into cornered heads his root is small and threddy ‡ The figure of this plant is not well exprest for it should haue had the leaues made narrower and ioynts exprest in them like as you may see in the Gramen junceum syluaticum which is the ninth in the sixteenth chapter for that and this are so like that I know no other difference betweene them but that this hath leaues longer and narrower than that and the heads smaller and whiter There is a reasonable good figure of this in the Historia Lugd. p. 1001. vnder the name of Arundo minima ‡ 2 Spiked Water-grasse hath long narrow 〈◊〉 the stalke is small single and naked without leaues or blades bearing alongst the same toward the top an eare or spike made of certaine small buttons resembling the buttonie floures of Sea Worme-wood His root is thick tough full of fibres or threds ¶ The Place and Time They differ not from the former kindes of Grasses in place and time and their names are manifest ¶ The Nature and Vertues Their nature and vertues are referred vnto Dogs Grasse whereof we will speake hereafter CHAP. 11. Of Flote-Grasse 1 Gramen fluviatile Flote-grasse 2 Gramen fluviatile spicatum Spiked Flote-grasse ¶ The Description †1 FLote-grasse hath a long and round root somewhat thicke like vnto Dogs-grasse set on euen ioynts with small strings or threds from the which rise vp long and crooked stalkes crossing winding and folding one within another with many flaggie leaues which horses eate greedily of At the top of these stalks and somewhat lower there come forth very many little eares of a whitish colour composed of two ranks of little chaffie seeds set alternately each of these small eares being almost an inch in length 2 Spike Flote-Grasse or spiked Flote-grasse beareth at the top of each slender creeping stalke one spiked eare and no more and the other many which maketh a difference betwixt them otherwise they are one like the other His root is compact tufted and made of many thrummie threds ¶ The Place The first of these growes euery where in waters The second is harder to be found ¶ The Names The first is called Gramen fluviatile and also Gramen aquis innatans in English Flote-grasse Tragus calls it Gramen Anatum Ducks-grasse The second is called Gramen 〈◊〉 spicatum and fluviatile album by Tabernamontanus Likewise in English it is called Flote-grasse and Floter-grasse because they swimme and flote in the water CHAP. 12. Of Kneed-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 KNeed-grasse hath straight and vpright strawie stalkes with ioynts like to the straw of corne and beareth small grassie leaues or blades spiked at the top like vnto Pannick with a rough eare of a darke 〈◊〉 colour His roots are hairy and threddy and the ioynts of the straw are very large and conspicuous 1 Gramen geniculatum Kneed-grasse 2 Gramen geniculatum aquaticum Water Kneed-grasse 2 Water Kneed-grasse hath many long and slender stemmes ioynted with many knobby and gouty knees like vnto Reed set with broad flaggy leaues somewhat sharpe pointed bearing at the top a tuft or pannicle diuided into sundry small branches of a duskish colour His root is threddie like the other ¶ The Place Time and Names These Grasses do grow in fertile moist medowes not differing in time from others And they are called Geniculata because they haue large ioynts like as it were knees We haue nothing deliuered vs of their nature and properties CHAP. 13. Of Bearded Panicke Grasse 1 Gramen Paniceum Bearded Panick Grasse ¶ The Description 1 BEarded Panicke grasse hath broad and large leaues like barly somwhat hoarie or os an oner-worne russet colour The stalkes haue two or three ioynts at the most and many 〈◊〉 on the top without order vpon some stalkes more 〈◊〉 on others fewer much like vnto the eare of wilde Panicke but that this hath many 〈◊〉 or awnes which the other wants 2 Small Pannicke Grasse as Lobelius writeth in roots leaues ioynts and stalkes is like the former sauing that the eare is much lesse consisting of fewer rowes of seed contained in small chaffie blackish huskes This as the former hath many eares vpon one stalke ‡ 3 This small Pannicke Grasse from a threddy root sendeth forth many little stalkes whereof some are one handfull other-some little more than an inch high and each of these stalkes on the top sustaines one single eare in shape 〈◊〉 like vnto the eare of wilde Pannicke but about halfe the length The stalkes of this are commonly crooked and set with grassie leaues like to the rest of this kinde The figure hereof wàs vnfitly placed by our Author in the sixteenth place in the eighth chapter vnder the title of Gramen 〈◊〉 spicatum 2 Gramen paniceum parvum Small Panicke Grasse ¶ The Place and Time The first of these two doth grow neere vnto mud walls or such like places not manured yet fertile or fruitfull The second groweth in shallow waterie plashes of pastures and at the same time with others ‡ I haue not as yet obserued any of these three growing wilde ‡ †3 Gramen Pannici effigie spica simplici Single eared Pannicke Grasse ¶ The Names and Vertues They are called Panicke Grasses because they are like the Italian corne called Panicke Their nature and vertues are not knowne CHAP. 14. Of Hedge-hog Grasse 1 Gramen palustre 〈◊〉 Hedge-hog Grasse 2 Gramen exile Hirsutum Hairy-grasse ‡ 3 Gramen Capitulis globosis Round headed Siluer-grasse ¶ The Description 1 HEdge-hog Grasse hath long stiffe flaggy leaues with diuers stalkes proceeding from a thicke spreading root and at the top of euery stalke growe certaine round and pricking knobs fashioned like an hedge-hog 2 The second is rough and hairie his roots do spred and creep vnder the mud and myre as Cyperus doth and at the top of the stalkes are certaine round soft heads their colour being browne intermixed with yellow so that they looke prettily when as they are in their prime ‡ 3 This Grasse whose figure was formerly in the first place in this Chapter hath a small and fibrous root from which rise leaues like those of Wheat but with some long white hairs vpon them like those of the last described at the tops of the stalks which are some foot or better high there grow two or three round heads consisting of 〈◊〉 and white downie threds These heads are said to shine in the night and therefore they in Italy call it according to Caesalpinus 〈◊〉 quia noctu lucet 4 To this I may adde another growing also in Italy and first described by Fabius Columna It hath small creeping ioynted roots out of which come small fibres and leaues little and very narrow at the first but those that are vpon the stalkes are as long againe incompassing the stalks as in Wheat Dogs-grasse and the like These leaues are 〈◊〉 all along and a little forked at the end the straw or stalke is very slender at
the top whereof growes a sharpe prickly round head much after the manner of the last described each of the seed-vessels whereof this head consists ends in a prickly stalke hauing fiue or seuen points whereof the vppermost that is in the middle is the longest The seed that is contained in these prickly vessels is little and transparent like in colour to that of Cow-wheat The floures as in others of this kinde hang trembling vpon yellowish small threds ‡ ¶ The Place and Time 1 2 They grow in watery medows and fields as you may see in Saint Georges fields and such like places 3 4 Both these grow in diuers mountainous places of Italy the later whereof floures in May. ¶ The Names The first is called Hedge-hog Grasse and in Latine Gramen Echinatum by reason of those prickles which are like vnto a hedge-hog The second hairy Grasse is called Gramen exile hirsutum Cyperoides because it is small and little and rough or hairy like a Goat and Cyperoides because his roots do spring and creepe like the Cyperus ‡ 3 This by Anguillara is thought to be Combretum of Pliny it is Gram. lucidum of 〈◊〉 and Gramen hirsutum capitulo globoso of Bauhine Pin. pag. 7. 4 Fabius Columna calls this Gramen montanum Echinatum tribuloides capitatum and Bauhine nameth it Gramen spica subrotunda echinata Wee may call it in English Round headed Caltrope Grasse ¶ The Vertues 3 The heade of this which I haue thought good to call Siluer-grasse is very good to be applied to greene wounds and effectuall to stay bleeding Caesalp ‡ CHAP. 15. Of Hairy Wood 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description 1 HAiry Wood-grasse hath broad rough leaues somewhat like the precedent but much longer and they proceed from a threddy root which is very thicke and ful of strings as the common Grasse with small stalkes rising vp from the same roots but the top of these stalkes is diuided into a number of little branches and on the end of euery one of them standeth a little floure or huske like the top of Allium Vrsinum or common Ramsons wherein the seed is contained when the floure is fallen 2 Cyperus Wood-grasse hath many sheary grassie leaues proceeding from a root made of many hairy strings or threds among which there riseth vp sundry straight and vpright stalkes on whose tops are certaine scaly and chaffie huskes or rather spikie blackish eares not much vnlike the catkins or tags which grow on Nut-trees or Aller trees 1 Gramen hirsutum nemorosum Hairy Wood-grasse 2 Gramen Cyperinum nemorosum Cyperus Wood-grasse ¶ The Place Time and Names These two grow in woods or shadowie places and may in English be called Wood-grasses Their time is common with the rest ¶ Their Nature and Vertues There is nothing to be said of their nature and vertues being as vnknowne as most of the former CHAP. 16. Of Sea Spike-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 SEa Spike-grasse hath many small hollow round leaues about six inches long rising from a bushy threddy white fibrous root which are very soft and smooth in handling Among these leaues there doe spring vp many small rushy stalkes alongst which are at the first diuers small flouring round buttons the sides whereof falling away the middle part growes into a longish seed-vessell standing vpright 1 Gramen marinum spicatum Sea Spike-grasse 2 Gramen spicatum alterum Saltmarsh Spike grasse 2 Salt-marsh Spike-grasse hath a woody tough thicke root with some small hairy threds fastned thereunto out of which arise long and thicke leaues very like those of that Sea-grasse we vulgarly call Thrift And amongst these leaues grow vp slender naked rushy stalkes which haue on one side small knobs or buttons of a greenish colour hanging on them 3 The third hath many rushy leaues tough and hard of a browne colour well resembling Rushes his root is compact of many small tough and long strings His stalke is bare and naked of leaues vnto the top on which it hath many small pretty chaffie buttons or heads 4 The fourth is like the third sauing that it is larger the stalke also is thicker and taller than that of the former bearing at the top such huskes as are in Rushes 5 Great Cypresse Grasse hath diuers long three-square stalkes proceeding from a root compact of many long and tough strings or threds The leaues are long and broad like vnto the sedge called Carex The spike or eare of it is like the head of Plantaine and very prickly and commonly of a yellowish greene colour 6 Small Cypresse Grasse is like vnto the other in root and leaues sauing that it is smaller His stalke is smooth and plaine bearing at the top certaine tufts or pannicles like to the last described in roughnesse and colour 3 Gramen junceum marinum Sea Rush-grasse 4 Gramen junceum maritimum Marish Rush-grasse 5 Gramen palustris Cyperoides Great Cypresse Grasse 6 Gramen Cyperoides parvum Small Cypresse Grasse 7 Gramen aquaticum Cyperoides vulgatius Water Cypresse Grasse 8 Gramen Cyperoides spicatum Spike Cypresse Grasse 9 Gramen 〈◊〉 syluaticum Wood Rushy-grasse 7 The first of these two kindes hath many crooked and crambling roots of awoody substance very like vnto the right Cyperus differing from it onely in smell because the right Cyperus roots haue a fragrant smell and these none at all His leaues are long and broad rough sharp or cutting at the edges like sedge His stalke is long big and three square like to Cyperus and on his top a chaffie vmbel or tuft like vnto the true Cyperus ‡ 8 The second kinde hath many broad leaues like vnto those of Gillouers but of a fresher greene amongst the which riseth vp a short stalke some handful or two high bearing at the top three or foure short eares of a reddish murrey colour and these eares grow commonly together at the top of the stalk and not one vnder another There is also another lesser sort hereof with leaues and roots like the former but the stalke is commonly shorter and it hath but one single eare at the top thereof You haue the figures of both these exprest in the same table or piece This kinde of Grasse is the Gramen spicatum 〈◊〉 Vetonicae of Lobel ‡ 9 This hath long tough and hairy strings growing deepe in the earth like a turfe which make the root from which rise many crooked tough and rushy stalks hauing toward the top scaly and chaffie knobs or buttons ‡ This growes some halfe yard high with round brownish heads and the leaues are ioynted as you see them expressed in the figure we here giue you ‡ ¶ The Place Time Names Nature and Vertues All the Grasses which we haue described in this chapter doe grow in marish and watery places neere to the sea or other fenny grounds or by muddy and myrie ditches at the same time that the others do grow and flourish Their names are easily gathered of the places they
Description 1 STitchwort or as Ruellius termeth it Holosteum is of two kindes and hath round tender stalkes full of joints leaning toward the ground at euery ioynt grow two leaues one against another The flowers be white consisting of many small leaues set in the manner of a starre The roots are small jointed and threddy The seed is contained in small heads somewhat long and sharpe at the vpper end and when it is ripe it is very small and browne 2 The second is like the former in shape of leaues and flowers which are set in forme of a starre but the leaues are orderly placed and in good proportion by couples two together being of a whitish colour When the flowers be vaded then follow the seeds which are inclosed in bullets like the seed of flax but not so round The chiues or threds in the middle of the floure are sometimes of a reddish or of a blackish colour ‡ There are more differences of this plant or rather varieties as differing little but in the largenesse of the leaues floures or stalkes ‡ ¶ The place They grow in the borders of fields vpon banke sides and hedges almost euery where ¶ The time They flourish all the Sommer especially in May and Iune Gramen Leucanthemum Stitchwort ¶ The Names Some as Ruellius for one haue thought this to be the plant which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Tota ossea in English All-Bones whereof I see no reason except it be by the figure Antonomia as when we say in English He is an honest man our meaning is that he is a knaue for this is a tender herbe hauing no such bony substance ‡ Dodonaeus questions whether this plant be not Crataeogonon and he calls it Gramen Leucanthemum or White-floured Grasse The qualitie here noted with B. is by Dioscorides giuen to Crataeogonon but it is with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Some say or report so much which phrase of speech hee often vseth when as he writes faculties by heare-say and doubts himselfe of the truth of them ‡ ¶ The nature The seed of Stitchwort as Galen writeth is sharpe and biting to him that 〈◊〉 it and to him that vseth it very like to Mill. ¶ The vertues They are wont to drinke it in Wine with the pwoder of Acornes against the paine in the side stitches and such like Diuers report saith Dioscorides That the Seed of Stitchwort being drunke causeth a woman to bring forth a man childe if after the 〈◊〉 of her Sicknesse before she conceiue she do drinke it fasting thrice in a day halfe a dram at a time in three 〈◊〉 of water many dayes together CHAP. 39. Of Spiderwort ¶ The Description 1 THe obscure description which Dioscorides and Pliny haue set downe for Phalangium hath bred much contention among late Writers This plant Phalangium hath leaues much like Couch Grasse but they are somewhat thicker and fatter and of a more whitish greene colour The stalkes grow to the height of a cubit The top of the stalke is beset with small branches garnished with many little white flowers compact of six little leaues The threds or thrums in the middle are whitish mixed with a faire yellow which being fallen there follow blacke seeds inclosed in small round knobs which be three cornered The roots are many tough and white of colour 2 The second is like the first but that his stalke is not branched as the first and floureth a moneth before the other 3 The third kinde of Spiderwort which Carolus Clusius nameth Asphodelus minor hath a root of many threddy strings from the which immediately rise vp grassie leaues narrow and sharpe pointed among the which come forth diuers naked strait stalkes diuided towards the top into sundry branches garnished on euery side with faire starre-like flowers of colour white with a purple veine diuiding each leafe in the middest they haue also certaine chiues or threds in them The seed followeth inclosed in three square heads like vnto the kindes of Asphodils ‡ 4 This Spiderwort hath a root consisting of many thicke long and white fibers not much vnlike the precedent out of which it sends forth some fiue or six greene and firme leaues somewhat hollowed in the middle and mutually inuoluing each other at the root amongst these there riseth vp a round greene stalke bearing at the top thereof some nine or ten floures more or lesse these consist of six leaues apiece of colour white the three innermost leaues are the broader and more curled and the three outmost are tipt with greene at the tops The whole floure much resembles a white Lilly but much smaller Three square heads containing a dusky and vnequall seed follow after the floure 1 Phalangium Ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort †3 Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort ‡ 4 Phalangium Antiquorum The true Spiderwort of the Ancients ‡ 5 Phalangium Virginianum Tradescanti Tradescants Virginian Spider-wort 5 This plant in my iudgement cannot be sitlier ranked with any than these last described therefore I haue here giuen him the fifth place as the last commer This plant hath many creeping stringy roots which here and there put vp greene leaues in shape resembling those of the last described amongst these there riseth vp a pretty stiffe stalke jointed and hauing at each joint one leafe incompassing the stalke and out of whose bosome oft times little branches arise now the stalke at the top vsually diuides it selfe into two leaues much after the manner of Cyperus between which there come forth many floures consisting of three pretty large leaues a piece of colour deepe blew with reddish chiues tipt with yellow standing in their middle These fading as vsually they doe the same day they shew themselues there succeed little heads couered with the three little leaues that sustained the floure In these heads there is contained a long blackish seed ¶ The place 1. 2. 3. These grow only in gardens with vs and that very rarely 4 This growes naturally in some places of Sauoy 5 This Virginian is in many of our English gardens as with M. Parkinson M. Tradescant and others ¶ The time 1. 4. 5. These floure in Iune the second about the beginning of May and the third about August ¶ The Names The first is called Phalangium ramosum Branched Spiderwort 2 Phalangium non ramosum Vnbranched Spiderwort Cordus calls it Liliago 3 This Clusius calls Asphodelus minor Lobell Phalangium Cretae Candy Spiderwort 4 This is thought to be the Phalangium of the Ancients and that of Matthiolus it is Phalangium Allobrogicum of Clusius Sauoy Spiderwort 5 This by M. Parkinson who first hath in writing giuen the figure and description thereof is aptly termed Phalangium Ephemerum Virginianum Soone-fading Spiderwort of Virginia or Tradescants Spiderwort for that M. Iohn Tradescant first procured it from Virginia Bauhine hath described it at the end of his Pinax and very vnfitly termed it
common Fox-taile but of a yellow colour ¶ The place 1 The first groweth among corne and in pasture grounds that be fruitfull it groweth plentifully in the pastures about London The rest are strangers in England ¶ The time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Melampyrum is called of some Triticum vaccinium in English Cow-wheat and Horse-floure in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The fourth is called Melampyrum luteum in English Yellow Cow-wheat ¶ The Danger The seed of Cow Wheat raiseth vp fumes and is hot and dry of nature which being taken in meats and drinks in the manner of Darnell troubleth the braine causing drunkennesse and headache CHAP. 69. Of Wilde Cow-Wheat 1 Crataeogonon album Wilde Cow-wheat ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of wilde Cow-Wheat Clusius in his Pannonick history calls Parietaria sylvestris or wilde Pellitorie which name according to his owne words if it do not fitly answer the Plant hee knoweth not what to cal it for that the Latines haue not giuen any name thereunto yet because some haue so called it he retaineth the same name Notwithstanding he referreth it vnto the kindes of Melampyrum or Cow-wheat or vnto Crataeogonon the wilde Cow-wheat which it doth very wel answer in diuers points It hath an hairy foure square stalke very tender weake and easie to breake not able to stand vpright without the helpe of his neighbours that dwell about him a foot high or more whereupon do grow long thin leaues sharp pointed and oftentimes lightly snipt about the edges of a darke purplish colour sometimes greenish set by couples one opposite against the other among the which come forth two floures at one ioynt long and hollow somewhat gaping like the floures of a dead nettle at the first of a pale yellow and after of a bright golden colour which do floure by degrees first a few and then more by meanes whereof it is long in flouring Which being past there succeed small cups or seed vessels wherein is contained browne seed not vnlike to wheat The whole plant is hairy not differing from the plant Stichwort 2 Red leafed wilde Cow-wheat is like vnto the former sauing that the leaues be narrower and the tuft of leaues more iagged The stalkes and leaues are of a reddish horse-flesh colour The floures in forme are like the other but in colour differing for that the hollow part of the floure with the heele or spurre is of a purple colour the rest of the floure yellow The seed and vessels are like the precedent 3 Crataeogonon Euphrosine Eyebright Cow-wheat ¶ The Description 3 This kinde of wilde Cow-wheat Tabernamontanus hath set forth vnder the title of Odontites others haue taken it to be a kinde of Euphrasia or Eyebright because it doth in some sort resemble it especially in his floures The stalks of this plant are small woody rough and square The leaues are indented about the edges sharpe pointed and in most points resembling the former Cow-wheat so that of necessitie it must be of the same kinde and not a kinde of Eyebright as hath beene set downe by some ¶ The place These wilde kindes of Cow-wheat doe grow commonly in fertile pastures and bushy Copses or low woods and among bushes vpon barren heaths and such like places The two first doe grow vpon Hampsted heath neere London among the Iuniper bushes and bilberry bushes in all the parts of the said heath and in euery part of England where I haue trauelled ¶ The time They floure from the beginning of May to the end of August ¶ The Names 1 The first is called of Lobelius Crataeogonon and of Tabernamontanus Milium Syluaticum or Wood Millet and Alsine syluatica or WoodChickweed 2 The second hath the same titles in English Wilde Cow-wheat 3 The last is called by Tabernamontanus Odontites of Dodonaeus Euphrasia altera and Euphrosine Hippocrates called the wilde Cow-wheat Polycarpum and Polycritum ¶ The Nature and vertues There is not much set downe either of the nature or vertues of these plants onely it is reported that the seeds do cause giddinesse and drunkennesse as Darnell doth The seed of Crataeogonon made in fine pouder and giuen in broth or otherwise mightily prouoketh Venerie Some write that it will likewise cause women to bring forth male children †See the vertues attributed to Crataeogonon by Dioscorides before Chap. 38. B. CHAP. 70. Of White Asphodill ¶ The kindes HAuing finished the kindes of corne it followeth to shew vnto you the sundry sorts of Asphodils whereof some haue bulbous roots other tuberous or knobby roots some of yellow colour and some of mixt colours notwithstanding Dioscorides maketh mention but of one Asphodill but Pliny setteth downe two which Dionysius confirmeth saying That there is the male and female Asphodil The latter age hath obserued many more besides the bulbed one of which Galen maketh mention 1 Asphodelus non ramosus White Asphodill 2 Asphodelus ramosus Branched Asphodill ¶ The Description 1 THe white Asphodill hath many long and narrow leaues like those of leeks sharpe pointed The stalke is round smooth naked and without leaues two cubits high garnished from the middle vpward with a number of floures starre-fashion made of fiue leaues apiece the colour white with some darke purple streakes drawne downe the backe-side Within the floures be certaine small chiues The floures being past there spring vp little round heads wherein are contained hard blacke and 3 square seeds like those of Buck-wheat or Staues-acre The toot is compact of many knobby roots growing out of one head like those of the Peonie full of juyce with a small bitternesse and binding taste 2 Branched Asphodill agreeth well with the former description sauing that this hath many branches or armes growing out of the stalke whereon the floures do grow and the other hath not any branch at all wherein consisteth the difference 3 Asphodill with the reddish floure groweth vp in roots stalke leafe and manner of growing like the precedent sauing that the floures of this be of a dark red color the others white which 〈◊〉 forth the difference if there be any such difference or any such plant at all for I haue conferred with many most excellent men in the knowledge of plants but none of them can giue mee certaine knowledge of any such but tell me they haue heard it reported that such a one there is and so haue I also but certainly I cannot set downe any thing of this plant vntill I heare more certaintie for as yet I giue no credit to my Authour which for reuerence of his person I forbeare to name 4 The yellow Asphodill hath many roots growing out of one head made of sundry tough fat and oleous yellow sprigs or grosse strings from the which rise vp many grassy leaues thick and grosse tending to squarenesse among the which commeth vp a strong thicke stalke set with the like leaues euen to the floures but lesse vpon the which do
leaues mixed together the shorter leaues are obtuse as if they were clipt off They are wholly yellow ‡ ‡ 19 Narcissus Iuncifolius reflexus minor The lesser reflex Iunquilia ‡ 20 Narcissus juncifolius multiplex The double Iunquilia 21 The Persian Daffodill hath no stalke at all but onely a small and tender foot stalke of an inch high such as the Saffron floure hath vpon which short and tender stalk doth stand a yellowish floure consisting of six small leaues of which the three innermost are narrower than those on the out side In the middle of the floure doth grow forth a long stile or pointall set about with many small chiues or threds The whole floure is of an vnpleasant smel much like to Poppy The leaues rise vp a little before the floure long smooth and shining The root is bulbed thicke and grosse blackish on the out side and pale within with some threds hanging at the lower part 22 The Autumne Daffodill bringeth forth long smooth glittering leaues of a deepe greene colour among which riseth vp a short stalke bearing at the top one floure and no more resemling the floure of Mead Saffron or common Saffron consisting of six leaues of a bright shining yellow colour in the middle whereof stand six threds or chiues and also a pestell or clapper yellow likewise The root is thicke and grosse like vnto the precedent ‡ 23 To this last may be adioyned another which in shape somewhat resembles it The leaues are smooth greene growing straight vp and almost a fingers breadth among which riseth vp a stalke a little more than halfe a foot in height at the top of which groweth forth a yellow floure not much vnlike that of the last described Autumne Narcisse it consisteth of sixe leaues some inch and halfe in length and some halfe inch broad sharpe pointed the three inner leaues being somewhat longer than the outer There grow forth out of the middest of the floure three whitish chiues tipt with yellow and a pestell in the midst of them longer than any of them The root consists of many coats with fibres comming forth of the bottome thereof like others of this kinde It floures in Februarie ‡ 21 Narcissus Persicus The Persian Daffodill 22 Narcissus Autumnalis major The great Winter Daffodill 24 Small Winter Daffodill hath a bulbous root much like vnto the root of Rush Daffodil but lesser from the which riseth vp a naked stalke without leaues on the top whereof groweth a small white floure with a yellow circle in the middle sweet in smell something stuffing the head as do the other Daffodils ¶ The Place The Daffodils with purple coronets do grow wilde in sundry places of France chiefly in Bourgondie and in Suitzerland in medowes The Rush Daffodill groweth wilde in sundry places of Spaine among grasse and other herbes Dioscorides saith That they be especially found vpon mountaines Theocritus affirmeth the Daffodils to grow in medowes in his nineteenth Eidyl or twentieth according to some editions where he writeth That the faire Ladie Europa entring with her Nymphs into the medowes did gather the sweet smelling Daffodils in these Verses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Which we may English thus But when the Girles were come into The medowes flouring all in sight That Wench with these this Wench with those Trim floures themselues did all delight She with the Narcisse good in 〈◊〉 And she with Hyacinths content But it is not greatly to our purpose particularly to seeke out their places of growing wilde seeing that we haue them all and euery of them in our London gardens in great aboundance The common white Daffodill groweth wilde in fields and sides of Woods in the West parts of England ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in the Spring that is from the beginning of Februarie vnto the end of Aprill The Persian and Winter Daffodils do floure in September and October ‡ 23 Narcissus vernus praecocior 〈◊〉 flore The timely Spring yellow Daffodill 24 Narcissus Autumnalis minor Small Winter Daffodill ¶ The Names Although their names be set forth in their seuerall titles which may serue for their appellations and distinctions notwithstanding it shall not be impertinent to adde a supply of names as also the cause why they are so called The Persian Daffodill is called in the Sclauonian or Turkish tongue Zaremcada Persiana and Zaremcatta as for the most part all other sorts of Daffodils are Notwithstanding the double floured Daffodill they name Giul catamer lale Which name they generally giue vnto all double floures The common white Daffodil with the yellow circle they call Serin Cade that is to say the kings Chalice and Deuebohini which is to say Camels necke or as we do say of a thing with long spindle shinnes Long-shankes vrging it from the long necke of the floure The Rush Daffodill is called of some Ionquillias of the similitude the leaues haue with Rushes Of Dioscorides Bulbus Vomitorius or Vomiting Bulbe according to Dodonaeus Generally all the kindes are comprehended vnder this name Narcissus called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Iennetten in English Daffodilly Daffodowndilly and Primerose peerelesse Sophocles nameth them the garland of the infernal gods because they that are departed and dulled with death should worthily be crowned with a dulling floure Of the first and second Daffodill Ouid hath made mention in the third booke of his Metamorphosis where hee describeth the transformation of 〈◊〉 faire boy Narcissus into a floure of his own name saying Nusquam corpus erat croceum pro corpore florem Inueniunt folijs medium cing entibus albis But as for body none remain'd in stead whereof they found A yellow floure with milke white leaues ingirting of it round Pliny and Plutarch affirme as partly hath been touched before that their narcoticke quality was the very cause of the name Narcissus that is a qualitie causing sleepinesse which in Greekes is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or of the fish Torpedo called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which benummes the hands of them that touch him as being hurtfull to the sinewes and bringeth dulnesse to the head which properly belongeth to the Narcisses whose smell causeth drowsinesse ¶ The Nature The roots of Narcissus are hot and dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues Galen saith That the roots of Narcissus haue such wonderfull qualities in drying that they consound and glew together very great wounds yea and such gashes or cuts as happen about the veins sinewes and tendons They haue also a certaine cleansing and attracting facultie The roots of Narcissus stamped with honey and applied plaister-wise helpeth them that are burned with fire and ioyneth together sinewes that are cut in sunder Being vsed in manner aforesaid it helpeth the great wrenches of the ankles the aches and pains of the ioynts The same applied with hony and nettle seed helpeth Sun burning and the morphew The same stamped with barrowes grease
and leuen of rie bread hastneth to maturation hard impostumes which are not easily brought to ripenesse Being stamped with the meale of Darnell and honey it draweth forth thornes and stubs out of any part of the body The root by the experiment of Apuleius stamped and strained and giuen in drinke helpeth the cough and collicke and those that be entred into a ptisicke The roots whether they be eaten or drunken do moue vomit and being mingled with Vineger and nettle seed taketh away lentiles and spots in the face CHAP. 85. Of the Bastard Daffodill ¶ The Description 1 THe double yellow Daffodill hath small smooth narrow leaues of a darke greene colour among which riseth vp a naked hollow stalke of two hands high bearing at the top a faire and beautifull yellow floure of a pleasant sweet smell it sheddeth his floure but there followeth no seed at all as it hapneth in many other double floures The root is small bulbous or onion fashion like vnto the other Daffodils but much smaller 2 The common yellow Daffodill or Daffodowndilly is so well knowne to all that it needeth no description 3 We haue in our London gardens another sort of this common kind which naturally groweth in Spaine very like vnto our best knowne Daffodill in shape and proportion but altogether fairer greater and lasteth longer before the floure doth fall or fade ‡ 4 This hath leaues and roots like the last described but somewhat lesse the floure also is in shape not vnlike that of the precedent but lesse growing vpon a weake slender greene stalke of some fingers length the seed is contained in three cornered yet almost round heads The root is small bulbous and blacke on the outside 5 This hath a longish bulbous root somwhat blacke on the outside from which rise vp leaues not so long nor broad as those of the last described in the midst of these leaues springs vp a stalk slender and some halfe foot in height at the top of which forth of a whitish filme breakes forth a floure like in shape to the common Daffodill but lesse and wholly white with the brim of the cup welted about It floures in Aprill and ripens the seeds in Iune ‡ ¶ The Place The double yellow Daffodill I receiued from Robinus of Paris which he procured by meanes of friends from Orleance and other parts of France 1 Pseudonarcissus luteus multiplex Double yellow Daffodill 2 Pseudonarcissus Anglicus Common yellow Daffodill ‡ 3 Pseudonarcissus Hispanicus The Spanish yellow Daffodill ‡ 4 Pseudonarcissus minor Hispanicus The lesser Spanish Daffodill ‡ 5 Pseudonarcissus albo flore White Bastard Daffodill The yellow English Daffodill groweth almost euerie where through England The yellow Spanish Daffodill doth likewise decke vp our London Gardens where they increase infinitely ¶ The time The double Daffodill sendeth forth his leaues in the beginning of Februarie and his floures in Aprill ¶ The Names The first is called Pseudonarcissus multiplex and Narcissus luteus Polyanthos in English the double yellow Daffodill or Narcissus The common sort are called in Dutch Geel Sporckel bloemen in English yellow Daffodill Daffodilly and Daffodowndilly ¶ The Temperature The temperature is referred vnto the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Vertues Touching the vertues hereof it is found out by experiment of some of the later Physitians that the decoction of the roots of this yellow Daffodill do purge by siege tough and flegmaticke humors and also waterish and is good for them that are full of raw humors especially if there be added thereto a little anise seed and ginger which will correct the churlish hardnesse of the working The distilled water of Daffodils doth cure the Palsie if the Patient be bathed and rubbed with the sayd liquor by the fire It hath beene proued by an especiall and trusty Friend of myne a man learned and a diligent searcher of nature M. Nicholas Belson sometimes of Kings Colledge in 〈◊〉 CHAP. 86. Of diuers other Daffodils or Narcisses ‡ THere are besides the forementioned sorts of Daffodils sundry others some of which may be referred to them other some not I do not intend an exact enumeration of them it being a thing not so fitting for a historie of Plants as for a Florilegie or booke of floures Now those that require all their figures and more exact descriptions may finde satisfaction in the late Worke of my kinde friend M. Iohn Parkinson which is intitled Paradisus terrestris for in other Florilegies as in that of De Bry Swertz c. you haue barely the names and figures but in this are both figures and an exact historie or declaration of them Therefore I in this place will but onely briefely describe and name some of the rarest that are preserued in our choice gardens and a few others whereof yet they are not possest ¶ The Descriptions 1 The first of these which for the largenesse is called Nonpareille hath long broad leaues and roots like the other Daffodils The floure consists of six very large leaues of a pale yellow colour with a very large cup but not very long this cup is yellower than the incompassing leaues narrower also at the bottome than at the top and vneuenly cut about the edges This is called Narcissus omnium maximus or Non pareille the figure well expresseth the floure but that it is somewhat too little There is a varietie of this with the open leaues cup both yellow which makes the difference There is also another Non pareille whose floures are all white and the six leaues that stand spred abroad are vsually a little folded or turned in at their ends 2 Besides these former there are foure or fiue double yellow Daffodils which I cannot passe ouer in silence the first is that which is vulgarly amongst Florists knowne by the name of Robines Narcisse and it may be was the same our Author in the precedent chapter mentions he receiued from Robine but he giuing the figure of another and a description not well 〈◊〉 this I can affirme nothing of certaintie This double Narcisse of Robine growes with a stalke 〈◊〉 foot in height and the floure is very double of a pale yellow colour and it seemes commonly to 〈◊〉 it selfe into some six partitions the leaues of the floure lying one vpon another euen to the middle of the floure This may be called Narcissus pallidus multiplex Robini Robines double pale Narcisse ‡ 1 Narcissus omnium maximus The 〈◊〉 Daffodill ‡ 3 Pseudonarcissus flore pleno The double yellow Daffodill 3 The next to this is that which from our Author the first obseruer thereof is vulgarly called Gerrards Narcisse the leaues and root do not much differ from the ordinarie Daffodill the stalk is scarce a foot high bearing at the top thereof a floure very double the sixe outmost leaues are of the same yellow colour as the ordinarie one is those that are next are commonly as deepe as the tube or trunke of the single one and
all along these streakes some other colours They haue no smell at all that can be perceiued The roots of these are likewise bulbed or Onion fashion euery of the which to set forth seuerally would trouble the writer and wearie the Reader so that what hath bin said shall suffice touching the description of Tulipa's ‡ True it is that our Author here affirmes The varieties of these floures are so infinite that it would both tyre the Writer and Reader to recount them Yet for that some are more in loue with floures than with Plants in generall I haue thought good to direct them where they may finde somewhat more at large of this Plant Let such therefore as desire further satisfaction herein haue recourse to the Florilegies of De 〈◊〉 Swerts Robin or to M. Parkinson who hath not onely largely treated of the floures in particular but also of the ordering of them ‡ ‡ 27 Tulipa lutea serotina The late flouring yellow Tulip ‡ 28 Tulipa serotina lutea gutt is sanguineis fundo nigro The late Yellow with sanguine spots and a blacke bottome ¶ The Place Tulipa groweth wilde in Thracia Cappadocia and Italy in Bizantia about Constantinople at Tripolis and Alepo in Syria They are now common in all the gardens of such as affect floures all ouer England ¶ The Time They floure from the end of Februarie vnto the beginning of May and somewhat after although Augerius Busbequius in his journey to Constantinople saw between Hadrianople and Constantinople great aboundance of them in floure euery where euen in the middest of Winter in the moneth of Ianuarie which that warme and temperate climate may seeme to performe The Names The later Herbarists by a Turkish and strange name call it Tulipa of the Dalmatian Cap called Tulipa the forme whereof the floure when it is open seemeth to represent It is called in English after the Turkish name Tulipa or it may be called Dalmatian Cap or the Turkes Cap. What name the antient Writers gaue it is not certainly knowne A man might fuspect it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if it were a Bulbe that might be eaten and were of force to make milke cruddy for Theophrastus reckoneth it among those Bulbes that may be eaten and it is an herbe as Hesychius saith wherewith milke is crudded Conradus Gesnerus and diuers others haue taken Tulipa to be that Satyrium which is syrnamed Erythronium because one kinde hath a red floure or altogether a certaine kinde of Satyrium with which it doth agree reasonable well if in Dioscorides his description we may in stead of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reade 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for such mistakes are frequent in antient and moderne Authors both in writing and printing In the Turky Tongue it is called Café lalé Cauále lalé and likewise Turban and Turfan of the Turks Cap so called as beforesaid of Lobelius ‡ 29 〈◊〉 Holias alba strijs punctis sanguineis The white Holias with sanguine spots and streakes ‡ 30 Tulipa media sature purpurea fundo 〈◊〉 A middle Tulip of a deepe Purple colour with a blewish bottome ‡ I do verily thinke that these are the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lillies of the field mentioned by our Sauiour Mat. 6. 28 29. for he saith That Solomon in all his royaltie was not arayed like one of these The reasons that induce me to thinke thus are these First their shape for their floures resemble Lillies and in these places whereas our Sauiour was conuersant they grow wilde in the fields Secondly the infinite varietie of colour which is to be found more in this than any other sort of floure and thirdly the wondrous beautie and mixtures of these floures This is my opinion and these my reasons which any may either approue of or gainsay as he shall thinke good ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues There hath not beene any thing set downe of the antient or later Writers as touching the Nature or Vertues of the Tulipa's but they are esteemed especially for the beauty of their floures ‡ The roots preserued with sugar or otherwise dressed may be eaten and are no vnpleasant nor any way offensiue meat but rather good and nourishing ‡ CHAP. 88. Of Bulbous Violets ¶ The Kindes THeophrastus hath mentioned one kinde of bulbous Leucoion which Gaza translates Viola alba or the white Violet Of this Viola Theophrasti or Theophrastus his Violet we haue obserued three sorts whereof some bring forth many floures and leaues others fewer some floure very early and others later as shall be declared 1 Leucoium bulbosum praecox minus Timely flouring bulbous Violet ‡ 2 Leucoium bulbosum praecox Byzantinum The Byzantine early bulbous Violet ¶ The Description 1 THe first of these bulbous Violets riseth out of the ground with two small leaues flat and crested of an ouerworne greene colour betweene the which riseth vp a small and tender stalke of two hands high at the top whereof commeth forth of a skinny hood a small white floure of the bignesse of a Violet compact of six leaues three bigger and three lesser tipped at the points with a light greene the smaller are fashioned into the 〈◊〉 forme of a heart and pretily edged about with greene the other three leaues are longer and sharpe pointed The whole floure hangeth 〈◊〉 his head by reason of the weake foot stalke whereon it groweth The root is small white and bulbous ‡ 2 There are two varieties of this kind which differ little in shape but the first hath a floure as bigge againe as the ordinarie one and Clusius calls it Leucoium bulbosum praecox Byzantinum The greater early Constantinopolitan bulbous Violet The other is mentioned by Lobel and differs onely in colour of floures wherefore he calls it 〈◊〉 triphyllum flore caerulco The blew floured bulbous Violet 3 〈◊〉 bulbosum serotinum Late flouring bulbous Violet 4 Leucoium bulbosum majus polyanthemum The many floured great bulbous violet ‡ 5 Leucoium bulbosum Autumnale minimum The least Autumne bulbous Violet 3 The third sort of bulbed Violets hath narrow leaues like those of the leeke but lesser and smoother not vnlike to the leaues of the bastard Daffodill The stalks be slender and naked two hands high whereupon doe grow faire white floures tipped with a yellowish greene colour with many small chiues or threds in the middest of the floure The seed is contained in smal round buttons The root is white and bulbous 4 The great bulbed Violet is like vnto the third in stalke and leaues yet greater and higher It bringeth forth on euery stalke not one floure onely but fiue or six blowing or flouring one after another altogether like the other floures in forme and bignesse ‡ 5 This small bulbous plant may be annexed to the former the root is small compact of many coats the leaues are also small and the stalke an handfull high at the top whereof there hang downe one or two
hurtfull to the eyes and braine They cause troublesome dreames and worke all the effects that the Leeke doth The Vine-leeke or Ampeloprason prouoketh vrine mightily and bringeth downe the floures It cureth the bitings of venomous beasts as Dioscorides writeth CHAP. 97. Of Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 THe bulbe or head of Garlicke is couered with most thinne skinnes or filmes of a very lightwhite purple colour consisting of many cloues seuered one from another vnder which in the ground below groweth a tassell of threddy fibres it hath long greene leaues like those of the Leeke among which riseth vp a stalke at the end of the second or third yeare whereupon doth grow a tuft of floures couered with a white skinne in which being broken when it is ripe appeareth round blacke seeds ‡ 2 There is also another Garlicke which growes wilde in some places of Germanie and France which in shape much resembles the ordinarie but the cloues of the roots are smaller and redder The floure is also of a more duskie and darke colour than the ordinarie ‡ ¶ The Place and Times Garlick is seldome sowne of seed but planted in gardens of the small cloues in Nouember and December and sometimes in Februarie and March ¶ The Names It is called in Latine 〈◊〉 in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Apothecaries keepe the Latine name the Germanes call it 〈◊〉 the Low Dutch Look the Spaniards Aios Alho the Italians Aglio the French 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 the Bohemians Czesnek the English Garlicke and poore mans Treacle ¶ The Temperature Garlicke is very sharpe hot and dry as Galen saith in the fourth degree and exulcerateth the skinne by raising blisters ¶ The Vertues Being eaten it heateth the body extremely attenuateth and maketh thinne thicke and grosse humors cutteth such as are tough and clammy digesteth and consumeth them also openeth obstructions is an enemie to all cold poysons and to the bitings of venomous beasts and therefore Galen nameth it Theriaca Rusticorum or the husbaudmans Treacle It yeeldeth to the body no nourishment at all it ingendreth naughty and sharpe bloud 〈◊〉 such as are of a hot complexion must especially abstaine from it But if it be boyled in water vntill such time as it hath lost his sharpenesse it is the lesse forcible and retaineth no longer his euill iuyce as Galen saith It taketh away the roughnesse of the throat it helpeth an old cough it prouoketh vrine it breaketh and consumeth winde and is also a remedie for the Dropsie which procceedeth of a cold cause It killeth wormes in the belly and driueth them forth The milke also wherein it hath beene sodden is giuen to yong children with good successe against the wormes 1 Allium Garlicke ‡ 2 Allium syluestre rubentibus nucleis Wilde Garlicke with red cloues It helpeth a very cold stomacke and is a preseruatiue against the contagious and pestilent aire The decoction of Garlick vsed for a bath to sit ouer bringeth downe the floures and secondines or after-burthen as Dioscorides saith It taketh away the morphew tetters or ring-wormes scabbed heads in children dandraffe and scurfe tempered with honey and the parts anointed therewith With Fig leaues and Cumin it is laid on against the bitings of the Mouse called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English a Shrew CHAP. 98. Of Crow-Garlicke and Ramsons ¶ The Description 1 THe wilde Garlicke or Crow-garlicke hath small tough leaues like vnto rushes smooth and hollow within among which groweth vp a naked stalke round slipperie hard and sound on the top whereof after the floures be gone grow little seeds made vp in a round cluster like small kernels hauing the smell and taste of Garlick In stead of a root there is a bulbe or round head without any cloues at all 2 Ramsons do send forth two or three broad longish leaues sharpe pointed smooth and of a light greene colour The stalke is a span high smooth and slender bearing at the top a cluster of white star-fashioned floures In stead of a root it hath a long slender bulbe which sendeth downe a multitude of strings and is couered with skinnes or thicke coats †1 Allium syluestre Crow Garlicke 2 Allium vrsinum Ramsons ¶ The Time They spring vp in Aprill and May. Their seed is ripe in August ¶ The Place The Crow Garlicke groweth in fertile pastures in all parts of England I found it in great plentie in the fields called the Mantels on the backside of Islington by London Ramsons grow in the Woods and borders of fields vnder hedges among the bushes I found it in the next field vnto Boobies barne vnder that hedge that bordereth vpon the lane and also vpon the left hand vnder an hedge adioyning to a lane that leadeth to Hampsted both places neere London ¶ The Names Both of them be wilde Garlicke and may be called in Latine Alliua syluestria in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The first by 〈◊〉 and Lobell is called Allium syluestretenuifolium Ramsons are named of the later practioners Allium Vrsinum or Beares Garlicke Allium latifolium and Moly Hippocraticum in English Ramsons Ramsies and Buckrams ¶ The Nature The temperatures of these wilde Garlickes are referred vnto those of the gardens ¶ The Vertues Wilde Garlicke or Crow-Garlicke as Galen saith is stronger and of more force than the garden Garlicke The leaues of Ramsons be stamped and eaten of diuers in the Low-countries with fish for a sauce euen as we do eate greene-sauce made with sorrell The same leaues may very well be eaten in April and May with butter of such as are of a strong constitution and labouring men The distilled water drunke breaketh the stone and driueth it forth and prouoketh vrine CHAP. 99. Of Mountaine Garlicks 1 Scorodoprasum Great mountaine Garlicke ‡ 2 Scorodoprasum primum Clusij Clusius his great mountaine Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 2 THe great Mountaine Garlicke hath long and broad leaues like those of Leekes but much greater and longer embracing or clasping about a great thicke stalke soft and full of juyce bigger than a mans finger and 〈◊〉 toward the top vpon which is set a great head bigger than a tennise ball couered with a skinne after the manner of an Onion The skinne when it commeth to perfection breaketh and discouereth a great multitude of whitish floures which being past blacke seeds follow inclosed in a three cornered huske The root is 〈◊〉 of the bignesse of a great Onion The whole plant smelleth very strong like vnto Garlicke and is in shew a Leeke whereupon it was called Scorodoprasum as if we should say Garlicke Leeke participating of the Leeke and Garlicke or rather a degenerate Garlicke growne monstrous ‡ I cannot certainely determine what difference there may be betweene the 〈◊〉 expressed by the first figure which is our Authors and the second figure which is taken out of Clusius Now the historie which Clusius giues vs to the second the same is out of him giuen by our Author to the
an vmbel of ten or twelue white floures each of which consists of six leaues not sharpe pointed but turned round and pretty large considering the bignesse of the plant This plant hath also vsually but two leaues and those like those of Leekes but far lesse ‡ ¶ The Place †These plants grow in the garden of M. Iohn Parkinson Apothecarie and with M. Iohn Tradescant and some others studious in the knowledge of plants ¶ The Time They spring forth of the ground in Februarie and bring forth their floures fruit and seed in the end of August ¶ The Names †Some haue deriued the name Moly from these Greeke words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to driue away diseases It may probably be argued to belong to a certaine bulbous plant and that a kind of Garlicke by the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The former Galen in his Lexicon of some of the difficulter words vsed by Hippocrates thus expounds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is Moliza is a Garlicke hauing a simple or single head and not to be parted or distinguished into cloues some terme it Moly Erotianus in his Lexicon expounds the later thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith hee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. That is Molyx is a head of Garlicke round and not to be parted into cloues ‡ ¶ The Names in particular ‡ 1 this is called Moly by Matthiolus Moly Angustifolium by Dodonaeus Moly Dioscorideum by Lobel and Clusius 2 This Moly Serpentinum vocatum by Lobel and the Author of the Hist. Lugd. 3 This same is thought to be the Moly of Theophrastus and Pliny by Dodonaeus Clusius c. and some also would haue it to be that of Homer mentioned in his twentieth Odyss Lobel calleth it Moly Liliflorum 4 5 The fourth and fifth being one are called Caucafon and Moly Indicum by Lobel Clusius and others 6 This is Moly Montanum latifolium flauo flore of Clusius and Moly luteum of Lobel Aduersar par 2. 7 This same is Moly minus of Clusius ‡ ‡ 6 Moly latifolium flore 〈◊〉 Broad leaued Moly with the yellow floure ‡ 7 Moly minus flore albo Dwarfe white floured Moly ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These Molyes are very hot approching to the nature of Garlicke and I doubt not but in time some excellent man or other will find out as many good vertues of them as their stately and comely proportion should seeme to be possessed with But for my part I haue neither proued nor heard of others nor found in the writings of the Antients any thing touching their faculties Only Dioscorides reporteth That they are of maruellous efficacie to bring downe the termes if one of them be stamped with oyle of Floure de-luce according to art and vsed in manner of a pessarie or mother suppositorie ‡ CHAP. 79. Of diuers other Molyes ‡ BEsides the Garlickes and Molyes formerly mentioned by our Author and those I haue in this Edition added there are diuers others which mentioned by Clusius and belonging vnto this Tribe I haue thought good in this place to set forth Now for that they are more than conueniently could be added to the former chapters which are sufficiently large I thought it not amisse to allot them a place by themselues ‡ 1 Moly 〈◊〉 folijs primum The first Narcisse-leaued Moly ‡ 2 Moly 〈◊〉 folijs secundum The second Narcisse-leaued Moly ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis which in face nighest represents the Molyes described in the last Chapter hath a root made of many scales like as an Onion in the vpper part but the lower part is knotty and runnes in the ground like as Solomons Seale the Onion-like part hath many fibres hanging thereat the leaues are like those of the white Narcisse very greene and shining amongst which riseth vp a stalke of a cubit high naked firme greene and crested at the top come forth many floures consisting of six purplish leaues with as many chiues on their insides after which follow three 〈◊〉 heads opening when they are ripe and containing a round blacke seed 2 This other being of the same kinde and but a varietie of the former hath softer and more Ash-coloured leaues with the floures of a lighter colour Both these floure at the end of Iune or in Iuly ‡ 3 Moly Narcissinis folijs tertium The third Narcisse-leaued Moly ‡ 4 Moly montanum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clusij The first broad leaued mountaine Moly ‡ 5 Moly montanum 〈◊〉 Clusij The second mountaine Moly This floures later than the former to wit in Iuly and August All these plants grow naturally in Leitenberg and other hills neere to Vienna in Austria where they were first found and 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Clusius 4 This hath a stalke some two cubits high which euen to the middle is incompassed with leaues much longer and broader than those of Garlicke and very like those of the Leeke on the top of the smooth and rush-like 〈◊〉 groweth a tuft consisting of many darke purple coloured bulbs growing close together from amongst which come forth pretty long stalkes bearing light purple starre-fashioned floures which are succeeded by three cornered seed-vessels The root is bulbous large consisting of many cloues and hauing many white fibres growing sorth thereof Moreouer there grow out certain round bulbes about the root almost like those which grow in the head and being planted apart they 〈◊〉 plants of the same kinde This is Allium siue Moly montanum latifolium 1. Clusij 5 This hath a smooth round greene stalke some cubit high whereon doe grow most commonly three leaues narrower than those of the former and as itwere grassy The top of the 〈◊〉 sustaines a head wrapped in two lax filmes each of them running out with a sharpe point like two hornes which opening themselues there appeare many small bulbes heaped together amongst which are floures composed of six purplish little leaues and fastned to long stalkes The root is round and white with many long white fibres hanging thereat Clusius calls this Allium siue Moly montanum secundum And this is Lobels Ampeloprason proliferum 6 Like to the last described is this in height and shape of the stalke and leaues as also in the forked or horned skinne inuoluing the head which consisteth of many small bulbes of a reddish greene colour and ending in a long greene point amongst which vpon long and slender stalkes hang downe floures like in forme and magnitude to the former but of a whitish colour with a darke purple streake alongst the middle and vpon the edges of each leafe The root is round and white like that of the last described This Clusius giues vnder the title of Allium siue Moly 〈◊〉 tertium ‡ 6 Moly montanum 3. Clus. The third mountaine Moly ‡ 7 Moly montani quarti spec 1. Clus. The fourth mountaine Moly 〈◊〉 first 〈◊〉 thereof 7 This also hath three rushy leaues with a round stalke of some cubit high whose
top is likewise adorned with a forked membrane containing many pale coloured floures hanging vpon long stalkes each floure consisting of six little leaues with the like number of chiues and a pestil in the midst This tuft of floures cut off with the top of the stalke and carried into a chamber wil yeeld a pleasant smell like that which is found in the floures in the earlier Cyclamen but it will quickly decay After these floures are past succeed three cornered heads containing a blacke small seed not much vnlike Gillofloure seed The root is round like the former sometimes yeelding off-sets This is Alij montani 4. species 1. of Clusius 8 There is another kinde of this last described which growes to almost the same height and hath like leaues and the head ingirt with the like skinny long pointed huskes but the floures of this are of a very darke colour The roots are like the former with off-sets by their side This is Clusius his Moly montani quarti species secunda The roots of the three last described smell of garlick but the leaues haue rather an hearby or grasse-like smell The fifth and sixth of these grow naturally in the Styrian and Austrian Alpes The seuenth growes about Presburg in Hungarie about Niclaspurg in Morauia but most aboundantly about the Baths in Baden ‡ 8 Moly 〈◊〉 quarti species 〈◊〉 Clusij The second kinde of the fourth mountaine Moly ‡ 9 Moly montanum quintum Clusij The fifth mountaine Moly 9 This growes to the like height as the former with a greene stalke hauing few leaues thereupon and naked at the top where it carieth a round head consisting of many star-like small floures of a faire purple colour fastned to short stalkes each floure being composed of sixe little leaues with as many chiues and a pestill in the middle The root is bulbous and white hauing somtimes his off-sets by his sides The smell of it is like Garlicke This groweth also about Presburgh in Hungarie and was there obserued by Clusius to beare his floure in May and Iune He calleth this Allium seu Moly montanum quintum ‡ CHAP. 102. Of White Lillies ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of Lillies whereof some be wilde or of the field others tame or of the garden some white others red some of our owne countries growing others from beyond the seas and because of the variable sorts we will diuide them into chapters beginning with the two white Lillies which differ little but in the natiue place of growing ¶ The Description 1 THe white Lillie hath long smooth and full bodied leaues of a grassie or light greene colour The stalkes be two cubits high and sometimes more set or garnished with the like leaues but growing smaller and smaller toward the top and vpon them 〈◊〉 grow faire white floures strong of smell narrow toward the foot of the stalke whereon they doe grow wide or open in the mouth like a bell In the middle part of them doe grow small tender pointals tipped with a dusty yellow colour ribbed or 〈◊〉 on the backe side consisting of six small leaues thicke and fat The root is a bulbe made of scaly cloues full of tough and clammie iuyce wherewith the whole plant doth greatly abound 2 The white Lilly of Constantinople hath very large and fat leaues like the former but narrower and lesser The stalke riseth vp to the height of three cubits set and garnished with leaues also like the precedent but much lesse Which stalke oftentimes doth alter and degenerate from his naturall roundnesse to a flat forme as it were a lath of wood furrowed or chanelled alongst the same as it were ribs or welts The floures grow at the top like the former sauing that the leaues do turne themselues more backward like the Turkes cap and beareth many more floures than our English white Lilly doth 1 Lilium album The white Lilly 2 Lilium album Bizantinum The white Lilly of Constantinople ¶ The Place Our English white Lilly groweth in most gardens of England The other groweth naturally in Constantinople and the parts adiacent from whence wee had plants for our English gardens where they flourish as in their owne countrey ¶ The Time The Lillies floure from May to the end of Iune The Names The Lillie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lilium and also Rosa Iunonis or Iuno's Rose because as it is reported it came vp of her milke that fell vpon the ground For the Poets feigne That Hercules who 〈◊〉 had by Alcumena was put to Iuno's breasts whilest shee was asleepe and after the sucking there fell away aboundance of milke and that one part was spilt in the heauens and the other on the earth and that of this sprang the Lilly and of the other the circle in the heauens called Lacteus Circulus or the milky way or otherwise in English Watling street Saint Basill in the explication of the 44. Psalme saith That no floure so liuely sets forth the frailty of mans life as the Lilly It is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Giglio in Spanish Lirio blanco in French Lys blanc in English the white Lilly The other is called Lilium album Bizantinum and also Martagon album Bizantinum in English the white Lilly of Constantinople of the Turkes themselues Sultan Zambach with this addition that they might be the better knowne which kinde of Lilly they meant when they sent roots of them into these countries Fa sioragrandi Bianchi so that Sultan Zambach fa sioragrandi Bianchi is as much to say as Sultans great Lilly with white floures ¶ The Nature The white Lilly is hot and partly of a subtill substance But if you regard the root it is dry in the first degree and hot in the second ¶ The 〈◊〉 The root of the garden Lilly stamped with honey gleweth together sinewes that be cut in sunder It consumeth or 〈◊〉 away the vlcers of the head called Achores and 〈◊〉 all scuruinesse of the beard and face The Root stamped with Vineger the leaues of Henbane or the meale of Barley cureth the tumours and apostumes of the priuy members It bringeth the haire againe vpon places which haue beene 〈◊〉 or scalded if it be mingled with oyle or grease and the place anointed therewith The same root rosted in the embers and stamped with some 〈◊〉 of Rie bread and Hogges grease breaketh pestilentiall botches It 〈◊〉 Apostumes in the flankes comming of venery and such like The floures steeped in Oyle Oliue and shifted two or three times during 〈◊〉 and set in the Sunne in a strong glasse is good to soften the hardnesse of sinewes and the hardnesse of the matrix Florentinus a writer of husbandry saith That if the root be 〈◊〉 opened and therein be put some red blew or yellow colour that hath no causticke or burning qualitie it will cause the floure to be of the same colour Iulius Alexandrinus the Emperors
the hottest place of the garden and most fine and fertile mold Thus may you do with Muske-Melons Cucumbers and all cold fruits that require haste for that otherwise the frost will ouertake them before they come to fruit-bearing ‡ They may also be sowen in good mold like as other seeds and vsually are ‡ Nasturtium Indicum cum flore semine Indian Cresses with floure and seed ¶ The Names This beautifull plant is called in Latine Nasturtium Indicum in English Indian Cresses Although some haue deemed it a kinde of Conuolvulus or Binde-weed yet I am well contented that it retaine the former name for that the smell and taste shew it to be a kinde of Cresses ¶ The Nature and Vertues We haue no certain knowledge of his nature or vertues but are content to refer it to the kindes of Cresses or to a further consideration CHAP. 14. Of Sciatica Cresses ¶ The Description 1 SCiatica Cresses hath many slender branches growing from a stalke of a cubit high with small long and narrow leaues like those of Garden Cresses The floures be very small and yellow of colour the seed-vessels be little flat chaffie huskes wherein is the seed of a reddish gold colour sharpe and very bitter in taste The root is small tough white within and without and of a biting taste ‡ The plant whose figure I here giue you in stead of that with the narrower leaues of our Author hath leaues somewhat like Rocket but not so deepe cut in being only snipt about the edges the vpper leaues are not snipt nor diuided at all and are narrower The floures decking the tops of the branches are small and white the seed vessels are lesse then those of Cresses and the seed it selfe exceeding small and of a blackish colour the root is woody sometimes single 〈◊〉 diuided into two branches ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth vpon old wals and rough places by high waies sides and such like I haue found it in corne fields about Southfleete neere to Grauesend in Kent Iberis Cardamantica Sciatica Cresses ¶ The Time It floureth according to the late or 〈◊〉 sowing of it in the fields in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Sciatica Cresses is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Iberis of Plinie Heberis and Nasturtium syluestre and in like manner also Lepidium There is another Lepidium of Plinie in English Sciatrica Cresse ‡ The first described may be called Iberis Cardamantica tenuifolia Small leaued Sciatica Cresses The second Iberis latiore folio broad leaued Sciatica Cresses ‡ ¶ The Nature Sciatica Cresse is hot in the fourth degree and like to garden Cresses both in smell and in taste ¶ The Vertues The rootes gathered in Autumne saith Dioscorides doe heate and burne and are with good successe with swines grease made vp in manner of a plaister and put vpon such as are tormented with the Sciatica it is to lie on the 〈◊〉 place but foure hours at the most and then taken away and the patient bathed with warme water and the place afterwards anointed with oile and wooll laid on it which things Galen in his ninth booke of medicines according to the place greeued citeth out of Democrates in certaine verses tending to that effect CHAP. 15. Of Banke Cresses ¶ The Description 1 BAnke Cresses hath long leaues deepely cut or jagged vpon both sides not vnlike to those of Rocket or wilde mustard The stalkes be smal limber or pliant yet very tough and wil twist and writhe as doth the 〈◊〉 or water willow wherupon do grow small yellow flowers which being past there do succeed little slender cods full of small seedes in taste 〈◊〉 and biting the tongue as those of Cresses 2 The second kinde of banke Cresses hath leaues like vnto those of Dandelion somewhat 〈◊〉 Spinach The branches be long tough and pliant like the other The flowers be yellowish which are succeeded by smal long cods hauing leaues growing amongst them in these cods is contained small biting seed like the other of this kinde The smell of this plant is very vngratefull ¶ The Place Banke Cresses is found in stonie places among rubbish by path waies vpon earth or mudde 〈◊〉 and in other vntoiled places The second kinde of banke Cresses groweth in such places as the former doth I found it growing at a place by Chelmes forde in Essex called little Baddowe and in sundrie other places ‡ If our Author meant this which I haue described and giuen you the figure of as it is probable he did I doubt he scarce found it wilde I haue seene it in the garden of Master Parkinson and it groweth wilde in many places of Italy ‡ ¶ The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and the seed is ripe in August and September ¶ The Names Banke Cresses is called in Latine Irio and Erysimum in Greeke 〈◊〉 and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to Dioscorides Theophrastus hath an other Erysimum ‡ The first is called Irio or Erysimum by Matthiolus 〈◊〉 and others 〈◊〉 Fuchsius and Tragus call it Verbena foemina or recta The second is Irio alter of Matthiolus and Saxifraga Romanorum Lugd. It may be called Italian Banke Cresses or Roman Saxifrage ‡ 1 Erysimum Dioscoridis Lobelij Bancke Cresses 2 Erysimum alterum Italicum Italian bancke Cresses ¶ The Nature The seed of bancke Cresses is like in taste to garden Cresses and is as Galen saith of a fietie temperature and doth extreamely attenuate or make thinne ¶ The Vertues The seed of bancke Cresses is good against the rheume that falleth into the chest by rotting the same It remedieth the cough the yellow jaundise and the Sciatica or ache of the hucklebones if it be taken with hony in manner of a lohoc and often licked It is also drunke against deadly poisons as Dioscorides addeth and being made vp in a plaister with water and hony and applied it is a remedie against hidden cankrous apostumes behind the eares hard swellings and inflammations of the pappes and stones ‡ The seeds of the Italian Banke Cresses or Roman Saxifrage taken in the weight of a dram in a decoction of Grasseroots effectually cleanse the reines and expell the stone as the Authour of the hist. Lugd. affirmes ‡ CHAP. 16. Of Docke Cresses Lampsana Docke Cresses ¶ The Description DOcke-Cresses is a wilde Wort 〈◊〉 pot-herbe hauing roughish hairy leaues of an ouerworne greene colour deepely cut or indented vpon both sides like the leaues of small Turneps The stalkes grow to the height of two or three cubits and sometimes higher diuiding themselues toward the top into sundry little branches whereon do grow many small yellow floures like those of Hieracium or Hawke-weed which decaying are succeeded by little crested heads containing a longish small seed somewhat like Lettice seed but of a yellowish colour the plant is also milkie the stalke woody and the root small fibrous and white ¶ The Place Dock-Cresses
it is brought into Persia Arabia Asia the lesse and also into Portingale and other parts of Europe but that is preferred which groweth in Cambaya ¶ The Names It is called of the Arabians Persians and Turkes Turbith and in Guzarata 〈◊〉 in the prouince Canara in which is the city Goa Tiguar likewise in Europe the learned call it diuersly according to their seuerall fancies which hath bred sundry controuersies as it hath fallen out aswell in Hermodactyls as in Turbith the vse and possession of which we cannot seeme to want but which plant is the true Turbith we haue great cause to doubt Some haue thought 〈◊〉 Tripolium marinum described in the former chapter to be Turbith others haue supposed it to be one of the Tithymales but which kinde they know not Guillandinus saith that the root of Tithymalus myrsinitis is the true Turbith which caused Lobeltus and Pena to plucke vp by the roots all the kindes of Tithymales and drie them very curiously which when they had beheld and throughly tried they found it nothing so The Arabians and halfe Moores that dwell in the East parts haue giuen diuers names vnto this plant and as their words are diuers so haue they diuers significatious but this name Turbith they seeme to interpret to be any milky root which doth strongly purge flegme as this plant doth So that as men haue thought good pleasing themselues they haue made many and diuers constuctions which haue troubled many excellent learned men to know what root is the true 〈◊〉 But briefly to set downe my opinion not varying from the iudgment of men which are of great experience I thinke assuredly that the root of Scammony of Antioch is the true and vndoubted Turbith one reason especially that moueth me so to thinke is for that I haue taken vp the roots of Scammony which grew in my garden and compared them with the roots of Turbith between which I found little 〈◊〉 no difference at all ‡ Through all Spain as Clusius in his notes vpon Garcias testifies they vse the roots of Thapsia for Turbith which also haue been brought hither and I keepe some of them by me but they purge little or nothing at all being drie though it may be the green root or juice may haue some purging faculty ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Indian physitions vse it to purge flegme to which if there be no feuer they adde ginger otherwise they giue it without in the broth of a chicken and sometimes in faire water Mesues writeth that Turbith is hot in the third degree and that it voideth thicke tough flegme out of the stomacke chest sinewes and out of the furthermost parts of the body but as he saith it is slow in working and troubleth and ouerturneth the stomacke and therefore ginger masticke and other spices are to be mixed with it also oile of sweet almondes or almondes themselues or sugar least the body with the vse herof should pine and fall away Others temper it with Dates sweet Almonds and certaine other things making thereof a composition that the Apothecaries call an Electuarie which is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common in shops and in 〈◊〉 vse among expert Physitions There is giuen at one time of this Turbith one dram more or lesse two at the most but in the decoction or in the infusion three or foure CHAP. 95. Of Arrow-head or Water-archer 1 Sagittaria maior Great arrow-Arrow-head 2 Sagittaria minor Small arrow-Arrow-head ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Water-archer or arrow-Arrow-head hath large and long leaues in shape like the signe Sagittarius or rather like a bearded broad Arrow head Among which riseth vp a fat and thicke stalke two or three foot long hauing at the top many prettie white floures declining to a light carnation compact of three small leaues which being past there come after great rough knops or burres wherein is the seed The root consisteth of many strings 2 The second is like the first and differeth in that this kinde hath smaller leaues and floures and greater burres and roots 3 The third kinde of arrow-Arrow-head hath leaues in shape like the broad arrow-Arrow-head standing vpon the ends of tender foot stalkes a cubit 〈◊〉 among which rise vp long naked smooth stalks of a greenish colour from the middle whereof to the top doe grow floures like to the 〈◊〉 The root is small and threddie ¶ The Place These herbes doe grow in the watrie ditches by Saint George his field neere vnto London in the Tower ditch at London in the ditches neere the wals of Oxford by Chelmesford in Essex and many other places as namely in the ditch neere the place of execution called Saint Thomas Waterings not far from London ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune ¶ The Names Sagittaria may be called in English the Water-archer or Arrow-head ‡ Some would haue it the 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus and it is the Pistana Magonis and Sagitta of 〈◊〉 lib. 21. cap. 17. ¶ The Nature and Vertues I finde not any thing extant in writing either concerning their vertues or temperament but doubtlesse they are cold and drie in qualitie and are like Plantaine in facultie and temperament CHAP. 96. Of Water Plantaine 1 Plantago aquatica maior Great Water Plantaine 2 Plantago aquatica minor stellata Starry headed small Water 〈◊〉 3 Plantago aquatica humilis Dwarfe water Plantaine ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of water Plantaine hath faire great large leaues like the land Plaintaine but smoother and full of ribs or sinewes among which riseth vp a tall stemme foure foot high diuiding it selfe into many slender branches garnished with infinit small white floures which being past there appeare triangle huskes or buttons wherein is the seed The root is as it were a great tuft of threds or thrums ‡ 2 This plant in his roots and leaues is like the last described as also in the stalke but much lesse in each of them the stalke being about some foot high at the top whereof stand many pretty starre-like skinny seed-vessels containing a yellowish seed ‡ 3 The second kinde hath long little and narrow leaues much like the Plantaine called Ribwoort among which rise vp small and feeble stalks branched at the top whereon are placed white floures consisting of three slender leaues which being fallen there come to your view round knobs or rough burs the root is threddy ¶ The Place 1 This herbe growes about the brinkes of riuers ponds and ditches almost euery where ‡ 2 3 These are more rare I found the second a little beyond Ilford in the way to Rumford and Mr. Goodyer found it also growing vpon Hounslow heath I found the third in the Company of Mr. William Broad and Mr. Leonard Buckner in a ditch on this side Margate in the Isle of Tenet ‡ ¶ The Time They floure from Iune till August ¶ The Names The first kinde is called Plantago 〈◊〉 that is water Plantaine ‡ The second
Fleawoort or Fleabane from a thick long liuing fibrous root sends forth many stalkes of some yard high or more hard wooddy rough fat and of an ou erworne colour the leaues are many without order and alternately embrace the stalkes twice as big as those of the Oliue tree rough and fat being as it were besmeared with a gumminesse or fattinesse and of a yellowish greene colour the floures grow after a sort spoke fashion standing at the ends of footstalkes comming out of the bosomes of the leaues and they are yellow and round almost like to Groundswell and flie away in downe like as they doe the seed is small and ash coloured 〈◊〉 whole plant is fattie and glutinous with a strong yet not altogether vnpleasant smell This growes not that I know of in these cold Countries vnlesse sowne in gardens Clusius sound it by Lisbone and in diuers places of Spaine He as also Dodonaeus Lobel and others call this Conyzamaior and it is thought to be the Conyzamas of Theophrastus and Conyzamaior of Dioscorides 2 The lesser seldome sends vp more than one stalke and that of a cubit high yet vsually not so much it is diuided into little branches and also rough and glutionous as the precedent but more greene The leaues are three times lesse than those of the former somewhat shaped like those of Toad-flax yet hairy and vnctious the tops of the branches as in the bigger carrie lesse and lesse shining and sightly floures vanishing in like sort into downe The root is single and annuall and the whole plant more imelling than the former This is iudged the Conyza foemina of 〈◊〉 and Con. minor of Dioscorides it is the Con. minor of Gesner Lobel Clusius and others It growes in diuers of Spaine and Prouince in France but not here vnlesse in Gardens 3 Conyzamedia Middle Fleawoort 4 Conyzaminima Dwarfe Fleabane 3 The root of this middle kinde is prettie large and fibrous from whence ariseth a branched stalke of some cubite high engirt at certaine spaces with thicke rough grayish greene leaues at the tops of the branches grow pretty faire yellow floures of the bignes of a little Marigold which fading turne to downe and are carried away with the winde This floures in Iuly and August and may be found growing in most places about riuers and pond sides as in S. Iames his Parke Tuthill fields c. This is Conyzamedia of Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others Some haue referred it vnto the Mints as Fuchsius who makes it Calaminthae 3. genus and Lonicerus who calls it Mentha Lutea In Cheape-side the herbe-women call it Herbe Christopher and sell it to Empericks who with it as they say make Medicines for the eyes but against what affect of them or with what successe I know not 4 In like places or rather such as are plashy in winter this may be plentifully found growing The roots are small and fibrous from whence ariseth a branched stalke some foot high set with small longish leaues somewhat roundish pointed soft also and woolly with a smell not altogether vnpleasant like as the last described the floures are composed of many yellowish threds like to the middle part of Camomill floures or those of Tanscy and as the former turne into downe and are carried away with the winde it floures in Iuly and August This is the Conyzaminor of Tragus Mathiolus and others Lobel and Dodon call it Conyzaminima 5 This cut leaued Fleabane hath small fibrous roots from which arise thicke crested hollow stalks diuided towards the tops into sundry branches the leaues that incompasse the stalke are gashed or else onely sinuated on the edges the floures are star fashion and yellow and also flie away in downe the whole plant is couered ouer with a soft and tender downe and hath somewhat the smell of Honie This is a varietie of the third and is called by Dodon Conyzaemediae altera Lobel names it Conyza helenit is folijs laciniatis 6 The figure which you haue in this sixth place was formerly vnfitly giuen by our Authour for Solidago Saracenica it hath a large root which sends foorth many fibres and a crested hollow stalke some two cubites or more high which is vnorderly set with long yet narrow snipt leaues somewhat hairie and sharpe pointed the toppe is diuided into branches which beare prettie large yellow floures made after the manner of those of Ragwort and like as they are also carried away with the winde This Thalius cals Conyzamaxima serratifolia It is the Lingua maior of Daleschampius and the Consolida palustris of Tabernamontanus It groweth neere water sides and floures towards the latter end of Sommer I haue not yet heard that it doth grow wilde amongstvs ‡ 5 Conyza folijs laciniatis Great iagged leaued Fleabane ‡ 6 Conyza palustris serratifolia Water snipt Fleabanc ‡ 7 Conyza Austriaca Clusij Austrian Fleabane ‡ 8 Conyza incana Hoary Fleabane ‡ 9 Conyza Alpina pilosissima Hairie Fleabane of the Alpes 10 Conyza Caerulea 〈◊〉 Blew floured 〈◊〉 7 The stalkes of this are about a foot high straight stiffe hard and couered with a 〈◊〉 downe the leaues at the root grow vpon long stalkes and are soft and 〈◊〉 but those which are higher vp haue a short or else no stalke at all and rubbed they yeeld no vnpleasant smell and tasted they are somwhat bitter and acride The floures that grow vpon the tops of the branches are large and fashioned like those of Elecampane and are of the same yellow color The root is long slender and blackish creeping and putting vp new stalkes it hath many white fibres and a resinous smell Clusius sound it growing on dry hilly places in Austria and calls it Conyza 3. 〈◊〉 8 This which Lobel sets forth vnder the title of Conyza helentis 〈◊〉 incana I take to be the same Plant that I last figured and described out of Clusius onely the root is better exprest in Clusius his figure otherwise by the 〈◊〉 I cannot find any difference though 〈◊〉 reckon it vp in his Pinax as differing therefrom 9 This also seemes not much to differ from the last mentioned but onely in the hairinesse of the leaues and stalkes and that the floures are smaller This 〈◊〉 cals Conyza 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incana Helenitis because the floures and leaues haue some semblance of 〈◊〉 and Mellita 〈◊〉 that they smell somewhat like Honie These last grow vpon mountaines but none of them with vs in England that I can yet heare of 10 This hath a small fibrous and yellowish root of a very hot and biting taste which sends vp diuers longish leaues about the head thereof the stalke is some foot and halfe high and set alternately with twined longish narrow and somewhat rough leaues of an ouerworne greene colour the top of the stalke and branches are 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 set in longish scaly heads like those of 〈◊〉 the outer little leaues are of a 〈◊〉
annua spuria One Sommers Nauell-woort ¶ The Description 1 THe Sea Nauel-woort hath many round thicke leaues like vnto little saucers set vpon small tender stalks bright shining and smooth of two inches long for the most part growing vpon the furrowed shels of cockles or the like euery small stem bearing vpon the end or point one little buckler and no more resembling a nauell the stalke and leafe set together in the middle of the same Whereupon the Herbarists of Montpelier haue called it 〈◊〉 Marinus or sea Nauel The 〈◊〉 and stalkes of this plant whilest they are yet in the water are of a pale ash colour but being taken forth 〈◊〉 presently waxe white as Sea Mosse called 〈◊〉 or the shel of a Cockle It is thought to be barren of seed and is in taste saltish 2 The second Androsace hath little smooth leaues spred vpon the ground like vnto the leaues of small Chickweed or Henbit whereof doubtles it is a kind among which riseth vp a slender stem hauing at the top certaine little chaffie floures of a purplish colour The seed is contained in small 〈◊〉 husks of a reddish colour a bitter taste The whole plant perisheth when it hath perfected his seede and must be sowne againe the next yeare which plant was giuen to Mathiolus by Cortusus who as he 〈◊〉 receiued it from Syria but I thinke hee said so to make Matthiolus more 〈◊〉 but surely I surmise he picked it out of one old wal or other where it doth grow euen as the small Chickweed or Naile-woort of the wall do ‡ The figure that was here was that vnperfect one of 〈◊〉 and the description of our Authour was framed by it vnlesse the last part therof which was taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 166. to amend both these we here present you with the true figure and description taken out of the workes of the iudicious and painfull Herbarist Carolus Clusius It hath saith he many leaues lying flat vpon the ground like to those of Plantaine but lesser and of a pale greene colour and 〈◊〉 about the edges soft also and iuicie and of somewhat a biting taste Amongst these leaues rise vp fiue or six stalkes of an handfull high commonly of a green vet sometimes of a purple colour naked and somewhat hairy which at their tops carry in a circle fiue roundish leaues also a little toothed and hairy from the midst of which arise fiue or more 〈◊〉 each bearing a greenish rough or hairie cup parted also into fiue little leaues or iags in the midst of which stands a little white floure parted also into fiue after which succeed pretty large seed vessels which containe an vnequall red seed like that of 〈◊〉 but bigger the root is single and slender and dies as soon as the seed is perfected It growes naturally in diuers places of Austria and amongst the corne about the Bathes of Baden whereas it floures in Aprill and ripens the seed in May and Iune ‡ ¶ The Place Androsace will not grow any where but in water great store of it is about Frontignan by Montpellier in Languedoc where euery fisher-man doth know it The second groweth vpon old stone and mud walls notwithstanding I haue the more to grace Matthiolus great iewell planted it in my garden ¶ The Time The bastard Androsace floureth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Androsace is of some called Vmbilicus marinus or sea Nauell ‡ The second is knowne and called by the name of Androsace altera 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Temperature The sea Nauell is of a diureticke qualitie and more drie than Galen thought it to be and lesse hot than others haue deemed it there can no moisture be found in it ¶ The Vertues Sea Nauelwoort prouoketh vrine and digesteth the filthinesse and sliminesse gathered in the ioints Two drams of it as Dioscorides saith drunke in wine bringeth downe great store of vrine out of their bodies that haue the dropsie and maketh a good plaister to cease the paine of the gout CHAP. 153. Of Rose-woort or Roseroot Rhodia radix Rose-root ¶ The Description ROsewoort hath many small thicke and fat stems growing from a thicke and knobby root the vpper end of it for the most part standeth out of the ground and is there of a purplish colour bunched knobbed like the root of Orpin with many hairy strings hanging therat of a pleasant smell when it is broken like the damaske rose whereof it tooke his name The leaues are set round about the stalks euen from the bottome to the top like those of the field Orpin but narrower and more snipt about the edges The floures grow at the top of a faint yellow colour ¶ The Place It groweth very plentifully in the North part of England especially in a place called Ingleborough Fels neere vnto the brookes sides and not elsewhere that I can as yet finde out from whence I haue had plants for my garden ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names Some haue thought it hath taken the name Rhodia of the Island in the Mediterranean sea called Rhodes but doubtlesse it took his name Rhodia radix of the root which smelleth like a rose in English rose-Rose-root and Rose-woort ¶ The Vertues There is little extant in writing of the faculties of Rosewoort but this I haue found that if the root be stamped with oile of Roses and laid to the temples of the head it 〈◊〉 the paine of the head CHAP. 144. Of Sampier 1 Crithmum marinum Rocke Sampier 2 Crithmum Spinosum Thornie Sampier 3 〈◊〉 chrysanthemum Golden Sampier ¶ The Description 1 ROcke Sampier hath many fat and thicke leaues somewhat like those of the lesser 〈◊〉 of a spicy taste with a certaine saltnesse amongst which riseth vp a stalke diuided into many smal spraies or sprigs on the top wherof doe grow 〈◊〉 tufts of whitefloures like the tufts of Fenell or Dill after that commeth the seed like the seed of Fenell but greater The root is thicke and knobbie being of smell delightfull pleasant 2 The second Sampier called 〈◊〉 marina or Sea Parsnep hath long fat leaues very much iagged or cut euen to the middle rib sharpe or prickley pointed which are set vpon large fat iointed stalks on the top whereof do grow 〈◊〉 of whitish or els reddish floures The seed is wrapped in thornie huskes The root is thick and long not vnlike to the Parsnep very good and wholesome to be eaten 3 Golden Sampier bringeth forth many stalks from one root compassed about with a multitude of long fat leaues set together by equall distances at the top whereof come yellow floures The seed is like those of the Rocke Sampier ¶ The Place Rocke Sampier groweth on the rockie cliffes at Douer VVinchelsey by Rie about South-hampton the Isle of VVight and most rockes about the West and North-west parts about England The second
them let fresh Lauander and store Of wild Time with strong Sauorie to floure Yet there is another Casia called in shops Casia Lignea as also Casia nigra which is named Casia 〈◊〉 and another a small shrubbie plant extant among the shrubs or hedge bushes which some thinke to be the Casia Poetica mentioned in the precedent verses ¶ The Temperature Lauander is hot and drie and that in the third degree and is of a thin substance consisting of many airie and spirituall parts Therefore it is good to be giuen any way against the cold diseases of the head and especially those which haue their originall or beginning not of abundance of humours but chiefely of a cold quality onely ¶ The Vertues The distilled water of Lauander smelt vnto or the temples and forehead bathed therewith is a refreshing to them that haue the Catalepsie a light Migram to them that haue the falling sicknesse and that vse to swoune much But when there is abundance of humours especially mixt with bloud it is not then to be vsed safely neither is the composition to be taken which is made of distilled wine in which such kinde of herbes floures or seeds and certaine spices are infused or steeped though most men do rashly and at aduenture giue them without making any difference at all For by vsing such hot things that fill and stuffe the head both the disease is made greater and the sicke man also brought into danger especially when letting of bloud or purging haue not gone before Thus much by way of admonition because that euery where some vnlearned Physitions and diuers rash and ouerbold Apothecaries and other foolish women do by and by giue such compositions and others of the like kinde not only to those that haue the Apoplexy but also to those that are taken or haue the Catuche or Catalepsis with a Feuer to whom they can giue nothing worse seeing those things do very much hurt and oftentimes bring death it selfe The floures of Lauander picked from the knaps I meane the blew part and not the huske mixed with Cinamon Nutmegs and Cloues made into pouder and giuen to drinke in the distilled water thereof doth helpe the panting and passion of the heart preuaileth against giddinesse turning or swimming of the braine and members subiect to the palsie Conserue made of the floures with sugar profiteth much against the diseases aforesaid if the quantitie of a beane be taken thereof in the morning fasting It profiteth them much that haue the palsie if they bee washed with the distilled water of the floures or annointed with the oile made of the floures and oile oliue in such manner as oile 〈◊〉 roses is which shall be expressed in the treatise of Roses CHAP. 180. Of French Lauander or Stickeadoue ¶ The Description 1 FRench Lauander hath a bodie like Lauander short and of a wooddie substance but slenderer beset with long narrow leaues of a whitish colour lesser than those of Lauander it hath in the top bushy or spikie heads well compact or thrust together out of the which grow forth small purple floures of a pleasant smell The seede is small and blackish the roote is hard and wooddie 2 This iagged Sticadoue hath many small stiffe stalks of a wooddy substance whereupon do grow iagged leaues in shape like vnto the leaues of Dill but of an hoarie colour on the top of the stalkes do grow spike floures of a blewish colour and like vnto the common Lauander Spike the root is likewise wooddie ‡ This by Clusius who first described it as also by Lobel is called Lavendula multisido folio or Lauander with the diuided leafe the plant more resembling Lauander than Sticadoue ‡ 3 There is also a certaine kind e hereof differing in smalnesse of the leaues onely which are round about the edges nicked or toothed like a saw resembling those of Lauander cotton The root is likewise wooddie ‡ 4 There is also another kinde of Stoechas which differs from the first or ordinarie kind in that the tops of the stalkes are not set with leaues almost close to the head as in the common kinde but are naked and wholly without leaues also at the tops of the spike or floures as it were to recompence their defect below there growe larger and fairer leaues than in the other sorts The other parts of the plant differ not from the common Stoechas ‡ †1 Stoechas sive spica hortulana Sticadoue and Sticados 2 Stoechas multisida Iagged Sticados 3 Stoechas folio serrato Toothed Sticadoue ‡ 4 Stoechas summis cauliculis nudis Naked Sticadoue ¶ The Place These herbes do grow wilde in Spaine in Languedocke in France and the Islands called Stoechades ouer against Massilia we haue them in our gardens and keepe them with great diligence from the iniurie of our cold clymate ¶ The Time They are sowne of seed in the end of Aprill and couered in the Winter from the cold or els set in pots or tubs with earth and carried into houses ¶ The Names The Apothecaries call the floure Stoecados Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Galen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the dipthong in the first syllable in Latine Stoechas in High Dutch Stichas kraut in Spanish Thomani and Cantuesso in English French Lauander Steckado Stickadoue Cassidonie and some simple people imitating the same name do call it Cast me downe ¶ The Temperature French Lauander saith Galen is of temperature compounded of a little cold earthie substance by reason whereof it bindeth it is of force to take away obstructions to extenuate or make thinne to scoure and clense and to strengthen not onely all the entrails but the whole bodie also ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides teacheth that the decoction hereof doth helpe the diseases of the chest and is with good successe mixed with counterpoisons The later Physitions affirme that Stoechas and especially the floures of it are most effectuall against paines of the head and all diseases thereof proceeding of cold causes and therefore they be mixed in all compositions almost which are made against head-ache of long continuance the Apoplexie the falling sicknesse and such like diseases The decoction of the husks and floures drunke openeth the stoppings of the liuer the lungs the milt the mother the bladder and in one word all other inward parts clensing and driuing forth all cuill and corrupthumours and procuring vrine CHAP. 181. Of Flea-wort ¶ The Description 1 PSyllium or the common Flea-wort hath many round and tender branches 〈◊〉 full of long and narrow leaues somewhat hairy The top of the stalkes are garnished with sundrie round chaffie knops beset with small yellow floures which being ripe containe many little shining seeds in proportion colour and bignesse like vnto sleas 2 The second kinde of Psyllium or Flea-wort hath long and tough branches of a wooddy substance like the precedent but longer and harder with leaues resembling the former but much longer and narrower The chaffie tuft which
two thinne narrow little leaues at the top of each of these stalkes growes a single skinny smooth shining huske out of which as in other Pinkes growes not one onely floure but many one still comming out as another withers so that oft times out of one head come seuen eight or nine floures one after another which as they fade leaue behinde them a little pod containing small blacke flattish seed The floure is of a light red and very small standing with the head somewhat far out of the hose or huske ‡ ¶ The Place These plants are kept and maintained in gardens more for to please the eye than either the nose or belly ‡ 5 Armeria prolifera Lob. Childing sweet Williams ¶ The Time They flourish and bring forth their floures in April and May somewhat before the Gillofloures and after beare their floures the whole Sommer ¶ The Names The sweet Iohn and also the sweet William are both comprehended vnder one title that is to say Armeria of some Superba and Caryophyllus syluestris of some Herbarists Vetonica agrestis or Syluestris of some Herba tunica but it doth no more agree herewith than the Cloue Gillofloure doth with Vetonica altera or Polemonium in French Armoires hereupon Ruellius nameth them 〈◊〉 Flores in Dutch 〈◊〉 as though you should say a bundell or cluster for in their vulgar tongue bundles of floures or nose gaies they call 〈◊〉 doubt lesse they are wild kindes of Gillofloures In English the first two are called Sweet Iohns and the two last Sweet Williams Tolmeiners and London Tufts ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These plants are not vsed either in meat or medicine but esteemed for their beauty to decke vp gardens the bosomes of the beautifull garlands and crownes for pleasure CHAP. 185. Of Crow floures or Wilde Williams ¶ The Description 1 BEsides these kindes of Pinkes before described there is a certaine other kinde either of the Gillofloures or else of the Sweete Williams altogether and euery where wilde which of some hath beene inserted amongst the wilde Campions of others taken to be the true Flos Cuculi Notwithstanding I am not of any of their mindes but doe hold it for neither but rather a degenerate kinde of wilde Gillofloure The Cuckow floure I haue comprehended vnder the title of Sisimbrium Englished Ladies smocks which plant hath been generally taken for Flos Cuculi It hath stalks of a span or a foot high wherupon the leaues do stand by couples out of euery ioint they are small and bluntly pointed very rough and hairy The floures are placed on the tops of the stalkes many in one tuft finely and curiously snipt in the edges lesser than those of Gillofloures very well resembling the Sweet VVilliam whereof no doubt it is a kinde of a light red or Scarlet colour 2 This female Crow-floure differeth not from the male sauing that this plant is lesser and the floures more finely iagged like the feathered Pinke whereof it is a kinde 3 Of these Crow-floures we haue in our gardens one that doth not differ from the former of the field sauing that the plant of the garden hath many faire red double floures and those of the field single ¶ The Place These grow all about in Medowes and pastures and dankish places 1 Armoraria pratensis mas The male Crow floure ‡ 3 Armoraria pratensis flore pleno The double Crow-floure ¶ The Time They begin to floure in May and end in Iune ¶ The Names The Crow floure is called in Latine Armoraria syluestris and Armoracia of some Flos Cuculi but not properly it is also called Tunix of some Armeria Armerius flos primus of Dodon and likewise Caryophillus minor syluestris folijs latioribus in Dutch 〈◊〉 that is to say Cornicis flores in French Cuydrelles In English Crow floures wilde Williams marsh Gillofloures and Cockow Gillofloures The Temperatures and Vertues These are not vsed either in medicine or in nourishment but they serue for garlands crowns and to decke vp gardens CHAP. 186. Of Catch-Flie or Limewoort ¶ The Description 1 Viscaria siue Muscipula Limewoort 2 Muscipula Lobelij Catch Flie. ‡ 3 Muscipula angustifolia Narrow leaued Catch-flie 2 This plant hath many broad leaues like the great sweet VVilliam but shorter whereof it is likewise a kinde set vpon a stiffe and brittle stalk from the bosom of which leaues spring forth smaller branches clothed with the like leaues but much lesser The floures grow at the top of the stalkes many together tuft fashion of a bright red colour The whole plant is also possessed with the like liminesse as the other is but lesse in quantitie ‡ This is Lychissyl 1. of Clusius and Muscipula sive Armoraria altera of Lobel Dodonaeus calls it Armerius flos 3. in his first Edition but makes it his fourth in the last Edition in Folio ‡ ‡ 3. There is also belonging vnto this kindred another plant which Clusius makes his Lychnissyl 4. It comes vp commonly with one stalke a foot or more high of a green purplish colour with two long sharpe pointed thicke greene leaues set at each ioint from the middle to the top of the stalke grow little branches which vpon pretty long stalkes carry floures consisting of fiue little round leaues yet diuided at the tops they are of a faire incarnate colour with a deepe purple ring in their middles without smell after the floures are past succeede skinny and hard heads smaller towards the stalkes and thicker aboue and in these are contained verie small darke red seeds The root is thicke and blacke with many fibers putting vp new shootes and stalks after the first yeare and not dying euery yeare like as the two last described ¶ The Place These plants do grow wilde in the fields in the VVest parts of England among the corne wee haue them in our London gardens rather for toyes of pleasure than any vertues they are possessed with that hath as yet been knowne ¶ The Time They floure and flourish most part of the Sommer ¶ The Names Catch Flies hath beene taken for Behen commonly so called for the likenesse that it hath with Behen rubente flore or with Behen that hath the red floure called of some Valeriana rubra or red Valerian for it is something like vnto it in iointed stalkes and leaues but more like in colour of Lobel Muscipula and Viscaria of Dodon Armerius flos tertius of Clusius Lychnis syluestris Silene Theophrasti and Behen rubrum Salamanticum in English Catch Flie and Limewoort ¶ The Nature and Vertues The nature and vertues of these wilde VVilliams are referred to the Wilde Pinkes and Gillofloures CHAP. 187. Of Thrift or our Ladies Cushion 1 Caryophyllus marinus minimus 〈◊〉 Thrift or Sea Gillofloure 2 Caryophyllus Mediterraneus Leuant Thrift or Sea Gillosloure ¶ The Description 1 THrift is also a kind of Gillofloure by Dodonaeus reckoned among grasses which brings forth leaues in great tufts thick thrust together
or downe and of a light greene colour the stalkes are somthing cleere and as it were transparent or thorow-shining and about the ioynts they be oftentimes of a very light red colour as be 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 of the wall the floures be whitish on the top of the branches like the floures of 〈◊〉 but yet 〈◊〉 in whose places succeed long knops but not great wherein the seed is contained The root 〈◊〉 of fine little strings like haires 2 The second Chickweed for the most part lyeth vpon the ground the stalkes are small slender long and round and also ioynted from which slender branches do spring leaues resembling the precedent but much lesser as is likewise the whole herbe which in no respect attaineth to the greatnes of the same the floures are in like sort little and white the knops or seed-seed-heads are like the former the root is also full of little strings 1 Alsine maior Great Chickweed 2 Alsine minor siue media Middle or small Chickweed 3 The third is like the second but farre lesser the stalkes be most tender and fine the leaues are very small the floures very little the root maruellous slender 4 Also there is a fourth kinde which groweth by the sea this is like to the second but the stemmes are thicker shorter and fuller of ioynts the leaues in like sort be thicker the knops or seed-seed-heads be not long and round but somewhat broad in which are three or foure seeds contained 5 The vpright Chickweed hath a very small single threddy root from which riseth vp a slender stemme diuiding it selfe into diuers branches euen from the bottome to the top whereon do grow small leaues thicke and fat in respect of the others in shape like those of Rue or Herbe-Grace The floures grow at the top of the branches consisting of foure small leaues of a blew colour 6 The stone Chickweed is one of the common Chickweeds hauing very threddy branches couering the ground farre abroad where it groweth the leaues be set together by couples the floures be small and very white the root is tough and very slender 3 Alsine minima Fine Chickweed 4 Alsine marina Sea Chickweed 5 Alsine recta Right Chickweed 6 Alsine Petraea Stone Chickweed 7 Alsine folijs Veronicae Speed-well Chickweed 8 Alsine 〈◊〉 Fountaine Chickweed 9 Alsine 〈◊〉 Riuer Chickweed 10 Alsine 〈◊〉 Marish Chickweed 7 Speedwel Chickweed hath a little tender stalk from which come diuers small armes or branches as it were wings set together by couples whereon do grow leaues set likewise by couples like those of Veronica or herbe Fluellen whereof it tooke his name The floures grow along the branches of a blew colour after which come little pouches wherein is the seed the root is small and likewise threddy This in the Hist. Lugd. is called Elatine polyschides and Fabius Columna iudgeth it to be the Alysson of Dioscorides ‡ 8 There is a kind of Chickweed growing in the brinks and borders of Wels Fountains shallow Springs hauing many threddy roots from which rise vp diuers tender stalks whereupon doe grow long narrow leaues from the bosomes of which come forth diuers smaller leaues of a bright greene colour The floures grow at the top of the stalkes small and white of colour 9 There is likewise another water Chickweed smaller than the last described hauing for his root a thicke hassock or tuft of threddy strings from which rise vp very many tender stems strerching or trailing along the streame 〈◊〉 grow long leaues set vpon a middle rib like those of Lentils or wilde Fetch the floures and seeds are like the precedent but much smaller ‡ 11 Alsine rotundifolia siue Portulaca 〈◊〉 Water Purslane ‡ 12 Alsine palustris serpillifolia Creeping water Chickweed 13 Alsine baccifera Berry-bearing Chickweed 10 There growes in the marish or waterish grounds another sort of Chickweed not much 〈◊〉 like the rest of the stocke or kindred of Chickweeds It hath a long root of the bignesse of a 〈◊〉 straw with diuers strings hanging thereat very like the root of Couch-grasse from the which riseth vp diuers vprightslender stalkes set with pretty large sharpe pointed leaues standing by couples at certaine distances on the top of the stalkes grow small white floures like those of Stitchwort but lesser and of a white colour ‡ 11 To these water Chickweeds may fitly be added those two which I mentioned and figured in my last iournall the former of which that I haue there called Alsine aquatica 〈◊〉 dioribus siue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Round leaued Chickweed or water Purslane hath a small stringy root which sends forth diuers creeping square branches which here and there at the 〈◊〉 put out small fibres and take root againe the leaues grow at the ioynts by couples somwhat longish and round at the points resembling those of Purslane but much smaller and of a yellowish greene colour at the bosomes of the leaues come forth little floures which are succeeded by little round seed-vessels containing a small round seed Bauhine hath set this forth by the name of Alsine 〈◊〉 minor folijs 〈◊〉 12 The other water Chickweed which Iohn Bauhine hath mentioned by the name of Serpillifolia and Casper Bauhine by the title of Alsine palustris minor Serpillifolia hath also weake and tender creeping branches lying spred vpon the ground set with two narrow sharp pointed leaues at each ioynt greene aboue and of a whitish colour below at the setting on of these leaues grow small vessels parted as it were into two with a little crest on each side and in these is contained a verie small seed Both these may be found in waterie places in 〈◊〉 and August as betweene Clapham heath and Touting and betweene Kentish towne and Hampstead 13 This Plant that Clusius and others haue called Alsine repens major and some haue thought the 〈◊〉 altera of Dioscorides and Cucubalus of Pliny may fitly be put in this ranke for it sendeth vp many long weake branches like the great Chickweed set with two leaues at a ioynt bigger than those of the greatest Chickweed yet like them in shape and colour at the tops of the branches out of pretty large cups come whitish greene floures which are succeeded by berries as big as those of 〈◊〉 at first greene but afterwards blacke the seed is small and smooth the root white very fibrous long and wooddy and it endures for many yeares It floures most part of Sommer and growes wilde in sundry places of Spaine and Germany as also in Flanders and England according to Pena and Lobel yet I haue not seene it growing but in the garden of my friend Mr. Pemble at Marribone The Authors last mentioned affirme the berries hereof to haue a poysonous facultie like as those of Dwale or deadly Nightshade ‡ ¶ The Place Chickweeds some grow among bushes and briers old walls gutters of houses and shadowie places The places where the rest grow are set forth in their seuerall
stalks do grow very little white floures asterwhich come the seeds in small buttons of the bignesse of a pins head ‡ Our Author seemes here to describe the Paronychia 2. of Tabern ‡ 1 Paronychia vulgaris Common Whitlow grasse 2 Paronychia Rutacco folio Rew leased or iagged Whitlow grasse ¶ The Place These small base and low herbs grow vpon bricke and stone wals vpon old tiled houses which are growne to haue much mosse vpon them and vpon some shadowie and dry muddy wals It groweth plentifully vpon the bricke wall in Chancerie Lane belonging to the Earle of Southampton in the Suburbs of London and sundry other places ¶ The Time These floure many times in Ianuary and February and when hot weather approcheth they are no more to be seen all the yeare after ¶ The Names The Graecians haue called these plants 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Cicero calleth Reduvia There be many kindes of plants called by the said name of Paronychia which hath caused many writers to doubt of the true kinde but you may very boldly take these plants for the same vntill time hath reuealed or raised vp some new plant approching neerer vnto the truth which I thinke will neuer be so that we may call them in English Naile-woort and Whitelow grasse ¶ The Tmperatures and Vertues As touching the qualitie hereof we haue nothing to set downe onely it hath beene taken to heale the disease of the nailes called a Whitlow whereof it took his name CHAP. 198. Of the female Fluellen or Speedwell ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Elatine beeing of Fuchsius and Matthiolus called Veronica foemina 〈◊〉 the female Fluellen shooteth from a small and fibrous root many flexible and tender branches dispersed flat vpon the ground ramping creeping with leaues like Nummularia but that the leaues of Elatine are of an hoarie hairie and ouerworne greene colour among which come forth many small floures of a yellow colour mixed with a little purple like vnto the small Snapdragon hauing a certaine taile or Spur fastened vnto euery such floure like the herbe called Larkes spurre The lower iaw or chap of the floure is of a purple colour and the vpper iawe of a faire yellowe which beeing past there succeedes a small blacke seede contained in round husks 2 The second kinde of Elatine hath stalkes branches floures and roots like the first but the leaues are fashioned like the former but that they haue two little ears at the lower end somewhat resembling an arrow head broad at the setting on but the spur or taile of the floure is longer and more purple mixed with the yellow in the floure 1 Veronica foemina Fuchsij sive Elatine The Female Fluellen 2 Elatine altera Sharpe pointed Fluellen ¶ The Place Both these plants I haue found in sundry places where corne hath growne especially barley as in the fields about Southfleet in Kent where within six miles compasse there is not a field wherein it doth not grow Also it groweth in a field next vnto the house sometime belonging to that honourable gentleman Sir Frances Walsingham at Barn-elmes and in sundry places of Essex and in the next field vnto the Churchyard at Chiswicke neere London towards the midst of the field ¶ The Time They floure in August and September ¶ The Names Their seuerall titles set forth their names as well in Latine as English ¶ The Nature and Vertues These plants are not onely of a singular astringent facultie and thereby helpe them that bee grieued with the Dysenterie and hot swelling but of such singular efficacy to heale spreading and eating cankers and corosiue vleers that their vertue in a manner passeth all credit in these fretting sores vpon sure proose done vnto sundry persons and especially vpon a man whom Pena reporteth to haue his nose eaten most griouously with a canker or eating sore who sent for the Physitions Chirurgions that were famously knowne to be the best and they with one consent concluded to cut the said nose off to preserue the rest of his face among these Surgeons and Physitions came a poore sorie Barbar who had no more skill than he had learned by tradition and yet vndertooke to cure the patient This foresaid Barbar standing in the companie and hearing their determination desired that he might make triall of an herbe which he had seene his master vse for the same purpose which herbe Elatine though he were ignorant of the name whereby it was called yet hee knew where to fetch it To be short this herbe he stamped and gaue the iuice of it vnto the patient to drinke and outwardly applied the same plaisterwise and in very short space perfectly cured the man and staied the rest of his body from further corruption which was ready to fall into a leprosie Aduersar pag. 197. Elatine helpeth the inflammation of the eies and defendeth humours flowing vnto them beeing boiled and as a pultus applied thereto The leaues sodden in the broth of a hen or Veale staieth the dysenterie The new writers affirme that the female Fluellen openeth the obstructions or stoppings of the liuer and spleen prouoketh vrine driueth forth stones and clenseth the kidneies and bladder according to Paulus The weight of a dram or of a French crowne of the pouder of the herbe with the like waight of treacle is commended against pestilent Feuers CHAP. 192. Of Fluellen the male or Paul's Betonie 1 Veronica vera maior Fluellen or Speedwell 2 Veronica recta mas The male Speedwell ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Veronica is a small herbe and creepeth by the ground with little reddish and hairy branches The leafe is something round and hairy indented or snipped round about the edges The floures are of a light blew colour declining to purple the seed is contained in little flat pouches the root is fibrous and hairy 2 The second doth also creepe vpon the ground hauing long slender stemmes some foot high and somewhat large leaues a little hairy and pleasantly soft The floures be blew like as those of the former but somewhat bigger and of a brighter colour and they are also succeeded by round seed vessels 3 The third kinde of Veronica creepeth with branches and leaues like vnto Serpillum for which cause it hath beene called Veronica Serpillifolia The floures grow along the small and tender branches of a whitish colour declining to blewnesse The root is small and threddie taking hold vpon the vpper face of the earth where it spreadeth The seed is contained in small pouches like the former 4 The fourth hath a root somewhat wooddie from the which rise vp leaues like vnto the former The small vpright stalke is beset with the like leaues but lesser at the top whereof commeth forth a slender spike closely thrust together and full of blewish floures which are succeeded by many horned seed vessels ‡ 5 This hath many wooddie round smooth branches some handfull and halfe high
same very double When the floure hath long flourished and is waxen old then comes there in the middest of the floure a certaine browne yellow thrumme such as is in the midst of the Daisie which floure being gathered when it is young may be kept in such manner as it was gathered I meane in such freshnesse and well liking by the space of a whole yeare after in your chest or elsewhere wherefore our English women haue called it Liue-long or Liue for euer which name doth aptly answer his effects ‡ Clusius receiued this plant out of England and first set it forth by the name of Gnaphalium Americanum or Argyrocome ‡ 9 This plant hath three or foure small grayish cottony or woolly stalkes growing strait from the root and commonly diuided into many little branches the leaues be long narrow whitish soft and woolly like the other of his kinde the floures be round like buttons growing very many together at the top of the stalkes but nothing so yellow as Mouse-eare which turne into downe and are caried away with the winde 10 〈◊〉 siue Herba impia Herbe impious or wicked Cudweed 11 Leontopodium siue Pes Leoninus Lions Cudweed 10 The tenth is like vnto the last before mentioned in stalkes leaues and floures but much larger and for the most part those floures which appeare first are the lowest and basest and they are ouertopt by other floures which come on younger branches and grow higher as children secking to ouergrow or ouertop their parents as many wicked children do for which cause it hath beene called Herbaimpia that is the wicked Herbe or Herbe Impious 12 Leontopodium 〈◊〉 Small Lyons Cudweed ‡ 13 Gnaphalium oblongo 〈◊〉 Long leaued Cudweed ‡ 14 Gnaphalium minus latiore 〈◊〉 Small broad leaued Cudweed 12 This small kinde of 〈◊〉 being likewise a kind of Cotton-weed neither by Dioscorides or any other antient writer once remembred hath one single stalke nine inches in height and the leaues of Gnaphalium montanum which leaues and stalkes are white with a thicke hoary woollinesse bearing at the top pale yellow floures like Gnaphalium montanum the root is slender and wooddy ‡ 13 This which Clusius calls Gnaphalium 〈◊〉 2. hath small stalkes so ne handfull high or somewhat more of which some stand vpright others lie along vpon the ground being round hairy and vnorderly set with soft hoary leaues ingirting their stalkes at their setting on and sharpe pointed at their vpper ends The tops of the stalkes carry many whitish heads full of a yellowish downe the root is thicke and blackish with some fibres 14 This sends vp one stalke parted into seuerall branches set here and there with broad 〈◊〉 and hoarie leaues and at the diuision of the branches and amongst the leaues grow seuen or eight little heads thicke thrust together being of a grayish yellow colour and full of much downe the root is vnprofitable and perishes as soone as it hath perfected his seed Clusius calls this 〈◊〉 Plateau 3. he hauing as it seemes receiued them both from his friend Iaques Plateau ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth in the darke woods of Hampsted and in the woods neere vnto Deptford by London The second groweth vpon dry sandy bankes The third groweth at a place called Merezey six miles from Colchester neere vnto the sea side ‡ I also had it sent me from my worshipfull friend Mr. Thomas Glynn who gathered it vpon the sea coast of Wales ‡ The rest grow vpon mountaines hilly grounds and barren pastures The kinde of Gnaphalium newly set forth to wit Americanum groweth naturally neere vnto the Mediterranean sea from whence it hath beene brought and planted in our English gardens ‡ If this be true which our Author here affirmes it might haue haue had a fitter at least a neerer denomination than from America yet Bauhine affirmes that it growes frequently in Brasill and it is not improbable that both their assertions be true ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part from Iune to the end of August ¶ The Names Cotton-weed is called in Greeke Gnaphalion and it is called Gnaphalion because men vse the tender leaues of it in stead of bombaste or Cotton as Paulus Aegineta writeth Pliny saith it is called Chamaexylon as though he should say Dwarfe Cotton for it hath a soft and white cotton like vnto bombaste whereupon also it was called of diuers 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of others Centunculus Centuncularis and Albinum which word is found among the bastard names but the later word by reason of the white colour doth reasonably well agree with it It is also called Bombax Humilis filago and Herba Impia because the yonger or those floures that spring vp later are higher and ouertop those that come first as many wicked children do vnto their parents as before touched in the description in English Cotton-weed Cud-weed Chaffe-weed and petty Cotton ¶ The Nature These herbes be of an astringent or binding and drying qualitie ¶ The Vertues Gnaphalium boyled in strong lee cleanseth the haire from nits and lice also the herbe being laid in ward-robes and presses keepeth apparell from moths The same boyled in wine and drunken killeth wormes and bringeth them forth and preuaileth against the bitings and stingings of venomous beasts The fume or smoke of the herbe dried and taken with a funnell being burned therein and receiued in such manner as we vse to take the fume of Tabaco that is with a crooked pipe made for the same purpose by the Potter preuaileth against the cough of the lungs the great ache or paine of the head and clenseth the brest and inward parts CHAP. 206. Of Golden Moth-wort or Cudweed ¶ The Description 1 GOlden Moth-wort bringeth forth slender stalkes somewhat hard and wooddy diuided into diuers small branches whereupon do grow leaues somewhat rough and of a white colour very much iagged like Southernwood The floures stand on the tops of the stalkes ioyned together in tufts of a yellow colour glittering like gold in forme resembling the scaly floures of Tansie or the middle button of the floures of Camomil which being gathred before they be ripe or withered remaine beautifull long time after as my selfe did see in the hands of Mr. Wade one of the Clerks of her Maiesties Counsell which were sent him among other things from Padua in Italy For which cause of long lasting the images and carued gods were wont to weare garlands thereof whereupon some haue called it Gods floure For which purpose 〈◊〉 King of Egypt did most diligently obserue them as Pliny writeth 1 Elyochryson siue Coma aurea Golden Moth-wort ¶ The Place It growes in most vntilled places of Italy and Spaine in medowes where the soile is barren and about the banks of riuers it is a stranger in England ¶ The Time It floures in August and September notwithstanding Theophrastus and Plmy reckon it among the floures of the Spring ¶ The Names Golden Moth-wort is called of Dioscorides Elichryson
when the cause of the infirmitie proceedeth of heat The herbe stamped with oile of roses and Vineger or the decoction of it made in oile of roses keepeth the haires from falling being bathed or annointed therewith It is a remedie against putrified vlcers it healeth vp wounds and perfectly cureth Fistulaes it wasteth away old swellings and taketh away the heat of inflammations The decoction of the roots and leaues swageth the tooth-ache and fasteneth them and healeth the vlcers of the mouth They report saith Pliny that if the dining roome be sprinckled with water in which the herbe hath beene steeped the guests will be the merrier which also Dioscorides mentioneth Most of the latter Physitions do giue the iuice or decoction hereof to them that hath the plague but these men are deceiued not only in that they looke for some truth from the father of falshood and leasings but also because in stead of a good and sure remedie they minister no remedy at all for it is reported that the Diuell did reueale it as a secret and diuine medicine CHAP. 247. Of Scabious 1 Scabiosa maior vulgaris Common Scabious 2 Scabiosa minor siue Columbaria The small common Scabious ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Scabious being the most common and best known hath leaues long and broad of a grayish hoary and hairy colour spred abroad vpon the ground among which rise vp round and rough stems beset with hairy iagged leaues in fashion like great Valerian which we call Setwall At the top of the stalks grow blew floures in thicke 〈◊〉 or buttons The root is white and single 2 The second is like vnto the former sauing that his leaues are much cut or iagged and the whole plant is altogether lesser scarcely growing to the height of a foot 3 The third kinde of Scabious is in all things like vnto the second sauing that the knap or head doth not dilate it selfe so abroad and is not so thicke or closely thrust together and the lowest leaues are not so deepely cut or iagged but the vpper are much smaller and also the more diuided †4 The fourth groweth with large stalkes hauing two leaues one set right against another very much iagged almost like vnto common Ferne or rather Ash and at the top of the stalks there grow larger floures like vnto the first but greater and the roote is also like it and it differs no waie from the first described but onely by reason of the soile 5 Purple floured Scabious hath a rough hairie stalke whereon doe grow broad leaues deepely cut in the edges in forme like those of Sowthistle rough likewise and hairie the floures grow at the top of the stalks composed of an innumerable sort of purple thrums after which come scaly knaps like those of Iacea or Knapweed wherein is the seed The root is small and threddie ‡ 6 The sixth sort of Scabious hath stalks some cubite high round and set with leaues not cut and iagged almost to the middle rib as in the former yet somewhat rough and hairie snipt about the edges and of a light greene colour amongst which rise vp rough stalkes on the top whereof do grow faire red floures consisting of a bundle of thrummes The root is long tough and fibrous ‡ 7 The seuenth kinde of Scabious hath sundrie great rough and round stemmes as high as a tall man beset with leaues like the first Scabious but far greater The floures grow at the top of the stalkes like vnto the others but of a faint yellow colour which fall as soone as it is touched with the hand whereby it mightily increaseth notwithstanding the roote endureth for many yeares and groweth to be wonderfull great and in my garden it did grow to the bignesse of a mans body 3 Scabiosa media Middle Scabious 4 Scabiosa campestris sive 〈◊〉 Corne Scabious 5 Scabiosa flore purpurco Purple floured Scabious 6 Scabiosa rubra Austriaca Red Scabious of Austrich 7 Scabiosa montana maxima Mountaine Scabious ‡ 8 Scabiosa mont an a alba White mountaine Scabious 6 Scabiosamaior Hispanica Spanish Scabious 10 Scabiosa peregrina Strange Scabious 11 Scabiosa omnium minima Sheepes Scabious ‡ 8 The white mountaine Scabious hath broad leaues spred vpon the ground like those of the field Primrose but greater Amongst which riseth vp a great stiffe stalke smooth and plain garnished with leaues not like those next the ground but lesser much more diuided and of a greener colour harder The floures are like those of the common Scabious but white of colour the root of this perishes euery yeare after the perfecting of the seed ‡ 9 The ninth kinde of Scabious is like vnto the mountaine Scabious but lower and smaller hauing sundry large and broad leaues next the ground snipt confusedly and out of order at the edges like the Oken leafe among which riseth vp a stem two cubites high diuiding it selfe into sundry other branche The floures are set at the top of the naked stalkes of a whitish colour which being past the seed appeareth like a tuft of small bucklers round and somewhat hollow within and made as it were of parchment very strange to behold and within the bucklers there are sundry small crosses of blacke fastened to the bottome as it were the needle in a diall running vpon the point of a needle The plant dieth at the beginning of winter and must be sowne in Aprill in good and fertile ground 10 The tenth is like vnto the last before mentioned in stalkes root and floures and differeth that this plant hath leaues altogether without any cuts or iagges about the edges but is smooth and plaine like the leaues of Marigolds or Diuels bit and the floures are like vnto those of the last described 11 Sheeps Scabious hath small and tender branches trailing vpon the ground whereupon do grow small leaues very finely iagged or minced euen almost to the middle ribbe of an ouerworne colour The floures grow at the top of a blewish colour consisting of much thrummie matter hard thrust together like a button the root is small and creepeth in the ground 12 Scabiosa minima hirsuta Hairie Sheepes Scabious ‡ 13 Scabiosa minima Bellidis folio Daisie leaued Scabious ‡ 14 Scabiosa flore pallido Yellow Scabious ‡ 15 Scabiosa prolifera Childing Scabious ‡ 12 The other Sheeps Scabious of our Author according to the figure is greater than the last described growing some foot or better high with slender rough branches set with leaues not so much diuided but onely nicked about the edges the floures are in colour and shape like those of the last described or of the blew daisie the root is single and like that of a Rampion whence Fabius Columna the seed and milkie juice inducing him hath refer'd this to the Rampions calling it Rapuntium montanum capitatum leptophyllon Lobell calls it Scabiosamedia and Dodonaeus Scabiosa minor 13 To these
Scabious whereof they be kindes therefore their faculties are like although not so proper to Physickes vse They be commended against the swellings of the Vvula as is Diuels bit but of lesse force and vertue CHAP. 250. Of Siluer Knapweed ¶ The Description 1 THe great Siluer Knapweed hath at his first comming vp diuers leaues spred vpon the ground of a deepe greene colour cut and iagged as are the other Knapweeds 〈◊〉 here and there with some siluer lines downe the same whereof it tooke his surname Argentea among which leaues riseth vp a straight stalke of the height of two or three cubits somwhat rough and brittle diuiding it selfe toward the top into other twiggie branches on the tops whereof do grow floures set in scaly heads or knaps like the other Matfellons of a gallant purple colour consisting of a number of threds or thrums thicke thrust together after which the seedes appeare slipperie smooth at one end and bear ded with blacke haires at the other end which maketh it to leap and skip away when a man doth but lightly touch it The root is small single and perisheth when the seed is ripe ‡ This is not streaked with any lines as our Author imagined nor called Argentea by any but himselfe and that very vnfitly ‡ 1 Stoebe argentea maior Great Siluer Knapweed 2 Stoebe argentea minor Little siluer Knapweed ‡ 4 Stoebe Rosmarini folio Narrow leafed Knapweed ‡ 5 Stoebe ex Codice Caesareo Thornie Knapweed ‡ 3 There is another like this in each respect but that the heads haue not so white a shining siluer colour and this I haue also seene growing with Master Iohn Tradescant at South Lambeth ‡ ‡ 4 To these may be added that plant which Pona hath set forth by the name of Stoebe capitata Rosmarini folio It hath a whitish wooddy root from whence arise diuers branches set with long narrow leaues somewhat like those of Rosemary but liker those of the Pine of a greenish colour aboue and whitish below at the tops of the branches grow such heads as in the first described Stoebe with floures of somewhat a deeper purple colour the seed is like that of Carthamus but blackish The root is not annuall but lasts many yeares ‡ ‡ 5 Though these plants haue of late been vulgarly set forth by the name of Stoebe's yet are they not iudged to bee the true Stoebe of Dioscorides and the Antients but rather another whose figure which we here giue was by Dodonaeus taken forth of a manuscript in the Emperours Library and he saith Paludanus brought home some of the same out of Cyprus and Morea as he returned from his journey out of Syria the bottome leaues are said to be much diuided those on the stalkes long and onely snipt about the edges and white the floures white and contained in scaly heads like the Blew-bottles and the tops of the branches end in sharpe prickles ‡ ¶ The Place These doe grow of themselues in fields neere common high waies and in vntilled places but they are strangers in England neuerthelesse I haue them in my garden ¶ The Time They spring vp in April they floure in August and the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Siluer Knapweed is called of Lobel Staebe Salamantica of Dodonaeus Aphyllanthes that is without leaues for the floures consist onely of a number of threds without any leaues at all in English Siluer Knapweed or Siluer Scabious whereof doubtlesse they be kindes ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties of these Matfellons are not as yet found out neither are they vsed for meat or medicine ‡ The faculties of Staebe out of Dioscorides The seed and leaues are a stringent wherefore the decoction of them is cast vp in Dysenteries and into purulent eares and the leaues applied in manner of a pultis are good to hinder the blacknesse of the eies occasioned by a blow and stop the flowing of bloud ‡ CHAP. 251. Of Blew Bottle or Corne Floure 1 Cyanus maior Great blew Bottle 2 Cyanus vulgaris Common blew Bottle ¶ The Description 1 THe great blew Bottle hath long leaues smooth soft downie and sharpe pointed among the leaues rise vp crooked and prettie thicke branches chamfered furrowed and garnished with such leaues as are next the ground on the toppes whereof stand faire blew floures tending to purple consisting of diuers little floures set in a scaly huske or knap like those of the Knapweeds the seed is rough or bearded at one end smooth at the other and shining The root is tough and long lasting contrary to the rest of the Corne floures and groweth yearely into new shoots and springs whereby it greatly increaseth 7 Cyanus coeruleus multiflorus Double Blew-Bottles 8 Cyanus purpurens multiflorus Double Purple-Bottles ‡ 9 Cyanus repens latifolius Broad leafed creeping Blew-Bottle ‡ 10 Cyanus repens angustifolius Small creeping Blew-Bottle 2 The common Corne-floure hath leaues spred vpon the ground of a whitish greene colour somewhat hackt or cut in the edges like those of Corne Scabious among which riseth vp a stalke diuided into diuers small branches whereon do grow long leaues of an ouerworne greene colour with few cuts or none at all The floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a blew colour consisting of many small floures set in a scaly or chaffie head like those of the Knapweeds the seed is smooth bright shining and wrapped in a woolly or flocky matter The root is small and single and perisheth when it hath perfected his seed 3 This Bottle is like the last described in each respect sauing in the colour of the floures which are purple wherein consisteth the difference 4 The fourth Bottle is also like the precedent not differing in any point but in the floures for as the last before mentioned are of a purple colour contrariwise these are of a milke white colour which setteth forth the difference 5 The Violet-coloured Bottle or Corne-floure is like the precedent in stalkes leaues seeds and roots the onely difference is that this bringeth floures of a violet colour and the others not so 6 Variable Corne-floure is so like the others in stalks leaues and proportion that it cannot be distinguished with words onely the floures hereof are of two colours mixed together that is purple and white wherein it differeth from the rest 7 There is no difference to be found in the leaues stalkes seed or rootes of this Cornefloure from the other but onely that the floures hereof are of a faire blew colour and very double 8 The eighth Corne-floure is like vnto the precedent without any difference at all sauing in the colour of the floures the which are of a bright purple colour that setteth 〈◊〉 the difference ‡ 9 This from a small root sends vp diuers creeping branches some foot long set with long hoary narrow leaues at the tops of the stalkes stand the floures in scaly heads like as the other Blew-Bottles
deeper yellow tending to blacknesse of the forme and shape of a single Marigold whereupon I haue named it the Sunne Marigold The seed as yet I haue not obserued ¶ The Place These plants do grow of themselues without setting or sowing in Peru and in diuers other prouinces of America from whence the seeds haue beene brought into these parts of Europe There hath been seen in Spaine and other hot regions a plant sowne and nourished vp from seed to attain to the height of 24. foot in one yeare ¶ The Time The seed must be set or sowne in the beginning of Aprill if the weather be temperate in the most fertile ground that may be and where the Sun hath most power the whole day ¶ The Names The floure of the Sun is called in Latine Flos Solis taking that name from those that haue reported it to turne with the Sun the which I could neuer obserue although I haue endeuored to finde out the truth of it but I rather thinke it was so called because it doth resemble the radiant beames of the Sun whereupon some haue called it Corona Solis and Sol Indianus the Indian Sunne floure others haue called it Chrysanthemum 〈◊〉 or the golden floure of Peru in English the floure of the Sun or the Sun floure ¶ The Temperature They are thought to be hot and dry of complexion ¶ The Vertues There hath not any thing been set downe either of the antient or later writers concerning the vertues of these plants notwithstanding we haue found by triall that the buds before they be floured boiled and eaten with butter vineger and pepper after the manner of Artichokes are exceeding pleasant meat surpassing the Artichoke far in procuring bodily lust The same buds with the stalks neere vnto the top the hairinesse being taken away broiled vpon a gridiron and afterward eaten with oile vineger and pepper haue the like property CHAP. 260. Of Jerusalem Artichoke ONe may wel by the English name of this plant perceiue that those that vulgarly impose names vpon plants haue little either iudgement or knowledge of them For this plant hath no similitude in leafe stalke root or manner of growing with an Artichoke but onely a little similitude of taste in the dressed root neither came it from Ierusalem or out of Afia but out of America whence Fabius Columna one of the first setters of it forth fitly uames it Aster Peruuianus tuberosus and Flos solis Farnesianus because it so much resembles the Flos solis and for that he first obserued it growing in the garden of Cardinall Farnesius who had procured roots thereof from the West Indies Pelliterius calls this 〈◊〉 Indicum tuberosum and 〈◊〉 in his Prodromus sets this forth by the name of 〈◊〉 latifolium Brasilianum but in his Pinax he hath it by the name of Helianthemum Indicum tuberosum Also our Countreyman Mr. Parkinson hath exactly deliuered the history of this by the name of Battatas de Canada Englishing it Potatoes of Canada now all these that haue written and mentioned it bring it from America but from far different places as from Peru Brasil and Canada but this is not much material seeing it now grows so wel plentifully in so many places of England I will now deliuer you the Historie as I haue receiued it from my oft mentioned friend Mr. Goodyer who as you may see by the date took it presently vpon the first 〈◊〉 into England ‡ Flos Solis Pyramidalis Ierusalem Artichoke ¶ The Description Flos solis Pyramidalis parvo flore tuberosa radice 〈◊〉 Indicum quorundam 1 THis wonderfull increasing plant hath growing vp from one root one sometimes two three or more round green rough hairy straked stalks commonly about twelue foot high sometimes sixteene foot high or higher as big as a childs arme full of white spungious pith within The leaues grow all alongst the stalkes out of order of a light green color rough sharp pointed about eight inches broad and ten oreleuen inches long deeply notched or indented about the edges very like the leaues of the common flos solis Peruanus but nothing crompled and not so broad The stalkes diuide themselues into many long branches euen from the roots to their very tops bearing leaues smaller and smaller toward the tops making the herbe appeare like a little tree narrower and slenderer toward the top in fashion of a steeple or Pyramide The floures with vs grow onely at the toppes of the stalkes and branches like those of the said flos solis but no bigger than our common single Marigold consisting of twelue or thirteene straked sharpe pointed bright yellow bordering leaues growing foorth of a scaly small hairie head with a small yellow thrummie matter within These floures by reason of their late 〈◊〉 which is commonly two or three weeks after Michaelmas neuer bring their seed to perfection it maketh shew of abundance of small heads neere the tops of the stalkes and branches forth of the bosomes of the leaues which neuer open and floure with vs by reason they are destroyed with the frosts which otherwise it seemes would be a goodly spectacle The stalke sendes foorth many small creeping roots whereby it is fed or nourished full of hairie threddes euen from the vpper part of the earth spreading farre abroad amongst which from the maine root grow forth many tuberous roots clustering together sometimes fastened to the great root it selfe sometimes growing on long strings a foot or more from the root raising or heauing vp the earth aboue them and sometimes appearing aboue the earth producing from the increase of one root thirty forty or fifty in number or more making in all vsually aboue a pecke many times neere halfe a bushell if the soile be good These tuberous roots are of a reddish colour without of a soft white substance within bunched or bumped out many waies sometimes as big as a mans fist or not so big with white noses or peaks where they will sprout or grow the next yeare The stalkes bowed downe and some part of them couered ouer with earth send forth smal creeping threddie roots and also tuberous roots like the 〈◊〉 which I haue found by experience These tuberous roots will abide 〈◊〉 in the earth all winter though the stalkes and rootes by the which they were nourished vtterly rot and perish away and will beginne to spring vp againe at the beginning of May seldome sooner ¶ The Place Where this plant groweth naturally I know not in Anno 1617 I receiued two small roots thereof from Master Franqueuill of London no bigger than hens egges the one I planted and the other I gaue to a friend mine brought mee a pecke of roots wherewith I stored Hampshire ¶ The Vertues These rootes are dressed diuers waies some boile them in water and after stew them with sacke and butter adding a little Ginger others bake them in pies putting Marrow Dates Ginger Raisons of the Sun Sacke c.
diuers 〈◊〉 sights and not to cease laughing till he hath drunke Pine apple kernells with Pepper in 〈◊〉 of the Date tree I thinke he would haue said vntill he be dead because the nature of laughing Crowfoot is thought to kill laughing but without doubt the thing is cleane contrary for it 〈◊〉 such convulsions cramps and wringings of the mouth and jawes that it hath seemed to some that the partyes haue dyed laughing whereas in truth they haue died in great torment 5 〈◊〉 Illyricus Crowfoot of Illyria 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Roundrooted Crowfoot ¶ The Description 7 The seuenth kinde of Crowfoot called Auricomus of the golden lockes wherewith the 〈◊〉 is thrummed hath for his root a great bush of 〈◊〉 hairy strings from which shoote sorth small jagged leaues not much vnlike to Sanicle but diuided onely into three parts yet sometimes into fiue among which rise vp branched stalkes of a foot high whereon are placed the like leaues but smaller set about the top of the stalkes whereon do grow yellow floures sweet smelling of which it hath been called Ranunculus 〈◊〉 Tragi or Tragus his sweet Crowsoot ‡ It growes in medowes and about the sides of woods and floures in Aprill ‡ †8 Frogge Crowfoot called of Pena Aconitum Batrachioides of Dodonaeus Batrachion Apulei is that formerly described in the fourth place whereto this is much alike but that the stalkes and leaues are larger as also the floures which are white the root is tough and threddy 9 The ninth Crowfoote hath many grassie leaues of a deepe greene tending to blewnesse somewhat long narrow and smooth very like vnto those of the small Bistort or Snakeweed 7 Ranunculus auricomus Golden-haired Crow-foot †8 Ranunculus Aconiti folio Frog Crow-foot 9 Ranunculus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grassie Crow 〈◊〉 10 Ranunculus Autumnalis 〈◊〉 Winter Crow-foot 10 The Autumne or Winter Crow-foot hath diuers broad leaues spred 〈◊〉 the ground snipt about the edges of a bright shining greene colour on the vpper side and hoary vnderneath full of ribs or sinewes as are those of Plantaine of an vnpleasant taste at the first afterward nipping the tongue among which leaues rise vp sundry tender foot-stalkes on the tops whereof stand yellow floures consisting of six small leaues apiece after which succeed little knaps of seed like to a dry or withered straw-berry The root is compact of a number of limber roots rudely thrust together in manner of the Asphodill 11 The Portugall Crow-foot hath many thicke clogged roots fastned vnto one head very like those of the yellow Asphodill from which rise vp three leaues seldome more broad thicke and pusfed vp in diuers places as if it were a thing that were blistered by meanes whereof it is very vneuen From the middle of which leaues riseth vp a naked stalke thicke fat very tender but yet fragile or easie to breake on the end whereof standeth a faire single yellow floure hauing in the middle a naked rundle of a gold yellow tending to a 〈◊〉 colour 11 Ranunculus Lusitanicus Clusij Portugall Crow-foot 12 Ranunculus globosus Locker Gowlons or Globe Crow foot 12 The Globe Crow-foot hath very many leaues deepely cut and iagged of a bright greene colour like those of the field Crow-foot among which riseth vp a stalke diuided toward the top into other branches furnished with the like leaues of those next the ground but smaller on the tops of which branches grow very faire yellow floures consisting of a few leaues folded or rolled vp together like a round ball or globe whereupon it was called Ranunculus globosus or the Globe Crow-foot or Globe floure which being past there succeed round knaps wherein is blackish seed The root is small and threddy ‡ 13 This hath large leaues like those of the last described but rough and hairy the stalk is some foot high the floures are pretty large composed of 〈◊〉 white sharpish pointed leaues It floures in Iuly and growes in the Alps it is the Ranunculi montani 2. species altera of Clusius ‡ 13 Ranunculus hirsutus Alpinus flo albo Rough white floured mountaine Crow-foot ‡ 14 Ranunculus montanus hirsutus purpureus Rough purple floured mountain Crowfoot ¶ The Place The twelfth kind of Crowfoot groweth in most places of York-shire and Lancashire and other bordering shires of the North countrey almost in euery medow but not found wilde in these Southerly or Westerly parts of England that I could euer vnderstand of ¶ The Time It floureth in May and Iune the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names The Globe floure is called generally Ranunculus globosus of some Flos Trollius and 〈◊〉 Alpinus in English Globe Crow-foot Troll floures and Lockron gowlons CHAP. 368. Of Double yellow and white Batchelors Buttons ¶ The Description 1 THe great double Crow-foot or Batchelors button hath many iagged leaues of a deepe greene colour among which rise vp stalkes whereon do grow faire yellow floures exceeding double of a shining yellow colour oftentimes thrusting forth of the middest of the said floures one other smaller floure the root is round or fashioned like a Turnep the form whereof hath caused it to be called of some S. Anthonies Turnep or Rape Crow-foot The 〈◊〉 is wrapped in a cluster of rough knobs as are most of the Crow-feet 2 The double yellow Crow-foot hath leaues of a bright greene colour with many weake branches trailing vpon the ground whereon do grow very double yellow floures like vnto the precedent but altogether lesser The whole plant is likewise without any manifest difference sauing that these floures do neuer bring forth any smaller floure out of the middle of the greater as the other doth and also hath no Turnep or knobby root at all wherein consists the greatest difference Ranunculus maximus Anglicus Double Crow-foot or Batchelors buttons 2 Ranunculus dulcis multiplex Double wilde Crow-foot 3 Ranunculus albus multiflorus Double white Crow-foot 3 The 〈◊〉 double Crow-foot hath many great leaues deeply cut with great gashes and those snipt about the edges The stalks diuide themselues into diuers brittle branches on the tops whereof do grow very double floures as white as snow and of the bignesse of our yellow Batchelors button The root is tough limber and disperseth it selfe farre abroad whereby it greatly increaseth ¶ The Place The first and third are planted in gardens for the beauty of the floures and likewise the second which hath of late beene brought out of Lancashire vnto our London gardens by a curious gentleman in the searching forth of Simples Mr. Thomas Hesketh who found it growing wilde in the towne fields of a smal village called Hesketh not farre from 〈◊〉 in Lancashire ¶ The Time They floure from the beginning of May to the end of Iune ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 hath made no mention hereof but 〈◊〉 hath separated the first of these from the others intreating of it apart and naming it by a peculiar name Batrachion whereupon it is also called 〈◊〉 Batrachion
deeply cut in and snipt about the edges of a darke greene colour and shining pretty thicke and of a very hot 〈◊〉 amongst which rises vp a slender single and short stalke bearing a white floure made of fiue little leaues with a yellowish thrum in the middle which falling the seeds grow clustering together as in other plants of this kinde the root is white and fibrous ‡ 3 Ranunculus montanus flo minore Mountain Crowfoot with the lesser floure ‡ 4 Ranunculus 〈◊〉 flore maiore Mountain Crowfoot with the bigger floure 4 This also is nothing else but a varietie of the last described and differs from it in that the floures are larger and it is sometimes sound with them double Both these grow on the tops of the Alpes and there they floure as soone as the snow is melted away which is vsually in Iune but brought into gardens they floure very early to wit in Aprill ‡ 5 Ranunculus praecox 〈◊〉 folio Rue leaued Crowfoot ‡ 6 Ranunculus Praecox 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Columbine Crowfoot ‡ 7 Ranunculus parvus echinatus Small rough headed Crowfoot 6 This hath a stalke some foot high small and reddish whereon grow sundry leaues like those of the greater Thalictrum or those of Columbines but much lesse and of a bitter taste out of the bosomes of these leaues come the floures at each space one white and consisting of fiue leaues apiece which falling there succeed two or three little hornes containing a round reddish seed the root is fibrous white very bitter and creepes here and there putting vp new shoots It growes in diuers woods of Austria and floures in Aprill and the seed is ripe in May or Iune Clusius calls it Ranunculus praecox 2. Thalietri folio It is the Aquilegiaminor Daleschampij in the Hist. Lugd. 7 This which as Clusius saith some call the Ranunculus of Apuleius hath also a fibrous root with small leaues diuided into three parts cut about the edges and they grow vpon short foot-stalkes the stalkes are some two handfulls-high commonly leaning on the ground and on them grow such leaues as the former and out of their bosomes come little foot-stalks carrying floures of a pale yellow color made of fiue leaues apiece which follow there succed fiue or six sharpe pointed rough cods conteining seed almost like that of the former ‡ CHAP. 372. Of Woolfes-bane ¶ The kindes There be diuers sorts of Wolfes-bane whereof some bring forth flowers of a yellow colour others of a blew or tending to purple among the yellow ones there are some greater others lesser some with broader leaues and others with narrower 1 Thora Valdensis Broad leafed VVolfes-bane 2 Thoramontis Baldi sive Sabaudica Mountaine VVolfes-bane ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Aconite of some called Thora others adde therto the place where it groweth in great abundance which is the Alps and call it Thora Valdensium This plant tooke his name of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying corruption poison or death which are the certaine effects of this pernicious plant for this they vse very much in poisons and when they meane to infect their arrow heads the more speedily and deadly to dispatch the wilde beasts which greatly annoy those mountaines of the Alpes to which purpose also it is brought into the Mart-townes neere vnto those places to be sold vnto the hunters the iuice thereof beeing prepared by pressing forth and so kept in hornes and hoofes of beasts for the most speedie poison of all the Aconites for an arrow touched therewith leaueth the wound vncureable if it but onely fetch bloud where it entereth in except that round about the wound the flesh bee speedily cut away in great argueth also that Matthiolus hath vnproperly called it Pseudoaconitum that is false or bastard Aconite for without question there is no worse or more speedie venome in the world nor no Aconite or toxicall plant comparable hereunto And yet let vs consider the fatherly care and prouidence of God who hath prouided a conquerour and triumpher ouer this plant so venomous namely his Antigonist 〈◊〉 or to speake in shorter and fewer syllables Anthora which is the very antidote or remedie against this kinde of Aconite The stalke of this plant is small and rushie very smooth two or three handfulls high whereupon do grow two three or foure leaues seldome more which be something hard round smooth of a light greene colour tending to blewnesse like the colour of the leaues of 〈◊〉 nicked in the edges The floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a yellow colour lesser than those of the field Crowfoot otherwise alike in the place therof groweth a knop or round head wherein is the seed the root consisteth of nine or ten slender clogs with some small fibers also and they are 〈◊〉 together with little strings vnto one head like those of the white Asphodill 2 Wolfes-bane of the mount Baldus hath one stalke smooth and plaine in the middle whereof come sorth two leaues and no more wherein it differeth from the other of the Valdens hauing likewise three or foure sharpe pointed leaues narrow and somewhat iagged at the place where the stalke diuideth it selfe into smaller branches whereon do grow small yellow floures like the precedent but much lesser ¶ The Place These venomous plants doe grow on the Alpes and the mountaines of 〈◊〉 and Switzer land the first grow plentifully in the countrey of the Valdens who inhabite part of those moun taines towards Italie The other is found on Baldus a mountaine of Italy They are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure in March and Aprill their seed is ripe in Iune ¶ The Names This kinde of Aconite or Wolfes-bane is called Thora Taura and 〈◊〉 it is surnamed Valdensis that it may differ from Napellus or Monkes hood which is likewise named Thora Auicen maketh mention of a certaine deadly herbe in his fourth booke sixt Fen. called Farsiun it is hard to affirme this same to be Thora Valdensis ‡ Gesaer iudges this to be the Aconitum pardalianches of Dioscorides and herein is followed by 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The sorce of these Wolfes-banes is most pernicious and poison some and as it is reported exceedeth the malice of 〈◊〉 or any of the other Wolfes-banes as we haue said They say that it is of such force that if a man especially and then next any foure footed beast be wounded with an arrow or other instrument dipped in the iuice hereof they die within halfe an houre after remedilesse CHAP. 373. Of Winter Wolfes-bane ¶ The Description THis kinde of Aconite is called Aconitum hyemale Belgarum of Dodonoeus Aconitum luteum minus in English VVolfes-bane or smal yellow wolfes-bane whose leaues come forth of the ground in the dead time of winter many times bearing the snow vpon their heads of his leaues and floures yea the colder the weather is and the deeper that the snow is the fairer and
is altogether an enemie to the poysonsome nature thereof and deliuereth him that hath taken it from all perill and danger Antonius Guancrius of Pauia a famous physition in his age in his treaty of poysons is of opinion that it is not a mouse that Auicen speakes of but a fly for he telleth of a certaine Philosopher that did very carefully and diligently make search after this Mouse and neither could find at any time either Mouse or the root of Wolfes-bane gnawne or bitten as he had read but in searching he found many flies feeding on the leaues which the same Philosopher tooke and made of them an Antidote or counterpoyson which he found to be good and effectuall against other poysons but especially the poyson of Wolfes-bane This composition consisteth of two ounces of Terra lemnia as many of the berries of the Bay tree and the likeweight of Mithridate 24 of the flies that haue taken their repast vpon Wolfes-bane of honey and oyle Oliue a sufficient quantitie The same opinion that Guanerius is of Petrus Pena and Matthias de Lobel doe also hold who affirme that there was neuer seene at any time any Mouse feeding thereon but that there be Flies which resort vnto it by swarmes and feed not onely vpon the floures but on the herbe also ¶ The Danger There hath 〈◊〉 little heretofore set downe concerning the vertues of the Aconites but much might be said of the hurts that haue come hereby as the wofull experience of the lamentable example at Antwerpe yet fresh in memorie doth declare as we haue said CHAP. 377. Of blacke Hellebore ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of blacke Hellebor Dodonaeus setteth forth vnder this title Veratrum nigrum and it may properly be called in English blacke Hellebor which is a name most fitly agreeing vnto the true and vndoubted blacke 〈◊〉 for the kindes and other sorts hereof which hereafter follow are false and bastard kindes thereof This plant hath thicke and fat leaues of a deepe greene colour the vpper part whereof is somewhat bluntly nicked or toothed hauing sundry diuisions or cuts in some leaues many in others fewer like vnto the female 〈◊〉 or Smyrnium Creticum It beareth Rose fashioned floures vpon slender stems growing immediately out of the ground an handfull high somtimes very white and oftentimes mixed with a little shew of purple which being vaded there succeed small huskes full of blacke seeds the roots are many with long blacke strings comming from one head 2 The second kinde of blacke Hellebor called of Pena Helleborastrum and of Dodonaeus Veratrum secundum in English bastard Hellebor hath leaues muh like the former but narrower and blacker each leafe being much iagged or toothed about the edges like a saw The stalkes grow to the height of a foot or more diuiding themselues into other branches toward the top whereon do grow floures not much vnlike to the former in shew saue that they are of a greenish herby colour The roots are small and threddy but not so blacke as the former 1 Helleborus niger verus The true blacke Hellebor 2 Helleborastrum Wilde blacke Hellebor 3 Helleboraster maximus The great Ox-heele 4 Consiligo Ruellij Sesamoides magnum Cordi Setter-wort or Beare-foot 3 The third kinde of blacke Hellebor called of Pena Helleboraster maximus with this addition slore semine praegnans that is full both of floures and seed hath leaues somewhat like the former wilde 〈◊〉 saue that they be greater more iagged and deepely cut The stalks grow vp to the height of two cubits diuiding themselues at the top into sundry small branches whereupon grow little round and bottle-like hollow greene floures after which come forth seeds which come to perfect maturitie and ripenesse The root consisteth of many small blacke strings inuolued or wrapped one within another very intricately 4 The fourth kinde of blacke Hellebor called of Pena and Lobel according to the description of Cordus and 〈◊〉 Sesamoides magnum and Consiligo in English Ox-heele or Settter-woort which names are taken from his vertues in curing Oxen and such like cattell as shall be shewed afterward in the names thereof is so well knowne vnto the most sort of people by the name of Bearefoot that I shall not haue cause to spend much time about the description ‡ Indeed is was not much needfull for our Author to describe it for it was the last thing he did for both these two last are of one plant both figures and descriptions the former of these figures expressing it in floure and the later in seed but the former of our Author was with somewhat broader leaues and the laterwith narrower ‡ ¶ The Place These Hellebors grow vpon rough and craggy mountains the last growes wilde in many woods and shadowie places in England we haue them all in our London gardens ¶ The Time The first floureth about Christmasse if the Winter be milde and warme the others later ¶ The Names It is agreed among the later writers that these plants are Veratranigra in English blacke Hellebor in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Italian Elleboro nero in Spanish Verde gambre negro of diuers Melampodium because it was first found by Melampos who was first thought to purge therewith Praetus his mad daughters and to restore them to health Dioscorides writeth that this man was a shepheard others a Sooth-sayer In high Dutch it is called Christwurtz that is Christs herbe or Christmasse herbe in low Dutch Heylich Kerst cruyt and that because it floureth about the birth of our Lord Iesus Christ. The third kinde was called of Fuchsius Pseudohelleborus and Veratrum nigrum adulterinum which is in English false or bastard blacke Hellebor Most name it Consiligo because the husbandmen of our time do herewith cure their cattell no otherwise than the old Farriers or horse-leeches were wont to do that is they cut a slit or hole in the dew-lap as they terme it which is an emptie skin vnder the throat of the beast wherein they put a piece of the root of Setterwort or Beare-foot suffering it there to remaine for certaine dayes together which manner of curing they do call Settering of their cattell and is a manner of rowelling as the said Horse-leeches doe their horses with horse haire twisted or such like and as in Surgerie we do vse with silke which in stead of the word Seton a certaine Physitian called it by the name Rowell a word very vnproperly spoken of a learned man because there would be some difference betwixt men and beasts This manner of settering of cattell helpeth the disease of the lungs the cough and wheesing Moreouer in the time os pestilence or murraine or any other diseases affecting cattell they put the root into the place aforesaid which draweth vnto it all the venomous matter and voideth it forth at the wound The which Absyrtus and Hierocles the Greeke Horse-leeches haue at large set downe And it is called in English Beare-foot
〈◊〉 it after the number of the leaues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Septifolium in English Setfoile and Tormentill in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 most take it to be Chrysogonon whereof Dioscorides hath made a briefe description ¶ The Temperature The root of Tormentill doth mightily dry and that in the third degree and is of thin parts it hath in it very little heat and is of a binding quality ¶ The Vertues Tormentill is not only of like vertue with Cinkefoile but also of greater efficacie it is much vsed against pestilent diseases for it strongly resisteth putrifaction and procureth sweate The leaues and roots boiled in wine or the iuice thereof drunken prouoketh sweat and by that means driueth out all venome from the heart expelleth poison and preserueth the bodie in time of pestilence from the infection thereof and all other infectious diseases The roots dried made into pouder and drunke in wine doth the same The same pouder taken as aforesaid or in the water of a Smiths forge or rather the water wherein hot steele hath been often quenched of purpose cureth the laske and bloudy flix yea although the patient haue adioined vnto his scouring a grieuous feuer It stoppeth the spitting of bloud pissing of bloud and all other issues of bloud as well in men as women The decoction of the leaues and rootes or the iuice thereof drunke is excellent good for all wounds both outward and inward it also openeth and healeth the stoppings of the liuer and lungs and cureth the iaundice The root beaten into pouder tempered or kneaded with the white of an egge and eaten staieth the desire to vomite and is good against choler and melancholie CHAP. 384. Of wilde Tansie or Siluer-weed Argentina Siluerweed or wilde Tansie ¶ The Description WIlde Tansie creepeth along vpon the ground with fine slender stalkes and clasping tendrels the leaues are long made vp of many small leaues like vnto those of the garden Tansie but lesser on the vpper side greene and vnder very white The floures be yellow and stand vpon slender stems as doe those of Cinkfoile ¶ The Place It groweth in moist places neere vnto high waies and running brookes euery where ¶ The Time It floureth in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names The later Herbarists do call it Argentina of the siluer drops that are to be seene in the distilled water therof when it is put into a glasse which you shall easily see rowling and tumbling vp and downe in the bottome ‡ I iudge it rather so called of the fine shining Siluer coloured leaues ‡ It is likewise called Potentilla of diuers Agrimonia syluestris Anserina and Tanacetum syluestre in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Argentine in English Wilde Tansie and Siluerweed ¶ The Temperature It is of temperature moderatly cold and dry almost in the third degree hauing withall a binding facultie ¶ The Vertues Wilde Tansie boiled in wine and drunk stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix and all other flux of bloud in man or woman The same boiled in water and salt and drunke dissolueth clotted and congealed bloud in such as are hurt or bruised with falling from some high place The decoction hereof made in water cureth the vlcers and cankers of the mouth if some honie and allom be added thereto in the boiling Wilde Tansie hath many other good vertues especially against the stone inward wounds and wounds of the priuie or secret parts and closeth vp all greene and fresh wounds The distilled water taketh away freckles spots pimples in the face and Sun-burning but the herbe laid to infuse or steepe in white wine is far better but the best of all is to steepe it in strong white wine vinegre the face being often bathed or washed therewith CHAP. 385. Of Auens or Herbe Bennet 1 Caryophyllata Auens or herbe Bennet 2 Caryophyllata montana Mountaine Auens ¶ The Description 1 THe common Auens hath leaues not vnlike to Agrimony rough blackish and much clouen or deepely cut into diuers gashes the stalke is round and hairy a soot high diuiding it selfe at the top into diuers branches whereupon do grow yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile or wilde Tansie which being past there follow round rough reddish hairy heads or knops ful of seed which being ripe wil hang vpon garments as the Burs doe The root is thicke reddish within with certaine yellow strings fastened thereunto smelling like vnto Cloues or like vnto the roots of Cyperus 2 The Mountain Auens hath greater and thicker leaues than the precedent rougher and more hairie not parted into three but rather round nicked on the edges among which riseth vp slender stalkes whereon doe grow little longish sharpe pointed leaues on the toppe of each stalke doth 3 Caryophyllata Alpina pentaphyllaea Fiue leaued Auens ‡ 4 Caryophyllata montana purpurea Red floured mountaine Auens ‡ 5 Caryophyllata Alpina minima Dwarfe mountaine Auens 3 Fiue finger Auens hath many small leaues spred vpon the ground diuided into siue parts somewhat snipt about the edges like Cinkefoile whereof it tooke his name Among which rise vp slender stalkes diuided at the top into diuers branches whereon do grow small yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile the root is composed of many tough strings of the smell 〈◊〉 Cloues which makes it a kind of Auens otherwise doubtles it must of necessitie be one of the Cinksoiles ‡ 4 This hath ioynted stringy roots some finger thick from whence rise vp many large and hairy leaues composed of diuers little leaues with larger at the top and these snipt about the edges like as the common Auens amongst these leaues grow vp sundry stalkes some foot or better high whereon grow floures hanging downe their heads and the tops of the stalkes and cups of the floures are commonly of a purplish colour the floures themselues are of a pretty red colour and are of diuers shapes and grow diuers wayes which hath beene the reason that Clusius and others haue iudged them seuerall plants as may be seene is Clusius his Workes where he giues you the floures which you here finde exprest for a different kind Now some of these floures euen the greater part of them grow with fiue red round pointed leaues which neuer lie faire open but only stand straight out the middle part being filled with a hairy matter and yellowish threds other-some consist of seuen eight nine or more leaues and some againe lie wholly open with greene leaues growing close vnder the cup of the floure as you may see them represented in the figure and some few now and then may be found composed of a great many little leaues thick thrust together making a very double floure After the floures are falne come such hairy heads as in other plants of this kinde amongst which lies the seed Gesner calls this Geum rivale Thalius Caryophyllata maior purpurea Camerarius Caryophyllata aquatica Clusius Caryophyllata mont ana prima tertia 5 The root of this
foot high diuided into sundry branches whereon grow vmbels of whitish floures the seeds are like but larger than those of the common Parsley and when they are ripe they commonly sow themselues and the old roots die and the young ones beare seed the second yeere after there sowing ‡ ¶ The Place It is sowne in beds in gardens it groweth both in hot and cold places so that the ground be either by nature moist or be oftentimes watered for it prospereth in moist places and is delighted with water and therefore it naturally commeth vp neere to fountaines or springs Fuchsius writeth that it is found growing of it selfe in diuers fenny grounds in Germany ¶ The Time It may be sowne betime but it slowly commeth vp it may oftentimes be cut and cropped it bringeth forth his 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 be ripe in Iuly or August ¶ The 〈◊〉 Euery one of the 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but this 〈◊〉 named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Apium hortense the Apothecaries and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 name it Petroselinum in high 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French du Persil in Spanish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Salsa in Italian 〈◊〉 in English Persele Parsely common Parsley and garden Parsley Yet is it not the true and right Petroselinum which groweth among rockes and 〈◊〉 whereupon it tooke his name and whereof the best is in Macedonia therefore they are 〈◊〉 who thinke that garden Parsley doth not differ from stone Parsley and that the onely difference is for that Garden Parsley is of lesse force than the wilde for wilde herbes are more strong 〈◊〉 operation than those of the garden ¶ The Temperature Garden Parsley is hot and dry but the seed is more hot and dry which is hot in the second degree and dry almost in the third the root is also of a moderate heate ¶ The Vertues The leaues are pleasant in sauces and broth in which besides that they giue a 〈◊〉 taste they be also singular good to take away stoppings and to prouoke vrine which thing the roots likewise do notably performe if they be boiled in broth they be also delightful to the taste and agreeable to the stomacke The seeds are more profitable for medicine they make thinne open prouoke vrine dissolue the stone breake and waste away winde are good for 〈◊〉 as haue the dropsie draw downe menses bring away the birth and after-birth they be commended also against the cough if they be mixed or boiled with medicines made for that purpose lastly they resist poisons and therefore are mixed with treacles The roots or the seeds of any of them boiled in ale and drunken cast forth strong venome or poison but the seed is the strongest part of the herbe They are also good to be put into clysters against the stone or torments of the guts CHAP. 367 Of water Parsley or Smallage Eleoselinum siue Paludapium Smallage ¶ The Description SMallage hath greene smooth and glittering leaues cut into very many parcels yet greater and broader than those of common Parsley the stalkes be chamfered and diuided into branches on the tops whereof stand little white floures after which doe grow seeds something lesser than those of common Parsley the roote is fastened with many strings ¶ The Place This kinde of Parsley delighteth to grow in moist places and is brought from thence into gardens ‡ It growes wilde abundantly vpon the bankes in the salt marshes of Kent and Essex ‡ ¶ The Time It flourishes when the garden Parsley doth and the stalke likewise commeth vp the next yeere after it is sowne and then also it bringeth forth seeds which are ripe in Iuly and August ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Gaza Paludaplum in shops Apium absolutely without any addition in Latine Palustre Apium and Apium rusticum in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 and of diuers 〈◊〉 in Spanish and Italian Apio in French de 〈◊〉 in English Smallage Marsh Parsley or water Parsley ¶ The Temperature This Parsley is like in temperature and vertues to that of the garden but it is both hotter and drier and of more force in most things this is seldome eaten neither is it 〈◊〉 good for 〈◊〉 but it is very profitable for medicine ¶ The Vertues The juice thereof is good for many things it clenseth openeth attenuateth or maketh thin it remooueth obstructions and prouoketh vrine and therefore those syrrups which haue this mixed with them as that which is called Syrupus 〈◊〉 open the stoppings of the liuer and spleene and are a remedy for long lasting agues whether they be tertians or quartains and all other which proceed both of a cold cause and also of obstructions or stoppings and are very good against the yellow jaundise The same juice doth perfectly cure the malicious and venomous vlcers of the mouth and of the almonds of the throat with the decoction of Barly and Mel Rosarum or hony of Roses added if the parts be washed therewith it likewise helpeth all outward vlcers and foule wounds with hony it is profitable also for cankers exulcerated for although it cannot cure them yet it doth keep them from putrifaction and preserueth them from stinking the seed is good for those things for which that of the Garden Parsley is yet is not the vse thereof so safe for it hurteth those that are troubled with the falling sickenesse as by euident proofes it is very well knowne Smallage as Pliny writeth hath a peculiar vertue against the biting of venomous spiders The juice of Smallage mixed with hony and beane floure doth make an excellent mundificatiue for old vlcers and malignant sores and staieth also the weeping of the cut or hurt sinewes in simple members which are not very fatty or fleshie and bringeth the same to perfect digestion The leaues boiled in hogs grease and made into the forme of a pultis take away the paine of felons and whitlowes in the fingers and ripen and heale them CHAP. 398. Of Mountaine Parsley Oreoselinum Mountaine Parsley ¶ The Description THe stalke of mountaine Parsley as Dioscorides writeth is a span high growing from a slender root vpon which are branches and little heads like those of Hemlock yet much slenderer on which stalkes do grow the seed which is long of a sharpe or biting taste slender and of a strong smell like vnto Cumin but we can not find that this kinde of Mountaine Parsley is knowne in our age the leaues of this we here giue are like those of common parsley but greater and broader consisting of many slender footstalkes fastened vnto them the stalke is short the floures on the spoked tufts be white the seed small the root is white and of a meane length or bignesse in taste somewhat biting and bitterish and of a sweet smell ¶ The Place Dioscorides writeth that mountaine Parsley groweth vpon rockes and mountaines And Dodonaeus affirmeth that this
hath not expressed therefore it would be hard to 〈◊〉 this to be the same that his Leucographis is and this is thought to bee Spina alba called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or white Thistle Milk Thistle and Carduus Ramptarius of the Arabians 〈◊〉 or Bedeguar as Matthoeus Syluaticus testifieth ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The tender leaues of Carduus 〈◊〉 the prickles taken off are sometimes vsed to bee eaten with other herbes Galen writeth that the roots of Spina alba do drie and moderately binde that therefore it is good for those that be troubled with the lask and the bloudy flix that it 〈◊〉 bleedings wasteth away cold swellings easeth the paine of the teeth if they bee washed with the decoction thereof The seed thereof is of a thin essence and hot facultie therefore he saith that it is good for those that be troubled with cramps Dioscorides affirmeth that the seeds being drunke are a remedie for infants that haue their 〈◊〉 drawne together and for those that be bitten of serpents and that it is thought to driue away serpents if it be but hanged about the necke CHAP. 478. Of the Globe Thistle ¶ The Description GLobe Thistle hath a very long stalke and leaues iagged great long and broad deeply gashed strong of smell somewhat greene on the vpper side and on the nether side whiter and downy the floures grow forth of a round head like a globe which standeth on the tops of the 〈◊〉 they are white and small with blew threds in the midst the seed is long with haires of a meane length the root is thicke and branched 2 There is another Globe Thistle that hath lesser leaues but more full of prickles with round heads also but there groweth out of them besides the floures certaine long and stiffe prickles 3 There is likewise another kinde resembling the first in 〈◊〉 and figure but much lesser and the floures thereof tend more to a blew 4 There is also another Globe Thistle which is the least and hath the sharpest prickles of all the rest the head is small the floures whereof are white like to those of the first 1 Cardnus globosus The Globe-Thistle ‡ 2 Carduus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prickly headed Globe-Thistlë ‡ 3 Carduus globosus minor Small Globe-Thistle ‡ 5 Carduus globosus capitulo latiore Flat headed Globe-Thistle 5 There is a certaine other kinde hereof yet the head is not so 〈◊〉 that is to say flatter and broader aboue out of which spring blew floures the stalke hereof is slender and couered with a white thin downe the leaues are long gashed likewise on both sides and armed in euery corner with sharpe prickles 6 There is another called the Down-Thistle which riseth vp with thicke and long 〈◊〉 The leaues thereof are iagged set with prickles white on the nether side the heads be round and many in number and are couered with a soft downe and sharpe prickles standing forth on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being on the vpper part fraughted with purple floures all of strings the seed is long and 〈◊〉 as doth the seed of many of the Thistles ‡ 6 Carduus eriocephalus Woolly headed Thistle ¶ The Place They are sown in gardens and do not grow in these countries that we can finde ‡ I haue found the sixth by Pocklington and in other places of the Woldes in Yorkeshire Mr. Goodyer also found it in Hampshire ‡ ¶ The Names They floure and flourish when the other Thistles do ¶ The Names Fuchsius did at the first take it to be Chamoeleon niger but afterwards being better aduised he named it Spina peregrina and 〈◊〉 duus globosus Valerius Cordus doth fitly call it Sphoerocephalus the same name doth also agree with the rest for they haue a round head like a ball or globe Most would haue the first to be that which Matthiolus setteth downe 〈◊〉 Spina alba this Thistle is called in English Globe Thistle and Ball-Thistle The downe or woolly headed Thistle is called in Latine being destitute of another name Eriocephalus of the woolly head in English Downe Thistle or woolly headed Thistle It is thought of diuers to be that which Bartholomoeus 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Palea Franciscan Friers report to be called Corona Fratrum or Friers Crowne but this Thistle doth far differ from that as is euident by those things which they haue written concerning Corona Fratrum which is thus In the borders of the kingdome of Aragon towards the kingdome of Castile we finde another kind of Thistle which groweth plentifully there by common 〈◊〉 and in wheate fields c. Vide Dod. Pempt 5. lib. 5. cap. 5. ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Concerning the temperature and vertues of these Thistles we can alledge nothing at all CHAP. 479. Of the Artichoke ¶ The Kindes THere be three sorts of Artichokes two tame or of the garden and one wilde which the Italian esteemeth greatly of as the best to be eaten raw which he calleth Cardune ¶ The Description 1 Cinara maxima Anglica The great red Artichoke 2 Cinara maxima alba The great white Artichoke 3 Cinara syluestris Wilde Artichoke 2 The second great Artichoke differeth from the former in the colour of the fruit otherwise there is little difference except the fruit hereof dilateth it selfe further abroad and is not so closely compact together which maketh the difference 3 The prickly Artichoke called in Latine Carduus or Spinosa Cinara differeth not from the former saue that all the corners of the leaues hereof and the stalkes of the cone or fruit are armed with stiffe and sharp prickles whereupon it beareth well the name of Carduus or Thistle ¶ The Place The Artichoke is to be planted in a 〈◊〉 and fruitfull soile they do loue water and moist ground They commit great error who cut away the side or superfluous leaues that grow by the sides thinking thereby to increase the greatnesse of the fruit when as in truth they depriue the root from much water by that meanes which should nourish it to the feeding of the fruit for if you marke the trough or hollow channell that is in euery leafe it shall appeare very euidently that the Creator in his secret wisedome did ordaine those furrowes euen from the extreme point of the leafe to the ground where it is fastned to the root for no other purpose but to guide and leade that water which falls far off vnto the root knowing that without such store of water the whole plant would wither and the fruit pine away and come to nothing ¶ The Time They are planted for the most part about the Kalends of Nouember or somewhat sooner The plant must be set and dunged with good store of ashes for that kinde of dung is thought best for planting thereof Euery yeare the slips must be torne or slipped off from the body of the root and these are to be set in Aprill which will beare fruit about August following as Columella Palladius and common experience teacheth ¶ The
the vpper end shewing his seed which is very blacke and round like the seeds of mustard The whole plant and each part thereof doth yeeld verie great aboundance of milkie iuyce which is of a golden colour falling and 〈◊〉 from any part thereof if it be cut or bruised the whole plant perisheth at the approch of Winter The vertues hereof are yet vnknowne vnto me wherefore I purpose not to set downe any thing thereof by way of coniecture but shall God willing be ready to declare that which certaine knowledge and experience either of myne owne or others shall make manifest vnto me ¶ The Place The golden Thistle is sowne in gardens of the Low Countries Petrus Bellonius writes That it groweth plentifully in Candy and also in most places of 〈◊〉 Clusius reporteth that he found it in the fields of Spaine and of the kingdome of Castile and about Montpelier with fewer branches and of a higher growth The Indian Thistle groweth in Saint Iohns Island in the West Indies and prospereth very well in my garden ¶ The Time They floure from Iune to the end of August the seed of the Indian golden Thistle must be sowne when it is ripe but it 〈◊〉 not grow vp vntill May next after ¶ The Names This Thistle is called in Latine Carduus Chrysanthemus in Greeke of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for those things which he writeth of Scolymus in his sixth and seuenth bookes doe wholly agree with this Thistle Chrysanthemus which are these Scolymus doth floure in the Sommer solstice brauely and a long time together it hath a root that may be eaten both sod and raw and when it is broken it yeeldeth a milky iuyce Gaza nameth it Carduus Of this Pliny also makes mention lib. 21. ca. 16. Scolymus saith he differs from those kindes of Thistles viz. Acarna and Atractilis because the root thereof may be eaten boyled Againe 〈◊〉 22. Cap. 22. The East Countries vse it as a meate and he calleth it by another name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which thing also Theophrastus seemeth to affirme in his sixt booke for when he reckoneth vp herbes whose leaues are set with prickles he addeth Scolymus or Limonia Notwithstanding Pliny maketh mention likewise of another Scolymus which hee affirmeth to bring sorth a purple 〈◊〉 and betweene the middle of the prickes to wax white quickely and to fall off with the winde in his twentieth booke cap. 23. Which Thistle doubtlesse doth not agree with Carduus Chrysanthemus that is with Theophraslus his Scolymus and with that which we mentioned before so that there be in Pliny two Scolymi one with a root that may be eaten and another with a purple 〈◊〉 turning into downe and that speedily waxeth white Scolymus is likewise described by Dioscorides but this differs from Scolymus Theophrasti and it is one of those which Pliny reckoneth vp as we wil more at large declare hereaster But let vs come againe to Chrysanthemus This the inhabitants of Candy keeping the marks of the old name do call Ascolymbros the Italians name it Anconitani Rinci the Romans Spinaborda the Spaniards Cardon lechar and of diuers it is also named Glycyrrhizon that is to say dulcis Radix or sweet Root it is called in English 〈◊〉 Thistle some would haue it to be that which 〈◊〉 in Arte Veterinaria calls Eryngium but they are deceiued for that Eryngium whereof Vegetius writeth is Eryngium marinum or sea Huluer of which we will intreat The golden Thistle of India may be called Carduus Chrysanthemus of his golden colour adding thereto his natiue countrey Indianus or Peruanus or the golden Indian Thistle or the golden Thistle of Peru the seed came to my hands by the name Fique del Inferno in Latine Ficus infernalis the infernall fig or fig of hell ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The root and tender leaues of this Scolymus which are sometimes eaten are good for the stomacke but they containe very little nourishment and the same thinne and waterie as Galen teacheth Pliny saith that the root hereof was commended by Eratosthenes in the poore mans supper and that it is reported also to prouoke vrine especially to heale tetters and dry scurse being taken with vineger and with Wine to stir vp fleshly lust as Hefiod and Alcaeus testifie and to take away the stench of the arme-holes if an ounce of the root the pith picked out be 〈◊〉 in three parts of wine till one part be wasted and a good draught taken fasting after a bath and likewise after meat which later words Dioscorides likewise 〈◊〉 concerning his Scolymus out of whom Pliny is thought to haue borrowed these things CHAP. 481. Of white Carline Thistle of Dioscorides ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of Carline are very full of prickles cut on both edges with a multitude of deepe gashes and set along the corners with stiffe and very sharpe prickles the middle ribs whereof are sometimes red the stalke is a span high or higher bringing forth for the most part onely one head or knap being full of prickles on the outward circumference or compasse like the Vrchin huske of a chesnut and when this openeth at the top there groweth forth a broad floure made vp in the middle like a flat 〈◊〉 of a great number of threds which is compassed about with little long leaues oftentimes somewhat white very seldome red the seed 〈◊〉 is slender and narrow the root is long a finger thicke something blacke so chinked as 〈◊〉 it were split in sunder sweete of smell and in taste somewhat bitter ‡ 1 Carlina caulescens magno flore Tall Carline Thistle 2 Carlina seu 〈◊〉 albus Dioscoridis The white Carline Thistle of 〈◊〉 with the red floure ‡ 3 Carlina 〈◊〉 minor flore purp Dwarfe Carline Thistle ‡ 3 This small purple Carline Thistle hath a prety large root diuided oft times at the top into diuers branches from which rise many green leaues lying spred vpon the ground deeply cut and set with sharpe prickles in the midst of these leaues come vp sometimes one but otherwhiles more scaly heads which carry a pretty large floure composed of many purple threds like that of the 〈◊〉 but larger and of a brighter colour these heads grow vsually close to the leaues yet sometimes they stand vpon stalkes three or foure inches high when the floure is past they turne into downe and are carried away with the winde the seed is small and grayish This growes vpon Blacke-Heath vpon the chalky hills about Dartford and in many such places It floures in Iuly and August Tragus calls it Chamaeleon albus vel exiguus Lobel Carduus acaulis Septentrionalium and 〈◊〉 albus Cordi Clusius Carlina minor 〈◊〉 flore and he saith in the opinion of some it seemes not vnlike to the Chamaeleon whereof 〈◊〉 makes mention lib. 6. cap. 3. Hist. plant ‡ ¶ The Place They both grow vpon high mountaines in desart places and oftentimes by high way sides but that which
afterwards the whole flocke vntill such time as the Shepheard take it forth of her mouth as Plutarch writeth CHAP. 485. Of bastard Sea Hollies ¶ The Description THis Eryngium which Dodonaeus in his last edition calleth Eryngium planum and Pena more fitly and truely Eryngium Alpinum caeruleum hath stalkes a cubite and a halfe high hauing spaces 〈◊〉 euery ioint the lower leaues are greater and broader and notched about the edges but those aboue are lesser compassing or enuironing each ioint star-fashion beset with prickles which are soft and tender not much hurtful to the hands of such as touch them the knobs or heads are also prickley and in colour blew The root is bunchie or knottie like that of Helenium that is Elecampane blacke without and white within and like the Eringes in sweetnesse and taste 2 The second bastard Sea Holly whose picture is set forth in Dodonaeus his last Edition veric gallantly being also a kind of Thistle hath leaues like vnto the former Erynges but broader next the rootes than those which grow next the stalkes somewhat long greenish soft and not prickley but lightly creuised or notched about the edges greater than Quince leaues The stalks grow more than a cubit high on the tops whereof there hang downwards fiue or six knobs or heads in colour and floures like the other hauing three or foure whitish roots of a foot long 1 Eryngium caeruleum Blew Sea Holly 2 Eryngium spurium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bastard Sea Holly 3 Eryngium 〈◊〉 Clusij Dwarfe Sea Holly 4 Eryngium Montanum Mountaine Sea Holly ‡ 5 Eryngium pusillum planum Small smooth Sea Holly 4 The fourth kinde of bastard Sea Holly which 〈◊〉 calleth Eryngium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and is the fourth according to 〈◊〉 his account is like to the Erynges not in 〈◊〉 but in taste this beareth a very small and slender stalke of a meane height whereupon doe grow three or foure leaues seldom fiue made of 〈◊〉 leaues set vpon a midd'e rib narrow long hard and of a darke greene 〈◊〉 dented on both edges of the leafe like a saw the 〈◊〉 is a cubit high iointed or kneed and diuiding it selfe into many branches on the tops whereof are round tufts or vmbels wherin are contained the floures and after they be vaded the seedes which are small somewhat long well smelling and sharpe in taste the 〈◊〉 is white and long not a finger thicke in taste sweet but afterwards somewhat 〈◊〉 and in sent and 〈◊〉 not vnpleasant when the root is dried 〈◊〉 may be crumbled in pieces and therefore quickly 〈◊〉 ‡ 5 This is a low plant presently from the root diuided into sundry branches slender round lying on the ground at each ioint grow leaues without any certain order broad toward their ends and narrower at their setting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about their edges those next the root were some inch broad and two or more long of a yellowish greene colour the stalkes are parted into sundry branches and at each ioint haue little leaues and rough and greene heads with 〈◊〉 floures in them the roots creepe and are somewhat like those of Asparagus This neither Clusius nor Lobel found wilde but it grew in the garden of Iohn 〈◊〉 of Tourney a learned Apothecarie verie skilfull in the knowledge of plants whereupon they both called it Eryngium pusillum planum Moutoni ‡ ¶ The Place These kindes of sea Holly are strangers in England we haue the first and second in our London gardens ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the Thistles do ¶ The Names These plants be Eryngia spuria or bastard Sea Hollies and are lately obserued and therefore they haue no old names The first may bee called in Latine Eryngium Borussicum or Non spinosum Sea Hollie without prickles The second is called by Matthiolus Eryngium planum or flat Sea Holly others had rather name it Alpinum Eryngium or Sea Holly of the Alpes The third is rightly called Eryngium pumilum little Sea Huluer 〈◊〉 maketh the fourth to be Crithmum quartum or the fourth kinde of Sampier and others as Dodonaeus and Lobel haue made it a kinde of Sea Huluer ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Touching the faculties hereof we haue nothing to set downe seeeing they haue as yet no vse in medicine nor vsed to be eaten But yet that they be hot the very taste doth declare CHAP. 486. Of Star-Thistle ¶ The Description 1 THe Star-Thistle called Carduus stellatus hath many soft frizled leaues deepely cut or gasht altogether without prickles among which riseth vp a stalke diuiding it selfe into many other branches growing two foot high on the tops whereof are small knops or heads like the other Thistles armed round about with many sharpe prickles fashioned like a blasing star which at the beginning are of a purple colour but afterwards of a pale bleak or whitish colour the seed is small flat and round the root is long and browne without 1 Carduus stellatus The Star-Thistle 2 Carduus Solstitialis Saint Barnabies Thistle 2 Saint Barnabies Thistle is another kinde of Star-Thistle notwithstanding it hath prickles no where faue in the head onely and the prickles of it stand forth in manner of a star the stalks are two cubits high parted into diuers branches softer than are those of star-Thistle which stalks haue velmes or thin skins cleauing vnto them all in length by which they seeme to be foure-square the leaues are somewhat long set with deep gashes on the edges the floures are yellow and consist of threds the seed is little the root long and slender ¶ The Place The two first do grow vpon barren places neere vnto cities and townes almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure and flourish especially in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The first is called in Latine Stellaria as also Carduus Stellatus and likewise Carduus Calcitrapa but they are deceiued who take it to be Eryngium or Sea 〈◊〉 or any kinde thereof Matthiolus saith that it is called in Italian Calcatrippa in high Dutch Dallen distel in low Dutch Sterre distell in French 〈◊〉 in English Star-Thistle S. Barnabies Thistle is called in Latine 〈◊〉 spina because it floureth in the Sommer Solstice as Gesner saith or rather because after the Solstice the prickles thereof be sharpest of Guillandinus Eryngium but not properly and Stellaria 〈◊〉 Augerij who with good successe gaue it against the stone dropsies greene sicknesse and quotidian feuers It is called in English as aboue said Saint Barnabies Thistle ¶ The Temperature The Star-Thistle is of a hot nature ¶ The Vertues The seed is commended against the strangurie it is reported to driue forth the stone if it bee drunke with wine Baptista Sardus 〈◊〉 that the distilled water of this Thistle is a remedie for those that are infected with the French Pox and that the vse of this is good for the liuer that it taketh away the stoppings thereof That it clenseth the bloud from corrupt and putrified humours That it
aboue a hand or halfe an hand in length spreading themselues vpon the ground with his small leaues and branches in maner of the lesser Arachus the floures are like vnto those of the former but very small and of a red colour ‡ 5 This small horned pulse may fitly here take place The root thereof consists of many little fibres from which arise two or three little slender straight stalkes some handfull and halfe or foot high at the tops of these grow little sharpe pointed crooked hornes rounder and slenderer than those of 〈◊〉 turning their ends inwards like the tailes of Scorpions and so jointed the floures are small and yellow the leaues little and winged like those of Birds foot Pena and 〈◊〉 found this amongst the corne in the fields in Narbon in France and they set it forth by the 〈◊〉 as I haue here giuen you it ‡ ¶ The Place 〈◊〉 4. These plants I found growing vpon Hampstead Heath neere London right against the Beacon vpon the right hand as you go from London neere vnto a grauell pit they grow also vpon blacke Heath in the high way leading from Greenwich to Charleton within halfe a mile of the towne ¶ The Time They floure from Iune to the middle of September ¶ The Names ‡ 1 This Gesner calls Vulneraria rustica Dodonaeus Lobel and Clusius call it Anthyllis and 〈◊〉 leguminosa ‡ 3. 4. I cannot finde any other name for these plants but Ornithopodium the 〈◊〉 is called in English great Birds-foot the second small Birds-foot ¶ The Nature and Vertues These herbes are not vsed either in meate or medicine that I know of as yet but they are very good food for cattel and procure good store of milke whereupon some haue taken them 〈◊〉 kindes of Polygala CHAP. 522. Of Blacke milke Tare Glaux Dioscoridis Dioscorides his milke Tare ¶ The Description THe true Glaux of Dioscorides hath very many tough and wooddy branches trailing vpon the ground set full of small winged leaues in shape like the common Glaux but a great deale smaller resembling the leaues of Tares but rather like Birds-foot of a very gray colour amongst which come forth knobby and scaly or chaffie heads very like the Medow Trefoile of a faire purple colour the root is exceeding long and wooddy which the figure doth not expresse and set forth ¶ The Place The true Glaux groweth vpon Barton hill foure miles from Lewton in Bedfordshire vpon both the sides of the declination of the hill ¶ The Time These plants do floure and flourish about Midsommer ¶ The Names These plants haue in times past been called Glaux i. folia habens glauca siue pallentia that is hauing skie coloured or pale leaues Sithens that in times past some haue counted Glaux among the kindes of Polygala or Milkewoorts we may therefore call this kinde of Glaux blacke Milke-woort ¶ The Nature These herbes are dry in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The seeds of the common Glaux are in vertue like the Lentils but not so much astringent they stop the flux of the belly dry vp the moisture of the stomacke and ingender store of milke CHAP. 523. Of red Fitchling Medick Fitch and Cockes-head ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Onobrychis hath many small and twiggie pliant branches ramping and creeping through and about bushes or whatsoeuer it groweth neere vnto the leaues and all the rest of the pulfe or plant is very like to the wilde Vetch or Tare the floures grow at the top of small naked stalks in shape like the pease bloome but of a purple colour layed 〈◊〉 with blew which turne into small round prickly husks that are nothing else but the seed 1 Onobrychis sive Caput Gallinaceum Medick Fitchling or cockes-Cockes-head 2 Onobrychis flore purpureo Purple cockes-Cockes-head 2 The second kind of Fitchling or cocks-Cocks-head of Clusius his description hath very many stalks especially when it is growne to an old plant round hard and leaning to the ground like the other pulses and leaues very like Galega or the wilde Vetch of a bitter taste and lothsome sauour among which come forth small round stems at the ends whereof do grow floures spike fashion three inches long in shape like those of the great Lagopus or medow Trefoile but longer of an excellent shining purple colour but without smell after which there follow small coddes containing little hard and blacke seed in taste like the Vetch The root is great and long hard and of a wooddy substance spreading it selfe far abroad and growing very deep into the ground 3 The third kinde of Fitchling or cocks-Cocks-head hath from a tough smal and wooddie root many twiggie branches growing a cubit high full of knots ramping and creeping on the ground The leaues are like the former but smaller and shorter among which come forth smal tender stemmes whereupon do grow little floures like those of the Tare but of a blew colour tending to purple the floures being vaded there come the small cods which containe little blacke seed like a Kidney of a blacke colour 3 Onobrychis 2. Clusij Blew Medicke Fitch 4 Onobrychis 3. Clusij flore pallido Pale coloured Medicke Fitch 5 Onobrychis montana 4. Clusij Mountaine Medick Fetch 5 The fifth kinde of Onobrychis hath many grosse and wooddie stalks proceeding immediatly from a thick fat and fleshie tough root the vpper part of which are small round and pliant garnished with little leaues like those of Lentils or rather Tragacantha somewhat soft and couered ouer with a woollie hairinesse amongst which come forth little long and naked stems eight or nine inches long whereon do grow many small floures of the fashion of the Vetch or Lentill but of a blew colour tending to purple and after them come smal cods wherein the seed is contained ¶ The Place The first and second grow vpon Barton hill foure miles from Lewton in Bedfordshire vpon both the sides of the hill and likewise vpon the grassie balks between the lands of corn two miles from Cambridge neere to a water mill towards London diuers other places by the way from London to Cambridge the rest are strangers in England ¶ The Time These plants do floure in Iuly their seed is ripe shortly after ¶ The Names It is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or without a name among the later writers the old and antient Physitions do call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for all those things that are found written in Dioscorides or Pliny concerning 〈◊〉 doe especially agree hereunto Dioscorides writeth thus Onobrychis hath leaues like a Lentill but longer a stalk a span high a crimson floure a little root it groweth in moist and vntilled places and Pliny in like manner Onobrychis hath the leaues of a Lentill somwhat longer a red floure a small and slender root it groweth about springs or fountaines of water All which things and euery 〈◊〉 are in this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or namelesse herbe as
note concerning some plants mentioned by our Author which I haue thought fitting here to impart to the Reader he writes not who it was that writ them wherefore I cannot acquaint you with his name but thanke him though vnknowne for his desire to manifest the truth and satisfie our doubts in these particulars BEcause you write that Gerards Herbal is vpon a review I haue thought good to put you in mind what I haue obserued touching some plants which by him are affirmed to grow in our Northern parts first the plant called Pirola which he saith groweth in 〈◊〉 I haue made search for it the space of twentie yeares but no such is to be heard of Sea Campion with a red floure was told him groweth in Lancashire no such hath euer bin seen by such as dwell neere where they should grow White Fox-gloues grow naturally in Lansdale saith he it is very rare to see one in Lansdale Garden Rose he writes groweth about Leiland in Glouers field wilde I haue learned the truth from those to whom this Glouers field did belong and I finde no such thing only aboundance of red wilde poppie which the people call Corne-rose is there seene White Whortles as he saith grow at Crosby in Westmerland and vpon Wendle hill in Lancashire I haue sought Crosbie very diligently for this plant and others which are said to grow there but none could I finde nor can I heare of any of the countrey people in these parts who dayly are labouring vpon the mountains where the VVortle berries abound that any white ones haue been seene sauing that those which Gerard calls red Whortles and they are of a very pale white green till they be full ripe so as when the ripe ones looke red the vnripe ones looke white Cloud 〈◊〉 assuredly is no other than Knout berrie Heskets Prim-rose groweth in Clap-dale If Mr. Hesket found it there it was some extraordinary luxurious floure for now I am well assured no such is there to be seene but it is onely cherished in our gardens Gerard saith many of these Northerne plants do grow in Cragge close In the North euery town and village neere any craggie ground both with vs in Westmerland haue closes so called wherby Gerards Cragge close is kept close from our knowledge Chamaemorus seu Vaccinia nubis Knot or Knout-berrie or Cloud-berrie THis Knot Knout or Cloud-berrie for by all these names it is knowne to vs in the North and taketh these names from the high mountaines whereon it groweth and is perhaps as Gerard saith one of the brambles though without any prickles hath roots as small as packe thred which creepe far abroad vnder the ground of an ouerworne red colour here and there thrusting more fastly in to the mossie hillockes tufts of small threddie strings and at certaine 〈◊〉 putting vp small stalks rather tough than wooddy halfe a foot high somthing reddish below on which do grow two or three leaues of a reasonable sad green colour with foot 〈◊〉 an inch long one aboue another without order the highest is but little and seldome well spread open they are something 〈◊〉 crispie full of nerues in euery part notched about the edges and with some foure gashes a little deeper than the rest whereby the whole leafe is lightly diuided into fiue portions On the top of the stalk commeth one floure consisting of foure sometimes of fiue leaues apiece very white and tender and rather crumpled than plaine with some few short yellow threds in the midst it standeth in a little greene husk of fiue leaues out of which when the floure fades commeth the fruit composed of diuers graines like that of the bramble as of eight ten or twelue sometimes of 〈◊〉 and perhaps through some mischance but of three or two so ioined as they make some resemblance of a heart from whence it may be hath grown that errour in Gerard of diuiding this plant into kinds 〈◊〉 fruit is first witish greene after becommeth yellow and reddish on that side next the Sun It groweth naturally in a blacke moist earth or mosse whereof the countrie maketh a fewel we call Turfe and that vpon the tops of wet fells and mountains among the Heath mosse and brake as about Ingleborow in the West part of York-shire on Graygreth a high fell on the edge of Lancashire on Stainmor such a like place in Westmerland and other such like high places The leaues come forth in May and in the beginning of Iune the floures 〈◊〉 fruit is not ripe till late in Iuly The berries haue a harsh and something vnpleasant taste THis worke was begun to be printed before such time as we receiued all the figures from beyond the Seas which was the occasion I omitted these following in their fitting places but thinking it not fit to omit them wholly hauing them by me I wil giue you them with their titles and the reference to the places wherto they belong * In August last whiles this worke was in the Presse and drawing to an end I and Mr. William Broad were at Chissel-hurst with my oft mentioned friend Mr. George Bowles and going ouer the heath there I obserued this small Spartum whose figure I here giue and whereof you shall find mention in the place noted vnder the title of the figure but it is not there described for that I had not seen it nor could finde the description therof in any Author but in Dutch which I neither had nor vnderstood Now this little Matweed hath some small creeping stringy roots on which grow somwhat thick heads consisting of three or foure leaues as it were wrapt together in one skin biggest below and so growing smaller vpwards as in Schaenanth vntill they grow vp to the height of halfe an inch then these rushie greene leaues whereof the longest scarce exceeds two inches breake out of these whitish skins wherein they were wrapped and lye along vpon the ground and amongst these growes vp a small grassie stalke some handfull or better high bending backe the top which carries two rowes of small chaffie seeds It is in the perfection about the beginning of August FINIS Cyperus Indicus siue Curcuma Turmericke Pag. 33. Lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iuncus minor capitulis Equiseti Club-Rush Pag. 35. Lib. 1. 〈◊〉 29. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Spartum nostras parvum Lobelij Heath Mat-weed Pag. 41. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 34. the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flores The floures of 〈◊〉 Hay Pag. 43. 〈◊〉 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 INDEX LATINVS STIRPIVM IN HOC opere descriptarum necnon nomina quaedam Graeca Arabica Barbara c. A 〈◊〉 mas faem 1363 Marina Belg. Clus. 1574 Abiga 517 Abrotanum mas faem 〈◊〉 reliquae spec 1106. 1107 Absinthium latifolium tenuif 1096 Austriacum 1098 Marinum 1099 Album Aegypt 1101 Inodorum Abrotani faem facie 1102. Abutilon 935 Acacia Dios. 1330. 1331 Acanthus 〈◊〉 syl 1147 Virgilij 1603 〈◊〉 album 〈◊〉 1149 Acarna 1175 Accipitrina 300 Acer 〈◊〉
many other places Small Hard-grasse groweth in moist fresh marishes and such like places Rush-grasse groweth in salt marishes neere vnto the sea where the marishes haue beene ouerflowne with salt water ‡ It also groweth in many wet woods lanes and such places as in the lane going by Totenham Court towards Hampstead The lesser varietie hereof growes on the bogges vpon Hampstead heath ‡ ¶ The Time These kindes of Grasses do grow floure and flourish when the common Medow grasse doth ¶ The Names It sufficeth what hath beene said of the names in the description as well in English as Latine onely that some haue deemed White Dwarfe-grasse to be called Xerampelinum Rush-grasse hath been taken for Holosteum Matthioli ‡ ¶ The Names in particular 1 This I here giue you in the first place is the Gramenminimum Xerampelinum of Lobel it is the Gramen of Matthiolus and Gramen bulbosum of Daleschampius Our Author did not vnderstand what Xerampelinus signified when as he said the white Dwarfe-grasse was so termed for the word imports red or murrey such a colour as the withered leaues of Vines are of 2. Tabern calls this Gramen panniculatum minus 3. Lobel calls this Exile Gramen durius 4. This by Matthiolus was called Holostium by Thalius Gramen epigonatocaulon by Tabernamontanus Gra. 〈◊〉 that is Toad-grasse ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues These kindes of Grasses doe agree as it is thought with the common 〈◊〉 grasse in nature and vertues notwithstanding they haue not beene vsed in physicke as yet that I can reade of †The first figure was onely a varietie of the second according to 〈◊〉 yet in my iudgement it was the same with the third which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 CHAP. 3. Of Corne-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 COrne-grasse hath many grassie leaues resembling those of Rie or rather Otes amongst the which commeth vp slender benty stalkes kneed or ioynted like those of corne whereupon groweth a faire tuft or pannicle not much vnlike to the feather-like tuft of common Reed but rounder compact together like vnto Millet The root is threddy like those of Otes 1 Gramen segetale Corne-grasse 2 Gramen 〈◊〉 Reed-grasse or Bent. 2 Reed-grasse hath many thin grassie leaues like the former the bushy top with his long feather-like pannicles doresemble the common Reed which is lightly shaken with the winde branched vpon a long slender reeden stalke kneed or ioynted like corne The root is small and fibrous ¶ The Place and Time These kindes of Grasses grow for the most part neere hedges in fallow fields in most places Their time of springing flouring and fading may be referred to the common Medow-grasse The Names †The first is called in English Corne-grasse Lobelius calls this Segetum gramen pannicula speciosa latiore others termeit Gramen segetale for that it vsually groweth among corne the which I haue not as yet seene The second is called in English Reed-grasse of Lobelius in Latine Gramen agrorum latiore arundinacea comosa pannicula for that his tuft or pannicles do resemble the Reed and Spicaventi agrorum by reason of his feather-top which is easily shaken with the wind ‡ Some in English much agreeable to the Latine name call these Windle-strawes Now I take this last to be the Grasse with which we in London do vsually adorne our chimneys in Sommer time and we commonly call the bundle of it handsomely made vp for our vse by the name of Bents ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These Grasses are thought to agree with common Grasse as well in temperature as vertues although not vsed in physicke CHAP. 4. Of Millet Grasse 1 Gramen Miliaceum Millet Grasse 2 Gramen majus aquaticum Great Water-grasse ¶ The Description 1 MIllet Grasse is but a slender Grasse bearing a tuft or eare like vnto the common Medow-grasse but consisting of small seeds or chaffie heads like to Milium or 〈◊〉 whereof it tooke the name The stalke or leaues do resemble the Bent wherewith countrey people do trimme their houses 2 The great Water-grasse in root leafe tuft and reeden stalke doth very well resemble the Grasse called in Latine Gramen sulcatum or Pictum and by our English women Lady-laces because it is stript or furrowed with white and greene streakes like silke laces but yet differs from that that this Water grasse doth get vnto it selfe some new roots from the middle of the stalks and ioynts which the other doth not ‡ This is a large Grasse hauing stalkes almost as thicke as ones little finger with the leaues answerable vnto them and a little rougish the tuft is somewhat like a reed but lesse and whitish coloured ‡ ¶ The Place 〈◊〉 Nature and Vertues The former growes in medowes and about hedges and the later is to be found in most fenny and watery places and haue their vertues and natures common with the other Grasses for any thing that wee can finde in writing The reason of their names may be gathered out of the description CHAP. 5. Of Darnell Grasse ¶ The Description 1 DArnell Grasse or Gramen Sorghinum as Lobel hath very properly termed it hath a brownish stalke thicke and knotty set with long sharpe leaues like vnto the common Dogs Grasse at the top whereof groweth a tuft or eare of a grayish colour somwhat like 〈◊〉 whereof it tooke his name 1 Gramen Sorghinum Darnell Grasse †2 Gramen harundinaceum panniculatum Wilde Reed ‡ 3 Gramen arundinaceum minus The lesser Reed-Grasse ‡ 3 This in root stalkes and leaues is like to the last described but that they are lesser the top or head is a long single spike or eare not seuered or parted into many eares like 〈◊〉 top of the precedent and by 〈◊〉 and the magnitude it may chiefely be distinguished from it This was in the twelfth place in the sixteenth chapter vnder the title of Gramen harundinaceum minus and the Calamogrostis but now described was also there againe in the eleuenth place ‡ ¶ The Place The first growes in fields and orchards almost euery where the other grow in fenny waterish places ¶ The Names 2 This in Lincolneshire is called Sheere-grasse or Henne in other parts of England wild Reed in Latine Calamogrostis out of the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As for their natures and vertues we doe not finde any great vse of them worth the setting downe CHAP. 6. Of Feather-top Ferne and Wood-grasse ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis might fitly haue beene put to those mentioned in the foregoing chapter but that our Author determined it for this as may appeare by the mention made of it in the names as also by the description hereof framed from the figure we here giue you ‡ This Grasse is garnished with chaffie and downie tufts set vpon a long benty stalke of two cubits high or somewhat more naked without any blades or leaues for the most part His root is tough and hard ‡ The top is commonly of a
Grasse and vsually of our English women it is called Lady-laces or painted Grasse in French Aiguillettes d'armes ¶ The Nature and Vertues The vertues are referred vnto the Dogs-grasses CHAP. 20. Of Dew-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 DEw-grasse hath very hard and tough roots long and fibrous the stalkes are great of three or foure cubits high very rough and hairy ioynted and kneed like the common Reed the leaues are large and broad like vnto corne The 〈◊〉 or eare is diuided into sundry branches chaffie and of a purple colour wherein is contained seed like Milium wherewith the Germanes do make pottage and such like meat as we in England do with Otemeale and it is sent into Middleborough and other townes of the Low-countries in great quantitie for the same purpose as Lobel hath told me 2 The second kinde of Dew-grasse or Ischaemon is somewhat like the first kinde of Medow-grasse resembling one the other in leaues and stalkes sauing that the crest or tust is spred or stretched out abroad like a Cocks foot set downe vpon the ground whereupon it was called Galli 〈◊〉 by Apuleius These tops are cleere and vpright of a glistering purple colour or rather violet and it is diuided into foure or fiue branches like the former Dew-grasse The root consists of a great many small fibres ‡ 3 To these may fitly be added another Grasse which Clusius hath iudged to be the medicinall Grasse of the Antients and Lobel referres it to the Dogs grasses because it hath a root iointed thicke and creeping like as the Dogs-grasses the stalkes are some foot high round and of a purplish colour but the top is very like to that of the last described of a darke purple colour 1 Gramen Mannae esculentum Dew-grasse 2 Ischaemon vulgare Cocks-foot grasse ¶ The Place and Time 1 The first groweth naturally in Germanie Bohemia Italy and in the territories of 〈◊〉 and Carinthia as Matthiolus reporteth 2 The second groweth neere vnto rough bankes of fields as I haue seene in the hilly bankes neere Greenhithe in Kent It differeth not in time from those we haue spoken of ‡ 3 Gramen dactiloides radice repente Cocks-foot Grassewith 〈◊〉 roots ‡ 3 This groweth plentifully in most parts of Spaine and France and it is probable that this was the grasse that our Author found neere Greenhithe in Kent ¶ The Names 1 The Germanes call it 〈◊〉 That is to say Coeli ros whereupon it was called Gramen Mannae it seemeth to be Milij syluestris spurium quoddam genus a certaine wilde or bastard kinde of Millet Leonicenus and Ruellius name it Capriola and Sanguinaria some would haue it to be Gramen 〈◊〉 Plinij but because the description thereof is very short nothing can be certainly affirmed But they are far deceiued who thinke it be Coronopus as some very learned haue set downe but euery one in these dayes is able to controll that errour Lobel calleth it Gramen Mannae esculentum for that in Germany and other parts as 〈◊〉 and Italy they vse to eate the same as a kind of bread-corne and also make pottage therewith as wee do with Otemeale for the which purpose it is there sowen as Corne and sent into the Low-countries and there sold by the pound In English it may be called Manna-grasse or Dew-grasse but more fitly Rice-grasse 2 This is iudged to be Ischaemon of Pliny and Galli crus of Apuleius ¶ The 〈◊〉 These Grasses are astringent and drying in 〈◊〉 sweet like the common Dogs-grasse ¶ The Vertues Apuleius saith if a plaister be made of this Grasse Hogs grease and leuen of household bread it cureth the biting of mad dogs As in the description I told you this plant in his tuft or eare is diuided into sundry branches some tuft into three some foure and some fiue clouen parts like Cocks toes Apuleius reporteth If ye take that eare which is diuided onely into three parts it wonderfully helpeth the running or dropping of the eyes and those that begin to be bleare eyed being bound about the necke and so vsed for certaine dayes together it turneth the humors away from the weake part ‡ Manna Grasse or Rice-grasse is said to be very good to be put into pultesses to discusse hard swellings in womens brests The Cocks-foot Dogs-grasse is very good in all cases as the other Dogs-grasses are and equally as 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ CHAP. 21. Of diuers Cyperus Grasses ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THe first of these hath reasonable strong fibrous roots from whence rise stiffe long and narrow leaues like those of other Cyperus Grasses the stalkes also as it is proper to all the plants of this kindred are three square bearing at their tops some three brownish eares soft and chaffie like the rest of this kinde and standing vpright and not hanging downe as some others do 2 This hath pretty thicke creeping blacke roots from whence arise three square stalkes set with leaues shorter yet broader than those of the last described and from the top of the stalke come forth three or foure foot-stalkes whereupon doe hang longish rough scaly and yellowish heads ‡ 1 Gramen Cyperoides angustifolium majus Great narrow leaued Cyperus Grasse ‡ 2 Pseudocyperus Bastard Cyperus ¶ 3 Cyperus longus inodorus syluestris Long Bastard Cyperus 4 This Cyperus hath creeping blacke roots hauing here and there knotty tuberous heads for the most part putting vp leaues like those of the last described as also a stalke bearing at the top long chaffy eares like to some others of this kinde 5 This Cyperus Grasse hath pretty thicke fibrous and blacke roots from whence ariseth a stalke some cubit high pretty stiffe triangular ioynted set at each ioynt with a large greene leafe which at the bottome incompasses the stalke which is omitted in the figure At the top of the stalke as in the true Cyperus come forth two or three pretty large leaues betweene which rise vp many small foot-stalkes very much branched and bearing many blacke seeds somewhat like Millet or rushes ¶ The Place and Time All these grow in ditches and 〈◊〉 places and are to be found with their heads about the middle of Sommer and some of them sooner ¶ The Names The first of these by Lobel is called Gramen palustre majus 2 This by Gesuer Lobel and Dodonaeus is called Pseudocyperus 3 Lobel names this Cyperus longus inodor us syluestris 4 He also calls this Cyperus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5 This is the Cyperus graminea 〈◊〉 of Lobel and Pena the Iuncus latus in the Histor. Lugd. pag. 988. and the Pseudocyperus polycarpos of Thalius ‡ 4 Cypcrus rotundus inodorus syluestris Round Bastard Cyperus ‡ 5 Cyperus gramineus miliaceus Millet Cyperus grasse ¶ The Temper and Vertue None of these are made vse of in physicke but by their taste they seeme to be of a cold and astringent qualitie ‡ ‡ CHAP. 22. Of diuers other Grasses ¶ The Description ‡ 1 THis Ote or Hauer-grasse described by Clusius
hath small creeping roots the stalks are some cubit high slender ioynted and set with short narrow leaues at the top of the stalke growes the eare long slender and bending composed of downy huskes containing a seed like to a naked Ote The seed is ripe in Iuly It growes in the mountainous and shadowie woods of Hungary Austria and Bohemia Our Author mistaking himselfe in the figure and as much in the title gaue the figure of this for Burnt Barley with this title Hordeum Distichon See the former edition pag. 66. 2 I cannot omit this elegant Grasse found by M. Goodyer vpon the wals of the antient city of Winchester and not described as yet by any that I know of It hath a fibrous and stringy root from which arise leaues long and narrow which growing old become round as those of Spartum or Mat-weed amongst these grassie leaues there growes vp a slender stalke some two foot long scarse standing vpright but oft times hanging down the head or top of the eare it hath some two ioints and at each of these a pretty grassy leafe The eare is almost a foot in length composed of many small and slender hairy tufts which when they come to maturitie looke of a grayish or whitish colour and do very well resemble a Capons taile whence my friend the first obseruer thereof gaue it the title of Gramen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Capons-taile Grasse by which name I receiued the seed thereof which sowen tooke root and flourishes ‡ 1 Gra. montanum avenaceum Mountaine Hauer-grasse ‡ 2 Gramen murorum spica 〈◊〉 Capon-taile Grasse 3 Next to this I thinke fit to place the Gramen Cristatum or Cocks-combe grasse of 〈◊〉 This Grasse hath for the root many white fibrous threds thicke packt together the leaues are but short about the bignesse of the ordinarie medow grasse the stalks are some cub it and halfe high with some two or three knots a piece the leaues of the stalke are some foure or fiue inches long the eare is small longish of a pale greene colour somewhat bending so that in some sort it resembles the combe of a Cocke or the seed-vessell of that plant which is called Caput Gallinaccum This is ordinarily to be found in most medowes about Mid-summer 4 There is also commonly about the same time in our medowes to be found a Grasse growing to some cub it high hauing a small stalke at the top whereof there growes an eare some inch and an halfe or two inches long consisting as it were of two rankes of corne it very much resembles Rieboth in shape and colour and in his short bearded awnes wherefore it may very fitly be termed Gramen secalinum or Rie-grasse Yet is it not Gramen spica secalina which Bauhine describes in the fifty seuenth place in his Prodromus pag. 18. for that is much taller and the eare much larger than this of my description 5 In diuers places about hedges in Iuly and August is to be found a fine large tall Grasse which Bauhine who also first described it hath vnder the name of Gramen spica 〈◊〉 This hath stalkes as tall as Rie but not so thicke neither are the leaues so broad at the top of the stalk grow diuers pretty little flattish eares consisting of two rankes of 〈◊〉 huskes or seed-vessells which haue yellowish little floures like to those of Wheat 6 There is also commonly to be found about May or the beginning of Iune in medowes and such places that grasse which in the Historia Lugdun is set forth vnder the 〈◊〉 of Cramen Lanatum Daleschampij the stalkes and leaues are much like the common 〈◊〉 grasse but that they are more whitish and hairy the head or panicle is also soft and woolly and it is commonly of a gray or else a murrie colour 7 There is to be found in some bogs in Summer time about the end of Iuly a pretty rushie grasse some foote or better in height the stalke is hard and rushie hauing some three ioints at each whereof therecomes forth aleafe as in other grasses and out of the bosome of the two vppermost of these leaues comes out a slender stalke being some 2 or 3 inches high and at the top thereof growes as in a little vmble a prety white 〈◊〉 floure and at or nigh to the top of the maine stalke there grow three or foure such sloures clustering together vpon little short and slender foot stalkes the leaues are but small and some handfull or better long the roote I did not obserue This seemes to haue some 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 junceum aquaticum formerly described in the ninth chapter I neuer found this but once and that was in the companie of M. Thomas Smith and M. Iames Clarke Apothecaries of London we riding into Windsore Forest 〈◊〉 the search of rare plants and we found this vpon a bogge neere the high way side at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the great parke I thinke it may very fitly be called Gramen 〈◊〉 leucanthemum White 〈◊〉 rush-grasse 8 The last yeare at Margate in the Isle of Tenet neere to the sea side and by the chalky 〈◊〉 I obserued a pretty litle grasse which from a small white fibrous roote sent vp a number of 〈◊〉 of an vnequall height for the longest which were those that lay partly spred vpon the 〈◊〉 were some handfull high the other that grew straight vp were not so much and of this one inch and halfe was taken vp in the spike or eare which was no thicker than the rest of the stalke and seemed nothing else but a plaine smooth stalke vnlesse you looked vpon it earnestly and then you might perceiue it to be like Darnell grasse wherefore in the Iournal that I wrot of this Simpling voyage I called it pag. 3. Gramen parvum marinum spica Loliacea I iudge it to be the 〈◊〉 that Bauhinc in his Prodromus pag. 19 hath set forth vnder the name of Gramen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spica simplici It may be called in English Dwarfe Darnell Grasse 9 The Darnell grasse that I compared the eare of this last described vnto is not the Gramen 〈◊〉 which our Author called Darnel-grasse but another grasse growing in most places with stalkes about some span high but they seldome stand vpright the eare is made iust like that which hereafter chap. 58. is called Lolium rubrum Red Darnell of which I iudge this a variety differing little therefrom but in smallnesse of growth 10 Vpon Hampsted heath I haue often obserued a small grasse whose longest leaues are seldome aboue two or three inches high and these leaues are very greene small and perfectly round like the Spartum Austriacum or Feather-grasse I could neuer finde any stalke or eare vpon it wherefore I haue brought it into the Garden to obserue it better In the forementioned Iournall pag. 33. you may finde it vnder the name of Gramen Spartium capillacco folio minimum It may be this is that grasse which
Bauhine set forth in his Prodromus pag. 11. vnder the title of Gramen sparteum Monspeliacum capillacco folio minimum I haue thought good in 〈◊〉 place to explaine my meaning by these two names to such as are studious of plants which may happen to light by chance for they were not intended for publicke vpon our Iournall that they need not doubt of my meaning 11 I must not passe ouer in silence two other Grasses which for any thing that I know are strangers with vs the one I haue seene whith M. Parkinson and it is set forth by Bauhine pag. 30. of his Prodromus The other by Lobell in the second part of his Adversaria pag. 468. The first which Bauhine fitly calls Gramen alopecuriodes spica aspera and thinkes it to be Gram. Echinatum Daleschampij described Hist. Lugd. pag. 432. hath a fibrous and white root from which arises a stiffe stalke diuided by many knots or knees the leaues are like to the other fox-taile grasses but grecner the eare is rough of some inch in length and growes as it were vpon one side of the stalke the eare at first is greene and shewes yellowish little flowers in August 12 This other Grasse which Lobell in the quoted place figures and describes by the name of Gramen Scoparium Ischaemi panniculis Gallicum hath rootes some cubit long slender and very stiffe for of these are made the head brushes which are vulgarly vsed the straw is slender and some cubit high being heere and there ioynted like to other Grasses the top hath foure or fiue eares standing after the manner of Cocks foot Grasse whereof it is a kinde It growes naturally about Orleance and may be called in English Brush-grasse ‡ CHAP. 23. Of Cotton Grasse ¶ The Description 1 THis strange Cotton grasse which L'Obelius hath comprehended vnder the kindes of Rushes notwithstanding that it may passe with the Rushes yet I finde in mine owne experience that it doth rather resemble grasse than rushes and may indifferently be taken for either for that it doth participate of both The stalke is small and rushy garnished with many grassy leaues alongst the same bearing at the top a bush or tuft of most pleasant downe or cotton like vnto the most fine and soft white silke The root is very tough small and threddy 2 This Water Gladiole or grassy Rush of all others is the fairest and most pleasant to behold and serueth very well for the decking and trimming vp of houses because of the beauty and braueric thereof consisting of sundry small leaues of a white colour mixed with carnation growing at the top of a bare and naked stalke fiue or six foot long and sometime more The leaues are long and flaggy not much vnlike the common reed The root is threddy and not long 1 Gramen Tomentarium Cotton Grasse 2 Gladiolus palustris Cordi Water Gladiole ¶ The place and time 1 Cotton grasse groweth vpon bogs and such like moorish places and it is to be seene vpon the bogs on Hampsted heath It groweth likewise in Highgate parke neere London 2 Water Gladiole groweth in standing pooles motes and water ditches I found it in great plenty being in company with a Worshipfull Gentleman Master Robert Wilbraham at a Village fifteene miles from London called Bushey It groweth likewise neere Redriffe by London and many other places the season answereth all others ¶ The Names 1 Gramen Tomentosum is called likewise Iuncus bombicinus of Cordus Linum pratense and Gnaphalium Hicronymi Bockij In English Cotton grasse 2 Water Gladiole is called of L' Obelius Iuncus Cyperoides floridus paludosus Flowring Cypresse Rush Iuncus for that his stalke is like the rush Cyperoides because his leaues resemble Cyperus Floridus because it hath on the top of euery stalke a fine vmble or tuft of small flowers in fashion of the Lilly of Alexandria the which it is very like and therefore I had rather call it Lilly graffe The nature and vertues Cordus saith That Iuncus bombicinus sodden in wine and so taken helpeth the throwes and gripings of the belly that women haue in their childing There be also sundry kinds of Grasses wholly vnknowne or at the least not remembred of the old Writers whereof some few are touched in name onely by the late and new Writers now for as much as they haue onely named them I will referre the better consideration of them to the industrie and diligence of painefull searchers of nature and prosecute my purposed labour to vnfold the diuers sorts and manifold kindes of Cyperus Flags and Rushes and because that there is added vnto many of the Grasses before mentioned this difference Cyperoides that is to say resembling Cyperus I thought it therefore expedient to ioyne next vnto the history of grasses the discourse of Cyperus and his kindes which are as follow CHAP. 24. Of English Galingale 1 Cyperus longus English Galingale 2 Cyperus rotundus vulgaris Round Galingale ¶ The Description 1 ENglish Galingale hath leaues like vnto the common Reed but lesser and shorter His stalke is three square two cubits high vpon whose top stand sundry branches euery little branch bearing many small chaffy spikes The root is blacke and very long creeping hither and thither occupying much ground by reason of his spreading it is of a most sweet and pleasant smell when it is broken 2 The common round Cyperus is like the former in leaues and tops but the roots are here and there knotty and round and not altogether so well smelling as the former ‡ 3 There is also another Cyperus which growes in Syria and Aegypt whose roots are round blackish and large many hanging vpon one string and hauing a quicke and aromaticke smell the leaues and spokyn-tufts resemble the former 4 There is said to be another kinde of this last described which is lesser and the roots are blacker and it growes in Creet now called Candy 5 There is also another round Cyperus which growes about ditches and the bankes of Riuers whereas the salt water sometimes comes the roots of this are hard and blacke without smell many hanging sometimes vpon one string the stalke and leaues are much like the former but the heads vnlike for they are rough and blackish about the bignesse of a filbert and hang some six or seuen at the top of the stalke It floures in Iuly and August ‡ 5 Cyperus rotundus littorcus Round Salt-marsh Cyperus ¶ The place and time 1 2 The first and second of these grow naturally in fenny grounds yet will they prosper exceedingly in gardens as experience hath taught vs. 3 4 The former of these growes naturally in Syria and Aegypt the later in Candy 5 This growes plentifully in the Marishes below Grauesend in Shipey Tenet and other places ¶ The name in generall Cyperus is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines as well Cypirus as Cyperus of some Iuncus quadratus of Pliny Iuncus Angulosus
soporiferous and therefore the greater care must be had in the administration thereof lest in prouoking sleepe you induce a drow sinesse or dead sleepe CHAP. 30. Of Reeds ¶ The kindes OF Reeds the Ancients haue set downe many sorts 〈◊〉 hath brought them all first into two principall kindes and those hath he diuided againe into moe sorts The two principall are these Auleticae or Tibiales Arundines and Arundo vallatoria Of these and the rest we will speake in their proper places 1 Arundo vallatoria Common Reed 2 Arundo Cypria Cypresse Canes ¶ The Description 1 THe common Reed hath long strawie stalkes full of knotty joints or knees like vnto corne whereupon do grow very long rough flaggy leaues The tuft or spoky eare doth grow at the top of the stalkes browne of colour barren and without seed and doth resemble a bush of feathers which turneth into fine downe or cotton which is carried away with the winde The root is thicke long and full of strings dispersing themselues farre abroad wherby it doth greatly increase ‡ Bauhinus reports That he receiued from D. Cargill a Scottishman a Reed whose leaues were a cubit long and two or three inches broad with some nerues apparantly running alongst the leafe these leaues at the top were diuided into two three or foure points or parts as yet I haue not obserued it Bauhine termes it Arundo Anglica 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 dissectis ‡ 1 The Cypresse Reed is a great Reed hauing stalkes exceeding long sometimes twenty or thirty foot high of a woody substance set with very great leaues like those of Turky wheate It carrieth at the top the like downie tuft that the former doth 3 Arundo farcta Stuffed Canes 4 Calamus sagittalis Lobelij Small stuffed Reed 5 Nastos Clusij Turky walking staues 6 Arundo scriptoria Turky writing Reeds 3 These Reeds Lobelius hath seene in the Low countries brought from Constantinople where 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 said the people of that countrey haue procured them 〈◊〉 the parts of the Adriaticke sea side where they do grow They are full stuft with a spongeous substance so that there is no hollownesse in the same as in Canes other Reeds except here and there certaine small pores or passages of the bignesse of a pinnes point in manner such a pith as is to be found in the Bull-Rush but more firme and solid 4 The second differeth in smalnesse and that it will winde open in fleakes otherwise they are very like and are vsed for darts arrowes and such like 5 This great sort of Reeds or Canes hath no particular description to answer your expectation for that as yet there is not any man which hath written thereof especially of the manner of growing of them either of his owne knowledge or report from others so that it shall 〈◊〉 that yee know that that great cane is vsed especially in Constantinople and thereabout of aged and wealthy Citisens and also Noblemen and such great personages to make them walking staues of caruing them at the top with sundry Scutchions and pretty toyes of imagerie for the beautifying of them and so they of the better sort do garnish them both with siluer and gold as the figure doth most liuely set forth vnto you 6 In like manner the smaller sort hath not as yet beene seene growing of any that haue beene curious in herbarisme whereby they might set downe any certaintie thereof onely it hath beene vsed in Constantinople and thereabout euen to this day to make writing pens withall for the which it doth very fitly serue as also to make pipes and such like things of pleasure ¶ The place The common Reed groweth in standing waters and in the edges and borders of riuers almost euery where and the other being the angling Cane for Fishers groweth in Spaine and those hot Regions ¶ The time They flourish and flower from April to the end of September at what time they are cut down for the vse of man as all do know ¶ The Names The common Reed is called Arundo and Harundo vallatoria in French Roseau in Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Canne a far siepo of Diosc. Phragmitis in English Reed Arundo Cypria or after Lobelius Arundo Donax in French Canne in Spanish Cana in Italian Calami a far Connochia In English Pole reed and Cane or Canes ¶ The nature Reeds are hot and dry in the second degree as Galen saith ¶ The vertues The roots of reed stamped smal draw forth thorns and splinters 〈◊〉 in any part of mans body The same stamped with vineger ease all luxations and members out of ioynt And likewise stamped they heale hot and 〈◊〉 inflammations The ashes of them mixed with vineger helpeth the scales and scurfe of the head and helpeth the falling of the haire The great Reed or Cane is not vsed in physicke but is esteemed to make slears for 〈◊〉 sundry sorts of pipes as also to light candles that stand before Images and to make hedges and pales as we do of laths and such like and also to make certaine diuisions in ships to diuide the sweet oranges from the sowre the pomecitron and lemmons likewise in sunder and many other purposes CHAP. 31. Of Sugar Cane ¶ The Description 1 SVgar Cane is a pleasant and profitable Reed hauing long stalkes seuen or eight foot high ioynted or kneed like vnto the great Cane the leaues come forth of euerie joynt on euery side of the stalke one like vnto wings long narrow and sharpe pointed The Cane it selfe or stalke is not hollow as other Canes or Reeds are but full and stuffed 〈◊〉 a spongeous substance in taste exceeding sweet The root is great and long creeping along within the vpper crust of the earth which is likewise sweet and pleasant but lesse hard or woody than other Canes or Reeds from the which there doth shoot forth many yong siens which are cut away from the maine or mother plant because they should not draw away the nourishment from the old stocke and so get vnto themselues a little moisture or else some substance not much worth and cause the stocke to be barren and themselues little the better which shoots do serue for plants to set abroad for encrease Arundo Saccharina Sugar Cane ¶ The place The Sugar Cane groweth in many parts of Europe at this day as in Spaine Portugal Olbia and in Prouence It groweth also in Barbarie generally almost euery where in the Canarie Islands and in those of Madera in the East and West Indies and many other places My selfe did plant some shoots thereof in my garden and some in Flanders did the like but the coldnesse of our clymate made an end of mine and I thinke the Flemings will haue the like profit of their labour ¶ The time This Cane is planted at any time of the yeare in those hot countries where it doth naturally grow by reason they 〈◊〉 no frosts to hurt the yong shoots at their first planting ¶ The Names
made hereof but generally with the herbe Spartum described in the 〈◊〉 Chapter CHAP. 34. Of Mat-Weed ¶ The kindes There be diuers kindes of Mat-Weeds as shall be declared in their seuerall descriptions ¶ The Description THe herbe Spartum as Pliny saith growerh of it selfe and sendeth forth from the root a multitude of slender rushie leaues of a cubit high or higher tough and pliable of a whitish colour which in time drawetll narrow together making the flat leafe to become round as is the Rush. The stub or stalke thereof beareth at the top certaine feather-like tufts comming forth of a sheath or huske among the which chaffie huskes is contained the seed long and chaffie The root consisterh of many strings folding one within another by meanes whereof it commeth to the forme of a turfe or hassocke 1 Spartum Plinij Clufio Plinies Mat-Weed 2 Spartum alterum Plinij Hooded Mat-Weed 2 The second likewise Pliny describeth to haue a long stalke not much vnlike to Reed but lesser whereupon do grow many grassie leaues rough and pliant hard in handling as are the Rushes A spokie chaffie tuft groweth at the top of the stalke comming forth of a hood or sinewie sheath such as encloseth the flowers of Onions Leekes Narcissus and such like before they come to flowring with seed and roots like the precedent 3 English Mat-weed hath a rushie root deepely creeping and growing in heapes of sand and grauell from the which arise stiffe and sharpe pointed leaues a 〈◊〉 and a halfe long of a whitish colour very much resembling those of Camels hay The stalke groweth to the height of a cubit or more whereupon doth grow a spike ‡ or eare of some fiue or six inches long somwhat resembling Rie it is the thicknesse of a finger in the midst and smaller towards both the ends The seed is browne as small as Canarie seed but round and somewhat sharpe at the one end ‡ Of this plant neither Sheepe nor any other Cattle will raste or eate 4 The other English Mat-Weed is like vnto the former sauing that the roots of this are long not vnlike to Dogs Grasse but do not thrust deepe into the ground but creepe onely vnder the vpper crust of the earth The tuft or eare is 〈◊〉 and more resembling the head of Canary seed than that of Rie ‡ 5 Lobell giues a figure of another smaller Rush leaued Spartum with small heads but hee hath not described it in his Latine Workes 〈◊〉 I can say nothing certainly of it 6 To this kindred must be added the Feathered Grasse though not partaking with the former in place of growth Now it hath many small leaues of a foots length round green and sharp pointed not much in forme vnlike the first described Mat-weed but much lesse amongst these leaues rise vp many small stalkes not exceeding the height of the leaues which beare a spike vnlike the forementioned Mat-weeds hauing 3 or foure 〈◊〉 ending in or sending vp very fine white Feathers resembling the smaller sort of feathers of the wings of the Bird of Paradise The root consists of many small grassie sibres 3 Spartum Anglicanum English Mat-Weed or Helme 4 Spartum Anglicanum alterum Small English Mat-Weed or Helme ‡ 6 Spartum Austriacum Feather-Grasse ¶ The place 1 2 These two grow in diuers places of Spaine 3 I being in company with M. Tho. Hicks William Broad and three other London 〈◊〉 besides in August 1632 to finde out rare plants in the Island of Tenet found this bigger English one in great plentie as soone as we came to the sea side going betweene Margate and Sandwich 4 5 These it may be grow also vpon our Coasts howeuer they grow neere the sea side in diuers parts of the Low-Countries 6 This elegant Plant Clusius first obserued to grow naturally in the mountaines nigh to the Bathes of Baden in Germany and in diuers places of Austria and Hungarie It is nourished for the beautie in sundrie of our English gardens ¶ The time These beare their heads in the middle and some in the later end of Sommer ¶ The Names 1 This is called Spartum primum Plinij that is the first Mat-Weed described by Pliny in Spaine they call it Sparto the French in Prouence terme it Olpho 2 This is Spartum alterum Plinij Plinie his second Mat-Weed or Hooded Mat-weed it is called Albardin in Spaine 3 This is Spartum tertium of Clusius and Gramen Sparteum secundum Schaenanthinum of Taber Our Author gaue Clusius his figure for his first and Tabernamontanus figure for the second Spartum Anglicanum but I will thinke them both of one plant though Bauhine distinguish them vntill some shall make the contrary manifest This the Dutch call 〈◊〉 and our English in Tenet Helme Turner calls it Sea-Bent 4 This is Spartum herba 4 Batavicum of Clusius Gramen Sparteum or Iunci Spartium of Tabern and our Author gaue Tabern figure in the 23 Chapter of this Booke vnder the title of Iuncus marinus gramineus Lobell calls it Spartum nostras alterum 5 Lobell calls this Spartum nostras parvum 6 Clusius calls this Spartum Austriacum Daleschampius Gramen pinnatum we in England call it Gramen plumosum or Feathered Grasse ‡ ¶ The temperature vertues and vse These kindes of grassie or rather rushie Reed haue no vse in physicke but serue to make Mats and hangings for chambers frailes baskets and such like The people of the Countries where they grow do make beds of them straw their houses and chambers in stead of Rushes for which they do excell as my selfe haue seene Turner affirmeth That they made hats of the English one in Northumberland in his time They do likewise in sundry places of the Islands of Madera Canaria Saint Thomas and other of the Islands in the tract vnto the West Indies make of them their boots shooes Herd-mens Coats fires and lights It is very hurtfull for cattell as Sheere-grasse is The Feather-Grasse is worne by sundry Ladies and Gentlewomen in stead of a Feather the which it exquisitely resembles CHAP. 35. Of Camels Hay 1 Scoenanthum Camels Hay 2 Scoenanthum adulterinum Bastard Camels Hay ¶ The Description 1 CAmels Hay hath leaues very like vnto Mat-Weed or Helme his roots are many in quantitie meane full of small haires or threds proceeding from the bigger Root deeply growing in the ground hauing diuers long stalkes like Cyperus Grasse set with some smaller leaues euen vnto the top where do grow many small chaffie tufts or pannicles like vnto those of the wilde Oats of a reasonable good smell and sauour when they are broken like vnto a Rose with a certaine biting and nipping of the tongue †2 Francis Penny of famous memory a good Physitian and skilfull Herbarist gathered on the coast of the Mediterranean sea between Aigues Mortes and Pescaire this beautifull plant whose roots are creeping and stalkes and leaues resemble Squinanth The flowers are soft pappous and thicke compact and some fiue
Asphodill ¶ The time They floure in May and Iune most of the leaues thereof remaine greene in the Winter if it be not extreme cold ¶ The Names Some of the later Herbarists thinke this yellow Asphodill to be Iphyon of Theophrastus and others iudge it to be Erizambac of the Arabians In Latine it is called Asphodelus luteus of 〈◊〉 it is called 〈◊〉 Regia We haue Englished it the Speare for a King or small yellow Asphodill 2 The Lancashire Asphodill is called in Latine Asphodelus Lancastriae and may likewise be called Asphodelus palustris or Pseudoasp hodelus luteus or the Bastard yellow Asphodill ‡ 3 This is Asphodelus minimus luteus palustris Scoticus Lancastriensis of Lobell and the Pseudoasphodelus pumilio folijs Iridis of Clusius as farre as I can iudge although Bauhine distinguisheth them ‡ ¶ The temperature and vertues It is not yet found out what vse there is of any of them in nourishment or medicines CHAP. 72. Of Onion Asphodill Asphodelus Bulbosus Onion Asphodill ¶ The Description THe bulbed Asphodill hath a round bulbus or Onion root with some fibres hanging thereat from the which come vp many grassie leaues very well resembling the Leeke among the which leaues there riseth vp a naked or 〈◊〉 stem garnished toward the top with many 〈◊〉 floures of a whitish greene on the inside and wholly greene without consisting of six little leaues sharpe pointed with certaine chiues or threads in the middle After the floure is past there succeedeth a small knop or head three square wherein lieth the seed ¶ The place It groweth in the gardens of Herbarists in London and not elsewhere that I know of for it is not very common ¶ The time It floureth in Iune and Iuly and somewhat after ¶ The Names The stalke and floures being like to those of the Asphodill before mentioned do shew it to be Asphodeli species or a kinde of Asphodill for which cause also it seemeth to be that Asphodil of which Galen hath made mention in his second book of the Faculties of nourishments in these words The root of Asphodill is in a manner like to the root of Squill or Sea Onion as well in shape as bitternes Notwithstanding saith Galen my selfe haue known certaine countrymen who in time of famine could not with many boilings and steepings make it fit to be eaten It is called of Dodonaens Asphodelus foemina and Asphodelus Bulbosus Hyacintho-Asphodelus and Asphodelus Hyacinthinus by Lobell and that rightly for that the root is like the Hyacinth and the floures like the Asphodill and therefore as it doth participate of both kindes so likewise doth the name in English we may call it Bulbed Asphodill Clusius calls it Ornithogalum majus and that fitly ¶ The nature The round rooted Asphodil according to Galen hath the same temperature and vertue that Aron Arisarum and Dracontium haue namely an abstersiue and cleansing qualitie ¶ The vertues The yong sprouts or springs thereof is a singular medicine against the yellow Iaundise for that the root is of power to make thin and open Galen saith that the ashes of this Bulbe mixed with oile or hens grease cureth the falling of the haire in an Alopecia or scalld head CHAP. 73. Of Yellow Lillies ¶ The kindes BEcause we shall haue occasion hereafter to speake of certaine Cloued or Bulbed Lillies wee will in this chapter entreat onely of another kinde not bulbed which likewise is of two sorts differing principally in their roots for in floures they are Lillies but in roots Asphodils participating as it were of both though neerer approching vnto Asphodils than Lillies 1 Lilium non bulbosum The yellow Lillie 2 Lilium non bulbosum Phoeniceum The Day-Lillie ¶ The Description 1 THe yellow Lillie hath very long flaggie leaues chamfered or channelled hollow in the middest like a gutter among the which riseth vp a naked or bare stalke two cubits high branched toward the top with sundry brittle armes or branches whereon do grow many goodly floures like vnto those of the common white Lillie in shape and proportion of a shining yellow colour which being past there succeed three cornered huskes or cods full of blacke shining seeds like those of the Peonie The root consisteth of many knobs or tuberous clogs proceeding from one head like those of the white Asphodill or Peonie 2 The Day-Lillie hath stalkes and leaues like the former The floures be like the white Lillie in shape of an Orenge tawny colour of which floures much might be said which I omit But in briefe this plant bringeth forth in the morning his bud which at noone is full blowne or spred abroad and the same day in the euening it shuts it selfe and in a short time after becomes as rotten and stinking as if it had beene trodden in a dunghill a moneth together in foule and rainie weather which is the cause that the seed seldome followes as in the other of his kinde not bringing forth any at all that I could euer obserue according to the old prouerbe Soone ripe soone rotten His roots are like the former ¶ The place These Lillies do grow in my garden as also in the gardens of Herbarists and louers of fine and rare plants but not wilde in England as in other countries ¶ The time These Lillies do floure somewhat before the other Lillies and the yellow Lillie the soonest ¶ The Names Diuers do call this kinde of Lillie Liliasphodelus Liliago and also Liliastrum but most commonly Lilium non bulbosum In English Liriconfancie and yellow Lillie The old Herbarists name it Hemerocallis for they haue two kindes of Hemerocallis the one a shrub or woody plant as witnesseth Theophrastus in his sixth booke of the historie of Plants Pliny setteth downe the same shrub among those plants the leaues whereof onely do serue for garlands The other Hemerocallis which they set downe is a Floure which perisheth at night and buddeth at the Sunnerising according to 〈◊〉 and therefore it is fitly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Faire or beautifull for a day and so we in English may rightly terme it the Day-Lillie or Lillie 〈◊〉 a day ¶ The nature The nature is rather referred to the Asphodils than to Lillies ¶ The vertues Dioscorides saith That the root stamped with honey and a mother pessarie made thereof with wooll and put vp bringeth forth water and bloud The leaues stamped and applied do allay hot swellings in the dugges after womens trauell in childe-bearing and likewise taketh away the inflammation of the eyes The roots and the leaues be laid with good successe vpon burnings and scaldings CHAP. 73. Of Bulbed Floure de-Luce ‡ 1 〈◊〉 Bulbosa Latifolia Broad leaued Bulbous Floure de-luce 2 Iris Bulbosa Anglica Onion Floure de-Luce ¶ The kindes LIke as we haue set downe sundry sorts of Floure de-luces with flaggy leaues and tuberous or knobby roots varying very notably in sundry respects which we haue distinguished in their
amongst them are mixed also other paler coloured leaues with some green stripes here there among those leaues these floures are somtimes all contained in a trunk like that of the single one the sixe out-leaues excepted other whiles this inclosure is is broke and then the floure stands faire open like as that of the last described Lobel in the second part of his Aduersaria tells That our Author Master Gerrard found this in Wiltshire growing in the garden of a poore old woman in which place formerly a Cunning man as they vulgarly terme him had dwelt This may be called in Latine according to the English Narcissus multiplex Gerardi Gerrards double Narcisse The figure we here giue you is expressed somewhat too tall and the floure is not altogether so double as it ought to be 4 There are also two or three double yellow Daffodils yet remaining The first of these is called Wilmots Narcisse from Master Wilmot late of Bow and this hath a very faire double large yellow floure composed of deeper and paler yellow leaues orderly mixed The second which is called Tradescants Narcisse from Master Iohn Tradescant of South-Lambeth is the largest and 〈◊〉 of all the rest in the largenesse of the 〈◊〉 it exceeds Wilmots which otherwise it much resembles some of the leaues whereof the floure consists are sharp pointed and these are of a paler colour other some are much more obtuse and these are of a deeper and fairer yellow This may be called Narcissus Roseus Tradescanti Tradescants Rose Daffodill The third M. Parkinson challengeth to himselfe which is a floure to be respected not so much for the beautie as for the various composure thereof for some of the leaues are long and sharpe pointed others obtuse and curled a third sort long and narrow and vsually some few hollow and in shape resembling a horne the vtmost leaues are commonly streaked and of a yellowish green the next to them fold themselues vp ronnd and are vsually yellow yet sometimes they are edged with greene There is a deepe yellow pestill diuided into three parts vsually in the midst of this floure It floures in the end of March I vsually before M. Parkinson set forth his Florilegie or garden of floures called this floure Narcissus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by reason of its various shape and colour but since I thinke it fitter to giue it to the Author and terme it Narcissus multiplex varius Parkinsoni Parkinsons various double Narcisse ‡ 5 Narcissus Iacobaeus Indicus The Indian or Iacobaean Narcisse ‡ 6 Narcissus juncifolius montanus minimus The least Rush-leaued Mountaine Narcisse 5 Now come I to treat of some more rarely to be found in our gardens if at all That which takes the first place is by Clusius called Narcissus Iacobaeus Indicus the Indian or Iacobaean Narcisse The root hereof is much like to an ordinarie onion the leaues are broad like the other Narcisses the stalke is smooth round hollow and without knots at the top whereof out of a certaine skinny huske comes forth a faire red floure like that of the flouring Indian reed but that the leaues of this are somewhat larger and it hath six chiues or threds in the middle thereof of the same colour as the floure and they are adorned with brownish pendants in the midst of these there stands a little farther out than the rest a three forked stile vnder which succeeds a triangular head after the falling of the floure This giues his floure in Iune or Iuly 6 This Lobell calls Narcissus montanus juncifolius minimus The least Rush-leaued mountaine Narcisse The leaues of this are like the Iunquilia the stalke is short the floure yellow with the six winged leaues small and paler coloured the cup open and large to the bignesse of the floure 7 This also is much like the former but the six incompassing leaues are of a greenish faint yellow colour the cup is indented or vnequally curled about the edges but yellow like the precedent Lobell calls this Narcissus montanus juncifolius flore 〈◊〉 The mountaine Rush-leaued Narcisse with an indented or curled cup. ‡ 7 Narcissus montanus juncifolius flore fimbriato The mountaine Rush leaued Narcisse with an indented or curled cup. ‡ 8 Narcissus omnium minimus montanus albus The least mountaine white Narcisse 8 The leaues of this are as small as the Autumne Iacinth the stalke some handfull high and the floure like the last described but it is of a whitish colour Lobell calls this last described Narcissus omnium minimus montanus albus The least mountaine white Narcisse These three last vsually floure in Februarie ‡ CHAP. 87. Of Tulipa or the Dalmatian Cap. ¶ The Kindes TVlipa or the Dalmatian Cap is a strange and forreine floure one of the number of thebul bed floures whereof there be sundry sorts some greater some lesser with which all studious and painefull Herbarists desire to be better acquainted because of that excellent diuersitie of most braue floures which it 〈◊〉 Of this there be two chiefe and generall kindes viz. Praecex and Serotina the one doth beare his floures timely the other later To these two we will adde another sort called Media flouring betweene both the others And from these three sorts as from their heads all other kindes do proceed which are almost infinite in number Notwithstanding my louing friend M. Iames Garret a curious searcher of Simples and learned Apothecary of London hath vndertaken to finde out if it were possible the infinite sorts by diligent sowing of their seeds and by planting those of his owne propagation and by others receiued from his Friends 1 Tulipa Bononie nsis Italian Tulipa 2 Tulipa Narbonensis French Tulipa 3 Tulipa praecox tota lutea Timely flouring Tulipa 4 Tulipa Coccinea serotina Late flouring Tulipa 5 Tulipa media sanguinea albis oris Apple bloome Tulipa 6 Tulipa Candida suaue 〈◊〉 oris Blush coloured Tulipa 7 Tulipa bulbifera Bulbous stalked Tulipa ‡ 8 Tulipa sanguinea luteo fundo The bloud-red Tulip with a yellow bottome beyond the seas for the space of twenty yeares not being yet able to attaine to the end of his trauell for that each new yeare bringeth forth new plants of sundry colours not before seene all which to describe particularly were to roll Sisiphus stone or number the sands So that it shall suffice to speake of and describe a few referring the rest to some that meane to write of Tulipa a particular volume ‡ 9 Tulipa purpurea The purple Tulip ‡ 10 Tulipa rubra amethistina The bright red Tulip ¶ The Description 1 THe Tulipa of Bolonia hath fat thicke and grosse leaues hollow furrowed or chanelled bending a little backward and as it were folded together which at their first comming vp seeme to be of a reddish colour and being throughly growne turne into a whitish greene In the middest of those leaues riseth vp a naked fat stalke a foot high or something more on the top
small white floures consisting of six leaues a piece much resembling the last described but farre lesse It floures in 〈◊〉 6 Besides these Clusius makes mention of a small one much like this and it floures in the Spring and the floures are somewhat reddish nigh the stalke and smell sweet Clusius cals this Leucoium bulbosum vernum minimum The smallest Spring bulbous Violet ‡ ¶ The Place These plants do grow wilde in Italy and the places adiacent Notwithstanding our London 〈◊〉 haue taken possession of most of them many yeares past ¶ The Time The first floureth in the beginning of Ianuary the second in September and the third in May the rest at their seasons mentioned in their descriptions ¶ The Names †The first is called of Theophrastus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which Gaza renders Viola alba and Viola Bulbosa or Bulbed Violet Lobelius hath from the colour and shape called it 〈◊〉 and that very properly considering how it doth as it were participate of two sundry plants that is to say the root of the Narcissus the leaues of the small Lilly and the white colour taking the first part 〈◊〉 of his whitenesse Narcisso of the likenesse the roots haue vnto Narcissus and Lirium of the leaues of Lillies as aforesaid In English we may call it the bulbous Violet or after the Dutch name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Sommer fooles and 〈◊〉 Some call them also Snow drops This name Leucoium without his Epithite Bulbosum is taken for the Wall-floure and stock Gillofloure by all moderne Writers ¶ The Nature and Vertues Touching the faculties of these bulbous Violets we haue nothing to say seeing that nothing is set downe hereof by the antient Writers nor any thing obserued by the moderne only they are maintained and cherished in gardens for the beautie and rarenesse of the floures and sweetnesse of their smell CHAP. 89. Of Turkie or Ginny-hen Floure 1 〈◊〉 Checquered Daffodill 2 Frittillaria variegata Changeable Checquered Daffodil ¶ The Description 1 THe Checquered Daffodill or Ginny-hen Floure hath small narrow grassie leaues among which there riseth vp a stalke three hands high hauing at the top one or two floures and sometimes three which consisteth of six small leaues checquered most strangely wherein Nature or rather the Creator of all things hath kept a very wonderfull order surpassing as in all other things the curiousest painting that Art can set downe One square is of a greenish yellow colour the other purple keeping the same order as well on the backside of the floure as on the inside although they are blackish in one square and of a Violet colour in an other insomuch that euery leafe seemeth to be the feather of a Ginny hen whereof it tooke his name The root is small white and of the bignesse of halfe a garden beane 2 The second kinde of Checquered Daffodill is like vnto the former in each respect sauing that this hath his floure dasht ouer with a light purple and is somewhat greater than the other wherein consisteth the difference ‡ 3 Frittillaria Aquitanica minor flore luteo obsoleto The lesser darke yellow Fritillarie ‡ 9 Frittillaria alba praecox The early white Fritillarie ‡ There are sundry differences and varieties of this floure taken from the colour largenes doublenesse earlinesse and latenes of flouring as also from the many or few branches bearing floures We will onely specifie their varieties by their names seeing their forme differs little from those you haue here described 4 Fritillaria maxima ramosapurpurea The greatest branched purple checquered Daffodill 5 Fritillaria flore purpureo pleno The double purple floured checquered Daffodill 6 Fritillaria polyanthos flauoviridis The yellowish greene many floured checquered Daffodill 7 Fritillaria lutea Someri Somers his yellow Checquered Daffodill 8 Fritillaria alba purpureo tessulata The white Fritillarie checquered with purple 9 Fritillaria albapraecox The early white Fritillarie or Checquered Daffodill 10 Fritillaria minor 〈◊〉 luteo absoleto The lesser darke yellow Fritillarie 11 Fritillaria angustifolia lutea variegata paruo flore altera flore majore Narrow leaued yellow 〈◊〉 Fritillarie with small floures and another with a larger floure 12 Fritillaria 〈◊〉 pluribus floribus The least Fritillarie with many floures Fritillaria Hispanica vmbellifera The Spanish Fritillarie with the floures standing as it were in an vmbell ‡ ¶ The Names The Ginny hen floure is called of 〈◊〉 Flos Melcagris of Lobelius Lilio-narcissus variegata for that it hath the floure of a Lilly and the root of Narcissus it hath beene called Fritillaria of the table or boord vpon which men play at Chesse which square checkers the floure doth very much resemble some thinking that it was named Fritillus whereof there is no 〈◊〉 for Martialis seemeth to call Fritillus Abacus or the Tables whereat men play at Dice in the fifth Booke of his Epigrams writing to Galla. Iam tristis nucibus puer relictis Clamoso reuocatur à magistro Et blando malè 〈◊〉 Fritillo Arcanamodò raptus è popina Aedilem rogat vdus aleator c. The sad Boy now his nuts cast by Call'd vnto Schole by Masters cry And the drunke Dicer now betray'd By flattring Tables as he play'd Is from his secret tipling house drawne out Although the Officer he much besought c. In English we may call it Turky-hen or Ginny-hen Floure and also Checquered Daffodill and Fritillarie according to the Latine ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Of the facultie of these pleasant floures there is nothing set downe in the antient or later Writer but are greatly esteemed for the beautifying of our gardens and the bosoms of the beautifull CHAP. 90. Of true Saffron and the wilde or Spring Saffrons Crocus florens sine flore Saffron with and without floure The Description ALthough I haue expressed two pictures of Saffrons as you see yet are you to vnderstand that these two do but set forth one kinde of plant which could not so easily be perceiued by one picture as by two because his floure doth first rise out of the ground nakedly in September and his long smal grassy leaues shortly after the floure neuer bearing floure and leafe at once The which to expresse I thought it conuenient to set downe two pictures before you with this description viz. The root is small round and bulbous The floure consisteth of sixe small blew leaues tending to purple hauing in the middle many small yellow strings or threds among which are two three or more thicke fat chiues of a fierie colour somewhat reddish of a strong smell when they be dried which doth 〈◊〉 and trouble the head The first picture setteth forth the Plant when it beareth floures and the other expresseth nothing but leaues 1 Crocus vernus Early flouring wilde Saffron 2 Crocus vernus minor Small wilde Saffron ¶ The Place Common or the best knowne Saffron groweth plentifully in Cambridge-shire Saffron-Walden and other places thereabout as corne in the fields ¶
are of that kinde which Dioscorides calleth Cynosorchos that is in English Dogs stones after the common or vulgar speech the one the greater the other the lesser ‡ 1 This is Cynosorchis prior of Dodonaeus Cynosorchis nostra major of Lobel 2 Dodonaeus names this Cynosorchis altera 〈◊〉 Cynosorchis majoris secunda species 3 This Lobel calls Cynosorchis 〈◊〉 c. Tabern Cynosorchis maculata 4 Dodonaeus calls this Cynosorchis tertia Lobel Cynosorchis major altera nostras Tabernam Cynosorchis major quarta 5 This is Clusius his Orchis Pannonica quarta ¶ The Temperature These kindes of Dogs stones be of temperature hot and moist but the greater or fuller stone seemeth to haue much superfluous windinesse and therefore being drunke it stirreth vp fleshly lust ‡ 5 Cynosorchis minor Pannnonica The lesser Austrian Dogs stones The second which is lesser is quite contrarie in nature tending to a hot and dry temperature therefore his root is so far from mouing venerie that contrariwise it staieth and keepeth it backe as 〈◊〉 teacheth He also affirmeth that Serapia's stones are of 〈◊〉 more dry facultie and doe not so much preuaile to stirre vp the lust of the flesh ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that it is reported That if men doe eate of the great full or fat roots of these kindes of Dogs stones they cause them to beget male children and if women eate of the lesser dry or barren root which is withered or shriueled they shall bring forth females These are some Doctors opinions onely It is further reported That in Thessalia the women giue the tender full root to be drunke in Goats milke to moue bodily lust and the dry to restraine the same ¶ The Choice Our age vseth all the kindes of stones to stirre vp venery and the Apothecaries mix any of them indifferently with compositions seruing for that purpose But the best and most effectuall are these Dogs stones as most haue deemed yet both the bulbes or stones are not to be taken indifferently but the harder and fuller and that which containes most quantity of iuyce for that which is wrinkled is lesse profitable or not fit at all to be vsed in medicine And the fuller root is not alwaies the greater but often the lesser especially if the roots be gathered before the plant hath shed his floure or when the stalke first commeth vp for that which is fuller of iuyce is not the greatest before the seed be perfectly ripe For seeing that euery other yeare by 〈◊〉 one stone or bulbewaxeth full the other empty and perisheth it cannot be that the harder and fuller of iuyce should be alwaies the greater for at such time as the leaues come forth the fuller then beginns to encrease and whilst the same by little little encreaseth the other doth decrease and wither till the seed be ripe then the whole plant together with the leaues and stalkes doth forthwith fall away and perish and that which in the meane time encreased remaineth still fresh and full vnto the next yeare CHAP. 111. Of Fooles Stones ¶ The Description 1 THe male Foole stones hath fiue sometimes six long broad and smooth leaues not vnlike to those of the Lilly sauing that they are dasht and spotted in sundry places with blacke spots and streakes The floures grow at the top tuft or spike fashion somewhat like the former but thrust more thicke together in shape like to a fooles hood or cocks combe wide open or gaping before and as it were crested aboue with certaine eares standing vp by euery side and a small taile or spur hanging downe the backeside declining to a violet colour of a pleasant sauour or smell 1 Cynosorchis Morio mas The male Foole stones 2 Cynosorchis Morio foemina The female Foole stones 2 The Female Fooles stones haue also smooth narrow leaues ribbed with nerues like those of Plantaine The floures be likewise gaping and like the former as it were open hoods with a little horne or heele hanging behinde euerie one of them and small greene leaues sorted or mixed among them resembling cockes combes with little eares not standing straight vp but lying flat vpon the hooded floure in such sort that they cannot at the sudden view be perceiued The roots are a paire of small stones like the former The floures of this sort doe varie infinitely in colour according to the soile or countrey where they do grow some bring forth their floures of a deepe violet colour some as white as snow some of a flesh colour and some garnished with spots of diuers colours which are not possible to be distinguished ‡ 3 This hath narrow spotted leaues with a stalke some foot or more high at the top wherof groweth a tuft of purple floures in shape much like those of the last described each floure consisting of a little hood two small wings or side leaues and a broad lippe or leafe hanging downe ‡ ‡ 3 Cynosorchis Morio minor The lesser spotted Fooles stones ¶ The Place These kindes of Fooles stones do grow naturally to their best liking in pastures and fields that seldome or neuer are dunged or manured ¶ The Time They floure in May and Iune Their stones are to be gathered for medicine in September as are those of the Dogs stones ¶ The Names The first is called Cynosorchis Morio of Fuchsius Orchis mas angustifolia of Apuleius Satyrion and also it is the Orchis Delphinia of 〈◊〉 Gemma ‡ The second is Cynosorchis morio foemina of Lobel Orchis angustifolia foemin of Fuchsius Testiculus Morionis foemina of Dodonaeus 3 This is Cynosorchis minimis secundum caulem c. maculosis folijs of Lobel ‡ ¶ The Temperature Fooles stones both male and female are hot and moist of nature ¶ The Vertues These Fooles stones are thought to haue the vertues of Dogs stones whereunto they are referred CHAP. 112. Of Goats Stones ¶ The Description 1 THe greatest of the Goats stones bringeth forth 〈◊〉 leaues ribbed in some sort like vnto the broad leaued Plantaine but larger the stalke groweth to the height of a cubit set with such great leaues euen to the top of the stalke by equall distances The tuft or bush of floures is small and flat open with many tender strings or laces comming from the middle part of those small floures crookedly tangling one with another like to the small tendrels of the Vine or rather the laces or strings that grow vpon the herbe Sauorie The whole floure consisteth of a purple colour The roots are like the rest of the Orchides but greater 2 The male Goats stones haue leaues like to those of the garden Lilly with a stalke a foot long wrapped about euen to the tuft of the floure with those his leaues The floures which grow in this bush or tuft be very small in forme like vnto a Lizard because of the twisted or writhen tailes and spotted heads Euery of these small floures is at the first like a round close huske of
grow euery where by High-waies vpon walls made of mud or earth and in stony places ¶ The Time It floureth from May to the end of August the seed is ripe in September ¶ The Names Docke-Cresses are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Lampsana and Napium by Dodonoeus Tabernamontanus calleth this Sonchus syluaticus Camerarius affirmes That in Prussia they call it Papillaris ¶ The Nature Docke-Cresses are of nature hot and somewhat abstersiue or cleansing ¶ The Vertues Taken in meate as Galen and Dioscorides affirme it ingendreth euill iuyce and naughtie nourishment ‡ Camerarius affirmeth That it is vsed with good successe in Prussia against vlcerated or sore breasts ‡ CHAP. 17. Of Water-Parsenep and Water-Cresses 1 Sium majus latifolium Great Water Parsenep †Sium majus angustifolium The lesser water Parsenep ‡ 4 Sium alterum Olusatri facie Long leaued water-Cresses ‡ 2 This plant much resembles the last described and 〈◊〉 vp some cubit and a halfe high with many leaues finely snipt about the edges growing vpon one rib and commonly they stand bolt vpright The vmbell consists of little white floures the root is smal and consisteth of many strings ‡ 3 There is another very like this but they thus differ the stalkes and leaues of this later are lesse than those of the precedent and not so many vpon one rib the other growes vpright to some yard or more high this neuer growes vp but alwaies creepes and almost at euerie ioynt puts forth an vmbel of floures 4 To these may be added another whose root consists of aboundance of writhen and small blacke fibres the stalkes are like Hemlock some three cubits high the leaues are long narrow and snipped about the edges growing commonly two or three together the vmbel of floures is commonly of a yellowish greene the seed is like parsley seed but in taste somewhat resembles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Creticus and the rinde of a Citron yet seemes somewhat hotter ‡ 5 Water-Cresse hath many fat and weake hollow branches trailing vpon the grauell and earth where it groweth taking hold in sundry places as it creepeth by meanes whereof the plant spreadeth ouer a great compasse of ground The leaues are likewise compact and winged with many small leaues set vpon a middle rib one against another except the point leafe which stands by it selfe as doth that of the ash if it grow in his naturallplace which is in a grauelly spring The vpper face of the whole plant is of a browne colour and greene vnder the leaues which is a perfect marke to know the physicall kinde from the others The white floures grow alongst the stalkes and are succeeded by cods wherein the seed is contained The root is nothing else but as it were a thrumme or bundle of threds †5 Nasturtium aquaticum siue Crateua Sium Common Water-Cresses ‡ 6 Sium Matthioli 〈◊〉 Italian Water-Cresse 6 There is also another kinde hereof hauing leaues growing many on one stalke snipt about the edges being in shape betweene the garden Cresses and Cuckow-floures the stalke is crested and diuided into many branches the floures white and are succeeded by cods like those of our ordinarie Water-Cresse last described ¶ The Place ‡ 1 The first of these I haue not found growing nor as yet heard of within this kingdome 2 The second I first found in the company of M. Robert Larkin going betweene Redriffe and Deptford in a rotten boggy place on the right hand of the way 3 The third growes almost in euery watery place about London 4 This is more rare and was found by Mr. Goodyer in the ponds about Moore Parke and by M. George Bowles in the ditches about Ellesmere and in diuers ponds in Flint-shire 5 The fifth is as frequent as the third and commonly they grow neere together 6 This Lobel saith he found in Piemont in riuelets amongst the hills I haue not yet heard that it growes with vs. ‡ ¶ The Time They spring and wax greene in Aprill and floure in Iuly The water Cresse to be eaten in sallads sheweth it selfe in March when it is best and floureth in Summer with the rest ¶ The Names ‡ 1 The first of these is Sium maius latifolium of Tabernamontanus 2 This is Sion odoratum Tragi Sium of Matthiolus Dodonaeus and others it is taken to be Sium or Lauer of Dioscorides Lobel calls it also Pastinaca aquatica or water Parsenep 3 This may be called Sium vmbellatum repens Creeping water Parsenep Of this there is a reasonable good figure in the Historia Lugdunensis pag. 1092. vnder the title of Sium verum Matthioli but the description is of that we here giue you in the sixth place 4 This is Sium alterum of Dodonaeus and Sium alterum 〈◊〉 facie of Lobel 5 Many iudge this to be the Sisymbrium alterum or Cardamine of Dioscorides as also the 〈◊〉 of Crateuas and therefore Lobel termes it Sion Crateuae erucae folium It is called by Dodonaeus and vulgarly in shops knowne by the name of Nasturtium aquaticum or water Cresses 6 This is called Sium vulgare by Matthiolus Lobel also termes it 〈◊〉 Malthioli Italorum This was thought by our Countrey-man Doctor Turner to be no other than the second here described of which opinion I must confesse I also was but vpon better consideration of that which Lobel and Bauhine haue written I haue changed my minde ‡ ¶ The Temperature Water-Cresse is euidently hot and dry ¶ The Vertues Water-Cresse being boyled in Wine or Milke and drunke for certaine dayes together is very good against the Scuruy or Scorbute Being chopped or boyled in the broth of flesh and eaten for thirty dayes together at morning noone and night it prouoketh vrine wasts the stone and driueth it forth Taken in the same maner it doth cure yong maidens of the green sicknesse bringeth downe the termes and sendeth into the face their accustomed liuely colour lost by the stopping of their Menstrua CHAP. 18. Of wilde Water-Cresses or Cuckow Floures ¶ The Description 1 THe first of the Cuckow floures hath leaues at his springing vp somwhat round and those that spring afterward grow iagged like the leaues of Greeke Valerian among which riseth vp a stalke a foot long set with the like leaues but smaller and more iagged resembling those of Rocket The floures grow at the top in small bundles white of colour hollow in the middle resembling the white sweet-Iohn after which do come small chaffie husks or seed vessels wherein the seed is contained The root is small and threddy 2 The second sort of Cuckow floures hath small iagged leaues like those of small water Valerian agreeing with the former in stalkes and roots the floures be white ouerdasht or declining toward a light carnation ‡ 3 The leaues and stalks of this are like those of the last described neither are the floures which first shew themselues much vnlike them but when as they begin to faile in their
middle rise vp heads of pretty double floures made of many leaues like in colour to these of the single ‡ 4 The fourth sort of Cuckow Floures groweth creeping vpon the ground with small threddy stalkes whereon do grow leaues like those of the field Clauer or three leaued Grasse amongst which do come vp small and tender stalkes two handfulls high hauing floures at the top in greater quantitie than any of the rest of colour white and after them follow cods containing a small seed The root is nothing else but as it were a bundle of thrums or threds 5 Milke white Lady-smocke hath stalkes rising immediately from the root diuiding themselues into sundry small twiggy and hard branches set with leaues like those of Serpillum The floures grow at the top made of foure leaues of a yellowish colour the root is tough and woody with some fibres annexed thereto ‡ This is no other than the first described differing onely therefrom in that the floures are milke white as our Author truly in the title of his figure made them yet forgetting himselfe in his description he makes them yellowish contrarie to himselfe and the truth ‡ 1 Cardamine Cuckow floures 2 Cardamine altera Ladies-smocks ‡ 3 Cardamine altera flore pleno Double floured Lady-smocke 4 Cardamine Trifolia Three leaued Lady-smocke 6 Cardamine Alpina Mountaine Lady-Smocke ‡ 7 Sium minus impatiens The impatient Lady-smocke 8 Cardamine pumila Bellidis folio Alpina The Dwarfe Dasie-leaued Lady-smocke of the Alpes 6 Mountaine Lady-smocke hath many roots nothing else but as it were a bundle of threddy strings from the which do come 〈◊〉 three or foure small weak or tender leaues made of sundry small leaues in shew like to those of small water Valerian The stalkes be small and brittle whereupon doe grow small floures like the first kinde ‡ 7 I should be blame-worthy if in this place I omitted that pretty conditioned Sium which is kept in diuers of our London gardens and was first brought hither by that great Treasurer of Natures rarieties M. Iohn Tradescani This plant hath leaues set many vpon a rib like as the other Sium described in the second place hath but they are cut in with two or three prety 〈◊〉 gashes the stalk is some cubit high diuided into many branches which haue many small white floures growing vpon them after these floures are past there follow small long 〈◊〉 containing a small white seed Now the nature of this plant is such that if you touch but the cods when as the seed is ripe though you do it neuer so gently yet will the seed fly all abroad with violence as disdaining to be touched whence they vsually call it Noli me tangere as they for the like qualitie name the Persicaria siliquosa The nature of this plant is somewhat admirable for if the seeds as I said be fully ripe though you put but your hand neere them as profering to touch them though you doe it not yet will they fly out vpon you and if you expect no such thing perhaps make you affraid by reason of the suddennesse thereof This herbe is written of onely by Prosper Alpinus vnder the title of Sium Minimum and it may be called in English Impatient Lady-smocke or Cuckow floure It is an annuall and yeerely sowes it selfe by the falling seeds ‡ ‡ 8 The leaues of this somewhat resemble those of Dasyes but lesse and lie spread vpon the ground amongst which rises vp a weake and slender stalke set with 3 or 4 leaues at certaine distances it being some handful high the top is adorned with smal white floures consisting of foure leaues apeece after which follow large and long cods considering the smallnes of the plant within these in a double order is conteined a small reddish seed of somewhat a biting taste The root creepes vpon the top of the ground putting vp new buds in diuers places Clusius found this growing vpon the rockes on the Etscherian mountaine in Austria and hath giuen vs the history and figure thereof vnder the name of Plantula Cardamines emula and Sinapi pumulum Alpinum ¶ The Time and Place That of the Alpish mountaines is a stranger in these cold Countries the rest are to be found euery where as aforesaid especially in the castle ditch at Clare in Essex ‡ The seuenth growes naturally in some places of Italy These flower for the most part in Aprill and May when the Cuckowe doth begin to sing her pleasant notes with out stammering ¶ The Names They are commonly called in Latine Flos Cuculi by Brunfelsius and Dodonaeus for the reason aforesaid and also some call them Nasturtium aquaticum minus or lesser water Cresse of some Cardamine and Sisymbrium alterum of Dioscorides it is called in the Germane tongue 〈◊〉 in French Passerage sanuage in English Cuckowe flowers in Northfolke Canterbury bells at the Namptwich in Cheshire where I had my beginning Ladie smockes which hath giuen me cause to Christen it after my Country fashion ¶ The Nature and Vertues These herbes be hot and drie in the second degree we haue no certaine proofe or authority of their vertues but surely from the kindes of water Cresse they cannot much differ and therefore to them they may be referred in their vertues CHAP. 19. Of Treacle Mustard ¶ The Description 1 TReacle mustard hath long broad leaues especially those next the ground the others lesser slightly indented about the edges like those of Dandelion The stalkes be long and brittle diuided into many branches euen from the ground to the top where grow many small idle flowers tuft fashion after which succeed large flat thin chaffie huskes or seed vessels heart fashion wherein are conteined browne flat seeds sharpe in taste burning the tongue as doth mustard seed leauing a taste or sauour of Garlicke behinde for a farewell 2 Mithridate Mustard hath long narrow leaues like those of Woad or rather Cow Basil. The stalkes be inclosed with small snipt leaues euen to the branches Pyramidis fashion that is to say smaller and smaller toward the top where it is diuided into sundrie branches whereon doe grow small flowers which being past the cods or rather thinne chaffie huskes do appeare full of sharpe seed like the former The roote is long and slender 3 The third kinde of Treacle Mustard named Knaues Mustard for that it is too bad for honest men hath long fat and broad leaues like those of Dwale or deadly Night shade in taste like those of Vuluaria or stinching Orach set vpon a round stalke two cubits high diuided at the top into small armes or branches whereon do grow small foolish white spokie flowers The seed is conteined in flat pouches like those of Shepheards purse brown sharpe in taste and of an ill sauor 4 Bowyers Mustard hath the lower leaues resembling the ordinary Thlaspi but the vpper are very small like tode flaxe but smaller The stalkes be small slender and many The flowers be
leaues soft and whitish vnequally diuided about the edges The stalkes grow some foot high hauing few branches and those set with few leaues broad at their setting on and ending in a sharpe point the floures are pretty large like to the great Hawk-weed and fly away in downe the root is long white and lasting It floures most part of Summer and in Tuscany where it plentifully growes it is much 〈◊〉 in sallets with oile and vineger it hauing a sweetish and somewhat astringent taste ‡ ‡ 5 Sonchus laeuis muralis Wall or Iuy-leaued Sow-thistle ‡ 6 Sonchus laeuis angustifolius Narrow leaued Sow-thistle †7 This blew floured Sow-thistle is the greatest of all the rest of the kindes somewhat resembling the last described in leaues but those of this are somewhat rough or hairy on the vnder side the floures are in shape like those of the ordinarie Sow-thistle but of a faire blew colour which fading flie away in Downe that carries with it a small ash-coloured seed The whole plant yeeldeth milke as all the rest do †8 Tree Sow-thistle hath a very great thicke and hard root set with a few hairy threds from which ariseth a strong and great stalke of a wooddy substance set with long leaues not vnlike to 〈◊〉 but more deepely cut in about the edges and not so rough vpon which do grow faire double yellow floures which turne into Downe and are caried away with the winde The whole plant is possest with such a milky iuyce as are the tender and hearby Sow-thistles which certainly 〈◊〉 it to be a kinde thereof otherwise it might be referred to the Hawke-weeds whereunto in face and shew it is like ‡ This hath a running root and the heads and tops of the stalkes are very rough and hairy ‡ 7 Sonchus slore 〈◊〉 Blew-floured Sow-thistle 8 Sonchus Arborescens Tree Sow-thistle ‡ 9 Sonchus arborescens alter The other Tree Sow-thistle †10 Sonchus syluaticus Wood Sow-thistle ‡ 9 This other Tree Sow-thistle growes to a mans height or more hauing a firme crested stalke smooth without any prickles and set with many 〈◊〉 incompassing the stalke at their setting on and afterwards cut in with foure or sometimes with two gashes only the vpper leaues are not diuided at all the colour of these leaues is green on the vpper side and grayish vnderneath the top of the stalke is hairy and diuided into many branches which beare the floures in an equall height as it were in an vmbell the floures are not great considering the largenesse of the plant but vsually as big as those of the common Sow-thistle and yellow hauing a hairy head or cap the seed is crested longish and ash-coloured and flies away with the downe the root is thicke whitish hauing many fibres putting out new shoots and spreading euery yeare 〈◊〉 maketh this all one with the other according to 〈◊〉 his description but in my opinion there is some difference betweene them which chiefely consists in that the former hath larger and fewer floures the plant also not growing to so great a height ‡ ‡ 10 This plant whose figure our Author formerly gaue pag. 148. vnder the title of Erysimum sytuestre hath long knotty creeping roots from whence ariseth a round slender stalke some two foot high 〈◊〉 at first with little leaues which grow bigger and bigger as they come neerer the middle of the stalke being pretty broad at their setting on then somewhat narrower and so broader againe and sharpe pointed being of the colour of the Wall or Iuy-leaued Sow-Thistle The top is diuided into many small branches which end in small scaly heads like those of the wilde Lettuce containing floures consisting of foure blewish purple leaues turned backe and snipped at their ends there are also some threds in the midle of the floure which turning into Downe carry away with them the seed which is small and of an Ash-colour Bauhine makes a bigger and a lesser of these distinguishing betweene that of Clusius whose figure I here giue you and that of Columna yet Fabius Columna himselfe could finde no difference but that Clusius his plant had fiue leaues in the floure and his but foure which indeed Clusius in his description affirmes yet his figure as you may see expresses but foure adding That the root is not well expressed which notwithstanding Clusius describes according to Columna's expression ‡ ¶ The Place The first soure grow wilde in pastures medowes woods and marishes neere the sea and among pot-herbes The fifth growes vpon walls and in wooddy mountainous places The Tree Sow-thist'e growes amongst corne in waterie places The sixth seuenth and tenth are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure in Iune Iuly August and sometimes later ¶ The Names Sow-thistle is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Sonchus of diuers Cicerbitae lactucella and Lacterones Apuleius calleth it Lactuca Leporina or Hares-thistle of some Brassica Leporina or Hares Colewort The English names are sufficiently touched in their seuerall titles In Dutch it is called Hasen Latouwe the French Palays delieure ‡ ¶ Names in particular 1 This is Sonchus asper major of Cordus Sonchus tenerior aculeis asperior of Lobel Sonchus 3. asperior of Dodonaeus 2 This is Sonchus asper of Matthiolus Fuchsius and others 3 This Matthiolus Dodonaeus Lobel and others call Sonchus laeuis Tragus calls it Intybus 〈◊〉 tertia 4 This Tabernamontanus onely giues vnder the title as you haue it here 5 Matthiolus stiles this Sonchus laeuis 〈◊〉 Caesalpinus calls it Lactuca murorum and Tabern Sonchus syluaticus quartus Lobel Sonchus alter folio sinuato hederaceo 6 Lobel calls this Sonchus laeuis Matthioli it is Terracrepulus of 〈◊〉 and Crepis of Daleschampius 7 Clusius and Camerarius giue vs this vnder the title of Sonchus coeruleus 8 Onely Tabern hath this figure vnder the title our Author giues it 〈◊〉 puts it amongst the Hieracia calling it Hieracium arborescens palustre 9 This Bauhine also makes an Hieracium and would persuade vs that Clusius his description belongs to the last mentioned and the figure to this to which opinion 〈◊〉 cannot consent Clusius giueth it vnder the name of Sonchus 3 laeuis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 10 This Clusius giues vnder the name of Sonchus laeuior Pannonicus 4. flore purp Tabern calls it Libanotis Theophrasti sterilis Columna hath it by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cordus Gesner Thalius and 〈◊〉 refer it to the Lactucae syluestres the last of them 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 purpuro-coerulea ‡ ¶ The Temperature The Sow-thistles as Galen writeth are of a mixt temperature for they consist of a watery and earthy substance cold and likewise binding ¶ The Vertues Whilest they are yet yong and tender they are eaten as other pot-herbes are but whether they be eaten or outwardly applied in manner of a pultesse they do euidently coole therefore they be good for all inflammations or hot swellings if they be laid thereon Sow-thistle giuen in
〈◊〉 and in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for they are reported to cleere their sight by conueying the juice heereof into their eyes 〈◊〉 calleth it Porcellia for it is numbred among the Succories they are called also Lampuca Yellow Hawkeweed is called of some 〈◊〉 diaboli or yellow Diuels bit for that the root doth very well resemble the bitten or cropt root of the common Diuels bit being like Scabious ‡ ¶ The Names in particular 1 Matthiolus Fuchsius Dodonaeus and others call this Hieracium 〈◊〉 2 3 These are varieties of the same plant the first of them being called by Fuchsius 〈◊〉 and Matthiolus Hieracium minus Lobell calls it Hieracium minus praemorsa radice That sort of this with more cut leaues is by Tabernamontanus 〈◊〉 Hieracium nigrum 4 Lobell calls this Hieracium folijs facie Chondrillae Bauhinus makes this to differ from 〈◊〉 which our Author gaue in this 4. place out of Tabern for he termes this Hieracium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hirsutum and the other 〈◊〉 Chondrillae folio Glabrum the one smooth leaued the other rough yet that which growes frequently with vs and is very well represented by this figure hath smooth leaues as he also obserued it to haue in Italy and about Mountpelier in France 5 This is Hieracium alterum grandius and Hieracium montanum angustifolium primum of 〈◊〉 6 Lobell calls this from the length of the root though sometimes it be not so long Hieracium Longius radicatum as also Taber Hieracium macrorhizon it is thought to be the Apargia of 〈◊〉 by Daleschampius in the Hist. Lugd. pag. 562. but the figure there that beares the title is of Huracium minus 7 Tabernamontanus first gaue this vnder the name of Hieracium intybaccum asperum Bauhine refers it to the wilde yellow Succories and calls it Cichoreum montanum angustifolium hirsutie asperum 8 This Lobell calls Hieracium Narbonense falcata siliqua 9 He calls this Hieracium facie Hedypnois and Caesalpinus termes this Rhagadiolus and the last mentioned Rhagadiolus alter 10 This by Tabernamontanus is called Hieracium montanum majus Latifolium The figure of this was giuen by our Author chap. 30. vnder the title of Chondrilla Hispanica 11 Tabernamontanus also stiles this Hieracium montanum Latifolium minus ‡ ¶ The Nature The kindes of Hawkeweed are cold and dr ie and somewhat binding ¶ The Vertues They are in vertue and operation like to Sonchus or Sowthistle and being vsed after the same manner be as good to all purposes that it doth serue vnto They be good for the eie-sight if the juice of them be dropped into the eyes especially that which is called Diuels bit which is thought to be the best and of greatest force Therefore as Dioscorides writeth it is good for an hot stomacke and for inflammations if it be laid vpon them The herbe and root being stamped and applied is a remedie for those that be stung of the scorpion which effect not onely the greater Hawkeweeds but the lesser ones also doe performe CHAP. 35. Of Clusius Hawkeweed ¶ The Kindes THere be likewise other sorts of Hawkeweeds which Carolus Clusius hath set forth in his Pannonicke obseruations the which likewise require a particular chapter for that they do differ in forme very notably 1 Hieracium primum latifolium Clusij The first Hawkeweed of Clusius 2 Hieracium 5. Clusij Clusius his 5. kinde of Hawkeweed ¶ The Description 1 THe first of Clusius his Hawkeweeds haue great broad leaues spred vpon the ground somewhat hairie about the edges oftentimes a little iagged also soft as is the leafe of Mullen or Higtaper and sometimes dasht here and there with some blacke spots in shape like the garden Endiue full of a milkie juice among which riseth vp a thicke hollow stalke of a cubit high diuiding it selfe at the top into two or three branches whereupon do grow sweete smelling floures not vnlike to those of yellow Succorie set or placed in a blacke hoarie and woollie cup or huske of a pale bleake yellow colour which turneth into a downie blowball that is caried away with the winde the root entereth deepely into the ground of the bignesse of a finger full of milke and couered with a thicke blacke barke 2 The second sort of great Hawkeweed according to my computation and the 5. of Clusius hath leaues like the former that is to say soft and hoarie and as it were couered with a kinde of white woollinesse or hairinesse bitter in taste of an inche broad The stalke is a foot high at the top whereof doth grow one yellow floure like that of the great Hawkeweed which is caried away with the winde when the seed is ripe The root is blacke and full of milkie juice and hath certaine white strings annexed thereto 3 This kinde of Hawkeweed hath blacke roots a finger thicke full of milkie juice deepely thrust into the ground with some small fibers belonging thereto from which come vp many long leaues halfe an inch or more broad couered with a soft downe or hairinesse of an ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour and amongst the leaues come vp naked and hard stalkes whereupon doe grow yellow floures set in a woollie cup or chalice which is turned into downe and caried away with his seed by the winde 4 The fourth Hawkeweed hath a thicke root aboue a finger long blackish creeping vpon the top of the ground and putting out some fibres and it is diuided into some heads each whereof at the top of the earth putteth out some six or seuen longish leaues some halfe an inche broad and somewhat hoarie hairie and soft as are the others precedent and these leaues are snipt about the edges but the deepest gashes are neerest the stalkes where they are cut in euen to the middle rib which is strong and large The stalke is smooth naked and somewhat high the floures be yellow and double as the other 3 Hieracium 6. Clusij Clusius his 6. Hawkeweed 4 Hieracium 7. Clusij Clusius his 7. Hawkeweed ‡ 5 The same Author hath also set forth another Hieracium vnder the name of Hieracium parvum Creticum which he thus describes this is an elegant little plant spreading some six or more leaues vpon the top of the ground being narrower at that part whereas they adhere to the 〈◊〉 and broader at the other end and cut about the edges hauing the middle rib of a purple colour amongst these rise vp two or three little stalkes about a foot high without knot vntill you come almost to the top whereas they are diuided into two little branches at which place 〈◊〉 forth leaues much diuided the floures grow at the top of a sufficient bignesse considering the magnitude of the plant and they consist of many little leaues lying one vpon another on the vpper side wholly white and on the vnder side of a flesh colour The root is single longish growing small towards the end and putting forth stringy fibres on the sides Thus much Clusius who receiued this figure
from the stile also in Lancashire neere vnto a Wood called Fairest by Latham moreouer in Nottinghamshire by the West wood at Gringley and at Weston in the Ley field by the West side of the towne and in the Bishops field at Yorke neere vnto Wakefield in the Close where Sir George Sauill his house standeth called the Heath Hall by the relation of a learned Doctor in Physicke called Mr. Iohn Mershe of Cambridge and many other places ¶ The Time Herba Paris floureth in Aprill and the berry is ripe in the end of May. Lunaria or small Moone-wort is to be seene in the moneth of May. ¶ The Names One-berry is also called Herbe True-loue and Herbe Paris in Latine Herba Paris and 〈◊〉 tetraphyllum by Gesner and Lobel Lunaria minor is called in English Small Lunarie and Moon-wort ¶ The Nature Herbe Paris is exceeding cold whereby it represses the rage and force of poison Lunaria minor is cold and dry of temperature ¶ The Vertues The berries of Herbe Paris giuen by the space of twentie daies are excellent good against poison or the pouder of the herbe drunke in like manner halfe a spoonfull at a time in the morning fasting The same is ministred with great successe vnto such as are become peeuish or without vnderstanding being ministred as is aforesaid euery morning by the space of twentie daies as Baptista Sardus and Matthiolus haue recorded Since which time there hath been further experience made thereof against poison and put in practice in the citie of Paris in Louaine and at the baths in 〈◊〉 by the right excellent Herbarists Matthias de L'obel and Petrus Pena who hauing often read that it was one of the Aconites called 〈◊〉 and so by consequence of a poisoning quality they gaue it vnto dogs and lambes who receiued no hurt by the same wherefore they further prosecuted the experience thereof and gaue vnto two dogs fast bound or coupled together a dram of Arsenicke and one dram of Mercurie sublimate mixed with flesh ‡ in the Aduersaria it is but of each halfe a dram and there pag. 105. you may finde this Historie more largely set downe ‡ which the dogs would not willingly eat and therefore they had it crammed downe their throats vnto one of these dogs they gaue this Antidote following in a little red wine whereby he recouered his former health againe within a few houres but the other dog which had none of the medicine died incontinently This is the receit R. 〈◊〉 Angelicae 〈◊〉 domesticam syluestrem Vicetoxici Valerianae domesticae Polipodij querni radicum Altheae Vrticae ana 3. iiij Corticis Mezerei Germanici 3. ij granorum herbae Paridis N. 24. foliorum eiusdem cumtoto Num. 36. Ex maceratis in aceto radicibus siccatis fit omnium pulvis The people in Germany do vse the leaues of Herbe Paris in greene wounds for the which it is very good as 〈◊〉 Camerarius 〈◊〉 who likewise saith that the pouder of the roots giuen to drink doth 〈◊〉 cease the gripings and paine of the Collicke Small Moonewoort is singular to heale greene and fresh wounds it staieth the bloudy flix It hath beene vsed among the Alchymistes and witches to doe wonders withall who say that it will loose lockes and make them to fall from the feet of horses that grase where it doth grow and hath beene called of them Martagon whereas in truth they are all but drowsie dreames and illusions but it is singular for wounds as aforesaid CHAP. 90. Of Winter-Greene ¶ The Description 1 PYrola hath many tender and verie greene leaues almost like the leaues of Beete but 〈◊〉 in my opinion like to the leaues of a Peare-tree whereof it tooke his name Pyrola for that it is Pyriformis Among these leaues commeth vp a stalke garnished with prettie white floures of a verie pleasant sweet smell like Lillium Conuallium or the Lillie of the Valley The root is small and threddie creeping farre abroad vnder the ground ‡ 2 This differs from the last described in the slendernesse of the stalkes and smalnesse of the leaues and floures for the leaues of this are not so thicke and substantiall but very thinne sharpe pointed and very finely snipt about the edges blacker and resembling a Peare-tree leafe The floures are like those of the former yet smaller and more in number to which succeed fiue cornered seed vessels with a long pointell as in the precedent the root also creepes no lesse than that of the former and here and there puts vp new stalkes vnder the mosse It growes vpon the Austrian and Styrian Alpes and floures in Iune and Iuly 1 Pyrola Winter Greene. ‡ 2 Pyrola 2 tenerior Clus. The smaller Winter-Greene ‡ 3 Pyrola 3. fruticans Clus. Shrubby Winter-Greene ‡ 4 Pyrola 4. minima Clus. Round leaued Winter Greene. 5 Monophyllon One Blade 4 This from creeping roots sends vp short stalkes set at certaine spaces with small round and thin leaues also snipt about the edges amongst which vpon a naked stem growes a floure of a pretty bignes consisting of fiue white sharpish pointed leaues with ten threds and a 〈◊〉 pointell in the midst The seed is contained in such heads as the former and it is very small This growes in the shadowie places of the Alpes of Sneberge Hochbergerin Durrenstaine towards the roots of these great mountaines Clus. ‡ 5 Monophyllon or Vnifolium hath a leafe not much vnlike the greatest leafe of Iùie with many ribs or sinewes like the Plantaine leafe which single leafe doth alwaies spring forth of the earth alone but when the stalke riseth vp it bringeth vpon his sides two leaues in fashion like the former at the top of which slender stalke come forth fine small floures like Pyrola which being vaded there succeed small red berries The roote is small tender and creeping farre abroad vnder the vpper face of the earth ¶ The Place 1 Pyrola groweth in Lansdale and Crauen in the North part of England especially in a close called Crag-close 2 Monophyllon groweth in Lancashire in Dingley wood six miles from Preston in Aundernesse and in Harwood neere to Blackburne likewise ¶ The Time 1 Pyrola floureth in Iune and Iuly and groweth winter and sommer 2 Monophyllon floureth in May and the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names 1 Pyrola is called in English Winter-greene it hath beene called Limonium of diuers but vntruly 2 Monophyllon according to the etymologie of the word is called in Latine Vnifolium in English One-blade or One-leafe ¶ The Nature 1 Pyrola is cold in the second degree and drie in the third 2 Monophyllon is hot and dry of complexion ¶ The Vertues Pyrola is a most singular wound-hearbe either giuen inwardly or applied outwardly the leaues whereof stamped and strained and the iuice made into an vnguent or healing salue with waxe oile and turpentine doth cure wounds vlcers and fistulaes that are mundified from the callous tough matter which keepeth the same from
foot ‡ 5 Holosteum siue Leontopod Cret alterum The other Candy Lyons foot ‡ 4 These two following Plants are by Clusius and Bauhine referred to this Tribe 〈◊〉 I thinke it fitting to place them here The 〈◊〉 of them from a reddish and as it were sealy root growing lesse by little and little and diuided into fibres sends forth many leaues narrow hoary an handfull long and hauing three nerues or ribbes running alongst each of them amongst these come sorth diuers foot-stalkes couered with a soft reddish downe and being some two or three inches long hauing heads somewhat thicke and reddish the floures are whitish with a blackish middle which makes it seeme as if it were persorated or holed Now when the plant growes old and withers the stalkes becomming more thicke and stiffe bend downe their heads towards the root so that in some sort they resemble the foot of a 〈◊〉 5 This Plant which is figured in the vpper place for I take the lower to be an exacter figure of the last described hath leaues like to the small sea Plantaine but tenderer and standing vpright and amongst these on little foot-stalkes grow heads like those of Psyllium but prettier and of a whitish red colour ‡ ¶ The Place The two first grow in most of the kingdomes of Spaine Carolus Clusius writeth that hee neuer saw greater or whiter than neere to Valentia a city of Spaine by the high-waies Since they haue beene found at Bastable in the isle of Wight and in the isles of Gernsey and Iarsey The third doth grow neere vnto the sea in all the places about England where I haue trauelled especially by the sorts on both the sides of the water at Grauesend at Erith neere London at Lee in Essex ar Rie in 〈◊〉 at West-Chester and at Bristow ‡ The fourth and fifth grow in Candy from whence they haue been sent to Padua and diuers other places ‡ ¶ The Names Holosteum is also called by Dodonaeus Plantago angustifolia albidu or Plantago Hispaniensis in English Spanish hairy small Plantaine or flouring sea Plantaine ‡ The fourth is called by Clusius Leontopodium Creticum by some it hath beene thought to be Catanance of Dioscorides the which Honorius Bellus will not allow of Bauhine calls it Holosteum siue Leontopodium Creticum The fifth is Leontopodium Creticum alterum of Clusius the Habbures of Camerarius and the Holosteum Creticum alterum of Bauhine ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen saith That Holosteum is of a binding and drying facultie Galen Dioscorides and Pliny haue proued it to be such an excellent wound herbe that it presently closeth or shutteth vp a wound though it be very great and large and by the same authority I speake it that if it be put into a pot where many pieces of flesh are boyling it will soder them together These herbes haue the same faculties and vertues that the other Plantains haue and are thought to be the best of all the kindes CHAP. 100. Of Sea Buck-horne Plantaines 1 Coronopus Sea Buck-horne 2 Coronopus siue Serpentina minor Small Sea Buck-horne ¶ The Description 1 THe new Writers following as it were by tradition those that haue written long agone haue beene content to heare themselues speake and set downe certainties by vncertaine speeches which hath wrought such confusion and corruption of writings that so many Writers so many seuerall opinions as may most euidently appeare in these plants and in others And my selfe am content rather to suffer this 〈◊〉 to passe than by correcting the error to renew the old wound But for mine owne opinion thus I thinke the plant which is reckoned for a kinde of Coronopus is doubtlesse a kinde of Holosteum my reason is because it hath grassie leaues or rather leaues like Veronica 〈◊〉 or wilde Pinks a root like those of Garyophyllata or Auens and the spikie eare of Holosteum or Sea Plantaine which are certaine arguments that these writers haue neuer seene the Plant but onely the picture thereof and so haue set downe their opinions by heare-say This plant likewise hath beene altogether vnknowne vnto the old Writers It groweth most plentifully vpon the cliffes and rocks and the tops of the barren mountains of Auergne in France and in many places of Italy 2 The second sort of wilde sea Plantaine or Serpentina differeth not from the former but onely in quantitie and slendernesse of his stalkes and the smallnesse of his leaues which exceed not the height of two inches It groweth on the hills and rockes neere the washings of the sea at Massilia in great plenty almost euery where among the Tragacanthum hauing a most thicke and spreading cluster of leaues after the manner of Sedum minimum saxeum montanum somewhat like Pinaster or the wilde Pine as well in manner of growing as stiffenesse and great increase of his slender branches It hath the small seed of Plantaine or Serpentina vulgaris contained within his spiky eares The root is somewhat long wooddy and thicke in taste somewhat hot and aromaticall 3 Coronopus siue Serpentina minima Small Buck-horne Plantaine 4 Cauda Muris Mouse-taile 3 This small sea plant is likewise one of the kindes of sea Plantaine participating as well of Buck-horne as of Holostium being as it were a degenerate kinde of sea Plantaine It hath many grassie leaues very like vnto the herbe Thrift but much smaller among which come sorth little tender foot-stalkes whereon do grow small spikie knops like those of sea Plantaine The root is tough and threddy 4 Mouse-taile or Cauda muris resembleth the last kinde of wilde Coronopus or sea Plantaine in small spikie knops leaues and stalkes that I know no reason to the contrarie but that I may as well place this small herbe among the kindes of Coronopus or Bucks horne as other Writers haue placed kindes of Holostium in the same section and if that be pardonable in them I trust this may be tolerated in me considering that without controuersie this little and base herbe is a kinde of Holostium hauing many small short grassie leaues spred on the ground an inch long or somewhat more among which do rise small tender naked stalkes of two inches long bearing at the top a little blackish torch or spikie knop in shape like that of the Plantaines resembling very notably the taile of a Mouse whereof it tooke his name The root is small and threddy ¶ The Place The first and second of these plants are strangers in England notwithstanding I haue heard say that they grow vpon the rocks in Silley Garnsey and the Isle of man Mouse-taile groweth vpon a barren ditch banke neere vnto a gate leading into a pasture on the right hand of the way as ye go from London to a village called Hampstead in a field as you goe from Edmonton a village neere London vnto a house thereby called Pims by the foot-paths sides in Woodford Row in Waltham Forrest and in the Orchard belonging to Mr. Francis 〈◊〉 in
the waters in all places for the most part The seuenth groweth in Yorkshire in a place called the Hooke neer vnto a close called a Cow pasture from whence I had these plants which doe grow in my garden very goodly to behold for the decking vp of houses and gardens ‡ The eighth I haue not yet found growing The ninth growes wild in some places of this kingdome but I haue seene it only in Gardens The tenth growes by the ponds and waters sides in Saint Iames his Parke in Tuthill fields and many other places ‡ The eleuenth groweth hard by the Thames as you goe from a place called the Diuels Neckerchiefe to Redreffe neere vnto a stile that standeth in your way vpon the Thames banke among the plankes that doe hold vp the same banke It groweth also in a ditch side not farre from the place of execution called Saint Thomas Waterings ‡ The other varieties of this grow in wet places about ditches and in woods and such like moist grounds ‡ ¶ The Time These herbes floure in Iune and Iuly and oftentimes vntill August ¶ The Names Lysimachia as Dioscorides and Pliny write tooke his name of a speciall vertue that it hath in appeasing the strife and vnrulinesse which falleth out among oxen at the plough if it bee put about their yokes but it rather retaineth and keepeth the name Lysimachia of King Lysimachus the sonne of Agathocles the first finder out of the nature and vertues of this herb as Pliny saith in his 25. book chap. 7. which retaineth the name of him vnto this day and was made famous by Erasistratus Ruellius writeth that it is called in French Cornelle and Corneola in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Lysimachium of Pliny Lysimachia of the later Writers Salicaria in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Willow herbe or herbe Willow and Loose strife Chamaenerium is called of Gesner Epilobton in English Bay Willow or bay yellow herbe ‡ The names of such as I haue added haue been sufficiently set sorth in their titles and Histories ‡ ¶ The Nature The yellow Lysimachia which is the chiefe and best for Physicke vses is cold and drie and very astringent ¶ The Vertues The iuice according to Dioscordies is good against the bloudy flix being taken either by potion or Clister It is excellent good for greene wounds and stancheth the bloud being also put into the nosthrils it stoppeth the bleeding at the nose The smoke of the burned herbe driueth away serpents and killeth flies and gnats in a house which Pliny speaketh of in his 25. book chap. 8. Snakes saith he craull a way at the smell of Loos-strife The same Authour affirmeth in his 26 booke last chap. that it dieth haire yellow which is not very vnlike to be done by reason the floures are yellow The others haue not been experimented wherefore vntill some matter worthy the 〈◊〉 doth offer it selfe vnto our consideration I will omit further to discourse her 〈◊〉 The iuice of yellow Lysimachia taken inwardly stoppeth all fluxe of bloud and the Dysenteria or bloudy flix The iuice put into the nose stoppeth the bleeding of the same and the bleeding of wounds and mightily closeth and healeth them being made into an vnguent or salue The same taken in a mother suppositorie of wooll or cotton bound vp with threds as the manner thereof is well knowne to women staieth the inordinate flux or ouermuch flowing of womens termes It is reported that the fume or smoke of the herbe burned doth driue away flies and gnats and all manner of venomous beasts CHAP. 130. Of Barren-woort Epimedium Barren Woort ¶ The Description THis rare and strange plant was sent to me from the French Kings Herbarist Robinus dwelling in Paris at the signe of the blacke head in the street called Du bout du Monde in English The end of the world This herbe I planted in my garden in the beginning of May it came sorth of the ground with small hard woodie crooked stalks whereupon grow rough sharpe pointed leaues almost like Alliaria that is to say Sauce alone or lacke by the hedge Lobel and Dod. say that the leaues are somewhat like Iuie but in my indgement they are rather like Alliaria somewhat snipt about the edges and turning themselues flat vpright as a man turneth his hand vpwards when hee receiueth money Vpon the same stalkes come forth small floures consisting of soure leaues whose outsides are purple the edges on the inner side red the bottomeyellow the middle part of a bright red colour and the whole floure somewhat hollow The root is smal and creepeth almost vpon the vppermost face of the earth It beareth his seed in very small cods like Saracens Consound ‡ to wit that of our Author 〈◊〉 described pag. 274. ‡ but shorter which came not to ripenesse in my garden by reason that it was dried away with the extreme and vnaccustomed heat of the Sun which happened in the yeare 2590. since which time from yeare to yeare it bringeth seed to perfection Further Dioscorides and Pliny do report that it is without floure or seed ¶ The place †It groweth in the moist medowes of Italie about Bononia and Vincentia it groweth in the garden of my friend Mr. Iohn Milion in Old-street and some other gardens about towne ¶ The Time It floureth in Aprill and May when it hath taken sast hold and setled it selfe in the earth a yeare before ¶ The Names It is called Epimedium I haue thought good to call it Barren woort in English not because that Dioscorides saith it is barren both of floures and seeds but because as some authors affirme being drunke it is an enemie to conception ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Galen affirmeth that it is moderately cold with a waterie moisture we haue as yet no vse hereof in Physicke ‡ CHAP. 131. Of Fleabane ‡ 1 Conyza maior Great Fleawoort ‡ 2 Conyza minor vera Small Fleabane ‡ THe smalnesse of the number of these plants here formerly mentioned the confusion notwithstanding in the figures their nominations historie not oneagreeing with another hath caused me wholly too mit the descriptions of our Authour and to giue you new agreeable to the figures together with an addition of diuers other plants 〈◊〉 to this kindred Besides there is one thing I must aduertise you of which is that our Authour in the first place described the Bacchar is Monspeliensium of Lobel or Conyza maior of Matthiolus it is that which grows in Kent and Essex on chalkie hils yet he gaue no figure of it but as it were forgetting what he had don allotted it a particular chap. afterwards where also another figure was put for it but there you shall now finde it though I must confesse that this is as sit or a fitter place for it but I will follow the course of my Authour whose matter not method I indeauour to amend ¶ The Description 1 This great
Saxifraga to wit of the Antients should be and finding no antient Authour that had described it to any purpose he sought 〈◊〉 which word 〈◊〉 saith he is the printed title my Manuscript acknowledgeth no Authour but Apoliensis Plato there is no description neither but the Manuscript hath a figure which I haue drawne and sent you and all that 〈◊〉 that hee hath written of it I should be glad to haue this figure cut and added to your worke together with his words because there hath beene so little written thereof by the Antients This his request I thought fit to performe and haue for the better satisfaction of the Reader as you see made a further enquirie thereof wherefore I will onely adde this that the plants here described and the Alsine Saxifraga of Colum. together with the two Chickweed Saxifrages formerly described Chap. 171. come neerest of any that I know to the figure and deliniation of this of the Antients Nomen istius 〈◊〉 Saxifraga Icon descriptio ex Manuscripto vetutissimo Quidam dicunt eam Scolopendriam alij Scoliomos alij Vitis canum quidam vero Brucos Itali Saxifragam Egyptij Peperem alij Lamprocam eam nominant Nascitur enim in Montibus locis saxosis Vna cura ipsius ad calculos expellendos Herbam istam Saxifragam contusam calculoso potum dabis in vino Ipsevero si febricitauerit cum aqua calida tam presens 〈◊〉 ab expert is traditum vt eodem die perfect is 〈◊〉 calculis ad 〈◊〉 vsque producit 1 This first little herb saith Camerarius hath been called Saxifraga 〈◊〉 not from the greatnesse of his growth but of his faculties The stalke is wooddie writhen and below sometimes as thicke as ones little finger from which grow many small hard branches and those slender ones the leaues are little long and sharpe pointed the floures are white and small and grow in cups which are finely snipt at the top in manner of a coronet wherein is contained a small red seed the rootes grow so fast impact in the Rockes that it cannot by any meanes be got out It grows vpon diuers rocks in Italy and Germany and it is the Saxifraga magna of Matthiolus and the Italians ‡ 1 Saxifraga magna Matthioli Matthiolus his great Saxifrage ‡ 2 Saxifraga Antiquorum Lob. Saxifrage of the Antients according to Lob. 2 Pena and Lobel say this growes in great plenty in Italie in Dolphonie in 〈◊〉 and England hauing many small slender branches a foot high intricately wrapped within one another where they are set with many grassie ioynts the roote is small and white with some few fibers the leaues stand by couples at the ioynts beeing long and narrow of the bignesse and similitude of those of the wilde Pinks or Rocke Sauorie vpon each wooddie small capillarie straight and creeping little branch growes one little floure somewhat like a Pinke beeing finely 〈◊〉 about the edges and in the head is contained 〈◊〉 small reddish seed The foresaid Authours call this Saxifragra sive Saxifraga Antiquorum The Vertues 1 Matthiolus saith that Calceolarius of Verona mightily commended this plant to him for the singular qualitie it had to expell or driue forth the stone of the Kidneies and that I might in verie deed beleeue it 〈◊〉 sent me abundance of stones whereof diuers exceeded the bignesse of a beane which were voided by drinking of this plant by one onely Citizen of Verona called Hieronymo de Tortis but this made me most to wonder for that there were some stones amongst them that seemed rather to come out of the Bladder than forth of the Kidneies 2 This say the Authours of the Aduers as it is the latest receiued in vse and name for Saxifrage so is it the better truer especially so thought by the Italians both for the highly commended facultie as also for the neere affinitie which it seemes to haue with Epithymum c. ‡ CHAP. 189. Of Sneesewoort ¶ The Description 1 THe small Sneese-woort hath many round and brittle branches beset with long and narrow leaues 〈◊〉 about the edges like a saw at the tops of the stalks do grow small single floures like the wilde field Daisie The root is tender and full of strings creeping far abroad in the earth and in short time occupieth very much ground the whole plant is sharpe biting the tongue and mouth like Pellitorie of Spaine for which cause some haue called it wilde Pellitorie The smell of this plant procureth sneesing whereof it tooke the name 〈◊〉 that is the herbe which doth procure sneesing or Neesewoort 2 Double floured Sneesewoort or Ptarmica is like vnto the former in leaues stalks and roots so that vnlesse you behold the floure you cannot discerne the one from the other and it is exceeding white and double like vnto double Fetherfew This plant is of great beautie and if it be cut downe in the time of his flouring there will come within a month after a supplie or crop of floures fairer than the rest 1 Ptarmica Sneesewoort 2 Ptarmica duplici flore Double floured Sneeswoort 3 There is also another kind hereof of exceeding great beauty hauing long leaues somewhat narrow like those of 〈◊〉 tree the stalks are of a cubit high on the top whereof doe growe verie beautifull floures of the bignes of a small single Marygold consisting of fifteene or sixteene large leaues of a bright shining red colour tending to purple set about a ball of thrummie substance such as is in the middle of the Daisie in manner of a pale which floures stand in scalie knops like those of Knapweed or Matfellon The root is straight and thrusteth deepe into the ground ‡ 〈◊〉 Imperati an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 species Clus. Cur. post p. 32. 4 This riseth vp with a small hard tough cornered whitish woolly stalke diuided into many branches and those againe diuided into other branches like those of Cyanus about two foot high wherein grow long narrow whitish Cottonie leaues out of order of a bitter taste whiter below than aboue of the colour of the leaues of Wormwood hauing but one rib or sinew that in the middle of the leafe and commonly turne downewards on the top of each slender branch groweth one small scalie head or knap like that of Cyanus which bringeth forth a pale purple floure without smell containing sixe seuen eight or more smal hard drie sharp pointed leaues in the middle whereof groweth many stiffe chiues their tops being of the colour of the floures these floures fall not away till the whole hearbe perisheth but change into a rustie colour amongst those chiues grow long flat blackish seed with a little beard at the top The root is small whitish hard and threddie and perisheth when the seed is ripe and soone springeth vp by the fall of the seede and remaineth greene all the Winter and at the Spring sendeth foorth a stalke as aforesaid The 〈◊〉 touched or rubbed 〈◊〉 forth a pleasant 〈◊〉 smell Iuly 26.
Brook-limes ¶ The Temperature Brook-lime is of temperature hot and dry like water Cresses yet not so much ¶ The Vertues Brooke-lime is eaten in sallads as Water-Cresses are and is good against that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 malum of such as dwell neere the Germane seas which they call Seuerbuycke or as we terme it the Scuruie or Skirby being vsed after the same manner that Water Cresses and Scuruy grasse is vsed yet is it not of so great operation and vertue The herbe boyled maketh a good fomentation for swollen legs and the dropsie The leaues boyled strained and stamped in a stone morter with the pouder of 〈◊〉 Lincseeds the roots of marish 〈◊〉 and some hogs grease vnto the forme of a cataplasine or pultesse taketh away any swelling in leg or arme wounds also that are ready to fall into apostumation it mightily defendeth that no humor or accident 〈◊〉 happen thereunto The leaues of Brooke-lime stamped strained and giuen to drinke in wine helpeth the strangurie and griefes of the bladder The leaues of Brook-lime and the tendrels of Asparagus eaten with oyle vineger and Pepper helpeth the strangurie and stone CHAP. 196. Of stinking Ground-Pine ¶ The Kindes ‡ DIoscorides hath antiently mentioned two sorts of Anthyllis one with leaues like to the Leatill the other like to Chamoepitys To the first some late writers haue referred diuers plants as the two first described in this Chapter The Anthyllis Leguminosa Belgarum hereafter to be described the Anthyllis Valentina Clusij formerly set forth Chap. 171. To the second are 〈◊〉 the Iua Moschata Monspeliaca described in the fourth place of the 150. Chap. of this booke the 〈◊〉 described formerly chap. 165. in the 14. place and that which is here described in the third place of this chapter by the name of 〈◊〉 altera Italorum ‡ ¶ The Description 1 THere hath beene much adoe among Writers about the certaine knowledge of the true Anthyllis of Dioscorides I will therefore set downe that plant which of all others is found most agreeable thereunto It hath many small branches full ioynts not aboue an handfull high creeping sundry wayes beset with small thicke leaues of a pale colour resembling Lenticula or rather Alsine minor the lesser Chickweed The floures grow at the top of the stalke starre-fashion of an herby colour like boxe or Sedum minus it fostereth his small seeds in a three cornered huske The root is somewhat long slender ioynted and deepely thrust into the ground like Soldanella all the whole plant is saltish bitter in taste and somewhat 〈◊〉 ‡ 1 Anthyllis lentifolia siue Alsine cruciata marina Sea Pimpernell ‡ 2 Anthyllis Marina incana 〈◊〉 Many floured Ground-Pine ‡ This description was taken out of the Aduersaria pag. 195. where it is called 〈◊〉 prior lentifolia Peplios 〈◊〉 maritima also Clusius hath described it by the name of Alsines genus pelagicum I haue called it in my last iournall by the name of Alsine cruciata marina because the leaues which grow thicke together by couples crosse each other as it happens in most plants which haue square stalkes with two leaues at each ioynt I haue Englished it Sea Pimpernell because the leaues in shape are as like those of Pimpernel as of any other Plant and also for that our Author hath called another plant by the name of Sea Chickeweed The figure of the Aduersaria was not good and Clusius hath none which hath caused some to reck on this Anthyllis of Lobel and Alsine of Clusius for two seuerall plants which indeed are not so I haue giuen you a figure hereof which I tooke from the growing plant and which well expresseth the growing thereof ‡ 3 Anthyllis altera Italorum Stinking ground 〈◊〉 2 There is likewise another sort of 〈◊〉 or Sea Ground 〈◊〉 but in truth nothing els than a kinde of Sea Chickeweed hauing small branches trailing vpon the ground of two hands high whereupon do grow little leaues like those of Chickweed not vnlike those of 〈◊〉 or Sea Lentils on the top of the stalks stand many small mossie floures of a white colour The whole plant is of a bitter and 〈◊〉 taste ‡ This is the Marina incana 〈◊〉 Alsiae folia Narbonensium of Lobel it is the Paronychia altera of Matthiolus ‡ ‡ 3 To this sigure which formerly was giuen for the first of these by our Authour I will now giue you a briefe description This in the branches leaues and whole face thereof is very like the French Herbe-Iuie or Ground Pine but that it is much lesse in all the parts thereof but chiefely in the leaues which also are not snipt like those of the French Ground 〈◊〉 but sharp pointed the tops of the branches are downie or woolly and set with little pale yellow floures ‡ ¶ The Place These do grow in the Soath Isles belonging to England especially in Portland in the grauelly and sandy foords which lie low and against the sea and likewise in the 〈◊〉 of Shepey neere the water side ‡ I haue onely sound the first described and that both in Shepey as also in West-gate bay by Margate in the Isle of Thanet ‡ ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iune and 〈◊〉 ¶ The Names Their titles and descriptions sufficiently set forth their seuerall names ¶ The Temperature These sea herbes are of a temperate facultie betweene hot and cold The Vertues Halfe an ounce of the dried leaues drunke preuaileth greatly against the hot pisse the 〈◊〉 or difficultie of making water and pnrgeth the reines The same 〈◊〉 with Oxymell or honied water is good for the falling sicknesse giuen first at morning and last at night CHAP. 197. Of Whiteblow or Whitelow Grasse ¶ The 〈◊〉 1 THe first is a very slender plant hauing a fewe small leaues like the least Chickeweede growing in little tufts from the midst whereof riseth vp a small stalke three or foure inches long on whose top do grow very little white floures which being past there come in place small flat pouches composed of three filmes which being ripe the two outsides fall away leauing the middle part standing long time after which is like white Sattin as is that of 〈◊〉 which our women call white Sattin but much smaller the taste is somewhat sharpe 2 This kinde of 〈◊〉 hath small thicke and fat leaues 〈◊〉 into three or more diuisions much resembling the 〈◊〉 of Rue but a great deale smaller The stalks are like the former 〈◊〉 leaues also but the cases wherein the seede is contained are like vnto the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Myositis Scorpioides or Mouseare Scorpion grasse The floures are small and white There is another sort of Whitlow grasse or 〈◊〉 that is likewise a low or base herbe hauing a small tough roote with some threddie strings annexed thereto 〈◊〉 which rise vp diuers slender tough stalkes set with little narrow leaues consusedly like those of the smallest Chickweed whereof doubtlesse these be kindes alongst the
or better the leaues are like those of wilde Tyme but longer and of a blacker colour sometimes lightly snipt at the tops of the branches grow floures of a whitish blew colour consisting of foure fiue or else six e little leaues a piece which falling there follow round seede vessels containing a round small and blacke seed It floures in August and growes vpon cold and high mountaines as the Alpes Pona calls this Veronica Alpina minima Serpillifolio and Clusius hath it by the name of Veronica 3. fruticans ‡ 3 Veronica minor Little Fluellen 4 Veronica recta minima The smallest Fluellen ‡ 5 Veronica fruticans Serpillifolia Shrubbie Fluellen 6 Veronica assurgens sive Spicata Tree Fluellen 7 Veronica spicata latifolia Vpright Fluellen ‡ 8 Veronica supina Leaning Fluellen 6 The sixt kinde of Veronica hath many vpright branches a foote high and sometimes more diuiding themselues into sundry other small twigs at the top whereof do grow faire spikie tusts bearing bright and shining blew floures The leaues are somewhat long indented about the edges like a saw the root is compact of many threds or strings ‡ 7 This hath stalkes some cubit high and sometimes more and these not very full of branches yet hauing diuers joints at each whereof do grow forth two leaues two or three inches long and one broad and these leaues are also thicke smooth and shining lightly snipt or 〈◊〉 about the edges and of a very astringent and drying taste and at last somewhat biting At the top of the stalkes grow spokie tufts or blew floures like those of the last mentioned but of somewhat a lighter colour and they begin first to floure or shew themselues below and so go vpwards the seed which is small and blacke is conteyned in flat seed vessels the roote is thicke with many fibres euery yeere thrusting vp new shoots There is a variety of this with the leaues not so blacke and shining but hauing more branches and another which hath a longer spike or tuft of 〈◊〉 Clusius calls this Veronica erectior latifolia ‡ 8 The eighth hauing his stalkes leaning vpon the ground looketh with his face vpright hauing sundry flexible branches set with leaues like vnto wilde Germander by couples one right against another deeply jagged about the edges in respect of the other before mentioned The floures are of a blew colour the root is long with some threds appendant thereto ¶ The Place Veronica groweth vpon bankes borders of fields and grassie mole-hils in sandy grounds and in woods almost euery where The fourth kinde my good friend Mr. Stephen Bredwell practitioner in physicke found and shewed it me in the close next adjoining to the house of Mr. Bele chiefe of the clerkes of her Maiesties Counsell dwelling at Barnes neere London The sixth is a stranger in England but I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time These floure from May to September ¶ The Names These plants are comprehended vnder this generall name Veronica and Dodonaeus would haue the first of them to be the Betonica of Paulus Aegineta and Turner and Gesner the third we do call them in English Pauls Betony or Speedwell in Welch it is called Fluellen and the Welch people do attribute great vertues to the same in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Honor and praise ¶ The Nature These are of a meane temperature betweene heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The decoction of Veronica drunke sodereth and healeth all fresh and old wounds clenseth the bloud from all corruption and is good to be drunke for the kidnies and against scuruinesse and foule spredding tetters and consuming and fretting sores the small pox and measels The water of Veronica distilled with wine and re-distilled so often vntill the liquor wax of a reddish colour preuaileth against the old cough the drinesse of the lungs and all vlcers and inflammation of the same CHAP. 198. Of herbe Two pence ¶ The Description 1 HErbe Two pence hath a small and tender root spreding and dispersing it selfe farre within the ground from which rise vp many little tender flexible stalkes trailing vpon the ground set by couples at certaine spaces with smooth greene leaues somewhat round whereof it tooke his name from the bosome of which leaues shoote forth small tender foot-stalkes whereon do grow little yellow floures like those of Cinkefoile or Tormentill 2 There is a kinde of Money woort or herbe Two pence like the other of his kinde in each respect sauing it is altogether lesser wherein they differ ‡ 3 There is another kinde of Money-woort which hath many very slender creeping branches which here and there put forth fibres and take root againe the leaues are small and round standing by couples one against another and out of the bosomes come slender foote-stalkes bearing prety little whitish purple floures consisting of fiue little leaues standing together in manner of a little bell-floure and seldome otherwise the seed is small and conteined in round heads This growes in many wet rotten grounds and vpon bogges I first found it Anno 1626 in the Bishopricke of Durham and in two or three places of Yorkshire and not thinking any had taken notice thereof I drew a figure of it called it Nummularia pusilla flore ex albo purpurascente but since I haue found that Bauhine had formerly set it forth in his Prodromus by the name of Nummularia flore purpurascente It growes also on the bogges vpon the heath neare Burnt wood in Essex it floures in Iuly and August ‡ 1 Nummularia Herbe Two pence ‡ 3 Nummularia flore purpurascente Purple floured Money-woort ¶ The Place It groweth neere vnto ditches and streames and other watery places and is sometimes found in moist woods I found it vpon the banke of the riuer of Thames right against the Queenes pallace of White hall and almost in euery countrey where I haue trauelled ¶ The Time It floureth from May till Summer be well spent ¶ The Names Herbe Two pence is called in Latine 〈◊〉 and Centummorbiae and of diuers Serpentaria It is reported that if serpents be hurt or wounded they do heale themselues with this herbe whereupon came the name Serpentaria it is thought to be called Centummorbia of the wonderfull effect which it hath in curing diseases and it is called Nummularia of the forme of money whereunto the leaues are like in Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Money woort Herbe Two pence and Two penny grasse ¶ The Temperature That this herbe is dry the binding taste thereof doth shew it is also moderate colde ¶ The Vertues The floures and leaues stamped and laid vpon wounds and vlcers doth cure them but it worketh most effectually being stamped and boiled in oile oliue with some rosen wax and turpentine added thereto The iuice drunke in wine is good for the bloudie flix and all other issues in bloud of man or woman the weakenesse and loosenesse of the belly and laske
the whites that is to say that Mint which is described in the first place For it is found by experience that many haue had this kinde of flux staied by the continuall vse of this onely Mint the same being applied to the forehead or to the temples as Pliny teacheth doth take away the headache It is good against watering eies and all manner of breakings out in the head and against the infirmities of the fundament it is a sure remedie for childrens sore heads It is poured into the eares with honie water It is taken inwardly against Scolopenders Beare-wormes Sea-scorpions and serpents It is applied with salt to the bitings of mad dogs It will not suffer milke to cruddle in the stomacke Pliny addeth to wax soure therefore it is put in Milke that is drunke for feare that those who haue drunke thereof should be strangled It is thought that by the same vertue it is an enemy to generation by ouerthickning the seed Dioscorides teacheth that being applied to the secret part of a woman before the act it hindreth conception Garden Mint taken in meat or drinke warmeth and strengtheneth the stomacke and drieth vp all superfluous humours gathered in the same and causeth good digestion Mints mingled with the leaues of parched Barly consumeth tumors and hard swellings The water of Mints is of like operation in diuers medicines it cureth the trenching and griping paines of the belly and bowels it appeaseth headach staieth yexing and vomiting It is singular against the grauell and stone in the kidneies and against the strangurie being boiled in wine and drunke They lay it to the stinging of waspes and bees with good successe CHAP. 226. Of Nep or Cat Mint ¶ The Description 1 CAt Mint or Nep groweth high it bringeth forth stalks aboue a cubit long cornered chamfered and full of branches the leaues are broad nicked in the edges like 〈◊〉 of Bawme or of Horehound but longer The floures are of a whitish colour they partly compasse about the vppermost sprigs and partly grow on the very top they are set in a manner like an eare or catkin the root is diuersly parted and ful of strings and 〈◊〉 a long time The whole herbe together with the leaues and stalks is soft and couered with a white downe but lesser than Horse-mint it is of a sharpe smel and pearceth into the head it hath a hot taste with a certaine 〈◊〉 nesse ‡ 2 Our Authour figured this and described the next in the second place of this Chapter This hath pretty large square stalks set at each ioint with two leaues like those of Costmary but of a gray or ouerworn colour the floures grow at the tops of the stalks in long spokie tufts like those of the last described and of a whitish colour the smel is pleasanter than that of the last described ‡ 1 Mentha Felina seu Cattaria Nep or Cat-mint 2 Mentha Cattaria altera Great Cat-mint 3 There is also another kind hereof that hath a longer and narrower lease and not 〈◊〉 so white a colour the stalkes hereof are foure square the floures be more plentifull of a red light purple colour inclining to blew sprinkled with little fine purple specks the smell hereof is stronger but the taste is more biting ‡ The figure of this was formerly in the third place of the last chapter ‡ †3 Mentha Cattaria angustifolia Small Cat-Mint ¶ The Place The first growes about the borders of gardens and fields neere to rough bankes ditches and common wayes it is delighted with moist and waterie places it is brought into gardens ‡ The other two commonly grow in gardens with vs. ‡ ¶ The Time The Cat-Mints flourish by and by after the Spring they floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later Herbarists do cal it Herba Cattaria and Herba Catti because the Cats are very much delighted herewith for the smel of it is so pleasant to them that they rub themselues vpon it and wallow or tumble in it and also feed on the branches and leaues very greedily It is named of the Apothecaries Nepcta but Nepeta is properly called as we haue said wilde Penny-royall in high-Dutch Katzen Muntz in Low-Dutch Catte cruijt in Italian Gattaria or herba Gatta in Spanish Yerua Gatera in English Cat Mint and Nep. ‡ The true Nepeta is Calamintha Pulegij odore ‡ ¶ The Temperature Nep is of temperature hot and dry and hath the faculties of the Calamints ¶ The Vertues It is commended against cold paines of the head stomacke and matrix and those diseases that grow of flegme and raw humors and of winde It is a present helpe for them that be bursten inwardly by meanes of some fall receiued from an high place and that are very much bruised if the iuyce be giuen with wine or mede It is vsed in baths and decoctions for women to sit ouer to bring downe their sicknesse and to make them fruitfull ‡ It is also good against those diseases for which the ordinarie Mints do serue and are vsed ‡ CHAP. 227. Of Horse-Mint or Water-Mint ¶ The Description 1 WAter Mint is a kinde of wilde Mint it is like to the first Garden M in t the leaues thereof are round the stalkes cornered both the leaues and stalkes are of a darke red colour the roots creepe far abroad but euery part is greater and the herbe it selfe is of a stronger smell the floures in the tops of the branches are gathered together into a round eare of a purple colour †2 The second kinde of water Mint in each respect is like the others sauing that the same hath a more odoriferous sauor being lightly touched with the hand otherwise being hardly touched the sauour is ouer hot to smell vnto it beareth his floures in sundry tufts or roundles ingirting the stalkes in many places and they are of a light purple colour the leaues are also lesse than those of the former and of an hoary gray colour 1 Mentha aquatica siue Sisymbrium Water Mint 2 Calamintha aquatica Water Calamint ‡ 3 Mentastrum Horse-Mint ‡ 4 〈◊〉 niueum Anglicum Party coloured Horse-Mint ‡ 5 Mentastrum minus Small Horse-Mint ‡ 6 Mentastrum montanum 1. 〈◊〉 Mountaine Horse-Mint ‡ 7 Mentastrum 〈◊〉 radice 〈◊〉 Turnep-rooted Horse-Mint 4 In some of our English gardens as 〈◊〉 and Lobel obserued growes another Horse-mint much lesse and better smelling than the last mentioned hauing the leaues partly greene and partly milke white yet sometimes the leaues are some of them wholly white but more and more commonly all greene the stalkes floures and other parts are like those of the former but lesse This is the Mentastrum 〈◊〉 Anglicum of Lobel and Mentastrum alterum of Dodonaeus 5 This growes in waterie places hauing a stalke of a cubit or cubit and halfe high set with longish hoary leaues like those of Horse-mint the floures grow in spokie tufts at the tops of the stalkes of a duskie purple
that would haue it to be Alisma Dioscoridis which is also called Damasonium but vnproperly therefore we must rather call it Chrysanthemum latifolium than rashly attribute vnto it the name of Alisma ‡ This plant indeed is a Doronicum and the figure in the precedent chapter by Clusius is set forth by the name of Doronicum 6. Pannonicum Matthiolus calls this plant Alisma Gesner Caltha Alpina Dodonaeus Chrysanthemum latifolium Pena and 〈◊〉 Nardus Celtica altera Now in the Historia Lugd. it is set forth in in foure seuerall places by three of the former names and pag. 1169. by the name of Ptarmicamontana Daleschampij ¶ The Temperature It is hot and dry in the second degree being greene but in the third being dry ¶ The Vertues The women that liue about the Alps wonderfully 〈◊〉 the root of this 〈◊〉 suffocation of the mother the stoppings of the courses and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 like 〈◊〉 in maids Histor. Lugd. ‡ CHAP. 256. Of Corne-Marigold ¶ The Description 1 COrne Marigold or golden Corne floure hath a soft stalke hollow and of a greene colour wherupon do grow great leaues much hackt and cut into diuers sections and placed confusedly or out of order vpon the top of the branches stand faire starlike floures yellow in the middle and such likewise is the pale or border of leaues that compasseth the soft bal in the middle like that in the middle of Camomill floures of a reasonable pleasant smel The roots are full of strings 1 〈◊〉 segetum Corne Marigold 2 Chrysanthemum Valentinum Corne Marigold of Valentia 2 The 〈◊〉 floure of Valentia hath a thicke fat stalk rough vneuen and somewhat 〈◊〉 whereupon do grow long leaues consisting of a long middle rib with diuers little fetherlike leaues set thereon without order The floures grow at the top of the 〈◊〉 composed of a yellow thrummie matter such as in the middle of the Camomill floures and is 〈◊〉 like the Corne Marygold last described sauing it doth want that border or pale of little 〈◊〉 that do 〈◊〉 the ball or head the root is thicke tough and disperseth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 abroad ‡ 3 To these may be added diuers other as the 〈◊〉 Alpina of Clusius his 〈◊〉 Creticum others The first of these smal mountain Marigolds of Clusius 〈◊〉 description hath leaues like those of white Wormewood but greener and thicker the stalks grow some handfull 〈◊〉 set with few and much diuided leaues and at the tops as in an vmbell they carry some dozen floures more or lesse not much vnlike in shape colour and smell to those of the common Iacobaea or Ragwoort The root is somewhat thicke and puts forth many long white fibres It floures in Iuly and August and growes vpon the Alpes of Stiria Clusius calls it Chrysanthemum Alpinum 1. 4 The second of his description hath many leaues at the root like to the leaues of the male Sothernwood but of a lighter and brighter greene and of no vnpleasant smell though the taste be bitterish and vngratefull in the middest of the leaues grow vp stalkes some foot high diuided at their tops into sundry branches which carry each of them two or three floures bigger than yet like those of the common Cammomill but without smel and wholly yellow the root is fibrous blackish and much spreading It floures in August and growes in the like places as the former Bauhine iudges this to be the 〈◊〉 montana Artemissiae tenuifoliae facie of the 〈◊〉 and the Ageratum ferulaceum in the Hist. Lugd. But I cannot be of that opinion yet I iudge the Achillaea montana and Ageratum ferulaceum to be but of the same plant But different from this that chiefely in that it hath many more and those much lesse floures than those of the plant here figured and described 5 Now should I haue giuen you the historie of the Chrysanthemum Creticum of the same Authour but that my friend Mr. Goodyer hath saued me the labour by sending an exact description thereof together with one or two others of this kinde which I thinke fit here to giue you ‡ 3 Chrysanthemum Alpinum 1. Clus. Small mountaine Marigold ‡ 4 Chrysanthemum Alpimum 2. Clus. The other Alpine Marigold Chrysanthemum Creticum primum Clusij pag. 334. ‡ 5 Chrysanthemum Creticum Candy Corne Marigold Chrysanthemum Baeticum Boelij inscriptum The stalks are round straked reddish brown diuided into branches containing a spungious white pith within a cubite high the leaues grow out of order without footstalkes about three inches long and an inch broad notched about the edges not at all diuided of a darke greene colour the floures grow at the tops of the stalkes and branches forth of great scaly heads containing twentie leaues a piece or more notched at the top of a shining yellow colour growing about a round yellow ball of a reasonable good smell very like those of the common Chrysanthemum segetum the seede groweth like the other and is very small long round crooked and whitish the root is small whitish threddie and perisheth also when the seed is ripe Chrysanthemum tenuifolium Baeticum Boelij The stalks are round small straked reddish somewhat hairie branched a cubit high or higher the leaues are small much diuided iagged and very like the leaues of Cotulafaetida the floures are yellow shining like gold composed of thirteene or fourteene leaues a piece notched at the top set about a yellow ball also like the common Chrysanthemum segetum the seed groweth amongst white flattish scales which are closely compacted in a round head together and are small flat grayish and broad at the top the root is small whitish with a few threds and dyeth when the seed is ripe Iuly 28. 1621. Iohn Goodyer ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth among corne and where corne hath been growing it is found in some places with leaues more iagged and in others lesse The second is a stranger in England ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names These plants are called by one name in Greeke of the golden glittering colour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in High Dutch Sant Johans blum in Low Dutch Uokelaer in English Corne Marigold yellow Corne floure and golden Corne floure There be diuers other floures called Chrysanthemum also as Batrachion a kinde of yellow Crowfoot Heliochryson but these golden floures differ from them ¶ The Temperature They are thought to be of a meane temperature betweene heat and moisture ¶ The Vertues The stalks and leaues of Corne Marigold as Dioscorides saith are eaten as other pot-herbes are The floures mixed with wax oile rosine and frankinsence and made vp into a seare-cloth wasteth away cold and hard swellings The herbe it selfe drunke after the comming forth of the bath of them that haue the yellow iaundise doth in short time make them well coloured CHAP. 257. Of Oxe-Eie ¶ The Description 1 THe plant which wee haue called Buphthalmum or Oxe-eie hath
the precedent but differeth in the floures for those of this plant are white and the others of a perfect blew colour wherein is the difference †3 Neuer dying Borage hath manie verie broad leaues rough and hairie of a blacke darke greene colour among which rise vp stiffe hairie stalkes whereupon doe grow faire 〈◊〉 floures somewhat rounder pointed than the former the root is blacke and lasting hauing leaues both winter and Sommer and hereupon it was called Semper virens and that very properly to distinguish it from the rest of this kinde which are but annuall ‡ 1 Borago hortensis Garden Borage 2 Borago flore albo White floured Borage 3 Borago semper virens Neuer dying Borage 4 There is a fourth sort of Borage that hath leaues like the precedent but thinner and lesser rough and hairy diuiding it selfe into branches at the bottom of the plant whereupon are placed faire red floures wherein is the chiefest difference between this and the last described ‡ The figure which belonged to this description was put hereafter for Lycopsis Anglica ‡ ¶ The Place These grow in my garden and in others also ¶ The Time Borage floures and flourishes most part of all Sommer and till Autumne be far spent ¶ The Names Borage is called in shops Borago of the old Writers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is called in Latine Lingua Bubula Pliny calleth it Euphrosinum because it maketh a man merry and ioyfull which thing also the old verse concerning Borage dothtestifie Ego Borago gaudia semper ago I Borage bring alwaies courage It is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Boragine in Spanish Boraces in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Borage ¶ The Temperature It is euidently moist and not in like sort hot but seemes to be in a meane betwixt hot and cold ¶ The Vertues Those of our time do vse the floures in sallads to exhilerate and make the mind glad There be also many things made of them vsed euery where for the comfort of the heart for the driuing away of sorrow and encreasing the ioy of the minde The leaues boyled among other pot-herbes do much preuaile in making the belly soluble they being boyled in honied water be also good against the roughnesse of the throat and hoarsenesse as Galen teacheth The leaues and floures of Borage put into Wine make men and women glad and merry and driue away all sadnesse 〈◊〉 and melancholy as Dioscorides and Pliny affirme Syrrup made of the floures of Borage comforteth the heart purgeth melancholy and quieteth the phrenticke or lunaticke person The floures of Borage made vp with sugar do all the aforesaid with greater force and effect Syrrup made of the iuyce of Borage with sugar adding thereto pouder of the bone of a Stags heart is good against swouning the cardiacke passion of the heart against melancholy and the falling sicknesse The root is not vsed in medicine the leaues eaten raw ingender good bloud especially in those that haue been lately sicke CHAP. 283. Of Buglosse ¶ The Kindes LIke as there be diuers sorts of Borage so are there sundry of the Buglosses notwithstanding after Dioscorides Borage is the true Buglosse many are of opinion and that rightly that they may be both referred to one kinde yet will we diuide them according to the custome of our time and their vsuall denominations 1 Buglossa vulgaris Common Buglosse or Garden Buglosse 2 Buglossum luteum Lang de beefe ¶ The Description 1 THat which the Apothecaries call Buglosse bringeth forth leaues longer than those of Borage sharpe pointed longer than the leaues of Beets rough and hairy The stalke groweth vp to the height of two cubits parted aboue into sundry branches whereon are orderly placed blewish floures tending to a purple colour before they be opened and afterward more blew The root is long thicke and grosse and of long continuance ‡ 3 Buglossa syluestris minor Small wilde Buglosse 2 Lang de Beefe is a kinde hereof altogether lesser but the leaues hereof are rougher like the rough tongue of an oxe or cow whereof it tooke his name ‡ The leaues of Lang-de 〈◊〉 are very rough the stalke some cubit and halfe high commonly red of colour the tops of the branches 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in scaly rough heads these floures are composed of many small yellow leaues in manner of those of Dandelion and flie away in down like as they do the floures are of a verie bitter taste whence Lobel calls it Buglossum 〈◊〉 luteum Hieracio cognatum Tabernamontanus 〈◊〉 fitly called it Hieracium echioides 3 There is another wilde Buglosse which Dodonaeus hath by the name of Buglossa 〈◊〉 it hath a small white root from which arises a slender stalke some foot and halfe high set with smal rough leaues sinuated or cut in on the edges the stalkes at the top are diuided into three or foure small branches bearing small blew floures in rough huskes ‡ ¶ The Place These do grow in gardens euery where ‡ The Lang-de-Beefe growes wilde in many places as betweene Redriffe and Deptsord by the waterie ditch sides The little wilde Buglosse growes vpon the drie ditch bankes about Pickadilla and almost euery where ‡ ¶ The Time They floure from May or Iune euen to the end of Sommer The leaues perish in Winter and new come vp in the Spring ¶ The Names Garden Buglosse is called of the later Herbarists Buglossa and Buglossa Domestica or garden Buglosse Lang-de Beefe is called in Latine Lingua bouis and Buglossum Luteum Hieracio cognatum and also Buglossa syluestris or wilde Buglosse ‡ Small wilde Buglosse is called Borago syluestris by Tragus Echium Germanicum Spinosum by Fuchsius and Buglossa syluestris by Dodonaeus ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The root saith Dioscorides mixed with oile cureth greene wounds and adding thereto a little barley meale it is a remedie against Saint Anthonies fire It causeth sweat in agues as Plinie saith if the iuice be mixed with a little Aquavitae and the body rubbed therewith The Physitions of the later time vse the leaues floures and roots in stead of Borage and put them both into all kindes of medicines indifferently which are of force and vertue to driue away sorrow and pensiuenesse of the minde and to comfort and strengthen the heart The leaues are of like operation with those of Borage and are vsed as potherbes for the purposes aforesaid as wel Buglosse as Lang-de-Beefe and also to keepe the belly soluble CHAP. 284. Of Alkanet or wilde Buglosse ¶ The Description 1 Anchusa Alcibiadion Red Alkanet 2 Anchusa lutea Yellow Alkanet ‡ 3 Anchusa minor Small Alkanet 1 The first kinde of Alkanet hath many leaues like Echium or small Buglosse couered ouer with a prickie hoarinesse hauing commonly but one stalke which is round rough and a cubite high The cups of the floures are of a skie colour tending to purple not vnlike the floures of Echium the seed is small somewhat long
rise vp diuers branches charged with the like leaues the floures grow at the toppes of the branches of a most shining yellow colour the root is also like the former 3 The great Marsh Marigold with double floures is a stranger in England his natiue Countrey should seeme to be in the furthest part of Germanie by the relation of a man of those Countries that I haue had conference withall the which hee thus described it hath saith hee leaues roots and stalkes like those of our common sort and hath double floures like those of the garden Marigold wherein consisteth the difference 3 Calthapalustris multiplex Double floured Marsh Marigold The Place They ioy in moist and marish grounds and in watery medowes ‡ I haue not sound the double one wilde but seene it preserued in diuers gardens for the beautie of the floure ‡ ¶ The Time They floure in the Spring when the Crowfoots doe and oftentimes in Sommer the leaues keepe their greenenesse all the Winter long ¶ The Names Marsh Marigold is called of Valerius Cordus Caltha palustris of Tabernamontanus Populago but not properly in English Marsh Marigolds in Cheshire and those parts it is called Bootes ¶ The Temperature and 〈◊〉 Touching the faculties of these plants wee haue nothing to say either out of other mens writings or our owne experiences CHAP. 295. Of Frogge-bit Morsus Rana Frogge-bit ¶ The Description THere floteth or swimmeth vpon the vpper parts of the water a small plant which wee vsually call Frog-bit hauing little round leaues thicke and full of iuice very like to the leaues of wall Peniwoort the floures grow vpon long stems among the leaues of a white colour with a certaine yellow thrum in the middle consisting of three leaues in stead of roots it hath slender strings which grow out of a short and small head as it were from whence the leaues spring in the bottom of the water from which head also come forth slopewise certaine strings by which growing forth it multiplieth it selfe ¶ The Place It is found swimming or floting almost in euery ditch pond poole or standing water in all the ditches about Saint George his fields and in the ditches by the Thames side neere to Lambeth Marsh where any that is disposed may see it ¶ The Time It flourisheth and floureth most part of all the yeare ¶ The Names It is called of some Ranae morsus and Morsus Ranae and Nymphaeaparua ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It is thought to be a kinde of Pond-weed or rather of Water Lillie and to haue the same faculties that belong vnto it CHAP. 296. Of Water Lillie ¶ The Description 1 THe white water Lillie or Nenuphar hath great round leaues in shape of a Buckler thick fat and full of iuice standing vpon long round and smooth foot-stalkes ful of a spungious substance which leaues do swim or flote vpon the top of the water vpon the end of each stalk groweth one floure onely of colour white consisting of many little long sharpe pointed leaues in the middest whereof bee many yellow threds after the floure it bringeth forth a round head in which lieth blackish glittering seed The roots be thicke full of knots blacke without white and spungie within out of which groweth a multitude of strings by which it is fastened in the 〈◊〉 1 Nymphaea alba White Water Lillie 2 Nymphaealutea Yellow Water Lillie 2 The leaues of the yellow water Lillie be like to the other yet are they a little longer The stalkes of the floures and leaues be like the floures be yellow consisting onely of fiue little short leaues something round in the midst of which groweth a small round head or button sharpe towards the point compassed about with many yellow threds in which when it is ripe lie also glittering seeds greater than those of the other and lesser than wheat cornes The roots be thick long set with certaine dents as it were white both within and without of a spungious substance 3 The smal white water Lillie floreth likewise vpon the water hauing a single root with some few fibres fastened thereto from which riseth vp many long round smooth and soft foot-stalkes some of which doe bring forth at the end faire broad round buckler leaues like vnto the precedent but lesser on the other foot-stalkes stand prettie white floures consisting of fiue small leaues apeece hauing a little yellow in the middle thereof 3 Nymphaea alba minor The small white Water Lillie 5 Nymphaea lutea minima Dwarfe Water Lillie 4 The small yellow water Lillie hath a little threddie root creeping in the bottome of the water and dispersing it selfe far abroad from which rise small tender stalkes smooth and soft whereon do grow little buckler leaues like the last described likewise on the other small stalke standeth a tuft of many floures likewise floting vpon the water as the others do ‡ This hath the floures larger than those of the next described wherefore it may be fitly named Nymphaea lutea minor flore amplo ‡ 5 This dwarfe water Lillie differeth not from the other small yellow water Lillie sauing that that this kinde hath sharper pointed leaues and the whole plant is altogether lesser wherein lieth the difference ‡ This hath the floures much lesse than those of the last described wherefore it is fitly for distinction sake named Nymphaea 〈◊〉 minor flore paruo ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in fennes standing waters broad ditches and in brookes that run slowly and sometimes in great riuers ¶ The Time They floure and flourish most of the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Water Lillie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Nymphaea so named because it loues to grow in waterie places as Dioscorides saith the Apothecaries call it Nenuphar of Apuleius Mater Herculania Alga palustris Papauer palustre Clavus veneris and Digitus veneris Marcellus a very old writer reporteth that it is called in Latine Claua Herculis in French Badittin in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Water Lillie water Rose ¶ The Temperature Both the root and seed of water Lillie haue a drying force without biting ¶ The Vertues Water Lillie with yellow floures stoppeth laskes the ouerflowing of seed which commeth away by dreames or otherwise and is good for them that haue the bloudie flix But water Lillie which hath the white floures is of greater force insomuch as it staieth the whites but both this and the other that hath the black root must be drunke in red wine they haue also a scouring quality therfore they both clense away the morphew and be also good against the pilling away of the haire of the head against the morphew they are steeped in water and sor the pilling away of the haire in Tarre but for these things that is sitter which hath the black root and for the other that which hath the white root Theoprastus saith that being stamped and laid vpon
roots in shape like Creauises Hereunto agreeth the Emperors picture in all things sauing in the leaues which are not so large nor so much diuided but notched or toothed like the teeth of a saw 3 Napellus verus coeruleus Blew Helmet-floure or Monks-hood ‡ 4 Aconitum lycoctonum ex Cod. Caesareo ‡ 5 Besides these mentioned by our Author there are sundry other plants belonging to this pernitious Tribe whose historie I will briefely runne ouer The first of these is that which Clusius hath set forth by the name of Aconitum lycoctonum flo Delphinij Silesiacum it hath stalks some two or three cubits high smooth and hollow of a greenish purple colour and couered with a certaine mealinesse the leaues grow vpon long stalks being rough and fashioned like those of the yellow Wolfes bane but of a blacker colour the top of the stalke ends in a long spike of spurre-floures which before they be open resemble locusts or little Lyzards with their long and crooking tailes but opening they shew fiue leaues two on the sides two below and one aboue which ends in a crooked 〈◊〉 or horne all these leaues are wrinckled and purple on their outsides but smooth and of an elegant blew within After the floures are past succeed three square cods as in other Aconites wherein is contained an vnequall brownish wrinckled seed the root is thicke black and tuberous This growes naturally in some mountaines of Silesia and floures in Iuly and August 〈◊〉 ‡ 5 Aconitum lycoct hirsutum flo Delphinij Rough Larks-heele Wolfes-bane ‡ 6 Aconitum 〈◊〉 Violet coloured Monks hood ‡ 7 Aconitum purpureum 〈◊〉 Purple Monks-hood of Newburg ‡ 8 Aconitum maximum Iudenbergense Large floured Monks-hood 6 The leaues of this are somwhat like yet lesse than those of our common Monks-hood blackish on the vpper side and shining The stalke is some cubit and halfe high firme 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 smooth and shining diuided towards the top into some branches carrying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like 〈◊〉 forme to those of the vulgar Monks-hood of a most elegant and deepe 〈◊〉 colour the seeds are like the former and roots round thicke and short with many fibres It growes vpon the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saltsburg where it floures in Iuly but brought into gardens it floures sooner than the rest of 〈◊〉 kinde to wit in May. Clusius calls this Aconitum 〈◊〉 4. Tauricum 7 This hath leaues broader than those of our ordinarie Monks-hood yet like them the stalke is round straight and firme and of some three cubits height and oft times toward the top diuided into many branches which carry their floures spike-fashion of a purple colour absolutely like those of the common sort but that the thrummie matter in the middest of the floures is of 〈◊〉 duskier colour The root and rest of the parts are like those of the common kinde it growes naturally vpon the Styrian Alpes whereas it floures somewhat after the common kinde to wit in Iuly Clusius hath it by the name of Aconitum lycoctonum 5. 〈◊〉 ‡ 9 Aconitum maximum nutante coma Monkes-hood with the bending 〈◊〉 nodding head 8 The leaues of this are also diuided into fiue parts and snipt about the edges and doe very much resemble those of the smal 〈◊〉 described in the second place but that the leaues of that shine when as these do not the stalke is two cubits high not very thicke yet firme and straight of a greenish purple colour and at the top carries fiue or six floures the largest of all the 〈◊〉 hoods consisting of foure leaues as in the rest of this kind with a very large helmet ouer them being sometimes an inch long of an elegant blewish purple color the seed-vessels seeds and roots are like the rest of this kinde This growes on Iudenberg the highest hill of all Stiria and floures in August in gardens about the end of Iuly Clusius names it Aconitum Lycoct 9. Iudenbergense 9 This rises vp to the height of three cubits with a slender round stalke which is diuided into sundry branches and commonly hangs downe the head whence Clusius cals it Aconitum lycoctonum 8. 〈◊〉 nutante The floures are like those of the common Monks-hood but of somewhat a lighter purple colour The leaues are larger and long and much more cut in or diuided than any of the rest The roots seeds and other particles are not vnlike those of the rest of this kinde ‡ ¶ The Place Diuers of these Wolfs-banes grow in some gardens except Aconitum lycoctonon taken forth of the Emperors booke ¶ The Time These plants do floure from May vnto the end of August ¶ The Names The first is Lycoctoni specics or a kinde of Wolfes-bane and is as hurtfull as any of the rest and called of Lobel Aconitum flore Delphinij or Larke-spur Wolses-bare Auicen speaketh hereof in his second booke and afterwards in his fourth booke Fen. 6. the first Treatise hauing his reasons why and wherefore he hath separated this from Canach adip that is to say the Wolses strangler or the Wolfes-bane The later and barbarous Herbarists call the third Wolfes bane in Latine Napellus of the figure and shape of the roots of Napus or Nauet or Nauew gentle it is likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a kinde of Wolfes-bane also it may be called Toxicum sor Toxicum is a deadly medicine wherewith the Hunters poyson their speares darts and arrowes that bring present death so named 〈◊〉 arrowes which the Barbarians call Toxcumata and Toxa 〈◊〉 setting downe the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or accidents caused by Toxicum together with the remedies reckoneth vp almost the verie same that Auicen doth concerning Napellus notwithstanding Auicen writes of Napellus and Toxicum seuerally but not knowing what Toxicum is as he himselfe confesseth so that it is not to be maruelled that hauing written of Napellus he should afterward entreat againe of Toxicum ¶ The Nature and Vertues All these plants are hot and dry in the fourth degree and of a most venomous qualitie The force and facultie of Wolfes-bane is deadly to man and all kindes of beasts the same was tried of late in Antwerpe and is as yet fresh in memorie by an euident experiment but most lamentable for when the leaues hereof were by certaine ignorant persons serued vp in sallads all that did eate thereof were presently taken with most cruell symptomes and so died The symptomes that follow those that do eate of these deadly herbes are these their lips and tongues swell forthwith their eyes hang out their thighes are stiffe and their wits are taken from them as Auicen writeth in his fourth booke The force of this poyson is such that if the points of darts or arrowes be touched with the same it bringeth deadly hurt to those that are wounded therewith Against so deadly a poyson Auicen reckoneth vp certaine remedies which helpe after the poyson is vomited vp and among these he maketh mention of the Mouse as the copies euery where haue it nourished and fed vp with Napellus which
boyle a little reseruing the same for my vse The which I warmed in a sawcer dipping therein small soft tents which I put into the wound defending the parts adioyning with a plaister of Calcitheos relented with oyle of roses which manner of dressing and preseruing I vsed euen vntill the wound was perfectly whole notwithstanding once in a day I gaue him two spoonfulls of this decoction following I tooke a quart of good Claret Wine wherein I boyled an handfull of the leaues of Solidago Saracenica and Saracens Consound or foure ounces of honey whereof I gaue him in the morning two spoonfulls to drinke in a small draught of wine tempered with a little Sugar In like manner I cured a Shoo-makers seruant in Holburne who intended to destroy himselfe for causes knowne vnto many now liuiug but I deemed it better to couer the fault than to put the same in print which might moue such a gracelesse fellow to attempt the like his attempt was thus First he gaue himselfe a most mortall wound in the throat in such sort that when I gaue him drinke it came forth at the wound which likewise did blow out the candle another deep and grieuous wound in the brest with the said dagger and also two others in Abdomine or the nether belly so that the Zirbus or 〈◊〉 commonly called the caule issued forth with the guts likewise the which mortall wounds by Gods permission and the vertues of this herbe I perfectly cured within twenty dayes for the which the name of God be praised CHAP. 391. Of Magydare or Laser-wort Laserpitium Laser-wort ¶ The Description IT seemeth that neither Dioscorides nor yet Theophrastus haue euer seene Laserpitium Sagapenum or any other of the gummiferous roots but haue barely and nakedly set downe their iudgments vpon the same either by heare-say or by reading of other mens Workes Now then seeing the old Writers be vnperfect herein it behooueth vs in this case to search with more diligence the truth hereof and the rather for that very few haue set forth the true description of that Plant which is called Laserpitium that is indeed the true Laserpitium from the roots whereof flow that sap or liquor called Laser This plant as Pena and Lobel themselues say was found out not far from the Isles which Dioscorides calls Stoechades ouer against Massilia among sundry other rare plants His stalke is great and thicke like Ferula or Fennell gyant The leaues are like vnto the common Smallage and of an vnpleasant sauour The floures grow at the top of the stalkes tuft-fashion like Ferula or Fennell which being past there succeed broad and flat seeds like Angelica of a good sauour and of the colour of Box. The roots are many comming from one head or chiefe root and are couered ouerwith a thicke and fat barke These roots and stalkes being scarified or cut there floweth out of them a strong liquor which being dried is very medicinable and is called Laser ¶ The Place There be sundry sorts of Laser flowing from the roots and stalkes of Laserpitium the goodnesse or qualitie whereof varieth according to the countrey or clymate wherein the plant groweth For the best groweth vpon the high mountaines of Cyrene and Africa and is of a pleasant smell in Syria also Media Armenia and Lybia the liquour of which plant growing in these places is of a most strong and detestable sauour Lobel reporteth that Iacobus Rainaudus an Apothecarie of Massilia was the first that made it knowne or brought the plants thereof to Montpellier in France vnto the learned Rondeletius who right well beholding the same concluded that of all the kindes of Ferula that he had euer seene there was not any so answerable vnto the true Laserpitium as this onely plant ¶ The Time This Plant floureth in Montpellier about Midsommer ¶ The Names It is called in Latine Laserpitium in English Laserwoort and Magydare the gum or liquour that issueth out of the same is called Laser but that which is gathered from those plants that doe grow in Media and Syria is called 〈◊〉 ¶ The Nature Laserpitium especially the root is hot and drie in the third degree Laser is also hot and drie in the third 〈◊〉 but it exceedeth much the heate of the leaues stalkes and rootes of Laserpitium ¶ The Vertues The root of Laserpitium well pounded or stamped with oile scattereth clotted bloud taketh away blacke and blew markes that come of bruises or stripes cureth and dissolueth the Kings-euill and all hard swellings and botches the places being annointed or plaistered therewith The same root made into a plaister with the oile of Ireos and wax doth both asswage and cure the Sciatica or gout of the hip or huckle bone The same holden in the mouth and chewed doth asswage the tooth-ache for they are such roots as draw from the braine a great quantite of humors The liquour or gum of Laserpitium especially the Laser of Cyrene broken and dissolued in water and drunken taketh away the hoarsenesse that commeth suddenly and being supt vp with a reare egge cureth the cough and taken with some good broth or supping is good against an old pleurisie Laser cureth the iaundies and dropsie taken with dried figs also being taken in the quantitie of a scruple with a little pepper and Myrrhe is very good against shrinking of sinewes and members out of ioint The same taken with honie and vineger or the syrrup of vineger is very good against the falling sicknesse It is good against the flux of the belly comming of the debilitie and weaknesse of the stomacke called in Latine Coeliacus morbus if it be taken with raisons of the Sun It driueth away the shakings and shiuerings of agues being drunke with wine pepper white Frankincense Also there is made an electuarie thereof called Antidotus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is a singular medicine against feuer quartaines It is excellent against the bitings of all venomous beasts and venomous shot of darts or arrowes not onely taken inwardly but also applied outwardly vpon wounds It bringeth to maturation and breaketh all pestilentiall imposthumes botches and carbuncles being applied thereto with Rue Salt-peter and honie after the same manner it taketh away corns after they haue been scarified with a knife Being laied to with Copperas and Verdigrease it taketh away all superfluous outgrowings of the flesh the Polypus that happeneth in the nose and all scuruie manginesse If it be applied with vineger pepper and win it cureth the naughtie scurfe of the head and falling off of the haire The gum or liquour of Laserpitium which groweth in Armenia Lybia and sundry other places is that stinking and lothsome gum called of the Arabian Physitions Asa and Assa as also with vs in shoppes Asafoetida but the Laserpitium growing in Cyrene is the best and of a reasonable pleasant smell and is called Laser to distinguish and make difference betweene the two iuices though Asa foetida be good for all purposes aforesaid
floures others in the doublenesse thereof and in smell of the seed ¶ The Description 1 THe first kind of Nigella hath weake and brittle stalks of the height of a foot full of branches beset with leaues very much cut or iagged resembling the leaues of Fumiterie but much greener the floures grow at the top of the branches of a whitish blew colour each floure 1 Melanthium Garden Nigella 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wilde Nigella 3 Melanthium Damascenum Damaske Nigella ‡ 4 Melanthium Damascenum slo pleno Double floured Damaske Nigella 2 The wilde Nigella hath a streaked stalke a foot or more high beset full of grayish leaues very finely 〈◊〉 almost like the leaues of Dil the floures are like the former saue that they are blewer the cods or knops are like the heads or huskes of Columbines wherein is conteined the sweet and pleasant seed like the former 5 Nigella flore albo multiplici Damaske Nigella ‡ 6 Nigella Hispanica flore amplo Great Spanish Nigella 3 The third kinde of Nigella which is both faire and pleasant called Damaske Nigella is very like vnto the wilde Nigella in his small cut and jagged leaues but his stalke is longer the floures are like the former but greater and euery floure hath fiue small greene leaues vnder him as it were to support and beare him vp which floures being gone there succeed and follow knops and seed like the former but without smell or sauour ‡ 4 This in the smalnesse and shape of the leaues and the manner of growing is like to the last described hauing small leaúes growing vnder the floure which is not single as in the last described but double consisting of fiue or more rankes of little blewish leaues which are succeeded by such cornered heads as those of the former hauing in them a blacke seed without any manifest smell ‡ 5 The fifth kinde of Nigella hath many small and slender stalkes set full of slender and thin leaues deepely cut or jagged of a faint yellowish greene colour the floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a whitish colour and exceeding double which being vaded there succeed bowles or knobs full of sweet blacke seed like the former ths root is small and tender ‡ 6 The root of this is slender and yellowish the stalke some cubit high round green 〈◊〉 and toward the top diuided into sundry branches the leaues toward the bottome are somewhat small cut but somewhat larger vpon the stalkes The floure is much larger than any of the former composed of fiue leaues of a light blew aboue and somewhat whitish vnderneath with large veines running about them in the middle stands vp the head encompassed with blackish threds and some 7. or 8. little gaping blewish floures at the 〈◊〉 of them the leaues of the floures decaying the head becomes bigger hauing at the tops thereof 6. 7. or 8. longish twined hornes growing in a star fashion the inside is parted into cels conteyning a yellowish green or else blackish seed It is set forth in the Hortus Eystettensis by the name of Melanthium Hispanicum maius by Mr. Parkinson it is called Nigella Hispanica flore simplici and Bauhine in his Prodromus hath it by the name of Nigella latifolia flore maiore simplici caeruleo It is an annuall plant and floures in Iuly it is sometimes to be found in the gardens of our Florists ‡ ¶ The Place The tame are sowne in gardens the wilde ones do grow of themselues among 〈◊〉 and other graine in diuers countries beyond the seas ¶ The Time The seed must be sowne in Aprill it floureth in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Gith is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Melanthium in shops Nigella and Nigella Romana of diuers Gith and Salusandria and some among the former bastard names 〈◊〉 nigrum in high Dutch Swartzkymmich in low Dutch Narvus seat in Italian Nigella in Spanish Axenuz Alipiure in French Nielle odorante in English Gith and Nigella Romana in Cambridgeshire Bishops woort and also Diuae Catharinae flos Saint Katharines floure ¶ The Temperature The seed of the garden Nigella is hot and dry in the third degree and of thin parts ¶ The Vertues The seed of Nigella Romana drunke with wine is a remedy against the shortnes of breath dissolueth and putteth forth windinesse prouoketh vrine the menses increaseth milke in the brests of nurses if it be drunke moderately otherwise it is not onely hurtfull to them but to any that take thereof too often or in too great a quantity The seed killeth and driueth forth wormes whether it be taken with wine or water or laid to the nauell in manner of a plaister The oile that is drawne forth thereof hath the same property The seed parched or dried at the fire brought into pouder and wrapped in a piece of fine lawne or sarcenet cureth all murs catarrhes rheumes and the pose drieth the braine and restoreth the sence of smelling vnto those which haue lost it being often smelled vnto from day to day and made warme at the fire when it is vsed It takes away freckles scurfs and hard swellings being laid on mixed with vineger To be briefe as Galen saith it is a most excellent remedy where there is need of clensing drying and heating It serueth well among other sweets to put into sweet waters bagges and odoriferous powders CHAP. 444. Of Cockle ¶ The Description COckle is a common and hurtfull weed in our Corne and very well knowne by the name of Cockle which Pena calleth Pseudomelanthium and Nigellastrum by which names Dodonaeus and Fuchsius do also terme it Mutonus calleth it Lolium and Tragus calleth it Lychnoiaes segetum This plant hath straight slender and hairy stems garnished with long hairy and grayish leaues which grow together by couples inclosing the stalke round about the floures are of a purple colour declining to rednesse consisting of fiue small leaues in proportion very like to wilde Campions when the floures be vaded there follow round knobs or heads full of blackish seed like vnto the seed of Nigella but without any smell or sauour at all ¶ The Place and Time The place of his growing and time of his flouring are better knowne then desired ¶ The Names Cockle is called Pseudomelanthium and Nigellastrum wilde or bastard Nigella of 〈◊〉 Lolium of Mouton Lychnoides segetum of Tragus Githago in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Nielle des Bledz in English Cockle field Nigella or wilde Nigella in Italian Githone whereupon most Herbarists being mooued with the likenesse of the word haue thought it to be the true Gith or 〈◊〉 but how farre they are deceiued it is better knowne than needfull to be confuted for it doth not onely differ in leaues from the true Gith but also in other properties and yet it is called Gith or Melanthium and that is of the blackenes of the seed yet not properly but with a certain
differing from that of 〈◊〉 which thing perchance was the cause why it should bee surnamed Chelidonia there is some reason why it should be called Capnos Chelidonia for it is somewhat like Fumitorie in leaues though greater and commeth vp at the first spring which is about the time when the Swallowes do come in neuerthelesse it doth not follow that it is true and right Capnos Chelidonia for there be also other herbs comming vp at the same season and perish in short time after which notwithstanding are not called Chelidonia ¶ The Temperature Hollow root is hot and drie yet more drie than hot that is to say dry in the third degree and hot in the second it bindeth clenseth and somewhat wasteth ¶ The Vertues Hollow root is good against old and long lasting swellings of the Almonds in the throat and of the iawes it likewise preuaileth against the paines of the hemorrhoides which are swolne and painefull being mixed with the ointment of Poplar buds called Vng. Populeon It is reported that a dram weight hereof being taken inwardly doth purge by siege and draweth 〈◊〉 flegme CHAP. 447. Of Columbine ¶ The Description 1 THe blew Columbine hath leaues like the great Celandine but somewhat rounder indented on the edges parted into diuers sections of a blewish greene colour which being broken yeeld forth little iuice or none at all the stalke is a cubit and a halfe high slender reddish and sleightly haired the slender sprigs whereof bring forth euerie one one floure with fiue little hollow hornes as it were hanging forth with small leaues standing vpright of the shape of little birds these floures are of colour somtimes blew at other times of a red or purple often white or of mixt colors which to distinguish seuerally would be to smal purpose being things so familiarly knowne to all after the floures grow vp cods in which is contained little blacke and glittering seed the roots are thicke with some strings thereto belonging which continue manie yeares 2 The second doth not differ sauing in the colour of the floures for like as the others are described to be blew so these are of a purple red or horse-flesh colour which maketh the difference 3 The double Columbine hath stalks leaues and roots like the former the floures hereof are very double that is to say many of those little floures hauing the forme of birds are thrust one into the belly of another sometimes blew often white and other whiles of mixt colours as nature list to play with her little ones differing so infinitely that to distinguish them apart would require 1 Aquilegia caerulea Blew Columbines 2 Aquileia rubra Red Columbines 3 Aquilina multiplex Double Columbines ‡ 4 Aquilegia variegata Variegated Columbine ‡ 5 Aquilegia flo inversorubro Columbine with the inuerted red floure ‡ 6 Aquilegia flo inverso albo Inuerted Columbine with the white floure ‡ 7 Aquilegia flore roseo Rose Columbine ‡ 8 Aquilegia degener Degenerate Columbine ‡ 4 There are also other varieties of this double kinde which haue the floures of diuers or partie colours as blew and white and white and red variously marked or spotted 5 This kinde hath the floures with their heeles or spurres turned outward or in the middle of the floure whence it is called Aquilina inversa the floures of this are commonly reddish or of a light or darke purple colour and double 6 This differs from the last in the colour of the floures which are white yet double and inuerted as the former 7 The roots leaues and stalks of this are not vnlike those of the precedent but the floure is much different in shape for it hath no heels or spurs but is made of sundrie long leaues lying flat open being sometimes more single and otherwhiles more double The colour of the floure is either red white blew or variously mixt of these as the former 8 This though it be termed degenerate is a kinde of it selfe and it differs from the last described in that the vtmost leaues are the largest and the colour thereof is commonly greene or greene somewhat inclining to a purple ‡ ¶ The Place They are set and sowne in gardens for the beautie and variable colours of the floures ¶ The Time They floure in May Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Columbine is called of the later Herbarists Aquileia Aquilina and Aquilegia of Costeus Pothos of Gesner Leontostomum of Daleschampius Iouis flos of some Herba Leonis or the herbe wherein the Lion doth delight in High Dutch Agley in Low Dutch Akeleyen in French Ancoiles in English Columbine ‡ Fabius Columna iudges it to be the Isopyrum described by Dioscorides ‡ ¶ The Temperature Columbines are thought to be temperate betweene heate and moisture ¶ The Vertues Notwithstanding what temperature or vertues Columbines haue is not yet sufficiently known for they are vsed especially to decke the gardens of the curious garlands and houses neuerthelesse Tragus writeth that a dram weight of the seed with halfe a seruple or ten graines of Saffron giuen in wine is a good and effectuall medicine for the stopping of the liuer and the yellow iaundise but saith he that who so hath taken it must be well couered with cloathes and then sweat Most in these daies following others by tradition do vse to 〈◊〉 the leaues in milke against the sorenesse of the throat falling and excoriation of the uvula but the antient writers haue said nothing hereof Ruellius reporteth that the floures of Columbines are not vsed in medicine yet some there be that do affirme they are good against the stopping of the liuer which effect the leaues doe also performe ‡ Clusius saith that Dr. Francis Rapard a Physition of Bruges in Flanders told him that the seed of this common Columbine very finely beaten to pouder and giuen in wine was a singular medicine to be giuen to women to hasten and facilitate their labour and if the first taking it were not sufficiently effectuall that then they should repeat it againe ‡ CHAP. 448. Of Wormewood ¶ The Description 1 THe first kind being our common and best knowne Wormwood hath leaues of a grayish colour very much cut or iagged and very bitter the stalkes are of a wooddie substance two cubits high and full of branches alongst which doe grow little yellowish buttons wherein is found small seed like the seed of Tansey but smaller the root is likewise of awooddie substance and full of fibres 2 The second kinde of Wormwood bringeth forth slender stalkes about a foot high or somewhat more garnished with leaues like the former but whiter much lesser and cut or iagged into most fine and small cuts or diuisions the floures are like the former hanging vpon small stemmes with their heads downeward the roots are whitish small and many crawling and crambling one ouer another and thereby infinitely do increase of sauour lesse pleasant than the common Wormwood Some haue termed this plant Absinthium
name of Absinthium 〈◊〉 Abrotani foeminae facie that 〈◊〉 calls Santolina prima and this here figured Santolina altera He also mentioneth three other differences thereof which chiefely consist in the leaues for his third hath very short and small leaues like those of Heath whence Bauhine calls it Abrotanum foemina folijs Erica The fourth hath the leaues lesse toothed and more like to Cypresse hence it is called in the Aducrs Abrotanum peregrinum cupressi folijs The fifth hath not the stalkes growing vpright but creeping the leaues are toothed more thicke and hoary than the rest in other respects alike Bauhine calls it 〈◊〉 foemina repens canescens ‡ ¶ The Place Lauander Cotton groweth in gardens almost euery where ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names They are called by one name Santolina or Lauander Cotton of most Chamaecyparissus But 〈◊〉 concerning Chamaecyparissus is so short and briefe that by him their opinions can neither be reiected nor receiued They are doubtlesse much 〈◊〉 that would haue Lauander Cotton to be Abrotanum foemina or the female Sothernwood and likewise they are in the wrong who take it to be Seriphium sea Wormewood and they who first set it abroch to be a kinde of Sothernwood we leaue to their errors because it is not absolutely to be referred to one but a plant participating of Wormewood and Sothernwood ¶ The Temperature The seed of Lauander Cotton hath a bitter taste being hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Pliny saith That the herbe Chamaecyparissus being drunke in wine is a good medicine against the poysons of all serpents and venomous beasts It killeth wormes either giuen greene or dry and the seed hath the same vertue against wormes but auoideth them with greater force It is thought to be equall with the vsuall worme-seed CHAP. 457. Of Sperage or Asparagus 1 Asparagus sativus Garden Sperage 2 Asparagus 〈◊〉 Stone or mountaine Sperage ¶ The Description 1 THe first being the manured or garden Sperage hath at his first rising out of the ground thicke tender shoots very soft and brittle of the thicknesse of the greatest swans quil in taste like vnto the greene beane hauing at the top a certaine scaly soft bud which in time groweth to a branch of the height of two cubits diuided into diuers other smaller branches whereon are set many little leaues like haires more fine than the leaues of Dill among which come sorth small mossie yellowish floures which yeeld forth the fruit greene at the first afterward red as Corall of the bignesse of a small pease wherein is contained grosse blackish seed exceeding hard which is the cause that it lieth so long in the ground after the sowing before it do spring vp The roots are many thicke soft and spongie strings hanging downe from one head and spred themselues all about whereby it greatly increaseth 2 We haue in our marish and low grounds neere vnto the sea a Sperage of this kinde which differeth a little from that of the garden and yet in kinde there is no difference at all but only in manuring by which all things or most things are made more beautiful and larger This may be called Asparagus palustris marish Sperage 4 Asparagus syluestris aculeatus Wilde prickly Sperage 5 Asparagus syluestris Spinosas Clusij Wilde thornie Sperage 3 Stone or mountaine Sperage is one of the wilde ones set forth vnder the title of Corruda which Lobel calleth Asparagus petraeus and Galen Myacanthinus that doth very well resemble those of the garden in stalkes roots and branches sauing that those fine hairy leaues which are in the garden Sperage be soft blunt and tender and in this wilde Sperage sharpe hard and pricking thornes though they be small and slender the root hereof is round of the bignesse of a pease and of a blacke colour the roots are long thicke fat and very many 4 This sourth kinde differeth from the last described being a wilde Sperage of Spaine and Hungarie the plant is altogether set with sharpe thornes three or foure comming forth together as are the branches of Whinnes Gose or Fursen the fruit is blacke when it is ripe and full of a greenish pulpe wherein lie hard and blacke seeds sometimes one otherwhiles two in a berry the roots are like the others but greater and tougher ‡ 6 Drypis 〈◊〉 Thistle 5 Carolus Clusius describeth also a certain wilde Sperage with sharp prickles all alongst the stalkes orderly placed at euery ioynt one hard stiffe and whitish the points of the thornes pointing downward from the which ioynts also doe grow out a few long greene leaues fastned together as also a little yellow floure and one berry three cornered and of a blacke colour wherein is contained one black seed seldome more the roots are like the other 6 Drypis being likewise a kinde hereof hath long and small roots creeping in the ground like Couch grasse from which spring vp branches a cubit high ful of knotty ioints the leaues are small like vnto Iuniper not much differing from Corruda or Nepa the floures grow at the top of the stalke in spokie tufts or rundles of a white colour closely thrust together the seed besore it bee taken out of the huske is like vnto Rice being taken out like that of Melilot of a saffron colour ¶ The Place The first being our garden Asparagus groweth wild in Essex in a medow adioining to a mill beyond a village called Thorp and also at Singleton not far from Carbie and in the medows 〈◊〉 Moulton in Lincolnshire Likewise it groweth in great plentie neere vnto Harwich at a place called Bandamar lading and at North Moulton in Holland a part of Lincolnshire The wilde Sperages grow in Portugal and Biscay among stones one of the which Petrus Bellonius doth make mention to grow in Candie in his first booke of Singularities cap. 18. ¶ The Time The bare naked tender shoots of Sperage spring vp in Aprill at what time they are eaten in sallads they floure in Iune and Iuly the fruit is ripe in September ¶ The Names The garden Sperage is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine likewise Asparagus in shops Sparagus and Speragus in high-Dutch Spargen in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 and Coralcruijt that is to say Herba Coralli or Corall-wort of the red berries which beare the colour of Corall in Spanish Asparragos in Italian Asparago in English Sperage and likewise Asparagus after the Latine name in French Asperges It is named Asparagus of the excellencie because asparagi or the springs hereof are preferred before those of other plants whatsoeuer for this Latine word Asparagus doth properly signifie the first spring or sprout of eueric plant especially when it is render and before it do grow into a hard stalke as are the buds tendrels or yong springs of wild Vine or hops nnd such like Wilde Sperage is properly called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is as
bringeth forth a stalke groweth euery where in Germany and is a stranger in England ¶ The Time They floure and seed in Iuly and August and many times later ¶ The Names The former is called in Latine Carlina and Cardopatium and of diuers Carolina of 〈◊〉 the first Romane Emperor of that name whose armie as it is reported was in times past through the benefit of this root deliuered and preserued from the plague it is called in high Dutch Eberwurtz in low Dutch French and other languages as likewise in English Carline and Carline Thistle it is Dioscorides his Leucacantha the strong and bitter roots shew the same the faculties also are answerable as forthwith we will declare Leucacantha hath also the other names but they are counterfeit as among the Romanes Gniacardus and among the Thuscans Spina alba or white Thistle yet doth it differ from that Thistle which Dioscorides calleth Spina alba of which he also writting apart doth likewise attribute to both of them their owne proper faculties and operations and the same differing The later writers do also call the other Carlina altera and Carlina humilis or minor low or little Carline but they are much deceiued who go about to referre them both to the Chamaeleons for in Italy Germany or France Chamaeleones the Chamaeleons do neuer grow as there is one witnesse for many Petrus Bellonius in his fift booke of Singularities who sufficiently declareth what difference there is betweene the Carlines and the Chamaeleons which thing shall be made manifest by the description of the Chamaeleons ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The root of Carline which is chiefely vsed is hot in the later end of the second degree and dry in the third with a thinnes of parts and substance it procureth sweate it driueth forth all kinde of wormes of the belly it is an enemy to all maner of poisons it doth not onely driue away infections of the plague but also cureth the same if it be drunke in time Being chewed it helpeth the tooth-ache it openeth the stoppings of the liuer and spleene It prouoketh vrine bringeth downe the menses and cureth the dropsie And it is giuen to those that haue been dry beaten and fallen from some high place The like operations Dioscorides hath concerning Leucacantha Leucacantha saith he hath a root like Cyperus bitter and strong which being chewed easeth the paine of the teeth the decoction thereof with a draught of wine is a remedie against paines of the sides and is good for those that haue the Sciatica or ache in the huckle bones and for them that be troubled with the crampe The iuyce also being drunke is of like vertues CHAP. 482. Of wilde Carline Thistle ¶ The Description 1 THe great wilde Carline Thistle riseth vp with a stalke of a cubit high or higher diuided into certaine branches the leaues are long and very full of prickles in the edges like those of Carline the floures grow also vpon a prickely head being set with threds in the middest and paled round about with a little yellowish leaues the root is slender and hath a twinging taste 2 Carolus Clusius describeth a certaine other also of this kinde with one onely stalke slender short and not aboue a handfull high with prickly leaues like those of the other but lesser both of them couered with a certaine hoary downe the heads or knaps are for the most part two they haue a pale downe in the midst and leaues standing round about being somewhat stiffe and yellow the root is slender and of a reddish yellow 1 Carlina syluestris maior The great wilde Carline Thistle 2 Carlina syluestris minor The little wilde Carline Thistle ¶ The Place The great Carline is found in vntoiled and desart places and oftentimes vpon hills ‡ It groweth vpon Blacke Heath and in many other places of Kent ‡ The lesser Carline Carolus Clusius writeth that he found growing in dry stony and desart places about 〈◊〉 a city of Spaine ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is commonly called in Latine and that not vnfitly Carlina syluestris for it is like to Carline in floures and is not very vnlike in leaues And that this is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is so much the harder to affirme by how much the briefer Theophrastus hath written hereof for he saith that this is like bastard saffron of a yellow colour and fat iuyce and Acorna differs from Acarna for Acarna as Hesychius saith is the Bay tree but Acorna is a prickly plant ¶ The Temperature and Vertues It is hot especially in the root the twinging taste thereof doth declare but seeing it is of no vse the other faculties be vnsearched out CHAP. 483. Of Chamaeleon Thistle ¶ The Kindes THere be two Chamaeleons and both blacke the vertues of their roots to differ and the roots themselues do differ in kinde as Theophrastus declareth 1 Chamaeleon niger The blacke Chamaeleon Thistle 2 Chamaeleon niger Salmanticensis The Spanish blacke Chamaeleon ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of blacke Chamaeleon are lesser and slenderer than those of the prickely Artichoke and sprinckled with red spots the stalke is a cubit high a finger thicke and somewhat red it beareth a tufted rundle in which are slender prickely floures of a blew colour like the Hyacinth The root is thicke blacke without of a close substance sometimes eaten away which being cut is of a yellowish colour within and being chewed it bites the tongue 2 This blacke Chamaeleon hath many leaues long and narrow very full of prickles of a light greene in a manner white the stalke is chamfered a foot high and diuided into branches on the tops whereof stand purple floures growing forth of prickly heads the root is blacke and sweet in taste This is described by Clusius in his Spanish Obseruations by the name of Chamaeleon Salmanticensis of the place wherein he found it for he saith that this groweth plentifully in the territory of Salmantica a city in Spaine but it is very manifest that this is not blacke Chamaeleon neither doth Clusius affirme it ¶ The Place It is very common saith Bellonius in Lemnos where it beareth a floure of so gallant a blew as that it seemeth to contend with the skie in beautie and that the floure of Blew-Bottle being of this colour seemes in comparison of it to be but pale It groweth also in the fields neere Abydum and hard by the riuers of Hellespont and in Heraclea in Thracia Chamaeleon Salmanticensis groweth plentifully in the territorie of Salmantica a city in Spaine ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the other Thistles do ¶ The Names The blacke Chamaeleon is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Chamaeleon niger of the Romans Carduus niger and Vernilago of some Crocodilion in English the Chamaeleon Thistle or the Thistle that changeth it selfe into many shapes and colours ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The
is giuen with good successe against intermitting feuers whether they be quotidian or 〈◊〉 As touching the faculties of Saint Barnabies Thistle which are as yet not found out we haue nothing to write CHAP. 487 Of Teasels ¶ The Kindes OVrage hath set downe two kindes of Teasels the tame and the wilde These differ not saue only in the husbanding sor all things that are planted and manured doe more 〈◊〉 and become for the most part fitter for mans vse 1 Dipsacus 〈◊〉 Garden Teasell 2 Dipsacus syluestris Wilde Teasell ‡ 3 Dipsacus minor sive Virga pastoris Sheepheards-rod ¶ The Description 1 GArden Teasel is also of the number of the Thistles it bringeth 〈◊〉 a stalke that is 〈◊〉 very long iointed and ful of prickles the leaues grow sorth of the ioints by couples not onely opposite 〈◊〉 set one right against another but also compassing the stalke about and fastened together and so fastened that they hold dew and raine water in manner of a little bason these be long of a light greene colour and like to those of Lettice but full of prickles in the edges and haue on the outside all alongst the ridge stiffer prickles on the tops of the stalkes stand heads with sharpe prickles like those of the Hedge-hog and crooking backward at the point like hookes out of which heads grow little floures The seed is like Fennell seed and in taste bitter the heads wax white when they grow old and there are found in the midst of them when they are cut certaine little magots the root is white and of a 〈◊〉 length 2 The second kinde of Teasell which is also a kinde of Thistle is very like vnto the sormer but his leaues are smaller narrower his sloures of a purple colour and the hooks of the Teasell nothing so hard or sharpe as the other nor good for any vse in dressing of cloath 3 There is another kinde of Teasell being a wilde kinde therof and accounted among these Thistles growing higher than the rest of his kindes but his knobbed heads are no bigger than a Nutmeg in all other things else they are like to the other wilde kindes ‡ This hath the lower leaues deeply cut in with one gash on each side at the bottome of the leafe which little ears are omitted in the figure the leaues also are lesse than the former and narrower at the setting on and hold no water as the two former do the whole plant is also much lesse ‡ ¶ The Place The first called the tame Teasell is sowne in this countrey in gardens to serue the vse of Fullers and Clothworkers The second kinde groweth in moist places by brookes riuers and such like places The third I found growing in moist places in the high way leading from Braintree to Henningham castle in Essex and not in any other place except here there a plant vpon the high way from Much-Dunmow to London ‡ I sound it growing in great plentie at Edgecombe by Croyden close by the gate of the house of my much honoured friend Sir Iohn Tunstall ¶ The Time These floure for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Teasell is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Dipsacus Labrum Veneris and Carduus Veneris it is termed Labrum Veneris and Lauer Lauacrum of the forme of the leaues made vp in fashion of a bason which is neuer without water they commonly call it Virga pastoris minor and Carduus fullonum in high Dutch Karden Distell in low Dutch Caerden in Spanish Cardencha and Cardo 〈◊〉 in Italian Dissaco and Cardo in French Chardon de foullon Verge à bergier in English Teasell Carde Teasell and Venus bason The third is thought to be Galedragon Plinij of which he hath written in his 27. book the tenth Chapter ¶ The Temperature The rootes of these plants are drie in the second degree and haue a certaine clensing facultie ¶ The Vertues There is small vse of Teasell in medicines the heads as we haue said are vsed to dresse woollen cloth with Dioscorides writeth that the root being boiled in wine stamped till it is come to the substance of a salue healeth chaps and 〈◊〉 of the fundament if it be applied thereunto and that this medicine must be reserued ina box of copper and that also it is reported to be good for all kindes of warts It is needlesse here to alledge those things that are added touching the little wormes or magots found in the heads of the Teasell and which are to be hanged about the necke or to mention the like thing that Pliny reporteth of Galedragon for they are nothing else but most vaine and trifling toies as my selfe haue proued a little besore the impression hereof hauing a most 〈◊〉 ague and of long continuance notwithstanding Physicke charmes these worms hanged about my neck spiders put into a walnut shell and diuers such foolish toies that I was constrained to take by fantasticke peoples procurement notwithstanding I say my helpe came from God himselse for these medicines and all other such things did me no good at all CHAP. 488. Of Bastard Saffron ‡ 1 Carthamus siue Cnicus Bastard Saffron 2 Cnicus alter caeruleus Blew floured Bastard Saffron ¶ The Description 1 CNicus called also bastard Saffron which may very wel be reckoned among the Thistles riseth vp with a stalke of a cubite and a 〈◊〉 high straight smooth round hard and wooddy branched at the top it is defended with long leaues somthing broad sharp pointed and with prickles in the edges from the tops of the stalks stand out little heads or knops of the bignesse of an Oliue or bigger set with many sharpe pointed and prickly scales out of which come forth floures like threds closely compact of a deepe yellow shining colour drawing neere to the colour of Saffron vnder them are long seeds smooth white somewhat cornered bigger than a Barly corne the huske whereof is something hard the inner pulpe or substance is fat white sweet in taste the root slender and vnprofitable 2 There is also another kinde of Bastard Saffron that may very well be numbred amongst the kindes of Thistles and is very like vnto the former sauing that his flockie or threddie floures are of a blew colour the root is thicker and the whole plant is altogether more sharpe in prickles the stalks also are more crested and hairie ¶ The Place It is sowne in diuers places of Italy Spaine and France both in gardens and in fields Pliny lib. 25. cap. 15. saith that in the raigne of Vespasian this was not knowne in Italy being in Egypt onely of good account and that they vsed to make oile of it and not meat ¶ The Time The floures are perfected in Iuly and August the root after the seed is ripe the same yeare it is sowne withereth away ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Cnicus
or Cnecus in shops Cartamus or Carthamum of diuers Crocus hortensis and Crocus Saracenicus in Italian Zaffarano Saracinesco and Zaffarano saluatico in Spanish Alasor and Semente de papagaios in high Dutch Widen Zaffran in French Safran 〈◊〉 in English Bastard Saffron of some Mocke Saffron and Saffron D'orte as though you should say Saffron de horte or of the garden Theophrastus and Pliny call it Cnecus vrbana and 〈◊〉 or tame and garden bastard Saffron that it may differ from Atractilis which they make to be a kinde of Cnicus syluestris or wilde Bastard Saffron but rather a 〈◊〉 of the Holy Thistle ¶ The Temperature We vse saith Galen the seed onely for purgations it is hot and that in the first degree as Mesues writeth ¶ The Vertues The iuice of the seed of bastard Saffron bruised and strained into honied water or the broth of a chicken and drunke prouoketh to the stoole and purgeth by siege slimy flegme and sharp humors Moreouer it is good against the collicke and difficultie of taking breath the cough and stopping of the brest and is singular against the dropsie The seed vsed as aforesaid and strained into milke causeth it to curdle and yeeld much cruds and maketh it of great force to loose and open the belly The floures drunke with honied water open the liuer and are good against the iaundice and the floures are good to colour meat in stead of Saffron The seed is very hurtfull to the stomacke causing desire to vomite and is of hard slow digestion remaining long in the stomacke and entrailes Put to the same seed things comfortable to the stomacke as Annise seed Galingale or Mastick Ginger 〈◊〉 and it shall not hurt the stomacke at all and the operation thereof shall be the more quicke and speedy Of the inward pulpe or substance hereof is made a most famous and excellent composition to purge water with commonly called Diachartamon a most singular and effectual purgation for those t hat haue the dropsie The perfect description hereof is extant in Guido the Surgion in his first Doctrine and the sixt Tractate We haue not read or had in vse that Bastard Saffron with the blew floure and therefore can say nothing of his vertues CHAP. 489. Of Wilde Bastard Saffron ¶ The Description 1 ATractylis otherwise called wilde Bastard Saffron bringeth forth a straight and firme stalke verie fragile or brittle diuided at the toppe into certaine branches it hath long iagged leaues set with prickles the heads on the tops of the branchesare very ful of sharp prickles out of which grow floures all of threds like those of bastard Saffron but they are of a light yellow colour and sometimes purple the seed is somewhat great browne and bitter otherwise like that of bastard Saffron the root is of a meane bignesse 1 〈◊〉 Wilde Bastard Thistle 2 Carduus Benedictus The blessed Thistle 2 The stalkes of Carduus Benedictus or Blessed Thistle are round rough and pliable and being parted into diuers branches do lic flat on the ground the leaues are iagged round about and full of harmlesse prickles in the edges the heads on the tops of the stalks are set with prickles and 〈◊〉 with sharpe prickling leaues out of which standeth a yellow floure the seed is long and set with haires at the top like a beard the root is white and parted into strings the whole herb leaues and stalks and also the heads are couered with a soft and thin downe ¶ The Place Atractylis groweth in Candie and in diuers prouinces and Islands of Greece and also in Languedocke and is an herbe growing in our English gardens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is found euery where in Lemnos an Island of the Midland Sea in Champion grounds as 〈◊〉 Bellonius testifieth it is diligently cherished in Gardens in these Northerne parts ¶ The Time Atractylis is very late before it floureth and seedeth Carduus 〈◊〉 floureth in Iuly and August at which time it is especially to be gathered for Physicke matters ¶ The Names 〈◊〉 is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latins likewise 〈◊〉 and Cnicus sylue stris and because women in the old time were wont to vse the stiffe stalk thereof pro fuso aut colo for a spindle or a distaffe it is named Fusus agrestis and Colus Rustica which thing Petrus Bellonius reporteth the women in Greece do also euen at this day who call Atrastylis by a corrupt name Ardactyla diuers of the later herbarists name it Syluestris Carthamus that is to say in low Dutch Wilden Carthamus and in English wilde Bastard Saffron or Spindle Thistle Blessed Thistle is called in Latine euery where Carduus Benedictus and in shops by a compound word Cardo-benedictus it is most plaine that it is Species 〈◊〉 or a kind of wil de 〈◊〉 Saffron it is called Atractylis hirsutior hairie wilde bastard Saffron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nameth it 〈◊〉 supinus it is called in high Dutch Beseegnete distell Kardo Benedict the later 〈◊〉 whereos is knowne to the low Countrey men in Spanish it is called Cardo Sancto in French Chardon 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 in the Isle Lemnos Garderacantha in English Blessed Thistle but more commonly by the Latine name Carduus Benedictus ¶ The Temperature Wilde bastard Saffron doth drie and moderately digest as Galen witnesseth As Carduus Benedictus is bitter so is it also hot and drie in the second degree and withall ciensing and opening ¶ The Vertues The tops seed and leaues of Atractylis saith Dioscorides being beaten and drunk with pepper and wine are a remedie for those that are stung of the scorpion Blessed Thistle taken in meat or drinke is good for the swimming and giddinesse of the head it strengthneth memorie and is a singular remedie against deafenesse The same boiled in wine and drunke hot healeth the griping paines of the belly killeth and 〈◊〉 pelleth wormes causeth sweat prouoketh vrine and driueth out grauel clenseth the stomack and 〈◊〉 very good against the Feuer 〈◊〉 The iuice of the said Carduus is singular good against all poison as Hierome Bocke witnesseth in what sort soeuer the medicine be taken and helpeth the inflammation of the liuer as reporteth 〈◊〉 Camerarius of Noremberg The pouder of the leaues ministred in the quantitie of halfe a dram is very good against the pestilence if it be receiued within 24. houres after the taking of the sicknes and the party sweat vpon the same the like vertue hath the wine wherein the herbe hath been sodden The green herb pounded and laid to is good against all hot swellings as Erysipelas plague sores and botches especially those that proceed of the pestilence and is also good to be laied vpon the bitings of mad dogs serpents spiders or any venomous beast whatsoeuer and so is it likewise if it be inwardly taken The distilled water thereof is of lesse vertue It is reported that it likewise cureth stubborne and rebellious vlcers if the decoction be taken for certaine daies
time and wither away at the approch of Winter ¶ The Names It is called both in Greeke and Latine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Euphorbium Pliny in one place putteth the herbe in the feminine gender naming it Euphorbia the iuyce is called also Euphorbion and so it is likewise in shops we are faine in English to vse the Latine word and to call both the herbe and iuyce by the name of Euphorbium 〈◊〉 other name we hauenone it may be called in English the Gum Thistle ¶ The Temperature Euphorbium that is to say the congealed iuvce which we vse is of a very hot and as Galen testifieth causticke or burning facultie and of thinne parts it is also hot and dry in the fourth degree ¶ The Vertues An emplaister made with the gumme Euphorbium and twelue times so much oyle and a little wax is very singular against all aches of the ioynts lamenesse palsies crampes and shrinking of sinewes as Galen lib. 4. de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genera declareth at large which to recite at this present would but trouble you ouermuch Euphorbium mingled with oyle of Bay and Beares grease cureth the scurfe and scalds of the head and pildnesse causing the haire to grow againe and other bare places being anointed therewith The same mingled with oyle and applied to the temples of such are very sleepie and troubled with the lethargie doth awaken and quicken their spirits againe If it be applied to the nuque or nape of the necke it bringeth their speech againe that haue lost it by reason of the Apoplexie Euphorbium mingled with vineger and applied taketh away all foule and ill fauoured spots in what part of the body soeuer they be Being mixed with oyle of 〈◊〉 floures as Mesues saith and with any other oyle or ointments it quickly heateth such parts as are 〈◊〉 cold It is likewise a remedie against 〈◊〉 paines in the huckle bones called the Sciatica 〈◊〉 Paulus 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 doe report That if it be inwardly taken it purgeth by siege water and 〈◊〉 but withall it setteth on fire scortcheth and fretteth not onely the throat and mouth but also the stomacke liuer and the rest of the intrals and inflames the whole bodie For that cause it must not be beaten smal and it is to be tempered with such things as allay the heate and sharpenesse thereof and that make glib and slipperie of which things there must be such a quantitie as that it may be sufficient to couer all ouer the superficiall or outward part thereof But it is a hard thing so to couer and fold it vp or to mix it as that it will not burne or scortch For though it be tempered with neuer so much oyle if it be outwardly applied it raiseth blisters especially in them that haue soft and tender flesh and therfore it is better not to take it inwardly It is troublesome to beate it vnlesse the nostrils of him that beats it be carefully stopped and defended for if it happen that the hot sharpnesse thereof do enter into the nose it presently causeth 〈◊〉 and moueth neesing and after that by reason of the extremitie of the heate it draweth out aboundance of flegme and filth and last of all bloud not without great quantity of 〈◊〉 But against the hot sharpnesse of Euphorbium it is reported that the inhabitants are remedied by a certaine herbe which of the effect and contrarie faculties is named Anteuphorbium 〈◊〉 plant likewise is full of iuyce which is nothing at all hot and sharpe but coole and 〈◊〉 allaying the heate and sharpnesse of Euphorbium We haue not yet learned that the old writers haue set downe any thing touching this herbe notwithstanding it seemeth to be a kinde of Orpine which is the antidote or counterpoyson against the poyson and venome of Euphorbium ‡ CHAP. 493. Of soft Thistles and Thistle gentle ‡ THere are certaine other plants by most writers referred to the Thistles which being omitted by our Author I haue thought fit here to giue you ‡ Cirsium maximum Asphodeli radice Great soft bulbed Thistle 2 Cirsium maius alterum Great soft Thistle ¶ The Description 1 THe first and largest of these hath roots consisting of great longish bulbes like those of the Asphodill from whence arise many large stalkes three or foure cubits high crested and downy the leaues are very long and large iuycie greenish and cut about the edges and set with soft prickles At the tops of the stalkes and branches grow heads round and large out whereof come floures consisting of aboundance of threds of a purple colour which flie away in downe This growes wilde in the mountainous medowes and in some wet places of Austria I haue seene it growing in the garden of Mr. Iohn Parkinson and with Mr. Tuggye It floures in Iuly Clusius hath called it Cirsium maximum mont incano folio bulbosa radice But he gaue no figure thereof nor any else vnlesse the Acanthium peregrinum in Tabernamont which our Author formerly as I before noted gaue by the name of 〈◊〉 lutea 〈◊〉 were intended for this plant as 〈◊〉 verily thinke it was I haue giuen you a figure which I drew some yeares 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the plant it selfe 2 The root of this is long yet sending forth of the sides creeping fibres but not 〈◊〉 the leaues are like those of the last mentioned but lesse and armed with sharpe prickles of a 〈◊〉 colour with the middle rib white the heads sometimes stand vpright and 〈◊〉 long downe they are very prickly and send 〈◊〉 floures consisting of many 〈◊〉 purple threds The stalkes are thicke crested and welted with the setting on of the leaues This growes wilde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sea 〈◊〉 of Zeeland Flanders and Holland it floures in Iune and Iuly it is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and Cirsium maius of Lobel 3 This whose root is fibrous and liuing sends forth lesser narrower and 〈◊〉 leaues than those of the former not iagged or cut about their edges nor hoary yet set about with prickles the stalkes are crested the heads are smaller and grow three or foure together carrying such purple floures as the former This is that which Matthiolus 〈◊〉 and others haue set forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Cirsium 2. and Clusius hath it for his 〈◊〉 quartum or Montanum secundum ‡ 3 Cirsium folijs non hirsut is Soft smooth leaued Thistle ‡ 4 Cirsium montanum capitulis paruis Small Burre Thistle 4 The leaues of this are somewhat like those of the last described but larger and welting the stalkes further at their setting on they are also set with prickles about the edges the stalks are some two cubits high diuided into sundry long slender branches on whose tops grow little rough prickly heads which after the floures come to perfection doe hang downewards and at the length turne into downe amongst which lies hid a smooth shining seed This groweth wilde in diuers wooddy places of Hungarie and Austria It is the Cirsium of 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 2. or
Montanum 1. of Clusius and Cirsium alterum of Lobel It floures in Iune the root is about the thicknesse of ones little finger fibrous also and liuing 5 This sends vp long narrow leaues hairy and set about the edges with slender prickles out of the middest of these leaues growes vp a stalke sometimes a foot otherwhiles a cubit high slender stiffe and downy vpon which grow leaues somewhat broad at their setting on and there also a little nicked or cut in this stalke sometimes hath no branches otherwhiles two or three long slender ones at the tops whereof grow out of 〈◊〉 heads such floures as the common Knap-weed ‡ 5 Cirsium montanum Anglicum Single headed Thistle ‡ Cirsij Anglici alia Icon 〈◊〉 Pennies figure of the same ‡ Cirsij Anglici Icon Lobelij Lobels figure of the same ‡ 6 〈◊〉 mollis folijs dissectis 〈◊〉 leaued Thistle gentle ‡ 7 Carduus mollis folijs Lapathi Docke leaued Thistle-gentle 6 These also Clusius whom I herein 〈◊〉 addeth to the kindes of Thistles This iagged leafed one which he calleth Carduus mollior primus hath many leaues at the root both spred vpon the ground and also standing vpright and they are couered with a white and soft downinesse yet greene on the vpper side they are also much diuided or cut in euen to the middle rib like to the 〈◊〉 or tenderer leaues of the Starre Thistle they haue no prickles at all vpon them 〈◊〉 of the middest of these leaues grow vp one or two stalkes round crested purplish hoarie and some cubit or better high The leaues that grow vpon the lower part of the stalke are diuided those aboue not so the tops of the stalkes sometimes yet very seldome are parted into branches which cary scaly heads containing elegant floures made of many purple strings The floure decaying there succeeds a cornered seed the root somtimes equalls the thickenesse of ones 〈◊〉 brownish long and somewhat fibrous It floures in May and growes vpon the hilly places of Hungarie 7 The stalke of this is some foot or 〈◊〉 high thicke crested and somwhat hairy the leaues about the root are somwhat large aud in shape like those of Bonus Henricus abusiuely called in English Mercurie somewhat sinuated about the edges and set with harmelesse prickles greene aboue and verie hoarie vnderneath like the leaues of the white Poplar those that grow vpon the stalke are lesser and narrower out of whose bosomes towards the tops of the stalke grow out little branches which carry three foure or more little scaly heads like those of the Blew-Bottle or Knapweed whereout grow threddy blewish purple floures the seed is wrapped in downe and not vnlike that of Blew-Bottle the root is blacke hard and liuing sending forth shoots on the sides It growes vpon the highest Austrian Alpes and floures in Iuly Clusius calls this 〈◊〉 mollior Lapathi folio ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These plants seeme by their taste to be of a moderately heating and drying facultie but 〈◊〉 of them are vsed in medicine nor haue their vertues set downe by any Author ‡ CHAP. 494. Of three leafed Grasse or Medow Trefoile ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of three leafed Grasses some greater others lesser some beare floures of one colour some of another some of the water and others of the land some of a sweet smel others stinking and first of the common medow Trefoiles called in Irish Shamrockes 1 Trifolium pratense Medow Trefoile ‡ 3 Trifolinm maius flore albo Great white Trefoile ¶ The Description 1 MEdow Trefoile bringeth forth stalkes a cubit long round and something hairy the greater part of which creepeth vpon the ground whereon do grow leaues consisting of three ioyned together one standing a little from another of which those that are next the ground and roots are rounder and they that grow on the vpper part longer hauing for the most part in the midst a white spot like a halfe moon The floures grow on the tops of the stalkes in a tuft or small Fox-taile care of a purple colour and sweet of taste The seed groweth in little huskes round and blackish the root is long wooddy and groweth deepe 2 There is another of the field Trefoiles differing from the precedent especially in the colour of the floures for as those are of a bright purple contrariwise these are very white which maketh the difference The leaues floures and all the whole plant is lesse than the former 3. 4. There is also a Trefoile of this kinde which is sowne in fields of the Low-Countries in 〈◊〉 and diuers other places beyond the seas that commeth vp ranker and higher than that which groweth in medowes and is an excellent food 〈◊〉 cattell both to fatten them and cause them to 〈◊〉 great store of milke ‡ 4 Trifolium maius flo purpureo Great purple Trefoile ‡ 5 Trifolium luteum Lupulinum Hop Trefoile ‡ 6 Trifolium luteum minimum Little yellow Trefoile 5. 6. Likewise we haue in our fields a smaller Trefoile that bringeth forth yellow floures a greater and a lesser and diuers others also differing from these in diuers notable points the which to distinguish apart would greatly inlarge our volume and yet to small purpose therefore we leaue them to be distinguished by the curious who may at the first view easily perceiue the difference and also that they be of one stocke or kindred ‡ The greater of these yellow Trefoiles hath prety large yellow heads which afterward become of a brownish colour and somewhat resemble a Hop whence Thalius called it Lupulus syluaticus or Trifolium luteum alterum lupulinum Dodonaeus cals it Trifolium agrarium The leaues are small and lightly nickt about the edges The lesser hath smaller and far lesser yellow heads which are succeeded by many little crooked clustring seeds the leaues of this are small and also snipt about the edges both this the other haue two little leaues close by the fastning of the foot-stalkes of the leaues to the main stalks wherfore I refer them to the Medicks and vsually cal this later Medica sem 〈◊〉 It is the Trifol luteum minimum of 〈◊〉 and Lobel and Trifolium arvense of Tabern ‡ ¶ The Place Common Medow Trefoile groweth in medowes fertile 〈◊〉 and waterish grounds The others loue the like soile ¶ The Time They floure from May to the end of Sommer ¶ The Names Medow Trefoile is called in Latine Trifolium pratense in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch Claueren in French Treffle and Trainiere and Visumarus as Marcellus an old writer testifieth in English Common Trefoile Three-leafed grasse of some Suckles and Honi-suckles Cocksheads and in Irish Shamrocks ¶ The Temperature The leaues and floures of Medow Trefoiles are cold and drie ¶ The Vertues The decoction of three leaued Grasse made with honie and vsed in a clyster is good against the frettings and paines of the guts and driueth forth tough and slimie humours that cleaue vnto the
somewhat longish hauing two little sharpe pointed leaues growing at the setting on of the foot-stalkes to the stalkes they are greene of colour and not snipt about the edges The heads that grow on the tops of the stalkes are round short and greene with small purple or else whitish floures like those of the common Trefoile but lesser standing in cups diuided into fiue parts which when the floures are fallen become somewhat bigger harsher and more prickly but open not themselues so much as those of the former the seed is like that of Millet but somwhat rounder This floures in Iune and the seed is ripe in Iuly I first obserued it in Dartford salt marish the tenth of Iune 1633. I haue named this Trifolium stellatum glabrum Smooth starrie headed Trefoile ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These especially the three last seeme to be of the same temper and vertue as the common Medow Trefoiles but none of them are at this day vsed in Physicke or knowne vnlesse to some few ‡ CHAP. 597. Of Pulse ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Pulse as Beanes Peason Tares Chiches and such like comprehended vnder this title Pulse and first of the great Beane or garden Beane ¶ The Description 1 THe great Beane riseth vp with a foure square stalke smooth hollow without ioynts long and vpright which when it is thicke sowne hath no need of propping but when it is sowne alone by it selfe it soone falleth downe to the ground it bringeth forth long leaues one standing from another consisting of many growing vpon one rib or stem euerie one whereof is somewhat fat set with veines slipperie more long than round The floures are 〈◊〉 in forme long in colour either white with blacke spots or of a blackish purple after them come vp long cods thicke full of substance slenderer below frized on the inside with a certaine whitewooll as it were or soft flockes which before they be ripe are greene and afterwards being dry they are blacke and somewhat hard as be also the cods of broome yet they be longer than those and greater in which are contained three foure or fiue Beanes seldome more long broad flat like almost to a mans naile great and oftentimes to the weight of halfe a dram for the most part white now and then of a red purplish colour which in their vpper part haue a long black nauell as it were which is couered with a naile the colour whereof is a light greene the skin of the 〈◊〉 or beane is closely compacted the inner part being dry is hard and sound and easily cleft in sunder and it hath on the one side an euident beginning of sprouting as haue also the little pease great Pease Ciches and many other Pulses The roots hereof are long and fastned with many strings 1 Fabamaior hortensis The great garden Beane 2 Fabasyluestris The wilde Beane 2 The second kinde of Beane which Pena setteth forth vnder the title of Syluestris Graecorum Faba and Dodonaeus Bonasyluestris which may be called in English Greeke Beanes hath square hollow stalkes like the garden Beanes but smaller The leaues be also like the common Beane sauing that the ends of the rib whereon those leaues do grow haue at the very end small tendrels 〈◊〉 claspers such as the pease leaues haue The 〈◊〉 are in fashion like the former but of a darke red colour which being vaded there succeed long cods which are blacke when they be ripe within which is inclosed blacke seed as big as a Pease of an vnpleasant taste and sauour ‡ 3 The common Beane in stalkes leaues floures and cods is like the former great garden Beane but lesser in them all yet the leaues are more and grow thicker and out of the bosomes of the leaues vpon little foot-stalkes grow the floures commonly six in number vpon one stalk which are succeeded by so many cods lesser and rounder than those of the former the beans themselues are also lesse and not so flat but rounder and somewhat longish their colour are either whitish yellowish or else blacke This is sowne in most places of this kingdome in corne fields and known both to man and beast I much wonder our Author forgot to mention so common and vulgarly knowne a Pulse It is the 〈◊〉 or Faselus minor of Dodonaeus and the Faba minor of Pena and Lobel ‡ ¶ The Place The first Beane is sowne in fields and gardens euery where about London This blacke Beane is sowne in a few mens gardens who be delighted in varietie and study of herbes whereof I haue great plenty in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in Aprill and May and that by parcels and they be long in flouring the fruit is ripe in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The garden Beane is called in Latine Faba in English the garden Beane the field Beane is of the same kinde and name although the fertilitie of the soile hath amended and altered the fruit into a greater forme ‡ The difference betweene the garden and field Beane is a specificke difference and not an accidentall one caused by the soile as euery one that knoweth them may well perceiue ‡ The blacke Beane whose figure we haue set forth in the second place is called Faba 〈◊〉 of some thought to be the true physicke Beane of the Antients whereupon they haue named it Faba Veterum and also Faba Graecorum or the Greeke Beane Some would haue the garden Beane to be the true Phaseolus or Kidney Bean of which number Dodonaeus is chiefe who hath so wrangled and ruffled among his relatiues that all his antecedents must be cast out of dores for his long and tedious tale of a tub we haue thought meet to commit to obliuion It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereupon the Athenians feast dayes dedicated to Apollo were named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which Beans and Pulses were sodden in Latine it is also called Faba fresa or fracta broken or bruised Beane ‡ Dodonaeus knew well what he did as any that are either iudicious or learned may see if they looke into the first chapter of the second booke of his fourth Pemptas But our Authors words are too iniurious especially being without cause against him from whom he borrowed all that was good in this his booke except the figures of Tabernamontanus It may be Dr. Priest did not fit his translation in this place to our Authors capacitie for Dodonaeus did not affirme it to be the Phaseolus but 〈◊〉 distinguishing betweene them ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The Beane before it be ripe is cold and moist being dry it hath power to bind and restraine according to some Authors further of the temperature and vertues out of Galen The Beane as Galen saith in his booke of the Faculties of nourishments is windie meate although it be neuer so much sodden and dressed any way Beanes haue not a close and heauy substance but a
the middle as much as may containe a Hasell Nut. 13 In this table are foure seuerall fruits described by Clusins Exot. lib. 2. c. 21. The first is called Baruce and is said to grow vpon a high tree in Guyana called Hura it consisted of many Nuts of some inch long strongly fastened or knit together each hauing a hard wooddy shell falling into two parts containing a round and smooth kernell couered with an ash coloured silme They say the natiues there vse this fruit to purge and vomite The second called Arara growes in Kaiana but how it is not knowne it was some inch long couered with a skin sufficiently hard and blacke fastened to a long and rugged stalke that seemed to haue carried more than one fruit the kernell is blacke and of the bignesse of a wilde Oliue The natiues vse the decoction hereof towash maligne vlcers and they say the kernell will loose the belly The third named Orukoria is the fruit of a tree in Wiapock called Iuruwa they vse this to cure their wounds dropping the iuice of the fruit into them This fruit is flat almost an inch broad and two long but writhen like the cod of the true Cytisus but much bigger very wrinckled of an ash colour containing a smooth seed The fourth called Cropiot is a small and shriuelled fruit not much vnlike the particular ioints of the Aethiopian pepper The sauages vse to take it mixed amongst their Tabaco to asswage head-ache there were diuers of them put vpon a string as you may see in the figure the better to dry them 14 This which by Clusius Lobel is thought to be the Guanabanus mentioned by Scaliger Exerc. 281. part 6. is a thicke fruit some foot and halfe long couered with a thicke and hard rinde freezed ouer with a soft downinesse like as a Quince is but of a greenish colour with some veines or rather furrowes running alongst it as in 〈◊〉 the lower end is somewhat sharp at the vpper end it is fastened to the boughes with a firme hard and fibrous stalke this fruit containes a whitish pulpe which the Ethiopians vse in burning seuers to quench the thirst for it hath a pleasant tartnesse this dried becomes friable so that it may be brought into pouder with ones fingers yet retaineth its aciditie in this pulp lye seeds like little Kidneis or the seeds of the true 〈◊〉 of a black shining colour with some fibres comming out of their middles these sowne brought forth a plant hauing leaues like the Bay tree but it dyed at the approch of Winter Clus. 15 Ananas Pinias or Pine Thistle is a plant hauing leaues like the Aizoon aquaticum or water ‡ 16 Fabae Aegyptiae affinis ‡ 17 Coxco Cypote Amygdalae Peruanae Almonds of Peru. ‡ 18 Buenas Noches ‡ 19 Fructus tetragonus The square Coco ‡ 20 Arboris laniferae siliqua A cod of the wooll-bearing tree 16 The forme of this is somewhat strange for it is like a large Poppy head cut off nigh the top the substance thereof was membranous and wrinckled of a brownish colour very smooth the circumference at the top is about nine inches and so it growes smallerand smaller euen to the stalke which seems to haue carried a floure whereto this fruit succeeded the top of the fruit was euen and in it were orderly placed 24. cauities in each whereof was contained a little Nut like an Acorn almost an inch long and as much thick the vpper part was of a brownish colour the kernel within was rank and all mouldy Clusius could learne neither whence this came nor how it grew but with a great deale of probability thinks it may be that which the Antients described by the name of Faba Aegyptia 17 The former of these two Clusius receiued by the name of Coxco Cypote that is the Nut Cypote It is of a dusky browne colour smooth and shining but on the lower part of an ash colour rough which the Painter did not well expresse in drawing the figure The 2. hee receiued by the name of Almendras del Peru i. Almonds 〈◊〉 Peru the shell was like in colour and substance to that of an almond and the kernell not vnlike neither in substance nor taste yet the forme of the shell was different for it was triangular with a backe standing vp and two sharp sides and these very rough 18 This was the fruit of a large kind of Convolvulus which the Spaniards called Buenas noches or Goodnight because the floures vse to 〈◊〉 as soone as night came The seeds were of a sooty colour as big as large Pease being three of them contained in a skinny three cornered head You may see more hereof in Clusius Exot. lib. 2. cap. 18. 19 This is the figure of a square fruit which Clusius coniectures to haue been some kind of Indian Nut or Coco it was couered with a smooth rinde was seuen inches long and a foot and halfe about being foure inches and a halfe from square to square 20 About Bantam in the East Indies growes a tall tree sending forth many branches which are set thicke with leaues long and narrow bigger than those of Rosemary it carries cods six inches long and fiue about couered with a thin skin wrinckled and sharp pointed which open themselues from below into fiue parts and are full of a soft woolly or Cottony matter wherewith they stuffe cushions pillowes and the like and also spin some for certaine vses amongst the downe lye blacke seeds like those of Cotton but lesse and not fastened to the downe 21 This which Clus calls Palma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the Bag Date because it carries the figure of an Hippocras bag was found in a desart Island in the Antlantick ocean by certaine Dutch mariners who obserued whole woods thereof these bags were some of them 22. or more inches long and some seuen inches broad in the broadest place strongly woue with threds crossing one another of a brownish yellow colour These sachels as they report who cut them from the tree were filled with fruit of the bignesse of a Walnut huske and all within these were others as round as if they had bin torned and so hard that you could scarce breake them with a hammer in the midst of these were white kernels tasting at the first 〈◊〉 like pulse but afterwards bitter like a Lupine 22. The tree which carries this rough cod is very large as I haue been told by diuers some who saw it in Persia others that obserued it in Mauritius Island Clusius also notes that they haue bin brought from diuers places the cod is some three inches long and some two inches broad of a duskie red colour and all rough and prickly in these cods are contained one two or more round nuts or seeds of a grayish ash colour hauing a little spot on one side where they are fastened to the cod they are exceeding hard and difficult to breake but broken they shew a white kernel
kinde of Liuerwort differeth not but in stature being altogether lesse and more smooth or euen the floures on the tops of the slender stems are not so much laid open like a star but the especiall difference consisteth in one chiefe point that is to say this kinde being 〈◊〉 in a pot and set in a garden aboue the ground notwithstanding it spitteth or casteth round about the place great store of the same fruit where neuer any did grow before ‡ Of this sort which is small and oftentimes found growing in moist gardens among Beares-eares and such plants when they are kept in pots there are two varieties one hauing little stalkes some inch long with a starre-fashioned head at the top the other hath the like tender stalke and a round head at the top thereof ‡ 1 Hepatica terrestris Ground Liuer-wort 2 Hepatica 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Small Liuer-wort with starry and round heads 3 Hepatica petraea Stone Liuerwort ¶ The Place This is often found in shadowy and moist places on rocks and great stones layd by the highway and in other common paths where the Sun beams do seldome come and where no traueller frequenteth ¶ The Time It brings forth his blasing stars and leaues oftentimes in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Lichen and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say Muscus or Mosse as 〈◊〉 witnesseth it is named in shops Hepatica yet there 〈◊〉 also many other herbes named 〈◊〉 or Liuer-worts for difference whereof this may fitly be called Hepatica 〈◊〉 or Stone Liuer-wort hauing taken that name from the Germanes who call this Liuerwort Steyn Leberkraut and in low-Dutch Steen Leuercrupt in English 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature This Stone Liuerwort is of temperature cold and dry and somewhat binding ¶ The Vertues It is singular good against the inflammations of the liuer hot and sharpe agues and tertians which proceed of choler Dioscorides teacheth that Liuer-wort being applied to the place stancheth bleeding takes away all inflammations and that it is good for a tetter or ring-worme called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that it is a remedie for them that haue the yellow iaundice euen that which commeth by the inflammation of the liuer and that furthermore it quencheth the inflammations of the tongue CHAP. 164. Of Lung-wort or wood Liuer-wort and Oister-greene 1 Lichen arborum Tree Lung-wort 2 Lichen marinus Sea Lung-wort or Oister-greene ¶ The Description 1 TO Liuerwort there is ioyned Lung-wort which is also another kinde of Mosse drier broader of a larger size and set with scales the leaues hereof are greater and diuersly folded one in another not so smooth but more wrinckled rough and thicke almost like a Fell or hide and tough withall on the vpper side whitish and on the nether side blackish or dusty it seemeth to be after a sort like to lungs or lights 2 This kinde of sea Mosse is an herby matter much like vnto Liuer-wort altogether without stalke or stem bearing many greene leaues very vneuen or crumpled and full of wrinkles and somwhat broad not much differing from leaues of crispe or curled Lettuce this groweth vpon rockes within the bowels of the sea but especially among oisters and in greater plenty among those Oisters which are called Wall-fleet Oisters it is very well knowne euen to the poore Oister-women which carry Oisters to sell vp and downe who are greatly desirous of the said mosse for the decking and beautifying of their Oisters to make them sell the better This mosse they doe call Oister-greene ‡ 3 The branches of this elegant plant are some handfull or better high spred abroad on euerie side and only consisting of sundry single roundish leaues whereto are fastned somtimes one sometimes two or more such leaues so that the whole plant consists of branches made vp of such round leaues fastned together by diuers little verysmal threds the lower leaues which stick fast to the rockes are of a brownish colour the other of a whitish or a light greene colour smooth and shining This growes vpon rockes in diuers parts of the Mediterranean Clusius setteth it forth by the name of Lichen Marinus and he receiued it from Imperato by the name of Sertuloria and Cortusus had it from Corsica by the title of Corallina latifolia and he called it Opuntia marina hauing reference to that mentioned by Theophrast lib. 1. cap. 12. Hist. Plant. ‡ †3 Lichen marinus rotundifolius Round leaued Oister-weed 4 Quercus marina Sea Oke or Wracke ‡ 4 Quercus 〈◊〉 varietas A varietie of the sea Oke or Wrack 4 There is also another sort of sea Weed found vpon the drowned rockes which are naked and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 water at euery tyde This sea Weed groweth vnto the rocke fastned vnto the same at one end being a soft herby plant very slipperie insomuch that it is a hard matter to stand vpon it without falling it rampeth far abroad and here and there is set with certaine puft vp tubercles or bladders full of winde which giueth a cracke when it is broken the leafe it selfe doth somewhat resemble the Oken leafe whereof it tooke his name Quercus marina the sea Oke of some Wracke and Crow Gall. His vse in physicke hath not beene set sorth and therefore this bare description may suffice ‡ 5 Quercus marina secunda Sea Thongs ‡ 6 Quercus marina tertia The third sea Wracke ‡ Of this Quercus marina or Fucus there are diuers sorts whereof I will giue you the figures and a briefe historie the first of these is onely a varietie of the last described differing there-from in the narrownesse of the leaues and largenesse of the swolne bladders 5 This growes to the length of fiue or six foot is smooth and membranous being some halfe fingers bredth and variously diuided like wet parchment or leather cut into thongs this hath no swolne knots or bladders like as the former and is the Fucus marinus secundus of Dodonaeus 6 This Wracke or sea weed hath long and flat stalkes like the former but the stalks are thicke set with swolne knots or bladders out of which sometimes grow little leaues in other respects it is not vnlike the former kindes Dodonaeus makes this his Fucus marinus 3. 7 The leaues of this other Wracke which Dodonaeus makes his Fucus marinus quartus are narrower smaller and much diuided and this hath either none or very few of those swollen bladders which some of the former kindes haue 8 This which Lobel calleth Alga marina hath iointed blacke branched creeping roots of the thicknesse of ones finger which end as it were in diuers eares or hairy awnes composed of whitish hairy threds somewhat resembling Spikenard from the tops of those eares forth leaues long narrow soft and grasse-like first greene but white when they are dry It growes in the sea as the former They vse it in Italy and other hot
Barnakle whose fabulous breed my Author here sets downe and diuers others haue also deliuered were found by some Hollanders to haue another originall and that by egges as other Birds haue for they in their third voyage to 〈◊〉 out the North-East passage to China and the Molucco's about the eightieth degree and eleuen minutes of Northerly latitude found two little Islands in the one of which they found aboundance of these Geese sitting vpon their egges of which they got one Goose and tooke away sixty egges c. Vide Pontani 〈◊〉 vrb 〈◊〉 Hist. lib. 2. cap. 22. Now the shells out of which these birds were thought to fly are a kinde of 〈◊〉 marinus and thus Fabius Columna in the end of his Phytobasanos writing piscium aliquot historia iudiciously proues to whose opinion I wholly subscribe and to it I refer the Curious His asseueration is this Conchas vulgò Anatiferas non esse fructus terrestres neque ex ijs Anates oriri sed 〈◊〉 marinae speciem I could haue said somthing more hereof but thus much I thinke may serue 〈◊〉 with that which Fabius Columna hath written vpon this point ‡ ¶ The Place The borders and rotten plankes whereon are found these shels wherein is bred the Barnakle are taken vp in a small Island adioyning to Lancashire halfe a mile from the maine land called the Pile of Foulders ¶ The Time They spawne as it were in March and Aprill the Geese are formed in May and Iune and come to fulnesse of seathers in the moneth after And thus hauing through Gods assistance discoursed somewhat at large of Grasses Herbes Shrubs Trees and Mosses and certaine Excrescences of the earth with other things moe incident to the historie thereof we conclude and end our present Volume with this wonder of England For the which Gods name be euer honored and praised FINIS AN APPENDIX OR ADDITION OF certaine Plants omitted in the former Historie The Preface HAuing run through the Historie of Plants gathered by Mr. Gerrard and much enlarged the same both by the addition of many Figures and histories of Plants not formerly contained in it and by the amending and encreasing the historie of sundry of those which before were therein treated of I finde that I haue forgotten diuers which I intended to haue added in their fitting places the occasion hereof hath beene my many businesses the troublesomenesse and aboue all the great expectation and hast of the Worke whereby I was forced to performe this task within the compasse of a yeare Now being constant to my first resolution I here haue as time would giue me leaue and my memorie serue made a 〈◊〉 collection and addition though without method of such as offered themselues vnto me and without doubt there are sundrie others which are as fitting to be added as those and I should not haue been wanting if time would haue permitted me to haue entred into further consideration of them In the meane time take in good part those that I haue here presented to your view CHAP. 1. Of the Maracoc or Passion-floure ¶ The Description THis Plant which the Spaniards in the West Indies call Granadilla because the fruit somewhat resembles a Pomegranat which in their tongue they term Granadas is the same which the Virginians call Maracoc The Spanish 〈◊〉 for some imaginarie resemblances in the floure first called it Flos 〈◊〉 the Passion floure and in a counterfeit figure by adding what was wanting they made it as it were an Epitome of our Sauiours Passion thus 〈◊〉 persons semper sibi somnium fingunt Bauhine desirous to refer it to some stock or kindred of formerly knowne plants giues it the name of Clematis trifolia yet the floures and fruit pronounce it not properly belonging to their Tribe but Clematis being a certaine genericke name to all wooddy winding plants this as a species may come vnder the denomination though little in other respects participating with them The roots of this are long somewhat like yet thicker than those of Sarsa parilla running vp and downe and putting vp their heads in seuerall places from these roots rise vp many long winding round stalkes which grow two three soure or more yards high according to the heate and seasonablenesse of the yeare and soile whereas they are planted vpon these stalkes grow many leaues diuided into three parts sharpe pointed and snipt about the edges commonly out of the bosomes of each of the vppermost leaues there groweth a clasping tendrell and a floure the floure growes vpon a little foot-stalke some two inches long and is of a longish cornered forme with fiue little crooked hornes at the top before such time as it open it selfe but opened this longish head diuides it selfe into ten parts and sustaines the leaues of the 〈◊〉 which are very many long sharpe pointed narrow and orderly spred open one by another 〈◊〉 lying straight others crooked these leaues are of colour whitish but thicke spotted with a 〈◊〉 colour and towards the bottome it hath a ring of a perfect Peach colour and aboue and 〈◊〉 it a white circle which giue a great grace to the floure in the middest whereof rises an 〈◊〉 which parts it selfe into foure or fiue crooked spotted hornes with broadish heads from the midst of these rises another roundish head which carries three nailes or hornes biggest aboue and smallest at their lower end this floure with vs is neuer succeeded by any fruit but in the West Indies whereas it naturally growes it beares a fruit when it is ripe of the bignesse and colour of Pomegranats but it wants such a ring or crown about the top as they haue the rinde also is much thinner and tenderer the pulpe is whitish and without taste but the liquor is somwhat tart they open them as they do egges and the liquor is supped off with great delight both by the Indians and Spaniards as Monardus witnesseth neither if they sup off many of them shall they find their stomack opprest but rather their bellies are gently loosned In this fruit are contained many seeds somwhat like Peare kernells but more cornered and rough Clematis trifolia siue Flos Passionis The Maracoc or Passion-floure This growes wilde in most of the hot countries of America from whence it hath been brought into our English gardens where it growes very well but floures only in some few places and in hot and seasonable yeares it is in good plenty growing with Mistresse Tuggy at Westminster where I haue some yeares seene it beare a great many floures CHAP. 2. Of Ribes or red Currans ¶ The Description 1 THe plant which carries the fruit which we commonly terme red Currans is a shrubbie bush of the bignesse of a Gooseberry bush but without prickles the wood is soft and white with a pretty large pith in the middle it is couered with a double barke the vndermost being the thicker is greene and the vppermost which sometimes chaps and pills off is
red or murrey colour and the leaues soft and downy ‡ ‡ 2 This whose figure was formerly by our Author giuen for the last described though verie much different from it is a very pretty and elegant 〈◊〉 it in roots and leaues is not vnlike to the vsuall medow Grasse the stalke riseth to the height of a foot and at the top thereof it beareth a beautifull pannicle whence the French and Spanish Nations call it Amourettes that is the Louely Grasse This head consists of many little eares shaped much like those of the ordinarie Quaking Grasse longer and flatter being composed of more scales so that each of them somewhat resembles the leafe of a small Ferne whence I haue called it Ferne-Grasse These tops when they are ripe are white and are gathered where they grow naturally to beautifie garlands ‡ ‡ 1 Gramen tomentosum arundinaceum Feather-top or Woolly Reed-grasse 2 Gramen panniculatum elegasis Ferne-grasse 3 〈◊〉 syluaticum majus The greater Wood-grasse ‡ 4 This in leaues stalks roots manner and place of growing is like the last described the onely difference betweene them is That this hath much lesse yet sharper or rougher eares or tufts The figure and description of this was formerly giuen by our Author in the sixteenth chapter and ninth place vnder the title of Gramen syluaticum minus But because the difference between the last described and this is so small we haue spared the figure to make roome for others more 〈◊〉 and note-worthy ¶ The Time and Place 1 This kinde of Grasse growes in fettil fields and pastures 2 The second growes in diuers places of Spaine and France The other two grow in Woods ¶ The Names 1 Lobelius in Latine calls this Gramen tomentosum Acerosum Some haue taken it for the second kinde of 〈◊〉 but most commonly it is called Gramen plumosum and in English a Bent or Feather-top Grasse 2 Gramen panniculatum is called by some Heragrostis in Greeke Lobel calls this Gramen panniculosum phalaroides And it is named in the Hist. Lugd. Gramen filiceum seu polyanthos that is Ferne or many-floured Grasse ‡ 3 Gramen syluaticum or as it pleaseth others Gramen nemorosum is called in our tongue wood Grasse or shadow Grasse CHAP. 7. Of great Fox-taile Grasse ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fox-taile Grasse hath many threddy roots like the common Medow grasse and the stalke riseth immediatly from the root in fashion like vnto Barley with two or three leaues or blades like Otes but is nothing rough in handling but foft and downie and somewhat hoarie bearing one eare or tuft on the top and neuer more fashioned like a Fox-taile whereof it tooke his name At the approch of Winter it dieth and recouereth it selfe the next yeare by falling of his seed 1 Gramen Alopecuroides majus Great Fox-taile Grasse †2 Gramen Alopecuroides minus Small Fox-taile Grasse 2 The lesser Fox-taile Grasse hath a tuffe and hard root compact of many small strings yeelding a strawie stalke like the former though somwhat lesser with the like top or crest but of a whitish colour 3 Great bastard Fox-taile Grasse hath a strawie stalke or stemme which riseth to the height of a cubit and an halfe hauing a small root consisting of many fibres His leafe is small and grassie and hath on his top one tuft or spike or eare of a hard chaffie substance some three inches long composed of longish seeds each hauing a little beard or awne 4 Small bastard Fox-taile Grasse doth resemble the former sauing that this kinde doth not send forth such large stalkes and eares as the other but smaller and not so close packed together neither hauing so long beards or awnes †3 Gramen Alopecurinum majus Great bastard Fox-taile Grasse 4 Gramen Alopecurinum 〈◊〉 Small bastard Fox-taile Grasse ¶ The Place and Time These wilde bastard Fox-taile Grasses doe grow in the moist furrowes of fertile fields towards the later end of Sommer ¶ The Names ‡ The first by Lobel and Tabern is called Gramen phalaroides The other Lobel calleth 2 Gramen Alopecuroides 3. minus 4. minus alterum CHAP. 8. Of Great Cats-taile Grasse ¶ The Description 1 GReat Cats-taile Grasse hath very small roots compact of many small skins or threds which may easily be taken from the whole root The stalke riseth vp in the middest and is somewhat like vnto wilde Barley kneed and ioynted like corne of a foot high or thereabout bearing at the top a handsome round close compact eare resembling the Cats-taile 2 The small Cats-taile grasse is like vnto the other differing chiefely in that it is lesser than it The root is thicke and cloued like those of Rush Onions or Ciues with many small strings or hairie threads annexed vnto it Gramen Typhinum minus Small Cats-taile Grasse ¶ The Place and Time These kindes of Grasses do grow very well neere waterie places as Gramen Cyperoides doth and flourish at the same time that all the others doe ‡ The latter may be found by the bridge entring into Chelsey field as one goeth from Saint Iames to little Chelsey ‡ ¶ The Names The Latines borrow these names of the Greekes and call it Gramen Typhinum of Typha a Cats taile and it may in English as wel be called round Bent-grasse as Cats-taile Grasse ‡ The last described is by 〈◊〉 who first gaue the figure and description thereof in his Prodomus pag. 10. called Gramen Typhoides maximum spica longissima that is The largest Foxe-taile Grasse with a very long eare ‡ CHAP. 9. Of Cyperus Grasse 1 Gramen Cyperoides Cyperus Grasse 2 Gramen Iunceum aquaticum Rushy Water-Grasse ¶ The Description 1 CYperus Grasse hath roots somewhat like Cyperus whereof it tooke his name his leaues are long and large like vnto the common reed the stalke doth grow to the height of a cubit in some places vpon which groweth little scaly knobs or eares spike fashion somewhat like vnto Cats-taile or Reed-mace very chaffie rough and rugged 2 Rushy Water-grasse hath his roots like the former with many fibres or strings hanging at them and creepeth along vpon the vppermost face of the earth or rather mud wherein it groweth bearing at each ioynt one slender benty stalke set with a few small grassie blades or leaues bringing forth at the top in little hoods small feather-like tufts or eares ¶ The Place Time and Names They grow as I haue insinuated in myrie and muddy grounds in the same season that others do And concerning their names there hath been said enough in their titles CHAP. 10. Of Water-Grasse 1 Gramen aquaticum Water-grasse 2 Gramen aquaticum spicatum Spiked Water-grasse ¶ The Description †1 WAter-grasse or as we terme it Water Burre-grasse hath a few long narrow slender and ioynted leaues among which riseth vp a stalke of two foot high bearing vpon his small and tender branches certaine little rough knobs or brownish sharpe pointed seeds made vp
vertues Such is the facultie of the roots of all the Irides before named that being pounding they prouoke 〈◊〉 and purge the head generally all the kinds haue a heating 〈◊〉 quality Xyris Stinking Gladdon They are effectuall against the cough they easily digest and consume the grosse humors which are hardly concocted they purge choler and tough flegme they procure sleepe and helpe the gripings within the belly It helpeth the Kings Euill and Buboes in the groine as Pliny saith If it be drunke in Wine it prouoketh the termes and being put in Baths for women to sit ouer it prouoketh the like effects most exquisitly The root put in manner of a pessarie hastneth the birth They couer with flesh bones that be bare being vsed in plaisters The roots boyled soft and vsed plaisterwise 〈◊〉 all old hard tumours and the 〈◊〉 of the throat called Strumae that is the Kings Euill and emplaistered with honey it draweth out broken bones The meale thereof healeth all the rifts of the fundament and the infirmities thereof called Condilomata and openeth Hemorrhoides The juice sniffed or drawne vp into the nose prouoketh sneesing and draweth downe by the nose great store of filthy excrements which would fall into other parts by secret and hidden waies and 〈◊〉 of the channels It profiteth being vsed in a pessarie to prouoke the termes and will cause abortion It preuaileth much against all euill affections of the brest and lungs being taken in a little sweet wine with some Spiknard or in Whay with a little Masticke The Root of Xyris or Gladdon is of great force against wounds and fractures of the head for it draweth out all thornes stubs prickes and arrow-heads without griefe which qualitie it effecteth as 〈◊〉 saith by reason of his tenuitie of parts and of his attracting drying and digesting facultie which chiefely consisteth in the seed or fruit which mightily prouoketh vrine The root giuen in Wine called in physicke Passum profiteth much against Convulsions Ruptures the paine of the huckle bones the strangury and the flux of the belly Where note That whereas it is said that the potion aboue named stayeth the flux of the belly hauing a purging qualitie it must be vnderstood that it worketh in that manner as Rhabarbarum and Asarum do in that they concoct and take away the cause of the laske otherwise no doubt it moueth vnto the stoole as Rheubarb Asarum and the other Irides do Hereof the Countrey people of Somersetshire haue good experience who vse to drinke the decoction of this Root Others do take the infusion thereof in ale or such like wherewith they purge themselues and that vnto very good purpose and effect The seed thereof mightily purgeth by vrine as Galen saith and the country people haue found it true CHAP. 44. Of Ginger ¶ The Description 1 GInger is most impatient of the coldnesse of these our Northerne Regions as my selfe haue found by proofe for that there haue beene brought vnto me at seuerall times sundry plants thereof fresh greene and full of juyce as well from the West Indies as from Barbary and other places which haue sprouted and budded forth greene 〈◊〉 in my garden in the heate of Sommer but as soone as it hath been but touched with the first sharp blast of Winter it hath presently perished both blade and root The true forme or picture hath not before this time beene set forth by any that hath written but the World hath beene deceiued by a counterfeit figure which the reuerend and learned Herbarist Matthias Lobell did set forth in his Obseruations The forme whereof notwithstanding I haue here expressed with the true and vndoubted picture also which I receiued from Lobelius his owne hands at the impression hereof The cause of whose former errour as also the meanes whereby he got the knowledge of the true Ginger may appeare by his owne words sent vnto me in Latine which I haue here inserted His words are these How hard and vncertaine it is to describe in words the true proportion of Plants hauing no other guide than skilfull but yet deceitfull formes of them sent from friends or other meanes they best do know who haue deepliest waded in this sea of Simples About thirty yeares past or more an honest and expert Apothecarie William Dries to satisfie my desire sent me from Antwerpe to London the picture of Ginger which he held to be truly and liuely drawne I my selfe gaue him credit easily because I was not ignorant that there had bin often Ginger roots brought greene new and full of juice from the Indies to Antwerpe and further that the same had budded and growne in the said Dries Garden But not many yeares after I perceiued that the picture which was sent me by my Friend was a 〈◊〉 and before that time had been drawne and set forth by an old Dutch Herbarist Therefore not suffering this error any further to spred abroad which I discouered not many yeares past at Flushing in Zeeland in the Garden of William of Nassau Prince of Orange of famous memorie through the means of a worthy person if my memorie faile me not called Vander Mill at what time he opened and loosed his first young buds and shoots about the end of Sommer resembling in leaues and stalkes of a foot high the young and tender shoots of the common Reed called Harundo vallatoria I thought it conuenient to impart thus much vnto Master Iohn Gerard an expert Herbarist and Master of happy successe in Surgerie to the end he might let posteritie know thus much in the painefull and long laboured trauels which now he hath in hand to the great good and benefit of his Countrey The plant it selfe brought me to Middleborrough and set in my Garden perished through the hardnesse of the Winter Thus much haue I set downe truly translated out of his owne words in Latine though too fauourably by him done to the commendation of my meane skill 1 〈◊〉 ficta Icon. The feigned figure of 〈◊〉 1 Zinziberis verior Icon. The true figure of Ginger ¶ The place Ginger groweth in Spaine Barbary in the Canary Islands and the Azores Our men which sacked Domingo in the Indies digged it vp there in sundry places wilde ¶ The time Ginger flourisheth in the hot time of Sommer and loseth his leaues in Winter ¶ The Names Ginger is called in Latine Zinziber and Gingiber in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In French Gigembre ¶ The nature Ginger heateth and drieth in the third degree ¶ The vertues Ginger as Dioscorides reporteth is right good with meate in sauces or otherwise in conditures for it is of an heating and digesting qualitie it gently looseth the belly and is profitable for the stomacke and effectually opposeth it selfe against all darknesse of the sight answering the qualities and effects of Pepper It is to be considered That canded greene or condited Ginger is hot and moist in qualitie prouoking Venerie and being dried it heateth and
Grano the Spaniards Trigo the French men Bled ou Fourment in England we call the first White-Wheat and Flaxen Wheat Triticum Lucidum is called Bright Wheat Red Wheat is called in Kent Duck-bill Wheate and Normandy Wheat ¶ The nature Wheat saith Galen is very much vsed of men and with greatest profit Those Wheats do nourish most which be hard and haue their whole substance so closely compact as they can scarcely be bit asunder for such doe nourish very much and the contrary but little Wheat as it is a medicine outwardly applied is hot in the first degree yet can it not manifestly either dry or moisten It hath also a certaine clamminesse and stopping qualitie ¶ The vertues Raw Wheat saith Dioscorides being eaten breedeth wormes in the belly being chewed and applied it doth 〈◊〉 the biting of mad dogs 3 Triticum Typhinum Flat Wheat 4 Triticum multiplici spica Double eared Wheat The floure of wheat being boyled with honey and water or with oyle and water taketh away all inflammations or hot swellings The bran of Wheat boyled in strong Vineger clenseth away scurfe and dry scales and dissolueth the beginning of all hot swellings if it be laid vnto them And boyled with the decoction of Rue it slaketh the swellings in womens brests The graines of white Wheat as Pliny writeth in his two and twentieth booke and seuenth chapter being dried brown but not burnt and the pouder thereof mixed with white wine is good for watering eyes if it be laid thereto The dried pouder of red Wheat boyled with vineger helpeth the shrinking of sinewes 5 Triticum lucidum Bright Wheat The leauen made of Wheat hath vertue to heate and draw outward it resolueth concocteth and openeth all swellings bunches tumors and felons being mixed with salt The fine floure mixed with the yolke of an egge honey and a little saffron doth draw and heale byles and such like sores in children and in old people very well and quickely Take crums of wheaten bread one pound and an halfe barley meale 〈◊〉 ij Fennigreeke and Lineseed of each an ounce the leaues of Mallowes Violets Dwale Sengreene and Cotyledon ana one handfull boyle them in water and oyle vntill they be tender then stampe them very small in a stone morter and adde thereto the yolks of three egges oyle of Roses and oyle of Violets ana 〈◊〉 ij Incorporate them altogether but if the inflammation grow to an Erysipelas then adde thereto the juice of Nightshade Plantaine and Henbane ana 〈◊〉 ij it easeth an Erysipelas or Saint Anthonies fire and all inflammations very speedily Slices of fine white bread laid to infuse or steepe in Rose water and so applied vnto sor̄e eyes which haue many hot humors falling into them doth easily defend the humour and cease the paine The oyle of wheat pressed forth betweene two plates of hot iron healeth the chaps and chinks of the hands feet and fundament which come of cold making smooth the hands face or any other part of the body The same vsed as a Balsame doth excellently heale wounds and being put among salues or vnguents it causeth them to worke more effectually especially in old vlcers CHAP. 47. Of Rie ¶ The Description THe leafe of Rie when it first commeth vp is somewhat reddish afterward greene as be the other graines It groweth vp with many stalks slenderer than those of wheat and longer with knees or ioynts by certaine distances like vnto Wheat the eares are orderly framed vp in rankes and compassed about with short beards not sharpe but blunt which when it floureth standeth vpright and when it is filled vp with seed it leaneth and hangeth downward The seed is long blackish slender and naked which easily falleth out of the huskes of it selfe The roots be many slender and full of strings ¶ The place Rie groweth very plentifully in the most places of Germany and Polonia as appeareth by the great quantitie brought into England in times of dearth and scarcitie of corne as hapned in the yeare 1596 and at other times when there was a generall want of corne by reason of the aboundance of raine that fell the yeare before whereby great penurie ensued as well of cattell and all other victuals as of all manner of graine It groweth likewise very wel in most places of England especially towards the North. Secale Rie ¶ The time It is for the most part sowen in Autumne and sometimes in the Spring which proueth to be a Graine more subiect to putrifaction than that which was sowen in the fall of the leafe by reason the Winter doth ouertake it before it can attaine to his perfect maturitie and ripenesse ¶ The Names Rie is called in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in Low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in Spanish Centeno in Italian Segala in French Seigle which soundeth after the old Latine name which in Pliny is Secale and Farrago lib. 18. cap. 16. ¶ The temperature Rie as a medicine is hotter than wheat and more forcible in heating wasting and consuming away that whereto it is applied It is of a more clammy and obstructing nature than Wheat and harder to digest yet to rusticke bodies that can well digest it it yeelds good nourishment ¶ The vertues Bread or the leauen of Rie as the Belgian Physitians affirme vpon their practise doth more forcibly digest draw ripen and breake all Apostumes Botches and Byles than the leuen of Wheat Rie Meale bound to the head in a Linnen Cloath doth asswage the long continuing paines thereof CHAP. 48. Of Spelt Corne. ¶ The Description SPelt is like to Wheat in stalkes and eare it groweth vp with a multitude of stalks which are kneed and joynted higher than those of Barley it bringeth forth a disordered eare for the most part without beards The cornes be wrapped in certaine dry huskes from which they cannot easily be purged and are joyned together by couples in two chaffie huskes out of which when they be taken they are like vnto wheat cornes it hath also many roots as wheat hath whereof it is a kinde ¶ The place It groweth in fat and fertile moist ground ¶ The time It is altered and changed into Wheat it selfe as degenerating from bad to better contrary to all other that do alter or change especially as Theophrastus saith if it be clensed and so sowen but that not forthwith but in the third yeare ¶ The Names The Grecians haue called it 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the Latines Spelta in the Germane tongue 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Espeautre of most Italians Pirra Farra of the Tuscans Biada of the Millanois Alga in English Spelt Corne. Dioscorides maketh mention of two kindes of Spelt one of which he names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or single another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which brings forth two cornes ioyned together in a couple of huskes as before in the description is mentioned That Spelt which Dioscorides calls Dicoccos is the same that Theophr and Galen do name Zea. The most ancient Latines
where barley hath beene ‡ ¶ The place 1 Briza is sowen in some parts of Germany and France and my memorie deceiues me if I haue not often times found many eares thereof amongst ordinarie barley when as I liued in the further side of Lincolneshire and they there called it Brant Barley 2 This Aegilops growes commonly amongst their Barley in Italy and other hot countries ‡ ¶ The Names 1 Briza Monococcos after Lobelius is called by Tabernamontanus Zea Monococcos in English Saint Peters Corne or Brant Barley 2 Festuca of Narbone in France is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Aegilops Narbonensis according to the Greeke in English Hauer-grasse ¶ The nature They are of qualitie somewhat sharpe hauing facultie to digest ¶ The vertues The iuice of Festuca mixed with Barley meale dried and at times of need moistned with Rose water applied plaisterwise healeth the disease called Aegilops or Fistula in the corner of the eye it mollifieth and disperseth hard lumps and asswageth the swellings in the joynts CHAP. 54. Of Otes ¶ The Description 1 AVena Vesca Common Otes is called Vesca à Vescendo because it is vsed in many countries to make sundry sorts of bread as in Lancashire where it is their chiefest bread corne for Iannocks Hauer cakes Tharffe cakes and those which are called generally Oten cakes and for the most part they call the graine Hauer whereof they do likewise make drink for want of Barley 2 Auena Nuda is like vnto the common Otes differing in that that these naked Otes immediately as they be threshed without helpe of a Mill become Otemeale fit for our vse In consideration whereof in Northfolke and Southfolke they are called vnhulled and naked Otes Some of those good house-wiues that delight not to haue any thing but from hand to mouth according to our English prouerbe may whiles their pot doth seeth go to the barne and rub forth with their hands sufficient for that present time not willing to prouide for to morrow according as the Scripture speaketh but let the next day bring with it ¶ The nature Otes are dry and somewhat cold of temperature as Galen saith ¶ The vertues Common Otes put into a linnen bag with a little bay salt quilted handsomely for the same purpose and made hot in a frying pan and applied very hot easeth the paine in the side called the stitch or collicke in the belly If Otes be boyled in water and the hands or feet of such as haue the Serpigo or Impetigo that is certaine chaps chinks or rifts in the palmes of the hands or feet a disease of great affinitie with the pocks be holden ouer the fume or smoke thereof in some bowle or other vessell wherein the Otes are put and the Patient 〈◊〉 with blankets to sweat being first annointed with that ointment or vnction vsually applied contra 〈◊〉 Gallicum it doth perfectly cure the same in sixe 〈◊〉 so annointing and sweating Otemeale is good for to make a faire and wel coloured maid to looke like a cake of tallow especially if she take next her 〈◊〉 a good draught of strong vineger after it Otemeale vsed as a 〈◊〉 dries and moderately discusses and that without biting for it hath somewhat a coole temper with some astriction so that it is good against scourings 1 Auena 〈◊〉 Common Otes 2 Auena Nuda Naked Otes CHAP. 55. Of Wilde Otes The description 1 BRomos sterilis called likewise Auena fatua which the Italians do call by a very apt name Vena vana and Auena Cassa in English Barren Otes or wilde Otes hath like leaues and stalkes as our Common Otes but the heads are rougher sharpe many little sharpe huskes making each eare †2 There is also another kinde of Bromos or wilde Otes which Dodoneus calleth Festuca altera not differing from the former wilde Otes in stalkes and leaues but the heads are thicker and more compact each particular eare as I may terme it consisting of two rowes of seed handsomly compact and ioyned together being broader next the straw and narrower as it comes to an end ‡ ¶ The time and place ‡ The first in Iuly and August may be found almost in euery hedge the later is to be found in great plenty in most Rie ¶ The Names 1 This is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Bromos stirilis by Lobell Aegylops prima by Matthiolus in English Wilde-Otes or Hedge-Otes 2 Lobell calls this Bromos sterilis altera Dodonaeus termes it Festuca altera in Brabant they call it Drauich in English Drauke 1 Bromos sterilis Wilde Otes 2 Bromos 〈◊〉 Drauke or small wilde Otes ¶ The Nature and vertues 1 It hath a drying facultie as Dioscorides saith Boile it in water together with the roots vntill two parts of three be consumed then straine it out and adde to the decoction a quantitie of honey equall thereto so boile it vntill it acquire the thicknesse of thin honey This medicine is good against the OZaena and filthy vlcers of the nose dipping a linnen cloth therein and putting it vp into the nosthrils some adde thereto A loes finely poudred and so vse it Also boiled in Wine with dried Rose leaues it is good against a stinking breath ‡ CHAP. 56. Of Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description AEGylops Bromoides Belgarum is a Plant indifferently partaking of the nature of Aegilops and Bromos It is in shew like to the naked Otes The seed is sharpe hairy and somewhat long and of a reddish colour inclosed in yellowish chaffie huskes like as Otes and may be Englished Crested or bearded Otes I haue found it often among Barley and Rie in sundry grounds This is likewise vnprofitable and hurtfull to 〈◊〉 whereof is no mention made by the Antients worthy the noting CHAP. 57. Of Burnt Corne. †Aegilops Bromoides Bearded Wilde Otes ¶ The Description 1 HOrdeum vstum or 〈◊〉 Hordei is that burnt or 〈◊〉 Barley which is altogether vnprofitable and good for nothing an enemy vnto corne for that in stead of an eare with corne there is nothing else but blacke dust which spoileth bread or whatsoeuer is made thereof 2 Burnt Otes or Vstilago Auenae or Auenacea is likewise an vnprofitable Plant degenerating from Otes as the other from Barley Rie and Wheat It were in vaine to make a long haruest of such euill corne considering it is not possessed with one good qualitie And therefore thus much shall suffice for the description 3 Burnt Rie hath no one good property in phisicke appropriate either to man birds or beast and is a hurtfull maladie to all corne where it groweth hauing an eare in shape like to corne but in stead of graine it doth yeeld a blacke pouder or dust which causeth bread to looke blacke and to haue an euill taste and that corne where it is is called smootie corne and the thing it selfe Burnt Corne or blasted corne 1 Hordeum vstum siue 〈◊〉 hordei Burnt Barley 2 Vstilago 〈◊〉 Burnt Otes
six leaues not so large as the former and then many other little leaues mixed with threds comming sorth of the middle Now there are purple welts which runne betweene the first and second ranke of leaues in the floure and so in the rest This floures in May and it is Narcissus pleno flore quintus of Clusius ‡ ‡ 13 Narcissus flore pleno medio versicolore Double Daffodill with a diuers coloured middle 14 Narcissus totus albus Milke white Daffodill 6 This late flouring Daffodill hath many fat thicke leaues full of juice among the which riseth vp a naked stalke on the top whereof groweth a faire white floure hauing in the middle a ring or yellow circle The seed groweth in knobby seed vessels The root is bulbous or Onion fashion It floureth later than the others before described that is to say in April and May. 7 The seuenth kinde of Daffodill is that sort of Narcissus or Primerose peerelesse that is most common in our countrey gardens generally knowne euery where It hath long fat and thicke leaues full of a slimie juice among which riseth vp a bare thicke stalke hollow within and full of juice The floure groweth at the top of a yellowish white colour with a yellow crowne or circle in the middle and floureth in the moneth of Aprill and sometimes sooner The root is bulbous fashion 8 The eighth Daffodill hath many broad and thicke leaues fat and full of juice hollow and spongeous The stalkes floures and roots are like the former and differeth in that that this plant bringeth forth many floures vpon one stalk and the other fewer and not of so perfect a sweet smel but more offensiue and stuffing the head It hath this addition Polyanthos that is of many floures wherein especially consisteth the difference 9 The Italian Daffodill is very like the former the which to distinguish in words that they may be knowne one from another is impossible Their floures leaues and roots are like sauing that the floures of this are sweeter and more in number 15 Narcissus Iuncifolius praecox Rush Daffodill or Iunquilia 16 Narcissus Iuncifolius serotinus Late flouring Rush Daffodill 10 The double white Daffodill of Constantinople was senr into England vnto the right honourable the Lord Treasurer among other bulbed sloures whose roots when they were planted in our London gardens did bring forth beautifull floures very white and double with some yellownesse mixed in the middle leaues pleasant and sweet in smell but sinee that time we neuer could by any industrie or manuring bring them vnto flouring againe So that it should appeare when they were discharged of that birth or burthen which they had begotten in their owne country and not finding that matter soile or clymate to beget more floures they remaine euer since barren and fruitlesse Besides we found by experience that those plants which in Autumne did shoor forth leaues did bring forth no floures at all and the others that appeared not vntill the Spring did flourish and beare their floures The stalks leaues and roots are like vnto the other kindes of Daffodils It is called of the Turks Giul Catamer lale That is Narcissus with double floures Notwithstanding we haue receiued from beyond the seas as well from the Low Countries as also from France another sort of greater beautie which from yeare to yeare doth yeeld forth most pleasant double floures and great encrease of roots very like as well in stalkes as other parts of the plant vnto the other sorts of Daffodils It differeth onely in the floures which are very double and thicke thrust together as are the floures of our double Primrose hauing in the middle of the 〈◊〉 some few chiues or welts of a bright purple colour and the other mixed with yellow as aforesaid ‡ 11 This alsowith double white floures which Clusius sets forth in the sixth place is of the same kinde with the last described but it beares but one or two floures vpon a stalke whereas the other hath many 12 This which is Clusius his Narcissus flore pleno 2. is in roots leaues and stalkes very like the precedent but the floures are composed of six large white out-leaues but the middle is filled with many faire yellow little leaues much like to the double yellow wall-floure They smel sweet like as the last mentioned 13 This differs from the last mentioned onely in that it is lesse and that the middle of the floure within the yellow cup is filled with longish narrow little leaues as it were crossing each other Their colour is white but mixed with some greene on the outside and yellow on the inside ‡ 14 The milke white Daffodill differeth not from the common white Daffodill or Primrose peerelesse in leaues stalkes roots or floures sauing that the floures of this plant hath not any other colour in the floure but white whereas all the others are mixed with one colour or other ‡ 17 Narcissus juncifolius Roseoluteus Rose or round floured Iunquilia ‡ 18 Narcissus juncifolius amplo calice White Iunquilia with the large cup. ‡ 19 Narcissus juncifolius reflexus flore 〈◊〉 The white reflex Iunquilia 15 The Rush Daffodill hath long narrow and thicke leaues very smooth and flexible almost round like Rushes whereof it tooke his syrname Iuncifolius or Rushie It springeth vp in the beginning of Ianuarie at which time also the floures doe shoot forth their buds at the top of small rushy stalkes sometimes two and often more vpon one stalke made of six small yellow leaues The cup or crowne in the middle is likewise yellow in shape resembling the other Daffodills but smaller and of a strong sweet smell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is bulbed white within and couered with a blacke skin or filme 16 This Rush Daffodil is like vnto the precedent in each respect sauing that it is altogether lesser and longer before it come to flouring There is also a white floured one of this kinde ‡ 17 There is also another Rush Daffodill or Iunquilia with floures not sharpe pointed but round with a little cup in the middle the colour is yellow or else white This is Lobels Narcissus juncifolius flore 〈◊〉 circinitatis roseo 18 There is also another Iunquilia whose leaues and stalkes are like those of the first described Rushy Daffodill but the cup in the middest of the floure is much larger The colour of the floure is commonly white Clusius calls this Narcissus 1 〈◊〉 amplo calice 19 There are three or foure reflex Iunquilia's whose cups hang downe and the sixe incompassing leaues turne vp or backe whence they take their names The floures of the first are yellow those of the second all white the cup of the third is yellow and the reflex leaues white The fourth hath a white cup and yellow reflex leaues This seemes to be Lobels Narcissus montanus minimus coronatus 20 This is like to the ordinarie lesser Iunquilia but that the floures are very double consisting of many long and large
our London Gardens Those which doe floure in Autumne do grow vpon certaine craggy rockes in Portugall not far from the sea side The other haue been sent ouer vnto vs some out of Italy and some out of Spaine by the labour and diligence of that notable learned Herbarist Carolus Clusius out of whose Obseruations and partly by seeing them in our owne gardens we haue set downe their descriptions That pleasant plant that bringeth forth yellow floures was sent vnto me from Robinus of Paris that painfull and most curious searcher of Simples ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in Ianuarie and Februarie that of the mountain excepted which floureth in September ¶ The Names All these Saffrons are vnprofitable and therefore they be truly said to be Croci syluestres or wild Saffrons in English Spring Saffrons and vernall Saffrons ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Of the faculties of these we haue nothing to set downe for that as yet there is no knowne vse of them in Physicke CHAP. 91. Of Medow Saffron ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of Medow Saffrons differing very notably as well in the colour of their floures as also in stature and Countrey from whence they had their being as shall be declared 1 Colchicum Anglicum Purpureum Purple English Medow Saffron 2 Colchicum Anglicum album White English Medow Saffron ¶ The Description 1 MEdow Saffron hath three or foure leaues rising immediately forth of the ground long broad smooth fat much like to the leaues of the white Lilly in forme and smoothnesse in the middle whereof spring vp three or foure thicke cods of the bignesse of a small Wall-nut standing vpon short tender foot-stalkes three square and opening themselues when they be ripe full of seed something round and of a blackish red colour and when this seed is ripe the leaues together with the stalkes doe fade and fall away In September the floures bud forth before any leaues appeare standing vpon short tender and whitish stemmes like in forme and colour to the floures of Saffron hauing in the middle small chiues or threads of a pale yellow colour altogether vnfit for meat or medicine The root is round or bulbous sharper at the one end than at the other flat on the one side hauing a deepe clift or furrow in the same flat side when it floureth and not at any time else it is couered with blackish coats or filmes it sendeth downe vnto the lowest part certaine strings or threds The root it selfe is full of a white substance yeelding a juyce like milke whilest it is greene and newly digged out of the earth It is in taste sweet with a little bitternesse following which draweth water out of the mouth 3 Colchicum Pannonicum florens sine flore Hungary mede Saffron with and without Floure 2 The second kinde of Mede Saffron is like the precedent differing onely in the colour of the floures for that this plant doth bring forth white leaues which of some hath beene taken for the true Hermodactylus but in so doing they haue committed the greater error 3 These two figures expresse both but one and the selfe same plant which is distinguished because it neuer beareth floures and leaues both at one time So that the first figure sets it forth when it is in leaues and seed and the other when it floureth and therefore one description shall suffice for them both In the Spring of the yeare it bringeth forth his leaues thicke fat shining and smooth not vnlike the leaues of Lillies which do continue greene vnto the end of Iune at which time the leaues do wither away but in the beginning of September there shooteth forth of the ground naked milke white floures without any greene leafe at all but so soone as the Plant hath done bearing of floures the root remaines in the ground not sending forth any thing vntill Februarie in the yeare following ‡ It beares plentifull store of reddish seed in loose triangular heads The root hereof is bigger than that of the last described ‡ 4 The small medow Saffron hath three or foure thicke fat leaues narrower than any of the rest The floure appeareth in the fall of the leafe in shape colour and manner of growing like the common mede Saffron but of a more reddish purple colour and altogether lesser The leaues in this contrarie to the nature of these plants presently follow after the floure and so continue all the Winter and Spring euen vntill May or Iune The root is bulbous and not great it is couered with many blackish red coats and is white within ‡ 5 This medow Saffron hath roots and leaues like to those of the last described but the leaues of the floure are longer and narrower and the colour of them is white on the inside greene on the middle of the backe part and the rest thereof of a certaine flesh colour 4 Colchicum montanum minus Hispanicum cum flore semine Small Spanish medow Saffron in floure and seed 6 The medow Saffron of Illyria hath a great thicke and bulbous root full of substance from which riseth vp a fat thicke and grosse stalke set about from the lower part to the top by equall distances with long thicke and grosse leaues sharpe pointed not vnlike to the leaues of leekes among which leaues do grow yellowish floures like vnto the English medow Saffron but smaller 7 The Assyrian medow Saffron hath a bulbous root made as it were of two pieces from the middle cleft whereof riseth vp a soft and tender stalke set with faire broad leaues from the middle to the top among which commeth forth one single floure like vnto the common medow Saffron or the white Anemone of Matthiolus description 8 The mountaine wilde Saffron is a base and low plant but in shape altogether like the common medow Saffron but much lesser The floures are smaller and of a yellow colour which setteth forth the difference ‡ The leaues and roots as Clusius affirmes are more like to the Narcisses and therefore he calls this Narcissus Autumnalis minor The lesser Autumne Narcisse ‡ ‡ 9 This whose figure we here giue you is by Clusius called Colchicum Byzantinum latifolium The broad leaued Colchicum of Constantinople The leaues of this are not in forme and magnitude much vnlike to those of the white Hellebor neither lesse neruous yet more greene It beares many floures in Autumne so that there come sometimes twenty from one root Their forme and colour are much like the ordinarie sort but that these are larger and haue thicker stalkes They are of a lighter purple without and of a deeper on the inside and they are marked with certaine veines running alongst these leaues The roots and seeds of this plant are thrice as large as those of the common kinde 10 This hath roots and leaues like to the first described but the floure is shorter and growes vpon a shorter stalke so that it rises but little aboue the earth
The pouder of Ginger long Pepper Annise seed or Cumine seed and a little Masticke correcteth the churlish working of that Hermodactyll which is vsed in Shops But those which haue eaten of the common medow Saffron must drinke the milke of a cow or else death presently ensueth ¶ The Danger The roots of all the sorts of Mede Saffrons are very hurtfull to the stomacke and being eaten they kill by choaking as Mushromes do according vnto 〈◊〉 whereupon some haue called it Colchicum strangulatorium CHAP. 92. Of Starre of Bethlem ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of wilde field Onions called Starres of Bethlehem differing in stature taste and smell as shall be declared 1 Ornithogalum Star of Bethlehem 2 Ornithogalum luteum siue Cepa agraria Yellow or wilde Star of Bethlehem ¶ The Description 1 OVr common Starre of Bethlehem hath many narrow leaues thicke fat full of iuyce and of a very greene colour with a white streake downe the middle of each leafe among the which rise vp small naked stalkes at the top whereof grow floures compact of six little leaues stripped on the backeside with lines of greene the inside being milke-white These floures open themselues at the rising of the Sunne and shut againe at the Sun setting whereupon this Plant hath beene called by some Bulbus Solsequius The floures being past the seed doth follow inclosed in three cornered husks The root is bulbous white both within and without 2 The second sort hath two or three grassy leaues proceeding from a clouen bulbous root The stalke riseth vp in the middest naked but toward the top there doe thrust forth more leaues like vnto the other but smaller and shorter among which leaues do step forth very small weake and tender foot-stalkes The floures of this are on the backeside of a pale yellow stripped with greene on the inside of a bright shining yellow colour with Saffron coloured threds in their middles The seed is contained in triangular vessels 3 This Star of Hungarie contrarie to the custome of other plants of this kinde sendeth forth before Winter fiue or six leaues spread vpon the ground narrow and of some fingers length somewhat whitish greene and much resembling the leaues of Gillofloures but somewhat roughish In Aprill the leaues beginning to decay amongst them rises vp a stalke bearing at the 〈◊〉 a spoke of floures which consisting of six leaues apiece shew themselues open in May they in colour are like the first described as also in the greene streake on the lower side of each leafe The seed is blacke round and contained in triangular heads The root is bulbous long and white †‡ 4 This fourth which is the Ornithogalum Hispanicum minus of Clusius hath a little white root which sends forth leaues like the common one but narrower and destitute of the white line wherwith the other are marked The stalke is some two handfulls high bearing at the top thereof some seuen or eight floures growing each aboue other yet so as that they seeme to make an vmbell each of these floures hath six leaues of a shitish blew colour with so many white chiues or threds and a little blewish vmbone in the midst This floures in Aprill 5 This fifth first sends vp one onely leafe two or three inches long narrow and of a whitish colour and of an acide taste nigh whereto riseth vp a small stalke some inch or two high hauing one or two leaues thereon betweene which come forth small star-floures yellow within and of a greenish purple without The seed which is reddish and small is contained in triangular heads The root is white round and couered with an Ash-coloured filme 3 Ornithogalum Pannonicum Star of Hungary ‡ 4 Ornithogalum Hispanicum minus The lesser Spanish Star-floure 6 I thinke it not amisse hereto to adde another small bulbous plant which Clusius calls Bulbus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The one leaued Bulbe This from a small root sends forth one rush-leafe of some foot in length which about two inches aboue the earth being somewhat broader than in the other places and guttered sends forth a little stalke some three inches long whose top is set with three little floures each standing aboue other about the bignesse here presented vnto your view in the figure each of those consisteth of six very white leaues and are not much vnlike the floures of the grasse of Parnassus but yet without leaues to sustaine the floure as it hath six white threds tipt with yellow and a three square head with a white pointall possesse the middest of the floure the smell thereof is somewhat like that of the floures of the Haw-thorne It floures in the midst of Iune ‡ 5 Ornithogalum luteum parvum Dwarfe yellow Star of Bethlehem ‡ 6 Bulbus vnifolius The one leaued Bulbe ‡ 7 Ornithogalum majus Arabicum The great Arabicke Star-floure 8 This which is commonly called Ornithogalum spicatum hath large leaues and roots and the flalke growes some cubit or more high wheron grow many starre-floures in shape and colour like those of the ordinarie but larger and they begin to floure below and floure vpwards to the top There is a larger sort of this Spicatum whose floures are not streaked with greene on their backes There is also a lesser differing from the first of these onely in bignesse 9 This Neapolitan hath three or foure long leaues not much vnlike those of the Hyacinths but narrower the stalke is pretty thicke some foot high and hath vsually growing theron some fiue or six floures hanging one way though their stalkes grow alternately out of each side of the maine stemme These floures are composed of six leaues being about an inch long and some quarter of an inch broad white within and of an Ash-coloured greene without with white edges the middle of the floure is possessed by another little floure consisting also of six little leaues hauing in them six threads headed with yellow and a white pointall A blacke wrinkled seed is contained in three cornered heads which by reason of their bignesse weigh downe the stalke This floures in Aprill ‡ ‡ 8 Ornithogalum spicatum Spike fashioned Star-floure ‡ 9 Ornithogalum Neapolitanum The Neapolitan Star-floure ¶ The Place Stars of Bethlehem or Star-floures especially the first and second grow in sundry places that lie open to the aire not onely in Germany and the Low-countries but also in England and in our gardens very common The yellow kinde Lobell found in Somerset-shire in the corne fields The rest are strangers in England yet we haue most of them as the third fourth eighth and ninth in some of our choice gardens ¶ The Time These kindes of bulbed plants do floure from Aprill to the end of May. ¶ The Names Touching the names Dioscorides calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pliny Ornithogale in high Dutch it is called Feldz 〈◊〉 Ackerz 〈◊〉 as you should say 〈◊〉 agraria in English Stars of Bethlehem ‡
The rest are named in their titles and history but Clusius questions whether the Bulbus vnifolius be not 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus 7. hist. 13. Bauhinus seemes to affirme the Spicatum to be Moly of Dioscorides and Theophrastus and Epimedium of Pliny ¶ The Nature These are temperate in heate and drinesse ¶ The Vertues The vertues of most of them are vnknowne yet Hieronymus Tragus writeth That the root of the Star of Bethlehem rosted in hot embers and applied with honey in manner of a Cataplasme or pultesse healeth old eating vlcers and softens and discusses hard tumors The roots saith Dioscorides are eaten both raw and boyled CHAP. 93. Of Onions ¶ The Kindes THere be saith Theophrastus diuers sorts of Onions which haue their syr-names of the places where they grow some also lesser others greater some be round and diuers others long but none wilde as Pliny writeth 1 Cepa alba White Onions ‡ 3 Cepa Hispanica oblonga Longish Spanish Onions ¶ The Description 1 THe Onion hath narrow leaues and hollow within the stalke is single round biggest in the middle on the top whereof groweth a round head couered with a thinne skin or filme which being broken there appeare little white floures made vp in forme of a ball and afterward blacke seed three cornered wrapped in thinne white skinnes In stead of the root there is a bulbe or round head compact of many coats which oftentimes becommeth great in manner of a Turnep many times long like an egge To be briefe it is couered with very fine skinnes for the most part of a whitish colour 2 The red Onion differeth not from the former but in sharpnesse and rednesse of the roots in other respects there is no difference at all ‡ 3 There is also a Spanish kinde whose root is longer than the other but in other respects very little different ‡ 4 There is also another small kinde of Onion called by Lobel Ascalonit is Antiquorum or Scallions this hath but small roots growing many together the leaues are like to Onions but lesse It seldome beares either stalke floure or seed It is vsed to be eaten in sallads ¶ The Place The Onion requireth a fat ground well digged and dunged as Palladius saith It is cherished euery where in kitchen gardens it is now and then in beds sowne alone and many times mixed with other herbes as with Lettuce Parseneps and Carrets Palladius liketh well that it should be sowne with Sauory because faith Pliny it prospereth the better and is more wholesome ‡ 4 Ascalonitides Scallions ¶ The Time It is sowne in March or Aprill and somtimes in September ¶ The Names The Onion is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cepa and many times Cepe in the neuter gender the shops keepe that name The old Writers haue giuen vnto this many syr-names of the places where they grow for some are named Cipriae Sardiae Creticae 〈◊〉 Ascaloniae of a towne in Iudea otherwise called Pompeiana in English Onions Moreouer there is one named Marisca which the Countrey-men call Vnio saith Columella and thereupon it 〈◊〉 that the French men call it 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 thinketh and peraduenture the Low Dutch men name it 〈◊〉 of the French word corrupted they are called Setaniae which are very little and sweet and these are 〈◊〉 to be those which Palladius nameth Cepullae as though he called them parvae Cepae or little Onions There is an Onion which is without an head or bulbe and hath as it were a long necke and spends it selfe wholly in the leaues and it is often cropped or cut for the pot like the Leekes This Theophrastus names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of this Pliny also writeth in his nineteenth booke and sixt chapter There is with vs two principall forts of Onions the one seruing for a sauce or to season meate with which some call 〈◊〉 and others Pallacana and the other is the headed or common Onion which the Germanes call Onion zwibel the Italians Cipolla the Spaniards Cebolla Ceba and Cebola ¶ The Temperature All Onions are sharpe and moue teares by the smell They be hot and dry as Galen saith in the fourth degree but not so extreme hot as Garlick The iuyce is of a thin waterie and airy substance the rest is of thicke parts ¶ The Vertues The Onions do bite attenuate or make thinne and cause drinesse being boyled they doe lose their sharpenesse especially if the water be twice or thrice changed and yet for all that they doe not lose their attenuating qualitie they also breake winde prouoke vrine and be more soluble boyled than raw and raw they nourish not at all and but a little though they be boyled They be naught for those that are cholericke but good for such as are replete with raw and flegmaticke humors and for women that haue their termes stayed vpon a cold cause by reason they open the passages that are stopped Galen writeth That they prouoke the Hemorrhoides to bleed if they be laid vnto them either by themselues or stamped with vineger The iuyce of Onions sniffed vp into the nose purgeth the head and draweth forth raw 〈◊〉 humors Stamped with salt rew and honey and so applied they are good against the biting of a mad Dog Rosted in the embers and applied they ripen and breake cold Apostumes Biles and such like The iuyce of Onions mixed with the decoction of Penniriall and annointed vpon the goutie member with a feather or a cloath wet therein and applied easeth the same very much The iuice annointed vpon a pild or bald head in the sunne bringing againe the haire very speedily The iuyce taketh away the heate of scalding with water or oyle as also burning with fire and gun-pouder as is set forth by a very skilfull Chirurgion named Master William 〈◊〉 one of the Queens Chirurgions and before him by Ambrose Parey in his Treatise of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by gun shot Onions sliced and dipped in the iuyce of Sorrell and giuen vnto the sicke of a tertian Ague to eate take away the fit in once or twice so taking them ¶ The Hurts The Onion being eaten yea though it be boyled causeth head-ache hurteth the eyes and maketh a man dimme sighted dulleth the sences ingendreth windinesse and prouoketh 〈◊〉 sleepe especially being eaten raw CHAP. 94. Of Squils or Sea-Onions ‡ 1 Scilla Hispanica vnlgaris The common Spanish Squill The Description ‡ 1 THe ordinarie Squill or sea Onion hath a pretty large root composed of sundrie white coats filled with a certain viscous humiditie and at the bottome thereof grow forth sundry white and thicke fibres The leaues are like those of Lillies broad thicke and very greene lying spred vpon the ground and turned vp on the sides The stalke groweth some cubit or more high straight naked without leaues beautified at the top with many starre 〈◊〉 floures very like 〈◊〉 of the bigger Ornithogalum The seed is contained in 〈◊〉 three cornered seed-vessels being it selfe also black smooth
first so that by this reason they are of one and the same plant To the which opinion I rather incline than affirme the contrarie with Bauhine who distinguishing them puts the first amongst the Leekes vnder the name of Porrum folio latissinio following Tabernamontanus who first gaue this figure vnder the name of Porrum 〈◊〉 3 This plant is lesser in all the parts than the former the root is set about with longer and slenderer bulbes wrapped in brownish skinnes the floures and leaues are like yet smaller than Garlicke ‡ 3 Scorodoprasum minus The lesser leeke-leaued Garlicke ‡ 4 Ophioscoridon Vipers Garlike 4 The third which Clusius makes his second Scorodoprasum hath stalkes some two cubits high hauing many leaues like those of Leekes from the bottome of the stalke to the middle thereof their smell is betweene that of Leekes and Garlicke the rest of the stalke is naked green smooth sustaining at the top a head composed of many bulbes couered with a whitish skinne ending in a long greene point which skinne by the growth of the bulbes being broken they shew themselues being first of a purplish and afterwards of a whitish colour amongst which are some floures The top of the stalke at first twines it selfe so that it in some sort represents a serpent then by little it vntwines againe and beares the head straight vp The root consists of many cloues much like that of Garlicke ‡ 5 The broad leaued Mountaine Garlicke or rather the Mountaine Ramsons riseth vp with a stalke a cubit high a finger thicke yet very weake full of a spongeous substance neere to the bottome of a purplish colour and greene aboue bearing at the top a multitude of small whitish floures somewhat gaping star-fashion The leaues are three or floure broad ribbed like the leaues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gentian resembling those of Ramsons but greater The root is great and long couered with many scaly coats and hairy strings 5 Allium Alpinum latifolium seu Victorialis Broad leaued Mountaine Garlicke ¶ The Place The great mountaine Garlicke growes about Constantinople as saith Clusius I receiued a plant of it from M. Thomas Edwards Apothecary of Excester who found it growing in the West parts of England Victorialis groweth in the mountaines of Germany as saith Carolus Clusius and is yet a stranger in England for any thing that I do know ‡ ¶ The Time ‡ Most of these plants floure in the months of Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Of the first and second I haue spoken already The third is Scorodoprassum minus of Lobell The fourth is Allium sativum secundum of 〈◊〉 and Scorodoprasum secundum of Clusius The fifth is Allium anguinum of Matthiolus Ophioscoridon of 〈◊〉 and Victorialis of Clusius and others as also Allium Alpinum The Germanes call it Seigmurtz ¶ The Temper They are of a middle temper between Leekes and Garlicke ¶ Their Vertues Scorodoprasum as it partakes of the temper so also of the vertues of Leekes and Garlicke that is it attenuates grosse and tough matter helpes expectoration c. Victorialis is like Garlicke in the operation thereof Some as 〈◊〉 writeth hang the root thereof about the necks of their cattell being falne blinde by what occasion 〈◊〉 it happen and persuade themselues that by this meanes they will recouer their sight Those that worke in the mines in Germany affirme That they find this root very powerfull in defending them from the assaults of impure spirits or diuels which often in such places are troublesome vnto them Clus. ‡ CHAP. 100. Of Moly or the Sorcerers Garlicke ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Moly hath for his root a little whitish bulbe somewhat long not vnlike to the root of the vnset Leeke which sendeth forth leaues like the blades of 〈◊〉 or grasse among which doth rise vp a slender weake stalke fat and sull of iuyce at the top whereof commeth forth of a skinny filme a bundle of milke-white floures not vnlike to those of Ramsons The whole plant hath the smell and taste of Garlicke whereof no doubt it is a kinde 2 Serpents Moly hath likewise a small bulbous root with some fibres fastned to the bottom from which rise vp weake grassie leaues of a shining greene colour crookedly winding and turning themselues toward the point like the taile of a Serpent whereof it tooke his name the stalke is tough thicke and full of iuyce at the top whereof standeth a cluster of small red bulbes like vnto the smallest cloue of Garlicke before they be pilled from their skinne And among those bulbes there do thrust forth small and weake foot-stalkes euery one bearing at the end one small white floure tending to a purple colour which being past the bulbes do fall downe vpon the ground where they without helpe do take hold and root and thereby greatly encrease as also by the infinite bulbes that the root doth cast off all the whole plant doth smell and taste of Garlick whereof it is also a kinde 1 Moly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Moly 2 Moly Serpentinum Serpents Moly 3 Moly 〈◊〉 Homers Moly 4 Indian Moly hath verythicke fat short leaues and sharpe pointed in the bosome wherof commeth forth a thicke knobby bulbe like that of Homers Moly The stalke is also like the precedent bearing at the top a cluster of scaly bulbes included in a large thinne skin or filme The root is great bulbous fashion and full of iuyce 5 Caucafon or withering Moly hath a very great bulbous root greater than that of Homers Moly and fuller of a slimie iuyce from which do arise three or foure great thicke and broad leaues withered alwaie at the 〈◊〉 wherein consisteth the difference betweene these leaues and those of Homers Moly which are not so In the middle of the leaues riseth vp a bunch of smooth greenish bulbes set vpon a tender foot-stalke in shape and bignesse like to a great garden Worme which being ripe and planted in the earth do also grow vnto a faire plant like vnto their mother ‡ These two last mentioned according to Bauhine and I thinke the truth are but figures of one and the same plant the later whereof is the better and more agreeing to the growing of the plant 6 To these may be fitly added two other Molyes the first of these which is the yellow Moly hath roots whitish and round commonly two of them growing together the leaues which it sends sorth are long and broad and somwhat resemble those of the Tulip and vsually are but two in number betweene which rises vp a stalke some foot high bearing at the top an vmbell of faire yellow star-like floures tipt on their lower sides with a little greene The whole plant smelleth of Garlicke 4 Moly Indicum Indian Moly 5 Caucafon Withering Moly 7 This little Moly hath a root about the bignesse of an Hasell nut white with some fibres hanging thereat the stalke is of an handfull or little more in height the top thereof is adorned with
most fertile ground otherwise a hand or two high with sundry ioynts or knees out of euery one whereof grow a couple of leaues narrow and long not vnlike to Lettuce at the first comming vp as well in tendernesse as taste in eating and on the top of the stalkes stand vpon a broad tuft as it were certaine white floures that be maruellous little which can scarsely be known to be floures sauing that they grow many together like a tuft or vmbel it hath in stead of roots a few slender threads like vnto haires 2 The other kind of Lettuce which Dodonaeus in his last edition setteth forth vnder the name of Album olus the Low-countrey men call it 〈◊〉 and vse it for their meate called Wermose with vs Loblollie This plant hath small long leaues a finger broad of a pale green colour among which shooteth vp a small cornered and slender stem halfe a foot high ioynted with two or three ioynts or knees out of which proceed two leaues longer than the first bearing at the top of the branches tufts of very smal white floures closely compact together with a root like the former ‡ Both these are of one plant differing in the bignesse and broadnesse of the leafe and the whole plant besides ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes grow wilde in the corne fields and since it hath growne in vse among the French and Dutch strangers in England it hath beene sowen in gardens as a sallad herbe ¶ The Time They are found greene almost all Winter and Sommer ¶ The Names The Dutch-men do call it 〈◊〉 that is to say Album olus of some it is called 〈◊〉 the French terme it Sallade de Chanoine it may be called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English The White Pot-herbe but commonly Corne sallad ¶ The Temperature and Vertues This herbe is cold and something moist and not vnlike in facultie and temperature to the garden Lettuce in stead whereof in Winter and in the first moneths of the Spring it serues for a sallad herbe and is with pleasure eaten with vineger salt and oile as other sallads be among which it is none of the worst CHAP. 40. Of Coleworts ¶ The Kindes DIoscorides maketh two kindes of Coleworts the tame and the wilde but Theophrastus makes more kindes hereof the 〈◊〉 or curled Cole the smooth Cole and the wilde Cole Cato imitating Theophrastus setteth downe also three Coleworts the first hee describeth to be smooth great broad leaued with a big stalke the second ruffed the third with little stalks tender and very much biting The same distinction also Pliny maketh in his twentieth booke and ninth chapter where he saith That the most ancient Romanes haue diuided it into three kindes the first roughed the second smooth and the third which is properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Colewort And in his nineteenth booke he hath also added to these other moe kindes that is to say Tritianum Cumanum Pompeianum Brutianum Sabellium and Lacuturrium The Herbarists of our time haue likewise obserued many sorts differing either in colour or else in forme other headed with the leaues drawne together most of them white some of a deepe greene some smooth leaued and others curled or ruffed differing likewise in their stalkes as shall be expressed in their seuerall descriptions 1 〈◊〉 vulgaris 〈◊〉 Garden Colewort 2 Brassica 〈◊〉 crispa Curled Garden Cole 3 Brassica rubra Red Colewort 4 Brassica capitata alba White Cabbage Cole ¶ The Description 1 THe Garden Colewort hath many great broad leaues of a deepe blacke greene colour mixed with ribs and lines of reddish and white colours the stalke groweth out of the middest from among the leaues branched with sundry armes bearing at the top little yellow floures and after they be past there do succeed long cods full of round seed like those of the Turnep but smaller with a wooddy root hauing many strings or threds fastned thereto 2 There is another lesser sort than the former with many deepe cuts on both sides euen to the middest of the rib and very much curled and roughed in the edges in other things it differeth not 3 The red kinde of Colewort is likewise a Colewort of the garden and differeth from the common in the colour of his leaues which tend vnto rednesse otherwise very like 4 There is also found a certaine kinde hereof with the leaues wrapped together into a round head or globe whose head is white of colour especially toward Winter when it is ripe The root is hard and the stalkes of a wooddy substance ‡ This is the great ordinarie Cabbage knowne euery where and as commonly eaten all ouer this kingdome ‡ 5 Brassica capitata rubra Red Cabbage Cole 6 Brassica patula Open Cabbage Cole 5 There is another sort of Cabbage or loued Colewort which hath his leaues wrapped together into a round head or globe yet lesser than that of the white Cabbage and the colour of the leaues of a lighter red than those of the former 6 The open loued Colewort hath a very great hard or wooddy stalke whereupon do grow very large leaues of a white greene colour and set with thicke white ribs and gathereth the rest of the leaues closely together which be lesser than those next the ground yet when it commeth to the shutting vp or closing together it rather dilateth it selfe abroad than closeth all together 7 Double Colewort hath many great and large leaues whereupon doe grow here and there other small iagged leaues as it were made of ragged shreds and iagges set vpon the smooth leafe which giueth shew of a plume or fan of feathers In stalke root and euery other part besides it doth agree with the Garden Colewort 8 The double crispe or curled Colewoort agreeth with the last before described in euery respect onely it differeth in the leaues which are so intricately curled and so thick set ouer with other small cut leaues that it is hard to see any part of the leafe it selfe except ye take and put aside some of those iagges and ragged leaues with your hand 9 Brassica florida Cole-Florie 10 Brassica Tophosa Swollen Colewoort 9 Cole flore or after some Colieflore hath many large leaues sleightly indented about the edges of a whitish greene colour narrower and sharper pointed than Cabbage in the middest of which leaues riseth vp a great white head of hard floures closely thrust together with a root full of strings in other parts like vnto the Coleworts 10 The swollen Colewort of all other is the strangest which I receiued from a worshipfull merchant of London master Nicholas 〈◊〉 who brought the seed thereof out of France who is greatly in loue with rare and faire floures plants for which he doth carefully send into Syria hauing a seruant there at Aleppo and in many other countries for the which my selfe and likewise the whole land are much bound vnto him This goodly Colewort hath many leaues of a blewish green
many and diuers dishes both faire and good CHAP. 43. Of Blites ¶ The Description 1 THe great white Blite groweth three or foure foot high with grayish or white round stalkes the leaues are plaine and smooth almost like to those of the white Orach but not so soft nor mealy the floures grow thrust together like those of Orach after that commeth the seed inclosed in little round flat husky skinnes 2 There is likewise another sort of Blites very smooth and flexible like the former sauing that the leaues are reddish mixed with a darke greene colour as is the stalke and also the rest of the plant 3 There is likewise found a third sort very like vnto the other sauing that the stalkes branches leaues and the plant is altogether of a greene colour But this growes vpright and creepes not at all 4 There is likewise another in our gardens very like the former sauing that the whole Plant traileth vpon the ground the stalks branches and leaues are reddish the seed is small and clustering together greene of colour and like vnto those of Ruellius his Coronopus or Bucks-horne ‡ 1 Blitum majus album The great white Blite 2 Blitum majus rubrum The great red Blite ¶ The Place The Blites grow in Gardens for the most part although there be found of them wilde many times ¶ The Time They flourish all the Summer long and grow very greene in Winter likewise ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Blitum in English Blite and Blites in Fr ench Blites or Blitres ‡ 3 Blitum minus album The small white Blite ‡ 4 Blitum minus rubrum The small red Blite ¶ The Nature The Blite saith Galen in his sixth booke of the faculties of simple medicines is a pot-hearbe which serueth for meate being of a cold moist temperature and that chiefely in the second degree It yeeldeth to the body small nourishment as in his second booke of the faculties of nourishments he plainly shewes for it is one of the pot-herbes that be vnsauoury or without taste whose substance is waterish ¶ The Vertues The Blite doth nourish little and yet is fit to make the belly soluble though not vehemently seeing it hath no nitrous or sharpe qualitie whereby the belly should be prouoked I haue heard many old wiues say to their seruants Gather no Blites to put into my pottage for they are not good for the eye-sight whence they had those words I know not it may be of some Doctor that neuer went to schoole for that I can finde no such thing vpon record either among the old or later Writers CHAP. 44. Of Floure-Gentle ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of floure-Gentle differing in many points very notably as in greatnesse and smallnesse some purple and others of a skarlet colour and one aboue the rest wherewith Nature hath seemed to delight her selfe especially in the leaues which in variable colours do striue with the Parats feathers for beautie 1 Amaranthus purpureus Purple Floure-Gentle 2 Amaranthus 〈◊〉 Scarlet Floure-Gentle 3 Amaranthus tricolor Floramor and 〈◊〉 4 Amaranthus Pannicula sparsa Branched Floure-Gentle ¶ The Description 1 PVrple floure Gentle riseth vp with a stalke a cubit high and sometime higher streaked or chamfered alongst the same often reddish toward the root and very smooth which diuideth it selfe toward the top into small branches about which stand long leaues broad sharpe pointed soft slippery of a greene colour and sometimes tending to a reddish in stead of floures come vp eares or spokie tufts very braue to looke vpon but without smell of a shining light purple with a glosse like veluet but far passing it which when they are bruised doe yeeld a iuyce almost of the same colour and being gathered doe keepe their beauty a long time after insomuch that being set in water it will reuiue againe as at the time of his gathering and it remaineth so many yeares whereupon likewise it hath taken its name The seed standeth in the ripe eares of colour blacke and much glittering the root is short and full of strings ‡ 5 Amaranthus pannicula incurua holoserica Veluet Floures Gentle 2 The second sort of floure Gentle hath leaues like vnto the former the stalke is vpright with a few small slender leaues set vpon it among which doe grow small clusters of scaly floures of an ouerworne scarlet colour The seed is like the former 3 It far exceedeth my skill to describe the beauty and excellency of this rare plant called Floramor and I thinke the pensill of the most curious painter wil be at a stay when he shall come to set him downe in his liuely colours but to colour it after my best manner this I say Floramor hath a thicke knobby root whereupon doe grow many threddy strings from which riseth a thicke stalke but tender and soft which beginneth to deuide himselfe into sundry branches at the ground and so vpward whereupon 〈◊〉 grow many leaues wherein doth consist his beauty for in few words euery leafe doth resemble in colours the most faire and beautifull feather of a Parrat especially those feathers that are mixed with most sundry colours as a stripe of red and a line of yellow a dash of white and a rib of green colour which I canot with words set forth such are the sundry mixtures of colours that nature hath bestowedin her greatest iollitie vpon this floure the floures doe grow betweene the foot-stalkes of those leaues and the body of the stalke or trunke base and of no moment in respect of the leaues being as it were little chassie husks of an ouerworne 〈◊〉 colour the seed is blacke and shining like burnished horne ‡ I haue not seene this thus variegated as our Author mentions but the leaues are commonly of three colours the lower part or that next to the stalke is greene the middle red and the end yellow or else the end red the middle yellow and the bottome greene ‡ 4 This plant hath a great many of threds and strings of which his roots doe consist From which doe rise vp very thicke fat stalkes crested and streaked exceeding smooth and of a shining red colour which begin at the ground to diuide themselues into branches whereupon doe grow many great and large leaues of a darke greene colour tending to rednesse in shew like those of the red Beet streaked and dasht here and there with red mixed with greene The floures grow alongst the stalkes from the middest thereof euen to the top in shape like Panicum that is a great number of chaffie confused eares thrust hard together of a deepe purple colour I can compare the shape thereof to nothing so 〈◊〉 as to the veluet head of a Stag compact of such soft matter as is the same wherein is the seed in colour white 〈◊〉 and bored through the middle ‡ 5 This in stalkes and leaues is much like the purple floure Gentle but the heads are larger
top of the stalkes of a red colour with some small blacknesse toward the bottome The seed is small contained in little round knobs The seed is small and threddy 2 The second is like the first sauing that the cods hereof be long and the other more round wherein the difference doth consist ¶ The Place These plants do grow in the corne fields in Somersetshire and by the hedges and high-wayes as yetrauell from London to Bathe Lobel found it growing in the next field vnto a village in Kent called Southfleet my selfe being in his company of purpose to discouer some strange plants not hitherto written of ‡ Mr. Robert Lorkin and I found both these growing in Chelsey fields as also in those belonging to Hamersmith but the shorter headed one is a floure of a more elegant colour and not so plentifull as the other ‡ 1 Argemone capitulotorulo Bastard wilde Poppy 2 Argemone capitulo longiore Long codded wilde Poppy ¶ The Time They floure in the beginning of August and their seed is ripe at the end thereof ¶ The Names The bastard wilde Poppy is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Argemone Argemonia 〈◊〉 Concordalis and Herba liburnica of some Pergalium Arsela and Sacrocolla Herba in English Wind rose and bastard wilde poppy ¶ The Temperature They are hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues stamped and the iuyce dropped into the eyes easeth the inflammation thereof and cureth the disease of the eye called Argema whereof it tooke his name which disease when it hapneth on the blacke of the eye it appeares white and contrariwise when it is in the white then it appeareth blacke of colour The leaues stamped and bound vnto the eyes or face that are blacke or blew by meanes of some blow or stripe doth perfectly take it away The dry herbe steeped in warme water worketh the like effect The leaues and roots stamped and the iuyce giuen in drinke helpeth the wringings or gripings of the belly The dry herbe infused in warme water doth the same effectually The herbe stamped cureth any wound vlcer canker or fistula being made vp into an vnguent or salue with oile wax and a little turpentine The iuyce taken in the weight of two drammes with wine mightily expelleth poyson or venome The iuyce taketh away warts if they be rubbed therewith and being taken in meate it helpes the milt or spleene if it be wasted CHAP. 76. Of Winde-floures ¶ The Kindes THe stocke or kindred of the Anemones or Winde-floures especially in their varieties of colours are without number or at the least not sufficiently knowne vnto any one that hathwritten of plants For Dodonoeus hath set forth fiue sorts Lobel eight Tabernamontanus ten My selfe haue in my garden twelue different sorts and yet I do heare of diuers more differing very notably from any of these which I haue briefely touched though not figured euery new yeare bringing with it new and strange kindes and euery countrey his peculiar plants of this sort which are sent vnto vs from far countries in hope to receiue from vs such as our countrey yeeldeth 1 Anemone tuberosa radice Purple Winde-floure 2 Anemone coccinea multiplex Double Skarlet Winde-floure ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Anemone or Winde-floure hath small leaues very much snipt or iagged almost like vnto Camomile or Adonis floure among which riseth vp a stalke bare or naked almost vnto the top at which place is set two or three leaues like the other and at the top of the stalke commeth forth a faire and beautifull floure compact of seuen leaues and sometimes eight of a violet colour tending to purple It is impossible to describe the colour in his full perfection considering the variable mixtures The root is tuberous or knobby 〈◊〉 very brittle 3 Anemone maxima Chalcedonica polyanthos The great double Winde-floure of Bithynia 4 Anemone Chalcedonica simplici flore The single Winde-floure of Bithynia 5 Anemone Bulbocastani radice Chesnut Winde-floure 2 The second kind of Anemone hath leaues like to the precedent insomuch that it is hard to distinguish the one from the other but by the floures onely for those of this plant are of a most bright and faire skarlet colour and as double as the Marigold and the other not so The root is knobby and very brittle as is the former 3 The great Anemone hath double floures vsually called the Anemone of Chalcedon which is a city in Bithynia and great broad leaues deeply cut in the edges not vnlike to those of the field Crow-foot of an ouerworne greene colour amongst which riseth vp a naked bare stalke almost vnto the top where there stand two or three leaues in shape like the others but lesser sometimes changed into reddish stripes confusedly mixed here and there in the said leaues On the top of the stalke standeth a most gallant floure very double of a perfect red colour the which is sometimes striped amongst the red with a little line or two of yellow in the middle from which middle commeth forth many blackish thrums The seed is not to be found that I could euer obserue but is carried away with the winde The root is thicke and knobby 4 The fourth agreeth with the first kind of Anemone in roots leaues stalks and shape of floures differing in that that this plant bringeth forth faire single red floures and the other of a violet colour as aforesaid 5 The fifth sort of Anemone hath many small iagged leaues like those of Coriander proceeding from a knobby root resembling the root of Bulbocastanum or earth Chesnut The stalke rises vp amongst the leaues of two hands high bearing at the top a single floure consisting of a pale or border of little purple leaues somtimes red and often of a white colour set about a blackish pointall thrummed ouer with many small blackish haires 6 Anemone latifolia Clusij Broad leaued Winde-floure ‡ 7 Anemone latifolia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The double yellow wind-floure 6 The sixt hath very broad leaues in respect of all the rest of the Anemones not vnlike to those of the common Mallow but greene on the vpper part and tending to rednesse vnderneath like the leaues of Sow-bread The stalke is like that of the last described on the top whereof growes a faire yellow star-floure with a head ingirt with yellow thrums The root saith my Author is a finger long thicke and knobby ‡ 7 There is also another whose lower leaues resemble those of the last described yet those which grow next aboue them are more diuided or cut in amongst these leaues riseth vp a stalke 8 Anemone Geranifolia Storkes bill Winde-floure 9 Anemone Matthioli Matthiolus white Winde-floure 10 Anemone trifolia Three leaued Winde-floure 11 Anemone Papaueracea Poppy Winde-floure 8 The eighth hath many large leaues deeply cut or iagged in shape like those of the Storks bil or Pinke-needle among which riseth vp a naked stalke set about toward the top with
the like leaues but smaller and more finely cut bearing at the top of the stalke a single floure consisting of many small blew leaues which do change sometimes into purple and oftentimes into white set about a blackish pointall with some small threds like vnto a pale or border The root is thick and knobby 9 The ninth sort of Anemone hath leaues like vnto the garden Crow-foot the stalke riseth vp from amongst the leaues of a foot high bearing at the top faire white floures made of fiue small leaues in the middle whereof are many little yellow chiues or threds The root is made of many slender threds or strings contrarie to all the rest of the Winde-floures 10 The tenth sort of Anemone hath many 〈◊〉 like vnto the common medow Trefoile fleightly snipt about the edges like a saw on the top of the slender stalkes standeth a single white floure tending to purple consisting of eight small leaues resembling in shape the floures of common field Crow-foot The root is knobby with certaine strings 〈◊〉 thereto 11 The eleuenth kinde of Anemone hath many iagged leaues cut euen to the middle rib resembling the leaues of Geranium Columbinum or Doues foot The leaues that do embrace the tender weake stalkes are flat and sleightly cut the floures grow at the top of the stalkes of a bright shining purple colour set about a blackish pointall with small thrums or chiues like a pale The root is knobby thicke and very brittle as are most of those of the Anemones ¶ The Place All the sorts of Anemones are strangers and not found growing wilde in England notwithstanding all and euery sort of them do grow in my garden very plentifully ¶ The Time They do floure from the beginning of Ianuarie to the end of Aprill at what time the floures do fade and the seed flieth away with the winde if there be any seed at all the which I could neuer as yet obserue ¶ The Names Anemone or Winde floure is so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say of the winde for the floure doth neuer open it selfe but when the winde doth blow as Pliny writeth whereupon also it is named of diuers Herba venti in English Winde-floure Those with double floures are called in the Turky tongue Giul and Gul Catamer and those with small iagged leaues and double floures are called Lalé benzede and Galipoli lalé They do call those with small iagged leaues and single floures Binizate binizade and Binizante ¶ The Temperature All the kindes of Anemones are sharpe biting the tongue and of a binding qualitie ¶ The Vertues The leaues stamped and the iuyce sniffed vp into the nose purgeth the head mightily The root champed or chewed procureth spitting and causeth water and flegme to run forth out of the mouth as Pellitorie of Spaine doth It profiteth in collyries for the eyes to cease the inflammation thereof The iuyce mundifieth and clenseth maligne virulent and corrosiue vlcers The leaues and stalkes boyled and eaten of Nurses cause them to haue much milke it prouoketh the termes and easeth the leprosie being bathed therewith ‡ CHAP. 77. Of diuers other Anemones or Winde-floures ¶ The Kindes ‡ THese floures which are in such esteeme for their beauty may well be diuided into two sorts that is the Latifolia or broad leaued and the Tenuifolia or narrow leaued now of each of these sorts there are infinite varieties which consist in the singlenesse and doublenesse of the floures and in their diuersitie of colours which would aske a large discourse to handle exactly Wherefore I onely intend besides those set downe by our Authour to giue you the figures of some few others with their description briefly taken out of the Workes of the learned and diligent Herbarist Carolus Clusius where such as desire further discourse vpon this subiect may be aboundantly satisfied and such as do not vnderstand Latine may finde as large satisfaction in the late Worke of Mr. Iohn Parkinson whereas they shall not onely haue their historie at large but also learne the way to raise them of seed which hath been a thing not long knowne except to some few and thence hath risen this great varietie of these floures wherewith some gardens so much abound ¶ The Description 1 THe root of this is like to that of the great double red Anemone described in the third place of the precedent chapter and the leaues also are like but lesser and deeper coloured The stalke growes some foot high slender and greene at the top whereof groweth a single floure consisting of eight leaues of a bright shining skarlet colour on the inside with a paler coloured ring incompassing a hairy head set about with purple thrums the outside of the floure is hairy or downie This is Anem latifol simpl slo 16. of Clusius ‡ 1 Anemone latifolia slore coccineo The broad leaued skarlet Anemone ‡ 2 Anemone latifolia slore magno coccineo The skarlet Anemone with the large floure 2 This in shape of roots leaues is like the former but the leaues are blacker and more shining on their vpper sides the stalke also is like to others of this kinde and at the top carrieth a large 〈◊〉 consisting of eight broad leaues being on the inside of a bright skarlet colour without any circle and the thrums that ingirt the hairy head are of a sanguine colour This head as in others of this kindred growes larger after the falling of the floure and at length turnes into a downie substance wherein a smooth blacke seed is inclosed like as in other Anemones which sowen as soone as it is ripe vsually comes vp before winter This is Anem latifol simpl slore 17. of 〈◊〉 3 This differs not from the former but in floures which are of an orange-tawny colour like that of Come-rose or red Poppy and the bottomes of the leaues of the floures are of a paler colour which make a ring or circle about the hairy head This is the eighteenth of Clusius Besides these varieties here mentioned there are many others which in the colour of the leaues of the floure or the nailes which make a circle at the bottome thereof doe differ each from other Now let vs come to the narrow leaued ones which also differ little but in colour of their floures ‡ 3 Anemone latifolia Byzantina The broad leaued Anemone of Constantinople ‡ 4 Anemone tenuifolia flore amplo sanguineo Small leaued Anemone with the sanguine floure ‡ 5 Anemone tenuifolia flore coccineo The small leaued skarlet Anemone ‡ 6 Anemone tenuifol flo dilute purpureo The light purple small leaued Anemone ‡ 7 Anemone tenuifol flo exalbido The whitish small leaued Anemone ‡ 8 Anemone teuuifolia flo carneo striato The striped flesh-coloured Anemone ‡ 9 Anemone tenuifol flo pleno coccin The small leaued double crimson Anemone ‡ 10 Anemone tenuifol flo pleno atropurpurascente The double darke purple Anemone 4 The root of this is knotty and
tuberous like those of other Anemones and the leaues are much diuided and cut in like to those of the first described in the former Chapter the stalke which hath three or foure leaues ingirting it as in all other Anemones at the top sustaineth a faire sanguine floure consisting of six large leaues with great white nailes The seeds are contained in downie heads like as those of the former This is 〈◊〉 tenuifol simpl flo 6. of Clusius 5 This differs from the former in the floure which consists of six leaues made somwhat rounder than those of the precedent their colour is betweene a skarlet and sanguine And there is a varietie hereof also of a bricke colour This is the eighth of Clusius 6 This differs from the rest in that the floure is composed of some fourteene or more leaues and these of a light purple or flesh-colour This is the ninth of Clusius 7 The floure of this is large consisting of six leaues being at the first of a whitish greene and then tending to a flesh colour with their nailes greene on the outside and white within and the threds in the middle of a flesh colour There is a lesser of this kinde with the floure of a flesh colour and white on the outside and wholly white within with the nailes greenish These are the tenth and eleuenth of Clusius 8 This floure also consists of six leaues of a flesh colour with whitish edges on the outside the inside is whitish with flesh coloured veines running to the middest thereof Besides these single kindes there are diuers double both of the broad and narrow leaued Anemones whereof I will only describe and figure two and refer you to the forementioned Authors for the rest which differ from these onely in colour 9 This broad leaued double Anemonie hath roots stalkes and leaues like those of the single ones of this kinde and at the top of the stalke there stands a faire large floure composed of two or three rankes of leaues small and long being of a kinde of skarlet or orange-tawny colour the bottomes of these leaues make a whitish circle which giues a great beauty to the floure and the downie head is ingirt with sanguine threds tipt with blew This is the 〈◊〉 major 1. of Clusius 10 This in shape of roots leaues and stalkes resembles the formerly described narrow leaued Anemones but the floure is much different from them for it consists first of diuers broad leaues which incompasse a great number of smaller narrow leaues which together make a very faire and beautifull floure the outer leaues hereof are red and the inner leaues of a purple Veluet colour Of this kinde there are diuers varieties as the double white crimson blush purple blew carnation rose-coloured c. ¶ The Place and Time These are onely to be found in gardens and bring forth their floures in the Spring ¶ Their Names I iudge it no waies pertinent to set downe more of the names than is already deliuered in their seuerall titles and descriptions ¶ Their Temper and Vertues These are of a hot and biting facultie and not that I know of at this day vsed in medicines vnlesse in some one or two ointments yet they were of more vse amongst the Greeke Physitions who much commend the iuyce of them for taking away the scares and scales which grow on the eyes and by them are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Trallianus also saith That the floures beaten in oyle and so anointed cause haire to grow where it is deficient The vertues set downe in the former Chapter do also belong to these here treated of as these here deliuered are also proper to them ‡ CHAP. 78. Of wilde Anemones or Winde-floures ¶ The Kindes LIke as there be many and diuers sorts of the garden Anemones so are there of the wild kindes also which do vary especially in their floures 1 Anemone nemorum lutea Yellow wilde Winde floure 2 Anemone nemorum alba White winde floure ‡ 3 Anemone nemorum flo pleno albo The double white wood Anemone ‡ 4 Anemone nemorum flo pleno purpurascente The double purplish wood Anemone ¶ The Description 1 THe first of these wilde Anemones hath iagged leaues deepely cut or indented which do grow vpon the middle part of a weake and tender stalke at the top whereof doth stand a prettie yellow floure made of six small leaues and in the middle of the floure there is a 〈◊〉 blackish pointell and certaine slender chiues or threds The root is small som ewhat knottie and very brittle 2 The second hath iagged leaues not vnlike to water Crowfoot or mountaine Crowfoot The flower groweth at the top of the stalke not vnlike to the precedent in shape sauing that this is of a milke white colour the root is like the other ‡ There is also of this single kinde two other varieties the one with a purple floure which 〈◊〉 may therefore call Anemone nemorum purpurea the wilde purple Winde-floure And the 〈◊〉 with a Scarlet or rather a Blush coloured floure which we may terme Anemone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The wilde Scarlet wind floure These two differ not in other respects from the white wind 〈◊〉 3 There is in some choice gardens one of this kinde with white floures very double 〈◊〉 of the Scarlet Anemone and I had one of them giuen mee by a worshipfull Merchant of 〈◊〉 called Mr. Iohn Franqueuille my very good friend ‡ 4 This in roots and stalkes is like the last described wood Anemones or winde floures But this and the last mentioned double one haue leaues on two places of their stalks whereas the 〈◊〉 ones haue them but in one and that is about the middle of the stalkes The floure of this 〈◊〉 one consists of some fortie or more little leaues whereof the outermost are the biggest the 〈◊〉 or nailes of these leaues are of a deepe purple but the other parts of a lighter blush colour ‡ ¶ The Place All these wilde single Anemones grow in most woods and copses through England except that with the yellow floure which as yet I haue not seene notwithstanding I haue one of the greater kindes which beareth yellow floures whose figure is not expressed nor yet described for that it doth very notably resemble those with single floures but is of small moment either in beautie of the floure or otherwise ‡ The double ones grow onely in some few gardens ‡ ¶ The Time They floure from the middest of Februarie vnto the end of Aprill or the midst of May. ¶ The Names ‡ The first of these by most Writers is referred to the Ranunculi or 〈◊〉 and Lobel cals it fitly Ranunculus nemorosus luteus only Dodonaeus Caesalpinus and our Authour haue made it an Anemone 2 This with the varieties also by Tragus Fuchsius Cordus 〈◊〉 Lobell and others is made a Ranunculus yet Dodonaeus Caesalpinus and our Authour haue referred it to the Anemones Clusius thinkes this
great leaues somewhat snipt or indented about the edges like the teeth of a Sà w not vnlike the leaues of Enula campana called by the vulgat sort Elecampane but greater among which riseth vp a straight stalke of two cubits high bearing at the top a scalie head like those of Knappe-weed or Iaceamaior in the middle of which knap or head thrusteth forth a faire floure consisting of many purple threds like those of the Artichoke which being past there followeth a great quantitie of downe wherein is wrapped long seede like vnto the great Centorie which the whole plant doth very well resemble The root is long and thicke blackish without and of a pale colour within which being chewed maketh the spittle very yellow as doth the Rubarb of Barbarie ‡ 2 This other bastard Rha which is also of Lobels description hath a root like that of the last described but the leaues are narrower almost like those of the common Docke but hoarie on the other side the stalke growes vp straight and beareth such heads and floures as the precedent ‡ 3 I haue thought good here to omit the counterfeit figure of Matthiolus giuen vs in this place by our Authour as also the Historie which was not much pertinent and in lieu of them to present you with a perfect figure and description of the true Rha Ponticum of the Antients which 1 Rha Capitatum L'obelij Turkie Rubarbe ‡ 2 Rha Capitatum angusti fulium The other bastard Rubarbe ‡ 3 Rha verum antiquorum The true Rubarbe of the Antients Rhabarbarum siccatum The drie roots of Rubarbe †4 The Ponticke Rubarbe is lesser and slenderer than that of Barbarie Touching Pontick Rubarbe Dioscorides writeth thus Rha that diuers call Rheon which groweth in those places that are beyond Bosphorus from whence it is brought hath yellow roots like to the great Centorie but lesser and redder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say without smell Dodonaeus thinkes it should bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is well smelling spongie and something light That is the best which is not worme-eaten and tasted is somewhat viscide with a light astriction and chewed becomes of a yellow or Saffron colour ¶ The Place It is brought out of the Countrey of Sina commonly called China which is toward the East in the vpper part of India and that India which is without the riuer Ganges and not at all Ex Scenitarum prouincia as many do vnaduisedly thinke which is in Arabia the Happie and far from China it groweth on the sides of the riuer Rha now called Volga as Amianus Marcellus saith which riuer springeth out of the Hyperborean mountaines and running through Muscouia falleth into the Caspian or Hircan sea ‡ The Rha of the Antients growes naturally as Alpinus saith vpon the hill Rhodope in Thrace now called Romania It growes also as I haue been informed vpon some mountaines in Hungarie It is also to be found growing in some of our choice gardens ‡ The choice of Rubarbe The best Rubarbe is that which is brought from China fresh and new of a light purplish red with certaine veines and branches of an vncertaine varietie of colour commonly whitish but when it is old the colour becommeth ill fauored by turning yellowish or pale but more if it bee worme eaten being chewed in the mouth it is somewhat gluie and clammie and of a sassron colour which being rubbed vpon paper or some white thing sheweth the colour more plainely the substance thereof is neither hard or closely compacted nor yet heauy but something light and as it were in a middle betweene hard and loose and something spungie it hath also a pleasing smell The second in goodnesse is that which commeth from Barbarie The last and worst from Bosphorus and Pontus ¶ The Names It is commonly called in Latine Rha Barbarum or Rha Barbaricum of diuers Rheu Barbarum the Moores and Arabians doe more truely name it Raued Seni a Sinensi prouincia from whence it is brought into Persia and Arabia and afterwards into Europe and likewise from Tanguth through the land of Cataia into the land of the Persians whereof the Sophie is the ruler and from thence into Aegypt and afterwards into Europe It is called of the Arabians and the people of China and the parts adiacent Rauend Cini Raued Seni and Raued Sceni in shops Rhabarbarum in English Rubarb and Rewbarbe 4 Rha Ponticum Siccatum Rubarb of Pontus dried ¶ The Temperature Rubarb is of a mixt substance temperature and faculties some of the parts thereof are earthy binding and drying others thin airious hot and purging ¶ The Vertues Rubarb is commended by Dioscorides against windinesse weaknesse of the stomack and all griefes thereof convulsions diseafes of the spleene liuer and kidnies gripings and inward gnawings of the guts insirmities of the bladder and chest swelling about the heart diseases of the matrix paine in the huckle bones spitting of bloud shortnesse of breath yexing or the hicket the bloudie flix the laske proceeding of raw humors fits in Agues and against the bitings of venomous beasts Moreouer he saith that it taketh away blacke and blew spots and tetters or Ringwormes if it be mixed with vineger and the place anointed therewith Galen affirmes it to be good for burstings cramps and convulsions and for those that are short winded and that spit bloud But touching the purging facultie neither Dioscorides nor Galen hath written any thing because it was not vsed in those daies to purge with Galen held opinion that the thinne airious parts doe make the binding qualitie of more force not because it doth resist the cold and earthy substance but by reason that it carrieth the same and maketh it deeply to pierce and thereby to worke the greater effect the dry and thinne essence containing in it selfe a purging force and qualitie to open obstructions but helped and made more facile by the subtil and airious parts Paulus Aegineta seemeth to be the first that made triall of the purging facultie of Rubarb for in his first booke Chap. 43. he maketh mention thereof where he reckoneth vp Turpentine among those medicines which make the bodies of such as are in health soluble But when we purpose saith he to make the turpentine more strong we adde vnto it a little Rubarb The Arabians that followed him brought it to a further vse in physicke as chiefely purging downward choler and oftentimes flegme The purgation which is made with Rubarb is profitable and fit for all such as be troubled with choler and for those that are sicke of sharpe and tertian feuers or haue the yellow jaundice or bad liuers It is a good medicine against the pleurisie inflammation of the lungs the squinancie or Squincie madnesse frensie inflammation of the kidnies bladder and all the inward parts and especially against S. Anthonies fire as well outwardly as inwardly taken Rubarb is vndoubtedly an especiall good medicine for the liuer and infirmities of the
chamfered or crested hard and wooddy being for the most part two foot high The leaues are three or foure times bigger than those of S. Iohns wort which be at the first greene afterwards and in the end of Sommet of a dark red colour out of which is pressed a iuyce not like blacke bloud but Claret or Gascoigne wine The floures are yellow and greater than those of S. Peters wort after which riseth vp a little round head or berry first greene afterwards red last of all blacke wherein is contained yellowish red seed The root is hard wooddy and of long continuance ‡ 2 This which Dodonaeus did not vnfitly call Ruta syluestris Hypericoides and which others haue set forth for Androsaemum and our Author the last chapter saue one affirmed to be the true 〈◊〉 though here it seemes he had either altered his minde or forgot what he formerly wrot may fitly stand in competition with the last described which may passe in the first place for the Androsaemum of the Antients for adhuc sub judice lis est I will not here insist vpon the point of controuersie but giue you a description of the plant which is this It sends vp round slender reddish stalkes some two cubits high set with fewer yet bigger leaues than the ordinarie S. Iohns Wort and these also more hairy the floures and seeds are like those of the common S. Iohns wort but somewhat larger It growes in some mountainous and wooddy places and in the Aduersaria it is called Androsaemum excellentius seu magnum and by Dodonaeus as we but now noted Ruta syluestris Hypericoides thinking it to be the Ruta syluestris which is described by Dioscorides lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 48. in the old Greeke edition of Manutius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And in that of Marcellus Virgilius his Interpretation in the chapter and booke but now mentioned but reiected amongst the Notha in the Paris Edition Anno 1549. You may finde the description also in Dodonaeus Pempt primae lib. 3. cap. 25 whither I refer the curious being loath here to insist further vpon it ‡ 1 Clymenon Italorum Tutsan or Parke leaues ‡ 2 Androsaemum Hypericoides Tutsan S. Iohns wort ¶ The Place Tutsan groweth in woods and by hedges especially in Hampsted wood where the Golden rod doth grow in a wood by Railie in Essex and many other places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August the seed in the meane time waxeth ripe The leaues becom 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 at that time is very easily pressed forth his winie iuyce ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines also Androsaemon it is likewise called 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 witnesseth They are farre from the truth that take it to be Clymenum and it is needlesse to finde fault with their error It is also called Siciliana and Herba Siciliana in English Tutsan and Parke-leaues ¶ The Temperature The faculties are such as S. Peters wort which doth sufficiently declare it to be hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The seed hereof beaten to pouder and drunke to the weight of two drams doth purge cholericke excrements as Dioscorides writeth and is a singular remedie for the Sciatica prouided that the Patient do drinke water for a day or two after purging The herbe cureth burnings and applied vpon new wounds it stancheth the bloud and healeth them The leaues laid vpon broken shins and scabbed legs healeth them and many other hurts and griefes whereof it tooke his name Tout-saine or Tutsane of healing all things ‡ CHAP. 161. Of Bastard S. Johns wort ‡ 1 Coris Matthioli Matthiolus his bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ 2 Coris coerulea Monspeliaca French bastard S. Iohns wort ‡ THe diligence of these later times hath beene such to finde out the Materia medica of the Antients that there is scarse any plant described by them but by some or other of late there haue been two or more seuerall plants referred thereto and thus it hath happened vnto 〈◊〉 which Dioscorides lib. 3. cap. 174. hath set forth by the name of Coris and presently describes after the kindes of Hypericon and that with these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some also call this Hypericon to which Matthiolus and others haue fitted a plant which is indeed a kinde of Hypericon as you may perceiue by the figure and description which I giue you in the first place Some as 〈◊〉 referre it to Chamaepytis and indeed by Dioscorides it is placed betweene Androsaemon and Chamaepytis and to this that which is described by Pena and Lobel in the Aduers and by Clusius in his Historie may fitly be referred this I giue you in the second place ¶ The Description 1 THe first hath a wooddy thicke and long lasting root which sendeth vp many branches some foot or more high and it is set at certaine spaces with round leaues like those of the small Glasse-wort or Sea-Spurry but shorter the tops of the stalkes are diuided into 〈◊〉 branches which carry floures like those of S. Iohns wort of a whitish red colour with threds in their middles hauing little yellow pendants It growes in Italy and other hot countries in places not far from the sea side This is thought to be the true Coris by Matthiolus Gesner Lonicerus Lacuna Bellus Pona and others 2 This from a thicke root red on the outside sendeth vp sundry stalkes some but an handfull other some a foot or more long stiffe round purplish set thicke with leaues like those of Heath but thicker more succulent and bitter which so netimes grow orderly and otherwhiles out of order The spikes or heads grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a number of little cups diuided into fiue sharpe points and marked with a blacke spot in each diuision out of these cups comes a floure of a blew purple colour of a most elegant and not fading colour and it is composed of foure little biside leaues whereof the two vppermost are the larger the seed which is round and blackish is contained in seed-vessels hauing points somewhat sharpe or prickly It floures in Aprill and May and is to be found growing in many places of Spaine as also about Mompelier in France whence Pena and Lobel called it Coris Monspeliaca and Clusius Coris quorundam Gallorum Hispanorum ¶ The Temperature These Plants seeme to be hot in the second or third degree ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith That the seed of Coris drunke moue the courses and vrine are good against the biring of the Spider Phalangium the Sciatica and drunke in Wine against that kinde of Convulsion which the Greekes call Opisthotonos which is when the body is drawne backwards as also against the cold fits in Agues It is also good anointed with oyle against the aforesaid Convulsion ‡ CHAP. 162. Of the great Centorie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Centory bringeth forth round smooth stalkes three cubits high the leaues are long diuided as it were into many parcels
Satureia SanctiI uliani Rocke Sauorie ‡ 4 Satureia Cretic Candie Sauorie 3 This small kinde of Sauorie which Lobel hath set forth vnder the title of Thymbra S. Iuliani because it groweth 〈◊〉 vpon the rough cliffes of the 〈◊〉 sea in Italie called Saint Iulians rocke hath tender twiggie branches an handfull high of a wooddie substance set ful of leaues from the bottome to the top very thicke thrust together like vnto those of Time sauing that they be 〈◊〉 narrower bringing forth at the top of the sprigs a round spikie tuft 〈◊〉 small purplish floures The whole plant is whitish tending to a bleake colour and of a verie hot and sharpe taste and also well smelling ‡ 4 This in the opinion of Honorius Bellus Clusius and Pona is thought and not without good reason to be the true Thymbra or Satureia of Dioscorides and the Antients for besides that it agrees with their description it is to this day called in Candie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clusius describes it thus It sends forth many branches immediately from the roote like as Tyme and those quadrangular rough and of a purplish colour vpon these growe alternately little roughish leaues much like those of the true Tyme and out of their bosomes come little branches set with the like but lesser leaues The toppes of the branches are compassed with a rundle made of manie little leaues whereout come floures of a fine purple colour and like the floures of Tyme beeing diuided into foure parts whereof the lower is the broader and hangs downe The vpper is also broad but shorter and the other two lesse Out of the middle of the floure come fiue whitish threds pointed with browne and a forked stile The seed is small and blacke like that of Tyme The root hard and wooddie It floured with Clusius who receiued the seedes out of Candie from Honorius Bellus in October and Nouember ‡ ¶ The Place They are sowne in Gardens and bring foorth their floures the first yeare of their sowing ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names Sauorie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 neither hath it any other true name in Latine than Thymbra The Interpreters would haue it called Satureia wherein they are repugnant to Columella a Latine Writer who doth shew a manifest difference betweene Thymbra and Satureia in his tenth booke where hee writeth that Sauorie hath the taste of Tyme and of Thymbra or the Winter Sauorie Et Satureia Thymi referens Thymbraeque saporem †Notwithstanding this assertion of Columella Pliny lib. 19. cap 8. makes Satureia or Sauorie to be that Thymbra which is called also Cunila Sauorie in High Dutch is called Kunel Saturey and Sadaney in Low Dutch Ceulen which name as it seemeth is drawne out Cunila in Italian Sauoreggia in Spanish Axedrea and Sagorida in French Sarriette in English Sauorie Winter Sauorie and Sommer Sauorie ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Winter Sauorie is of temperature hot and drie in the third degree it maketh thin cutteth it clenseth the passages to be briefe it is altogether of like vertue with Time Sommer Sauorie is not full so hot as winter Sauorie and therefore saith Dioscorides more fit to be vsed in medicine it maketh thin and doth maruellously preuaile against winde therefore it is with good successe boiled and eaten with beanes peason and other windie pulses yea if it be applied to the belly in a fomentation it forthwith helpeth the affects of the mother proceeding from winde CHAP. 176. Of Dodder Cuscuta sivc Cassutha Dodder ¶ The Description CVscuta or Dodder is astrange herbe altogether without leaues or root like vnto threds very much snarled or wrapped together confusedly winding it selfe about bushes and hedges and sundry kindes of herbes The threds are somewhat red vpon which grow here there little round heads or knops bringing forth at the first slender white floures afterward a small seed ¶ The Place This herbe groweth vpon sundry kindes of herbes as vpon Tyme VVinter Sauorie Germander and such like taking his name from the herbe whereupon it doth grow as that vpon Tyme is called Epithymum vpon Line or flaxe Epilinum and so of others as Dodonaeus setteth forth at large yet hath he forgotten one among the rest which groweth very 〈◊〉 in Sommer setshire vpon nettles neither is it the least among many either in beautie or operation but comparable to the best Epithymum following therefore the example of Dioscorides I haue thought good to call it Epiurtica or rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so of the rest according to the herbes whereon they do grow ¶ The Names The greatest is called in shops euery where Cuscuta and of diuers because it groweth vpon 〈◊〉 or Lyne Podagra Lini the better learned do name it Cassutha or Cassytha and Gesnerus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Arabians Kessuth and Chasuth in Dutch Schorfte and Dranghe in High Dutch Filkraut in French Goute d'Lin and Tigne de Lin in English Dodder The lesser and 〈◊〉 which wrappeth it selfe vpon Time and Sauorie is called of Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Apothecaries keep the name Epithymum others among whom is Actuarius name that Epithymum which groweth vpon Tyme onely and that which groweth on Sauorie Epithymbrum and that also which hangeth vpon Stoebe they terme Epistoebe giuing a peculiar name to euery kind ¶ The Nature The nature of this herb changeth and altereth according to the nature and qualitie of the herbs whereupon it groweth so that by searching of the nature of the plant you may easily finde out the temperament of the laces growing vpon the same But more particularly it is of temperature somewhat more drie than hot and that in the second degree it also clenseth with a certaine astrictiue or binding qualitie and especially that which is found growing vpon the bramble for it also receiueth a certaine nature from his parents o n which it groweth for when it groweth vpon the hotter herbes as Tyme and Sauory it becommeth hotter and drier and of thinner parts that which commeth of Broome prouoketh vrine more forcibly and maketh the belly more soluble and that is moister which groweth vpon flaxe that which is found vpon the bramble hath ioined with it as wee haue said a binding qualitie which by reason of this facultie ioyned with it is good to cure the infirmities of the Liuer and Milt for seeing that it hath both a purging and binding facultie vnited to it it is most singular good for the entrals for Galen in his thirteenth Booke of the Methode of curing doth at large declare that such Medicines are fittest of all for the Liuer and Milt ¶ The Vertues Dodder remooueth the stoppings of the liuer and of the milt or spleene it disburdeneth the veines of flegmaticke cholericke corrupt and superfluous humours prouoketh vrine gently and in a meane openeth the kidneies cureth the yellow iaundise which are ioyned with
it helpeth those that vomite 〈◊〉 and the Whites in such ashaue them Boiled with wine and honie it cureth the wounds of the inward parts and vlcers of the lungs in a word there is not a better wound herbe no not Tabaco it selfe nor any other what soeuer The herbe boiled in wine with a little honie or meade preuaileth much against the cough in children called the Chinne cough CHAP. 200. Of Bugle or Middle Comfrey ¶ The Description 1 BVgula spreadeth and creepeth alongst the ground like Monie woort the leaues be long fat oleous and of a brown colour for the most part The floures grow about the stalks in rundles compassing the stalke leauing betweene euery rundle bare or naked spaces and are of a faire blew colour and often white I found many plants of it in a moist ground vpon Blacke Heath neere London fast by a village called Charleton but the leaues were green and not browne at all like the other 1 Bugula Middle Consound 2 Bugula flore 〈◊〉 siue carneo White or carnation floured Bugle 2 Bugle with the white floure disfereth not from the precedent in roots leaues and stalks the onely difference is that this plant bringeth forth faire milk white floures and the other those that are blew ‡ It is also sound with a flesh coloured floure and the leaues are lesse snipt than those of the former Bauhine makes mention of one much lesse than those with round suipt leaues and a yellow floure which he saith he had out of England but I haue not as yet seene it nor found any other mention thereof ‡ ¶ The Place Bugula groweth almost in euery wood and copse and such like 〈◊〉 and moist places and is much planted in gardens the other varieties are seldome to be met withall ¶ The Time Bugula floureth in Aprill and May. ¶ The Names Bugle is reckoned among the Consounds or wound herbes and it is called of some Consolida media Bugula and Buglum in High Dutch Guntzel in Low Dutch Senegroen of 〈◊〉 Herba Laurentina in English Browne Bugle of some Sicklewoort and herbe Carpenter but not truly ¶ The Nature Bugle is of a meane temperature betweene heat and drinesse ¶ The Vertues It is commended against inward burstings and members torne rent and bruised and therefore it is put into potions that serue for nodes in which it is of such vertue that it can dissolue waste away congealed and elotted bloud Ruellius writeth that they commonly say in France how he needeth neither Physition nor Surgeon that hath Bugle and Sanickle for it doth not only cure rotten wounds being inwardly taken but also applied to them outwardly it is good for the infirmities of the Liuer it taketh away the obstructions and strengthneth it The decoction of Bugle drunken dissolueth clotted or congealed bloud within the bodie healeth and maketh sound all wounds of the bodie both inward and outward The same openeth the stoppings of the Liuer and gall and is good against the iaundise and feuers of long continuance The same decoction cureth the rotten vlcers and sores of the mouth and gums Bugula is excellent in curing wounds and scratches and the iuice cureth the wounds vlcers and sores of the secret parts or the herbe bruised and laid thereon CHAP. 201 Of Selfe-heale 1 Prunella Selfe-heale 2 Prunella 〈◊〉 The second Selfe-heale 3 Prunella flore albo White floured Selfe 〈◊〉 ¶ The 〈◊〉 1 PRunell or Brunel hath square hairy stalks of a foot high beset with long hairy and sharpe pointed leaues at the top of the stalks grow floures thicke set together like an 〈◊〉 or spiky knap of a browne colour mixed with blew floures and sometimes white of which kinde I found some plants in Essex 〈◊〉 Henningham castle The root is small and very threddie †2 Prunella altera or after Lobel and Pena Symphytum 〈◊〉 hath leaues like the last described but somewhat narrower and the leaues that grow commonly towards the tops of the stalks are deeply diuided or cut in after the manner of the leaues of the small Valerian and sometimes the lower leaues are also diuided but that is more seldom the heads and floures are like those of the former and the colour of the floures is commonly purple yet somtimes it is found with flesh coloured and otherwhiles with white or ashe coloured floures 3 The third sort of Selfe-heale is like vnto the last described in root stalke leaues in euery other point sauing that the floures hereof are of a perfect white colour and the others not so which maketh the difference ‡ The figure which our Authour gaue in this third place was of the Prunella secunda of Tabern which I iudge to be all one with the Prunella 1. non vulgaris of Clusius and that because the floures in that of Tabernamontanus are expressed Ventre laxiore which Clusius complaines his drawer did not obserue the other parts also agree now this of Clusius hath much larger floures than the ordinary and those commonly of a deeper purple colour yet they are sometimes 〈◊〉 and otherwhiles of an ashe colour the leaues also are somewhat more hairie long and sharpe pointed than the ordinary and herein consists the greatest difference ‡ ¶ The Place The first kinde of Prunell or Brunell groweth verie commonly in all our fieldes throughout England The second Brunel or Symphytum petraeum groweth naturally vpon rocks 〈◊〉 mountaines and grauelly grounds ‡ The third for any thing that I know is a stranger with vs but the 〈◊〉 common kinde I haue found with white floures ‡ ¶ The Time These plants floure for the most part all Sommer long ¶ The Names Brunel is called in English Prunell Carpenters herbe Selfe-heale and Hooke 〈◊〉 and Sicklewoort It is called of the later Herbarists Brunella and Prunella of Matthiolus Consolida minor and Solidago minor but saith Ruellius the Daisie is the right Consolida minor and also the Solidago minor ¶ The Nature These herbes are of the temperature of Bugula that is to say moderately hot and drie and something binding ¶ The Vertues The decoction of Prunell made with wine or water doth ioine together and make whole and sound all wounds both inward and outward euen as Bugle doth Prunell bruised with oile of Roses and Vineger and laied to the forepart of the head swageth and helpeth the paine and aking thereof To bee short it serueth for the same that Bugle doth and in the world there are not two better wound herbs as hath been often proued It is commended against the infirmities of the mouth and especially the ruggednesse blackenesse and drinesse of the tongue with a kinde of swelling in the same It is an infirmitie amongst souldiers that lie in campe The Germans call it de Braun which happeneth not without a continuall ague and frensie The remedie hereof is the decoction of Selfe-heale with common water after bloud letting out of the veins of the tongue and the
mouth and tongue must be often washed with the same decoction and sometimes a little vineger mixed therewith This disease is thought to be vnknowne to the old writers but notwithstanding if it be conferred with that which Paulus Aegineta calleth Erysipelas 〈◊〉 an inflammation of the braine then will it not be thought to bee much differing if it be not the very same CHAP. 202. Of the great Daisie or Maudelen woort 1 Bellis maior The great Daisie ¶ The Description 1 THe great Daisie hath very many broad leaues spred vpon the ground somewhat indented about the edges of the breadth of a finger not vnlike those of groundswell among which rise vp stalkes of the height of a cubit set with the like leaues but lesser in the top whereof do grow large white floures with yellow thrums in the middle like those of the single field Daisy or Mayweed without any smell at all The root is full of strings ¶ The Place It groweth in Medowes and in the borders of fields almost euery where ¶ The Time It floureth and flourisheth in May and Iune ¶ The Names It is called as we haue said Bellis maior and also 〈◊〉 media vulnerariorum to make a difrence betweene it and Bugula which is the true Consolida media notwithstanding this is holden of all to bee Consolida medij generis or a kinde of middle Consound in High Dutch as Fuchsius reporteth 〈◊〉 in English the Great Daisie and Maudelen woort ¶ The Temperature This great Daisie is moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The leaues of the great Maudleine woort are good against all burning vlcers and apostemes against the inflammation and running of the eies being applied thereto The same made vp in an vnguent or salue with wax oile and turpentine is most excellent for wounds especially those wherein is any inflammation and will not come to digestion or maturation as are those weeping 〈◊〉 made in the knees elbowes and other ioints The iuice decoction or distilled water is drunk to very good purpose against the rupture or any inward burstings The herbe is good to be put into Vulnerarie drinks or potions as one simple belonging thereto most necessarie to the which effect the best practised do vse it as a simple in such cases of great effect It likewise asswageth the cruell torments of the gout vsed with a few Mallows and butter boiled and made to the sorme of a pultis The same receipt aforesaid vsed in Clysters profiteth much against the vehement heat in agues and ceaseth the torments or wringing of the guts or bowels CHAP. 203. Of little Daisies ¶ The Description 1 THe Daisie bringeth forth many leaues from a threddy root smooth fat long and somwhat round withall very sleightly indented about the edges for the most part lying vpon the ground among which rise vp the floures euery one with his owne slender stem almost like those of Camomill but lesser of a perfect white colour and very double 2 The double red Daisie is like vnto the precedent in euery respect sauing in the colour of the floures for this plant bringeth forth floures of a red colour and the other white as aforesaid ‡ These double Daisies are of two sorts that is either smaller or larger and these againe either white or red or of both mixed together wherefore I haue giuen you in the first place the figure of the small and in the second that of the larger 3 Furthermore there is another pretty double daisie which differs from the first described only in the floure which at the sides thereof puts forth many foot-stalkes carrying also little double floures being commonly of a red colour so that each stalke carries as it were an old one and the brood thereof whence they haue fitly termed it the childing Daisie ‡ 1 Bellis minor multiplex flore albo vel rubro The lesser double red or white Daisie 2 Bellis media multiplex flore albo vel rubro The larger double white or red Daisie 4 The wilde field Daisie hath many leaues spred vpon the ground like those of the garden Daisie among which rise vp slender stems on the top whereof do grow small single floures like those of Camomill set about a bunch of yellow thrums with a pale of white leaues sometimes white now and then red and often of both mixed together The root is threddy 5 There doth likewise grow in the fields another sort of wilde Daisie agreeing with the former in each respect sauing that it is somewhat greater than the other and the leaues are somwhat more cut in the edges and larger ‡ 3 Bellis minor prolifera Childing Daisie 4 Bellis minor syluestris The small wilde Daisie 5 Bellis media syluestris The middle wilde Daisie 7 The French blew Daisie is like vnto the other blew Daisies in each respect sauing it is altogether lesser wherein consisteth the difference ‡ There were formerly three figures and descriptions of this blew Daisie but one of them might haue serued for they differ but in the tallnesse of their growth and in the bredth and narrownesse of their leaues ‡ ¶ The Place The double Daisies are planted in gardens the others grow wilde euery where The blew Daisies are strangers in England their naturall place of abode is set forth in their seuerall titles 6 Bellis coerulea siue Globularia 〈◊〉 The blew Italian Daisie 7 Bellis coerulea Monspeliaca Blew French Daisies ¶ The Time The Daisies do floure most part of the Sommer ¶ The Names The Daisie is called in high-Dutch Maszlieben in low Dutch Margrieten in Latine Bellis minor and Consolida minor or the middle Consound of Tragus Primula veris but that name is more proper vnto Primrose of some Herba Margarita or Margarites herbe in French Marguerites and Cassaudes in Italian Fiori di prima veri gentili In English Daisies and Bruisewort The blew Daisie is called Bellis coerulea of some Globularia of the round forme of the floure it is also called Aphyllanthes and Frondislora in Italian Botanaria in English blew Daisies and Globe Daisie ¶ The Temperature The lesser Daisies are cold and moist being moist in the end of the second degree and cold in the beginning of the same ¶ The Vertues The Daisies doe mitigate all kinde of paines but especially of the ioynts and gout proceeding from an hot and dry humor if they be stamped with new butter vnsalted and applied vpon the pained place but they worke more effectually if Mallowes be added thereto The leaues of Daisies vsed amongst other Pot-herbes doe make the belly soluble and they are also put into Clysters with good successe in hot burning feuers and against inflammations of the intestines The iuyce of the leaues and roots snift vp into the nosthrils purgeth the head mightily of foule and filthy slimie humors and helpeth the megrim The same giuen to little dogs with milke keepeth them
Pliny and Theophrastus call it 〈◊〉 Gaza translates it Aurelia in English Gold-floure Golden Moth-wort ¶ The Temperature It is saith Galen of power to cut and make thinne ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides teacheth that the tops thereof drunke in wine are good for them that can hardly make water against stingings of Serpents paines of the huckle bones and taken in sweet wine it dissolueth congealed bloud The branches and leaues laid amongst cloathes keepeth them from moths whereupon it hath beene called of some Moth-weed or Mothwort CHAP. 207. Of Golden Floure-Gentle ¶ The Description 1 THis yellow Euerlasting or Floure-Gentle called of the later Herbarists Yellow Stoecas is a plant that hath stalkes of a span long and slender whereupon do grow narrow leaues white and downie as are also the stalks The floures stand on the tops of the stalks consisting of a scattered or disordered scaly tuft of a reasonable good smell of a bright yellow colour which being gathered before they be ripe do keep their colour and beauty a long time without withering as do most of the Cottonweeds or Cudweeds whereof this is a kinde The root is blacke and slender ‡ There is some varietie in the heads of this plant for they are sometimes very large and longish as Camerarius notes in his Epitome of 〈◊〉 otherwhiles they are very compact and round and of the bignesse of the ordinarie 2 This growes to some soot or more high and hath rough downie leaues like the former but broader the floures are longer but of the same yellow colour and long continuance as those of the last described This varies somthing in the bredth and length of the leaues whence Tabernamontanus gaue three figures thereof and therein was followed by our Author as you shall finde more particularly specified at the end of the chapter ‡ 3 About Nemausium and Montpelier there growes another kinde of Chrysocome or as Lobel termes it Stoechas Citrina altera but that as this plant is in all points like so in all points it is lesser and slenderer blacker and not of such beauty as the former growing more neere vnto an ash colour consisting of many small twigs a foot long The root is lesser and hath fewer strings annexed thereto and it is seldome found but in the cliffes and crags among rubbish and on walls of cities This plant is browne without sent or sauor like the other euery branch hath his own bunch of floures comming forth of a scaly or round head but not a number heaped together as in the first kinde It prospereth well in our London Gardens 1 〈◊〉 Citrina siue Amaranthus luteus Golden Stoechas or Goldilockes 2 Amaranthus luteus latifolius Broad leaued Goldilockes 3 Chrysocome capitulis conglobatis Round headed Goldilockes 4 Amaranthus luteus floreoblongo Golden Cudweed 4 There is a kinde hereof beeing a very rare plant and as rare to be found where it naturally groweth which is in the woods among the Scarlet-Okes betweene Sommieres and Mountpellier It is a fine and beautifull plant in shew passing the last described Stoechas Citrina altera but the leaues of this kinde are broad and somewhat hoarie as is all the rest of the whole plant the stalke a foot long and beareth the very floures of Stoechas Citrina altera but bigger and longer and somewhat like the floures of Lactuca agrestis the root is like the former without any manifest smel little knowne hard to finde whose faculties be yet vnknowne 5 Heliochrysos syluectris Wilde Goldylockes 5 This is a wilde kinde which Lobel setteth forth that here may be inserted called Eliochrysos 〈◊〉 The woolly or flockey leafe of this plant resembleth Gnaphalium vulgare but that it is somewhat broader in the middle the floures grow clustering together vpon the tops of the branches of a yellow colour and almost like those of Maudline the roots are blacke and wooddie ¶ The Place The first mentioned growes in Italy and other hot countries and the second growes in rough and grauelly places almost euery where neere vnto the Rhene especially between Spires and Wormes ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Golden floure is called in Latine Coma aurea of his golden locks or beautifull bush and also Tineraria in shops Stoechas citrina Amaranthus luteus 〈◊〉 Tragi of some Linaria aurea but not truely in Greeke Chryscome in Dutch Reynbloemen and Motten cruyt in Italian Amarantho Giallo in English Gold-floure Gods floure Goldilockes and Golden Stoechas ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The floures of Golden Stoechados boiled in wine and drunke expell worms out of the bellie and being boiled in Lee made of strong ashes doth kill lice and nits if they bee bathed therewith The other faculties are refered to the former plants mentioned in the last chapter CHAP. 208. Of Costmarie and Maudelein ¶ The Description 1 COstmary groweth vp with round hard stalkes two foot high bearing long broad leaues finely nicked in the edges of an ouerworn whitish green colour The tuft or bundle is of a golden colour consisting of many little floures like clusters ioyned together in a rundle after the manner of golden Stoechados The root is of a wooddy substance by nature verie durable not without a multitude of little strings hanging thereat The whole plant is of a pleasant smell sauour or taste 2 Maudleine is somewhat like to Costmary whereof it is a kinde in colour smell taste and in the golden floures set vpon the tops of the stalks in round clusters It bringeth forth a number of stalkes slender and round The leaues are narrow long indented and deepely cut about the edges The cluster of floures is lesser than that of Costmarie but of a better smell and yellower colour The roots are long lasting and many 1 Balsamita mas Costmarie 2 Balsamita foemina sive Ageratum Maudelein ‡ 3 Ageratum folijs non serratis Maudelein with vncut leaues 4 Ageratum floribus albis White floured Maudlein ‡ 4 This differeth not from the common Maudelein but in the colour of the floures which are white when as those of the ordinarie sort are yellow ‡ ¶ The Place They grow euery where in gardens and are cherished for their sweet floures and leaues ¶ The Time They bring forth their tufts of yellow floures in the Sommer moneths ¶ The Names Costmarie is called in Latine Balsamita maior or mas of some Costus 〈◊〉 it is also called Mentha Graeca and Saracenica Officinarum of Tragus Alisma of Matthiolus 〈◊〉 Graeca of others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Herbalassulata of some Herba D. Mariae in English Costmarie and Ale-coast in High Dutch Frauwenkraut in low Dutch 〈◊〉 windkraut in French Coq Maudlein is without doubt a kinde of Costmarie called of the Italians Herba Giulia of Valerius Cordus Mentha Corymbifera minor and Eupatorium Mesue It is iudged to be Dioscorides his Ageratum and it is the Costus minor hortensis of Gesner we
plant bringeth forth floures of the same fashion but of a snow white colour wherein consisteth the difference ‡ Our Authour out of 〈◊〉 us gaue three figures with as many descriptions of this plant yet made it onely to vary in the colour of the floures being either purple white or red but he did not touch the difference which Tabernamontanus by his figures exprest which was the first had all the leaues whole being only snipt about the edges the lower leaues of the second were most of them whole and those vpon the stalkes deepely cut in or diuided and the third had the leaues both below and aboue all cut in or deepely diuided The figure which we here giue you expresses the first and third varieties and if you please the one may be with white and the other with red or purple floures ‡ ¶ The Place Sawe-woort groweth in woods and shadowie places and sometimes in medowes They grow in Hampsted wood likewise I haue seene it growing in great abundance in the wood adjoining to Islington within halfe a mile from the further end of the towne and in sundry places of Essex and Suffolke ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The later age doe call them Serratula and Serratula tinctoria it differeth as we haue said from Betony which is also called Serratula other names if it haue any we know not it is called in English Sawewoort ‡ Coesalpinus calls it Cerretta and Serretta and Thalius 〈◊〉 or Centaurium maius sylvestre Germanicum ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Serratula is wonderfully commended to be most singular for wounds ruptures burstings and such like and is referred vnto the temperature of Sanicle CHAP. 243. Of Betony ¶ The Description 1 BEtony groweth vp with long leaues and broad of a darke greene colour slightly indented about the edges like a saw The stalke is flender foure square somewhat rough a foote high more or lesse It beareth eared floures of a purplish colour and 〈◊〉 reddish after the floures commeth in place long cornered seed The root consisteth of many strings 1 Betonica Betony 2 Betony with white floures is like the precedent in each respect sauing that the flours of this plant are white and of greater beautie and the others purple or red as aforesaid ¶ The Place Betony loues shadowie woods hedge-rowes and copses the borders of pastures and such like places Betony with white floures is seldome seene I found it in a wood by a village called Hampstead neere vnto a worshipfull Gentlemans house one of the Clerkes of the Queenes counsell called Mr. Wade from whence I brought plants for my garden where they flourish as in their naturall place of growing ¶ The Time They floure and flourish for the most part in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names Betony is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Betonica of diuers Vetonica but vnproperly There is likewise another Betonica which Paulus Aegineta described and Galen in his first booke of the gouernment of health sheweth that it is called 〈◊〉 that is to say Betonica Betonie and also Sarxiphagon Dioscorides notwithstanding doth describe another Sarxiphagon ¶ The Temperature Betony is hot and dry in the second degree it hath force to cut as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues Betony is good for them that be subject to the falling sickenesse and for those also that haue ill heads vpon a cold cause It clenseth the lungs and chest it taketh away obstructions or stoppings of the liuer milt and gall it is good against the yellow jaundise It maketh a man to haue a good stomack and appetite to his meate it preuaileth against sower belchings it maketh a man to pisse well it mitigateth paine in the kidnies and bladder it breaketh stones in the kidnies and driueth them forth It is also good for ruptures cramps and convulsions it is a remedie against the bitings of mad dogs and venomous serpents being drunke and also applied to the hurts and is most singular against poyson It is commended against the paine of the Sciatica or ache of the huckle bone There is a Conserue made of the floures and sugar good for many things and especially for the head-ache A dram weight of the root of Betonie dried and taken with meade or honied water procureth vomit and bringeth forth grosse and tough humors as diuers of our age do report The pouder of the dried leaues drunke in wine is good for them that spit or pisse bloud and cureth all inward wounds especially the greene leaues boyled in wine and giuen The pouder taken with meate looseth the belly very gently and helpeth them that haue the falling sicknesse with madnesse and head-ache It is singular against all paines of the head it killeth wormes in the belly helpeth the Ague it cleanseth the mother and hath great vertue to heale the body being hurt within by bruising or such like CHAP. 244. Of Water-Betony ¶ The Description WAter Betony hath great square hollow and brown stalks whereon are set very broad leaues notched about the edges like vnto those of Nettles of a swart greene colour growing for the most part by two and two as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against an other The floures grow at the top of the branches of a darke purple colour in shape like to little helmets The seed is small contained in round bullets or buttons The root is compact of many and infinite strings Betonica aquatica Water Betony ¶ The Place It groweth by brookes and running waters by ditch sides and by the brinks of riuers and is seldome found in dry places ¶ The Time It floureth in Iuly and August and from that time the seed waxeth ripe ¶ The Names Water Betonie is called in Latine Betonica aquatica some haue thought it Dioscorides his Clymenum others his Galeopsis it is Scrophularia altera of Dodonoeus of Turner Clymenon of some Sesamoides minus but not properly of others Serpentaria in Dutch S. Antonies cruyd in English Water Betonie and by some Browne-wort in Yorke-shire Bishops leaues ¶ The Temperature Water Betony is hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Water Betony are of a scouring or cleansing qualitie and is very good to mundifie foule and stinking vlcers especially the iuyce boyled with honey It is reported if the face be washed with the iuyce thereof it taketh away the rednesse and deformitie of it CHAP. 245. Of Great Figge-wort or Brownewort ¶ The Description 1 THe great Fig-wort springeth vp with stalkes foure square two cubits high of a darke purple colour and hollow within the leaues grow alwayes by couples as it were from one ioynt opposite or standing one right against another broad sharpe pointed snipped round about the edges like the leaues of the greater Nettle but bigger blacker and nothing at all stinging when they be touched the floures in the tops of the 〈◊〉 are of a darke purple colour very like in forme to little
from Scabious sauing when it floureth ¶ The Names It is commonly called Morsus Diaboli or Diuels bit of the root as it seemeth that is bitten off for the superstitious people hold opinion that the diuell for enuie that he beareth to mankinde bit it off because it would be otherwise good for many vses it is called of Fuchsius Succisa in High Dutch Teuffels abbisz in Low Dutch Duyuelles beet in French Mors du Diable in English Diuels bit and Forebit ‡ Fabius Columna iudgeth it to bee the Pycnocomon of Dioscorides described by him lib. 4. cap. 176. ‡ ¶ The Temperature Diuels bit is something bitter and of a hot and drie temperature and that in the later end of the second degree ¶ The Vertues There is no better thing against old swellings of the Almonds and vpper parts of the throat that be hardly ripened It clenseth away slimie flegme that sticketh in the iawes it digesteth and consumeth it and it quickely taketh away the swellings in those parts if the decoction thereof be often held in the mouth and gargarized especially if a little quantitie of 〈◊〉 Rosarum or honie of Roses be put into it It is reported to be good for the infirmities that Scabious serueth for and to be of no lesse force against the stingings of venomous beasts poisons and pestilent diseases and to consume and waste away plague sores being stamped and laid vpon them And also to mitigate the paines of the matrix or mother and to driue forth winde if the decoction thereof be drunke CHAP. 249. Of Matfellon or Knapweed ¶ The Description 1 MAtfellon or blacke Knapweed is doubtlesse a kinde of Scabious as all the others are intituled with the name of Iacea yet for distinction I haue thought good to set them downe in a seuerall Chapter beginning with that kinde which is called in English Knapweed and Matfellon or Matersilon It hath long and narrow leaues of a blackish green colour in shape like Diuels bit but longer set vpon stalks two cubits high somewhat bluntly cut or snipt about the edges the floures do grow at the top of the stalks being first small scaly knops like to the knops of Corne floure or blew bottles but greater out of the midst thereof groweth a purple thrummie or threddie floure The root is thicke and short 2 The great Knapweed is very like vnto the former but that the whole plant is much greater the leaues bigger and more deeply cut euen to the middle rib the floures come forth of such like scaly heads of an excellent faire purple colour and much greater 3 The third kinde of Matfellon or Knapweed is very like vnto the former great Knapweed last before mentioned sauing that the floures of this plant are of an excellent faire yellow colour proceeding forth of a scaly head or knop beset with most sharppricks not to be touched without hurt the floure is of a pleasing smel and very sweet the root is long and lasting and creepeth far abroad by means whereof it greatly increaseth 1 Iaceanigra Blacke Matfellon 2 Iacea maior Great Matfellon 4 The mountaine Knapweede of Narbone in France hath a strong stem of two cubits high and is very plentifull about Couentrie among the hedges and bushes the leaues are very much iagged in sorme of Lonchitus or Spleenewoort the floures are like the rest of the Knapweeds of a purple colour 3 Iacea maior lutea Yellow Knapweed 4 Iacea montana Mountaine Knapweed 5 Iacea flore albo White floured Knapweed 6 Iacea tuberosa Knobbed Knapweed ‡ 7 Iacea Austriaca villosa Rough headed Knapweed ‡ 5 The white floured Knapweed hath creeping roots which send vp pretty large whitish greene leaues much diuided or cut in almost to the middle rib from the midst of which rises vp a stalke some two foot high set also with the like diuided leaues but lesser the floures are like those of the common sort but of a pleasing white colour I first found this growing wilde in a field nigh Martine Abbey in Surrey and since in the Isle Tenet ‡ 6 The tuberous or knobbie Knapweed being set forth by Tabernam which and is a stranger in these parts hath many leaues 〈◊〉 vpon the ground rough deeply gasht or hackt about the edges like those of Sowthistle among which riseth vp a straight stalke diuiding it selfe into other branches whereon do grow the like leaues but smaller the knappie floures stand on the top of the branches of a bright red 〈◊〉 in shape like the other Knapweeds The root is great thicke and tuberous consisting of many cloggie parcels like those of the Asphodill ‡ 7 This saith Clusius is a comely plant hauing broad and long leaues white soft and lightly snipt about the edges the taste is gummy not a little bitter it sends vp many crested stalks from one root some cubit high or more at the toppes of them grow the heads some two or three together consisting of many scales whose ends are hairy and they are set so orderly that by this meanes the heads seeme as they were inclosed in little nets the floures are purple and like those of the first described the seede is small and long and of an ash colour This Clusius calls Iacea 4. Austriaca villoso capite 〈◊〉 capitulis hirsut is Boelij 8 This hath many small cornered straked hairie trailing branches growing from the root and those again diuided into many other branches trailing or spreading vpon the ground three or foure foot long imploying or couering a good plot of ground whereon grow hairy leaues diuided or iagged into many parts like the leaues of Iacea maior or Rocket of a very bitter taste at the top of each branch groweth one scaly head each scale ending with fiue six or seuen little weake prickles growing orderly like halfe the rowell of a spurre but farre lesser the floures grow forth of the heads of a light purple colour consisting of many small floures like those of the common Iacea the bordering floures being bigger and larger than those of the middle of the floure each small floure being diuided into fiue small parts or leaues not much vnlike those of Cyanus the seed is small and inclosed in downe The root perisheth when the seed is ripe This plant hath not been hitherto written of that I can find Seeds of it I receiued from Mr. William Coys with whom also I obserued the plant October 10. 1621. he receiued it from Boclius a Low countrey man Iohn Goodyer ‡ ¶ The Place The two first grow commonly in euery fertile pasture the rest grow in my garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names The later age doth call it Iacea nigra putting nigra for a difference betweene it and the Hearts-ease or Pancie which is likewise called Iacea it is called also Materfillon and Matrefillen in English Matfellon Bulweed and Knapweed ¶ The Temperature and Vertues These plants are of the nature of
Goates beard 2 The dwarfe Vipers grasse differeth not from the precedent sauing that it is altogether lesser wherein especially consisteth the difference †3 The broad leafed Austrian Vipers-grasse hath broad leaues sharpe pointed vneuen about the edges of a blewish greene colour the stalke riseth vp to the height of a foot or better on the top whereof do stand faire yellow 〈◊〉 very double greater and broader than any of the rest of a resonable good smell The seed followeth long and sharpe like vnto those of Goates-beard The root is thicke long and full of a milkie juice as are the leaues also 4 The narrow leaued Hungary Vipers-grasse hath long leaues like to those of Goates-beard but longer and narrower among which riseth vp a slender hollow stalke stiffe and smooth on the top whereof do stand faire double floures of a faire blew colour tending to purple in shape like the other of his kinde of a pleasant sweet smell like the smell of sweet balls made of Benzoin The seed is conteined in small cups like those of Goates beard wrapped in a downie matter that is caried away with the winde The root is not so thicke nor long as the others very single bearded at the top with certain hairy thrums yeelding a milkie juice of a resinous taste and somewhat sharpe withall It endureth the winter euen as the others do ‡ 5 This whose figure was by our Authour put to the last description hath leaues like those of Goates-beard but stiffer and shorter amongst which there growes vp a short hollow stalke some handfull high set with a few short leaues bearing a yellow floure at the top almost like that of the last saue one but lesse the seed is conteined in such cups as the common Vipers-grasse and being ripe is caried away with the leastwinde The root is blacke with a wrinkled barke and full of milke hauing the head hairy as also the last described hath This by Clusius is called Scorsonera humilis angustifolia Pannonica ‡ ¶ The Place and Time Most of these are strangers in England The two first described do grow in my garden The rest are touched in their seuerall titles They floure and flourish from May to the end of Iuly ¶ The Names Vipers-grasse is called of the Spaniards Scorzonera which soundeth in Latine Viperaria or Viperina or Serpentaria so called because it is accounted to be of force and efficacy against the poisons of Vipers and serpents for Vipera or a viper is called in Spanish Scurzo it hath no name either in the high or low Dutch nor in any other more than hath been said that I can reade in English we may call it Scorzoner after the Spanish name or Vipers-grasse ¶ The Temperature They are hot and moist as are the Goates-beards ¶ The Vertues It is reported by those of great iudgement that Vipers-grasse is most excellent against the infections of the plague and all poisons of venomous beasts and especially to cure the bitings of vipers of which there be very many in Spaine and other hot countries yet haue I heard that they haue been seen in England if the juice or herbe be drunke It helpeth the infirmities of the heart and such as vse to swoune much it cureth also them that haue the falling sickenesse and such as are troubled with giddinesse in the head The root being eaten either rosted in embers sodden or raw doth make a man merry and remoueth all sorrow The root condited with sugar as are the roots of Eringos and such like worke the like effects but more familiarly being thus dressed CHAP. 254. Of Marigolds ¶ The Description 1 THe greatest double Marigold hath many large fat broad leaues springing immediately from a fibrous or threddy root the vpper sides of the leaues are of a deepe greene and the lower side of a more light and shining greene among which rise vp stalkes somewhat hairie and also somewhat jointed and full of a spungious pith The floures in the top are beautifull round very large and double something sweet with a certaine strong smell of a light saffron colour or like pure gold from the which follow a number of long crooked seeds especially the 〈◊〉 or those that stand about the edges of the floure which being sowne commonly bring forth single floures whereas contrariwise those seeds in the middle are lesser and for the most part bring forth such floures as that was from whence it was taken 2 The common double Marigold hath many 〈◊〉 thicke crumpled leaues set vpon a grosse and spungious stalke whereupon do grow faire double 〈◊〉 floures hauing for the most part in the middle a bunch of threddes thicke thrust together which being past there succeed such crooked seeds as the first described The root is thicke and hard with some threds annexed thereto 1. 2. Calendula maior polyanthos The greater double Marigold 4 Calendula multiflora 〈◊〉 Double globe Marigold 6 Calendula simplici 〈◊〉 Single Marigold 7 Calendula 〈◊〉 Fruitfull Marigold 3 The smaller or finer leafed double Marigold groweth vpright hauing for the most part one stem or fat spongeous stalke garnished with smooth and fat leaues confusedly The floures grow at the top of the small branches very double but lesser than the other consisting of more fine iaggednesse and of a faire yellow gold colour The root is like the precedent 4 The Globe-flouring Marigold hath many large broad leaues rising immediately forth of the ground among which riseth vp a stalke of the height of a cubit diuiding it selfe toward the top into other smaller branches set or garnished with the like leaues but confusedly or without order The floures grow at the top of the stalkes very double the small leaues whereof are set in comely order by certaine rankes or rowes as sundry lines are in a Globe trauersing the whole compasse of the same whereupon it tooke the name Orbiculata 5 The fifth sort of double Marigold differeth not from the last described sauing in the colour of the floures for this plant bringeth forth floures of a straw or light yellow colour and the others not so wherein consisteth the difference ‡ All these fiue here described and which formerly had so many figures differ nothing but in the bignesse and littlenesse of the plants and floures and in the intensenesse and remisnesse of their colour which is either orange yellow or of a straw colour ‡ 6 The Marigold with single floures differeth not from those with double floures but in that it consisteth of fewer leaues which we therefore terme Single in comparison of the rest and that maketh the difference 7 This fruitfull or much bearing Marigold is likewise called of the vulgar sort of women Iacke-an-apes on horsebacke it hath leaues stalkes and roots like the common sort of Marigold differing in the shape of his floures for this plant doth bring forth at the top of the stalke one floure like the other Marigolds from the which start forth
nothing to the contrary but that there may be many plants with soft downie leaues fit to make Candle weeke of in English it is generally called French Sage wee may call it Sage Mulleine ¶ The Temperature As these be like in vertues to the others going before so they be likewise dric in temperature ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the leaues are stamped and laied in manner of a pultis vpon burnings and scaldings CHAP. 267. Of Clarie 1 Gallitricum 〈◊〉 Horminum Common Clarie 2 Gallitricum alterum Small Clarie ‡ 3 Horminum syluestre Fuchsij Fuchsius his wilde Clarie ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Clarie which is the right bringeth forth thick stalks foure square two foot long diuided into branches it hath many leaues growing both from the rootes and along the stalkes and branches by distances one against another by two and two great a handfull broad or broader somewhat rough vnequall whitish and hairie as be also the stalkes The floures are like those of Sage or of dead Nettle of colour white out of a light blew after which grow vp long toothed huskes in stead of cods in which is blacke seed The root is full of strings the whole herbe yeeldeth forth a rank and strong smell that stuffeth the head it perisheth after the seed is ripe which is in the second yeare after it is sowne 2 The second kinde of Clarie hath likewise stalkes foure square a foot and a halfe high the leaues also be rough and rugged lesser and not so white The floures be alike of colour purple or blew the rootes bee as those of the former are This hath not so strong a sent by a great deale 3 There is a kinde of Clarie which Fuchsius pictureth for wilde Clarie that hath shorter stalkes hairie and also foure square the leaues lesser long deeper indented the floures blew of colour sweet of smell but not so sweet as those of 4 Colus Iouis Iupiters 〈◊〉 the right Clarie the husks or cods when they are ripe bend downwards the seed is blackish the roots in like manner are blacke and full of strings 4 The fourth kind of Horminum called Iovis Colus representeth in the highest top of the stalke a distaffe wrapped about with yellow flax whereof it tooke his name hauing knobbie roots with certaine strings annexed thereto like Galcopsis or like vnto the roots of Clarie which doe yeeld forth sundry foure square rough stalks two cubits high whereon do grow leaues like tl ose of the Nettle rough sharpe pointed and of an ouerworne greene colour the floures do grow alongst the top of the stalks by certaine spaces set round about in smal coronets or wharles like those of Sage in forme but of a yellow colour ¶ The Place These doe grow wilde in some places notwithstanding they are manured and planted in Gardens almost euery where except Iupiters distaffe beeing a kinde thereof which I haue in my Garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names Clarie is called of the Apothecaries Gallitricum it is likewise named Oruala of some Tota bona but not properly of others Scarlea Sclarea Centrum Galli and Matrisaluia in Iralian Sciaria in French Oruale in High Dutch Scharlach in Low Dutch Scharleye in English Clarie or Cleere eie Iupiters distaffe is called Colus Iovis of some Galeopsis lutea but not properly of diuers Horminum luteum or yellow Clarie and Horminum Tridentinum or Clarie of Trent ¶ The Temperature Clarie is hot and drie in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The seed of Clarie poudered finely searced and mixed with hony taketh away the dimnesse of the eies and clecreth the sight The same stamped infused or laied to steepe in warme water the mussilag or slimie substance taken and applied plaisterwise draweth forth splinters of wood thornes or any other thing fixed in the bodie it also scattereth and dissolueth all kindes of swellings especially in the ioints The seed poudered and drunke with wine stirreth vp bodily lust The leaues of Clarie taken any manner of way helpeth the weaknesse of the backe proceeding of the ouermuch flowing of the whites but most effectually if they be fried with egges in manner of a Tansie either the leaues whole or stamped CHAP. 268. Of wilde Clarie or Oculus Christi ¶ The Description 1 OCulus Christi is also a kinde of Clarie but lesser the stalkes are many a cubite high squared and somewhat hairie the leaues be broad rough and of a blackish green colour The floures grow alongst the stalkes of a blewish colour The seed is round and blackish the root is thicke and tough with some threds annexed thereto ‡ This is Hormini syluestris 4. quinta species of Clusius ‡ 2 The purple Clarie hath leaues somewhat round layd ouer with a hoarie cottony substance not much vnlike Horehound among which rise vp small hairie square stalks set toward the top with little leaues of a purple colour which appeare at the first view to be floures and yet are nothing else but leaues turned into an excellent purple colour and among these beautifull leaues come forth small floures of a blewish or watchet colour in fashion like vnto the floures of Rosemarie which being withered the husks wherein they did grow containe certaine blacke seed that falleth forth vpon the ground very quickely because that euery such huske doth turne and hang downe his head toward the ground The root dieth at the first approch of Winter 1 Horminum syluestre Wilde Clarie or Oculus Christi 2 Horminum syluestre folijs purpurcis Clarie with purple leaues ‡ 3 Horminum syluestre latifolium Broad leaued wilde Clarie ‡ 4 Horminum syluestre flore albo White floured wilde Clarie ‡ 5 Horminum syluestre flore rub ro Red floured wilde Clarie 4 This hath long leaues next vnto the ground growing vpon prettie long stalkes broad at their setting on and so ending by little and little in sharpe points they are not deeply cut in but onely lightly snipt about the edges they are also wrinckled on the vpper side and whitish but hairie on the vnder side The square 〈◊〉 are some cubite high iointed and set with two leaues at each ioint The floures grow alongst the tops of the branches and are of a snow white colour There is a varietie of this with the leaues greener and the floures of an elegant deepe purple colour This is the Horminum syluestris quarti species prima of Clusius and the varietie with the white floures is his Hormini syluestris quarti 〈◊〉 prima and the figure that our Authour gaue in the first place was of 〈◊〉 5 There is another variety of the last described which also hath square stalks set with rough snipt leaues which end in sharp points but are narrower at the lower end than the former and they are greene of colour vpon the tops of the stalkes grow red hooded floures and those not very large the seed is small and blacke and
number according to my computation it hath leaues like the former but longer smaller and narrower toward the bottome greene aboue and of a pale colour vnderneath The floures are in fashion like to the former but of a most shining red colour within and on the outside of the colour of a mulberry the middle or eye of the floure is of a whitish pale colour the root is like the former 4 The fourth is a smaller plant than any of the foresaid whose leaues are thicke and fat nothing at all snipt about the edges greene aboue and grayish vnderneath The floures are like the former shining about the edges of an ouerworne colour toward the middle and in the 〈◊〉 commeth a forke couered with an hairinesse the root is blacke and threddy 5 Auricula Vrsierubescens Blush coloured Beares eare 6 Auricula Vrsi suane rubens Bright red Beares eare 7 Auricula Vrsi minima Stamell Beares eare 5 The blush-coloured Beares 〈◊〉 hath 〈◊〉 thicke fat leaues spred vpon the ground of a whitish green colour sleightly or not at all indented in the edges among which riseth vp a naked stalke likewise hairy or whitish on the top whereof stand very faire floures in shape like those of the common Cowslip but of a whitish colour tending to purple which wee terme blush-colour The root is tough and threddy as are all the rest 6 The bright shining red Beares eare of Matthiolus description seemes to late Herbarists to be rather a figure made by conceit or imagination than by the sight of the plant it self for doubtlesse we are persuaded that there is no such plant but onely a figure foisted for ostentations sake the description whereof we leaue to a further consideration because we haue not seene any such plant neither do we beleeue there is any such ‡ Our Author is here without cause iniurious to Matthiolus for he figures and describes onely the common first described yellow Beares eare yet if he had said the floures were of a light shining red he had not erred for I haue seen these floures of all the reds both bright and darke that one may imagine ‡ 7 Pena setteth forth a kinde of Beares eare vnder the name of Sanicula Alpina hauing his vppermost leaues an inch long somewhat iagged and hem'd at the ends and broad before like a shouel the lower leaues next the ground are somewhat shorter but of the same forme among which riseth a small slender foot-stalke of an inch long whereon doth stand a small floure consisting of fiue little leaues of a bright red or stammell colour 8 The snow white Beares eare differeth not from the last described but in the colour of the floure for as the others are red contrarie these are very white and the whole plant is lesser wherein consisteth the difference The root is long tough with some fibres thereto belonging Neither of these two last described will be content to grow in gardens ¶ The Place They grow naturally vpon the Alpish and Heluetian mountaines most of them do grow in our London gardens ¶ The Time These herbes do floure in Aprill and May. ¶ The Names Either the antient writers knew not these plants or else the names of them were not by them or their successors diligently committed vnto posteritie Matthiolus and other later writers haue giuen names according to the similitude or of the shape that they beare vnto other plants according to the likenesse of the qualities and operations you may call it in English Beares eare they that dwell about the Alps doe call it Orastkrawt and Schwindlekrawt by reason of the effects thereof for the root is amongst them in great request for the strengthning of the head that when they are on the tops of places that are high giddinesse and 〈◊〉 swimming of the braine may not afflict them it is there called the Rocke-rose for that it groweth vpon the rockes and resembleth the braue colour of the Rose ‡ Fabius Columna proues this to be the Alisma or Damasonium of 〈◊〉 and the Antients ¶ The Nature These herbes are dry and very astringent ¶ The Vertues It healeth all outward and inward wounds of the brest and the enterocele also if for some reasonable space of time it be put in drinkes or boyled by itselfe These plants are of the nature and temperature of Primula veris and are 〈◊〉 amongst the Sanicles by reason of their vertue Those that hunt in the Alps and high mountaines after Goats and Bucks do as highly esteeme hereof as of Doronicum by reason of the singular effects that it hath but as I said before one especially euen in that it preuenteth the losse of their best ioynts I meane their neckes if they take the roots hereof before they ascend the rocks or other high places ‡ The root of Damasonium according to Dioscorides taken in the weight of one or two drams helpeth such as haue deuoured the 〈◊〉 marinus or sea Hare or haue been bitten by a Toad or taken too great a quantitie of Opium It is also profitably drunke either by it selfe or with the like quantitie of Daucus seeds against gripings in the belly and the bloudy flux Also it is good against convulsions and the affects of the wombe The herbe stayes the fluxes of the belly moues the courses and applied in forme of a pultis asswageth oedematous tumors ‡ CHAP. 276. Of Mountaine Sanicle ¶ The Kindes THere be sundry sorts of herbes contained vnder the name of Sanicle and yet not one of them agreeing with our common Sanicle called Diapensia in any one respect except in the vertues whereof no doubt they tooke that name which number doth dayly increase by reason that the later writers haue put downe more new plants not written of before by the Antients which shall be distinguished in this chapter by seuerall titles ¶ The Description 1 Sanicula guttata Spotted Sanicle 2 Pinguicula siue Sanicula 〈◊〉 Butterwort or Yorkshire Sanicle 3 Sanicula Alpina Clusij siue Cortusa Matthioli Beares eare Sanicle 2 The second kind of Sanicle which Clusius calleth Pinguicula not before his time remembred hath small thicke leaues fat and ful of iuyce being broad towards the root and 〈◊〉 towards the point of a faint greene colour and bitter in taste out of the middest wherof sprouteth or shooteth vp a naked slender stalke nine inches long euery stalke bearing one floure and no more sometimes white and commonly of a blewish purple colour fashioned like vnto the common Consolida regalis hauing the like spur or Larks heele anexed thereto 3 The third kinde of mountaine Sanicle some Herbarists haue called Sanicula alpina store 〈◊〉 the leaues shoot forth in the beginning of the Spring very thicke and fat and are like a purse or round lumpe at their first comming out of the ground and when it is spred abroad the vpper part thereof is full of veines or sinewes and houen vp or curled like Ranunculus Lusitanicus or like the crumpling of a cabbage
on their tops carry pretty floures like those of Borage but not so sharpe pointed but of a more pleasing blew colour This floures in the spring and is kept in some choice Gardens Lobell calls it Symphytum pumilum repens Borraginis facie siue Borrago minima Herbariorum ‡ ¶ The Place Comfrey joyeth in watery ditches in fat and fruitfull medowes they grow all in my Garden ¶ The Time They floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Symphytum and Solidago in shops Consolida maior and Symphytum maius of Scribonius Largus Inula rustica and Alus Gallica of others Osteocollon in high Dutch Walwurtz in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in Italian Consolida maggiore in Spanish Suelda maiore and Consuelda maior in French Consire and Oreille d'asne in English Comfrey 〈◊〉 Consound of some Knit backe and Blackewoort ¶ The Temperature The root of Comfrey hath a cold quality but yet not much it is also of a clammie and gluing moisture it causeth no itch at all neither is it of a sharpe or biting taste vnsauory and without any qualitie that may be tasted so far is the tough and gluing moisture from the sharpe clamminesse of the sea Onion as that there is no comparison betweene them The leaues may cause itching not through heate or sharpenesse but through their ruggednesse as we haue already written yet lesse than those of the Nettle ¶ The Vertues The rootes of Comfrey stamped and the juice drunke with wine helpeth those that spit bloud and healeth all 〈◊〉 wounds and burstings The same bruised and laid to in manner of a plaister doth heale all fresh and greene woundes and are so glutenatiue that it will sodder or glew together meate that is chopt in peeces seething in a pot and make it in one lumpe The rootes boiled and drunke doe clense the brest from flegme and cure the griefes of the lungs especially if they be confect with sugar and syrrup it preuaileth much against ruptures or burstings The slimie substance of the root made in a posset of ale and giuen to drinke against the paine in the backe gotten by any violent motion as wrastling or ouermuch vse of women doth in foure or fiue daies perfectly cure the same although the inuoluntary flowing of the seed in men be gotten thereby The roots of Comfrey in number foure Knotgrasse and the leaues of Clarie of each an handfull being stamped all together and strained and a quart of Muscadell put thereto the yolkes of three egges and the powder of three Nutmegs drunke first and last is a most excellent medicine against a Gonorrhaea or running of the reines and all paines and consumptions of the backe There is likewise a syrrup made hereof to be vsed in this case which staieth voiding of bloud tempereth the heate of agues allaieth the sharpenesse of flowing humors healeth vp vlcers of the lungs and helpeth the cough the receit whereof is this Take two ounces of the roots of great Comfrey one ounce of Liquorice two handfulls of Folefoot roots and all one ounce and an halfe of Pine-apple kernells twenty iuiubes two drams or a quarter of an ounce of Mallow seed one dram of the heads of Poppy boile all in a sufficient quantitie of water till one pinte remaine straine it and and adde to the liquor strained six ounces of very white sugar and as much of the best hony and make thereof a syrrup that must be throughly boiled The same syrrup cureth the vlcers of the kidnies though they haue been of long continuance and stoppeth the bloud that commeth from thence Moreouer it staieth the ouermuch flowing of the monethly sickenesse taken euery day for certaine daies together It is highly commended for woundes or hurts of all the rest also of the intrailes and inward parts and for burstings or ruptures The root stamped and applied vnto them taketh away the inflammation of the fundament and ouermuch flowing of the hemorrhoides CHAP. 288. Of Cowslips of Jerusalem 1 Pulmonaria maculosa Spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem 2 Pulmonaria folijs Echij Buglosse Cowslips 3 Pulmoria angustifolia ij Clusij Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem ¶ The Description 1 COwslips of Ierusalem or the true and right Lungwort hath rough hairy and large leaues of a brown green color confusedly spotted with diuers spots or drops of white amongst which spring vp certaine stalkes a span long bearing at the top many fine floures growing together in bunches like the floures of cowslips sauing that they be at the first red or purple and sometimes blew and oftentimes al these colours at once The floures being fallen there come small buttons full of seed The root is blacke and threddy ‡ This is sometimes found with white floures ‡ 2 The second kinde of Lungwort is like vnto the former but greater in each respect the leaues bigger than the former resembling wilde Buglosse yet spotted with white spots like the former the floures are like the other but of an exceeding shining red colour 3 Carolus Clusius setteth forth a third kinde of Lungwoort which hath rough and hairie leaues like vnto wilde Buglosse but narrower among which rises vp a stalke a foot high bearing at the top a bundle of blew floures in fashion like vnto those of Buglosse or the last described ¶ The Place These plants do grow in moist shadowie woods and are planted almost euery where in gardens ‡ Mr. Goodyer found the Pulmonaria folijs Echij being the second May 25. Anno 1620. flouring in a wood by Holbury house in the New Forrest in Hampshire ‡ ¶ The Time They floure for the most part in March and Aprill ¶ The Names Cowslips of Ierusalem or Sage of Ierusalem is called of the Herbarists of our time Pulmonaria and Pulmonalis of Cordus Symphitum syluestre or wilde Comfrey but seeing the other is also of nature wilde it may aptly be called Symphytum maculosum or Maculatum in high Dutch Lungenkraut in low Dutch Onser 〈◊〉 melcruiit in English spotted Comfrey Sage of Ierusalem Cowslip of Ierusalem Sage of Bethlem and of some Lungwort notwithstanding there is another Lungwort of which we will intreat among the kindes of Mosses ¶ The Temperature Pulmonaria should be of like temperature with the great Comfrey if the roote of this were clammie but seeing that it is hard and woody it is of a more drying quality and more binding ¶ The Vertues The leaues are vsed among pot-herbes The roots are also thought to be good against the infirmities and vlcers of the lungs and to be of like force with the great Comfrey CHAP. 289. Of Clote Burre or Burre Docke 1 Bardana maior The great Burre Docke 2 Bardana minor The lesse Burre Docke ¶ The Description 1 CLot Burre bringeth forth broad leaues and hairie far bigger than the leaues of Gourds and of greater compasse thicker also and blacker which on the vpper side are of a darke greene colour and
on the nether side somewhat white the stalke is cornered thicke beset with like leaues but far lesse diuided into very many wings and branches bringing forth great Burres round like bullets or balls which are rough all ouer and full of sharpe crooking prickles taking hold on mens garments as they passe by out of the tops whereof groweth a floure thrummed or all of threds of colour purple the seed is perfected within the round ball 〈◊〉 bullet and this seed when the burres open and the winde bloweth is caried away with the winde the root is long white within and blacke without ‡ There is another kinde hereof which hath lesser and softer heads with weaker prickles these heads are also hairy or downy and the leaues and whole plant somewhat lesse yet otherwise like the fore described Lobell calls this Arction montanum and Lappa minor Galeni it is also the Lappa minor altera of Matthiolus Lobell found this growing in Somersetshire three miles from Bath neere the house of one 〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉 2 The lesser Burre hath leaues farre smaller than the former of a grayish ouerworne 〈◊〉 like to those of Orach nicked round about the edges the stalke is a foot and a halfe high 〈◊〉 little blacke spots diuiding it selfe into many branches the floures before the Burres come 〈◊〉 do compasse the small stalkes round about they are but little and quickly vade away then 〈◊〉 the Burres or the fruit out of the bosome of the leaues in forme long on the tops of the 〈◊〉 as big as an Oliue or a Cornell berry rough like the balles of the Plane tree and being 〈◊〉 cleaue fast vnto mens garments they do not open at all but being kept close shut bring forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The root is fastened with very many strings and groweth not deepe ¶ The Place The first groweth euery where the second I found in the high way leading from Draiton to Iuer two miles from Colbrooke since which time I haue found it in the high way 〈◊〉 Stanes and Egham ‡ It also groweth plentifully in Southwick sheet in Hampshire as I haue been enformed by Mr. Goodyer ‡ ¶ The Time Their season is in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The great Burre is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Personata personatia and Arcium in shops Bardana and Lappa maior in high Dutch Grosskletten in low Dutch Groote clissen 〈◊〉 rench Glouteron in English Great Burre Burre Docke or Clot Burre Apuleius besides these doth also set downe certaine other names belonging to Clot Burre as Dardana Bacchion Elephantosis Nephelion Manifolium The lesser Burre Docke is called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Xanthium in shops Lappa minor Lappa 〈◊〉 and of diuers Strumaria Galen saith it is also called Phasganion and Phasganon or herbe victory being but bastard names and therefore not properly so called in English Louse Burre Ditch Burre and lesser Burre Docke it seemeth to be called Xanthium of the effect for the Burre or fruite before it be fully withered being stamped and put into an earthen vessell and afterwards when need requireth the weight of two ounces thereof and somewhat more being steeped in warme water and rubbed on maketh the haires of the head red yet the head is first to be dressed or rubbed with niter as Dioscorides writeth ¶ The Temperature The leaues of Clot Burre are of temperature moderately dry and wasting the root is something hot The seed of the lesser Burre as Galen saith hath power to digest therefore it is hot and dry ¶ The Vertues The roots being taken with the kernels of Pine Apples as Dioscorides witnesseth are good for them that spit bloud and corrupt matter Apeleius saith that the same being stamped with a little salt and applied to the biting of a mad dog cureth the same and so speedily setteth free the sicke man He also teacheth that the juice of the leaues giuen to drinke with hony procureth vrine and taketh away the paines of the bladder and that the same drunke with old wine doth wonderfully helpe against the bitings of serpents Columella declareth that the herbe beaten with salt and laid vpon the scarifying which is made with the launcet or raser draweth out the poison of the viper and that also the root being stamped is more auaileable against serpents and that the root in like maner is good against the Kings euill The stalke of Clot-burre before the burres come forth the rinde pilled off being eaten raw with salt and pepper or boyled in the broth of fat meate is pleasant to be eaten being taken in that manner it increaseth seed and stirreth vp lust Also it is a good nourishment especially boyled if the kernell of the Pine Apple be likewise added it is the better and is no lesse auailable against the 〈◊〉 of the lungs and spitting of bloud than the root is The root stamped and strained with a good draught of 〈◊〉 is a most approued medicine for a windie or cold stomacke Treacle of Andromachus and the whites of egges of each a like quantitie laboured in a leaden mortar and spred vpon the Burre leafe and so applied to the gout haue been proued many times most miraculously to appease the paine thereof Dioscorides commendeth the decoction of the root of 〈◊〉 together with the seed against the 〈◊〉 ache if it be holden a while in the mouth also that it is good to soment therewith both burnings and kibed heeles and affirmeth that it may be drunke in wine against the strangury and paine in the hip Dioscorides reporteth that the fruit is very good to be laid vnto hard swellings The root 〈◊〉 picked washed stamped and strained with Malmesey helpeth the running of the reines the whites in women and strengthneth the backe if there be added thereto the 〈◊〉 of egges the pouder of 〈◊〉 and nutmegs brued or mixed together and drunke first and last CHAP. 290. Of Colts-foot or Horse-foot 1 Tussilago florens Colts-foot in floure 1 Tussilaginis folia The leaues of Colts-foot ¶ The Description 1 TVssilago or Fole-foot hath many white and long creeping roots somewhat fat from which rise vp naked stalkes in the beginning of March and Aprill about a spanne long bearing at the top yellow floures which change into down and are caried away with the winde when the stalke and seed is perished there appeare springing 〈◊〉 of the earth many broad leaues green aboue and next the ground of a white hoarie or grayish colour fashioned like an horse foot for which cause it was called Fole-foot and Horse-hoofe seldome or neuer shall you find leaues and floures at once but the floures are past before the leaues come out of the ground as may appeare by the first picture which setteth forth the naked stalkes and floures and by the second which pourtraiteth the leaues onely ‡ 2 Besides the commonly growing and described Colts-foot there are other two 〈◊〉 mountaine Colts-feet described by Clusius the first
naughty filthy 〈◊〉 if the pouder be strewed therein The same kills wormes in the belly it prouokes vrine and brings downe the monthly termes ‡ CHAP. 292. Of Mountaine Horse-foot ¶ The 〈◊〉 ‡ 1 THis plant which the moderne Writers hane referred to the Cacalia of the Antients and to the kindes of Colts-soot I haue thought good to name in English Horse-foot for that the leaues exceed Colts-foot in bignesse yet are like them in shape and of this plant Clusius whom I here chiefely follow hath described two 〈◊〉 the first of these hath many leaues almost like vnto 〈◊〉 of Colts 〈◊〉 but larger very round and snipt about the edges of a 〈◊〉 greene 〈◊〉 aboue and hoarie vnderneath hauing 〈◊〉 many 〈◊〉 or nerues running vp and downe them and these leaues are of an vngratefull 〈◊〉 and grow vpon long purplish crested stalkes The stemme is some two cubits high crested likewise and of a purplish colour set also at certaine 〈◊〉 with leaues very like vnto the other but lesser than those ‡ 1 Cacalia incano folio Hoarie leaued Horse-foot ‡ 2 Cacalia folio 〈◊〉 Smooth leaued Horse 〈◊〉 next the ground and more cornered and sharper pointed the tops of the stalkes and branches carrie bunches of purple floures as in an vmbell and commonly in 〈◊〉 bunch there are three little floures consisting of 〈◊〉 leaues a peece and a 〈◊〉 pestell and these are of a purple colour and a weake but not vnpleasant smell and they at length turne into downe amongst which lies hid a 〈◊〉 seed the root if old sends sorth diuers 〈◊〉 as also store of long whitish 〈◊〉 2 The leaues of this are more thin tough and 〈◊〉 and of a deeper greene on the vpper sides neither are they whitish below nor come so round or close whereas they are fastened to their stalks which are not crested as those of the 〈◊〉 but round and 〈◊〉 they are also full of veines and nickt about the edges and of somewhat an 〈◊〉 hot and bitter taste The stalkes are also smoother and the floures of a lighter 〈◊〉 ¶ The Place Both these grow in the Austrian and Stirian Alpes vnder the sides of woods among bushes and such shadowie places but not in England that I haue yet heard of ¶ The Time I find it not set downe when these floure and seed but iudge it about the same time that Coltsfoot doth ¶ The Names This by Clusius Lob l and others hath beene called 〈◊〉 and referred to that 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 lib. 4. cap. 123. which is thought to be that set forth by 〈◊〉 by the name of 〈◊〉 In the Historia Lugd. pag. 1052. The later of these two here described is 〈◊〉 by the name of 〈◊〉 Alpina sive montana and the former is there page 1 08 by the name of Cacalia but the floures are not rightly exprest and ifmy iudgement faile me not the figure which is in the seuenteenth page of the Appendix of the same Authour by the title of Aconitum Pardalianches 〈◊〉 is of no other than this very plant But because I haue not as yet seene the plant I will not 〈◊〉 affirme it but referre this my opinion to those that are iudicious and curious to know the plant that raised such controuersie between 〈◊〉 and Gesner and whereof neither 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 who haue set forth 〈◊〉 his Commentaries haue giuen vs any certain or probable knowledge ¶ The Temperature and Vertues out of the Antients The root of Cacalia is void of any biting qualitie and moderately dries and it is of a grosse and emplaisticke substance wherefore steeped in wine and so taken it helpes the cough the roughnesse of the Arterie or hoarsnes like as Tragacanth neither if you chew it and swallow downe the iuice doth it lesse auaile against those effects than the iuice of Liquorice ‡ CHAP. 293. Of small Celandine or Pile-woort ¶ The Kindes THere be two kindes of Celandine according to the old writers much differing in 〈◊〉 and figure the one greater the other lesser which I intende to diuide into two distinct chapters marshalling them as 〈◊〉 as may be with their like in forme and figure and first of the small Celandine 〈◊〉 minus Pile-woort ¶ The Description THe lesser Celandine hath greene round leaues smooth slipperie and shining lesse than the leaues of the Iuie the stalks are slender short and sor the most part creeping vpon the ground they bring forth little yellow flours like those of Crow-foot and after the floures there springeth vp a little fine knop or head full of seede the root consisteth of slender strings on which doe hang as it were certaine graines of the bignes of wheat cornes or bigger ¶ The Place It groweth in medows by common waies by ditches and trenches and it is common euery where in moist and dankish places ¶ The Time It commeth forth about the Calends of March and floureth a little after it beginneth to fade away in Aprill it is quite gone in May afterwards it is hard to be found yea scarcely the root ¶ The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latines Chelidonium minus and Hirundinaria minor of diuers Scrophularia minor Ficaria minor of Serapio Memiren in Italian Fauoscello in High Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Esclerc and Petit Bassinet in English little Celandine Fig-woort and Pile-woort ¶ The Temperature It is hot 〈◊〉 drie also more biting and hotter than the greater it commeth neerest in 〈◊〉 to the Crowfoot ‡ This which is here and by most Authours set forth for Chelidonium minus hath no such great heat and Acrimonie as Dioscorides and Galen 〈◊〉 to be in theirs making it hot in the fourth degree when as this of ours scarce exceedes the first as farre as wee may coniecture by the taste ‡ ¶ The Vertues It presently as Galen and Dioscorides affirme exulcerateth or blistereth the skin it maketh rough and corrupt nailes to fall away The iuice of the roots mixed with honie and drawne vp into the nosthrils purgeth the head of soule and filthie humours The later age vse the roots and graines for the piles which being often bathed with the iuice mixed with wine or with the sickmans vrine are drawne together and dried vp and the paine quite taken away There be also who thinke that if the herbe be but carried about one that hath the piles the pain forthwith ceaseth CHAP. 294. Of Marsh Marigold ¶ The Description 1 MArsh Marigold hath great broad leaues somewhat round smooth of a gallant greene colour sleightly indented or purld about the edges among which 〈◊〉 vp thicke fat stalkes likewise greene whereupon doe grow goodly yellow floures glittering like gold and like to those of Crow-foot but greater the root is small composed of verie manie strings 1 Calthapalustris maior The great Marsh Marigold 2 Calthapalustris minor The small Marsh Marigold 2 The smaller Marsh Marigold hath many round leaues spred vpon the ground of a darke greene colour amongst which
standing waters elswhere This description was made vpon sight of the plant the 2. of Iune 1622. Tribulus aquaticus minor muscat 〈◊〉 floribus 1 Tribulus aquaticus Water Caltrops ‡ 2 Tribulus aquaticus minor quercus floribus Small water Caltrops or Frogs-lettuce ‡ 3 Tribulus aquaticus minor Muscatellae floribus Small Frogs-Lettuce ¶ The Place Cordus saith that it groweth in Germany in myrie lakes and in citie ditches that haue mud in them in Brabant and in other places of the Low-countries it is found oftentimes in standing waters and springs Matthiolus writeth that it groweth not only in lakes of sweet water but also in certaine ditches by the sea neere vnto Venice ¶ The Time It flourisheth in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latins Tribulus aquatilis and aquaticus and Tribulus lacustris the Apothecaries Tribulus marinus in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Brabanders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the likenesse of yron nailes 〈◊〉 the French men Macres in English it is named water Caltrops Saligot and Water nuts most do call the fruit of this Caltrops Castaneae aquatiles or water 〈◊〉 nuts ¶ The Temperature Water Caltrop is of a cold nature it consisteth of a moist essence which in this is 〈◊〉 waterie than in the land Caltrops wherein an earthie cold is predominant as Galen saith ¶ The Vertues The herbe vsed in manner of a pultis as Dioscorides teacheth is good against all inflammations or hot swellings boiled with honie and water it perfectly healeth cankers in the mouth sore gums and the Almonds of the throat The Thracians saith Plinie that dwell in Strymona do fatten their horses with the leaues of Saligot and they themselues do feed of the kernels making very sweet bread thereof which bindeth the belly The green nuts or fruit of Tribulus aquaticus or Saligot being drunke in wine is good for them which are troubled with the stone and grauell The same drunke in like manner or laied outwardly to the place helpeth those that are bitten with any venomous beast and resisteth all venome and poison The leaues of Saligot be giuen against all inflammations and vlcers of the mouth the 〈◊〉 and corruption of the iawes and against the Kings euill A pouder made of the nuts is giuen to such as pisse bloud and are troubled with grauell and it doth bind the belly very much ‡ The two lesser water Caltrops here described are in my opinion much agreeable in temper to the great one and are much fitter Succidanea for it then Aron which some in the composition of Vnguentum Agrippae haue appointed for it ‡ CHAP. 299. Of water Sengreene or fresh water Soldier Militaris Aizoides Fresh water Soldier ¶ The Description FResh water Soldier or water Housleeke hath leaues like those of the herbe Aloe or Semper vivum but shorter and lesser setround about the edges with certaine stiffe and short prickles amongst which commeth forth diuers cases or huskes verie like vnto crabbes clawes out of which when they open grow white floures consisting of three leaues altogether like those of Frogs-bit hauing in the middle little yellowish threds in stead of roots there be long strings round white vetic like to great Harp-strings or to long wormes which falling downe from a short head that brought sorth the leaues go to the bottom of the water and yet be they seldome there fastened there also grow from the same other strings aslope by which the plant is multiplied after the manner of Frogs-bit ¶ The Place ‡ I found this growing plentifully in the ditches about Rotsey a smal village in Holdernesse And my friend Mr. William Broad obserued it in the Fennes in Lincolne-shire ‡ The leaues and floures grow vpon the top of the water and the roots are sent downe through the water to the mud ¶ The Time It floures in Iune and sometimes in August ¶ The Names It may be called Sedum aquatile or water Sengreen that is to say of the likenesse of herbe Aloe which is also called in Latine Sedum of some Cancri chela or Cancri forficula in English VVater Housleeke Knights Pondwoort and of some Knights water Sengreene fresh water Soldier or wading Pondweed it seemeth to be Stratiotes aquatilis or Stratiotes potamios or Knights water Wound-woort which may also be named in Latine Militaris aquatica and Militaris 〈◊〉 or Soldiers Yarrow for it groweth in the water and floteth vpon it and if those strings which it sendeth to the bottome of the wat er be no roots it also liueth without roots ¶ The Temperature This herbe is of a cooling nature and temperament ¶ The Vertues This Housleeke staieth the bloud which commeth from the kidneies it keepeth green wounds from being inflamed and it is good against S. Anthonies fire and hot swellings being applied vnto them and is equall in the vertues aforesaid with the former CHAP. 300. Of Water Yarrow and water Gillofloure 1 Viola palustris Water Violet ‡ Viola Palustris tenuifolia The smaller leaued water violet ¶ The Description 1 WAter Violet hath long and great iagged leaues very finely cut or rent like Yarrow but smaller among which come vp small stalkes a cubit and a halfe high bearing at the top small white floures like vnto stocke Gillofloures with some yellownes in the middle The roots are long and small like blacke threds and at the end whereby they are fastened to the ground they are white and shining like Chrystall ‡ There is another varietie of this plant which differs from it only in that the leaues are much smaller as you may see them exprest in the figure ‡ 2 Water Milfoile or water Yarrow hath long and large leaues deepely cut with many diuisions like 〈◊〉 but finelier iagged swimming vpon the water The root is single long and round which brings vp a right straight and slender stalke set in sundry places with the like leaues but smaller The floures grow at the top of the stalke tuft fashion and like vnto the land Yarrow 3 This water Milfoile differeth from all the kindes aforesaid hauing a root in the bottom of the water made of many hairy strings which yeeldeth vp a naked slender stalke within the water and the rest of the stalke which floteth vpon the water diuideth it selfe into sundry other branches and wings which are bedasht with fine small iagged leaues like vnto 〈◊〉 or rather resembling hairy tassels or fringe than leaues From the bosomes whereof come forth small and tender branches euery branch bearing one floure like vnto water Crow-foot white of colour with a little yellow in the midst the whole plant resembleth water Crow-foot in all things saue in the broad leaues †4 There is another kinde of water violet very like the former sauing that his leaues are much longer somewhat resembling the leaues of Fennell fashioned like vnto wings and the floures are somewhat smaller yet white with yellownesse in their middles and shaped
with oyle of roses and dropped into the contrarie eare doth ease the tooth-ache and that the berries make the haire blacke Iuy in our time is very seldome vsed saue that the leaues are layd vpon little vlcers made in the thighes legs or other parts of the body which are called Issues for they draw humors and waterish substance to those parts and keepe them from hot swellings or inflammations that is to say the leaues newly gathered and not as yet withered or dried Some likewise affirme that the berries are effectuall to procure vrine and are giuen vnto those that be troubled with the stone and diseases of the kidneyes The leaues laid in steepe in water for a day and a nights space helpe sore and smarting waterish eyes if they be bathed and washed with the water wherein they haue beene infused CHAP. 316. Of rough Binde-weed 1 Smilax Peruviana Salsa parilla Rough Binde-weed of Peru. 2 Smilax aspera Common rough Binde-weed ¶ The Description 3 Smilax aspera Lusitanica Rough Binde-weed of Portugall 2 The common rough Binde-weed hath many branches set full of little sharpe prickles with certaine clasping tendrels wherewith it taketh hold vpon hedges shrubs and whatsoeuer standeth next vnto it winding and clasping it selfe about from the bottom to the top whereon are placed at euery ioint one leafe like that of Iuy without corners sharpe pointed lesser and harder than those of smooth Binde-weed oftentimes marked with little white spots and garded or bordered about the edges with crooked prickles The floures grow at the top of crooked stalks of a white colour and sweet of smell 〈◊〉 commeth the fruit like those of the wilde Vine greene at the first and red when they be ripe and of a biting taste wherein is contained a blackish seed in shape like that of hempe The root is long somewhat hard and parted into very many branches 3 This rough Binde-weed found for the most part in the barren mountaines of Portugal differeth not from the precedent in stalkes and floures but in the leaues and fruit for the leaues are softer and lesse prickly and sometimes haue no prickles at all and they are also oftentimes much narrower the fruit or berry is not red but blacke when as it commeth to be ripe The root hereof is one single root of a wooddy substance with some fibres annexed thereto wherein consisteth the difference ¶ The Place Zarza parilla or the prickly Binde-weed of America groweth in Peru a prouince of America in Virginia and in diuers other places both in the East and West Indies The others grow in rough and vntilled places about the hedges and borders of fields on mountaines and vallies in Italy Languedock in France Spaine and Germany ¶ The Time They floure and flourish in the Spring their fruit is ripe in Autumne or a little before ¶ The Names It is named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gaza Theophrastus his Translator names it Hedera Cilicia as likewise Pliny who lib. 24. cap. 〈◊〉 writeth that it is also syrnamed Nicophoron Of the Hetrurians Hedera spinosa and Rubus ceruinus of the Castilians in Spaine as Lacuna saith Zarza parilla as though they should say Rubus viticula or Bramble little Vine Parra as Matthiolus interpreteth it doth signifie a Vine and Parilla a small or little Vine Diuers affirme that the root brought out of Peru a prouince in America which the later Herbarists do call Zarza is the root of this Bindeweed Garcias Lopius 〈◊〉 granteth it to be like thereunto but yet he doth not affirme that it is the same Plants are 〈◊〉 found to be like one another which notwithstanding are proued not to be the same by some little difference the diuers constitution of the weather and of the soile making the difference Zarzaparilla of Peru is a strange plant and is brought vnto vs from the Countries of the new world called America and such things as are brought from thence although they also seeme and are like to those that grow in Europe notwithstanding they doe often differ in vertue and operation for the diuersitie of the soile and of the weather doth not only breed an alteration in the form but doth most of all preuaile in making the vertues and qualities greater or lesser Such things as grow in hot places be of more force and greater smell and in cold of lesser Some things that are deadly and pernitious being remoued wax milde and are made wholesome so in like manner although Zarza parilla of Peru be like to rough Binde-weed or to Spanish Zarza parilla notwithstanding by reason of the temperature of the weather and also through the nature of the soile it is of a great deale more force than that which groweth either in Spaine or in Africke The roots of Zarza parilla of Peru which are brought alone without the plant be long and slender like to the lesser roots of common liquorice very many oftentimes hanging from one head in which roots the middle string is hardest They haue little taste and so small a smell that it is not to be perceiued These are reported to grow in Honduras a prouince of Peru. They had their name of the likenesse of rough Binde-weed which among the inhabitants it keepeth signifying in Spanish a rough or prickly vine as Garcias Lopius witnesseth ¶ The Temperature The roots are of temperature hot and dry and of thin and subtill parts insomuch as their decoction doth very easily procure sweat ¶ The Vertues The roots are a remedie against long continuall paine of the ioynts and head and against cold diseases They are good for all manner of infirmities wherein there is hope of cure by sweating so that there be no ague ioyned The cure is perfected in few dayes if the disease be not old or great but if it be it requireth a longer time of cure The roots here meant are as I take it those of 〈◊〉 parilla whereof this Smilax aspera or rough Binde-weed is holden for a kinde notwithstanding this of Spain and the other parts of Europe though it be counted lesse worth yet is it commended of Dioscorides and Pliny against poysons The leaues hereof saith Dioscorides are a counterpoyson against deadly medicines whether they be drunke before or after CHAP. 317. Of smooth or gentle Binde-weed 1 Smilax lenis siue laeuis maior Great smooth Binde-weed 2 Smilax lenis minor Small Binde-weed ¶ The Description 1 IT is a strange thing vnto me that the name of Smilax should be so largely extended as that it should be assigned to those plants that come nothing neere the nature and scarsly vnto any part of the forme of Smilax indeed But we will leaue controuersies to the further consideration of such as loue to dance in quag-mires and come to this our common smooth Smilax called and knowne by that name among vs or rather more truly by the name of Convolvulus maior or Volubilis maior It beareth the long branches of a
the correction of strong and violent purgers The quantitie of Scammony or of 〈◊〉 it selfe as 〈◊〉 writeth is from fiue graines to ten or twelue it may be kept as the same Author sheweth foure yeeres 〈◊〉 iudgeth it to be after two yeeres little worth it is to be vsed saith he when it is two yeeres old and it is not good before nor after The mixing or otherwise the vse thereof more than is set downe I thinke it not expedient to set forth in the Physicall vertues of Scammony vpon the receipt whereof many times death insueth my reasons are diuers for that the same is very dangerous either if too great a quantitie thereof be taken or if it be giuen without correction or taken at the hands of some runnagate 〈◊〉 monger quacksaluer old women-leaches and such like abusers of Physicke and deceiuers of people The vse of Scammony I commit to the learned vnto whome it especially and onely belongeth who can very carefully and curiously vse the same CHAP. 320. Of Briony or the white Vine ¶ The Kindes There be two kindes of Bryony the one white the other blacke of the white Briony as followeth Bryonia alba White Bryonie ¶ The Description WHite Briony bringeth forth diuers long and slender stalkes with many clasping tendrels like the Vine wherewith it catcheth hold of those things that are next vnto it The leaues are broad fiue cornered and indented like those of the Vine but rougher more hairie and whiter of colour The floures be small and white growing many together The fruite consisteth in little clusters the berries whereof are at the first greene and red when they be ripe The roote is very greate long and thicke growing deepe in the earth of a white yellowish colour extreame bitter and altogether of an vnpleasant taste The Queenes chiefe Surgion Mr. William Godorous a very curious and learned gentleman shewed me a root hereof that waied halfe an hundred weight and of the bignesse of a child of a yeere old ¶ The Place Briony groweth almost euery where among pot-herbes hedge-bushes and such like places ¶ The Time It floureth in May and bringeth forth his grapes in Autumne ¶ The Names Bryony is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Vitis alba or white Vine and it is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it is not onely like the Vine in leaues but also for that it bringeth forth his fruite made vp after the likenesse of a little cluster although the berries stand not close together it is called of Pliny Bryonia and Madon of the Arabians Alphesera of Matthaeus Sylvaticus Viticella in the poore mans Treasure Rorastrum of Apuleius Apiastellum vitis Taminia Vitis alga and Vitalba in high Dutch Suchwurtz in low Dutch Brionie in English Bryony white Bryony and tetter Berrie in French Couleuree in Italian Zuccasylvatica in Spanish Nuezablanca ¶ The Temperature White Briony is in all parts hot and dry exceeding the third degree especially of heate with an exceeding great force of clensing and scouring by reason whereof it purgeth and draweth forth not onely cholericke and flegmaticke humours but also watrie ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides writeth that the first springs or sproutings being boiled and eaten do purge by siege and vrine Galen saith that all men vse accustomably to eate of it in the spring time and that it is a nourishment wholesome by reason of the binding qualitie that it hath which is to be vnderstood of those of the wilde Vine called in Latine Tamus and not of the sproutings of this plant for the sproutings of the first springs of white Bryony are nothing binding at all but do mightily purge the belly and torment the stomacke Dioscorides also affirmeth that the juice of the root being pressed out in the spring and drunke with meade or honied water purgeth flegme and not onely the juice but also the decoction of the root draweth forth flegme choler and waterish humours and that very strongly and it is withall oftentimes so troublesome to the stomacke as it procureth vomite This kinde of strong purgation is good for those that haue the dropsie the falling sicknesse and the dizzinesse and swimming of the braine and head which hath continued long and is hardly to be remooued yet notwithstanding it is not dayly to be giuen as Dioscorides admonisheth to them that haue the falling sickenesse for it will be troublesome enough to take it now and then and it is as we haue said an exceeding strong medicine purging with violence and very forceable for mans nature The root put vp in manner of a pessary bringeth forth the dead child and afterbirth being boiled for a bath to sit in it worketh the same effect It scoureth the skin and taketh away wrinckles freckles sunne burning blacke marks spots and scars of the face being tempered with the meale of vetches or Tares or of Fenugreeke or boiled in oile till it be consumed it taketh away blacke and blew spots which come of stripes it is good against Whitlowes being stamped with wine and applied it breaketh biles and small apostumes it draweth forth splinters and broken bones if it be stamped and laid thereto The same is also fitly mixed with eating medicines as Dioscorides writeth The fruit is good against scabs and the leprie if it be applied and annointed on as the same Author affirmeth Galen writeth that it is profitable for Tanners to thicken their leather hides with Furthermore an electuary made of the roots and hony or sugar is singular good for them that are short winded troubled with an old cough paine in the sides and for such as are hurt and bursten inwardly for it dissolueth and scatereth abroad congealed and clottered bloud The root stamped with salt is good to be laid vpon filthy vlcers and scabbed legs The fruite is likewise good to the same intent if it be applied in manner aforesaid The root of Bryony and of wake-Robin stamped with some sulphur or brimstone and made vp into a masse or lump and wrapped in a linnen clout taketh away the morphew freckles and spots of the face if it be rubbed with the same being dipped first in vineger CHAP. 321. Of blacke Brionie or the wilde Vine ¶ The Description 1 Bryonia nigra Blacke Bryonie 2 The wilde Blacke Bryonie resembleth the former as well in slender Vinie stalkes as leaues but clasping tendrels hath it none neuerthelesse by reason of the infinite branches and the tendernesse of the same it taketh hold of those things that stand next vnto it although easie to bee loosed contrarie vnto the other of his kinde The berries heereof are blacke of colour when they be ripe The root also is blacke without and within of a pale yellow colour like box ‡ This which is here described is the Bryonia nigra of Dodonaeus But Bauhine calleth it Bryonia Alba and saith it differeth from the common white Bryonie onely in that the root is of a yellowish boxe colour on the
that are hard to be cured CHAP. 334. Of Indian Swallow-woort ¶ The Description THere groweth in that part of Virginia or Norembega where our English men dwelled intending there to erect a certaine Colonie a kinde of Asclepias or Swallow-woort which the Sauages call Wisanck there riseth vp from a single crooked root one vpright stalke a foot high slender and of a greenish colour whereupon do grow faire broad leaues sharpe pointed with many ribs or nerues running through the same like those of Ribwort or Plantaine set together by couples at certaine distances The floures come forth at the top of the stalks which as yot are not obserued by reason the man that brought the seeds and plants hereof did not regard them After which there come in place two cods seldome more sharpe pointed like those of our Swallow-wort but greater stuffed full of a most pure silke of a shining white colour among which silke appeareth a small long tongue which is the seed resembling the tongue of a bird or that of the herbe called Adders tongue The cods are not only full of silke but euerie nerue or sinew wherewith the leaues be ribbed are likewise most pure silke and also the pilling of the stemmes euen as flax is torne from his stalks This considered behold the iustice of God that as he hath shut vp those people and nations in infidelity and nakednesse so hath he not as yet giuen them vnderstanding to couer their nakednesse nor matter wherewith to doe the same notwithstanding the earth is couered ouer with this silke which dayly they tread vnder their feet which were sufficient to apparell many kingdomes if they were carefullly manured and cherished Wisanck siue Vincctoxicum Indianum Indian Swallow-wort ‡ Apocynum Syriacum Clusij ‡ This Plant which is kept in some gardens by the name of Virginia Silke Grasse I take to be the same or very like the Beidelsar of Alpinus and the Apocynum Syriacum of Clusius at Padua they call it Esula Indica by reason of the hot milky iuyce Bauhinus hath very vnfitly named it Lapathum Aegyptiacum lactescens siliqua Asclepiadis But he is to be pardoned for Iohannes Carolus Rosenbergus cap. 16. p. 46. of his Animad Exerc. Medicae or Rosanobilis iatrica hath taken vpon him the credit and inuention of this absurd denomination I may call it absurd for that neither any way in shape or qualitie it resembles or participates any thing with a Docke I haue giuen you the figure of our Author with his title and that of Clusius with his in the former the cods are only well exprest in the later the leaues and floures reasonably well but that they are too few in number and set too far asunder Vpon the sight of the growing and flouring plant I tooke this description The root is long and creeping the stalkes two or three cubits high square hollow a finger thicke and of a light greene colour sending out towards the top some few branches vpon this at certaine spaces grow by couples leaues some halfe foot long and three inches broad darke greene on their vpper sides more whitish below and full of large and eminent veines at the top of the stalke and branches it carries most commonly an hundred or more floures growing vpon foot-stalkes some inch long all close thrust together after the manner of the Hyacinth of Peru at the first flouring each floure is thus composed first it hath fiue small greene leaues bending backe which serue for the cup then hath it other fiue leaues foure times larger than the former which bend backe and couer them and these are greene on the vnder side and of a pale colour with some rednesse aboue then are there fiue little graines as I may so terme them of a pleasant red colour and on their outside like cornes of Millet but hollow on their insides with a little thred or chiue comming forth of each of them these fiue ingirt a small head like a button greenish vnderneath and whitish aboue I haue giuen you the figure of one floure by the side of our Authors figure The leaues and stalkes of this plant are very full of a milky iuyce ‡ ¶ The Place It groweth as before is rehearsed in the countries of Norembega now called Virginia by the honourable Knight Sir Walter Raleigh who hath bestowed great summes of money in the discouerie thereof where are dwelling at this present English men ¶ The Time It springeth vp floureth and flourisheth both Winter and Sommer as do many or most of the plants of that countrey ‡ It dies downe with vs euery Winter and comes vp in the Spring and floures in August but neuer bringeth forth the cods with vs by reason of the coldnesse of our Climate ‡ ¶ The Names The silke is vsed of the people of Pomeioc and other of the prouinces adioyning being parts of Virginia to couer the secret parts of maidens that neuer tasted man as in other places they vse a white kinde of mosse Wisanck we haue thought Asclepias Virginiana or Vincetoxicum Indianum sit and proper names for it in English Virginia Swallow-wort or the Silke-wort of Norembega ¶ The Nature and Vertues We finde nothing by report or otherwise of our owne knowledge of his physicall vertues but onely report of the aboundance of most pure silke wherewith the whole plant is possessed ‡ The leaues beaten either crude or boyled in water and applied as a pultesse are good against swellings and paines proceeding of a cold cause The milky iuyce which is very hot purges violently and outwardly applied is good against tetters to fetch haire off skins if they be steeped in it and the like Alpinus ‡ CHAP. 335. Of the Bombaste or Cotton-Plant ¶ The Description THe Cotton bush is a low and base Plant hauing small stalkes of a cubit high and somtimes higher diuided from the lowest part to the top into sundry small branches whereupon are set confusedly or without order a few broad leaues cut for the most part into three sections and sometimes more as Nature list to bestow somewhat indented about the edges not vnlike to the leafe of the Vine or rather the Veruaine Mallow but lesser softer and of a grayish colour among which come forth the floures standing vpon slender foot-stalkes the brimmes or edges whereof are of a yellow colour the middle part purple after which appeareth the fruit round and of the bignesse of a Tennise ball wherein is thrust together a great quantitie of fine white Cotton wooll among which is wrapped vp blacke seed of the bignesse of peasen in shape like the trettles or dung of a cony The fruit being come to maturitie or ripenesse the huske or cod opens it selfe into foure parts or diuisions and casteth forth his wooll and seed vpon the ground if it be not gathered in his time and season The root is small and single with few threds anexed thereto and of a wooddy substance as is all
in stalkes 〈◊〉 or floures the fruit hereof is for the most part fashioned like a bottle or flagon wherein especially consisteth the difference 1 Cucurbita anguina Snakes Gourd 2 Cucurbita lagenaria Bottle Gourds ¶ The Place The Gourds are cherished in the gardens of these cold regions rather for pleasure than for profit in the hot countries where they come to ripenesse there are sometimes eaten but with small delight especially they are kept for the rindes wherein they put Turpentine Oyle Hony and also serue them for pales to fetch water in and many other the like vses ¶ The Time They are planted in a bed of horse-dung in April euen as we haue taught in the planting of cucumbers they flourish in Iune and Iuly the fruit is ripe in the end of August ¶ The Names The Gourd is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cucurbita edulis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Pliny Cucurbita Cameraria because it climeth vp and is a couering for arbours and walking places and banqueting houses in gardens he calleth the other which climeth not vp but lyeth crawling on the ground Cucurbita 〈◊〉 in Italian Zucca in Spanish 〈◊〉 in French Courge in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Gourds ¶ The Temperature The meate or inner pulpe of the Gourd is of temperature cold and moist and that in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The iuyce being dropped into the eares with oyle of roses is good for the paine thereof proceeding of a hot cause The pulpe or meate mitigateth all hot swellings if it be laid thereon in manner of a pultis and being vsed in this manner it taketh away the head-ache and the inflammation of the eyes The same Author affirmeth that a long Gourd or else a Cucumber being laid in the cradle or bed by the young infant whilest it is asleepe and sicke of an ague it shall be very quickely made whole The pulpe also is eaten sodden but because it hath in it a waterish and thinne iuyce it yeeldeth small nourishment to the body and the same cold and moist but it easily passeth thorow especially being sodden which by reason of the slipperinesse and moistnesse also of his substance mollifieth the belly But being baked in an ouen or fried in a pan it loseth the most part of his naturall moisture and therefore it more slowly descendeth and doth not mollifie the belly so soone The seed allayeth the sharpnesse of vrine and bringeth downe the same CHAP. 348. Of the wilde Gourd 1 Cucurbita lagenaria syluestris Wilde Bottle Gourd 2 Cucurbita syluestris fungiformis Mushrome wilde Gourd ¶ The Description 1 THere is besides the former ones a certaine wilde Gourd this is like the garden Gourd in clymbing stalkes clasping tendrels and soft leaues and as it were downy all and 〈◊〉 one of which things being farre lesse this also clymbeth vpon Arbours and banquetting houses the fruit doth represent the great bellied Gourd and those that be like vnto bottles in forme but in bignesse it is very farre inferiour for it is small and scarse so great as an 〈◊〉 Quince and may be held within the compasse of a mans hand the outward rinde at the first is greene afterwards it is as hard as wood and of the colour thereof the inner pulpe is moist and very full of iuyce in which lieth the seed The whole is as bitter as Coloquintida which hath made so many errors one especially in taking the fruit Coloquintida for the wilde Gourd 2 The second wilde Gourd hath likewise many trailing branches and clasping tendrels wherwith it taketh hold of such things as be neere vnto it the leaues be broad deepely cut into diuers sections like those of the Vine soft and very downy whereby it is especially knowne to be one of the Gourds the floures are very white as are also those of the Gourds The fruit succeedeth growing to a round forme flat on the top like the head of a Mushrome whereof it tooke his syrname ¶ The Place They grow of themselues wilde in hot regions they neuer come to perfection of ripenesse in these cold countries ¶ The Time The time answereth those of the garden ¶ The Names The wilde Gourd is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cucurbita syluestris or wilde Gourd Pliny lib. 20. cap. 3. affirmeth that the wilde Gourd is named of the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is hollow an inch thicke not growing but among stones the iuyce whereof being taken is very good for the stomacke But the wilde Gourd is not that which is so described for it is aboue an inch thicke neither is it hollow but full of iuyce and by reason of the extreme bitternesse offensiue to the stomacke Some also there be that take this for Coloquintida but they are far deceiued for Colocynthis is the wilde 〈◊〉 Cucumber whereof we haue treated in the chapter of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Temperature The wilde Gourd is as hot and dry as Coloquintida that is to say in the second degree ¶ The Vertues The wilde Gourd is extreme bitter for which cause it openeth and scoureth the stopped passages of the body it also purgeth downwards as do wilde Melons Moreouer the wine which hath continued all night in this Gourd likewise purgeth the belly mightily and bringeth forth cholericke and flegmaticke humors CHAP. 349. Of Potato's Sisarum Peruvianum 〈◊〉 Batata Hispanorum Potatus or Potato's ¶ The Description THis Plant which is called of some Sisarum Peruvianum or Skyrrets of Peru is generally of vs called Potatus or Potatoes It hath long rough flexible branches trailing vpon the ground like vnto Pompions whereupon are set greene three cornered leaues very like vnto those of the wilde Cucumber There is not any that haue written of this planthaue said any thing of the floures therefore I refer their description vnto those that shall hereafter haue further knowledge of the same Yet haue I had in my garden diuers roots that haue flourished vnto the first approch of Winter and haue growne vnto a great length of branches but they brought not forth any floures at all whether because the Winter caused them to perish before their time of flouring or that they be of nature barren of floures I am not certaine The roots are many thicke and knobbie like vnto the roots of Peionies or rather of the white Asphodill ioyned together at the top into one head in maner of the Skyrrit which being diuided into diuers parts and planted do make a great increase especially if the greatest roots be cut into diuers goblets and planted in good and fertile ground ¶ The Place The Potatoes grow in India Barbarie Spaine and other hot regions of which I planted diuers roots that I bought at the Exchange in London in my garden where they flourished vntil Winter at which time they perished and rotted ¶ The Time It flourisheth vnto the end of September at the first approch of great frosts the
and Vertues There is a certaine clammie iuice in the leaues of the Venice Mallow whereupon it is thought to come neere vnto the temperature of the common Mallow and to be of a mollifying facultie but his vse in Physicke is not yet knowne and therefore can there be no certaintie affirmed CHAP. 356. Of Cranes-bill ¶ The Kindes THere be many kindes of Cranes-bil whereof two were known to Dioscorides one with the knobby root the other with the Mallow leafe Geranium Columbinum Doues foot or Cranes-bill ¶ The Description DOues-foot hath many hairy stalks trailing or leaning toward the ground of a brownish color somewhat kneed or iointed wherupon do grow rough leaues of an ouerworne green colour round cut about the edges and like vnto those of the common Mallow amongst which come forth the floures of a bright purple color after which is the seed set together like the head and bil of a bird wherupon it was called Cranes-bill or Storks-bill as are also all the other of his kinde The root is slender with some fibres annexed thereto ‡ 2 There is another kinde of this with larger stalkes and leaues also the leaues are more deeply cut in and diuided and the floures are either of the same colour as those of the common kinde or else somewhat more whitish This may be called 〈◊〉 columbinum maius 〈◊〉 foliis Great Doues foot 3 To this kinde may also fitly be referred the Geranium Saxatile of 〈◊〉 the root is smal and threddy the leaues are smoother redder more bluntly cut about the edges and transparent than those of the first described yet round and otherwise like them the floures are small and red and the bills like those of the former Master Goodyer found it growing plentifully on the bankes by the high way leading from Gilford towards London neere vnto the Townes end ‡ ¶ The Place It is found neere to common high waies desart places vntilled grounds and specially vpon mud walls almost euery where ¶ The Time It springeth vp in March and Aprill floureth in May and bringeth his seede to ripenesse in Iune ¶ The Names It is commonly called in Latine Pes Columbinus in High Dutch Scarter kraut in Low Dutch Duyuen voet in French Pied de Pigeon hereupon it may be called Geranium Columbinum in English Doues-foot and Pigeons-foot of Dioscorides Geranium alterum of some Pulmonia and Gruina ¶ The Temperature Doues foot is cold and somewhat drie with some astriction or binding hauing power to soder or ioine together ¶ The Vertues It seemeth saith my Author to be good for greene and bleeding wounds and asswageth inflammations or hot swellings The herbe and roots dried beaten into most fine pouder and giuen halfe a spoonfull fasting and the like quantitie to bedwards in red wine or old claret for the space of one and twentie daies together cureth miraculously ruptures or burstings as my selfe 〈◊〉 often prooued whereby I haue gotten crownes and credit if the ruptures be in aged persons it shall be needfull to adde thereto the powder of red snailes those whithout shels dried in an ouen in number nine which fortisi the herbs in such sort that it neuer faileth although the rupture be great and of long continuance it likewise profiteth much those that are wounded into the body and the decoction of the herbe made in wine preuaileth mightily in healing inward wounds as my selfe haue likewise proued CHAP. 357. Of Herbe Robert Geranium Robertianum Herbe Robert ¶ The Description HErbe Robert bringeth forth slender weake and brittle stalks somewhat hairie and of a reddish colour as are oftentimes the leaues also which are iagged and deepely cut like vnto those of Cheruile of a most loathsome stinking smell The floures are of a most bright purple colour which being past there 〈◊〉 certaine smal heads with sharpe beaks or bils like those of birds the root is small and threddie ¶ The Place Herbe Robert groweth vpon old walls as wel those made of bricke and stone as those of mud or earth it groweth likewise among rubbish in the bodies of trees that are cut downe and in moist and shadowie ditch banks ¶ The Time It floureth from Aprill till Sommer be almost spent the herbe is green in winter also and is hardly hurt with cold ¶ The Names It is called in high Dutch Ruprechts kraut in low Dutch Robrechts kruit and thereupon it is named in Latine Ruberta and Roberti herba Ruellius calleth it Robertiana and we Robertianum of Tabernamontanus Rupertianum in English Herbe Robert Hee that conferreth this Cranes bill with Dioscorides his third Sideritis shall plainely perceiue that they are both one and that this is most apparently Sideritis 3. Dioscoridis for Dioscorides setteth downe three Sideritides one with the leafe of Horehound the next with the leafe of Fearne and the third groweth in walls and Vineyards the natiue soile of Herbe Robert agree thereunto and likewise the leaues being like vnto Cheruile and not vnlike to those of Corianders according to Dioscorides description ¶ The Temperature Herbe Robert is of temperature somewhat cold and yet both scouring and somewhat binding participating of mixt faculties ¶ The Vertues It is good for wounds and vlcers of the dugs secret parts it is thought to stanch bloud which thing Dioscorides doth attribute to his third Sideritis the vertue of this saith he is applied to heale vp bloudy wounds CHAP. 358. Of knobbed Cranes-bill Geranium tuberosum Knobbie Cranes-bill ¶ The Description THis kinde of Cranes-bill hath many flexible branches weake and tender fat and full of moisture wheron are placed very great leaues cut into diuers small sections or diuisions resembling the leaues of the tuberous Anemone or Wind-floure but somewhat greater of an ouerworn greenish colour among which come forth long foot-stalks whereon do grow faire floures of a bright purple colour and like vnto the smallest brier Rose in forme which being past there succeed such heads and beaks as the rest of the Cranes-bill haue the root is thick bumped or knobbed which we call tuberous ¶ The Place This kinde of Cranes-bill is a stranger in England notwithstanding I haue it growing in my garden ¶ The Time The time answereth the rest of the Cranes-bills ¶ The Names Cranes bill is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Gruinalis commonly Roftrum Gruis or Rostrum Ciconiae of the likenesse of a Cranes-bill or storkes-bill of some Acus moscata but that name doth rather belong to another of this kind it is also called Acus Pastoris in Italian Rostro di grua in French Bec de Grue in Spanish Pico di 〈◊〉 pico del grou in High Dutch Storckenschuable in Low Dutch Oiieuoers beck in English Storks-bill Cranes-bill Herons-bill and Pincke-needle this is also called for distinctions sake Geranium tuberosum and Geranium bulbosum it is likewise Geranium primum Dioscoridis or Dioscorides his first Cranes-bill ¶ The Temperature The roots of this Cranes-bill haue
Setter-wort and Setter-grasse The second is named in the German tongue Lowszkraut that is Pedicularis or Lowsie grasse for it is thought to destroy and kill lice and not onely lice but sheepe and other cattell and may be reckoned among the Beare-feet as kindes thereof ¶ The Temperature Blacke Hellebor as Galen holdeth opinion is hotter in taste than the white Hellebor in like manner hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues Black Hellebor purgeth downwards flegme choler and also melancholy especially and all melancholy humors yet not without trouble and difficultie therfore it is not to be giuen but to robustious and strong bodies as Mesues teacheth A purgation of Hellebor is good formad and furious men for melancholy dull and heauy persons for those that are troubled with the falling sicknes for lepers for them that are sicke of a quartane Ague and briefely for all those that are troubled with blacke choler and molested with melancholy The manner of giuing it meaning the first blacke Hellebor saith Actuarius in his first booke is three scruples little more or lesse It is giuen with wine of raisins or oxymel but for pleasantnes sake some sweet and odoriferous seeds must be put vnto it but if you would haue it stronger adde thereunto a grain or two of Scamonie Thus much Actuarius The first of these kindes is best then the second the rest are of lesse force The roots take away the morphew and blacke spots in the skin tetters ring-wormes leprosies and 〈◊〉 The root sodden in pottage with flesh openeth the bellies of such as haue the dropsie The root of bastard Hellebor called among our English women Beare-foot steeped in wine and drunken looseth the belly euen as the true blacke Hellebor and is good against all the diseases whereunto blacke Hellebor serueth and killeth wormes in children It doth his operation with more force and might if it be made into pouder and a dram thereof be receiued in wine The same boyled in water with Rue and Agrimony cureth the jaundice and purgeth yellow superfluities by siege The leaues of bastard Hellebor dried in an ouen after the bread is drawne out and the pouder thereof taken in a figge or raisin or strawed vpon a piece of bread spred with honey and eaten killeth wormes in children exceedingly CHAP. 378. Of Dioscorides his blacke Hellebor Astrantianigra siue 〈◊〉 nigrum Dioscoridis Dod. Blacke Master-worts or Dioscorides his blacke Hellebor ¶ The Description THis kinde of blacke Hellebor set forth by Lobel vnder the name of Astrantianigra agreeth very well in shape with the true Astrantia which is called Imperatoria neuertheles by the consent of Dioscorides and other Authors who haue expressed this plant for a kinde of Veratrum nigrum or blacke Hellebor it hath many blackish green leaues parted or cut into foure or fiue deepe cuts after the maner of the vine leafe very like vnto those of Sanicle both in greennes of colour and also in proportion The stalke is euen smooth and plain at the top wherof grow floures it little tufts or vmbels set together like those of Scabious of a whitish light greene colour dashed ouer as it were with a little darke purple after which come the seed like vnto Carthamus or bastard Saffron The roots are many blackish threds knit to one head or master root ¶ The Place Blacke Hellebor is found in the mountains of Germany and in other vntilled and rough places it prospereth in gardens Dioscorides writeth That blacke Hellebor groweth likewise in rough and dry places and that is the best which is taken from such like places as that saith hee which is brought out of Anticyra a city in Greece It groweth in my garden ¶ The Time This blacke Hellebor flowreth not in Winter but in the Sommer moneths The herb is green all the yeare thorow ¶ The Names It is called of the later Herbarists Astrantia nigra of others Sanicula foemina notwithstanding it differeth much from Astrantia an herbe which is also named Imperatoria or Master-wort The vulgar people call it Pellitorie of Spaine but vntruly it may be called blacke Master-wort yet 〈◊〉 a kinde of Hellebor as the purging facultie doth shew for it is certaine that diuers experienced physitians can witnesse that the roots hereof do purge melancholy and other humors and that they themselues haue perfectly cured mad melancholy people being purged herewith And that it hath a purging qualitie Conradus Gesnerus doth likewise testifie in a certaine Epistle written to Adolphus Occo in which he sheweth that Astrantianigra is almost as strong as white Hellebòr and that he himselfe was the first that had experience of the purging facultie thereof by siege which things confirme that it is 〈◊〉 his blacke Hellebor Dioscorides hath also attributed to this plant all those names that are ascribed to the other black Hellebors He saith further that the seed thereof in Anticyra is called Sesamoides the which is vsed to purge with if so be that the Text be true and not corrupted But it seemeth not to be altogether perfect for if Sesamoides as Pliny saith and the word it selfe doth shew hath his name of the likenesse of Sesamum the seed of this blacke Hellebor shall vnproperly be called Sesamoides being not like that of Sesamum but of Cnicus or bastard Saffron By these proofes we may suspect that these words are brought into Dioscorides from some other Author ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties of this plant we haue already written to be by triall found like to those of the other blacke Hellebor notwithstanding those that are described in the former chapter are to be accounted of greater force CHAP. 379. Of Herbe Christopher 〈◊〉 Herbe Christopher ¶ The Description ALthough Herbe Christopher be none of the Binde-weeds or of those plants that haue need of supporting or vnderpropping wherewith it may clime or rampe yet because it beareth grapes or clusters of berries it might haue been numbred among the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or those that grow like Vines It brings forth little tender stalkes a foot long or not much longer whereupon do grow sundry leaues set vpon a tender foot-stalke which do make one leafe somewhat iagged or cut about the edges of a light greene colour the floures grow at the top of the stalks in spokie tufts consisting of four little white leaues apiece which being past the fruit succeeds round somwhat long and blacke when it is ripe hauing vpon one side a streaked 〈◊〉 or hollownesse growing neere together as doe the clusters of grapes The root is thicke blacke without and yellow within like Box with many trailing strings anexed therto creeping far abroad in the earth whereby it doth greatly increase and lasteth long ¶ The Place Herbe Christopher groweth in the North parts of England neere vnto the house of the right worshipfull Sir William Bowes I haue receiued plants thereof from Robinus of Paris for my garden where they flourish ¶ The
come neerest of all to the wilde Parsley And therefore seeing that Olsenichium or wilde Parsley hath the lower part of the stalke of a purplish colour and like in leaues to Parsley which in times past we thought good rather to call Apium syluestre or wilde Parsley than to erre with the Apothecaries and to take it for Mew And after when we now know that it was held to be Thysselium Plinij and that we could alledge nothing to the contrary we also setled our selues to be of their opinion and the rather because the faculties are agreeable Thysselium saith Pliny lib. 25. chapter 11. is not vnlike to Parsley the root hereof purgeth flegme out of the head which thing also the root of Olsenichium doth effectually performe as we will forthwith declare The name also is agreeable for it seemeth to be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it extendeth it selfe in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thorow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or marish places ¶ The Temperature The root hereof is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The root being chewed bringeth by the mouth flegme out of the head and is a remedy for the tooth-ach and there is no doubt but that it also makes thin cutteth and openeth prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the floures and doth likewise no lesse but more effectually performe those things that the rest of the Parsleyes do CHAP. 403. Of bastard Parsley ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of bastard Parsley is a rough hairy herbe not much vnlike to Carrots the leaues are like to those of Corianders but parted into many small jagges at the top of the branches do grow shadowie vmbels or spokie rundles consisting of many small white 1 Caucalis albis floribus Bastard Parsley with white floures ‡ 2 Caucalis Apij folijs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bastard Parsley with red 〈◊〉 ‡ 3 Caucalis Peucedanij folio Hogs Parsley ‡ 4 Caucalis maior Clus. Great rough Parsley 2 There is another sort like vnto the former sauing that the leaues 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are broader and the floures are of a reddish colour there hath great controuersie risen 〈◊〉 out the true determination of Caucalis because the Latine interpretation of Dioscorides is greatly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in it selfe much superfluous matter not pertinent to the history but wee deeme that this plant is the true Caucalis the notes set downe declare it so to be the floures saith he are reddish the seeds 〈◊〉 with a rough huske set about with prickles which cleaue vnto garments that it toucheth as doe Burs which roughnesse being pilled 〈◊〉 the seed appeares like vnto hulled Otes not vnpleasant in taste all which do shew it to be the same 3 There is likewise another sort that hath a long single root thrummed about the vpper 〈◊〉 with many thrummy threds of a browne colour from which riseth vp diuers stalkes full of joynts or knees couered with a sheath or skinnie silme like vnto that of 〈◊〉 the leaues are finely cut or jagged resembling the leaues of our English Saxisrage the floures grow at the top of the stalkes in spoky rundles like Fennell the seed is small like that of Parsley ‡ 5 Caucalis minor flosculis rubentibus Hedge Parsley ‡ 6 Caucalis nodosa echinoto semine Knotted Parsley ‡ 4 Clusius vnder the name of Caucalis maior hath described and figured this which hath many crested straight stalkes some two cubits high or more which are diuided into sundry branches and at each joynt send forth large winged leaues somewhat like those of Angelica but rougher and of a darker greene at the tops of the branches grow vmbels of whitish floures being of somewhat a purplish or flesh colour vnderneath and these are succeeded by broad seed almost like those of the Cow-Parsnep but that they are rougher and sorked at the top and prickly the root is white hard and wooddy It floures in Iune ripens the seed in Iuly and August and then the root dyes and the seed must be sowne in September and so it will come vp and continue greene all the winter 5 Besides these formerly described there are two others growing wilde with vs the first of these which I haue thought good to call Hedge or field Parsley because it growes about hedges and in plowed fields very plentifully euery where hath crested hollow stalkes growing vp to some cubit and 〈◊〉 high whereon stand winged leaues made of sundry little longish ones set one against another snipt about the edges and ending in a long and sharpe pointed leafe these leaues as also the stalkes are somewhat rough and harsh and of a darke greene color the floures are small and reddish and grow in little vmbels and are succeeded by longish little rough seed of somewhat a strong and aromaticke taste and smell It is an annuall plant and floures commonly in Iuly and the seeds are ripe in August Cordus and Thalius call it Daucoides minus and Bauhine Caucalis semine aspeo flosoulis subrubentibus There is a bigger and lesser variety or sort of this plant for you shall find it growing to the height of two cubits with leaues and all the vpper parts answerable and you may againe obserue it not to exceed the height of 〈◊〉 a foot 6 This other which 〈◊〉 hath first set forth in writing by the name of Caucalis nodosa echinato semine hath a white and long root from which it sends vp sundry small crested and rough branches which commonly lie along vpon the ground and they are commonly of an vnequall length some a cubit long other-some scarse two handfulls the leaues are small rough winged and deeply jagged and at the setting on of each leafe close to the stalkes vsually vpon very short foot-stalkes grow small little floures of colour white or reddish and made of fiue little leaues apeece after these follow the seed round small and rough and they grow close to the stalkes It floures in Iune and Iuly and growes wilde in sundry places as in the fields and vpon the bankes about S. Iames and Pickadilla Fabius Columna iudges it to be the true Scandix of the Antients ‡ There is likewise one of these found in Spaine called Caucalis Hispanica like the first but it is an annuall plant which perishes at the first approach of winter the which I haue sowne in my garden but it perished before the seed was perfected ¶ The Place These plants do grow naturally vpon rockes and stony grounds we haue the first and the third in our pastures in most places of England that with red floures is a stranger in England ‡ I haue not heard that the third growes wilde with vs but the second was found growing in the corne fields on the hilles about Bathe by Mr. Bowles ‡ ¶ The Time They floure and flourish from May to the end of August ¶ The Names Bastard Parsley is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Caucalis of some Daucus 〈◊〉 among
the bastard names of Democritus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pes Gallinaceus Pes 〈◊〉 the Egyptians name it Seselis the country-men of Hetruria 〈◊〉 saluatico in English bastard Parsley and Hennes foot ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Dioscorides saith that bastard Parsley is a pot-herbe which is eaten either raw or boiled and prouoketh vrine Pliny doth reckon it vp also among the pot-herbes Galen addeth that it is preserued in pickle for sallades in winter The seed of bastard Parsley is euidently hot and dry and that in the second degree it prouoketh vrine and bringeth downe the desired sickenesse it dissolueth the stone and driueth it forth It taketh away the stoppings of the liuer spleene and kidnies it cutteth and concocteth raw and flegmaticke humours it comforteth a cold stomack dissolueth winde it quickneth the sight and resresheth the heart if it be taken fasting Matthiolus in his Commentaries vpon Dioscorides the second booke attributeth vnto it many excellent vertues to prouoke venery and bodily lust and erection of the parts CHAP. 404. Of Candy Alexanders ¶ The Description DIoscorides and Pliny haue reckoned Smyrnium among the kindes of Parsley whose iudgements while this plant is young and not growne vp to a stalke may stand with very good reason for that the young leaues next the ground are like to Parsley but somewhat thicker and larger among which riseth vp a stalke a cubit high and somewhat more garnished with round leaues farre different from those next the ground inclosing the stalke about like Thorow wax or Perfoliata which leaues are of a yellow colour and do rather resemble the leaues of Fole-foot than Parsley Smyrnium Creticum Candy Alexander at the top of the stalkes 〈◊〉 grow round spokie tufts of a yellow color after which commeth round and blacke seed like Coleworts of a sharpe and bitter taste like Myrrhe the root is white and thicke contrary to the opinion of Dodonaeus who saith it is blacke without but I speake that which I haue seen and prooued ¶ The Place Smyrnium groweth naturally vpon the hils and mountaines of Candy and in my garden also in great plenty also vpon the mountain Amanus in Cilicia ¶ The Time Smyrnium floureth in Iune and the seed is ripe in August ¶ The Names This plant is called in Latine Smyrnium in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Cilicia Petroselinum and as Galen testifieth some haue called it Hipposelinum agreste in English Candy Alexanders or Thorow bored Parsley ¶ The Nature Smyrnium is hot and dry in the third degree ¶ The Vertues The leaues of Smyrnium dissolue wens and hard swellings dry vp 〈◊〉 and excoriations and glew wounds together The seeds are good against the stoppings of the spleene kidnies and bladder Candy Alexanders hath force to digest and wast away hard swellings in other things it is like to garden Parsley and stone Parsley and therefore we vse the seed heereof to prouoke the desired sickenesse and vrine and to helpe those that are stuffed in the lungs as Galen writeth The root is hot so is the herbe and seed which is good to be drunke against the biting of serpents it is a remedy for the cough and profitable for those that cannot take their breath vnlesse they do sit or stand vpright it helpeth those that can hardly make their water the seed is good against the infirmity of the spleene or milt the kidnies and bladder it is likewise a good medicine for those that haue the dropsie as Dioscorides writeth CHAP. 405. Of Parsneps ¶ The Description 1 THe leaues of the tame or Garden Parsneps are broad consisting of many small leaues fastened to one middle rib like those of the ash tree the stalke is vpright of the height of a man the floures stand vpon spokie tufts of colour yellow after which commeth the seed flat and round greater than those of Dil the root is white long sweet and good to be eaten 2 The wilde Parsnep is like to that of the Garden in leaues stalke tuft yellow floures flat and round seed but altogether lesser the root is small hard wooddy and not fit to be eaten ¶ The Place The garden Parfnep requireth a fat and loose earth and that that is digged vp deepe 1 Pastinaca latifoliasativa Garden Parsneps 2 Pastinaca latifolia syluestris Wilde Parsneps They floure in Iuly and August and seed the second yeare after they be sowne ¶ The Names The Herbarists of our time do call the garden Parsneps 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Pastinaca and therefore wee haue surnamed it Latifolia or broad leafed that it may differ from the other garden Parsnep with narrow leaues which is truly and properly called Staphylinus that is the garden Carrot Some Physitions doubting and not knowing to what herbe of the Antients it should be referred haue fained the wilde kinde hereof to be Panacis species or a kind of Alheale diuers haue named it Baucia others Branca Leonina but if you diligently marke and confer it with Elaphoboscum of Dioscorides you shal hardly finde any difference at all but the plant called at Montpelier Pabulum Ceruinum in English Harts fodder supposed there to be the true Elaphoboscum differeth much from the true notes thereof Now Baucia as Iacobus Manlius reporteth in Luminari maiore is Dioscorides and the old Writers Pastinaca that is to say Tenuifolia or Carrot but the old writers and especially Dioscorides haue called this wilde Parsnep by the name of Elaphoboscum and wee doe call them Parsneps and Mypes ¶ The Temperature The Parsnep root is moderately hot and more drie than moist ¶ The Vertues The Parsneps nourish more than doe the Turneps or the Carrots and the nourishment is somewhat thicker but not faultie nor bad notwithstanding they be somwhat windy they passe through the bodie neither slowly nor speedily they neither binde nor loose the belly they prouoke vrine and 〈◊〉 of the bodie they be good for the stomacke kidneies bladder and lungs There is a good and pleasant food or bread made of the roots of Parsneps as my friend Mr. Plat hath set forth in his booke of experiments which I haue made no triall of nor meane to do The seed is hotter and drier euen vnto the second degree it mooueth vrine and consumeth winde It is reported saith 〈◊〉 that Deare are preserued from bitings of Serpents by eating of the herbe Elaphoboscum or wilde Parsnep wherupon the seed is giuen with wine against the bitings and stingings of Serpents CHAP. 406. Of Skirrets Sisarum Skirrets ¶ The Description THe leaues of the Skirret do likewise confist of many small leaues sastened to one rib euerie particular one whereof is something 〈◊〉 in the edges but they are lesser greener and smoother than those of the Parsnep The stalks be short and seldome a cubit high the 〈◊〉 in the spoked tufts are white the roots be many in number growing out of one head an hand bredth long most commonly not a finger thick they are
obscuritie and darknesse of the same CHAP. 421. Of Burnet 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Garden Burnet 2 Pimpinella syluestris Wilde Burnet ¶ The Kinds Bvrnet of which we will intreat doth differ from Pimpinella which is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Burnets is lesser for the most part 〈◊〉 in gardens notwithstanding it groweth in barren fieldes where it is much smaller the other greater is 〈◊〉 wilde ¶ The Description 1 GArden Bumet hath long leaues made vp together of a great many vpon one stem euery one whereof is something round nicked on the edges somwhat 〈◊〉 among these riseth a stalke that is not altogether without leaues something chamsered vpon the tops whereof grow little round heads or knaps which bring sorth small floures of a 〈◊〉 purple colour and after them cornered seeds which are thrust vp together The root is long the whole plant doth smell something like a Melon or Cucumber 2 Wilde Burnet is greater in all parts it hath wider and bigger leaues than those of the sormer the stalke is longer sometimes two cubits high the knaps are greater of a darke purple colour and the seed is likewise cornered and greater the root longer but this Burnet hath no pleasant smell at all ‡ 3 There is kept in some gardens another of this kinde with very large leaues stalkes and heads for the heads are some inch and halfe long yet but slender considering the 〈◊〉 and the floures as I remember are of a whitish colour in other respects it differs not from the precedent it may fitly be called Pimpinella sanguisorba hortensis maxima Great Garden 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Place The small Pimpinell is commonly planted in gardens notwithstanding it doth grow wilde vpon many barren heaths and pastures The great wilde Burnet groweth as Mr. Lyte saith in dry medowes about Viluord and my selfe haue found it growing vpon the side of a causey which crosseth the one halfe of a field whereof the one part is carable ground and the other part medow lying between Paddington and Lysson 〈◊〉 neere vnto London vpon the high way ¶ The Time They floure 〈◊〉 Iune vnto the end of August ¶ The Names The later herbarists doe call Burnet Pimpinella sanguisorba that it may differ from the other and yet it is called by seuerall names 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Gesner had rather it should be called 〈◊〉 of the smell of Melons or Pompious to which it is like as we haue said of others it is named Pimpinella or Bipennyla of most men Solbastrella in High Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Pimpennelle 〈◊〉 in English Burnet It agreeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say with Dioscorides his second Iron-woort the leafe and especially that of the lesser sort which we haue written to consist of many nicks in the edges of the leaues and this may be the very same which Pliny in his 24 book chapter 17. 〈◊〉 to be named in Persia Sissitiepteris because it made them merry he also calleth the same Protomedia and Casigneta and likewise 〈◊〉 for that it doth 〈◊〉 agree with wine to which also this Pimpinella as we haue said doth giue 〈◊〉 pleasant sent neither is that repugnant that Pliny in another place hath written De Sideritibus of the Iron-woorts for it osten falleth out that he intreateth of one and the selfe same plant in diuers places vnder diuers names which thing then 〈◊〉 sooner when the writers themselues do not well know the plant as that Pliny did not well know Sideritis or Iron-woort it is euen thereby manisest because he setteth not downe his owne opinion hereof but other mens ¶ The Temperature Burnet besides the drying and binding facultie that it hath doth likewise meanly coole and the lesser Burnet hath likewise with all a certaine superficiall sleight and temperate sent which when it is put into the wine it doth leaue behind it this is not in the dry herbe in the iuice nor in the decoction ¶ The Vertues Burnet is a singular good herb for wounds which thing Dioscorides doth attribute to his second Ironwoort and commended of a number it stancheth bleeding and therefore it was named Sanguisorba as well inwardly taken as outwardly applied Either the iuice is giuen or the decoction of the pouder of the drie leaues of the herbe beeing 〈◊〉 it is outwardly applied or else put among other externall medicines It staieth the laske and bloudy flix it is also most effectuall to stop the monthly course The lesser 〈◊〉 is pleasant to be eaten in sallads in which it is thought to make the heart 〈◊〉 and glad as also being put into wine to which it yeeldeth a certaine grace in the drinking The decoction of Pimpinell drunken cureth the bloudy flix the spitting of bloud and all other fluxes of bloud in man or woman The herbe and seed made into pouder and drunke with wine or water wherein iron hath beene quenched doth the like The leaues of Pimpinell are very good to heale wounds and are receiued in drinkes that are made for inward wounds The leaues of Burnet steeped in winc and drunken comfort the heart and make it merry and are good against the trembling and shaking thereof CHAP. 422. Of English Saxifrage ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Saxifrage our English women Physitions haue in great vse and is familiarly knowne vnto them vouchsafing that name vnto it of his vertues against the stone it hath the leaues of Fennel but thicker and broader very like vnto Seseli pratense Monspeliensium which addition Pena hath bestowed vpon this our English Saxifrage among which riseth vp a stalke of a cubit high or more bearing at the top spokie rundles beset with whitish yellow floures the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thicke blacke without and white within and of a good sauour 1 Saxifraga Anglicana facie Seseli pratensis English Saxifrage ‡ 2 Saxifraga Pannonica Clusq Austrian Saxifrage ‡ 2 Clusius hath set forth another plant not much different from this our common Saxifrage and called it Saxifraga Pannonica which I haue thought fit here to insert the leaus saith he are much 〈◊〉 than those of Hogs-Fennell and somewhat like those of Fumitorie the stalkes are some soot high slender hauing some few small leaues and at the top carrying an vmbel of white floures the root is not much vnlike that of Hogs-Fennel but shorter and more acride it is 〈◊〉 at the top thereof whence the stalkes and leaues come forth it growes vpon some hils in Hungarie and Au stria and floures in Iuly ‡ ¶ The Place Saxifrage groweth in most fields and medowes euery where through out this our kingdome of England ¶ The Time It floureth from the beginning of May to the end of August ¶ The Names Saxifraga Anglicana is called in our mother tongue Stone-breake or English Saxifrage 〈◊〉 and Lobel call it by this name Saxifraga Anglicana for that it groweth more plentifully in England than in any other countrey ¶ The Nature Stone-breake is hot
and the rocke asoresaid this hath been thought good to eat ‡ The figure of this our Authour formerly gaue yet vnfitly it not agreeing with that description for Oreoselinum it may be he thought it the same with that of 〈◊〉 his description because he sound it vnder the same title in 〈◊〉 This is the Selinum montanum pumilum of Clusius and the Peucedani facie pusilla planta of Pena and Lobel whersore 〈◊〉 was mistaken in his Pinax whereas he refers that of Lobel to his third Peucedanum the root of this is black without and white within but short yet at the top about the thicknesse of ones 〈◊〉 the leaues are small and green commonly diuided into siue parts and these againe subdiuided by threes the 〈◊〉 is some sixe inches or halfe a foot high diuided into sundry branches crested 〈◊〉 and at the toppes of the branches euen when they first shoot vp appeare little vmbels of white floures very small and consisting of fiue leaues apiece The seed is blacke shining and round two being ioined together as in most vmbelliferous plants It floures in May and ripens the 〈◊〉 in Iuly I receiued in Iuly 〈◊〉 some plants of this from Bristow by the meanes of my 〈◊〉 mentioned friend 〈◊〉 George 〈◊〉 who gathered it 〈◊〉 Saint 〈◊〉 Rocke whereas the Authours of the Aduersaria report it to grow ‡ 1 Peucedanum Sulphurwoort 2 Peucedanum maius Great Sulphurwoort ‡ 3 Peucedanum pumilum Dwarfe Hogs-Fennell ¶ The Place The first kinde of Peucedanum or Hogs Fennell groweth very plentifully on the South side of a wood belonging to Waltham at the Nase in Essex by the high-way side also at Whitstable in Kent in a medow neere to the sea side sometime belonging to Sir Henry Crispe and adioyning to his house there It groweth also in great plenty at Feuersham in Kent neere vnto the hauen vpon the bankes thereof and in the medowes adioyning The second kinde groweth vpon the sea coasts of Montpellier in France and in the coasts of Italy ¶ The Time These plants do floure in Iune Iuly and August ¶ The Names The Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latines in like manner Peucedanos or Peucedanum and also Pinastellum most of the shops and likewise the common people name it Foeniculum Porcinum of diuers Stataria of the Prophets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to say a good Angell or Ghost in high-Dutch Harstrang Schweffel wurkel Sewfenckel in Italian and French Peucedano in Spanish 〈◊〉 in English Hore-strange and Hore-strong Sow-Fennell or Hogs Fennell Sulphur-wort or Brimstone-wort It is called Peucedanum and Pinastellum of the Greeke and Latine words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Pinus ¶ The Temperature These herbes especially the yellow sap of the root is hot in the second degree and dry in the beginning of the third ¶ The Vertues The yellow sap of the root of Hogs Fennell or as they call it in some places of England Horestrange taken by it selfe or with bitter almonds and Rue is good against the shortnesse of breath it asswageth the griping paines of the belly dissolueth and driueth away ventositie or windinesse of the stomacke it wasteth the swelling of the milt or spleene looseth the belly gently and purgeth by siege both flegme and choler The same taken in manner aforesaid prouoketh vrine easeth the paine of the kidneyes and bladder causeth easie deliuerance of childe and expelleth the secondine or after-birth and the dead childe The sap or iuyce of the root mixed with oyle of Roses or Vineger and applied easeth the palsie crampes contraction or drawing together of sinewes and all old cold diseases especially the Sciatica It is vsed with good successe against the rupture or burstings in yong children and is very good to be applied vnto the nauels of children that stand out ouer much The decoction of the root drunke is of like vertue vnto the iuyce but not altogether so effectuall against the foresaid diseases The root dried and made into pouder doth mundifie and clense old stinking and corrupt sores and vlcers and healeth them it also draweth forth the corrupt and rotten bones that hinder the same from healing and likewise splinters and other things fixed in the flesh The said pouder or iuyce of the root mixed with oyle of Roses causeth one to sweat if the body be anointed therewith and therefore good to be put into the vnction or ointment for the French disease The congealed liquor tempered with oyle of Roses and applied to the head after the manner of an ointment is good for them that haue the Lethargie that are franticke that haue dizzinesse in the head that are troubled with the falling sicknesse that haue the palsie that are vexed with convulsions and crampes and generally it is a remedie for all infirmities of the sinewes with Vineger and oyle as Dioscorides teacheth The same being smelt vnto reuiueth and calleth them again that be strangled with the mother and that lie in a dead sleepe Being taken in a reare egge it helpeth the cough and difficultie of breathing gripings and windinesse which as Galen addeth proceedeth from the grossenesse and clamminesse of humors It purgeth gently it diminisheth the spleene by cutting digesting and making thin humours that are thicke it causeth easie trauell and openeth the matrix A small piece of the root holden in the mouth is a present remedie against the suffocation of the mother CHAP. 427. Of Herbe Ferula or Fennell Gyant ¶ The Kindes DIoscorides maketh mention of a Ferula out of which is gathered the Gum Sagapene and 〈◊〉 he declareth that the Gums Galbanum and Ammoniacum are liquors of this herb 〈◊〉 but what difference there is in the liquors according to the clymat or countrey where it groweth he doth not set downe for it may be that out of one kinde of Ferula sundry iuyces may be gathered that is to say according to the diuersitie of the countries where they grow as we haue said for as in Laser the iuyce of Laserwort that groweth in Cyrene doth differ from that liquor which groweth in Media and Syria so it is likely that the herbe Ferula doth bring sorth in Media Sagapenum in Cyrene Ammoniacum and in Syria Galbanum Theophrastus saith that the herbe Ferula is diuided into mo kindes and he calleth one great by the name of Ferula and another little by the name Ferulago 1 Ferula Fennell Gyant ‡ 2 Ferulago Small Fennell-Gyant ¶ The Description 1 FErula or Fennell Gyant hath very great and large leaues of a deepe greene colour cut and iagged like those of Fennell spreading themselues abroad like wings amongst which riseth vp a great hollow stalke somewhat reddish on that side which is next vnto the Sun diuided into certaine spaces with ioynts or knees like those of Hemlocks or Kexes of the bignesse of a mans arme in the wrest of the height of foure or fiue cubits where it groweth naturally as in Italy Greece and other hot countries notwithstanding
Names The Artichoke is called in Latine Cinara of Cinis Ashes wherewith it loueth to be dunged Galen calleth it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but with k and v in the first syllable of some it is called Cactos it is named in Italian 〈◊〉 Archiocchi in Spanish Alcarrhofa in English Artichoke in French Artichaux in low-Dutch Artichoken whereupon diuers call it in Latine Articocalus and Articoca in high-Dutch Strobidorn The other is named in Latine commonly not onely Spinosa cinara or prickly Artichoke but also of Palladius Carduus of the Italians Cardo and Cardino of the Spaniards Cardos of the French men Chardons Leonhartus Fuchsius and most writers take it to be Scolymus Dioscoridis but 〈◊〉 Dioscoridis hath the leafe of Chameleon or Spina alba with a stalke full of leaues and a prickly head but neither is Cinara the Artichoke which is without prickles nor the Artichok with prickles any such kinde of herbe for though the head hath prickles yet the stalke is not full of leaues but is many times without leaues or else hath not past a leafe or two Cinara doth better agree with that which Theophrastus and Pliny call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cactus and yet it doth not bring forth stalkes from the root creeping alongst the ground it hath broad leaues set with prickles the middle ribs of the leaues the skin pilled off are good to be eaten and likewise the fruit the seed and down taken away and that which is vnder is as tender as the braine of the Date tree which things Theophrastus and Pliny report of Cactus That which they write of the stalkes sent forth immediately from the root vpon the ground which are good to be eaten is peraduenture the ribs of the leaues euerie side taken away as they be serued vp at the table may be like a stalke except euen in Sicilia where they grew only in 〈◊〉 time It bringeth forth both certaine stalks that lie on the ground and another also standing straight vp but afterwards being remoued and brought into Italy or England it bringeth forth no more but one vpright for the soile and clyme do much preuaile in altering of plants as not onely Theophrastus teacheth but also euen experience it selfe declareth and of Cactus Theophrastus writeth thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cactus groweth onely in Sicilia it bringeth forth presently from the root stalkes lying along vpon the ground with a broad and prickly leafe the stalkes being pilled are fit to be eaten being somewhat bitter which may be preserued in brine it bringeth forth also another stalke which is likewise good to be eaten ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The nailes that is the white and thicke parts which are in the bottome of the outward scales or flakes of the fruit of the Artichoke and also the middle pulpe whereon the downy seed stands are eaten both raw with pepper and salt and commonly boyled with the broth of fat flesh with pepper added and are accounted a dainty dish being pleasant to the taste and good to procure bodily lust so likewise the middle ribs of 〈◊〉 leaues being made white and tender by good cherishing and looking to are brought to the table as a great seruice together with other junkets they are eaten with pepper and salt as be the raw Artichokes yet both of them are of ill iuyce for the Artichoke containeth plenty of cholericke iuyce and hath an hard substance insomuch as of this is ingendred melancholy iuyce and of that a thin and cholerick bloud as Galen teacheth in his book of the Faculties of nourishments But it is best to eate the Artichoke boyled the ribbes of the leaues are altogether of an hard substance they yeeld to the body a raw and melancholy iuice and containe in them great store of winde It stayeth the inuoluntarie course of the naturall seed either in man or woman Some write that if the buds of yong Artichokes be first steeped in wine and eaten they prouoke vrine and stir vp the lust of the body I finde moreouer that the root is good against the ranke smell of the arme-holes if when the pith is taken away the same root be boyled in wine and drunke for it sendeth forth plenty of 〈◊〉 vrine whereby the ranke and rammish sauor of the whole body is much amended CHAP. 480. Of Golden Thistles ¶ The Description 1 THe stalkes of Golden Thistle rise vp forthwith from the root being many round and branched The leaues are long of a beautifull green with deepe gashes on the edges and set with most sharpe prickles the floures come 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the leaues set in a 〈◊〉 chaffie knap very like to Succorie floures but of colour as yellow as gold in their places come vp broad flat and thin seeds not great nor wrapped in downe the root is long a finger thicke 〈◊〉 soft and good to be eaten wherewith swine are much delighted there issueth forth of this thistle in what part soeuer it is cut or broken a iuyce as white as milke ‡ There is some varietie of this Thistle for it is found much larger about Montpelier than it is in Spaine with longer branches but fewer floures the leaues also are spotted or 〈◊〉 with white like as the milke Thistle whence Clusius whom I here follow hath giuen two figures thereof the former by the name of Scolymus Theophrasti H spanicus and the other by the title of 〈◊〉 Theophrasti Narbonensis This with white spots 〈◊〉 saw growing this yere with Mr. 〈◊〉 at South Lambeth ‡ 1 Carduus Chrysanthemus Hispanicus The Spanish golden Thistle ‡ Carduus Chrysanthemus 〈◊〉 The French golden Thistle 2 The golden Thistle of Peru called in the West Indies 〈◊〉 del Inferno a friend of mine brought it vnto me from an Island there called Saint Iohns Island among other seeds What reason the inhabitants there haue to call it so it is vnto me vnknowne vnlesse it be because of his fruit which doth much resemble a fig in shape and bignesse but so full of sharpe and venomous prickles that whosoeuer had one of them in his throat doubtlesse it would send him packing either to heauen or to hell This plant hath a single wooddy root as big as a mans thumbe but somwhat long from which ariseth a brittle stalke full of ioynts or knees diuiding it selfe into sundry other small branches set full of leaues like vnto the milke Thistle but much smaller and straked with many white lines or streakes and at the top of the stalks come 〈◊〉 faire and goodly yellow floures very like vnto the sea Poppy but more elegant and of greater beauty hauing in the midst thereof a small knop or boll such as is in the middle of our wild Poppy but full of sharpe thorns and at the end thereof a stainc or spot of a deepe purple after the yellow floures be fallen this foresaid knop groweth by degrees greater and greater vntill it come to full maturitie which openeth it selfe at
root hereof as Galen saith containeth in it a deadly qualitie it is also by Nicander numbred among the poysonous herbes in his booke of Treacles by Dioscorides lib. 6. and by Paulus Aegineta and therefore it is vsed only outwardly as for scabs morphewes tetters and to be briefe for all such things as stand in need of clensing moreouer it is mixed with such things as doe dissolue and mollific as Galen saith CHAP. 484. Of Sea Holly ¶ The Kindes DIoscorides maketh mention onely of one sea Holly Pliny lib. 22. cap. 7. seemes to acknowledge two one growing in rough places another by the fea side The Physitians after them haue obserued more ¶ The Description 1 SEa Holly hath broad leaues almost like to Mallow leaues but cornered in the edges and set round about with hard prickles fat of a blewish white and of an aromaticall or spicie taste the stalke is thicke aboue a cubit high now and then somewhat red below it breaketh forth on the tops into prickly or round heads or knops of the bignesse of a Wall-nut held in for the most part with six prickely leaues compassing the top of the stalke round about which leaues as wel as the heads are of a glistring blew the floures forth of the heads are likewise blew with white threds in the midst the root is of the bignesse of a mans finger very long and so long as that it cannot be all plucked vp vnlesse very seldome set here and therewith knots and of taste sweet and pleasant 2 The leaues of the second sea Holly are diuersly cut into sundry parcels being all ful of prickles alongst the edges the stalke is diuided into many branches and bringeth sorth prickly heads but lesser than those of the other from which there also grow forth blew floures seldome yellow there stand likewise vnder euery one of these six rough and prickly leaues like those of the other but thinner and smaller the root hereof is also long blacke without white within a finger thicke of taste and smell like that of the other as be also the leaues which are likewise of an aromaticall or spicie taste which being new sprung vp and as yet tender be also good to be eaten 1 Eryngium marinum Sea Holly 2 Eryngium mediterraneum Leuant sea Holly ¶ The Place Eryngium marinum growes by the sea side vpon the baich and stony ground I found it growing plentifully at Whitstable in Kent at Rie and Winchelsea in Sussex and in Essex at Landamer lading at Harwich and vpon Langtree point on the other side of the water from whence I haue brought plants for my garden Eryngium Campestre groweth vpon the shores of the Mediterranean sea and in my garden likewise ¶ The Time Both of them do floure after the Sommer solstice and in Iuly ¶ The Names This Thistle is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and likewise in Latine Eryngium and of Pliny also Erynge in shops Eringus in English Sea Holly sea Holme or sea Huluer The first is called in Latine Eryngium marinum in low-Dutch euery where Cryus distil Eindeloos Meerwortele in English sea Holly The second is named of Pliny lib. 22. cap. 8. Centum capita or hundred headed Thistle in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 Branchendistell Radendistel in Spanish Cardo corredor in Italian Eringio and Iringo this is syrnamed Campestre or Champion sea Holly that it may differ from the other ¶ The Temperature The roots of them both are hot and that in a mean and a little dry also with a thinnesse of substance as Galen testifieth ¶ The Vertues The roots of sea Holly boyled in wine and drunken are good for them that are troubled with the Collicke it breaketh the stone expelleth grauell and helpeth also the infirmities of the kidnies prouoketh vrine greatly opening the passages being drunke fifteene dayes together The roots themselues haue the same propertie if they be eaten and are good for those that be 〈◊〉 sicke and for such as are bitten with any venomous beast they ease cramps convulsions and the falling sicknesse and bring downe the termes The roots condited or preserued with sugar as hereafter followeth are exceeding good to be giuen vnto old and aged people that are consumed and withered with age and which want naturall moisture they are also good for other sorts of people that haue no delight or appetite to venerie nourishing and restoring the aged 〈◊〉 amending the defects of nature in the younger ¶ The manner to condite Eryngos Refine sugar fit for the purpose and take a pound of it the white of an egge and a pint of cleere water boile them together and scum it then let it boile vntill it be come to good strong syrrup and when it is boiled as it cooleth adde thereto a saucer full of Rose-water a spoone full of Cinnamon water and a graine of Muske which haue been infused together the night before and now strained into which syrrup being more than halfe cold put in your roots to soke and infuse vntill the next day your roots being ordered in manner hereafter following These your roots being washed and picked must be boiled in faire water by the space of foure houres vntill they be soft then must they be pilled cleane as ye pill parsneps and the pith must bee drawne out at the end of the root and if there be any whose pith cannot be drawne out at the end then you must slit them and so take out the pith these you must also keepe from much handling that they may be cleane let them remaine in the syrrup till the next day and then set them on the fire in a faire broad pan vntill they be verie hot but let them not boile at all let them there remaine ouer the fire an houre or more remoouing them easily in the pan from one place to another with a woodden slice This done haue in a readinesse great cap or royall papers whereupon you must straw some Sugar vpon which lay your roots after that you haue taken them out of the pan These papers you must put into a Stoue or hot house to harden but if you haue not such a place lay them before a good fire In this manner if you condite your roots there is not any that can prescribe you a better way And thus may you condite any other root whatsoeuer which will not onely bee exceeding delicate but very wholesome and effectuall against the diseases aboue named A certaine man affirmeth saith Aetius that by the continual vse of Sea Holly he neuer afterward voided any stone when as before he was very often tormented with that disease It is drunke saith Dioscorides with Carrot seed against very many infirmities in the weight of a dramme The iuice of the leaues pressed forth with wine is a remedie for those that are troubled with the running of the reines They report that the herbe Sea Holly if one Goat take it into her mouth it causeth her first to stand still and
together and likewise Arnoldus de Villanoua reporteth that if it be stamped with Barrows grease to the form of an vnguent adding thereto a little wheat floure it doth the same being applied twice a day The herbe also is good being stamped and applied and so is the iuice thereof The extraction of the leaues drawne according to Art is excellent good against the French disease and quartaine agues as reporteth the foresaid Camerarius The same Author reporteth that the distilled water taken with the water of Louage and Dodder helpeth the sauce-flegme face if it be drunke for certaine daies together CHAP. 490. Of Thistle vpon Thistle and diuers other Wilde Thistles ¶ The Description 1 AMong all the Thornes and Thistles this is most full of prickles the stalks thereof are verie long and seem to be cornered by reason of certaine thin skins growing to them being sent downe forth of the leaues the leaues are set round about with many deep gashes being very full of prickles as well as the stalks the heads are very thicke set in euery place with stiffe prickles and consist of a multitude of scales out of which grow purple floures as they do out of other Thistles seldome white the root is almost straight but it groweth not deep 2 To this also may be referred that which Lobel writeth to be named of the Italians Leo and Carduus ferox sor it is so called of the wonderfull sharpe and stiffe prickles wherewith the whole plant aboundeth the stalke thereof is short scarce a handfull high the floure groweth forth of a prickly head and is of a pale yellow colour like that of wilde bastard Saffron and it is also inuironed and set round about on euery side with long hard thornes and prickles 3 The third groweth seldome aboue a cubite or two foot high it bringeth forth many round stalkes 〈◊〉 into diuers branches the leaues are like those of white Cotton Thistle but lesser and blacker and not couered with downe or Cotton vpon the tops of the stalks grow little heads †1 Polyacanthos Thistle vpon Thistle 2 Carduus ferox The cruell Thistle †3 Carduus Asininus sive Onopyxes The Asses Thistle or Asses box †4 Carduus 〈◊〉 viarum The Way Thistle 4 The fourth riseth vp with an higher stalke now and then a yard long round and not so full of branches nor leaues which are sharpe and full of prickles but lesser and narrower the heads be also lesser longer and not so full of stiffe prickles the floures are of a white colour and vanish into downe the root is blacke and of a foot long 5 This wilde Thistle which groweth in the fields about Cambridge hath an vpright stalke whereon do grow broad prickley leaues the floures grow on the tops of the branches consisting of a flockie downe of a white colour tending to purple of a most pleasant sweet smell 〈◊〉 with the sauour of muske the root is small and perisheth at the approch of Winter ‡ I had no figure directly fitting this wherefore I put that of Dodonaeus his Onopordon which may well serue for it if the leaues were narrower and more diuided ‡ †5 Carduus Muscatus The musked Thistle 6 Carduus lanceatus The Speare Thistle 6 The Speare Thistle hath an vpright stalke garnished with a skinnie membrane full of most sharpe prickles whereon do grow very long leaues diuided into diuers parts with sharp prickles the point of the leaues are as the point of a speare whereof it tooke his name the floures growon the tops of the branches set in a scaly prickly head like vnto the heads of Knapweed in forme consisting of many threds of a purple colour the root consisteth of many tough strings 7 Theophrastus his fish Thistle called Acarna which was brought from Illyria to Venice by the learned Valerandus Donrez described by Theophrastus hath horrible sharpe yellow prickles set vpon his greene indented leaues which are couered on the backe side with an hoarie downe as all the rest of the plant hauing a stalke of a cubit and a halfe high and at the top certaine scaly knops containing yellow thrummie floures armed or fenced with horrible sharp prickles the root is long and threddie 8 The other kinde of fish Thistle being also another Acarna of Valerandus description hath long and large leaues set ful of sharpe prickles as though it were set full of pins all the whole plant is couered with a certaine hoarinesse like the former there ariseth vp a stalke nine inches long yea in some fertile grounds a cubite high bearing the floure of Carduus benedictus standing thicke together but lesser 7 Acarna Theophrasti Theophrastus his fish Thistle 8 Acarna Valerandi Donrez Donrez his fish Thistle †9 Picnomos The thicke or bush headed Thistle ‡ 9 This Thistle in the opinion of 〈◊〉 whereto I much incline is the same with the former The root is small the leaues long welting the stalks at their setting on and armed on the edges with sharpe prickles the stalkes lie trailing on the ground like those of the star-Thistle so set with prickles that one knoweth not where to take hold thereof it hath many closely compact vmbels consisting of pale yellowish little floures like those of Groundswell the seed is like that of Carthamus smal and chaffie Pena and Lobel call this Picnomos Cretae Salonensis of a place in Prouince where they first found it called the Crau being not farre from the city Salon Tabernamontanus set it forth for Chamaeleon niger and our Author formerly gaue the figure hereof by the same title though his historie belonged to another as I haue formerly noted ‡ ¶ The Time The two first grow on diuers banks not farre from mount Apennine and sometimes in Italy but yet seldome The way Thistles grow euery where by high-waies sides and common paths in great plenty The places of the rest baue beene sufficiently spoken of in their descriptions ¶ The Time These kindes of Thistles do floure from the beginning of Iune vntill the end of September ¶ The Names These Thistles comprehended in this present chapter are by one generall name called in Latine Cardui syluestres or wilde Thistles and that which is the second in order is named 〈◊〉 but not that Scolymus which Theophr declareth to yeeld a milky iuyce of which wee haue written before but one of those which Pliny in his twentieth booke cap. 23. describeth of some they are taken for kindes of Chamaeleon their seuerall titles do set forth their seuerall Latine names and also the English ‡ There was formerly much confusion in this chapter both in the figures and historie which I will here endeauour to amend and giue as much light as I can to the obscuritie of our Authour and some others to which end I haue made choice of the names as the fittest place 1 This description was taken out of Dodonaeus and the title also of Onopordon which was formerly put ouer the
compasse like sharpe crooked hornes or hookes each star consisting of ten or twelue pricks wherewith the outward barke or pilling is garded so that without hurt to the fingers it cannot be touched this rinde is hard thicke and like vnto Aloes of the colour of the Cucumber the flesh or inner pulpe is white fat waterish of taste soure vnsauory and cooling much like vnto the meate of a raw Melon or Pompion This plant groweth without leafe or stalke as our Northerne Thistle doth called Carduus Acaulos and is bigger than the largest Pompion the roots are small spreading farre abroad in the ground and consisting of blacke and tough twigs which cannot endure the iniurie of our cold clymate ¶ The Place This admirable Thistle groweth vpon the cliffes and grauelly grounds neere vnto the sea side in the Islands of the West Indies called S. Margarets and S. Iohns Isle neere vnto Puerto rico or Porto rico and other places in those countries by the relation of diuers trauellers that haue iournied into those parts who haue brought me the plant it selfe with his seed the which would not grow in my garden by reason of the coldnesse of the clymate ¶ The Time It groweth floureth and flourisheth all the yeare long as do many other plants of those Countries ¶ The Names It is called Carduus Echinatus Melocarduus Echinatus and Echino Melocactos In English the Hedge-hog Thistle or prickly Melon Thistle ‡ Such as are curious may see more hereof in Clusius his Exoticks lib. 4. cap. 24. ‡ ¶ The Temperature and Vertues There is not any thing extant set forth of the antient or of the later writers neither by any that haue trauelled from the Indies themselues therefore we leaue it to a further consideration CHAP. 492. Of the gummie Thistle called Euphorbium 1 Euphorbium The poysonous gum Thistle 2 Anteuphorbinm The Antidote against the poysonous Thistle ¶ The Description 1 EVphorbium whereout that liquor or gum called in shops Euphorbium is extracted hath very great thicke grosse and spreading roots dispersed far abroad in the ground from which arise long and round leaues almost like the fruit of a great Cucumber a foot and a halfe long ribbed walled and furrowed like vnto the Melon these branched ribs are set or armed for the most part with certaine prickles standing by couples the point or sharpe end of one garding one way and the point of another looking directly a cleane contrarie way these prickes 〈◊〉 often found in the gumme it selfe which is brought vnto vs from Libya and other parts the 〈◊〉 hereof being planted in the ground will take root well and bring forth great increase which thing I haue proued true in my garden it hath perished againe at the first approch of winter The sap or liquor that is extracted out of this plant is of the colour and substance of the Creame of Milke it burneth the mouth extremely and the dust or pouder doth very much annoy the head and the parts thereabout causing great and vehement sneesing and stuffing of all the pores 2 This rare plant called Anteuphorbium hath a very thicke grosse and farre spreading root very like vnto Euphorbium from which riseth vp many round greene and fleshie stalkes whereupon do grow thicke leaues like Purslane but longer thicker and fatter the whole plant is full of cold and clammie moisture which represseth the scortching force of Euphorbium and it wholly seemes at the first view to be a branch of greene Corall 3 Cereus Peruvianus spinosus Lobelij The Torch-Thistle or thorny Euphorbium 4 Calamus Peruvianus spinosus Lobelij The thorny Reed of Peru. 3 There is not among the strange and admirable plants of the world any one that giues more cause of maruell or more moueth the minde to honor and laud the Creator than this plant which is called of the Indians in their mother tongue Vragua which is as much to say a torch taper or wax candle whereupon it hath been called in Latine by those that vnderstood the Indian tongue Cereus or a Torch This admirable plant riseth vp to the height of a speare of twenty foot long although the figure expresse not the same the reason is the plant when the figure was drawn came to our view broken it hath diuers bunches and vallies euen as is to be seene in the sides of the Cucumber that is furrowed guttered or chamfered alongst the same and as it were laid by a direct line with a welt from one end vnto the other vpon which welt or line do stand small star-like Thistles sharpe as needles and of the colour of those of the Melon Thistle that is to say of a browne colour the trunke or body is of the bignesse of a mans arme or a cable rope from the middle whereof thrust forth diuers knobby elbowes of the same substance and armed with the like prickles that the body of the trunke is set withall the whole plant is thicke fat and full of a fleshie substance hauing much iuyce like that of 〈◊〉 when it is hardned and of a bitter taste the floures grow at the top or extreme point of the plant after which follow fruit in shape like a fig full of a red iuyce which being touched staineth the hands of the colour of red leade the taste is not vnpleasant 4 There hath been brought from the Indies a prickly reed of the bignesse of a good big staf of the length of six or eight foot chamfered and furrowed hauing vpon two sides growing vnto it an vneuen membrane or skinny substance as it were a iag or welt set vpon the wing of a garment and vpon the very point of euery cut or iagge armed with most sharpe prickles the whole trunke is filled full of a spongeous substance such as is in the hollownes of the brier or bramble amongst the which is to be seene as it were the pillings of Onions wherein are often found liuing things that at the first seeme to be dead The plant is strange and brought dry from the Indies therefore we cannot write so absolutely hereof as we desire referring what more might be said to a further consideration or second edition ¶ The Place These plants grow vpon Mount Atlas in Libya in most of the Islands of the Mediterranean sea in all the coast of Barbarie especially in S. Crux neere vnto the sea side in a barren place there called by the English men Halfe Hanneken which place is appointed for Merchants to 〈◊〉 of their businesse euen as the Exchange in London is from which place my friend Mr. William Martin a right expert Surgeon did procure me the plants of them for my garden by his seruant that he sent thither as Surgeon of a ship Since which time I haue receiued plants of diuers others that haue trauelled into other of those parts and coasts notwithstanding they haue not endured the cold of our extreme Winter ¶ The Time They put forth their leaues in the Spring
simples which do manifestly heat and that men do vse it for food as they do Lupines for it is taken with pickle to keep the body soluble and for this purpose it is more agreeable than Lupines seeing it hath nothing in his owne proper substance that may hinder the working The iuice of boiled Fenegreeke taken with honie is good to purge by the stoole all manner of corrupt humors that remaine in the guts making soluble through his sliminesse and mitigating paine through his 〈◊〉 And because it hath in it a clensing or scouring facultie it raiseth humors out of the chest but there must be added vnto it no great quantitie of honie least the biting qualitie should abound In old diseases of the chest without a feuer fat dates are to be boiled with it but when you haue mixed the same iuice pressed out with a great quantitie of hony and haue againe boiled it on a soft fire to a mean thicknesse then must you vse it long before meat In his booke of the Faculties of simple medicines he saith that Fenegreek is hot in the second degree and dry in the first therefore it doth kindle and make worse hot inflammations but such as are lesse hot and more hard are thereby cured by being wasted and consumed away The meale of Fenegreeke as Dioscorides saith is of force to mollifie and waste away being boiled with mead and applied it taketh away inflammations as well inward as outward The same being tempered or kneaded with niter and vineger doth soften and waste away the hardnesse of the milt It is good for women that haue either imposthume vlcer or stopping of the matrix to bathe and sit in the decoction thereof The iuice of the decoction pressed forth doth clense the haire taketh away dandraffe scoureth running sores of the head called of the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being mingled with goose grease and put vp in manner of a pessarie or mother supposititorie it doth open and mollifie all the parts about the mother Greene Fenegreeke bruised and pounded with vineger is a remedie for weak and feeble parts and that are without skin vlcerated and raw The decoction thereof is good against vlcers in the low gut and foule stinking excrements of those that haue the bloudy flix The oile which is pressed out thereof scoureth haires and scars in the priuie parts The decoction of Fenegreeke seed made in wine and drunke with a little vineger expelleth all euill humors in the stomacke and guts The seed boiled in wine with dates and hony vnto the form of a syrrup doth mundifie and clense the breast and easeth the paines thereof The meale of Fenegreek boiled in mead or honied water consumeth and dissolueth all cold hard imposthumes and swellings and being mixed with the roots of Marsh Mallows and Linseed effecteth the same It is very good for women that haue any griefe or swelling in the matrix or other lower parts if they bathe those parts with the decoction thereof made in wine or sit ouer it and sweat It is good to wash the head with the decoction of the seed for it taketh away the scurfe scailes nits and all other such like imperfections CHAP. 501. Of Horned Clauer and blacke Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THe horned Clauer or codded Trefoile groweth vp with many weake and slender stalks lying vpon the ground about which are set white leaues somewhat long lesser aud narrower than any of the other Trefoiles the floures grow at the tops of the fashion of those of Peason of a shining yellow colour after which come certain straight cods bigger than those of Fenegreek but blunter at their ends in which are contained little round seed the root is hard and wooddie and sendeth forth young springs euery yeare 1 Lotus trifolia corniculata Horned or codded Clauer 2 Lotus quadrifolia Foure leafed grasse 2 This kinde of three leafed grasse or rather foure leafed Tre foile hath leaues like vnto the common Trefoile sauing that they bee lesser and of a browne purplish colour knowne by the name of Purple-wort or Purple-grasse whose floures are in shape like the medow Trefoile but of a dustie ouerworn colour tending to whitenesse the which doth oftentimes degenerate sometime into three leaues sometimes in fiue and also into seuen and yet the plant of his nature hathbut foure leaues no more ‡ I do not thinke this to be the purple leaued Trefoile with the white floure which is commonly called Purple-grasse for I could neuer obserue it to haue more leaues than three vpon a stalke ‡ ‡ 3 The root of this is small and white from which arise many weake hairie branches some cubit long wheron grow soft hairy leaues three on one foot-stalke with two little leaues at the root therof out of the bosoms of these vpon like footstalkes grow three lesser leaues as also floures of the bignes and shape of those of a Vetch but of a braue deep crimson veluet colour after these are past come cods set with foure thinne welts or skins which make them seem foure square whence Camerarius called it Lotus pulcherrima tetragonolobus the seed is of an ash colour somewhat lesse than a pease It floures most of the Sommer moneths and is for the prettinesse of the floure preserued in many Gardens by yearely sowing the seede for it is an annuall plant Clusius hath it by the name of Lotus siliquosus rubello flore and hee saith the seeds were diuers times sent out of Italy by the name of Sandalida It is also commonly called in Latine 〈◊〉 quadratum ‡ ¶ The Place The first groweth wilde in barren ditch bankes pastures and drie Mountaines ‡ 3 Lotus siliqua qaudrata Square crimson veluet pease The second groweth likewise in pastures and fields but not so common as the other and is planted in gardens ¶ The Time They floure in Iuly and August ¶ The Names The second is called Lotus Trifolia in English horned Clauer or codded Trefoile The other is called Lotus quadrifolia or foure leafed Grasse or Purple-wort of Pena and Lobel Quadrifolium phaeum fuscum hortorum ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Their faculties in working are referred vnto the medow Trefoiles notwithstanding it is reported that the leaues of Purple-wort stamped and the iuyce giuen to drinke cureth young children of the disease called in English the Purples CHAP. 502. Of Medicke Fodder or snaile Clauer ¶ The Description 1 THis kinde of Trefoile called Medica hath many small and slender ramping branches crawling and creeping along vpon the ground set full of broad leaues slightly indented about the edges the floures are very small and of a pale yellow colour which turne into round wrinkled knobs like the water Snaile or the fish called Periwinckle wherein is contained flat seed fashioned like a little kidney in colour yellow in taste like a Vetch or pease the 〈◊〉 is small and dieth when the seed is ripe it growes in my garden
second degree and hot in the first moreouer by how much it is bitter by so much it clenseth cutteth and remoueth stoppings but if it be ouermuch vsed it bringeth forth bloud by vrine Dioscorides writeth that bitter Vetch causeth head-ache and heauy dulnesse that it troubles the belly and driueth forth bloud by vrine notwithstanding being boyled it serueth to fatten Kine There is made of the seed a meale fit to be vsed in medicine after this maner the full and white graines are chosen out and being mixed together they are steeped in water and suffered to lie till they be plumpe and afterwards are parched till the skinne be broken then are they ground and searsed or shaken thorow a meale sieue and the meale reserued This looseth the belly prouoketh vrine maketh one well coloured being ouermuch eaten or drunke it draweth bloud by the stoole with gripings and also by vrine With honey it clenseth vlcers taketh away freckles sun-burnes blacke spots in the skinne and maketh the whole 〈◊〉 faire and cleane It stayeth running vlcers or hard swellings and gangrens or mortified sores it sosteneth the hardnesse of womens breasts it taketh away and breaketh eating vlcers carbuncles and sores of the head being tempered with wine and applied it healeth the bitings of dogs and also of venomous beasts With vineger it is good against the strangurie and mitigateth paine that commeth thereof It is good for them that are not nourished after their meat being parched and taken with hony in the quantitie of a nut The decoction of the same helpeth the itch in the whole body and taketh away kibes if they be washed or bathed therewith Cicer boyled in fountaine water with some 〈◊〉 doth asswage the swelling of the yard and priuie parts of man or woman if they be washed or bathed in the decoction thereof and the substance hereof may also be applied plaisterwise It is also vsed for bathing and washing of vlcers and running sores and is applied vnto the 〈◊〉 of the head with great profit CHAP. 515. Of the Vetch or Fetch ¶ The Description 1 THe Vetch hath slender and foure squared stalkes almost three foot long the leaues be long with clasping tendrels at the end made vp of many little leaues growing vpon one rib or middle stem euery one whereof is greater broader and thicker than that of the Lentil the floures are like to the floures of the garden beane but of a blacke purple colour the cods be broad small and in euery one are contained fiue or six graines not round but flat like those of the Lentil of colour blacke and of an vnpleasant taste ‡ 2 There is another of this kinde which hath a creeping and liuing root from which it 〈◊〉 deth forth crested stalkes some cubit and halfe high the leaues are winged commonly a dozen growing vpon one rib which ends in a winding tendrel each peculiar leafe is broader toward the bottome and sharper towards the top which ends not flat but somewhat round Out of the 〈◊〉 of the leaues towards the tops of the stalkes on short foot-stalkes grow two three or more pretty large pease-fashioned blewish purple floures which are succeeded by such cods as the former but somewhat lesser which when they grow ripe become blacke and fly open of themselues ‡ 1 Vicia Tare Vetch or Fetch 2 Vicia maxima 〈◊〉 Bush Vetch ‡ 3 Vicia syl flo albo White floured Vetch 4 Vicia sylue stris siue Cracca maior Strangle Tare Tine or wilde Fetch ‡ 5 〈◊〉 siue Cracca minima Small wilde Tare 3 This also hath a lasting root which sendeth vp round crested branches a foot and somtimes a cubit high whereon grow such leaues as those of the former but more white and downie the floures which grow on short foot-stalkes out of the bosomes of the leaues towards the top of the stalks are of a whitish colour with veines of a dusky colour diuaricated ouer the vpper leafe the cods are like those of the common Fetch Clusius found this in some wilde places of Hungarie it floured in May 〈◊〉 he calls it Vicia syluestris albo flore ‡ 4 Strangle Tare called in some countries Tine and of others wilde Vetch is a ramping herbe like vnto the common Tare 〈◊〉 and clymbing among corne where it chanceth that it plucketh it downe to the ground and ouergroweth the same in such sort that it spoileth and killeth not only wheat but all other graine whatsoeuer the herbe is better known than desired therefore these few lines shall suffice for the description ‡ This groweth pretty long with many slender weake branches the leaues are much smaller than the former and end in clasping tendrels the floures are of a purple colour and commonly grow but one at a ioint and they are succeeded by flat sharpe pointed cods which containe some nine or ten seeds apiece 5 This also growes a good height with slenderer stalks than the former which is diuided into sundry branches the leaues grow foure or six vpon foot-stalkes ending also in clasping tendrels the floures grow vpon pretty long but very slender foot-stalkes sometimes two or three otherwhiles more very small and of a whitish colour inclining to blewnesse which are succeeded by little short flat cods containing commonly foure or fiue little seeds of a blackish colour this is the Arachus siue Cracca minima of Lobel but I question whether it be that which Bauhine in his Pinax hath made the same with it calling it Vicia segetum cum siliquis plurimis hirsutis for that which I haue described and which exactly agrees with this figure of Lobel and that description in the Aduers hath cods very smooth without any hairinesse at all This floures most part of Sommer and growes in most places both in corne fields and medowes ‡ ¶ The Place The Tare is sowne in any ground or soile whatsoeuer ¶ The Time It floureth in May and perfecteth his seed toward September ¶ The Names It is called in Latine Vicia à vinciendo of binding or wrapping as Varro noteth because saith he it hath likewise clasping tendrels such as the vine hath by which it crawles vpward vpon the stalks of the weeds which are next vnto it of some Cracca and Arachus and also Aphaca it is called in high-Dutch 〈◊〉 in low-Dutch Uitsen in French Vesce in most shops it is falsely termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Fruum for Eruum doth much differ from Vicia it is called in English Vetch or Fetch The countrey men lay vp this Vetch with the seeds and whole plant that it may be a fodder for their cattell ¶ The Temperature and Vertues Notwithstanding I haue knowne saith Galen some who in time of famin haue fed hereof especially in the spring it being but greene yet is it hard of digestion and bindeth the belly Therefore seeing it is of this kinde of nature it is manifest that the nourishment which comes thereof hath in it no good iuyce at all
the brier roses as indifferent whether to make them of the wilde roses or of the tame seeing we haue made them denizons in our gardens for diuers respects and that worthily 1 Rosa Moschata simplici flore The single Muske rose 2 Rosa Moschata multiplex The double Muske rose ¶ The Description 1 THe single Muske Rose hath diuers long shoots of a greenish colour and wooddie substance armed with very sharpe prickles diuiding it selfe into diuers branches whereon do grow long leaues smooth shining made of diuers leaues set vpon 〈◊〉 middle rib like the other roses the floures grow on the tops of the branches of a white colour and pleasant sweet smell like that of Muske whereof it tooke his name hauing certain yellow seeds in the middle as the rest of the roses haue the fruit is red when it is ripe and filled with such 〈◊〉 flocks and seeds as those of the other roses the root is tough and wooddie 2 The double Muske rose differeth not from the precedent in leaues stalks and roots nor in the colour of the floures or sweetnesse thereof but onely in the doublenesse of the floures wherein consisteth the difference 3 Of these roses we haue another in our London gardens which of most is called the blush rose it floureth when the Damaske rose doth the floures hereof are very single greater than the other Muske roses and of a white colour dasht ouer with a light wash of carnation which maketh that colour which wee call a blush colour the proportion of the whole plant as also the smell of the floures are like the precedent 3 Rosae Moschatae species maior The great Muske rose 4 Rosa Holosericea The veluet rose 4 The Veluet rose groweth alwaies very low like vnto the red rose hauing his branches couered with a certaine hairie or prickley matter as fine as haires yet not so sharpe or stiffe that it will harme the most tender skin that is the leaues are like the leaues of the white rose the floures grow at the top of the stalks doubled with some yellow thrums in the midst of a deepe and blacke red colour resembling red crimson veluet whereupon some haue called it the 〈◊〉 rose when the floures be vaded there follow red berries full of hard seeds wrapped in a downe or woollinesse like the others 5 The yellow rose which as diuers do report was by Art so coloured and altered from his 〈◊〉 estate by graffing a wilde rose vpon a Broome stalke whereby say they it doth not onely change his colour but his smell and force But for my part I hauing found the contrarie by mine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cannot be induced to beleeue the report for the roots and off-springs of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 brought forth yellow roses such as the maine stocke or mother bringeth out which euent is not to be seen in all other plants that haue been graffed Moreouer the seeds of yellow roses haue brought forth yellow roses such as the floure was from whence they were taken which they would not do by any coniecturall reason if that of themselues they were not a naturall kind of rose Lastly it were contrary to that true principle Naturae sequitur semina quodque suae that is to say Euery seed and plant bringeth forth fruit like vnto it selfe both in shape and nature but leauing that errour I will proceed to the description the yellow rose hath browne and prickly stalks or shoots fiue or six cubits high garnished with many leaues like vnto the Muske rose of an excellent sweet smell and more pleasant than the leaues of the 〈◊〉 the floures come forth among the leaues and at the top of the branches of a faire gold yellow colour the thrums in the middle are also yellow which being gone there follow such knops or heads as the other roses do beare 5 Rosa lutea The yellow rose ‡ 6 Rosa Lutea multiplex The double yellow rose ‡ 6 Of this kinde there is another more rare and set by which in stalks leaues and other parts is not much different from the last described onely the floure is very double and it seldome fairly shewes it selfe about London where it is kept in our chiefe gardens as a prime raritie ‡ 7 The Canell or Cinnamon rose or the rose smelling like Cinnamon hath shoots of a brown colour foure cubits high beset with thorny prickles and leaues like vnto those of Eglantine but smaller and greener of the sauour or smell of Cinnamon whereof it tooke his name and not of the smell of his floures as some haue deemed which haue little or no sauour at all the floures be exceeding double and yellow in the middle of a pale red colour and sometimes of a carnation the root is of a wooddie substance 8 We haue in our London gardens another Cinnamon or 〈◊〉 rose not differing from the last described in any respect but onely in the floures for as the other hath very double floures contrariwise these of this plant are verie single wherein is the difference 7 Rosa Cinnamomea pleno flore The double Cinnamon Rose ‡ 8 Rosa Cinnamomea flore 〈◊〉 The single Cinnamon Rose ¶ The Place These Roses are planted in our London gardens and elsewhere but not found wilde in England ¶ The Time The Muske Rose floureth in Autumne or the fall of the leafe the rest floure when the Damask and red Rose do ¶ The Names The first is called Rosa Moschata of the smell of Muske as we haue said in Italian Rosa Moschetta in French Roses Musquees or Muscadelles in Low Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Musk Rose the Latine and English titles may serue for the rest ¶ The Temperature The Muske rose is cold in the first degree wherein airie and spiritual parts are predominant the rest are referred to the Brier rose and Eglantine ¶ The Vertues Conserue or syrrup made of the Muske rose in manner as before told in the Damaske and red roses doth purge very mightily waterish humors yet safely and without all danger taken in the quantitie of an ounce in weight The leaues of the floures eaten in the morning in manner of a sallad with oile vineger and pepper or any other way according to the appetite and pleasure of them that shall eat it purge very notably the belly of waterish and cholericke humors and that mightily yet without all perill or paine at all insomuch as the simplest may vse the quantitie according to their owne fancie for if they do desire many stooles or sieges they are to eat the greater quantity of the leaues if fewer the lesse quantitie as for example the leaues of twelue or foureteene floures giue six or eight stooles and so increasing or diminishing the quantitie more or fewer as my selfe haue often proued The white leaues stamped in a woodden dish with apeece of Allum and the iuice strained forth into some glased vessell dried in the shadow and kept is the most fine and pleasant yellow colour that may
vpperside and of an astringent taste on euery branch standeth one floure seldome two in forme like the other but consisting of one leafe deeply diuided into fiue parts and of a white colour tending to a flesh colour 13 This low sort of Cistus hath many long tough branches trailing vpon the ground of a reddish colour whereon do grow small leaues like those of wilde Tyme of a darke green colour very thicke and fat and somewhat hairy the floures grow at the top of the branches of a yellow gold colour consisting of fiue small leaues of a very sweet smell The root is thicke hard and wooddie 14 This strange and rare plant of Lobels obseruation I haue thought meet to be inserted amongst the kindes of Cistus as a friend of theirs if not one of the kinde it hath leaues like vnto the male Cistus the first in this chapter described but more hairy bearing at the top of his branches a small knop in shape like a rotten Strawberry but not of the same substance for it is compact of a scaly or chaffie matter such as is in the middest of the Camomill floures and of a russet colour 14 Cistus exoticus 〈◊〉 Lobels strange Cistus 16 Myrtocistus Tho. Pennei Angli Dr. Penny his Cistus 15 This adulterine or counterfeit or forged Cistus growes to the height of a 〈◊〉 bush the branches are long or brittle whereon do grow long leaues like those of the Willow of an ouerworne russet colour the floures are small consisting of fiue little yellow leaues the whole plant being well viewed seemeth to be a Willow but at the first sight one of the Cistus so that it is a plant participating of both the root is wooddy ‡ 〈◊〉 iudges this which our Author out of Tabern figured and named Cistus adulterinus to 〈◊〉 the Cistus set forth in the eighth place of the next chapter saue one but I rather iudge it to be of the Ledum Silesiacum set forth in the eleuenth place of that chapter and againe in the twelfth where you may finde more thereof ‡ 16 This kinde of Cistus which Dr. Penny a famous Physitian of London deceased did gather vpon the Islands of Majorica or Majorca and called it by the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Myrtocistus Balearica is a shrub growing to the height of three cubits hauing a very rough barke beset round about with rough and scabbed warts which bark wil of it selfe easily fall away from the old branches or boughes of the tree The leaues of this tree are almost like them of Myrtus very rough vnderneath like the branches aforesaid but the leaues that grow higher and toward the top of the branches are smooth growing about the branches very thicke together as in the other kindes of Cistus The floures are yellow growing on the top of the twigs consisting of fiue long leaues full of many very long chiues within When the floures be vaded there followeth a verie long and fiue square head or huske full of seed The whole tree is very sweet out of which issueth a gum or rosine or rather a thicke clammy and fat iuyce such as commeth forth of the kindes of Ledum 17 This annual Cistus groweth vp from seed with one vpright stalke to the height of a cubit oft times diuided into other small branches whereon grow rough leaues somwhat long of a dark greene colour The floures grow at the top of the stalks consisting of 5 small yellow leaues which being past there followeth a three square seed vessell full of small reddish seed The root is small and wooddy and perisheth when the seed is perfected 17 Cistus annuus Cistus lasting one yeare 18 Cistus annuus longifolius Lobelij Long leafed yearely Cistus 18 This other Cistus that lasteth but one yeare hath long stalks diuided into other branches of the height of two cubits whereon do grow long rough leaues set three together at certain distances the middlemost whereof is longer than the other two the floures grow on the sides of the branches like the female Cistus of a white colour the root is of a wooddy substance as are all the rest of his kinde ‡ 19 This growes some foot high with a square rough greenish stalke whereon by couples at certaine spaces stand little longish rough leaues yet toward the top of the stalk they stand somtimes three together vpon the top of the little branches grow floures like those of the other Cistus of colour yellow with a fine sanguine spot vpon each leafe of the floure It groweth in some parts of France as also on the Alps in Italy Clusius describes it by the name of Cistus annuus 2. Pona in his Mons Baldus calls it Cistus annuus flore guttato 20 This hath many slender branches whereon grow small roundish leaues hoarie and somewhat like those of 〈◊〉 somwhat lesse with the middle rib standing out The floures 〈◊〉 vpon the tops of the branches and consist of fiue white leaues with a darke purple spot in the middle of each leafe the threds in the middle of the floure are of a yellow colour their seed-vessels are of the bignesse of those of flax but three square containing a seed of the bignesse of that of Henbane Clusius found this in diuers parts of Spaine and sets it forth by the 〈◊〉 of Cistus folio Sampsuchi ‡ ‡ 19 Cistus annuus flore 〈◊〉 Spotted annuall Cistus ‡ 20 Cistus folio Sampsuchi Marjerome leaued Cistus ¶ The Place Holly Roses grow in Italy Spaine and Languedoc and in the countries bordering vpon the riuer Padus in all Hetruria and Massiles and in many other of the hotter prouinces of Europe in dry and stony places varying infinitely according to the 〈◊〉 of the regions where they doe grow of which I haue two sorts in my garden the first and the Cistus annuus ¶ The Time They floure from May to September ¶ The Names The Holly Rose is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Cistus and Rosa syluatica of diuers Rosa Canina as Scribontus Largus writeth but not properly in Spanish Estepa of the Portugals Rosella in English Holly Rose and Cistus after the Greeke name The fungous excrescence growing at the root of Cistus is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because it groweth vnder the shrub Cistus it is also called Limodoron some call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 among whom is 〈◊〉 Aegineta who also doth not call that 〈◊〉 which groweth vnder the shrub Cistus but the iuyce hereof whereupon might grow the word Hypocistis by which name the Apothecaries call this iuyce when it is hardned of some 〈◊〉 is called Erithanon Citinus and Hypoquistidos ¶ The Temperature Cistus as Galen saith doth greatly dry neere hand in the second degree and it is of that coldnesse that it hath withall a temperate heate the leaues and the first buds being bearen do only dry and binde in such sort as they may
Helianthemum is taken of some to be Panaces Chironium or Chirons All-heale but it is nothing likely as we haue said ¶ The Temperature and Vertues The faculties and temperature are referred to the kindes of Cistus for it healeth wounds stancheth bloud and stoppeth the spittings of bloud the bloudie flixe and all other issues of bloud The same boiled in wine healeth vlcers in the mouth and priuie parts if they be washed therewith to be briefe it ioineth together and strengthneth which things doe plainely and euidently shew that it is not onely like to Cistus and Ledon in forme but in vertues and faculties also and therefore it is manifest that it is a certaine wilde kinde of Cistus and Ledon CHAP. 7. Of Cistus Ledon and Ladanum ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Cistus whereof that gummy matter is gathered called in shops Ladanum and Labdanum but vnproperly ¶ The Description 1 CIstus Ledon is a shrub growing to the height of a man and sometimes higher hauing many hard wooddie branches couered with a blackish bark wherupon do grow leaues set together by couples one right against another like vnto wings of an inch broad of a blacke swart greene on the vppersides and whitish vnderneath whereon is gathered a certain clammie transparent or through shining liquour of a very hot sweet smell which being gathered and hardned is that which in shops is called Labdanum the floures grow at the ends of the branches like little roses consisting of fiue white leaues euery one decked or beautified toward the bottome with pretty darke purplish spots tending to blacknesse hauing in the middle very many yellow chiues such as are in the middle of the Rose after come the knaps or seed vessels full of most smal reddish seed the whole plant being dried groweth somewhat whitish and of a pleasant smell the which it retaineth many yeares 2 The second groweth likewise to the height of an hedge bush the branches are long and very sragile or easie to breake whereon do grow leaues greener than any other of his kinde yet vnderneath of a hoarie colour growing toward winter to be somewhat reddish of a sower and binding taste the floures are like the precedent the forme whereof the Grauer hath omitted in other respects like the former 3 The third sort of Cistus Ledon groweth vp to the height of a small hedge bush hauing many twiggie branches whereon do grow leaues like those of the Poplar tree sharpe at the point couered ouer with that clammie dew that the others are the floures grow at the tops of the branches of a white colour like the precedent 1 Cistus Ledon 1. Clusij The first Cistus bringing 〈◊〉 2 Cistus ledon 2. Clusij The second gum Cistus 3 Cistus ledon populea fronde Cistus ledon with leaues like the Poplar 4 Cistus ledon 4. Clusij Cistus ledon the 4. of 〈◊〉 5 Cistus Ledon 5. Clusij The fist Cistus Ledon 6 Cistus Ledon 6. Clusij The sixth 〈◊〉 Ledon 7 Cistus Ledon 7. Clusij The 7. Cistus Ledon 8 Cistus Ledon cum Hypocistide Lobelij The 8. Cistus Ledon with his excrescence 9 〈◊〉 Ledon 10. Clusij The 10. Cistus Ledon 10 Cistus Ledon Myrtifolium Cistus Ledon with leaues like Myrtle 11 Cistus Ledum Silesiacum The Polonian Cistus Ledon 4 The fourth of Clusius description groweth likewise to the height of a shrubby bush hauing many branches flexible hoarie and hairie the leaues are like the rest of his kind but softer more hairy of a swart green colour dasht ouer with that dewie fatnesse not onely in the spring time but in the heat of 〈◊〉 likewise the floures are white with yellow thrums in the middle the rest answereth the last described 5 The fift groweth vp like a hedge 〈◊〉 with many tough branches whereon are set long rough leaues hoarie vnderneath somewhat dasht ouer with that fattie dew or 〈◊〉 mour that the rest are possessed of the floures are likewise of a white colour with 〈◊〉 yellow chiues in the middle the root is wooddie †6 The sixth hath diuers small branches couered with a blackish bark the floures are set together at the tops of the branches by certaine spaces they are yellow and like the former in each respect 7 The seuenth is a low shrub growing to the height of two cub it s hauing many branches couered with a barke of the colour of ashes whereon are confusedly set diuers leaues at certaine distances small narrow like those of winter Sauory of an ouerworne russet colour very thick fat and glutinous the floures are white differ not nor the seed from the rest 8 The eighth 〈◊〉 vp like a little hedge bush hauing leaues like the common 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that those of this plant are sprinckled ouer with that clammy moisture and the other not so the 〈◊〉 and seed are also like From the root of this plant commeth such like excrescence called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Hypocistis as there doth from the first male Cistus wherein it differeth from all the rest vnder the name Ledon 9 The ninth hath diuers brittle stalkes of an ash colour tending to a russet whereon are set very many leaues like those of Thyme of an ouerworne colour the floures are white with certaine yellow chiues in the middle which the grauer hath omitted in the figure 10 The tenth groweth vp like a small shrub hauing brittle stalkes couered with a blackish barke and diuided into diuers branches whereon are set vpon short truncheons or fat footstalkes foure or fiue like those the Myrtle tree of a strong smell the floures are likewise of a white colour 12 Cistus Ledum Rorismarini folio Cistus Ledon with leaues like Rosemarie 13 Cistus Ledum Matthioli Cistus Ledon of Matthiolus description 11. 12. The twelfth kinde of Cistus Ledon groweth vpright with a straight body or stocke bringeth at the top many small twigs or rods of a cubit long couered with a barke os the colour of ashes which diuide themselues into other branches of a purplish colour beset with long and narrow leaues not much vnlike to Rosemary but longer of a greene colour aboue but vnderneath hauing as it were a long rib made or compact of wooll or downe of a sweet and pleasant smell and somewhat sharpe in taste on the tops of the branches grow knops or heads compact as it were of many scales of an iron or rustie colour out of which commeth and proceedeth a certaine round and long mane or hairy panickled tuft of floures with many long tender greene and somewhat woolly stalkes or twigs growing vnto them of a sweet sent and smell the floures consist of fiue little white leaues within which are contained ten white chiues with a long stile or pointal in 〈◊〉 midst of the floure when the floures be vaded there succeed long knops or heads which are 〈◊〉 cornered in shape and bignesse like vnto the fruite and berries of Cornus which being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bespeckled with many siluer spots but being ripe are of a red
described The floures grow on the tops of the branches in maner of a crowne whereupon some haue called it Coronilla in shape like those of the pease and of a yellow colour the cods as yet we haue not seen and therefore not expressed in the figure 5 This small bastard Sene groweth like a small shrub creeping vpon the ground halfe a cubit high bringing forth many twiggie branches in maner of those of the Spanish broome wherupon do grow leaues like those of Lentils or the Strangle Tare with many smal leaues set vpon a middle rib somewhat fat or full of iuice of the colour of the leaues of Rue or Herbegrace of an astringent and vnpleasant taste the floures grow at the tops of the branches of a yellow colour in shape likethose of the smallest broome after which come little crooked cods like the clawes or toes of a bird wherein is contained seed somwhat long blacke and of an 〈◊〉 taste the root is long hard tough and of a wooddy substance 6 There is also found another sort hereof not much differing from the former sauing that this plant is greater in each respect wherein especially consisteth the difference ¶ The Place Colutea or bastard Sene groweth in diuers gardens and commeth vp of seed it quickly commeth to perfection insomuch that if a sticke thereof be broken off and thrust into the ground it quickly taketh root yea although it be done in the middle of summer or at any other time euen as the sticks of Willow or Elder as my selfe haue often prooued the which bring forth floures and fruit the next yeere after The second with Scorpion cods groweth likewise in my garden the last doth grow in diuers barren chalky grounds of Kent towards Sittinbourne Canturbury and about Southfleet I haue not seene them elsewhere the rest are strangers in England ¶ The Time They floure from May till summer be well spent in the meane season the cods bring forth ripe seed ¶ The Names This shrub is called of Theophrastus in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the diphthong 〈◊〉 in the second sillable in Latine as Gaza expoundeth it Coloutea or Colutea in high Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in French Baguenaudier they are deceiued that thinke it to be Sena or any kinde thereof although we haue followed others in giuing it to name Bastard Sene which name is very vnproper to it in low Dutch it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and we may vse the same name Sene tree in English This Calutea or bastard Sene doth differ from that plant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with v in the second syllable of which Colytea Theophrastus writeth in his third booke ‡ The fifth is the Polygala 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 ‡ ¶ The Nature and Vertues Theophrastus neither any other hath made mention of the temperature or faculties in working of these plants more than that they are good to fatten cattell especially sheepe CHAP. 12. Of 〈◊〉 ¶ The Description 1 THe first kinde of Liquorice hath many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rising vp to the height of two or three cubits beset with leaues of an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 colour consisting of many small leaues set vpon a middle rib like the leaues 〈◊〉 Colutea or the 〈◊〉 tree somewhat glutinous in handling among which come small knops growing vpon short stems betwixt the leaues and the branches clustering together and making a round forme and shape out of which grow small blew floures of the colour of an English Hyacinth after which succeed round rough prickly heads consisting of diuers rough or 〈◊〉 huskes closely and thicke compact together in which is contained a flat seed the root is straight yellow within and browne without of a sweet and pleasant taste 2 The common and vsuall Liquorice hath stalkes and leaues very like the former sauing that his leaues are greener and greater and the floures of a light shining blew colour but the floures of this are succeeded by longish cods that grow not so thicke clustring together in round heads as the former but spike fashion or rather like the wilde Vetch called 〈◊〉 or Galega the cods are small and flat like vnto the Tare the roots are of a brownish colour without and yellow within like Box and sweeter in taste than the former ¶ The Place These plants do grow in sundry places of Germany wilde and in France and Spaine but they are planted in gardens in England whereof I haue plenty in my garden the poore people of the North parts of England do manure it with great diligence wherby they obtain great plenty thereof replanting the same once in three or foure yeares ¶ The Time Liquorice floureth in Iuly and the seed is ripe in September 1 Glycyrrhiza Echinata Dioscoridis Hedge-hogge Licorice ‡ 2 〈◊〉 vulgaris Common Licorice ¶ The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Dulc is radix or sweet Root this Licorice is 〈◊〉 knowne either to the Apothecaries or to the vulgar people we call it in English Dioscorides his Licorice It is most euident that the other is 〈◊〉 or Licorice the Apothecaries call it by a corrupt word Liquiritia the Italians Regalitia the Spaniards Regeliza and Regalitia in high Dutch Suszhotz Suszwurtzel in French Rigolisse Raigalisse and Reglisse in low Dutch 〈◊〉 suethout in English common Licorice Pliny calleth it Scythica herba it is named Scythice of the countrey Scythia where it groweth ¶ The Temperature The Nature of Dioscorides his Licorice as Galen saith is familiar to the temperature of our bodies and seeing it hath a certaine binding quality adioined the temperature thereof so much as is hot and binding is specially of a warme buality comming neerest of all to a meane temperature besides for that it is also sweet it is likewise meanely moist For as much as the root of the common Licorice is sweet it is also temperately hot and moist notwithstanding the barke thereof is something bitter and hot but this must be scraped away the fresh root when it is full of juice doth moisten more than the dry ¶ The Vertues The root of Licorice is good against the rough harshnesse of the throat and brest it openeth the pipes of the lungs when they be stuffed or stopped and ripeneth the cough and bringeth forth flegme The iuice of Licorice made according to Art and hardned into a lumpe which is called 〈◊〉 Liquiritiae serueth well for the purposes aforesaid being holden vnder the tongue and there suffered to melt Moreouer with the juice of Licorice Ginger and other spices there is made a certaine bread or cakes called Ginger-bread which is very good against the cough and all the infirmities of 〈◊〉 lungs and brest which is cast into moulds some of one fashion and some of another The iuice of Licorice is profitable against the heate of the stomacke and of the mouth The same is drunke 〈◊〉 wine of Raisons against the infirmities of the liuer and chest scabs or sores of the bladder and diseases of the
Bredwell with his fruit also ¶ The Temperature The Arabians and Persian Physitians iudge that Pepper is hot in the third degree But the Indian Physitians which for the most part are Emperickes hold that Pepper is cold as almost all other spice which are hot indeed the long Pepper is hot also in the third degree and as we haue said is thought to be the best of all the kindes ¶ The Vertues Dioscorides and others agreeing with him affirme that Pepper resisteth poison and is good to be put in medicaments for the eies All Pepper heateth prouoketh vrine digesteth draweth disperseth and clenseth the dimnesse of the sight as Dioscorides noteth CHAP. 153. Of bastard Pepper called Betle or Betre Betle siue Betre Bastard Pepper ¶ The 〈◊〉 THis plant climeth and rampeth vpon trees bushes or whatsoeuer else it meeteth withall like vnto the Vine or the blacke Pepper whereof some hold it for a kinde The leaues are like those of the greater Bindeweed but somewhat longer of a dustie colour with diuers veines or ribs running through the same The fruit groweth among the leaues very crookedly writhed in shape like the taile of a Lyzard of the taste of Pepper yet very pleasant to the palate ¶ The Place It groweth among the Date trees and 〈◊〉 in most of the Molucca Islands especially in the marrish grounds ¶ The Time The time answereth that of Pepper ¶ The Names This hath been taken for the Indian leafe but not properly of most it is called Tembul and Tambul in Malauar 〈◊〉 in Decan Guzarat and Canam it is called Pam in Molaio Siri ¶ The Vse and Temperature The leaues chewed in the mouth are of a bitter taste whereupon saith Garcias they put thereto some Areca and with the lime made of oyster shels whereunto they also adde some Amber Griece Lignum Aloes and such like which they stampe together making it into a paste which they role vp into round balls keepe dry for their vse and carry the same in their mouthes vntill by little and little it is consumed as when we carry sugar-Candy in our mouthes or the iuice of Licorice which is not onely vnto the seely Indians meate but also drinke in their tedious trauels refreshing their wearied spirits and helping memory which is esteemed among the Empericke Physitions to be hot and dry in the second degree ‡ Garcias doth not affirme that the Indians eate it for meate or in want of drinke but that they eate it after meate and that to giue the breath a pleasant sent which they count a great grace so that if an inferiour person that hath not chewed Betre or some such thing come to speak with any great man he holds his hand before his mouth lest his breath should offend him ‡ CHAP. 154. Of Graines or Graines of Paradise ¶ The Kindes THere be diuers sorts of Graines some long others Peare fashion some greater and others lesser ¶ The Description †THe first figure hereof setteth forth vnto your view the cod wherein the hot spice lieth which we call Graines in shops Grana Paradisi it groweth by the report of the Learned vpon a low herby plant the leaues are some foure inches long and three broad with somewhat a thicke middle rib from which run transuerse fibres they much in shape resemble those of Cloues The fruit is like a great cod or huske in shape like a Fig when it groweth vpon the tree but of colour russet thrust full of small seeds or graines of a darke reddish colour as the Figure sheweth which is diuided of an exceeding hot taste Cardamomi genera The kindes or sorts of Graines 〈◊〉 manus vulg Caxdamomum manus vulg The other sorts may be distinguished by the sight of the picture considering the onely difference consists in forme ¶ The Place Graines grow in Ginny and the Cardamones in all the East Indies from the port of Calecute vnto Cananor it groweth in Malauar in Ioa and in diuers other places ¶ The Time They spring vp in May being sowne of seed and bring their fruit to ripenesse in September ¶ The Names Graines are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Cardamomum of the Arabians Corrumeni of diuers Gentiles Dore of Auicen Saccolaa quebir i. magnum the other Saccolaa ceguer i. minus It is called in Malauar Etremelli in Zeilan Encal in Bengala Guzarat and Decan Hil and 〈◊〉 The first and largest sort are called of some Mileguetta and Milegetta in English Grains and Graines of Paradice ¶ The Temperature Auicen writeth that Saccolaa Cardamomum or Grana Paradisi are hot and dry in the third degree with astriction ¶ The Vertues The Graines chewed in the mouth draw forth from the head and stomacke waterish and pituitous humors They also comfort and warme the weake cold and feeble stomacke helpe the ague and rid the shaking fits being drunke with Sacke CHAP. 155. Of Yucca or Jucca Yucca siue Iucca Peruana The root whereof the bread Casaua or Cazaua is made ¶ The Description THe Plant of whose root the Indian bread called Cazaua is made is a low herbe consisting onely of leaues and 〈◊〉 it hath neither stalke floures nor fruit that I can vnderstand of others or by experience of the plant it selfe which hath growne in my garden foure yeares together and yet doth grow and prosper exceedingly neuerthelesse without stalke fruit or floures as aforesaid It hath a very great root thicke and tuberous and verie knobby full of iuice somewhat sweet in taste but of a pernicious qualitie as saith my Author from which root riseth vp immediately forth of the ground very many leaues ioyned vnto the head of the root in a round circle the which are long of the length of a cubit hollowed like a gutter or trough verie smooth and of a greene colour like that of Woade the edges of the leaues are sharpe like the edge of a knife and of a browne 〈◊〉 the point of the leafe is a prick as sharp as a needle which hurteth those that vnaduisedly passe by it the leafe with aduised eye viewed is like vnto a little 〈◊〉 or such like boat they are also very tough hard to break and not easie to cut except the knife be very sharpe ‡ Lobel in the second part of his Aduersaria largely describes and figures this plant and there hee affirmes hee wrot a description the which he there sets downe for our Author but he did not follow it and therefore committed these errours First in that hee saith it is the root whereof Cazaua bread was made when as Lobel in his description said he thought it to be Alia species à Yucca Indica ex qua panis communis fit Secondly in that he set downe the place out of the Historia Lugd. who tooke it out of Theuet endeauouring by that meanes to confound it with that there mentioned when as he had his from Mr. Edwards his man And thirdly for which indeed he was most blame-worthy and
the top there came forth a smooth pointall diuided at the top into nine parts or threds who se ends of what colour they were as also the threds I know not because I could not gather by the dry floure whose colour was quite decayed and the picture it self expressed no separation of the leaues in the floure no forme of threds but onely the floures shut and resembling rather cods than floure sand those of a deepe red colour But if I could haue seen them fresher I should haue been able to haue giuen a more exact description wherefore let the reader take in good 〈◊〉 that which I haue here 〈◊〉 Thus much Clusius CHAP. 22. Of the sea Lentill ¶ The Description SOme call this Vna marina and others haue thought it the Lenticula marina of Serapio but they are deceiued for his Lenticula marina described in his 245. chapter is nothing else than the Muscus marinus or Bryon thalassion described by Dioscorides lib. 4. cap. 99. as any that compares these two places together may plainely see 1 The former of these hath many winding stalkes whereon grow short branches set thick with narrow leaues like those of Beluidere or Besome flax and among these grow many skinny hollow empty round berries of the bignesse and shape of Lentills whence it takes the name this growes in diuers places of the Mediterranian and Adriaticke seas 1 Lenticula marina angustifolia Narrow leaued Sea Lentill 2 Lenticula marina serratis 〈◊〉 Cut leaued Sea Lentill This plant pickled with salt and vineger hath the same tast as Sampier and may be vsed in stead thereof and also eaten by such as saile in place of Capers I willed it should be giuen newly taken forth of the sea to Goats which we carried in the ship and they fed vpon it greedily I found no faculties thereof but one of the Sailers troubled with a difficultie of making water casting out sand and grosse humors ate thereof by chance both raw and boiled onely for that the taste thereof pleased him 〈◊〉 a few dayes hee told to me that he found great good by the eating thereof and he tooke some of it with him that so he might vse it when he came ashore Hitherto A Costa. CHAP. 23. Of the Sea Feather Myriophyllum marinum The Sea Feather ¶ The Description THis elegant plant which Clusius receiued from Cortusus by the name of Myriophyllum Pelagicum is thus described by him As much saith hee as I could coniecture by the picture this was some cubit high hauing a straight stalke sufficiently slender diuided into many branches or rather branched leaues almost like those of Ferne but far finer bending their tops like the branches of the Palme of a yellowish colour the top of the stalk adorned with lesser leaues ended in certaine scales or cloues framed into a head which are found to containe no other seed than tender plants already formed in shape like to the old one which falling sinke to the bottome of the sea and there take root and grow and so become of the same magnitude as the old one from whence they came The stalke is fastned with most slender and more than capillarie fibres in stead of a root not vpon rocks and Oister shells as most other sea plants are but vpon sand or mud in the bottome of the sea this stalke when it is drie is no lesse brittle than glasse or Coralline but greene and yet growing it is as tough and flexible as Spartum or Matweed ¶ The Place It groweth in the deepest streames of the Illyrian sea whence the Fishermen draw it forth with hooks and other instruments which they call Sperne The whole plant though dried retains the faculties ¶ The Names The Italian Fishermen call it Penachio delle Ninfe and Palma de Nettuno some also Scettro di Nettuno ¶ The Vertues They say it is good against the virulent bites of the Sea serpents and the venomous stings or prickes of Fishes Applied to small greene wounds it cures them in the space of 24 houres Cortusus writ that he had made triall thereof for the killing and voiding of wormes and that he found it to be of no lesse efficacie than any Coralline and that giuen in lesse quantitie CHAP. 24. Of the Sea Fan. ¶ The Description THis elegant shrub groweth vpon the rockes of the sea where it is sometimes couered with the water in diuers places for it hath been brought both from the East and West Indies and as I haue been informed it is to be found in great plenty vpon the rocks at the Burmuda Isles Clusius Frutex marinus reticulatus Sea Fan. calls it Frutex Marinus elegantissimus and thinkes it may be referred to the Palma Marina of Theophrastus Bauhine hath referred it to the Corallina's calling it Corallina cortice reticulato maculoso purpurascente It growes vp somtimes to the height of three foot hauing a stalke some handfull or two high before it part into branches then is it diuided into three foure or more branches which are subdiuided into infinite other lesser strings which are finely interwouen and ioyned together as if they were netted yet leauing sometimes bigger otherwhiles lesser holes and these twiggy branches become smaller and smaller the farther they are from the root and end as it were in smal threds these branches grow not vp on euerie side as in other plants but flat one besides another so that the whole plant resembles a fan or a cabbage leafe eaten full of holes yet somtimes vpon the sides come forth other such fanne-like branches some bigger some lesse sometimes one or two otherwhiles more The inner substance of this Sea-Fan is a blackish tough and hard wood and it is all couered ouer with a rough 〈◊〉 like stony matter of a reddish or purplish colour and this you may with your naile or a knife scrape off 〈◊〉 the smooth and blacke wood I know no vse of this but it is kept for the beauty and raritie thereof by many louers of such curiosities amongst which for the rarenesse of the structure this may hold a prime place CHAP. 25. Of China and Bastard China ¶ The Description THis root which is brought from the remotest parts of the world and is in frequent vse with vs hath not been knowne in Europe little aboue fourescore and ten yeares for Garcias ab Orta the Portugall Physition writes That he came to the first knowledge thereof in the East Indies in the yeare 1535 and that by this meanes as he relates it It hapned saith he that about that time a merchant in the Isle Diu told the noble gentleman Sr. Mart. Alfonso de 〈◊〉 my Patron by what meanes he was cured of the French Poxes which was by a certaine root brought from China whose faculties he much extolled because such as vsed it needed not obserue so strict a diet as was requisit in the vse of Guajacum but should onely abstaine from Beefe Porke Fish and crude fruits but
makes 〈◊〉 kindes the blacke and the white which he saith is the better so I iudge his blacke to be the Indian of Dioscorides and his white the Arabian Much agreeable to these but whether the same or no I do not determine are the two roots whose figures I here present to your view and they are called by the names of 〈◊〉 dulcis I thinke they should haue said odoratus and Costus amarus 1 The first of these which rather from the small than taste is called sweet is a pretty large root light white and well smelling hauing the smell of Orris or a violet but somewhat more quick and 〈◊〉 especially if the root be fresh and not too old it is oft times diuided at the top into two three or more parts from whence seuerall stalks haue growne and you shall somtimes obserue vpon some of them pieces of these stalks some two or three inches long of the thickenesse of ones little finger crested and filled with a soft pith like as the stalks of Elder or more like those of the Bur-docke the taste of the root is bitter with some acrimonie which also Dioscorides requires in his for he saith the taste should be biting and hot thus much for the first being 〈◊〉 dulcis of the shoppes 1 Costus Indicus sive odoratus Indian or sweet smelling Costus 2 Costus Officinarum Lobelij Bitter Costus 2 The second which is the Costus amarus and it may be the Indian of Dioscorides and Niger of Pliny 〈◊〉 root blacke both within and without light yet very dense It seemes to be of some large root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is brought ouer cut into large pieces of the bignesse of ones finger sometimes bigger some 〈◊〉 lesse which it seemes is for the more conuenient drying thereof for a large root vnlesse it be 〈◊〉 into pieces can scarcely be wel dried the taste of this is bitter somewhat clammy and ingrate 〈◊〉 smell is little or none There are 〈◊〉 other roots which haue been set forth by late writers for Costus but because they are neither in 〈◊〉 knowne here with vs nor more agreeable to the descriptions of the Antients I hastening to an 〈◊〉 am willing to passe them ouer in silence ¶ The Temperature and Vertues out of the Antients It hath a heating 〈◊〉 attenuating facultie and therefore was vsed 〈◊〉 oile to annoint the bodie against the cold fits of 〈◊〉 the Sciatica and when it was needfull to draw any thing to the superficies of the body It is also conuenient to moue vrine to procure the termes to help strains convulsions or cramps and paines in the sides and by reason of the bitternesse it kills wormes It is good to be drunke against the bite of the viper against paines of the chest and windinesse of the stomacke taken in Wine with Worme-wood and it is vsed to be put into sundrie Antidotes CHAP. 27. Of Drakes root or Contra-yerua ¶ The Description THat root which of late is knowne in some shops by the Spanish name Contra-yerua is the same which Clusius hath set forth by the title of Drakena radix wherefore I will giue you the historie of Clusius and thereto adde that which Monrdus writes of the Contra-yerua For though Bauhine and the Author of the Historia Lugdunensis seeme to make these different yet I finde that both Clusius his figure and historie exactly agree with the roots sent vs from Spaine by that title wherefore I shall make them one till some shall shew me how they differ and Clusius seemes to be of this minde also who desired but the degree of heate which Monardus giues these and that is but the second degree now these haue no taste at the first vntill you haue chewed them a pretty while and then you shall finde a manifest heate and acrimonie in them which Clusius did also obserue in his In the yeare saith Clusius 1581. the generous Knight Sir Francis Drake gaue me at London certain roots with three or foure Peruvian Beazor stones which in the Autumne before hauing finished his voyage wherein passing the Straights of Magellan he had encompassed the World he had brought with him affirming them to be of high esteeme amongst the Peruvians now for his sake that bestowed these roots vpon me I haue giuen them the title Drakena radix or Drakes root and haue made them to be expressed in a table as you may here see them 1 〈◊〉 Contra-yerua 2 〈◊〉 Drakenae affinis Another sort of Contra-yerua These roots were for the most part some halfe inch thick longish now and then bunching out into knots and vnequall heads and their tops looked as if they were composed of thicke scales almost like those of the Dentaria enneaphyllos blackish without wrinckled and hard because dried their inner part was white they had slender fibres here and there growing out of them and some more thicke and large hard also and tough at which hung other knots I obserued no manifest smel they had but found them to haue a taste somewhat astringent drying the tongue at the first but being long chewed they left a quicke and pleasing acrimonie in the mouth It seemed to haue great affinitie with the Radix S. 〈◊〉 whereof Nic. Monardus speakes in his booke of the Simple Medicines brought from the West Indies but seeing N. Eliot who accompanied Sr. Fran. Drake in that voyage said that the Spaniards in Peru had them in great request and they could not easily be got of them and that he had learned by them that the leaues were present poison but the root an antidote and that not only against the same poison but also against other and that it strengthned the heart and vitall faculties if it were beaten to pouder and taken in the morning in a little wine and giuen in water it mitigated the heat of Feuers By reason of these faculties it should much agree with the Radix Contra 〈◊〉 whereof Monardus writes in the same booke yet in these I required the aromaticke taste and degree of heate which he attributes vnto these roots Thus much Clus. From Charcis a Prouince of Peru saith Monard are brought certaine roots very like the roots of Iris but lesse and hauing the smell of Fig leaues The Spaniards that liue in the Indies call them Contra-yerua as if you should say an Antidote against poison because the pouder of them taken in white Wine is a most present remedy against all poison of what kinde soeuer it be only sublimate excepted whose malignitie is onely extinguished by the drinking of milke it causes them to bee cast vp by vomite or euacuated by sweat They also say that Philtres or amorous potions are cast forth by drinking this pouder It also killeth wormes in the belly The root chewed hath a certain aromaticke taste ioined with acrimony wherefore it seemes hot in the second degree Thus farre Monardus 2 Clusius Exot. l. 4. c. 11. being the next after Drakena radix describes this root
Lobell calls Alismapusillum Angustifolium muricatum and in the Hist. Lugd. it is called Damasonium stellatum ‡ The third is named Plantago aquatical humilis that is the low water Plantaine ‡ I thinke it fit here to restore this plant to his antient dignitie that is his names and titles wherewith he was anciently 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides and Pliny The former whereof calls it by sundry names and all very significant and proper as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thus many are Greek and therefore ought not to be reiected as they haue been by some without either reason or authoritie For the barbarous names we can say nothing now it is said to be called Limonium because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it growes in wet or ouerflowen medowes it is called Neuroides because the leafe is composed of diuers strings or fibres running from the one end thereof to the other as in Plantain which therfore by Dioscordies is termed by the same reason 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Also it may be as fitly termed Lonchitis sor the similitude which the leafe hath to the top or head of a lance which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies as that other plant described by Dios. lib. 3. cap. 161. for that the seed a lesse eminent part resembles the same thing And for Potamogeiton which signifies a neighbour to the Riuer or water I thinke it loues the water aswell and is as neere a neighbour to it as that which takes it's name from thence and is described by Dioscorides lib. 4. cap. 101. Now to come to Pliny lib. 20. cap. 8. he calls it Beta silvestris Limonion and Neuroides the two later namesare out of Dioscorides and I shall shew you where also you shall finde the former in him Thus much I thinke might serue for the vindication of my assertion sor I dare boldly affirme that no late writer can fit all these names to any other plant and that makes me more to wonder that all our late Herbarists as Matthiolus Dodonaeus 〈◊〉 Caesalpinus Daleschampius but aboue all Pena and Lobell who Aduers pag. 126. call it to question should not allow this plant to be Limonium especially seing that Anguillara had before or in their time asserted it so to be but whether he gaue any reasons or no for his assertion I cannot tell because I could neuer by any meanes get his Opinions but only finde by Bauhine his Pinax that such was his opinion hereof But to returne from whence I digrest I will giue you Dioscorides his description and a briefe explanation thereof and so desist it is thus It hath leaues like a Beet thinner and larger 10. or more a stalke slender straight and as tall as that of a Lilly and full of seeds of an astringent taste The leaues of this you see are larger than those of a Beet and thin and as I formerly told you in the names neruous which to be so may be plainely gathered by Dioscorides his words in the description of white Hellebore whose leaues he compares to the leaues of Plantaine and the wilde Beet now there is no wild Beet mentioned by any of the Antients but only this by Pliny in the place 〈◊〉 quoted nor no leafe more fit to compare those of white Hellebore to than those of water Plantaine especially sor the nerues and fibres that run alongst the leaues the stalke also of this is but slender considering the height and it growes straight and as high as that of a Lilly with the top plentirifully stored with astringent seed so that no one note is wanting in this nor scarse any to be found in the other plants that many haue of late set forth for Limonium ‡ ¶ The Nature Water Plantaine is cold and dry of temperature ¶ The Vertues The leaues of water Plantaine as some Authors report are good to be laid vpon the legs of such as are troubled with the Dropsie and hath the same propertie that the land Plantaine hath ‡ Dioscordies and Galen commend the seed hereof giuen in Wine against 〈◊〉 Dysenteries the spitting of bloud and ouermuch flowing of womens termes Pliny saith the leaues are good against burnes ‡ CHAP. 97. Of Land Plantaine 1 Plantago latifolia Broad leaued Plantaine 2 Plantago incana Hoarie Plantaine ¶ The Description 1 AS the Greekes haue called some kindes of Herbes Serpents tongue Dogs tongue and Oxe tongue so haue they termed a kind of Plantaine Arnoglosson which is as if you should say Lambes tongue very well knowne vnto all by reason of the great commoditie and plenty thereof growing euery where and therefore it is needlesse to spend time about them The greatnesse and fashion of the leaues hath been the cause of the varieties and diuersities of their names 2 The second is like the first kinde and differeth in that that this kinde of Plantaine hath greater but shorter spikes or knaps and the leaues are of an hoarie or ouerworne greene colour the stalkes are likewise hoary and hairy 3 The small Plantaine hath many tender leaues ribbed like vnto the great Plantaine and is very like in each respect vnto it sauing that it is altogether lesser 4 The spiked Rose Plantaine hath very few leaues narrower than the leaues of the second kinde of Plantaine sharper at the ends and further growing one from another It beareth a very double floure vpon a short stem like a rose of a greenish colour tending to yellownesse The seed groweth vpon a spikie tuft aboue the highest part of the plant notwithstanding it is but very low in respect of the other Plantaines aboue mentioned 4 Plantago Rosea spicata Spiked Rose Plantaine 5 Plantago Rosea exotica Strange Rose Plantaine ‡ 6 Plantago panniculis sparsis Plantaine with spoky tufts 5 The fifth kinde of Plantaine hath beene a stranger in England and elsewhere vntill the impression hereof The cause why I say so is the want of consideration of the beauty which is in this plant wherein it excelleth all the other Moreouer because that it hath not bin written of or recorded before this present time though plants of lesser moment haue beene very curiously set forth This plant hath leaues like vnto them of the former and more orderly spred vpon the ground like a Rose among which rise vp many small stalks like the other plantaines hauing at the top of euery one a fine double Rose altogether vnlike the former of an hoary or rusty greene colour ‡ I take this set forth by our Author to be the same with that which Clusius receiued from Iames Garret the yonger from London and therefore I giue you the figure thereof in this place together with this addition to the historie out of Clusius That some of the heads are like those of the former Rose Plantaine other some are spike fashion and some haue a spike growing as it were out of the midst of the Rose and some heads are otherwise shaped also the whole plant is more hoary than the common Rose
Plantaine 6 This plantain must not here be forgot though it be somwhat hard to be found his leaues roots and stalkes are like those of the ordinarie but in stead of a compact spike it hath one much diuided after the manner as you see it here expressed in the figure and the colour thereof is greenish ‡ ¶ The Place The greater Plantaines do grow almost euery where The lesser Plantaine is found on the sea coasts and bankes of great 〈◊〉 which are sometimes washed with brackish water ‡ The Rose Plantaines grow with vs in gardens and the sixth with spokie tufts groweth in some places in the Isle of Tenet where I first found it being in company with Mr. Thomas 〈◊〉 Mr. Leonard Buckner and other London Apothecaries Anno 1632. ‡ ¶ The Time They are to be seene from Aprill vnto September ¶ The Names Plantaine is called in Latine Plantago and in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Arnoglossa that is to say Lambes tongue the Apothecaries keepe the Latine name in Italian Plantagine and Plantagine in Spanish 〈◊〉 the Germanes 〈◊〉 in Low-Dutch 〈◊〉 in English Plantain and Weybred in French Plantain ¶ The Temperature Plantaine as Galen faith is of a mixt temperature for it hath in it a certaine waterie coldnesse with a little harshnesse earthy dry and cold therefore they are cold and dry in the second degree To be briefe they are dry without biting and cold without benumming The root is of like temperature but drier and not so cold The seed is of subtill parts and of temperature lesse cold ¶ The Vertues Plantaine is good for vlcers that are of hard curation for fluxes issues rheumes and rottennesse and for the bloudy flix it stayeth bleeding it heales vp hollow sores and vlcers as well old as new Of all the Plantaines the greatest is the best and excelleth the rest in facultie and vertue The iuyce or decoction of Plantaine drunken stoppeth the bloudy flix and all other fluxes of the belly stoppeth the pissing of bloud spitting of bloud and all other issues of bloud in man or woman and the desire to vomit Plantaine leaues stamped and made into a Tansie with the yelkes of egges stayeth the inordinate flux of the termes although it haue continued many yeares The root of Plantaine with the seed boyled in white Wine and drunke openeth the conduits or passages of the liuer and kidnies cures the jaundice and vlcerations of the kidnies and 〈◊〉 The juyce dropped in the eyes doth coole the heat and inflammation thereof I finde in ancient Writers many good-morrowes which I thinke not meet to bring into your memorie againe as that three roots will cure one griefe foure another disease six hanged about the necke are good for another maladie c. all which are but ridiculous toyes The leaues are singular good to make a water to wash a sore throat or mouth or the priuy parts of a man or woman The leaues of Plantaine stamped and put into Oyle Oliue and set in the hot Sun for a moneth together and after boyled in a kettle of seething water which we doe call Balneum Mariae and then strained preuaileth against the paines in the eares the yard or matrix being dropped into the eares or cast with a syringe into the other parts before rehearsed or the paines of the fundament proued by a learned Gentleman Mr. William Godowrus Sergeant Surgeon to the Queenes Maiestie CHAP. 98. Of Rib-wort ¶ The Description 1 RIb-wort or small Plantaine hath many leaues flat spred vpon the ground narrow sharp pointed and ribbed for the most part with fiue nerues or sinewes and therefore it was called Quinque-neruia in the middle of which leaues riseth vp a crested or ribbed stalke bearing at the top a darke or dusky knap set with a few such white floures as are the floures of wheat The root and other parts are like the other Plantaines ‡ There is another lesse kinde of this Rib-wort which differs not from the last mentioned in any thing but the smallnesse thereof ‡ 2 Rose Rib-wort hath many broad and long leaues of a darke greene colour sharpe pointed and 〈◊〉 with fiue nerues or sinewes like the common Rib-wort amongst which rise vp naked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chamfered or crested with certaine sharpe edges at the top whereof groweth a great and large tuft of such leaues as those are that grow next the ground making one entire tuft or vmbel in shape resembling the rose wherof I thought good to giue it his syrname Rose which is from his floure ‡ This also I think differs not from that of Clusius wherefore I giue his figure in the place of that set forth by our Author ‡ 1 Plantago quinqueneruia Ribwort Plantaine 2 Plantago quinqueneruiarosea Rose Ribwort ¶ The Place Ribwort groweth almost euery where in the borders of path-wayes and fertile fields Rose Ribwort is not very common in any place notwithstanding it groweth in my garden and wilde also in the North parts of England and in a field neere London by a village called Hogsdon found by a learned merchant of London Mr. Iames Cole a louer of plants and very skilfull in the knowledge of them ¶ The Time They floure and flourish when the other Plantaines do ¶ The Names Ribwort is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Plantago minor Quin queneruia and Lanceola or Lanceolata in high Dutch Spitziger Wegrich in French Lanceole in Low-Dutch Hondtsribbe that is to say in Latine Costa canina or Dogs rib in English Ribwort and Ribwort Plantaine The second I haue thought meet to cal Rose Ribwort in English and Quinqueneruiarosea in Latine ¶ The Temperature Ribwort is cold and dry in the second degree as are the Plantains ¶ The Vertues The vertues are referred to the kindes of Plantaines CHAP. 99. Of Sea Plantaines 1 Holosteum Salamanticum Flouring sea Plantaine 2 Holosteum parvum Small sea Plantaine 3 Plantago marina Sea Plantaine ¶ The Description 1 CArolus Clusius that excellent Herbarist hath referred these two sorts of Holosteum vnto the kindes of Sea Plantaine The first hath long leaues like the common Rib-wort but narrower couered with some hairinesse or wollinesse among which there riseth vp a stalke bearing at the top a spike like the kindes of Plantaine beset with many small floures of an herby colour declining to whitenesse The seed is like that of the Plantaine the root is long and wooddy This floures in Aprill or May. 2 The second is like the former but smaller and not so gray or hoary the floures are like to Coronopus or the lesser Ribwort This floures at the same time as the former 3 The third kinde which is the sea Plantaine hath small and narrow leaues like Bucks-horn but without any manisest incisure cuttings or notches vpon the one side among which riseth vp a spikie stalke like the common kinde but smaller ‡ 4 Holosteum siue Leontopodium Creticum Candy Lyons
the wound it is reported to stay the bleeding The Physitions of our age do commend the floures of white Nymphaea against the insirmities of the head which come of a hot cause and do certainely 〈◊〉 that the root of the yellow cureth hot diseases of the kidnies and bladder and is singular good against the running of the reines The root and seed of the great water Lillie is very good against venery or fleshly desire if one do drinke the decoction thereof or vse the seed or root in powder in his meates for it dryeth vp the seed of generation and so causeth a man to be chast especially vsed in broth with flesh The conserue of the floures is good for the diseases aforesaid and is good also against hot burning feuers The floures being made into oile as yee do make oile of roses doth coole and refrigerate causing sweate and quiet sleepe and putteth away all venereous dreames the temples of the head and palmes of the hands and feet and the brest being annointed for the one and the genitors 〈◊〉 and about them for the other The greene leaues of the great water Lillie either the white or the yellow laid vpon the region of the backe in the small mightily cease the inuoluntary flowing away of the seed called Gonorrhaea or running of the raines being two or three times a day remooued and fresh applied thereto CHAP. 297. Of Pond-weed or water Spike 1 Potamogeiton latifolium Broad leafed Pondweed 2 Potamogeiton angustifolium Narrow leafed Pondweed ¶ The Description 1 POnd-weed hath little stalkes slender spreading like those of the vine and jointed the leaues be long smaller than the leaues of Plantaine and harder with manifest veines runniug alongst them as in Plantains which standing vpon slender and long stems or foot-stalkes shew themselues aboue the water and lie flat along vpon the superficiall or vpper part thereof as do the leaues of the water Lillie the floures grow in short eares and are of a light red purple colour like those of Red-shankes or Bistort the seed is hard ‡ 2 This whose figure was formerly vnfitly put by our Authour to the following description hath longer narrower and sharper pointed leaues than those of the last described hauing the veines running from the middle rib to the sides of the leaues as in a willow leafe which they somewhat resemble at the tops of the stalkes grow reddish spikes or eares like those of the last described the root is long jointed and fibrous ‡ ‡ 3 Potamogeiton 3 Dodonaei Small Pondweed ‡ 4 Potamogeiton longis acutis folijs Long sharpe leaued Pondweed 3 There is another Pondweed described thus it shooteth forth into many slender and round stems which are distributed into sundry branches his leaues are broad long and sharpe pointed yet much lesse than the first kinde out of the bosomes of the branches and leaues there spring certaine little stalkes which beare sundry small white mossie floures which doe turne into plaine and round seeds like the common Tare or Vetch his root is fibrous throughly fastened in the ground ‡ 4 There is also another Pondweed which hath whitish and jointed roots creeping in the bottome of the water and sending downe some fibres but sending vp slender jointed and long stalkes small below and bigger aboue hauing long narrow and very stiffe shrape pointed leaues The floures grow in a reddish spike like those of the first described This is the Potamogeiton 〈◊〉 of Dodonaeus ‡ ¶ The Place These herbes do grow in standing waters pooles ponds and ditches almost euery where ¶ The Time They do floure in Iune and Iuly ¶ The Names It is called of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine 〈◊〉 and Spicata in high Dutch 〈◊〉 in low Dutch 〈◊〉 in French Espi d'caue in English Pondweed and water Spike ¶ The Temperature Pondweed saith Galen doth binde and coole like as doth Knot-grasse but his 〈◊〉 is thicker than that of Knot-grasse ¶ The Vertues It is good against the itch and consuming or eating Vlcers as Dioscorides writeth Also it is good being applied to the inflammation of the legges wherein Ignis sacer hath gotten the superioritie CHAP. 298. Of Water Saligot water Caltrops or water Nuts ¶ The Description 1 WAter Caltrops haue long slender stalkes growing vp and rising from the bottome of the water and mounting aboue the same the root is long hauing here and there vnder the water certaine tassels full of small strings and threddie haires the stem towards the top of the water is very great in respect of that which is lower the leaues are large and somewhat round not vnlike those of the Poplar or Elme tree leaues a little creuised or notched about the edges amongst and vnder the leaues groweth the fruit which is triangled hard sharpe pointed and prickly in shape like those hurtfull engines in the warres cast in the passage of the enemie to annoy the feet of their horses called Caltrops whereof this tooke its name within these heads or Nuts is contained a white kernell in taste almost like the 〈◊〉 nut which is reported to be eaten greene and being dried and ground to serue in stead of bread ‡ There are two other plants which are found growing in many ponds and ditches of this kingdome both about London and else-where and I will here giue you the figures out of Lobel and Clusius and their descriptions as they were sent me by Mr. Goodyer who hath saued me the labour of describing them Tribulus aquaticus minor quercus floribus Clus. p. 252. Pusillum 〈◊〉 pathum Lobelij 2 This water herbe bringeth forth from the root thin flat knottie stalkes of a reddish colour two or three cubits long or longer according to the depth of the water which when they are dire are pliant and bowing diuided towards the top into many parts or branches bearing but one leafe at euery ioint sometimes two inches long and halfe an inch broad thin and as it were shining so wrinckled and crompled by the sides that it seemeth to be torne of a reddish greene colour the foot-stalkes are something long and thicke and rise vp from amongst those leaues which alwaies grow two one opposit against another in a contrarie manner to those that grow below on the stalk neere the top of which foot-stalke groweth small grape-like huskes out of which spring very small reddish floures like those of the Oke euery floure hauing foure very small round topped leaues after euery floure commeth commonly foure sharpe pointed graines growing together containing within them a little white kernell The lower part of the stalke hath at euery ioint small white threddie roots somewhat long whereby it taketh hold in the mudde and draweth nourishment vnto it The whole plant is commonly couered ouer with water It floureth in Iune and the beginning of Iuly I found it in the standing pooles or fish-ponds adioyning to a dissolued Abbey called Durford which ponds diuide Hampshire and Suffex and in other