rising from the root set at distances with three small dark green leaves together the middle or end-end-leaf being the biggest at the joynts where the leaves come forth stand long stalks bearing small long hollow flowers ending in five and sometimes six yellow leaves after the flowers are past round black-shining berries succeed them the roots are tough and white creeping in the ground and coming up in divers places much increasing Jasminum Indicum flore phoeniceo THe Indian scarlet Jasmine from a large spread root consisting of many great fibres and smaller strings cometh up one two or more flexible branches not able to sustain themselves without the help of something to support them putting forth at every joynt some small short tendrils whereby it will strongly fasten unto any woody substance at the joynts come forth two winged leaves which are as large almost as Rose leaves full of veins and finely nicked on the sides which most usually stand three on a side and one at the end which are reddish at the first but afterwards of a fair yellowish green colour the flowers come forth at the ends of the branches many together which are long like a Fox-glove opening at the ends into five fair broad leaves like unto that of the Gentianella with a stile and small threds in the middle of a yellow or Saffron colour in some Plants the flowers have small red lines on the insides thereof others of a deep dark scarlet colour veined with small yellow lines These are the varieties of Jasmines growing in our English Gardens unto which we will insert some other woody climbing flower-bearing Plants which seem conveniently to cover and beautifie some Bowers as Periclimenum perfoliatum THe double Honisuckle which is so common that it needeth no description it is very fit to cover an Arbour in respect of the much spreading thereof and the multitude of sweet flowers grow in five or six stories one above another with round green leaves circling the stalk betwixt every roundle of flowers which are of the form of the wilde Honisuckle but fairer yellower and much sweeter Periclimenum Italicum flore rubro THe red Italian Honisuckle groweth something like the wilde kind with such green leaves but redder branches spreading very much so that two Plants one of the former and another of this are sufficient to cover a large Arbour the flowers of this are very many coming forth together in great tufts from the ends and sides of the red branches which are longer and better formed than those of the other which at first before they are fully blowen are wholly of a fine red colour but afterwards more yellow about the ends or upon part of the flowers which make a gallant shew and are of a sweet scent but not so strong as the former Clematis peregrina flore rubro REd Virgins-bower hath many limber woody weak branches covered with a brown thin outer bark and green underneath winding about any thing it can take hold of the leaves stand at the joynts consisting of three parts whereof some are notched on one side and some on both the flowers come from the joynts upon long foot-stalks which are made of four leaves standing like a cross of a sullen dark-red or liver-colour the roots are a bundle of browh strong strings fastened to a head running deep in the ground Clematis peregrina flore purpureo PUrple Virgins-bower differeth nothing at all from the former but onely in the colour of the flowers those of this being of a sad heavy bluish purple Clematis peregrina flore pleno purpureo THe double purple Virgins-bower in all the parts thereof is like unto the former but bigger and stronger the flowers are of the same colour with those of the last described and exceeding thick and double the outward leaves being broad like the former and the inner narrow and folded close together like a large button in the middle of the flower which open by degrees but so slowly that the outward leaves commonly fall away before the other open or shew themselves which is a great defect in this flower I have heard of two others of this kind which are said to grow in the Florists Gardens about Rome bearing double flowers the one of a bluish Peach-colour and the other white Maracoc sive Clematis Virginiana THe Virginian Climber riseth out of the ground in May with many long round winding stalks more or less according to the age and liking of the Plant which will grow with us to be five six or more foot high from the joynts come forth the leaves at each one and from the middle to the top a small clasper like that of the Vine and a flower also the leaves are broad at the bottom and about the middle divided into three parts nicked about the edges the bud of the flower before it openeth is like unto the seed-vessel of the common single Nigilla but longer having at the top five crooked horns which opening this bud or head divideth it self into ten parts susteining the leaves of the flower which are very many long sharp-pointed narrow and orderly spread open one by another some lying straight others crooked these leaves are of a whitish colour thick-spotted with a Peach colour having towards the bottom a ring of a perfect Peach-colour and above and beneath it a white circle which addeth much to the beauty of the flower in the midst whereof riseth an Umbrane which parteth it self into four or five crooked spotted horns from the midst of these riseth another roundish head which carries three nails or horns biggest above and smallest at the lower end never with us is this flower succeeded by any fruit but in the West Indies its natural Countrey it beareth a fruit like unto a Pomegranate from whence called there Granadilla containing a whitish pulp and many cornered rough black seeds of the bigness of Pear-kernels the roots are long somewhat thicker than those of Sarsa Parilla which run far in the earth and put up heads in several places The Jasmines bring forth their flowers from July untill the middle of August the first white and the common yellow are hardy and will endure our cold Winters and increase fast enough by Suckers but the Indian yellow is tender and not so easily raised this and the Spanish both sorts must be planted in Pots Tubs or Boxes that they may be housed in Winter with us they are usually encreased especially the Spanish kinds by grafting them late in the Spring the Approch-way upon the stock of the common white Jasmine the other Indian Jasmine flowereth about August and will endure the Winter if it be defended in its nonage but older Plants are hardy enough and may be encreased by Layers those which I have I raised from seeds which came from Virginia The double Wood-bind flowereth in May and the red in the end of June there is nothing more easily increased for every branch of either of them will take root
such like flowers of a whitish silver colour striped down the back of every leaf with a purple line they grow on the stalk in a long spike first flowering below and so upwards by degrees the root is a great bulbe whereunto are fastened divers cloggs like those of the former Asphodelus minimus albus THe least white Asphodill hath four or five narrow long green leaves almost three-square with a small stalk about a foot high without branches having at the top some white flowers like those of the former and striped on both sides every leaf with a purple line the roots are many cloggs smaller than any of the other Asphodelus minor albus sive fistulosus THe little hollow white Asphodill hath many long hollow green leaves growing thick together from among which come up many round stalks bearing from the middle to the top divers white star-like flowers with purple lines on the back of them like those of the white branched Asphodill the roots are not in cloggs like the former but small white strings fastened together at the head this is a tender Plant and apt to perish if it be not carefully preserved from Frost and wet in Winter Asphodelus luteus minor sive Hastula Regia THe small yellow Asphodill or Kings spear hath many long narrow-edged green leaves trailing on the ground the stalk riseth a yard high set with small long leaves to the middle where the flowers begin being many yellow and star-like the roots are many long yellow strings which run in the ground and increase very much this is the most common and least esteemed of all the Asphodills They do all flower in May and June except the two last the first of them flowereth in August and September and the other in July They may be taken up and the roots parted when the stalks are dry and presently set again for they would not be kept long out of ground and except the last white whose tenderness is expressed in the description they are all hardy and will thrive in any place most of them bring seeds which is not worth the sowing for that it will be many years before they bear flowers and no variety is to be expected from them and for gaining new Plants the old increase fast enough There is another kind of Plant called the Lilly Asphodill whereof that Sedg which beareth soon-fading dark yellowish Lilly-like flowers commonly called the Day-Lilly or the flower for a day common in every Country-Garden is a kind There are three other sorts worthy to be inserted two of them being very rare and of much esteem Lilia Asphodelus luteus THe yellow Lilly Asphodill riseth up with many long thin Sedgy leaves out of the middle of them cometh up a naked stalk bearing at the top thereof four or five small Lilly-like yellow flowers blowing one after another like the day Lilly but continuing many days before they fade the leaves dye to the ground before Winter and the roots are many long yellow strings very much increasing Lilia Asphodelus flore albo THe Lilly Asphodill with a white flower is in all the parts thereof like the former the leaves are of a fresher green colour and the flowers snow-white like unto the Savoy Spiderwort but that the stalk is higher and the flowers bigger Lilia Asphodelus flore carneo THe Lilly Asphodill with a blush or flesh-coloured-flower is very like the white the greatest difference is in the flowers which in this are of a fine bright blush or flesh-colour this and the white are very rare in England and France but frequently found in many Gardens in Germany Phalangium THe Spider-wort is next in order to be treated of there are some diversities of them but we will set out the best onely and first begin with that so like the white Lilly Asphodill that the one may easily be mistaken for the other Phalangium Alobrogicum THe Savoy Spider-wort riseth up with four or five green leaves like unto those of the Lilly Asphodill but shorter and of a whiter green colour out of the middle of them riseth up a stiff round stalk about a foot high bearing at the top one above another seven or eight flowers like in form to those of the Lilly Asphodill but lesser and of a pure white colour with some threds in the middle tipt with yellow and a small forked pointel the roots are long white thick strings joyned together at the head increasing reasonable well Phalangium majus Italicum album THe great Italian white Spider-wort hath many long narrow leaves spread on the ground with a reasonable tall stalk bearing at the top many star-like white flowers like but bigger than those of the common kind next described the roots are many white strings running under ground and increasing as well as the former Phalangium non ramosum vulgare THe common unbranched Spider-wort hath small leaves like grass but of a whitish green colour from among which riseth one two or more stalks almost two foot high bearing at the top many small white star-like flowers the roots are many long white strings like those of the last described but smaller Phalangium Virginianum THe Virginian Spider-wort hath a stringy root and broad grass-like leaves the stalk riseth up in joynts with some short leaves at the top thereof out of a tuft of those green leaves come forth the flowers which are many hanging down their heads at the first and turning up as they come to blow each flower containing three leaves layed flat of a blew colour with red threds in the middle tipt with yellow pendents they open commonly one after another and may be called a flower for a day for that they shut at night and never open again It is a great increaser and thereby grown common in almost every garden this was first brought unto us out of Virginia since we have received thence several other varieties differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers for besides the blew described we have another that beareth bigger and fairer blew flowers two that have red flowers a bigger and lesser and one with snow-white flowers in some years the flowers of the greater red will come double The Lilly Asphodills flower in the end of May or beginning of June and the Spider-wort about the same time the common unbranched kind is the first and the branched the last the two best Spider-worts that of Savoy and the Italian flower together about the end of May the Virginians a moneth later These plants are all hardy and will live and thrive in almost any soyl but best in that which is moist the time to take them up and transplant them is in August the roots may be parted as they grow in several heads and set again where they may stand two or three years unremoved they bear seeds from whence plants of the best kind may be raised that is of the white and blush Lilly Asphodills Savoy and Italian Spider-worts it will be four or five
the Spring grow to be large long and green three or four standing upon a short round weak green foot-stalk in the middle of the leaves the seed-vessel appeareth containing round brown seeds the root is something like unto that of the Tulip but commonly bigger and having that eminence at the bottom standing out very long from whence many fibres shoot into the ground Colchicum variegatum THe varigated Meadow-Saffron differeth from the last in that the Flowers rise higher and are striped with a deeper purple upon a pale blush ground throughout every leaf thereof which are longer than those of the former and not so round-pointed in the roots and leaves there is no material difference Colchicum atropurpureum variegatum THe dark purple striped Meadow-Saffron differeth from the other in that the Flowers at their first appearing are of a pale blush-colour with small and sharped-pointed leaves which after a little time become striped and garded with a dark sad purple Colchicum variegatum dictum Agrippina THe variegated Meadow-Saffron commonly called Agripina is of later discovery and more rarity than any of the former the difference chiefly consisting in the colour and marking of the Flowers which in this are white and red penached like a Tulip Colchicum fritillaricum Ne apolitanum THe checkered Meadow-Saffron of Naples hath larger and deeper purplish red Flowers and more eminently checkered like Fritillary than any other of that sort except the next whereof there is some diversity but this is the best the root and green leaves differ very little from those of the former Colchicum fritillaricum Chiense THe checkered Meadow-Saffron of Chio bringeth forth late in Autum small but beautiful Flowers of a pale purple colour thick spotted and checkered with blewish purple the green leaves come up in the Spring which are much smaller than any of the other commonly three in number of a fresh green colour lying on the ground twining and folding the edges the root is like those of the other but smaller and more tender Colchicum flore pleno THe double Meadow-Saffron is like the common English kind that grows plentifully in divers moist Meadows onely the Flowers of this are double containing many leaves of the same pale purplish colour with some chives tipt with yellow pendents among them Colchicum flore pleno purpureo THe double purple Meadow-Saffron differeth from the former in that the Flowers are smaller the leaves of them sharper pointed and of deeper purplish red colour Colchicum variegatum flore pleno THe double varigated Meadow-Saffron is like the first double kind onely some of the leaves of the double Flower will be striped and garded with white upon the pale blush ground Colchicum maximum flore pleno THe greatest double Meadow-Saffron hath Flowers much bigger and doubler than any of the former containing very many round-pointed leaves of pale purplish blush-colour spreading open and forming a gallant double Flower far transcending any of the former double kinds The roots of the Colchicums being set about the end of August or beginning of September will suddainly put forth fibres and shortly after Flowers being the first blown from the time of the setting of the dry roots of all others although vulgarly accounted the last which are indeed the first that flower some of them in September others in October the first parti-coloured and that of Chio being commonly the last They are easily planted the roots losing their fibres which may be taken up as soon as the green leaves are dryed down and kept out of the ground untill the fore-mentioned time for their planting they affect a moist ground but being hardy will thrive and encrease in almost any soil onely that of Chio is tender and will not prosper unless it be planted in a warm place where it may have the comfort of the Sun and the benefit of shelter from Frosts wet and cold in Winter whereof it is very impatient I doubt not but other fine varieties may be raised by the sowing of the seeds of the best kinds the manner of handling them is the same with that of Tulips and other bulbous roots that lose their fibres CHAP. XVII Crocus SAffron is of divers sorts some flowering in the Spring and others in Autum whereof the true Saffron is a kind all the rest are onely entertained for the beauty of their Flowers which are of three principal colours white purple and yellow deeper and lighter bigger and smaller and some striped feathered or flamed as in the following descriptions is expressed and first of the white and the varieties thereof Crocus albus major THe great white Crocus riseth up with narrow long green leaves with a white line in the middest of them and as soon as these leaves appear out of the ground there cometh up in the middle of them covered with a thin white skin small low white Flowers composed of six leaves with some chives and a long Saffron pointell in the middle which never open but when the Sun shines warm upon them after the Flowers are past the green leaves grow longer and the seeds succeed which is small and round contained in a low three-square husk of a yellowish red colour the root is small round and flat covered with a russet coat there is a lesser of this kind that beareth very small white Flowers of little esteem Crocus Maesiacus THe white Crocus of Masia is like the last great white but bigger and bearing more Flowers from one root but not of so pure a white colour but rather inclining to yellow there is one of this kind with the bottom of the Flower and part of the stalk of a bright blew colour and there is another of a pure white colour with the bottom and stalk blew of the seeds whereof the next was raised Crocus plumatus pallidus THe pale feathered Crocus is something like the last white but larger and not so round pointed the stalk and bottom of the flower is blew like unto it the three outward leaves on the backs or outsides are all white or silver-colour and on the insides finely striped with bigger and smaller stripes of pale blewish purple the three inner leaves are striped with the same colour but smaller on both the sides thereof this is not so common as many of the other are and is indeed one of the best we have Crocus Episcopalis THe Bishops Crocus hath bigger roots and leaves than any of the former the flowers are longer and sharper-pointed than those of the last and variable in their colours sometimes they will be white finely striped with blew sometimes the three outer leaves will be blew and the other three silver-colour striped with blew and sometimes it will have three leaves white and the other three pale blew and all these diversities arising from one root and the increase thereof Crocus Imperialis THe Imperial Crocus hath many flowers rising from one root which are of a silver colour striped on the backs of the leaves with purple
the end thereof then cover it which being shaded for some time and watered if the ground be any thing good will grow and prosper very well and certainly this is the best and most absolute way to raise double stocks of any kind that hath been practised by any and in the like manner you may cut and set slips of the best Wall-flowers Gilliflowers or of any other woody Plant that will grow of slips a pretty practice for Ladies and Gentlewomen for whose sakes chiefly it is here inserted they may also be increased by laying the slips after the manner of Gilliflowers CHAP. XXXVI Hesperis sive Viola Matronalis DAmes Violet or Queens Gilliflower is a common Plant growing plentifully in every Country-womans Garden and by them called Close Siences of which they have two sorts one bearing pale blush and the other white flowers both single consisting of four leaves onely but we have three nobler varieties of this flower worthy to be received into the choicest Gardens the first of them and most known is called Hesperis flore pleno albo THe double white Queens Gilliflower is in all parts so like the common single kinde except the flowers that I need to set down onely their differences those of this are very many on one branch and one stalk often times hath many branches of flowers which stand close and thick together commonly in a long spike each flower being thick and double of a pure white colour and delicate sweet scent especially in the evening for which property it is called Hesperis Hesperis flore pleno purpurascente THe double purplish Queens Gilliflower differeth in nothing from the former but in the colour of the flowers those of this being as many on one stalk or branch as thick and double and of the same scent but of a fine pleasant light reddish purple-colour deeper than that of the common single kind and of newer date than the double white Hesperis flore pleno variegata THe double striped Queens Gilliflower is in all parts like the last but that the flowers which are of the same purplish colour are finely striped with white and therefore more esteemed than either of the other of this sort we have one that beareth single striped flowers respected for the seeds sake which sowed may produce varieties They flower from May to the end of July and are easily raised for almost any slip or branch thereof set in the ground shaded and watered will grow onely the nipping of the buds for flowers from such new set Plants as soon as they appear would not be neglected the single kinds will seed from which the double sorts have been raised CHAP. XXXVII Ptarmica flore pleno aliis DOuble Pellitory and others for in this Chapter I shall give you several Plants that bear double white flowers and although they be of several families I have joyned them together for that each of them would scarce deserve a particular Chapter and all of them bear pretty flowers and are entertained for variety in most Florists Gardens the double wild Pellitory hath tall slender stalks set with long narrow green leaves snipt about the edges like unto the single that grow wild in the fields bearing at the top of the stalk many small double white flowers the roots are composed of many long white strings which run in the ground and spring up in divers places whereby it is very apt to be increased Parthenium flore pleno DOuble Featherfew is in all things like unto the common single kind well known unto all the onely difference is in the flowers which of this are very thick and double being white and something yellow in the middle this is increased by setting the slips that run not up to flower in the end of August Chamaemelum flore pleno DOuble Camomill is like the ordinary but that the green leaves are of a fresher green colour and larger the flowers of this also are larger and very double being white with some yellowness in the middle this is more tender than the common kind and must yearly be renued by setting young slips thereof in the Spring Cotula flore pleno DOuble Dogy-fenel hath many small deep dark green leaves bearing at the tops of the branches divers broad spread double white flowers without scent the root is composed of many small strings and increased by setting the slips in the end of August nipping of the buds for flowers as soon as any appear Cardamine flore pleno DOuble Lady Smocks hath many winged leaves lying on the ground like those of the wild kind from whence many small stalks come forth bearing many double white flowers the small stringy roots creep in the ground and come up in divers places Bellis flore pleno DOuble Daisies are of divers sorts and some of them for variety entertained in good Gardens the chiefest are the greater white the all-red the great red and white the childing Daysie the abortive naked double green Daysie and divers other varieties there are scarce worthy naming they all flower in April and may be easily increased by parting the roots in the Spring or Autumn if they stand too much in the Sun unless often watered it will soon scorch and destroy them CHAP. XXXVIII Caryophilbus hortensis GIlliflowers are the pride of Somer as Tulips are the glories of the Spring all those now in esteem are such as in Holland and Flanders have been raised from seeds which is the cause they are so frail and apt to perish after they have born flowers we had heretofore many good kinds that were not seedlings but few of them now to be found in any of our Gardens Of these Dutch flowers I have known more than a hundred distinct varieties by several names all of them fair large thick and double flowers well striped flaked marbled or powdered with white or blush either upon darker or lighter red crimson or carnation sadder or brighter purple deeper or paler Scarlet and white so that all the best varieties now in being may be comprehended under these three sorts that is red and white purple and white and scarlet and white in all which colours there are many fine varieties the which we will insert under those names by which they are generally received and known beginning with a dozen of the best in every sort the rest being all very good flowers but indeed there is no end of these seed-flowers every year producing new varieties and perhaps within two or three years few of those now in esteem left for commonly the Plants after they have born flowers die in Winter a property common to most seedlings To describe every particular flower would be tedious and to small purpose in respect of their frailty therefore I conceive the naming the best in every sort will be sufficient to inform those that desire to collect them which done we shall further enlarge touching their propagation culture planting and preservation Gilliflowers red and white GHarles
whence riseth up a thick short stalk bearing from the middle to the top thereof upon long foot-stalks very many blew star-like flowers with some blew threds tipt with yellow pendents standing about a middle head which is of a deeper blew colour than that of the six outer leaves Hyacinthus Stellatus major Peruanus flore albo THe great white starry Jacinth of Peru hath leaves of a lighter green colour and lesser than those of the former the flowers are not so many on the stalk and white with a little shew of blush towards the bottom in all other parts agreeing with the other Hyacinthus Stellatus major Peruanus flore carneo THe great blush starry Jacinth of Peru is in all things like the first the onely difference is in the colour of the flowers which in this are of a fine purplish blush-colour Hyacinthus stellatus Lilifolio radice caeruleo THe blew Lilly-leaved starry Jacinth hath a root composed of pale yellow scales like unto that of the white Lilly but smaller and longer from whence spring up many broad green leaves like unto those of a Lilly but shorter the stalk riseth about a foot high bearing many star-like flowers at the top thereof which are of a light blew colour with six short leaves in the middle standing round like a cup. Of this kind there are two other sorts differing onely in the colour of the flowers which in the one is white and in the other blush in all other respects agreeing with the former The Indian Hyacinth doth not flower in our Country untill August the Muscaries and the fair-haired Jacinths flower in April the starry Jacinths of Peru and those with Lilly leaves bring forth their flowers in May. The roots of all these Jacinths do hold their fibres therefore not to be kept long out of ground nor the fibres broken when removed they are to be transplanted in August except the Indian Jacinths which are yearly to be taken up in April the roots carefully parted without breaking the great fibres and thus re-planted put some rich earth in the bottom of a pot and place the root so that it may be covered on all sides with some natural fresh earth which done fill up the pot with the same rank earth to give the fibres nourishment make a hole in a hot bed something cooled and put the pot therein where let it remain without watering untill the roots spring then take it out and place it under a South wall in dry weather let it not want water and about the middle of September house it for this plant will not endure either wet or cold and if planted with rank earth next the root more apt to off-set than to bear flowers All the Muscaries except the Ash-colour must be planted in a warm place and defended in Winter the rest are hardy and require no attendance We have some other sorts of Hyacinths which yearly lose their fibres the chiefest of which are these that follow Hyacinthus Botroides caeraleus amoenus THe sky-coloured Grape-flower cometh up with three or four small guttered green leaves from a round white root with a stalk about six inches high bearing at the top thereof many flowers close set together like unto a small bunch of Grapes in form like those of the Muscari but lesser of a fine pale blew or sky colour and of a soft sweet scent Hyacinthus Botroides flore albo THe white Grape-flower is in all things like the former but that the leaves are green and the flowers white growing somewhat thicker on the stalk Hyacinthus Botroides flore rubente THe blush Grape-flower is like unto the last but bigger in all the parts thereof and the flowers of a pale bleak blush-colour Hyacinthus Botroides ramosus THe branched Grape-flower differeth from all the former in that the flowers grow along the stalk in branches being of a blew colour and bigger than any of the other as the roots leaves and stalks also are Hyacinthus Orientalis major dictus Zumbul Indi THe great Oriental Jacinth or Zumbul Indi is that great Jacinth that cometh up with a specled stalk and great broad long green leaves bearing on a strong stalk many fair long blewish purple flowers opening into six small leaves which turn back again as all the Oriental Jacinths do the root is big and round covered with a reddish purple coat of this kinde there is one that beareth fair double flowers and there are many sorts besides those whose descriptions follow the which differ chiefly in the colour of the flowers in some they are of a pale and some of a deeper blew colour with stripes down the backs of the leaves of the flowers some are wholly white and others of a fine blush-colour they are all sweet and their roots may be taken up and kept dry as well as those of Tulips which causeth them to be the more respected Hyacinthus Coelestis THe Celestial Hyacinth is bigger in all the parts thereof than the Zumbull Indi it commonly cometh up with two stalks each bearing many large flowers like those of the last but bigger and of a fine pale blew or sky colour of this kind there are two or three others that bear large flowers on big tall stalks some of a deeper and others of a lighter blew colour some white others blush and perhaps all these raised from the seeds of the Zumbull Indi as others may be from the seeds of them Hyacinthus Orientalis Brumalis sive praecox flore albo THe early white Oriental Jacinth from a short round big root sometimes before Winter rise up long green leaves like those of the last as the flowers are also but lesser and of a pure white colour this is commonly in flower in the end of January there is another of this kind that beareth purple flowers that come as early for which property they are chiefly respected Hyacinthus Orientalis flore pleno caeruleo THe fair double blew Oriental Jacinth is in all respects like the other blew Jacinths the chiefest difference is in the flowers those of this kind being fair and double of a good blew colour and consisting of two or three rows of leaves spread open there is another of this kind that beareth double blew flowers but not so fair and more apt to come deformed Hyacinthus Orientalis candidus flore pleno THe pure white double oriental Jacinth differeth from the single white in that the flowers of this are thick and double of a pure snow-white colour and opening much better than the best kind of the double blew for which it is much esteemed Hyacinthus stellaris flore cinereo THe Ash-coloured starry Jacinth hath a round white root and green leaves spreading on the ground like those of the common Harebell or English Hyacinth the stalk beareth very many small star-like flowers in a thick bush bigger below than above of a pale blew or Ash-colour and very sweet Hyacinthus stellatus vulgaris THe common blew starry Jacinth riseth out
of the ground with two or three brown leaves which be long and hollow of a whitish green on the upper side brown underneath and half round the stalk beareth at the top thereof five or six small star-like flowers consisting of six leaves of a fair blew colour Hyacinthus stellatus flore albo THe white starry Jacinth hath leaves like the former but of a fresher green colour the flowers are of the same fashion and white a little inclining to blush there is one of this kind with snow-white flowers and there is another that beareth blush flowers Hyacinthus Stellatus praecox THe early Starry Jacinth hath broader and fresher green leaves than the former with blew flowers the flowers of this are bigger and of a brighter blew colour there is one of this kinde likewise that beareth white flowers and another more rare than any of the former of this kinde the flowers whereof being as large as those of the first blew and of a fine blush colour The Grape-flowers are in flower in April the great Oriental Jacinth betimes in March the white and purple early Winter Jacinths in January or in the beginning of February the other Oriental Jacinths both single and double flower in the end of March and beginning of April the Ash-coloured starry Jacinth flowreth in April and the other Starry Jacinths in February and beginning of March They all lose their fibres and may be yearly removed in June or July but none of them except the Oriental would be kept long out of ground they are hardy and require small attendance most of them bear seeds which being sowed and preserved as that of Tulips produce new diversities There are some others which I have purposely omitted as the Woolly Jacinth which I have had many years but never could see one flower of it it is common in Spain but will not flower in England and of these described the best are the fair double blew and the double white Oriental Jacinths the Celestial the white and the blush Starry Jacinths the other are pretty flowers but of less beauty and esteem CHAP. XII Ornithogalum THe Star of Bethlehem and the varieties thereof are next to be handled some of them are fine flowers and others not worth the naming the which we will pass over and describe the best onely Ornithogalum Arabicum THe Star-flower of Arabia hath many long green leaves like unto those of the Oriental Jacinth from whence riseth up a round green stalk about two foot high bearing at the top thereof upon long foot stalks divers large flowers with small short green-pointed leaves at the bottom of each of them consisting of six pure white leaves with six white threds about it tipt with yellow pendents the root is great and white with a flat bottom the fibres being gone which it yearly loseth this is very impatient of frost and will not abide with us unless it be carefully preserved and defended in Winter Ornithogalum maximum album THe greatest white Star of Bethlehem hath many fair broad long fresh green leaves which spring early out of the ground and continue from the beginning of February to the end of May at which time they begin to fade and the stalk with the head of flowers beginneth to rise and before they are blown the leaves will be all gone the stalk when in flower is a yard high green smooth and round bearing at the top a great bush or spike of flowers upon long foot-stalks which grow shorter and shorter to the top of the stalk the flowers open by degrees first below and so upwards consisting of six white leaves spread open like a Star with a white umbone in the middle beset with many threds tipt with yellow the root is great and hath a flat bottom like the former but more hardy to endure and apter to increase whereby it is now grown common Ornithogalum Neapolitanum THe Star-flower of Naples riseth out of the ground early with four or five long hollow pointed whitish green leaves standing round together the stalk riseth two foot high bearing many flowers each containing six long narrow leaves of a shining white colour on the inside and of a whitish green on the outside turning back toward the stalks with six other small leaves in the middle standing round together like a cup with a white pointell and six threds tipt with yellow the root is white and increaseth too much and therefore requireth to be yearly taken up and freed from off-sets wherewith it is apt to be pestered Ornithogalum Luteum THe yellow Star of Bethlehem cometh up at the first with one long round greenish leaf which opening a little above the ground yieldeth another small leaf shorter than the first from whence riseth a stalk four or five inches high bearing at the top four or five small green leaves and among them the like number of small yellow star-like flowers with a small greenish line down the backs of the leaves and some small reddish threds in the middle the root is small round white and cleer and although it yearly loseth the fibres it will not endure to be kept but very little time out of the ground Ornithogalum Aethiopicum THe Star-flower of Ethiopia hath green leaves a foot long and an inch broad wooly when broken and a stalk a cubit high bearing from the middle to the top many large white star-like flowers wiâ—h some yellowness in the bottoms of them with a three-square head compassed with white threds tipt with yellow the root is thick round and white almost as tender as that of the first There are some other varieties as the great white spiked Star of Bethlehem which is like the former great white but lesser and not so good the flowers grow in a larger spike but much thinner set on the stalk there are some others that bear small white flowers not worth retaining The Arabian flowreth in May the second in June that of Naples and the yellow in April but the Aethiopian not untill August They lose their fibres and the roots may be taken up as soon as the stalks are dry and kept out of the ground untill the end of September except those of the yellow which will not endure out of the earth but a little time that of Arabia and that of Ethiopia are both tender and will not endure the extremity of our long frosty winters therefore they must be planted in boxes in rich hot sandy earth and housed in winter the yellow may be set among other tender roots that require to be covered and defended from frosts in winter the other are hardy and may be set in any place among other roots that lose their fibres CHAP. XIII Moly WIld garlick yieldeth some diversities worthy of entertainment the which are next to be described and first we will begin with that so much celebrated by the antient Poets Moly Homericum THe great Moly of Homer riseth up with two or three great thick long hollow leaves
of a whitish green colour like that of the Tulip with some small bulbs growing sometimes on the ends of the leaves but commonly betwixt them and on the stalk neer the ground which being set will produce a plant of the same kind the stalk riseth up a yard high naked round and smooth bearing a great umbel or tuft of small star-like purplish flowers upon equal foot-stalks which continue long before they decay The root is very great white and of the smell of Garlick Moly Indicum sive Caucafon THe Indian Moly hath leaves like the former but shorter and broader the stalk riseth up not so high as the leaves without any flowers but onely bearing a cluster of reddish scaly bulbs each as big as an Acorn standing on foot-stalks which being set will bring a Plant of the same kind the root is great and white covered with a dark-coloured coat and increaseth but little under ground Moly montanum Pannonicum THe Moly of Hungary is of two sorts the first hath three or four broad long green leaves which are carried up with the stalk a foot high one above another having at the top some sad reddish bulbs and between them long foot-stalks with flowers of the fashion of those of Homers Moly and of a pale purple-colour the root is small but very apt to increase the second Moly of Hungary is like the first but that the green leaves are smaller and the stalk beareth a greater cluster of dark green bulbs the flowers are like those of the first in fashion colour and manner of growing and the root is covered with a dark purple coat Moly Serpentinum SErpents Moly is like the former but of much more beauty and regard for that the bulbs on the head of the stalk are redder the stalk lower and the small green leaves twine and crawl from whence it took the name the flowers that grow among the bulbs are more beautiful than those of either of the two former and the scent not so strong the root is small and round increasing into many small round roots no bigger than a small Pease Moly montanum flore luteo THe yellow Moly hath two long broad leaves when it will flower otherwise but one of the colour and near of the bigness of those of the Tulip between which cometh up a slender stalk bearing at the top a tuft of yellow star-like flowers greenish on the back and with yellow threads in the middle the root is whitish apt to increase and smelleth strong of Garlick as the flowers and leaves do also Moly montanum latifolium Hispanicum THe Spanish purple Moly hath two long broad leaves like the last described betwixt which the stalk riseth up two foot high bearing at the top many star-like flowers of a fine delayed purple colour with threads of the same colour tipt with yellow near the ground it yieldeth bulbs by which it may be easily increased this hath no scent of Garlick in any part Moly pyxidatum argenteum Hispanicum THe Spanish silver-cupped Moly hath two or three long rush-like leaves which pass away when the stalk is risen up to his height which will be three foot or more bearing a great head of flowers which after some time spread much open the flowers grow on long foot-stalks of a silver-colour with lines on both sides the leaves in fashion small and hollow like a cup the root is white and cleer and not very apt to increase and without any ill scent in any part thereof Moly Dioscorideum DIoscorides his Moly hath a small transparent root covered with a thick yellowish skin from whence springeth up three or four narrow Grassy leaves with a stalk a foot and half high bearing at the top a tuft of milk-white flowers like unto those of Ramsons with little or no scent of Garlick There is another of this sort that is lesser and the leaves of the flowers rounder pointed these and the yellow are the most common of all the kinds of Moly Moly Muscatum Monspeliense THe sweet Moly of Montpelier hath four or five small leaves no bigger than bents with a stalk about a foot high bearing many small star-like white flowers which if the end of Somer be hot and dry smell like Musk or Civet the root is small very tender and must be carefully defended from Frosts in Winter Homers Moly flowereth in May and continueth untill July the Indian Moly beareth the head of bulbs in June and July and all the rest flower about the same time except the last whose time is late in September These lose their fibres and may be taken up after the stalks are dry and the biggest roots preserved to set again casting away the small off-sets wherewith many of them are very apt to be pestred especially if they stand long unremoved they are all hardy and will thrive in any soil except those whose tenderness is expressed in the description the flowers of most of them are neither fair nor sweet and onely preserved by those that affect varieties their best use is to adorn flower-pots where they will continue if the water be renewed a long time and set off other flowers of the same season being placed among them There are some others of this family not worth mentioning for those described are enough if not too many unless they were of a more worthy generation CHAP. XIV Asphodelus THe Asphodill for that it beareth star-like flowers is next to be described there are some few diversities of them of which we will take the best onely and leave the rest as neither worth collecting nor retaining Asphodelus major albus ramosus THe great white branched Asphodill hath many crawling hollow three-square leaves sharp-pointed lying on the ground about the root the stalk from the middest of them riseth round smooth and naked divided at the top into many branches more or less according to the age of the Plant bearing many star-like flowers consisting of six leaves whitish on the inside with some yellow threads in the middle and stripped with a pale purple line down the back of every leaf the root is composed of many thick cloggs biggest in the middle and smaller at both ends fastened together at the head of a grayish dark colour on the outside and yellow within Asphodelus albus non ramosus THe white unbranched Asphodill is like the former but that the stalk is without branches and the flowers whiter without any line or stripe on the back sides of the leaves the cloggs of the roots are smaller and fewer than those of the other Asphodelus major flore carneo THe blush-coloured Asphodill differeth from the last in that the leaves are a little spotted and the flowers of a blush-colour which causeth it to be more esteemed Asphodelus major flore albo striato THe great white striped Asphodill hath many long and broad green leaves which for the most part lye on the ground the stalk riseth up smooth like the white unbranched Asphodill with many
the middle and a long feathered topt pointell the green leaves succeed the flowers sometimes appearing before Winter but most usually not untill the Spring the root is small and white like that of the lesser purple Crocus montanus Autumnalis THe Autum mountain Crocus springeth later than any of the former about the end of October with three or four short green leaves and after them the flowers which are of a pale bleak blew colour standing on short foot-stalks scarcely appearing above ground at the first but afterwards grow a little higher the root is great with a flat bottom covered with a dark-gray coat and increasing very little These are all the Autumn kinds hitherto discovered those of the Spring are in flower one after another and many of the best together from the middle of February unto the middle of March the Duke Crocus and those with netted roots being commonly the first and the greatest purple the last those of Autumn flower from the beginning of September to the end of October one after another in order as they stand described All these several sorts of Crocus both of the Spring and Autumn lose their fibres with their leaves and may then be taken up and kept dry those of Autumn until August and of the Spring untill October they are hardy and will prosper in any place the Vernal increase exceedingly if they stand any time unremoved as the true Saffron doth which is taken up every third year the other Autumnal increase very little the best place to plant Spring Crocus is close up to a wall or pale or on the edges of boarded borders round about the Garden mingling the colours of those of a season together as the whites with the purples the best Cloth of Gold with the Royal the deep purple feathered with the lighter and so of the rest by observation most of them may be distinguished by the roots and so placed according to the fancy of the Planter but the fore-mentioned places are the best for that few other flowers appear untill they are past for should they be set among Tulips as some use to do the Grassy leaves after the flowers are gone would more trouble and disgrace the place than the flowers did delight and adorn it many more varieties than are yet discovered may be raised from the seeds of the best of these being sowed in September and every other year in July removed and set wider untill they bear flowers mak ng the ground light and rich into which they are transplanted which will be a great addition unto them CHAP. XVIII Iris bulbosa THe bulbous Flower-de-luce is of two sorts the one bigger and the other lesser in all the parts thereof the first is called Iris bulbosa latifolia the broad-leaved bulbous Iris or Flower-de-luce whereof there are many fine varieties the other is called Iris bulbosa tenuifolia the narrow-leaved bulbous Flower-de-luce of which there are more diversities than in the former but most of them of less esteem Before we proceed to the descriptions of these there are two other sorts of Flower-de-luces deserve to be mentioned and first that called Iris bulbosa prima Clusii latifolia THe first great bulbous Flower-de-luce of Clusins before the long broad flaggy thin green leaves rise up to half their height or length putteth forth two or three flowers from the middle of them standing on short weak foot-stalks each flower consisting of nine leaves as all Flower-de-luces do whereof those three that stand upright are short and closed together the three that fall down turn up the ends and the three arched leaves which in other Flower-de-luces cover the bottoms of them stand up parted into two ends in some white but in most of a sky-colour with a long stripe in each of the three falling leaves and all these diversities have been found in this flower although there be but one kinde thereof altering in colour according to the nourishment it receiveth as it hapneth in divers other Plants After the flowers are past the green leaves grow longer the root is somthing big round and white covered with brown skins having two or three long thick roots growing under it from whence many small fibres shoot into the ground Iris Persica THe Persian Iris or Flower-de-luce cometh up with one two or three flowers according to the age of the Plant as soon as the green leaves begin to appear above the ground which after the flowers are past grow broad long and flaggy like those of the former the flowers stand on weak short foot-stalks composed of nine leaves the three that turn down are of a pale sky-colour with a large spot of brown purple almost black on the ends thereof with another spot of deep yellow above it streaming along the middle of these leaves under the arches with many small spots of the same dark purple-colour on both the sides thereof the three arched leaves that cover the lower part of the falling leaves are of the same pale sky-colour with the ridge but a little blewer and the ends parted in two pieces and turned up the three other leaves which in other Flower-de-luces stand up and are called the top leaves in this are very small and turn down towards the stalk of the same pale sky-colour that is in the arched leaves the root is like that of the former The first is said to flower in its natural Country in January and February but with us not untill April and most usually in May the other flowereth with us in the end of February or beginning of March The first is a tender Plant and must be planted in a warm place and defended from Frosts in Winter the other is more hardy and will grow and bear flowers plentifully in any good soil after the leaves are dryed down and about the time that Tulips are taken up the roots of these may be removed but in the taking of them up care must be had that the long roots that grow under the bulb be not broken they may be kept dry untill September and then parted and planted again in good rich earth and in a warm place where they may stand three years unremoved but if you take them up every other year they will bear the better Iris bulbosa major sive Anglica caerulea THe English blew bulbous Flower-de-luce riseth up with five or six big thick long leaves crested on the back and hollow on the other side blunt at the ends and of a whitish green colour out of the middle whereof the stalk riseth about two foot high bearing at the top out of a thin skinny hose one and sometimes two flowers composed of nine leaves three turned downwards longer and broader than any of the other each having a yellow spot about the middle of the broadest part of the leaf as in all others of this kind that follow it hath three other small and arched leaves covering the lower parts of the falling leaves turning up the ends
bulbosa minor flore albo THe lesser white bulbous Flower-de-luce springeth out of the ground before Winter with small narrow leaves which at the Spring grow bigger and longer with a hollow chanel on the insides the stalk is longer and smaller than that of the former kind bearing at the top out of a thin skinny husk one or two flowers of a snow-white colour smaller shorter and rounder than those of the greater kind with nine leaves standing in the same fashion the three falling leaves having a yellow spot in each of them the arched leaves are divided and turn up the ends and the other three top-leaves are longer than those of the greater kind and stand upright the seeds are like those of the former but lesser and the roots are yellower shorter and not so hairy very apt to off-set whereby they are soon increased This description may serve for the rest of this kind that follow therefore we will onely add the several names by which some of the best are received and the difference of the colours that are in the flowers of others that want names There is another white that is bigger in all the parts thereof than the former the stalk taller and the flowers larger but not of so pure a white colour as the other and having that yellow spot in the three falling leaves as in all others There is another like the first in size and fashion whose falling leaves have a little shew of yellowness in them and so have the middle ridges of the arched leaves but the upright or top-leaves are white We have another with a small flower as white as the second the lower leaves are so small that the yellow spot covereth almost all the ends thereof standing outright the arched leaves are also small and long and the top-leaves bend in the middle and meet at the ends There is another kind called the Spanish yellow that riseth not so high as usually the rest do the flower is like the first but of an excellent deep Gold-yellow colour throughout the whole flower And another that riseth as high as the second with pale yellow flowers with a deep yellow spot of this there are diversities some bigger and some lesser some with paler and some with deeper yellow flowers and one with the falling leaves white except the yellow spot which is common to all the bulbous Flower-de-luces We have one called the party-coloured Spanish whose falling leaves are white the arched leaves silver colour and the top-leaves of a blewish purple of this sort there is another that hath the falling leaves cirled with blew the arched leaves pale blew and the top-leaves purple There is another called the early Portugall that is smaller in all the parts thereof than the former the flowers stand round and neat in fashion like the Spanish yellow but wholly of a fair blewish purple colour except the yellow spot which is in the three falling leaves We have another purple with a higher stalk and larger flower than the last but near of the same colour There is another like the last whose flowers are of a reddish purple-colour and flowereth very late And another that hath yellow falling leaves sky-coloured arches and top-leaves of a murrey purple And there is another whose falling leaves are yellow the arches and top-leaves of a fair hair-colour and another of a sadder and duller brown colour And we have another that is taller and larger than any of the rest with falling leaves of a dusky yellow colour with veins and borders about the edges of a dun colour the arches of a dull purplish yellow and the top-leaves of a sullen blewish purple There are many other varieties but most of them inferior to those mentioned we will conclude with three other sorts that are more rare than any of the former Iris angustifolia Hispanica bulbosa non scripta THe Spanish narrow-leaved Flower-de-luce not written of is something like the Spanish-yellow but smaller and shorter the flower is of a pleasant bright yellow colour with a deeper spot in the three falling leaves and instead of the top or upright leaves it hath three very small short sharp-pointed leaves if they may be called leaves in respect of their smallness Iris angustifolia bulbosa elegantissima percico flore THe most elegant narrow-leaved bulbous Iris with a Peach-coloured flower riseth up with a stalk and leaves like those of the middle size the flower hath large and long falling leaves with a yellow spot in the middest of the ends of them the arched leaves are also large and the divided ends long and turned up the top-leaves are likewise large and long and the whole flower except the yellow spot of a fine reddish Peach-colour deeper than that of the greater kind before mentioned this is the rarest of all other and as hard to be found Iris bulbosa angustifolia serpentaria caule THe narrow-leaved bulbous Iris with a spotted stalk is in the manner of growing something like the Portugall but a little taller and bigger the flower is of that fashion and wholly of a reddish murrey purple colour except the spot which is in the falling leaves thereof which in this is of a deep yellow colour round at the head and with a small list running under the arched leaves this may be known before Winter after the green leaves are come up for that the bottoms of them for an inch above the ground are of a reddish colour full of dark purple spots this is that which the Walloons have lately brought over out of Flanders by the name of Iris d' Abby Some of them flower sooner and others later commonly after most of the greater kinds are past in June and stay until July the purple Portugall and the Spanish yellow are first the hair-colours and murrey-purples last the flowers will be soon spoiled by wet unless it be shaken off shortly after it hath fallen upon them The roots lose their fibres as those of the greater kind and are to be handled after the same manner the seeds of the best kinds also produce varieties and the roots of the common or ordinary sorts increase too fast the two last are the rarest and most tender they must be planted in good fresh earth that is not hot with dung and where they may have the comfort of the morning Sun onely CHAP. XIX Jris Tuberosa THe Tuberous or flag-leaved Flower-de-luce is of divers sorts and those commonly divided into two kinds the Tall and the Dwarf the which may be subdivided into two other sorts broad leaves and narrow leaves the Tall are called Iris major or Latifolia the Dwarf Iris minor or Chamaeiris of each of these there are many diversities out of which we will select those that bear the fairest flowers and pass by the rest as not worth the mentioning the best of all the kinds is called Iris Chalcedonica major THe great Chalcedonian Iris or Turky Flower-de-luce riseth up before Winter with divers broad
yellowish green leaves folded one within another at the bottom and opening towards the tops out of the middle of those leaves riseth a round stiff stalk two foot high bearing at the top thereof one gallant great flower consisting of nine leaves as all the rest do the three lower leaves being very large and broad are of a sad purple colour almost black diversly spotted straked and marked with a grayish white colour with a great black freez or fringe in the middle of each of them the three arched leaves that cover the smaller part of these lower leaves are of the same colour and marked in the same manner but a little paler especially towards the sides and ends the three upper leaves are also very large and marked like the other but of a brighter and more lively colour by much the roots are tuberous thick and long like those of other flag Flower-de-luces but of yellower brown colour with many great long flat fibres Iris Chalcedonica minor THe lesser Chalcedonian Iris or Turky Flower-de-luce differeth from the former in that it is lesser in all the parts thereof the leaves of a yellower green colour the flower darker and not so eminently marked They flower in May sooner or later as the Spring is forward or backward These are the best kinds of flag Flower-de-luces after the flowers are past sometimes the roots will lose their fibres and then the green leaves will dye to the ground such as do must be taken up and kept out of the ground untill the middle of October the best time to transplant them is in the end of August or beginning of September the best place under a South-wall and the best soil that which is fresh and mixed with well-rotted and fine sifted wood-pile earth and if they be covered and defended from hard Frosts in Winter they will prosper and bear flowers much the better some use to take up the roots in the end of June and keep them dry untill October which maketh them the apter to bear flowers Iris Dalmatica major THe great Flower-de-luce of Dalmatia hath great broad Sedg-like green leaves a tall stalk bearing three or four large flowers on several branches that come from the top and sides thereof which are in fashion like the flowers of the common great flag Flower-de-luce of a pale blew or watchet colour and sweet scent the root is great and tuberous proportionable to the rest of the parts Iris Asiatica caerulea THe blew Flower-de-luce of Asia is like the last but something lesser in all the parts the stalk more branched and bearing more flowers which are of a deeper blew colour than those of the former Iris Lusitanica biflora THe twice flowring Portugall Flower-de-luce is in all things like the common great purple flag Iris but a little lesser and flowreth in the Spring and again commonly the same year in Autumn the flowers of this are sweeter than any of the former Iris Camerarii purpurea versicolor THe variable purple Flower-de-luce of Camerarius hath green leaves almost as big as those of the last but shorter the flower is of the same fashion but lesser the three lower leaves are of a reddish purple the arched leaves of a bleak yellow shaddowed with purple and the three top-leaves of a dull smoky yellowish purple colour we have another that is taken for the true Iris Camerarii in respect it agreeth with the description of Clusius a man of excellent judgement this hath great thick knobby roots broad flaggy leaves a reasonable-tall smooth stalk and flowers of a blew colour welted down the middle of the leaves with yellowish white and the falling leaves fringed about with a thick plaited fringe of the same yellowish white colour there is another that passeth under that name that hath flowers of a pale blew or sky-colour fringed about the leaves like the former but with a deeper blew colour than is in the rest of the flower Iris caerulea versicolor THe blew party-coloured Flower-de-luce hath green leaves something lesser than the former the flowers are variable in their colours for some have the falls blew at the edges and the rest white the arched leaves of a whitish yellow and the top-leaues of a pale sky-colour with yellowish edges in some the blew is deeper with dark spots in some very pale and there is one whose upright leaves are of a bright watchet with yellowish edges and the falling leaves party-coloured half blew and the other ash-colour with yellowish edges Iris alba versicolor THe white variable Flower-de-luce in roots green leavs is like that of Camerarius the stalk riseth almost a yard high bearing four or five flowers one above another which are of a silver colour with a list of blewish purple down the backs of the top-leaves and the lower leaves are whipt about the edges with blew the arched leaves of a pale sky-colour and more blew towards the ridge this is a pretty flower but doth not deserve that nick-name Iris gloriosa as some have put upon it Iris aurea angustifolia Tripolitana THe yellow Flower-de-luce of Tripoly hath green leaves a yard long and almost an inch broad the stalk four foot high not big but stiff and round bearing at the top thereof two or three long narrow-leaved gold yellow flowers in fashion like those of the bulbous Flower-de-luce Iris angustifolia major caerulea THe great blew narrow-leaved Flower-de-luce hath dark green leaves like the last but neither so long nor so broad the stalk riseth a little above the leaves bearing many flowers which blow one after another of a bright blew colour and in fashion like those of the last Iris angustifolia versicolor Clusii THe narrow-leaved variable Flower-de-luce of Clusius hath a thick tuft of narrow long green leaves from whence if the plant be old and have stood long come up many round stalks higher than the leaves bearing four or five small flowers one above another the lower leaves whereof are variably marked with white and blew but the arched and top-leaves are wholly of a light blew colour the root consisteth of many long strings whereby it fasteneth strongly in the ground and much increaseth there is another of this kind that beareth white flowers Iris angustifolia major flore duplici THe greater double narrow-leaved Flower-de-luce hath long narrow green leaves but broader and shorter than those of the last and not so thick set together the flowers seem like many thrust together coming confusedly out of one husk not having the distinct parts of a Flower-de-luce and sometimes it cometh with two or three small flowers of distinct form rising out of one husk the flowers are of a fair blew colour with many veins of white running through the leaves the roots are like those of the last but bigger and not so apt to increase Chamaeiris latifolia alba major THe great white dwarf Flower-de luce hath something broad but short green leaves a stalk about half a foot high bearing
them then digg up a broad thick turf in some Meadow or other place where they naturally grow then open a hole and set the turf therein with the grass upwards wherein with a knife cut round holes taking out the pieces so rounded and put the roots in the places and and fill them up with some of the same earth this may be done in June or July and at the Spring when the grass and flowers grow up together with a pair of Scisers cut the grass low and leave the flowers which by this means will prosper and bear as well as in their natural habitations as I have experienced Dens Caninus DOggs-tooth or Dogs-tooth Violet is a kind of Satyrion as the spotted leaves and roots do manifest but of greater beauty and rarity than any of the former that grow wild with us as these do also in divers places of Italy Germany and France and for the beauty of their flowers deserve to be planted in the best Gardens Dens Caninus flore albo DOggs-tooth with a white flower comes up in the Spring with two leaves when it will flower otherwise but one which come out of the ground closed together with the flower between them which opening lay themselves flat on the ground the stalk and flower standing up between them the leaves are of whitish green colour long and narrow but broadest in the middle spotted and striped with white lines and spots the stalk is about half a foot high bearing at the top one flower hanging down the head containing six narrow long white leaves which turn up again to the stalk like to the flowers of Cyclamen in the middle of the flower there is a white three-forked stile compassed about with six chives tipt with sad purple pendents the root is long and white like a Doggs-tooth from whence it is so called with a small peece joyned to the bottom thereof Dens Caninus flore purpurascente DOggs-tooth with a pale purple flower is lesser in all the parts thereof than the former the leaves are broader but shorter spotted and marked with darker lines and spots the flower is like that of the other but smaller and of a pale purple colour Dens Caninus flore rubro DOggs-tooth with a red flower hath leaves of yellowish green mealy-colour spotted with red the flower is of a deep reddish purple colour and the chives more purple than those of the last Dens Caninus flore luteo DOggs-tooth with a yellow flower differeth from the first in that the leaves of this are sadder and browner and the flower of a fine pale yellow colour in other things agreeing These pretty flowers come forth in the end of March or beginning of April they do not affect a dunged soil but must be planted in good fresh earth about the middle of August before they put forth new fibres for although they lose the old every year yet they quickly recover new and therefore must not be kept long out of ground and when they are set it will be convenient to cover the place with some pot or tub to defend them from wet untill they have put forth fibres and begin to get strength which will be within a fortnight if they be set at the fore-mentioned time and then all danger is past for too much rain falling upon them presently after they are set will be apt to rot and spoil them these roots do seldom increase with us but many of them are yearly brought over out of France and Flanders by such that make a Trade of selling flowers whereof there are many now about London but commonly they come over so late that not one in ten of them will grow CHAP. XXII Cyclamen SOw-bread in the spotting and marking of the green leaves and turning back of the flowers somewhat resembling the Doogs-tooth is next to be handled There are many varieties thereof and most of them worthy to be received into the Gardens of the best Florists adorning them with diversities of gallant variaged green leaves as well as fine sweet-smelling flowers some of them appearing in the Spring some in Somer but most in Autumn of all which in order Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo THe purple Cyclamen of the Spring hath a smaller root than many of those that follow round and flat like a Turnip and almost black on the outside from whence springeth up divers round-cornered and sharp-pointed green leaves spotted and circled with white round about the middle on the upper side and red underneath the flowers come up folded in the leaves every one upon a small long stalk hanging down their heads and turning up the leaves again composed of five narrow long leaves which in this are of a bright shining reddish purple colour and sweet scent after the flowers are past the head or seed-vessel shrinketh down winding the stalk in a scrowl about it and resteth on the ground hid under the leaves where it groweth great and round containing some small seeds There is one of this kind that flowereth about Christmas if not hindred by hard Frosts Cyclamen Vernum flore albo THe white Cyclamen of the Spring differeth from the former in that the leaves of this are rounder and not so much indented and the flowers snow-white in scent far sweeter than the former in all other things agreeing Cyclamen Vernum Creticum flore albo THe white Candy Cyclamen of the Spring differeth from the last in that the green leaves are larger longer more indented and eminently marked the flowers longer and the leaves of them broader in all other parts agreeing with the former Cyclamen Antiochenum flore amplo albo duplici Vernale THe double white Spring Cyclamen of Antioch hath large long spotted leaves and tall stalks with large double white flowers consisting of twelve leaves or more Cyclamen Vernum flore purpurascente THe pale purple Cyclamen of the Spring is very like that of Candy but that the green leaves are broader and better marked the flowers larger and of a fine pale purple towards the points of the leaves the rest deeper in all other things agreeing with the white of Candy and is a diversity raised from the seeds thereof Cyclamen Aestivum THe Sommer Cyclamen hath round green leaves somewhat cornered and marked with white on the upper side and dark red underneath the flowers are small purple and sweet like unto the first purple of the Spring Cyclamen Romanum THe Roman Cyclamen hath rounder leaves than the last sometimes indented at the edges and eminently marked about the middle with white spots the flowers spring up before the leaves commonly about July which are short and of a fair reddish purple colour the root is bigger than any of the former and the seeds being sowed bring forth varieties differing in the marking of the green leaves and in the size and colour of the flowers some being bigger than others and of a deeper or lighter reddish purple colour Cyclamen Hederae folio autumnale THe Ivy-leaved Cyclamen of
Flowers are past grows big and long yielding store of small Flat brown seeds wraped in down the green leaves are larger grow ranker and are more in number than those of the double kinds the roots much bigger and apter to increase and besides the great varieties of reds scarlets purples whites Peach and Rose-colours both plain and marked with white there are some others raised from the seeds of these that bear gallant double flowers of several colours as red scarlet and purple these either plain or striped sorts I have seen more resembling the flowers of the double latifolias than those with narrow leaves for these consist of many something broad leaves having no plush or thrum of leaves but a small head or button in the middle some having but two rows of leaves others three and some so thick and double that the head in the middle is not to be seen untill the Flowers fall and yet these kinds especially the thinner sorts perfect their seeds from which many fine Flowers may be produced these are called Hermaphrodites for that they partake of both kinds as having the roots and leaves of the narrow and the flowers of the double broad-leaved Anemones All these Anemones both double and single bring forth their beautiful Flowers commonly in March April and May sooner or later according to the State of the Spring and time of setting their roots In the handling and ordering of the rarer sorts of these excellent Flowers some more than common care is to be taken for if the soil situation time and manner of planting and taking up be not exactly observed the Flowers will neither be fair nor will the roots prosper and increase but on the contrary rot and consume especially all the best double kinds with narrow leaves the ordinary and those with single Flowers are more hardy The first thing therefore to be considered is the soil wherein they are to be planted which must be fat and rich the earth not too light a rich sandy lome earth is the best wherein some Neats and Sheeps dung with a little lime hath been tempered and layen long on a heap often turned over so that the dung be fully rotted and well mixed with the earth which being first sifted through a Wyer Sive make a bed thereof half a yard deep at the least in some place that is not too hot in the Sun but something shadowed then about the end of September place the roots of those Anemones with broad leaves therein six or eight inches asunder and three fingers deep in the ground setting that side upward where you perceive small eminences to put forth leaves those with narrow leaves are to be handled in the same manner only differing in the time of their setting for these must be kept out of the ground in some dry place untill the end of October and the purples a moneth longer and then set in the same manner as the others those with broad leaves will come up before Winter and those with narrow leaves about the end of February or sooner if the Winter be mild in March and April if the season be dry they must be watered which will cause them to thrive much the better and to bear the fairer flowers If you find they like their entertainment grow strong bear fair flowers on tall stalks and prosper well you may forbear to take up their roots untill the end of June or July but on the contrary if the green leaves are few the flowers small and stalks short it is a manifest sign of their dislike and that the soil is either too cold and poor or else too hot and rank which is far more dangerous in this case they must be taken up as soon as the green leaves turn yellow the roots put into sand and so kept in some dry place for a moneth at the least and then taken out and kept in papers in some cool dry place until the time of planting for should the roots remain in the ground any time after they have lost their fibres the earth being over-hot they would all or most of them rot and consume away especially if any store of rain fall upon them in the taking up of their roots care must be had that they be not broken especially those with broad leaves which must not be divided nor broken until they part of themselves those of the other kind with narrow leaves may be broken or parted with less prejudice but the wholer they are kept the better they will thrive and although the times before mentioned be best for the planting and setting the roots of both kinds of these rare flowers yet the more ordinary kinds may be kept out of the ground until the end of February which some use to do to cause them to flower late after others are gone in this practise it will be necessary to steep the roots four and twenty hours before you set them in warm water and to plant them with some Willow earth under and over them and in a more shady place than ordinary else the heat of the Sun in the time of their flowring will much diminish their beauty so if you have two beds stored with choice varieties of Anemonies that set last more shaded than the first and the fore-mentioned rules observed you will be sure to enjoy the delight of their delicate flowers part of March all April and the greatest part of May unless your Garden stand in some smoky place where neither art nor industry will cause them to prosper unless set in a hot bed in January as some about London use to doe Now for the raising of new varieties of Anemones from seeds choice must be made of the Flowers as in Tulips some of the double latifolias bring seeds the richest scarlets palest purples pink white and sky-colours are the best but in the single Tenuifolias there is more choice as red and scarlets with deep white edges all that are variegated or striped with white and in these the deepest velvet purples are the best but above all others those that have two or three rowes of leaves and that excellent velvet single blew described and commended by Ferarius are chiefly to be preferred The seeds of these flowers will be ready to gather in May which must be done as the down riseth else they will be blown away and having gathered all your seeds stay not as some direct to sow them untill August but let it be done by the middle of July at the furthest and be sure the earth in which you sow them be good and finely sifted be it in beds or boxes which your best seeds will deserve To separate the seeds that hang in the down you must take earth that is very dry and fine in quantity according to the seeds you intend to sow put it in a Bowl Trey or Bason and mingle the seeds therewith then stir and divide them with your fingers untill none of the white down appear sow
high or more with small leaves to the middle thereof from whence it is divided into many branches bearing a multitude of small star-like flowers of a yellowish green colour the root is thick and big at the head with divers great white strings which run down deep into the ground there strongly fastened and abiding many years unremoved Helleborus albus flore atro rubente THe white Hellebor with a dark red flower differeth from the last in that it cometh up a moneth before it with larger leaves smaller and finer plaited the flowers are lesser than those of the former and of a dark red or sad liver-colour This is a stately plant and will deserve its place in the best Florists garden There are some lesser sorts of Hellebor which we call Helleborine whereof two or three are worth our acquaintance and therefore fit to be inserted Helleborine major sive Calceolus Mariae OUr Ladies slipper cometh up with divers stalks about half a yard high compassed at the bottom with broad green leaves like those of white Hellebor but smaller and not plained at the tops of the stalks come forth one two and sometimes three flowers one above another upon small short foot-stalks with a small leaf at the foot of each the flowers in form are Oval the upper part hollow and the lowerround and swelling at the hollow part are two small slippets wherewith at the first the hollowness is covered but after open and stand apart from each other these flowers are in some of a pale yellow and in others more rare of a brown colour tending to purple the roots are composed of many dark brown strings interlaced one within the other lying under the upper crust of the earth and not deeper as those of the former kinds Helleborine minor flore albo THe small white Hellebor riseth up like the last but not so high neither are the leaves so large and of a whiter green colour the stalk beareth in a spike many small white flowers consisting of five leaves and a small close hood in the middle the roots are many small strings running in the upper part of the earth Helleborine minor flore purpurante THe small purplish Hellebor is like the last described but that the leaves are narrower the flowers smaller and of purplish blush-colour The true black Hellebor flowreth about Christmas the two white Hellebors in June the Ladies Slipper and the white Helleborine in the end of April or beginning of May and that with the purplish flower about the beginning of June The roots of the black and white Hellebor are hardy and abide long unremoved therefore fit to be at first set in good ground and where they may stand the Helleborines are found wild in some parts of York and Lancashire and therefore do not require too rich a soil I received all the varieties before mentioned from that honest Gentleman my never to be forgotten friend Mr. Roger Brodshaw who found them in the shady woods near his house in Lancashire there is another small Plant which may properly be mentioned in this place of which a word or two before we conclude this Chapter Lilium Convallium flore albo THe white Convall Lily May Lily or the Lily of the valley for by all these names it is called hath a small stringy root which runneth in the ground and cometh up in divers places with three or four long and broad leaves somthing resembling those of the lesser Helleborine from whence riseth up a small naked stalk bearing at the top one above another hanging all on one side many little white flowers like little Bottles with open mouths which are of a comfortable sweet scent Lilium Convallium flore rubente THe Conval Lily with a reddish flower differs only from the former in that the flowers are of a fine pale red colour and therefore more esteemed than the other which is found growing wild in divers places in the North. They both flower in May and will increase too fast but bear best in the shade and in a mean soil I never read or heard of any other plant called the Lily of the vally and if this be that mentioned in the Canticles I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valley perhaps it was by the Rose to typify lovely Majesty and by this small low flower virtuous Humility it having an especial property to help weak memories raise Apoplectick persons cheer the heart and ease the pains of the Gout CHAP. XXVIII Gentiana GEntian is of several sorts some greater and some smaller we will make choice of one of each and leave the rest as fitter for a general history than this collection of flowers and first of that rare medicinable plant called Gentiana major flore flavo THe great Gentian with a yellow flower from a great thick yellow bitter root riseth up with a long round and pointed head of leaves closing each other which opening lie upon the ground and are long broad and plaited like unto those of the white Hellebor but softer and more pliable from among which the stalk cometh up which is stiff round full of joynts and above a yard high with two small leaves at every joynt compassing the stalk which from the middle to the top thereof is adorned with many rundles or Coronets of flowers standing at every joynt with two green leaves under them which are laid open like Stars of a yellow colour with some threds in the middle which are succeeded by round heads containing seeds like unto those of the Fritillaria Gentianella verna GEntian of the Spring or Gentianella as it is commonly called hath divers small hard green leaves growing in tufts close to the ground ribbed and veined like to other Gentians from among which riseth up a small short stalk bearing at the top one fair large hollow bell-fashioned flower with open brims ending in five corners of an excellent deep blew colour with some white spots in the bottome on the inside the roots are small pale yellow long strings which run in the ground and put forth leaves in divers places whereby it increaseth so fast that it is now grown common in every ordinary Garden The great Gentian flowereth from June to July and the Gentianella from April to May the first increaseth slowly by the root and it is hardly raised from seeds in respect those plants that grow in England seldome bring any to perfection and if any plants be gotten up from seeds it will be many years before they come to bear flowers the root must be planted in September in rich ground under a South wall and carefully defended from frosts in the Winter the other will prosper in almost any soil so it be in an open air CHAP. XXIX Campanula BEll-flowers are of several sorts as well double as single and some of them worthy acceptance wherewith this Chapter will acquaint you Campanula Percifolio PEach-leaved Bell-flowers have many small leaves like those of the Peach-tree lying on the ground from
most common is that called Antirrhinum album THe white Snap-Dragon is so common that I need say no more of it but we have another kind thereof that is more rare and this is called Antirrhinum album variegatum THe white variegated Snap-Dragon is in all things like the common white but onely that the upper broad leaf that is divided in the middle and turned up at the edges hath on the inside many small long feathered lines of a fine purplish colour which addeth much to the beauty of the flower Antirrhinum rubrum THe red Snap-Dragon is of two or three sorts the best hath flowers like the former but that they are of the colour of a deep red Rose the other are red but paler than each other and there is another that beareth smaller red flowers than the former having a yellow spot in the Nose of the flower as all the rest have but in this circled as it were almost about with white Antirrhinum lutcum THe yellow Snap-Dragon is in all things like the common white and onely differing in that the flowers are of a fair yellow colour They flower from May to July and the seeds are ripe in August All these kinds of Snap-Dragons are raised from seeds and bear flowers the second year from the sowing and then commonly the old roots having perfected their seeds perish yet the slips of them being taken off and set in the manner directed for double stock-Gilliflowers will grow and bear flowers the year following the best slips for this purpose are those that do not rise up to flower and the best time to set them the end of May or beginning of June I have now several Plants of the variegated white and best red raised from slips and have thereby preserved the kinds many years without sowing their seeds CHAP. IV. Linaria WIld and Tode-flax have some varieties planted in Gardens the which we will onely name and so pass them over being Plants of small esteem and first of the Wild flax Wild flax with a white flower hath many slender stalks a foot high set thick with broader leaves than the common Flax bearing at the top many white flowers made of five somthing large leaves with small lines of purple the seed is like that of the manured kind but the root will abide many years after the sowing and although the branches dye to the ground in Winter new will come up at the Spring Wild flax with a yellow flower hath many reddish stalks set with leaves like those of St. Johns-wort bearing at the top many flowers like the former but of a yellow colour the seeds are black but not shining and the roots abide in the ground like those of the white Purple Tode-flax hath fat narrow long leaves of a whitish green colour shipt about the edges the stalks bearing in a spike divers small flowers made in the fashion of the common Wild Tode-flax but lesser and without heels behind which are either of a sadder purple or paler violet with a yellow spot in the gaping place of every flower the seed is small and flat of a grayish colour and the root dies soon after the seed is ripe Sweet purple Tode-flax hath leaves lying on the ground like those of a Daisie but bigger with smaller up the stalk which is branched at the top and plentifully furnished with many small and if the season be hot sweet flowers something like those of the last but of a lighter purple the seeds are also alike but of a reddish colour and the root perisheth in the like manner Toad-flax of Valentia hath more and bigger stalks than the former with leaves like unto those of small Centory at the tops of the stalks come forth the flowers like in fashion to the common wild kind but lesser of a fair yellow colour the gaping mouth down and the heel behind of a purplish colour Broom Tode-flax is onely commendable for the thick standing of many small fair green leaves in a bush it riseth up with a streight upright stalk about a yard high divided into many branches and those thick set with fair green leaves long and narrow like those of the common Flax at the joynts come forth small reddish flowers not worth regarding which are succeeded by small blackish seeds and the whole Plant dies at the first approach of Winter They flower in July and August and the seed is ripe soon after those whose roots abide the Winter are fit to be set together the rest sowed with other annuals or seedlings in some place open to the Sun the best of them is they are apt to come up and need but small attendance CHAP. V. Digitalis FOx-gloves are of three several sorts that is a greater a middle kind and a lesser and these are of three principal colours which are purple white and yellow the best that are received into Gardens are those following Digitalis major ferruginea THe Dun-coloured Fox-glove hath long nicked grayish green leaves a stalk five or six foot high bearing a multitude of small and short flowers of a yellowish dun-colour with a long lip at the lower side of each of them the flowers are succeeded by cods containing small dusty seeds the roots commonly perish after seeding but if they stand warm and are defended from Frosts in Winter the Plants will continue two or three years Digitalis media flore luteo rubente THe Orenge-tawny Fox-glove is of a middle size having leaves a little bigger than those of the lesser yellow the flowers are long and narrow of a fair yellowish brown colour inclining to an Orenge-tawney the seeds are like the former and the roots commonly perish after the seeds are ripe Digitalis alba major minor THe great white Fox-glove differeth from the common red of the field in that the leaves and stalks are of a yellowish green colour and the flowers wholly white there is a lesser kind that is more rare it hath the leaves and stalks shorter the flowers lesser of a pure white colour and thicker set on the stalk Digitalis major lutea THe great yellow Fox-glove hath leaves like but lesser than those of the wild kind the stalk riseth three or four foot high bearing many long hollow pendulous flowers shorter than those of the common kinde and wider open at the brims the seeds are like those of the former and the root more woody and of long continuance Digitalis minor lutea pallida THe small pale yellow Fox-glove hath something broad smooth dark green leaves finely snipt about the edges a stalk two foot high bearing a multitude of long hollow small pale yellow flowers which are succeeded by seeds like those of the rest but smaller the root is composed of divers hard strings and longer lasting than any of the former They flower in June and July and that with dun flowers seldom before August All these kinds of Fox-gloves are raised from seeds and none of them bear flowers until the second year
the seeds are sowed in good rich earth in April in the Flower-Nurcery and in September after removed into the Garden CHAP. VI. Carduus THistles as noysome Weeds are more usually cast out than as delightful flowers received into Gardens yet there are some sorts that may be accepted and the chiefest among these seedlings inserted Carduus Globosus major THe greater Globe-Thistle hath many large leaves lying on the ground cut in and gashed to the middle ribb full of sharp prickles the stalk riseth above a yard high divided into branches bearing great round hard heads thick set with sharp-bearded husks of a blewish green colour out of the husks come forth pale blew flowers spreading over the whole head a braver thistle never beautified a Scots Bonet after the flowers are past the seeds are contained in the husks which must be preserved for the old Plant dieth in Winter Carduus Globosus minor THe lesser Globe-Thistle hath leaves like the former but lesser and whiter the stalk and head of flowers not so bigg the root more durable commonly lasting three or four years bearing flowers These flower usually in August and sometimes later being sowed of seeds they will come to bear flowers the second year There are some other sorts of Thistles which in general collections are received into Gardens but none of them fit for our purpose CHAP. VII Scabiosa SCabious is a Plant well known especially those sorts thereof which carry blew flowers and grow wild in the fields but there are other kinds of Scabious which as well for the beauty of their flowers as being Foreiners find friendly entertainment from all that delight in seedlings but first take one of our own Country to usher in the other strangers Scabiosa flore albo WHite flowered Scabious hath many jagged green leaves like that of the field but lesser bearing stalks and flowers of the same fashion onely differing in colour the flowers of this being white this hath been found wild in the fields and thence for the rarity brought into Gardens Scabiosa rubra Austriaca REd Scabious of Austria in leaves resembleth the Devils bit but shorter and onely snipt about the edges the flowers are of the fashion of those of other kinds in one of a deep red colour and in another of a fine bright purplish red the seeds are a little long and round set with hairs at the ends Scabiosa rubra Indica REd Indian Scabious hath many jagged green leaves lying on the ground from whence rise up divers stalks divided into several branches bearing flowers like those of the former but of various colours some being deep crimson others murrey purple in both some deeper and others paler and some will have the outer leaves of a deeper or lighter murrey and the middle of the flower almost white we have some that bear their flowers like the Childling Daysie many smaller coming out on long foot-stalks of the sides of one larger flower and many other diversities are observed to proceed from the seeds of this kind which are yearly sowed for the Plant commonly dyeth after it hath given seeds yet if it stand in a warm place and the Winters prove milde some Plants will last and bear flowers two or three years The two first flower about July the other if they bear the first year they are sowed it will be late in September so that then from such Plants little good seed can be expected but the best way to be sure of good seeds is about the beginning of June to remove the young Plants to keep them back from running up to flower the first year which will cause them to bring their flowers sooner the next and so have time to ripen the seeds from which being sowed in April many more varieties may be raised than are before described especially from the flowers that are of the lightest and most mixed colours the which are chiefly to be reserved for that purpose CHAP. VIII Cyanus COrn-flower or Blew-bottles are common in every corn-field especially those with blew flowers of which kind many diversities are raised from seeds differing in colour for some of them will be blew like that of the field other white blush sadder or lighter purple brighter or darker red or else of these colours mixed as edges white the rest blew or purple or the flower white edged with blew or purple in some striped spotted or divided half the flower of one colour and the other of another and often the middle of the flower of a sadder and deeper colour than the rest After the flowers are past the scaly heads contain wrapped in downy matter small hard white shining seeds which must be preserved and sowed at the Spring for the roots yearly perish There is another sort more rare than any of the former called the Sultans flower the seeds are smaller and blacker than those of the former the plants bigger in all the parts thereof the flowers are larger and of a purplish blush-colour in one and in another Snow-white more beautiful than any of the former the roots yearly perish and the seeds not very apt to come up or the Plant to prosper but requireth to be often watered and to be nursed up in a hot bed We have another called the Spanish Corn-flower which rambles and takes up more ground than can well be spared for so poor a Plant the flowers are of a pale purplish blush-colour but not so fair nor beautiful as the last this seeds and yearly dies as the rest doe The first kind flower in June and July the two last not untill August the Sultans flower is of some esteem but the rest are little valued yet by such as want better things entertained We have another Plant which Mr. Parkinson in his florilege sets forth by the name of Jacea marina Baetica Spanish sea Knabweed then rare with him but now common in almost every Garden and is no other than that rambling lasting Plant vulgarly called the great Cyanus or Blew-bottle Carthamus Sativus bastard Saffron is an annual yearly raised from seeds it hath broad green leaves a round hard stalk branched at the top and each branch bearing one great scaly head out of which cometh a tuft of shining gold-coloured threds which keep that colour though gathered a long time the seed is round and long white and hard but seldome ripens with us and the root yearly dies the seeds come to us from Spain where much is planted for the use of the dyers of silk CHAP. IX Amaranthus FLower Gentle is chiefly of two sorts the greater and the lesser of the first there are some diversities but many more and better of the latter of which there hath lately been observed twenty five varieties all in flower together but first of that best known Amaranthus purpureus major THe great Floramour hath a thick and tall crested stalk with many reddish large green leaves the stalk divided into many branches bearing long spikes of round
there is another way more ready than this which I have long used with success it differs onely from the former in that from the cross cut the Bark is slit upwards and the Shield formed and put in accordingly leaving the end below the bud longer then may serve and after it is thrust up as high as is necessary cut off what is superfluous at the cross cut with which the end must joyn than bind it as the former There are other ways of Inoculating but these two are the best and the later the more expedite and easie to be performed The best time to Inoculate is in the evening of a fair day in a dry season for rain falling on the buds before they have taken will destroy most of them after three weeks you may cut away the binding and in March following the head of the stock three fingers above the bud which being well grown cut close that the stock may cover In placing of grafts or buds in stocks you must consider what Trees you intend them for either standards or for walls and so graft or bud them high or low accordingly as also to lodge them on that side of the stock which is most exposed to the strongest winds to prevent their being blown out or loosened When your Grafts are grown half a yard high those you find inclined to shoot up in one lance pinch off their tender tops which will prevent their mounting and cause them to put forth side-branches in March following prune away those are small and what you find superfluous cutting the long lances close behind a bud a thing always to be observed in pruning If the ground of your Nurcery be good and kept from Weeds by often turning most of these Grafts especially the stone-fruits will be ready to transplant within a year or two but Pears and Apples grafted on the forementioned stocks to form Dwarf or wall-Trees growing slowly require more time and not to be removed untill the stocks are covered The best time to transplant and set Trees is about the middle of October which must be carefully taken up that the roots be not cut or broken but before they are set you must cut off such roots as run down and the ends of those you find too long as also most of the small threds where they grow too thick Which done the ground and place where they are to be planted being prepared and wide holes opened raise a small hill in the centre thereof whereon set your tree opening and spreading the roots round about it then cover them with the best earth and shake the tree that the roots lie not hollow treading it down to fasten them Standards all know are to be set upright but if naturally they lean any way let it be towards South-West from whence the strongest winds commonly proceed these must be supported with strong stakes that they be not tossed but kept upright wall-trees are to be placed at such distance as they may be leaned to the wall and most conveniently spread and nailed thereunto The best time to plash prune and nail trees is in February after the great Frosts are past except Peaches and Nectorins which being cut before the rising of the sap are apt to dye after the knife and so stump and deform the Tree therefore such must be left untill they begin to put forth buds and blossoms Spread the boughs and branches upon the wall like the ribbs of a Screen fan or the fingers of your hand displayed and let not one cross the other leaving no place bare such as will not come handsomely to the wall must be cut off close to the stock and the ends of the small branches close behind a leaf bud and in Sommer when they put forth new wood rub off such buds as growing may deform the Tree after Midsomer you must give your Trees a second pruning by cutting away the new lances to give Sun and Air to the fruits to cause them to ripen and be well colouted The pruning of Trees dependeth much on the discretion of the Operator who is to consider the growth of every Tree and what may most conveniently be taken away without leaving the walls too bare The well and seasonable pruning of Trees in Sommer will cause them to set thick with Fruit-buds and bear plentifully and if too many cut off the smallest leaving so many as the Tree may be well able to nourish and bring to perfection There are many other observations about fruit Trees but these inserted are the most essential which together with what you will find at the end of every Chapter where each particular is described may be sufficient to inform all such as desire to be Planters besides their own practice will every year inform them Experience being the best Tutor I confess I might have spared part of this pains by referring the Readers unto two little Books long since written in French and now lately translated into English and some others good in their kinds yet in respect of us and our Climate very deficient as all I have seen are which defects I have endeavoured to supply and to make this work as absolute as I was able in directing the choice of particulars as well as the order of their propagation The French Gardener gives us the names of a multitude of Pears and other fruits about Paris but nothing to direct our choice so that if any should be desirous to obtain some of the best from thence he might easily be mistaken having no better a Guide than a bare name to direct him indeed for good fruit we need search no further than the Nurceries about London which are now abundantly furnished with many excellent varieties in every kind which may be had with little labour and small charge and in respect every one that desires to Plant hath not experience or perhaps the knowledge which sorts of every kind are fittest to be collected either in relation to their goodness the soil and situation of the Gardens where they are to be planted I shall therefore endeavor by the following papers to give the best directions I am able and acquaint you with what I have learned in fourty years practice and first begin with Apples CHAP. I. Pomum APples are fruits fitter for Orchards than Gardens yet some choice kinds may conveniently be planted in large Fruit-Gardens either in Bushes or on North-walls which ought not to be left naked these Apples well ordered will not onely cover the walls with fair green leaves but also bear store of good fruits the fittest for this purpose are those that follow The Juniting is a small yellow red-sided Apple upon a wall ripe in the end of June The King Apple is as early ripe as the last bigger and much better tasted The Margaret or Magdalen Apple is a fair and beautiful fruit yellow and thick striped with red early ripe of a delicate taste sweet scent and best eaten off the Tree
smaller in all the parts than the former the leaves of a fresher green and almost round three growing together close to the stalks the middlemost biggest the Flowers are like those of the former of the same season and the Cods small and hairy at the ends both these Plants are aptly increased either by Seeds or Suckers Colutea vesicaria THe great bastard Sena with bladders hath a stock sometimes as big as a mans Arm divided into many branches set with winged leaves like those of Lycoris the Flowers come forth in May like those of Broom but of a paler yellow colour after which appear clear thin transparent bladders containing black seeds Colutea Scorpioides major THe greater Scorpion poded bastard Sena is lower and lesser in all the parts than the former and chiefly differeth in that the bladders which succeed the Flowers are distinguished into many divisions like unto a Scorpions tail containing small seeds this and the former are raised from Seeds Suckers Layers or Cuttings Spartum Hispanicum SPanish Broom hath a woody stalk divided into many small long green twigs with small long green leaves which soon fall away and leave the twigs naked the Flowers come forth in May towards the top of the branches like those of common Broom but larger the Cods are long and small containing brown flat seeds by which this Plant may be increased as also by Suckers Nux vesicaria THe bladder Nut if pruned up and kept from Suckers will grow to be six foot high the bark is whitish and the leaves like unto those of Elder the Flowers white and sweet many hanging down on a long stalk after them greenish bladders each containing one smooth small Nut with a green Kernel it is too apt to send forth Suckers and thereby to be increased Sambucus Rosea THe Gilder Sose riseth six or more foot high spreading into many branches with broad leaves divided into three Sections at the tops of the young branches comes forth a round ball of many single white Flowers close set together it flowers in May with the Pionies which placed together in Chimneys or Windowes make a fine shew the Plant is hardy and of long lasting increased by Suckers which will soon bear Flowers Syringa flore albo THe white Syringa or Pipe Tree never riseth tall but groweth in a bush with many small branches and divers Suckers from the root the leaves stand two at a joynt which are ragged crumpled a little pointed and dented about the edges the Flowers in May come forth at the ends of the Branches many together consisting of four white leaves with yellow thrids in the middle it is easily increased being too apt to put forth Suckers Lylac sive Syringa flore caeruleo THe blue Syringa or Pipe-Tree is so common that it needeth no description especially the ordinary kind with blue Flowers but there are three other sorts more rare which chiefly differ in the colour of the Flowers those of the one being Snow white another Silver colour that is white with a light wash of blew the third hath larger Shoots grows more upright and beareth more and much fairer Flowers on one branch than any of the former and of a fair purple colour they all flower in April and must yearly be discharged of Suckers else they will choak the tree and cause it to die or not bring forth Flowers this said I need not tell you how this Plant is increased they are all hardy Plants except the white which is more tender and would be Planted on a Wall Paliurus CHrists Thorn riseth in some places five or six foot high with many slender branches set with broad and round leaves veined and a little pointed also thick set with small Thorns the Flowers are small and yellow many together on a long stalk which in Palestine its natural place but not with us are succeeded by round flat shelly fruit covered with a fleshy skin including two or three small hard brown and flat seeds this Thorn is much esteemed for its rarity but especially for the name being that as is supposed wherewith our Saviour was crowned and is increased by laying the Branches Rhus Mrytifolia THe Myrtle-leaved Sumach riseth yearly from the Root with many small branches sometimes four or five foot high set with winged leaves like those of the broader-leaved Myrtle on each side a middle rib at the tops of the Branches come forth divers Flowers consisting of many purple thrids which turn into small black Berries containing small Seeds whereby as also by parting the Roots new Plants are raised Rhus Virginiana THe Virginian Sumach or Bucks-horn tree groweth in some places six foot high the young branches are of a reddish brown colour handling like Velvet resembling the Velvet head of a Buck yielding milk if cut or broken the Leaves are many set on each side of a middle rib snipt about the edges at the ends of the Branches come forth long and thick brown tufts made of many soft and woolly thrums among which appear many small Flowers much redder than the tufts which yield small Seeds the Root putteth forth many Suckers whereby it is increased Hedera Virginiana THe Virginian Ivy riseth up with divers small stems divided into many long weak branches which set against a Wall will fasten thereunto with small claws like a Birds foot and climb to the top of a tall Chimney the Leaves at first are red and crumpled but after fair and green divided into five six or more leaves standing together upon a small foot-stalk set without order the Flowers with us only appear in bud but never open the Roots run on the top of the ground and by cutting some of them from the stock and turning up the ends new Plants may be raised Tamarix THe Tamarisk Tree is well known to most persons in some places by long standing it groweth tall and great though commonly with small and weak branches the red Shoots set with small short hairy soft green leaves which fall away in Winter this is of little beauty or esteem but there is another of this kind more rare in respect the leaves are wholly white and abide so constantly from year to year this as the other is increased by Suckers or Layers Larix THe Lanch-tree with us groweth slowly and to be found in few places it hath a rugged bark and boughs that branch in good order with divers small yellowish bunched eminences set thereon at several distances from whence tufts of many small long and narrow smooth leaves do yearly come forth it beareth among the green leaves many beautiful flowers which are of a fine crimson colour and in its natural place succeeded by small Cones like Cypress-nuts whereby new Plants are raised being hardly increased any other way Of all these flower-bearing and beautiful Trees I have placed this Larch-tree the last in respect it is the rarest and although it falleth the leaves in Winter nearest in nature to those ever-green Trees that are
among ordinary Tulips and other roots that lose their fibres in the beds of a Knot or Fret where the nakedness of the stalks especially of those of the first kind may be covered with the leaves of others Doubtless many more diversities of these Fritillaries may be raised from the seeds of the best kinds being sowed preserved and ordered in the same manner as those of Tulips few particulars needing exception either in this or in any other bulbous-rooted Plant that loseth the fibres wherefore those that desire to practise the sowing of such seeds I refer to the general directions in the end of the Chapter of Tulips where they will meet with ample satisfaction therein CHAP. IX Tulipa THe Tulip is a flower well known especially the more common kinds thereof but there are many noble varieties whose faces as few are acquainted with as with their excellent qualities these are those lovely Lilies whose bravery excelled Solomon in his greatest lustre Flora's choicest Jewels and the most glorious ornaments of the best Gardens transferable favours from one Florist to another aptly conveyable the season considered many miles distant And as these stately Flowers are esteemed so are they valued one root being usually sold with us at all prices from a penny I may say with modesty to five pounds but in other Countries where Flowers are more affected at far higher rates Such is their rarity and excellence and so numerous are the varieties that it is not possible any one person in the world should be able to express or comprehend the half of them every Spring discovering many new diversities never before observed either arising from the Seeds of some choice kinds the altering of off-sets or by the busie and secret working of Nature upon several self-colours in different soils and situations together with the help of Art Of all which plentifully in the end of this Chapter The division of Tulips according to Gerard Parkinson Clusius and Ferrarius is into three sorts Praecoces Medias and Seretinas early middle and late flowering Tulips whereas indeed there are but two primary distinct kinds Praecoces and Serotinas these having other notable differences besides their time of flowering which from the first to the last is as distant in the Praecoces as that of those called Medias to the Serotinas so according to their rule we might as well divide the early as the later and so make four sorts out of two yet not to be thought singular I shall not alter the old method but set down a plentiful variety of each under such names as they are generally received and known by written after the English fashion that persons unexpert in the Orthography of Forein Languages may be able to write and pronounce them beginning with the best known and more ordinary sorts and so proceed to better The greatest difference of Tulips is in the flowers as the diversity of colour manner of marking bottoms chives or Tamis bigness fashion and manner of growing the which after one general description of the whole Plant shall be particularly expressed whereby each flower by name and face may be known and distinguished Tulipa praecox media serotina THe early middle and later flowering Tulip springeth out of the ground with leaves folded one within another which opening by degrees become broad thick long and hollow turning up the edges and holding water falling thereon they are commonly three in number but sometimes in old-rooted Plants four or five of a whitish green colour with whiter edges especially in those of the Praecoces whereby they may be known from the other sorts whose leaves are of a fresher green the stalk with the flower cometh up in the middle of the leaves which do rise therewith and compass it at certain unequal distances many of the Praecoces bending to the ground but before they flower drawn by the Sun stand upright as all the rest do the stalks of the Praecoces are commonly not above a foot high and many of them much lower but those of the Medias and Serotinas far higher they all bear usually but one flower on a stalk which standeth upright in fashion like unto a Lily composed of six leaves green at the first and closed which warmed by the Sun open and change into divers several glorious colours variously mixed edged striped feathered garded agotted marbled flaked or specled even to admiration the leaves of some of them being round pointed of others sharp and in some three of one fashion and three of the other The colour of the bottoms and Tamis especially in the Mediums and Serotinas doth also notably differ from each other for in some they will be white yellow or straw-colour and in others blew black or purple deeper or lighter some of these flowers are sweeter than others and many of them have little or no scent at all in the middle of the flower standeth a long green head commonly three square which is the Seed-vessel compassed about with six chives tipt with pendents which are those after the French we call Tamis in colour usually answerable to that of the bottom which often changeth for when a red or purple flower with a blew or other dark-coloured bottom and Tamis marketh well with white the bottom will be white also the bottom running up into the leaves which is a prime cause of the well marking thereof but the Tamis remain without alteration whereby the flower may be known through all the various mutations thereof the rule holding certain in most of the best flowers After the leaves of the flower are faln the head or Seed-vessel groweth biger rounder and longer containing usually six rows of flat thin brown gristly Seed The roots are some rounder and bigger than others sharp at the upper end and in those roots that will bear flowers either forked or shewing two points to put forth two leaves but in such as will not bear but one the bottom is big and round with a little woolly eminence on the one side thereof from whence the Fibres come forth on the other side in such roots as have born flowers there is a hollow chanel where the stalk grew which yearly shifteth from side to side arising immediately from that eminence which is in the bottom of every root but more in some than others These roots are composed of several thick skins folded within each other and covered with a thin brown Coat which is every year renewed and the old cast off And now having done with the general we will proceed to a more particular description and first of the Praecoces or early flowering Tulips the varieties whereof are chiefly of two sorts or manners those of the first or more common rank are called Edgers and are either Red Carnation Crimson or Scarlet deeper or lighter with yellow straw-colour or white edges or else sadder or paler violet graydeline or murey-purple with greater or lesser white edges of these there are a multitude of
a more sullen Brimston-colour and the cup also waxeth paler this is sweet like the former and worthy of esteem Narcissus Narbonensis sive medio luteus THe French Daffodill with the yellow cup hath long and something broad leaves but not so long as the two former it beareth sometimes eight or ten flowers on one stalk made of six small white leaves and a little round yellow cup in the middle of a soft sweet scent of this kinde there are five or six several sorts some flowering earlier some bigger and some bearing more flowers than others Narcissus totus albus Polianthos THe all-white Daffodill with many flowers is like the French Daffodill last described onely the flowers are all white as well the cup as the outer leaves of this there is a lesser and a greater but the greater is much the better Narcissus Cyprius flore pleno Polianthos THe double yellow Daffodill of Cyprus with many flowers hath leaves almost as broad and long as the former and a stalk above a foot high which beareth four or five small double pale yellow flowers of a strong heady scent it is tender and must be defended from frosts in the winter Narcissus medio luteus Corona duplici THe Turky Daffodill with a double Crown cometh up with three or four long broad leaves with a large tall stalk bearing four or five small milk-white flowers with a double yellow cup in the middle composed of many small short yellow leaves or parts of several cups one within another this is exceeding sweet and not so tender as the last Narcissus Chalcidonicus flore pleno Polianthos THe double Daffodill of Constantinople with many flowers is like the last described the leaves come up before other Daffodils and the stalk beareth four or five small double white flowers the leaves standing without order and many pieces of a yellow cup among them there is another of this kind that beareth fewer and lesser flowers the pieces of the yellow cup that is mixed with the white leaves are edged with purple they are both very sweet and fine flowers but the first is much the better and is more tender than the other The great African Daffodill flowreth about the middle of March the Brimstone-colour in the beginning of April the French Daffodils and the all white betimes in March the double yellow of Cyprus flowreth about the end of April and the other of Constantinople about the end of March but after some mild winter much sooner The next division of true Daffodills is of Juncifolias those with round rush-like leaves whereof there is some diversity the best of which are these that follow Narcissus Juncifolius albus THe white Junquilia or Rush Daffodill hath a small round blackish root from whence spring up three or four small long Rush-like green leaves with a stalk more than a foot high bearing three or four little flowers each containing six white leaves and a round cup in the middle of the same colour There is another of this kind that beareth white flowers with larger cups in nothing else differing Narcissus Juncifolius flore albo reflexo THe white turning Junquilia or Rush Daffodill hath green leaves like the former but somewhat shorter rounder and greener the leaves of the flowers are larger the cups much bigger and both of a white coleur the six leaves turning back even to the foot stalks Narcissus Juncifolius flore luteo reflexo THe yellow turning Junquilia differeth chiefly from the last in the colour of the flowers which in this are wholly of a gold yellow colour Narcissus Juncifolius chalice albo reflexis foliis luteis THe yellow turning Junquilia with a white cup differeth from the rest in that the outer leaves of the flowers are pale yellow and the cups milk white Narcissus Juncifolius chalice luteo reflexis foliis albidis THe white turding Junquilia with a yellow cup is only different from the other in that the flowers are contrary to them the turning leaves in this being white and the cup yellow Narcissus Juncifolius luteus magno chalice THe Junquilia or Rush Daffodil with a great cup is bigger in all the parts thereof than any of the former the flowers are seldom more than three on one stalk which are larger than in any other Rush Daffodil the outer leaves are yellow and do not turn towards the stalk but rather towards the cup which is big proportionally to the outer leaves and of a deeper yellow colour Narcissus Juncifolius luteus flore pleno THe double Junquilia or Rush Daffodill in all the parts thereof is like the common Junquilia only the flowers of this are thick and double consisting of several rows of leaves with the cups or pieces thereof betwixt every row of bigger leaves and wholly of a fair yellow colour there is another of this kind that beareth double flowers but lesser and much inferiour to this All these Junquilias or Rush Daffodils do flower in April some sooner than others and most of those that turn back their leaves are commonly in flower together Narcissus Marinus sive tertius Mathioli THe great Sea Daffodill or Mathiolus his third Daffodil hath a root far bigger than any other the forementioned Daffodills the leaves are commonly six in number of a whitish green colour twice as thick and broad as any of the former but not so long as many of them from the middle and sides whereof springeth up one two and sometimes three great stalks more than a foot high bearing at the tops thereof ten twelve or more flowers on each stalk consisting of six white leaves spread or layed open with a white short cup or crown in the middle lying flat upon the leaves cut or divided into six corners from whence standeth forth long white threads turning up the ends and some other white threads in the middle also tipt with yellow pendents This springeth late out of the ground seldome before the beginning of April and flowreth in the end of May and sometimes not untill the beginning of June Narcissus Indicus autumnalis latifolius rubellus instar Liliì polianthos THe Indian broad-leaved Autumn Daffodill with many Lily-like reddish flowers on one stalk Narcissus Indicus autumnalis rubello albicante colore polianthos THe Indian Autumn Daffodill with many blush flowers on one stalk Narcissus Indicus latifolia squamosa radice flore phoeniceo THe Indian broad-leaved Daffodill with a scaly root and scarlet flower Narcissus latifolius flore Phoeniceo instar Jacobei polianthos THe broad leaved Daffodil with scarlet flowers many on one stalk vulgarly called Jacobea this is the red Daffodil described by Mr. Parkinson the plant is tender unapt to live with us and the flower of small beauty Narcissus Virginianus latifolius flore purpurascente THe broad leaved Virginian Daffodil with a purplish flower This Daffodil beareth many flowers on one stalk like small Lillies of a sullen purplish colour never opening and seldome shewing the inner sides of the leaves in its natural country and
will be many and fair all the other sorts that bear but one flower may be taken up in the beginning of June and kept dry untill September the Sea Daffodill and those of India excepted which hold their fibres and must not be removed but upon necessity and then planted again as soon as may be The Sea Daffodill is far more hardy than those of India which require to be planted in boxes and housed in winter but the other may be set under a south wall where it may stand twenty years without removing If any desire to sow the seeds of Daffodills in hope to raise some new varieties those of the Nonparel the great Spanish yellow the Spanish whites the great Junquilia and the bastard kind are the aptest to bring good seeds and the likeliest to yield diversities they may be sowed in September and not removed of three years and then in June taken up and presently set again in good ground at wider distances where they may stand until you may see what flowers they will bear and then disposed as they shall deserve The seeds of the Sea Daffodill must be sowed very thin by it self and not removed for the space of ten years about which time it will bear flowers and when you take it up the Fibres which it still holdeth must be kept whole and the root presently set again where it may stand without removing all the Indian Daffodils are of the same nature but much more tender If the seeds were obtained perhaps they might be the products to plants more durable being naturalized and bred up in our own Countrey but so long expectation requireth much patience though little pains in planting only sowing them in boxes letting them not freez in Winter nor want water in Somer Having now done with the Daffodils wee will conclude this Chapter with some diversities of Lucoium Bulbosum the Bulbous Violet which is of the nature of the Daffodills and then proceed to the Hyacinths Lucoium Bulbosum praecox majus THe greater early Bulbous Violet from a small round root like unto that of a Daffodil putteth forth three or four very green broad flat and short leaves with a naked green stalk at the top whereof out of a thin skin cometh forth one and sometimes two small white flowers hanging down the heads consisting of six short leaves standing round together with small sharp points of a pale greenish colour Lucoium bulbosum praecox minus THe lesser early Bulbous Violet cometh up with two narrow grayish green leaves with a small stalk betwixt them bearing one small pendulous flower with three small pointed white leaves on the out side with three shorter within them standing round like a cup edged with green this is that common kind vulgarly called the Snow-flower Lucoium majus bulbosum serotinum THe great late-flowring bulbous Violet is in all the parts thereof very like unto the first but much bigger it beareth upon a reasonable tall stalk bigger in the middle than at either end three or four flowers like in form and colour unto the first we have had two other varieties which came from Portugall but both of them so tender that they would not abide in our cold Countrey The first flowreth about the end of February the second or lesser a fortnight before it and the great late flowring kind not untill May. They all increase by the root like Daffodills being very apt to off-set they lose their fibres and therefore may be taken up and kept dry untill Autumn and then choice being made of the biggest roots to set the rest may be cast away for a few of these will be sufficient to furnish a garden especially of the lesser and common kind CHAP. XI Hyacinthus sive Jacinthus THe Hyacinth or Jacinth is of divers sorts and many of them of small esteem we will make choice of the best and set them down in order beginning with that so much desired by all Florists Hyacinthus Indicus tuberosa radice THe great Indian tuberous-rooted Hyacinth hath a thick tuberous knobbed root formed into several heads with many thick fibres at the bottoms of them from those heads rise up several strong and tall stalks set with divers fair long and broad green leaves joyned at the bottom close unto the stalk where they are biggest growing smaller and smaller even to the top thereof where stand many fair large flowers each composed of six white leaves spread open like those of a white Daffodill with some short threds in the middle and of a strong sweet scent there is another of this kind that differeth only from this in that it is lesser in all the parts thereof Hyacinthus Botroides major sive Muscari flore flavo THe great yellow Musk Grape flower or yellow Muscari from a long round root with many thick fat fibres underneath which do not perish as those of many of the other Jacinths do spring up five or six leaves which at first are reddish and after of a whitish green colour hollow or guttered on the upper side sometimes from an old root that hath stood long unremoved cometh up three or four weak stalks commonly lying on the leaves loaden towards the top with many flowers like little bottles of a fair yellow colour and of a Musk sweet scent Muscari flore cineritio THe Ash-coloured Muscari is in roots leaves stalks and flowers like unto the last but something lesser the leaves a little paler and the flowers of a bleak Ash-colour as sweet or rather sweeter than the former Muscari flore rubro THe red Muscari differeth chiefly from the last in that the flowers of this are of a yellowish red colour and of a softer sweet scent Muscari flore albo THe white Muscari is like the last only the flowers of this are of a pale bleak white colour and of a strong Musky scent Hyacinthus comosus ramosus purpureus THe fair-haired branched Jacinth hath broader leaves than any of the former not lying on the ground but standing more upright but hollow like the other the stalk riseth up half a yard high branched out on every side with many tuffs or knaps at the ends of them of a dark murrey purple colour the roots are great and hold their fibres like those of the Muscari Hyacinthus comosus ramosus elegantior THe fair curled haired Jacinth is in all the parts thereof like the former the only difference being in the flowers which of this is a bush or tuft of many branches sub-divided into divers long curled threds or hairs of a fine bright murry purple colour as well the top of the stalk as the flower this is a beautifull and strange fashioned flower and hath been of great esteem but now grown something common Hyacinthus Stellatus major Peruanus THe great starry Jacinth of Peru from a great root like unto that of the Muscari come up before winter many broad long sharp-pointed green leaves which lye on the ground round about the head thereof from
years from the sowing before they come to bear flowers yet it is worth the labour and attendance for that seeds of the two Lilly Asphodills may be obtained from places far distant better than plants Having done with these flower-bearing plants before we pass to the rest of the Bulbous roots the varieties of Paeonies are to be handled which shall be the subject of our next discourse CHAP. XV. Paeonia THe Peonie is of two sorts Male and Female The Male is to be known from all the rest in that the leaves are constantly whole without any division and the roots are long and round of this there is but one sort and that preserved more for its Physical properties than for the beauty of the flowers the Female is of many sorts some bearing single and others double flowers the leaves of them all are cut in and divided on the edges more or less and the roots are more tuberous growing in clogs like those of the Asphodill with many round pieces fastened to the head with smaller strings There are four sorts that bear single flowers which are the Male kind with purplish red single flowers the common Female with smaller and darker purplish single red flowers the blush with large blush flowers and the single Piony of Constantinople whose flowers are larger than those of the Male kind and of a deeper red colour without any shew of purple these are of small esteem yet the two last for variety may be admitted those that bear double flowers are best worthy to be regarded the which we will particularly describe and first begin with that best known Paeonia foemina vulgaris flore pleno rubro THe double red Peonie hath many stalks and store of leaves divided or cut in at the edges of a dark green colour the flowers grow on the tops of the stalks which are very large thick and double of a full deep red colour and seldome continuing above eight days before they shed their leaves the roots are many long clogs fastened to the head or main root with smaller strings this is so common and well known that it needeth no description Poeonia foemina flore pleno purpureo THe double purple Peony differeth from the last in that it is smaller in all the parts thereof and the leaves of a whiter green colour the flowers are double consisting of some broad and many narrow leaves of a fine bright shining purple colour which fall away like those of the former Paeonia foemina flore pleno rubescente THe double Carnation Peony hath lower and stiffer stalks than the former with smaller leaves divided or cut-in in some places on the edges as all the Female kinds are the flowers are neither so big nor so double by much as those of the common red of a bright shining carnation colour at the first opening but dayly declining and waxing paler untill it come to be almost white never shedding the leaves but abiding long and at last wither on the stalk the roots are like the former but smaller and of a brighter brown colour on the outside I have one of this kind that beareth large thick and double flowers consisting of many long round pointed leaves the ends and sides thereof turn white in one hot day and continue so with a red stripe in the middle many days then wither on the stalks Paeonia foemina flore pleno albicante THe double blush or white Peonie is in the manner of growing like unto the last described but taller the green leaves something larger more veined and ribbed than those of any the other sorts the flowers are much bigger than those of the last and more thick and double which at the first opening are of a fine light blush colour but by standing blown in a few days will turn to be of a pale white and so continue a long time before they decay the leaves not falling off but withering on the stalk like those of the last and this is accounted the best of all the double Peonies which have hitherto come to our knowledge I have often heard of a double Peonie that hath snow white flowers from the first opening thereof and so abiding constant to the last but have not seen any such and therefore doubt the verity of the report Paeonia faemina flore pleno variegata THe double striped Peonie in the manner of growing is like the last but something smaller in all the parts thereof the flowers are double of a fine red colour striped and variegated with white abiding long in flower and at last the leaves wither but fall not off They all flower in May sooner or later as they stand more or less in the Sun All the Peonies are hardy and being set in good ground will continue and abide many years without removing they are commonly set in great tufts in the middle or corners of knots or on borders and may be taken up parted and planted again from September unto the end of October those roots that have sprouts or buds at the ends of them are best to be planted for those clogs or roots that are without them will ly in the ground and never spring at all except those of the double purple every piece whereof will grow being aptest to increase of all other in some years the double kinds do bring some seeds to perfection which being set or sowed very thin in September or October where they may stand unremoved until they flower which will be about seaven years from the sowing herhaps some new varieties may be produced especially from the seeds of the Carnation Blush Purple and variegated kinds And now we will return to the rest of the blubous and tuberous-rooted plants remaining to be described and set them down in order according to their similitude and several relations to each other and first of that whick flowreth first though vulgarly accounted last CHAP. XVI Colchicum THe Meadow-Saffron whereof there are many sorts some of them for the beauty of their flowers deserving place in this Collection the which shall be described the rest bearing single flowers wholly of one colour and neither eminently striped nor checkered we will pass over as not worth the trouble Colchicum versicolor THe party-coloured Meadow-Saffron and all the rest except those of the Spring bring forth their flowers in Autum before the green leaves appear which being kept back by Winter come not up untill February the flowers of this come out of the ground late in the year three four or more from one root standing on very short foot-stalks composed of six leaves whereof some are white others of a pale purple and some of them half white and the rest purple with some threds or chives in the middle like unto the Crocus or Safforn-flowers of the Spring after the flowers are past the green leaves do not presently come forth little of them appearing above ground before the end of February which at first are of a dark brown colour but with
of a milk-white colour There is another that beareth a small double snow-white flower having six outer leaves and a thrum in the middle made of small-hairy leaves standing even at the top as if they had been clipt with a pair of Scisers Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno maxima albo THe greatest double narrow-leaved white Anemone called the white of Burdeaux is in fashion like the first but much larger and fairer and of a pure white colour Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno Colombina THe narrow-leaved double blush Anemone called Colombina hath a larger flower than any of the former the outer leaves being long and broad the thrum composed of short narrow leaves putting forth a great tuft of longer and broader leaves which spread over the flowers almost to the points of the outer leaves the whole flower is of a blush or flesh-colour like unto the colour which is usually found in the flowers of the Colombine from whence it is so called Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno Roseo THe double narrow-leaved Rose-coloured Anemone hath smaller flowers than the last but very thick and double of a more lively colour like that of a new blown Damask Rose Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno Roseo variegata THe narrow-leaved double variegated Rose-coloured Anemone onely differeth from the last in that the flower of this is striped and varied with white especially the outer leaves Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno rubicante maculato THe narrow-leaved double spotted blush Anemone riseth up with a tall stalk bearing a large flower the outer leaves whereof are almost white marked with small reddish spots and marks especially on the outer side the thrum is large and thick composed of many narrow long sharp-pointed leaves of a reddish or Peach-colour powdered with small specks of a deeper red colour this is called by those that brought it out of Flanders the perfect Curtizan There is another little differing from this either in colours or manner of growing called passe Albertine Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpureo THe narrow-leaved double purple Anemone cometh up with green leaves commonly before Winter and many times with flowers and therefore for the prevention of such forwardness we keep the roots out of ground and not set them untill November which causeth them to bear the fairer flowers at the Spring following which are very large thick and double of a dark sullen violet purple colour Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno Lavendulae colore THe narrow-leaved double Lavender-coloured Anemone is in all things like the last the flower is lesser and of a pale heavy blew colour like unto the flowers of Lavender there is another of this sort that is striped with white especially the outer leaves of the flower Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno caeruleo THe narrow-leaved double blew Anemone is in fashion like the last onely differing in the colour of the flower which in this is of a fine bright blew colour more pleasant to behold than any of the purples Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno coma purpureo THe narrow-leaved Anemone with the purple thrum commonly called perfect in beauty differeth chiefly from the other purples in the colour of the flower the outer leaves of this being white and the thrum or plush as some call it purple Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno coma Amarantina THe narrow-leaved double Anemone with the dark purple thrum called Amarant hath as broad green leaves as the first common red and the flower is of the same fashion the outer leaves of such a red colour and the middle thrum of a dark-murrey purple colour like the flowers of the lesser Amaranthus purpureus and therefore called the Amarant Anemone sometimes there will come a tuft of bright red leaves out of the middle of the purple thrum and then some have called such flowers Amaranthus tricolor as if it were a distinct kinde which in some years happeneth in most flowers and in others few or none Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno coma Amarantina variegata THe double narrow-leaved variegated Amarant Anemone is in all things like the last onely the outer leaves and those that come out of the middle of the purple thrum are variegated with white much fairer in some years than in others There are two sorts of this flower one said to be of Paris and the other of Flanders but that of Paris is the better being more constantly marked and more distinctly than the other Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno quinque coloris THe double narrow-leaved Anemone of five colours is like the Amarant but that the stalk is taller and the flower larger the outer leaves thereof are red the thrum of a deeper murrey-purple out of the middle whereof cometh one or two rows of leaves of a light crimson colour from the ends half way the rest pale yellow in the middle of these leaves there is a small tuft of shorter leaves which are of a pale silver colour so the five colours are red being that of the outer leaves purple that of the thrum crimson the tops of the leaves that come out of it yellow the other part of them and the small tuft in the middle silver colour this is an uncertain flower and seldom cometh well Anemone tenuifolia dicta Bel-Lizwaire THis noble double Anemone hath fair large flowers of a dark purplish colour finely striped with white the roots are tender and apt to perish unless the soil be very agreeable as all the other narrow-leaved striped Anemones are there is another like unto this called Rigat Polemburg Anemone tennifolia dicta Bel Rigat THis is a fair large and double flower of an excellent crimson colour and well striped and marked with white There are divers other sorts of double narrow-leaved Anemones as Orlata vera Cagetan il Diavolo il Diavolesso and several others that are variegated but most of those variegated kinds are so nice and tender that few can keep them from perishing There are also divers sorts of rare Italian Anemones as The Dutches which hath a large flower finely striped with pale Rose-colour upon white Mellidore is Gold yellow within the leaves and red without Mariana is Pink colour and graydeline striped Larviana is flesh-colour near Isabella St. Marke is Brick-colour or brown red striped with sad white The Extravagant Cateana Gallatea and at least fifty other sorts all rare flowers Anemone tenuifolia flore simplici THe single narrow-leaved Anemones are of a greater variety rarity and esteem than the Latifoliaes formerly we had very few of these flowers and those of little worth but now of late years we are become owners of many diversities of divers colours both plain edged striped or marked with white so that a bed set something thick with the several varieties of these Flowers makes a gallant shew for their stalks are tall and bear plentifully fair large Flowers commonly consisting of one row or pale of broad leaves with a hairy head or button in the middle which after the
whence many stalks rise up two foot high bearing from the middle to the head divers flowers which are short round at the head and wider at the brims parted into five points in one pure white and in another pale blew the roots are many small strings creeping under the upper crust of the earth and increase very much these are common in every Garden but I have often heard of others of both these kinds which are reported to bear double flowers Campanula Pyramidalis STeeple Bell-flower riseth with many tall stalks higher than those of the former garnished with bigger and smoother dark green leavs resembling those of Beets bearing a multitude of flowers in a Pyramidical form which are of the fashion of the former but lesser in some blew in others white the plant is full of milky juice the roots large stringy and yielding milk like the branches Trachelium majus THe great Canterbury Bells have large rough leaves like those of a Nettle but bigger the stalks are square divided into branches whereon stand divers long hollow flowers like Bells wide at the brims and parted into five points in some white and in others of a deeper or paler violet purple the roots are hard and stringy increasing and abiding many years although the leaves and stalks die to the ground every Winter Trachelium majus flore duplici DOuble Canterbury Bells differ in nothing from the last but in that the flowers are double consisting of two or three rows of leaves which as in the former are in some of these white and in others blew or purple Trachelium Giganteum GYants Throat-wort hath long leaves of an over-worn green colour rough and hollow in the middle a little indented about the edges the stalk riseth two cubits high set with leaves from among which the flowers come forth which are Bell-fashioned divided at the brims into five points which turn back and are of whitish purple colour the root is like those of the former and as long lasting Trachelium Americanum sive planta Cardinalis THe Cardinals-flower hath many leaves like those of Canterbury bells but lesser and of a yellowish green colour from among which rise tall hollow-stalks beset with leaves smaller by degrees to the top from the bosoms whereof the flowers come forth consisting of five long narrow leaves three of them standing close together and hanging down right the other two are turned up with an umbone betwixt them of somewhat a paler colour than the leaves which are of an excellent rich crimson-colour the root is composed of very many white strings and if it be well looked unto abideth many years There is another of this kind which lately came from Virginia with blew flowers They flower from the end of May commonly untill August those with Peach-leaves first and the Cardinals-flower last All these Bell-flowers are easily increased by parting the roots in September and thrive well in almost any soil so they stand not too hot in the Sun Cardinals-flower is more tender and must be planted in good light earth in a pot that it may be housed in Winter for it will not endure Frost The most worthy of these are the two sorts of Campanula with double flowers if there be any such the two double sorts of Canterbury Bells and the Cardinals-flower the rest are of small esteem yet many for want of better things afford them room in their Gardens The Cardinals-flower must be set in a pot in good rich light earth and when Winter begins to grow sharp set the pot in the ground under a South-wall three inches deeper than the top and cloath it about and on the pot with dry Moss covered with a glass which in warm days and gentle showers take off to refresh the Plant this course is more fit for this Plant than housing and with some others to this rule referred which must be observed untill April and then you may take out the pots and safely expose them CHAP. XXX Jucca Indica Periploca Virginiana THe Indian Jucca or that we call so is a Plant of some reputation with Florists and Periploca of Virginia which Mr. Parkinson calls Virginian Silk is kept in some good Gardens both which though of different kinds faces and qualities we will comprehend in this Chapter as also some other Indian Plants that are contented to live with us and first of that called but not truely Jucca Indica THe Indian Jucca hath a great thick tuberous root with large fibres from whence springeth up a great round tuft of hard long hollow green leaves with points as sharp as thorns which always remain and fall not away except it be some of those that stand outward which are recompensed by others that spring from the middle from whence sometimes in an old and well kept plant springeth up a strong round stalk divided into several branches which bear divers flowers something resembling those of the common Fretillaria but narrower at the bottom containing six leaves the three outer veined on the backs from the bottom to the middle with a reddish blush upon white these flowers come forth in July and soon fall away without bringing any seeds in our Country This Plant must be set in a large square Box wide and deep filled with good rich earth where being housed in Winter and defended from Frosts it may remain many years it never increaseth with us yet there are now many Plants thereof in England which have been brought from our Plantations in the West-Indies Periploca Virginiana VIrginian Silk is a Plant more respected for being a stranger than for the beauty of the flowers it riseth up with one or more round stalks almost four foot high set at several joynts with two long broad-veined round-pointed green leaves at the top of the stalk out of a skinny-hose cometh forth a great tuft of flowers to the number of thirty or fourty hanging down on long foot-stalks each flower consisting of five small hollow-leaves of a pale purplish colour neither fair nor pleasant after they are past come long croked codds standing upright containing flat brown seeds wrapped within a great deal of fine soft whitish brown silk the root is big long and white running far under ground and spring up in many places it flowereth in July and sometimes but not every year bringeth seeds and silk in August it groweth abundantly in Virginia and hath been raised often by seeds that have come from thence and although the stalks dy to the ground every Winter the root is of long continuance and will send forth new at the Spring especially if the place where it standeth be covered with horse-dung in Winter to defend it from the Frosts Canna Indica THe Indian flowering Reed riseth up with fair large green leaves coming from the joynts of the stalk at first folded after spread open the stalk is above a yard high bearing at the top one above another divers flowers like in
of this generation there are some whose flowers are of a Buff colour some yellower and some dunner than others these have been in good esteem and every Florist had his Leather-Coat many of which yet remain and retain the names of those that raised them as Tradescans Leather-Coat Lances Tuggies Turners Collins Lookers Humphries Meracows Mows Mullars Randolls and Rickets Beazar all several good kinds of Leather-Coats and I have raised a Leather-Coat my self from seeds that is not inferior to the best of those mentioned and there is one that on a short stalk beareth four or five double flowers with three rows of leaves in each flower Auriculo flore albo TThe white Auricula is of small variety and esteem the best is that called the Virgins milk this hath large mealy leaves a tall strong stalk with a great truss of milk-white flowers with snow-white eyes which placed among the purples sets off and adds to their glory there are some that are perfectly white and many milk-whites but few of them of any better esteem than the yellows We will now as others have done conclude this Chapter of Auricula with two other Plants that bear flowers something resembling them but neither are of that family or have any other relation thereunto yet fittest for this place as not deserving particular Chapters Auricula flore caeruleo folio Boraginis THe Burage-leaved blew Auricula hath rough hairy leaves spread on the ground like those of Burage but much lesser and rent in the sides in some places among which riseth up one two or more brown hairy-stalks five or six inches high each bearing at the top three or four flowers consisting of five leaves which are large sharp-pointed and of a fair rich blew colour with some small yellow threds in the middle the root is long and brownish with many small fibres annexed thereunto This Plant as it is rare so is it tender and impatient of our cold Winters and therefore requireth to be planted in a pot that it may be handled as the flos Cardinalis Cortusa Mathioli BEars-ears Sanicle as some call it springeth up with the leaves foulded which opening are fair and broad cut in divisions and nicked about the edges a little hairy and of a dark green colour on the uperside but whiter on the other from among the leaves riseth up one or two naked stalks five or six inches high bearing at the tops divers small flowers like in form to an Auricula but hanging down their heads and of a dark purple colour with a small white eye and some threds in the middle after the flowers are past the seeds succeed like that of the Auricula the root is composed of a thick tuft of small whitish strings fastened to a head which abideth in the ground all the Winter the leaves perishing and renewing at the Spring This Plant is commonly raised from seeds set in a pot and ordered as in the last in Winter both this and the former flower with the Auricula or a little after them All the several sorts of Auricula do flower in April or the beginning of May and sometimes they will flower again in the end of August or beginning of September but those flowers that come then are neither so fair nor so many on one stalk as those of the Spring The Bears-ears must be planted in some place that is a little shaded from the scorching heat of the Sun the soil made very rich if stiff with sand store of well rotted Neats-dung therein the roots set a foot asunder for they spread wide and will not thrive if they want room the best way to set them is to open a wide hole leaving or raising a little hill in the middest thereof then set the root thereupon and spread the fibres round about it lastly cover and water them After the middle of August every other year take them up and then mend the soil where they grew with sifted Neats-dung and having slipped and parted the roots and cut off those fibres that are too long set them in the same place again by this means you shall not fail to have them thrive and bear store of flowers but if you let them stand too long unremoved or in poor or stiff ground you must expect the contrary The best sorts of Auricula are set in pots which they will well deserve fill the pots almost half full with sifted Neats-dung the rest with good sandy earth well mixed with such sifted dung and about the end of August set the Plants therein but not too deep for the roots will be apt enough to draw downwards place these pots in the Sun all the Winter and with Glasses defend them from over much wet but do not house them for they will do better in the open Air. At the Spring when they rise to flower remove them into a place more shaded and after the flowers are past except those you leave to seed you may dispose in some shady place out of the way to make room for pots with Gilliflowers The raising varieties of them from seeds is a secret wherewith few are well acquainted and it is to be performed with something more than common diligence according to the rules following After the flowers are past and the stalks begin to grow yellow you may observe in the top of that little round seed-vessel a small hole and then you may be assured the seed is almost ripe and if you do not carefully look to it will be all shed before you are aware therefore as soon as you perceive it to be ready cut down the stalks keeping the tops upright for if you turn them downwards all the best seeds will fall out then binde them in bundles and place them upright to the Glass of some South Window where by some benefit they will receive from the Sun they will harden and be much the better towards the end of August or beginning of September prepare some square box or boxes according to your store of seeds that are nine or ten inches deep and of what breadth you please with some holes in the bottom to let out water which fill three parts full with fine sandy sifted earth one half thereof being well rotted Neats dung which mingled well together and laid smooth with your Trowel lay thereon a fingers thickness of fine sifted Willow earth or for want thereof dried Cow-dung beaten small mingled with a little good earth and sifted and sow your seeds thereon mingled with Wood-ashes which by their colour will direct you to sow them the more suitably they must not be sowed too thin for all will not come up if they do they may easily be removed to another place after the seeds are thus sowed cover them half a finger thick with the same you put next under them which press down lightly and let them remain in the Sun and Air untill they begin to come up which will be about April and then they
hairy tufts of a reddish purple colour which are divided into several parts wherein when full ripe great store of small white seeds is contained this is an old flower and common called by some Country women Love lies a bleeding we have now of this kind some other varieties that differ chiefly in the tufts or flowers some bigger others lesser some purple mixed with green others wholy of a whitish green colour they are hardy sowed in April will flower in the end of July and perish with the first frosts Amaranthuus purpureus minor THe lesser purple Flower Gentle cometh up with yellowish green leaves a little reddish something broad at the stalk and sharp pointed the stalk set with these leaves riseth about two foot high branched at the top and bearing flowers which are long soft and gentle tufts of hairs many standing close together in form of a Pyramis of an excellent rich deep shining murrey purple colour which it will retain after it is gathered many moneths the seeds of this as of all the rest are small black and shining and the roots perish as those of the former Amaranthus diversorum colorum FLower Gentles of divers colours do little differ from the last either in leaves stalks or seeds only as their flowers are of deeper or lighter colours so are the leaves paler green and lesser red than other the chiefest difference is in the flowers which are not only of many several colours but notably differing in form of growing some with one spike others with many some round and others more flat and divided into divers parts the colours most common to these flowers are purple scarlet and gold-colour in some deeper in others lighter or paler in very great variety and in all exceeding bright and shining fine flowers to be set in pots to supply the place of Gilliflowers these coming to flower as soon as they are past and with the great African Marigold make a gallant shew in a Garden Amaranthus tricolor FLower Gentle of three colours differeth from the former in that the leaves are in some hot years parted into three colours namely green red and yellow the flowers small and of no esteem the whole beauty of the plant being in the marking of the leaves the seeds like those of the former and the root as soon perishing They flower usually in August but some years not untill late in September therefore that they may flower betimes and perfect their seeds sow the seeds in a hot bed about the middle of March after the plants are come up and have gotten some strength make a new hot bed and after the violent heat is past take them up with earth about them and set them therein about the beginning of May transplant them where they may stand to bear flowers the place must be open to the Sun and the foil light and rank and often watered Thus by removing them from one hot bed to another it will cause them to thrive and not only afford you many gallant flowers but store of good seeds which will continue good three or four years so to prevent wanting you may reserve a quantity from year to year for indeed no good Garden would be unfurnished with these beautiful flowers the chiefest and most deserving esteem of all the annuals or seed-flowers Helichrysum sive Amaranthus luteus THe golden Flower Gentle or Goldy locks is a stranger in our Countrey it will neither be raised from seeds or live if the Plants should be procured out of the hotter Countreys yet I have seen two sorts thereof in flower in London many years since they came up with small stalks thinly set with narrow long whitish green leaves bearing at the ends of the stalks many small double gold-yellow flowers in the one round and in the other bigger and flat at the top both keeping their colour and not shedding their leaves many moneths after they are gathered as I have seen in divers dry Plants these and the Cats-foot or Cotton weeds grow wild in some parts of Italy Candy and other hot Countreys but will not live with us CHAP. x. Delphinium LArks-heels are ofseveral sorts as well double as single yet there is but one kind worth the preserving which is that called Delphinium elatius flora pleno DOuble upright Larks-heels have small jagged leaves tall upright stalks branched at the top and bearing many fine double flowers in form like to the Rose-Colombine in several Plants of sundry entire colours as purple blew Ash-colour Rose-colour pale blush or white these are the most usual colours yet sometimes some roots will bring flowers that are striped and variegated with blew end white and often with some leaves blew and others purple after the flowers are past the seeds are contained in small horned pods which are black and round the which being sowed will bring some Plants with single but most with double flowers the roots perish in Winter They flower according to the time of sowing them sooner or later in July or August but I have often had Plants that have come up from seeds fallen out of the pods before Winter which have continued and born fair double flowers in June following and furnished me with much good seed The usual time to sow these seeds is the beginning of April but to get good seeds which is a chief consideration in these Plants I usually sow some as soon as they are ripe in some place where they may be defended from long frosts in Winter and one of these Winter plants is worth ten of those raised in the Spring and will yield more good seed yet in some kindly Somers those of the Spring will seed reasonable well Next unto these two other Plants are ranked in respect their flowers resemble the single Larks-heels the first is called Nasturtium Indicum INdian Cresses or yellow Larks-heels spread into many long trayling branches four or five foot long which unless supported lie on the ground and take up much room the leaves are smooth and round the flowers of a fair yellow colour in fashion something like a single Larks-heel but the leaves stand plainer and some of them are streaked with red the flower is so well known that I need not to be curious in describing it for few Gardens of any note are without it the seeds are rough and uneaven falling of themselves and gathered off the ground and preserved for the root dies in Winter The flowers come forth in July and the Plant continues flowring until it be checked by frosts the seeds are sowed in April and if they be ripe and good are apt enough to come up and the trayling branches as they grow may be led upon a pack-thred fastened unto sticks into what form you please or they may be bound to rods stuck in the earth that they may not ly on the ground The other Plant wherewith we will conclude this Chapter is called Balsamina foemina THe female Balsam-Apple hath a thick reddish stalk
like Purslane bunched and set with leaves like those of the Peach-tree about the stalk from the middle upwards come the flowers on short foot-stalks which are of two or three shadows of purples with spurs behind like single Larks-heels but bended downwards these flowers are succeeded by round rough heads pointed at the end wherein is contained small round blackish seeds the root dies at the first approch of Winter The flowers come forth in July and August and rarely yield any good seeds in our Countrey the Plant is tender and must be sowed in a hot bed and remov'd into good ground and carefully attended with watering in the heat of Somer else it will quickly perish CHAP. XI Blattaria MUllen or Moth Mullen hath some diversities that are commonly raised from seeds whose roots perish in Winter but there are others that will continue many years and yield increase from the root the first of which is that called Blattaria flore purpureo THe purple Moth Mullen hath dark green broad leaves lying on the ground from among which riseth up a stalk a yard high bearing from the middle to the top many fair purple flowers consisting of five leaves with some threds in the middle the root is long and brown abiding many years and increasing of this kind there is another that beareth flowers of a Violet blew colour in other respects not differing Blattaria lutea odorata SWeet yellow Moth Mullen hath leaves of a grayer green colour than those of the former the stalk riseth about a yard high divided into branches bearing pale yellow flowers of the fashion of the other but smaller and of an excellent sweet scent the root abiding as well as the former Blattaria flore luteomajor THe great yellow Moth Mullen hath larger and greener leaves than any of the former the stalk four foot high bearing many fair yellow flowers broader and larger than those of the purple which are succeeded by round buttons containing seeds the root perisheth in Winter after it hath born flowers and seeds Like unto this kind there is a newer variety differing only in that the flowers are betwixt red and yellow but more red than yellow and abiding the Winter Blattaria flore albo WHite Moth Mullen differeth from the great yellow in that the flowers are not all thing so broad and of a fair white colour with purple threds in the middle the root perishing in the same manner The two first flower in the beginning of May the rest in June These are plants of little reputation those whose roots continue are the best they may be increased by parting the roots or raised from seeds and will bear flowers the second year The great yellow and the white are raised of seeds only the root not lasting like those of the three other sorts CHAP. XII Papaver Multiplex DOuble Poppies are become the common ornaments of the Kitchen-Garden and are so well known that they need no description the colours of the flowers are red purple Scarlet Lead-colour white or blush and of these many varieties some deeper and others lighter there is one that beareth small but very double flowers every leaf whereof is half white and half red and another of a fine Scarlet colour striped with white besides these the small double rich Scarlet which differeth onely from the single field Popy in the doubleness of the flowers is of some esteem but the rarest of all the rest is one lately discovered differing onely from the last in that the flowers are of a fine Gold yellow colour They flower in June and yield store of seeds which falling of themselves or gathered and sowed in the Spring will come up and prosper in any place the party-coloured red the striped Scarlet the small double Scarlet and especially the yellow are those most esteemed CHAP. XIII Nigella THe Fennel-flower hath some few varieties whose seeds are preserved and yearly sowed in Gardens the Plant is so common and well known that it needeth little description the first is that single kind called Nigella Hispanica SPanish Nigella hath leaves like Fennel the flowers are single consisting of five larger leaves than those of the other sorts commonly of a bleak blew colour with a green head in the middle compased about with little gaping hollow leaves and a yellow line after the flowers are past the head grows bigger with a crown on the top spread like a Star the seeds are round and of a yellowish green colour Nigella flore duplici THe double Nigella hath leaves like the former the flowers consisting of three or four rows of smaller leaves one lying under another of a pale blew colour in one and white in another the seeds are black contained in round heads They flower in the end of June or beginning of July and are yearly raised from seeds which sowed in the Spring are apt to come up and require small attendance CHAP. XIV Crysanthemum COrn-Marigold is an annual scarce worth the sowing some retain two sorts that is Crysanthimum Creticum the Corn-Marigold of Candy which is a simple single pale yellow flower and Crysanthimum Peruvianum the Corn-Marigold of Peru which is that great Monster we call the Flower of the Sun of which there are two sorts the one bearing round and the other Oval yellow flowers heretofore admired but now grown common not at all respected Calendula flore plena DOuble Garden-Marigolds are yearly sowed of seeds in Kitchen-Gardens there is one kind thereof that beareth fair large double flowers far excelling the other common kinds After Atticus flore luteo YEllow Star-wort hath rough leaves of a dark green colour the stalk divided into branches bearing at the ends five or six green leaves standing round like a Star with a flower in the middle consisting of narrow long pale yellow leaves compassing a yellowish brown thrum these flowers appear in June and as soon as the seeds are ripe the root dies we have another which we call After Atticus Italorum the Italian Star-flower commonly called the blew Marigold which will continue many years and yield increase from the root it flowereth late seldom before September and the flowers like those of a single Marigold but of a purplish blew colour with a yellowish brown thrum in the middle Flos Africanus THe African or French Marigold and the varieties thereof are well known to most persons that delight in flowers there are three principal kinds and of them some that bear single others double flowers some deeper and others paler but the best of them is that called Flos Africanus maximus multiplex THe greatest double African or French Marigold hath many winged leaves like those of the Ash finely purled about the edges and of a dark green colour the stalk riseth commonly a yard high towards the top divided into branches set with green leaves and each branch bearing one large double flower consisting of a multitude of leaves of a fair gold-yellow colour on the upper side and
paler underneath and sometimes there will come diversities from the seeds of one flower some being paler than others these fair great double flowers rise out of a large pod wherein after they are past long narrow black seeds are contained from which the several varieties are raised and some of them will bring large single flowers with a thrum in the middle although taken from double flowers Flos Africanus fistuloso flore multiplex THe hollow-leafed African or French Marigold is like the last but smaller the flowers are thick and double composed of many hollow leaves opening at the ends in some of a deep in others of a paller yellow colour and as the former so the seeds of this will sometimes bring single flowers Flos Africanus minor flore pleno THe lesser double French or African Marigold hath lesser leaves than any of the former the stalks not so strong and upright but leaning and turning divers ways the flowers are thick and double but much smaller than those of the other kinds sometimes wholly of a gold-yellow colour and sometimes the outer leaves being bigger than those within are of a deeper and sad colour the seeds of this do likewise bring some single flowers as well as double and diversities of both as bigger and lesser deeper and paler but none of them much esteemed in respect of their evil smell The two first kinds flower about the beginning of September and the last common sort sooner the roots perish with the first Frosts and are yearly renewed by seeds for which purpose the first flowers are to be preserved and the seeds sowed in the beginning of April in a hot bed especially those of the two first kinds and after they are come up and of some strength removed into a good rich soil that standeth in the Sun where being watered they will prosper and bear store of gallant double flowers the seed whereof are onely to be preserved CHAP. XV Convolvulus Caeruleus BLew Binde weed is of two sorts a bigger and a lesser the first riseth up with many long winding branches set with large and something round leaves pointed at the ends the flowers come forth at the joynts upon long foot-stalks which being blown open are like bells with broad open mouths ending in five corners of a fair blew colour tending to purple these flowers open in the night and are to be seen in the morning before the Sun for as soon as it shines upon them they are all gone and never appear again after the flowers are past the husks contain round black seeds the roots perish in Winter There is of this kind another that hath cornered leaves like Ivy the flowers of a deeper blew more reddish in the five plaits and bottom in all other things like the former The lesser Bind-weed hath smaller and longer leaves than the first and a weak stalk rising about two foot high the flowers come forth at the joynts where the leaves stand like the other in fashion but lesser and far more beautiful being of a fair blew colour with a white Star in the bottom the seeds are like the former but smaller and the root dies with the first approach of Winter The greater kinds flower late in September the lesser in June and July they are yearly raised from seeds the first requiring a hot bed but the other is hardy and will come up and thrive without that trouble as for the red flowered Bind weed of America we must not expect to see it bear in England and the Lavender leafed Bind-weed is a weed indeed common in many fields in divers English Countries We have another sort of Bell-flowers raised from seeds called Viola Mariana MArians Violet or Canterbury Bells the first year after the seeds are sowen cometh up with many hairy leaves something broad and long spread on the ground the year after the stalk riseth a yard high divided into many branches set with smaller leaves and a multitude of flowers standing in green husks which are large round hollow Bells swelling in the middle with narrow necks and ending in five corners in some of a white or silver colour and in others of a pale or deep purple the seed is small contained in square husks and the whole Plant dies as soon as the seeds are ripe so that the kinds are continued by sowing the seeds in April with other annuals and after removed where the Plants may stand to bear flowers CHAP. XVI Stramonium THorn-Aple is of two sorts a greater and a lesser the first riseth up with a strong round stalk four or five foot high spreading at the joynts into many branches set with large dark green cornered leaves cut and jagged about the edges at the joynts come forth large Bell-fashioned white flowers which are succeeded by great round and somthing prickly Thorny green heads which being ripe open into three or four parts and discover a great quantity of blackish flat seeds within them the root dies in Winter and new Plants often come up of its own sowing There is another little differing from this but that the flowers are of a light purple colour The lesser Thorn-Aple differeth from the former in that it is lower and much lesser in all the parts thereof the leaves are smooth and rent at the edges and the stalks without branches the flowers come forth at the joynts like the other not so big but more beautiful white in colour and like a Bell in fashion the Aples or heads that contain the seeds are lesser rounder and harder than those of the greater kind the root dies at the first appearance of Winter We talk much of two other varieties of this lesser kind the one bearing flowers ingeminated or hose in hose one coming out of the other and another that is double consisting of two or more rows of leaves rising equally together I have seen the figures of both these well cut in Brass in two or three Books of Flowers Printed in Forein Countries and it is like that such there are in those parts but I am confident they were never seen in England otherwise than in picture For that with single flowers will hardly flower with us and if it do it is so late that it seldom yieldeth any good seeds the greater kind is common and will grow any where the fittest place is in an Orchard or Kitchen-Garden for it takes more room than the Plant deserves CHAP. XVII Mirabilia Peruviana THe Mervail of Peru hath a big stalk bunched at the joynts of a fair green colour in those that will bear white and red flowers red in those with red flowers dark green in those with yellow flowers and brown in those with red and yellow flowers these stalks spread into many branches set at the joynts with fair green leaves betwixt which and the stalk the flowers come forth on short foot-stalks in fashion like those of the lesser blew Bind-weed narrow at the bottom and wide open at the brims