues like to Beets but that they be lesse only and more hairy or furred with a downe A little it beareth aboue the water and hath a peculiar property which is refrigeratiue and astringent the leaues alone be medicinable those be good for the morimals in the legs for cankerous and corroding vlcers if they be applied in a cataplasme with hony or vineger Castor the Physitian describeth this herb Potamogeton after another sort namely with a small slender long leafe like vnto horse-haires putting forth a long stem likewise and the same smooth growing also in waters He vsed with the root of this herb to cure the Kings euill and heale all hard tumors This Potamogeton hath an aduersatiue nature to Crocodiles also and therfore they who hunt after them carry this herbe ordinarily about them In like maner Achillea stoppeth a lask And the same effects worketh Statice an herb running vp commonly in seuen stems in the top bearing buttons or heads resembling Roses Ceratia beareth but one leafe and hath a knotty and great root which is good to be eaten for to cure the lask occasioned by the feeble stomacke and the bloudy flix proceeding from the vlcer of the guts Lions-paw commonly called Leontopodion by some Leuceoron by others Dorypetron and Thorybetron hath a root which bindeth the belly and yet notwithstanding purgeth choler if it be taken to the weight of two denarij Roman in mead or honied water This herbe groweth in light and lean champian grounds It is said that if the seed thereof be taken in drinke it causeth strange visions and fantasticall dreames Harefoot which the Greekes name Lagopus drunke in wine bindeth the belly but if the Patient be in an ague it would be taken with water beeing applied and bound vnto the share it represseth the tumors and risings in those parts an herbe this is growing vsually among corne Many there be who for the dangerous bloudie flixe that is thought incureable commend highly aboue all other her bes Cinquefoile in case the Patient drinke the roots thereof boiled in milke and the like opinion they haue of Aristolochia in case there be taken of the root to the weight of one victoriat in three cyaths of wine Now this would be noted by the way that in these cases of astringency and binding all the medicines before named which are to be taken warme ought to be heat with a gad of steele quenched in the liquor Thus much of those Simples that bind the belly Contrariwise the juice of Centaury the lesse is a purgatiue if a dram thereof bee taken in one hemine of water together with some few cornes of salt and drops of vineger for it doth euacuate choler The greater Centaurie commonly called Rhapontick stilleth the wrings and griping paines of the belly Betonie maketh the body loose and soluble taken to the weight of foure drams in nine cyaths of Hydromell or Mead. In like manner Euphorbium is laxatiue so is Agaricke if two drammes thereof be drunke in water with a little salt or to the weight of three oboli in mead or honied water Sowbread also named by the Greeks Cyclaminos taken inwardly with water or put vp by suppositories prouoketh to the seege so doth a suppository made with the root of Chamaecissus Take a good bunch or handfull of Hyssope seeth it in water with a little salt to the consumption of a third part it serueth to euacuat fleagme if it be but applied as a liniment to the belly or stamped and incorporat with oxymel and salt in which maner vsed it driueth worms out of the body The root of Harstrang purgeth both flegmatick and cholerick humors also Pimpernel taken in mead is a good purgatiue so is Epithymum which you must take to be the floure of a kind of Thyme that resembleth Sauery here is the difference only that this floure is of a grasse green colour but that of the other Thyme is white Some call this Epithymum Hippopheon a simple not very wholsome for the stomack ne yet good to prouoke vomit howbeit singular to appease the wringing paines in the belly and to carminate or dissolue ventosities The same may be taken also by way of lohoch or liquid electuarie confected with honey and sometimes with the Ireos root for the stuffing and other imperfections of the breast Epithymum looseneth the belly if it be taken from foure drammes to six with honey a little salt and vineger Some Herbarists describe Epithymum otherwise namely that it groweth without any root and that it resembleth a little smal string or thread like vnto haire of a red colour which if it bedried in the shade and drunke in water to the weight and measure of halfe an acetable purgeth downeward fleagme and choler both Nemphar taken in some hard astringent or wine gently purgeth the belly Also Pycnocomon is laxatiue an herb this is like vnto Rocket but that the leaues be thicker in substance and grow more thin it