you would know which end serueth for the one and the other certaine it is that the bigger and thicker part of the grain yeeldeth root and the smaller the greene blade In all other seeds there is no such diuersitie for from one and the same end breaketh our both root and greene blade All kind of corn carying spike or eare called Frumenta shew nothing but the green blade during winter howbeit no sooner commeth the spring but they begin to grow vp into straw and to spindle vpward pointwise I meane all that be of the winter kind But Millet and Panick run vp into an hollow stem full of knots and ioynts and Sesama by it self into a kex or hollow stem in maner of fenell and such like The fruit or seed of all graine that is sowne or set is contained within eares as we see in bearded wheat and barley and the same is defended as it were with a palisaide of eales disposed square in foure rankes or is inclosed within long cods and husks as the Pulse kind or els lieth in little cups as Sesame and Poppie Millet and Panick only put forth their fruit grape-wise and openly without any partitions and defences so as their seed is exposed to the little birds of the aire for no otherwise are they defended than within small skins and thin huls And as for Panick it taketh the name of certain panicles or chats hanging from the top thereof whereby the head bendeth and leaneth downward as if it were weake and wearie of the burden The stem or stalk thereof groweth smaller and smaller and pointed vpward insomuch as by little and little it runneth vp in maner of a little sprig or sion and there you shall see a number of seeds or grains clustered together thicke insomuch as they are somtimes bunched with an head a good foot long As touching the Millet the head thereof bearing seed round about is bent likewise and curbed beset also with fringes as it were of hairy fillets But to return to Panick againe there be sundry sorts thereof for some of it is found with a tuft or bunch from which depend certain small clustered chats or panicles the same also hath two knaps or heads and this is called Mammosum as one would say the Panick with bigs or dugs Moreouer you shall haue Panick seed of sundry colours white blacke and red yea and purple Of Mill or Millet there be diuers sorts of bread made in many places but of panick it is not so common howbeit there is no grain more ponderous and weighty than it or which in the seething or baking swelleth and riseth more for out of one Modius or pecke thereof there is ordinarily made 60 pound of dough for bread Moreouer take but 3 sextares or quarts of it being steeped and it will yeeld a measure called Modius of thicke gruel or batter called in Latine Puls It is not fully ten yeres since there was a kind of Millet brought out of India into Italy and the same was of colour black the seed or grain in quantitie big and faire and for stem like vnto a reed It riseth vp in height seuen foot the stalks are mighty and great some call them Lobae or Phobae Of all sorts of corne it is most fruitfull and yeeldeth greatest increase for of one grain a man shal haue 3 sextars or quarts again But it loueth yea 〈◊〉 to be sown in a moist soile Moreouer some kinds of spiked corn begin to spindle and gather eare at the third ioynt others at the fourth but there it lieth as yet hidden and inclosed Now as touching these 〈◊〉 wheat beareth vsually foure beere Barly six and the common sprit Barly eight which is wel 〈◊〉 be considered for no corn vseth to spier before it be fully knotted or iointed in maner abouesaid And so soon as the said spier sheweth some hope of an eare within 4 or fiue daies after at the most they begin to bloum and in as many dayes space or little more they will haue done and shed their floures And yet I must needs say that all sorts of barley are a seuen-night at the vtmost in so doing Varro saith that in foure times 9 daies this kind of corn commeth to perfection but it ought to stay nine moneths before it be ripe for to be reaped and mowne downe As for Beanes after they be set or cast into the ground first they put forth leafe and afterward stalk that shooteth vp euen without any partition of ioynts or knots between All other pulse besides the Bean haue a more sollid and wooddy substance in the straw Of which the Chich pease the Ervile and Lentils doe spred forth in branches And some of them runne so low that they creep along the ground vnlesse they be born vp and supported with some props as for example Pease which help if they misse they proue the worse for it Of all manner of Pulse the Bean alone and Lupine beare but one single stalke apiece the rest doe branch into very small sprigs or tendrils Howbeit none of them but their stalke or straw is fistulous and hollow in maner of reeds Some pulse put out leaues presently from the root others again from the top or head only wheat and Barly both the one and the other and what corn soeuer standeth vpon a stalk beareth one leafe in the head or top thereof But the leaues of Barly are rough wheras in other corn they be smooth Contrariwise Beanes Chiches and Pease haue many leaues In spiked corn the leafe resembleth that which groweth to reeds in beans they be round and so likewise in the most kinds of puls how beit in pease and Ervile we see they be somwhat longer The leaues of Fasels or Kidney beanes are ribbed and full of veines of Sesama and Irio they be red and resemble bloud The Lupines only and the Poppies do shed their leaues All pulse is long in the bloom and namely Ervile and the Cich pease but Beans continue longest euen for the space of 40 daies together howbeit euery single stalk beareth not bloom so long but thus it is as one hath done and giuen ouer another beginneth afresh Neither bloumeth the whole field at once as spiked corn doth Also all kinds of Pulse doe cod at sundrie times and not vpon the same day beginning first at the bottome and so likewise the floure riseth vp higher by little and little All corne growing in spike or eare so soone as it hath done blooming waxeth big and strong and commeth to maturitie within forty daies at the farthest so doth Beanes also but the Cich pease receiueth her full perfection in very few daies for from the time that it was first sowed it groweth to be ripe in forty daies Millet Panick Sesame and all Summer corn haue their full ripenesse forty daies after their blooming But herein there is great diuersitie according to the clyme and the soile in which respects corne
also called in Latine Daucum is a good remedy for the pain in the head Moreouer the foresaid herb or root Cyclaminos if it be mixed with hony and put vp as an errhin or nasal into the nosthrils purgeth the brain the same brought into an ointment healeth the scalls and sores in the head Of the like operation is Veruain which they cal in Greek Peristereos The wild Caraway named Cacalia or Leontine beareth certain grains resembling smal seed pearls which a man shal see hanging between the leaues which be big large and it groweth lightly vpon hils take 15 of these grains or seeds steep them well in oile and make therof a liniment it is passing good to rub and annoint the head withall so it be done vpward against the haire Furthermore the herb Callitriche is singular good to prouoke sneezing it beareth leaues much like vnto those of Lentils or Ducks meat the stalks be very small like sine bents and the root is as little it delighteth to grow in coole shady and moist grounds and is of a sharp and hot tast For the lowsie disease wherein lice and such vermin crawle in exceeding abundance all ouer the head there is not a better medicine than an ointment made of hyssope and oyle stamped and incorporat together the same likewise killeth the itch in the head Now the best hyssop is that of Cilicia growing vpon the mountaine Taurus and in a second degree there is reckoning made of that which commeth out of Pamphylia and Smyrna An herb this is nothing friendly to the stomack being taken with figs it purgeth downward with hony by vomit howbeit stamped with hony salt and cumin and so reduced into a plaster it is thought to be a proper remedy for the sting of serpents Lonchitis is not the same herb as most men haue thought that Xiphion or Phasganion although the seed be pointed like to a speare head for it beareth leaues resembling leeke blades which toward the root be red and more in number than about the stem it selfe it carrieth little heads in the top made after the fashion of maskes or visors such as players in Comoedies are wont to weare lilling out pretty little tongues and the roots be exceeding long yet it groweth in drie grounds far from water Contrariwise Xiphion or Phasganion delighteth in waterish and moist places at the first comming vp it maketh a shew of a sword blade the stem riseth vp to the heigth of two cubits the root hath beards or fringes as it were hanging about it and is in fashion shaped to a filberd nut which ought to be digged out of the ground before haruest and to be dried in the shade the vpper part of this root for it groweth double stamped with Frankincense and mixed with wine of equal weight and so made into a salue draweth out the spills or broken scales in the brain-pan or scull the same is good likewise to draw any impostume that is broken and to fetch out corruption in any part of the body and it is singular for the bones that be broken and crushed vnder cart or waggon wheels lastly the same is an effectuall remedy against poisons But to returne againe to the head ach the said Ellebore boiled either in common oile or els in oile rosat and applied in manner of a liniment doth assuage the same so doth Peucedanum i. Hare-strange being incorporat in oile of roses and vineger The same also being laied vnto the head warm doth mitigat the pain called the migram when as the one half of the head doth ake and it cureth beside the dizzinesse of the braine The root of Peucedanum made into an ointment and vsed accordingly prouoketh sweat by reason of the hot nature that it hath which is burning and causticke The herb Fleawort which some cal Psyllion others Cynoides Chrystallion Sicelion and Cynomyia hath a small root whereof there is little or no vse in Physick The branches that it bringeth forth be slender and pliable in manner of vine shoots bearing in the top certain big berries or knobs like vnto beans the leaues not vnlike to dogs heads the seed resembleth dogs fleas whereupon it hath that name Cynomyia and the same lieth within the foresaid berries The herb it selfe is ordinarily growing in vineyards of great vertue it is to refrigerat and to discusse or resolue withall but the seed it is which yeeldeth most vse in Physicke and the same is applied in a frontall to the forehead and temples with vineger and oile of roses or else with vineger and water together for to allay the paine of the head For other accidents when it is applied in forme of a liniment the manner is to take the measure of one acetable and to infuse it in a sextar of water vntill it gather together into a thicke and clammie substance then it would be stamped and the mucilage or slime drawne out thereof serueth for any paine impostume and inflammation Ouer and besides Aristolochia is a singular herb for the wounds of the head it draweth forth broken bones and spils in any part of the head and so doth Pistolochia To conclude there is an herb called Thysselium not vnlike to garden Parsley the root whereof if it be but chewed in the mouth purgeth the head of phlegmaticke humours CHAP. XII ¶ Receits for the diseases of the eies made of Centaurie Celendine Panaces Henbane and Euphorbium IT is thought that the Rha-pontick which is the greater Centaurie helpeth the eie-sight verie much if a fomentation be made therewith and water together The juice of the lesse Centaurie tempered with hony and applied helpeth the imperfections of the eies namely when there seeme gnats to flie before them or when they are ouer cast with a cloud for it scattereth the dimnesse and web which darkeneth the sight and doth subtiliate the cataract or cicatrices that ouergrow the ball or apple The herbe Sideritis is so appropriate vnto the eies that it cureth the verie haw that groweth in horses eies But so excellent is the herbe Celendine that it passeth them all and is a soueraigne medicine for all such imperfections The root of Panaces mixed with parched or fried barly meale maketh a good cataplasme for to represse the rheume of watery and weeping eies And there is a singular drink commended for the staying of such humors made of Henbane seed one obulus of Opium or the juice of Poppy and wine as much Some put therto the like quantity of the juice of Gentian which also they vsed to mingle with collyries and eie-salues that require some sharpnesse and acrimony in stead of the foresaid Opium or Poppy juice Moreouer Euphorbium clarifies the eie-sight if there be an inunction made therewith For bleered eies it is good to drop the juice of Plantain into them As for the thick mists that hinder the eie-sight Aristolochia doth discusse and resolue them The herb Iberis bound vnto the
the greater King Iuba saith that this cotton groweth about the branches of the said trees and that the linnens made therof be farbetter than those of the Indians As for those trees in Arabia whereof they make their linnen cloth he affirmeth that they be called Cynae and haue leaues like the Date tree Thus you see how the Indians be clad with trees of their own In those Islands called Tyli there is another tree which beareth a blossome much like the floure of a White Violet or Scock-gillofre but foure times as big which may seeme strange in that tract And yet there is another Tree not vnlike to it howbeit fuller of leaues and bearing a blossome like to a Damaske or incarnate Rose This floure shutteth close in the night beginneth to open in the morning at the Sun-rising and by noone sheweth out at the full The inhabitants haue a by-word and saying among them That it sleepes all night and wakes in the morning The same Island bringeth forth Date trees Oliue trees Vines and amongst other fruits Figges also No Trees there doe shed their leaues for the Island is well watered with cold and quicke-springs and besides it hath the benefit of raine As touching Arabia which lieth neere and bordereth vpon these Islands the spices and odoriferous fruits that be therein are to be treated of with distinction for their merchandise doth consist of roots branches barke juice or liquor gums and rosins wood twigs floures leaues and apple CHAP. XII ¶ Of Costus Spike-nard and the diuers kindes of Nard BVt the root and leafe be of greatest price in India And first and formost the root of Costus bites and burns in the mouth and is of a most excellent and soueraigne smell for otherwise the branches or body of the shrub is good for little or nothing In the Island Patale which lieth at the very first fosse and mouth where the riuer Indus falleth into the sea there be found two kindes thereof namely the black and the white which is counted the better A pound of Costus is held at 16 Roman deniers As touching the leafe of Nardus it were good that we discoursed therof at large seeing that it is one of the principall ingredients aromaticall that go to the making of most costly precious ointments The plant it selfe Nardus hath a massie heauy thick root but short black and brittle notwithstanding that it be fatty and oleous Soone it vinoweth and catcheth a kind of mustinesse and like to the Cypresse or Cyperus it hath a sharp tast rough and smal leaues but comming thick The head of Nardus spreads into certain spikes or eares whereby it hath a twofold vse both of spike and also of leaf in which regard it is so famous A second sort there is of it growing along the riuer Ganges condemned altogether as good for nothing for it hath a strong and stinking sauor whereupon it is called Ozaenitis There is an herbe growing euery where called Pseudonardus or bastard Nard which is obtruded vnto vs and sold for the true Spikenard A thicker leafe it hath and a broader than the other the colour is more pallat and weak inclining to white Also the very root of the right Nard for to make the better weight is mingled with gums with Litharge of siluer Antimony or the rind of Cyperus But the good sincere true Nard is known by the lightnes red colour sweet smell and the taste especially for it drieth the tongue and leaueth a pleasant rellish behind it The Spike carieth the price of an 100 Roman deniers a pound As touching the leaues the diuersitie thereof makes difference also in the price for that which hath the larger leaues and therupon is called Hadrosphaerum is worth 30 deniers a pound A second sort there is with a smaller leafe and of a middle size named therefore Mesosphaerum and that is bought after 60 deniers the pound But the best of all is that with least leaues and carrieth the name of Microsphaerum and that the merchant selleth for 75 deniers the pound What kind soeuer it be the greener and newer it is the better is it reputed and more odoriferous than that which hath been long kept Yet say it be old gathered if the colour hold and keepe well men preferre it before the blacker though it bee new With vs in Italie and in this part of the World the leafe of Nardus comming from Syria is esteemed best next to it the Celtick out of France and in the third place that of Candy which some name Agrion i. the wild others Phu and this hath a leafe resembling Loueach or Alesanders a stalke a cubite long full of ioints and knots of a weake whitish and light purple colour the root groweth crooked full of strings and haires hanging to it and is much like to birds clawes or feet As for Baccharis it is called likewise Rustick-nard but of it wil we speak among other floures Al these kinds of Nardus are to be reckoned herbs saue that only of the Indians of which the Celticke or French Nard is plucked and gathered together with the root and for the better preparing thereof it ought to be well washed and soked in wine and so dried in the shade out of the Sunne Then is it made vp into certaine bundels of an handfull apeece bound vp in papers and differeth not much in goodnesse from the Indian Spikenard Howbeit lighter it is than that of Syria A pound of it is worth at Rome 13 deniers The only proof and triall of all their leaues is this That they be not brittle and rather ripe drie than sere or rotten-dry That they breake not and fall in pieces With the Celticke and French Nard there euermore groweth another herbe called Hirculus and it taketh that name of a strong and Goatish smell which it yeeldeth besides so like it is vnto the other that it is foisted in among the good and so sold with it Yet herein is the difference for that this hath no stem or stalke at all the leaues thereof also are lesse and last of all the root is neither bitter in taste nor sweet in smell CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Asara-Bacca Amomum Amomis and Cardamomnm ASarum or Fole-foot called otherwise Asara-Bacca hath the very properties and vertues of Nard and therefore some haue called it Wild Nard An herbe it is carrying leaues like to Iuie saue that they be more round and softer it putteth forth a purple floure and hath a root like vnto the French Nard The floure is full within of seeds like grape kernels of an hot taste and resembling wine In shadowie mountaines it floures twice a yeare The best groweth in Pontus the next to it for goodnesse is found in Phrâ—…gia that of Illyricum is of a third ranke The root is digged vp when it beginneth to put forth leaues They vse to dry it in the Sun soon it wil vennow and be mouldy quickely also it waxes
of an accident obserued in it and a special qualitie that it had For the tree forsooth outwardly resembleth a thorn but the leaues are made directly like feathers Let a man shake the boughs neuer so little shed they will and fall incontinently but soon after there spring vp new in their steads CHAP. XI ¶ Sundry sorts of Gum. Also of the Cane Papyrus THe best gum in all mens iudgement is that which comes of the Egyptian thorne Acacia hauing veins within of checker work or trailed like wormes of colour greenish cleere withall without any pieces of the bark intermingled among and sticking to the teeth as a man cheweth it A pound thereof is commonly sold at Rome for three deniers The gumme that issueth from the bitter Almond trees and Cherry trees is not so good but the worst of all is that which the Plum tree yeeldeth There runneth likewise out of vines a certaine gum that is passing good for the bleach scabs and scals in little children And otherwhiles ye shall find some in Oliue trees and that cureth the tooth-ache Moreouer the Elme growing vpon Corycus a mountain in Cilicia and the Iuniper there haue a gum but good for nothing As for that of the Elme it breeds gnats there Moreouer of Sarcocolla a tree so called there distilleth a gum of that name which Painters and Physitions both haue great vse of Like it is to Manna Thuris which is the pouder of Incense and therefore the white is better than the red Sold it is at the same price that the other aboue named And thus much concerning the trees growing vpon mountains and plains Now albeit we are not entred yet into the treatise of those plants and shrubs which grow either in marish grounds or by riuers sides yet before we depart out of Egypt we must not forget the plant Papyrus but describe the nature thereof considering that all ciuilitie of this our life the memoriall and immortalitie also of men after death consists specially in paper which is made thereof M. Varro writes that the first inuention of making paper was deuised vpon the conquest of Egypt atchieued by Alexander the Great at what time as he founded the city Alexandria in Egypt where such paper was first made For before that time there was no vse at all saith he of paper but men vsed to write in Date tree leaues first and afterwards in the 〈◊〉 and barks of certain trees Then in processe of time they began to register publique records in rolls and sheets of lead and soon after priuate persons set downe their owne affaires in linnen books or els in tables couered with wax For we read in Homer that before the war of Troy writing tables were vsed And at the very time when he wrot Egypt was not all continent firm land as now it is For as he saith all the Papyrus whereof paper is made grew in that branch or arm of Nilus which answereth onely to the tract or territorie within the jurisdiction Sebennitis but afterward that part also was laid to Egypt by the shelves and banks made with the inundation of the said riuer For from the Island Pharos which now ioineth close vnto Alexandria by a bridge or narrow causey between it was a day nights sailing with a good fore wind at the poup to the main land as Homer hath reported But afterwards as Varro hath written by occasion of a certaine enuious strife and emulation which arose betweene one of the Ptolomees K. of Egypt and Eumenes K. of Pergamus about the erecting of their great libraries when Ptolomaeus suppressed and kept in all the paper made in Egypt there was parchment deuised by the said Eumenes to be wrought at Pergamus of skins And finally the vse was commonly taken vp of both to wit Paper and Parchment which continues the perpetuitie and euerlasting remembrance of men and their affaires But to returne vnto our plant Papyrus it growes in the marishes of Egypt or els in the dead standing waters of Nilus namely in certaine plashes and pits whereas the water did ouerflow and remained still after the riuer was fallen and down againe and namely such holes and ditches which are not aboue two cubits deep The root is wrythen and crooked of the thicknes of a mans arme the scape or stalk that riseth from it hath three sides with 3 corners trianglewise not aboue 10 cubits in height growing taper-wise small and sharp in the top where it beareth an head inclosed and round in maner of a cabbage Howbeit no seed it carrieth within neither serues the floure for any purpose but onely for chaplets to adorne the images of the gods The inhabitants of Egypt do vse the root in stead of wood not for fuell only but also to make thereof sundry vessels and vtensils in an house The very bodie and pole of the Papyr it selfe serueth very well to twist and weaue therwith little boats and the rinds thereof be good to make saile-clothes curtains mats and couerlets clothes also for hangings and ropes Nay they vse to chew and eat it both raw and sodden but they swallow the iuice only down the throat and spit out the grosse substance Moreouer there is Papyrus found in Syria about that very lake and meere whereas the sweet Calamus aboue named grows Neither vsed king Antigonus any other ropes about the tackling of his ships but such as were made hereof For as yet the vse of Spartum was not common Moreouer it is not long since that there was found growing in Euphrates about Babylon this plant Papyrus and knowne to serue for paper as well as the other in Egypt And yet for all that the Parthians will not leaue their old custome to weaue and purfle letters in their cloathes after the maner of embroderie Now 〈◊〉 touching the writing paper made of Papyrus after they haue cut it into certaine trunkes as long or as short as the size of their paper they diuide or sliue it with the point of a needle or bodkin for the purpose into very thin plates or leaues but they driue them as broad and large as possibly they can CHAP. XII ¶ Of diuers kinds of Paper and how writing Paper is made also the triall of good or bad Paper and the glue or past belonging thereto THe best sheets or leaues of paper be those which are set out of the very midst or heart of the stem or stalk of Papyrus and so consequently better or worse according as they be nearer or farther from it In antient time the principall paper and the largest was called Hieratica i. sacred or holy as being imployed only about religious and diuine books But afterwards the flatterers of the Emperor Augustus named those of the best sort Augustae like as the second Liviae after the name of his wife And hereupon it came that the paper Hieratica 〈◊〉 in a third ranke Next to them in goodnesse was reputed the
of that name bearing an apple or fruit which some cannot abide for the strong sauor and bitternes withall others again like and loue it as well This tree also beautifieth and setteth out the house but I purpose not to bestow many more words thereof CHAP. XVII ¶ Of the tree Lotus IN the same coast of Africk which regards Italy there growes Lotos which they cal Celtis A notable tree it is and of speciall marke found also here among vs now in Italy but together with the soile it hath changed the nature The fairest and goodliest of them be about the Syrtes and the Nasamones they be as big and tall as Peare trees howsoeuer Nepos Cornelius saith they are but little and low The leaues be thick cut and indented otherwise they are like to those of the Ilex or Holme tree Many sorts there be of the Lote tree and those for the most part according to their diuers and seuerall fruits Howbeit ordinarily the fruit is as big as a bean and of yellow colour as Saffron yet before it is full ripe it changeth into sundry colors like as grapes do It growes thick among the branches of the tree in manner of myrtle berries and not like to the cherries in Italy and in those plants aboue named the meat thereof is so sweet and pleasant that it hath giuen the name both to a nation and countrey insomuch as the people be called Lotophagi and withall so welcome be all strangers thither and so well contented with their entertainment that they forget their owne natiue soile for the loue they haue to this fruit when they haue once taken to it By report whoso eats thereof is free from the diseases of the belly This fruit is counted the better which hath no kernell within for there is another kind wherein the said kernell seems as hard as abone Moreouer out of this fruit there is prest a wine like to Mede which the aboue named Nepos saith will not last aboue ten daies who reporteth besides that the inhabitants do stamp the berries thereof with wheat or frumentie into a past and so put it vp in great barrels or such like vessells for the prouision of their food Moreouer we haue heard say that whole armies passing to and fro through Africke haue fed thereof and had no other meat the wood is blacke of colour and much sought for it is to make pipes and fifes of the root whereof hafts of daggers and kniues be made besides other pretty deuises of small vse Thus much as touching the nature of the Lote tree in those parts for there is an herb also of that name called Melilote As for the Egyptian â—…otus it is a plant bearing a stalke and growes in the marishes of Egypt for when the waters of Nilus are fallen which drencht the countrey this plant comes vp in the flat and waterie leuell along the riuer with a stem like to the Egyptian bean with leaues thrust close and thick together howbeit shorter and lesse than those of the bean in the top of which stalk it bears fruit in maner of an head for cuts and chamfers and euery thing els like those of Poppy within which be conta ned certain grains or seeds resembling Millet The inhabitants of that countrey do pile together in heaps those heads and so let them putrifie afterwards they separate them wash them faire and when they be dry stamp and mold them and therof make their bread A strange and wonderful thing it is that is reported besides namely That when the Sun goes down those heads close vp and be couered with leaues and remaine shut vntill the morning at what time they open againe and thus continne this course vntil they be ripe and that the floure which is white doth fall of it selfe CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of the very stalke scape or stem and root of Lotus IT is said moreouer as touching this Egyptian Lotus That in Euphrates the very head of the stalk together with the floure vseth in the euening to be plunged drowned vnder the water vntil midnight and so deep to settle toward the bottom that a man with his hand canot reach thereto nor find any part of it but after that time it begins to rise by little and little and by Sun-rising appeares aboue water and opens the floure and still mounteth higher and higher a good height from the water This Lotos hath a root as big as a Quince couered with a black rinde or barke much like to the huske of a Chestnut The substance within is white and delectable to eat but more pleasant being either sodden in water or rosted vnder embers than raw and Hogs will feed fat with nothing better than with the pills and parings of this root CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Paliurus the Pomegranate and the floure of the Pomegranat THe region of Cyrenaica in Africk makes more account of their Paliurus than of Lotus for the Paliurus shoots forth more twigs and branches and hath a redder fruit than the Lotus besides the fruit and the kernell be eaten apart and in truth pleasant it is of it selfe alone but more pleasant with wine yea and the iuice therof giueth a better tast to wine if it be put into it The inland parts of Africk as far as to the Garamants and the desarts be wel planted with Date trees faire and great bearing goodly and pleasant dates and those especially in that quarter of Barbary which lieth about the temple of Iupiter Hammon But the territorie of Carthage challengeth to it selfe the Punick apple some call it the Pomegranat they haue made seuerall kinds thereof calling that Apyrinon which hath no woody or hard kernell within and indeed these pomegranats are naturally more white the graines within more pleasant and diuided with membranes and pellicles between nothing so bitter as the other for in both sorts they be framed and fashioned within like to hony combs As for those pomegranats which haue such kernels or stones there be fiue kinds of them to wit sweet soure temperat between both styptick or austere and tasting of wine But the pomegranats of Samos and Egypt haue this difference one from another That some haue red floures on the head and are therefore called Erythrocoma others are white and such they name Leucocoma The rind of soure pomegranats is better for tanners and curriors to dresse their leather with than of the rest The floure is called Balisteum both medicinable and also good for to dyt cloth and hereof commeth the colour of Puniceus i. a light red or a bay taking the name of the apple Punicke or Pomegranat CHAP. XX. ¶ Of the Shrubs in Asia and Greece IN Asia Greece there grow certain shrubs to wit Epipactis which some call Elleborine with small leaues which being taken in drink are good against poyson like as the leaues of Erice i. Heath or Lings withstand the stinging of serpents CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Thimelaea or
lighter and also more massie and richer ground for our ordinary wheat In a low and wet piece of ground it is good to sow the red wheat Adoreum rather than the common wheat Triticum but both it and barley will sort well with a soile of a middle temperature The hills yeeld a firm fast and strong kind of wheat but the grain is but smal And to conclude the best kinds of wheat to wit Far and Siligo challenge for their lot to bee seated in a chalky soile and therwith alwaies wet and soked in water CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of strange prodigies and wonders obserued in corne the knowledge and skill of earing and tilling the ground also diuers sorts of plough-shares ALbeit I haue in the title of this chapter purposed to write of prodigies seen in corne yet to my knowledge there neuer happened but once the like wonder and portenteous sight to this which I shall tell and which befell in the time that P. Aelius and Cn. Cornelius were Consuls of Rome that very yeare wherein Annibal with his whole armie was defeated and vanquished for then by report there was corne grew vpon trees But forasmuch as I haue discoursed at large of the sundry kinds as well of corn as of ground I will proceed now forward and come to the manner of ploughing the earth after I haue first set downe before all things els how easie the husbandrie is in Egypt for there the riuer Nilus seruing in stead of a good plough man beginneth to swel and ouerflow as we haue before rehearsed at the first new Moone after the Summer Sunstead Hee beginneth faire and softly and so increaseth more and more by little and little but all the while that the Sun passeth vnder the signe Leo he higheth apace vntill he be risen to his ful heigth being entered once into Virgo his fury slaketh then decreaseth he as fast vntill hee be fallen againe into his wonted channell which ordinarily happeneth by the time that the Sun is in Libra Now this is obserued That if he rise not plumb aboue 12 cubits high the people are sure to haue a famine of corn that yere the like also do they make account of in case he passe the gage of sixteen cubits for the higher that he is risen the longer it is again ere he be fully fallen by which time the Seednesse is past and men cannot sow the ground in due season It hath bin generally receiued for a truth That presently vpon the departure of this deluge and ouerflowing of Nilus they were woont to cast their seed-corne vpon the floten ground and presently let in their swine after for to trample it with their feet into the earth whiles it was soft and drenched And verily for mine owne part I beleeue wel they vsed so to do in old time for euen now adaies also much more ado they make not about it Howbeit this is certaine that first they cast their seed vpon the slime and mud so soone as the riuer is downe which commonly falleth out in the very beginning of Nouember which done they go ouer it with the plough and giue it a light tilth so as it may be couered only and lie vnder a small furrow Some few there be that afterwards fall aweeding which point of husbandry they call Botanismos but the most part after they haue once sowed and turned their seed into the ground neuer after make a step into field to see how their corne groweth vntil they go once for all with syth on neck or sickle in hand namely at the end of March for then they fall to reaping and cutting it downe so as by the moneth of May they sing in Egypt Haruest in and all is done for that yeare As touching this corne gathered in Base Egypt the straw is neuer a cubit long the reason is because the seed lieth very ebbe and hath no other nutriment than from the mud and slime aforesaid for vnder it is nothing but sand and grauell But those that inhabit higher vp into the countrey namely about Thebais they be far better prouided for corne because Egypt indeed for the most part lyeth low vpon marais ground Toward Babylon likewise and Seleucia where the riuers Euphrates and Tigris doe swell ouer their banks and water the country the same husbandry is practised but to better effect and greater profit by reason that the people may let in the water at sluces and floud-gates more or lesse with their owne hands according as they list themselues Also in Syria they haue their small ploughs for the nones to take a shallow stitch and make light worke whereas in many places here with vs in Italy eight oxen are little enough to euery plough and to go away withall they must laborat it till they blow and pant again It is an old said Saw and may goe for an Oracle to be practised in all parts of husbandry but in this point of ploughing especially Bee ruled by the nature of euery countrey and see what each ground will abide To come now vnto our ploughes Of Shares there be many sorts first there is that instrument called a culter which serueth to make way before cutting and cleauing the hard and thick ground as it goeth before it be broken vp and turned atoneside this sheweth by the slits and incisions that it maketh as it were by a true line drawn how the furrows shal go after which commeth the broad bit of the ploughshare indeed lying flat-wise and in earing casteth vp all before it and cleareth the furrow A second sort there is commonly vsed in many places and it is no more but a bar of yron pointed sharpe in manner of a beak-head or stem of a ship and it may be called a Rostle And when the ground is not stubborn but gentle to be wrought there is a third kind vsed which is nothing but a piece of yron not reaching all ouer the plough head and shooing it to the full but turning vp like a snout with a small point sharp at the end This neb is somewhat broader in a fourth kinde of shares but as it is broader in blade and trenchant withall so it is sharper also at the end insomuch that both with the point forward the edges of the sides it not only pierces the ground before it poinctant like a sword but also cutteth the roots of weeds which it incountreth a deuise inuented not long since in Rhoetia As for the Gaules they set too besides certain smal roundles or wheels a plough thus shod harnaised they call in their language Planarati the head of their share is broad fashioned like vnto the bit of a spade and thus they sow their grounds for the most part new broken vp and not tilled nor eared before And for that their plough-shares be large and broad so much the easier turn they vp good turfs of earth and make broad furrows Presently after the plough they throw
be not all commendable in one and the same respect For of some the goodnesse lieth only in their bulbous and round root of others contrariwise in their head aloft There be of them that haue no part good but their stem or maister stalk and there are for them againe the leaues wherof be only eaten Now a man shall haue amongst them those that are wholesome meat both leafe and stalke In some the seed or graine in other the outward pil or rind alone of the root is in request And as there be that tast well in the skin or cartilage and gristly substance without-forth so there are that haue either their pulpous carnosity within or else their fleshy coat aboue as daintie All the goodnes of many of them lieth hidden within the earth and of as many again aboue the ground and yet some there be that are al one as good within as without Some traine along and run by the ground growing on end stil as they creep as Gourds and Cucumbers And yet the same as well as they loue to be neere the earth yet are led lpon trailes and hang thereon yea and be knowne for to rampevpon trees How beit much weightier and better nourished be they that keepe beneath As for the Cucumber it is the cartilage substance of the fruit thereof that delighteth and pleaseth our tast for of all fruits this propertie it alone hath that the vtmost rind which it beareth groweth to a very wood when it is once ripe Within the earth lie hidden and are kept all Winter Raddishes Nauews Turneps or Rapes Elecampane also after another sort so doe Skirworts and Parseneps or Wypes Moreouer this I would aduertise the Reader that when I tearme some hearbes Ferulacea I meane such as resemble in stalke Dil or the great Mallowes For some writers doe report That in Arabia there be a kind of Mallowes which after they haue grown six or seuen months come to be in the nature of pretie trees insomuch as their stalks streightwaies serue in stead of walking staues But what should I stand vpon this In Mauritania by report of trauellers neer the frith or arme of the sea adjoining to Lixos the head citie of Fez where somtimes as folke say were the hort-yards and gardens of the Hesperides not aboue halfe a quarter of a mile from the maine ocean hard vnto the chappell of Hercules farre more ancient than that temple of his which is in the Island Calis there groweth a Mallow that is a very tree indeed in height it is twentie foot and in bodie bigger and thicker than any man can fadome In this kind I meane for the raunge the Hempe likewise And as I purpose to tearme such Ferulacea so there bee some others that I will call Carnosa such as resemble the riuer or fresh-water Spunges which commonly are seene vpon ouer-floten medowes where the water standeth For as touching the fungous substance or calliositie of some plants I haue alreadie spoken thereof in the Treatise of Wood and Trees and of their nature Likewise in our late discourse of another sort of Mushroomes and Toad-stooles CHAP. V. ¶ Garden plants their natures kinds and seuerall histories OF the cartilage and pulpous kind such I meane onely wherof there is nothing good but that which is aboue the ground I reckon the Cucumber a fruit that Tiberius the Emperor much loued and affected for he tooke such a wondrous delight and pleasure therein that there was not a day went ouer his head but he had them serued vp to his table The beds and gardens wherein they grew were such as went vpon frames to be remooued euery way with wheeles and in winter during the cold and frosty daies they could draw them backe into certaine high couert buildings exposed to the Sun and there house them vnder roufe Moreouer I find in some ancient Greek writers that their seed ought to lie 2 daies in steepe or infused in honied milke before they be prickt or set into the ground for by that meanes the Cucumbers will be the sweeter and more pleasant The nature of them is to grow in what forme and fashion soeuer that a man would haue them Throughout all Italy green they be of colour and least of any others in the out-prouinces they be as fair and great and those either of a yellow color like wax and citrons or els blacke In Affrick or Barbary men take delight to haue the greatest plenty of them wheras in Moesia they lay for to haue them passing big and huge Now when they exceed in greatnes they be called Pepones is Melons or Pompons Let a man eat them alone they will lie raw and greene in the stomacke a whole day and neuer be digested howbeit with meats they are not vnwholsom and yet for the most part swim they will aloft and ride vpon a mans stomacke A wonderfull thing in their nature they cannot abide oile in any wise but water they loue well insomuch as if they be cut off or fallen from the place where they grew they wind and creep therinto if it be but a little way off contrariwise flie they will as fast from oile if a man set it by them and in case any thing be in their way to let them or that they hang still vpon their plant a man shall perceiue how they wil turn vp and crook to shun auoid it This amitie to the one and enmity to the other may be seene euen in one nights space for if a man set vnder them 4 fingers off where they grow a vessel with water ouer-night he shal see by the morning that they wil come downe to it contrariwise let oile stand the like distance from them shrink they wil from it and hook vpward Marke another experiment in the cucumber If when it hath don flouring you enter the knot of the fruit into a long cane or trunk it will grow vo a wonderfull length But behold a very straunge and new fashion of them in Campaine for there you shall haue abundance of them come vp in forme of a Quince And as I heare say one of them chanced so to grow first at a very venture but after from the seed of it came a whol race and progeny of the like which therupon they cal Melopepones as a man would say the quince pompions or Cucumbers These neuer hang on high but go low by the ground and gather round in form of a globe A strange case it is of this kind for ouer and besides their shape their color and sauor different from the rest they are no sooner ripe but presently they fall from the stele or taile wherto they grew notwithstanding they hang not hollow from the ground where their owne poise might weigh them downe Columella tells of a pretie deuise that he hath of his own how to keep of them fresh all the yere long chuse quoth he the biggest bramble you can meet with among a thousand translate
the stomack The Empresse Iulia Augusta passed not a day without eating the Elecampane root thus confected and condite and therupon came it to be in so great name and bruit as it is The seed therof is needlesse and good for nothing therefore to maintaine and increase this plant gardeners vse commonly to set the joints cut from the root after the order as they doe Reeds and Canes The manner is to plant them as well as Parsnips Skirwirts and Carrots at both times of seednes to wit the Spring and the Fall but there would be a good distance betweene euery seed or plant at least three foot because they spread and braunch very much and therewith take vp a deale of ground As for the Skirwirt or Parsnip Siser it will do the better if it be remoued and replanted It remaineth now to speak in the next place of plants with bulbous or onion roots and their nature which Cato recommendeth to Gardeners and he would haue them to be set and sowed aboue all others among which he most esteemeth them of Megara Howbeit of all this bulbous kind the Sea-onyon Squilla is reputed chiefe and principall notwithstanding there is no vse of it but in Physick and for to quicken vinegre As there is none that groweth with a bigger head at the root so there is not any more aegre and biting than it Of these Sea-onyons there be two kinds medicinable the male with the white leafe the female with the blacke There is a third sort also of Squillae which is good for to be eaten the leaues whereof be narrower and not so rough and sharp as the other and this they cal Epimenidium All the sort of these squilles are plentifull in seed howbeit they come vp sooner if they be set of cloues or bulbes which grow about their sides And if a man would haue the head of the root wax big the leaues which vsually be broad and large ought to be bended downe into the earth round about and so couered with mould for by this means all the sap and nourishment is diuerted from the leafe and runneth backe into the root These Squils or sea-onions grow in exceeding great abundance within the Baleare Islands and Ebusus as also throughout all Spaine Pythagoras the Philosopher wrote one entire volumne of these onions wherein he collected their medicinable vertues and properties which I meane to deliuer in the next booke As touching other bulbous plants there be sundry kinds of them differing all in colour quantity and sweetnesse of tast for some there bee of them good to be eaten raw as those of Cherrhonesus Taurica Next vnto them are they of Barbary and most commended for goodnesse and then those that grow in Apulia The Greeks haue set downe their distinct kindes in these terms Bulbine Setanios Pythios Acrocorios Aegylops and Sisyrinchios But strange it is of this Sisyrinchios last named how the foot and bottom of the root wil grow down stil in winter but in the Spring when the Violets appeare the same diminisheth and gathereth short vpward by which meanes the head indeed of the root seedeth and thriueth the better In this rank of bulbous plants is to be set that which in Egypt they call Aron i. Wake-Robin for bignesse of the head it commeth next to Squilla beforesaid the leaues resemble the herb Patience or garden Dock it riseth vp with a streight stem or stalke two cubits high as thicke as a good round cudgell As touching the root it is of a soft and tender substance and may be eaten raw If you would haue good of these bulbous roots you had need to dig them out of the ground before the spring for if you passe that time they will presently be the worse You shall know when they be ripe and in their perfection by the leaues for they will begin to wither at the bottom If they be elder or if their roots grow small and long they are reiected as nothing worth Contrariwise the ruddy root the rounder and the biggest withall are most commended know this moreouer That the bitternesse of the root in most of them lyeth in the crowne as it were or top of the head for the middle parts be sweet The antient writers held opinion That none of these bulbous plants would grow but of seed only howbeit both in the pastures and fields about Preneste they come vp of themselues and also among the corn lands and arable grounds of the Rhenians they grow beyond all measure CHAP. VI. ¶ Of the roots leaues floures and colours of Garden-herbes ALl Garden plants ordinarily put out but one single root apiece as for example the Radish Beet Parsley and Mallow howbeit the greatest and largest of all others is the root of the herb Patience or garden Docke which is knowne to run downe into the ground three cubits deep In the wild of this kind which is the common docke the roots be smaller yet plumpe and swelled whereby after they be digged vp and laied aboue ground they will liue a long time Some there be of them that haue hairy strings or beards hanging to the roots as namely Parsley or Ach and Mallows Others there be againe which haue branching roots as the Basill As the roots of some be carnous and flâ—…ie altogether and namely of the Beet but especially of Saffron so in others they consist of rind and carnositie both as we may see in Radishes and Rapes or Turneps And ye shall haue of them that be knotty and full of ioints as for example the root of the Quoich grasse or Dent-de-chien Such hearbs as haue no streight and direct root run immediatly into hairie threds as we may see plainly in the Orach and Bleet as for the sea Onion Squilla and such bulbous plants the garden Onions also and Garlicke they put forth their roots streight and neuer otherwise Many hearbes there be which spring of their own accord without setting or sowing and of such many there be that branch more cloue in root than in leafe as we may see in Aspalax Parietarie of the wall and Saffron Moreouer a man shall see these hearbes floure at once together with the Ash namely the running or creeping Thyme Southernewood Naphewes Radishes Mints and Rue and by that time as others begin to blow they are ready to shed their floures whereas Basill putteth forth floures by parcels one after another beginning first beneath and so going vpward by leisure which is the cause that of all others it is longest in the floure The same is to be seene in the herb Heliotropium i. Ruds or Turnsol In some the floures be white in others yellow and in others purple As touching the leaues of herbes some are apt to fall from their heads or tops as in Origan and Elecampane yea and otherwhiles in Rue if some iniurie be done vnto it Of all other herbes the blades of Onions and Chibbols be most hollow Where by the
way I cannot ouerpasse the foolish superstition of the Aegyptians who vse to sweare by Garlicke and Onions calling them to witnesse in taking their othes as if they were no lesse than some gods Of Onions the Greeks haue deuised sundry kinds to wit the Sardian Samothracian Alsiden Setanian Schista i. the clouen Onion and Ascalonia i. little onions or Scalions taking that name of Ascalon a city in Iury. They haue all of them this propertie besides to make ones eyes water and to fetch out teares being smelled to especially they of Cypros but the Gnidian onions least of all others cause one to weep In all kinds of them the body of the root consisteth of a certaine fatty pulp or cartilage For quantity the Setanian be least except the Tusculane howbeit such are sweet The clouen onions the scalions aforesaid are proper for to make sauce of As touching that kind of them called Schista gardners leaue them aâ—… winter in the ground with their leaues or head standing in the spring they pluck off the said leaues and then shal you see spring forth others vnderneath according to the same clifts and diuisions whereupon they tooke the name Schista After which example the like practise in all other kindes is prescribed namely to pull the leaues off that they should grow rather big in root than run vp to seed The Ascalonian onions haue a proper nature qualitie by themselues for they be barren as it were from the root and therefore the Greeks would haue them to be sowed of seed and not otherwise to be set of heads Besides that they should be translated replanted again late about the spring at what time as they put forth blade for by this vsage say they you shall haue them burnish and grow thicke yea and then make hast for amends of the former time foreslipt These must be gathered betimes for after they be once ripe quickly will they rot in the earth if you make not the better hast to pluck them vp If you set or plant their heads a stalke they wil put forth and seed vpon it but the onion it selfe will consume and come to nothing Moreouer there is a difference obserued in the colour of onions for they that grow in Samos and Sardis be most white those also of Candy be much esteemed and some there be who doubt whether they be the same that the Ascalonian or no for that if they be sowed of seed their heads or roots will grow big set them they will be all stem and seed and no head at all As for the rellish or taste that onions haue there is no great diuersitie but that some are sweeter than other Our onions here in Italy be all of two sorts principally the one which serue for sauce to season our meats which the Greeks call Gethyon Chibbols but our countrymen the Latines Pallacana these are sowne commonly in March April and May the other is the great headed onion and these be put into the ground either after the Aequinox in Autumne or els after mid-February when the West wind Favonius is aloft Moreouer onions are diuided into sundry sorts according to the degrees of their pleasant or vnpleasant and harsh tast to wit the African French Tusculan and Amiternium But euermore the best are the roundest Item the red onion is more keen and angry than the white the dry and that which hath lien is more eagre and sharp than the green newly drawn the raw also more than the sodden and finally the dry by it selfe more than that which is condite and preserued in some liquor for sauce The Amiternium onion is planted in cold moist grounds and this alone would be set of a head in maner of garlick cloues whereas the rest will come of seed Onions the next summer following after they be sowne put forth no seed but head only which groweth and the leafe or stem drieth and dieth But the next yere after by way of interchange it bringeth forth seed and then the head rotteth And therefore euery yeare they vse to sow onion seed apart in one bed by it selfe for to haue onions set onions for seed in other by themselues The best way to keep onions is in corn chaf and such like pugs As for the Chibbol it hath in maner no distinct head at all but only a long neck therfore it runs in maner all to a green blade the order is to cut and sheare it often in manner of porret or leeks which is the cause that they sow it also of seed and do not set it Ouer and besides before we sow onion seed the plot by mens saying ought to haue three diggings for to kil and rid out of the ground the roots of hurtful weeds and ten pound of seed ordinarily wil sow an acre Here and there amongst would be Saverie sowne for the better will the Onions like and prosper with the companie of that hearbe Also after the ground is sowne it requireth weeding sarcling or raking foure times at the least if not oftner Our neighbours in Italie sow the Ascalonian Onion in the moneth of Februarie whose manner is also to gather Onion seed when it beginneth once to wax black before it fall to wither Seeing now that I am entred thus far into a discourse of Onions I shal not do amisse to treat of Leeks also in regard of the neare affinitie betweene them and the rather for that it is not long since that the Porret kind which is often kept downe with clipping and cutting came into great name and credit by occasion of the Emperor Nero who vsed for certaine daies in euery moneth for to scoure his throat and cleare his voice and to take it with oile on which daies he did eat nothing els not so much as bread Wee vse to sow them of seed after the Aequinox in September and if we meane to make cut Leeks thereof the seed would be sowed the thicker These Leeks are kept downe with clipping and shearing still vntill the root faile without remouing them out of the same bed where they were sown and alwaies they must be plied with dung But before they be cut nourished they ought to be vntill they haue gotten a good head When they are wel grown they are to be translated into another bed or quarter there replanted hauing their vppermost leaues lightly shriged off without comming to the heart or marow which is their body next to their roots and their heads set deeper downward yea and their vtmost pellicles and skins sliued from them In old time they vsed to put vnder their root a broad flint-stone or els a tile which did dilate their heads within the ground and make them spread the better This they practised also in other bulbous plants as Onions c. thereby to haue the fairer heads But now in these daies the maner is lightly to barbe pluck off with a sarcling hook the beards or strings of
easily take them with his hand yea and if one stay a little he shall see them fall asleep therewith Finally there is another kind of sauage or wild Garlick called Vrsinum i. Beare Garlicke the head whereof is very small the blade or leaues great and large and the sauor or sent mild and gentle in comparison of the rest CHAP. VII ¶ In how many daies euery herbe that is sowed will come vp and appeare aboue ground The nature of seedes The manner of sowing any of them Which they be whereof there is but one single kind and which haue many sorts AMong all the herbes sowne in a garden these come vp soonest to wit Basill Beets Navews or Turneps and Rocket for by the third day the seed will breake and spurt Dill seed will chit within foure daies Lectuce in fiue Radish in sixe Cucumbers and gourds in a seuen-night but the Cucumber first Cresses and Mustard seed in fiue daies Beets in six by Summer time and by winter in ten Orach in eight daies Onions in 19 or 20 at the farthest Chibols in ten or twelue at the most Coriander seed is more stubborne and will not shew so soone Sauerie and Origan seed lieth thirty daies ere it come but of all others Parsley seed is latest ere it spring for when it commeth vp soonest it is forty daies first but for the most part it lieth fifty daies before it appeare Something there is also in the age of the seed for the newer that the seed is either of Leeks or Chibols Cucumbers gourds the more hast it maketh to be aboue ground contrariwise Parsely Beets garden Cresses Sauery Origan and Coriander grow sooner of old seed But the Beet seed hath a strange and wonderful quality aboue the rest for it wil not come vp all in one and the same yeare But some in the first others in the second and the rest in the third And therfore sow as much seed as you will yet shall you haue it grow but indifferently There be herbs which wil grow and beare but one yere and no more and there be other again which will continue many yeares together as for example Parsely Porret Chibbols For sow these but once in a garden they will beare from yere to yere from the same root or els sow themselues The most part of herbs do beare round seed in some the seeds are long in few broad and flat in manner of a leafe as in Orach You shall haue seed also narrow chamfered like a gutter tile as that of Cumin Moreouer there is a difference in colour for some seeds be white others black in hardnesse also and softnesse for some be harder or softer than others Some seeds at euery branch of the plant are contained within cods or bladders as we may see in Raddish Senuie and Turneps or Rapes The seeds of Parsely Coriander Dill Fenell Cumen grow naked bare But that of the Bleet the Beet Orach and Basil is inclosed in a huske or hull Lectuce seed lieth within a downe As touching Basill aforesaid nothing fructifieth more than it to the end that it may come vp in more plenty abundance they say it should be sowed with maledictions and ill words for the more that it is cursed the better it wil speed and prosper yea and when it is sowed the mould of the bed must be parted and rammed down in manner of a pauement And more particularly they that sow Cumin pray to God that it may neuer come vp Such seeds as lie within an husk hardly come to be dry and ripe therin but Basil seed especially and Gith or Nigella Romana But they must be all throughly dried before they be seedow and fruitfull This is generall in all herbs throughout that they wil thriue and grow the better if their seede bee sowed by heapes one vpon another than scattering And certainly both Leeks seed is sown Garlick cloues set in that wise namely bound vp tied together in some clouts or ragges wherein they be lapped As for Parsely seed against it should be sown there would be an hole made with a little wooden dibil or pin therin it must be put with some dung after it Furthermore all garden herbs come vp either of seed and cloues set or els of slips pulsed from the mother-plant Some grow of seeds and sprigs both as Rue Origan Basil for euen this herb also last named will abide cutting when it is come to be one handbreadth or a span high and those cuttings will grow if they be planted There be that are maintained by root and seed both as Onions garlick and those which haue bulbous roots likewise all such as when they haue born yerely leaue a root behind them stil in strength vertue Of such as grow of roots replanted their roots continue long branch much as we may see in the bulbs in Chibbols sea onions Others put out branches sufficient but not from the head or root as Parsely and Beets All herbs for the most part do spring shute again if their stalke be cut off vnlesse it be those that haue a smooth stem And this is most seen in Basil Raddish Lectuce the stems wherof are cut for many purposes And as for Lectuce men hold that the later spring thereof when the first is gon is the sweeter Certainly Raddishes eat the more pleasantly if their leaues be cropt off before the master stem or spire be growne big And this also we obserue in Rapes or Turneps for if you strip them also from their leaues couer them ouer head with earth yet will they grow all winter and continue till Summer following Touching Basill Sorrel red Porret or Bleets garden Cresses Rocket Orach Coriander they are all of one sort singular in their kind for sow them where you wil they be the same stil neither are they better in one place than in another It is a common receiued opinion that Rue wil grow the better if it be filched out of another mans garden and it is as ordinary a saying that stollen Bees wil thriue worst Some hearbes there be which come without sowing or setting as wild Mint Nep Endiue and Peniroial But howsoeuer there be but one single kind of those before rehearsed yet on the contrary side there be many sorts of others which wee haue already spoken of and will write more hereafter and principally of Ach or Parsely CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Garden herbes which serue for to season our meats their diuers natures their sundry kinds and seuer all histories related to the number of 36. FOr that kind of Ach which groweth of it selfe in moist grounds with one leafe and is not rough but smooth and plaine is called in Greeke Heleoselinon i. Smallach Again there is another sort with more leaues resembling Smallach aforesaid but that it commeth vp in drie places and this the Greeks named Hipposelinon i. Alisanders A third there is
signes are neuer to be found in that which is falsified and sophisticat for this that is not right will not so soon take a light fire and besides is readie oftentimes to go out There is another experiment by water for the good and pure Opium being put into water sendeth forth a certaine mist from it like a cloud which floteth euen aloft whereas the corrupt and depraued Opium gathereth into blisters and bladders and so bubleth vpon the water And yet there is one way more admirable than the rest to try good Opium euen by the Sun-shine in a Summers day for if it be such as it ought it wil sweat and resolue into a thin liquor like as when it came first out of the plant To conclude Mnesicles is of opinion that the best means to keep and preserue Opium is to lay it in Henbane seed but others thinke it better to let it lie among beanes CHAP. XIX ¶ Of the wandering Poppy and the horned Poppy Of Glaucium or Paralium Of Heraclium or Aprhum Of the composition named Diacodium and of the Tithymal IN a middle nature betweene the garden Poppy and the wild is to be ranged a third kinde which because it commeth vp in corne fields but yet vnsown and of the own accord we haue called Rhoeas and wandering Poppy Some there be who so soon as it is gathered chew both hearb and head all whole as it grew and so eat it Fiue heads of this Poppy being sodden in three hemines of wine and so taken in drinke do both purge the belly and also bring the patient to sleep Of these wild Poppies there is one kind called in Greek Ceratitis of a dark or duskish green growing vp with a stalke a cub it high with a grosse root couered with a thicke rinde the heads or cups wherein the seed lieth bend like vnto a little horne The leaues are lesse and slenderer of this Poppy than of any other wild The seed also is smal ripe and ready to be gathered in corn haruest which being taken in drink to the quantity of half an Acetable in honied wine worketh downwards and scoureth the belly The leaues being stamped with oyle and so applyed heale the haw in horse eies The root taken to the quantity of an Acetable and sodden in two sextars of honied wine vntill halfe be consumed is giuen in drinke for the infirmities of the loins and liuer The leaues applied as a cataplasme with hony healeth Carbuncles Some call this kind Glaucium others Paralium for it growes within the aire of the sea or els in some brackish place standing much vpon Nitre Another kind of these wild Poppies is called of some Heraclion or of others Aphron with leaues resembling Sparrows if a man look a far off The root runneth very ebbe and superficially vnder the green sord and the seed seemeth charged with a certaine froth or some Herewith linnen cloths in summer time vse to be bleached and to get a bright white colour This herbe beaten in a mortar to the quantity of one Acetable and taken in white wine helpeth the falling sicknesse for it causeth the patient to vomit This kinde of Poppy is the principall ingredient or Basis to the confection named Diacodium or Arteriacum The composition or making whereof ensueth in this maner Take of this Poppy heads or of any other of the wilde sort 120 let them lie in soke or infused two daies together in three sextaries or halfe a gallon of water and in the same water boyle them wel When this decoction hath passed through a strainer or jelly bag seeth it a second time with hony vp to the height or consistence of a Syrrupt that is to say vntill halfe be consumed away ouer a soft and gentle fire Herunto the modern Physicians which came after put too of Saffron of Hypocisthis Frankincense Acacia of each six drams and in the end of grosse cuit of Candy one sextar But this later composition serued onely for a shew and vaine ostentation for the simple and plain making of it in old time with Hony and Poppy and no other addition besides was as wholesome and profitable as this But to come again to our wild Poppies there is a third kind therof named Tithymalos which some call Mecon others Paralion carrying a smooth leafe and a white with a head of the bignesse of a Bean. The time of gathering these Poppies is when the grape is in the floure then the manner is to dry them in the shade The seed if it be taken in drinke the quantitie of halfe an Acetable in mead or honied wine purgeth the belly But what Poppy soeuer it be the head either green and fresh or dry if it be applied as a liniment to the eies represseth the flux of waterish humors falling to them and mitigateth their in flammations If Opium be giuen in pure wine somwhat allaied presently after the Scorpion hath stung it is a counterpoyson Howbeit some there be who attribute this vertue only to the blacke Poppy namely if either the heads or leaues be bruised and reduced into pouder CHAP. XX. ¶ Of the wild Purcellane or Peplium Of Coriander and Orach THere is a wild Purcellane also which they cal Peplium more effectual though not much than the garden Purcellane for there be strong and wonderfull properties reported thereof for sundry vses First it is holden for certain that this herb if it be eaten as meat dulleth the poison of venomous arrows of Serpents also called Haemorrhoids and Presters and being laid to the hurt place draw forth the said poyson The juice also of this herb pressed forth and drunk in wine cuit is a remedy for those that be poysoned with Henbane Now if the herb it selfe is not to be gotten the seed hath the like effect Moreouer it is thought to be singular good for the aquosities gathered within the body and the diseases caused thereby as dropsies c. for the head-ach for rheumatick vlcers also if it be brused and applied with wine Al other sores likewise it healeth if it be chewed and laid too with honey After the same manner prepared it is good to be applied to childrens heads for to temper the heat of the brain as also to their nauils when they beare out more than they should For al vehement distillations of watery humors into the eies as well of old folke as small infants it is counted singular for to be applied to the forehead temples together with Barly groats but if it be laid vnto the very eys then would the same be tempered with milk and hony Now if it chance that the eies be ready to fall out of the head the leaues stamped with the shales of Beane cods and applied thereto is an excellent remedy A cataplasme made of it with Barly groats salt and vineger cureth angry wheales and blisters that break out in the skin The same being chewed raw represseth the cankers
it came vp without sowing euen in the very woods and carried a more duskish green leafe and the same rougher It is said that if men eat the seed it wil extinguish vtterly their own seed The juice of green Hemp-seed being dropped into the eares driueth out any wormes or vermin there ingendred yea and what ear-wigs or such like creatures that are gotten into them but it will cause head-ach withall So forcible is this plant that by report if it be put into water it will make it to gather and coagulat Which is the reason that if horses haue the gurry they shall find help by drinking the said water The root if it be boiled in water doth mollifie and softenioints that be shrunk vp it assuageth the pains likewise of the Gout and such like wicked humors that fall down vpon any part Being yet green and reduced into a liniment and so applied it is good for burnes or scaldings but it must be often remoued and changed before it be drie As for Ferula or Fennel geant it carrieth a seed like to Dill. That kind which riseth vp in one stem and then diuideth it self and brancheth forth in the head is supposed to be the female The stalks are good to be eaten boyled and the right sauce wherein they be serued vp to giue them a more commendable tast is new wine and hony tempered accordingly and so prepared they be good for the stomack Howbeit if one eat ouer-liberally of them they cause head-ach Take the weight of one denier Roman of the root beat it to pouder and drinke it in two cyaths of wine you shall find it a soueraigne medicine against the stinging of serpents but you must not forget mean while to apply the root it self stamped into a cataplasme vnto the hurt place After this manner it helpeth the wringing torments of the guts Make a liniment or vnguent thereof and vineger together annoint the body therewith it restraineth the immoderate sweats that burst out although the Patient be sick of a feuer The juice of Ferula if it be eaten to the quantity of a Beane doth loosen the belly The small tendrils or branches of greene Ferula is good for all the infirmities abouenamed Take ten grains of Ferula seed in pouder with wine or so much of the pith within the stalk it stancheth bloud Some hold it good to giue a spoonful thereof euery fourth sixth and seuenth day after the change of the Moon to preuent the fits of the falling sicknes The nature of all these Fennel-geants is most aduerse to Lampreies for if they be touched neuer so little therewith they will die vpon it Castor was of opinion That the juice is excellent good to cleare the eye-sight And forasmuch as I haue spoken somewhat of Thistles and Artichoux how they should be ordered in my treatise of other garden plants I will put off no longer to discourse also of their properties and vertues in Physick Of the wild Thistles there be two kinds the one more ful of branches shooting out immediatly from the root the other riseth vp in one intire stem and the same is thicker withall Both of them haue but few leaues and those beset with prickles they beare heads pointed with sharp pricks round about in manner of caltrops Howbeit there is one kind which is the Artichoke which putteth forth a purple floure amidst those sharpe pointed prickes which very quickly turns into an hoarie downe readie to flie away with euery puffe of wind and this thistle the Greeks cal Scolymos The juice of the Artichoke stamped pressed out before it bloome bringeth haire again thicke if the naked place be annointed therewith The root either of Thistle or Artichoke sodden in water and so eaten is as good as a shooing-horne to draw on pot after pot for these great bibbers that desire nothing more than to be thirsty and to make quarrell to the cup. It strengtheneth the stomacke and if we may beleeue it is so appropriate vnto the matrice of women that it disposeth and prepareth it to conceiue men children In good faith Chaereas the Athenian and Glaucias especially who seemeth to be most curious in describing the nature and properties of these Thistles or Artichokes giue out no lesse To conclude if one chew them in his mouth hee shall finde that they will cause a sweet breath CHAP. XXIV ¶ The composition of a Treacle which was the ordinarie and familiar medicine of King Antiochus BVt before that we go out of the garden and leaue the herbes there growing I think it good to set down one confection made of them thought to be a most excellent and soueraigne antidote or preseruatiue against the poison of all venomous beasts whatsoeuer and which for the excellency thereof was ingrauen in stone vpon the forefront of the temple dedicated to Aesculapius in this maner following Take of wild running Thyme the weight of two deniers of Opopanax and Meu of each the like quantitie the seed of Dil Fennel Ameos and Parsly of each the weight of six deniers of Ervil floure twelue deniers or drams Let these be beaten into pouder and finely searced and when they be incorporat in the best wine that may be had they ought to be reduced into the form of Trosches euery one weighing a victoriat or half denier When occasion is to vse this composition dissolue one of these Trosches in three cyaths of wine and drinke it This is that famous Treacle or countrepoyson which great Antiochus the King was wont by report to take against all venoms or poysons whatsoeuer THE TVVENTY FIRST BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The nature of Floures and namely those of Chaplets and Guirlands CHAP. I. ¶ The wonderfull varietie of Floures CAto in his Treatise of Gardens ordained as a necessary point That they should be planted and inriched with such herbs as might bring forth floures for Coronets and Garlands And in very truth their diuersitie is such that vnpossible it is to decipher and expresse them accordingly Whereby wee may see that more easie it was for dame Nature to depaint adorn the earth with sundrie pictures to beautifie the fields I say with all maner of colours by her handy-worke especially where she hath met with a ground to her minde and when she is in a merrie humour and disposed to play and disport her selfe than for any man in the world to vtter the same by word of mouth Wherin certes her admirable prouidence she hath shewed principally in this That whereas she hath giuen vnto those fruits of the earth which serue for necessities the sustentation of man long life and a kind of perpetuitie euen to last yeares and hundreds of yeres these floures of pleasure and delight good only to content the eye or please the sence of smelling she would haue to liue and die in one day A great document and lesson for vs men in generall to
yea and burning Moreouer it loueth to be remoued and transplanted as well as the Vine and by that meanes will it come to the proof and beare best As for the sets or sions they ought to be foure fingers long or more aboue the ground when they be first put into the earth to wit after the occultation of the brood Hen star Then would they be translated in Februarie at what time as the Western wind Favonius is aloft and replanted with a foot distance one from another but they require to be euer and anon digged about the root They that desire to haue Roses blow betimes in the yeare before their neighbours vse to make a trench round about the root a foot deep and poure hot water into it euen at the first when the bud of the Rose beginneth to be knotted CHAP. X. ¶ Of Lillies three kinds and the maner of planting or setting them NExt to the Rose there is not a fairer floure than the Lilly nor of greater estimation The oiles also and ointments made of them both haue a resemblance and affinitie one to the other As touching the oile of Lillies the physitians call it Lirinon if a man should speak truly a Lilly growing among Roses becommeth and beautifieth the place very well for it beginneth then to floure when Roses haue halfe done There is not a floure in the garden again that groweth taller than the Lilly reaching otherwhile to the height of three cubits from the ground but a weak and slender neck it hath and carieth it not streight and vpright but it bendeth and noddeth downeward as being not of strength sufficient to beare the weight of the head standing vpon it The floure is of incomparable whitenesse diuided into leaues which without-forth are chamfered narrow at the bottom and by little and little spreading broader toward the top fashioned altogether in maner of a broad mouthed cup or beaker the brims or lips wherof turn vp somewhat backward round about and lie very open Within these leaues there appeare certain fine threds in maner of seeds and iust in the midst stand yellow chiues like as in Saffron As the colour of the Lilly is twofold so carieth it a double smell one in the leaues which resembleth the cup a foresaid and another in those strings or chiues how beit the difference is not much Now for to make the oile and ointment of Lillies the leaues also are not reiected There is an herb named in Latine Convolvulus i. with wind growing among shrubs bushes which carieth a floure not vnlike to this Lilly saue that it yeeldeth no smell nor hath those chiues within for whitenesse they resemble one another very much as if Nature in making this floure were a learning and trying her skill how to frame the Lilly indeed Now Lillies be set and sowed after the same maner in all respects as the Roses and grow as many waies This vantage moreouer they haue of the roses That they will come vp of the verie liquor that distilleth and droppeth from them like as the herbe Alisanders neither is there in the world an herb more fruitful insomuch as you shal haue one head of a root put forth oftentimes fiue hundred bulbes or cloues There is besides a red Lilly which the Greeks in their language cal Crinon and some name the floure of it Cynorrhodon The excellent Lilly of this kind groweth in Antiochia Laodicea cities both in Syria the next to that is found in Phaselis In a fourth place is to be set the Lilly growing in Italy There are besides purple Lillies which otherwhiles rise vp with a double stem these differ from the rest only in the pulpous root which they haue and the same carrie a great bulbe in one entire head and no more such they call Daffodills A second sort there is of these Daffodils with a white floure a purple cup or bel within Herin differ Daffodils from Lillies for that the Daffodil leaues be toward the root namely those in the best mountains of Lycia wheras in Lillies they put forth in the stalk The third kind agreeth in al points with the rest but that the cup in the mids of the floure is of a grasse greene Al the sort of them be late ere they floure and begin not to blow before the retreat of the star Arcturus and about the Autumn Aequinox but such are the monstrous deuises of some fantastical spirits that they inuented forsooth a new kind of artificiall coloring and dying of Lillies for which purpose in the month of Iuly they gather their stems when they begin to wither hang them vp in the smoke to drie Now when the knobs or heads of their roots looke once bare and are shot out from the said stalks which commonly falleth out in the month of March they infuse steep them in the lees of deepe red wine or some Greekish wine for to suck and drinke in the colour thereof which done they set them in little trenches whereinto they poure certaine hemines or pints of the said wine and by this means become the Lillies aforesaid purple A straunge and wonderfull matter that any root should take a tincture so deep as to bring forth a flour of the same die and colour CHAP. VI. ¶ Of the Violet and the Marygold of Bacchar and Combretum of Azara-bacca and Saffron IN the third ranke of floures be ranged the Violets whereof be many kinds to wit the purple the yellow and the white All of them may be set of plants like as worts and garden pot-hearbs But of those which naturally come vp grow of their own accord in leane grounds and those exposed to the Sunne the purple March Violets they haue a broader leafe than the rest those spring immediatly from the root which is pulpous and fleshy These alone be distinct from the rest by a Greek name and are called Ia whereupon purple cloth is likewise of them named Ianthina But of those which are sowne or set by hand the yellow beare the greatest name aboue all other These floures be distinguished into diuers kinds namely into the Tuscan Violets and those of the sea which haue a broader leafe but are not so sweet as others Some smell not at all to wit the Calathian Violet with the small leafe a floure this is that Autumne yeeldeth whereas the rest doe flourish in the Spring Next vnto the Violet are the Marigolds all of one colour In number of leaues this floure passeth the Sea-violet aforesaid which neuer exceedeth fiue but in recompence of that defect this Violet goeth beyond the Marigold in sweet sauour for the Marigold carrieth a strong sent with it and an vnpleasant As for the hearb called Scopia regia it hath a smell nothing milder than it although the leaues to say a truth doe smell and not the floures Bacchar is named by some Rustick-Nard this plant hath nothing in it
also is this herb giuen against venomous fishes of the sea and the Scolopendres of the land In Campaine the shell-snailes haue a wonderf ull spight against the maine stalke of this hearbe Asphodel for they neuer lin sucking it vntil they haue made it as drie as a kex The leaues also are reduced into a liniment for to be applied to enuenomed wounds occasioned by such serpents hurtful beasts Likewise an ointment may bee made of the bulbous roots thereof stamped together with Barley groats for to annoint the sinews and joynts Good it is also to cut them into roundles and therewith together with vinegre to rub ring-wormes and tettars In like manner if they be applied with water they doe cleanse putrisied and rotten vleers yea and the hot apostemations of the paps and the cods Beeing sodden in wine lees and so laid to the eies with a fine linnen rag betweene they cure the flux of humors thither which causeth the eyes alwaies to water Generally in any disease whatsoeuer Physicians vse the root of this hearbe boiled for the most part rather than otherwise likewise for the mor-males and vgly sores in the legs they vse the pouder of them dried as also for the fissures and chaps appearing in any part of the body Now the only fit and conuenient season to gather these roots is in Autumne at what time they bee most in force Being stamped raw or sodden there is a juice pressed foorth of them which is soueraigne with honey for any pains of the bodie whether it be the collicke or seated in the muskles And the same being mixed with the drie root of Flower-de-lis and a little quantity of salt is passing good for those that affect a sweet smel and would palliat the ranke sauor of any part of the body Moreouer the leaues of the Asphodel serue for al the former maladies as also for the kings euill for red and flat biles gout-rosat sauce-fleame ale-pocks and such like vlcers in the face if the same be sodden in wine and therwith the grieued parts bathed The ashes of the root burnt bring hair againe vpon the head where it was lost and gon and healeth vp the chaps and rifts in the feet The juice of the root sodden in oile is good for kibed heles for burns or skals To help the hardnes of hearing the same juice is to be dropped into the eares but to assuage the tooth-ach it must be instilled into the ear of the contrary side The same root taken in drink moderatly is singular for to procure vrine to prouoke womens moneths and to mitigat the paine of the sides or pleurisie But giuen in wine to the weight of one dram it cureth ruptures convulsions or cramps and coughs The same being chewed helpeth forward vomites and causeth them to come with more ease The seed if it be taken inwardly troubleth and wringeth the belly Chrysermus the Physician vsed to boile the root in wine and therewith cured the swelling kernills and inflammations behind the ears also with an addition of Cachrys and wine he healed the kings euil Some say that if one take the Asphodel root and lay one part thereof to those swelling kernils called the kings euill and remoue it vpon the fourth day letting the other part to hang in the smoke the said kernils wil drie away euen as the root doth in the chimny Sophocles for the gout vsed the root both waies as well raw as boiled In case of humble-heels he applied it sodden in oile but to them that were fallen into the jaunise or dropsie he gaue it in wine Some writers haue set down in their books that if either the members of generation be anointed with a liniment made therwith and wine and hony together or if the same be taken in drink it will mightily prouoke fleshly lust Xenocrates affirmeth That a decoction of the root in vinegre taketh away the ring-worms tettars running scabs Item If the root be boiled with Henbane and Tar and therewith the armholes and parts between the legs be well rubbed it wil rid away the strong and rank sauor which commeth from thence and if the head be first shauen afterwards rubbed with the said root the haire comming afterwards will curle and frizzle the better Simus the Physician boileth it in wine and so giueth it in drinke for to scoure away the stones of the kidnies Hippocrates prescribeth to giue the seed against the hardnes of the spleen and the flux proceeding from thence furthermore the root being brought to a liniment or the very iuice thereof sodden and vsed accordingly healeth the farsins mange and scab in horses and reduceth the place to bear hair again as faire as before Asphodel hath a property to chase away mice and rats and if their holes be stopped vp therewith they die within Some are of opinion that Hesiod called Asphodel a limon which I take to be a meer vntruth for ther is an herb by it self called Alimon about which writers haue erred not a little for some say that it is a shrub growing thick of a white color without any prick or thorn bearing leaus like the Oliue tree but they be softer this plant is entertained in the kitchin there sodden and dressed for to be serued vp as meat to the table the root taken to the quantity of one dram in honied water dispatcheth the torments of the belly it cureth also convulsions and ruptures Others affirme that Alimon is a sea-wort of a salt and brackish tast whereof it had the name The leaues be round and yet after a sort long withall and the whole herb is highly commended for the pleasant tast and good to be eaten Moreouer there be two kinds of it for the one is wild the other is of a more ciuil and gentle nature And both of them by their saying are good to be eaten with bread for the bloudy flixe euen when the guts be already exulcerate but with vinegre for to comfort and help the stomack A liniment made of Alimon raw is singular for old festered vlcers and the same mitigateth the symptomes that follow green wounds as also assuageth the pains ensuing vpon sprains and dislocations of the foot yea pacifieth the grief of the bladder The wild of this kind hath smaller leaues but more effectuall it is in the remedies beforesaid and withall healeth the scab as well in man as beast Ouer and besides they do affirm That if the body be rubbed with the root the skin wil be the fairer and more smooth or if the teeth be so serued they will be the whiter Also that whosoeuer hold the seed thereof vnder their tongues they shall not be dry nor feel thirst This kind is likewise eaten at the boord and both of them are kept and preserued condite Cratevas hath made mention of a third sort which hath longer leaues than the rest and more rough in the hand in smel resembling the Cipres tree who
meat applied outwardly for the same purpose as also that both wine and vineger which is made of them is of singular operation to the same effect The dried grape or raisin which they call A staphis would trouble the stomack belly and intrails but for the kernels that are within the stones which serue as a remedy to preuent and cure those inconueniences which being taken forth raisins be thought good for the bladder but particularly for the cough those of the white grapes be the better Soueraigne are they also for the wind-pipe and the reins like as the sweet cuit which is made thereof hath a speciall power and vertue against the Haemorrhois alone of all other serpents A cataplasme made of them together with the pouder of Cumin or Coriander seed applied to the cods cureth their inflammation Likewise if they be stamped without their stones or kernels together with Rue they are singular good for carbuncles and gouts but before this cataplasm be laid to any vlcers they ought before hand to be bathed and fomented with wine Applied with their stones they heale chilblanes and bloudy falls yea and ease the paines and wrings which accompany the bloudy flix Of them boiled in oile there is a liniment made which being applied with the outward rind of a radish root and hony helpeth gangrenes but if there be Panace or Loue-ach added therto the liniment cureth the gout and confirmeth nails which be loose Being chewed alone with some pepper they purge the head and the mouth A staphis agria or Staphis which some though vntruly call Vva Taminia for this is a seuerall kind by it selfe growing vp with straight black stalks and carying leaues like to the wilde vine Labrusca beareth bladders or little cods more like than grapes of a green color resembling cich-pease within which is to be seen a three-cornered kernel it waxeth ripe and beginneth to change colour and looke black at vintage time whereas we know that the grapes of the Taminian vine be red also we are assured that Staphis-acre loueth to grow in Sun-shine places but the Taminian grape no where but in the shade The said kernels I would not aduise to be vsed for a purgation considering the doubtfull euent and danger that may insue of choking and strangulation neither for to draw downe fleame and waterish humors into the mouth for surely they be enemies to the throat and weasin pipe The same if they be done into pouder rid lice out of the head al parts of the body besides which they do the better with more ease in case there be Sadaracha or Orpiment among In like manner they kill the itch and the scabs For the tooth-ache they vse to be sodden in vineger for the diseases also of the ears for rheums and eating â—…kers of the mouth The floure beaten into pouder and so taken in wine is singular for the biting anâ—… sting of serpents for I would not giue counsell to vse the seed so exceeding hot it is and of so fiery a nature Some call this herb Pituitaria and apply it as a liniment to the sores occasioned by the biting of serpents As for the wild vine Labrusca it carieth also a floure named in Greeke Oenanthe whereof I haue written enough before The wild vine which the Greeks name Ampelos Agria hath thick leaues and those inclining to a white colour the stalkes or branches be diuided by ioints and knots the bark or rind is all ouer ful of chinks creuises it beareth certain red grapes much like vnto the berries wherewith they colour scarlet which being stamped with the leaues of the same plant and applied with juice of the own are good to clense and beautifie the skin in womens faces and besides do help the accidents and griefs that may befall to the haunch huckle-bone and the loins The root boiled in water and so taken in two cyâ—…hs of the wine of the Island Coos doth euacuat watery humors gathered in the belly and by consequence is thought to be an excellent drink for them who are in a dropsie And this is the plant which in my iudge ment should be that vine which commonly is called in Latine Vva Taminia rather than any other Vsed much it is for a counter-charme against all witchcrafts and giuen it is to gargarise only with salt thyme and honied vineger or oxymell to them that spit and cast vp bloud with this caueat To let none of it go down the throat and therefore men feare to purge therewith so dangerous it is thought to be Another plant there is much like to this called in Latine Salicastrum for that it groweth in willow rews and albeit these two carry diuers and distinct names yet they be of the same nature and property and be vsed to the like purposes Howbeit this Salicastrum is taken to be more effectuall of the twain for to kill the scab scurfe and itch as well in men as in four-footed beasts if it be bruised and applied with honied vineger There is a certain wild white vine which the Greekes call Ampeloleuce some Ophiostaphylon others Melothron or Psilothrum some Archezostis or Cedrostis others Madon This plant putteth forth long and slender twigs parted and diuided by certaine joints or knots and these climb vp and clasp whatsoeuer they meet withall The leaues grow thick and full of tendrils or yong burgeons as big as Iuy leaues diuided jagged in maner of oâ—…er viâ—…e leaues the root is white big like at the first to a radish from which there spring certain shoots or sions resembling the buds of Asparagus these yong sprouts sodden eaten with meat purge both by siege and vrine the leaues and branches be exulceratiue and wil raise blistâ—…rs vpon the body and therfore applied with salt as a liniment they be good for corroâ—…ue vlcers ganâ—…rens wolues and the old morimall sores in the legs The seed or graine thereof is contained within certaine berries hanging down thin here and there in small clusters which yeeld a certain red juice or liquor at the first but afterwards it turneth to a yellow safron colour this know the curriors well who dresse skins for they vse it much There is an ordinary liniment made therewith for scabs mange and leprosie The seed being boiled with wheat and so taken in drink causeth nurces to haue good store of milk The root of this wild vine is very soueraigne and serueth in right good stead for a number of purposes first if it be powdered to the weight of two drams and giuen in drink it is singular against the sting of serpents it is excellent to scoure the skin of the face to take away all spots and speckles flecks and sreckles in any part of the body the black and blew tokens of stripes by reason of brused bloud lying vnder the skin foul vnseemly swerskars it reduceth to the fresh natural colour these operations it hath being
Aetolia neare by The blacke Ellebore is called Melampodium wherewith folk vse to hallow their houses for to driue away ill spirits by strewing or perfuming the same and vsing a solemne praier withall it serueth also to blesse their cattell after the same order But for these purposes they gather it very deuoutly and with certain ceremonies for first and foremost they make a round circle about it with a sword or knife before they go in hand to take it â—…orth of the ground then the party who is to cut or dig it vp turneth his face into the East with an humble prayer vnto the gods That they would vouch safe to giue him leaue with their fauoâ—…â—…o do the deed with that he markes and obserueth the flight of the Egle for lightly while they be cutting vp of this root ye shall see an Aegle soring aloft in the aire now in case the said Aegle flie neere vnto him or her that is cutting vp Ellebore it is a certaine presage and foretoken that he or she shall surely die before that yeare go about Much ado also there is about the gathering of the white Ellebore for vnlesse the party do eat some garlick before and eftsoones in the gathering sup off some wine and withall make hast to dig it vp quickly it wil stuffe and offend the head The blacke Ellebore some call Eutomon others Polyrrhizon it purgeth downward the white by vomit vpward and doth euacuat the offensiue humors which cause diseases In times past it was thought to be a dangerous purgatiue and men were afraid to vse it but afterwards it became familiar and common insomuch as many students tooke it ordinarily for to cleanse the eies of those fumes which troubled their sight to the end that whiles they read or wrote they might see the better or more clearly It is wel known that Carneades the Philosopher purposing to answer the bookes of Zeno prepared his wits and quickened his spirits by purging his head with this Ellebore And Drusus our Countrey-man one of the most famous and renowned Tribunes of the Commons that were euer knowne at Rome a man who aboue all others woon the fauour and applause of the comminalty howsoeuer the nobility charged him to haue bin the cause of the Marsians war was perfectly cured of the falling sicknes in the Iile Anticyra by this only medicine and indeed those Islanders haue a way by themselues to prepare their Ellebore with the mixture of Sesamoeides as I haue said before whereby the taking of it is most safe Ellebore is called in Latine Veratrum the pouder as well of the one as the other snuffed vp into the nosthrils either alone by it selfe or mixed with the pouder of the Fullers herbe Radicula wherewith they wash and scoure their woollen cloth prouoketh sneezing and yet both of them procure sleep Now for vse in Physicke there would be chosen the smallest roots of Ellebor such as be short also and as it were curtelled and not sharp pointed in the bottome and the best part is that which is toward the nether end for the vppermost part of the root which is the thickest and bulbous like to an onion head is good for dogs onely and giuen vnto them for to make them scummer In old time they vsed to chuse the Ellebore root by the bark and took that for the best which had the most fleshy or thickest rind to the end that they might take out the finer pith or marrow within which they vsed to lap and couer with moist spunges and when it began to swell they diuided or sliued it longwise into smal filaments with the point of a needle or bodkin These filaments or strings they dried in the shade laid them vp to serue as need should require But now adaies they cut the small shoots or slips branching from the root such as are most charged with bark and those the Physitians giue vnto their Patients The best white Ellebore is that which in tast is hot and biting at the tongues end and in the breaking seemeth to smoke or send dust from it it is commonly said that it will continue in force thirty yeres The black is good for the palsie for those that be lunatick and be straught in their wits for such as be in a dropsie so they be cleare of a feuer for inueterat gouts as well of feet and hands as other joints it purgeth downward by the belly both choler and fleame being taken in water it gently mollifieth and looseneth the body and from foure oboli which is a small or mean dose you may rise to a full dramme so you exceed not that weight Some were wont to mingle Scammonium therewith but the safer way is to put salt only thereto being giuen in any sweet liquor to some great quantity it is dangerous and yet a fomentation therwith is good to rid away and dispatch the mistinesse that troubleth the eies and therefore some vse to beat it into pouder and when it is reduced into a liniment or eie salue therwith to annoint them for the said purpose This property moreouer it hath to bring to maturation the swelling wens called the kings euill to mollifie any hard tumors to mundifie also the foresaid wens and any botches or impostumes that be suppurat and broken It clenseth likewise the hollow vlcers called fistuloes prouided alwaies that it be not taken out of the sore in 2 daies and 2 nights but the third day it ought to be remoued Incorporat with the skales of brasse and red orpiment it taketh away warts Made into a pultesse or cataplasme with barly meale and wine it is singular good for the dropsie if it be applied vnto the belly take a sliuing or slip of the root and draw it through the eare of sheep or horse in manner of rowelling and the morrow after take it forth again at the same houre this healeth the gid or wood-euill in sheep and cureth the glandres in horses incorporat with frankincense or wax together with pitch or oile of pitch it is singular good for the farcins or scab in any foure-footed beast Touching white Ellebore the best is that which most speedily prouoketh sneezing it is without comparison far more terrible than the blacke especially if a man reade what ado and preparation there went vnto it in the old time when they were to drink it against shiuerings and shakings against the rising of the mother and danger of suffocation in case also of immoderate and extraordinary drowsinesse of excessiue hicquets and yexing without intermission and of continuall sneezing moreouer when they were troubled with weakenesse and feeblenesse of stomacke in like manner in case of vomits when they came either too fast or ouer-slow either too little or too much for this was a rule obserued among them to giue with Ellebore some other drugs for to cause it work the sooner and to hasten vomit more speedily also they vsed means to
Panaces especially that which is called Chironia if it be chewed in the mouth assuageth the tooth-ach so doth the iuice thereof if there be a collution made therewith The root of Henbane hath the like vertue if one chew it with vineger as also of Polemonia or sauge de bois for which purpose it is passing good to chew the Plantain root or to wash the mouth and teeth with the iuice or decoction thereof boiled in vineger And the very leaues of Plantain be singular for the pain of the teeth yea though the gums were putrified with rank corrupt bloud or in case there owsed or issued out of them filthy bloudy matter And the seed of Plantain cureth the impostumations of the gums albeit they gathered to suppuration and ran matter Moreouer Aristolochia doth knit and consolidat the gums yea and fasteneth the teeth in the head For these infirmities of gums and teeth the root of Veruain is highly commended if it be chewed or if it be boiled in wine or vineger and the mouth washed with that decoction The roots of Cinque-foile sodden likewise either in wine or vineger to the consumption of a third part worke the same effect But looke that before you boile them they be wel rinced and washed either in sea water or salt water at the least and when you vse this collution see you hold the liquor or decoction in your mouth a long time But some there be who thinke it better to rub the teeth with the ashes of Cinquefoile burnt leaues root and all Moreouer the root of Mullen or Taperwort sodden in wine maketh a singular collution for the teeth Likewise if the teeth be washed with the decoction of Hyssop or the iuice of Harstrang together with Opium or Poppie iuice much good and ease will insue thereupon As also by the iuice of a Pimpernell root and the rather of that which is counted the female if the same be conueighed vp into the nosthril of the contrary side to the tooth that aketh There is an herb called Groundswel which the Greeks name Erigeron and we the Latines Senecio they say if a man make a circle round about it with some instrument of yron and then dig it out of the ground and therewith touch the tooth that is pained three seueral times and between euery touching spit vpon the ground and then bestow the said herb root and all in the very same place where he drew it so as it may liue and grow again the said tooth shall neuer ake afterwards This Groundswell is an hearbe much like in shape vnto Germander as soft also and tender as it the small stalkes or braunches whereof incline to a reddish colour and it loueth to grow vpon tiled houses or VValles The Greekes imposed that name Erigeron because in the Spring it looketh hoarie like an old gray beard in the top it diuideth it selfe into a number of heads betweene which there commeth forth a light plume much like vnto Thistle-downe VVhich is the reason that Callimachus calleth it Acanthius and others Pappos But in the farther Description of this Hearbe it seemeth that the Greekes agreed not for some haue sayd that it is leafed like to Rocket others to an Oke but that they bee much lesse There bee VVriters also who hold the root to bee good for nothing in Physicke and there bee againe that commend it to bee singular for the sinewes besides some others are of opinion That it strangleth and choaketh as many as drinke it Contrariwise certaine Physitians prescribe it for the Iaundise to bee taken in Wine for all the diseases likewise of the bladder and against the infirmities of the Heart and Liuer And they assure vs That it scoureth the Reines or Kidneies of all grauell In case of the Sciatica they haue ordayned it to bee drunke to the weight of a dramme with Oxymell presently after some exercise by walking giuing out that there is not a better thing in the World for the gripes and torments of the guts if it be taken in sweet wine cuit esteeming it a singular herbe for the griefe of the midriffe and precordiall parts about the heart if it be eaten with meat in a sallad with vineger and in regard of these manifold commodities they sow and nourish it in their gardens for to be alwaies ready at hand And some authours I find who haue made a second kind thereof but they haue not described what manner of herbe it is only they appoint it to be giuen in water against the sting of serpents and to be eaten for the falling sicknesse For mine own part I will set down the vse thereof in some cases according as I haue found it by experience to work in the practise here at Rome The plume or downe which it beareth if it be stamped and reduced into a liniment with Saffron and a few drops of cold water and so applied cureth the inordinat flux of waterish humors into the eies The same dried and parched against the fire or otherwise fried with some cornes of salt and laid to the swelling wens called the Kings euil healeth them The May-Lillie called in Greeke Ephemeron is leafed like vnto the Lillie but that the leaues be lesse the stem is semblable and equall vnto it vpon which it beareth a blew floure The seed which it carrieth is nothing medicinable One single root it hath of a finger thickenesse which is soueraigne for the teeth if it be cut and minced small and afterwards sodden in vineger for a collution to wash the teeth with it warme The very substance also of the root is singular good to confirme the teeth standing loose in the head and to be put into those that be hollow and worme eaten Moreouer the root of Celendine is good for the teeth if it be bruised or stamped and so with vineger held in the mouth If teeth be rotten and corrupt the black Ellebore is singular to be put into their concauities And both of them as well the blacke as the white serue in a collution to strengthen and keep them fast in their sockets if they be boyled in vineger As touching the Tazill which is called in Latine Labrum Veneris it grows in riuers and waters within the heads or burs which it beareth there is found a little worme or grub which for the tooth-ache they vse to binde about the teeth or to put it in their holes and close them vp with wax But when that herbe is pulled out of the ground great heed must be taken that it touch not the earth The herbe Crowfoot is called in Latine Ranunculs in Greeke Batrachion whereof be foure kindes The first beareth leaues like vnto Coriander but that they be farter and as broad as those of the Mallow of a swe rt colour the stalke is whitish or grisled and slender the root also white it groweth ordinarily along great rode waies especially in cold shadowie moist places The second is better
herbe Flea-wort or Cotyledon otherwise called Vmbilicus veneris stamped with fried Barly meale into a cataplasme or els to take Iubarb i. Sengreen to the same effect The herbe Molon hath a stem chamfered or channelled along soft leaues those small a root foure fingers long in the end whereof it beareth an head like vnto Garlicke Some call it Syron Taken in wine it helpeth the stomack and difficulty of drawing breath In which cases the greater Centaury is singular if it be reduced into a lohoch or liquid electuary Plantain also eaten any way either in a green-sauce or sallad This composition is reputed a soueraign medicine Take of Betony stamped the weight of one pound of Atticke hony as much incorporat them together and hereof drinke euery day the quantity of halfe an ounce in some conuenient liquor or in water warm Aristolochia or Agarick are soueraigne meanes to be vsed in these infirmities if one drinke the weight of three oboli thereof either in warme water or asses milke The herb Cissanthemos is good to be drunk for those that be streight winded and must sit vpright when they draw their breath In the like case Hyssop is commended as also for pursiuenesse and shortnesse of wind The juice of Harstrang is an ordinary medicine for the griefe of the liuer the pains also of brests and sides in case the Patient be cleare of the ague As for Agarick it helpeth all such as spit bloud if the pouder thereof to the weight of one Victoriat be giuen in fiue cyaths of honied wine Of the same operation is Amomum But particularly for the liuer the herb Teucria is thought to be soueraign if it be taken fresh green to the weight of foure drams in one hemine of water and vineger mixed together One dram of Betony giuen in three cyaths of warm water or in tw ain of cold is thought to be a singular cordiall The iuice of Cinquefoile helpeth all the imperfections of the liuer and lights it cureth them that voyd or reach vp bloud and generally it serueth for al inward corruptions and distemperatures of the whole masse of bloud Both Pimpernels be wonderfull medicinable for the liuer Fumiterre the herb whosoeuer do eat shal purge choler by vrine Galangale is helpfull likewise to the liuer to the chest also and the midriffe or precordial parts The herb Caucon named also Ephedra and by some Anabasis groweth ordinarily in open tracts exposed to the wind it wil clime vpon trees and hang down from their boughs and branches Leafe it hath none but is garnished with a number of haires which are no other but rushes indeed full of ioints and knots the root is of a pale colour Let this herb be beaten to pouder and giuen in red wine that is greene and hard it is good for the cough for the shortnesse of wind and the wrings of the belly it may be taken also in some other supping whereto it were conuenient to put wine In like sort the infusion of one dram of Gentian which hath lien steeped the day before may be very wel taken in three cyaths of wine for those purposes Herb Benet or Auens hath a small root of a blackish colour which hath a good sent this herb not only cureth the pains of the brest and side but also discusseth all crudities proceeding of vnperfect digestion by reason of the pleasant sauour that it hath As for Veruaine it is medicinable vnto all the prrncipall and noble parts within the body good for the sides the lungs the liuer and the breast but most properly it respecteth the lungs and namely when the patient is in a phthy sick or consumption by the means of their vlcer The root of Bearfoot an herb which I said was but lately found out is a present remedie for swine sheep goats all such cattel in case they be diseased in the lights if it be but drawn crosse through any of their eares The same ought to bee drunke in water and a piece thereof continually held vnder the tongue As for any other part of this hearbe aboue ground be it leafe stalke floure or seed it is not yet certainly knowne whether it be good or no for any purpose in Physicke As for the kidneies the hearbe Plantaine is good to be eaten Betonie to be drunke Agaricke also to be taken in drinke like as for the cough Tripolium groweth vpon the rocks by the sea side on which the sea-water beateth so as a man cannot say that it is either in the sea or the drie land in leafe it resembleth woad but that it is thicker the stemme is a span or hand-breadth high forked and diuided at the point the root white odoriferous grosse and hot in taste when it is sodden in a frumenty pottage of wheat they giue it with good successe to those that be diseased in the liuer this is thought of some to be all one with Polium whereof I haue spoken in due place Symphonia or Gromphena an herbe hauing leaues some red others greene growing to the stem in order one red and another greene is a soueraigne medicine for such as reach and void vp bloud if it be taken in oxycrat or vineger water mingled together Melandryum is an herb found growing in corn-fields medows with a white floure and the same of a sweet and pleasant sent the smal stems therof be commended for the liuer in case they be stamped giuen in old wine Chalcetum commeth vp in vineyards which if it be punned serueth for a good cataplasme to be applied vnto the region of the liuer The root of Betony taken to the weight of foure drams in wine cuit or honied wine prouoketh vomit readily as well as Ellebore But for this purpose Hyssope is better being beaten in pouder and giuen with honey but order would be giuen before vnto the Patient to eat Cresses or Irio Molemonium also is of the like effect if it be taken to the weight of one denier Moreouer the herb Silybum hath a white juice like vnto milke which after it is thickened to the substance of a gum is vsually taken to the foresaid weight with hony for a vomitorie and doth euacuat cholericke humors especially On the contrary side wild Cumin and the poâ—…der of Betony if they be drunk with water do stay vomiting For to digest the crudities of the stomack and to rid away the loathing to meat Carrot is thought to be very good so is the pouder of Betony if it be taken in honied water and Plantain also boiled in potage after the manner of Coleworts or such like potherbs Hemonium staieth the painful yex oâ—… hocquet In like sort Aristolochia Clymenos giues liberty to draw the wind more freely The greater Centaury and Hyssop are singular in drink for the pleurisie and inflammation of the lungs The iuice of Harstrang principally is a proper remedy for those that haue the
be who drink the same for to purge both vpward and downward for otherwise an enimy it is to the stomack in which potion if there be put some salt it doth euacuat fleagme but with salt petre it voideth cholerick humors If the patient haue a mind to purge by seege he shal do wel to drink the juice of Tithymall in water and vineger mingled together but if he be disposed to vomit it is better to drink it in cuit or mead The ordinarie dose is three oboles thereof in a potion But the better way is to take the figs prepared as is beforesaid after meat and euen so taken in some sort the juice doth sting the throat and set it on fire For to say a truth of so hot a nature it is that alone of it selfe being applied outwardly vnto any part of the body it raiseth pimples and blisters no lesse than fire in which regard it is vsed for a caustick or potentiall cauterie the second kind of the Tithymall is knowne by the name Myrsinites which others call Caryites The reason of the one name is this for that it beareth sharp pointed and prickie leaues in manner of the Myrtle but that they be somwhat more tender and the same groweth in rough places like as the former The bushy heads or tufts of this Tithymall would be gathered when Barly beginneth to swell in the eare so they be let to take their drying in the shade 9 daies together for in the Sun they wil be withered in that space The fruit which this plant beareth doth not ripen all together in one season but some part thereof remaineth against the next yere and the said fruit is called the Tithymal nut which is the cause that the Greeks haue imposed vpon it that second name Caryites The proper time to gather and cut down this herb is when corn is ripe in the field and ready to be reaped or mowed Which beeing washed must afterwards be laied forth a drying so they vse to giue it with two parts or twice as much of black Poppie yet so as the whole dose may not exceed one acetable This Tithymall is nothing so strong a vomitory as the former no more be the rest whereof I will speak anone Some there be who giue the leaues also with black poppy after the foresaid proportion the very nut or fruit it selfe alone in mead or cuit or els if they put any thing thereto it must be Sesama and truely in this maner it sendeth flegmatick chollerick humors away by seege This Tithymal is singular for the sores in the mouth But for cankerous and corrosiue vlcers indeed which corrode deep into the mouth it is good to chew and eat the same with honey The third kind of Tithymall is called Paralius or Tithymalis This herb puts forth round leaues riseth vp with a stalk a span or hand full high the branches be red and the seed white which ought to be gathered when the grape beginneth to shew blacke vpon the vine And being dried and made into pouder is a sufficient purgation so it be taken inwardly to the measure of one acetable the fourth kind is named Helioscopium the leaues wherof resemble Purcellane and from the root it puts forth 4 or 5 small vpright branches which be likewise red and half a foot high the same also be ful of juice or milk This herb delighteth to grow about town sides bearing a white seed wherin Doues Pigeons take exceeding great pleasure which also is ordinarily gathered when the grape maketh some shew of ripening It took this name Helioscopium for that it turns the heads which it beareth round about with the Sun Halfe an acetable thereof taken in Oxymel purgeth choller downeward And in other cases vsed it is like as the former Tithymall named Characias The fifth men call Cyparissias for the resemblance that the leaues haue to those of the Cypresse tree it riseth vp with a double or threefold stem and loueth to grow in champian places of the same operation and vertue it is that Helioscopium and Characias beforenamed The sixth Tithymal is commonly called Platyphyllos although some name it Corymbites others Amygdalites for the resemblance that it hath to the almond tree there is not a Tithymal hath broader leaues than it which is the reason of the first and vsuall name Platyphyllos it is good to kil fish it purges the belly if either the root leaues or iuice be taken in honied wine or in mead to the weight of foure drams a speciall vertue it hath to draw water downward from all other humors The seuenth is called commonly Dendroides and yet some giue it the name Cobion others Leptophyllon ordinarily it is found growing vpon rocks and of all others carrieth the fairest head likewise the stems be reddest and the seed sheweth in most plenty the effects be all one with those of Characias as touching the plant called Apios Ischas or Rhaphanos-agria i. the wild Radish it putteth forth two or three stalkes like bents or rushes spreading along the ground and those be red and the leaues resemble rue the root is like an onion head but that it is larger which is the reason that some haue called it the wild Radish this root hath a white fleshie substance within but the skin or rind thereof is blacke it groweth vsually vpon rough mountains and otherwise in faire greens full of grasse The right season to dig vp this root is in the Spring which being stamped and strained they vse to put in an earthen pot where it is permitted to stand look what it casteth vp and swimmeth aloft they scum off and throw away the rest of the iuice thus clarified purgeth both waies if it be taken to the weight of one obolus a half in mead or honied water and in that maner prepared it is giuen to those that be in a dropsie the ful measure of one acetable the pouder also of the root dried is good to spice a cup for a purgation and as they say the vpper part of the root purgeth choler vpward by vomit whereas the nether part doth it by seege downward Now for the pains and wrings which oftentimes torment the poorebelly all the kinds of Panaces and Betony are singular to assuage and allay them plain vnlesse they be such as are occasioned by crudity and indigestion As for the iuice of Harstrang it dissolueth ventosities for it breaketh wind vpward and causeth one to rift so doth the roots of Acorus also carots if they be eaten in a salad after the maner of Lettuce For the infirmities proper to the guts namely the worms there breeding Ladanum of Cypresse is soueraigne to be taken in drinke in like maner the pouder of Gentian drunk in warm water to the quantity of a bean Plantain likewise hath the same effect if there be taken of it first in a morning to the quantity of 2 spoonfuls
swallows and Cricquets infused and dissolued in hot water are commended for this purpose Some helpe themselues with the gisier of Ossifragus dried others vse the decoction of Turtles dung boiled in honied wine or els the broth of the Turtle it selfe Furthermore for the difficulty of vrine it is wholsome to eat blacke birds or Metles boiled with Myrtle berries or Grashoppers fried in a pan to drink the sows or Cheeslips called Oniscoi folke make it not strange to do themselues good But if there be pain in the bladder it is said That the broth made of Lambs feet is soueraigne If the body bee bound or costiue a Cocke-broth causeth it to be soluble and the same doth withall lenifie the acrimony of humors that cause the foresaid griefe of the bladder The dung of Swallows likewise procureth loosnesse of belly in case it be tempered with hony to the forme of a suppositarie and so put vp Touching the infirmities incident to the seat the tried grease of vnwashed wooll whereunto some adde Tutie and oile of Roses the ashes also of a dogs head are soueraign medicines the slough likewise which a serpent hath cast applied with vineger is good in case there be chaps and fissures in that part Likewise the ashes of dogs dung which looketh white incorporat with oile of Roses this receit they say was the inuention of Aeculapius and is besides most effectuall to take away werts The ashes of Mice dung Swans grease the tallow of Oxe or Cow are helpfull for this infirmity If the tuill or gut Longaon be ralaxed and hang forth it is good to annoint the same with the moisture issuing forth of shel-snails that is pricked through with a pin or needle for it driueth it back again to the right place If the seat be galled it is thought that the ashes of the wood-Mouse tempered with hony cureth the same or els the ashes of an Vrchin together with the brains of a Bat Allum and the grease tried out of vnwashed wool wil skin it againe In like manner Pigeons dung with hony for the swelling blind haemorrhoids or piles called Condylomata there is a proper remedy namely to rub the place with a spiders body after the head and legs be cast away Against the acrimony and sharpnesse of humors that they should not fret and burne those parts there is a faire liniment made with Goose grease incorporat with Barbary wax white lead and oile rosat So is the fat of a Swan These medicines also are said to heale the haemorrhoids that run For the pain of the Sciatica it is thought that raw shell-snailes bruised are good if they bee taken in Amminean wine and pepper also a greene lizard eaten as meat without the feet garbage and head so is the starre-lizard Stellio but thereto ought to be put the weight of three oboli of black poppy seed For ruptures inward spasmes and convulsions it auaileth much to take sheeps gal with brest milk In case the priuities haue an itch a fretting humor vpon them or if some offensiue werts arise in those parts the dripping or grauie that commeth from a rams lights rosted doth much good if the place be therewith annointed As touching other accidents which happen to those parts the wooll of a ram calcined and reduced into ashes euen with all the filthinesse that is therein is thought to be very good so that the ashes be applied to the affected place with water The sewet of the kell of a mutton but especially that which groweth to the kidnies incorporat with the pouder of a pumish stone and salt is much commended in this case also greasie and vnwashed wooll soked in cold water is good to be applied to the place the flesh moreouer of a mutton calcined so as the ashes be incorporat with water Item the ashes of a mules houfe and the pouder of caples teeth braied puluerized if the grieued place be strewed therewith To come lower to the infirmities of the cods the pouder of the bones of a dogs head without any flesh vpon it puluerised is singular therfore If it fal out that one of the genitoirs be relaxed hang down lower than his fellow it is good to annoint the same with the waterish slime and some that commeth from shel-snails so they say it is an excellent remedy if there be any foule and malignant vlcers in those parts running with filthy matter the ashes of a dogges head fresh killed are singular to heal the same so are the little broad and flat shel-snails bruised and incorporat with vineger if either the same or the ashes be applied thereto also the honey wherein bees haue been killed mixt with rosin the naked snailes likewise which bred as I said in Barbarie in case they be stamped incorporat with the pouder of Frankincense the white of an egg with this charge that the said cataplasme be not taken off in 30 daies by which time it will be ready to fall away of it selfe Some in stead of frankincense put the bulbous roots of small onions or scallions For those who be troubled with the waterish rupture it is thought that the star-lizards Stilliones be wonderfull good in case their head feet and guts bee taken forth and the rest of the body rosted but the patient had need to eat of this meat often and so it helpeth those who cannot hold their water The like opinion there is of dogs grease incorporat with Alume de plume if the patient take thereof to the quantity of a bean as also the snailes of Barbary burnt flesh shell and all so as the patient drink their ashes Furthermore it is said that the tongues of three geese rosted and eaten is a speciall remedy for this infirmity and Anaxilaus is he that deuised this receit Touching the biles called Pani sheepes tallow incorporat with salt torrifacted is singular good to breake them but mice dung with the fine pouder of frankincense orpiment or red Arsenicke is as proper to resolue them likewise the ashes of a lizard and the lizard it selfe split aliue and applied hot thereto In like maner cheeslips or sows stamped and incorporat with the right terpentine to the quantity of a third part so brought into a cataplasme Some there be who to shell-snailes punned adde the common bole-armoniack Also the ashes of the void shels only alone without the snailes mixt with wax are of a resolutiue and discutient facultie In like manner a liniment made either of pigeons dung only or els incorporat with barly meale or oatmeale The flies called Cantharides mixed with quicklime are a good potentiall cauterie and open such biles as well as the Chirurgians launcet The botches or swellings in the share a liniment made with the small shel-snailes and hony doth assuage and mitigate Finally to keepe down the veins from swelling which be called Varices it is good to anoint the legs of children with the
of their beards if the haire be cut it grows not again at the cut end but springs from the root It growes apace in some sicknesses and most of all in the consumption of the lungs and in old age yea and vpon the bodies of the dead In lecherous persons the haire of their head browes and eie-lids with which they came into the world doe fall more early than in others but those that spring afterward grow sooner again if they be cut and shauen The wooll and haire that foure footed beasts do beare is more course and thick by age but it comes not in such plenty as before And such haue alwaies their backe well couered with haire and wooll but their bellies bare Of Kine and Ox hides sodden there is made glew but the Bulls hide hath no fellow for that purpose Man only of all males hath euident paps in his breasts other creatures haue little nipples only in shew of teats Neither hath all females teats in their brests but only such as are able to suckle their yong none that lay egs haue paps nor any haue milk vnles they bring forth their yong liuing and yet of all fowles I must except the Bat alone As for the ilfauored Scritchowles called Stryges I think they be but tales that go of them namely That they will giue milk out of their brests to yong infants True it is all men agree in this That the manner was in old time to vse in cursing and execration the terme of Strix but what bird it should be I suppose no man as yet knoweth CHAP. XL. ¶ Notable obseruations in liuing Creatures as touching their paps SHee Asses are much pained with the ache of their vdders when they haue foled and therefore after six moneths they will not giue them any more sucke whereas mares doe suckle their colts a whole yeare almost Those beasts which be whole hoofed and haue not aboue two yong at once haue all of them two paps and no more and those in no other place else but between their hinder legs Such as be clouen footed and horned likewise haue them in that place but Kine haue foure teats Ewes Goats but two apiece Such beasts as be very fruitful and bring many yong and likewise whose feet are parted into toes these haue many nipples or teat heads all along their belly disposed and set in a double course as namely Sowes of which those of the better sort haue 12 the common sort but tenne Also Bitches after the same maner Some beasts haue 4 teats in the mids of their belly as Panthers some twain and no more as the Lionesse The Elephant alone hath twaine vnder his shoulders or legs before and those not euident in the breast part but short thereof and lying hidden as it were within the arm-pits And generally none that haue their feet diuided into toes haue vdders behinde vnder their hin legs A Sow at euery farrow giues the formost nipples to those pigs that come first and so in order as they be farrowed and those teats be they that are next to her throat and highest Euery pig knowes the own pap and will take it and no other when it comes first into the world and thereof it is nourished If a pig be taken from the sow the milk of that pap wil dry vp presently or returne backe and the pap it selfe fall flat to the belly Also if it chance that but one sucking pig be left that pap alone wil do the part and let down milke which Nature first appointed for that one pig She Beares haue foure paps apiece Dolphins haue no more but two teats and nipples in the bottom of their belly and those not very apparant to the eye nor streit and direct but lying somwhat aside and byas and no beast besides giueth sucke as it runneth but she To conclude Whales Wirlepooles and Seales nourish their yong with their vdder and teats CHAP. XLI ¶ Of Milke and of what milke Cheese cannot be made THe milk that comes from a woman before she hath gon 7 months with child is not good but from that time forward it is wholsome because the infant may liue and do well after that terme Many are so frim and free of milke that all their breasts are strut and full thereof euen as far as to their arm-holes Camels giue milke vntill they be great with yong again and their milke is thought to be most sweet and pleasant in tast if to one measure thereof you put three of water A Cow hath no milke ordinarily before she hath calued The first milke that she giueth downe is called Beestins which vnlesse it be delayed with some water will soon turn to be as hard as a pumish stone She Asses are not so soon with yong but they haue milke in their vdders but if they go in good and battle pasture it is not good their yong foles should suck their milke in two daies after for the very tast thereof is enough to kil them and this disease that comes of Beestins is called Colostratio The milk that those giue which haue teeth in both chawes is not good to make cheese of because it will not cruddle Camels milke of all others is thinnest and Mares milke next to it Asses milk is holden for to be thickest and therefore they vse it in stead of renning to turn milke and gather curds thereof It is thought also to be very good for to make womens skin faire and white Certes the Empresse Poppaea wife to Domitius Nero had alwaies wheresoeuer she went 500 she Asses milch in her train and in their milke she bathed and washed her whole body as in an ordinary bain supposing that thereby her skin was not only whiter but also more neat smooth and void of riuels All sorts of milke will thicken with fire and turne into whey with cold Cowes milke maketh more cheese than Goats milk by twice as much almost although you take no more of the one than the other The milke of those that haue aboue foure paps is naught for cheese but theirs is better that haue but twain The rennet of an hind-calfe or Leveret and a Kid is much commended But especially of a Leveret or Rabbet which also is medicinable for the flux of the belly a thing to be obserued in them alone of all creatures that are toothed in both chawes A wonder it is that barbarous nations liuing of milke haue for so many hundred yeares either not knowne or else not regarded the benefit of cheese and yet they vsed to thicken their milk into a kind of pleasant soure curd in manner of a Sellibub and to charn butter thereof which is the skum and cream of milke much thicker than that which is called whey To conclude I may not let passe That Butter hath the vertue and properties of oile insomuch as forrein and barbarous nations do anoint their children therewith as we also do ours CHAP. XLII ¶ Cheeses of
without As touching the price of myrrh it alters as it is more or lesse in request and according as it meeteth with many or few chapmen For ye shal haue Stacte sold somtimes for 6 deniers a pound and otherwhiles for 50. The greatest price of the garden frank-Myrrh or that which is set by mans hand is 22 deniers The red called Erythrea is neuer aboue 16 and this is taken to be the true myrrh of Arabia The kernell within of the Trogloditick Myrrh will cost 13 deniers a pound but that which they call Odoraria is sold for 14. All kinds of Myrrh be mingled and sophisticated with pieces of Masticke comming from the Lentiske and with other gum Item with Elaterium i. the iuice of the wild cucumber to make it more bitter as also that it might seem weightier with the some of lead or litharge of siluer And surely setting aside these two corruptions all the rest are found by the very tast of the gum which also will sticke vnto the teeth in the chewing But the craftiest and finest deuice to counterfeit it is with Indian myrrh gathered there from a certain thorny plant which growes among them This is the onely thing that India bringeth forth worse than other countries And verily so bad it is that soone it may be knowne from other myrrhes CHAP. XVII ¶ Of Mastick Ladanum and Brut a of Enhaemus Strobus and Styrax FRom the foresaid Myrrh therefore last named let vs for the affinitie passe to Mastick which comes also of another thorny tree in India as also in Arabia called Lama Howbeit of Mastick there be two sorts for both in Asia and also in Greece there is found an hearbe which directly from the root putteth forth leaues and it beareth a but or thistle head like an apple full of seeds Cut the top of this herbe and there will issue forth a certain liquor so like vnto the right mastick that hardly a man shall know the one from the other Ouer and besides there is a third sort of Masticke in Pontus more like to Bitumen Howbeit the very best Mastick is brought out of the Island Chios and the same is white and a pound of it is worth in Rome 20 deniers but the black ye shall buy for twelue As for the Chian Masticke it issueth forth as a gum out of the Lentisk tree Mingled this is also like as frankincense with rosin Moreouer Arabia doth glory euen yet in their Ladanum And many haue reported that this comes by fortune or chance and by occasion of violence and wrong done to an odoriferous plant that yeeldeth it in this manner following The Goats they say harmefull creatures as they be to all plants but more desirous to be brousing of sweet and aromaticall shrubs as if they knew how precious they were vse to crop the sprouts and sprigs of this plant which beareth Masticke which being so full of this odoriferous and sweet liquor that they smel again doth drop and distill the said moisture which the shrewd and vnhappy beast catcheth among the shag long haires of his beard Now by reason that dust getteth among it baltereth cluttereth into knots and balls and so is concocted into a certaine consistence in the Sunne And hereupon it is that in Ladanum are found goats haires But this hapneth by their saying in no other place but among the Nabataeans in the frontiers of Arabia toward Syria The later moderne writers call the plant which yeeldeth Ladanum Strobos and they affirme That in the forrests of Arabia where these do grow the boughes are much broken by the brousing of these goats and so the iuice and liquor stickes to their locks and beards But the true Ladanum say they is peculiar to the Island Cyprus for giue me leaue I pray you to speake by the way of euery kind of spice and aromaticall drugs not strictly to keep obserue the order consequence of places where they be found And by report after the same manner as this Ladanum in Arabia there hangeth and cleaueth to the beards and shagge haired legs and flankes of the goats there also a certain grease and fattinesse called Oesypus but according to them it must be gotten when they crop off the leaues and floures of the herbe Cistus in a morning for their breakefast at what time as the Island Cyprus standeth all with a dew Now when the morning mist is dispatched by the heat of the Sunne there gathereth dust amongst these moist and wet haires of theirs and sticketh to and then the Islanders come and comb from their beards and flanks that which the call Ladanum Some call that plant in Cyprus whereof it is made Ledon and in truth thereof it taketh the name of Ledanum amongst them For by their report this herbe hath a fatty substance setling vpon it and the peasants of the countrey roll the herbs together into balls or rundles with small cords and so make vp those little lumpes ye see By which we may perceiue that as well in Arabia as Cyprus there be two kinds of Ladanum the one mixed with earth and naturall of it selfe the other brought into balls and artificiall The earthy is brittle and will crumble the artificiall is tough clammy and will cleaue to ones fingers Moreouer it is said that there be certain shrubs in Carmania that beare Ladanum as also about Egypt by occasion of plants thither brought by the Ptolomaes kings of Egypt or as some say it is the Incense tree that bringeth it forth and is gathered after the manner of a gum issuing out of the tree by incision made in the barke and is receiued in goat skins The best Ladanum is worth forty Asses a pound Sophisticated it is with Myrtle berries and with other filth of beasts The good Ladanum indeed which is of it selfe without other mixture ought to haue a wild and sauage smell with it as if it came out of a wildernesse Greenish it is and drie to see to but handle it neuer so little and presently it doth relent and wax soft Set it on fire and it burneth bright and cleare and then it casts a sweet and pleasant odour But all that is counterfeit and mixed with myrtle berries may soon be knowne for they will crackle in the fire Besides the true Ladanum hath rather stony grit comming from the rockes mingled with it than dust In Arabia the Oliue tree also hath a kind of liquour which issueth out of it and thereof is compounded a certain soueraign salue named of the Greeks Enhaemon which is singular good to draw vp wounds and heale them clean In the maritime parts and sea coasts the said Oliue trees at some tides are ouerflowed with the waues Yet receiue the Oliue berries no hurt thereby notwithstanding it be certain that the sea doth leaue salt vpon the leaues Thus you see what be the peculiar commodities as touching trees proper vnto Arabia True it is that it hath others besides
be more sweet and pleasant There is sound within a resemblance of canes and reeds full of this iuice Howbeit about the rising of the Dog star there be certain winged wormes settle vpon the said reeds creepe in and eat away the marrow as it were which lay within so as a man shall find nought left behind but a mouldy dust or rotten powder good for nothing Next to this Storax of Syria great account is made of that which commeth out of Pisidia from Sidon Cypres and Cilicia but least reckoning is made of that which Candie sendeth vs. That which is brought from the mount Amanus in Syria is good for the Physicians but better for the perfumers and confectioners From what nation soeuer it comes the best Storax is that which is red somewhat glutinous besides by reason of the fattines The worst is that which hath no consistence and tenacitie but crumbles like bran and is so mouldie that it is ouergrowne with a white hoarie mosse The pedlers and such like petie merchants can skill how to sophisticate this drug also with the rosin of cedar and gum otherwhiles also with honie or bitter almonds But al these deceits are known by the tast The price of the best is 19 deniers a pound There is a Storax besides which Pamphylia doth yeeld but drier it is and nothing so full of moisture Moreouer we haue from Syria out of the same mountain Amanus another kind of gum called Galbanum issuing out of an hearbe like Fennell-geant which some call by the name of the said Rosin others Stagonitis The best Galbanum and which is most set by is gristly and cleare withall resembling Hammoniacum without any spils of wood in it For in that wise the hucksters vse to deceiue chapmen by mingling beanes with it or the gum Sagapenum The right Galbanum if you burn it chaseth away Serpents with the strong perfume or smoke thereof It is sold for fiue deniers the pound and is vsed only in Physicke for medicines CHAP. XXVI ¶ Of Panaces Spondylium and Malobathrum THe same perfumers seeke also into the same Syria for Panaces growing there and yet it is to be found also about Psophis a citie in Arcadia and the fountaines from whence floweth the riuer Erymanthus yea and in Affricke besides and Macedonie This Panax is an hearbe with a tall stalke and round tuft in the head like Fennell and yet it is a plant by it selfe growing to the height of fiue cubits At the first it putteth out foure leaues and afterwards six They be very large and round withall lying vpon the ground but toward the top they resemble the leaues of an Oliue it beareth seed in the head hanging within certaine round tufts as doth the Ferula Out of the stalk of this hearb there there is drawn a liquor by way of incision made in haruest time and likewise out of the root in Autumne or the fall of the leaf And this is called Opopanax The best lookes white when it is gathered and congealed The next in worth and weight is that which is yellow As for the blacke it is of no account The berter Opoponax costeth not aboue two Asses a pound Another hearbe there is of this Fennell kind namely Spondylium somwhat different from the former but in leaues only because they be lesse than those of Panax and diuided after the manner of the Plane leaues This Spondylium groweth no where but in cold and shadowie places It carrieth a fruit or graine called also Spondylium which resembleth the forme of Sil or Siler montanum and serueth for no vse but Physick We are beholden moreouer to Syria for Malobathrum This is a tree that beares leaues rolled vp round together and seeming to the eie withered Out of which there is drawne and pressed an Oile for perfumers to vse Aegypt is more fruitfull of this hearbe than Syria And yet there comes a better kind therof from India than both those countries It is said that it grows there in meeres and standing waters swimming aloft after the manner of Fen-lentils or Duckes meat more odoriferous than Saffron enclining to a blacke colour rough in handling in tast salt or brackish The white is not so well esteemed It wil soon be mouldie when it is stale The rellish thereof ought to resemble Nardus at the tongues end The perfume or smell that Malobathrum or the leafe yeeldeth when it is boiled in wine passeth all others It is strange and monstrous which is obserued in the price for it hath risen from one denier to 300 a pound whereas the Oile it selfe doth cost 60. CHAP. XXVII ¶ Of Oile Olive made of greene Oliues likewise of Grape Veriuice FOr the mixture and composition of ointments the Oile of vnripe Oliues and Veriuice is very good and verily made it is in two kinds after two sorts to wit of the Oliue and the Vine Of the Oliues if yee would haue good they ought to bee pressed whiles they be yet white for if they turn colour once and be blackish the worse is the Oyle or Veriuice that commeth thereof And such kind of Oliues be called Drupae namely before they be fully ripe and good to eat and yet haue lost their colour And herein is the difference for that the oyle of this later sort is green the other is white Now as for grape Verjuice it should be made of the Vine Psythia or Amminea and before the canicular daies when as the grapes bee but new knit and no bigger than the Cich-pease The grapes I say must be gathered for this purpose at the beginning before they change colour the juice thereof ought then to be taken Then should the Verjuice that comes from it be sunned and heed must be taken in any case that no dews by night do catch it and therefore it would stand in couvert Now when this iuice or verjuice is gathered it is put vp in earthen pots and otherwhiles kept also in vessels of copper The best grape verjuice is red sharp and soure in taste dry withall and scyptick A pound or a pinte of such verjuice is worth six deniers It may be made in another sort namely by punning and stamping vnripe grapes in morters drying it afterwards in the Sunne and so made vp into certain rolls or trochisks CHAP. XXVIII ¶ Of Bryon and Oenanthe of the tree Elate and Cinnamon Cariopus THe mosse of the white Poplar or Asp which is reputed as the grape therof is vsed likewise in these odoriferous and sweet compositions The best grows about Cnidos or Caria in thirsty dry and rough places A second sort is that which is found vpon the Cedar of Lycia To this pertaineth Oenanthae which is no more but the grapes of the wild vine called Labrusca Gathered it is when it floureth that is to say when it smels best It is dried in the shade vpon a linnen sheet lying vnder it and then put vp into little barrels The
for the male putteth forth his bloome in the branch but the female sheweth no floure at all but sprouteth and shooteth out buds in manner of a thorne howbeit both in the one and the other the pulp or flesh of the Date commeth first and after it the wooddy stone within which stands in stead of the grain and seed of the Date And this appeares euidently by a good token for that in the same branch there be found little yong Dates without any such stone at al. Now is the said stone or kernell of the Date in forme long not so round and turned like a ball as that of the Oliue Besides along the back it hath a cut or deep slit chamfered in as it were between two pillowes but in the mids of the belly on the other side for the most part it hath a round specke formed like a nauill whereat the root or chit beginneth first to put forth Moreouer for the better planting of Dates they set two together of their stones in a ranke with the bellies downward to the earth and as many ouer their heads for if one alone should come vp it were not able to stand of it selfe the root and young plant would be so feeble but foure together so ioine clasp and grow one to another that they do well enough and are sufficient to beare themselues vpright the kernel or wooddy substance within the Date is diuided from the fleshy pulp and meat thereof by many white pellicles or thin skins between neither lieth it close thereto but hollow a good distance from it saue that in the head it is fastened thereunto by a thred or string and yet there be other pellicles that cleaue fast and sticke to the substance of the Date within The Date is a yeare in ripening Howbeit in certaine places as namely in Cyprus the meat or fleshie pulp thereof is sweet and pleasant in taste although it be not come to the full ripenesse where also the leafe of the tree is broader and the fruit rounder than the rest mary then you must take heed not to eat and swallow down the very bodily substance of it but spit it forth after you haue wel chewed sucked out the iuice therof Also they say that in Arabia the dates haue but a faint weak sweetnes with them yet K. Iuba makes greatest account of those which the region of the Scenites in Arabia doth yeeld where they be called Dabula and he commends them for their delicate and pleasant tast before all others Moreouer it is constantly affirmed That the females be naturally barten and will not beare fruit without the company of the males among them to make them for to conceiue yet grow they wil neuerthelesse and come vp of themselues yea and become tall woods and verily a man shall see many of the females stand about one male bending and leaning in the head full kindly toward him yeelding their branches that way as if they courted him for to win his loue But contrariwise he a grim sir and a coy carries his head aloft bears his bristled rough arms vpright on high and yet what with his very lookes what with his breathing and exhalations vpon them or else with a certain dust that passes from him he doth the part of an husband insomuch as all the females about him conceiue and are fruitfull with his only presence It is said moreouer that if this male tree be cut downe his wiues wil afterwards become barren and beare no more Dates as if they were widows Finally so euident is the copulation of these sexes in the Date trees knowne to be so effectuall that men haue deuised also to make the females fruitful by casting vpon them the blooms and down that the male bears yea and otherwhiles by strewing the pouder which he yeelds vpon them Besides the maner abouesaid of setting date stones for increase the trees may be replanted of the very truncheons of two cubits long sliued and diuided from the very brain as it were of the green tree in the top and so couched and interred leauing only the head without the ground Moreouer Date trees wil take again and liue if either their slips be pluckt from the root or their tendrils small branches be set in the earth As for the Assyrians they make no more adoe but if it be a moist soile plash the very tree it selfe whole as it stands and draw it along and so trench it within the ground and thus it will take root and propagate but such will neuer proue faire trees but skrubs only And therefore they deuise certain Seminaries or Nource gardens of them and no sooner be they of one yeares growth but they transplant them and so againe a second time when they be two yeares old for these trees loue alone to be remoued from one place to another But whereas in other countries this transplantation is practised in the spring the Assyrians attend the very mids and heat of Summer and in the beginning of the Dog-daies vse to replant them Moreouer in that countrie they neither cut off the heads ne yet shred the branches of the yong plants with their hooks and bils but rather bind vp their boughes that they may shoot vp in height the better Howbeit when they are strong they cut their branches for to make the bodies burnish and waxe thicker but yet in the lopping they leaue stumps of boughes halfe a foot long to the very tree which if they were cut off in other places would be the death of the mother stocke And forasmuch as Date trees delight in a salt and nitrous soile according as hath bin before said the Assyrians therefore when they meet not with a ground of that nature strew salt not close about the roots but somwhat farther off In Syria and Egypt there be some Date trees that diuide themselues and are forked in twaine rising vp in two trunkes or bodies In Crete they haue three and some also fiue The nature of the Palme or Date tree is to beare ordinarily when they be three yeares old howbeit in Cyprus Syria and Egypt it is soure yeares first ere some bring fruit yea and fiue yeares before others begin and such neuer exceed a mans height neither haue they any stone or wooddy kernel within the Date so long as they be young and tender during which time they haue a pretty name for them and call them Gelded Dates and many kindes there be of these trees As for those that be barren and fruitlesse all Assyria and Persia throughout vse them for timber to make quarters and pamels for seeling wainescot and their fine ioyned workes There be also of Date trees coppey woods which they vse to fell and cut at certaine times and euermore they put forth a yong spring from the old root and stock These haue in the very head and top a certain pleasant and sweet marow which they terme The braine and therfore
and there drowned This is the only way to season and dry it At the first I say it sinks downe to the bottom but afterwards it begins to flore aboue without all question the water which vseth to wet and drench all other tres soketh and suckes forth the sap and humidity of this wood Now when it begins once to swim aloft it is a signe that it hath the full seasoning and is good for building and other workes Like to this Sycomore in some sort is a certaine tree in Candy which is called the Cyprian fig-tree For this likewise beareth fruit comming out at the very stock or the maine armes and boughes thereof when they be growne to any thicknesse but it puts forth certain sprigs without any leaues at all and they resemble-roots Now this tree is in body much like to the Poplar but in leafe to the Elm. It bears fruit foure times a yeare and as often doth it bud But the green figs will hang so still and neuer ripen vnlesse they be scarified and skiced so as the milky substance may run out The fruit within is made like a fig and hath the same pleasant tast but it is no bigger than the Soruis CHAP. VIII ¶ Of the cod or fruit called Ceraunia Siliqua i. Carob THere is a kind of coddy shrub which the Ionians call Ceraunia not vnlike to the Egyptian Sycomore abouesaid for the fruit thereof comes likewise forth of the stock but yet is contained within a cod and thereupon it is that some haue called it the Egyptian fig tree but they are grosly deceiued for it doth not so much as grow in Egypt but in Syria and Ionia also about Gnidos and Rhodes The tree hath green leaues all the yeare long it putteth forth white floures of a strong smell From the root there spring shoots and about the foot of the tree it bears many yong imps which are such suckers of the sap that they draw away all the goodnesse and rob the parts aboue of their nourishment whereby the head is yellow and nothing fresh and green but fadeth in the top The fruit of the former yere is gathered about the rising of the Dog-star the yeare following and then presently it brings forth new Afterwards commeth a blossome and the fruit thriueth and waxeth all Winter vntill the occultation of Arcturus CHAP. IX ¶ Of atree in Egypt called Persica of Cucus and the Egyptian thorne Acacia THere is sound in Egypt a certain kind of tree by it self called Persica like to a peare tree but that it is green all the yeare long and sheds not the leaues also it beareth fruit continually for gather to day and ye shall find new to morrow growing forth of the place The fruit is ripe about the Canicular daies when the Etesian winds do blow It resembleth a Peare saue that it is longer and inclosed with a shel or green husk like the Almond but where the Almond hath an hard shell without as a nut this is soft in manner of a peare or plum containing the stone within and yet it differs somewhat both in shortnesse and tendernesse The fruit is very good meat and although the exceeding sweetnesse thereof entice one to eat still and not giue ouer yet no danger of surfeit ensueth thereupon As touching the wood of this tree it is durable hard strong and black withall in which respects it resembles the Lote-wood very much They vsed in times past to make images and statues thereof not so beautifull altogether nor of so fine a grain as some others but for the timber thereof which continueth sure and lasteth long as that of the tree which we called Balanus Much whereof growes curbed and crooked and therefore is good only for shipwrights to make keels But contrariwise the wood of Cucus is highly esteemed A tree this is not vnlike to the Date tree in this regard especially that the leaues be good to twist and plait for mats such like herein is the difference for that it spreads into arms and great boughs The fruit which it beareth is as much as a man may well hold in his hand of colour reddish or deep shining yellow and the taste very commendable for it yeelds a juice between soure and sweet and therefore wholsome for the stomacke The wooddy stone within is great massie and exceeding hard whereof they vse to turne for curtain rings and saile pullies In the belly of it there lieth a sweet kernell whiles it is fresh and new But if it be once dried it passeth for hardnesse insomuch as no tooth can chew it vnlesse it be steeped in some liquour many daies before As for the wood and timber of the tree it hath a most dainty fine and curled grain in which regard the Persians set much store by it In the same country there growes a thorny plant which the inhabitants make great account of and especially that which is in colour black because it wil abide the water neuer rot nor putrifie in it and therefore excellent good for the ribs sides of ships As for the white thorn of this kind it will soon corrupt and be rotten But both the one and the other is full of prickes euen to the very leaues The seed lies in certain cods or husks wherewith curriers vse to dresse their leather in stead of galls The floure this thorne beareth is beautifull whereof folke make faire garlands and chaplets profitable also besides and good for many medicines Out of the barke of this tree there comes a gum likewise But the chiefest commoditie and profit that it yeeldeth is this Cut it down when you please it wil be a big tree againe within three yeres It groweth plentifully about Thebes in Egypt among Okes Oliues Peach trees for the space of 300 stadia from Nilus where the whole tract is all woods and forrests and nathelesse well watered with fountains and springs among CHAP. X. ¶ Of the Aegyptian Plum tree and other trees about Memphis IN those quarters groweth likewise the Egyptian Plum tree not vnlike to the thorn of Acacia next before described and this brings forth a fruit as big as a Medler which neuer is ripe before mid-winter when the daies be at shortest The tree is alwaies greene and sheds not the leaues all the yeare long Within the fruit aforesaid there is a big stone but the substance otherwise and body thereof is naturally so good and so plenteous withall that the inhabitants make their haruest of it When they haue gathered it they clense it stampe it make it vp into balls and lumps which they preserue and keepe The country about Memphis in times past was all wooddy and full of forrests wherein grew so mighty big trees that 3 men were not able to fathom them about But among the rest there was one by it selfe most wonderfull not for any strange fruit that it bare nor yet for any singular vse and employment but in regard
wild and sauage Vines for that these our tame and gentle vines here planted among vs are by cutting and pruning euery yere kept downe so as all their whole strength is either drawne without-forth into branches or els downward into the root for to put out new shoots euer fresh out of the ground and regard is only had of the fruit and iuice that they do yeeld diuers waies according to the temperature of the aire climat or the nature of the soile wherin they be planted In the countrey of Campaine about Capua they be set at the roots of Poplars and as it were wedded vnto them and so being suffered to wind and claspe about them as their husbands yea with their wanton armes or tendrils to climbe aloft and with their ioints to run vp their boughes they reach vp to their head yea and ouertop them insomuch as the grape-gatherer in time of Vintage puts in a clause in the couenants of his bargaine when he is hired that in case his foot should faile him and he breake his neck his master who sets him a worke should giue order for his funerall fire and tombe at his owne proper cost and charges And in truth Vines will grow infinitly and vnpossible it is to part them or rather to pluck them from the trees which they be ioined and coupled vnto Valerianus Cornelius making mention of many properties and singularities of a vine thought this among the rest worthie of especiall note and remembrance that one onely stocke of a vine was sufficient to compasse and inuiron round about a good ferme-house or country messuage with the branches pliable shoots that it did put forth At Rome there is one vine growing within the cloistures of the Portches and galleries built by the Empresse Liuia which running and trailing vpon an open frame of railes couereth and shadoweth the ouvert allies made for to walke in and the same Vine yeeldeth one yeare with another a dozen Amphores of good new wine yearely An ordinarie thing it is that Vines will surmount any Elms wheresoeuer be they neuer so tall and lofty It is reported that Cyneas the embassador of K. Pyrrhus wondring at the vines of Aricia for that the grew and mounted so high would needs taste of the wine that came of their grapes finding it to be hard and tart merrily scoffed and said That by good right and justice they had done well to hang the mother that bare such vnpleasant wine vpon so high a gibbet Beyond the riuer Po in Italy there is a tree growing which the peasants there cal Rumbotinus by another name Opulus it puts forth great armes and boughs and those spread abroad and beare a round compasse howbeit the vines that be planted at the root of these trees do fill and couer the said boughes for yee shall haue the very old crooked branches of the Vine bare as they be and naked of leaues to wind about the armes and crawle in manner of a serpent or dragon along the broader and flatter base of the boughes and then the new shoots top-twigs and tendrils wil diuide themselues to the vtmost branches and shoots of the tree that they will lode and clog her withal These vines again grow somtime no taller than the ordinary height of a man of middle stature and beeing supported and vnder propped with stakes and forks cleaue and cling thick together and in this order fill whole vineyards Others also there be which with their excessiue creeping vpon frames with their ouergrowne branches and some artificiall help of the masters hand spred so far euery way that they take vp wide and large courts ouerspreading not only the sides but the very middest thereof See what sundry sorts of vines euen Italy alone is able to affoord But in some prouinces without Italy ye shall see a vine stand of it selfe without any prop or stay at all gathering and drawing in her boughs and branches together thus indeed she groweth but short howbeit so close couched and trussed round that the thicknesse makes amends for all And yet otherwhiles in some coasts the winds are so big and boisterous that they wil not suffer them thus to grow vpright as namely â—…n Affrick and Languedoc the prouince of Narbon Vines being thus debarred to run vp in height resting vpon their owne ioints and branches and euer like to those that be laid along whiles they are a trimming by deluing about their roots and pruning their superfluous branches traile and creepe too and fro along the ground as weeds and herbes and all the way as they spread suck the humor of the earth into their grapes by which meanes no maruell it is if in the inland parts of Africke there be found some of those grapes bigger than pretty babes And in no countrie are the grapes of a thicker skin than those of Africk wherupon it may well be that they tooke the name Duracina i. hauing hard skins For infinite sorts there be of grapes according to the difference obserued in their quantity and bignesse in their colour taste stones or kernels and yet more stil in regard of the diuers wines made of them In one place they are of a fresh and bright purple in another of a glittering incarnate and rosate colour and ye shall haue them of a faire and liuely greene As for the white and black grapes they be common euery where The grapes Bumasti haue their name for that they be so swelling and round like stâ—…utting paps or dugs The Date-grapes Dactyli are long both grape and kernel fashioned in manner of fingers Moreouer Nature seems to take her pleasure and make good sport in some kind of them where ye shal find among them some that be exceeding great others again that be as small howbeit pleasant they are and as sweet as the rest and such be called Leptorrhagâ—…s Some last al winter long being knit in bunches together so hanged aloft arch-wise in manner of a vault with others they make no more adoe but put them vp presently as they come from the Vine into earthen pots whiles they be fresh in their vigor and afterwards they are bestowed well lapped ouer with their leaues in other greater vessels ouer them and for to keep them better they be stopt close with kernels heaped and piled vpon sweating round about to condite and preserue them in their naturall heat Others they suffer to be dried in the smoke of smiths forges wherby they get the very tast of infumed wine so ordered in the smoke And in truth Tiberius Caesar the Emperor gaue especial credit name by his example to such grapes dried in the furnaces of Africk For before his time the Rhetian grapes those that came out of the territory of Verona were ordinarily serued vp to the table first for the very best As for the Raisins called Passae they took that name in Latine of their patience to indure their
transplant them they proue very bastards and changelings presently And in faith some vines there be that take such an affection and loue to a place that all their goodnesse and excellency they wil leaue there behind them and neuer passe into another quarter whole and entire as they be in their own nature Which euidently is to be seen in the Rhetian vine that of Savoy and Daulphnie of which in the chapter before wee said that it gaue the taste of pitch to the wine made thereof for these Vines at home in those countries are much renowned for the said tast but elswhere if they be transplanted they loose it whole and no such thing may a man acknowledge in them Howbeit plentifull such are and for default of goodnesse they make amends recompence in abundance of wine that they yeeld As for the vine Eugenia it takes well in hot grounds The Rhetian likes better in a temperat soile The Allobrogian Vine of Sauoy and Daulphine delights most in cold quarters the frost it is that ripens her grapes and commonly they are of colour black Of all the grapes aboue rehearsed the wines that be made the longer they be kept the more they change colour and in the end become white yea though they came of blacke grapes and were of a deep colour at first Now for all other grapes whatsoeuer they are reckoned but base in comparison of the former And yet this is to be noted and obserued that the temperature of the aire may be such and the soile so good that both the grapes wil indure long and the wine beare the age very wâ—…ll As for example the Vine Fecenia and likewise Biturica that bloometh with it which beare grapes with few stones within their floures neuer miscarry for they euer preuent and come so timely that they be able to withstand both winde and weather Howbeit they do better in cold places than in hot in moist also than in dry And to say a truth there is not a vine more fruitful yeelding such store of grapes growing so thick together in clusters but of all things it may not away with variable and inconstant weather let the season be staied and setled it matters not then whether it be hot or cold for wel it wil abide the one the other alone hold it neuer so long The lesser of this kind is held for the better Howbeit in chusing of a fit soile for this vine it is much ado to please and content it in a fat ground it soone rots in a light and lean it will not grow at all very choise it is therefore dainty and nice in seeking a middle temper betweene and therefore it taketh a great liking to the Sabine hils and there it loues to be The grapes that it bears be not so beautiful to the eie but pleasant to the tooth if you make not the more hast to take them presently when they be ripe they will fall off although they be not rotten This vine puts forth large and hard leaues which defend the grapes well against haile-stones Now there are besides certain notable grapes of a middle colour between black and purple and they alter their hue oftentimes whereupon some haue named them Varianae and yet the blacker they be the more they are set by they beare grapes but each other yeare that is to say this yere in great plenty the next yere very little howbeit their wine is the better when they yeeld fewer grapes Also there be 2 kinds of vines called Pretiae differing one from the other in the bignesse of the stones within the grape full of wood and branches they are both their grapes are very good to be preserued in earthen pots and leafed they be like to Smallach they of Dyrrhachium do highly praise the Roial vine Basilica which the Spaniards cal Cocolobis The grapes grow but thin vpon this plant they can well abide all South winds and hot weather they trouble and hurt the head if a man eat much of them In Spaine they make 2 kindes of them the one hauing a long stone or grain within the other a round these be the last grapes that are gathered in time of vintage The sweeter grape that the Cocolobis bears the better is it thought howbeit that which was hard and tart at the first will turne to be pleasant with keeping and that which was sweet will become harsh with age and then they resemble in tast the Albane wine and men say there is an excellent drinke made thereof to help diseases and infirmities of the bladder As touching the wine Albuelis it bears most grapes in the tops of trees but Visula is more fruitfull beneath toward the root and therfore if they be set both vnder one and the same tree a man shall see the diuersitie of their nature and how they will furnish and inrich that tree from the head to the foot There is a kind of blacke grape named Inerticula as a man would say dull and harmlesse but they that so called it might more iustly haue named it The sober grape the wine made therof is very commendable when it is old howbeit nothing hurtfull for neuer makes it any man drunke and this property hath it alone by it selfe As for other vines their fruitfulnesse doth commend them and namely aboue all that which is called Heluenaca whereof be two kinds the greater which some name The long and the smaller called Arca not so plentifull it is as the former bat surely the wine thereof goes downe the throat more merily It differs from the other in the perfect and exquisit roundnesse of the leafe as it were drawn by compasse but both the one and the other is very slender and therefore of necessitie they must be vnderpropped with forkes for otherwise they will not beare their owne burden so fruitfull they be They delight greatly to grow neare the sea side where they may haue the vapors of the sea to breath vpon them and indeed their very grapes haue a sent and smell of a brackish dew There is not a vine can worse brooke Italy Her grapes are small they hang thin and rot euen vpon her and the wine made thereof will not last aboue one Summer and yet on the other side there is not a vine that liketh better in an hungry and lean ground Graecinus who otherwise compiled his worke out of Cornelius Celsus in manner word for word is of this opinion That this Vine could loue Italy well enough and that of the owne Nature it mislikes not the Countrey but the cause why it thriueth no better there is the want of skil and knowledge to order and husband it as it ought to be for that men striue to ouercharge it with wood and load it with too many branches and were it not that the goodnesse of a fat and rich soile maintained it still beginning to faint and decay the fruitfulnesse thereof were enough to kill it
leather the root to die wooll And as for the fruit or Apples that it beareth they are a speciall kind by themselues for all the world they resemble the snouts or muzles of wild beasts and many of the smaller sort seeme to hang to one that is bigger than the rest As concerning boughs of trees some are termed blind because they put not forth certaine eies or chits where they should bud which happeneth somtime by a naturall defect when they are not of validity to thrust out a bud otherwhiles it is occasioned by some wrong and iniurie done namely when they be cut off and in the place of the cut there groweth as it were a callous skar that dulleth the vertue of the tree Furthermore looke what is the nature that forked trees haue in their boughes the same hath the Vine in her eies and burgeons the same also haue canes and reeds in their joints and knots Ouer and besides all trees toward their root and the nearest to the ground are thicker than else where Some run vp altogether in height and therein shew thrir growth as the Firre or Deale tree the Larch Date-tree Cypresse Elme and generally all that rise vp in an entire stocke and are not diuided Of those also that branch and put out many boughes there is a kind of Cherry-tree that is found to beare armes like beames forty cubites long and two foot in thicknesse square throughout the whole length CHAP. XXXI ¶ Of the Boughes Barke and Roots of trees THere are trees that immediatly from the root thrust out boughes and branches as do the Apple-trees Some be couered with a thin rind as the Lawrell and Iâ—…e tree others with a thicke barke as the Okes. In some a man shall find the barke euen and smooth as in the Apple-tree and fig-tree the same in others is rough and rugged as is to be seene in Okes and Date-trees And ordinarily all old trees haue more riueled barks and furrowed than the younger In many trees the bark naturally doth breake and cleaue of the own accord and namely in the Vine From some it shaleth and falleth off as from the Apple tree and the Arbut The cork and the Poplar haue a fleshie and pulpous barke the rind of the Vine and the Reed is made in manner of a membrane or thin skin In Cherry trees it is as slender as paper and runneth into rolls but Vines Lindens and Firs are clad with tunicles and coats of many folds In some again the rind is but single as in the Fig-tree and the Cane or Reed And thus much of Barke There is as great difference in the root For the fig-tree the Oke and the Plane haue great store of roots and large spurns contrariwise in the Apple tree they are short and small the firre and Larch haue one tap root and no more for vpon that one main master-root they rest and are founded howbeit many small strings and petie spurns shoot out of the sides In the Bay-tree the roots be more grosse and vnequally embossed and likewise in the oliue which also spredeth out into many branches But those of the oke be of a carnous substance and verily all the kind of okes do root deep into the ground Certes if we giue credit to Virgil that sort of them which are called Esculi go down as deep into the earth with their roots as they arise mount aboue ground with their heads The roots of the Apple-tree Oliue and Cypresse lie very ebbe and creep hard vnder the sourd of the ground Moreouer there be roots that run direct and streight as those of the Bay and Oliue there be againe that wind and turne as they go as those of the fig-tree Some are all ouergrowne and full of hairy strings as the firre-root and many others of wild trees that grow in forrests from which the mountains vse to pluck those fine fibers smal threds wherewith they twist goodly faire paniers couers for flaggons and bottels and work many other vessels prety deuises Some writers as namely Theophrastus hold opinion and haue put down in their books that no roots goe lower into the earth than that the Sunnes heat may pierce vnto them and giue them a kind warmth the which is more or lesse say they according to the nature of the soile as it is either lighter or lean or massier richer and faster compact But I take this to be a meere vntruth This is certain that we find in antient writers that a yong Fir when it was to be transplanted and set again had a root that went eight cubits within the earth and yet it was not digged vp all whole but broken in the taking vp and Ieft somewhat behind The roots of Citron trees are biggest of all other and spread most Next to them are those of the Planes Okes and other Mast-trees Some trees there be the roots wherof like better liue longer the more ebbe that they lie within the vpper face of the ground and namely Lawrels and therefore they spring fresh againe and put forth better when the old stock is withered and cut away Others hold that trees which haue short stumped roots do sooner decay liue lesse while But deceiued they are and may be reproued by the instance of fig-trees which liue least while and yet their roots are longest of any other I suppose this also to be as false which some haue held and deliuered in writing That the roots do diminish and decay as the trees do waxe old for the contrary hath bin seen by an aged oke which by the violent force of a tempest was ouerthrowne the root whereof tooke vp a good acre of ground in compasse Moreouer a common thing it is and ordinary to replant and recouer many trees that haue bin blown down and laid along for they will reioine knit againe and reuiue by meanes of the earth euen as a wound doth vnite by the solder of a callous cicatrice And this is a most vsuall and familiar practice obserued in the Planes which by reason of their great heads so thicke of boughes gather windes most and are soonest subiect to their rage if any one of them by that means be fallen they lop their boughes and discharge them of their weightie load and then set them vpright again in their owne place as it were in a socket and they will take root and prosper And in good faith this hath bin done heretofore already in Walnut trees Oliues and many other to the like proofe CHAP. XXXII ¶ Of certaine prodigious trees and presages obserued by them By what meanes trees grow of their owne accord That all plants grow not euery where and what trees they be that are appropriate to certaine regions and are not elsewhere to be found WE reade in Chronicles and records that many trees haue fallen without wind and tempest or any other apparent cause but only by way of prodigie and presage of some future euent and
by reason of the hot and caustick quality that it hath like to Senuie or Mustard-seed As touching the Reed-plots about the Orchomenian lake I must needs write more exactly considering in what admiration they were in times past for in the first place they called that Cane which was the thicker and more strong Characias but the thinner and more slender Plotia And this verily was wont to be found swimming in the Islands that floted in the said lake whereas the other grew alwaies firme vpon the bankes and edges thereof how farre soeuer it spred and flowed abroad A third sort also there is of Canes which they called Auleticon for that it serueth to make flutes and pipes of but this commonly grew but euery ninth yeare for the said lake also kept that time just and increased not aboue that terme but if at any time it chanced to passe that time and to continue full two yeres together more than ordinary it was holden for a prodigious and fearfull signe The which was noted at Châ—…ronia in that vnfortunate battell wherein the Athenians were ouerthrowne and defeated and many times else is obserued to happen about Lebadia namely when the Riuer Cephisus ariseth so high that he swelleth ouer his bankes and is discharged into the said lake Now during that ninth yeare whiles the inundation of the lake continueth these Canes prooue so bigge and strong withall that they serue for hawking poles and sowlers pearches and then the Greeks call them Zeugitae Contrariwise if the water hold not so long but do fal and return back within the yere then the Reeds be small and slender named Bombyciae Howbeit the femals of this kind haue a broader and whiter leafe little or no down at all vpon them and then they are known by a pretty name and called Spadones as one would say guelded Of these Reeds were made the instruments for the excellent close musick within-house wherein I cannot passe with silence what a wonderfull deale of paines and care they tooke to fit them for their tune and make them to accord insomuch as we are not to be blamed but born withall if now adaies we chuse rather to haue our pipes and hautboies of siluer And in truth to the time of Antigenes that excellent minstrell and plaier vpon the pipe all the while that there was no vse but of the plain musick and single instrument the right time of cutting down gathering these Reeds for this purpose was about September when the signe Arcturus is in force then were they to haue a seasoning and preparation for certaine yeares before they would serue the turne yea and then also much ado there was with them and long practise and exercise they asked before they could be brought into frame and good tune so as a man might wel say that the very pipes were to be taught their sound and note by meanes of certaine tongues or quills that struck and pressed one vpon another and all to giue contentment and shew pleasure vnto the people assembled at Theatres according as those times required But after that musicke came once to be compound and that men sung and plaied in parts with more varietie and delight they began to gather these Reeds before mid-Iune and in three yeares space they had their perfection and grew to their proofe then were those tongues or holes made more wide and open for to quauer and change the note the better and of such are the flutes and pipes made which be vsed at this day But in those times men were persuaded that there was a great difference in the parts of any Reeds for to serue these or those instruments in such sort as that ioint which was next vnto the root they held to be meeter for the Base pipe that was fitted for the left hand and contrariwise for the Treble of the right hand those knots that were toward the head top of the Reed Howbeit of all others by many degrees were those preferred which grew in the riuer Cephisus Now adaies the hautboies that the Tuscans play vpon at their sacrifices be of Box-wood but the pipes vsed in plaies for pleasure only are made of the Lotos of Asses shank-bones and of siluer The best Faulconers Reeds wherewith they vse to chase foules came from Panhormus but the Canes for angle-rods that fishers occupie are brought out of Africk from Abaris The Italian Reeds Canes be fittest for to make perches to lay ouer frames props for to beare vp vines Finally as touching the setting of Reedes Cato would haue them to bee planted in moist grounds after they haue bin first delued laid hollow with a spade prouided alwaies that the oelets stand 3 foot asunder and that there be wilde Sparages among whereof come the tender crops for sallads for those like well and sort together with the Canes CHAP. XXXVII ¶ Of the Willow or Sallow eight kinds thereof and what trees besides the Willow are good for bindings Also of Briers and Brambles MOreouer after the opinion of the said Cato it is good to plant Withies also about riuer sides and neere to Reeds for surely there is not more profit arising from any other tree of the waters than from it howsoeuer the Poplars are well liked and loued of the vines and do nourish the good wines of Caecubum howsoeuer the Alders serue in stead of rampiers and strong fences against the inundation and ouerflowing of riuers withstanding their forcible eruptions howsoeuer they stand in the waters as mures and wals to fortifie the banks or rather as sentinels to watch and ward in the borders of country farms and being cut down to the root do multiply the rather and put forth many shoots and imps as heires to succeed And to bigin withall of Sallowes there be many kinds for some there be that in the head beare perches of a great length to prop and make trails for vines to run vpon and the rind or skin as it were pilled from the wood is as good as a belt or thong to binde or gird any thing withall Others againe there are and namely the red Willowes which carry twigs and rods that are pliable and gentle to wind as a man would haue them fit also for buildings Ye shal haue of these Osiers some that are very fine passing slender wherof are wrought prety baskets and many other dainty deuises others also that are more tough and strong good to make paniers hampers and a thousand other necessary implements for country houses and to fit the husbandmen Being pilled they are the fairer and whiter more smooth also and gentle in hand whereby they are excellent good for the more delicate sort of such wicker ware and better far than stubborn leather but principally for leaning chairs wherein a man or woman may gently take a nap sitting at ease and repose most sweetly A willow the more that it is cut or lopt the better spring will it shoot at
root and beare the fairer head Let that which you cut or shred be so little short withal that it resemble a mans fist rather than a bough the thicker will it come again a tree no doubt that would not be set in the lowest rank but be wel regarded how soeuer we make but base reckoning thereof for surely there is not a tree for reuenue and profit more safe and certain for cost lesse chargeable and for iniury of weather in better security Certes Cato among the commodities that commend a good ferm or manor esteemeth it in the third place and preferreth the increase and benefit thereby before the gain that groweth from oliue rows corn fields good medows Yet hereof we must not infer that we are not furnished with many other things which wil serue for bands to bind withal for we haue certain sorts of Spart or Spanish broom we haue Poplars Elmes the Sanguine-shrubs Birch clouen Reeds leaues of Cane as for example in Liguria the cuttings also of the very Vine and Briars so their sharp pricks be cut away to tie withall yea and the Hazell wands also so they be writhen and twined wherein a man may see a wonderful property That a wood should be stronger for to bind withal when it is crushed and bruised than whiles it was entire and sound All these I say are good for bands and yet the willow hath a gift therein beyond all the rest The Greek willow is red and commonly is sliuen for to make wit hs The Amerian Osier is the whiter but more brittle and soon wil crack therfore it is put to that vse of binding sound and whole as it groweth and not clouen through In Asia they make account of three sorts of willows the black which they imploy to wind and bind withal so tough and pliant it is the white wherewith husbandmen make their wicker paniers and baskets with other such vessels for their vse as for the third it is the shortest of all other and they cal it Helix or Helice With vs also here in Italy there be as many kinds those distinguished by their seuerall names the first which is of a deep purple colour they call the free osier or willow and that is so good for bands the second which is more thin and slender is named Vitelina or Vitellinam rather for the yellow colour of the yolke of egges for the bright hew that it hath the third that is smallest of all three is the French willow To come now to the brittle Rushes that grow in marish grounds which serue to thatch houses and to make mats and the pith whereof when the rind is pilled maketh wieke for watch-candles and funerall lights to burne by a dead corps whiles it lieth aboue ground they cannot iustly be reckoned in the ranke either of shrubbes or Brier-bushes and Brambles ne yet of tall plants growing vp with stems and stalks no more than among Hearbes and Weeds creeping along the ground but are to be counted a seuerall kind by it selfe True it is that in some places there are to be found rushes more stiffe hard and strong than in others For not onely mariners and watermen in the riuer Po do make sailes thereof but fishermen also of Affrick in the maine sea howbeit they hang their sailes betweene the masts from mast to mast after a preposterous manner contrary to all other The Mores also do couer their cottages with Bulrushes and surely if a man looke neerly to the nature of them they may seeme to serue for that vse which the Papyr-reeds in the netherland of Aegypt are put vnto about the descent and fall of the riuer Nilus As touching Brambles they may go among the shrubs of the water so may the Elders also which consist of a spungeous kind of matter yet cannot wel be counted among those plants which bee termed Fenels-gyant for surely the Elder standeth more vpon the wood than they do The shepherds are verily persuaded that the Elder tree growing in a by-place farre out of the way and from whence a man cannot heare a cock crow out of any town maketh more shrill pipes and louder trumpes than any other The Brambles beare certaine berries like the Mulberries euen as the sweet Brier of another kind which they call Cynosbatos or the Eglantine carieth the resemblance of a Rose A third sort there is of brambles which the Greeks cal Idea of the mountaine Ida. This is the Raspis smaller it is and more slender than the rest with lesse pricks vpon it and nothing so sharpe and hooked The floure of this Raspis beeing tempered with hony is good to be laied to bleared and bloud-shotten eies as also to the wild-fire or disease called Saint Anthonies fire Being taken inwardly and namely drunk with water it is very comfortable to a weake stomacke The Elder beareth certain blacke and small berries full of a grosse and viscous humor vsed especially to die the haire of the head black If they be boiled in water they are good and wholsome to be eaten as other pot-herbs CHAP. XXXVIII ¶ Of the iuice or humor in trees The nature of their wood and timber The time and manner of felling and cutting downe trees TRees haue a certaine moisture in their barkes which we must vnderstand to be their very bloud yet is it not the same nor alike in all for that of the Fig trees is as white as milke and as good as rendles to giue the forme to cheese Cherry trees yeeld a glutinous and clammy humor but Elmes a thin liquor in manner of spittle In Apple trees the same is fattie and viscous in Vines and Pyrries waterish And generally those trees continue and liue longest that haue such a glewy moisture in them In summe there are to be considered in the substance and body of trees like as of all other liuing creatures their skin their bloud flesh sinues veins bones and marrow For in lieu of their hide is the barke And I assure you a strange and maruellous thing it is to be obserued here in the Mulberry that when Physitians seek to draw the foresaid liquour out of it at seuen or eight a clocke in a morning if they scarifie or lightly cut the bark with a stone it issueth forth and they haue their desire but if they crush or cut it deeper in they meet with no more moisture than if it were stark dry In most trees next to the skin lieth the fat this is nought else but that white sap which of the colour is called in Latin Alburnum As it is soft in substance so is it the worst part of the wood and euen in the strong oke as hard as otherwise it is ye shal haue it soon to putrifie and rot yea and quickly be worm-eaten And therefore if a man would haue sound and good timber this white must be alwaies cut away in the squaring After it followeth the flesh of the tree and so the
and fruit This is a generall thing obserued That al trees will thriue and prosper better yea and grow sooner to perfection if the shoots and suckers that put out at the root as also other water twigs be rid away so that al the nourishment may be turned to the principall stocke only The work of Nature in sending out these sprigs taught vs the feat to couch and lay sets in the ground by way of propagation and euen after the same manner briers and brambles doe of themselues put forth a new off-spring for growing as they do smal and slender and withal running vp to be very tall they cannot chuse but bend and lean to the ground where they lay their heads againe and take fresh root of their owne accord without mans hands and no doubt ouergrow they would and couer the whole face of the earth were they not repressed and withstood by good husbandrie The consideration whereof maketh me to enter into this conceit That men were made by Nature for no other end but to tend and look vnto the earth See yet what a commodious deuice we haue learned by so wicked and detestable a thing as this bramble is namely to lay slips in the ground and quick-sets with the root Of the same nature is the Yuie also euen to grow and get new root as it creepeth and climbeth And by Catoes saying not onely the Vine but Fig trees Oliues also wil grow increase of cuttings couched in the ground likewise Pomegranate trees all kinds of Apple-trees Baies Plum-trees Myrtles Filberds Hazels of Praeneste yea Plane-trees Now be there two waies to increase trees by way of propagation or enterring their twigs The first is to force a branch of a tree as it grows downe to the ground so to couch it within a trench foure foot square euery way after two yeares to cut it atow where it bent from the tree and after three yeares end to transplant it But if a man list to haue such plants or young trees to beare longer the best way were to burie the said branches at the first within would either in paniers or earthen vessels that when they are once rooted they might be remoued all whole and entire in them and so replanted The second is a more curious and wanton deuise than this namely to procure roots to grow on the very tree by carrying and conveighing branches either through earthen pots or oisier baskets full of earth thrust close to the said branches and by this means the branches feeling comfort of the warme earth enclosing them on euery side are easily intreated to take root euen among Apples and other fruits in the head of the tree for surely by this meanes we desire to haue roots to chuse growing vpon the very top So audacious are men and of such monstrous spirits to make one tree grow vpon another far from the ground beneath Thus in like manner as before at 2 yeares end the said impes or branches that haue taken root be cut off and carried away in the foresaid pots or paniers thither where they shall grow As for the Sauine an hearb or plant it is that wil take if it bee in this sort couched in the ground also a sprig if it be slipped off cleane from the stocke will come again and root Folke say that if a man take wine lees or an old bricke out of the wal broken small and either pour the one or lay the other about the root it wil prosper and come forward wonderfully In like manner may Rosemarie be set as the Sauine either by couching it or slipping off a branch from it for neither of them both hath any seed To conclude the hearb or shrub Oleander may be set of any impe and so grow or else come of seed CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of encreasing trees by seed the manner of graffing one in another how the fine deuise of inoculation by way of scutcheon and emplaister was deuised NAture not willing to conceal any thing from man hath also taught him to engraffe trees with their seed and graine For oftentimes it happeneth that birds being hungrie haue greedily gobled vp seed and fruit whole and sound which after they haue moistened in their gorge and tempered it also with the warmth and natural heat of their stomack they send forth and squirt out again when they meute together with their dung that giueth vnto it a vertue of fecunditie and so lay it vpon the soft beds of tree leaues which many a time the winds catch and driue into some clifts and cranies of the barke by meanes whereof wee haue seene a Cherrie tree vpon a Willow a Plane tree vpon a Lawrell a Lawrell vpon a Cherrie trre and at one time Berries and fruits of diuerse sorts and sundry colors hanging at one and the same tree It is said moreouer that the Chough or Daw hath giuen occasion herof by laying vp for store seeds and other fruit in creuises and holes of trees which afterwards sprouted and grew From hence came the manner of inoculation or graffing in the scutcheon namely to cut out a parcel of the barke of that tree which is to be graffed with a sharp knife made in manner of a shomakers nall blade and then to enclose within the said concauity the eie or seed taken out of another tree with the said instrument And in old time verily this was the only maner of inoculation vsed in fig-trees and apple trees Virgil teaches vs to open a concauity in the knot or joint of a bud that driueth out the barke and within it to enclose the gem or bud taken out of another tree And thus much for the graffing that Nature hath shewed But there is another way of graffing which casualtie and chance hath taught And to say a truth this Maister hath shewed well neer more experiments now daily practised than Nature her selfe Now the manner of it came by this occasion A certain diligent painfull husbandman minding to mound and empale his cottage round about with a fence of an hedge to the end that the stakes should nor rot laid a sill vnder them of Iuie wood but such was the vitall force of the said Iuie that it took hold fast of the stakes and clasped them hard insomuch as by the life therof they also came to liue and euident it was to the eye that the log of Iuie vnderneath was as good as the earth to giue life and nourishment vnto the stakes afore-said To come then vnto our graffing which we haue learned by this occasion first the head or vpper part of the stock must be sawed off very euen and then pared smooth with a sharp gardenhook or cutting-knife which don there offers vnto vs a two-fold way to perform the rest of the worke The first is to set the graffe or Sion between the barke and the wood for in old time truly men were afraid at first to cleaue the stocke but soon
raised vp well with earth and bedded from the brims and edges on the lower ground As for such which shall be made longer and able to receiue two vine-plants growing contrary one to the other they shall be called in Latine Alvei Aboue al the root of the vine ought to stand just in the midst of the hole or ditch but the head and wood thereof which resteth vpon the sound and firme ground as neere as possible is must beare directly into the point of the Aequinoctiall Sun-rising and withall the first props that it leaneth vpon would be of Reeds and Canes As touching the bounding and limitation of a vineyard the principall way which runneth streight East and West ought to carry 18 foot in breadth to the end that two carts may passe easily one by another when they meet the other crosse allies diuiding euery acre just into the mids must be ten foot broad but if the plot or modell of the vineyard wil beare it these allies also which lie North and South would be as largeful as the foresaid principal high way Moreouer this would be alwaies considered That vines bee planted by fiues i. that at euery fifth perch or pole that shoreth them vp there be a path diuiding euery range and course and one bed or quarter from another If the ground be stiffe and hard it must of necessitie bee twice digged ouer and therein quick-sets only that haue taken root must be replanted marie in case it be a loose mould light and gentle you may set very cuttings and sions from the stock either in furrow or in trench chuse you whether But say it be a high ground and vpon the hill better is it to cast it into furrowes ouerthwart than to dig it that by this meanes the perches or props may keep vp the ground better which by occasion of raine water would settle downeward When the weather is disposed to raine or the ground by nature drie it is good planting vine-sets or sions at the fall of the leafe vnlesse the constitution of the tract and qualitie of a country require the contrary for a dry and hot soile would be planted in Autumne or the fal of the leafe wheras a moist and cold coast may tarry euen vntill the end of Spring Let the soile be dry and hard bootlesse it will be to plant yea though it were a very quick-set root and all Neither will it do well to venter the setting of imps cut from the tree in a drie place vnlesse it be immediatly vpon a good ground shower but in low grounds where a man may haue water at will there is no danger at all to set vine branches euen with leaues on the head for they will take well enough at any time before the Mid-summer Sun-stead as we may see by experience in Spaine When you will plant a vine chuse a faire day and if possibly you can let it be when there is no wind stirring abroad for such a calme season is best and yet many are of opinion that Southern winds be good and they wish for them which is cleane contrarie vnto Cato his mind who expressely excepteth and reiecteth them If the ground be of a middle temperature there ought to be a space of fiue foot distance between euery vine and in case it be a rich and fertile soile there would bee foure foot at least from one to another but in a leane hungrie piece of light ground there should be eight foot at the most for whereas the Vmbrians and Marsians leaue twenty foot void betweene euery range of vines they doe it for to plough and sow in the place and therein they haue quarters beds and ridges called Porculeta If the place where you plant a vineyard be subiect to thicke and darke mists or to a rainie disposition of the weather vines ought to bee set the thinner but in a drie quarter it is meet they should bee planted thicke Moreouer the wit and industrie of man hath found out meanes to saue charges and in setting a nource-garden with vine-sions to goe a nearer way with small expence and no losse of ground for in replanting a vineyard with quicke-sets vpon a leuell plot onely digged and laied euen they haue with one and the same labour as it were by the way replenished the ground between euery such rooted plants with vine cuttings for store so as the quicksets may grow in his owne place appointed and the sion or cutting which another day is to be transplanted in the mean time take root between euery course and range of the said vine quick-sets before they be ready to take vp much ground Thus within the compasse of one acre by iust proportion a man may haue about 16000 quick-sets This is the difference only that such beare not fruit so soon by two yere so much later are they that be set of sions than those that were transplanted and remain stil on foot When a quick-set of a vine is planted in a vineyard and hath grown one yere it is vsually cut downe close to the earth so as but one eie or button be left aboue ground and one shore or stake must be stickt close to it for to rest vpon and dung laid well about the root In like manner ought it to be cut the second yeare By this means it gathereth strength inwardly and maintaineth the same in such wise as it may be sufficient another day to beare and sustain the burden both of branch and bunch when it shall be charged with them for otherwise if it be let alone and suffered to make hast for to beare it would prooue to be slender vinewed leane and poore for surely this is the nature of a vine That she groweth most willingly in such sort that vnlesse she be kept vnder chastised and bridled in this manner her inordinat appetite is such she will run her selfe out of heart and go all to branch and leafe As touching props and shores to support vines the best as we haue said are those of the Oke or Oliue tree for default whereof ye may take good stakes and forks of Iuniper Cypresse Laburnium and the Elder As for those perches that be of other kinds they ought to be cut and renewed euery yeare Howbeit to lay ouer a frame for vines to â—…un vpon the best poles are of Reeds and Canes for they will continue good fiue yeares being bound many of them together When the shorter branches of a vine are twisted one within another in manner of cording or ropes and strengthened with the wood of vine cuttings amongst thereof arch-worke is made which in Latine they call Funeta Now by the time that a vine hath growne three yeares in the vineyard it putteth forth apace strong branches which in time may make vines themselues these mount quickly vp to the frame and then some good husbands there be who put out their eies that is to say with a cutting hook turning the edge
geld them as little as you can keep them with a good head rather if need require lay them along on the ground and two yeares after cut them hard to the root If it be a yong vine attend vntill it be of strength sufficient then will it be time and not afore to prune it If haply the vineyard be bare and naked of vines and that they grow but thin here and there make furrowes and trenches between and therein plant new quicksets but rid the weeds well from about those Trencheâ—… for ouershadowing them be euer also digging and delving Then if it be an old vineyard so drage and pulse for prouender if it be a lean and light ground sow nothing that bears grain or corn Be sure that ye lay about the heads of the said quickesets dung chaffe refuse of grapes pressed and such like mullock When the vine beginneth to put out leaues and look green fall to disburgeoning So long as the Vines be yong and tender tie them surely in many places for feare lest the wood or stalk therof do break asunder But when a vine hath gotten head to perch aloft vpon a single traile gently binde the tender burgeons and branches thereof extend and stretch them out and lay them streit Now when they stand once vpright and are able to beare themselues mark when the grapes begin to change colour bind them wel and sure below As for graffing of vines there are two seasons of the yeare meet therefore the one in the spring the other when the vine doth floure and this is held for the best If you purpose to translate an old stock of a vine into another place and there to replant it cut off the first thick arm only leauing behind two buds and no more In taking of it vp be carefull that you do it with such dexteritie as that you race not nor wound the root This done look how it grew before so set it now either in trench or furrow couch it wel and close and couer it throughly with good mould After the same manner as is beforesaid vnderset and prop it vp bind it turn and winde it but aboue all be euery while digging about it As touching the drage called Ocymum the which Cato wills to be sowed in a vineyard it is a kind of forage or prouender for horses which the Latines in old time named Pabulum it commeth vp very speedily and groweth fast and besides can well away with shadowie places CHAP. XXIII ¶ Of Trees ranged in rewes for to support Vines IT remaineth now in this discourse and treatise of Vines to write of the manner of trees planted of purpose for to serue their turn And here I canot chuse but cal to mind first how this point of husbandry hath bin iudged naught and altogether condemned by the two Sarsennae both father and sonne but contrariwise held for good and highly commended by Scrofa whereas all three were reputed the most antient writers and skilfullest in this kind next to Cato And yet Scrofa as great a patron as he is thereof alloweth not this deuice in any clymate else but only in Italy Howbeit gon this hath for currant many yeares past and time out of mind That the best and most dainty Wines came of those grapes onely which grew vpon such Hautâ—…ins or trees beforesaid Yea and it was thought generally that the higher a Vine climbed vpon these trees the better grapes it bare and yeelded more commendable wine and againe the lower that those trees were the greater plenty followed both of the one the other By which a man may see how materiall it is to raise Vines on high and haue grapes growing in the top of trees In which regard choise also is to bee made of trees for this purpose And here first and formost is presented vnto vs the Elme and yet I must except that kind of it which is called Atinia by reason that it is ouermuch charged with boughes and leaues and therewith too full of shade Next vnto it may be ranged the blacke Poplar euen for the same cause because it is noâ—… leaued nor branched so thick Many men there be that refuse not the Ash the Fig tree yea and the Oliue so that it stand not ouer thicke with boughs and make too much shade As for the setting planting and ordering of these trees in general we haue sufficiently and to the full treated heretofore But now for this speciall and peculiar vse that they be put vnto this would bee considered That Vines which are to be wedded to these trees must in no wise feele the edge of the cutting hooke before they be three yeares old full After which time this regard ought to be had that euery second branch or arme thereof is to be spared and likewise each other yeare and no oftener they are in this wise to bee pruned and by that they are six yeres old it is good time to joine them in marriage vnto their husbands aforesaid In Piemont Lombardie and those parts of Italy beyond the riuer Po they vse for this purpose to plant their grounds with these trees ouer and besides those aforenamed to wit the Cornell the Opiet or Wich-hazell the Teil or Linden the wild Ash Ornus the Carpin Carme or Horn-beame and the Oke About Venice and all that tract the Willowes serue the turne and none else by reason that the whole soken standeth so much vpon water As touching the Elme named in the first place it must be kept plaine and bare and the great water-boughs vnderneath shread vntill you come to the middest of the tree or thereabout and then the rest ought to bee arraunged and digested into good order whereupon the Vine may climb as it were vpon staires or ladder rounds and lightly none of these trees vpward be aboue twentie foot high Now in case it be a high ground vpon an hil and drie they are permitted to branch and shut out their armes within eight foot of the ground But in plaines and low moist grounds they begin not to fork before they bear twelue foot Howbeit let the place be what it wil the flat of the tree from whence the boughs begin to diuide ought to regard the south sun And the said branches immediatly from their project must rise somewhat vpright in maner of fingers standing forth from the palm of ones hand among which the smal sprigs must eâ—…tsoons be barbed as it were shauen clean off for feare they do not ouershadow the Vine branches As touching the space or distance between one tree another the ordinarie proportion is that afront and behind in case the ground be erable it beare fortie foot but aflanke or on the side twentie Marie if it be not well tilled and husbanded so much wil serue euery way to wit twentie foot and no more Commonly euery one of these trees maintaineth tenne Vines at the foot therof and a bad husband he is who hath
fewer reared about it than three But by the way it is no good husbandrie to suffer a tree thus to be coupled as it were in marriage to so many Vines before that it be of sufficient strength to entertain them for there is nothing so hurtfull by reason that the Vines will choke and kill them so quick they be of their growth and so readie to ouercharge them As for planting of Vine-sets to the root of trees needful it is to make therfore a ditch three foot deep and they ought to be distant one from another a ful foot and so much likewise from the tree This don there is no question thereof the smal twigs or shoots what to do with them neither is there any charge or expence required for digging and deluing for this is the manner of it and this peculiar gift haue these tree-rows That in the same ground where they grow the sowing of corne is nothing hurtfull nay it is profitable and good for the Vines Moreouer this commoditie and easement commeth of their height that they be able to saue themselues neither is there any such need as in other Vineyards to be at the coast of walls of mounds pales or hedges ne yet of deep ditches or other fences to keep off the violence or injuries of beasts Of all other toiles before rehearsed there is no more required but to looke vnto onely the getting of quick-sets or couching sions all the matter I say lieth herein and there is no more to do But of couching sions and that kind of propagation there be two deuises First within paniers or baskets vpon the boughs of the tree and that is the be best way because it is safest from the danger of cattel The second is to bend the Vine or a branch therof close to the foot of her owne tree or else about the next vnto it if it stand single and haue no Vine joined vnto it As much of this branch or Vine thus couched as is aboue the ground must be kept with scraping that is to say the buds ought euer and anone to be knapt off that it spring not forth Within the earth there should be no fewer than foure joints or budding knots buried and enterred for to take root in the head without two onely are left for to grow Where note by the way that the Vine which groweth to the foot of a tree must be trenched in a ditch foure foot long in al three in breadth two and an halfe in deapth Now when the sion thus couched hath lien one yere the order is to cut it toward the stock to the very pith or marrow that so by little and little it may be inured to fortifie it selfe vpon the own roots and not to hang and cling alwaies to the mother as for the other end or head thereof it would be cut off also so neere the ground as that there be but two only buds left By the third yeare it must be quite cut in two where before it was but guelded to the pith and that which remaines of it laid deeper into the ground for feare it should sprout foorth and beare leaues toward that side where it was cut in twaine This done no sooner is Vintage past but this new quicke-set root and al must be taken vp and replanted Of late daies deuised was the manner of couching or planting by a trees side a Vine Dragon for so we vse to call the old branch of a Vine past all seruice which hath done bearing many a yeare and is now grown to be hard And verily they vse to make choise of the biggest they can find which when they haue cut from the stocke they scrape and pil the bark three foure parts in length so farre forth as it is to lie within the ground wherupon they name it in Latine Rasilis when it is thus couched low within a furrow the rest that is aboue the earth they rear vp against the tree And it is thought that there is not so good nor so ready a mean to make a Vine grow and beare than this If it fall out so that either the Vine be smal and weak or the ground it selfe but lean and hungrie it is an vsuall and ordinarie practise to cut and prune it as neer the ground as possibly may bee vntill such time as it bee well strengthened in the root as also great regard is had that it be not planted when the deaw standeth vpon it ne yet when the wind sits ful in the North. The old Vine stock it self ought to look into the Northeast prouided alwaies that the yong branches turne Southward Moreouer new and tender Vines would not be proined and cut in hast but better it is to expect and tary vntil such time as they be strong ynough and able to beare the cutting bill meane while to gather the yong branches together round in maner of on houp or circle Where note by the way That Vines which are erected vpon trees for the most part beare later by one yeare than those in Vineyards that be pearched or run on frames Some would not haue them to be cut at all before they haue raught vp to the top of the tree At the first time when you come with the pruning hooke the head must be cut off at six foot from the ground leauing vnderneath one little top twig which must be forced to beare by bending it downward in the head and in the same when it is thus pruned there must be left behind three buds and no more The branches which burgen out from thence ought the next yeare to bee brought vp to the lowest armes of the tree and there seated and so from yeare to yeare let them climb vp higher to the vpper boughs leauing alwaies vpon euery loft or scaffold as it were where they rested one branch of the old hard wood and another young imp or twig for to grow vp and climbe as high as it will Furthermore as often as a Vine is pruned afterwards those branches or boughs thereof in any wise must bee cut away which were bearers the yeare before and in stead of them the new after they be first cleansed from all the hairy curled tendrils on euery side shred off The ordinarie manner of pruning and dressing of vines here about Rome is to let the tender branches and sprigs enterlace the boughes insomuch as the whole tree is ouerspread clad therwith like as the very same tendrils be also couered all ouer with grapes But the French fashion is to draw them in a traile along from bough to bough whereas in Lumbardie and along the causey Aemilia from Plaisance to Rimino they vse to train them vpon forkes and poles for albeit â—…he Atinian Elmes be planted round about yet the Vine commeth not neere their greene boughes Some there be who for want of sill and good knowledge about vines hang them by a strong bond vnder the boughs but this is to
saw so rife in euerie mans mouth that the only thing to make ground most fertile and fruitfull is the Masters eie As for all other rules and precepts of Agriculture respectiue to this or that peculiar point of husbandry I will deliuer them in their proper places accordingly And in the meane time I wil not omit such as be more generall as they shal come into my mind and remembrance First and formost there offereth it selfe to me one aboue the rest wherof Cato is the Author and which of all others I hold to be most profitable and sounding to ciuilitie to wit that in all our doings we aime at this To haue the loue and good will of our neighbors and that for many and sufficient reasons by him alledged which I suppose no man will make any doubt of Imprimis hee giueth a good caueat That our seruitors and people about vs be not shrewd but well ordered and that none of our family be ill disposed to offer any wrong Item All good husbands agree in this that nothing would be done too late and when the time is ouerhipt And againe That euery worke should haue the due and conuenient season to the same effect there is a third admonition namely That when the opportunity is once past in vain we seek to recall and recouer it As touching a rotten and putrified ground we haue at large shewed already how much Cato doth abhor and curse it And yet he ceaseth not to forewarne vs of it and besides to giue vs these rules following What work soeuer may be performed by a poore Asse is thought to cost little or nothing and to be done very cheape Ferne or Brake will die at the root in two yeares if you wil not suffer it to branch and grow aboue ground and this shall you hinder most effectually in case you knap off the head of the first spring with a wand or walking staffe for the liquid juice dropping downe from them doth kill the root It is commonly said also that if they be pulled vp about the summer Sun-stead they will not come againe but die as also if they be topt or their heads whipt off with a reed or if they be eared vp with the plough so as there be a reed fastned to the share Semblably for to kill reeds they giue order to plough them vp with some Fern likewise laid vpon the share A rushie ground must be broken vp and turned ouer ouer with the broad spade but if it be stony it would be digged with a mattock or two tined fork Rough grounds and giuen to beare shrubs if a man would stork the best way is to burne them vp by the roots If the place lie low and be ouermoist the onely meanes to make it sound and drie is to draine away the water by trenching In case a ground doe stand vpon chalke or plaister the ditches or trenches therin should be left wide open but if the soile be more loose not so fast they must be strengthned and kept vp with quick-set hedges for feare of salling or else they ought to be made in such sort as both the sides thereof be well bedded and couched bearing out a belly aslope and not digged plum downe-right Some would be closed vp aboue and made very strait and narrow for to run directly into others that are more wide and large also if occasion doe so require the bottome of their channell would be paued with pebble or laied with good grauell As for the mouth and end therof to wit for entrance and issue they ought both of them to be fortified and vnderset with two stones at either side and a third laied crosse ouer them Last of all if a ground run to wood and be ouergrowne therewith Democritus hath taught vs the means how to kill the same in this manner Take Lupine floures let them be steeped one whole day in the juice of Hemlock and therewith besprinckle and drench the roots of the shrubs that ouerrun the place and they will die CHAP. VII ¶ Sundry sorts of corne and their seuerall natures NOw that we haue thus shewed the way how to prepare a field for to beare corne it remaimaineth to declare the nature of corne And to speake generally of all graine there are two principall kinds thereof to wit first Fourment containing vnder it wheat and Barley and such like secondly Pulse comprising Beans Pease Chiches c. The difference obserued both in the one sort and the other is so euident and plaine that needlesse it is for me to vse any words thereof And as for the former kind called Fourment it is diuided also into sundry sorts according to the seuerall seasons wherein they be sowne First there is the Winter corn which â—…eing sowed about the setting of the star Virgilia i. in Nouember lieth all winter long in the ground and there is nourished as for example Wheat Rie and barley Secondly Summer corne which is put into the earth in Summer about the rising of the foresaid star Virgilia i. The Brood-hen to wit in May namely Millet Panick Horminum and Irio two kinds or grain But note that I speak here of the manner vsed in Italy For otherwise in Greece and Asia they sow all indifferently at the retrait or occultation of Virgiliae and to come again to our Italy some grain there is which is sown there both in Winter and Summer as also you shall haue other corne sowed in a third season to wit in the Spring Some there be who take for Spring-corn Millet Panick Lentils â—…ich Pease and the grain wherof Fourmenty is made But Wheat Barley Beans Navews Turneps and Rapes they hold for Sementina i. to be sowed at the proper and timely season of seeds 〈◊〉 in Autumne In that kind of corne which comprehendeth Wheat there is to be reckoned that grain which serueth for prouender and forrage and is sown for beasts namely that which they call dredge or ballimong Likewise in the other kind to wit of Pulse the Vetches be comprised but that which is good indifferently both for man and beast is the Lupine All sorts of Pulse called in Latine Legumina vnlesse it be the Bean haue but one root apiece and such be as hard as wood and full of shoots and those diuided into forked branches and the roots of the cich Pease run deepest into the ground But all other corne vnder the name of Frumentâ—… haue many small fillets or strings appendant to the roots otherwise branch not as for Barly 〈◊〉 chitteth and begins to shew within 7 daies after it is first sowne All sorts of Pulse appeare aboue ground by the fourth day or the fift at the vtmost And yet Beans ordinarily do lie in the ground 15 or 20 daies Howsoeuer in Aegypt all Pulse commeth vp by the third day In Barlâ—…y one end of the seed runneth to root downward and the other into blade and that bloometh first Now if
els will the Millet proue bitter in tast The like experiment they say is of a Moldwarps shoulder for if any corn be sowed or touched therewith before it will come vp the better and bring more increase Democritus had a deuise by himselfe for all seed corn whatsoeuer namely to temper soke the same corn in the iuice of the herb housleeke or Sen-greene growing vpon houses either tiled or shindled which in Greeke is called Aizoon and in Latine Sedum or Digitellum for this medicine will serue for all maladies The common practise of our husbandmen is this in case through the ouersweet sap or juice in greene corne wormes take to the roots for to sprinkle them with simple oile lees pure and clean without any salt afterwards to rake it in Also when the corn begins to ioint and gathet into knots then to clense the ground and put off no longer for feare least the weeds do get head ouergrow This I am sure vpon mine owne knowledge that there is an herbe but what proper name it hath I wote not which if it be interred in the foure corners of a field that is sown with Millet it wil driue away Stares and Sparrows which otherwise would by whole flights and flocks lie thereupon and do much harme nay I will speake a greater word and which may seeme wonderfull There is not a bird of the aire one or other that dare enter or approch such a field Field-mice and Rats are skared away and will not touch corne which before the sowing was either bestrewed with the ashes of weasels or cats or els drenched with the liquor and decoction of water wherein they were boiled howbeit this inconuenience insueth hereupon That bread made of such corn will haue a smach and sent strongly of such cats and Weasels and therefore it is supposed a more expedient and safer way to medicine our seed corne with oxe gall for to preserue it from the said Mice and Rats But what remedy against the blast and mildew the greatest plague that can befall vpon corn Mary prick downe certaine Lawrell boughes here and there among the standing corne all the said mists and mildewes will leaue the corne and passe to the Bay leaues and there settle What shall we do then to corne when it is ouer-rank Eat it me downe with sheep and spare not whiles it is young and in the blade onely before I say it be knotted and neuer feare harm by the sheeps teeth as neere as they go to the ground for let it be thus eaten many times the corn will be the better yea and the head will take no harme thereby but prooue the fairer If such rank corne be once cut down with the syth no more certain it is that the grain in the eare will be the longer to see to howbeit void and without any floure within it for sow such seed again it wil neuer grow nor come vp And yet about Babylon the maner is to mow it twise first and the third time to put in sheep to it for to eat it down otherwise the corn would neuer spindle but blade still and run all to leafe But being thus cut and cut again and eaten in the end ye shall haue it to increase and multiply 50 for one so fertile is the soile and if the owner be a good husband besides and vse the ground accordingly he shall reap thrice as much euen a 150 sold. And what carefull diligence is that which is here required Surely neither much nor difficult only he must be sure to keep the ground well with watering for a long time together to the end that it may be discharged of the ouermuch fat within it which by this means will be washed all away and the ranknesse delaied Yet as rich and fertile as this soile is the two riuers Euphrates and Tigris which vse to ouerflow and water the country bring no slimy mud with them as Nilus doth in Egypt wherby the ground is made so fat as it is neither is the nature of the earth there giuen to breed herbs that it should need any weeding and yet so plenteous and fruitfull it is that it soweth it selfe against the next yere for the corne that sheddeth in the reaping and mowing being troden vnder foot into the ground is as good as a sowing and riseth of it selfe without any further labor Seeing then there is so great difference in the soile I am put in minde thereby to fit euery ground with seed respectiuely according to the nature and goodnesse thereof This therfore is the opinion of Cato that in a grosse and fat soile there would be wheat and such like hard corne sown and if the same be subiect also to mists and dews there may be sown therein raddish millet and Panick must be sowne first in a cold and waterish ground and afterwards for change in a hot soile Item the red bearded wheat Far or Adoreum requireth a chalkie and sandy ground and namely if it be well watered Item the common wheat loueth a drie soile exposed to the Sun and not giuen much to breed superfluous weeds Item Beanes will doe well in a sound and fast soile As for Vetches they care not how little they be sowed in a moist piece of ground and such as is apt to run to grasse Moreouer for the fine winter wheat Siligo whereof the best manchet is made and also for the common frumenty wheat there would be chosen an open high ground lying pleasantly vpon the Sunne that it might haue the heat thereof to parch it as long and as much as is possible As for Lentils they doe like a good rough and shrubbie soile full of red earth so as it be not apt quickly to gather a green-sord Barly would gladly grow vpon a restie ground new broken vp or else such as be in heart to beare euery yeare And as for Summer barley of three moneths it would be sowne in a ground where it could not haue an earely or timely Seednes which is so fat and rich as it may affoord to beare crop yere by yere finally to speak to the purpose indeed this also is Catoes witty resolution in one word for all if the soile be light and lean seed it with such grain or forage seed as require no great nourishment as for example with Cytisus and excepting the Cich-pease with all pulse that are vsed to be plucked out of the earth and not mowed downe and thereupon indeed are these pulse called in Latine Legumina because they are plucked and gathered in that sort but in case the ground be good and fat sow such things as require fuller food and nutriment and namely all garden worts and pot-herbes wheat both the common and the fine and Linseed Then according to this rule a leane and hungry soile will well agree with barly for the root is contented with lesse nutriture wheras contrariwise we allow both
h. why they be called in Latine Cuniculi ibid. i Connies haire employed for cloth ibid. k Connies admit superfoetation ibid. Connies vndermine a towne 212. g Connies with double liuers at Grenada in Spaine 342. g Cookes in price 246. l Conopas a dwarfe 165. c Conuolvulus a worme that breedeth in a Vine 547. b how it is remedied ibid. Cophantus a hill in Bactriana burning by night 47. c Coracinus the best fish in Aegypt 246. m Coracini fishes 245. b Corellius his graffing 520. l Cordi what they be 226. l Corfideus his recouery from death 184. l Cordylae sishes a kinde of Tunies 243. c Cordum what kinde of hey 596. g Corke tree 461. e. the barke thereof ibid. the vse it is put vnto ibid. Cornei who they be 166. i Corneill tree how it beareth 473. c. the wood how to be employed 490. h Corneill berries preserued 449. k Corne offered to the gods in Numa his time 546. d Corne parched for sacrifice ibid. e Corne sowing grinding and kneading who deuised 187. e Corne gaue names to families in Rome 550. h Corne giuen as a reward to worthy warriorrs ibid. Corne cheape at Rome 551. b Corne diuided into two generall heads Fourment and Pulse 557. c Corne of all sorts when it commeth after it is sowne ibid. e Corne how it beareth head and carieth seed 558. g Corne spiked what leafe it beareth ibid. m Corne spiked bloweth at once 559. a Corne differing in ripening ibid. a. b Corne differing in stalke and eare ibid. Corne how to he threshed and cleansed ibid b. c Corne how it differeth in weight ibid. c. d bread-Corne doth degenerate into Oats 574. g Corne in the field how to be preserued and kept from field-mice 576. g Corne how to be sowne respectiue to the soile ibid. k Corne growing vpon trees 577. b Corne how to be laid vp for store 603. a. b. what corne will keepe best ibid. d. c. how corne may be kept sweet and good long ibid. e. cutting of corne after diuerse sorts 602. h Coronets Murall 456. i. Uallare ibid. Nauale ibid. Rostrate ibid. k Coronets how they came first 456. l Coromandae a sauage sort of people 156. g. without speech ibid. toothed like dogs ibid. Corus wind 22. l Coos Island 323. a Cosei wormes bred in okes 539. c. they be daintie meat ibid. Costus a spice 384. h. the kindes and price thereof ibid. Cotinus what tree 468. h Cotton trees See Gosampine Cotton trees in Aethyopia 395. a C R Crab-fishes their nature 252. k. l Crab-apples 438. m Crab-trees bearing twice a yeare 474. m Crabs onely foure-footed among fishes 351. l Croesus his sonnes vntimely speech 353. e. it was prodigious ibid. Cranes how they flie 281. c Cranes tamed very plaifull ibid. f Cranes a daintie dish 282. g Crapula what it is 464. k Crapula what mixture it is and what effects it worketh 424. h. Crassus Agelastus was neuer knowne to laugh all his life time 166. h Crassiuenium a kinde of Maple 466. m Crater Nymphaei a hollow burning furnace and vnfortunate to the Apolloniates 47. d Craterus Monoceros a most excellent Hunter or Hawker 294. k. Creatures that lie hidden in the earth at times haue no bloud at all 346. h Creatures are not all hairie that bring forth quicke young ibid. m. Creatures none of them haue an odde foot 351. e Creatures which onely be round ibid. Creatures whole houfed their legs grow not in length ibid. f what creatures will not liue nor breed within some countries 234. g Creatures hurtfull to strangers and none else ibid. h Creatures without bloud haue no liuers 341. d C. Crispinus Hilarius his traine of children and issue in lineall descent liuing 162. m Critobulus healed king Philip his eie 174. m. his reward ibid. Crocodile of the riuer 337. a. moueth the vpper iaw ibid. Crocodiles male and female sit by turnes 302. h Crocodiles wilie and industrious 346. l Crocodiles their description 208. m. they haunt both land and water 209. a Crocutae what kinde of beasts and their nature 206. g Cromes a kinde of fish 245. a Crotalia what pearles 256. g Crow a subtill bird 276. h. shee feedeth her young being fledge ibid. i a Crow taught to speake 294. k C T Ctesias of Gnidos 47. b Ctesiphon framed Dianaes temple at Ephesus 175. b C V Cuckow reckoned a Hawke 275. b. his time of appearance ibid. killed by his owne kinde ibid. Cuckowes lay in other birds nests and why 275. c they deuoure the young birds of their nource 275. d young Cuckowes fat and delicate meat ibid. Cuckow checketh the idle husband that is behind hand with his worke 593. b Cucus a tree 390. k Cuit wine Melampsithium Psithium 416. l Cuits of sundry sorts 416. m. 417. a Culeus the biggest measure of liquors that was among the Romanes 606. g Countries the varietie and diuerse disposition therof 36. m Curites towne 40. m Curtius a noble knight of Rome 443. f Cusculium what it is 461. a Cutting of corne after diuerse sorts 602. h Cuttle fish 256. g. their nature 250. g C Y Cybia quarters of Pesaurides 243. d Cycae certaine Dates 388. g Cyclopes monsters of men 154. g Cychramus what bird 283. a Cyneas his merrie scoffe at a Uine that bare hard wines 405. b. his memorie 168. g Cynae trees 363. f Cynobatos 401. i Cynosura what kinde of addle egge 301. c Cyonoides water-serpents 243. b Cynocephali a kinde of Apes or Monkies 232. g Cypresse tree will not be dunged nor watered 544. i it is worse for good Physicke ibid. Cypresse trees beare ordinarily thrice a yeare 475. a Cypresse tree described at large with the properties thereof 479. c. consecrated to Pluto and why ibid. Cypresse tree good to make vinets and borders 479. d Cypresse woods gainefull to the Lord. ibid. c Cypresse trees loue the Isle Candy best ibid. Cypresse wood faire and shining 491. d Cypresse tree Rosin 424. g Cyprinum oyle 376 g. 382 h Cypros an Aegiptidn tree 375 f Cyprus Island 48 k. ioined sometimes to Syria 40 〈◊〉 the compasse and length thereof 110 m Cyrene the description thereof 94 k. famous and why ibid. Cytisus highly commended for feeding sheep and other cattell 400 l. m. it encreaseth nurses milke 401. a. b. c how it is to be planted and ordered ibid. c D A DAbula what they be 386 g Dactyli certaine grapes 405 f. why so called ibid. Daffodill floureth thrice and sheweth three seasons of plowing 592 h Daphnoeides Isocinnamon 374 g Daphnoeides 453 a Daphnitis 452 m Date trees their sundrie kindes 384 m. 385 b Dates how they be imploied ibid. Of a date tree and other plants prospering vnder it a wonder incredible 581 d Date trees described 385 c. d Distinguished by sects euidently ibid. d Iacke Dawes See Choughs Dates how they are to be set 385 e Daemaenetus turned into a Wolfe 207 d Date in Aegypt 374 l Dates conceiue by the presence
Dictamnus 210. k cure themselues with craifishes ibid. Harts and Hinds are cured by the Artichoke 211. c Harts See Stags 214. g. h Hastie apples See Apples Mustea Hasell nuts See Filbards Haulme See Straw Hawkes 272 f. their kinds 274. k. where they breed on the ground ibid. l Hawkes and men catch birds together 274. m and part the prey equally ibid. of Haire 332. i k Haires and stones engender in mens bladders 344. g Haires out of a thicke skin are grosse and hard 347. a they grow long vpon Horses and Lions ibid. swallowing downe of an Haire the death of Fabius a Roman Senatour 159. e Haires of Connies long on their cheekes ibid. Hairie men more lecherous than others ibid. Haires come not sometime without the helpe of art 347. b Haire of the head in men groweth most ib. it groweth not at the cut end but from the root ibid. Haire groweth vpon dead bodies 347. b Hairie beasts except the Asse and the sheepe are troubled with lice 329. b Haires white 232. h H E Heads adorned with crests tufts and combes 331. a Heads cut from the bodie licked vp their owne bloud 242. h. Heart in man and beast how it is scituate and made also to what vse it serueth 340. g. h Heart of fishes pointeth vp to the mouth ibid Heart first formed in the mothers wombe 340. a. it dieth last ibid. h. it panteth like a liuing creature by it selfe ibid. h. the treasure of life ibid. the seat of the mind and soule 340. h Heart cannot abide paine ibid. paine of it bringeth present death ibid. Hearts they that haue little are valiant ibid. Heart of a man how much it groweth yearely 340. f. how long it groweth ibid. when and how much it decreaseth ibid. Hearts of some men all hairie 340. i Hearts hairie shew strange and valorous men ibid. Heauen full of pourtraits 2. g Heauen and World all one 1. c Heauen in the motion thereof an harmonie 2. h Heauen called Coelum and why ibid. Heauen diuided into sixteene parts by the Tuscanes 7. a See more in World Hebre riuer 53. b Heouba her tombe and name thereof 79. a Hedgehogs how they engender 302. l Hedysmata 381. d Helix of three sorts 481. a Helix a kinde of Yuie 480. k Hellenes whence they tooke their name 76. h the three names Homer gaue vnto them ibid. Helena a Meteor so called 18. l Heliotropium turning alwaies with the Sunne 20. h Hellespontias the name of a wind 23. b. the time of it ibid. Hellespont sometime a land 40. l Helix a kinde of Willow or Oysier 485. i Heliotropium the hearbe a direction vnto the Husbandman 593. f Hemeris a kinde of Oke 459. b Heneti from whence the Uenetians 175. b house-Hens seeme religious 292. m Hens or Pullets great layers 298. i Hens bring vp Ducklings 299. e Hens which be kindly 300. g grig-Hens ibid. b Hens and Puslein first crammed 297. a Hens fat how they are knowne ibid. b Hephaestij mountaines in Lycia 47. c Hepsema what it is 416. l Hercules pillars 48. i Hercules his altar 96. l Hermotinus Clazomenius his ghost 184. 〈◊〉 Hercules his sphere the planet Mars so called 6. g Hercules Rusticellus who so called 166. l Hercynia forrest 455. e. the wonderfull trees that are there growing 455. f Marcus Herennius a Counsellor struck with lightening in a cleare day 25. f Hermaphrodites See Androgini Hermines See Menuver Heroum what it is 273. f Herophilus a renowned interpreter of Physicke 345. b Herons of three sorts 301. l. they engender with great paine ibid. and lay with as much ibid. Hesperius a mountain in Aethyopia 47. c Hexametre verse who first deuised 189. c H I Hiera an Island of Aetolia neere Italy And the burning thereof 47. d Hiera Island 40. g Hierapolis citie 104. l Himantipus what kind of birds 295. d Himilco his nauigation 33. a Hinds their nature and manner of breeding 213. d Hinds and stags how they engender 302. m Hinuti what they be 224. h Hinus what it is ibid. i Hippanis a riuer in Pontus it bringeth downe bladders 330. l. wherein it enclosed the flie Hemerobion ibid. Hipparchus his Ephemerides what they contained 8. l his inuention conceruing the Eclipse of the Sunne and Moone 9. d Hipparchus his opinion of the stars his praise and opinion of the soule 16. e. he sindeth out a new starre rising in his time 16. m Hipparchus 49. c Hippaee a kinde of crabsish 252. l Hippaeus a kinde of Comet 15. f Hippocrates honoured like Hercules 17 h. he foretold of a pestilence ibid. Hippocentaur borne in Thessalie 157. f Hippomanes what it is 222. k Hippophestar good to purge the body for the falling sickenesse 496. k Hippoglottian 452. m Hippuri a sort of Lobstars 245. b Hirpiae certain families wherein they be all witches 155. c 155. e. Hispalis a Colonie 52. h Hiues of Lanterne hornes 318. k driuing of Hiues 317. b. what must be left for the Bees ibid. H O Holmes three at Tiber very old 458. l a Holme tree of a wonderfull age 495. b a Holme tree of a monstrous bignesse 496. h a Mast-Holme tree of two sorts 458. l Holothuria fishes of the nature of plants 264. g Holydaies vnto Uulcan 48. g Homers Ilias couched within a nut-shell 167. b thicke Hony nothing commendable 317. b thin Hony will not thicken ibid. Hony engendreth in the aire 317. b. when it is engendred ibid. of what mater ibid. how it is corrupted ibid. it is diuerse according to the tokens of good hony ibid. regions 316. h a Honey-combe eight foot long ibid. i Honey-combes best about Sunne-stead in Summer 316. i Honey when it is most gathered 317. a Honey in some sort hurtfull for Bees 321. d Hondearia a kind of Plums 436. m Honey apples See apples Melimela Honey who made first 188. l Hornes of great bignesse 331. f How they stand and to what vse they are put ibid. d. e what beasts haue hornes 331. b Hornes of sundry shapes ibid. Hornets whether they haue stings or no. 322. k Horologies how deuised 191. b. c. d Horses wild 200. g Riuer-Horse his description and properties 209. f inuented Phlebotomie or bloud-letting 210. i Horse of Caesar Dictatour 221. a Horse entombed by Augustus Caesar. ibid. Horses entombed at Agragentum 221. a a Horse loued by Semiramis ibid. a Horse reuengeth his masters death 221. b Horse furniture and harneis who first inuented 189. c Horses loath to couer their dams ibid. Horse-fight who first deuised 189. c Horces of seruice vsed to daunce to Musicke 221. 〈◊〉 their kind affections to their masters ib. their docilitie ibid. their perceiuance ibid. d. desiring of praise ibid. e. their age 222. h. their breeding ibid. Horses where they be worth a taelent of gold 148. h Horses subiect to many diseases 222. m Horses age how it is knowne after their shedding of teeth 358. i. Horses and men alone haue teeth of
as some think fifteen drams which grow neere to two ounces of which capacitie our small saucers are but as others suppose it receiues two ounces and an halfe the measure of ordinary saucers Acrimonie i. Sharpenesse Actually i. sensibly and presently as fire is actually hot Aditiales or Adijciales epulae were great and sumptuous feasts or suppers held by the Pontifices or high Priests in testimony of publique ioy Almonds see Amygdals Amphora a measure in Rome of liquors only it seemes to haue taken that name of the two ears which it had of either side one it contained 8 Congios which are much about 8 Wine gallons or rather betweene seuen and eight so as in round reckoning it may go for a ferkin halfe kilderkin or half sestern with vs. Amygdals be kernils at the root of the tongue subiect to inflammations swellings occasioned by deflux or falling down of humors from the head they be called Antiades Paristhmia Tonsillae the foresaid infirmities also incident vnto them doe likewise cary the same denominations A Antidotes i. countrepoysons properly defensatiues or preseruatiues against poyson pestilence or any maladie whatsoeuer Antipathie i. contrarietie enmity and repugnancie in nature as between fire and water the vine and the Colewort c. S. Anthonies fire is a rising in the skin occasioned by hot bloud mixt with abundance of choler and such be the shingles and other wild fires called in Greek Erysipelas Aquosities be waterish humors apt to engender the dropsies called Ascites and Leucophlegmatia Aromatised i. Spiced Arthriticall griefes such as possesse the ioints as all the sorts of gout Astrictiue or Astringent be such things as bind the body or any part thereof Attractiue i. drawing as the loadstone draweth iron amber straws or bents Dictamnus arrow heads or spils out of the bodie and cupping glasses or ventoses humours and wind Austere harsh or hard as in fruits vnripe and hard wines of hedge grapes Axinomantie a kind of magicke diuination by an ax head red hot B BAsis in a compound medicine is that drug or simple which is predominant and carrieth the greatest force in it as the ground thereof whereupon the whole taketh the name as Poppy in Diacodion Quinces in Diacydonium c. Bole is the form of a medicine when it may be giuen in grosse manner at a kniues point to the quantitie of a nutmeg at a time vntill the whole receit be taken Browning a term vsuall in the mouths of mariners and winnowers of corne when they are calmed and do call for wind Bulbes although Pliny seemed to giue that name vnto some one speciall hearbe yet it signifieth generally all those as haue round roots as Onions Squilla Wake-robin and such like whereupon these and other of that kind are said to haue bulbous roots Cacochynne is that indisposition of the body in which there is aboundance of humors Calcining i. the burning of a minerall or any thing for to correct the malignitie of it or reduce it into pouder c. Callositie thicknesse and hardnesse of skinne in maner senslesse as in fistulaes and vnder our heeles to Carminat is to make more fine and thin the grosse humours by such medicines as by their heat are apt to cut and dissolue them wherupon they likewise be called Carminatiue a terme receiued by Apothecaries and borrowed from those that card wooll Cancer is a swelling or sore comming of melancholy bloud about which the vems appeare of a blacke or swe rt colour spread in manner of a Creifish clees whereupon it tooke that name in Latine like as in Greek Carcinoma And such vlcers as in that sort be maintained and fed with that humor are called cancerous and be vntoward to heal worse commonly for the handling Carnositie i. fleshly substance Cataplasm a pultesse or grosse maner of plastre Cartilage in man and beast is a gristle in roots and fruits that substance which we obserue in the radish root and the outward part of a cucumber as Pliny seems to take it which thereupon be called Cartilagineous Cataract is a dimnesse of sight caused by an humor gathered and hardned betweene the tunicle of the eye called Cornea and the Crystalline humour it is next cousine to blindnesse Caustick i. burning blistering or scalding to Cauterise is to seare or burne by a Cauterie Cauterie actuall is fire it self or scalding liquor and so a searing iron gold or other mettall made red hot is called an Actuall cauterie which without the help of our natural heat doth work presently Cauterie potentiall is that which will raise blisters and burn in time after it is once set on work by the heat of our body as Cantharides Sperewort c. Ceres the first inuentresse of the sowing vse of corne Cerote is of a middle nature betweene an ointment and a plaister not so hard as the one nor so soft as the other Cicatrices in eyes be whitish spots otherwise called pearls they be the skars also remaining after a sore is healed vp and so a place is said to be cicatrised when it is newly skinned vp and healed Circulation is the deuise of subliming or extracting water or oile by a stillatorie a lembick or such because the vapor before it be resolued into water or oile seemes to go round circlewise Clysterized i. conueyed vp by a clyster into the guts Caeliaci be those that through weakenesse of stomacke are troubled with a continuall flux of the belly Colature a thin liquour that hath passed thorow a strainer or colander Colliquation is a falling away and consumptiof the radicall humour or solid substance of the body Collyries are properly medicines applied to the eies in liquid forme whereas the dry kind be rather called Sief Alcohol especially in pouder howbeit Pliny attributeth this terme to all eye-salues whatsoeuer Also it seemeth that hee meaneth thereby tents to be put in a fistulous vlcer as in pag. 509 b. 510 k. Collution a liquour properly to wash the mouth teeth and gums withall Concocted i. altred to that substance by natural heate as either in health may serue to nourish or in sicknes is apt to be expelled Consolidat to knit vnite make sound again that which was broken or burst Concrete i. hardned and grown thicke Cond te i. preserued in some conuenient liquor to Concorporate i. to mix and vnite together into one masse Consistence i. substance or thicknesse Constipate i. to harden and make more fast and compact Contraction of sinews a shrinking or drawing of them in too short Contusions i. Bruises Convulsions painfull cramps Criticall daies be such as in short diseases those of quicke motion do giue light vnto the physitian of life or death Pliny obserues the od daies to be most significant and those vsually determinof health and the euen days contrariwise so that the seuenth is Rex i. a gratious prince the sixth Tyrannus i. a cruell tyrant Cruditie See Indigestion Cyath a small measure both of liquid and
but small and bringeth forth a fruit resembling the bearded nut or filberd out of the inner shell or huske wherof called Bombyx there breaks forth a cotton like vnto downe so easie to be spun and there is no flax in the world comparable to it for whitenesse softnesse Of this cotton the Egyptian priests were wont to wear their fine surplesses and they tooke a singular delight therein A fourth kind of linnen there is called Orchomenium it commeth from a certaine fennie reed growing in marishes I meane the tender muchets or chats thereof In Asia they haue a certaine kind of broome the stalke and branches whereof they water and leaue in steepe ten daies together and thereof make thread passing good for to be twisted and knit into fisher nets for they will abide the water very well and indure without rotting The Ethiopians and Indians both find a stuffe in manner of Line or cotton in some apples or such like fruit and the Arabians meet with the like in gourds growing as I haue beforesaid vpon trees To come againe to our countrey Line or Flax within Italy we go by two signes and know thereby when it is ripe and ready to be gathered to wit either by the swelling of the seed or the colour of the plant it selfe leafe and stalk inclining to yellow Then is it plucked vp and bound into certaine bunches as much as handfuls which done they are hung vp to drie in the sun one day with their heels or roots vpward the morrow after they be turned quite contrary and so for fiue daies after they hang with the foresaid roots downward that the seed may fall downe from their heads into the mids of euery bunch or bundle aforesaid for the seed therof is medicinable and of effectuall operation in Physicke yea and the rurall Peasants in Lombardie and Piemont beyond the Po vse to make therof a good country meat of a most sweet and pleasant tast but now for this good while that kind of meat or bread is made onely for to be imployed in their sacrifices to the gods Then after wheat haruest the stems or stalks thereof are laied in some water that is warme with the Suns heat charged with stones or other weights thereupon that they may be borne downe and sinke to the bottom for there is not a thing besides lighter than Line or loueth better to swim When they be sufficiently watered which you shall know by the skin or rind therof if it be loose and ready to depart from the towy substance of the stem then must the foresaid jauils or stalkes bee hung out a second time to be dried in the sun with their heads and heels one while vp and another while downe as before After they be wel dried they are to be beaten and punned in a great stone mortar or vpon a stone floore with an hurden mallet or tow-beetle made for the purpose Now that part therof which is vtmost next to the pill or rind is called Tow or Hurds and it is the worst of the Line or Flax good for little or nothing but to make lampe-match or candle-wiek and yet the same must be better kembed with hetchell teeth of yron vntill it be clensed from all the grosse barke and rind among As for the good Flax indeed which is the teere or marrow as it were within of the Line there be diuers and sundry sorts and degrees of it distinct according either to the whitenesse or softnesse thereof And the spinning of this fine Flax I may tell you is so cleane a worke that it will become a man yw is to lay his fingers to it But what shall be done with all the hard refuse the long buns the stalks the short shuds or shiues that are either driuen from the rest in the knocking or parted in the hetchelling mary they will serue very well to heat ouens and furnaces or to mainetaine fire vnder kills and leads And here there is a prettie cunning and skill in the hetchelling and dispensing of Flax to the proofe for if the Line bee good and well ordered euerie fiftie pounds of it in bunches or bundles aforesaid must yeeld fifteene ordinarily of tried and carded Flax. Moreouer when it is spunne into thread it must be polished againe and whitened in water with much punning and knocking vpon a stone together with the water And yet there is no end for after it is wouen to cloath it ought to bee followed and beaten a third time with good clubbe-headed cudgels in such sort as the more iniurie that is done vnto it the better it is Furthermore there is a kind of Line found out which will not consume in the fire this in Italy they call Quick-line and I my self haue seen table-clothes towels napkins therof which being taken foule from the bourd at a great feast haue been cast into the fire and there they burned before our face vpon the hearth by which meanes they became better scoured and looked fairer and brighter a hundred times than if they had bin rinsed and washed in water and yet no part of their substance but the filth only was burnt away At the roiall obsequies and funeralls of KK the manner was to wind and lap the corps within a sheet of this cloth of purpose to separate the cinders comming of the body from other ashes of the sweet wood that was burnt therewith This manner of Line groweth in the deserts of India where no rain falls where the countrey is all parched and burnt with the Sunne amongst the fell dragons and hideous Serpents thus it is inured there to liue burning which is the reason that euer after it wil abide the fire Geason it is to be found and as hard to be wouen so short and small it is How soeuer otherwise it be naturally of colour reddish yet by the fire it getteth a shining glosse and bright hew They that can come by it and meet withall esteeme it as precious as the best orient pearles In Greeke they call this Line Asbestinum according to the nature and propertie that it hath not to consume with burning Ouer and besides Anaxilaus saith That if a man would cut downe or fall a tree by stealth and in secret let him compasse the body thereof with a sheet of this linnen he may hew as long as he will at it and all the strokes that he giueth wil be so drowned that they shall not be heard againe To conclude in all these respects aboue said this Line may well be counted for the principall and best that is in the whole world The next to it in goodnesse is the Line called Byssus the fine Lawn or Tiffany whereof our wiues and dames at home set so much store by for to trim and deck themselues it groweth in Achaia within the territorie about Elis and I find that in old time it was sold as deare as gold for a scruple thereof was commonly exchanged for
in sea water for that is best or els in fresh for want of the other After this watering it must be dried in the Sun and then steeped in water a second time but if a man haue vrgent occasion to vse it presently out of hand he must put it in a great tub or bathing vessel let it soke there in hot water a time Now if when it is dried againe it be stiffe and will stand alone they take it for a sure signe that it is sufficiently watered and hath that which it should haue This is a very neere and ready way saueth them much labour Thus being prepared one of these two waies it ought to be brayed and beaten before it will serue the turne and then no cordage in the world is better than that which is made of it nor lasteth so well within the water and the sea especially for it will neuer be done For drie worke I confesse and out of the water the gables ropes wrought of hemp are better but Spart made into cordage will liue receiue nourishment within the water drinking now the full as it were to make amends for that thirst which it had in the natiue place where it first grew Of this nature is Spart besides that if the ropes made thereof be worne and with much occupying out of repaire a little thing will mend and refresh them yea and make them as good as euer they were for how old soeuer it be yet will it be wrought very well again with some new among A wonderfull thing it is to consider and look into the nature of this herb and namely how much it is vsed in all countries what in cables and other ship-tacking what in ropes for Masons and Carpenters and in a thousand necessities of this our life And yet seel the place which furnisheth all this store lying along the coast of new Carthage we shal find to be within the compasse of thirty miles in bredth lesse somewhat in length And verily if it were fetched farther off within the main the cariage would not quit for the cost and expences The Greekes in old time emploied their rishes in drawing of ropes as may appeare by the very word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth with them a rish and a rope But afteâ—…ards they vse their cordage of Date tree leaues the thin barks of the Linden or Tillet tree from whence verily like and probable it is That the Carthaginians borowed both their vse of Spartum and maner also of dressing it Theophrastus writeth That there is a bulbous plant with a root like an onion-Onion-head growing about the banks of riuers between the vtmost rind whereof and that part within which is good to be eaten there is a certain cotton or woolly substance whereof folke vse to make woollen sockes and some such slight peeces of apparell But he neither named the countrey where they be made nor sets downe any other particularities more than this That the said plant they called Eriophoron i. Bearing wooll so far as euer I could find in any copies comming to my hand And albeit Theophrastus was otherwise a diligent and curious writer of plants and searched deep into the nature of simples foure hundred and ninety yeres before my time yet hath he made no mention at all of Spart a thing that I haue obserued and noted in him once already before now Whereby euident it is that the manner of dressing and vsing Spart came vp after his daies And since we are entred into a discourse of the wonders of Nature I will follow on still and continue the same wherein this may be one of the greatest That a thing should liue and grow as a plant without root Looke but to those Mushroomes or Toad-stooles which are called in Latin Tubera out of the ground they grow compassed about on euery side with the earth with out root without any filaments or so much as small strings beards resembling a root wherevpon they should rest the place where they breed doth not swel or bear vp one jot nay it shews no chink or creuasse at all out of which they should issue and to conclude they seem not once to stick and cleaue to the ground whereupon they stand A certaine barke or pill they seem to haue which encloseth them such as to speake plainely we cannot say is earth indeed nor any thing else but a very brawnie skin or callositie of the earth These breed commonly in drie and sandie grounds in rough places full of shrubs and bushes and lightly in none else Oftentimes they exceed the quantity of good big Quinces euen such as weigh a pound Two sorts there be of them Some be full of sand and grit and such plague folkes teeth in the eating others bee clean and their meat is pure without any such thing among They differ also in color for there be of them that are red ye shall haue those also that seem blacke and yet are white within But the best simply are those that come out of Africk or Barbarie To determin resolutely whether they grow still from day to day as other plants or whether this imperfection of the earth for better I know not how to call it commeth at one instant to that full growth that euer it will haue also whether they liue or no I suppose it is a difficult and hard matter surely this is certaine that their putrifaction is much after the manner of wood and they rot both alike Many yeres past there are not since Lartius Licinius sometimes lord Pretor and gouernour vnder the Romans in the prouince of Spain chanced of my knowledge while he was there at Carthage in biting one of these Mushroms to meet with a siluer Roman denier within it that turned the edge againe of some of his fore teeth and set them awry Whereby a man may perceiue manifestly that they be a certaine excresence of the very earth gathering into a round forme as all other things that grow naturally of themselues and come neither by setting nor sowing CHAP. III. ¶ Of the excrescence named Misy and of other such like Puffes and Mushroms Of those flat Fusses and broad Toad-stooles called Pezici Of the plant or hearbe Laserpitium Of Magydaris Of Madder Of Sope-weed or the Fullers hearbe Radicula WIthin the prouince of Cyrenaica in Affricke there is found the like excrescence called Misv passing sweet pleasant as well in regard of the smell as the tast more pulpous also fuller of carnositie than the rest likewise another of that nature in Thracia called Ceraunium As touching al the sorts of Mushroms Toad-stooles Puffes Fusbals or Fusses these particulars following are obserued First it is known for certain that if the autumn be much disposed to rain and withal the aire be troubled and disquieted with many thunders during that season there wil be good store of such Mushromes c.
the root that being thus nipped and lipped as it were they might nourish the body of the plant not distract and suck away the humor which is the nutriment of the whole This is notable and wonderfull in the Porret that ioying liking as it doth in muck and fat ground yet it cannot abide watery places Howbeit in these we must be ruled by the property of the ground which is al in all the principal leeks be in Egypt the next are those of Ortia Aricia Of the cut Porret or vnset Leeks be two kinds the one runneth mightily into a green blade and the leafe thereof hath very conspicuous euident cuts this is that the Apothecaries vse so much the other hath a more pleasant and yellowish leafe and the same rounder the gashes or cuts wherof are smaller not so apparent to the eie The voice goeth generally it is reported That Mâ—…la a knight or gentleman of Rome by his place Procuratour vnder Tiberius the Emperor being for some misgouernment in that office brought into question and accused thereupon sent for peremptorily to make his personal apparance dispairing vtterly of life tooke the weight of three Roman siluer deniers in the iuice of Leeks and dranke it off whereupon he died incontinently without any paine or torment at all It is commonly said That if a man take a greater dose or receit thereof it will do no harm nor any danger will insue thereupon As touching Garlick it is held for certain That it is a soueraigne medicine for many griefs and maladies especially such as are incident to the country peasants and rusticall people who hold it to be as good as a Treacle The Garlike head is couered and clad all ouer with certaine very fine and thin pellicles or membranes which may be parted and diuided one from another vnder which you shall see it compact and ioined as it were together of many cloues in maner of kernels and those also inclosed each one apart within their seuerall skins Of a sharp and biting tast it is The more keen and eager also you shall find it as it hath more of those cloues afore said in one head The aire that comes from it is as offensiue as that of the onion maketh their breath as strong who eat it howbeit sodden if it be it is euery way harmles the difference and diuersity of Garlick ariseth first from the circumstance of the time whereby you shall see a kind of hasty Garlick that in 60 daies will be ripe and come to perfection then in quantity for some grow bigger in the head than other And of this sort is that which wee call in Latine Vlpicum and the Greeks some the Cyprian Garlick others Aphroscorodon so much commended in Africke that it is held for the most principall dish of meat that a Husbandman of the countrey can eat and bigger it is than our common Garlick Being brused and braied in a morter together with oile and vineger it is wonderfull to see what a fome and froth will arise therof and to what an height it wil swell thereby Some gardeners there are who forbid to set either this Vlpicum or the common Garlick in any euen flat and leuell bed but to put them in little hillocks in maner of hop hils raised in forme of castles or turrets three foot distant one fromanother Now wheresoeuer these cloues be set in hill or plain they ought to lie foure finâ—…rsbreadth a sunder And this would not be forgotten That so soon as they shew three leaues once they would be sarcled and the mould raised from about them for the oftner they be thus serued and laid bare the fairer heads they will bring When they begin to grow big and come to their full maturity the stalks that they run vp vnto must be troden downe and moulded ouer and this is to preuent that they should not be ouer-rank in blade In cold countries it is thought better and more profitable to set them during the spring than at the fall of the leafe Moreouer if you would haue Garlicke Onions and such like not to smel strong and stink so as they do the common opinion rule is that they should not be set or sown but when the moon is vnder the earth nor yet be gathered and taken vp but in her coniunction with the Sun which is the change But Menander a Greeke writer saith That there needs none of all these ceremonies for the matter for if a man would not haue his breath stink with eating of Garlick let him do no more quoth he but take a Beet root rosted in the embers and eat it after it shall extinguish that hot and strong sauor and cause the breath to continue sweet There be who thinke that the fittest time of setting both the common Garlick also the greater kind named Vlpicum is between the two set and ordinary feasts Compitalia Saturnalia As for the vulgar Garlick it commeth vp also of seed but slowly and late it will be first ere it attaine to the full proofe for the first yere it getteth a head no thicker than Leeks the next yeare after it begins to diuide into cloues and in the third it is consummate and grown to perfection and such vnset Garlick some are of opinion to be fairer and better than the rest Howbeit Garlicke indeed should not be suffered to bol and run vp to seed and therfore the blade therof ought to be wreathed that it may gather more and stronger in the head and that the cloues afterwards might be set in stead of seed for increase Now if a man haue a desire that both Garlick and Onions may be kept long for his prouision their heads must be dipped and wel plunged in salt water warm by this means indeed last they will longer without spurting and be better for any vse wee shall put them to saue only to be set and replanted in the ground for barren will they be and neuer prosper And yet diuers there are who thinke it sufficient at the first to hang them in the smoke ouer quick and burning coles as being persuaded that this will serue wel enough to keep them from growing for certaine it is that both Garlicke and Onions will put foorth blade aboue ground and when they haue so done come to nought themselues as hauing spent all their substance and vertue Some are of this mind that the best preseruing of Garlick as well as of Onions is within chaffe There is a kind of Garlicke growing wild in the fields of the own accord which they call in Latine Alum i. Crow Garlicke which being boiled that it should not grow they commonly throw forth in corn fields for the shrewd and vnhappy foules which lie vpon the lands and eat vp the seed new sown for presently as any of those birds tast thereof they wil be so drunke and astonied therewith that a man may
be tied fast vnto them Of all Garden-hearbs Beets are the lightest The Greeke writers make two kinds thereof in regard of the colour to wit the black Beets and the whiter which they prefer before the other although it be very scant and sparie of seed these also they cal the Sicilian Beets and for their beautiful white hew and nothing else they esteeme them aboue Lectuce But our countreymen here in Italy put no other difference between Beets but in respect of the two seasons when they be sowed namely in the Spring and Autumne whereof we haue these two sorts the spring Beets and the Autumnall and yet they be vsually sowne in Iune also This herbe likewise is ordinarily remooued in the plant and so replanted or set againe it loueth besides to haue the roots medicined with muck as well as the other abouesaid yea and it is very wel content with a moist and waterish ground The roots as well as the leaues or herbage thereof vse to be eaten with Lentils Beans but the best way to eat them is with Senuie or Mustard for to giue a tast and edge as it were to that dull and wallowish flatnesse that it hath Physitians haue set downe their iudgement of this herb That the roots be more hurtfull than the leafe and therefore being set vpon the bourd before all persons indifferently as well the sound as the sick and crasie yet many a one maketh it nice and scrupulous once to tast therof and if they do it is but slightly for fashion only leauing the hearty feeding thereupon to those rather that be in health and of strong constitutions The Beet is of two diuers natures and qualities for the herbage or leafe hath one and the bulbs comming from the head of the stem another but their principall grace and beautie lieth in their spreading and breadth that they beare as they cabbage And this they come vnto as the manner is of Lectuces also by laying some light weight vpon the leaues when they begin once to gather into a stalke and shew their colour And there is not an hearbe throughout the Garden that taketh vp greater compasse with fuellage than doth the Beet for otherwhiles you shal see it to spread it selfe two foot euery way whereunto the goodnesse and nature of the soile is a great help The largest that be knowne of these Beets are those which grow in the territory about Circij Some hold opinion that the only time to sow Beets is when the Pomegranat doth blossome and to transplant them so soon as they haue 5 leaues A wonderfull thing to see the diuersitie in Nature of these Beets if it be true namely that the white should gently loosen the belly and make one soluble whereas contrariwise the black doe stay a flux and knit the body It is as strange also to obserue another effect thereof for when the Colewort hath marred the taste of wine within the tun or such like vessell the only sauour and smell of Beet leaues steeped therein will restore and fetch it againe As touching the Beets as also Colewoorts which now beare all the sway and none but they in Gardens I do not find that the Greeks made any great account of them yet Cato highly extolleth Coules and reporteth great wonders of their vertues and properties which I meane to relate in my treatise of Physick For this present you shall vnderstand that he putteth downe three kinds of them the first that stretcheth out broad leaues at ful and carieth a big stem the second with a crisped and frizled leafe the which he calleth Apiana the third is smooth plain and tender in leafe and hath but a little stalke and these are of no reckoning at all with Cato Moreouer like as Coleworts may be cut at all times of the yeare for our vse so may they be sown set al the yere long yet the most appropriat season is after the Aequinox in Autumn Transplanted they be when they haue once gotten fiue leaues The tender crops called Cymae after the first cutting they yeeld the Spring next following now are these Cymae nothing else but the yong delicat tops or daintier tendrils of the maine stem And as pleasant and sweet as these crops were thought to other men yet Apicius that notable glutton tooke a loathing of them and by his example Drusus Caesar also careth not for them but thought them a base and homely meat for which nice and dainty tooth of his he was well checked and shent by his father Tiberius the Emperor after this first crop or head is gone there grow out of the same colewort other fine colliflories if I may so say or tendrils in Summer in the fall of the leafe and after them in winter and then a second spring of the foresaid Cymae or tops against the spring following as the yeare before so as there is no hearb in that regard so fruitfull vntill in the end her owne fertility is her death for in this manner of bearing she spends her heart her selfe and all There is a third top-spring also at mid-summer about the Sunstead which if the place bee any thing moist affoordeth yong plants to be set in summer time but in case it be ouer-drie against Autumne If there be want of moisture and skant of muck the better taste Colewoorts haue if there be plenty and to spare of both the more fruitfull and ranke they are The onely muck that which agreeth best with Coleworts or Cabbages is Asses dung I am content to stand the longer vpon this Garden-wort because it is in so great request in the kitchin and among our riotous gluttons Would you haue speciall and principal Coleworts both for sweet tast and also for great and faire cabbage first and foremost let the seed be sowne in a ground throughly digged more than once or twice and wel manured secondly see you cut off the tender springs and yong stalkes that seem to put out far from the ground or such as you perceiue mounting too ranke and ouer-high from the earth thirdly be sure to raise other mould in maner of a bank vp to them so as there peep no more without the ground than the very top these kind of Coleworts be fitly called Tritiana for the threefold hand and trauell about them but surely the gaine will pay double for all the cost and toile both Many more kindes there be of them to wit that of Cumes which beareth leaues spreading flat along the ground and opening in the head Those of Aricia be for heigth no taller than they but rather more in number than for substance thinner and smaller this kind is taken for the best and most gainfull because vnder euery main leafe in maner it putâ—… forth other yong tendrils or buds by themselues which are good to be eaten The Colewort Pompeianum so called of the towne Pompeij is taller than the rest rising vp with a smal stem
reckoning aboue other herbs for I reade in antient Histories That Cornelius Cethegus at what time as he was chosen Consul with Quintius Flaminius presently vpon the said election gaue a largesse to the people of new wine aromatized with Rue The fig-tree and Rue are in a great league amitie insomuch as this herbe sow and set it when and where you will in no place prospereth better than vnder that tree for planted it may be of a slip or sprig Now if the same be put into a bean which hath a hole pierced or bored through it will do far better by reason that the bean clasping the set close and vniting thereunto her own sap and moisture cherisheth it therewith and makes it come apace moreouer it will propagat and set it owne selfe for let the top of any of her branches be bent downeward so as it may but touch the ground it will presently take root Of the same nature it is that Basill but that Rue is somwhat later ere it come vp groweth not so fast When Rue is come to be of any strength there is vntoward sarcling and weeding of it for if it be handled it will raise blisters vpon a mans fingers vnlesse the hands be well gloued or defensed with oile The leaues also of Rue are kept and preserued beeing made vp into little knitches or bunches Now as touching Ach or Parsley the manner is to sow it immediatly after the spring Equinox in March but the seed would be first brused beaten a little in a mortar for some are persuaded that by this means it groweth thicker and more crispe or curled which it will doe likewise in case after a bed be sowed therewith it be troden vpon with mens feet or beaten downe with a roller or cylinder This peculiar property hath Parsley that it will change the colour It was an antient custome in Achaia to do honour vnto this hearbe by crowning those that went away with victory and wan the prize in the solemne tourneys and sacred games Nemei with a chaplet of Parsly As for Mint men vse to set it at the same time of a young plant so soone as they see it is spurt and come vp but if it haue not sprung yet they let not to plant the spurns of the root knotted into an head within the ground in manner of the Spongiae in Sperage before said This herb taketh no great ioy in moist grounds All Summer it looketh greene and fresh but in winter it hath a hempen hew A wild kind there is of Mint named in Latin Mentastrum which will increase by propagation or couching in the ground as well as vine branches and so willing it is to take that it makes no matter which end of a slip be set downeward for at the wrong end it wil come as well as at the other Mint in the Greeke tongue hath changed the old name by occasion of the sweet smel that it carieth whereas before time it was called Mintha whereof we in Latine deriued our name Mentha A pleasant herb this is and delectable to smel vnto insomuch as you shal not see a husbandmans bourd in the country but all the meats from one end to the other be seasoned with mints If it be once set or sown haue taken to a ground it will continue there a long time It resembleth much the herb Peny-roiall the nature wherof as I haue often shewed is to blow her floures again vpon the shortest day of the yere euen as it hangeth prickt vpon flesh in the butchery Much after one sort are kept and preserued for sauce as if they were of the same kind Mint Peni-roiall and Nep but aboue all to a weake and peeuish stomack Cumin agreeth most and is the best to get an appetite It hath a qualitie to grow with root very eb and scarsely taketh any hold of the earth coueting to be aloft In hot grounds and such especially as be rotten mellow it would be sown in the mids of the spring There is a second sort therof growing wild which some call Cumin Rustick others Thebaick which being bruised or beaten into pouder and drunk in water is singular good for the pain of the stomack The best Cumin in our part of the world which is Europe commeth from Carpetania for otherwise the greatest name goeth of that in Aethyopia and Africk And yet some here be who prefer the Cumin of Egypt before all But Alisanders which some Greekes call Hipposelium others Smyrneum is of a strange and wonderfull nature aboue all other herbes for it wil grow of the very liquor or juice issuing forth of the stalk It may be set also of a root and indeed they that gather the foresaid juice vse to say that it hath the very tast and rellish of Myrrhe by Theophrastus his saying it came first of Myrrh set into the ground The old writers ordained that Alisanders should be set or sowed in stony grounds without tending or looking to neer to some mud wall But now in our daies it is planted in places digged delued ouer once or twice yea and at any time from the blowing of the western wind Fauonius in Februarie vntill the later Aequinox in September be past Capers likewise are set sowed in dry places specially but the bed must be digged in some low ground and laid hollow inuironed round about with banks and those raised with a groundsell of stone worke otherwise it would be ranging abroad and ouerspread whole fields make the ground barren and vnfruitfull It flourisheth in Summer and continueth green vntil the occultation or setting of the Brood-hen star Virgiliae and sandy ground is most familiar and agreeable to it Touching the defects and imperfections of that kinde which groweth beyond sea I haue said enough among the shrubs and plants that be strangers The Caraway also is a stranger as may appeare by the name of Caria the natiue countrey therof it beareth one of the principal seeds that commeth into the kitchen It careth not much where it is sown or planted for it will grow in any ground as well as the Alisanders beforenamed howbeit the best commeth out of Caria the next to it in goodnes we haue from Phrygia As for Loueach or Liuish it is by nature wild and sauage and loueth alone to grow of it self among the mountains of Liguria whereof it commeth to haue the name Ligusticum as being the naturall place best agreeing to the nature of it Set or sowed it may be in any place wheresoeuer howbeit this that is thus ordred by mans hand hath not the like vertue as the other although it be in tast more pleasant some call it Panax or Panace howbeit Creteuas a Greeke writer calleth the wild Origan or Cunila Bubula by that name But all others in manner attribute the name of Conyza or Conyzoides to Cunilago i. Fleabane Mullet and of Thymbra i. winter
effect make a decoction of them in milke and so minister it vnto the patient in a clyster These stalkes being well and throughly boiled are said to be very wholesome for the stomacke also like as for to procure sleepe the garden Lectuce is thought most effectuall namely that which is bitter and yeeldeth store of milk which hertofore we haue termed Meconis This milke Physitians prescribe with very good successe for to clarifie the eie-sight namely if it be mingled with womans milk and the forehead annointed therwith in good season and betimes After the same manner it helpeth the infirmities and diseases of the eyes proceeding from cold causes Other vertues and commendable properties besides I finde in Lectuce of strange and wonderfull operations And namely that it cureth the diseases of the brest as well as Sothern-wood doth if it be taken with the best hony of Athens Item That if any women do eat therof they shall haue their monthly sicknesse come orderly Also that the seed of garden Lectuce is giuen to very great purpose against the pricke or sting of any venomous Scorpion Moreouer That if the seed be stamped and taken in wine it secureth one from the imaginarie fansies of Venus delights in sleepe and the pollutions also that thereof do insue Finally that certain waters which vse to intoxicat and trouble the braine shall neuer hurt them that eat any Lectuce Howbeit some are of opinion that the ouermuch vse of Lectuce at meat enfeebleth the eies and impaireth their cleare sight CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Beets and their sundrie kinds Of Endiue Diuers sorts of Cichorie Of garden Endiue and two kinds thereof THe Beets of both sorts are not without their medicinable vertues for be it the white or the blacke if one take the root thereof fresh and new out of the ground wet it throughly and soke it well in water and then carry it about him hanging by a string or lace it is a soueraigne preseruatiue against the biting of serpents The white Beet boiled and eaten with raw Garlick expelleth the broad wormes in the belly The roots of the black sodden after the same manner in water rid away the dandruffe or vnseemly skales within the haire of head or beard And indeed generally for any vse the black Beet is more effectuall than the white The iuice thereof is singular good for an old and setled head-ach For the dizzinesse or swimming in the head Also it riddeth away the singing and ringing in the eares if it be dropped into them It procureth vrine being injected by a clyster it cureth the bloudy flix it helpeth also the Iaunise Moreouer the said iuice appeaseth the intollerable pain of tooth-ach if the teeth be rubbed or annointed therewith Singular it is against the stinging of serpents but then it must be drawne from the root only And make a decoction of the said root it helpeth kibed heeles As for the juice of the white Beets it staieth the rheume or waterish humor that falleth into the eies if the forehead be therewith annointed And put but a little Allum thereto it is an excellent remedy against S. Anthonies fire White Beets only stamped although there come no oile vnto them healeth any burne or scalding if the place be therwith annointed Moreouer against the breaking out into red and angry pimples the same is very good But seeth Beets and make thereof a liniment it represseth the vlcers that run and spread abroad The same being raw rubbed vpon the bare places where the haire is shed recouereth haire yea and staieth the running skales of the head The iuice of these Beets tempered with honey and snuffed vp into the head by the nosthrils clenseth the braine There is a certain meat made with Beets Lentils boiled together which commonly is eaten with vineger for to make the body laxatiue The same being ouersodden to a thicke consistence staieth both the turning of the stomacke and flux of the belly There is a kind of wild Beet which some name Limonion others Neuroides it hath leaues much lesse and tenderer than the other howbeit growing thicker riseth vp many times with eleuen stalks The leaues of this Beet are very good for burnes and scalds they restraine and stay all Fluxes by drop meale which breed the Gout The seed being taken to the quantity of one Acetabulum cureth the bloudy flix healeth the vlcer of the guts that causeth the same Some say that if this Beet be sodden in water the decoction will scoure and take out any stain in cloths euen the very iron-mole likewise it will wash away any spots in parchment Now as touching Endiue or garden Cichorie furnished also it is with many properties effectuall in Physicke The iuice thereof mingled with oile Rosat and vineger allaieth the paine in the head The same if it be drunk with wine is good for the liuer and bladder Also if it be laid to the eies it stoppeth the humor that hath taken a course thither The wild Cichorie that groweth wandering here and there abroad some of our Latin writers name Ambugia In Aegypt they cal the wild Endiue Cichoreum the tame garden Endiue Seris the which indeed is lesse than the other fuller also of ribs and veines As for the wild which is Cichorie it hath a cooling nature being eaten as meat but applied in forme of a liniment it is good against the collection of humors that ingender imposthumes The juice of it sodden doth loosen the belly Wholesome it is for the Liuer the Kidnies and the Stomack Likewise if it be boiled in vineger it resolueth the painfull torments occasioned by the stopping or difficulty of vrine and openeth passage to make water at ease Moreouer if the juice or decoction thereof be drunk with honied wine it cureth the Iaundise so it be without a feuer It is comfortable also helpefull to the bladder Boiled in water it is so powerfull to bring downe womens termes that it is of force to send out the child if it be dead in the mothers belly The Magitians say moreouer that whosoeuer annoint their bodies all ouer with the juice of this herb and oile together they shal be right amiable and win the grace and fauor of all men so as they shal the more easily obtain whatsoeuer their heart stands vnto And verily for that it is so singular and wholesome to mans body some giue it the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As for another wild kind some call it Hedypnois that hath a broader leafe than the rest Being sodden it is astrictiue and will strengthen a weak stomack and eaten raw it bindeth the belly and staieth the lask Holesome it is for such as haue the bloudy flix the rather if it be taken with Lentils In sum as wel raw as sodden both kinds the one the other help those that haue cramps and ruptures Comfortable it is likewise to such as vpon
tumors whatsoeuer Semblably that if S. Anthonies fire were annointed therewith being incorporat with hony vineger and nitre or if it were applied vnto the gouty parts there would ensue great easement Moreouer in case the nailes be grown crooked vneuen rugged it is said that it wil cause one to cast them without any vlcer and sore at all Some there be who prescribe an electuary made with the seed of Orach and hony to be giuen for the Iaundise also if the windpipes be hoarse with some fell or sharp rheume falling downe vpon them or if the Amygdales on either side of the throat be amisse it is very good to rub those parts therewith They affirme moreouer That a simple decoction of it alone moueth the body downward but with Mallows or Lentils prouoketh vpward and causeth vomit Finally to conclude with the wild Orach it is vsed much to colour the haire black and for the other aboue named purposes as well as that of the gardens CHAP. XXI ¶ Of the common Mallow Of the Mallow Malope Of the Marish Mallow or Altaea Of the common Docke the soure Docke or Sorrell of the water Docke of the tall Docke called Patience and lastly of that Docke with the long root called Bulapathum ORaches were not so much discommended but on the contrary side Mallows be as highly praised as wel that of the garden as the wild Two kinds there be of the garden mallows distinguished both by the largenesse of their leaues The greater of those that grow in gardens the Greekes call Malopum the other is supposed to be named Malachum for that it doth mollifie and soften the belly Of the wild sort that which carrieth a broad leafe and white roots is called Althaea and of some Aristalthaea for the excellent vertues that it hath in Physick This property haue Mallows To inrich and fatten any ground whersoeuer they be sown or set But this marish Mallow Althaea is more effectuall than the rest against all wounds by sharp pricks or thornes and principally against the sting of Scorpions Waspes and such like as also the biting of the Hardishrew mouse Nay whosoeuer be throughly rubbed or annointed before hand with any Mallow whatsoeuer stamped with oyle or do but carry it about them they shall not be stung or bitten at all As for the leafe of Mallowes if it be laid vpon a Scorpion it will be streightwaies benummed Moreouer good counterpoisons they be all a liniment made of them being raw together with nitre draweth forth all pricks or stings remaining within the flesh but if leafe and root be sodden together and so drunk it represseth the poison of the venomous fish called the sea-Hare but some say it must be cast vp and vomited againe or else it doth no good Certes strange and wonderfull things be spoken as touching the operation of Mallows ouer and aboue those already rehearsed But this passeth all the rest That if a man or woman sup off a smal draught though it were no more but half a cyath euery day of the juice of any mallow it skills not which he shall be free from all diseases and liue in perfect health True it is that if they be putrified and resolued in chamber-lie they will heale all the scurfe running scalls in the head but if they be tempered with hony a collution made thereof cureth the cankers of the mouth and a lauature represseth all tettars ringwormes any such wild fire running vpon the skin A decoction of the root clenseth the head of dandruffe if it be washed therwith setteth the teeth fast that were loose Take the root of that mallow which riseth vp with one only stem prick the gums therwith about the tooth pained do this I say till the ach be gone The same root reduced into a liniment with the fasting spittle of man or woman and applied accordingly resolues the Kings euil dispatcheth the swelling kernels behind the ears and discusseth biles and pushes without any breaking of the skin or making vlcer The seed of mallows if it be taken in thick wine deliuereth the patient from phlegmatick humors from the rheume and the heauing of the stomack making offer to cast and cannot The root wrapped fast and tied within a lock of blacke wooll preuenteth the euill accidents that may befall vnto womens brests The same sodden in milk taken after a sippling sort in manner of a supping for fiue daies together cureth the cough And yet Sextius Niger saith they be hurtfull to the stomack And Olympias of Thebes affirmeth That if women vse it with goose grease they shall not go their full time with childe Others do write That if women take an handfull of Mallow leaues in oyle and wine they shall be throughly purged in their due times This is known for a truth and resolued by all that write or make profession of Physicke That a woman in labour if she sit vpon Mallows strewed vnder her stoole shal be deliuered with greater speed and expedition but then must they be taken away presently after that she is laied for feare that the very matrice follow after the child An ordinary practice it is of sage and discreet midwiues to giue vnto women in trauell fasting a small pint of the juice of Mallows sodden in wine yet those that cannot contain but shed their naturall seed are inioined to take mallow seed brused and so to bind it to their arme Moreouer so good and fauorable naturally be mallows to the game of loue as if they grew for nothing els insomuch as Xenocrates doth affirme That if the seed of that Mallow which runneth vp in one stalk be reduced into pouder and strewed vpon that part of a woman which Nature hath hidden she will be so wood after the company of a man as she will neuer be satisfied nor contented with embracing The like effect saith he there wil ensue if three roots thereof be bound neere to the place of Nature Also that a decoction of Mallows ministred by way of clyster is a singular injection to cure the bloudy flixe or exulceration of the guts as also the extraordinary and bootlesse desire to the seege In like manner a fomentation thereof is very good for other accidents befalling to the seat or tuil The juice of Mallows is giuen warm the quantity of three cyaths to melancholick persons that be troubled in mind and of foure to those that be stark mad indeed and besides themselues A whole hemina of the juice drawne and pressed from mallows boyled is giuen at one time to those that be subject to the falling sicknesse The same being reduced into a liniment is to good purpose applied warm vnto those who are troubled with the stone and grauell with winde cholique and ventosities with the cramp also or crick that doth draw their necks backward The leaues being sodden in oyle are layd with good successe in manner of a cataplasme vpon the hot fretting
humor called S. Anthonics fire also to places scorched burnt or scalded but for the accidents and Symptomes concurrent with wounds they be rather laid raw with crums of bread The juice of mallows boiled is comfortable to the sinews the bladder and the fretting or grinding of the guts Mallows being either eaten or their decoction ministred by way of injection with a metrenchyte mollifieth the said tumors in the matrice The juice of mallows wel sodden either taken in drinke or applyed by way of fomentation in largeth the Vretere conduits and giueth good and easie passage for the vrine The root of Althaea is more effectual to all these infirmities and purposes aboue named than of any other Mallow but especially in case of convulsions cramps and ruptures If it be sodden in water it bindeth the belly Boyled in white wine and applyed as a cataplasme it resolueth the swelling kernels commonly called the Kings euil those also that appeare behind the ears yea and the inflammations of the paps and breasts As for the byles or risings called Pani the leaues of Althaea or the Marish Mallow sodden in Wine and brought to the forme of a liniment doe discusse and rid away The same after they bee drie and sodden in milke cure the Cough how tough and shrewd soeuer it were and that most speedily Hippocrates gaue counsell to them that were wounded for losse of bloud exceeding thirstie for to drink the juice of Althaea roots sodden He saith moreouer That the root it selfe emplastred with hony and rosin is good for wounds bruises dislocations and swellings comfortable also to muscles sinews or joints He gaue it likewise to those that were troubled with difficulty of taking wind and with wheezing for the dysentery also or bloudy flix to be drunken in wine A wonderfull thing of this root that if it be put into water and the same let to stand abroad in the open aire the water will gather to a thicknesse and cruddle yea turne white it wil like milk To conclude the newer and fresher Althaea is the more effectuall you shal haue it in operation Touching the Dock the properties therof are not vnlike to those of the marsh Mallow there is a wild kind thereof which some call Oxalis in Greek i. wild Sorrel or Soure-dock this herb resembleth very neere that of the garden in regard of the sharpe pointed leaues in colour like the white Beet hauing a very small root our countrymen name it in Latine Rumex other Lapathum Cantherinum this herb being incorporat with hogs grease is singular to mollifie all the swelled kernels which some call the Kings euill A second sort there is which commonly is called Oxylapathum i. Sharp pointed Docke this commeth yet neerer to the garden Docke than the former for it hath leaues sharper at the point and redder and groweth not but in marish grounds There is another kind of Dock comming vp in the very water as some say Hydrolapathum Yet is there one more called Hippolapathum bigger than the garden Docke or Sorrell white also and of a more fast and pulpous substance As for all the wild Dockes or Sorrells they be holden medicinable to cure the sting of Scorpions and whosoeuer hath any of them about him is secure from the sting or prick of Scorpions The root if it be sodden in vineger and strained the juice thereof if the mouth be washed therewith helpeth the teeth-ach and if the same be taken in drink it cureth the jaundise The seed of this hearbe remooueth the tough humors bedded in the stomack how hard impacted soeuer they be the roots of Patience haue this peculiar property To cause the nailes to fall off that grow rugged and vneuen The seed taken to the weight of two drams in wine riddeth away the bloudy flix The seed of the sharp Dock being washed in rain water is singular good for those that reach and cast vp bloud if there be added thereto as much Acacia as the bignesse of a Lentill There be most excellent Trochisques made of the leaues and root thereof with the addition of nitre and some little quantity of conuenient liquor to incorporat and vnite them and these must bee infused and dissolued in vineger at the time that they are to be vsed As touching the garden Sorrell there is a liniment made thereof which being applied in manner of a frontall to the forehead cureth the distillation of the watery humours to the eies The root is singular for the wens or imposthumes called Melecerides and likewise of the Lepry The decoction in wine is as good for the stone and grauell as also to resolue the Kings euill and the swelling kernels behind the ears If the seed be drunk in wine it helpeth the spleen and the tumors thereof the bloudy flix likewise the stomachicall flux and the vaine desire to the stoole without effect But for all these purposes the juice of the Dock is more effectual Ouer and aboue it breaketh wind vpward it prouoketh vrine and discusseth the cloud and Mist that troubleth the eies If this herbe be put vp vnder the bathing tub within the baine or otherwise if the body be annointed with a liniment thereof without oyle before one enter into the bath it taketh away the itch If the root be but chewed only it fasteneth the teeth that shake in the head The same root sodden in wine staieth the flux of the belly and bindeth it and yet the leaues make the body soluble Finally because I would willingly omit nothing Solon hath made mention of another Docke called Bulapathum nothing different from other Dockes but that the root runneth deeper into the ground which if it be taken in wine cureth the bloudy flix CHAP. XXII ¶ Of three kinds of Senvey of Horehound and wilde running Thyme of water Cresses of water Mints otherwise called Thymbraeum of Lineseed and Bleets THe herbe Senvey whereof there be three kinds as I haue already obserued in my treatise of garden plants Pythagoras hath placed in the highest ranke of those simples that sume vp aloft for there is not a thing that sooner biteth one by the nose pierceth and mounteth more quickly into the brains than doth Senvey The seed thereof commonly called mustard seed being stamped with vineger reduced into a liniment cureth the sting of serpents and namely the prick with the Scorpion It hath besides a singular vertue to mortifie kil the venomous quality of mushrums If it be but held in the mouth vntill it melt and resolue or otherwise be gargarised with honied water it draweth waterie fleame out of the head Beeing chewed it easeth the toothach For the falling down of the Vvula a gargarisme made of it with vineger and honey is excellent There is not a medicine so singular for the stomack and all the infirmities thereof ne yet for the lungs Being eaten at meat it doth loosen superfluous fleame and causeth a man to reach and fetch it vp
the Sea-onion Squilla first sheweth the stalk and then afterwards the floure breaketh out of it The same Squilla floureth thrice in the yeare as I haue said heretofore shewing thereby the three seasons of seednes In the range of these bulbous and onion-rooted plants some place the root of Cyperus that is to say of Gladiolus i. Petie-gladen Flags or Sword-wort this is a sweet root and being sodden or baked with bread it giueth it a more pleasant tast besides it mendeth the weight of bread wel if it be wrought kneaded with it in dough Not vnlike to it is that herbe which they call Thesion but that the root is harsh and vnpleasant Al others of the same kind differ in leafe the Asphodell hath long and narrow leaues Squilla is broad leafed and may be handled without offence wheras the Gladen leafe is like a sword blade indeed and keen-edged according to the name both in Greek and Latine The Asphodell seed is good to be eaten if it be parched or fried so is the bulbous root of it also but this should be rosted vnder the embers then eaten with salt and oile Ouer and besides if it be stamped with figs it is an excellent dish and this indeed according to Hesiodus is the only way to dresse it Moreouer it is said that Asphodels planted before the gates of any ferme house in the countrey preserue the place from all charms and sorceries Homer also the Poet hath made mention of the Asphodell The root resembleth Navews of a mean bignesse and there is not another root with more heads for oftentimes a man shal see 80 bulbs clustred in a bunch together Theophrastus and all Greeke writers almost and namely Pythagoras the chiefe prince of Philosophers describe this plant to haue a stem of of one cubit in length yea and oftentimes of two with leaues like to wild Porret and the sayd stem they called Anthericon but the root i. those bulbs resembling onions Asphodelas but our countrymen haue named in Latin the stem Albucus but the root Hastula Regia This is the name also of the stalk full of grains or berries and thereof they would make two kinds the male and the female Well the stem of the Asphodell then is commonly a cubit long large and big clean and smooth Of this herb Mago hath written and ordained that it should be cut down in the going out of March and entrance of Aprill namely after it hath don flouring and before that the seed be swelled and grown to any bignesse then vpon the fourth day after when the said stems are slit and clouen they must be laid abroad to drie in the Sunne when they be dried they ought to be made vp into knitchets or handfuls He saith moreouer that the Greeks name that herb Pistana which we cal in Latin Sagitta growing in marishes and moores among other fenny weeds This also would he haue to be cut downe and gathered betweene the Ides of May and the end of the month of October then to be pilled and so to be dried by little and little with the moderat heat of the Sun The same author giueth order likewise that the other kind of Gladiolus which they call Cypiros which also is an herbe growing about lakes and meeres any time within Iuly should be cut downe to the very root and the third day after to be dried in the Sun vntill it looke white but euery day that it lieth abroad it must be brought into the house before the Sun go downe because all herbs growing vpon marish grounds take harm by dewes in the night CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of Rushes six kinds and of Cyperus their medicinable vertues Of Cypirus and the sweet Rush Scoenanth MAgo writing of the Rush commonly called Mariscon saith That for to twist and weaue into mats it ought to be gathered out of the marish ground where it groweth in Iune vntill mid-Iuly As for the drying of it the same order must be obserued in all points as we haue set downe before in the discourse of other marais weeds Hee maketh a second kinde of water Rushes which I find to be called the sea Rusn and of the Greekes Oxyschoenon i. the sharp Rush which also is subdiuided into three other sorts for there is the barren rush called also the male in Greek Oxys the female Rush bearing a black seed which they call Melancranis This is thicker than the other fuller also of branches and tufts And the third more than it which is named Holoschoenus Of all these Melancranis commeth vp of the own seed without any other kinds intermingled with it but Oxys and Holoschoenus grow both together out of one turfe Of all others the great Rush Holoschoenus is best for to be wrought in mats and such like implements about an house because it is soft and fleshy it beareth a fruit hanging clustering together in maner of fish spawn As for that rush which we called the male it groweth of it selfe by reason that his top fasteneth in the ground and so taketh root by way of propagation but Melancranis soweth her owne selfe and commeth vp of feed for otherwise their race would perish considering the roots of them all euery yere do die These Rushes are vsed to make leaps and weels for fishers at sea fine dainty wicker vessels also candle-wick matches especially the marow or pith within which is so great especially about the foot of the Alps reaching to the sea-side that when a Rush is slit there is found in the belly a pith almost an inch broad by the rule And in Egypt there be found Rushes so big that they will serue to make sieues rangers and vans In such sort that the Egyptians can finde no matter for that purpose better Some there be that would haue the triangled or three square rush Cyperus to be a seuerall kind by it selfe This Cyperus many there be that cannot distinguish from Cypirus by reason of the great affinity of their two names but I mean to put a difference betweene them both for Cypirus is the Petie-glader or Sword-grasse as I haue before shewed with a bulbous or onion root the best of which kind groweth in the Island of Crete next to it in goodnesse is that of the Isle Naxos and in a third degree is to placed that of Phoenice and indeed that of Crete or Candy in whitenesse and odor commeth neere to Nard The Naxian Cypirus hath a quicker sent the Phoenician Cypirus smelleth but a little as for that in Egypt it hath no sauor at all for there also groweth Cypirus But now to come vnto the properties thereof it hath vertue to discusse and resolue hard swellings in the body For now my purpose is to speake of their medicinable vertues forasmuch as there is great vse in Physicke as well of such aromaticall simples as odoriferous floures As touching Cypirus therefore I professe verily that I will follow Apollodorus
would trouble and disquiet the head Violets being drunk with water doe cure the Squinancie That which is purple in the floure of the Violets helpeth the falling euil in children especially if they drink it with water Violet seed resisteth the poison of scorpions Contrariwise the floure of the white Violet to wit the bulbous stocke-Gillofre is good to break all impostumat swellings whereas March violets did resolue them But as wel the white Violets as the yellow wall-floures are singular good to extenuate the grosse bloud of womens terms and to moue vrine Violets if they be fresh and new gotten are not so effectuall for these purposes as the dry and old gathered and therefore they would haue a whole yeares drying before they be vsed The wall-floure being taken to the quantitie of halfe a cyath in three cyaths of water stirreth womens fleurs and draweth them downe A liniment made with the root and vinegre together do mitigate and allay the pain of the spleen likewise it asswageth the gout and being tempered with myrrh and saffron it is singular for inflammations of the eyes The leaues mixed with hony clense the head from scurfe and skall reduced into a cerot it healeth vp the chaps in the seat or fundament as also all such Fissures in any moist place whatsoeuer And with vinegre they be good for all collections of humors and apostemations Bacchar also is an herb whereof there is good vse in physick Some of our countrymen haue called it in Latine Perpensa It affourdeth a good remedie against serpents it qualifieth the excessiue heat of the head allaieth the ach and restraineth the flux of humours downe into the eyes A cataplasme is made thereof for womens breasts swelling immediatly after childbirth for to breake the kernell Also for fistulous vlcers beginning to breed betweene the corners of the eies and of the nose and Saint Anthonies fire The very odour thereof is a good inducement to sleep The root sodden and taken in drink is singular for them that are troubled with cramps and convulsions that haue fallen from on high that be drawn togetther with spasmes and finally for such as labor for wind A decoction made of three or foure of the roots boiled away to the thirds is giuen with good successe for an old cough And this drink or Iuleb is very conuenient for to purge women that haue trauelled and bin deliuered before their time It taketh away the stitches in the side cureth the pleurisie and skoureth the stone Herof be bags and quilts made and those if they be laid in a wardrobe among cloathes and apparel causeth them to smell sweet As for Combretum which I said was much like vnto Bacchar if it be beaten to pouder and tempered with hogs grease it maketh a soueraign salue that healeth wounds wonderfully Asarum by report is an appropriat medicine for the liuer if an ounce of it be taken in one hemine of honied wine It purgeth the belly as violently as Ellebore In case of the dropsy it is singular as also for the midriffe precordial parts the Matrice and the Iaunise If it be put into new wine when it worketh and so tunned vp it maketh a singular diuretick wine for to prouoke vrin It must for this purpose be digged out of the ground when the leaues begin to put forth Dried it ought to be in the shade although it be subiect to corruption and mouldeth very soon CHAP. XX. ¶ Of French Nard and Saffron The medicinable vertues of Saffron and the cake or dregs thereof Of Saliunca Polium and Floure de-lis Of Holochryson Chrysocome and Melilote FOrasmuch as some haue taken rustick-Nard to be the root of Bacchar and so named it the which hath put me in mind of French Nard and the promise which I made in my treatise of strange and forrein trees to put off no longer than this place for to speake of it and the properties thereto belong To acquit my selfe therefore I will here set down the vertues of the said Nard as touching the vse thereof in Physicke First therefore if two drammes of French Nard be taken in wine it is singular against the sting and biting of serpents Item if one drinke it either in wine or water it easeth the passions of the Collick proceeding from the inflammation of the gut Colon. In like sort it cureth the inflaammtion of the liuer and the reins the ouerflowing also of the gal and the Iaunise thereupon Taken alone by it selfe or with Wormewood it is a good remedy for the Dropsie It represseth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs As touching Setwall or Valerian which in the foresaid place we named Phu the * root either beaten into pouder or sodden and so giuen in drinke is excellent for the rising of the Mother which threatneth suffocation for the pains of the breast and pleurisie The same prouoketh the course in womens terms so it be taken in wine Saffron will not resolue nor be mixed wel with hony or any sweet thing Howbeit in wine or water it wil dissolue very soon and be incorporated therewith A soueraign spice this is singular for many maladies The best way to keep saffron is within a box of horn It discusseth verily all inflammations but principally those of the eies if together with an egge it be applied in forme of a liniment Excellent it is for the suffocation of the matrice the exulcerations of the stomacke breast kidnies liuer lungs and bladder and more particularly if any of these parts be enflamed a proper remedie also it is in that case Likewise it cureth the cough pleurisie It killeth an itch and prouoketh vrin Our wine-knights when they purpose to sit square at the tauerne and carouse lustily if they drinke Saffron neuer feare surfeit nor the ouerturning of their braine and they are verily persuaded that this keepeth them from drunkennesse and maketh them carie their drinke well Certes a Chaplet of Saffron vpon the head dooth allay the fumes ascending vp thither and preuent drunkennesse Saffron induceth sleep but it troubleth the braine somewhat it pricketh forward to wanton lust The floure of Saffron reduced into a liniment with white Fullers earth helpeth the Shingles and S. Anthonies fire And saffron it self entereth into very many compositions of Physicke One Collyrie or eye-salue there is which taketh the name also of saffron And when the ointment made of Saffron called Crocinium is strained and pressed out the grounds which remaine is named Crocomagma which also is not without some speciall vses for it cureth the suffusion of the eyes or the cataract but it causeth ardeur and heat of vrine more than Saffron it selfe The best is that accounted which if a man tast in his mouth doth colour his spittle and staine his teeth As touching the Flower-de-lis the red is thought to be better than the white Certes if little infants do wear it tied about them by way of necklace collar or
girdle it is supposed to be a singular remedie especially when they breed teeth or haue the chincough Also if they be troubled with the worms they hold it good gently to instill the same in the body either by drink or clystres All other operations that the Flour-de-lis hath differ not much in effect from hony A singular property it hath to clense the head from sores and skalls and generally to mundifie all impostumat vlcers Two drams thereof taken with hony easeth the belly prouoketh to the stoole Giuen in ordinary drink it staieth the cough appeaseth wrings dissolueth ventosities in the belly In vinegre it openeth the opilations of the spleene And being taken with water and vinegre together it is an effectuall remedie against the stinging of serpents and spiders The weight of two drams eaten with bread or drunk in water resisteth the poison of scorpions Being made into a liniment with oile and so applied it cureth the bitings of mad dogs and heateth the parts mortified with extreame cold In like manner also it allaieth the paines of the sinews Reduced into an ointment with Rosin it is singular for the paine of the loins and the gout Sciatica This root is hot in operation If it be drawne or snuffed vp into the nose it causeth sneesing and purgeth the head A liniment of it and Pome-quinces or Peare-quinces easeth the head-ach it represseth also the vapours flying vp into the head causing distemperature of the braine in a surfeit of wine or strong drinke It helpeth streightnesse of breath and such as cannot take their winde but sitting vpright It prouoketh vomit if it be taken to the weight of 2 Oboli A cataplasme of it and hony together draweth forth spils of broken bones The pouder of it is much vsed for Whit-flawes and the same applied with wine taketh away cornes and werts but it must lie on three daies before you vnbind and take it from the place The very chewing of it correcteth a strong and stinking breath as also the filthie fauour of the arme-holes The juice thereof doth mollifie all hard tumors It prouoketh sleepe but it consumeth sperme or natural seed The Fissures in the seat as also the blind and swelling piles in the fundament and all superfluous excrescences of the bodie it cureth There is a wild kind of Floure-de-lis which some call Xyris the root of this herb is good to resolue discusse the swelling kernels named the Kings euil hot biles risings in the groin Howbeit for to work these effects there be certain ceremonies precisely to be obserued namely That it be taken out of the ground with the left hand in any case Item that they who gather it do say in the gathering For whose sake they pluck it vp and withall name the person here in making mention of this matter I canot but detect the knauery of these Harbarists and simplers Their maner is not to employ occupie all that they haue gathered but reserue keep part thereof as also of some other hearbes as namely of Plantaine and if they be not well contented nor thinke themselues paied thoroughly for their paines in the cure they make no more ado but burie and couer within the earth that part which they kept by them in the same place where it was digged forth And I beleeue verily they haue an vnhappy meaning and a certaine kind of witchcraft herin forsooth That the maladies which they seemed to haue healed should breake out and be sore again to the end that they might be set on work anew As touching Saliunca the decoction of it in wine and so taken staieth vomits and corrobroateth the stomack Musaeus and Hesiodus the Poets haue a great opinion of Polium for they giue counsell to all those that would come to preferment promotion for to be anointed all ouer with a liniment thereof such also as be desirous of renowme and glory to be euer handling of it to set it also and maintaine it in their gardens True it is that solke docarie Polium about them ordinarily or lay it vnder their beds for to chase away serpents Physicians do seeth it either new green or drie in wine and therof make a liniment or els they giue it to drink in vinegre to those that be pained with the jaundise yea to such as be newly fallen into the dropsie they giue counsell to drinke the decoction thereof being sodden in wine And of it so prepared they make a liniment for to be applied vnto green wounds Moreouer this herb is very good to send out the after-burden in women newly brought to bed and to expell the dead infant out of the mothers wombe And otherwise it serueth well to mitigate any paines of the body It doth purge and euacuate the bladder and in a liniment applied to the eyes restraineth their excessiue watering I know not any other hearbe better to goe with other ingredients into antidots or countrepoisons named of the Greeks Alexipharmaca than this Howbeit some denie all this and are of opinion that it is hurtful to the stomacke that the drinking of it stuffeth the head and causeth women to fal into labor before their time They say also that this cerimonie would be precisely obserued That in the very place where this plant is found so soone as euer it is gathered it should be hanged presently vpon the necke of the partie with a speciall care that it touch not the ground first and then is it an excellent remedie for the cataract in the eye And these authors describe this hearbe to haue leaues like Thyme but that they be softer and couered ouer with a more hoarie and woollie downe Being taken with wild Rue in raine water so that it be beaten before into pouder it doth mitigat by report the deadly paines caused by the sting of the Aspis it bindeth and draweth vp a wound it keepeth corrosiue sores from festering and going farther as well as the floures of the Pomegranate The hearb Holochrysos if it be taken in wine helpeth the strangury and such as cannot pisse but by drops And a liniment therof is passing good to represse the flux of humors to the eyes If it bee incorporat with Tartar or wine lees burnt into ashes and drie Barley groats it mundifieth the skin and riddeth away ring-wormes tettars and such like wild fires As for Chrysocome the root of it is hot and yet astringent It is giuen to drinke for the diseases of the liuer and the lights And being sodden in honied water it assuageth the paines incident to the matrice It prouoketh womens monthly purgation and being giuen in drink raw it purgeth waterie humors gathered in the dropsie Touching Baulm which the Greeks call Melittis or Melissophyllon if Bee-hiues be rubbed all ouer and besmeared with the juice thereof the Bees will neuer away for there is not a floure whereof they be more desirous and faine than of it and in truth
which serue for good vse in Physicke But first as touching Anemone in generall some there bee who call it Phenion and two principal kinds there be of it The first groweth wild in the woods the second commeth in places wel tilled and in gardens but both the one and the other loue sandy grounds As for this later kind it is subdiuided into many speciall sorts for some haue a deepe red skarlet floure and indeed such are found in greatest plenty others bear a purple floure and there be again which are white The leaues of all these three be like vnto Parsly None of them ordinarily grow in height aboue halfe a foot and in the head of their stemme they shoot forth sprouts in manner of the tendrils of Asparagus The floure hath this property Neuer to open but when the wind doth blow wereupon it tooke the name Anemone in Greek But the wild Anemone is greater and taller the leaues also are larger and the floures are of a red colour Many writers being carried away with an error thinke this Anemone and Argemone to bee both one others confound it with that wild Poppy which we named Rhoeas but there is a great difference betweene them for that both these hearbes doe floure after Anemone neither doe the Anemonae yeeld the like juice from them as doth either Argemone or Rhoeas before-named they haue not also such cups and heads in the top but only a certaine musculositie at the ends and tips of their branches much like to the tender buds of Asparagus All the sorts of Anemone or Wind-floure bee good for the head-ach and inflammations thereof comfortable to the matrice of women and increaseth their milk Being taken inwardly in a Ptisane or barly gruell or applied outwardly as a cataplasme with wooll this hearb prouoketh their monthly tearms The root chewed in the mouth purgeth the head of fleame and cureth the infirmities of the teeth The same being sodden and laid to the eyes as a cataplasm represseth the vehement flux of waterie humours thither The Magicians and Wise men attribute much to these hearbes and tell many wonders of them namely That a man should gather the first that he seeth in any yeare and in gathering to say these words I gather thee for a remedie against tertian and quartan agues which done the partie must lap and bind fast in a red cloth the said floure and so keep it in a shady place and when need requireth to take the same and either hang it about the necke or tie it to the arme or some other place The root of that Anemone which beareth the red floure if it be bruised and laid vpon any liuing creature whatsoeuer raiseth ablisâ—… by that caustik and corrosiue vertue which it hath and therfore it is vsed to mundisie and 〈◊〉 filthie vleers CHAP. XXIIII ¶ The vertues of Oenanthe in Physicke OEnanthe is an hearb growing vpon rocky and stony grounds The leafe resembleth those of the Parsnep roots it hath many and those big The stemme and leaues of this herb if they be taken inwardly with honey and thicke sweet wine doe cause women in labor to haue easie deliuerance and withall doe clense them wel of the after-birth Eaten in an Electuarie or licked in a lohoch made with hony the said leauesdoe rid away the cough and prouoke vrine To conclude the root also is singular for the infirmities and diseases of the bladder CHAP. XXV ¶ The medicines made wich the hearbe Heliochryson HEliochryson which others name Chrysanthemon putteth forth little branches very faire and white the leaues are whitish too much like vnto Abrotomum From the tips and ends of which branches there hang down certaine buttons as it were like berries round in a circle which with the repercussion and reuerberation of the Sun-beames doe shine againe like resplendent gold These tufts or buttons doe neuer fade nor wither which is the cause that the chaplets wherewith they crowne and adorne the heads of the gods be made thereof a ceremonie that Ptolomaeus K. of Aegypt obserued most precisely This herbe groweth in rough places among bushes and shrubs If it be taken in wine it prouoketh vrine and womens fleures All hard tumors and inflammations it doth discusse and resolue without suppuration A liniment made with it honey is good to be applied to any place burnt or scalded It is giuen in drinke vsually for the sting of serpents for the paines and infirmities also of the loines If it be drunke in honyed wine it dissolueth and consumeth the cluttered bloud either in the belly and guts or the bladder The leaues taken to the weight of three Oboli in white wine do stay the immoderat flux of the whites in women This hearbe if it be laid in wardrobes keepeth apparel sweet for it is of a pleasant odour CHAP. XXVI ¶ The vertues and properties of the Hyacinth and Lychnis in Physicke THe Hyacinth loueth France very well and prospereth there exceedingly The French vse therewith to die their light reds or lustie-gallant for default of graine to color their scarlet The root is bulbous Onion-like well known to these slaue-coursers who buy them at best hand and after tricking trimming and pampering them vp for sale make gain of them for being reduced into a liniment they vse it with wine to annoint as well the share of youths as the chin and checks to keep them for euer being vnder-grown or hauing haire on their face that they may appeare young still and smooth It is a good defensatiue against the prick of venomous spiders and besides allaieth the griping torments of the belly It forciby prouoketh vrine The seed of this hearbe giuen with Abrotonum is a preseruatiue against the venome of serpents and scorpions it cureth the jaundise As touching Lychnis that fllaming hearbe surnamed Flammea the seed of it beaten to pouder and taken in wine is singular good against the sting of serpents scorpions hornets and such like The wild of this kind is hurtfull to the stomacke and yet it is laxatiue and purgeth downward Two drams thereof is a sufficient dose to purge choller for it worketh mightily Such an enemie it is to scorpions that if they doe but see it they are taken with a nummednesse that they cannot stir In Asia or Natolia they call the root of this hearbe Bolites which if it be laid vpon the eies and kept bound thereto taketh away the pin and the web as they say CHAP. XXVII ¶ The medicinable vertues of Pervincle Rusâ—…us Batis and Acinos ALso the Peruincle called by the Greeks Chamaedaphne if it be stamped drie into pouder and a spoonful thereof giuen in water to those that are full of the dropsie it doth euacuat most speedily the waâ—…y humors collected in their belly or otherwise the same root rosted in embres and well sprinkled and wet with wine discusseth and drieth vp all tumors being applied thereto The iuyce thereof dropped into the ears
as most times it falleth out that a feuer follow vpon such accidents then the patient must drinke it with water A speciall and effectuall property it hath against certain land-snakes called Chersydri and venomous todes if it be reduced into a liniment and so applied to the sore But Heraclides the Physitian is of opinion That if the said root be boiled in the broth of a goose it is of more efficacie than all other against the Toxica and Aconita But whereas others do boile it in sheere water against the poisons Toxica Appollodorus would haue a frog sodden withal The herb it selfe is of substance hard branching much full of leaues and those beset with pricks A stem or stalk it carieth parted by knots and joints a cubit high somwhat more Moreouer as there is white Erynge so you shal haue of it black The root is odoriferous Eryngion verily commeth vp ordinarily of seeds and by setting But it groweth also in rough and stony places of the own accord And that which we see along the sea shore is harder and blacker than the rest leaued also like common Ach or Persely CHAP. VIII ¶ Of the hearbe or thistle commonly called Centum-Capita i. the hundred heads AS for the white Erynge our countrymen call it in Latine Centum-capita But they be all of one and the same operation and effect And the Greeks verily make their ordinary meat as well of their stalks as roots both waies to wit either raw or boiled as they list Certes there be wonders reported of this herb namely That the root of this white Eryngion which is very geason and hard to be found resembleth one while the male sexe and otherwhiles the female of our kind But if it chance that a man do meet with that Eryngion which is like to that member which distinguisheth him from a woman he shall be very amiable and beloued of women Which was the reason men say that lady Sappho was so enamoured on the yong knight Phao of Lesbos And verily as touching this herb not only the Magitians but the disciples also and followers of Pythagoras tell vs many vain and foolish tales But to come indeed to the vse of it in Physick Ouer and besides those vertues and properties which I haue related already good it is to resolue ventosities it easeth the gripes and wrings in the belly it cureth the diseases and debility of the heart it helpeth the stomack and liuer For the midriffe and precordial parts it is very wholsome taken in honied water and for the spleen in vineger water together Also drunk in mead or honied water aforesaid it is singular for the kidneies the strangury the cramp or crick that pulleth the head of a body backward for other spasmes also and convulsions for the loines the dropsie and the falling sicknesse Soueraigne it is moreouer for womens monthly fleures whether they do stay vpon them or contrariwise run excessiuely from them and in one word it cureth all the accidents infirmities of the matrice Being applied as a liniment with hony it draweth forth any offensiue thing sticking within the body And if it be laid too with salt lard or hogs grease and so incorporat into a cerot it heales the kings euill the swelling kernels within the eares and the flat biles and botches It reioineth also the flesh that is gone from the bone finally soudereth and knitteth broken bones or fractures Taken before a man sit downe to eat or drink it preserueth him from surfet or drunkennesse and bindeth the belly Some of our Latine writers would haue it to be gathered a little before the summer-solstice saying moreouer That if it be applied with rain water it helpeth al the infirmities incident to the nape of the neck and by their report if it be bound to the eies it cureth the pin and the web CHAP. IX ¶ Of Acanus and Liquorice SOme there be who take Acanus for a kind of Eryngium And they describe it to be a low herbe and yet growing broad and large full of prickes and thornes and those likewise bigger than ordinary being applied outwardly wonderfull effectuall it is by their saying to stanch bloud Others there are who haue thought Erynge and Liquorice to be all one but they are deceiued Howbeit for some resemblance that is between them I think it not amisse to set down the description therof immediatly after these Erynges Doubtlesse this Liquorice also is to be counted among these thorny plants for that the leaues stand pricking vp sharp pointed the same are fatty and in handling gummy and glewie It putteth forth many branches and those two cubits high it carrieth a floure in manner of the Hyacinth and beareth fruit resembling bals of the bignesse of those which hang vpon the Plane tree The excellent Liquorice is that which groweth in Cilicia the next for goodnesse commeth from Pontus and hath a sweet root which only is vsed in Physick Taken vp this is and gathered at the setting or occultation of the Brood-hen star and is found running along in the ground in manner of the Vine root in colour like to the Box tree That which is duskish and somwhat black is thought to be the better like as the lithe pliable root which wil wind and turn euery way is preferred before that which is brittle and easie to break Great vse there is of it in those medicines which be held vnder the tongue so to resolue melt leasurely namely after it hath bin sodden to the thirds yea and otherwhiles boiled to the height and consistence of hony Somtimes they vse to bruse it and in that manner they do lay it vpon wounds where it doth much good as also if it be applied to all the diseases and accidents befalling to the throat and jawes The juice of Liquorice reduced to a thick consistence if it be put vnder the tongue is singular for to cleare the voice In like manner it is supposed very wholsome for the brest and liuer And therewith as I haue sayd before both thirst and hunger may be slaked and allaied Which is the cause that some haue called it Adipson and in that regard ministred it to those persons who be fallen into a dropsie for to preuent and take away their thirstinesse Therfore it is thought to be a proper remedy for the diseases of the mouth if it be either chewed or otherwise cast and strewed vpon the vlcers therein and so it cureth the excrescences also and exulcerations about the roots of the nailes Moreouer it healeth the excoriation sorenesse of the bladder assuageth the paine of the kidneies cureth the swelling aking piles the fissures also in the seat and finally the vlcers of the priuy parts Some Physitians haue prescribed to drink in a quartaine ague the weight of two drams of Liquorice one of Pepper in a draught of water to the quantity of a smal pint or hemina this root being
grease for the pain of the gout and verily for that purpose as also for the spleen the root pouned with vineger is no lesse effectuall Being boiled in wine it discusseth and driueth down risings in the groine and such like emunctories so it be laid too with old hogs grease salted But the same root dry is a very depilatorie and fetcheth haire off Phanias the naturall Philosopher and Physitian in a seuerall treatise which he made in the praise of Nettles professeth That he knoweth not the like remedy to the Nettle boiled first and then condite for the windpipe the cough the distillation and flux of the belly the stomacke the biles and botches in the emunctories the swelling and inflamed kernels behind the eares and kibed heels The same with oile procureth sweat and sodden with muscles and such like shell-fishes it moueth to the stoole with ptisane or barly broth it purgeth the brest and sendeth down womens terms applied with salt it restraineth vlcers that be corrosiue and apt to run spread farther The juice also of the Nettle serueth to many vses for being pressed forth laied as a liniment to the forehead in a frontall it stancheth bleeding at the nose The same taken in drinke prouoketh vrine and breaketh the stone but if one gargle with it it staies the Vvula from falling as for the seed it ought to be gathered in haruest time that which is brought from Alexandria is esteemed best for all the particular diseases aboue rehearsed the kinder and gentler Nettles also euen those that be yong and tender are knowne to be of good operation but principally that wild kind beforesaid and this property moreouer it hath To rid away the leprosie out of the face if it be taken in wine Finally if a soure-sooted beast will not abide to be couered or serued with the male of that kind an ordinary practise it is to rub the nature or shap with a Nettle for that will make her stand to the fellow CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of Lamium and the medicinable vertues thereof AS touching that dead-Nettle which among the other kinds we named before Lamium i. Archangell it is the mildest of all others and most tractable for the leaues bite not nor sting at all The same if it be applied with some corns of salt to contusions and bruises to deep burns the Kings euill swellings gouts and wounds cureth them all The white that it hath in the mids of the leafe is singular for S. Anthonies fire the shingles and such like Some there be of our Latine writers who treating of Nettles haue couched them in their ranks respectiuely to the time saying That the root of a Nettle which commeth in the Autumne cureth the tertian ague but it must be tied fast to the Patient and these ceremonies are to be obserued also in the taking it forth of the ground That the party be named for whom it is gathered the feuer also of what type or kind it is yea and who be the parents of the sick person and then hee or shee shall be sure to be deliuered of that disease The said root with the same circumstances is of the like operation to driue away the quartan ague also The selfesame authors do assirme moreouer That the root of a Nettle being applied with salt draweth forth all thorns and shiuers that stick within the flesh Also that a cataplasm of the leaues and hogs grease incorporat together doth resolue the scrophules or swelling kernels called the Kings-euill or if they are come to suppuration eateth and worketh them forth and doth incarnat fil vp the place again CHAP. XV. ¶ Of the herb Scorpius the sundry kinds thereof and the medicinable properties THere is an herb called Scorpius which took that name of the resemblance that the head hath to a scorpions taile Few leaues it beareth but according to the name it is good against the sting of scorpions Another herb there is of the same appellation of like effect to the other but it sheweth no leaues at all the stalke is smooth and resembleth garden Sperage in the top or head whereof there is a pricke to be seen like a sting which gaue occasion of the foresaid name CHAP. XVI ¶ Of Leucacantha and the vertues thereof good in Physicke THe Greeks some cal this Thistle Leucacantha or the white thistle others Phyllon some Ischias others Polygonaton but be the name what it will it hath a root resembling that of Cyperus which if it be chewed in the mouth allaieth the tooth-ache Hicesius saith likewise That if either the seed or the juice of the root therof be taken in drinke to the weight of eight drams it assuageth the pain of the sides and loins The same also cureth ruptures convulsions and crampes CHAP. XVII ¶ Of Helxine or Perdicium called also Parthenium or Sideritis and the vertues medicinable AS for Helxine some cal it Perdicium because Partridges delight most to feed thereupon others name it Sideritis and many giue it the name of Parthenium Leaues it carrieth of a mixt form and resemblance between Plantain and Horehound The branches or small stalks grow in thick tufts and those be of a light reddish colour the seed in the head of a Bur kind which sticketh to folks cloaths whereupon they would haue it to be called Helxine But in the former booke I haue described the form of the right Helxine or Parietarie indeed The property of this herb is to giue a tincture or die to wooll it healeth the shingles and S. Anthonies fire it cureth swellings and all apostemations of humours yea and also burnes The juice thereof incorporat with ceruse or white lead and so applied serueth greatly for biles and botches S. Anthonies fire tumors gatherings and risings in the flesh yea and helpeth them whose throat begins to swell Also if a man take the quantity of one cyath thereof it cureth inueterat and old coughs it healeth all infirmities either occasioned by phlegmatick humors or els incident to moist parts like as with oile rosat it is a proper medicine for the accidents of the amygdales about the passage to the throat and for the swelling of veins Moreouer if it be reduced into the form of a cerot with goats suet and wax of Cypres and so applied it cureth the gout Moreouer Perdicium or Parthenium for Sideritis is another herb our countreymen cal in Latine Vrceolaris of others Astericum In leafe it is like to Basil saue only that it is blacker it groweth vpon tile-houses and old decaied wals and such ruinous places Being beaten into powder applied with corns of salt it hath the same operation that the Nettle Lamium and cureth the self same diseases and the one is vsed in like sort as the other if the juice be drunk hot it is singular for inward and secret imposthumes ful of filthy matter and driueth them outward Also it is excellent
for vlcers ruptures and bruises whether it be that one hath tumbled head-long from some high downfal or that he hath bin crushed by the ouerthrow of some waggon or chariot It fortuned that a Page of Pericles a prince of the Atheniens whom he loued intirely hauing climed vp to the top of the lanterne or spire of a temple which the said prince built in the castle or citadell of Athens fel downe from thence who was cured by the means of this herb reuealed vnto Pericles in his sleep by the goddesse Minerva whereupon it tooke the name first of Parthenium and is consecrat vnto the said goddesse this is that Page whose molten statue is to be seen at this day made of brasse this is I say that noble and famous image called Splaâ—…hnoptes CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of Chamaeleon the hearbe the sundry kindes thereof and the vertues medicinable COncerning Chamaeleon some there be who name it Ixias whereof be two kinds the whiter hath the rougher leaues it creepeth close by the ground and setteth vp stiffe prickles in manner of an Vrchin the root is sweet in tast but of a most strong sent In some places it ingendreth a white kind of gum or clammie glew vnder the wings or arm-pits as it were of the leaues after the same manner as Frankincense is said to breed but especially about the rising of the Dog-star for that it is like to a kind of birdlime it is called Ixia our women vse this instead of Mastick And the reason why this herb is named Chamaeleon is by occasion of the variable leaues which it beareth for according to the nature of the soile where it groweth it changeth hew whereby in one place you shall haue it blacke in another green here you shall see it look blew and there yellow and euermore altering the color Of which Chamaeleons the white cureth such as are in a dropsie if the root be boiled and the juice thereof taken to the quantity of a dram in sweet wine cuit The measure of one acetable of the same juice if one drink in a green harsh wine made of the hedge vnripe grape wherein certain bunches of Origanum haue lien infused it is thought to be a singular remedy to kill the worms that breed in the guts It auaileth much also to help those who pisse with difficulty and yet this juice being giuen to dogs or swine in barly groats killeth them If there be water and oile mingled therto it draweth rats and mice to it but it is their bane vnlesse presently they drinke water Some prescribe for to cut the root thereof into thin roundles and to keep them enfiled vp or hanging by a string and then to seeth them for to be eaten against the flux of humours which the Greekes name Rheumatismes Of the black kind some hath named that the male which hath the purple floure and the female with the violet colour They all grow vp with one stem and no more and the same is a cubit high and a finger thick The roots are good to heale ringworms tettars and such like wild fires if they be sodden together with brimstone and Bitumen but if the said root be chewed in the mouth or a collution be made therwith sodden in vineger it fastens the teeth which shake and be loose in the head The juice of this root healeth the scab or mange in four-footed beasts Herewith also folke vse to kill the ticks that breed in dogges but it stoppeth the wind of heifers and yong steers in maner of a squinancy and therefore of some it is called Vlophonon and Cynozolon in regard of the strong and stinking smell that it hath These Chamaeleons do beare a certain viscous gumme most proper for vlcers And the roots of all the sort of them as well blacke as white are singular against the poison of serpents CHAP. XIX ¶ Of Coronopus or Harts-horne with the medicinable vertues thereof COronopus is an herb bearing long leaues and those clouen into certain fissures and knags and howsoeuer it groweth wild yet otherwhiles it is set and sowne in gardens for the excellency of the root which being rosted vnder the ashes is soueraign for the flux weaknesse of the stomacke CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Orchanet or Alkanet as well the right as the bastard and their properties in Physicke THe root of Orchanet is much vsed about medicines of the thicknesse it is of a finger it wil rend and cleaue in manner of the papyr reed and it coloreth the hands of as many as handle it with a red and bloudy colour it prepareth wooll and woollen cloth for to take rich and deep colours If it be incorporat into the form of a cerot it healeth vlcers especially in old men as also places that be burnt It cannot be resolued in water but it is oile that must dissolue it and verily this is a good experiment of that which is true and nothing sophisticat A dram thereof giuen in wine to drink is singular good for the pain in the kidnies but in case the Patient haue a feuer vpon him then it ought to be taken in the decoction of Balanos In like manner is it to be vsed in the opilations or obstructions of the liuer of the spleen and in the Iaundise A liniment made of it and vineger cureth the leprosie and the red pimples arising in the face The leaues stamped with hony and meale vntill they be incorporat together and so applied as a cataplasme are thought to be good for dislocations but if they be taken inwardly to the quantity of two drams in honied wine they bind and knit the belly The root boiled in water is said to kill fleas Another herb there is much like vnto it and thereupon called Pseudanchusa i. bastard Orchanet of some but of others Enchusa or Doris and many other names it hath besides More full of downe or hairy mosse it is and lesse fatty but the leaues are smaller more ranke and feeble The root yeeldeth no oleous substance but a reddish juice wherin it differeth from the right Anchusa or Orchanet The leaues or feed being taken in drinke is a most effectual counterpoison against serpents The substance of the leaues being applied to the places which bee stung are soueraigne for to cure and heale them vp The very herb it selfe chaseth away all poison of serpents There is a drink made therof commended highly for the chine or ridge-bone of the back The Magitians do prescribe the leaues to be bound vnto some part of the Patient against a tertian ague with this charge That they be gathered with the left hand that in the gathering the party or patient for whose sake they are gotten be named CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Onochiles Anthemis Lotos and Lotometra of Turnsoll-Tricoccus of Adiantum and Callitrichon ANother herb there is particularly named Onochiles which some call Anchusa others Arcebion or Onochelis some Rhexias and many Enchusa a small herb this is it
is powerfull against all venomous beasts and namely the perillous spiders Phalangia but specially against the poison of scorpions And in truth look who carry this herbe about them shall not be stung If a man make a circle or compasse vpon the earth with the branch of this herb a scorpion as some say being within the same shall not haue the power to get forth nay if the herb be laid vpon a scorpion or if with the same being wet a man besprinckle the said scorpion it wil surely die out of hand It is said that foure grains of the seed taken in drink do cure the quartan and three the tertian or if the very herb it selfe be laid vnder the patients head after it hath bin thrice caried about the bed it worketh the like effect The seed is of power to stir vp carnal lust Applied with hony it discusseth biles rising in the emunctories Yea this Heliotropium for a certaintie causeth werts to fall of by the very roots as also it taketh away all excrescences in the fundament It draweth down by vrin the corrupt bloud in the reines and loins lying cluttered about the ridge bone in case the seed be either applied as a liniment or sodden in the broth of a cock or capon and so supped off or else with Beets and Lentils As for the vtmost rind of this herbe it is singular for to recouer the fresh and natiue colour in places black and blew with stripes The Magitians and Wise-men do prescribe for the quartan tertian agues That the Patient should tie the herbe Heliotropium with three knots in a tertian and with four in a quartan praying withall and making a vow That he would vndo those knots after he were once cleare of the feuer but this he must do before the herbe be taken out of the ground Another property as strange and miraculous is reported of Adiantum in Summer it is green in winter it withereth and decaieth not it checketh all water for being bespreint dashed and drenched quite therewith yet it looketh as if it were dry so great is the antipathy or contrarietie between them whereupon the Greeks gaue it that name And otherwise a plant it is fit for Vinet-workes and knots in a garden Some call it Callitrichon others Polytrichon both which names were giuen it for the effect that it worketh For it coloreth the hair black And for this purpose it is sodden in wine with the seed of Ach or Persley and a good quantity of oile is put thereto for to make the haire curled and to grow thick by which meanes it keeps the hair from shedding and falling off 2 kinds there be of it the white and the black which also is the shorter The greater kind they cal Polytrichon the other Trichomanes Both of them haue pretie fine branches shining with a blacke color and the leaues resemble fearn in which the nether sides vnderneath be rough duskish and browne but all the leaues stand directly one a gainst another in order fastened to the stalkes by slender steles No root at all these Capillar hearbes haue but they grow vpon shadowie rocks and walls dashed and beaten on with water but most of all they seek after pits or holes of wels and springs and stony places wherout fountains issue and that is a strange maruellous thing considering they be not wet with water nor haue any sence or feeling thereof They haue a wonderful faculty and the black especially to break the stone and to expel it out of the body For which cause rather than for growing on stones and rocks I beleeue verily it was by our countrymen called in Latin Saxifrage To this purpose as much as 3 fingers be able to pluck vp is ordinarily taken in wine they prouoke vrin and resist the poison of serpents and venomous spiders Being boiled in wine they stay the flux of the belly A Chaplet made of them allaieth the head-ach And a liniment therof is thought good to be applied against the sting of the Scolopendres but it must be often taken off and renewed for feare the hearb become ouer-drie and lose all the vertue In this wise it is to be vsed where the haire is fallen away by some infirmitie These hearbes discusse and resolue the kings euill they dispatch and rid away the skales or dandruffe in the visage and heale the skals of the head A decoction of these Maiden-haires is singular good for those who are short winded for the liuer also the spleene the jaundise and the dropsie An ointment made with Maiden-haire and Wormewood easeth the paines of the kidney and in case of strangurie procureth ease and free passage of vrine They bring downe the after-birth in women and their monethly tearmes Howbeit drink them with vinegre or the juice of the blackberrie bramble they stanch bloud A proper liniment is made thereof with oile Rosat to annoint young children that haue the red gum and be all broken out but first they would be bathed in wine The leaues of Maiden-haire stamped with the vrine of a man child vnder fourteene yeares of age and yet not vndergrowne together with the some of salt petre is said to keep the bellies of women from wrinkles and riuels vpon child-bearing if they be annointed therwith To conclude men say That Partridges and cockes of the game will fight more lustily in case this hearbe bee entermingled with their meat And the same also is very good for sheepe to grase vpon about their folds CHAP. XXII ¶ Of Picris Thesium Asphodill Alimus Acanthus or Brankursine Elaphoboscum Scandix Iasione Of Caucalis Sium Silybum Scolymus or Zimonium Sonchus Chondrillum or Chodrilles and of Mushromes THe hearbe Picris tooke the name as heretofore we haue said of the notable bitternesse which it hath The leaues thereof be round Excellent good it is to take away werts Thesium likewise commeth nothing behind for bitternesse but it purgeth the bellie for which purpose it must be stamped strained and taken in water As touching the Asphodell it is one of the soueraign most renowmed herbs in the world Some haue giuen it the name Heroion And Hesiodus hath written that it growes in the woods Dionysius saith That there is both male and female of it Certain it is that the bulbous roots of the asphodel sodden with husked barly is a singular restoratiue for those bodies which are wasted with a consumption especially of the lungs and bread made of them wrought together with corne meale of floure into a dough is most wholesome for mans bodie As for Nicander he vsed to giue either the stem which we called Antherichon or the seed or els the Onion bulbous roots thereof in wine to the quantitie of three drams as a preseruatiue against serpents scorpions and to preuent the feare and daunger of these harmefull and pestilent creatures hee appointed the same to be laid vnder folks heads as they lay asleep Vsually
saith that it delighteth principally to grow vnder the Yuie tree which if it be taken to the weight of 3 oboli in a sextar of water helpeth those that haue their heads bodies drawn far back and such as be troubled with the contraction and shrinking of sinues As touching Acanthus or Brankursine an herb it is cherished much is gardens proper for vinets and story-workes bearing vpright and long leaues wherewith beds-sides and borders of quarters in gardens are decked and beautified Two kinds there be of it one with pricky leaues in maner of thistles and the same jagged which is the lesse lower of the twain but the greater which some in Greek call Paederos others Melamphyllon is smooth leaued The leaues of this Brankursine being applied are wondrous good for burns and dislocations Also being sodden with meat and especially with Ptisane or husked barly it is singular for those who are bursten troubled with the crampe and subiect to the consumption of the lungs Also if they be stamped and reduced into the form of a liniment and laid too hot they cure the gouts proceeding from an hot cause The herb Bupleuron is reckoned by the Greeke writers in the number of worts that grow of themselues a stem it hath of a cubit in height many leaues and those growing long in a spoke-tuft or rundle in the head in maner of Dill highly commended by Hippocrates for good meat but Glycon and Nicander praise it as much for the vse thereof in Physick and in very truth the seed is powerfull against serpents The leaues also or the very juice incorporate with wine into the form of a liniment they imploy for to bring down the afterbirth of women newly deliuered as also the leaues with salt and Wine are vsed by way of cataplasme for to dissolue the swellings called the Kings euill As for the root it is vsually giuen in wine against venomous serpents and to prouoke vrine * Buprestis is an herb about which the Greek writers haue shewed themselues namely how inconstant and light of credit they be in that they haue so highly praised it to be a speciall wholsom meat yea and a singular remedie against poisons For the very name sheweth euidently that it is a poison it selfe of kine and oxen at lestwise And they themselues do confesse that if such cattel tast of Buprestis it wil make them inraged and fall a gadding vntil they burst in sunder And therefore I will not speak any more of this herb for there is no reason that may induce me to describe these venimous weeds among those that serue for the green garlands aforesaid made of grasse vnlesse haply it be this That some one or other would seek after this herbe to weare it in a chaplet for lust-sake which indeed they say it wil prouoke no lesse that way than if it were taken in drinke Elaphoboscon is an herb growing vp with a main stem after the maner of Fenel-geant the same is full of knots and joints as thick as a mans finger The seed is made after the fashion of berries hanging downe in maner of Sili or Siler-mountaine howbeit nothing bitter they are and the leaues resemble those of Alisanders This herb is taken for a commendable meat and in truth is kept also and preserued a long time confected and condite for a singular remedie to procure vrin to allay the pain of the sides in the pleurisie to heale ruptures to cure convulsions and cramps to discusse ventosities to asswage the dolorous torment of the collicke yea and as a very countre-poyson against the sting of serpents and all other creatures armed with stings for the report goeth That stags and hindes by feeding thereupon withstand the venom of Serpents The root also reduced into a liniment with Sal-nitrum put thereto and incorporate together cureth old sores called fistulaes But the said root ought to be dried first for those purposes to the end that it should not be full of the own juice and moisture and yet this humour dulleth not the vertue thereof nor maketh it lesse effectuall against the sting of serpents Touching the herb * Scandix the Greeks haue ranged it also among the wild worts or pot-herbs good for to be eaten according to Opion and Erasistratus The same being sodden knitteth the belly and stoppeth a laske The seed taken with vinegre presently stayeth the yox or hicquet it prouoketh vrin and serueth well in a liniment to heale vp burns The juice of it being boiled to a juleb is good for the stomack liuer kidnies and bladder This is the herb which Aristophanes the Comaedian twitted the Tragicall Poet Euripides by obiecting vnto him merily by way of a scoffe that his mother who was a gardener vsed to sit in the market and sel neuer a good wort or pot-herb indeed but made her markets only of Scandix And verily I would say that * Anthriscus were the same herb if it had smaller tenderer and sweeter leaues This peculiar praise and commendable propertie it hath that if the body be ouerlayed and wearied with the vse of women it restoreth the spirits and refresheth them again Yea such as be wel stept in yeares and begin to droup it maketh lusty and able to perform the act of generation youthfully It stayeth the flux of the whites in women Moreouer * Iasione is counted also a wilde wort comming vp of it selfe and good to be eaten This herb creepeth by the ground full of milk it is and beareth a white floure which some call Concilium The like name and commendation there goeth of this herbe for stirring vnto letcherie Being taken raw with meat in a vinegre sauce it breedeth plenty of milke in women A singular restoratiue it is for them that feele themselues wearing decaying by a consumption A liniment made therwith and applied to the head of yong infants causeth hair to come vp thicke and by shutting the pores of the skin more close it is a means to retain the hair still that it shed not easily As for * Caucalis an herb like to Fenel but that it hath a short stalke and a white floure it is good also to be eaten and is besides counted a cordial A drink likewise is made of the juice thereof passing comfortable to the stomack of power to prouoke vrin to expel grauel stone and to stay the itching within the bladder it doth subtiliat the grosse and tough flegm which causeth obstructions in the spleen liuer and kidnies The seed being taken inwardly helps forward the monthly sicknesse of women when it stayeth vpon them and drieth vp the cholericke humors which flow after child-birth or the after burden It is giuen also to men for the spilling of natural seed or the running of the reins Chrysippus is of opinion that it is singular good to help women for to conceiue if they be desirous of children But the maner is to
the belly than the other but the meale as wel of the one as the other doth heale the running sores scales of the head howbeit the wild better than the rest Moreouer these ciches are taken to be good for the falling sicknesse the swellings of the liuer and the sting of Serpents They procure womens termes and prouoke vrine and especially the grain it selfe rather than the leafe The same are singular for tettars and ring-worms for inflammations of the cods for the jaundise dropsie But all the sort of them be hurtfull to the bladder and kidnies especially if they be exulcerat For gangrenes and those morimall vlcers called Cacoethe they be better in case they bee tempered with honey Some there be who for to be ridde of all kinde of Warts take as many Cich-pease as there be warts and with euery one of them touch a wart and that vpon the first day after the change of the Moon which done they tie the foresaid Pease or Ciches in a little linnen â—…ag and fling them away backward behind them and they are persuaded that the warts will be gone by this means But our Latine Physitians are of opinion That the blacke ciches which be called Ram-ciches should be well and throughly sodden in water and salt of which decoction they prescribe vnto the patient for to drinke two cyaths in difficulty of making water for to expell the stone and rid away the jaundise Their leaues and stalks of straw being sodden in water ouer a good fire yeeld a decoction which beeing vsed as hot as may be suffered doth mollifie the callosities hardnesse growing about the feet so doth a liniment also made of the very substance it selfe stamped and applied hot The Columbine ciches sodden in water are thought to lessen and shorten the shaking fits in tertian and quartan agues The black cich-pease being beaten to pouder with halfe the quantity of gall-nuts and incorporat with sweet wine cuit called Passum and so applied cureth the vlcers of the eyes As touching Eruile somewhat I haue said already touching the properties thereof when I made mention of it among other kinds of pulse And indeed the old writers haue attributed as great power vertue vnto it as to the Colewort Being laid to with vineger it cureth the hurts that come by the sting of serpents or the teeth of man crocodile There be writers of approued authority who assirm for certain That if a man doe eat Eruile fasting euery day it will diminish and wast the swelling of the spleen The meale of Eruile as Varro reporteth taketh away the spots and moles of any part of the body And in truth this pulse is singular to represse corrosiue and eating vlcers but aboue all it is most effectuall in the sores of womens brests applied with wine it breaketh carbuncles Being torrified and incorporat with hony and reduced into an electuarie or bole and so taken as much as an hazell nut it amendeth the suppression or difficulty of voiding vrine dissolueth ventosities openeth obstructions and helpeth other accidents of the liuer the prouocations and proffers to the stoole without doing any thing reuiueth those parts that mislike and feele no benefit or nutriment of meat which they cal in Greek Atropha In like manner it cureth shingles ring-worms and tettars if it be first sodden in vineger so applied and not remoued vntil the fourth day If it be laid too with hony it keepeth biles from suppuration A fomentation made with the decoction thereof in water helps kibed heels the itch And it is generally thought That if a man drink it euery day next his heart vpon an empty stomack it will make the whole body looke with a better and more liuely colour Contrariwise the common opinion is That it is not good to be eaten ordinarily as meat for it moueth to vomit troubleth the belly lieth heauy vpon the stomack and fumeth vp into the head it breedeth ache and heauinesse in the knees But if it haue lien many daies in steepe after that imbibition of water it becommeth more mild and is a most wholsom prouender for horse and oxen The green cods of Eruile before they waxe hard if they be stamped with their stalkes and leaues together do colour and die the hairs of the head blacke As touching wild Lupines they be inferior to those which come of seed in all respects but only in biternesse And verily there is not a thing more commendable wholsome and light of digestion than white Lupines if they be eaten dry They are brought to be sweet and pleasant by hot ashes or scalding water Beeing eaten at meales vsually they make a fresh colour and chearfull countenance Bitter Lupines are very good against the sting of the Aspides Dry Lupins husked clensed from their skins applied to black mortified vlcers ful of dead flesh with a linnen cloth between reduce them to a liuely colour and to quick flesh again The same sodden in vineger discusse the kings euill and the swelling kernels impostumations behind the ears The broth or collature of them being sodden with Rue and Pepper may be giuen safely although it were in an ague to those that bee vnder thirty yeares of age for to expell the wormes in the belly As for young children who haue the wormes it is good to lay Lupines to their bellie whiles they be fasting All others are to take them torrified either by way of drink in a kind of wine cuit or els in electuary after the maner of a lohoch The same do giue an edge to the stomacke and quicken the appetite to meat The meale or pouder of Lupines wrought with vineger into a dough or paste and so reduced into a liniment and vsed in a bain or stouve represseth and keepeth down all wheales and itching pimples which are ready to breake forth and of it selfe is sufficient to drie vp vlcers It bringeth to the natiue and liuely colour al places blacke and blew with stripes Medled with Barly groats it assuageth all inflammations For the weaknesse of the huckle bone the haunch and loins the wilde Lupines are counted more effectual than the other A fomentation with the decoction of these wild Lupins maketh the skin more smooth and beautifull taking away all spots and freckles But if the same or garden Lupines be boiled to the height and consistence of hony they do clense the skin from black morphew and the leprosie These also if they be applied as a cataplasme do break carbuncles bring down or els ripen the swelling kernels named the kings euil and other biles and botches which of their nature be long ere they gather to head Boiled in vineger they reduce places cicatrized to their naturall colour and make them look faire white again But if they be throughly sodden in rain water of the collature that passeth from them there is made an abstersiue and scouring lie in manner of sope most excellent for to
braine and those who be subiect to the falling sicknes the same decoction also keepeth the haires from shedding if the place be bathed therewith But wonderfull it is that these small shauings should be so bitter as nothing more when the fruit it self is as sweet as any other Moreouer of the fine dust sawed or filed from this wood sodden in Myrtle water then kneaded or wrought into past so reduced into seuerall trochisks there is a soueraigne medicine made for the bloudy flix if the patient drinke the weight of one Victoriat or halfe dram of these trosches in three cyaths of water CHAP. III. ¶ Of Mast. ACornes or Mast of the Oke beaten to pouder incorporat with Hogs lard salted heale all those hard and swelling cankerous vlcers which they call in Greeke Cacoethe In all these trees bearing Mast the very substance of the wood is more forcible than the fruit the outward bark more than the wood and the inner rind or tunicle vnder it more than the bark or all the rest This membrane or pellicle if it be boiled is singular for the flux of the stomack proceeding of weaknesse The very Mast or Acorne it selfe reduced into a liniment and applied staieth the bloudy flix and the same resisteth the venom of serpents stings restraineth rheums and catarrhs and namely that flux of humors which causeth apostemations As well the leaues the mast or beries of this tree as the bark or juice drawn from it after boiling are excellent against the poisons called in Greek Toxica The barke sodden and brought into a liniment with Cow-milk is very good to be applied vnto the place where ferpents haue bitten or stung it is giuen also in wine for the bloudy flix of the same vertue efficacy is the holm-oke CHAP. IIII. ¶ Of the Scarlet graine of Holme-oke of Galls and Misselto of certaine little balls growing vpon the Oke of Mast of the root of Cerrus and of Corke THe Scarlet graine growing vpon the Oke-holm is very good to be laid to fresh wounds with vineger It is applied with water for the flux of watery humors vnto the eies dropped likewise into them when they be bloud-shotten Now there is a kind of it growing commonly in the region of Attica and throughout Natolia which very quickly turneth to be a grub or Magot wherupon it is called Scolecion and is rejected as being of no worth Many more sorts there be of it whereof the chiefe and principall I haue shewed already As touching the Gal-nuts I haue likewise made of it as many kinds for some be solid and massie others full of holes as if they were bored through You shall haue of them white and black some great others smal but how different soeuer they be in substance colour or quantity they be all of like nature The best are those of Comagene Gals are good to eat away the superfluous excrescences in the body They serue very wel for the infirmities of the gums and uvula for the cankers exulcerations breeding in the mouth Being first burnt then quenched in wine they are singular for the fluxes occasioned by a feeble stomack Applied in maner of a liniment they help the bloudy flix Incorporat in hony they cure whitflaws risings parting 's of the flesh and skin about the naile roots the roughnesse of the nailes the running scals and vlcers in the head the knobs or swelling piles in the fundament and in one word all those corrosiue and eating vlcers which consume the flesh to the very bone Boiled in wine and so instilled into the eares they cure the infirmities of that part So do they likewise help the eies if they be annointed therewith Applied with vineger they discusse flegmatick wheales and such like breakings out as also the flat biles and impostumes called Pani the round kernell within them if it be chewed allaieth the tooth-ach The same is good to skin raw and galled places any burn or scalded place Take vnripe Gal-nuts drink them with vineger they wil consume and weare away the swelled spleen Burn the same and quench them with salted vineger a fomentation thereof staieth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs reduceth the matrice fallen downe into the right place All the sort of these Gals do colour the haires of the head blacke Concerning Misselto That the principall and best is found vpon the Oke how it is cut and in what maner birdlime is made therof I haue already shewed Some for to make the said glew or birdlime stamp Misselto first and then seeth it in water vntill it swim aloft Others vse to chew the grains or kernels onely which they beare and spit out their outward pils or skins But the very best is that which hath no husk or skin at all which also is the smoothest withoutforth of a light tawnie or yellowish red within as greene as a leeke for indeed there is not a thing more glutinous or glewy than it This Misselto is a great emollitiue for it softeneth discusseth and resolueth also hard tumors it is excicatiue besides and drieth vp the Scrophules or swelling kernels knowne by the name of the kings euill If it be incorporat with rosin wax it mitigateth all sorts of impostumes or flat biles whatsoeuer Some put thereto Galbanum also in equall quantity or weight and so vse it in the same manner for to heale wounds It pollisheth and maketh smooth the rough vneuen nails if it be laid too for seuen daies and the medicine not remoued before but the nails ought to be wel washed with salnitre Some obserue certain superstitious ceremonies herein and are of opinion That it will worke the better with more efficacy in case it be gathered from the Oke the first day of the new Moon also if it be not cut downe with any bill hook knife or edged yron toole Moreouer they do hold That if it touch not the ground it cureth those who are troubled with the falling sicknes Semblably if women do but carry it about them it helpeth them to conceiue Finally if it be chewed and so applied vnto vlcers it is most effectuall to heale them perfectly As for the little round bals or apples sound vpon the Oke Robur if they be incorporat with Bears grease they cause the haire to come thick again where it is shed in case the bare or bald place be annointed therewith Of the great Oke Holm Cerrus thus much I haue to say That the leaues the bark and mast thereof do discusse and drie vp all gathering of impostumations euen such as grow to suppuration or mattering and stay the flux of humors which feed them A decoction thereof doth corroborat any member or part of the body which groweth to be sencelesse or benummed if the same be fomented therwith Also for to dry bind confirm any part which is feeble weak it is singular good to sit in a
of Roses or with Nard it is good to be infused or dropped into ears that run with matter the very persume alone or smell thereof is good to raise them who are taken with the epilepsie or falling sicknesse also to recouer women lying as it were in a trance or dead vpon a fit of the mother to bring them again who are gon in a swoune If a woman fall to trauell before her time it is good to fetch out that vntimely fruit of hers if it be loth to come away either by way of cataplasme or suffumigation The same effect it hath if the branches or small roots of Ellel oâ—…e be well annointed therewith and so put vp as a pessary The smoke of it frying in the fire as I said before driueth serpents away and more than so serpents will not come neere to them that are besmeared with Galbanum And say that one be strucken with a scorpion a plaster of Galbanum will heale the wound If a woman haue bin long in labor of childbirth and cannot be deliuered let her drinke in one cyath of wine as much Galbanum as the quantity of a Bean she shal fall to her busines and be deliuered anon The same is a good medicine to reduce the mother into the right place if it be vnsetled or turned If Galbanum be taken in wine with Myrrhe it sendeth out the dead infant in the mothers womb Also with Myrrh and wine it is good against all poisons and especially those which be called Toxica Incorporat Galbanum with oile and Spondylium together it will kill any serpents if they be but touched therewith Howbeit there is an opinion of Galbanum that in difficulty of vrine it is not good to be vsed CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Gum Ammoniack of Storax Spondylium Spagnos Terebinth Chamaepitys of Pituysa of Rosius of the Pitch tree and the Lentiske SInce we are fallen into the mention of Gums it will not be amisse to treat of Ammoniack being as it is so like in nature as I haue said to Galbanum for it hath vertue to mollifie to heat discusse and dissolue Vsed in collyries it is a proper medicine to clarifie the eiesight and serueth wel to take away the itch the spots or cicatrices the pin and web also of the eies It allaieth the tooth-ach but more effectually if it be set a burning the sume receiued into the mouth Taken in drink it helpeth those who hardly fetch and deliuer their winde It cureth the pleurisie Peripnewmony or inflammation of the lungs the infirmities of the bladder pissing of bloud the swelled spleen and the Sciatica And in that manner it easeth the belly and maketh it soluble Boiled with the like weight of pitch or wax and oile rosat together and so reduced into an ointment it is good for all gouts and especially that which lieth in the feet It ripeneth the biles called Pani if it be applied to them with honey and fetcheth away any corns by the roots In which sort it doth soften any hardnesse Incorporat with vineger and Cyprian wax or els with oile osat it maketh an excellent plaster for to mollifie the hard spleen Moreouer if it be reduced into an ointment with vineger oile a little sal-nitre it is singular to annoint those that haue a lassitude or wearinesse vpon them Touching Storax and the nature thereof I haue said enough in my Treatise of strange and forrame trees But ouer and aboue the qualities or properties before required I take that for the best Storax which is fattest pure and cleane and whereof the pieces or fragments do break white This drug cureth the cough the sorenesse of the throat and the accidents of the brest it openeth the obstructions of the matrice mollifieth the hardnes therof Whether it be taken inwardly in drinke or outwardly applied it prouoketh womens fleurs moueth to the siege I reade in some authors that if one drink Storax Calamita in small quantity it will procure gladnesse and mirth of heart but if it be taken in greater quantity it breedeth heauinesse of the mind Instilled or poured into the eares it riddeth away all the singing therin and in a liniment it resolueth the wens called the Kings euill and the nodosities of the sinews Soueraign it is against those poisons which burt by meanes of their coldnesse and therefore it is good for them that haue drunk the juice of Hemlock Likewise of Spondylium a kind of wild Parsnep or Madnep I haue spoken thereof heretofore together with Storax An embrochotion made of it to be infused vpon the head is excellent for such as be in a frensie or lethargy also to cure the inueterat pains of the head Taken in drink with old oile it helpeth the infirmities of the liuer the jaundise the falling sicknesse the straitnesse of breath whereby one cannot take his winde but sitting vpright and the rising or suffocation of the mother in which cases a suffumigation thereof is good This Spondylium is effectual to mollifie the belly and make the body soluble Reduced into a liniment with rue it serueth fitly to be applied vnto vlcers that spread and eat as they go The juice of the floures is of great effect if it be poured into the ears that run with filthy matter but when this juice is a pressing or drawing forth it had need to be kept well couered for feare of flies and such like which are very greedy thereof and loue a-life to settle vpon it The root of Spondylium or a piece therof scraped if it be put in maner of a tent into a fistula eateth away all the hardnes and callositie thereof Being dropped into the ears together with the juice it is exceeding good for them The root giuen alone in substance cureth the jaundise the infirmities of the liuer matrice If the head be all ouer annointed therewith the haire will curle and frizle Concerning the sweet Mosse called of the Greeks Sphagnos Sphacos or Bryon growing as I haue shewed before in France it is good for the naturall parts of women to sit ouer the decoction of it in manner of a bath likewise if it be mingled with cresses and so stamped together in salt water it serueth well to be applied as a cataplasme to the knees and thighs for any tumors or swellings in those parts Taken in wine with dry per-rosin it causeth one most speedily to make water Stamped with Iuniper and drunk with wine it doth euacuat the aquosities in the dropsie The leaues and the root of the Terebinth tree applied in form of a cataplasme are good for the collection of humors to an impostumation A decoction made with them doth comfort and fortifie the stomack In case of head-ache of stopping and difficultie of vrine it is passing good to drink the seed or grains of the Terebinth tree in wine The same gently easeth and softeneth the belly it prouoketh also carnal lust The leaues of the
hurt them afterwards As for the other Smilax or Bindweed it loueth places well toiled and husbanded wherin it vsually groweth but of no vertue it is operation the former Bindweed is that the wood wherof we said would giue a sound if it were held close to the eare Another herb there is like to this which some haue called Clematis This plant creepeth climbeth vpon trees hauing many ioints also or knots The leaues are good to mundifie the foule leprosie The seed drunk to the measure of one acetable in a hemin of water or mead maketh the belly loose The decoction thereof is giuen likewise to the same effect CHAP. XI ¶ The vertues and properties of Canes or Reeds of the Papyr reed of Ebene Oleander Sumach otherwise called Rhus Erythros Madder Allysson Sopewort or Fullers-weed Apocynon Rosemary Cachrys Sauine Selago and Samulus Also of Gummes HEretofore haue wee shewed 29 sundry kinds of Reeds all indued with their medicinable vertues and in no plants more appeareth the admirable power of dame Nature the only subject matter handled in all these books of ours For in the first place there presenteth it selfe vnto vs the root of Reeds or Canes which being bruised and applied accordingly draweth forth of the body any spills of Fearne sticking within the flesh so doth the Fearne root by the Reed And forasmuch as we haue set downe many sorts of Canes that amongst the rest which commeth out of India and Syria and whereof persumers haue so great vse in their sweet ointments and odoriferous compositions hath this property besides That if it be boiled with the grasse called Deut de Chien i. Quoich grasse or Parsley seed it is diureticall and prouoketh vrine Applied outwardly it draweth down the desired sicknesse of women Taken in drink to the weight of two oboli it cureth those who are subiect to convulsions or cramps it helpeth the liuer and the reines it is a remedy also for the dropsie As for the cough a very persume thereof will stay it and the rather if it be mixed with Rosin The root sodden in wine with Myrrh clenseth scurfe and dandruffe it healeth also the spreading vlcers running scals of the head there is a juice besides drawn from it which becommeth like to Elaterium or the juice of the wilde Cucumber Moreouer in any Reed the best and most effectual part therof is that holden to be which is next to the root The ioints also and knots be of great efficacy The Cyprian Cane is named Donax the rind whereof if it be burnt and brought into ashes is singular for to bring haire againe in places where it is shed it healeth likewise vlcers growing to putrifaction The leaues thereof are vsed to draw forth any pricks or thorns The same be of great vertue against S. Anthonies fire the shingles and such like yea against all impostumations the common and ordinary Reeds haue an extractiue or drawing faculty if they be stamped greene which is not meant of the root only but also the very substance of the reed it self which they say is of great operation The root being reduced into a liniment and applied with vineger cureth all dislocations and easeth the pains of the chine bone The same punned green and new stirreth to lust if it be drunk in wine The down or cotton growing vpon the cane if it be put into the ears causeth hardnesse of hearing There groweth in Aegypt a certain plant named Papyrus which resembleth much the Cane or Reed a thing of great vse and commodity especially when it is dry for it serueth as a spunge both to suck vp the moisture in Fistulaes and also to inlarge them For swelling as it doth it keepeth the vlcer open and maketh way for the medicines to enter accordingly by that means The paper made thereof when it is burnt is counted to be caustick The ashes of it being drunk in wine cause sleep and applied outwardly taketh away hard callosities Touching Ebene it groweth not as I haue already said so neare vnto vs as in Aegypt And albeit my meaning and purpose is not to deale with any medicinable plants growing in the strange vnknown countries of another world yet in regard of the wonderfull properties that Ebene hath I will not passe by it in silence For first and foremost the fine dust or pouder filed from it hath the name to be a singular medicine for the eies as also that the wood therof being ground vpon an hard stone together with wine cuit dispatcheth away the cloudy mist which ouercasteth the eies As for the root if it be vsed likewise and applied with water it consumeth the pin and web and other spots in the eies The same being taken with equall quantity of the herb Dragon in hony cureth the cough In sum Physitians repute and range Ebene among the medicines which be corrosiue Oleander called in Greek Rhododendros which some name Rhododaphne and others Nerion hath not bin so happy yet as to find so much as a name among the Latines A strange and maruellous quality of this plant the leaues are a very poison to all four-footed beasts and yet they serue man as a preseruatiue and counterpoison against serpents if they be taken in wine with Rue among Also sheep and goats if they chance to drink of the water wherin those leaues lay soked wil by report thereupon die Neither hath Rhus a Latine name notwithstanding it be much vsed in Physick otherwise For it is a wild plant growing of it self bearing leaues like vnto the Myrtle vpon short stalkes and branches singular for to expell any poison and worms out of the body and besides called it is the Curriers shrub for that they vse to dresse their skins with the dry leaues therof instead of pomgranat rinds Of a reddish colour it is a cubit in height a finger thick Moreouer Physitians imploy the medicins wherinto this Rhus is put for bruises likewise for the flux proceeding from a feeble stomack as also for the vlcers in the seat But the leaues stamped and incorporat with hony and so brought into a liniment or salue with vineger do heale cankerous sores such as with inflammation do eat away the flesh to the very bone Their decoction is singular to be instilled into the ears that run with filthie matter Moreouer there is made a stomaticall composition of the branches of this Rhus boiled which serueth in the same cases as the aboue-named Diamoron i. of the Mulberries but if it haue allum ioined withall it is of greater efficacy The same being brought into a liniment is passing good for the swellings in a dropsie As for the Rhus which is called Erythros i. the red it is a shrub and the seed thereof is both astringent and refrigeratiue Much vsed is the grain or seed of this Rhus in stead of salt to pouder season meats Laxatiue it is and giueth a pleasant tast to any flesh meats especially if
Silphium be mingled withal tempered with hony it cureth and healeth all running vlcers and in that maner prepared it is excellent for the roughnes of a furred tongue for places bruised looking black blew or otherwise raw where the skin is rased pilled off Nothing so soon healeth any wounds in the head and bringeth them so quickly to cicatrice And taken inwardly with other meats it stoppeth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs As touching Madder which some Greeks call Erythrodanus others Ereuthodanus and wee in Latine Rubia it is an herb different from Rhus Erythros aboue named Diers vse it much to colour their wooll woollen cloth so do curriers about their skins and leather In Physicke it serueth to prouoke vrine it cureth the jaundise if it be taken in mead or honied water and reduced into a liniment with vineger it healeth the il-fauored tettars called Lichenes Ouer besides it is good for the Sciatica and the palsie in case the patient who drinks therof do likewise bath euery day The root and seed both of Madder draw down womens months stop the laske and discusse or resolue any impostumations breeding The branches and leaues therof reduced into a cataplasme and laid too are good for the sting of serpents The leaues also haue a speciall property to colour the haire of the head I reade in some writers that if this herb be tied about the neck or some other part of the body and the patient do no more but look thereupon it is sufficient to cure the jaundise The herb Alysson differeth from this Madder in regard of the leaues and branches onely which be lesse It took that name Alysson because those that be bitten with a mad dog if they drink it with vineger or weare it tied fast about them shall not likewise run mad But it is verie strange which is said moreouer of this herb namely That the very sight thereof is enought to dry vp and consume that venomous matter or humour infused by the tooth of the said dog and which is the cause of madnesse As for the Fullersweed which the Latines cal Radicula and the Greeks Struthion as I haue beforesaid it serueth to scoure and prepare wooll and woollen cloth for the diers hand In Physick the broth or decoction thereof drunk cureth the jaundise and the infirmities or diseases of the brest It prouoketh vrine looseth the belly and cleanseth the matrice which is the cause that Physitians call it Aureum poculum i. the golden cup or golden drinke The same taken with honey in manner of an electuary to the quantity of one spoonefull at a time is of singular operation for the cough and shortnesse of breath when the patient cannot draw and deliuer his wind but sitting vpright Reduced into a liniment with parched barly groats and vineger it cureth and clenseth the foule leprosie Drunke with Panaces and Caper rootes it breaketh the stone and expelleth it out of the body Sodden with Barly meal in wine and brought to a pultesse it dispatcheth risings in the flesh or broad flat biles called Pani It is vsualy put into emolitiue cataplasmes yea and into collyries ordained for to cleare the eiesight I know few things so good to prouoke sneezing as this Radicula neither is there a better herb for the spleene and the liuer The same also if it be drunk to the weight of a Roman denier or dram in mead or honied water helpeth those that be short-winded So doth the seed therof taken with water cure the pleurisie and any stitches or pain in the sides To come now to Apocynon a shrub it is bearing leaues like vnto Ivy but that they be softer and the shoots or tendrils therof not so long the seed is sharp pointed clift or diuided full of a soft down of a strong or vnpleasant sauor Being giuen either to dogs or any other four-footed beasts in meat it is their bane and killeth them Moreouer there is the Rosemary wherof be two kinds the one is barren and bears no seed the other which riseth vp also in a stem or main stalk carieth seed or a rosinous gummy fruit called Cachrys The leaues in smel resemble Frankincense The root fresh and new gathered reduced into a salue healeth green wounds applied to the seat it reduceth the fundament when it is fallen into the right place resolueth the swelling piles and cureth the running hemorrhoids The juice both of the branches and herb it self as also of the root is singular for to scour the jaundise and al things els which haue need of clensing and mundification it cleareth and quickneth the eiesight The seed is giuen to drinke with great successe for all old accidents of the brest but with wine and pepper it is good for the matrice helpeth to send down womens monthly terms Made into a cataplasm with cocle floure it is applied with good effect vnto the gout It clenseth and scour eth away morphew it serueth wel to bring any part ot heat that hath need of chaufing yea to procure sweat if the case require so the place be anointed therwith also it helpeth any convulsion or cramp Drunk in wine it increaseth milk so doth the root likewise the very substance of the herb reduced into a liniment cureth the wens called the kings euil if it be applied vnto them with vineger and taken with hony it is good for the cough As for Cachrys there be many kinds of it as I haue shewed before But this Cachrys of the Rosemary abouesaid if it bee rubbed yeeldeth a substance or liquor of rosin Contrary it is to poisons stings of all venomous beasts but only of Snakes It moueth sweat dispatcheth the wringing torments of the belly and causeth nurces to haue plenty of milk Sauine the herb called by the Greeks Brathy is of two sorts the one in leafe resembleth the Tamarisk the other the Cypresse tree whereupon some haue giuen it the name of Candy Cypresse Many vse it in suffumigations perfumes for Frankincense But in medicines we Physitians take the double weight of it instead of Cinnamon it is thought to haue the same operations and effects It driues back keepeth down all swelling impostumes it represseth also those vlcers which be corrosiue and cankerous brought into a salue it mundifieth filthy sores Applied outwardly it drawes dead infants out of the body no lesse it worketh being but receiued by way of perfume Made into a liniment it healeth S. Anthonies fire and carbuncles Drunk with hony and wine it cureth the jaundise It is said that the very fume or smoke of this herb wil rid hens and such like pullen of the pip Much like vnto this herb Sauine is that which they cal Selago Many ceremonies are to be obserued in the gathering of this herb first and formost the party who is to gather it must bee apparelled all in white as it were in a surplice go barefoot he must
and haue his feet washed in faire water before he commeth to gather it he ought to do sacrifice vnto the gods with bread and wine moreouer no knise or yron toole is to be vsed hereabout neither will any hand serue but the right and that also must do the deed not bare and naked but by some skirt or lappet of his coat between which was done off with the left hand and so closely besides as if he came to steal it away secretly last of all when it is gathered wrapped it must be and caried in a new linnen napkin or towell The Druidae of France haue agreat opinion of this herbe thus gathered and haue prescribed it to be kept as the only preseruatiue against all hurtfull accidents misfortunes what soeuer saying that the fume thereof is singular good for all the infirmites diseases of the eies The Druidae or Prelats of France aboue named make great account of another herb growing in moist grounds which they name Samolus and forsooth if you did well you should gather it fasting with the left hand in any wise in the gathering not look back howsoeuer you do Moreouer when it is thus gathered it ought not to be laid down out of the hand in any place but in the troughs cisterns or channels where swine kine or oxen vse ordinarily to drink where it must be likewise stamped and then without faile the foresaid cattell shal be warished and secured from all diseases As concerning gums I haue heretofore declared how many kinds thereof are to be sound To speak of them in generall The better that any gum is the more effectuall be the operations thereof hurtfull they are to the teeth they haue a property to thicken or coagulat bloud and therefore be good for those who cast and reach vp bloud likewise they be singular for burns as also for the wind pipe and instruments of respiration The superfluous and corrupt vrine within the body they prouoke and giue passage vnto They dul diminish the bitternesse of other medicines wherin they be mingled how soeuer otherwise they be astringent do fortifie other qualities That which commeth from the bitter almonds and is of a stronger operation to thicken and incrassat hath vertue also to heat the body The best gums be those of Plum-trees chery trees and vines they haue all of them a drying and astringent quality if any part be annointed with them and dissolued in vineger they kill the tettars or ringwormes in children heale them vp Being drunk to the weight of foure oboli in new wine they be good for any inueterat cough Moreouer they be thought to make the colour more fresh liuely pleasant to procure and stir vp the appetite to meat also to help those who be pained with the stone in case they be drunk in sweet wine cuit And to conclude with some particularity The gum of the Egyptian thorne is soueraigne for wounds and all accidents of the eies CHAP. XII ¶ Of the Arabian Thorne of the white Thistle Bedegnar of Acanthium and Acacia TOuching the Arabian Thorne or Bush and the commendable qualities therof I haue sufficiently spoken in the treatise of perfumes and odoriferous confections yet thus much moreouer I haue to say of the medicinable vertues that it doth thicken and incrassat thin and rheumatick humors it restraineth all catarrhes and distillations it represseth the reaching vp bloud staieth the immoderat flux of womens monthly terms for which purposes the root is more effectuall than any other part of the plant The seed of the white Thistle is singular for the sting of scorpions a garland made of it and set vpon the head assuageth the paine thereof Much like vnto this is that Thistle which the Greeks call Acanthion but that the leaues be much smaller and those are sharpe pointed and prickly all about the edges and couered with a downe resembling a cobweb which the people of the East countries do gather and therof make certain cloth for garments resembling silke The leaues or roots drunk in substance are supposed to be a singular remedy for the crampe or convulsion which draweth the neck and body backward Moreouer there is a kind of Thorne whereof commeth Acacia and it is the juice thereof It is found in Egypt to issue from certain trees which be white black and green howbeit the best Acacia by far is that which the former that is to say the white and the black do yeeld There is made likewise a kinde of Acacia in Galatia which is most soft and tender and the tree that affoordeth it is more pricky and thorny than the rest The seed or fruit of all these trees is like vnto Lentils but only that the grain is lesse and the cod or huske wherein it lieth smaller The right season to gather this fruit is in Autumn for if it be taken before it is too too strong For to draw this juice which we cal Acacia the cods wherin the grains lie ought to be throughly steeped first in rain water soone after when they be punned or stamped in a mortar the sayd juice is pressed forth with certaine instruments seruing for the purpose which done they let it remaine within mortars in the sun and there take the thickening and so at length reduce it into certain trochisks and reserue them for vse There is a iuice likewise drawne out of the leaues but the same is not so effectual as the other The curriours vse to dresse their skins with the seed or grains therof in lieu of Galls The juice which the leaues of the Galatian thorne aboue said doth yeeld and namely the blackest is reiected for naught like as that also which is of a deepe red colour Contrariwise that which is either purple or ash-colored and russet to see too as also that which will be soone dissolued is of exceeding efficacy to thicken and coole withall and is preferred before all other in colyries or eie-salues now for these vses some are wont to wash the trosches aforesaid others torrifie and burn them They are good to colour the haire of the head black they heale S. Anthonies fire and corrosiue sores yea and all grieuances of the body that consist in moisture they cure any impostumes joints that are bruised kibed heels and the turning vp of the skin and flesh from the naile roots They represse the exceeding flux of womens monthly fleurs the matrice and tiwell if they be slipt and faln out of the body they reduce into their place again In sum for the eies for the sores and infirmities of the mouth and naturall parts seruing for generation they be soueraigne CHAP. XIII ¶ Of the common Thorne of the wilde or wood Thorne of Erysisceptrum of Spina Appendix of Pyxacanthus and Paliurus of Hulver or Holly of Yeugh and Brambles with the medicinable vertues of them all THe common Thorn also wherewith the Fullers vse to fill
groweth it runneth creepeth within the earth by many knots or ioints in the root from which as also from the branches and top-sprigs trailing aboue-ground it putteth forth new roots and spreadeth into many branches In all other parts of the world the leaues of this grasse grow slender and sharp pointed toward the end only vpon the mount Pernassus wherupon it is called Gramen Pernassi it brancheth thicker than in other places and resembleth in some sort Ivie bearing a white floure and the same odoriferous There is not a grasse in the field whereon horses take more delight to feed than this whether it be greene as it groweth or dry and made into hay especially if it be giuen them somewhat sprinckled with water Moreouer it is said that the inhabitants about the foresaid mount Pernassus do draw a juice out of this grasse vsed much to increase plenty of milk for sweet and pleasant it is but in other parts of the world in stead therof they vse the decoction of the common grasse for to conglutinat wounds and yet the very herb it selfe in substance will do as much if it be but stamped and so applied and besides a good defensatiue it is to keep any place that is cut or hurt from inflammation To the said decoction some put wine and hony others adde a third part in proportion of Frankincense Pepper and Myrrhe and then set all ouer the fire againe and boile it a second time in a pan of brasse which composition they vse as a medicine for the tooth-ach and watering eies occasioned by the flux of humors thither The root sodden in wine appeaseth the wrings torments of the guts openeth the conduits of the vrine and giueth it passage besides it healeth the vlcers of the bladder yea it breaketh the stone But the seed is more diureticall and with greater force driueth downe vrine than the root And yet it stoppeth a laske and staieth vomit A peculiar vertue it hath against the sting of dragons or serpents Moreouer some there be who giue direction in the cure of the kings euil and other flat impostumes called Pani to take nine knots or ioints of a root of this grasse and if they cannot find one root with so many ioints to take two or three roots vntill they haue the foresaid number which done to enwrap or fold the same in vnwashed or greasie wooll which is black with this charge by the way that the party who gathered the said roots be fasting and then to goe vnto the house of the patient that is to be cured waiting a time when hee is from home and be ready at his returne to receiue him with these words three times pronounced Iejunus ieiuno medicamentum do i. I being yet fasting giue thee a medicine also whiles thou art fasting and with that to bind the foresaid knots roots vnto the parts affected and so continue this course for three daies together Furthermore that kind of grasse which hath seuen ioints in the root neither more nor lesse is singular for the head ach and worketh great effects if the Patient carrieth it tied fast about him Some Physitians do prescribe for the intollerable pain of the bladder to take the decoction of this grasse boyled in wine vnto the consumption of one halfe and giue it to drinke vnto the Patient presently vpon the comming out of the baine or hot-house Touching the grasse which by reason of the pricks that it beares is named Aculeatum there be three sorts of it the first is that which ordinarily hath fiue such prickes in the head or top thereof and thereupon they call it Penta Dactylon i. the fiue finger graise these prickes when they be wound together they vse to put vp into the nosthrils and draw them downe again for to make the nose bleed The second is like to Sengreen or Housleek singular good it is for the whitflaws and excrescences or risings vp of the flesh about the naile roots if it be incorporat into a liniment with hogs grease and this grasse they call Dactylus because it is a medicine for the fingers The third kind named likewise Dactylos but smaller than the other groweth vpon old decaied wals or tyle houses this is of a caustick burning nature good to represse the canker in running and corrosiue vlcers Generally a chaplet made of the herbe Gramen or Dogs-grasse and worn vpon the head stancheth bleeding at the nose The Gramen that groweth along the high waies in the country about Babylon is said to kill camels that grase vpon it Fenigreeke commeth not behind the other herbs before specified in credit and account for the vertues which it hath the Greeks call it Telus and Carphos some name it Buceras and Aegoceras for that the seed resembleth little hornes we in Latine tearme it Silicia or Siliqua The manner of sowing it I haue declared in due place sufficiently The vertues thereof is to dry mollifie and resolue the juice drawne out of it after the decoction is right soueraigne for many infirmities and diseases incident to women and namely in the naturall parts whether the matrice haue a schirre in it and be hard or swolne or whether the necke thereof be drawne too streight and narrow for which purposes it is to be vsed by way of somentation incession or bath also by infusion or injection with the metrenchyte Very proper it is to extenuat the scurf or scales like dandruffe appearing in the visage being sodden and applied together with sal-nitre it helpeth the disease of the spleen The like effect it hath with vineger and beeing boyled therin it is good for the liuer for such women as haue painful trauel in child-birth be hardly deliuered Diocles appointed Fenigreek seed to the quantity of one acetable to be giuen in nine cyaths of wine cuit for three draughts with this direction that the woman first should take one third part of this drink and then go to a hot bath and whiles she were sweating therein to drink one halfe of that which was left and presently after she is out of the bain sup off the rest And he saith there is not the like medicine to be found in this case when all others will take no effect The floure or meale of Fenigreek seed boiled in mead or honied water together with barly or Lineseed is singular for the paine of the matrice either applied to the share in maner of a cataplasme or put vp into the naturall parts as a pessary according as the abouenamed Dioâ—…les saith who was wont likewise to cure the lepry or S. Magnus euil to clense mundifie the skin of freckles pimples with a liniment made with the foresaid floure incorporat with the like quantity of brim stone with this charge to prepare the skin by rubbing it with salnitre before the said ointment were vsed and then to annoint it oftentimes in a day Theodorus vsed to mixe
whiles some attribute to it the Centaur Chiron others to K. Pharnaces This Panaces is vsually set and planted bearing leaues indented in the edges like a saw and those longer than any of the rest The root is odoriferous which they vse to drie in the shadow and therewith to aromatize their wine for a pleasant and delectable taste it giueth vnto it Hereof they haue made two speciall kinds the one with a thicker leafe the other with a thinner and smaller As for Heracleon Siderion a plant it is also fathered vpon Hercules It riseth vp with a slender stalk to the height of foure fingers bearing a red floure and leaues in manner of the Coriander Found it is growing neare to pooles and riuers and for a wound herb there is not the like especially if the body be hurt by sword or any edged weapon made of yron and steele There is a wild Vine named Ampelos Chironia for that Chiron was the first author thereof Of this plant I haue written in my discourse of Vines vnder the name of Vitis Nigra like as also of another herb which hath the goddesse Minerua for the inuentresse Moreouer vnto Hercules is ascribed Henbane which the Latines call Apollinaris the Arabians Altercum or Altercangenon but the Greeks Hyoscyamus Many kinds there be of it the one beareth black seed floures standing much vpon purple and this herb is full of pricks And in very truth such is the Henbane that groweth in Galatia The common Henbane is whiter and brancheth more than the other taller also than the Poppy The third kinde bringeth forth seed like vnto the graine of Irio All the sort of these already named trouble the brain and put men besides their right wits besides that they breed dizzinesse of the head As touching the fourth it carieth leaues soft full of down fuller and fatter than the rest the seed also is white it groweth by the sea-side Physitians are not afraid to vse this in their compositions no more than that which hath red seed Howbeit otherwhiles this white kinde especially if it be not throughly ripe proueth to be reddish and then it is reiected by the Physitians For otherwise none of them all would be gathered but when they be fully drie Henbane is of the nature of wine and therfore offensiue to the vnderstanding and troubleth the head howbeit good vse there is both of the seed it selfe as it is in substance and also of the oile or iuice drawn out of it apart And yet the stalks leaues and roots are imploied in some purposes For mine owne part I hold it to be a dangerous medicine and not to be vsed but with great heed and discretion For this is certainly knowne That if one take in drink more than foure leaues thereof it will put him beside himself Notwithstanding the Physitians in old time were of opinion that if it were drunk in wine it would driue away an ague An oile I say is made of the seed therof which if it be but dropped into the ears is enough to trouble the brain But strange it is of this oile That if it be taken in drink it serues for a counterpoison See how industrious men haue bin to proue experiments and made no end of trying all things insomuch as they haue found means and forced very poisons to be remedies CHAP. V. ¶ Of Mercury called Linozostis Parthenium Hermupoa or rather Mercurialis of Achilleum Panaces Heracleum Sideritis and Millefoile of Scopa regia Hemionium Teucrium and Splenium of Melampodium or Ellebore and how many kinds there be of it of the black or white Ellebore their medicinable vertues how Ellebore is to be giuen how to be taken to whom and when it is not to be giuen and how it killeth Mice and Rats THe herb Mercury called by the Greeks Linozostis and Parthenion was thought to be first found out by Mercury whereupon many of the Greeks call it Hermu-poa and wee all in Latine name it Mercurialis Of it be two kinds the male and the female howbeit the female Mercury is of better operation than the other It riseth vp with a stem a cubit high which otherwhile brancheth in the top the leaues be like vnto Basil but that they are narrower full of knots or joints the stalk is and those haue many hollow concauities like arme-pits The seed hangeth down from those ioints In the female the same is white loose in great plenty in the male it standeth close vnto those joints but thinner and the same is small and as it were wreathed The leaues of the male Mercury be of a dark and blacker green wheras in the female they be more white The root is altogether superfluous and very little Both the one and the other delight to grow in plains and champion fields well ordered and husbanded It is wonderful if it be true that is reported of both these kinds namely That the male Mercury causeth women to beare boies and the female girls For which purpose the woman must presently after that shee is conceiued drink the juice of which Mercury she will in sweet wine cuit and eat the leaues either sodden with oile salt or els greene raw in a sallad with vineger Some there be who boile it in a new earthen vessell neuer vsed before together with the hearbe Hellotropium or Turnsol and 2 or 3 cloues of Garlick vntill it be throughly sodden VVhich decoction they prescribe to be giuen to women as also the herb it self to be eaten the second day of their monthly sicknes and so to continue for 3 daies together then vpon the fourth day after they haue bathed to company with their husbands Hippocrates giueth wonderfull praise vnto Mercury as wel the male as the female for all those accidents which follow women but the maner of vsing it which he prescribed there is no Physitian hath skil of He appointed to make pessaries thereof with hony oile of Roses oile of Ireos or Lillies and so to put them vp into the secret parts and in this manner he saith that the herb is excellent good for to prouoke the monthly termes of women and to fetch away the after-birth Hee affirmeth also that a potion of fomentation therwith wil do as much Moreouer by his saying the juice of Mercury infused into the ears or applied by way of liniment with old wine is singular for them when they runne with stinking matter he ordained likewise a cataplasme of Mercury to be laid to the belly for to stay the violent flux of humors thither for the strangury also and infirmities of the bladder In which cases he gaue the decoction therof with Myrrhe and Frankincense And verily for to loosen the belly although the Patient were in a feuer there is a potion of Mercury singular good made in this wise Take a good handfull of Mercury seeth the same in two sextars of water vntill one halfe be consumed let the party
drink the same with salt and hony mixed therwith but the said decoction if it be made with an hogs foot with a hen capon or cock boiled withal is the wholsomer Some Physitians were of opinion That for to purge the body both Mercuries as wel the male as the female are to be giuen either boiled alone by themselues or els with Mallows they clense the brest parts and euacuat choler but they hurt the stomacke Touching all the other properties of Mercury I will write in place conuenient As Chiron the Centaure found out the medicinable vertues of certaine herbes so we are beholden to his scholler Achilles for one which is singular to heale wounds and of his name is called Achilleos This is that wound-herb wherewith by report he cured prince Telephus Some haue thought that hee deuised first the rust of brasse or verdegreece which is so excellent for salues and plasters therfore you shall see Achilles commonly painted scraping off the rust of his speare head with his sword into the wound of the said Telephus Others say that he tooke both the said rust or verdegreece and also the herb Achilleos to worke his cure Some would haue this Achillea to be Panaces Heracleon and others Sideritis we in Latine call it Millefolia An herb it is growing with a stalk or stem to the height of a cubit spreading into many branches clad from the very root vp to the top with leaues smaller than those of Fenell Others confesse indeed that this herb is singular good for wounds but the true Achilleos say they hath a blewish stalk a foot high no more bare and naked without any branches at all howbeit finely deckt and garnished on euery side with round leaues standing one by one in excellent order and making a faire sight There be again who describe it with a foursquare stem bearing heads in the top in manner of Horehound and leaued like vnto an Oke And this they say is of that efficacy that it wil conglutinat vnite sinews again if they were cut quite a sunder Moreouer you shall haue some who take it for Achillea that kinde of Sideritis growing vpon mud walls which if it be brused or stamped yeeldeth a stinking sent Moreouer there is another going vnder the name Achilleos like to this last described but that the leaues be whiter and fattier the little stalks or sprigs more tender it groweth in vineyards Last of al there is one more called Achilleos which riseth vp to the height of 2 cubits bearing pretty fine slender branches and those three square leaues resembling Fearn hanging by a long stele the seed is much like to that of the Beet In one word they be al of them most excellent for healing wounds And as for that especially which hath the largest leaues our countrimen in Latine haue called it Scopa Regia And the same is holden to be good for to heale the Squinancy or Gargle in swine In the same age wherin Achilles liued prince Teucer also gaue the first name and credit to one speciall herb called after him Teucrion which some nominat Hemionium this plant putteth forth little stalks in maner of rushes or bents and spreadeth low the leaues be small it loueth to grow in rough and vntoiled places a hard and vnpleasant sauor it hath in tast it neuer floureth and seed it hath none Soueraigne it is for the swolne and hard spleene the knowledge of which property came by this occasion as it is credibly and constantly reported It fortuned on a time when the inwards of a beast killed for sacrifice were cast vpon the ground where this herb grew it took hold of the spleen or milt and claue fast vnto it so as in the end it was seen to haue consumed and wasted it clean hereupon some there be that call it Splenion i. Spleenwort and there goeth a common speech of it That if swine doe eat the root of this herbe they shall be found without a milt when they are opened Some there be who take for Teucrium and by that name do call another herb full of branches in manner of hyssop leafed like vnto beans and they giue order that it should be gathered whiles it is in floure as if they made no doubt but that it would floure The best kind of this herb they hold to be that which commeth from the mountains of Cilicia and Pisidia Who hath not heard of Melampus that famous diuinor and prophet he it was of whom one of the Ellebores tooke the name and was called Melampodion and yet some therebe who attribute the finding of that herb vnto a shepheard or heardman of that name who obseruing wel that his she goats feeding therupon fell a scouring gaue their milk vnto the daughters of king Proetus whereby they were cured of their furious melancholy and brought again to their right wits This herb then being of so excellent operation it shall not be amisse to discourse at once of all the kinds of Ellebore whereof this maketh one And to begin withal two principal sorts there be of it namely the white and the black which distinction of colour most writers would haue to be meant and vnderstood of the roots only and no part else others there be who would haue the root of the blacke Ellebore to be fashioned like vnto those of the Plane-tree but that they be smaller and of a more darke duskish green diuided also into more jags and cuts but those of the white Ellebore to resemble the yong Beet new appearing aboue the ground saue onely that they be of a more blackish colour and along the back part of their concauitie inclining to red Both the one and the other bringeth forth a stalke in fashion like the Ferula or Fenel-geant a span or good hand-breadth high and the same consisteth of certain tunicles or skins folded one within another in manner of bulbous plants rising from the like root and the said root is full of strings or fringes as is the head of an onion The blacke Ellebore is a very poison to horses kine oxen and swine for it killeth them and therefore naturally these beasts beware how they eat of it whereas confidently they feed vpon the white The right season of gathering the Ellebores is in haruest time Great store thereof groweth vpon the hill Oeta but the best is that which is found in one only place therof neere about Pyra The black Ellebore commeth vp euery where but the best is in Helicon a mountaine much renowned and praised for other herbs beside it wherewith it is well furnished As touching the white that of the mount Oeta is counted the principall in a second degree is the white Ellebore of Pontus in the third place is to be ranged that which commeth from Elaea which they say groweth among vines in the fourth and last place for goodnesse is that of the mount Pernassus which is sophisticated with the Ellebore of
root resembling the leaues of Branc-vrsin there riseth vp a stem between them both in the mids carrying an incarnat floure in the head like a rose Pompeius Lenaeus who by the commandement of Pompey the Great translated into Latine the Physick notes and receits of K. Mithridates saith moreouer that the said prince found out another herb named Scordotis or Scordium and that among other his writings hee met with the description of the said herb set down vnder the kings own hand in this manner namely That it grew a cubit high with a main stem four-square and the same full of branches garnished with downy or furred leaues indented and cut like to those of the oke This herb is found ordinarily growing within the region of Pontus in battle and moist champian grounds and in taste is very bitter There is another kind of Scordium with larger and broader leaues and like it is vnto wild Minth or Calamint both the one the other be of great vse in Physicke either by themselues alone or els put into opiats and antidots among other ingredients Touching Polemonia which others call Philetaeria it tooke the name vpon ocasion of the strife and controuersie betweene certaine princes which debated about the first inuention thereof The Cappadocians know it by the name Chiliodynama i. as one would say endued with a thousand vertues This plant hath a thicke and grosse root but smal slender branches from the tops whereof there hang down certaine berries in tufts and clusters inclosing within them black seed in all other respects it resembles rue groweth commonly vpon mountaines As for Agrimony called otherwise Eupatoria it hath gotten credit reputation by a king as it may appeare by the name The stalk or stem of this herb is of a wooddy substance blackish in colour hairy and of a cubit in height or rather more The leaues grow disposed and distant by certaine spaces asunder much like vnto those of cinquefoile or hempe snipped cut about the edges ordinarily in fiue parts the same are of a blackish or dark green and full of a kinde of plume or downe The root is superfluous for any operation that it hath in Physick the seed of this herb drunk in wine is a singular remedy for the dysentery or bloudy flix The greater * Centaury is that famous herbe wherewith Chiron the Centaure as the report goeth was cured at what time as hauing entertained Hercules in his cabin hee would needs be handling tempering with the weapons of his said guest so long vntill one of his arrows light vpon his foot and wounded him dangerously wherupon some there be who name it Chironion The leaues grow large broad and long indented or cut rather like a saw round about the edges neare vnto the root they come vp very thick the stems run vp three cubits high full of knots and joints all the way knobbed in the top like vnto Poppie heads the root is of a mighty bignesse inclining to a red colour howbeit tender and easie to break or knap in sunder two cubits it beareth in length full of a liquid juice bitter in taste and yet sweet withal it loueth to grow vpon banks and prety hils where the ground is fat and battle The best Centaury of this greater kinde commeth out of Arcadie Elis Messenia Pholoe and mount Lycaeus and yet there is good found vpon the Alpes and in many other places Some there be who out of this plant draw a juice in manner of Lycium Of such efficacy it is to incarnat wounds that by report if it be put into the pot to seeth among many gobbets or pieces of flesh it wil cause them to grow together and vnite The root only is to be giuen inwardly and namely in drinke to the weight of two drams in such cases as I will shew hereafter with this charge That if the Patient haue an ague hanging vpon him it be stamped and taken in water others may drink it well enough in wine Also the juice drawn forth of it when it is boiled is good for the diseases or rot of sheep Another Centaury there is syrnamed also in Greeke Lepton i. Small for that it hath little leaues in comparison of the other some name it Libadion for that it loueth to grow neere to springs or fountains it is somwhat like to Origan saue that the leaues be narrower and longer the stalk is cornered rising vp to a smal height to wit a hand-breadth or a span at most the same also putteth forth little branches the floure hath some resemblance of the red-Rose campion the root is small needlesse for any Physicke vse but the juice of the herb it selfe is of singular operation This herb would be gathered in Autumne when it is fresh full of leaues and floures for then it yeeldeth best iuice Some take the stalks and branches thred them smal let them lie infused in water 18 daies and then presse forth the juice This is that Centaury which we here in Italy call Fel Terrae i. the Gal of the earth by reason of the exceeding bitternesse which it hath the Gauls terme it Exacos because if it be drunk it sendeth downeward by seege out of the body any hurtfull poison whatsoeuer There is a third Centaury named Centauris knowne by the addition Triorches whosoeuer commeth to cut this herb he quits himselfe wel and escapeth faire if he wound not himselfe This plant yeeldeth forth a certaine red juice like vnto bloud Theophrastus hath deliuered in his history of Plants that the hawkes * Triorchides protect and defend this herbe are ready to incounter and fight with them that come to gather it wherupon it took the foresaid name Triorchis But many ignorant and vnskilfull persons there be who write confusedly of all these Centauries and attribute this last property and name to the first Centaurie the great CHAP. VII ¶ Of Clymenos Gentian Lysimachia Parthenis or Artemisia Ambrosia Nymphaea Heraclium and Euphorbium with their operations in Physicke THe herb Clymenos beareth the name of K. Clymenus the first inuenter and finder out therof Leafed it is like vnto Ivie full of branches the stalkes or stems be hollow and emptie within diuided by joints and partitions of a strong and vnpleasant smell the seed resembleth the grains or berries of Ivie and it taketh pleasure to grow in wilde woods and among mountains As touching the operations which it hath namely what diseases it cureth being taken in drink I will shew hereafter mean while I will not put off any longer but aduertise the Reader euen in this place That this herb as it doth good one way so it hurteth another for if they be men that drink it wel may it cure them of the maladies for which it is giuen but surely it killeth their naturall seed and disableth them for getting children so long as they vse it The Grecian writers described it to
be like in leaf vnto Plantain in stem four square bringeth forth certain little cods full of seed in folded and interlaced one within another after the manner of the tufted and curled haires about the Pourcuttle fiâ—…hes called Polypi But be it what it will the juice of the herb is refrigeratiue and of great vse in Physicke As for the herb Gentian we must acknowledge Gentius king of the Illyrians for the Authour and patron therof for he brought it first into name credit and howsoeuer it grow in al places yet the best is that which is found in Illyricum or Sclauonia The leaues come neare in fashion and forme to those of the Ash tree but that they be small in manner of Lettuce the stem is tender of a thumb thicknesse hollow as a kex and void with in leafed here and there with certain spaces betweene growing vp other while 3 cubits high The root is pliable and will winde euery way somwhat blacke or duskish without any smell at all it groweth in great plenty vpon waterish hillocks that lie at the foot of great mountains such as the Alps be The juice of the herb is medicinable like as the root it selfe also which is very hot of nature and not to be giuen in drinke to women with childe Lysimachia the herbe so much commended by Erasistratus beareth the name of king Lysimachus who first gaue light of the vertues that it hath greene leaues it beareth like vnto those of the willow the floures be purple giuen much it is to branch from the root and those stalkes grow vpright a sharp smell it carrieth with it and delighteth to liue in watery places Of so effectuall vertue it is that if it be laid vpon the yoke of two beasts which will not draw gently together it staieth their strife and maketh them agree well enough Not men only and great kings but women also and queens haue affected this kind of glory To giue names vnto herbs Thus queen Artemisia wife to Mausolus king of Caria eternized her owne name by adopting as it were the herb Mugwort to her selfe calling it Artemisia whereas before it was named Parthemis Some there be who attribute this denomination vnto Diana called in Greek Artemis Ilithya because it is of speciall operation to cure the maladies incident to women It brancheth and busheth thick much like to wormwood but that the leaues be bigger fat and wel liking withal Of this Mugwort there be two kinds the one carieth broad leaues the other is tender and the leaues smaller this grows no where but along the sea coasts There be writers who call by this name Artemisia another herb growing in the midland parts of the main and far from the sea with one simple stem bearing very small leaues and plentie of floures which commonly break forth and blow when grapes begin to ripen and those cast no vnpleasant smel which herb some thereupon name Botrys others Ambrosia and of this kind there is great store in Cappadocia Nenuphar is called in Greeke Nymphaea the originall of which herb and name also arose by occasion of a certain maiden Nymph or yong lady who died for jealousie that she had conceiued of prince Hercules whom she loued and therefore by some it is named also Heraclion of others Rhopalos for the resemblance that the root hath to a club or mace But to come againe to our first name Nymphaea this quality it hath alluding and respectiue thereunto That whosoeuer do take it in drink shal for 12 daies after find no prick of the flesh no disposition I say to the act of venery or company of women as being depriued for that time of all naturall seed The best Nemphar or Nymphaea is found in the lake Orchomenus and about the plain of Marathon The people of Boeotia who also vse to eat the seed thereof commonly call it Madon It taketh great contentment to grow in waters the leaues floting vpon the face of the water be broad and large whiles others put forth from the root The floure resembleth the Lillie which when it is once shed there be certain knobs remaining like vnto the bolls or heads of Poppie The proper season to cut the stems and heads of this plant is in Autumne The root is blacke which being gathered and dried in the Sunne is counted a soueraigne remedy for those that be vexed with the flux or fretting of the belly A second Nemphar or Nymphaea there is growing in Thessaly within the riuer Peneus with a white root but a yellow flour in the head about the bignesse of a rose No longer ago than in our forefathers daies Iuba king of Mauritania found out the herb Euphorbia which he so called after the name of his own Physitian Euphorbus brother to that learned Musa Physitian to Augustus Caesar who saued the life of the said Emperor as heretofore I haue declared These two brethren Physitians ioined together in counsell and gaue direction for to wash the body all ouer in much cold water after the hot baine or stouve thereby to knit and bind the pores of the skin for before their time the maner was to bathe in hot water only as we may see plainly in the Poet Homer But now to return vnto our herb Euphorbia the foresaid K. Iuba wrote one entire book at this day extant wherin he doth nothing els but expressely set forth the commendable vertues and properties of this one herb He found the same first vpon the mountain Atlas where it was to be seen saith he bearing leaues resembling Branc-vrsin so strong and forcible it is that those who receiue the juice or liquor issuing from it must stand a good way off for the manner is to launce or wound it first and then presently to retire backe and so at the end of a long pole to put vnder it a paile or trey made of kids or goats leather for a receptory into which there runneth forth out of the plant a white liquour like vnto milke which when it is dried and growne together resembleth in shew a lumpe or masse of Frank incense They that haue the gathering of this juice called Euphorbium find this benefit thereby That they see more clearly than they did before an excellent remedy this is against the venom of serpents for what part soeuer is stung or wounded by them make a light incision vpon the crown of the head and apply therto this medicinable liquor it wil surely cure it But in that country the Getulians who commonly do gather Euphorbium for that they border vpon the mount Atlas sophisticate it with goats milke Howbeit fire will soon detect this imposure of theirs for that which is not right but corrupt when it burneth doth yeeld a lothsome fume and stinking sent The juice or liquor which in France is drawn out the herb Chamaelea the same that beareth the red grain named by the Latines Coccum commeth far short of this
giue ouer flapping with their tailes and beating their own sides vntill they haue killed themselues Now for their sting it is an vsuall practise to giue inwardly one dram weight of the seed of Betonie in three cyaths of wine or els to incorporate 3 drams of the pouder in one sextar of water and lay it as a cataplasme to the fore Cantabrica Dictamnum and Aristolochia serue likewise for good counterpoisons in case a dram weight of their root be giuen in one hemine of wine But then the Patient must vse to drink it often And verily Aristolochia worketh the same effect if it be reduced into a liniment and so applied so doth Pistolochia which herb is so aduersatiue vnto serpents that if you doe but hang it vp in the chimney ouer the hearth it will chase away all kind of serpents out of the house CHAP. IX ¶ Of Argemonie Agarick and Echium Of Henbane and Veruaine Of Blattaria and Lemonia Of Cinquefoile Carot and the Clot or great Bur. Of Cyclaminus or Sow-bread and Harstrang hearbs all singular against the sting of Serpents THe root of Argemonia taken to the weight of one Roman denier in 3 cyaths of wine is singular against the sting of serpents And since I am come to mention this herbe I thinke it conuenient to discourse farther thereof like as of other simples also which I meane to name first before that I treat of their vertues and effects And in this course of setting downe medicines euer as I meet with any herb of any singularity I will range it there whereas I know it to be most soueraigne and effectuall Wel this Argemony aforesaid hath leaues like to Anemony i. Rose Persly or Windfloure jagged they be in maner of garden Parsly Heads it beareth in the top of euery stalke or branch resembling those of wild Poppy or Corne-rose and a root also not vnlike to that of the said herb A juice it yeeldeth yellow as Safron hot sharp and biting in tast VVith vs here in Italy it groweth vpon corn lands Our countrymen haue described three kinds therof but they allow and commend that only which hath a root senting much of Frankincense Touching Agaricke it is a fungous excrescence growing out of certain trees neare vnto the straits of Bosphorus much like vnto a white Mushrum The ordinary dose or receit thereof to be giuen bruised and beaten small into pouder is to the weight of two drams in two cyaths of Oxymel or honied vineger That which is found in Gaule or France is thought to be weaker in operation Moreouer that Agaricke is counted the male which is more massiue or compact and bitterer withall but one ill quality it hath namely to make the head to ake The female is of a more loose and softer substance which at the first when you tast it seemeth sweet but within a while it turneth to be bitter Echium is of two kinds One of them is like to Peniroyall garnished crowned as it were with tufts of leaues in the head which being giuen to the weight of two drams in 4 cyaths of wine is singular good for the venome of serpents inflicted by their sting The like effect hath the other also which is distinctly knowne from the other by the rough and prickie downe that the leaues do beare and it carieth in the top little knobs resembling vipers heads and this may be taken either in wine or in vineger chuse you whether The great Clot-bur called in Greek Arcion some haue named in Latine Personata There is not a plant in the field that carieth a broader leafe and besides furnished it is with as big Burs The root of this hearb boiled the Physitians prescribe to be giuen in vineger to drinke against the sting ofserpents Henbane stamped leaues and all singular to be taken in wine especially against the sting of the Aspides But of all other herbs there is none more honored among the Romans than Hierobotane called also otherwise in Greek Peristereon which we in Latine name Verbenaca This is that hearb which as I haue declared heretofore our Embassadors vse to cary with them when they go to denounce war and to giue defiance vnto our enemies VVith this herbe the feastiuall table of Iupiter is wont to be swept and clensed with great solemnitie our houses also be rubbed and hallowed for to driue away ill spirits And hereof be two kinds That which they take to be the female is stored well with leaues the male hath them growing but thin yet both of them put forth many small and slender branches commonly a cubit long and cornered The leaues be lesser and narrower than those of the Oke but deeper they be indented and the partition wider the floures be of a gray colour the root long and small It groweth euery where vpon plains subiect vnto waters Some writers make no distinction at all of male female but hold them all to be of one and the same kind because they work the same effects In France the Druidae vse them both indifferently in casting lots telling fortunes foreshewing future euents by way of prophesie But the wise-men or sages called Magi ouerpasse themselues mightily in this herb and shew their foolery and vanity without all sence and reason They would beare vs in hand forsooth that whosoeuer be rubbed all ouer the body therewith shall obtaine whatsoeuer their heart desireth be able to cure and driue away all manner of agues reconcile them that be fallen out make friendship between whom they list and in one word giue remedy to any di sease whatsoeuer they giue moreouer expresse order that it be gathered about the rising of the great dog-star but so as neither Sun nor Moon be at that time aboue the earth to see it with this especiall charge besides that before they take vp the herbe they bestow vpon the ground where it groweth honey with the combes in token of satisfaction and amends for the wrong and violence done in depriuing her of so worthie an hearbe They rest not so but when these ceremonious circumstances be performed they inioine them also who are to dig it vp for to make a circle round about the place with some instrument of yron and then to draw and pluck it vp with the left hand in any wise so to fling it aloft ouer their heads vp into the aire which done they appoint precisely that it be dried in the shade leaues stalkes and roots euery one apart by themselues To conclude they adde moreouer and say that if the ball or dining chambe sprinckled with the water wherein Veruaine lay steeped all that sit at the table shall be very pleasant and make merrie more jocundly VVell to leaue these toies and fooleries the truth is this stamp and beat it giue the juice or pouder therof in wine it is a good defensatiue against the poison of serpents An herb there is much resembling Mullen or Langwort
much forked diuided into branches wherwith folk vsed to kil fishes But among al other herbs of name Peucedanum is much talked of and commended principally that which groweth in Arcadie next to it most account is made of that in Samothrace a slender stalk it carrieth and a long resembling the stem of Fennell neere vnto the ground it is replenished well with leaues the root is black thick full of sap and of a strong and vnpleasant smell it delighteth to come vp and grow among shady mountains The proper time to dig it out of the ground is in the later end of Autumne the tenderest roots and those that run deepest downe into the earth are most commendable The manner is to cut these roots ouerthwart into certaine cantels or pieces of foure fingers in length with kniues made of bone whereout there issueth a juice which ought to be dried kept in the shade but the party who hath the cutting of them had need first to annoint his head all ouer and his nosthrils with oile rosat for feare of the gid and least he should fall into a dizzinesse or swimming of the braine There is another juice or liquor found in this plant lying fast within the stems therof which they yeeld forth after incision made in them The best juice is knowne by these marks It carieth the consistence of honey the colour is red the smell strong and yet pleasant and in the mouth it is very hot and stinging Much vse there is of it in many medicines as also of the root and decoction thereof but the juice is of most operation which being dissolued with bitter almonds or rue people vse to drink against the poison of serpents in case the body be annointed all ouer with oile it preserueth them safe against their stings CHAP. X. ¶ Of ground Elder or Wallwoort Of Mullen or Taper wort Of the Aconit called Thelyphonos Of remedies against the pricke of Scorpions the venome of Hedge-toads the biting of mad Dogs and generally against all poysons THe smoke or perfume also of VValwort a common herb and knowne to euery man chaseth and putteth to flight any serpents The juice of Polemonia is a proper defensatiue especially against scorpions if one haue it tied about him or hanging at his neck likewise it resisteth the prick of the spiders Phalangia and any other of these venomous vermins of the smaller sort Aristolochia hath a singular vertue contrary vnto serpents so hath Agaricke if foure oboli thereof be drunke in as many cyaths of some artificiall or compound aromatized wine Vervaine is a soueraigne herb also against the venomous spider Phalangium being taken in wine or oxycrat i. vineger and water so is Cinquefoile and the yellow Carrot That herb which the Latines call Verbascum i. Lungwort or Hightaper is named in Greek Phlomos Two special kinds there be of it the one is whiter which you must take for the male the other black that may go for the female There is a third sort also but it is found no where but in the wild woods The leaues of all the former be broader than those of the Colewort and hairy withal they beare a main vpright stem a cubit in height with the vantage the seed is black and of no vse in Physicke a single root they haue of a finger thicknes These grow also vpon plains and champian grounds The wild kinde beareth leaues resembling sauge the branches be of a wooddy substance the same grow high There be moreouer of this kind two other herbs named Phlomides both of them hairy their leaues be round and they grow but low A third sort there is be sides named by some Lychnitis and by others Thryallis it sheweth 3 leaues or foure at the most and those be thick fat good to make wyks or matches for lights It is said that if figs be kept in the leaues of that which I named the female they will not rot To distinguish these herbs into seuerall kinds is a needlesse peece of work considering they agree all in the same effects their root together with rue is to be drunk in water against the poyson of scorpions true it is that the drinke is very bitter but the effect that it worketh maketh amends There is an herbe called by some Thelyphonon by others Scorpion for the resemblance that the root hath to the Scorpion and yet if Scorpions be but touched therwith they will die thereupon no maruell therefore if there be an ordinary drinke made of it against their poison and here commeth to my mind that which I haue heard namely that if a dead scorpion be rubbed with the white Ellebore root it wil reuiue and quicken again The said Thelyphonon hath such a spightful nature against the four-footed beasts of the female sex that if the root be laid to their shap or naturall place it killeth them and if the leafe which is like vnto the Cyclamin or Sowbread leafe aboue named be applied in that maner they will not liue one day to an end This herb is parted and diuided into knots or joints taking pleasure to grow in coole and shady places To conclude and knit vp these remedies against scorpions the juice of Betonie and of Plantaine likewise is a singular remedie for their poison Moreouer Frogs such especially as keep in bushes and hedges and be called in Latine Rubetae i. toads are not without their venom I my self haue seen these vaunting Montebanks calling themselues Psylli as comming from the race of those people Psylli who feared no kind of poison I haue seen them I say in a brauery because they would seem to surpasse all others of that profession to eat those toads baked red hot between 2 platters but what became of them they caught their bane by it and died more suddenly than if they had bin stung by the Aspis but what is the help for this rank poison surely the herb Phrynion drunk in wine Some cal it Neuras others Poterion pretty flours it beareth the roots be many in number full of strings like vnto sinews and the same of a sweet pleasant sent Likewise Alisura is counted another remedy in this case an herb it is called by some Damosorium by others Liron the leaues might be taken for Planta in but that they be narrower more iagged and plaited bending also toward the ground for otherwise ribbed they be and full of veins as like as may be to Plantain As for the stalk it is likewise one and no more plain and slender of a cub it in heigth in the head wherof it hath knobs roots growing many and thick together and those but small like vnto those of the blacke Ellebore but they be hot and biting of a sweet and odoriferous smell and of a fatty substance withall it groweth ordinarily in watery and moist places And yet there is a second kind of it which commeth vp in woods of a more duskish
and blacker colour than the former bearing bigger leaues the root of both is of singular operation against the venomous frogs or toads aboue said also against the sea-hare if it be taken in wine to the weight of one dram And since we haue mentioned the sea-hares take this withall That Cyclaminos also is soueraigne against their venom Moreouer a mad dog letteth in a dangerous poison by the wound that his tooth maketh against which there is not a better thing than dog-rose of the Eglantine called Cynorrhodon as I haue before declared Plantain is a singular herb against the biting of any ve nomous beast whatsoeuer whether it be taken inwardly in drink or outwardly applied Betonie is likewise good therfore if it be drunk in old wine Veruain which the Greeks call Peristereos is an herb bearing one main stalk of a good heigth furnished well with leaues spreading forth toward the head into other branches much sought to by doues and pigeons whereupon it took the foresaid name Peristereos They say whosoeuer carry this herb about them there dare not a dog bark at them Thus much as touching the dangers proceeding from venomous beasts What remaineth now but in the next place to treat as well of such sorceries and maleficiall poisons as men haue deuised and practised to the mischiefe of their own kind as of their remedies where in the first place there presenteth it self vnto vs that noble herb Moly so much commended by the Poet Homer as a soueraigne preseruatiue not only against all those wicked inventions but also against the secret and diuelish practises to wit charmes and inchantments wrought by Art magick and witchcraft Next vnto which the herbs Mithridation Scordotis and Centaury also the seed of Betony drunk in honied wine or sweet cuit the pouder also of the dried herb it selfe to the weight of one dram taken in 4 cyaths of old wine doth expell out of the body euacuat by the seege any poison whatsoeuer but the patient must be forced to vomit vp the first potion and then to recharge again take another draught of the foresaid medicine And verily it is a common speech That whosoeuer vse to tast euery day a little of Betony shall neuer catch harm by any poisoned cup. If a man or woman chance to haue drunk down any poison the root of Aristolochia is a present remedy vsed in that order as I haue prescribed before in case of stinging by venomous serpents The like effect hath the iuice of Cinquefoile Semblably Agarick if it be taken to the weight of one denier Roman in three cyaths of honied water or mead is of the same operation with this charge That the party do lay vp his stomack or cast before There is an herb called Calves-snout in Greeke Antirrhinon or Anarrhinon a kind of wild Lichnis like vnto Line or flax with little or no root at all carying a floure resembling the Hyacinth or Crowtoes and the seed much like a calues snout or muzzle the Magitians haue a great opinion of this herb That whosoeuer be rubbed all ouer with it or annointed throughly with the juice thereof shall looke more beautifull louely and amiable and whosoeuer weareth it in a bracelet about the wrest or arme shall take no harme by charme sorcerie witchcraft or poison The like conceit they haue of another herb called Euploea and they affirme That if any man or woman be annointed therewith they shall grow in great credit and reputation with the people Moreouer they say that the herb Artemisia or Mugwort will preall those who haue it about them from witch-craft sorcerie and poison from danger by venomous beasts yea and from the hurtfull and maligne aspect of the very Sun The same if it be taken in wine helpeth and saueth those that are poisoned with Opium being either drunke or worn about the neck or but tied to any part of the body it hath a peculiar vertue against the venom of todes There is an herb of the bulbous or onion-root kind named Pericarpum whereof be two sorts the one hath a red bark or rind about the root the other a black and is like vnto the Poppy of greater operation this is than the former but both of them be very hot which is the reason they serue to good purpose for to be giuen vnto them that haue drunk Hemlock against which venomous herb Frankincense and Panaces especially that which they call Chironium be counted singular and this Panaces also last named is an excellent antidote for them that are poisoned with venomous Mushroms CHAP. XI ¶ Proper receits and remedies for the diseases of the head SInce wee are waded so far into the deep secrets of Physick it will not be amisse to proceed forward and to set downe many good medicines for all the maladies incident either in generall to the whole body or particularly to euery speciall part and member thereof beginning first at the head There is an vnseemely accident happening otherwhiles to the head and disgraceth it much called Alopecia when as the haire vnnaturally falleth off The cure of this inconuenience is to make a liniment with the roots of Nymphaea and Hemlocke stamped together and therwith to annoint the bald and naked places for it will cause the haire to come vp again grow thick Polytricha Callitrica both capillare herbs differ one from another for that Polytrica hath white benty filaments or threds the leaues be also more in number greater with all besides the very plant it selfe spreadeth and brancheth more than the other this herb is singular to fasten the haire of the head at the root and to make it bush and grow thick being otherwise ready to shed In like manner there is an herb called in Latine Lingulaca which loueth to grow about springs or fountains is singular for the same imperfection of shedding haire if the root together with the leafe burnt and beaten to pouder be incorporate with the grease of a blacke sow but in any wise she must be a yong guilt that neuer farrowed or had pigs and so brought into a liniment and the head rubbed and annointed therwith with this charge besides That after the annointing the Patient sit bare headed in the sun for that helps forward the cure verie much And in the same case there is the likevse of the Cyclamine or Sowbread root Touching the scurse or brannie scales called Dandruffe the root of Veratrum or Ellebore sodden either in oile or water maketh a most excellent medicine to rid it away to clense the head thereof As for head-ache the roots of all the kinds of Panaces stamped and tempered with oile doe cure the same so doth Aristolochia and Iberis if they be applied in manner of a frontall and bound to the forehead the space of an houre or longer if the Patient can abide it so that a bath be vsed presently vpon it The yellow carot
pleurisie Touching that Plant which the French cal Halum the Venetians Cotonea it is holden excellent for the griefe of the sides for the reines those that be plucked with the cramp and bursten by any inward rupture this herb somwhat resembleth wild Origan or Marjeram saue that in the â—…ead it is like rather vnto Thyme sweet it is in tast and quencheth thirst a spungeous and â—…ht root it hath in one place white in another black Of the same operation for the paires of the â—…de is Chamaerops an herbe which hath leaues growing double about the stalk and those like vnto the Myrtle leaues and bearing certain buttons or heads much after the manner of the Greekish Rose and the way to take it is in wine Agarick drunk in that order as it was prescribed for the cough doth assuage the paine of the Sciatica and the back bone Semblably doth the pouder of dried Stoechas or Betony if it be taken in mead or honied water CHAP. VIII ¶ Of all the infirmities and remedies of the belly and those parts that either be adioining to it or within contained The means how to loosen and bind the belly TOuching the panch or belly much ado there is with it and although most men care for nothing els in this life but to content and please the belly yet of all other parts it putteth them to most trouble for one while it is so costiue as that it will giue no passage to the meat another while so slippery as it will keep none of it one time you shal haue it so peeuish as that it can receiue no food and another time so weake and feeble that it is able to make no good concoction of it And verily now adaies the world is growne to that passe that the mouth and panch together are the chiefe meanes to worke our death The wombe I say the wickedest vessell belonging to our bodies is euermore vrgent like an importunat creditour demanding debt and oftentimes in a day calleth vnto vs for victuals for the bellies sake especially we are so couetous to gather good for the belly we lay vp so many dainties and superfluities to content the belly we stick not to saile as far as the riuer Phasis and to please the belly we seek sound the bottome of the deep seas and when all is done no man euer thinketh how base and abject this part of the body is considering that filthy ordure and excrement which passeth from it in the end No maruell then if Physitians be much troubled about it and be forced to deuise the greatest number of medicines for the help and cure thereof And to begin with the staying and binding of it a dram of Scordotis the herbe stamped greene and taken in wine doth the feat so doth the decoction thereof if it be drunke Also Polemonia is a soueraigne herb to be giuen in wine for the bloudy flix The root of Mullen or Lungwort taken to the quantity of two fingers in water worketh the same effect The seed of Nymphaea Heraclea drunk in wine is of the like operation so is the vpper part of the double root of Glader or the Flagge ministred to the weight of two drams in vineger To this purpose also serueth Plantaine seed done into pouder and put into a cup of wine or the herb it selfe boiled with vineger or els frumenty pottage taken with the juice thereof Plantaine sodden with Lentils or the pouder of the dry herb strewed like spice into drinke together with the pouder of starched Poppie The iuice also of Plantain or of Betony put into wine that hath bin heat with a red hot gad of steele either ministred by clystre or drunk in the said case is very commendable Moreouer the same Plantain or Betony is singular to be giuen in some green or austere wine for those who are troubled with the lask proceeding from a weake stomack and for that purpose Iberis may be applied vnto the region of their belly as I haue before said In the disease Tinesmus which is an inordinat quarrell to the stool and a straining vpon it without doing any thing the root of Nemphar or Nymphaea Heraclia is singular good to bee drunk in wine likewise Fleawort taken in water the decoction of Galangale root the juice of Housleeke or Sengreene stoppeth the flux of the womb staieth the bloudy flix and chaseth out of the body the round worms The root of Comfrey and of the Carot stoppeth likewise the bloudy flix The leaues of Housleeke stamped and taken in wine are singular good against the wringing torments of the belly The pouder of dried Alcaea drunk cureth the said wrings Astragalus i. Pease Earth-nut an herb bearing long leaues indented with many cuts or jags and those which be about the root made bias riseth vp with three or foure stems full of leaues carieth a floure like to the Hyacinth or Crow toes the roots are bearded and full of strings enfolded one within another red of colour and exceeding hard in substance it groweth in rockes and stonie grounds exposed to the Sun and yet charged or couered with snow the most part of the yeare such as is the mountain Pheneus in Arcadia This herb hath an astringent power the root if it be drunk in wine bindeth the belly by which means it prouoketh vrine namely by driving backe the serous and watery humors to the reines like as most of those simples that be astringent that way are diureticall The same root stamped and taken in red wine healeth the exulceration of the guts thereby staieth the bloudy flix but suâ—…ely hard it is to bruise or stamp it the same is singular for the apostumation of the gums if they be fomented therwith the right season to draw and gather those roots is in the end of Autumne when the herb hath lost the leaues and then they ought to be dried in the shade Both sorts of Ladanum growing among corne be excellent for to knit the belly if they be stamped and searced The manner is to drink them in mead likewise in wine to represse choler Now the herb whereof Ladanum is made is called Lada groweth in the Island Cypros the liquor wherof sticketh commonly to goats beards The excellent Ladanum commeth out of Arabia There is a kind of it made now adaies in Syria and Africke which they call Toxicon for that in those countries the people vse to take their bow strings lapped about with wooll trail the same after them among those plants which beare Ladanum and so the fattie dew cleaueth therto Of this Ladanum I haue written more at large in my treatise of ointments redolent compositions but this later kind is strongest in sauor hardest in hande and no maruell for it gathereth much grosse and earthy substance whereas indeed the best Ladanum is commended and chosen when it is pure clear odoriferous soft green and full of rosin The nature
a round root and the same yellowish and senting much of the earth the stem is foure cornered of a mean height small and slender and the floure much like to that of Basill Found it is ordinarily in stony grounds The root of this hearb drunk in mead to the weight of 2 deniers doth euacuat downward by the belly both cholericke and also flegmatick humors The seed causeth troublesome and vnquiet dreams if one drinke a dram therof in wine Fumiterre also consumeth and dispatcheth the kings-euill Polypodium which wee cal in Latine Filicula because it is like vnto Fearn purgeth choler The root which is only medicinable and in vse is ful of hairs of a greenish colour within as big commonly as a mans little finger full of hollow concauities it is representing those holes that the fishes called Polypi haue about their feet or clees sweetish it is in tast and groweth either vpon rocks or else at the foot of old trees After that this root hath bin wel soked in water they vse to presse the iuice forth of it or the same may be shred minced smal strewed among pothearbs either of Beers or Mallows yea and put into the pot with them or els tempered in some salt sauce or sodden in broth a fine medicine and a safe gently loosing the belly though the patient were in an ague it doth euacuat choler and flegme both but somwhat offensiue it is to the stomack The pouder of it dried conueighed vp into the nosthrils consumeth the ill-fauoured sore within called Polypus or Noli-me-tangere It floureth but seedeth not Moreouer Scammonie also ouerturns and hurteth the stomack vnlesse two drams of Aloe be put vnto as many oboli of it for then it purgeth choler and sendeth it down by the belly Now this Scammonie is the juice of a certain herb called likewise Scammonea which brancheth and tufteth immediatly from the root the leaues be fat white and made triangle wise the root thick moist and in handling wil make ones stomack to rise and be ready to heaue It loueth to grow in battle grounds and those of a white leere About the rising of the great Dog-star they vse to make an hollow trough in the root as it groweth to the end that all the moisture thereof may fall and gather into it which liquor beeing dried in the Sun is wrought and made into bals or trochisks The root it selfe also is commonly dried or at leastwise the rind thereof In regard of the countrey where it groweth that is commended most which comweth from Colophon Mysia and Priene but if you respect the form and look of it chuse that which is neat and clean resembling as neare as possibly may be strong Oxe glue spungeous or fistulous full of holes or passing small pipes If you go by other qualities take that which wil soon dissolue or melt which also hath a strong and stinking smel clammy and gummy turning into a whitish liquor like milk if you taste it at the tongues end exceeding light in the hand and when it is resolued growing to a whitish colour And yet this property you shall see in that Scammonie which is sophisticate and that yw is may soone be done for do but take the meale or floure of Eruile and the iuice of the sea Tithymal such is that commonly which commeth from Iudaea it wil counterfeit the right Scammony but such stuffe as this offendeth the throat and is ready to choke or strangle as many as vse it Howbeit this may be soon found by the very tast only for the Tithymall setteth the tongue in a heat as if it were a bulb root and is not good to purge whether a man take it fasting or full As for the true and sincere Scammony they were wont to exhibit it for a purgation euen simply by it self alone in a draught of mead with some salt and the dose was four oboli But it was found to do the deed best and most effectually taken with Aloe so that the patient when it began once to worke took a prety draught of sweet honied wine Furthermore the root if it be boiled in vineger to the consistence of hony maketh a singular liniment for to annoint the leptosie yea and in case of head-ach it is found good to annoint the head with it oile together As for the Tithymall aforesaid our countrymen here in Italy some call it Lactaria as one would say the Milke herb other Lactuca caprina i. Goats Lectuce It is commonly said that with the milke or juice of these Tithymals a man may write vpon the skinne of the body for draw any letters therewith and strew ashes or dust thereupon when they be drie they will appeare very legible And this is a tricke practised by those that make court vnto other mens wiues their mistresses deliuering their minds secretly vnto them by this means which they dare not set down in paper or missiue letters Many kinds there be of these Tithymals The first is known by the addition of Characias which also is called the male Tithymall the branches be of a finger thicknes red riueled 5 or 6 in number running vp to the height of a cubit and leaued they be immediatly from the root which hang downward inclining to the earth but in the top it hath an hairy tuft or head in manner of rushes This groweth in rough places and rocks by the seas side The seed together with the hairy bush that it hath they vse commonly to gather in Autumn which after it be dried in the Sun they stamp and then lay vp against their need As for the iuice men draw it about the time that Quinces begin to ripen and gather a downe about them for then they breake the sprigges and tender crops of the plant out of which there issueth the iuice or milk which they receiue either in Eruile floure or els vpon figs that it may dry with them together Now it is sufficient to let fiue drops fall vpon euery such fig for this opinion they haue that looke how many drops light vpon a fig so many stooles shall hee haue who taketh that fig in a dropsie to purge waterish humors But in the gathering of this iuice or liquour great heed must be taken that no drop of it touch the eyes There is a iuice also pressed out of the leaues being bruised and stamped but not so effectuall as the former The decoction of the branches also is vsed to the same purpose And the seed being sodden serueth to the making of certaine pils confected with hony which are highly commended for purgatiues the same seed enclosed within wax is good to be put into hollow teeth when they ake in which case also a collution made of the root boiled in wine or oile is singular good if they be washed therewith With the iuice of this herb there is a liniment made for tettars and ringworms and some there
euery particular member I purpose to write in the next place of such as occupy the whole body and of the remedies common to them all which I find to be these ensuing And first there presenteth it selfe vnto me the noble herb * Dodecatheos wherof I haue spoken before as a soueraigne remedy for those vniuersal diseases if it be taken in drink Next to it are the roots of all kinds of the Panaces which are thought to be excellent and principally for long and languishing maladies like as their seed for the obstructions of the bowels and the inward accidents of the guts for the pains generally of the whole body the iuice of Scordium is right commendable and so is that of Betony which herb taken in drink hath a peculiar property to mend the wan and leaden hew of body reducing it to a more fresh and pleasant color The herb Geranion which some call Myrrhis others Merthrys is like vnto Hemlocke saue that it hath smaller leaues and a shorter stem which also is round of a sweet sent to the nose and good sauor in the mouth for so we Latines doe describe it but according to the description of the Greeks the leaues rather resemble the Mallow but that they are whiter somwhat the stalks slender and hairy it brancheth out big at the distance of euery two handbredths howbeit ful of leaues between and among the leaues are to be seen in the top of the branches and sprigs little buttons or heads like vnto Crane-bils Another kind there is of them leafed after the maner of passe-floures or wind-floures but that they be intailed or indented deeper and a round root it hath fashioned like an apple which is sweet in tast and is an excellent restoratiue for all such as haue bin weakened and decaied in nature by long sicknesse and this I take to be the true Geranion which is a rare herb A dram weight thereof drunk twice a day first and last in three cyaths of wine is a singular medicine for the phthysicke And in that order it is good for ventosities and hath the same effect though it be taken raw The iuice of the root is soueraigne for the infirmities of the ears The seed giuen in drink to the quantitie of 4 drams with pepper and Myrrh cureth the cramp which pulleth the head and body all backward The iuice of Plantain if it be drunk or the herb it selfe boiled and so eaten is wholsome for those that be in a Phthisick Plantain eaten with salt and oile in a morning so soon as a man is awakened is a great cooler The same is an ordinary medicine for those that mislike and whose meat is not seene vpon them if they take it each other day Of Betony and hony there is a liquid confection or lohoch made which being licked and let down leisurely to the quantity at a time of a good big beane helpeth those that are in a Phthysick or consumption of the lungs Also Agarick if it be drunk to the weight of 2 oboli in wine cuit is good in the like case so is Daucum also taken in wine with Rhapontick For the hungry worms Phagedaenae a name in this place signifying an inordinat disposition to be alwaies eating and neuer satisfied although otherwise I vse it for cankerous and corroding vlcers the Tithymalls or Spurges taken inwardly with Sesama seed is counted soueraigne Among the maladies which affect infest the whole body want of sleep or an indisposition thereto is by most Physitians counted one for which defect they shew vs these herbs following to wit Panaces water Betony and Aristolochia which they prescribe to the patient both for to smel too and also to annoint his head al ouer withal Likewise Housleek called Aeizoon also Sedum giuing direction to wrap it within a blacke cloth and so to lay it vnder the pillow or boulster of the sick person but in no wise to let him or her know so much Likewise Oenothera otherwise named Onuris is effectuall for this purpose an herb good also in wine to make the heart merry It groweth with leaues resembling those of the Almond tree and beareth floures like vnto Roses Store of branches it putteth forth and hath a long root which being dried senteth much of wine Of such vertue is this herb that if it be giuen in drink to the wildest beast that is it will tame the same and make it gentle As for the crudities or raw humors lying in the stomack which cause loathing and abhorring of meat Betony is singular to digest them the same drunk immediatly after supper helps concoction namely if one dram weight of the herb be taken in 3 cyaths of oxymel and so it resolueth and scattereth the fumes arising vp into the head occasioned by strong wine Of the same operation is Agaricke drunke at the end of a meale in hot water The foresaid Betony hath the name of a speciall remedie for the palsie so is Iberis also reputed as I haue shewed once before the same hearbe reviueth the lims which are benummed and in manner dead And verily Argemon is of that vertue that it discusseth all those cold humors which mortifie any member and put them in danger to be cut off or launced The root of that Panaces which I named Heraclia drunke with the rennet of a Seal so as there be in proportion 3 parts of the said root to one of the rennet cureth the falling sicknesse And of the same effect is Plantaine taken in drink The said disease is healed by Betony if a dram therof be taken in oxymell by Agarick also to the quantity of 3 oboli and by a drinke made with Cinquefoile Moreouer Brionium called likewise Archezostis warisheth this infirmitie but it must be giuen in Amminean wine Furthermore the root of Baccharis dried and beaten into pouder taken with Coriander in 3 cyaths of hot water is a soueraigne mean to help that malady Cudweed made into pouder and taken with vineger hony or hot water Veruain drunk in wine three beries of Hyssop stamped and drunk in water for 16 daies together Harstrang and the rennet in the maw of a Seale of each a like quantity taken in drink the leaues of Cinquefoile if they be stamped and drunk in wine for 31 daies the pouder of Betony to the weight of 3 deniers concorporat with one cyath of Squillitick vineger an ounce of Atticke hony lastly two oboles of Scammonie with foure drams of Castor be all appropriat medicines for the falling sicknesse In all cold agues if the Patient drink Agarick in hot water the fits will be the lighter And more particularly the herb Sideritis drunk with oile shortneth the cold fit in a tertian so doth that Ladanum which groweth among corne if it be stamped and so giuen Likewise Plantain if the patient drink the weight of two drams in mead two hours before the fit or the verie juice of
the seed of Mullen boiled in wine stamped and reduced into a cataplasme Hemlocke incorporat with hogs grease All these applied accordingly do assuage paine and bring down any swelling occasioned by dislocation The leaues of Ephemerum brought into a liniment are good for any bunches or tumors caused by those accidents if they be taken betimes whiles they may be discussed and resolued As touching the Iaundise I cannot but wonder at it especially appearing as it doth in the eies namely how the gall should get vnder those fine membranes and tunicles lying so close couched as they do Hippocrates hath taught vs a rule That if the jaundise shew in a feuer after the seuenth day from the beginning thereof it is a deadly signe Howbeit I my self haue known some to haue escaped and liued stil notwithstanding that desperat signe But this is not alwaies a symptome incident to an ague but happeneth otherwhiles without a feuer and then a drinke made of the greater Centaurie as I haue before shewed doth with stand stay the course therof Also Betony riddeth away the iaundise if the patient do drink three oboli therof in one cyath of old wine The leaues of Veruaine likewise haue the like effect if the same quantity be drunke foure daies together in one hemine of wine hot But the speediest cure of this disease is by Cinque-foile or fiue leaued grasse if three cyaths of the juice be taken with salt and hony in drink The root of Sowbread is a soueraigne medicine for this infirmity if the Patient drinke the weight of three drams but this care ought to be had that the room be hot and so close that no winde may come in for feare of catching cold and then it will driue out the jaundise by sweat lustily The leaues of Fole-foot taken in water the seed of Mercuries both the male female if a cup of drink be spiced therewith or if it be sodden with Wormewood or cich pease the * berries of hyssop drunk with water the herb Liuerwort so that the patient ab stain from all worts or potherbes so long as he taketh it Capillus veneris giuen in wine and the Fullers herb in wine honied be all of them good medicines for the jaundise As for the sores called Fellons or Cats-hairs they will breed euery where in any part of the body and put folk to great anguish and trouble who haue them yea and otherwhiles indanger their life especially if they meet with lean and worn bodies But what remedy Take the leaues of the herb Pycnocomos let them be stamped and incorporate with fried Barley meale and so applied in case the said fellons are not drawne to a pointed or sharpe head The leaues also of * Ephedros brought into a liniment and laid too do discusse dissolue them if they be taken in the beginning Moreouer you shall not see a part of the body but it is subiect to the Fistulaes which creepe inwardly and hollow as they go but especially when by the vnskilfull direction of Physitians or the lewd hand of chyrurgions there be an incision vntowardly made in the body The help is to make tents of Centaurie the lesse with honey boiled and put them into the concauity Also to vse an injection of Plantain juice To apply Cinquefoile with salt and hony Ladanum also with Castoreum to lay vnto the sore Vmbilicus veneris with deere Marow especially of Stag or Hind hot The string or pith of a Mullen root fashioned slender to the form of a tent put into the vlcer or the root of Aristolochia in that manner vsed or the juice of Tithymall conueied into it serue all to cure the Fistula Al inflammations biles impostumes are healed by a liniment made of Argemony leaues So be all hard and schirrous tumors occasioned by the gathering of humors with Veruaine or Cinquefoile sodden in vineger with the leaues and roots of Mullen with hyssope applied in wine with the root of Acorus so that there be a fomentation withall made of the decoction of the said herb and finally with Housleek In like manner these herbs before rehearsed do heale bruises hard tumors or bunches and hollow sores The leaues of * Illecebra draw forth any arrow heads and whatsoeuer sticketh within the body so do the leaues of Folefoot the Carot also and the leaues of * Lions paw stamped and incorporat with fried Barly meale in water The leaues of Pycnocomos punned or the seed beaten to pouder with Barly meale parched and so reduced into a cataplasm are good to be applied to biles and impostumes broken running matter In like manner the Ragworts are to be vsed As touching the accidents that happeâ—… in the bones the root of Satyrion if it be laid outward ly vpon them are thought to work a most effectual speedy cure Al cankerous eating sores likewise impostumes growing to suppuration are healed with the sea weeds if they be applied before they be dried withered Also the root of marsh Mallow doth dissipate and scatter all gatherings of humors to an impostume before it be come to an head and to suppurat Plantain and the Clot Bur are singular for burns or scalds healing them vp so clean without a skar that a man shall not perceiue the place the maner is to take the leaues seeth them in water stamp them into a liniment and so to apply them Likewise the roots of Sowbread together with Housleek the herb it selfe Hypericon which I called before Corion haue the like effect For the infirmities incident to sinews and joints Plantain is a soueraigne herb if it be stamped with salt so is Argemonia punned and incorporat with hony The juice of Harstrang is singular to annoint those that be sprained such also as be stretched with an vniversall cramp as if they were all of a peece For to mollifie the hardnesse of sinews that be shrunk vp there is not a better thing than the juice of Aegilops and to assuage their pain a liniment made with groundswell and vineger is excellent For those that be sprained and troubled with that crampe which draweth their necke backward it is good to rub and annoint them well with Epithymum with the seed of S. Iohns woort which also is called Coris and to drinke the same As for the hearbe Phrynion they say it hath vertue to conglutinat and vnite sinews again if they were cut in sunder if it be laied too presently either stamped or chewed in the mouth For such likewise as be spasmatick plucked backward with the cramp or troubled with trembling and shaking of the lims it is good to giue them the root of the marsh Mallow to drink in mead and in that maner taken it healeth those that be stiffe and stark for cold Finally the red seed of the herbe Paeony stancheth any flux of bloud the root thereof hath the like operation As for Cyclaminos that is to say
matter a liniment or salue made of the root of all kinds of Panaces wine together are thought to be a soueraigne means to heale them But that Panaces which they call Chironia hath a singular property aboue the rest to drie vp such sores the same root beaten to pouder and incorporat with honey breaketh and openeth any swelling impostumes This herb tempered with wine it makes no matter whither you take floure seed or root so it be applied with Verdegrease or the rust of brasse healeth any sores be they neuer so desperat and principally such vlcers as be corrosiue and eat as they go The same if it be mingled with fried Barly meal is good for old festered vlcers Also Heraclion Sidâ—…rion Henbane Fleawort Tragacanth and Scordotis incorporat accordingly with hony cleanse the said sores As for this last named the very pouder of it alone strewed vpon vlcers eateth away the excrescence of proud flesh Polemonia healeth those malignant sores which be called morimals and are hard to be cured Centaury the greater reduced either into a pouder and so cast vpon the sore or brought into a liniment and applied accordingly the tops also of the lesse Centaurie either sodden or beaten to pouder do mundifie and heale vp all inueterate and cankered vlcers The tender crops or husks of Clymenos are good to be laid vnto fresh green wounds Moreouer the root of Gentian either stamped or boiled in water to the consistence of hony or the very iuice thereof serueth very well to be applied vnto corrosiue and eating vlcers like as a kind of Lycium made of it is as appropriat for wounds Lysimachia is an excellent wound herb and healeth wounds speedily if they be taken whiles they be new Plantam is a great healer of any sore whatsoeuer but principally of such vlcers as be in the bodies of women children and old folk If it be made soft tender at the fire first it doth the cure so much the better and being incorporat in some ordinary cerot it mundifieth and cleanseth the thicke edges and swollen brims of any sore and staieth the canker of corroding vlcers But when Plantaine is thus reduced into a pouder strewed vpon the sore you must not forget to couer the same with the own leaues Moreouer Celendine is singular for all impostumes and botches whether they be broken or no vea it mundifieth and drieth vp hollow vlcers called Fistulaes and for wounds is is such a singular desiccatiue that Chirurgions vse it in stead of Spodium The same being incorporat with hogs grease is excellent to be applied vnto them when they be in manner past cure and giuen ouer by the Chirurgion The herbe Dictamnus taken in drinke thrusteth out arrow-heads and in a liniment outwardly draweth forth the ends of darts and any spils whatsoeuer sticking within the body for which effect the leafe would be taken to the weight of one obolus in one cyath of water Next to this in operation is the other bastard kind therof call'd Pseudodictamnum and there is neither of them both but is good for to draw all biles imposthumes that are broken do run matter Moreouer Aristolochia is an excellent herb to eat and consume putrified vlcers full of dead flesh it mundifieth also those that be foule and filthie if it be applied with honey yea and draweth out the vermin bred of the corruption within them the callosities likewise and hard excrescences arising in sores it fetcheth away also it drawes forth any thing sticking in the flesh especially arrows and the spils of broken and scaled bones if it be laid too with rosin Of it selfe alone without any thing els it is a good incarnatiue and filleth vp hollow vlcers with good flesh butmixed with the pouder of the Flour-de-lis root and so incorporat with vineger it is singular for to heale vp green wounds Moreouer for old sores Veruaine and Cinquefoile medled together with salt and hony do make a soueraign salue The roots of the great Clot bur are good to be laid vnto fresh wounds made by the sword or any edged tooles but the leaues are better for old wounds if the same be tempered with hogs grease howbeit this charge ought to be giuen That as well the one as the other haue a leafe of the own laid ouer them to couer the whole place As for Damasonium it would be vsed in these cases prepared in that manner as it is ordained for the Kings euill And the leaues of Mullen serue wel for the same purpose if they be applied with vineger or wine Veruaine is a good herbe for all sorts of wounds and sores were they ouergrowne with callosities and ful of putrefaction the root of Nymphaea Heraclea healeth perfectly all running and filthy vlcers In like manner the root of Cyclamin i. Sowbread either alone of it selfe or incorporat with vineger or hony The same is singular good for those wens or impostumes that ingender within them a certaine matter like vnto fat or tallow Like as Hyssop is an appropriat herb for running vlcers Semblably Peucedanum which is of that efficacy for the healing of green wounds that it will draw corruption from the very bone The same effects haue both the Pimpernels and besides they doe represse those cancerous sores that eat deepe they stay also the flux of a rheume to any sore which hindereth the healing thereof they be good also for green wounds but especially in old bodies The fresh leaues of Mandragoras newly gathered incorporate with the masse of some cerot are singular for impostumes and maligne vlcers like as the root healeth wounds beeing made into a plaster with honey or oile Likewise Hemlocke tempered with the floure of fine white wheat and wrought into a paste with wine Housleeke cureth shingles ringwormes and such like wild-fires yea if they grow to be wolues and begin to putrifie like as Groundswell healeth those vlcers which be giuen to ingender vermin but the roots of the mountaine Cich or pease earth-nut are soueraign for green wounds and both kinds of Hypocisthis do mundifie inueterat vlcers The seed of Pied-de-lion stamped with water and reduced into a liniment with parched Barley groats concorporate all together draweth forth arrow heads so doth the seed of Pycnocomon in the same sort vsed and applied The iuice of the Spurge called Tithymalus Characias healeth gangrens cankers and putrified sores tending to mortification The decoction also of the branches sodden in oyle with fried barley meale As for Ragworts they cure morimals also either drie or greene so they be applied with vineger and honey and Oenothera by it selfe healeth those vntoward and fretting vlcers which are the worse and more angry for the handling The Scythians are woont to heale wounds with their hearbe Scythica And for cancerous sores the herb Argemonia incorporat with honey is knowne to be most effectuall When any wound or sore is ouer healed an
the face and to scoure away other spots and pimples arising vpon the skin Gentian and Nymphaea called Heraclea the root also of Cyclamin riddeth all such cutanean specks and blemishes The graines of wild Carawaies called Cacalia incorporate in wax melted and made liquid lay the skin of the face plain and euen and smooth all wrinkles The root of Acorum serueth likewise to purifie the skin from all outward deformities Herb Willow giueth the hair of the head a yellow colour Hypericon which also is named Corion dieth it black likewise doth Ophrys an herbe growing with two leaues and no more like vnto jagged Beets or Colewoorts Also Polemonia setteth a black colour vpon haire if it be boiled in oile As for depilatorie medicines which are to take away the haire from any part the proper place to treat of them is indeed among those that pertain especially to women but now adaies men also are come to it and vse such deuises as well as women The most effectuall of all others be they accepted that are made of the herbe Archezostis The juice of Tithymall is likewise very good to fetch off haires and yet there be some who pluck them out first with pinsers and then with the said iuice incorporat with oile rub the place often in the hot sun Finally Hyssop tempered with oile into a liniment is excellent to heale the mange or scab in four-footed beasts and Sideritis hath a peculiar vertue for to cure swine of their squinsies or strangles Now is it time to pursue all other kindes of hearbes which remaine behind THE TVVENTY SEVENTH BOOK OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proeme CHAP. I. CErtes the farther that I proceed in this discourse history of mine the more am I forced to admire our forefathers and men of old time for considering as I do what a number of simples there yet remain behind to be written of I cannot sufficiently adore either their carefull industry in searching and finding them out or their liberal bounty in imparting them so friendly to posterity And verily if this knowledge of Herbes had proceeded from mans inuention doubtlesse I must needs haue thought that the munificence of those our ancestors had surpassed the goodnesse of Nature her selfe But now apparent and well knowne it is That the gods were authors of that skil and cunning or at leastwise there was some diuinitie and heauenly instinct therein euen when it seemed to come from the braine and head of man and to say a truth confesse we must That Nature the mother and nource of all things both in bringing forth those simples and also in reuealing them with their vertues to mankind hath shewed her admirable power as much as in any other work of hers whatsoeuer The herbe Scythica is brought hither at this day out of the great fens meers of Moeotis where it groweth Euphorbia commeth from the mountain Atlas far beyond Hercules pillars the straits of Gibralter and those are the very vtmost bounds of the earth from another coast also the herbe Britannica we haue transported vnto vs out of Britaine and the Islands lying without the continent and diuided from the rest of the world like as Aethiopis out as far as Aethyopia a climat directly vnder the Sun and burnt with continuall heat thereof besides other plants and drugs necessary for the life and health of man for which merchants passe from all parts too and fro and by reciprocall commerce impart them to the whole world and all by the meanes of that happy peace which through the infinite maiesty of the Roman Empire the earth inioieth in such sort as not only people of sundry lands and nations haue recourse onevnto another in their traffick mutual trade but high mountains also the cliffes surpassing the very clouds meet as it were together haue means to communicat the commodities euen the very herbs which they yeeld one to the benefit of another long may this blessing hold I pray the gods yea and continue world without end for surely it is their heauenly gifts that the Romans as a second Sun should giue light and shine to the whole world CHAP. II. ¶ Of the poison Aconite and the Panther which is killed thereby AConite alone if there were nothing els is sufficient to induce any man to an endlesse admiration and reuerence of that infinit care and diligence which our antients imployed in searching out the secrets of Nature considering how by their means we know there is no poison in the world so quicke in operation as it insomuch as if the shap or nature of any liuing creature of female sex be but touched therewith it will not liue after it one day to an end This was that poison wherewith Calphurnius Bestia killed two of his wiues lying asleep by his side as appeareth by that challenge and declaration which M. Caecilius his accuser framed against him And hereupon it was that in the end of his accusatory inuectiue he concluded with this bitter speech That his wiues died vpon his finger The Poets haue feined a tale That this herb should be ingendered first of the fome that the dog Cerberus let fall vpon the ground frothing so as he did at the mouth for anger when Hercules pluckt him out of hell and therefore it is forsooth that about Heraclea in Pontus wher is to be seen that hole which leadeth into hel there groweth Aconit in great plenty howbeit as deadly a bane as it is our forefathers haue deuised means to vse it for good and euen to saue the life of man found they haue by experience that being giuen in hot wine it is a counterpoison against the sting of scorpions for of this nature it is that if it meet not with some poison or other in mens bodies for to kill it presently sets vpon them and soon brings them to their end but if it incounter any such it wrestleth with it alone as hauing found within a fit match to deale with neither entreth it into this fight vnlesse it find this enemy possessed already of some noble and principall part of the body and then beginneth the combat a wonderfull thing to obserue that two poisons both of them deadly of themselues and their own nature should die one vpon another within the body and the man by that mean only escape with life Our ancestors in times past staied not thus but found out and deliuered vnto vs proper remedies also for wilde beasts and not so contented haue shewed meanes how those creatures should be healed which are venomous to other for who knoweth not that scorpions if they be but touched with Aconite presently become pale benummed astonied and bound confessing as it were themselues to be vanquished and prisoners contrariwise let them but touch the white Ellebore they are vnbound and at liberty again they recouer I say their former vigor and vertue whereby we may see that the
the most part into three or foure grains or branches the same is white odoriferous and hot in the mouth it loueth to grow vpon rockes and stonie grounds lying pleasantly vpon the Sun The infusion of this root in wine is good to be drunke for the paine and other diseases of the matrice but of the said root there ought to be taken three ounces stamped and the same to steepe a day and night in 3 sextars of wine for to make the infusion aboue-named This portion also serues to send down the after-birth if it stay behind The seed of this herbe drieth vp milke if it be drunke in wine or mead Cirsion commeth vp with a slender stalke two cubits high and seemeth to be made 3 cornered triangle-wise the same is beset round about with prickie leaues howbeit the said prickes are but tender and soft The leaues in forme resemble an oxe tongue or the herb Langue-deboeufe but that they be smaller and somewhat white in the top whereof there put forth purple buttons or little heads which in the end turne to a plume like thistle down Some writers hold that this herb or the root onely bound vnto the swelling veines called Varices doth allay the paine thereof Crataeogonos spindleth in the head like vnto the eare of wheat and out of one single root ye shall haue many shoots to spring and rise vp into blade and straw and those also ful of ioints It gladly groweth in coole and shadowie places the seed resembleth the grain of the Millet which is very sharp and biting at the tongues end If a man his wife before they company together carnally drink before supper for 40 daies together the weight of three oboli of this seed either in wine or as many cyaths of water they shall haue a man childe betweene them as some say There is another Crataeogonos called also Thelygonos the difference from the other may soon be known by the mildnesse in taste Some authors affirm that if women vse to drinke the floures of Crataeogonos they shal within 40 daies conceiue with child But as well the one as the other applied with hony do heale old vlcers they incarnat and fill vp the hollow concauities of fistulous sores and such parts as do mislike and want nourishment they cause to gather flesh and fill the skin again foule and filthy vlcers they mundifie the flat biles and risings called Pani they rarifie and discusse gouts of the feet they mitigat generally all impostumations in womens brests specially they resolue and assuage Theophrastus would haue a kind of tree to be called Crataegonos or Crataeogon which here in Italy they call Aquifolia Crocodilion doth in shape resemble the thistly herbe or Artichoke called the blacke Chamaeleon the root is long and thicke in all parts alike of an hard and vnpleasant smel it groweth ordinarily in sandy or grauelly grounds If one drinke of it they say it will set the nose a bleeding and send out a deale of thicke and grosse bloud that the spleene will diminish and weare away by that means As touching Testiculus Canis or Dogs-stones which the Greeks cal Cynosorchis others simply Orchis it hath leaues like vnto those of the oliue soft tender they are and about halfe a foot long and therfore no maruell if they lie spred vpon the ground the root is bulbous and growing long-wise in a double ranke or two together the one aboue which is the harder the other vnder it and that is the softer when they be sodden folke vse to eat them after the manner of other bulbs and lightly a man shall find them growing in vineyards Of these two roots if a man eat the bigger it is said that he shal beget boies and if the woman eat the smaller she shal conceiue a maiden childe In Thessalie men vse for to drinke in goats milke the softer of these roots to make themselues lustie for the act of generation but the harder when they would coole the heat of lust whereby we may see that they be contrarie and one hindereth the operation of the other Chrysolachanon commeth vp like a Lettuce and commonly groweth in plots of ground set with Pines the vertue of this herbe is to heale wounds of the sinewes thought they were cut quite asunder if it be presently laied too There is another kinde of Chrysolachanon bearing floures of a golden colour and leafed like vnto the Beet when it is boiled folke vse to eat it in stead of meat and it looseneth the belly as well as Beets Coleworts and such like and if it be true that is reported whosoeuer beare this hearbe tied fast about any place of their bodies which is euer in their eie so as they may see the same continually it wil cure them of the jaundise Touching this hearb Chrysolachanum well I wot that I haue not written sufficiently that men might know it by this description and yet could I neuer meet with any author who hath said more or described it better This verily hath been the fault and ouersight euen of our moderne Herbarists of late daies To write sleightly of those herbes and simples which they themselues knew and were acquainted with as if forsooth they had been knowne to euery man setting downe onely their names and no more which is euen as much as to tell vs a tale and say that with the rennet or rundles of the earth one might stay a laske or giue free passage to the vrine in the strangury so it be drunke in wine or water As for Cucubalum they write of it That if the leaues bee stamped with vineger they heale the stings of serpents and scorpions Some of them cal this herb by another name Strumus and others giue it the Greeke name Strychnos and black berries they say it hath The iuice thereof taken to the quantity of one cyath with twice as much honied wine is soueraigne for the loins or small of the back likewise it easeth the head-ache if together with oile of roses it bee distilled vpon the head by way of embrochation The herb it selfe in substance made into a liniment healeth the wens called the kings euill Concerning the fresh water Spunge for so I may more truly terme it than either mosse or herbe so thicke of shag haires it is and fistulous withal it groweth ordinarily within the riuers that issue from the root of the Alpes and is named in Latine * Conferua for that it is good to conglutinat in manner of a souder Certes I my selfe know a poore labourer who as he was lopping a tall tree fell from the top down to the ground and was so pitiously bruised thereby that vnneth he had any sound bone in all his body that was vnbroken and in very truth lapped he was all ouer with this mosse or spunge call it whether you will and the same was kept euermore moist and wet with sprinckling his owne water
vntoward for to be healed but a peculiar property it hath by it selfe to cure any vlcer occasioned by the snow Our Herbarists vse this kind much for the squinancy and to ease the head-ach make a garland thereof appointing it to be set vpon the head but to represse any violent catarrhs they prescribe to weare it about the neck In Tertian agues some giue direction to pluck it out of the ground with the left hand and then to tie it to the arm or other part of the patient And there is not an herb or plant that they be more careful to keep dry and to haue alwaies ready at hand than Polygonon for to stanch any issue or flix of bloud whatsoeuer Pancration which some chuse rather to cal the little Squilla or sea-onion beareth leaues resembling the white Lilly but that they be longer and thicker with a great bulbous root the same in color red The juice of it taken with the floure of Eruile maketh the belly laxatiue and outwardly applied mundifieth vlcers For the dropsie and hardnesse of the spleene it is giuen with hony in maner of a syrrup Some take the root and boile it in water vntill the liquour be sweet which they poure forth and then stamp the said root and reduce it into bals or trosches which they lay to dry in the Sun and vse them afterwards as occasion serueth for the skals or vlcers of the head and all other sores that require mundification Semblably they giue thereof as much as one may take vp with three fingers in wine for the cough and in a liquid electuarie or lohoch for the pleurisie and peripnewmonie They prescribe it likewise to be drunke in wine for the Sciatica to allay also the gripes and wrings of the belly and to procure the monethly termes of women Peplos called by some Syce by others Meconion Aphrodes from one smal root busheth into many branches the leaues be like vnto Rue but that they be somewhat broader the seed appeareth vnder the leaues round but that they be smaller not vnlike to the white Poppie Ordinarily it is found among Vines and they gather it in haruest time They hang it forth seed and all together a drying setting water vnderneath that the said seed or fruit may fall down into it If it be taken in drinke it purgeth the belly and doth euacuat both choler and fleagme The measure of one acetable is counted an ordinary and indifferent potion to be drunk in three hemines of mead or honied water With this seed they vse to pouder meats and viands thereby to keep the body soluble Periclymenos is also a bushie plant and loueth to branch much it beareth whitish soft leaues disposed two by two at certain spaces distances very orderly In the top of the branches it beareth hard seeds between the leaues which hardly may be plucked off It groweth in tilled corn fields hedges winding about euery thing that it can catch hold of for to support and beare it vp The seed after it is dried in the shade folk vse to pun in a morter and so to make it vp into trochisks In case that the spleen be swollen or hard they take of these trosches and after they be dissolued giue thereof a sufficient quantity in 3 cyaths of white wine for 30 daies together which drink is of such operation that it will wast and spend the spleen partly by vrine which wil appeare bloudy and partly also by seege and this will be perceiued sensibly by the tenth day of the cure The leaues also be diureticall and a decoction made with them prouokes vrine The same likewise are good for those that cannot draw their wind but sitting with their body vpright Being drunk in like manner they help women who are in sore trauell to speedie deliuerance and fetch away the after-birth As touching Pelecinum it groweth as I said before among corn branching thick and garnished with leaues like vnto the cich pease It beareth seed in certain cods which crook in manner of little horns and those be four or fiue in number together The said seed resembleth Gith so far as euer I could see and is bitter but good for the stomack one of the ingredients that goe into antidotes and preseruatiues against poison Polygala reacheth vp with a stem a span high in the top wherof it beareth leaues resembling the Lentils of an astringent tast which being drunk causeth nources to haue plenty of milk in their breasts Poterion or as some call it Phrynion or Neurada brancheth and spreadeth much armed it is with sharp pricks and besides full of a kind of thick down the leaues be small and round the branches slender long soft and pliable the floure in form long of a grasse green color The seed is of no vse in Physick but of a quick and sharp tast odoriferous also and pleasant to the smell It is found growing as well in watery places as also vpon little hils Two or three roots it hath which run down two cubits deep into the ground ful of cords or sinews white and of a firm and hard substance About Autumne they vse to dig round about it hauing before cut the plant it selfe aboue ground which yeeldeth thereby a juice like vnto a gum The root is by report of wonderfull operation in healing wounds and especially of sinews cut in sunder if it be applied thereto in a liniment Also the decoction thereof drunke with honey in manner of a syrrupe helpeth the feeblenesse and dissolution of the sinewes and namely when they bee wounded and cut Phalangites by some is called Phalangion by others Leucanthemon or as I find in some copies Leucacantha Little branches it putteth forth neuer fewer than twaine and those tending directly a contrary way The floures white fashioned like the red Lilly the seed blacke broad and flat shaped after the manner of halfe a Lentill but much lesse and the root is of a greenish colour The leafe floure and seed of this herbe is a singular remedie against the venomous sting of scorpions the spiders Phalangia and serpents also for the wringing torments of the belly As for Phyteuma somewhat els I haue to do rather than to describe it considering there is no vse of it but in amatorious medicines to procure womens loue There is an herbe called by the Greekes Phyllon growing vpon stony mountaines standing much vpon a rocke The female of this kinde is of a deepe greene colour the stem is slender the root small the seed round and like vnto that of Poppie This hearbe serueth for the getting and conceiuing either of boyes or girles according as the male or the female is vsed which differ only in seed or fruit which in the male resembleth an oliue that is new come forth and biginneth only to shew But both of them are for the said purpose to be drunke in wine Phellandrion groweth in moory grounds and in leafe
commeth neere vnto garden Parsley the seed thereof is good to be drunke for the stone and the infirmities incident to the bladder As for Phalaris it hath a long slender stem like vnto a reed in the top whereof it beareth a floure bending downward and the seed resembleth that of Sesama and this also breaketh the stone if it be drunke in wine or vineger or otherwise with milk and honey The same cureth the accidents of the bladder Polyrrhizon is leafed like vnto the Myrtle and hath many roots which being bruised are giuen in wine against the poison of serpents not only if men but also if fourfooted beasts be stung by them Proserpinaca likewise being otherwise a common herb is counted a soueraigne remedy against scorpions the same stamped and incorporat with fish-pickle and oile is by report a singular medicine against the prick of scorpions Ouer and besides it is said that if it be but held vnder the tongue it refresheth those who be ouertrauelled or any waies wearied so as they haue lost their speech with very faintnesse but in case it be swallowed downe the throat it procureth vomit which alwaies is good and wholsome for the Patient As touching Rhacoma it is brought vnto vs out of those countries which are beyond the kingdome of Pontus a root it is much resembling the black Costus but that it is smaller and somewhat redder also without any smell hot at the tongues end and astringent being punned it is of a wine colour inclining to safron a liniment made of this root doth mitigate all impostumes and inflammations healeth wounds and appeaseth the violence of any rheums taking a course to the eies especially if it be applied with cuit al marks remaining after stripes other places of the skin black and blew it taketh away if they be annointed with it and vineger together the pouder thereof is good to be cast vpon old morimals and vlcers vntoward to be healed being to the weight of one dram taken in water it is singular for them that cast vp bloud moreouer in case of the dysentery and the flux proceeding from imbecility of the stomacke it is an excellent medicine to be taken in wine if the Patient bee free of the ague otherwise it would be giuen in water For to pun or stamp this root more easily it had need to lie and soke in water ouernight the decoction thereof is giuen to drinke in double measure or quantity for those that be plucked with the cramp bursen bruised or to such as haue tumbled down from some high loft In pains of the brest there had need some Pepper and myrrh to be put thereto in case the stomack be feeble and clean done it ought to be taken in cold water and whether it be giuen inwardly or applied outwardly it helpes all those that void vp filthy matter from the parts beneath likewise it cureth such as haue weak liuers hard or swelled spleens and the Sciatica it healeth the infirmities of the kidnies shortnesse of wind straitnesse of breath namely when a man is driuen to sit vpright for it The hoarsnesse and roughnesse of the throat it cureth if either the pouder be taken to the quantity of 3 oboli in cuit or the decoction drunk The filthy tettars called Lichenes it scoureth away applied vnto them in a liniment with vineger In drink it dissolueth ventosities riddeth away through-colds and namely the shiuerings and shakings in cold agues it represseth the yex or hicquet appeaseth the wrings of the belly cleareth the windpipes dispatcheth the pose the murre and heauinesse of the head stilleth the dizzines of the head and turning of the brain occasioned by melancholy humors and finally assuageth all painfull lassitudes and is singular good for cramps or convulsions About the towne Ariminum there groweth an herb commonly knowne by the name of Reseda it resolueth and discusseth all impostumes it reduceth also into temperature any inflammation But they that vse to cure with this herb must when they lay it to the place say withall these words following Reseda morbos Reseda scisne scisne quis hic pullos egerit Radices nec caput nec pedes habeant That is to say Reseda cause these maladies to cease knowest thou knowest thou who hath driuen these pullets here Let the roots haue neither head nor foot This charm I say they must pronounce three times ouer and spit vpon the ground as often To conclude Stoechas groweth in those Islands onely which carry that name and be called Stoechades an odoriferous herb it is bearing leaues like vnto hyssop and is bitter in tast taken in drink it procureth womens moneths and doth mitigat the pains of the brest Also it is one of the species or ingredients entring into the preseruatiue compositions called Antidotes CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Nightshade of Smyrnium and Telephium Of Trichomanes Thalietrum and Thlaspi Of Tragonia Tragonis Tragum Tragoprgon and Spondylis Also that some diseases are not incident to certaine countries NIght shade called in Latine Solanum the Greeks name Strychnos as saith Cornelius Celsus an herbe this is which hath a vertue repercussiue and refrigeratiue Loueach named otherwise Smyrnium hath a stem like vnto Persley and the leaues be larger it putteth forth many sions or imps from about the stem and out of their concauities there spring certain fatty leaues those hanging as if they were broken toward the ground hauing an aromaticall smel joined with a certain acrimony which is not vnpleasant of a colour inclining to a weak and faint yellow The stem beareth in the head certain round spoky tufts in manner of Dill. The seed round and black which waxeth to be dry in the beginning of summer The root is likewise redolent but in tast quick and biting full of juice soft and tender the rind of which root is black without but pale within the odour which it hath testifieth the qualitie of myrrh whereupon it took the name Smyrnium This herb groweth vpon hills as well such as be rocky as those that be altogether earthy The nature of it generally is to heat and extenuat The leaues and root both prouoke vrine and the monthly terms of women the seed knitteth the belly and staieth a lask The root vsed in a liniment discusseth all impostumes as well broken as not broke so that they be not inueterat and of long continuance and in one word resolueth all hardnesse in the flesh Soueraigne it is against the prick of the venomous spiders Phalangia and the sting of serpents being drunk in wine with Cachrys Polium or Baulm with this charge That if it be taken peece meale for if it were taken entire and whole it would prouoke vomit and for this cause otherwhiles it is giuen with Rue The seed or root chuse whether you will cureth the cough and difficulty of breath when the Patient cannot take his breath but sitting vpright In like manner it helpeth those who are diseased in
same againe saying withall this charme I tied the knot and I will vndo it againe therewith go his waies she shall soone after fall to her businesse and haue more speedy deliuerance Orpheus and Archelaus both do affirme That if the squinancy be anointed with man or womans bloud it skilleth not out of what vein or part of the body it issued it is an excellent remedy for that disease The like effect it hath if their mouthes be rubbed with the said bloud who being ouertaken with the epilepsie are falne down for immediatly thereupon they will rise and stand vpon their feet Some write That if the great toes be pricked vntill they bleed again the drops that come forth worke the like effect in the falling sickenesse so that the face of the Patient be sprinkled or besmeared therewith or if a maiden touch the parties face that lieth in a fit of the said disease with her bare thumbe or great toe he shall come againe to himselfe and recouer By which experiment Physitians going by coniecture are of opinion That such persons subject to that disease should feed of the flesh of such beasts as neuer were with yong Aeschines a Physitian of Athens was wont to cure squinsies the inflammations of the amygdals the infirmities of the uvula and all cancerous sores with the ashes of a man or womans body burnt and this medicine he called Botryon Many maladies there bee that goe away the first time that either a man hath carnall knowledge of a woman or that a maid seeth her monthly sicknesse but if they end not at such a time commonly they proue chronicke diseases and continue a long time and especially the falling sicknesse It is said moreouer That the company of a woman easeth them very much who are stung with a scorpion but women in the same case catch harme by that means Some say also that if the eies be dipped three times in that water wherein a man or woman hath washed their feet they shall be troubled neither with blearednesse nor any other infirmity And others there be who affirm that the wens called the Kings euil the swelling kernels also behind the ears and the squinancy are cured with touching the hands of them that haue died a violent vntimely death Some stand not so much vpon that point but say That the backe of the hand of any one that is dead it skills not how nor by what means if it touch the grieued part wil work the like effect so that the dead party the Patient be both of one sex As for the tooth-ach it is a common speech That if one bite off a peece of some tree that hath been blasted or smitten with lightning prouided alwaies that he hold his hands behind him at his back in so doing the said morsell or peece of wood will take away the toothach if it be laid vnto the tooth Some there be who giue direction to take the perfume of a mans tooth burning in the fire for to ease the too h ach of a man and semblably of a womans tooth to help woâ—…en in the same case Others you shall haue that prescribe to draw one of the eie-teeth called in Latine Canini out of the head of man or woman lying dead and not yet enterred and to wear the same against the tooth-ach It is a common speech That the earth found in or about a man or womans scull is a singular depilatory and fetcheth away the haire of the eiebrows As for the grasse or weed that grows therein if any such may be found it causeth the teeth to fall out of the head with chewing only As also that no vlcer wil spread farther but keep at a stay if there be a circle drawne about it with the bone of a man or womans body As touching the cure of a tertian ague some there be who lade vp water out of 3 pits as much out of one as another and mingle all together which done they put the said water into a new earthen pot that neuer was occupied before begin to the Patient out of it giuing the rest vnto him or her for to drink when the fit commeth But for the quartan ague they get me a broken fragment of a wooden pin which held the sides crosse peece of a paire of gallows together wrap it within a lock of wool and so hang it about the Patient or els they take a peece of the halter or rope from the gallows and vse it in like maner for the foresaid purpose but wot ye what when the patient is by this meanes rid of the feuer the said parcel of wood or cord they vse to bury or bestow close in some hole within the ground where the Sun may neuer shine on it then the accesse wil neuer return more See the toies vanities of these Magitians and yet these be not all for they run on stil and say that if one take a whetstone which hath serued a long time to whet kniues other edge tooles on and lay the same vnder the boulster or pillow where one lieth that is ready to faint and giue vp the ghost vpon some indirect means by sorcery witchcraft or poisoning but this must be done without the knowledge of the said party you shal from the very mouth of the patient hear what poison was giuen in what place at what time but who it was that gaue it he or she shal not be able to name Moreouer this is known for a truth that if one be strucken speechlesse with lightning and then the body be bent and turned toward the wounded place the party shal recouer presently and speak again Some there be who to driue back and keep down the biles and botches that rise in the share take the thred or yearn out of the weauers loome which serue for the selvedge or list making seuen or nine knots and in the knitting of euery one of them name some widow or other and then tie it fast about the grieued place Also for to assuage the paine of any wound they giue order that the wounded party take a naile or some other thing that one hath troden vnder foot and to weare the same tied about the neck arme or other part of the body For to be rid of warts some chuse a time to pluck them vp by the roots when the Moone is twenty daies old at least and then lay themselues along vpon their backs in some ordinary high way looking fully vpon the Moone and stretching their armes backeward as farre as they can beyond their heads and looke what they can catch hold of with their hands therewith they rub the place If one cut and pare an agnell or corn in any part of the body obseruing a time when a star seemeth to shoot or fall they say it wil quickly weare away and be healed for euer They would beare vs in hand That if a man poure vineger vpon the
yelks of egs supped off raw in one hemin of wine are singular good for the dysenterie or bloudy flix and namely with the pouder of the shels from whence they came the juice of Poppie and a little wine withall For the flux of the belly proceeding from a feeble stomacke they vse to giue the said yelks of eggs raw with as much in weight of good and full raisins and the rind of a pomegranat with direction to the patient for to take this medicine three daies together by euen portions and no more one day than another for which purpose also there is another way to vse them namely to take three yelks of an egg to incorporat the same in as many onnces of honey and old lard putting thereto three cyathâ—… also of good old wine and stamped all together into one composition vntill such time as it be reduced to the consistence or thicknesse of hony of which the patient must drinke as need requires with water the quantity of an hazle nut at a time Also it is good to lay three egs in vinegre for three daies together and vpon the fourth day to eat them for the foresaid flix of the stomack after which maner it auaileth much to take them against the oppilations hardnesse of the spleene but to such as are subject to casting and reaching bloud vpward Physicians prescribe to take them in three cyaths of new wine Some vse the yelks of egs that haue bin old kept for to reduce the skin that is blacke and blew to the fresh and liuely colour again but they incorporat the same in hony with bulbe roots the same sodden and drunk in wine doe represse the immoderat flux of womens months but applied raw with oile and wine they discusse resolue the ventosities within the matrice Incorporat with oile rosat and goose grease they are good to be applied to the nape of the neck for the cricke and pain thereof being rosted against the fire hard and so presently applied hot to the seat they are good for the griefs and accidents of the fundament but more particularly for the swelling piles and bigs rising in those parts they would be laid too with oile of roses Being sodden in water vntill they be hard they serue very well for any burne or scald with this charge That presently the ashes of the same eg-shels calcined vpon burning coales be applied to the place and then to annoint the same with the foresaid yelks and oile rosat mixed together Now it falleth out somtime that egs be all yelke within haue no white at all namely when the hen hath couved sitten ouer them three daies together and then be taken away from vnder her and such kind of egs the Greeks call Schista Take the egs from vnder the hen when they be full of chicken a little before they spring and the chicke be hatched together with halfe as much of gal nuts and giue the same for to strengthen a feeble and weak stomack with this caution That the patient haue eate nothing in two hours before And so me doe aduise for the dysentery or bloudy flix to giue the said chickins sodden egg and all together putting therto one hemine of austere or sharpe wine and an equall quantitie of oile and parched barly groats drie The fine pellicle or skin that is within the egg-shell being taken from it whether the egg be raw or sodden it skilleth not healeth the chaps that are in the lips if it be applied thereto The ashes of an egg-shell drunke in wine stoppeth the issue of bloud gushing out at any part but the same ought to be burnt or calcined without the pellicle or skin aforesaid and so it makes an excellent dentifrice also to cleanse and scoure the teeth white a liniment made with the said ashes and myrrhe together staies the super fluous flux of womens terms And here I cannot chuse but note vnto you by the way the strange propertie and wonderfull nature that egg-shels haue for so hard compact and strong they be that if you hold or set an egg endlong no force nor weight whatsoeuer is able to break and crush it so long as it standeth streight and plumbe vpright vntill such time as the head incline to a side and bend one way more than another Egs entire and all whole as they be i. white yelke shell and skin taken in wine with rue dill and cumin helpe women in hard trauell to speedie and easie deliuerance Egs incorporat with oile rosin of the cedar mixed together are singular good for to heale scabs and to kill the itch put thereto the root of Cyclamin i. Sow-bread it healeth the running skalls of the head for those that reach vp purulent matter out of the chest or spit bloud it is good to sup off a raw egg together with the juice of vnset leeks and an equall quantitie of Greekish wine but first all must be warmed before that it be giuen to the patient Against a cough they ordaine egs sodden and stamped together with hony and so to eat them or else to sup them off raw with wine cuit oile of each a like quantity If a man haue any sore or vlcer in his secret parts seruing for generation it were very good to inject one egg tempered with three cyaths of wine cuit and halfe an ounce of Amylum or starch-floure presently vpon his comming forth of the bains or hothouse An excellent linement there is made of sodden egs stamped together with cresses for the sting or biting of serpents How many means there be whereby egs doe good as meat there is not one but knoweth for euen in their going downe they passe through any tumor or swelling of the throat and with their kind heat foment those parts by the way There is not any kind of viand in the world besides it that nourisheth a sicke man without any offence or burden at all to the stomacke and it may go well enough for meat and drinke both As touching egs sodden in vinegre and how their shels may be made soft and tender therby I haue alreadie shewed such egs if they be wrought and knead with meale into a dough or past do make a kind of bread which is soueraigne for all fluxes of the stomack Some there be who think it better to take these egs thus mollified resolued in vinegre and to torrisie the same betweene two platters of earth supposing that being thus prepared they serued not only to stop a lask but also to represse the immoderat flux of womens monthly tears but in case the said fluxions be excessiue and beyond all measure vehement they are to be supped off raw with water and meale in maner of a grewell or pottage or els the yelks may be boiled by themselues in vinegre vntill they be hard and then a second time be fried torrified afterwards with grosse pepper and in this sort they will die any
dim the eies than to burne and calcine a viper aliue in a new earthen pot neuer occupied before putting thereto of the juice of fenell the measure of one cyath and some corns or crums of Olibanum or frank incense and this medicine is commonly called Echion Moreouer There is a collyrie or speciall eie-salue made of a viper suffered to putrifie in a pot of earth so as the grubs or worms that come of the said carrion be stamped and incorporat in Saffron Some burn a viper with salt in an earthen pot and they are of opinion that whosoeuer do lick the same salt or let it melt at the tongues end it clarifieth the eies and that they shall keep the stomacke and all the body besides in good temper yea and liue long by that meanes They vse to giue also of this salt vnto sheepe when they are not well at ease and it is thought to be very wholsome for their health yea it entereth into many antidotes counterpoisons deuised against the venome of serpents Some there be who vse to eat vipers ordinarily at their table for to preserue their eiesight But for meat they prepare order them in this wise first so soon as they haue killed a viper they giue order to put salt into the mouth vntill such time as it hath sucked out the venomous humor that lieth at the root of the teeth and dissolued or consumed it afterwards when they haue cut away to the bredth of foure fingers from vnder the top of the head and withall taken forth the intrails and garbage out of the belly they seeth the rest of the body in water or oile together with oile and dill seed and this flesh either they eat out of hand thus dressed or els working it with some paste they reduce the same into trosches that they may be preserued for their vse at sundry times As touching the broth that is made of this decoction ouer besides that it is good in those cases before specified this quality it hath namely to rid and clense both the head and all the body besides of lice yea and to kill the itch that runnes aloft in the skin The ashes of a vipers head calcined are by themselues very effectuall without any thing els but principally in clearing the sight if the eies be annointed therwith in some conuenient liquor so is the grease also of the viper As for their gal I dare not be so bold as to approue that which others confidently haue aduised prescribed because as I haue already shewed the venome of serpents is nothing els but their gall The grease of a snake mixed with verdegreece healeth any part of the eye that is broken but the slough or old skin which they cast off in the spring doth clarifie the eie-sight if the eies bee gently rubbed therewith The gal of an Hulat likewise is highly commended for the white pearles the cataracts and thick films which trouble the sight the fat also of the said bird is as much praised for the clearing of the same Moreouer it is said that the gall of that Eagle which I said heretofore to proue and trie her yong birds vseth to force them for to looke directly vpon the Sunne mingled with the best hony of Athens serueth to annoint the eies for the webs filmes cataracts which trouble the eiesight Of the same operation is the gall of a Vulture or Geire incorporat with the juice of Porret and a little hony The like vertue also there is in the gall of a cock or capon for the pin and web and for the pearle in the eie if the same be dissolued in water yea and for the cataract especially if the said Cock or Capon be all white The dung likewise of cocks and capons I mean that part only thereof which is ruddy and browne they say is singular good for those that be pore-blind or short sighted such also as see not wel but about noon tide They commend moreouer the gal of an hen but the fat especially for the little blisters or spots that otherwise arise in the apple of the eie in regard of which vertue many there bee that cram them fat and for no cause els But if there be put thereto the pouder of the red bloud-stone Haematites and the yellow saffron-coloured Schistos it is wonderfull how much better it will bee for that purpose yea and to heale the tunicles of the eies that be broken Moreouer Hennes dung as much only of it I meane as is white many vse to keep in old oile within certaine boxes of horne for to cure the white pearles that grow in the apple of the eye And since I am entered thus farre into the dung of Pullaine I must aduertise you what is reported of Peacockes That they doe eat and swallow downe againe the same dung which themselues haue meuted for very enuie that they haue vnto mankind knowing by a secret instinct of Nature how good it is for many vses Furthermore it is an opinion commonly receiued that all the race of Faulcons if they be boiled in oile Rosat are soueraigne for any accidents of the eies whatsoeuer if they be bathed with that decoction Semblably it is said that their dung reduced into ashes and incorporat in the best hony of Athens is very good therefore as also the liuer of a Glede or Kite is much commended in those cases Pigeons dung tempered in vineger cureth the fistulaes which are between the lachrymall corners of the eies and the nose and otherwise is singular for the white pearls and the cicatrices or films growing in the eies Goose dung and duckes bloud be both of them very soueraigne for to soake out the blacke bloud in the eies occasioned by some contusion or bruise with this regard that they be afterwards annointed with Hyssope and Honey The gall of a Partridge mixed with honey of each a like weight mightily cleareth the eiesight so doth the gal of a fallow Deere applied simply alone without any mixture or addition at all But these galls ought to be kept in a siluer box say they who ground vpon the authority of Hippocrates for their warrant Partridge egs sodden with honey in a brasen pan or posnet do cure the vlcers in the eies and take away the red pearls arising in the blacke thereof The bloud of Pigeons Turtledoues Stockdoues or Coists Partridges is passing good for bloud-shotten eies But they say that the bloud of the cocke Pigeons is better for this purpose than that of the female Now for to fit this cure they must be let bloud in the vein vnder the wing or pinion because that bloud is hotter and therefore by so much the better But when the eies bee dressed with this bloud it would not be forgotten that there be a thin bolster boiled in honey laid aloft yea and a lock of greasie wooll vpon it which had bin soaked either in oile or
the little grub or worue which is found in the herb Tazill called Venus Lauer hath a wonderful operation to cure the tooth-ach if it be put into the hole of a faulty tooth and no maruaile for the caterpillars that breed in coleworts will presently fal off if they be but touched with this worm The punaises also or wall-lice that come from mallows infused into the ears with oile rosat assuage the tooth-ach The small sandy grit that is found in the horns of shel-snails conueied into an hollow tooth presently allaies the pain The bare shels of the said snails hollow as they be and void calcined and reduced into ashes and incorporat with myrrhe are passing good for the gubs but the ashes of a serpent burnt and calcined in an earthen pot with salt among helpeth the tooth-ach if it be instilled into the eare on the contrary side with oile of roses The skin of a snake which she hath cast in the Spring made hot in oile the rosin of torchwood is singular in this case to be distilled into eather of the ears it makes no matter which some put therto frankincense and oile of rosat The said slough or skin of a snake thus prepared and put into an hollow tooth causeth the same to fall out of their head without any pain or griefe at all As touching white snakes how they cast their slough at the rising or apparition of the Dog-star I hold to be a meere fable for it was neuer seen or knowne that they did so in Italy much lesse therfore it is credible that in hot countries they should be so late ere they cast their slough Moreouer it is commonly beleeued that the said slough kept long and incorporat with wax draweth out a tooth most speedily if it be applied thereto Also snakes teeth either worn about the necke or laid to teeth in pain assuage their griefe Some are of opinion that a very spider all whole as it is caught with the left hand bruised and incorporat in oile of roses and so dropped into the eare of the same side that the teeth ake is very good to mitigat the pain It is said also that if a man take all the little bones of an hen and saue those onely of the legs whole that be hollow and keepe them in the hole or crany of a wall and with one of the said bones either hit the tooth that aketh or searrifie the gumbe about it and then presently cast it away when he hath done with it the paine will immediately be gon The like effect hath the dung of a rauen applied hard vnto the place within a locke of wooll likewise of sparrowes tempered in oile hot and poured into the eare that is next vnto the pained tooth but surely it will cause an intollerable itch and therefore many thinke it a more safe and easie remedy to burn young sparrowes in a fire made of Vine-twigs and the ashes that commeth from them to temper with vinegre and therewith to rub the said teeth CHAP. IIII. ¶ How to procure a sweet breath Meanes to take away the spots that blemish the facâ—… and to amend the infirmities incident to the throat IT is said that for to rectifie the offence of a strong and stinking breath and to make it sweet and pleasant it is good to rub the teeth with the ashes of mice burnt and incorporat with honey Some there be who mingle therewith the root of fennell If the teeth be pricked or scraped with a vulturs quill it will cause the breath to be sowre but to doe the same with the quill or prick of a porkepine is a singular thing to strengthen the teeth and keepe them fast in the head As touching the sores in the tongue or the scabs and little vlcers breaking out about the lips a decoction of swallowes sodden in honied wine healeth them but if the lips be chapped there is not a better thing than to annoint them with the grease of a goose or hen For the same purpose serueth the tried or rindled grease of sweatie wooll being incorporat with the pouder of gall-nuts also the white cobwebs that spiders doe weave or else the little fine ones which they work vnder the planks and floors of high losts or roufes of housen If one chance to burne his month inwardly with some scalding broth or otherwise the milke that a bitch giueth is a present remedie therefore As touching the spots that infect the skin of the face the foresaid tried grease of wool vnwashed called oesypum incorporat with the hony of the Island Corsica which of al other is counted most vnpleasant and vntoothsome is proper to subtiliat and scoure them the same also laid to the face vpon a lock of wooll causeth the scurfe or scales whereby the skin seemeth to pill for to fall away howbeit some thinke it better to put hony thereto But say there appeare vpon the face any foule and thick morphew that hath pierced deep into the skin it is good to rub the same with dogs gall but first the place ought to be pricked thick with a needle that the medicine may enter in If the skin look wan or black and blew take the light of rams or other sheep cut them into thin slices like to skins and lay them hot to the place or els apply therto pigeons dung The fat of a goose or hen is a singular thing to preserue keep soft smooth and dilicat the skin of the face As for the ringworms or illfauoured tetters called Lichenes there is a proper liniment made either of the dung of mice incorporat with vinegre or the ashes of an vrchin tempered with oile But in this cure the face ought to be bathed and fomented before with vinegre and salnitre For to take away any spots or pimples arising in the face there is not a better thing to apply to them than the ashes of the little broad snails which are commonly found in euery place incorporat with honey And in truth the ashes of any snails whatsouer are astringent and hot by reason of a certain abstersiue qualitie that they haue which is the reason that they enter into potentiall cauteries or caustick corrosiue medicines and therfore they serue in liniments for to kill scabs scurfs mange and leprosie yea and to scoure away the foule spots called Lentils Moreouer I read in authors of certain pismires greater than the rest called Herculaneae the which being stamped with a little salt put to them are good for all the infections of the skin mentioned in the former receit There is a kind of insect or flie called Buprestis passing like to a long legged beetle but seldom or neuer be any such found in Italy kine and oxen catch much harme by this flie for many times as they grase they lick it vp with the grasse and swallow it down and hereupon it tooke that name Buprestis for no sooner commeth it to the gall but it
ring-finger and therewith apply them to the fellon Others vse for the said purpose the filth ingendred in sheeps ears old sheeps tallow mixed with the ashes that come of womens haire reduced into a liniment serueth to cure the sayd accident so doth rams suet mixed with the ashes of a pumish stone calcined and a like quantity in weight of salt As for burns and sealdings the ashes of a dogs head burnt are singular good to cure the same so be the ashes of Dormice tempered with oile sheeps treddles also mixed with wax the ashes of mice and shel snails and this medicine will skin them so cleane that there shall no scarre remaine afterwards to be seen In like manner the grease of Vipers or the ashes of Pigeons dung calcined and reduced into a liniment with oile Touching the nodosities of the sinewes the ashes of a Vipers head burnt and brought into an vnguent with the oile Cyprinum is thought to be a soueraign medicine for the resolue them Likewise earth-wormes made into a cataplasâ—…e with honey and so applied vnto the affected place But if the said sâ—…ews do ake and be pained bind vnto them the serpent called Amphisbaena dead and it will ease the griefe The like effect you may looke for of Vultures grease together with the gisier of the said foule dried or stamped with old swines grease or lard and so reduced into a liniment And if we may giue any credit to the Magitians a drinke made of honied wine spiced with the ashes of a scrich-owles head together with a Lillie root wil work the same effect In contractions of the sinewes it is good to eat the flesh of stock-doues especially if the same hath bin poudered and kept in salt The flesh likewise of an Hedgehog is as good for crampes and spasmes as also the ashes of a Weazil The old slough that snakes leaue off infolded within a piece of a Buls skin or leather made thereof is good to be worne tied about one for to preuent this disease and more particularly for those spasmes or convulsions that draw the sinews of the neck so as the head is pluckt backward there is not a better medicine than to drinke the poise of three oboli of a kites liuer dried in as many cyaths of mead or honied water When the skin turneth vp about the roots of the nails or the excrescence of the flesh putteth the fingers to pain which accidents be called in Latine Reduviae and in Greek Pterygia it were good to vse to them the ashes of a dogs head calcined or the matrice of a bitch sodden in oile with this charge to annoint them aloft with a liniment of butter made of ewes milke and hony incorporat together The burse likewise or little bladder which containeth in it the gall of any beast is good for this purpose If the snailes be ragged and rugged it is not amisse to apply vnto them Cantharides incorporat with pitch without reemoouing this plaister before the third day or els to lay vnto them Locusts fried in Goats suet sheeps tallow also is good therefore Some mix therwith Birdlime made with Misselto and Purcelane tempered together others take Verdegris or rust of brasse and the foresaid birdlime but they remoue not the plaister off in three daies CHAP. XIII ¶ Receits for stanching bloud repressing or smiting backe the swelling incident to wounds healing of vlcers and greene wounds and generally for curing of many other maladies Remedies all taken from dumbe creatures THe suet that commeth from the kell of a mutton staies any flux of bloud if it be conueied into the place from whence it issueth so is their rede especially if it be the rennet of a yong Lambe tempered with water either drawn vp into the nosthrils or poured into them this is thought to be such a soueraigne remedie that when all others haue failed it hath done the deed The earthie substance sticking to shell-snailes hath the same effect yea and their verie flesh when they are pulled out of their houses In case the nose do bleed excessiuely take the said shell-snailes bruse them and lay them to the forehead they will stanch the bleeding the copwebs also put vp into the nosthrils As for the brains of a Cocke or Capon they stop a flux of bloud issuing from the braine But say that bloud do gush immoderately out of a wound it is wonderfull how the ashes of horse dung together with egg-shels will stop the same if it be laid thereto As for wounds the grease of vnwashed wool incorporat with the ashes of torrified and calcined Barley and Verdegris of each a like quantitie and so made into a plaistre healeth them The same is a soueraign salue for any corrosiue vlcers be they neuer so maligne cankerous It eateth and consumeth the dead flesh about the brims and edges of vlcers yea and brings down the excrescence of proud flesh reducing the same to be euen with the rest about it The same doth incarnat likewise and skin the place after it is filled vp with yong flesh If the vlcers proue to be ilfauoured cankers it is thought that the ashes of sheeps dung mixed with salnitre is an effectuall pouder for the same and as great operation is attributed to the ashes of a Lambs leg bones but principally if the said sores be of the nature of Nunquan sana and will not skin vp but scorne all healing plaisters whatsoeuer Much vertue also is attributed vnto Rams lights in these cases for it eateth away all the excrescences of ranke flesh in vlcers and there is not the like againe vnto it for reducing all vnto an equalitie The very dung also of sheep heat vnder an earthen pan and afterwards wrought into a masse or paste assuageth the tumour of any vlcers And it serueth likewise to mundifie and heale fistulaes as also to rid away the chil-blanes or bloudy fals which are ournight-foes But of al other the ashes of an horse head is most forcible in this case for it consumes all superfluous flesh growing in sores and heales vp the same afterwards no Spodium better And yet it is said that mice dung is very good therfore like as the a shes of Weazils dung The hard callosities in the bottome of vlcers the Cheeslips or Sowes if they be stamped fresh and reduced drie into pouder do search throughly like as all cankers also they cure if they be incorporat with the right Turpentine and common Bole-Arnioniacke And these medicines abouesaid are singular for those vlcers that be giuen to breed worms and thereby are dangerous And seeing I am light vpon the mention of wormes it would be noted that there be diuerse sorts of wormes which haue wonderfull properties in these cases For first and formost the grosse and fat wormes breeding in wood timber which the Latins call Cossi are soueraigne healers of any vlcers whatsoeuer But if the same be burnt with an equall weight of Annise seed and
Phycos in Greeke Perileucos is a stone so called by occasion of a whitish lace that seemeth to go from the mouth of the gem downe to the very bottome The gems Paeantides which some name Gemonides are said to conceiue and to bring forth other ltttle stones but a singular vertue they haue to help women that be in trauell of child-birth Such be found in Macedonie neere vnto the monument or sepulchre of Tiresias and that which they bring forth seemeth like vnto water growne to be congealed into yce The Sunnes gem is white and after the manner of the Sunne whose name it beareth it casteth forth shining raies round about on euery side Sagda is a stone which the Chaldaeans find sticking to ships and they say it is greene as Porrets or Leekes Samothracia the Island yeelds vs a pretious stone of the owne name blacke of colour light in hand and like to rotten wood As for Saurites it is found by report in the belly of a green Lizard slit open with the edge of a cane or reed Selenites is a pretious stone white transparent yeelding from it a yellow lustre in manner of hony and representing within it the proportion of the Moone according as shee groweth toward to the full or decreaseth in the wane against the change This admirable stone is thought to be found in Arabia Siderites is much like to yron and supposed it is That if it be brought among them that are at some variance or controuersie already in law it will breed discord and maintain dissention still Of this Siderites is made another stone which is engendred in Aethyopia called Sideropoecilos for the sundry spots therein Spongites is like vnto a spunge euen as it carrieth a name respectiue vnto it Synodontites commeth from the braine of certaine fishes called Synodontes The stones Syrtitae be found in the shore of the Syrtes in Barbary yea and in Lucania shining with the colour mixt of saffron and hony but within they containe certaine starres which haue but a dim and duskish light The stone Syringites is hollow throughout in manner of a pipe and is like vnto a straw betweene two joints Trichrus that commeth out of Affricke is blacke howbeit if it be rubbed it yeeldeth three kinds of humours from it to wit from the root or bottome blacke out of the mids like bloud and in the head white Telirrhizos is of an ash colour or reddish and yet the bottome thereof is a louely sightly white Telicardios is much esteemed in the realme of Persia where it is engendred in colour it resembleth tbe heart and they call it there in their language a Spot The stone Thracia is of three kinds the first green the second more pale and the third full of spots of bloud Tephritis although otherwise it be of the color of ashes yet it represents a new Moon croisant and tipped with hornes Tecolythus seemeth like to the stone or kernill of an Oliue It is not raunged in the number of pretious stones but whosoeuer licke thereof shall find That it will breake the stone and expel it The stone called Venus haire is exceeding black and shining how it maketh a shew of red haires sprinkled among Veientana is a gem proper vnto Italie found about Veij a citie in Tuscane this stone is blacke and crossed through the middest with a white path Zanthenes as Democritus writeth is found ordinarily in Media in colour it resembleth base gold Electrum and if a man doe stampe it in Date wine and Saffron together it will relent in manner of wax and cast a most sweet and pleasant smell Zmilaces is a stone which the riuer Euphrates yeeldeth like to the marble of Proconnesus but that in the middest it hath a greenish colour Finally Zoronisios is engendered in the riuer Indus commonly it is called the Magicians gem more of it I find not written CHAP. XI ¶ Of certaine pretious stones taking their names from the members of mans body from beasts also and other things BEsides those gems comprehended vnder the Alphabet there be more pretious stones also comprised after other sorts of distinction according to diuers significant varieties for some there be which bear the names of certain members of the body as for example Hepatites of the liuer Steatites of the sundry sorts of fat grease or tallow of each beast Adad Nephros is a stone worshipped among the Aegiptians so is Theudactylos also As for Adad hee is the chiefe god among the Assyrians The stone Triophthâ—…lmos groweth together with the Onyx stone and representeth three eies of a man together There be gems take their names likewise of beasts to wit Carcinias of the colour which the sea-crab hath Echites of a Viper Scorpites either of the color or form of a Scorpion Scarites of the fish Scaurus i. a Gilthead Triglites of the Barble Aegopththalmos of a Goats eye like as another for the resemblance that it hath to the eie of a swine Geranites tooke name of a cranes color euen as Hieracites of the Hawkes of Faulcons color Aëtites resembles the color of that Aegle which hath a white taile Myrmerites sheweth the forme of a Pismire creeping within the stone so doth Cantharias of Beetles Lycophthalmos hath the resemblance of a Wolfes eie and consists of 4 colours the outward parts are tawnie enclining to a bloud red in the middest there is a black enclosed within a white circle as like to the said eie as possibly can be The stone Toas is like to a Peacock euen as the gem Chelonia to the Tortoise In Hammochrysos there is a resemblance of sand as if sand gold were entermingled Cenchrites is made like to the graines or seeds of Millet scattered here and there Dryites hath a great affinity with the stock of a tree and the same will burn after the maner of wood Cissites is white and in that white shining seemeth to be clasped euery where with leaues of yvie Narcissites likewise is distinguished and parted with veines of yvie Cyamea is black but being broken it yeelds out of it a resemblace of a Beane Pyren is so called by reason of an oliue stone or keruill which it resembleth within this stone there appeare otherwhiles as it were fish bones Chalazias as it carrieth the name of haile so it representeth as well the color as the shape thereof but as hard it is as the Diamant It is reported also that if it be put into the fire yet it wil continue cold not alter a whit The fire stone Pyrites is verily black but rub it with your finger you shal find it to burne Polyzonos is a black stone of it selfe but many white fillets it hath about it Astrapias is white or blue like Azur yet from the middest thereof their seeme to shoot raies of lightening In the stone Phlegontis there appeare a burning flame within and neuer commeth forth In the Granat named Authracitis there is a shew
vp of seed 22. h how Garlicke and Onions are to be preserued for vse without spurting 22. i Garlicke wild or Crow-garlicke called Alum 22. k. the vse thereof ibid. Garlicke wilde called Vrsinum 22. k Garlick helpeth beasts that be ground in the bellie and cannot stale 45. a Garon or Garum a kinde of sauce or pickle 12. i. why so called 417. e. of sundry sorts 418. h Garum serued to many vses ibid. Garum medicinable 418 i Garum Sociorum 417. f. of what request in old time 418. g Garon a fish and the effects of it in a perfume 417. e whereof the sauce or pickle Garum was made in old time 417. f. of what it was made in later daies ibid. the price 418. g Gasidanes a pretious stone 627. a G E Gegania a sumptuous dame at Rome 488. l. enamoured vpon a foule ill-fauoured brasier ibid. Gei-a bird See Uulture Gelon a spring of water why so called 404. g Gelotophillis a magicall hearbe working a fit of laughter in them that tast of it 204. g Gemites a pretious stone 631. a Gemursa a disease in old time now cleane gone 242. g Genealogie of Pandora pourtraied most artificially by Phydias 566. h Genetoirs or Cods swolne hard pained and enflamed how to be remedied 141. c. 142. l. 144. i. 148. k. 157. d. f 159. d. 163. c. 174. a. 173. l. 179. a. b. 187. e. 254. i. 255. d 333. b. 344. i. 424. h. 432 k. swelled with wind or waterish humors how to be assuaged 413. b. 424. h. 560. i. exulcerat how to be healed 141. e. 254. i. 385. b Genetoirs galled how to be skinned 184 i If one be relaxed and hang downe vntowardly how to be reduced 385. b. how to be preserued from inflammation 422. h for the Genetoirs in generall appropriat medicines 385. b 589. b. See Cods Gentian the hearbe 221. e. how it tooke that name ibid. the description ibid. the temperature thereof and nature medicinable 221. f Geometrie necessarie for painters 537. g Geranites a pretious stone 630. i Geranium an hearbe 259. b. the sundry names and description ibid. Germander what hearbe 198. h. the sundry names that it hath ib. the description ib. why it is called Serrata ibid. the medicinable vertues that it hath ibid. Gerusia the Senat-house at Sardeis 556. g Gesier of a storke medicinable 364. g Gestation an exercise for bodily health 303. d. of diuerse sorts ibid. Gethyum what hearbe it is 20. k G I Giddinesse of head and braine See Dizzinesse Gidd in sheepe how to be helped 218. k Gillesâ—…oure of the wall 104. g. the medicinable vertues that it hath ibid. Girls how they may be gotten and conceiued 215. f. 257. b 279 d. 288. m. Gith an hearbe See Nigella G L Glader grasse See Xiphion and Gladiolus Gladiolus what hearbe 99. c. the vse of the root ibid. Glosse stone See Specularis and Talc Glasse sieling ouer head in arched roufs 597. a Glasse the deuise of making it of sand ibid. d the occasion thereof ibid. other waies to make Glasse 597. e Glasse of India the best ibid. Sidonians excellent Glasse-makers 597. f Glasse how it is made in Italy 598. g. how in France and Spaine ibid. Glasse made pliable and flexible not apt to breake 598. h Glasse-makers put downe and wherefore ibid. Glasse which is best ibid. k Glasse will not abide the fire ibid. l burning or fire glasse ibid. Glasse commeth neere to Christall 605. c broken Glasses how to be sodered 598. l looking Glasses or mirroirs deuised by the Sidonians 597. f Glaucias a writer of Simples 79. a Glaucion an hearbe 282. i. the description ibid. Glaucion a iuice ib. from whence drawne ibid. Glaucium a kinde of Poppie 69. a Glaucomata what imperfections in the eies 366. h. how cured ibid. Glaux an hearbe 282. h. why called Eugalecton ibid. the description ibid. Glanders in horses how to be cured 218. k. 254 m. Gleba a kinde of artificiall brimstone 556. k. for what it is good ibid. Glessaria an Island 607. d Glessum the same that Amber ibid. Glew the best and strongest whereof it is made 337. c. d Glosse in painting 528. h. See Tonos Glossâ—…petra 627. a against gluttonie and belly-cheere an inuected speech 10. l Glycera a famous maker of floure chaplets and guirlands 80. k. Glycon a writer of hearbes 129. a G N Gnaphalion an hearbe See Cudwort Gnats how they may be driuen out of a garden or killed 32. m. 65. d. 154. h. 166. h. 277. e. Gnawing and griping in the stomacke how to be eased 52. g 60. i. 64. h. 76 a. 110. k 131. d. 136. g. 171. c. 307. c. G O Goats affourd many things contrary to serpents 322. h Goats neuer without a feuer and yet they yeeld a thousand good medicines 322. i Goats and Roe-bucks see as well by night as day 325. a the reason thereof ibid. their bloud medicinable ibid. b their liuer and the grauie thereof medicinable ibid. Goats treddles how they be employed to make garden seeds grow 33. e Goats dung good for eies 325. c a Goat enraged how he may be ordered and tamed 330. g Goats milke cheese wholesome 325. a Goats gall medicinable 324. g. 325. b. how it is to be prepared ibid. Goats milke medicinable 324. i. Considia cured by Democritus the Physician with drinking milke of Goats feeding vpon the leaues of the Lentiske tree 184. i Goats dung how it serueth in Physicke 324. i Goats houfe burnt to ashes medicinable 322. i Goats horne good in Physicke 324. i Goats how they may be kept from straying 330. g Gold a cursed mettall wherefore 454. l crowns of beaten Gold shewed by Claudius Caesar 464. l Gold laid vp for treasure 456 h i. how much treasured vp by Camillus ibid. Gold serued to set out souldiers gallantly to the field 456. i not worne at all in the house of the Quintij at Rome 457. f. Gold how emploied at sacrifices 461 e. excessiuely worne by souldiers in the campe ibid. superfluitie of gold vsed by the dames of Rome ibid. f. abuse of wearing gold both in men and women 462. g. h. stamped for coine ibid. i at what time 463. c. a scruple of gold in coine at what value taxed ibid. d Golden vessell abused by M. Antonius and Queene Cleopatra 464. g excesse of gold emploied in buildings at Rome 465. a. b Gold why it is preferred before other mettals 465. b. c Gold wasteth not in the fire ibid. what riuers yeeld gold 466 k Gold gotten in riuers is perfect ibid. the painefull totle in getting gold-ore by cleauing mountaines 467. c Gold gotten by Arrugia or cleauing mountaines needeth no fire 469 b Gold artificially extracted out of orpiment 469. d. it would not quit the cost ibid. Gold in the ore of a diuers touch ibid. Gold ore hath euer siluer in it more or lesse ibid. the first statue of gold 470. g Gorgias Leontinus the first man that caused his owne statue to be