Paradisi in sole paradisus terrestris, or, A garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers which our English ayre will permitt to be noursed vp a kitchen garden of all manner of herbes, rootes & fruites for meate or sauce vsed with vs, and, an orchard of all sorte of fruitbearing trees and shrubbes fit for our land, together with the right orderinge, planting & preseruing of them and their vses & vertues (part 2 of 4)

Paradisi in sole paradisus terrestris, or, A garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers which our English ayre will permitt to be noursed vp a kitchen garden of all manner of herbes, rootes & fruites for meate or sauce vsed with vs, and, an orchard of all sorte of fruitbearing trees and shrubbes fit for our land, together with the right orderinge, planting & preseruing of them and their vses & vertues (part 2 of 4)

The Names.

The seuerall names, both in Latine and English, are sufficient for them as they are set downe; for we know no better.

The Vertues.

There is not any thing extant or to be heard, that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes, and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious.

And thus much for these sorts of bulbous Flowerdeluces, and yet I doubt not, but that there are many differences, which haue risen by the sowing of the seede, as many may obserue from their owne labours, for that euery yeare doth shew forth some variety that is not seene before. And now I will conuert my discourse a while likewise, to passe through the seuerall rankes of the other kindes of tuberous rooted Flowerdeluces, called Flagges.

CHAP. XX.

Iris latifolia tuberosa. The Flagge or Flowerdeluce.

There are two principall kindes of tuberous or knobby rooted Flowerdeluces, that is, the tall and the dwarfe, or the greater and the lesser; the former called Iris maior or latifolia, and the other Iris minor, or rather Chamæiris; and each of these haue their lesser or narrow leafed kindes to bee comprehended vnder them: Of all which in their order. And first of that Flowerdeluce, which for his excellent beautie and raritie, deserueth the first place.

Iris Chalcedonica siue Susiana maior. The great Turkie Flowerdeluce.

The great Turkie Flowerdeluce, hath diuers heads of long and broad fresh greene leaues, yet not so broad as many other of those that follow, one folded within another at the bottome, as all other of these Flowerdeluces are: from the middle of some one of those heads (for euery head of leaues beareth not a flower) riseth vp a round stiffe stalke, two foote high, at the toppe whereof standeth one flower (for I neuer obserued it to beare two) the largest almost, but rarest of all the rest, consisting of nine leaues, like the others that follow, but of the colour almost of a Snakes skinne, it is so diuersly spotted; for the three lower falling leaues are very large, of a deepe or darke purple colour, almost blacke, full of grayish spots, strakes, and lines through the whole leaues, with a blacke thrume or freeze in the middle of each of them: the three arched leaues that couer them, are of the same darke purple colour, yet a little paler at the sides, the three vpper leaues are very large also, and of the same colour with the lower leaues, but a little more liuely and fresh, being speckled and straked with whiter spots and lines; which leaues being laid in water, will colour the water into a Violet colour, but if a little Allome be put therein, and then wrung or pressed, and the iuice of these leaues dryed in the shadow, will giue a colour almost as deepe as Indico, and may serue for shawdowes in limming excellent well: the flower hath no sent that can be perceiued, but is onely commendable for the beauty and rarity thereof: it seldome beareth seedes in these cold Countries, but when it doth, it is contained in great heads, being brownish and round, but not so flat as in other sorts, the roots are more browne on the outside, and growing tuberous thicke, as all other that are kept in Gardens.

Iris Chalcedonica siue Susiana minor. The lesser Turkie Flowerdeluce.

There is another hereof little differing, but that the leafe is of a more yellowish greene colour, and the flower neither so large or faire, nor of so perspicuous markes and spots, nor the colour of that liuely (though darke) lustre.

The Place.

These haue been sent out of Turkie diuers times among other things, and it should seeme, that they haue had their originall from about Susis, a chiefe Citie of Persia.

The Time.

They flower in May most vsually, before any of the other kindes.

The Names.

They haue been sent vnto vs, and vnto diuers other in other parts, from Constantinople vnder the name of Alaia Susiana, and thereupon it hath been called, both of them and vs, either Iris Chalcedonica, or Susiana, and for distinction maior or minor: In English, The Turkie Flowerdeluce, or the Ginnie Hen Flowerdeluce, the greater or the lesser.

Iris alba Florentina. The white Flowerdeluce.

The great white Flowerdeluce, hath many heads of very broad and flat long leaues, enclosing or folding one within another at the bottome, and after a little diuided one from another toward the top, thin edged, like a sword on both sides, and thicker in the middle: from the middle of some of these heads of leaues, riseth vp a round stiffe stalk, two or three foot high, bearing at the top one, two, or three large flowers, out of seuerall huskes or skins, consisting of nine leaues, as all the other do, of a faire white colour, hauing in the middle of each of the three falling leaues, a small long yellow frize or thrume, as is most vsuall in all the sorts of the following Flowerdeluces, both of the greater and smaller kindes: after the flowers are past, come the seed, inclosed in thicke short pods, full fraught or stored with red roundish and flat seede, lying close one vpon another: the roote is tuberous or knobby, shooting out from euery side much like tuberous heads, lying for the most part vpon or aboue the ground, and fastened within the ground with long white strings or fibres, which hold them

[Sidenote: Flore pallido.]

strongly, and encreaseth fast. There is another like vnto this last in all things, sauing that the colour of the flower is of a more yellowish white, which we vsually call a Straw colour.

Iris alba maior versicolor. The white party coloured Flowerdeluce.

This variable Flowerdeluce is like vnto the former, but that the leaues are not so large and broad, the flower hereof is as large almost, and as white as the former, but it hath a faire list or line of a blewish purple downe the backe of euery one of the three vpright leaues, and likewise round about the edges, both of the vpper and lower leaues, and also a little more purplish vpon the ridge of the arched leaues, that couer the falling leaues: the roote hereof is not so great as of the former white, but a little slenderer and browner.

Iris Dalmatica maior. The great Dalmatian Flowerdeluce.

This greater Flowerdeluce of Dalmatia, hath his leaues as large and broad as any of the Flowerdeluces whatsoeuer, his stalke and flower doe equall his other proportion, onely the colour of the flower is differing, being of a faire watchet or bleake blew colour wholly, with the yellow frize or thrum downe the middle of the lower or falling leaues, as before is said to be common to all these sorts of Flowerdeluces; in all other parts it little differeth, sauing onely this is obserued to haue a small shew of a purplish red about the bottome of the greene leaues.

Iris purpurea siue vulgaris. The common purple Flowerdeluce.

This Flowerdeluce, which is most common in Gardens, differeth nothing at all from those that are formerly described, either in roote, leafe, or flower for the forme of them, but onely that the leaues of this are not so large as the last, and the flower it selfe is of a deep purple or Violet colour, and sometimes a little declining to rednesse, especially in some places.

[Sidenote: Purpurea pallidior versicolor.]

Sometimes this kinde of Flowerdeluce will haue flowers of a paler purple colour, comming neare vnto a blew, and sometimes it will haue veines or stripes of a deeper blew, or purple, or ash-colour, running through all the vpper and lower leaues.

[Sidenote: Cærulea labris purpureis.]

There is another like vnto this, but more purple in the fals, and more pale in the vpright leaues.

Iris Asiatica cærulea. The blew Flowerdeluce of Asia.

This Flowerdeluce of Asia, is in largenesse of leaues like vnto the Dalmatian, but beareth more store of flowers on seuerall branches, which are of a deeper blew colour, and the arched leaues whitish on the side, and purplish on the ridges, but in other things like vnto it.

[Sidenote: Purpurea.]

There is another neare vnto this, but that his leaues are a little narrower, and his flowers a little more purple, especially the vpper leaues.

Iris Damascena. The Flowerdeluce of Damasco.

This is likewise altogether like the Flowerdeluce of Asia, but that it hath some white veines in the vpright leaues.

Iris Lusitanica biflora. The Portugall Flowerdeluce.

This Portugall Flowerdeluce is very like the common purple Flowerdeluce, but that this is not so large in leaues, or flowers, and that it doth often flower twice in a yeare, that is, both in the Spring, and in the Autumne againe, and besides, the flowers haue a better or sweeter sent, but of the like purple or Violet colour as it is, and comming forth out of purplish skins or huskes.

Iris Camerarij siue purpurea versicolor maior. The greater variable coloured purple Flowerdeluce.

The greater of the variable purple Flowerdeluces, hath very broad leaues, like vnto the leaues of the common purple Flowerdeluce, and so is the flower also, but differing in colour, for the three lower leaues are of a deepe purple colour tending to rednesse, the three arched leaues are of the colour with the vpper leaues, which are of a pale or bleake colour tending to yellownesse, shadowed ouer with a smoakie purplish colour, except the ridges of the arched leaues, which are of a more liuely purple colour.

Iris purpurea versicolor minor. The lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce.

This Flowerdeluce differeth not in any thing from the last, but onely that it hath narrower greene leaues, and smaller and narrower flowers, else if they be both conferred together, the colours will not seeme to varie the one from the other any whit at all.

[Sidenote: Altera minus fuliginea.]

There is another somewhat neare vnto these two last kindes, whose huskes from whence the flowers doe shoote forth, haue purple veines in them, and so haue the falling purplish leaues, and the three vpright leaues are not so smoakie, yet of a dun purple colour.

Iris cærulea versicolor. The blew party coloured Flowerdeluce.

This party coloured Flowerdeluce hath his leaues of the same largenesse, with the lesser variable purple Flowerdeluce last described, and his flowers diuersly marked: for some haue the fals blew at the edges, and whitish at the bottome, the arched leaues of a yellowish white, and the vpright leaues of a whitish blew, with yellowish edges. Some againe are of a darker blew, with brownish spots in them. And some are so pale a blew, that we may well call it an ash-colour: And lastly, there is another of this sort, whose vpright leaues are of a faire pale blew, with yellowish edges, and the falling leaues parted into two colours, sometimes equally in the halfe, each side sutable to the other in colour: And sometimes hauing the one leafe in that manner: And sometimes but with a diuers coloured list in them; in the other parts both of flower and leafe, like vnto the other.

Iris lutea variegata. The yellow variable Flowerdeluce.

This yellow variable Flowerdeluce loseth his leaues in Winter, contrary to all the former Flowerdeluces, so that his roote remaineth vnder ground without any shew of leafe vpon it: but in the beginning of the Spring it shooteth out faire broad leaues, falling downwards at the points or ends, but shorter many times then any of the former, and so is the stalke likewise, not rising much aboue a foote high, whereon are set two or three large flowers, whose falling leaues are of a reddish purple colour, the three that stand vpright of a smoakie yellow, the arched leaues hauing their ridges of a bleake colour tending to purple, the sides being of the former smoakie yellow colour, with some purplish veines at the foote or bottome of all the leaues: the roote groweth somewhat more slender and long vnder ground, and of a darker colour then manie of the other.

Another sort hath the vpright leaues of a reasonable faire yellow, and stand more vpright, not bowing downe as most of the other, and

[Sidenote: Varietas.]

the purple fals haue pale edges. Some haue their greene leaues party coloured, white and greene, more or lesse, and so are the huskes of the flowers, the arched leaues yellow, as the vpright leaues are, with purplish veines at the bottome. And some haue both the arched and vpright leaues of so pale a yellow, that we may almost call it a straw colour, but yellower at the bottome, with purple veines, and the falling leaues purple, with two purple spots in them.

And these are the sorts of the greater tuberous or Flagge Flowerdeluces that haue come to our knowledge: the next hereunto are the lesser or narrow leafed kindes to be described; and first of the greatest of them.

1. Iris angustifolia Tripolitana aurea. The yellow Flowerdeluce of Tripoly.

This Flowerdeluce I place in the forefront of the narrow leafed Flowerdeluces, for the length of the leaues, compared with the breadth of them; it may fitly bee called a narrow leafed Flowerdeluce, although they be an inch broad, which is broader then any of them that follow, or some of those are set downe before, but as I said, the length make them seem narrow, and therefore let it take vp his roome in this place, with the description that followeth. It beareth leaues a yard long, or not much lesse, and an inch broad, as is said before, or more, of a sad greene colour, but not shining: the stalke riseth vp to be foure of fiue foote high, being strong and round, but not very great, bearing at the toppe two or three long and narrow gold yellow flowers, of the fashion of the bulbous Flowerdeluces, as the next to bee described is, without any mixture or variation therein: the heads for seede are three square, containing within them many flat cornered seedes: the roote is long and blackish, like vnto the rest that follow, but greater and fuller.

2. Iris angustifolia maior cærulea. The greater blew Flowerdeluce with narrow leaues.

This kinde of Flowerdeluce hath his leaues very long and narrow, of a whitish greene colour, but neither so long or broad as the last, yet broader, thicker and stiffer then any of the rest with narrow leaues that follow: the stalke riseth sometimes no higher then the leaues, and sometimes a little higher, bearing diuers flowers at the top, successiuely flowring one after another, and are like vnto the flowers of the bulbous Flowerdeluces, but of a light blew colour, and sometimes deeper: after the flowers are past, rise vp six cornered heads, which open into three parts, wherein is contained browne seede, almost round: the roote is small, blackish and hard, spreading into many long heads, and more closely growing or matting together.

3. Iris angustifolia purpurea marina. The purple narrow leafed Sea Flowerdeluce.

This Sea Flowerdeluce hath many narrow hard leaues as long as the former, and of a darke greene colour, which doe smell a little strong: the stalke beareth two or three flowers like the former, but somewhat lesse, and of a darke purple or Violet colour: in seede and roote it is like the former.

4. Iris angustifolia purpurea versicolor. The variable purple narrow leafed Flowerdeluce.

The leaues of this Flowerdeluce are very like the former Sea Flowerdeluce, and do a little stinke like them; the flowers are differing, in that the vpper leaues are wholly purple or violet, and the lower leaues haue white veines, and purple running one among another: the seede and rootes differ not from the former purple Sea kinde.

5. Iris angustifolia minor Pannonica siue versicolor Clusij. The small variable Hungarian Flowerdeluce of Clusius.

This Hungarian Flowerdeluce (first found out by Clusius, by him described, and of him tooke the name) riseth vp with diuers small tufts of leaues, very long, narrow, and greene, growing thicke together, especially if it abide any time in a place; among which riseth vp many long round stalkes, higher then the leaues, bearing two or three, or foure small flowers, one aboue another, like the former, but smaller and of greater beauty: for the lower leaues are variably striped with white and purple, without any thrume or fringe at all; the vpper leaues are of a blewish fine purple or Violet colour, & so are the arched leaues, yet hauing the edges a little paler: the heads for seede are smaller, and not so cornered as the other, containing seedes much like the former, but smaller: the roote is blacke and small, growing thicker and closer together then any other, and strongly fastened in the ground, with a number of hard stringie rootes: the flowers are of a reasonable good sent.

6. Iris angustifolia maior flore duplici. The greater double blew Flowerdeluce.

This Flowerdeluce, differeth not either in roote or leafe from the first great blew Flowerdeluce of Clusius, but onely in that the leaues grow thicker together, and that the flowers of this kinde are as it were double with many leaues confusedly set together, without any distinct parts of a Flowerdeluce, and of a faire blew colour with many white veines and lines running in the leaues; yet oftentimes the stalke of flowers hath but two or three small flowers distinctly set together, rising as it were out of one huske.

7. Iris angustifolia minor alba Clusij. The small white Flowerdeluce of Hungary.

This likewise differeth little from the former Hungarian Flowerdeluce of Clusius, but that the leafe is of a little paler greene colour, and the flower is of a faire whitish colour, with some purple at the bottome of the leaues.

Next after these narrow leafed Flowerdeluces, are the greater and smaller sorts of dwarfe kindes to follow; and lastly, the narrow or grasse leafed dwarfe kindes, which will finish this Chapter of Flowerdeluces.

1. Chamæiris latifolia maior alba. The greater white dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

This dwarfe Flowerdeluce hath his leaues as broad as some of the lesser kindes last mentioned, but not shorter; the stalke is very short, not aboue halfe a foote high or thereabouts, bearing most commonly but one flower, seldome two, which are in some of a pure white, in others paler, or somewhat yellowish through the whole flower, except the yellow frize or thrume in the middle of euery one of the falling leaues: after the flowers are past, come forth great heads, containing within them round pale seed: the roote is small, according to the proportion of the plant aboue ground, but made after the fashion of the greater kindes, with tuberous peeces spreading from the sides, and strong fibres or strings, whereby they are fastened in the ground.

2. Chamæiris latifolia maior purpurea. The greater purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

There is no difference either in roote, leafe, or forme of flower in this from the former dwarfe kinde, but onely in the colour of the flower, which in some is of a very deepe or blacke Violet purple, both the toppes and the fals: in others the Violet purple is more liuely, and in some the vpper leaues are blew, and the lower leaues purple, yet all of them haue that yellow frize or thrume in the middle of the falling leaues, that the other kindes haue.

[Sidenote: Altera.]

There is another that beareth purple flowers, that might be reckoned, for the smalnesse and shortnesse of his stalke, to the next kinde, but that the flowers and leaues of this are as large as any of the former kindes of the smaller Flowerdeluces.

3. Chamæiris latifolia minor alba. The lesser white dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

There is also another sort of these Flowerdeluces, whose leaues and flowers are lesse, and wherein there is much variety. The leaues of this kinde, are all for the most part somewhat smaller, narrower, and shorter then the former: the stalke with the flower vpon it scarce riseth above the leaues, so that in most of them it may be rather called a foote-stalke, such as the Saffron flowers haue, and are therefore called of manie ἄκαυλοι, without stalkes; the flowers are like vnto the first described of the dwarfe kindes, and of a whitish colour, with a few purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues, and a list of greene in the falling leaues.

[Sidenote: Straminea.]

Another hath the flowers of a pale yellow, called a Straw colour, with whitish stripes and veines in the fals, and purplish lines at the bottome of the vpper leaues.

4. Chamæiris latifolia minor purpurea. The lesser purple dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

The difference of this from the former, consisteth more in the colour then forme of the flower, which is of a deep Violet purple, sometimes paler, and sometimes so deep, that it almost seemeth blacke: And sometimes the fals purplish, and the vpper leaues blew. Some of these haue a sweete sent, and some none.

[Sidenote: Cærulea.]

There is another of a fine pale or delayed blew colour throughout the whole flower.

5. Chamæiris latifolia minor suauerubens. The lesser blush coloured dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

This Flowerdeluce hath the falling leaues of the flower of a reddish colour, and the thrumes blew: the vpper and arched leaues of a fine pale red or flesh colour, called a blush colour; in all other things it differeth not, and smelleth little or nothing at all.

6. Chamæiris latifolia minor lutea versicolor. The lesser yellow variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

The falling leaues of this Flowerdeluce are yellowish, with purple lines from the middle downewards, sometimes of a deeper, and sometimes of a paler colour, and white thrumes in the middle, the vpper leaues are likewise of a yellowish colour, with purple lines in them: And sometimes the yellow colour is paler, and the lines both in the vpper and lower leaues of a dull or dead purple colour.

7. Chamæiris latifolia minor cærulea versicolor. The lesser blew variable dwarfe Flowerdeluce.

The vpper leaues of this flower are of a blewish yellow colour, spotted with purple in the broad part, and at the bottome very narrow: the falling leaues are spread ouer with pale purplish lines, and a small shew of blew about the brimmes: the thrume is yellow at the bottome, and blewish aboue: the arched leaues are of a blewish white, being a little deeper on the ridge.

And sometimes the vpper leaues are of a paler blew rather whitish, with the yellow: both these haue no sent at all.

8. Chamæiris marina purpurea. The purple dwarfe Sea Flowerdeluce.

This small Flowerdeluce is like vnto the narrow leafed Sea Flowerdeluce before described, both in roote, leafe, and flower, hauing no other difference, but in the smalnesse and lownesse of the growing, being of the same purple colour with it.

9. Chamæiris angustifolia maior. The greater Grasse Flowerdeluce.

This Grasse Flowerdeluce hath many long and narrow darke greene leaues, not so stiffe as the former, but lither, and bending their ends downe againe, among which rise vp diuers stalkes, bearing at the toppe two or three sweete flowers, as small as any of them set downe before, of a reddish purple colour, with whitish yellow and purple strakes downe the middle of the falling leaues: the arched leaues are of a horse flesh colour all along the edges, and purple vpon the ridges and tips that turne vp againe: vnder these appeare three browne aglets, like vnto birds tongues: the three vpper leaues are small and narrow, of a perfect purple or Violet colour: the heads for seede haue sharper and harder cornered edges then the former: the seedes are somewhat grayish like the former, and so are the rootes, being small, blacke, and hard, growing thicke together, fastened in the ground with small blackish hard strings, which hardly shoote againe if the roote be remoued.

10. Chamæiris angustifolia minor. The lesser Grasse Flowerdeluce.

This Flowerdeluce is in leaues, flowers, and rootes so like the last described, that but onely it is smaller and lower, it is not to be distinguished from the other. And this may suffice for these sorts of Flowerdeluces, that furnish the Gardens of the curious louers of these varieties of nature, so farre forth as hath passed vnder our knowledge. There are some other that may be referred hereunto, but they belong to another history; and therefore I make no mention of them in this place.

The Place.

The places of most of these are set downe in their seuerall titles; for some are out of Turkie, others out of Hungaria, Dalmatia, Illyria, &c. as their names doe import. Those that grow by the Sea, are found in Spaine and France.

The Time.

Some of these do flower in Aprill, some in May, and some not vntill Iune.

The Names.

The names expressed are the fittest agreeing vnto them, and therefore it is needlesse againe to repeate them. Many of the rootes of the former or greater kindes, being dryed are sweete, yet some more then other, and some haue no sent at all: but aboue all the rest, that with the white flower, called of Florence, is accounted of all to be the sweetest root, fit to be vsed to make sweete powders, &c. calling it by the name of Orris rootes.

Iris tuberosa. The Veluet Flowerdeluce.

Vnto the Family of Flowerdeluces, I must needes ioyne this peculiar kinde, because of the neare resemblance of the flower, although it differ both in roote and leafe; lest therefore it should haue no place, let it take vp a roome here in the end of the Flowerdeluces, with this description following. It hath many small and foure square leaues, two foote long and aboue sometimes, of a grayish greene colour, stiffe at the first, but afterwards growing to their full length, they are weak and bend downe to the ground: out of the middle, as it were of one of these leaues, breaketh out the stalke, a foot high and better, with some leaues thereon, at the toppe whereof, out of a huske riseth one flower, (I neuer saw more on a stalke) consisting of nine leaues, whereof the three that fall downe are of a yellowish greene colour round about the edges, and in the middle of so deepe a purple, that it seemeth to be blacke, resembling blacke Veluet: the three arched leaues, that couer the lower leaues to the halfe, are of the same greenish colour that the edges and backside of the lower leaues are: the three vppermost leaues, if they may be called leaues, or rather short peeces like eares, are green also, but wherein a glimpse of purple may be seene in them: after the flower is past, there followeth a round knob or whitish seede vessell, hanging downe by a small foote-stalke, from betweene the huske, which is diuided as it were into two leaues, wherein is contained round white seede. The roote is bunched or knobbed out into long round rootes, like vnto fingers, two or three from one peece, one distant from another, and one longer then another, for the most part of a darkish gray colour, and reddish withall on the outside, and somewhat yellowish within.

The Place.

It hath beene sent out of Turkie oftentimes (as growing naturally thereabouts) and not knowne to grow naturally any where else.

The Time.

It flowreth in Aprill or May, sometimes earlier or later, as the Spring falleth out to be milde or sharpe.

The Names.

Matthiolus contendeth to make it the true Hermodadactylus, rather from the shew of the rootes, which (as is said) are like vnto fingers, then from any other good reason: for the rootes hereof eyther dry or greene, do nothing resemble the true Hermodactyli that are vsed in Physicke, as any that knoweth them may easily perceiue, either in forme or vertue. It is more truely referred to the Flowerdeluces, and because of the tuberous rootes, called Iris tuberosa, although all the Flowerdeluces in this Chapter haue tuberous rootes, yet this much differing from them all. In English it is vsually called, The Veluet Flowerdeluce, because the three falling leaues seeme to be like smooth blacke Veluet.

The Vertues.

Both the rootes and the flowers of the great Flowerdeluces, are of great vse for the purging and cleansing of many inward, as well as outward diseases, as all Authors in Physicke doe record. Some haue vsed also the greene rootes to cleanse the skinne, but they had neede to be carefull that vse them, lest they take more harme then good by the vse of them. The dryed rootes called Orris (as is said) is of much vse to make sweete powders, or other things to perfume apparrell or linnen. The iuice or decoction of the green roots doth procure both neezing to be snuft vp into the nostrils, and vomiting very strongly being taken inwardly.

CHAP. XXI.

Gladiolus. Corne Flagge.

Next vnto the Flagges or Flowerdeluces, come the Gladioli or Corne Flagges to bee entreated of, for some resemblance of the leaues with them. There are hereof diuers sorts, some bigger and some lesser, but the chiefest difference is in the colour of the flowers, and one in the order of the flowers. Of them all in their seuerall orders.

Gladiolus narbonensis. The French Corne Flagge.

The French Corne Flagge riseth vp with three or foure broad, long, and stiffe greene leaues, one as it were out of the side of another, being ioyned together at the bottome, somewhat like vnto the leaues of Flowerdeluces, but stiffer, more full of ribbes, and longer then many of them, and sharper pointed: the stalke riseth vp from among the leaues, bearing them on it as it riseth, hauing at the toppe diuers huskes, out of which come the flowers one aboue another, all of them turning and opening themselues one way, which are long and gaping, like vnto the flowers of Foxegloue, a little arched or bunching vp in the middle, of a faire reddish purple colour, with two white spots within the mouth thereof, one on each side, made like vnto a Lozenge that is square and long pointed: after the flowers are past, come vp round heads or seede vessels, wherein is contained reddish flat seede, like vnto the seede of the Fritillaria, but thicker and fuller: the roote is somewhat great, round, flat, and hard, with a shew as if it were netted, hauing another short spongie one vnder it, which when it hath done bearing, and the stalke dry, that the roote may be taken vp, sticketh close to the bottome, but may be easily taken away, hauing vsually a number of small rootes encreased about it, the least whereof will quickly grow, so that if it be suffered any long time in a Garden, it will rather choake and pester it, then be an ornament vnto it.

Gladiolus Italicus binis florum ordinibus. The Italian Corne Flagge.

The Italian Corne Flagge is like vnto the French in roote, leafe, and flower, without any other difference, then that the roote is smaller and browner, the leafe and stalke of a darker colour, and the flowers (being of a little darker colour like the former, and somewhat smaller) stand out on both sides of the stalke.

Gladiolus Byzantinus. Corne Flagge of Constantinople.

This Corne Flagge that came first from Constantinople, is in all things like vnto the French Corne Flagge last described, but that it is larger, both in rootes, leaues, and flowers, and likewise that the Flowers of this, which stand not on both sides, are of a deeper red colour, and flower later, after all the rest are past: the roote hereof being netted as plainly as any of the former, is as plentifull also to giue encrease, but is more tender and lesse able to abide our sharpe cold Winters.

Gladiolus flore rubente. Blush Corne Flagge.

This blush kinde is like vnto the French Corne Flagge in all respects, sauing onely that the flowers are of a pale red colour, tending to whitenesse, which wee vsually call a blush colour.

Gladiolus flore albo. White Corne Flagge.

This white Corne Flagge also differeth not from the last, but onely that the rootes are whiter on the outside, the leaues are greener, without any brownesse or darknesse as in the former, and the flowers are snow white.

Gladiolus purpureus minor. The small purple Corne Flagge.

This also differeth not from any of the former, but onely in the smallnesse both of leafe, stalke, and flowers, which stand all on the one side, like vnto the French kinde, and of the same colour: the roote of this kinde is netted more then any other.

The Place.

They grow in France and Italy, the least in Spaine, and the Byzantine, as it is thought, about Constantinople, being (as is said) first sent from thence. Iohn Tradescante assured mee, that hee saw many acres of ground in Barbary spread ouer with them.

The Time.

They all flower in Iune and Iuly, and the Byzantine latest, as is said before.

The Names.

It hath diuers names; for the Latines call it Gladiolus, of the forme of a sword, which the leafe doth resemble. The Romanes Segetalis, because it groweth in the Corne fields. Some call it Victorialis rotunda, to put a difference between it, and the longa, which is a kinde of Garlicke. Plinie saith, that Gladiolus is Cypirus, but to decide that controuersie, and many others, belongeth to another discourse, this being intended only for pleasure. Gerrard mistaketh the French kinde for the Italian.

The Vertues.

The roote being bruised, and applyed with Frankinsense (and often of it selfe without it) in the manner of a pultis or plaister, is held of diuers to be singular good to draw out splinters, thornes, and broken bones out of the flesh. Some take it be effectuall to stirre vp Venerie, but I somewhat doubt thereof: For Galen in his eighth Booke of Simples, giueth vnto it a drawing, digesting and drawing faculty.

CHAP. XXII.

Orchis siue Satyrium. Bee flowers.

Although it is not my purpose in this place, to giue a generall history of all the sorts of Orchides, Satyrions, and the rest of that kinde; yet because many of them are very pleasant to behold, and, if they be planted in a conuenient place, will abide some time in Gardens, so that there is much pleasure taken in them: I shall intrude some of them for curiosities sake, to make vp the prospect of natures beautifull variety, and only entreate of a few, leauing the rest to a more ample declaration.

1. Satyrium Basilicum siue Palma Christi mas. The greater male handed Satyrion.

This handed Satyrion hath for the most part but three faire large greene leaues, neare vnto the ground, spotted with small blackish markes: from among which riseth vp a stalke, with some smaller leaues thereon, bearing at the toppe a bush or spike of flowers, thicke set together, euery one whereof is made like a body, with the belly broader belowe then aboue, where it hath small peeces adioyned vnto it: the flower is of a faire purple colour, spotted with deeper purple spots, and hauing small peeces like hornes hanging at the backes of the flowers, and a small leafe at the bottome of the foote-stalke of euery flower: the rootes are not round, like the other Orchides, but somewhat long and flat, like a hand, with small diuisions belowe, hanging downe like the fingers of a hand, cut short off by the knockles, two alwayes growing together, with some small fibres or strings aboue the heads of these rootes, at the bottome of the stalke.

2. Satyrium Basilicum siue Palma Christi fæmina. The female handed Satyrion.

This female Satyrion hath longer and narrower leaues then the former, and spotted with more and greater spots, compassing the stalke at the bottome like the other: this beareth likewise a bush of flowers, like vnto the other, but that each of these haue heads like hoods, whereas the former haue none: in some they are white with purple spots, and in others of a reddish purple, with deepe or darke coloured spots: the roots are alike.

3. Orchis Hermaphroditica candida. The white Butterflie Orchis.

The rootes of this kinde take part with both the sorts of Orchis and Satyrium, being neither altogether round, nor fully handed, and thereupon it tooke the name, to signifie both kindes: the leaues are two in number, seldome more, being faire and broad, like vnto the leaues of Lillies, without any spot at all in them: at the toppe of the stalke stand many white flowers, not so thicke set as the first or second, euery one being fashioned like vnto a white Butterflie, with the wings spread abroad.

4. Orchis Melitias siue apifera. The Bee flower or Bee Orchis.

This is a small and lowe plant for the most part, with three or foure small narrow leaues at the bottome: the stalke is seldome above halfe a foote high, with foure or fiue flowers thereon one aboue another, hauing round bodies, and somewhat flat, of a kind of yellowish colour, with purple wings aboue them, so like vnto an honey Bee, that it might soone deceiue one that neuer had seene such a flower before: the roots are two together, round and white, hauing a certaine muccilaginesse or clamminesse within them, without any taste almost at all, as all or the most part of these kindes haue.

5. Orchis Sphegodes. Gnats Satyrion.

The leaues of this Orchis are somewhat larger then of the Bee flower, the stalke also somewhat higher: the flowers are fewer on the toppe, but somewhat larger then of the Bee flowers, made to the resemblance of a Gnat or great long Flie: the rootes are two round bulbes, as the other are.

6. Orchis Myodes. Flie Orchis.

The Flie Orchis is like vnto the last described, both in leafe and roote, the difference is in the flower, which is neither so long as the Gnat Satyrion, nor so great as the Bee Orchis, but the neather part of the Flie is blacke, with a list of ash-colour crossing the backe, with a shew of legges hanging at it: the naturall Flie seemeth so to bee in loue with it, that you shall seldome come in the heate of the day, but you shall finde one sitting close thereon.

The Place.

These grow in many places of England, some in the Woods, as the Butterflie, and the two former handed Satyrions: others on dry bankes and barren balkes in Kent, and many other places.

The Time.

They flower for the most part in the beginning or middle of May, or thereabouts.

The Names.

Their seuerall names are expressed in their titles, so much as may suffice for this discourse.

The Vertues.

All the kindes of Orchis are accounted to procure bodily lust, as well the flowers distilled, as the rootes prepared.

The rootes boyled in red Wine, and afterwards dryed, are held to bee a singular good remedie against the bloody Flixe.

CHAP. XXIII.

Dens Caninus. Dogs tooth Violet.

Vnto the kindes of Orchides, may fitly be ioyned another plant, which by many is reckoned to be a Satyrium, both from the forme of roote and leafe, and from the efficacy or vertue correspondent thereunto. And although it cannot be the Satyrium Erythronium of Dioscorides, as some would entitle it, for that as I haue shewed before, his Satyrium tryphillum is the Tulipa without all doubt; yet because it differeth very notably, and carrieth more beauty and respect in his flower then they, I shall entreate thereof in a Chapter by it selfe, and set it next vnto them.

Dens Caninus flore albo. Dogs tooth Violet with a white flower.

The white Dogs tooth hath for his roote a white bulbe, long and small, yet vsually greater then either of the other that follow, bigger belowe then aboue, with a small peece adioyning to the bottome of it, from whence rise vp in the beginning of the Spring, after the Winter frosts are past, two leaues for the most part (when it will flower, or else but one, and neuer three together that euer I saw) closed together when they first come vp out of the ground, which inclose the flower betweene them: the leaues when they are opened do lay themselues flat on the ground, or not much aboue it, one opposite vnto the other, with the stalke and the flower on it standing betweene them, which leaues are of a whitish greene colour, long and narrow, yet broader in the middle then at both ends, growing lesse by degrees each way, spotted and striped all ouer the leaues with white lines and spots: the stalke riseth vp halfe a foote high or more, bearing at the toppe one flower and no more, hanging downe the head, larger then any of the other of this kinde that follow, made or consisting of six white long and narrow leaues, turning themselues vp againe, after it hath felt the comfort of the Sunne, that they doe almost touch the stalke againe, very like vnto the flowers of Cyclamen or Sowebread: it hath in the middle of the flower six white chiues, tipt with darke purple pendents, and a white three forked stile in the middle of them: the flower hath no sent at all, but commendable onely for the beauty and forme thereof: after the flower is past, commeth in the place a round head seeming three square, containing therein small and yellowish seede.

Dens Caninus flore purpurascente. Dogs tooth with a pale purple flower.

This other Dogs tooth is like vnto the former, but lesser in all parts, the leafe whereof is not so long, but broad and short, spotted with darker lines and spots: the flower is like the other, but smaller, and of a delayed purple colour, very pale sometimes, and sometimes a little deeper, turning it selfe as the other, with a circle round about the vmbone or middle, the chiues hereof are not white, but declining to purple: the roote is white, and like vnto the former, but lesser, as is said before.

Dens Caninus flore rubro. Dogs tooth with a red flower.

This is in all things like vnto the last, both for forme and bignesse of flower and leafe: the chiefe difference consisteth in this, that the leaues hereof are of a yellowish mealy greene colour, spotted and streaked with redder spots and stripes, and the flower of a deeper reddish purple colour, and the chiues also more purplish then the last, in all other things it is alike.

The Place.

The sorts Dens Caninus doe growe in diuers places; some in Italy on the Euganean Hils, others on the Apenine, and some about Gratz, the chiefe Citie of Stiria, and also about Bayonne, and in other places.

The Time.

They flower in March most vsually, and many times in Aprill, according to the seasonablenesse of the yeare.

The Names.

Clusius did call it first Dentali, and Lobel, and from him some others Satyrium, and Erythronium, but I haue said enough hereof in the beginning of the Chapter. It is most commonly called Dens Caninus, and we in English, either Dogs tooth, or Dogs tooth Violet. Gesner called it Hermodactylus, and Matthiolus Pseudohermodactylus.

The Vertues.

The roote hereof is held to bee of more efficacy for venerous effects, then any of the Orchides and Satyrions.

They of Stiria vse the rootes for the falling sicknesse.

Wee haue had from Virginia a roote sent vnto vs, that wee might well iudge, by the forme and colour thereof being dry, to be either the roote of this, or of an Orchis, which the naturall people hold not onely to be singular to procure lust, but hold it as a secret, loth to reueale it.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Cyclamen. Sowebread.

The likenesse of the flowers, and the spotting of the leaues of the Dens Caninus, with these of the Cyclamen or Sowebread, maketh mee ioyne it next thereunto: as also that after the bulbous rooted plants I might begin with the tuberous that remaine, and make this plant the beginning of them. Of this kinde there are diuers sorts, differing both in forme of leaues and time of flowring: for some doe flower in the Spring of the yeare, others afterwards in the beginning of Summer: but the most number in the end of Summer, or beginning of Autumne or Haruest, whereof some haue round leaues, others cornered like vnto Iuie, longer or shorter, greater or smaller. Of them all in order, and first of those that come in the Spring.

1. Cyclamen Vernum flore purpureo. Purple flowred Sowebread of the Spring.

This Sowebread hath a smaller roote then most of the others, yet round and blackish on the outside, as all or most of the rest are (I speake of them that I haue seene; for Clusius and others doe report to haue had very great ones) from whence rise vp diuers round, yet pointed leaues, and somewhat cornered withall, greene aboue, and spotted with white spots circlewise about the leafe, and reddish vnderneath, which at their first comming vp are folded together; among which come the flowers, of a reddish purple colour and very sweete, euery one vpon a small, long, and slender reddish foote-stalke, which hanging downe their heads, turne vp their leaues againe: after the flowers are past, the head or seede vessel shrinketh downe, winding his footestalke, and coyling it selfe like a cable, which when it toucheth the ground, there abideth hid among the leaues, till it be growne great and ripe, wherein are contained a few small round seedes, which being presently sowne, will growe first into round rootes, and afterwards from them shoote forth leaues.

2. Cyclamen Vernum flore albo. White flowred Sowebread of the Spring.

The white flowring Sowebread hath his leaues like the former, but not fully so much cornered, bearing small snow white flowers, as sweete as the other: and herein consisteth the chiefest difference, in all other things it is alike.

3. Cyclamen Vernum Creticum flore albo. White Candy Sowebread of the Spring.

This Sowebread is somewhat like the former white kinde, but that the leaues grow much larger and longer, with more corners at the edges, and more eminent spots on them: the flowers also somewhat longer and larger, and herein consisteth the whole difference.

4. Cyclamen Æstivum. Summer Sowebread.

Summer Sowebread hath round leaues like vnto the Romane Sowebread, but somewhat cornered, yet with shorter corners then the Iuie leafed Sowebread, full of white spots on the vpperside of the leaues, and very purple vnderneath, sometimes they haue fewer spots, and little or no purple vnderneath: the flowers hereof are as small, as purple, and as sweete, as the purple Sowebread of the Spring time: the roote hereof is likewise small, blacke, and round.

5. Cyclamen Romanum rotundifolium. Romane Sowebread with round leaues.

The Romane Sowebread hath round leaues, somewhat like vnto the common Sowebread, but not fully so round pointed at the ends, a little cornered sometimes also, or as it were indented, with white spots round about the middle of the leaues, and very conspicuous, which make it seeme the more beautifull: the flowers appeare in Autumne, and are shorter, and of a deeper purplish red colour then the Iuie Sowebread, rising vp before the leaues for the most part, or at least with them, and little or nothing sweete: the roote is round and blacke, vsually not so flat as it, but growing sometimes to bee greater then any other kinde of Sowebread. There is sometimes some variety to be seene, both

[Sidenote: Varietas.]

in the leaues and flowers of this kinde; for that sometime the leaues haue more corners, and either more or lesse spotted with white; the flowers likewise of some are larger or lesser, longer or rounder, paler or deeper coloured one then another. This happeneth most likely from the sowing of the seede, causing the like variety as is seene in the Iuie leafed Sowebread. It doth also many times happen from the diuersity of soyles and countries where they grow: the seed of this, as of all the rest, is small and round, contained in such like heads as the former, standing almost like the head of a Snake that is twined or folded within the body thereof. This and the other Autumnall kindes, presently after their sowing in Autumne, shoote forth leaues, and so abide all the Winter, according to their kinde.

6. Cyclamen folio hederæ autumnale. Iuie leafed Sowebread.

The Iuie leafed Sowebread groweth in the same manner that the former doth, that is, bringeth forth flowers with the leaues sometimes, or most commonly before them, whose flowers are greater then the common round leafed Sowebread, somewhat longer then the former Romane or Italian Sowebreads, and of a paler purple colour, almost bluish, without that sweete sent as is in the first kinde of the Spring: the greene leaues hereof are more long then round, pointed at the ends, and hauing also one or two corners on each side, sometimes much spotted on the vpperside with white spots and marks, and sometimes but a little or not at all; and so likewise sometimes more or lesse purple vnderneath: all the leaues and flowers doe stand vsually euery one seuerally by themselues, vpon their owne slender foote-stalkes, as most of all the

[Sidenote: Varietas.]

other kindes doe: but sometimes it happeneth, that both leaues and flowers are found growing from one and the same stalke, which I rather take to be accidentall, then naturall so to continue: the seede hereof is like the former kindes, which being sowne produceth variety, both in the forme of the leaues, and colour and smell of the flowers: some being paler or deeper, and some more or lesse sweete then others: the leaues also, some more or lesse cornered then others: the root groweth to be great, being round and flat, and of a blackish browne colour on the outside.

7. Cyclamen autumnale hederæ folio flore albo. Iuie leafed Sowebread with white flowers.

There is one of this kinde, whose leaues are rounder, and not so much cornered as the former, flowring in Autumne as the last doth, and whose flowers are wholly white, not hauing any other notable difference therein.

8. Cyclamen autumnale angustifolium. Long leafed Sowebread.

This kinde of Sowebread may easily be knowne from all the other kindes, because his leafe is longer and narrower then others, fashioned at the bottome thereof with points, somewhat like vnto Arum or Wake Robin leaues: the flowers are like the former sorts for forme, but of a purple colour. There is also another of this kinde in all things like the former, but that the flowers are white.

9. Cyclamen Antiochenum Autumnale flore purpureo duplici. Double flowred Sowebread of Antioch.

This Sowebread of Antioch with double flowers, hath his leaues somewhat round, like vnto the leaues of the Summer Sowebread, but with lesse notches or corners, & full of white spots on them: it beareth flowers on stalks, like vnto others, & likewise some stalks that haue two or three flowers on them, which are very large, with ten or twelue leaues a peece, of a faire Peach colour, like vnto the flowers of purple Sowebread of the Spring, and deeper at the bottome.

There are of this kinde some, whose flowers appeare in the Spring, and are as large and double as the former, but of a pure white colour.

There are of these Sowebreads of Antioch, that haue but single flowers, some appearing in the Spring, and others in Autumne.

10. Cyclamen vulgare folio rotundo. The common Sowebread.

The common Sowebread (which is most vsed in the Apothecaries Shops) hath many leaues spread vpon the ground, rising from certaine small long heads, that are on the greater round rootes, as vsually most of the former sorts doe, being in the like manner folded together, and after spread themselues into round greene leaues, somewhat like vnto the leaues of Asarum, but not shining, without any white spots on the vpperside for the most part, or but very seldome, and reddish or purplish vnderneath, and very seldome greener: the flowers stand vpon small foot-stalkes, and shew themselues open for the most part, before any leaues doe appeare, being smaller and shorter then those with Iuie leaues, and of a pale purple colour, yet sometimes deeper, hanging downe their heads, and turning vp their leaues againe, as all others doe, but more sweete then many other of the Autumne flowers: after the flowers are past, come the heads turning or winding themselues downe in like manner as the other doe, hauing such like seede, but somewhat larger, and more vneuen, or not so round at the least: the roote is round, and not flat, of a browner colour, and not so blacke on the outside as many of the others.

The Place.

The Sowebreads of the Spring doe both grow on the Pyrenæan Mountaines in Italy, and in Candy, and about Mompelier in France; Antioch in Syria also hath yeelded some both of the Spring and Autumne. Those with round and Iuie leaues grow in diuers places both of France and Italy: and the common in Germany, and the Lowe-Countries. But that Autumne Sowebread with white flowers, is reported to grow in the Kingdome of Naples. I haue very curiously enquired of many, if euer they found them in any parts of England, neare or further off from the places where they dwell: but they haue all affirmed, that they neuer found, or euer heard of any that haue found of any of them. This onely they haue assured, that there groweth none in the places, where some haue reported them to grow.

The Time.

Those of the Spring doe flower about the end of Aprill, or beginning of May. The other of the Summer, about the end of Iune or in Iuly. The rest some in August, and September, others in October.

The Names.

The Common Sowebread is called by most Writers in Latine, Panis Porcinus, and by that name it is knowne in the Apothecaries shops, as also by the name Arthanita, according to which name, they haue an ointment so called, which is to be made with the iuice hereof. It is also called by diuers other names, not pertinent for this discourse. The most vsuall name, whereby it is knowne to most Herbarists, is Cyclamen (which is the Greeke word) or as some call it Cyclaminus adding thereunto their other seuerall titles. In English, Sowebread.

The Vertues.

The leaues and rootes are very effectuall for the spleene, as the Ointment before remembred plainly proueth, being vsed for the same purpose, and that to good effect. It is vsed also for women in long and hard trauels, where there is danger, to accelerate the birth, either the roote or the leafe being applyed. But for any amorous effects, I hold it meere fabulous.

CHAP. XXV.

Anemone. Windeflower and his kindes.

The next tuberous rooted plants that are to follow (of right in my opinion) are the Anemones or Windeflowers, and although some tuberous rooted plants, that is, the Asphodils, Spiderworts, and Flowerdeluces haue beene before inserted, it was, both because they were in name or forme of flowers sutable to them whom they were ioyned vnto, and also that they should not be seuered and entreated of in two seuerall places: the rest are now to follow, at the least so many of them as be beautifull flowers, fit to furnish a Florists Garden, for natures delightsome varieties and excellencies. To distinguish the Family of Anemones I may, that is, into the wilde kindes, and into the tame or mannured, as they are called, and both of them noursed vp in Gardens; and of them into those that haue broader leaues, and into those that haue thinner or more iagged leaues: and of each of them, into those that beare single flowers, and those that beare double flowers. But to describe the infinite (as I may so say) variety of the colours of the flowers, and to giue to each his true distinction and denomination, Hic labor, hoc opus est, it farre passeth my ability I confesse, and I thinke would grauell the best experienced this day in Europe (and the like I said concerning Tulipas, it being as contingent to this plant, as is before said of the Tulipa, to be without end in yeelding varieties:) for who can see all the varieties that haue sprung from the sowing of the seede in all places, seeing the variety of colours risen from thence, is according to the variety of ayres & grounds wherein they are sowne, skill also helping nature in ordering them aright. For the seede of one and the same plant sowne in diuers ayres and grounds, doe produce that variety of colours that is much differing one from another; who then can display all the mixtures of colours in them, to set them downe in so small a roome as this Book? Yet as I haue done (in the former part of this Treatise) my good will, to expresse as many of each kinde haue come to my knowledge, so if I endeauour the like in this, I hope the courteous wil accept it, and hold me excused for the rest: otherwise, if I were or could be absolute, I should take from my self and others the hope of future augmentation, or addition of any new, which neuer will be wanting. To begin therefore with the wilde kinds (as they are so accounted) I shall first entreate of the Pulsatillas or Pasque flowers, which are certainly kindes of wilde Anemones, both in leafe and flower, as may well be discerned by them that are iudicious (although some learned men haue not so thought, as appeareth by their writings) the rootes of them making one speciall note of difference, from the other sorts of wilde Anemones.

1. Pulsatilla Anglica purpurea. The purple Pasque flower.

The Pasque or Passe flower which is of our owne Country, hath many leaues lying on the ground, somewhat rough or hairie, hard in feeling, and finely cut into many small leaues, of a darke greene colour, almost like the leaues of Carrets, but finer and smaller, from among which rise vp naked stalkes, rough or hairie also, set about the middle thereof with some small diuided leaues compassing them, and rising aboue these leaues about a spanne, bearing euery one of them one pendulous flower, made of six leaues, of a fine Violet purple colour, but somewhat deepe withall, in the middle whereof stand many yellow threads, set about a middle purple pointell: after the flower is past, there commeth vp in the stead thereof a bushie head of long seedes, which are small and hoarie, hauing at the end of euery one a small haire, which is gray likewise: the roote is small and long, growing downewards into the ground, with a tuft of haire at the head thereof, and not lying or running vnder the vpper crust thereof, as the other wilde Anemones doe.

2. Pulsatilla Danica. The Passe flower of Denmarke.

There is another that was brought out of Denmarke, very like vnto the former, but that it is larger both in roote and leafe, and flower also, which is of a fairer purple colour, not so deepe, and besides, will better abide to bee mannured then our English kinde will, as my selfe haue often proued.

[Sidenote: Viriusque flore albo & flore duplici.]

Of both these sorts it is said, that some plants haue bin found, that haue borne white flowers. And likewise one that bore double flowers, that is, with two rowes of leaues.

3. Pulsatilla flore rubro. The red Passe flower.

Lobel, as I take it, did first set forth this kinde, being brought him from Syria, the leaues whereof are finer cut, the flower smaller, and with longer leaues, and of a red colour.

4. Pulsatilla flore luteo. The yellow Passe flower.

The yellow Passe flower hath his leaues cut and diuided, very like vnto the leaues of the first kinde, but somewhat more hairie, greene on the vpperside, and hairie vnderneath: the stalke is round and hoary, the middle whereof is beset with some small leaues, as in the other, from among which riseth vp the stalke of the flower, consisting of six leaues of a very faire yellow colour on the inside, and of a hoary pale yellow on the outside; after which followeth such an head of hairie thrummes as in the former: the roote is of the bignesse of a mans finger.

5. Pulsatilla flore albo. The white Passe flower.

The white Passe flower (which Clusius maketh a kinde of Anemone, and yet as hee saith himselfe, doth more nearely resemble the Pulsatilla) hath, from amongst a tuft or head of haires, which grow at the toppe of a long blacke roote, many leaues standing vpon long stalkes, which are diuided as it were into three wings or parts, and each part finely cut and diuided, like vnto the Passe flower of Denmarke, but somewhat harder in handling, greenish on the vpperside, and somewhat gray vnderneath, and very hairie all ouer: among these leaues rise vp the stalkes, beset at the middle of them with three leaues, as finely cut and diuided as those belowe, from aboue which standeth the flower, being smaller, and not so pendulous as the former, but in the like manner consisting of six leaues, of a snow white colour on the inside, and a little browner on the outside, with many yellow thrums in the middle: after the flower is past, riseth vp such a like hoary head, composed as it were of many haires, each whereof hath a small seede fastened vnto it, like as the former Passe flowers haue.

The Place.

The first is found in many places of England, vpon dry bankes that lye open to the Sunne.

The second was first brought, as I take it, by Doctor Lobel from Denmarke, & is one of the two kinds, that Clusius saith are common in Germanie, this bearing a paler purple flower, and more early then the other, which is the same with our English, whose flower is so darke, that it almost seemeth blacke.

The red kinde, as Lobel saith, came from Syria.

The yellow Passe flower, which Clusius maketh his third wilde Anemone, was found very plentifully growing at the foote of St. Bernards Hill, neare vnto the Cantons of the Switzers.

The white one groweth on the Alpes neare Austria, in France likewise and other places.

The Time.

All of them doe flower early in the yeare, that is, in the beginning of Aprill, about which time most commonly Easter doth fall.

The Names.

Their proper names are giuen to each in their seuerall titles, being all of them kindes of wilde Anemones, as I said in the beginning of the Chapter, and so for the most part all Authors doe acknowledge them. We call them in English, because they flower about Easter, Pasque flower, which is the French name for Easter, or Euphoniæ gratia, Pasque flower, which may passe currant, without any further descant on the name, or else Pulsatilla, if you will, being growne old by custome.

The Vertues.

The sharpe biting and exulcerating quality of this plant, causeth it to be of little vse, notwithstanding Ioachimus Camerarius saith in his Hortus Medicus, that in Borussia, which is a place in Italy, as I take it, the distilled water hereof is vsed with good successe, to be giuen to them that are troubled with a Tertian Ague; for he saith that it is medicamentum ὀκφρακτικὸν, that is, a medicine of force to helpe obstructions.

Anemone siluestris latifolia alba siue tertia Matthioli. The white wilde broad leafed Windflower.

This Windflower hath diuers broad greene leaues, cut into diuisions, and dented, about, very like vnto a broad leafed Crowfoote, among which riseth vp a stalke, hauing some such like cut leaues in the middle thereof, as growe below, but smaller; on the toppe whereof standeth one large white flower, consisting of fiue leaues for the most part, with some yellow threads in the middle, standing about such a greene head as is in the tame or garden Anemones, which growing greater after the flower is past, is composed of many small seedes, wrapped in white wooll, which as soone as they are ripe, raise themselues vp from the bottome of the head, and flye away with the winde, as the other tame or garden kindes doe: the roote is made of a number of long blacke strings, encreasing very much by running vnder ground, and shooting vp in diuers places.

Anemone siluestris tenuifolia lutea. The yellow wilde thin leafed Windflower.

The yellow wilde Anemone riseth vp with one or two small round naked stalkes, bearing about the middle of them, small, soft, and tender iagged leaues, deeply cut in and indented on the edges about, from aboue which, doth grow the stalke, bearing small yellow flowers, standing vpon weake foote-stalks, like vnto a small Crowfoot, with some threads in the middle: the roote is long and small, somewhat like vnto the roote of Pollipodie, creeping vnder the vpper crust of the earth: this kinde is lower, and springeth somewhat earlier then the other wilde kindes that follow.

Anemone siluestris tenuifolia alba simplex. The single white thin leafed wilde Windflower.

This white wilde Anemone riseth vp with diuers leaues vpon seuerall long stalkes; which are somewhat like vnto the former, but that they are somewhat harder, and not so long, nor the diuisions of the leaues so finely snipt about the edges, but a little broader, and deeper cut in on euery side: the flowers hereof are larger and broader then the former, white on the inside, and a little purplish on the outside, especially at the bottome of the flower next vnto the stalke: the roote of this is very like vnto the last.

[Sidenote: Purpurea.]

There is another of this kinde, whose flowers are purple, in all other things it is like vnto the white.

[Sidenote: Coccinea siue suave rubens.]

And likewise another, with a blush or carnation coloured flower.

[Sidenote: Peregrina alba.]

There is one that is onely nursed vp with vs in Gardens, that is somewhat like vnto these former wilde Anemones in roote and leafe, but that the flower of this, being pure white within, and a little purplish without, consisting of eight or nine small round pointed leaues, hath sometimes some leaues vnder the flower, party coloured white and greene: the flower hath likewise a greene head, like a Strawberry, compassed about with white threads, tipt with yellow pendents.

[Sidenote: Peregrina viridis.]

And another of the same kinde with the last, whose flower consisting of eight or nine leaues, is of a greenish colour, except the foure outermost leaues, which are a little purplish, and diuided at the points into three parts; the middle part is of a greenish white colour, with a greene head in the middle as the other.

Anemone siluestris trifolia Dodonæi. The three leafed wilde Windflower.

This wilde Anemone hath his rootes very like vnto the former kindes; the leaues are alwaies three set together at the toppe of slender stalkes, being small and indented about, very like vnto a three leafed Grasse, but smaller: the flower consisteth of eight small leaues, somewhat like vnto a Crowfoote, but of a whitish purple or blush colour, with some white threads, and a greene rough head in the middle.

Anemone siluestris flore pleno albo. The double white wilde Windflower.

This double kinde is very like vnto the single white kinde before described, both in his long running rootes, and thin leaues, but somewhat larger: the flowers hereof are very thicke and double, although they be small, and of a faint sweete sent, very white after it is full blowne for fiue or six dayes, but afterwards it becommeth a little purplish on the inside, but more on the outside: this neuer giueth seede (although it haue a small head in the middle) like as many other double flowers doe.

Anemone siluestris flore pleno purpureo. The double purple wilde Windflower.

This double purple kinde hath such like iagged leaues as the last described hath, but more hoarie vnderneath: the flower is of a fine light purple toward the points of the leaues, the bottomes being of a deeper purple, but as thicke, and full of leaues as the former, with a greene head in the middle, like vnto the former: this kinde hath small greene leaues on the stalkes vnder the flowers, cut and diuided like the lower leaues.

The Place.

The first broad leafed Anemone groweth in diuers places of Austria and Hungary. The yellow in diuers woods in Germany, but not in this Countrey that euer I could learne. The other single wilde kindes, some of them are very frequent throughout the most places of England, in Woods, Groues, and Orchards. The double kindes were found, as Clusius saith, in the Lowe-Countries, in a Wood neare Louaine.

The Time.

They flower from the end of March (that is the earliest) and the beginning of Aprill, vntill May, and the double kindes begin within a while after the single kinds are past.

The Names.

They are called Ranunculi siluarum, and Ranunculi nemorum, and as Clusius would haue them, Leimonia of Theophrastus; they are generally called of most Herbarists Anemones siluestres, Wilde Anemones or Windflowers. The Italians call them Gengeuo saluatico, that is, Wilde Ginger, because the rootes are, besides the forme, being somewhat like small Ginger, of a biting hot and sharpe taste.

Anemone Lusitanica siue hortensis latifolia flore simplici luteo. The single Garden yellow Windflower or Anemone.

This single yellow Anemone or Windflower hath diuers broad round leaues, somewhat diuided and endented withall on the edges, brownish at the first rising vp out of the ground, and almost folded together, and after of a sad greene on the vpperside, and reddish vnderneath; among which rise vp small slender stalkes, beset at the middle of them with two or three leaues, more cut and diuided then those belowe, with small yellow flowers at the toppe of them, consisting of ten or twelue leaues a peece, hauing a few yellow threads in the middle of them, standing about a small greene head, which in time growing ripe hath small flat seede, inclosed within a soft wooll or downe, which is easily blowne away with the winde: the roote groweth downeward into the ground, diuersly spread with branches here and there, of a brownish yellow on the outside, and whitish within, so brittle, that it can hardly bee touched without breaking.

Anemone latifolia flore luteo duplici. The double yellow Anemone or Windflower.

This double yellow Anemone hath such broad round leaues as the single kinde hath, but somewhat larger or ranker: the stalkes are beset with larger leaues, more deeply cut in on the edges: the flowers are of a more pale yellow, with some purplish veines on the outside, and a little round pointed; but they are all on the inside of a faire yellow colour, consisting of two rowes of leaues, whereof the innermost is the narrower, with a small greene head in the middle, compassed with yellow threads as in the former: the roote is like the roote of the single; neither of these haue any good sent, and this springeth vp and flowreth later then the single kinde.

Anemone latifolia purpurea stellata siue papaveracea. The purple Starre Anemone or Windflower.

The first leaues of this purple Anemone, which alwayes spring vp before Winter, (if the roote be not kept too long out of the ground,) are somewhat like the leaues of Sanicle or Selfe-heale, but the rest that follow are more deeply cut in and iagged; among which rise vp diuers round stalkes, beset with iagged leaues as all other Anemones are, aboue which leaues, the stalkes rising two or three inches high, beare one flower a peece, composed of twelue leaues or more, narrow and pointed, of a bleake purple or whitish ash-colour, somewhat shining on the outside, and of a fine purple colour tending to a murrey on the inside, with many blackish blew threads or thrummes in the middle of the flower, set about a head, whereon groweth the seede, which is small and blacke, inclosed in soft wooll or downe, which flieth away with the winde, carrying the seede with it, if it be not carefully gathered: the roote is blackish on the outside, and white within, tuberous or knobby, with many fibres growing at it.

Anemone purpurea Stellata altera. Another purple Starre Anemone.

There is so great diuersity in the colours of the flowers of these broad leafed kinds of Anemones or Windflowers, that they can very hardly be expressed, although in their leaues there is but little or no difference. I shall not neede therefore to make seuerall descriptions of euery one that shall be set downe; but it will be sufficient, I thinke, to giue you the distinctions of the flowers: for as I said, therein is the greatest and chiefest difference. This other Starre Anemone differeth not from the former in leafe or flower, but onely that this is of a more pale sullen colour on the outside, and of a paler purple colour on the inside.

Viola purpurea.

There is another, whose flower hath eight leaues, as many of them that follow haue (although diuers sorts haue but six leaues in a flower) and is of a Violet purple, and therefore is called, The Violet purple Anemone.

Varietas.

Of all these three sorts last described, there be other that differ only in hauing white bottomes, some smaller and some larger.

Purpurea striata.

There is also another of the same Violet purple colour with the former, but a little paler, tending more to rednesse, whose flowers haue many white lines and stripes through the leaues, and is called, The purple stript Anemone.

Carnea vivacissima simplex.

There is another, whose greene leaues are somewhat larger, and so is the flower likewise, consisting of eight leaues, and sometimes of more, of the colour of Carnation silke, sometimes pale and sometimes deeper, with a whitish circle about the bottome of the leaues, which circle in some is larger, and more to be seene then in others, when the flower layeth it selfe open with the heate of the Sunne, hauing blewish threads in the middle. This may be called, the Carnation Anemone.

Persiciviolacea.

We haue another, whose flower is betweene a Peach colour and a Violet, which is vsually called a Gredeline colour.

Cochenille.

And another of a fine reddish Violet or purple, which we call, The Cochenille Anemone.

Cardinalis.

And another of a rich crimson red colour, and may be called, The Cardinall Anemone.

Sanguinea.

Another of a deeper, but not so liuely a red, called, The bloud red Anemone.

Cramesina.

Another of an ordinary crimson colour, called, The crimson Anemone.

Coccinea.

Another of a Stamell colour, neare vnto a Scarlet.

Incarnata.

Another of a fine delayed red or flesh colour, and may bee called, The Incarnidine Anemone.

Incarnata Hispanica.

Another whose flower is of a liuely flesh colour, shadowed with yellow, and may be called, The Spanish Incarnate Anemone.

Rubescens.

Another of a faire whitish red, which we call, The Blush Anemone.

Moschutella.

Another whose flower consisteth of eight leaues, of a darke whitish colour, stript all ouer with veines of a fine blush colour, the bottomes being white, this may be called, The Nutmegge Anemone.

Enfumata.

Another whose flower is of a pale whitish colour, tending to a gray, such as the Monkes and Friers were wont to weare with vs, and is called, A Monkes gray.

Pauo maior simplici flore.

There is another, whose leafe is somewhat broader then many or most of the Anemones, comming neare vnto the leafe of the great double Orenge coloured Anemone; the flower whereof is single, consisting of eight large or broad leaues, very neare vnto the same Orenge colour, that is in the double flower hereafter described, but somewhat deeper. This is vsually called in Latine, Pauo maior simplici flore, and we in English, The great single Orenge tawnie Anemone.

Pauo minor.

There is likewise of this kinde another, whose flower is lesser, and called, The lesser Orenge tawnie Anemone.

Varietas magna ex seminio.

There is besides these expressed, so great a variety of mixt colours in the flowers of this kinde of Anemone with broad leaues, arising euery yeare from the sowing of the seede of some of the choisest and fittest for that purpose, that it is wonderfull to obserue, not onely the variety of single colours, but the mixture of two or three colours in one flower, besides the diuersity of the bottomes of the flowers, some hauing white or yellowish bottomes, and some none, and yet both of the same colour; and likewise in the thrums or threads in the middle: But the greatest wonder of beauty is in variety of double flowers, that arise from among the other single ones, some hauing two or three rowes of leaues in the flowers, and some so thicke of leaues as a double Marigold, or double Crowfoote, and of the same seuerall colours that are in the single flowers, that it is almost impossible to expresse them seuerally, and (as is said before) some falling out to bee double in one yeare, which will proue single or lesse double in another, yet very many abiding constant double as at the first; and therefore let this briefe recitall be sufficient in stead of a particular of all the colours.

Anemone Chalcedonica maxima versicolor. The great double Windflower of Constantinople.

This great Anemone of Constantinople hath broader and greener leaues then any of the former kindes, and not so much diuided or cut in at the edges, among which rise vp one or two stalkes, (seldome more from one roote) hauing some leaues about the middle of the stalke, as other Anemones haue, and bearing at the toppes of the stalkes one large flower a peece, very double, whose outermost leaues being broadest, are greenish at the first, but afterwards red, hauing sometimes some greene abiding still in the leaues, and the red striped through it: the other leaues which are within these are smaller, and of a perfect red colour; the innermost being smallest, are of the same red colour but turned somewhat inward, hauing no thrummes or threads in the middle, as the former haue, and bearing no seede: the roote is blackish on the outside, and white within, thicke and tuberous as the other kindes, but thicker set and close together, not shooting any long slender rootes as others doe. Some Gentlewomen call this Anemone, The Spanish Marigold.

Anemone Chalcedonica altera siue Pauo maior flore duplici. The great double Orenge tawney Anemone.

This other great Anemone of Constantinople hath his large leaues so like vnto the last, that one can hardly distinguish them asunder; the stalke hath also such like leaues set vpon it, bearing at the toppe a faire large flower, consisting of many leaues set in two or three rowes at the most, but not so thicke or double as the last, yet seeming to be but one thicke rowe of many small and long leaues, of an excellent red or crimson colour, wherein some yellow is mixed, which maketh that colour is called an Orenge tawney; the bottomes of the leaues are red, compassed with a whitish circle, the thrummie head in the middle being beset with many darke blackish threads: the roote is like the former.

Anemone Superitica siue Cyparissia. The double Anemone of Cyprus.

This Anemone (which the Dutchmen call Superitz, and as I haue beene enformed, came from the Isle of Cyprus) hath leaues very like the last double Anemone, but not altogether so large: the flower consisteth of smaller leaues, of colour very neare vnto the last double Orenge coloured Anemone, but more thicke of leaues, and as double as the first, although not so great a flower, without any head in the middle, or thrums about it as is in the last, and differeth not in the roote from either of them both.

Somewhat like vnto this kinde, or as it were betweene this and the first kinde of these great double Anemones, we haue diuers other sorts, bearing flowers very thicke and double; some of them being white, or whitish, or purple, deepe or paler, and some of a reddish colour tending to Scarlet or a Carnation colour, and some also of a blush or flesh colour, and diuers other colours, and all of them continue constant in their colours.

Anemone Cacumeni Maringi siue Persica. The double Persian Anemone.

This rare Anemone, which is said to come out of Persia to Constantinople, and from thence to vs, is in leafe and roote very like vnto the former double Anemones before described; onely the flower hereof is rather like vnto the second great double Orenge coloured Anemone, vsually called Pauo maior flore pleno, being composed of three rowes of leaues, the outermost rowe consisting of ten or twelue larger leaues, and those more inward lesser and more in number, but all of them variably mixed with white, red, and yellow, having the bottomes of the leaues white: but instead of a middle head with thrums about it, as the other hath, this hath a few narrow leaues, or a deepe yellow colour in the middle of the flower, standing vpright.

Hauing thus farre proceeded in the two parts of the kindes of Anemones or Windflowers, it remaineth to entreate of the rest, which is those Anemones which haue thin cut leaues, whereof some haue reckoned vp thirty sorts with single flowers, which I confesse I haue not seene; but so many as haue come to my knowledge, I shall here set downe.

Anemone tenuifolia siue Geranifolia cærulea. The Watchet Anemone or Storkes bill leafed Windflower.

This first Windflower with thin cut leaues, riseth not out of the ground vntil the great Winter frosts be past, that is, about the middle or end of February, and are somewhat brownish at their first appearing, but afterwards spread into wings of greene leaues, somewhat broader then the rest that follow, diuided into three parts, & each part into three leaues, euery one cut in about the edges, one standing against another vpon a long slender foote-stalke, and the end leafe by it selfe: among these riseth vp two or three greene stalkes, garnished with such like thin leaues as are at the bottome, from aboue which rise the flowers, but one vpon a stalke, consisting of fourteene or fifteene small pale blew or watchet leaues, lesser then any of the single kindes that follow, compassing many whitish threads, and a small greene head in the middle, somewhat like the head of the wilde Crowfoote, wherein is contained such like seede: the roote is blackish without, thrusting out into long tuberous peeces, somewhat like vnto some of the broad leafed Anemones.

[Sidenote: Alba.]

Of this kinde there is another, whose leaues are not browne at their first rising, but greene, and the flowers are white, in other things not differing.

Anemone tenuifolia purpurea vulgaris. The ordinary purple Anemone with thin leaues.

This purple Anemone which is most common, and therefore the lesse regarded, hath many winged leaues standing vpon seuerall stalkes, cut and diuided into diuers leaues, much like vnto the leaues of a Carrot; among which rise vp stalkes with some leaues thereon (as is vsuall to the whole Family of Anemones, both wilde and tame, as is before said;) at the toppes whereof stand the flowers, made of six leaues most vsually, but sometimes they will haue seuen or eight, being very large, and of a perfect purple Violet colour, very faire and liuely: the middle head hath many blackish thrums or threads about it, which I could neuer obserue in my Gardens to beare seed: the roote is smaller, and more spreading euery way into small long flat tuberous parts, then any other kindes of single or double Anemones.

Carneapallida.

There is another very like in leafe and roote vnto the former, but the flower is nothing so large, and is whitish, tending to a blush colour, and of a deeper blush colour toward the bottome of the flower, with blackish blew thrums in the middle, and giueth no seede that I could euer obserue.

Carnea viuida vnguibus albis.

There is likewise another like vnto the last in leafe and flower, but that the flower is larger then it, and is a of liuely blush colour, the leaues hauing white bottomes.

Alba venis purpureis.

And another, whose flower is white, with purple coloured veines and stripes through euery leafe, and is a lesser flower then the other.

Anemone tenuifolia coccinea simplex. The single Scarlet Anemone with thin leaues.

The leaues of this Scarlet Windflower are somewhat like vnto the former, but a little broader, and not so finely cut and diuided: the flower consisteth of six reasonable large leaues, of an excellent red colour, which we call a Scarlet; the bottomes of the leaues are large and white, and the thrums or threads in the middle of a blackish purple colour: the roote is tuberous, but consisting of thicker peeces, somewhat like vnto the rootes of the broad leafed Anemones, but somewhat browne and not so blacke, and most like vnto the roote of the double Scarlet Anemone.

Coccinea absq; vnguibus.

There is another of this kinde, whose flower is neare vnto the same colour, but this hath no white bottomes at all in his leaues.

Flore holosericeo.

We haue another which hath as large a flower as any single, and is of an Orient deepe red crimson Veluet colour.

Sanguinea.

There is another of a deeper red colour, and is called, The bloud red single Anemone.

Rubra fundo luteo.

And another, whose flower is red with the bottome yellow.

Coccinea dilutior.

Another of a perfect crimson colour, whereof some haue round pointed leaues, and others sharpe pointed, and some a little lighter or deeper then others.

Alba staminibus purpureis.

There is also one, whose flower is pure white with blewish purple thrums in the middle.

Carnea Hispanica.

And another, whose flower is very great, of a kinde of sullen blush colour, but yet pleasant, with blewish threads in the middle.

Alba carneis venis.

And another with blush veines in euery leafe of the white flower.

Alba purpureis vnguibus.

And another, the flower whereof is white, the bottomes of the leaues being purple.

Purpurascens.

Another whose flower consisteth of many small narrow leaues, of a pale purple or blush colour on the outside, and somewhat deeper within.

Facie florum pomi simplex.

There is another like in leafe and roote vnto the first Scarlet Anemone, but the flower hereof consisteth of seuen large leaues without any bottomes, of a white colour, hauing edges, and some large stripes also of a carnation or flesh colour to bee seene in them, marked somewhat like an Apple blossome, and thereupon it is called in Latine, Anemone tenuifolia simplex alba instar florum pomi, or facie florum pomi, that is to say in English, The single thin leafed Anemone with Apple blossome flowers.

Multiplex.

I haue heard that there is one of this kinde with double flowers.

1. Anemone tenuifolia flore coccineo pleno vulgaris. The common double red or Scarlet Anemone.

The leaues of this double Anemone are very like vnto the leaues of the single Scarlet Anemone, but not so thin cut and diuided as that with the purple flower: the flower hereof when it first openeth it selfe, consisteth of six and sometimes of seuen or eight broad leaues, of a deepe red, or excellent Scarlet colour, the middle head being thick closed, and of a greenish colour, which after the flower hath stood blowne some time, doth gather colour, and openeth it selfe into many small leaues, very thicke, of a more pale red colour, and more Stamell like then the outer leaues: the root of this is thicke and tuberous, very like vnto the root of the single Scarlet Anemone.

2. Anemone tenuifolia flore coccineo pleno variegata. The party coloured double Crimson Anemone.

We haue a kinde hereof, varying neither in roote, leafe, or forme of flower from the former, but in the colour, in that this will haue sometimes the outer broad leaues party coloured, with whitish or blush coloured great streakes in the red leaues both inside and outside; as also diuers of the middle or inner leaues striped in the same manner: the roote hereof giueth fairer flowers in some yeares then in others, and sometimes giue flowers all red againe.

3. Anemone tenuifolia flore coccineo saturo pleno. The double crimson Veluet Anemone.

Wee haue another also, whose flower is of a deepe Orenge tawny crimson colour, neare vnto the colour of the outer leaues, of the lesser French Marigold, and not differing from the former in any thing else.

4. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno suauerubente. The greater double blush Anemone.

There is small difference to be discerned, either in the roote or leaues of this from the former double Scarlet Anemone, sauing that the leaues hereof are a little broader, and seeme to bee of a little fresher greene colour: the flower of this is as large almost, and as double as the former, and the inner leaues likewise almost as large as they, being of a whitish or flesh colour at the first opening of them, but afterwards become of a most liuely blush colour; the bottomes of the leaues abiding of a deeper blush, and with long standing, the tops of the leaues will turne almost wholly white againe.

5. Anemone tenuifolia flore albo pleno. The double white Anemone.

This double white Anemone differeth little from the former blush Anemone, but in that it is smaller in all the parts thereof, and also that the flower hereof being wholly of a pure white colour, without any shew of blush therein, hath the middle thrummes much smaller and shorter then it, and not rising vp so high, but seeme as if they were chipped off euen at the toppes.

6. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno albicante. The lesser double blush Anemone.

This small double blush Anemone differeth very little from the double white last recited, but onely in the colour of the flower: for they are both much about the bignesse one of another, the middle thrums likewise being as small and short, and as euen aboue, onely the flower at the first opening is almost white, but afterwards the outer leaues haue a more shew of blush in them, and the middle part a little deeper then they.

7. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpureo violaceo. The double purple Anemone.

This double purple Anemone is also of the same kindred with the first double red or Scarlet Anemone for the form or doublenesse of the flower, consisting but of six or seuen leaues at the most in this our Country, although in the hotter it hath ten or twelue, or more as large leaues for the outer border, and as large small leaues for the inner middle also, and almost as double, but of a deepe purple tending toward a Violet colour, the outer leaues being not so deepe as the inner: the roote and leafe commeth neare vnto the single purple Anemone before described, but that the roote spreadeth not so small and so much.

8. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno purpureo cæruleo. The double blew Anemone.

This Anemone differeth not in any thing from the former double purple, but onely that the flower is paler, and more tending to a blew colour.

9. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno roseo. The double Rose coloured Anemone.

The double Rose coloured Anemone differeth also in nothing from the former double purple, but onely in the flower, which is somewhat smaller, and not so thicke and double, and that it is of a reddish colour, neare vnto the colour of a pale red Rose, or of a deepe coloured Damaske.

10. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno carneo viuacissimo. The double Carnation Anemone.

This Anemone, both in roote, leafe, and flower, commeth nearest vnto the former double white Anemone, for the largenesse and doublenesse of the flower, and in the smalnesse of the middle thrums, and euennesse at the toppes of them, being not so large and great a flower as the double purple, either in the inner or outer leaues, but yet is very faire, thicke and double, and of a most liuely Carnation silke colour, very deepe, both the outer leaues and middle thrums also so bright, that it doth as it were amaze, and yet delight the minde of the beholder, but by long standing in the Sun, waxe a little paler, and so passe away as all the most beautifull flowers doe.

11. Anemone tenuifolia flore rubrofusco pleno coma Amarantina. The double purple Veluet Anemone.

This double Veluet Anemone is in all things like the last described Carnation Anemone, but somewhat larger, the difference consisteth in the colour of the flower, which in this is of a deep or sad crimson red colour for the outer leaues and of a deep purple Veluet colour in the middle thrums, resembling the colour of the lesser Amaranthus purpureus, or Purple flower gentle hereafter described, whereof it tooke the name, which middle thrums are as fine and small, and as euen at the toppes as the white or last Carnation Anemones.

12. Anemone tenuifolia flore pleno tricolor. The double purple Veluet Anemone of three colours.

This double Anemone also is very like the last described Anemone, but that in the middle of the purple thrums, there thrusteth forth a tuft of threads or leaues of a more light crimson colour.

And thus much for the kindes of Anemones or Windflowers, so farre forth as haue hitherto come to our knowledge; yet I doubt not, but that more varieties haue beene elsewhere collected, and will be also in our Countrey daily and yearly obserued by diuers, that raise them vp from sowing the seede, wherein lyeth a pretty art, not yet familiarly knowne to our Nation, although it be very frequent in the Lowe-Countries, where their industry hath bred and nourished vp such diuersities and varieties, that they haue valued some Anemones at such high rates, as most would wonder at, and none of our Nation would purchase, as I thinke. And I doubt not, if wee would be as curious as they, but that both our ayre and soyle would produce as great variety, as euer hath been seene in the Lowe-Countries; which to procure, if any of our Nation will take so much paines in sowing the seedes of Anemones, as diuers haue done of Tulipas: I will set them downe the best directions for that purpose that I haue learned, or could by much search and tryall attaine vnto; yet I must let them vnderstand thus much also, that there is not so great variety of double flowers raised from the seede of the thin leafed Anemones, as from the broad leafed ones.

First therefore (as I said before) concerning Tulipas, there is some speciall choice to be made of such flowers, whose seed is fittest to be taken. Of the Latifolias, the double Orenge tawney seede being sowne, yeeldeth pretty varieties, but the purples, and reds, or crimsons, either Latifolias or Tenuifolias, yeeld small variety, but such as draw nearest to their originall, although some be a little deeper or lighter then others. But the light colours be they which are the chiefe for choice, as white, ash-colour, blush or carnation, light orenge, simple or party coloured, single or double, if they beare seede, which must bee carefully gathered, and that not before it bee thorough ripe, which you shall know by the head; for when the seede with the wollinesse beginneth to rise a little of it selfe at the lower end, it must bee then quickly gathered, lest the winde carry it all away. After it is thus carefully gathered, it must be laid to dry for a weeke or more, which then being gently rubbed with a little dry sand or earth, will cause the seede to be somewhat better separated, although not thoroughly from the woollinesse or downe that compasseth it.

Within a moneth at the most after the seede is thus gathered and prepared, it must be sowne; for by that meanes you shall gaine a yeare in the growing, ouer that you should doe if you sowed it in the next Spring.

If there remaine any woollinesse in the seede, pull it in sunder as well as you can, and then sowe your seede reasonable thin, and not too thicke, vpon a plaine smooth bed of fine earth, or rather in pots or tubbes, and after the sowing, sift or gently straw ouer them some fine good fresh mould, about one fingers thicknesse at the most for the first time: And about a moneth after their first springing vp, sift or straw ouer them in like manner another fingers thicknesse of fine earth, and in the meane time if the weather proue dry, you must water them gently and often, but not to ouerglut them with moisture; and thus doing, you shall haue them spring vp before Winter, and grow pretty strong, able to abide the sharpe Winter in their nonage, in vsing some little care to couer them loosely with some fearne, or furse, or beane hame, or straw, or any such, which yet must not lye close vpon them, nor too farre from them neither.

The next Spring after the sowing, if you will, but it is better if you stay vntill August, you may then remoue them, and set them in order by rowes, with sufficient distance one from another, where they may abide, vntill you see what manner of flower each plant will beare, which you may dispose of according to your minde.

Many of them being thus ordered (if your mould be fine, loose, and fresh, not stonie, clayish, or from a middin) will beare flowers the second yeare after the sowing, and most or all of them the third yeare, if the place where you sowe them, be not annoyed with the smoake of Brewers, Dyers, or Maultkils, which if it be, then will they neuer thriue well.

Thus much haue I thought good to set downe, to incite some of our owne Nation to be industrious; and to helpe them forward, haue giuen such rules of directions, that I doubt not, but they will vpon the tryall and view of the variety, proceede as well in the sowing of Anemones as of Tulipas.

I cannot (Gentlewomen) withold one other secret from you, which is to informe you how you may so order Anemones, that after all others ordinarily are past, you may haue them in flower for two or three moneths longer then are to be seene with any other, that vseth not this course I direct you.

The ordinary time to plant Anemones, is most commonly in August, which will beare flower some peraduenture before Winter, but most vsually in February, March, and Aprill, few or none of them abiding vntill May; but it you will keepe some roots out of the ground vnplanted, vntill February, March, and Aprill, and plant some at one time, and some at another, you shall haue them beare flower according to their planting, those that shall be planted in February, will flower about the middle or end of May, and so the rest accordingly after that manner: And thus may you haue the pleasure of these plants out of their naturall seasons, which is not permitted to be enioyed in any other that I know, Nature being not so prone to bee furthered by art in other things as in this. Yet regard, that in keeping your Anemone rootes out of the ground for this purpose, you neither keep them too dry, nor yet too moist, for sprouting or rotting; and in planting them, that you set them not in too open a sunny place, but where they may be somewhat shadowed.

The Place.

I shall not need to spend much time in relating the seuerall places of these Anemones, but onely to declare that the most of them that haue not beene raised from seed, haue come from Constantinople to vs; yet the first broad leafed or yellow Anemone, was first found in Portugall, and from thence brought into these parts. And the first purple Starre Anemone in Germanie, yet was the same sent among others from Constantinople also. And the first thin cut leafed Anemone came first out of Italy, although many of that sort haue come likewise from Constantinople. And so haue the double red or Scarlet Anemones, and the great double blush, which I first had by the gift of Mʳ. Humfrey Packington of Worcestershire Esquire, at Haruington.

The Time.

The times of their flowring are sufficiently expressed in the descriptions, or in the rules for planting.

The Names.

The Turkish names whereby the great double broad leafed kindes haue beene sent vnto vs, were Giul Catamer, and Giul Catamer lale; And Binizade, Binizante, and Galipoli lale for the thinne cut leafed Anemones. All Authors haue called them Anemones, and are the true Herbæ venti. Wee call them in English eyther Anemones, after the Greeke name, or Windflowers, after the Latine.

The Vertues.

There is little vse of these in Physicke in our dayes, eyther for inward or outward diseases; onely the leaues are vsed in the Ointment called Marciatum, which is composed of many other hot herbes, and is vsed in cold griefes, to warme and comfort the parts. The roote, by reason of the sharpenesse, is apt to drawe downe rheume, if it be tasted or chewed in the mouth.

CHAP. XXVI.

Aconitum. Wolfebane.

There be diuers sorts of Wolfebanes which are not fit for this booke, but are reserued for a generall History or Garden of Simples, yet among them there are some, that notwithstanding their euill quality, may for the beauty of their flowers take vp a roome in this Garden, of whom I meane to entreate in this place: And first of the Winter Wolfesbane, which for the beauty, as well as the earlinesse of his flowers, being the first of all other, that shew themselues after Christmas, deserueth a prime place; and therefore for the likenesse of the rootes vnto the Anemones, I ioyne it next vnto them.

1. Aconitum Hyemale. The Winters Wolfesbane.

This little plant thrusteth vp diuers leaues out of the ground, in the deepe of Winter oftentimes, if there be any milde weather in Ianuary, but most commonly after the deepe frosts, bearing vp many times the snow vpon the heads of the leaues, which like vnto the Anemone, doe euery leafe rise from the roote vpon seuerall short foote-stalkes, not aboue foure fingers high, some hauing flowers in the middle of them, (which come vp first most vsually) and some none, which leaues stand as it were round, the stalke rising vp vnder the middle of the leafe, deeply cut in and gashed to the middle stalke almost, of a very faire deepe greene colour, in the middle whereof, close vnto the leafe, standeth a small yellow flower, made of six leaues, very like a Crowfoote, with yellow threads in the middle: after the flower is fallen, there rise vp diuers small hornes or cods set together, wherein are contained whitish yellow round seede. The roote is tuberous, so like both for shape and colour vnto the rootes of Anemones, that they will easily deceiue one not well experienced, but that it is browner and smooth without, and yellow within, if it be broken.

2. Aconitum flore albido, siue Aconitum luteum Ponticum. The whitish yellow Wolfesbane.

This Wolfesbane shooteth not out of the ground vntill the Spring be well begun, and then it sendeth forth great broad greene leaues, deeply cut in about the edges, not much vnlike the leaues of the great wilde Crowfoote, but much greater; from among which leaues riseth vp a strong stiffe stalke, three foote high, hauing here and there leaues set vpon it, like vnto the lowest, but smaller; the toppe of the stalke is diuided into three or foure branches, whereon are set diuers pale yellow flowers, which turne at the last to be almost white, in fashion like almost vnto the flowers of the Helmet flower, but much smaller, and not gaping so wide open: after the flowers are past come vp diuers short poddes, wherein is contained blacke seede: the roote is made of a number of darke browne strings, which spread and fasten themselues strongly in the ground.

3. Napellus verus flore cæruleo. Blew Helmet flower or Monkes hood.

The Helmet flower hath diuers leaues of a fresh greene colour on the vpperside, and grayish vnderneath, much spread abroad and cut into many slits and notches, more then any of the Wolfebanes; the stalke riseth vp two or three foot high, beset to the top with the like leaues, but smaller: the toppe is sometimes diuided into two or three branches, but more vsually without, whereon stand many large flowers one aboue another, in forme very like vnto a Hood or open Helmet, being composed of fiue leaues, the vppermost of which and the greatest, is hollow, like vnto an Helmet or Headpeece, two other small leaues are at the sides of the Helmet, closing it like cheekes, and come somewhat vnder, and two other which are the smallest hang down like labels, or as if a close Helmet were opened, and some peeces hung by, of a perfect or faire blew colour, (but grow darker, hauing stood long) which causeth it be so nourished vp in Gardens, that their flowers, as was vsuall in former times, and yet is in many Countrey places, may be laid among greene herbes in windowes and roomes for the Summer time: but although their beauty may be entertained for the vses aforesaid, yet beware they come not neare your tongue or lippes, lest they tell you to your cost, they are not so good as they seeme to be: in the middest of the flower, when it is open and gapeth wide, are seene certaine small threads like beards, standing about a middle head, which when the flower is past, groweth into three or foure, or more small blackish pods, containing in them blacke seede: the rootes are brownish on the outside, and white within, somewhat bigge and round aboue, and small downewards, somewhat like vnto a small short Carrot roote, sometimes two being ioyned at the head together. But the name Napellus anciently giuen vnto it, doth shew they referred the forme of the roote vnto a small Turnep.

Anthora. The wholsome Helmet flower, or counterpoison Monkes hood.

This wholsome plant I thought good to insert, not onely for the forme of the flower, but also for the excellent properties thereof, as you shall haue them related hereafter. The rootes hereof are small and tuberous, round and somewhat long, ending for the most part in a long fibre, and with some other small threads from the head downeward: from the head whereof riseth vp diuers greene leaues, euery one seuerally vpon a stalke, very much diuided, as finely almost as the leaues of Larkes heeles or spurres: among which riseth vp a hard round stalke, a foote high and better, with some such leaues thereon as grow belowe, at the toppe whereof stand many small yellowish flowers, formed very like vnto the former whitish Wolfesbane, bearing many blacke seedes in pods afterwards in the like manner.

Many more sorts of varieties of these kindes there are, but these onely, as the most specious, are noursed vp in Florists Gardens for pleasure; the other are kept by such as are Catholicke obseruers of all natures store.

The Place.

All these grow naturally on Mountaines, in many shadowie places of the Alpes, in Germany, and elsewhere.

The Time.

The first flowreth (as is said) in Ianuary, and February, and sometimes vntill March be well spent, and the seede soone ripe after.

The other three flower not vntill Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

The first is vsually called Aconitum hyemale Belgarum. Lobelius, calleth it Bulbosus vnifolius Batrachoides, Aconitum Elleboraceum, and Ranunculus Monophyllos, and some by other names. Most Herbarists call it Aconitum hyemale, and we in English thereafter, Winters Wolfesbane; and of some, Yellow Aconite.

The second is called by most Writers, Aconitum luteum Ponticum: Some also Lupicida, Luparia and Canicida, of the effect in killing Wolues and Dogs: And some, because the flower is more white then yellow, doe call it Aconitum flore albido, we call it in English, The whitish yellow Aconite, or Wolfesbane, but some after the Latine name, The yellow Wolfesbane.

The third is called generally Napellus, and Verus, because it is the true Napellus of the ancient Writers, which they so termed from the forme of a Turnep, called Napus in Latine.

The fourth is called Aconitum Salutiferum, Napellus Moysis, Antora and Anthora, quasi Antithora, that is, the remedy against the poisonfull herbe Thora, in English according to the title, eyther wholsome Helmet flower, or counterpoison Monkes hood.

The Vertues.

Although the first three sorts of plants be very poisonfull and deadly, yet there may bee very good vse made of them for sore eyes (being carefully applyed, yet not to all sorts of sore eyes neither without discretion) if the distilled water be dropped therein.

The rootes of the counterpoison Monkes hood are effectuall not onely against the poison of the poisonfull Helmet flower, and all others of that kinde, but also against the poison of all venemous beasts, the plague or pestilence, and other infectious diseases, which raise spots, pockes, or markes in the outward skinne, by expelling the poison from within, and defending the heart as a most soueraigne Cordiall. It it vsed also with good successe against the wormes of the belly, and against the paines of the Wind collick.

CHAP. XXVII.

Ranunculus. The Crowfoote.

Next vnto the Aconites, of right are to follow the Ranunculi or Crowfeete, for the nearenesse both of forme, of leaues, and nature of the plants, although lesse hurtfull, yet all of them for the most part being sharpe and exulcerating, and not without some danger, if any would be too bold with them. The whole Family of the Ranunculi is of a very large extent, and I am constrained within the limits of a Garden of Pleasure; I must therefore select out onely such as are fit for this purpose, and set them here downe for your knowledge, leauing the rest for that other generall worke, which time may perfect and bring to light, if the couetous mindes of some that should be most affected towards it, doe not hinder it: or if the helpe of generous spirits would forward it.

1. Ranunculus montanus albus humilior. The lowe white mountaine Crowfoot.

This lowe Crowfoote hath three or foure broad and thicke leaues, almost round, yet a little cut in and notched about the edges, of a fine greene and shining colour on the vpperside, and not so green vnderneath, among which riseth a small short stalke, bearing one snow white flower on the toppe, made of fiue round pointed leaues, with diuers yellow threads in the middle, standing about a greene head, which in time groweth to be full of seede, in forme like vnto a small greene Strawberry: the roote is composed of many white strings.

[Sidenote: Duplici flore.]

There is another of this lowe kinde, whose leaues are somewhat more deeply cut in on the edges, and the flower larger, and sometimes a little double, as it were with two rowes of leaues, in other things not differing from the former.

2. Ranunculus montanus albus maior vel elatior. The great single white mountaine Crowfoote.

The leaues of this Crowfoote are large and greene, cut into three, and sometimes into fiue speciall diuisions, and each of them besides cut or notched about the edges, somewhat resembling the leaues of the Globe Crowfoote, but larger: the stalke is two foote and a halfe high, hauing three small leaues set at the ioynt of the stalke, where it brancheth out into flowers, which stand foure or fiue together vpon long foote-stalkes, made of fiue white leaues a peece, very sweete, and somewhat larger then the next white Crowfoote, with some yellow threads in the middle compassing a greene head, which bringeth seede like vnto other wilde Crowfeete: the roote hath many long thicke whitish strings, comming from a thicke head.

3. Ranunculus montanus albus minor. The lesser single white Crowfoote.

This Crowefoote hath faire large spread leaues, cut into fiue diuisions, and somewhat notched about the edges, greene on the vpperside, and paler vnderneath, hauing many veines running through the leaues: the stalke of this riseth not so high as the former, although this be reasonable tall, as being neare two foote high, spread into many branches, bearing such like white flowers, as in the former, but smaller: the seede of this is like the former, and so are the rootes likewise.

4. Ranunculus albus flore pleno. The double white Crowfoote.

The double white Crowfoote is of the same kinde with the last single white Crowfoote, hauing such like leaues in all respects: the onely difference is in the flowers, which in this are very thicke and double. Some doe make mention of two sorts of double white Crowfeete, one somewhat lower then another, and the lower likewise bearing more store of flowers, and more double then the higher: but I confesse, I haue neuer seene but one sort of double, which is the same here expressed, not growing very high, and reasonably well stored with flowers.

5. Ranunculus præcox Rutæfolio siue Coriandrifolio. The early Coriander leafed Crowfoote.

This Crowfoote hath three or foure very greene leaues, cut and diuided into many small peeces, like vnto the wing of leaues of Rue, or rather like the lower leaues of the Coriander (for they well resemble either of them) euery of them standing vpon a long purplish stalke, at the toppe whereof groweth the flower alone, being composed or made of twelue small white leaues, broad pointed, and a little endented at the ends, somewhat purplish on the outside, and white on the inside, sustained by diuers small greene leaues, which are in stead of a cup or huske: in the middle of the flower are many small white threads, tipt with yellow pendents, standing about a small greene head, which after groweth to bee full of seedes like a Strawberry, which knobs giue small blackish seede: the roote is white and fibrous.

6. Ranunculus Thalictrifolio maior. The great colombine leafed Crowfoot.

The lower leaues of this Crowfoote haue long stalkes, and are very like vnto the smaller leaues of Colombines, or the great Spanish Thalictrum, which hath his leaues very like vnto a Colombine, foure or fiue rising from the roote: the stalke riseth about a foote and a halfe high, somewhat reddish, beset here and there with the like leaues, at the toppe whereof stand diuers small white flowers, made of fiue leaues a peece, with some pale white threads in the middle: the seede is round and reddish, contained in small huskes or hornes: the roote is made of a bush or tuft of white strings.

7. Ranunculus Thalictrifolio minor Asphodeli radice. The small white Colombine leafed Crowfoote.

This small Crowfoote hath three or foure winged leaues spread vpon the ground, standing vpon long stalkes, and consisting of many small leaues set together, spreading from the middle ribbe, euery leafe somewhat resembling both in shape and colour the smallest and youngest leaues of Colombines: the flowers are white, standing at the toppe of the stalkes, made of fiue round leaues: the root hath three or foure thick, short, and round yellowish clogs hanging at the head, like vnto the Asphodill roote. The great Herball of Lyons, that goeth vnder the name of Daleschampius, saith, that Dʳ. Myconus found it in Spaine, and sent it vnder the name of Oenanthe; and therefore Ioannes Molineus who is thought to haue composed that booke, set it among the vmbelliferous plants, because the Oenanthes beare vmbels of flowers and seede, and haue tuberous or cloggy rootes; but with what iudgement, let others say, when they haue compared the vmbels of flowers and seede of the Oenanthes, with the flowers and seede of this plant, and whether I haue not more properly placed it among the Ranunculi or Crowfeete, and giuen it a denomination agreeable to his forme.

8. Ranunculus Globosus. The Globe Crowfoot.

This Crowfoote (which in the Northerne countries of England where it groweth plentifully, is called Locker goulons) hath many faire, broad, darke greene leaues next the ground, cut into fiue, sixe, or seuen diuisions, and iagged besides at the edges; among which riseth vp a stalke, whereon are set such like leaues as are belowe, but smaller, diuided toward the toppe into some branches, on the which stand seuerall large yellow flowers, alwayes folded inward, or as a close flower neuer blowing open, as other flowers doe, consisting of eleuen leaues for the most part, set or placed in three rowes, with many yellow threads in the middle, standing about a greene rough head, which in time groweth to be small knops, wherein are contained blacke seede: the roote is composed of many blackish strings.

9. Ranunculus pratensis flore multiplici. The double yellow field Crowfoot.

There is little or no difference in the leaues of this double Crowfoot, from those of the single kindes that growe in euery medowe, being large and diuided into foure or fiue parts, and indented about the edges, but they are somewhat smaller, and of a fresher greene: the flowers stand on many branches, much diuided or separated, being not very great, but very thicke and double: the roote runneth and creepeth vnder ground like as the single doth.

10. Ranunculus Anglicus maximus multiplex. The Garden double yellow Crowfoot or Batchelours buttons.

This great double Crowfoote, which is common in euery Garden through England, hath many great blackish greene leaues, iagged and cut into three diuisions, each to the middle ribbe: the stalkes haue some smaller leaues on them, and those next vnder the branches long and narrow: the flowers are of a greenish yellow colour, very thicke and double of leaues, in the middle whereof riseth vp a small stalke, bearing another double flower, like to the other, but smaller: the roote is round, like vnto a small white Turnep, with diuers other fibres annexed vnto it.

11. Ranunculus Gramineus. Grasse leafed Crowfoot

The leaues of this Crowfoote are long and narrow, somewhat like vnto Grasse, or rather like the leaues of single Gilloflowers or Pinckes, being small and sharpe pointed, a little hollow, and of a whitish greene colour; among these leaues rise vp diuers slender stalkes, bearing one small flower at the toppe of each, consisting of fiue yellow leaues, with some threads in the middle: the roote is composed of many thicke, long, round white strings.

There is another of this kinde that beareth flowers with two rowes of leaues, as if it were double, differing in nothing else.

12. Ranunculus Lusitanicus Autumnalis. The Portugall Autumne Crowfoot.

This Autumne Crowfoote hath diuers broad round leaues lying on the ground, set vpon short foote-stalkes, of a faire greene colour aboue, and grayish vnderneath, snipt all about the edges, hauing many veines in them, and sometimes swelling as with blisters or bladders on them; from among which rise vp two or three slender and hairy stalkes, bearing but one small yellow flower a peece, consisting of fiue and sometimes of six leaues, and sometimes of seuen or eight, hauing a few threads in the middle, set about a small greene head, like vnto many of the former Crowfeete, which bringeth small blacke seede: the roote is made of many thicke short white strings, which seeme to be grumous or kernelly rootes, but that they are somewhat smaller, and longer then any other of that kinde.

13. Ranunculus Creticus latifolius. The broad leafed Candy Crowfoot.

This Crowfoote of Candy, hath the greatest and broadest leaues of all the sorts of Crowfeete, being almost round, and without any great diuisions, but onely a few notches about the edges here and there, as large or larger sometimes then the palme of a mans hand; among which riseth vp the stalke, not very high when it doth first flower, but afterwards, as the other flowers doe open themselues, the stalke groweth to be a foote and a halfe high, or thereabouts, hauing some leaues on it, deeply cut in or diuided, and bearing many faire yellow flowers, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, being somewhat whitish in the middle, when the flower hath stood blowne a little time: the roote is composed of a number of small kernelly knobs, or long graines, set thicke together. This flowreth very early, being vsually in flower before the end of March, and oftentimes about the middle thereof.

14. Ranunculus Creticus albus. The white Candy Crowfoote.

The leaues of this Crowfoote are very like vnto the leaues of the red Crowfoote of Tripoli or Asia, hereafter set downe, being somewhat broad and indented about the edges, some of the leaues being also cut in or gashed, thereby making it as it were three diuisions, of a pale greene colour, with many white spots in them: the stalke riseth vp a foote high, with some leaues on it, more diuided then the lower, and diuided at the toppe into two and sometimes into three branches, each of them bearing a faire snow white flower, somewhat large, included at the first in a brownish huske or cup of leaues, which afterwards stand vnder the flowers, consisting of fiue white large round pointed leaues, in the middle whereof is set many blackish purple thrums, compassing a small long greene head, composed of many scales or chaffie whitish huskes, when they are ripe, which are the seede, but vnprofitable in all that euer I could obserue: the rootes are many small graines or kernels, set together as in the former, and much about the same colour, that is, of a darke or duskie grayish colour, but much smaller.

[Sidenote: Alba purpureis oris & venis.]

There is another of this kinde, whose flowers haue purple edges, and sometimes some veines of the same purple in the leaues of the flowers, not differing in any other thing from the former.

[Sidenote: Alba oris rubris.]

And another, whose edges of the flowers are of a bright red colour.

15. Ranunculus Creticus flore argenteo. The Argentine, or cloth of siluer Crowfoot.

The greene leaues of this Crowfoote are as small and thinne, cut in or diuided on the edges, as the last two sorts; the stalke riseth vp somewhat higher, and diuided into some branches, bearing at the toppe of euery of them one flower, somewhat smaller then the former, composed of six, seuen, and sometimes of eight small round pointed leaues, of a whitish yellow blush colour on the inside wholly, except sometimes a little stript about the edges: but the outside of euery leafe is finely stript with crimson stripes, very thicke, somewhat like vnto a Gilloflower: in the middle riseth vp a small blacke head, compassed about with blackish blew threads or thrums, which head is as vnfruitfull for seede in our Countrey as the former. This flower hath no such greene leaues vnder it, or to enclose it before it be blowne open as the former: the rootes are in all things like the former.

16. Ranunculus Asiaticus siue Tripolitanus flore rubro. The single red Crowfoote of Asia or Tripoli.

The lower leaues of this red Crowfoote are alwayes whole without diuisions, being onely somewhat deeply indented about the edges, but the other that rise after them are more cut in, sometimes into three, and sometimes into fiue diuisions, and notched also about the edges: the stalke riseth higher then any of the former, and hath on it two or three smaller leaues, more cut in and diuided then those belowe: at the toppe whereof standeth one large flower, made of fiue leaues, euery one being narrower at the bottome then at the toppe, and not standing close and round one to another, but with a certaine distance betweene, of a duskie yellowish red colour on the outside, and of a deepe red on the inside, the middle being set with many thrums of a darke purple colour: the head for seede is long, and scaly or chaffie, and idle in like manner as the rest: the roote is made of many graines or small kernels set together, and closing at the head, but spreading it selfe, if it like the ground, vnder the vpper crust of the earth into many rootes, encreasing from long strings, that runne from the middle of the small head of graines, as well as at the head it selfe.

17. Ranunculus Asiaticus flore amplo rubro. The large single red Crowfoot of Asia.

There hath come to vs out of Turkie, together with the former, among many other rootes, vnder the same title, a differing sort of this Crowfoote, whose leaues weare broader, and much goaler; the flower also larger, and the leaues thereof broader, sometimes eight in a flower, standing round and close one to another, which maketh the fairer shew: in all other things it is like the former.

18. Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro vario simplici. The red stript single Crowfoote of Asia.

This party coloured Crowfoote differeth not eyther in roote or leafe from the former, the chiefest difference is in the flower, which being red, somewhat like the former, hath yet some yellow stripes or veines through euery leafe, sometimes but little, and sometimes so much, that it seemeth to bee party coloured red and yellow: this sort is very tender; for we haue twice had it, and yet perished with vs.

19. Ranunculus Asiaticus flore luteo vario simplici. The yellow stript single Crowfoote of Asia.

There is little difference in the roote of this Crowfoote from the last described, but the leaues are much different, being very much diuided, and the flower is large, of a fine pale greenish yellow colour, consisting of six and seuen, and sometimes of eight or nine round leaues; the toppes whereof haue reddish spots, and the edges sometimes also, with such purplish thrums in the middle that the other haue. None of these former Crowfeete with kernelly rootes, haue euer beene found to haue giuen so good seed in England, as that being sowne, any of them would spring vp; for hereof tryall hath been often made, but all they haue lost their labour, that haue bestowed their paines therein, as farre as I know.

20. Ranunculus Asiaticus flore rubro pleno. The double red Crowfoote of Asia.

The double red Crowfoote hath his rootes and leaues so like vnto the single red kinde, that none can perceiue any difference, or know the one from the other, vntill the budde of the flower doe appeare, which after it is any thing forward, may be perceiued to be greater and fuller then the budde of the single kinde. This kinde beareth most vsually but one faire large double flower on the toppe of the stalke, composed of many leaues, set close together in three or foure rowes, of an excellent crimson colour, declining to Scarlet, the outter leaues being larger then the inner; and instead of thrummes, hath many small leaues set together: it hath likewise six small narrow greene leaues on the backside of the flower, where the stalke is fastened to the flower.

[Sidenote: Prolifero flore.]

There is of this double kinde another sort, whose flower is of the same colour with the former, but out of the middle of the flower ariseth another double flower, but smaller.

The Place.

These plants grow naturally in diuers Countries; some in France, and Germany, and some in England, some in Spaine, Portugall, and Italy, and some haue been sent out of Turkie from Constantinople, and some from other parts, their titles for the most part descrying their Countries.

The Time.

Some of them flower early, as is set downe in their descriptions, or titles. The others in Aprill and May. The white Candy Crowfoote, and the other single and double sorts of Asia, about the same time, or somewhat later, and one in Autumne, as it is set downe.

The Names.

The names that are giuen seuerally to them may well serue this worke, that thereby they may bee distinguished one from another: For to set downe any further controuersie of names, how fitly or vnfitly they haue beene called, and how variably by diuers former Writers, is fitter for a generall History, vnto which I leaue what may be said, both concerning these and the rest: Onely this I would giue you to vnderstand, that the Turkie kindes haue been sent to vs vnder the names of Terobolos for the single, and Terobolos Catamer lale for the double, and yet oftentimes, those that haue been sent for double, haue proued single, so little fidelity is to bee found among them.

The Vertues.

All or most of these plants are very sharpe and exulcerating, yet the care and industry of diuers learned men haue found many good effects in many of them. For the rootes and leaues both of the wilde kindes, and of some of these of the Garden, stamped and applyed to the wrists, haue driuen away the fits in Feuers. The roote likewise of the double English kinde is applyed for pestilent sores, to helpe to breake them, by drawing the venome to the place. They helpe likewise to take away scarres and markes in diuers places of the body.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Caltha palustris flore pleno. Double Marsh Marigold.

As an appendix to the Crowfeete, I must needes adde this plant, yet seuerally by it selfe, because both it and his single kinde are by most adioyned thereunto, for the neare resemblance both in shape and sharpnesse of quality. The single kinde I leaue to the Ditch sides, and moist grounds about them, as the fittest places for it, and onely bring the double kinde into my Garden, as fittest for his goodly proportion and beauty to be entertained, and haue place therein.

The double Marsh Marigold hath many broad and round greene leaues, a little endented about the edges, like vnto the single kinde, but not altogether so large, especially in a Garden where it standeth not very moist: the stalkes are weake, round, hollow, and greene, diuided into three or foure branches at the toppe, with leaues at the seuerall ioynts, whereon stand very double flowers, of a gold yellow colour: the fiue outer leaues being larger then any of the rest that are encompassed by them, which fall away after they haue stood blowne a great while (for it endureth in flower a moneth or more, especially if it stand in a shadowie place) without bearing any seed: the rootes are composed of many thicke, long, and round whitish strings, which runne downe deep into the ground, and there are fastened very strongly.

The Place.

This plant groweth naturally in diuers Marshes, and moist grounds in Germany, yet in some more double then in others; it hath long agoe beene cherished in our Gardens.

The Time.

It flowreth in Aprill or May, as the yeare proueth earlier or later: all his leaues doe in a manner quite perish in Winter, and spring anew in the end of February, or thereabouts.

The Names.

There is great controuersie among the learned about the single kinde, but thereof I shall not neede to speake in this place; if God permit I may in a fitter. This is called generally in Latine, Caltha palustris multiplex, or flore pleno. And wee in English (after the Latine, which take Caltha to be that which wee vsually call Calendula, a Marigold) The double Marsh Marigold.

The Vertues.

The roote hereof is sharpe, comming neare vnto the quality of the Crowfeete, but for any speciall property, I haue not heard or found any.

CHAP. XXIX.

Hepatica nobilis siue trifolia. Noble Liuerwort.

Next vnto the Crowfeete are to follow the Hepaticas, because of the likenesse with them, seeming to be small Crowfeete in all their parts, but of another and more wholsome kinde. Their diuersity among themselues consisteth chiefly in the colour of the flowers, all of them being single, except one which is very thicke and double.

1. Hepatica flore cæruleo simplici maior. The great single blew Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

The flowers of this Hepatica doe spring vp, blow open, and sometimes shed and fall away, before any leaues appeare or spread open. The rootes are composed of a bush of blackish things, from the seuerall heads or buttons whereof, after the flowers are risen and blowne, arise many fresh greene leaues, each seuerally standing vpon his foot-stalke, folded together, and somewhat browne and hairy at their first comming, which after are broad, and diuided at the edges into three parts: the flowers likewise stand euery one vpon his owne seuerall foote-stalke, of the same height with the leaues for the most part, which is about foure or fiue fingers breadth high, made of six leaues most vsually, but sometimes it will haue seuen or eight, of a faire blew colour, with many white chiues or threads in the middle, standing about a middle green head or vmbone, which after the flower is fallen groweth greater, and sheweth many small graines or seede set close together (with three small greene leaues compassing them vnderneath, as they did the flower at the bottome) very like the head of seed of manie Crowfeete.

2. Hepatica minor flore pallido cæruleo. The small blew Hepatica.

The leaues of this Hepatica are smaller by the halfe then the former, and grow more aboundantly, or bushing thicke together: the flowers (when it sheweth them, for I haue had the plant halfe a score yeares, and yet neuer saw it beare flower aboue once or twice) are of a pale or bleake blew colour, not so large as the flowers of the former.

3. Hepatica flore purpureo. Purple Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

This Hepatica is in all things like vnto the first, but onely the flowers are of a deeper blew tending to a Violet purple: and therefore I shall not neede to reiterate the former description.

4. Hepatica flore albo minor. The lesser white Hepatica.

The flowers of this Hepatica are wholly white, of the bignesse of the red or purple, and the leaues somewhat smaller, and of a little whiter of paler greene colour, else in all other things agreeing with the former.

5. Hepatica alba magno flore. The great white Hepatica.

There is no other difference herein from the last, but that the flower being as white, is as large as the next.

6. Hepatica albida siue argentea. Ash-coloured of Argentine Hepatica.

Both the leaues and the flowers of this Hepatica are larger then any of the former, except the last: the flowers hereof at the first opening seeme to bee of a blush ash-colour, which doe so abide three or foure dayes, decaying still vntill it turne almost white, hauing yet still a shew of that blush ash-colour in them, till the very last.

7. Hepatica alba straminibus rubris. White Hepatica with red threads.

There is no difference between this Hepatica and the first white one, sauing that the threads in the middle of the flower, being white, as in the former, are tipt at the ends with a pale reddish colour, which adde a great beauty to the flowers.

8. Hepatica flore rubro. Red Hepatica or noble Liuerwort.

The leaues of this Hepatica are of a little browner red colour, both at their first comming vp, and afterwards, especially in the middle of the leafe more then any of the former: the flowers are in forme like vnto the rest, but of a bright blush, or pale red colour, very pleasant to behold, with white threads or chiues in the middle of them.

9. Hepatica flore purpureo multiplici siue pleno. The double purple Hepatica.

The double Hepatica is in all things like vnto the single purple kinde, sauing onely that the leaues are larger, and stand vpon longer foote-stalkes, and that the flowers are small buttons, but very thicke of leaues, and as double as a flower can be, like vnto the double white Crowfoote before described, but not so bigge, of a deepe blew or purple colour, without any threads or head in the middle, which fall away without giuing any seede.

10. Hepatica flore cæruleo pleno. The double blew Hepatica.

In the colour of this flower, consisteth the chiefest difference from the last, except one may say it is a little lesse in the bignesse of the flower, but not in doublenesse of leaues.

The Place.

All these plants with single flowers grow naturally in the Woods, and shadowie Mountaines of Germany in many places, and some of them in Italy also. The double kinde likewise hath been sent from Alphonsus Pantius out of Italy, as Clusius reporteth, and was also found in the Woods, neare the Castle of Starnbeg in Austria, the Lady Heusenstains possession, as the same Clusius reporteth also.

The Time.

These plants doe flower very early, and are of the first flowers that shew themselues presently after the deepe frosts in Ianuary, so that next vnto the Winter Wolfesbane, these making their pride appeare in Winter, are the more welcome early guests. The double kinde flowreth not altogether so early, but sheweth his flower, and abideth when the others are past.

The Names.

They haue obtained diuers names; some calling them Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis, Hepaticum trifolium, Trifolium nobile, Trifolium aureum, and some Trinitas, and Herba Trinitatis. In English you may call them either Hepatica, after the Latine name, as most doe, or Noble Liuerwort, which you please.

The Vertues.

These are thought to coole and strengthen the liuer, the name importing as much; but I neuer saw any great vse of them by any the Physitians of our London Colledge, or effect by them that haue vsed them in Physicke in our Country.

CHAP. XXX.

Geranium. Storkes bill or Cranes bill.

As was said before concerning the Crowfeet, of their large extent and restraint, the like may be said of the Storkes bils or Cranes bils; for euen of these as of them, I must for this worke set forth the descriptions but of a few, and leaue the rest to a generall worke.

1. Geranium tuberosum vel bulbosum. Bulbous or knobbed Cranes bill.

The knobbed Cranes hath three or foure large leaues spread vpon the ground, of a grayish or rather dusty greene colour, euery one of them being as it were of a round forme, but diuided or cut into six or seuen long parts or diuisions, euen vnto the middle, which maketh it seeme to be so many leaues, each of the cuts or diuisions being deeply notched or indented on both sides; among which riseth vp a stalke a foote high or better, bearing thereon diuers pale but bright purple flowers, made of fiue leaues a peece, after which come small heads with long pointed beakes, resembling the long bill of a Storke or Crane, or such like bird, which after it is ripe, parteth at the bottome where it is biggest, into foure or fiue seedes, euery one whereof hath a peece of the beake head fastened vnto it, and falleth away if it bee not gathered: the roote is tuberous and round, like vnto the roote of the Cyclamen or ordinary Sowbread almost, but smaller, and of a darke russet colour on the outside, and white within, which doth encrease vnder ground, by certaine strings running from the mother root into small round bulbes, like vnto the rootes of the earth Chesnut, and will presently shoote leaues, and quickly grow to beare flowers, but will not abide to be kept long dry out of the ground, without danger to be vtterly spoiled.

2. Geranium Batrachoides flore cæruleo. The blew Crowfoote Cranes bill.

This Crowfoote Cranes bill hath many large leaues, cut into fiue or fix parts or diuisions, euen to the bottome, and iagged besides on the edges, set vpon very long slender foote-stalkes, very like the leaues of the wilde Crowfoot; from among which rise vp diuers stalkes with great ioynts, somewhat reddish, set with leaues like the former: the toppes of the stalkes are spread into many branches, whereon stand diuers flowers, made of fiue leaues a peece, as large as any of the wilde or field Crowfeete, round pointed, of a faire blew or watchet colour, which being past, there doe arise such heads or bils, as other of the Cranes bils haue: the roote is composed of many reddish strings, spreading in the ground, from a head made of diuers red heads, which lye oftentimes eminent aboue the ground.

3. Geranium Batrachoides flore albo. The white Crowfoote Cranes bill.

This Cranes bill is in leafe and flower altogether like the former, the onely difference betweene them consisteth in the colour of the flower, which in this is wholly white, and as large as the former: but the roote of this hath not such red heads as the other hath.

4. Geranium Batrachoides flore albo & cæruleo vario. The party coloured Crowfoote Cranes bill.

The flowers of this Cranes bill are variably striped and spotted, and sometimes diuided, the one halfe of euery leafe being white, and the other halfe blew, sometimes with lesser or greater spots of blew in the white leafe, very variably, and more in some years then in others, that it is very hard to expresse all the varieties that may be obserued in the flowers, that blow at one time. In all other parts of the plant, it is so like vnto the former, that vntill it be in flower, the one cannot be knowne from the other.

5. Geranium Batrachoides alterum flore purpureo. Purple Crowfoote Cranes bill.

This purple Cranes bill hath many leaues rising from the roote, set vpon long foot-stalkes, somewhat like vnto the other, yet not so broad, but more diuided or cut, that is, into seuen or more slits, euen to the middle, each whereof is likewise cut in on the edges more deeply then the former; the stalkes are somewhat knobbed at the ioynts, set with leaues like vnto the lower, and bearing a great tuft of buds at the toppes of the branches, which breake out into faire large flowers, made of fiue purple leaues, which doe somewhat resemble the flower of a Mallow, before it be too full blowne, each whereof hath a reddish pointell in the middle, and many small threads compassing it, this vmbell or tuft of buds doe flower by degrees, and not all at once, and euery flower abideth open little more then one day, and then sheddeth, so that euery day yeeldeth fresh flowers, which because they are so many, are a long while before they are all past or spent: after the flowers are past, there arise small beake heads or bils, like vnto the other Cranes bils, with small turning seede: the roote is composed of a great tuft of strings, fattened to a knobby head.

6. Geranium Romanum versicolor siue striatum. The variable stript Cranes bill.

This beautifull Cranes bill hath many broad yellowish greene leaues arising from the roote, diuided into fiue or six parts, but not vnto the middle as the first kindes are: each of these leaues hath a blackish spot at the bottome corners of the diuisions, the whole leafe as well in forme as colour and spots, is very like vnto the leafe of the Geranium fuscum, or spotted Cranes bill, next following to be described, but that the leaues of this are not so large as the other: from among these leaues spring vp sundry stalkes a foote high and better, ioynted and knobbed here and there, bearing at the tops two or three small white flowers, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, so thickly & variably striped with fine small reddish veines, that no green leafe that is of that bignesse can shew so many veines in it, nor so thick running as euery leafe of this flower doth: in the middle of the flower standeth a small pointell, which when the flower is part doth grow to be the seed vessell, whereon is set diuers small seeds, like vnto the small seedes of other Cranes bils: the root is made of many small yellow threads or strings.

7. Geranium fuscum siue maculatum. Swart tawny or spotted Cranes bill.

The leaues of this Cranes bill are in all points like the last described, as well in the forme and diuisions as colour of the leaues, being of a yellowish greene colour, but larger and stronger by much: the stalkes of this rise much higher, and are ioynted or knobbed with reddish knees or ioynts, on the tops whereof stand not many although large flowers, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, each whereof is round at the end, and a little snipt round about, and doe bend or turne themselues backe to stalkewards, making the middle to be highest or most eminent; the colour of the flower is of a darke or deepe blackish purple, the bottome of euery leafe being whiter than the rest; it hath also a middle pointell standing out, which afterwards bring forth seede like vnto others of his kinde: the roote consisteth of diuers great strings, ioyned to a knobby head.

8. Geranium Hematodes. The red Rose Cranes bill.

This Cranes bill hath diuers leaues spread vpon the ground, very much cut in or diuided into many parts, and each of them againe slit or cut into two or three peeces, standing vpon slender long foote-stalkes, of a faire greene colour all the Spring and Summer, but reddish in Autumne: among these leaues spring vp slender and weake stalkes, beset at euery ioynt (which is somewhat reddish) with two leaues for the most part, like vnto the lower: the flowers grow seuerally on the toppe of the stalkes, and not many together in bunches or branches, as in all other Cranes bils, euery flower being as large as a single Rose Campion flower, consisting of fiue large leaues, of a deeper red colour then in any other Cranes bill at the first opening, and will change more blewish afterwards: when the flower is past, there doth arise such like beakes as are in others of the same kinde, but small: the roote is hard, long, and thicke, with diuers branches spreading from it, of a reddish yellow colour on the outside, and whitish within, which abideth and perisheth not, but shooteth forth some new greene leaues, which abide all the Winter, although those that turne red doe fall away.

Geranium Creticum. Candy Cranes bill.

Candy Cranes bill beareth long and tender stalkes, whereon growe diuers broad and long leaues, cut in or iagged on the edges: the toppes of the stalkes are branched into many flowers, made of fiue leaues of a reasonable bignesse, and of a faire blew or watchet colour, with a purplish pointell in the middle, which being past, there follow beake heads like other Cranes bils, but greater, containing larger, greater, and sharper pointed seede, able to pierce the skinne, if one be not warie of it: the roote is white and long, with some fibres at it, and perisheth when it hath perfected his seede, and will spring of it owne sowing many times, if the Winter be not too sharpe, otherwise (being annuall) it must be sowne in the Spring of the yeare.

The Place.

Most of these Cranes bils are strangers vnto vs by nature, but endenizond in our English Gardens. It hath beene reported vnto mee by some of good credit, that the second or Crowfoot Cranes bill hath been found naturally growing in England, but yet I neuer saw it, although I haue seen many sorts of wilde kindes in many places. Matthiolus saith that the first groweth in Dalmatia and Illyria very plentifully. Camerarius, Clusius, and others, that most of the rest grow in Germany, Bohemia, Austria, &c. The last hath his place recorded in his title.

The Time.

All these Cranes bils doe for the most part flower in Aprill, and May, and vntill the middle of Iune. The variable or stript Cranes bill is vsually the latest of all the rest.

The Names.

The first is vsually called Geranium tuberosum, of some Geranium bulbosum, of the likenesse of the roote vnto a bulbe: It is without controuersie Geranium primum of Dioscorides. The second is called Geranium Gratia Dei, of others, Geranium cæruleum. The blew Cranes bill Lobel calleth it Batrachoides, because both leafe and flower are like vnto a Crowfoote; and the affinity with the Cranes bils in the seede causeth it rather to be referred to them then to the Crowfeete. The stript Cranes bill is called by some Geranium Romanum. The last sauing one is called Geranium Hæmatodes, or Sanguineum, of Lobel Geranium Gruinale Hæmatodes supinum radice repente. In English it may be called after the Greek and Latine, The bloudy Cranes bill, but I rather call it, The Rose Cranes bill, because the flowers are as large as single Roses, or as the Rose Campion. Some of them are called in many places of England Bassinets.

The Vertues.

All the kindes of Cranes bils are accounted great wound herbes, and effectuall to stay bleedings, yet some more than others. The Emperickes of Germanie, as Camerarius saith, extoll it wonderfully, for a singular remedie against the Stone, both in the reines and bladder.

CHAP. XXXI.

Sanicula guttata maior. Spotted Sanicle.

Hauing long debated with my selfe, where to place this & the other plants that follow in the two next Chapters, I haue thought it not amisse for this worke to set them downe here, both before the Beares eares, which are kindes of Sanicle, as the best Authors doe hold, and after the Cranes bils, both for some qualities somewhat resembling them, and for some affinity of the flowers with the former.

The spotted Sanicle hath many small round leaues, bluntly endented about the edges, somewhat like vnto the leaues of our white Saxifrage, of a full greene colour aboue, and whitish hairy, and somewhat reddish withall vnderneath: the stalkes are set here and there with the like leaues, rising a foote and a halfe high or more, very much diuided at the toppe into sundry small branches, bearing many very small white flowers, consisting of fiue small leaues, wherein are many small red spots to be seene, as small as pins points, of a pretty sweete sent, almost like Hawthorne flowers, in the middle whereof are many small threads compassing a head, which when it is ripe containeth small blacke seede: the roote is scaly, or couered with a chaffie matter, hauing many small white fibres vnderneath, whereby it is fastened in the ground.

[Sidenote: Minor non guttata.]

There is another of this kinde, like both in roote, leafe, and flower to the former, the onely difference is, that this is lesser then the former, and hath no spots in the flower, as the other hath.

[Sidenote: Minus guttata.]

We haue also another smaller kinde then the last, both in leafe and flower, the leaues whereof are smaller, but rounder, and more finely snipt or indented about the edges, like the teeth of a fine sawe: the stalke is little aboue a span high, hauing many small white flowers spotted as the first, but with fewer spots.

The Place.

These growe in the shadowie Woods of the Alpes, in diuers places, and with vs they more delight in the shade then the sunne.

The Time.

All these Sanicles doe flower in May, and continue flowring vntill Iune, and the seede soone ripeneth after: the rootes abide all the Winter, with some leaues on them, springing a fresh in the beginning of the yeare.

The Names.

The former two are called by Clusius Sanicula montana, and by others Sanicula guttata: by Lobel Geum Alpinum. The third or last hath been sent vs vnder the name of Sanicula montana altera minor.

The Vertues.

The name imposed on these plants doe certainly assure vs of their vertues, from the first founders, that they are great healers, and from their taste, that they are great binders.

CHAP. XXXII.

Cotyledon altera Matthioli. Spotted Nauelwort.

This spotted Nauelwort, as many doe call it, hath many thicke small leaues, not so broad as long, of a whitish greene colour, lying on the ground in circles, after the manner of the heads of Houseleeke, and dented about the edges; from the middle whereof sometimes (for it doth not flower euery yeare in many places) ariseth vp a stalke, scarce a foote high, beset with such like leaues as are belowe, but somewhat longer: from the middle of the stalke vp to the top it brancheth forth diuersly, with a leafe at euery ioynt, bearing three or foure flowers on euery branch, consisting of fiue white leaues, spotted with small red spots, like vnto the spotted Sanicle, but with fewer and greater spots, hauing a yellowish circle or eye in the bottome of euery flower, and many whitish threads with yellowish tips in it: the seede is small and blacke, contained in small round heads: the roote is small, long, and threadie, shooting out such heads of leaues, which abide all the Winter, those that beare flower perishing.

Cotyledon altera minor. Small dented Nauelwort.

There is another like vnto that before described in most things, the differences be these: It hath shorter leaues then the former, and dented about the edges in the like manner: the flowers hereof are white, but greater, made of six leaues, and most vsually without any spots at all in them, some are seene to haue spots also: the heads or seede vessels are more cornered then the former.

Cotyledon altera flore rubro stellato. Small red flowred Nauelwort.

This hath also many heads of leaues, but more open, which are longer, greener, and sharper pointed then eyther of the former, somewhat reddish also, and not dented about the edges, but yet a little rough in handling: the stalke ariseth from among the leaues, being somewhat reddish, and the leaues thereon are reddish pointed, diuided at the toppe into many branches, with diuers flowers thereon, made of twelue small long leaues, standing like a starre, of a reddish purple colour, with many threads therein, set about the middle head, which is diuided at the toppe into many small ends, like pods or hornes, containing therein very small seede: the roote is small like the former.

Sedum serratum flore rubente maculato. The Princes Feather.

This kinde of Sengreene is composed of heads of larger, broader, and thinner leaues then any of the former, of a sadder greene colour, somewhat vneuenly endented about the edges, and not so close set together, but spreading forth into seuerall heads like as the former sorts doe, although not so plentifully; from the middle of diuers of which heads rise vp brownish or reddish stalkes, set with smaller leaues thereon to the middle thereof, and then brancheth forth into seuerall sprigs, set with diuers small reddish flowers consisting of fiue leaues a peece, the innerside of which are of a pale red, somewhat whitish, spotted with many small bloud red spots, as small almost as pins points, with some small threads in the middle, standing about a small greene head, which turneth into the seede vessell, parted foure wayes at the head, wherein is contained small blackish seede: the rootes are small threads, which spread vnder the ground, and shoote vp seuerall heads round about it.

The Place.

All these growe in Germany, Hungarie, Austria, the Alpes, and other such like places, where they cleaue to the rocke it selfe, that hath but a crust of earth on it to nourish them. They will abide in Gardens reasonable well, if they be planted in shadowie places, and not in the sun.

The Time.

They flower for the most part in the end of May, and sometimes sooner or later, as the yeare falleth out.

The Names.

The first is called by Matthiolus, Cotyledon altera Dioscoridis, and Vmbilicus alter, but it is not the true Cotyledon altera of Dioscorides; for Sedum vulgare maius, Our common Houseleeke, by the consent of the best moderne Writers, is the true Cotyledon altera of Dioscorides, or Vmbilicus Veneris alter. I hold it rather to bee a kinde of small Houseleeke, as the other two likewise are. The second is called by some Aizoum or Sedum minus serratum. The third hath his name in his title. Wee doe call them Nauelworts in English rather then Houseleekes, Euphoniæ gratia. The last may be called dented Sengreene with reddish spotted flowers, but some of our English Gentlewomen haue called it, The Princes Feather, which although it be but a by-name, may well serve for this plant to distinguish it, and whereby to be knowne.

The Vertues.

They are all held to be cold and moist, like vnto other Houseleekes.

CHAP. XXXIII.

Soldanella Alpina. Mountaine Soldanella or blew Moonewort.

This beautifull plant hath many round and hard leaues, set vpon long foote-stalkes, a little vneuenly cut about the edges, greene on the vpperside, and of a grayish greene vnderneath, and sometime reddish like the leaues of Sowbread, which because they doe somewhat resemble the leaues of Soldanella marina, which is the Sea Bindweede, tooke the name thereof: the stalkes are slender, small, round, and reddish, about a span high, bearing foure or fiue flowers at the toppe, euery one hanging downe their heads, like vnto a Bell flower, consisting but of one leafe (as most of the Bindweeds doe) plated into fiue folds, each of them ending in a long point, which maketh the flower seem to haue fiue leaues, each whereof is deeply cut in on the edges, and hauing a round greene head in the middle, with a pricke or pointell at the end thereof: the flower is of a faire blew colour, sometimes deeper or paler, or white, as nature listeth without any smell at all: the middle head, after the flower is fallen, riseth to be a long round pod, bearing that pricke it had at the end thereof, wherein is contained small greenish seede: the roote hath many fibres shooting from a long round head or roote.

The Place.

This groweth on the Alpes, which are couered with snow the greatest part of the yeare, and will hardly abide transplanting.

The Time.

In the naturall places it flowreth not vntill the Summer moneths, Iune, Iuly, and August, after the snow is melted from the Hils, but being brought into Gardens, it flowreth in the beginning of Aprill or thereabouts.

The Names.

This plant, by reason of the likenesse of leaues with Soldanella, as was before said, is called by many Soldanella, but yet is no Bindweede; and therefore I rather call it in English a Mountaine Soldanella, then as Gerrard doth, Mountaine Bindweede. It is likewise called by some, Lunaria minor cærulea, The lesser blew Lunary or Moonwort, and so I would rather haue it called.

The Vertues.

They that imposed the name of Lunaria vpon this plant, seeme to referre it to the wound or consolidating herbes, but because I haue no further relation or experience, I can say no more thereof vntill tryall hath taught it. Some also from the name Soldanella, which is giuen it, because of the likenesse of the leaues, haue vsed it to help the Dropsie, for which the Sea plant is thought to be effectuall.

CHAP. XXXIIII.

Auricula Vrsi. Beares eares.

There are so many sundry and seuerall sorts of Beares eares, the variety consisting as well in the differing colours of the flowers, as the forme and colour of the leaues, that I shall not comprehend and set downe vnto you all the diuersities by many, that are risen vp to those that haue beene industrious in the sowing of the seedes of the seuerall sorts of them; yet if you accept of these that I doe here offer vnto you, I shall giue you the knowledge of others, as time, occasion, and the view of them shall enable me. And because they are without all question kinds of Cowslips, I haue set them downe before them in the first place, as being of more beautie and greater respect, or at the least of more rarity vnto vs. To dispose them therefore into order, I shall ranke them vnder three principall colours, that is to say, Red or Purple, White, and Yellow, and shew you the varieties of each of them (for so many as are come to my knowledge) apart by themselues, and not promiscuously as many others haue done.

1. Auricula Vrsi flore purpureo. Purple Beares eare, or The Murrey Cowslip.

This purple Beares eare or Cowslip hath many greene leaues, somewhat long and smooth, narrow from the bottome of the leafe to the middle, and broad from thence to the end, being round pointed, and somewhat snipt or endented about the edges; in the middle of these leaues, and sometimes at the sides also, doe spring round greene stalkes foure or fiue fingers high, bearing at the top many flowers, the buds whereof, before they are blowne, are of a very deepe purple colour, and being open, are of a bright, but deepe purple, vsually called a Murrey colour, consisting of fiue leaues a peece, cut in at the end as it were into two, with a whitish ring or circle at the bottome of each flower, standing in small greene cups, wherein after the flowers are fallen, are contained very small heads, not rising to the height of the cups, bearing a small pricke or pointell at the toppe of them, wherein is little blackish seede: the roote hath many whitish strings fastened to the maine long roote, which is very like vnto a Primrose or Cowslip roote, as it is in all other parts besides.

2. Auricula Vrsi purpurea absque orbe. The murrey Cowslip without eyes.

There is another of this kinde, whose leafe is somewhat lesse, as the flower is also, but of the same colour, and sometimes somewhat redder, tending to a Scarlet, without any circle at the bottome of the flower, in no other things differing from it.

3. Auricula Vrsi minor flore tannetto. Tawney Beares eares.

The leaues of this kinde haue a greater shew of mealinesse to be seene in them, and not much smaller then the former, yet snipt or endented about the ends like vnto them: the flowers are many, of the same fashion with the former, but smaller, each whereof is of as deepe a murrey or tawnie colour when it is blowne, as the buds of the former are before they are blowne, hauing a white circle at the bottome of the flower, and yellowish in the middle belowe the circle.

4. Auricula Vrsi flore rubro saturo orbe luteo. Deepe or bloud red Beares eares with eyes.

This kinde hath small and long greene leaues, nothing mealy, but snipt about the edges, from the middle of the leaues forwards to the ends: the flowers hereof are of a deepe red colour, tending to a bloud red, with a deepe yellow circle, or rather bottome in the middle.

[Sidenote: Auricula Vrsi flore rubro saturo absque orbe.]

There is another of this kinde, whose leaues are somewhat mealy, and smaller then any (that I haue seene) that haue mealy leaues: the flowers are of the same deepe red colour with the last described, yet hath no circle or bottome of any other colour at all.

5. Auricula Vrsi flore purpuro cæruleo. The Violet coloured Beares eare.

We haue another, whose leaues are somewhat mealy and large; the flowers whereof are of a paler purple then the first, somewhat tending to a blew.

6. Auricula Vrsi flore obsoleto magno. The Spaniards blush Beares eare.

This great Beares eare hath as large leaues as any other of this kindred whatsoeuer, and whitish or mealy withall, somewhat snipt about the edges, as many other of them are: the flowers stand at the toppe of a strong and tall stalke, larger then any of the other that I haue seene, being of a duskie blush colour, resembling the blush of a Spaniard, whose tawney skinne cannot declare so pure a blush as the English can; and therefore I haue called it the Spaniards blush.

7. Auricula Vrsi flore rubello. Scarlet or light red Beares eares.

The leaues of this kinde are very like the leaues of the first purple kinde, but that they are not so thicke; of a little paler greene colour, and little or nothing snipt about the edges: the flowers are of a bright, but pale reddish colour, not halfe so deepe as the two last with white circles in the bottomes of them, in other things this differeth not from others.

8. Auricula Vrsi roseo colore. The Rose coloured Beares eare.

We haue another, whose leafe is a little mealy, almost as large as any of the former, whose flowers are of a light red colour, very neare the colour of an ordinary Damaske Rose, with a white eye at the bottome.

9. Auricula Vrsi flore cæruleo folio Boraginis. Blew Beares eares with Borage leaues.

This plant is referred to the kindred or family of the Beares eares, onely for the forme of the flower sake, which euen therein it doth not assimilate to the halfe; but because it hath passed others with that title, I am content to insert it here, to giue you the knowledge thereof, and rather to satisfie others then my selfe with the place thereof: the description whereof is as followeth: It hath diuers broad rough hairy leaues spread vpon the ground, somewhat like vnto the leaues of Borage for the roughnesse, but not for the largenesse; the leaues hereof being somewhat rent in some places at the edges: from among these leaues rise vp one, or two, or more brownish, round, and hairy stalkes, a span high or thereabouts, bearing at the toppes three or foure flowers a peece, consisting of fiue large pointed leaues, of a faire blew or light azur colour, with some small yellow threads in the middle, standing in small greene cups: the roote is long and brownish, hauing many small fibres annexed vnto it.

10. Auricula Vrsi maior flore albo. The great white Beares eare.

This white Beares eare hath many faire whitish greene leaues, somewhat paler then the leaues of any of the kindes of Beares eares, and a little snipt about the ends, as manie other are: among these leaues rise vp stalkes foure or fiue inches high, bearing at the toppe many flowers like vnto the small yellow Beares eare hereafter set downe, of a pale whitish colour, tending to yellow at the first opening of the flower, which after two or three dayes change into a faire white colour, and so continue all the while it flowreth: the roote is like the purple kinde, as all or most of the rest are, or very little differing.

11. Auricula Vrsi minor flore albo. The lesser white Beares eare.

The lesser Beares eare hath smaller leaues, of a little darker green colour: the stalke and flowers are likewise lesser then the former, and haue no shew of yellownesse at all, eyther in budde or flower, but is pure white, differing not in other things from the rest.

12. Auricula Vrsi maxima lutea flore eleganti. The greatest faire yellow Beares eare with eyes.

This yellow Beares eare hath many faire large thicke leaues, somewhat mealy or hoary vpon the greennesse, being larger then any other kinde, except the sixth, and the next yellow that followeth, smooth about the edges, and without any endenting at all: the stalke is great, round, and not higher then in other of the former, but bearing manie more flowers thereon then in any other kinde, to the number of thirty many times, standing so round and close together, that they seeme to be a Nosegay alone, of the same fashion with the former, but that the leaues are shorter and rounder, yet with a notch in the middle like the rest, of a faire yellow colour, neither very pale nor deepe, with a white eye or circle in the bottome, about the middle of euery flower, which giueth it the greater grace: the seede is of a blackish browne colour, like vnto others, but contained in greater round heads then any other, with a small pointell sticking in the middle: the roote is greater and thicker then any other, with long strings or fibres like vnto the other sorts, but greater.

13. Auricula Vrsi maior lutea folio incano. The greater yellow Beares eare.

This greater yellow Beares eare hath his leaues larger, and more mealy or hoarie then the last, or any other of these kindes: the flowers are not so many, but longer, and not so thicke thrusting together as the first, but of a deeper yellow colour, without any eye or circle in the middle.

14. Auricula Vrsi maior flore pallido. The great Straw coloured Beares eare.

This hath almost as mealy leaues as the last, but nothing so large; the flowers are of a faire strawe colour, with a white circle at the bottome of them, these three last haue no shew or shadow of any other colour in any part of the edge, as some others that follow haue.

15. Auricula Vrsi minor flore pallente. The lesser straw coloured Beares eare.

We haue another, whose leafe is lesse mealy, or rather pale green, and a little mealy withall; the flowers whereof are of a paler yellow colour then the last, and beareth almost as many vpon a stalke as the first great yellow.

16. Auricula Vrsi minor lutea. The lesser yellow Beares eares.

The leaues of this Beares eare are nothing so large as either of the three former yellow kindes, but rather of the bignesse of the first white kinde, but yet a little larger, thicker, and longer then it, hauing vnder the greennesse a small shew of mealinesse, and somewhat snipt about the edges: the flowers are of a pale yellow colour, with a little white bottome in them: the seed and rootes are like vnto the other kindes.

17. Auricula Vrsi flore flauo. The deepe yellow or Cowslip Beares eare.

This kinde hath somewhat larger leaues then the last, of a yellowish greene colour, without any mealinesse on them, or endenting about the edges, but smooth and whole: the flowers are not larger but longer, and not laide open so fully as the former, but of as deepe a yellow colour as any Cowslip almost, without any circle in the bottome: neither of these two last haue any shew of other colour then yellow in them, sauing the white in the eye.

18. Auricula Vrsi versicolor prima siue flore rubescente. The blush Beares eare.

The blush Beares eare hath his leaues as large, and as hoary or mealy as the third greater yellow, or straw coloured Beares eare; among which riseth vp a stalke about foure inches high, bearing from six to twelue, or more faire flowers, somewhat larger then the smaller yellow Beares eare before described, hauing the ground of the flower of a darke or dunne yellow colour, shadowed ouer a little with a shew of light purple, which therefore we call a blush colour, the edges of the flower being tipt with a little deeper shew of that purple colour, the bottome of the flower, abiding wholly yellow, without any circle, and is of very great beauty, which hath caused me to place it in the forefront of the variable coloured Beares eares. And although some might thinke it should be placed among the first ranke of Beares eares, because it is of a blush colour, yet seeing it is assuredly gained from some of the yellow kindes by sowing the seede, as many other sorts are, as may be seene plainly in the ground of the flower, which is yellow, and but shadowed ouer with purple, yet more then any of the rest that follow; I thinke I haue giuen it his right place: let others of skill & experience be iudges herein.

19. Auricula Vrsi crinis coloris. Haire coloured Beares eares.

The leaues of this kinde are more mealy like then the last blush kinde, but somewhat longer and larger, and snipt about the edges in the same manner, from the middle of the leafe forwards: the flower is vsually of a fine light browne yellow colour, which wee doe vsually call an Haire colour, and sometimes browner, the edges of the flower haue a shew or shadow of a light purple or blush about them, but more on the outside then on the inside.

20. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutea. The yellow variable Beares eare.

This variable Beares eare hath his greene leaues somewhat like vnto the deepe yellow, or Cowslip Beares eare before described, but somewhat of a fresher greene, more shining and smaller, and snipt about the edges towards the ends, as many of those before are: the flowers are of a faire yellow colour, much laid open when it is full blowne, that it seemeth almost flat, dasht about the edges onely with purple, being more yellow in the bottome of the flower, then in any other part.

21. Auricula Vrsi versicolor lutescente viridi flore. The variable greene Beares eare.

This kinde of Beares eare hath greene leaues, very like vnto the last described, and snipt in the like manner about the edges, but in this it differeth, that his leaues do turne or fold themselues a little backwards: the flowers are of a yellowish greene colour, more closed then the former, hauing purplish edges, especially after they haue stood blowne some time, and haue little or none at the first opening: these haue no circles at all in them.

Many other varieties are to be found, with those that are curious conseruers of these delights of nature, either naturally growing on the mountaines in seuerall places, from whence they (being searched out by diuers) haue been taken and brought, or else raised from the seede of some of them, as it is more probable: for seuerall varieties haue beene obserued (and no doubt many of these before specified) to bee gotten by sowing of the seedes, euery yeare lightly shewing a diuersity, not obserued before, either in the leafe, diuers from that from whence it was taken, or in the flowers. I haue onely set downe those that haue come vnder mine owne view, and not any by relation, euen as I doe with all or most of the things contained in this worke.

The Place.

Many of these goodly plants growe naturally on mountaines, especially the Alpes, in diuers places; for some kindes that growe in some places, doe not in others, but farre distant one from the other. There hath likewise some beene found on the Pyrenæan mountaines, but that kinde with the blew flower and Borage leafe, hath beene gathered on the mountaines in Spaine, and on the Pyrenæans next vnto Spaine.

The Time.

They all flower in Aprill and May, and the seede is ripe in the end of Iune, or beginning of Iuly, and sometimes they will flower againe in the end of Summer, or in Autumne, if the yeare proue temperate, moist, and rainie.

The Names.

It is very probable, that none of these plants were euer knowne vnto the ancient Writers, because we cannot be assured, that they may be truely referred vnto any plant that they name, vnlesse we beleeue Fabius Columna, that it should be Alisma of Dioscorides, for thereunto hee doth referre it. Diuers of the later Writers haue giuen vnto them diuers names, euery one according to his owne conceit. For Gesner calleth it Lunaria arthritica, and Paralytica Alpina. Matthiolus accounteth it to bee of the kindred of the Sanicles, and saith, that in his time it was called by diuers Herbarists, Auricula Vrsi, which name hath since bin receiued as most vsuall. We in English call them Beares eares, according to the Latine, or as they are called by diuers women, French Cowslips; they may be called Mountaine Cowslips, if you will, for to distinguish betweene them and other Cowslips, whereof these are seuerall kindes.

Sanicula Alpina siue Cortusa Matthioli. Beares eare Sanicle.

I cannot chuse but insert this delicate plant in the end of the Beares eares, for that it is of so neare affinity, although it differ much in the forme of the leaues, the description whereof is in this manner: The leaues that spring vp first are much crumpled, and as it were folded together, which afterwards open themselues into faire, broad, and roundish leaues, somewhat rough or hairy, not onely cut into fine diuisions, but somewhat notched also about the edges, of a darke greene colour on the vpperside, and more whitish greene vnderneath; amongst these leaues riseth vp one or two naked round stalkes, fiue or six inches high, bearing at the toppes diuers small flowers, somewhat sweete, like vnto the first purple Beares eare, hanging downe their heads, consisting of fiue small pointed leaues a peece, of a darke reddish purple colour, with a white circle or bottome in the middle, and some small threads therein: after the flowers are past, there come small round heads, somewhat longer then any of the Beares eares, standing vpright vpon their small foot-stalkes, wherein is contained small round and blackish seede: the roote consisteth of a thicke tuft of small whitish threads, rather then rootes, much enterlaced one among another: the leaues of this plant dye downe euery yeare, and spring vp a new in the beginning of the yeare, whereas all the Beares eares doe hold their leaues greene all the Winter, especially the middlemost, which stand like a close head, the outermost for the most part perishing after seed time.

The Place.

This groweth in many shadowie Woods both of Italy and Germany; for both Clusius hath described it, finding it in the Woods of Austria and Stiria; and Matthiolus setteth it downe, hauing receiued it from Anthonius Cortusus, who was President of the Garden at Padua, and found it in the woody mountaines of Vicenza, neare vnto Villestagna; whereon (as Matthiolus saith) there is found both with white flowers as well as with blew, but such with white flowers or blew we neuer could see or heare further of.

The Time.

It flowreth much about the time of the Beares eares; or rather a little later, and the seede is ripe with them.

The Names.

Clusius calleth it Sanicula montana, and Sanicula Alpina, and referreth it to the Auricula Vrsi, or Beares eare, which it doth most nearly resemble: but Matthiolus referreth it to the Cariophyllata or Auens, making it to be of that tribe or family, and calleth it Cortusa of him that first sent it him. Wee may call it eyther Cortusa, as for the most part all Herbarists doe, or Beares eare Sanicle as Gerrard doth.

The Vertues.

All the sorts of Beares eares are Cephalicall, that is, conducing helpe for the paines in the head, and for the giddinesse thereof, which may happen, eyther by the sight of steepe places subiect to danger, or otherwise. They are accounted also to be helping for the Palsey, and shaking of the ioynts; and also as a Sanicle or wound-herbe. The leaues of the Cortusa taste a little hot, and if one of them bee laide whole, without bruising, on the cheeke of any tender skind woman, it will raise an orient red colour, as if some fucus had beene laide thereon, which will passe away without any manner of harme, or marke where it lay: This is Cortusus his obseruation Camerarius in his Hortus Medicus saith, that an oyle is made thereof, that is admirable for to cure wounds.

CHAP. XXXV.

Primula veris & Paralysis. Primroses and Cowslips.

We haue so great variety of Primroses and Cowslips of our owne Country breeding, that strangers being much delighted with them, haue beene often furnished into diuers Countries, to their good content: And that I may set them downe in some methodicall manner, as I haue done other things, I will first set downe all the sorts of those we call Primroses, both single and double, and afterwards the Cowslips with their diuersities, in as ample manner as my knowledge can direct me. And yet I know, that the name of Primula veris or Primrose, is indifferently conferred vpon those that I distinguish for Paralyses or Cowslips. I doe therefore for your better vnderstanding of my distinction betweene Primroses and Cowslips, call those onely Primroses that carry but one flower vpon a stalke, be they single or double, except that of Master Hesket, and that with double flowers many vpon a stalke, set out in Gerards Herball, which is his onely, not found (as I thinke) in rerum natura, I am sure, such a one I could neuer heare of: And those Cowslips, that beare many flowers vpon a stalke together constantly, be they single or double also. I might otherwise distinguish them also by the leafe; that all the Primroses beare their long and large broad yellowish greene leaues, without stalkes most vsually; and all the Cowslips haue small stalkes vnder the leaues, which are smaller, and of a darker greene, as vsually, but that this distinction is neither so certaine and generall, nor so well knowne.

1. Primula veris flore albo. The single white Primrose.

The Primrose that groweth vnder euery bush or hedge, in all or most of the Woods, Groues, and Orchards of this Kingdome, I may well leaue to his wilde habitation, being not so fit for a Garden, and so well knowne, that I meane not to giue you any further relation thereof: But we haue a kinde hereof which is somewhat smaller, and beareth milke white flowers, without any shew of yellownesse in them, and is more vsually brought into Gardens for the rarity, and differeth not from the wilde or ordinary kinde, either in roote or leafe, or any thing else, yet hauing those yellow spots, but smaller, and not so deepe, as are in the other wilde kinde.

2. Primula veris flore viridi simplici. The single greene Primrose.

The single greene Primrose hath his leaues very like vnto the greater double Primrose, but smaller, and of a sadder greene colour: the flowers stand seuerally vpon long foot-stalkes, as the first single kinde doth, but larger then they, and more laide open, of the same, or very neare the same yellowish greene colour that the huske is of, so that at the first opening, the huske and the flower seeme to make one double greene flower, which afterwards separating themselues, the single flower groweth aboue the huske, and spreadeth it selfe open much more then any other single Primrose doth, growing in the end to be of a paler greene colour.

3. Primula veris flore viridante & albo simplici. The single greene and white Primrose.

The leaues of this differ in a manner nothing from the former, neither doth the flower but only in this, that out of the large yellowish green huskes, which contain the flowers of the former, there commeth forth out of the middle of each of them either a small peece of a whitish flower, or else a larger, sometimes making vp a whole flower, like an ordinary Primrose.

4. Primula veris flore viridi duplici. The double greene Primrose.

This double Primrose is in his leaues so like the former single greene kindes, that the one cannot be knowne from the other vntill it come to flower, and then it beareth vpon euery stalke a double green flower, of a little deeper green colour then the flower of the former single kinde consisting but of two rowes of short leaues most vsually, and both of an equall height aboue the huske, abiding a pretty time in flower, especially if it stand in any shadowed place, or where the Sun may come but a while vnto it.

5. Primula veris Hesketi flore multiplici separatim diviso. Master Heskets double Primrose.

Master Heskets double Primrose is very like vnto the small double Primrose, both in leafe, roote, and height of growing, the stalke not rising much higher then it, but bearing flowers in a farre different manner; for this beareth not only single flowers vpon seuerall stalkes, but sometimes two or three single flowers vpon one stalk, and also at the same time a bigger stalke, and somewhat higher, hauing one greene huske at the toppe thereof, sometimes broken on the one side, and sometimes whole, in the middle whereof standeth sometimes diuers single flowers, thrust together, euery flower to be seene in his proper forme, and sometimes there appeare with some whole flowers others that are but parts of flowers, as if the flowers were broken in peeces, and thrust into one huske, the leaues of the flowers (being of a white or pale Primrose Colour, but a little deeper) seldome rising aboue the height of the very huske it selfe; and sometimes, as I haue obserued in this plant, it will haue vpon the same stalke, that beareth such flowers as I haue here described vnto you, a small flower or two, making the stalke seeme branched into many flowers, whereby you may perceiue, that it will vary into many formes, not abiding constant in any yeare, as all the other sorts doe.

6. Primula hortensis flore pleno vulgaris. The ordinary double Primrose.

The leaues of this Primrose are very large, and like vnto the single kind, but somewhat larger, because it growth in gardens: the flowers doe stand euery one seuerally vpon slender long footestalkes, as the single kinde doth, in greenish huskes of a pale yellow colour, like vnto the field Primrose, but very thicke and double, and of the same sweete sent with them.

7. Primula veris flore duplici. The small double Primrose.

This Primrose is both in leafe, roote, and flower, altogether like vnto the last double Primrose, but that it is smaller in all things; for the flower riseth not aboue two or three fingers high, and but twice double, that is, with two rowes of leaues, yet of the very same Primrose colour that the former is of.

8. Paralysis vulgaris pratensis flore flauo simplici odorato. The Common field Cowslip.

The common fielde Cowslip I might well forbeare to set downe, being so plentifull in the fields: but because many take delight in it, and plant it in their gardens, I will giue you the description of it here. It hath diuers green leaues, very like vnto the wilde Primrose, but shorter, rounder, stiffer, rougher, more crumpled about the edges, and of a sadder greene colour, euery one standing vpon his stalke, which is an inch or two long: among the leaues rise vp diuers round stalkes, a foote or more high, bearing at the toppe many faire yellow single flowers, with spots of a deeper yellow, at the bottome of each leafe, smelling very sweete. The rootes are like to the other Primroses, hauing many fibres annexed to the great roote.

9. Paralysis altera odorata flore pallido polyanthos. The Primrose Cowslip.

The leaues of this Cowslip are larger then the ordinary fielde Cowslip, and of a darke yellowish greene colour; the flowers are many, standing together, vpon the toppes of the stalkes, to the number of thirty sometimes vpon one stalke, as I haue counted them in mine owne Garden, and sometimes more, euery one hauing a longer foote stalke then the former, and of as pale a yellowish colour almost as the fielde Primrose, with yellow spots at the bottome of the leaues, as the ordinary hath, and of as sweet a sent.

10. Paralysis flore viridante simplici. The single greene Cowslip.

There is little difference in leafe or roote of this from the first Cowslip, the chiefest varietie in this kinde is this, that the leaues are somewhat greener, and the flowers being in all respects like in forme vnto the first kinde, but somewhat larger, are of the same colour with the greene huskes, or rather a little yellower, and of a very small sent; in all other things I finde no diuersitie, but that it standeth much longer in flower before it fadeth, especially if it stand out of the Sunne.

11. Paralysis flore & calice crispo. Curl’d Cowslips or Gallegaskins.

There is another kinde, whose flowers are folded or crumpled at the edges, and the huskes of the flowers bigger than any of the former, more swelling out in the middle, as it were ribbes, and crumpled on the sides of the huskes, which doe somewhat resemble mens hose that they did weare, and tooke the name of Gallegaskins from thence.

12. Paralysis flore geminato odorato. Double Cowslips one within another, or Hose in Hose.

The only difference of this kinde from the ordinary field Cowslip is, that it beareth one single flower out of another, which is as a greene huske, of the like sent that the first hath, or somewhat weaker.

13. Paralysis flore flauo simplici inodoro absque calicibus. Single Oxe lippes.

This kinde of Cowslip hath leaues much like the ordinary kinde, but somewhat smaller: the flowers are yellow like the Cowslip, but smaller, standing many vpon a stalke, but bare or naked, that is, without any huske to containe them, hauing but little or no sent at all; not differing in any thing else from the ordinary Cowslip.

14. Paralysis flore geminato inodora. Double Oxelips Hose in Hose.

As the former double Cowslip had his flowers one within another, in the very like manner hath this kinde of Cowslip or Oxelippe, sauing that this hath no huske to containe them, no more then the former single Oxelippe hath, standing bare or naked, of the very same bignesse each of them, and of the same deepe yellow colour with it, hauing as small a sent as the former likewise.

[Sidenote: Flore pallidiora.]

Wee haue another of this kinde, whose leaues are somewhat larger, and so are the flowers also, but of a paler yellow colour.

15. Paralysis inodora calicibus dissectis. Oxelips with iagged huskes.

This kinde differeth not from the first Oxelip in the smalnesse of the greene leaues, but in the flower, which standing many together on a reasonable high stalke, and being very small and yellow, scarce opening themselues or layde abroade as it, hath a greene huske vnder each flower, but diuided into sixe seuerall small long peeces.

16. Paralysis flore fatuo. The Franticke, or Foolish Cowslip: Or Iacke an apes on horse backe.

Wee haue in our gardens another kinde, not much differing in leaues from the former Cowslip, and is called Fantasticke or Foolish, because it beareth at the toppe of the stalke a bush or tuft of small long greene leaues, with some yellow leaues, as it were peeces of flowers broken, and standing among the greene leaues. And sometimes some stalkes among those greene leaues at the toppe (which are a little larger then when it hath but broken peeces of flowers) doe carry whole flowers in huskes like the single kinde.

17. Paralysis minor flore rubro. Red Birds eyes.

This little Cowslippe (which will hardly endure in our gardens, for all the care and industrie we can vse to keepe it) hath all the Winter long, and vntill the Spring begin to come on, his leaues so closed together, that it seemeth a small white head of leaues, which afterwards opening it selfe, spreadeth round vpon the ground, and hath small long and narrow leaues, snipt about the edges, of a pale greene colour on the vpperside, & very white or mealy vnderneath, among these leaues rise vp one or two stalks, small & hoary, halfe a foot high, bearing at the top a bush or tuft of much smaller flowers, standing vpon short foot stalkes, somewhat like vnto Cowslips, but more like vnto the Beares eares, of a fine reddish purple colour, in some deeper, in others paler, with a yellowish circle in the bottomes of the flowers, like vnto many of the Beares eares, of a faint or small sent: the seede is smaller than in any of the former kindes, and so are the rootes likewise, being small, white and threddy.

18. Paralysis minor flore albo. White Birds eyes.

This kinde differeth very little or nothing from the former, sauing that it seemeth a little larger both in leafe and flower, and that the flowers hereof are wholly white, without any great appearance of any circle in the bottome of them, vnlesse it be well obserued, or at least being nothing so conspicuous, as in the former.

[Sidenote: Flore geminato.]

These two kindes haue sometimes, but very seldome, from among the middle of the flowers on the stalke, sent out another small stalke, bearing flowers thereon likewise.

19. Paralysis hortensis flore pleno. Double Paigles or Cowslips.

The double Paigle or Cowslip hath smaller and darker greene leaues then the single kinde hath, and longer stalkes also whereon the leaues doe stand: it beareth diuers flowers vpon a stalke, but not so many as the single kinde, euery one whereof is of a deeper and fairer yellow colour then any of the former, standing not much aboue the brimmes of the huskes that hold them, consisting of two or three rowes of leaues set round together, which maketh it shew very thicke and double, of a prettie small sent, but not heady.

20. Paralysis flore viridante pleno. Double greene Cowslips.

This double greene Cowslip is so like vnto the single greene kinde formerly expressed, that vntill they be neare flowring, they can hardly be distinguished; but when it is in flower, it hath large double flowers, of the same yellowish greene colour with the single, and more laid open then the former double Paigle.

21. Paralysis flore viridante siue calamistrato. The greene Rose Cowslip, or double greene feathered Cowslip.

There is small difference in the leaues of this double kinde from the last, but that they are not of so darke a greene: the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers, which are many, standing together at the toppes of the stalkes, but farre differing from all other of these kindes: for euery flower standing vpon his owne stalke, is composed of many very small and narrow leaues, without any huske to containe them, but spreading open like a little Rose, of a pale yellowish greene colour, and without any sent at all, abiding in flower, especially if it stand in a shadowie place out of the sunne, aboue two moneths, almost in as perfect beauty, as in the first weeke.

The Place.

All those kindes as they haue been found wilde, growing in diuers places in England, so they haue been transplanted into Gardens, to be there nourished for the delight of their louers, where they all abide, and grow fairer then in their naturall places, except the small Birds eyes, which will (as I said) hardly abide any culture, but groweth plentifully in all the North Countries, in their squally or wet grounds.

The Time.

These doe all flower in the Spring of the yeare, some earlier and some later, and some in the midst of Winter, as they are defended from the colds and frosts, and the mildnesse of the time will permit; yet the Cowslips doe alwayes flower later then the Primroses, and both the single and double greene Cowslips latest, as I said in their descriptions, and abide much after all the rest.

The Names.

All these plants are called most vsually in Latine, Primulæ veris, Primulæ pratenses, and Primulæ siluarum, because they shew by their flowring the new Spring to bee comming on, they being as it were the first Embassadours thereof. They haue also diuers other names, as Herba Paralysis, Arthritica, Herba Sancti Petri, Claues Sancti Petri, Verbasculum odoratum, Lunaria arthritica, Phlomis, Alisma siluarum, and Alismatis alterum genus, as Fabius Columna calleth them. The Birds eyes are called of Lobel in Latine, Paralytica Alpina, Sanicula angustifolia, making a greater and a lesser. Others call them Sanicula angustifolia, but generally they are called Primula veris minor. I haue (as you see) placed them with the Cowslips, putting a difference betweene Primroses and Cowslips. And some haue distinguished them, by calling the Cowslips, Primula veris Elatior, that is, the Taller Primrose, and the other Humilis, Lowe or Dwarfe Primroses. In English they haue in like manner diuers names, according to seuerall Countries, as Primroses, Cowslips, Oxelips, Palsieworts, and Petty Mulleins. The first kindes, which are lower then the rest, are generally called by the name of Primroses (as I thinke) throughout England. The others are diuersly named; for in some Countries they call them Paigles or Palsieworts, or Petty Mulleins, which are called Cowslips in others. Those are vsually called Oxelips, whose flowers are naked, or bare without huskes to containe them, being not so sweete as the Cowslip, yet haue they some little sent, although the Latine name doth make them to haue none. The Franticke, Fantasticke, or Foolish Cowslip, in some places is called by Country people, Iacke an Apes on horse-backe, which is an vsuall name with them, giuen to many other plants, as Daisies, Marigolds, &c. if they be strange or fantasticall, differing in the forme from the ordinary kinde of the single ones. The smallest are vsually called through all the North Country, Birds eyen, because of the small yellow circle in the bottomes of the flowers, resembling the eye of a bird.

The Vertues.

Primroses and Cowslips are in a manner wholly vsed in Cephalicall diseases, either among other herbes or flowers, or of themselues alone, to ease paines in the head, and is accounted next vnto Betony, the best for that purpose. Experience likewise hath shewed that they are profitable both for the Palsie, and paines of the ioynts, euen as the Beares eares are, which hath caused the name of Arthritica, Paralysis, and Paralytica to bee giuen them. The iuice of the flowers is commended to cleanse the spots or marks of the face, whereof some Gentlewomen haue found good experience.

CHAP. XXXVI.

Pulmonaria. Lungwort, or Cowslips of Ierusalem.

Although these plants are generally more vsed as Pot-herbes for the Kitchen, then as flowers for delight, yet because they are both called Cowslips, and are of like forme, but of much lesse beauty, I haue ioyned them next vnto them, in a distinct Chapter by themselues, and so may passe at this time.

1. Pulmonaria maculosa. Common spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem.

The Cowslip of Ierusalem hath many rough, large, and round leaues, but pointed at the ends, standing vpon long foot-stalkes, spotted with many round white spots on the vppersides of the sad greene or browne leaues, and of a grayer greene vnderneath: among the leaues spring vp diuers browne stalkes, a foote high, bearing many flowers at the toppe, very neare resembling the flowers of Cowslips, being of a purple or reddish colour while they are buds, and of a darke blewish colour when they are blowne, standing in brownish greene huskes, and sometimes it hath beene found with white flowers: when the flowers are past, there come vp small round heads, containing blacke seed: the roote is composed of many long and thicke blacke strings.

2. Pulmonaria altera non maculosa. Vnspotted Cowslips of Ierusalem.

The leaues of this other kinde are not much vnlike the former, being rough as they are, but smaller, of a fairer greene colour aboue, and of a whiter greene vnderneath, without any spots at all vpon the leaues: the flowers also are like the former, and of the same colour, but a little more branched vpon the stalkes then the former: the rootes also are blacke like vnto them.

3. Pulmonaria angustifolia. Narrow leafed Cowslips of Ierusalem.

The leaues hereof are somewhat longer, but not so broad, and spotted with whitish spots also as the former: the stalke hereof is set with the like long hairy leaues, but smaller, being a foote high or better, bearing at the toppe many flowers, standing in huskes like the first, being somewhat reddish in the bud, and of a darke purplish blew colour when they are blowne open: the seede is like the former, all of them doe well resemble Buglosse and Comfrey in most parts, except the roote, which is not like them, but stringie, like vnto Cowslips, yet blacke.

The Place.

The Cowslips of Ierusalem grow naturally in the Woods of Germany, in diuers places, and the first kinde in England also, found out by Iohn Goodier, a great searcher and louer of plants, dwelling at Maple-durham in Hampshire.

The Time.

They flower for the most part very early, that is, in the beginning of Aprill.

The Names.

They are generally called in Latine, Pulmonaria, and maculosa, or non maculosa, is added for distinctions sake. Of some it is called Symphitum maculosum, that is, spotted Comfrey. In English it is diuersly called, as spotted Cowslips of Ierusalem, Sage of Ierusalem, Sage of Bethlehem, Lungwort, and spotted Comfrey, and it might bee as fitly called spotted Buglosse, whereunto it is as like as vnto Comfrey, as I said before.

The Vertues.

It is much commended of some, to bee singular good for vlcered lungs, that are full of rotten matter. As also for them that spit bloud, being boyled and drunke. It is of greatest vse for the pot, being generally held to be good, both for the lungs and the heart.

CHAP. XXXVII.

1. Buglossum & Borrago. Buglosse and Borage.

Although Borage and Buglosse might as fitly haue been placed, I confesse, in the Kitchen Garden, in regard they are wholly in a manner spent for Physicall properties, or for the Pot, yet because anciently they haue been entertained into Gardens of pleasure, their flowers hauing been in some respect; in that they haue alwaies been enterposed among the flowers of womens needle-worke, I am more willing to giue them place here, then thrust them into obscurity, and take such of their tribe with them also as may fit for this place, either for beauty or rarity.

The Garden Buglosse and Borage are so well knowne vnto all, that I shall (I doubt) but spend time in waste to describe them; yet not vsing to passe ouer any thing I name and appropriate to this Garden so sleightly, they are thus to bee knowne: Buglosse hath many long, narrow, hairy, or rough sad greene leaues, among which rise vp two or three very high stalks, branched at the top, whereon stand many blew flowers, consisting of fiue small round pointed leaues, with a small pointell in the middle, which are very smooth, shining, and of a reddish purple while they are buds, and not blowne open, which being fallen, there groweth in the greene huske, wherein the flower stood, three or foure roundish blacke seedes, hauing that thread or pointell standing still in the middle of them: the roote is blacke without, and whitish within, long, thicke, and full of slimie iuice (as the leaues are also) and perisheth not euery yeare, as the roote of Borage doth.

2. Borrago. Borage.

Borage hath broader, shorter, greener, and rougher leaues then Buglosse, the stalkes hereof are not so high, but branched into many parts, whereon stand larger flowers, and more pointed at the end then Buglosse, and of a paler blew colour for the most part (yet sometimes the flowers are reddish, and sometimes pure white) each of the flowers consisting of fiue leaues, standing in a round hairy whitish huske, diuided into fiue parts, and haue a small vmbone of fiue blackish threads in the middle, standing out pointed at the end, and broad at the bottome: the seed is like the other: the root is thicker and shorter then the roote of Buglosse, somewhat blackish without also, and whitish within, and perisheth after seede time, but riseth of it owne seede fallen, and springeth in the beginning of the yeare.

3. Borrago semper virens. Euerliuing Borage.

Euerliuing Borage hath many broad greene leaues, and somewhat rough, more resembling Comfrey then Borage, yet not so large as either; the stalkes are not so high as Borage, and haue many small blew flowers on them, very like to the flowers of Buglosse for the forme, and Borage for the colour; the rootes are blacke, thicker then either of them, somewhat more spreading, and not perishing, hauing greene leaues all the Winter long, and thereupon tooke his name.

4. Anchusa. Sea Buglosse or Alkanet.

The Sea Buglosse or Alkanet hath many long, rough, narrow, and darke greene leaues, spread vpon the ground (yet some that growe by the Sea side are rather hoarie and whitish) among these leaues riseth vp a stalke, spread at the toppe into many branches, whereon stand the flowers in tufts, like vnto the Garden Buglosse, or rather Comfrey, but lesser; in some plants of a reddish blew colour, and in others more red or purplish, and in others of a yellowish colour: after which come the seedes, very like vnto Buglosse, but somewhat longer and paler: the roote of most of them being transplanted, are somewhat blackish on the outside, vntill the later end of Summer, and then become more red: for those that grow wilde, will be then so red, that they will giue a very deepe red colour to those that handle them, which being dryed keepe that red colour, which is vsed to many purposes; the roote within being white, and hauing no red colour at all.

5. Limonium Rauwolfij. Marsh Buglosse.

This Limonium (which I referre here to the kindes of Buglosse, presuming it is the fittest place where to insert it) hath many long narrow, and somewhat rough leaues lying vpon the ground, waued or cut in on both sides, like an Indenture, somewhat like the leaues of Ceterach or Miltwast, among which rise vp two or three stalkes, somewhat rough also, and with thin skinnes like wings, indented on both sides thereof also, like the leaues, hauing three small, long, rough, and three square leaues at euery ioynt, where it brancheth forth; at the toppe whereof stand many flowers vpon their foote stalkes, in such a manner, as is not seene in any other plant, that I know; for although that some of the small winged foot stalkes are shorter, and some longer, standing as it were flatwise, or all on one side, and not round like an vmbell, yet are they euen at the toppe, and not one higher than another; each of which small foote stalkes doe beare foure or fiue greenish heads or huskes, ioyned together, out of each of which doe arise other pale or bleake blew stiffe huskes, as if they were flowers, made as it were of parchment, which hold their colour after they are dry a long time; and out of these huskes likewise, doe come (at seuerall times one after another, and not all at one time or together) white flowers, consisting of fiue small round leaues, with some white threds in the middle: after these flowers are past, there come in their places small long seede, inclosed in many huskes, many of those heads being idle, not yeelding any goode seede, but chaffe, especially in out Countrey, for the want of sufficient heate of the Sunne, as I take it: the roote is small, long, and blackish on the outside, and perisheth at the first approach of Winter.

The Place.

Borage and Buglosse grow onely in Gardens with vs, and so doth the Semper virens, his originall being vnknowne vnto vs. Alkanet or Sea Buglosse groweth neare the Sea, in many places of France, and Spaine, and some of the kindes also in England. But the Limonium or Marshe Buglosse groweth in Cales, and Malacca in Spaine, and is found also in Syria, as Rauwolfius relateth: and in other places also no doubt; for it hath beene sent vs out of Italie, many yeares before eyther Guillaume Boel found it in Cales, or Clusius in Malacca.

The Time.

Borage and Buglosse doe flower in Iune, and Iuly, and sometimes sooner, and so doth the euer-liuing or neuer-dying Borage, but not as Gerrard saith, flowring Winter and Summer, whereupon it should take his name, but leaueth flowring in Autumne, and abideth greene with his leaues all the Winter, flowring the next Spring following. The other flower not vntill Iuly, and so continue, especially the Marshe Buglosse vntill September bee well spent, and then giueth seede, if early frosts ouertake it not; for it seldome commeth to be ripe.

The Names.

Our ordinary Borage by the consent of all the best moderne Writers, is the true Buglossum of Dioscorides, and that our Buglosse was vnknowne to the ancients. The Borago semper virens, Lobel calleth Buglossum semper virens, that is, Euer-liuing, or Greene Buglosse: but it more resembleth Borage then Buglosse; yet because Buglosse abideth greene, to auoyde that there should not be two Buglossa semper virentia, I had rather call it Borage then Buglosse. Anchusa hath diuers names, as Dioscorides setteth downe. And some doe call it Fucus herba, from the Greeke word, because the roote giuing so deepe a colour, was vsed to dye or paint the skinne. Others call it Buglossum Hispanicum, in English Alkanet, and of some Orchanet, after the French. Limonium was found by Leonhartus Rauwolfius, neere vnto Ioppa, which he setteth downe in the second Chapter of the third booke of his trauayles, and from him first knowne to these parts: I haue, as you see, referred it to the kindes of Buglosse, for that the flowers haue some resemblance vnto them, although I know that Limonium genuinum is referred to the Beetes. Let it therefore here finde a place of residence, vntill you or I can finde a fitter; and call it as you thinke best, eyther Limonium as Rauwolfius doth, or Marshe Buglosse as I doe, or if you can adde a more proper name, I shall not be offended.

The Vertues.

Borage and Buglosse are held to bee both temperate herbes, beeing vsed both in the pot and in drinkes that are cordiall, especially the flowers, which of Gentlewomen are candid for comfitts. The Alkanet is drying, and held to be good for wounds, and if a peece of the roote be put into a little oyle of Peter or Petroleum, it giueth as deepe a colour to the oyle, as the Hypericon doth or can to his oyle, and accounted to be singular good for a cut or greene wound.

The Limonium hath no vse that wee know, more then for a Garden; yet as Rauwolfius saith, the Syrians vse the leaues as sallats at the Table.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

Lychnis. Campions.

There bee diuers sorts of Campions, as well tame as wilde, and although some of them that I shall here entreate of, may peraduenture be found wilde in our owne Countrey, yet in regard of their beautifull flowers, they are to bee respected, and noursed vp with the rest, to furnish a garden of pleasure; as for the wilde kindes, I will leaue them for another discourse.

1. Lychnis Coronaria rubra simplex. The single red Rose Campion.

The single red Rose Campion hath diuers thicke, hoary, or woolly long greene leaues, abiding greene all the winter, and in the end of the spring or beginning of summer, shooteth forth two or three hard round woolly stalkes, with some ioynts thereon, and at euery ioynt two such like hoary greene leaues as those below, but smaller, diuersly branched at the toppe, hauing one flower vpon each seuerall long foot stalke, consisting of fiue leaues, somewhat broade and round pointed, of a perfect red crimson colour, standing out of a hard long round huske, ridged or crested in foure or fiue places; after the flowers are fallen there come vp round hard heads, wherein is contained small blackish seed: the roote is small, long and wooddy, with many fibres annexed vnto it, and shooteth forth anew oftentimes, yet perisheth often also.

2. Lychnis Coronaria alba simplex. The white Rose Campion.

The white Rose Campion is in all things like the red, but in the colour of the flower, which in this is of a pure white colour.

3. Lychnis Coronaria albescens siue incarnata maculata & non maculata. The blush Rose Campion spotted and not spotted.

Like vnto the former also are these other sorts, hauing no other difference to distinguish them, but the flowers, which are of a pale or bleake whitish blush colour, especially about the brims, as if a very little red were mixed with a great deale of white, the middle of the flower being more white; the one being spotted all ouer the flower, with small spots and streakes, the other not hauing any spot at all.

4. Lychnis Coronaria rubra multiplex. The double red Rose Campion.

The double red Rose Campion is in all respects like vnto the single red kinde, but that this beareth double flowers, consisting of two or three rowes of leaues at the most, which are not so large as the single, and the whole plant is more tender, that is, more apt to perish, then any of the single kindes.

5. Lychnis Chalcedonica flore simplici miniato. Single Nonesuch, or Flower of Bristow, or Constantinople.

This Campion of Constantinople hath many broad and long greene leaues, among which rise vp sundry stiffe round hairy ioynted stalks three foot high, with two leaues euery ioynt: the flowers stand at the toppes of them, very many together, in a large tuft or vmbell, consisting of fiue small long leaues, broade pointed, and notched-in in the middle, of a bright red orenge colour, which being past, there come in their places small hard whitish heads or seede vessels, containing blacke seede, like vnto the seede of sweet Williams, and hauing but a small sent; the roote is very stringie, fastening it selfe very strongly in the ground, whereby it is much encreased.

[Sidenote: Flore albo. Et carneo. Versicolor.]

Of the single kinde there is also two or three other sorts, differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers. The one is pure white. Another is of a blush colour wholly, without variation. And a third is very variable; for at the first it is of a pale red, and after a while groweth paler, vntill in the end it become almost fully white; and all these diuersities of the flowers are sometimes to bee seene on one stalke at one and the same time.

6. Lychnis Chalcedonica flore miniato pleno. Double Flower of Bristow, or Nonesuch.

This glorious flower being as rare as it is beautifull, is for rootes beeing stringie, for leaues and stalkes being hairy and high, and for the flowers growing in tufts, altogether like the first single kinde; but herein consisteth the chiefest difference, that this beareth a larger vmbell or tuft of flowers at the toppe of the stalke, euery flower consisting of three or foure rowes of leaues, of a deeper orenge colour then it, which addeth the more grace vnto it, but passeth away without bearing seede, as most other double flowers doe, yet recompenceth that defect with encrease from the roote.

7. Lychnis plumaria siluestris simplex & multiplex. The featherd wilde Campion single and double.

The leaues of this wilde Campion are somewhat like the ordinary white wilde Campion, but not so large, or rather resembling the leaues of sweete Williams, but that they grow not so close, nor so many together: the stalkes haue smaller leaues at the ioynts then those belowe, and branched at the toppe, with many pale, but bright red flowers, iagged or cut in on the edges, like the feathered Pinke, whereof some haue taken it to be a kinde, and some for a kinde of wilde William, but yet is but a wilde Campion, as may be obserued, both by his huske that beareth the flowers, and by the greyish roundish seede, being not of the Family of Pinkes and Gillowers, but (as I said) of the Campions: the roote is full of strings or fibres.

[Sidenote: Flore pleno.]

The double kinde is very like vnto the single kinde, but that it is lower and smaller, and the flowers very double.

8. Lychnis siluestris flore pleno rubro. Red Batchelours buttons.

The double wilde Campion (which of our Countrey Gentlewomen is called Batchelours buttons) is very like both in rootes, leaues, stalkes, and flowers vnto the ordinary wilde red Campion, but somewhat lesser, his flowers are not iagged, but smooth, and very thicke and double, so that most commonly it breaketh his short huske, wherein the flower standeth on the one side, seldome hauing a whole huske, and are of a reddish colour.

9. Lychnis siluestris flore albo pleno. White Batchelours buttons.

As the leaues of the former double Campion was like vnto the single kinde that had red flowers, so this hath his leaues like vnto the single white kinde, differing in no other thing from it, but in the doublenesse of the flowers, which by reason of the multiplicity of leaues in them thrusting forth together, breaketh his huskes wherein the flowers doe stand, as the other doth, and hath scarce one flower in many that is whole.

10. Ocymoides arborea semper virens. Strange Bassil Campion.

This Strange Campion (for thereunto it must bee referred) shooteth forth many round, whitish, wooddy, but brittle stalkes, whereon stand diuers long, and somewhat thicke leaues, set by couples, narrow at the bottome, and broader toward the point, of a very faire greene and shining colour, so that there is more beauty in the greene leaues, which doe so alwaies abide, then in the flowers, which are of a pale red or blush colour, consisting of fiue small long broad pointed leaues, notched in the middle, which doe not lye close, but loosly as it were hanging ouer the huskes: after the flowers are past, there come heads that containe blackish seede: the roote is small, hard, white, and threadie.

11. Muscipula Lobelij siue Ben rubrum Monspeliensium. Lobels Catch Flie.

I must needes insert this small plant, to finish this part of the Campions, whereunto it belongeth, being a pretty toye to furnish and decke out a Garden. It springeth vp (if it haue beene once sowne and suffered to shed) in the later end of the yeare most commonly, or else in the Spring with fiue or six small leaues, very like vnto the leaues of Pinkes, and of the same grayish colour, but a little broader and shorter, and when it beginneth to shoote vp for flower, it beareth smaller leaues on the clammy or viscous stalkes (fit to hold any small thing that lighteth on it); being broad at the bottome compassing them, and standing two at a ioynt one against another: the toppes of the stalkes are diuersly branched into seuerall parts, euery branch hauing diuers small red flowers, not notched, but smooth, standing out of small, long, round, stript huskes, which after the flowers are past, containe small grayish seede: the roote is small, and perisheth after it hath giuen seede; but riseth (as is before said) of its owne seede, if it be suffered to shed.

The Place.

The Rose Campions, Flowers of Bristow, or Nonesuch, the Bassil Campion, and the Catch Flie, haue been sent vs from beyond the Seas, and are onely noursed vp in Gardens with vs; the other Campions that are double, haue been naturally so found double wilde (for no art or industry of man, that euer I could be assured of to be true, be it by neuer so many repetitions of transplantations, and planeticall obseruations (as I haue said in the beginning of this worke) could bring any flower, single by nature, to become double, notwithstanding many affirmations to that purpose, but whatsoeuer hath been found wilde to be double, nature her selfe, and not art hath so produced it) and being brought into Gardens, are there encreased by slipping, and parting the roote, because they giue no seede.

The Time.

All of them doe flower in the Summer, yet none before May.

The Names.

The first kindes are called Lychnides satiuæ, and coronariæ, in English generally Rose Campions. The next is called Lychnis Chalcedonica, and Byzantina; in English, of some Nonesuch, and of others Flower of Bristow, and after the Latine, Flower of Constantinople, because it is thought the seede was first brought from thence; but from whence the double of this kinde came, we cannot tell. The names of the others of this kinde, both single and double, are set downe with their descriptions. The feathered Campions are called Armoraria pratensis, and Flos Cuculi, and of Clusius and others thought to be Odontitis Plinij. Some call them in English Crowflowers, and Cuckowe-Flowers; and some call the double hereof, The faire Maide of France. The Bassil Campions were sent ouer among many other seedes out of Italy, by the name of Ocimoides arborea semper virens. Arborea, because the stalke is more wooddy and durable then other Campions: And semper virens, because the leaues abide greene Winter and Summer. Clusius calleth it Lychnis semper virens, because it is certainly a Campion. The last is diuersly called of Authors; Lobel calleth it Muscipula: Others Armoraria altera: Dodonæus Armerius flos quartus. Clusius Lychnis siluestris altera, in his Spanish obseruations, and prima in his History of plants, and saith, the learned of Salmantica in Spaine called it, Ben rubrum, as Lobel saith, they of Mompelier doe also: and by that name I receiued it first out of Italy. It hath the name of Catch Flie, of Muscipula the Latine word, because the stalkes in the hot Summer dayes haue a certaine viscous or clammy humour vpon them, whereby it easily holdeth (as I said before) whatsoeuer small thing, as Flies, &c. lighteth vpon it.

The Vertues.

We know none in these dayes, that putteth any of these to any Physicall vse, although some haue in former times.

CHAP. XXXIX.

Keiri siue Leucoium luteum. Wall-flowers, or Wall Gilloflowers.

There are two sorts of Wall-flowers, the one single, the other double, and of each of them there is likewise some differences, as shall be shewed in their description.

1. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum simplex vulgare. Common single Wall-flowers.

The common single Wall-flower which groweth wilde abroad, and yet is brought into Gardens, hath sundry small, narrow, long, and darke greene leaues, set without order vpon small round whitish wooddy stalkes, which beare at the tops diuers single yellow flowers one aboue another, euery one hauing foure leaues a peece, and of a very sweete sent: after which come long pods, containing reddish seede: the roote is white, hard and thready.

2. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum simplex maius. The great single Wall-flower.

There is another sort of single Wall-flower, whose leaues as well as flowers are much larger then the former: the leaues being of a darker and shining greene colour, and the flowers of a very deepe gold yellow colour, and vsually broader then a twentie shilling peece of gold can couer: the spike or toppe of flowers also much longer, and abiding longer in flower, and much sweeter likewise in sent: the pods for seede are thicker and shorter, with a small point at the end: this is slower to encrease into branches, as also to be encreased by the branches, and more tender to be preserued; for the hard frosts doe cause it to perish, if it be not defended from them.

3. Keiri simplex flore albo. White Wall-flower.

This Wall-flower hath his leaues as greene as the great kinde, but nothing so large: the flowers stand at the toppe, but not in so long a spike, and consisteth of foure leaues, of a very white colour, not much larger then the common kinde, and of a faint or weaker sent: the pods are nothing so great as the former great one: this is more easie to be propagated and encreased also, but yet will require some care in defending it from the colds of the Winter.

4. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum vulgare flore pleno. Common double Wall-flowers.

This ordinary double Wall-flower is in leaues and stalke very like vnto the first single kinde, but that the leaues hereof are not of so deepe a greene colour: the flowers stand at the top of the stalkes one aboue another, as it were a long spike, which flower by degrees, the lowest first, and so vpwards, by which it is a long time in flowring, and is very double, of a gold yellow colour, and very sweete.

5. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum alterum flore pleno. Pale double Wall-flowers.

Wee haue another sort of this kinde of double Wall-flower, whose double flowers stand not spike-fashion as the former, but more open spread, and doe all of them blowe open at one time almost, and not by degrees as the other doth, and is of a paler yellow colour, not differing in any thing else, except that the greene leaues hereof are of a little paler greene then it.

6. Keiri siue Leucoium luteum maius flore pleno ferrugineo. Double red Wall-flowers.

We haue also another sort of double Wall-flower, whose leaues are as greene, and almost as large as the great single yellow kinde, or full as bigge as the leaues of the white Wall-flower: the flowers hereof are not much larger then the ordinary, but are of a darker yellow colour then the great single kinde, and of a more brownish or red colour on the vnderside of the leaues, and is as it were striped.

7. Keiri siue Leucoium maximum luteum flore pleno. The greatest double yellow Wall-flower.

This great double Wall-flower is as yet a stranger in England, and therefore what I here write is more vpon relation (which yet I beleeue to be most true) then vpon sight and speculation. The leaues of this Wall-flower are as greene and as large, if not larger then the great single kinde: the flowers also are of the same deepe gold yellow colour with it, but much larger then any of the former double kindes, and of as sweet a sent as any, which addeth delight vnto beauty.

The Place.

The first single kind is often found growing vpon old wals of Churches, and other houses in many places of England, and also among rubbish and stones. The single white and great yellow, as well as all the other double kindes, are noursed vp in Gardens onely with vs.

The Time.

All the single kindes doe flower many times in the end of Autumne, and if the Winter be milde all the Winter long, but especially in the moneths of February, March, and Aprill, and vntill the heate of the Spring doe spend them: but the other double kindes doe not continue flowring in that manner the yeare throughout, although very early sometimes, and very late also in some places.

The Names.

They are called by diuers names, as Viola lutea, Leucoium luteum, and Keiri, or Cheiri, by which name it is chiefly knowne in our Apothecaries shops, because there is an oyle made thereof called Cheirinum: In English they are vsually called in these parts, Wall-flowers: Others doe call them Bee-flowers; others Wall-Gilloflowers, Winter-Gilloflowers, and yellow Stocke-Gilloflowers; but we haue a kinde of Stocke-Gilloflower that more fitly deserueth that name, as shall be shewed in the Chapter following.

The Vertues.

The sweetnesse of the flowers causeth them to be generally vsed in Nosegayes, and to decke vp houses; but physically they are vsed in diuers manners: As a Conserue made of the flowers, is vsed for a remedy both for the Appoplexie and Palsie. The distilled water helpeth well in the like manner. The oyle made of the flowers is heating and resoluing, good to ease paines of strained and pained sinewes.

CHAP. XL.

Leucoium. Stocke-Gilloflower.

There are very many sorts of Stocke-Gilloflowers, both single and double, some of the fields and mountaines, others of the Sea marshes and medowes; and some noursed vp in Gardens, and there preserued by seede or slippe, as each kinde is aptest to bee ordered. But because some of these are fitter for a generall History then for this our Garden of Pleasure, both for that diuers haue no good sent, others little or no beauty, and to be entreated of onely for the variety, I shall spare so many of them as are not fit for this worke, and onely set downe the rest.

1. Leucoium simplex sativum diversorum colorum. Garden Stocke-Gilloflowers single of diuers colours.

These single Stocke-Gilloflowers, although they differ in the colour of their flowers, yet are in leafe and manner of growing, one so like vnto another, that vntill they come to flower, the one cannot be well knowne that beareth red flowers, from another that beareth purple; and therefore one description of the plant shall serue, with a declaration of the sundry colours of the flowers. It riseth vp with round whitish woody stalkes, two, three, or foure foot high, whereon are set many long, and not very broad, soft, and whitish or grayish greene leaues, somewhat round pointed, and parted into diuers branches, at the toppes whereof grow many flowers, one aboue another, smelling very sweet, consisting of foure small, long, and round pointed leaues, standing in small long huskes, which turne into long and flat pods, sometimes halfe a foote long, wherein is contained flat, round, reddish seedes, with grayish ringes or circles about them, lying flat all along the middle rib of the pod on both sides: the roote is long, white, and woody, spreading diuers wayes. There is great variety in the colours of the flowers: for some are wholly of a pure white colour, others of a most excellent crimson red colour, others againe of a faire red colour, but not so bright or liuely as the other, some also of a purplish or violet colour, without any spot, marke, or line in them at all. There are againe of all these colours, mixed very variably, as white mixed with small or great spottes, strakes or lines of pure or bright red, or darke red, and white with purple spots and lines; and of eyther of them whose flowers are almost halfe white, and halfe red, or halfe white, and halfe purple. The red of both sorts, and the purple also, in the like manner spotted, striped, and marked with white, differing neyther in forme, nor substance, in any other point.

2. Leucoium satiuum albido luteum simplex. The single pale yellow Stocke-Gilloflower.

There is very little difference in this kind from the former, for the manner of growing, or forme of leaues or flower. Only this hath greener leaues, and pale yellow almost white flowers, in all other things alike: this is of no great regard, but only for rarity, and diuersity from the rest.

3. Leucoium Melancholicum. The Melancholick Gentleman.

This wilde kinde of stocke gilloflower hath larger, longer and greener leaues then any of the former kindes, vneuenly gashed or sinuated on both edges lying on the ground, and a little rough or hairy withall: from among which rise vp the stalkes, a yard high or more, and hairy likewise, bearing thereon here and there some such like leaues as are below, but smaller, and at the top a great number of flowers, as large or larger then any of the former single kindes, made of 4. large leaues a peece also, standing in such like long huskes, but of a darke or sullen yellowish colour: after which come long roundish pods, wherein lye somewhat long but rounder and greater seede then any stocke gilloflower, and nearer both in pod and seede vnto the Hesperis or Dames Violet: this perisheth not vsually after seede bearing, although sometimes it doth.

4. Leucoium marinum Syriacum. Leuant stocke gilloflowers.

This kind of stocke gilloflower riseth vp at the first with diuers long and somewhat broad leaues, a little vneuenly dented or waued on the edges, which so continue the first yeare after the sowing: the stalke riseth vp the next yeare to bee two foot high or more, bearing all those leaues on it that it first had, which then do grow lesse sinuated or waued then before: at the top whereof stand many flowers, made of foure leaues a peece, of a delayed purple colour, but of a small sent which turne into very long and narrow flat pods, wherein are contained flat seed like the ordinary stocke gilloflowers, but much larger and of a darke or blackish browne colour: the root is white, and groweth deepe, spreading in the ground, but growing woody when it is in seede, and perisheth afterwards.

5. Leucoij alterum genus, flore tam multiplici quam simplici ex feminio oriundum. Another sort of Stocke gilloflowers bearing as well double as single flowers from seede.

This kinde of Stocke gilloflower differeth neyther in forme of leaues, stalkes, nor flowers from the former, but that it oftentimes groweth much larger and taller; so that whosoeuer shall see both these growing together, shall scarce discerne the difference, onely it beareth flowers, eyther white, red or purple, wholly or entire, that is, of one colour, without mixture of other colour in them (for so much as euer I haue obserued, or could vnderstand by others) which are eyther single, like vnto the former, or very thicke and double, like vnto the next that followeth; but larger, and growing with more store of flowers on the long stalke. But this you must vnderstand withall, that those plants that beare double flowers, doe beare no seede at all, and is very seldome encreased by slipping or cutting, as the next kinde of double is: but the onely way to haue double flowers any yeare, (for this kinde dyeth euery winter, for the most part, after it hath borne flowers, and seldome is preserued) is to saue the seedes of those plants of this kinde that beare single flowers, for from that seede will rise, some that will beare single, and some double flowers, which cannot bee distinguished one from another, I meane which will be single and which double, vntill you see them in flower, or budde at the least. And this is the only way to preserue this kinde: but of the seed of the former kinde was neuer known any double flowers to arise, and therefore you must be carefull to marke this kinde from the former.

6. Leucoium flore pleno diuersorum colorum. Double Stocke Gillowflowers of diuers colours.

This other kinde of Stock gilloflower that beareth onely double flowers, groweth not so great, nor spreadeth his branches so farre, nor are his leaues so large, but is in all things smaller, and lower, and yet is woody, or shrubby, like the former, bearing his flowers in the like manner, many vpon a long stalke, one aboue another, and very double, but not so large as the former double, although it grow in fertile soyle, which are eyther white, or red, or purple wholly, without any mixture, or else mixed with spots and stripes, as the single flowers of the first kinde, but more variably, and not in all places alike, neuer bearing seede, but must be encreased, only by the cutting of the young sproutes or branches, taken in a fit season: this kinde perisheth not, as the former double kinde doth, so as it bee defended in the winter from the extreame frosts, but especially from the snow falling, or at the least remaining vpon it.

7. Leucoium satiuum luteum flore pleno. The double yellow Stocke Gilloflower.

This double yellow Stock gilloflower is a stranger in England, as far as I can learne, neyther haue I any further familiaritie with him, then by relation from Germany, where it is affirmed to grow only in some of their gardens, that are curious louers of these delights, bearing long leaues somewhat hoary or white, (and not greene like vnto the Wallflower, whereunto else it might be thought to be referred) like vnto the Stock gilloflowers, as the stalkes and branches also are, and bearing faire double flowers, of a faire, but pale yellow colour. The whole plant is tender, as the double Stock gilloflowers are, and must be carefully preserued in the winter from the coldes, or rather more then the last double, lest it perish.

The Place.

The single kindes, especially some of them, grow in Italie, and some in Greece, Candy, and the Isles adiacent, as may be gathered out of the verses in Plutarches Booke De Amore fraterno:

_Inter Echinopodas velut asperam, & inter Ononim, Inter dum crescunt mollia Leucoia._

Which sheweth, that the soft or gentle stocke gilloflowers doe sometimes grow among rough or prickely Furse and Cammocke. The other sorts are only to be found in gardens.

The Time.

They flower in a manner all the yeare throughout in some places, especially some of the single kindes, if they stand warme, and defended from the windes and cold: the double kindes flower sometimes in Aprill, and more plentifully in May, and Iune; but the double of seed, flowreth vsually late, and keepeth flowring vnto the winter, that the frostes and colde mistes doe pull it downe.

The Names.

It is called Leucoium, & Viola alba: but the name Leucoium (which is in English the white Violet) is referred to diuers plants; we call it in English generally, Stocke gilloflower, (or as others doe, Stocke gillouer) to put a difference betweene them, and the Gilloflowers and Carnations, which are quite of another kindred, as shall be shewne in place conuenient.

The Vertues.

These haue no great vse in Physick that I know: only some haue vsed the leaues of the single white flowred kinde with salt, to be laid to the wrests of them that haue agues, but with what good successe I cannot say, if it happen well I thinke in one (as many such things else will) it will fayle in a number.

CHAP. XLI.

1. Hesperis, siue Viola Matronalis. Dames Violets, or Queenes Gilloflowers.

The ordinary Dames Violets, or Queene Gilloflowers, hath his leaues broader, greener, and sharper pointed, then the Stock gilloflowers, and a little endented about the edges: the stalkes grow two foot high, bearing many greene leaues vpon them, smaller then those at the bottome, and branched at the toppe, bearing many flowers, in fashion much like the flowers of stocke gilloflowers, consisting of foure leaues in like manner, but not so large, of a faint purplish colour in some, and in others white, and of a pretty sweet sent, especially towards night, but in the day time little or none at all: after the flowers are past, there doe come small long and round pods, wherein is contained, in two rowes, small and long blacke seede: the roote is wholly composed of stringes or fibres, which abide many yeares, and springeth fresh stalks euery yeare, the leaues abiding all the Winter.

2. Hesperis Pannonica. Dames Violets of Hungary.

The leaues of this Violet are very like the former, but smoother and thicker, and not at all indented, or cut in on the edges: the flowers are like the former, but of a sullen pale colour, turning themselues, and seldome lying plaine open, hauing many purple veines, and streakes running through the leaues of the flowers, of little or no sent in the day time, but of a very sweete sent in the euening and morning; the seedes are alike also, but a little browner.

3. Lysimachia lutea siliquosa Virginiana. The tree Primrose of Virginia.

Vnto what tribe or kindred I might referre this plant, I haue stood long in suspence, in regard I make no mention of any other Lysimachia in this work: lest therefore it should lose all place, let me ranke it here next vnto the Dames Violets, although I confesse it hath little affinity with them. The first yeare of the sowing the seede it abideth without any stalke or flowers lying vpon the ground, with diuers long and narrow pale greene leaues, spread oftentimes round almost like a Rose, the largest leaues being outermost, and very small in the middle: about May the next yeare the stalke riseth, which will be in Summer of the height of a man, and of a strong bigge size almost to a mans thumbe, round from the bottome to the middle, where it groweth crested vp to the toppe, into as many parts as there are branches of flowers, euery one hauing a small leafe at the foote thereof: the flowers stand in order one aboue another, round about the tops of the stalks, euery one vpon a short foot-stalke, consisting of foure pale yellow leaues, smelling somewhat like vnto a Primrose, as the colour is also (which hath caused the name) and standing in a greene huske, which parteth it selfe at the toppe into foure parts or leaues, and turne themselues downewards, lying close to the stalke: the flower hath some chiues in the middle, which being past, there come in their places long and cornered pods, sharpe pointed at the vpper end, and round belowe, opening at the toppe when it is ripe into fiue parts, wherein is contained small brownish seed: the roote is somewhat great at the head, and wooddy, and branched forth diuersly, which perisheth after it hath borne seede.

The Place.

The two first grow for the most part on Hils and in Woods, but with vs in Gardens onely.

The last, as may be well vnderstood by the title, came out of Virginia.

The Time.

They flower in May, Iune, and Iuly.

The Names.

The name of Hesperis is imposed by most Herbarists vpon the two first plants, although it is not certainly knowne to be the same that Theophrastus doth make mention of, in his sixth Booke and twenty fiue Chapter de causis plantarum: but because this hath the like effects to smell best in the euening, it is (as I said) imposed vpon it. It is also called Viola Marina Matronalis, Hyemalis, Damascena and Muschatella: In English, Dames Violets, Queens Gilloflowers, and Winter Gilloflowers.

The last hath his Latine name in the title as is best agreeing with it, and for the English, although it be too foolish I confesse, yet it may passe for this time till a fitter be giuen, vnlesse you please to follow the Latine, and call it Virginia Loose-strife.

The Vertues.

I neuer knew any among vs to vse these kindes of Violets in Physicke, although by reason of the sharpe biting taste, Dodonæus accounteth the ordinary sort to be a kinde of Rocket, and saith it prouoketh sweating, and vrine: and others affirme it to cut, digest, and cleanse tough flegme. The Virginian hath not beene vsed by any that I know, either inwardly or outwardly.

CHAP. XLII.

Viola Lunaris siue Bolbonach. The Sattin flower.

Vnto the kindes of Stocke-Gilloflowers I thinke fittest to adioyne these kindes of Sattin-flowers, whereof there are two sorts, one frequent enough in all our Countrie, the other is not so common.

1. Viola Lunaris vulgaris. The common white Sattin flower.

The first of these Sattin flowers, which is the most common, hath his leaues broad belowe, and pointed at the end, snipt about the edges, and of a darke greene colour: the stalkes are round and hard, two foot high, or higher, diuided into many branches, set with the like leaues, but smaller: the tops of the branches are beset with many purplish flowers, like vnto Dames Violets, or Stocke Gilloflowers, but larger, being of little sent: after the flowers are past, there come in their places round flat thin cods, of a darke colour on the outside, but hauing a thinne middle skinne, that is white and cleare shining, like vnto very pure white Sattin it selfe, whereon lye flat and round brownish seede, somewhat thicke and great: the rootes perish when they haue giuen their seede, and are somewhat round, long, and thicke, resembling the rootes of Lilium non bulbosum, or Day Lilly, which are eaten (as diuers other rootes are) for Sallets, both in our owne Country, and in many places beside.

2. Viola Lunaris altera seu peregrina. Long liuing Sattin flower.

This second kinde hath broader and longer leaues then the former, the stalkes also are greener and higher, branching into flowers, of a paler purple colour, almost white, consisting of foure leaues in like manner, and smelling pretty sweete, bearing such like pods, but longer and slenderer then they: the rootes are composed of many long strings, which dye not as the former, but abide, and shoot out new stalkes euery yeare.

The Place.

The first is (as is said) frequent enough in Gardens, and is found wilde in some places of our owne Country, as Master Gerard reporteth, whereof I neuer could be certainly assured, but I haue had it often sent mee among other seedes from Italy, and other places. The other is not so common in Gardens, but found about Watford, as he saith also.

The Time.

They flower in Aprill or May, and sometimes more early.

The Names.

It hath diuers names, as well in English as in Latine; for it is called most vsually Bolbonach, and Viola Lunaris: Of some Viola latifolia, and of others Viola Peregrina, and Lunaria Græca, Lunaria maior, and Lunaria odorata, and is thought to be Thlaspi Crateuæ: In English, White Satten, or Satten flower: Of some it is called Honesty, and Penny-flower.

The Vertues.

Some doe vse to eate the young rootes hereof, before they runne vp to flower, as Rampions are eaten with Vinegar and Oyle; but wee know no Physicall vse they haue.

CHAP. XLIII.

Linum siluestre & Linaria. Wilde Flaxe and Tode Flaxe.

Although neither the manured Line or Flaxe is a plant fit for our Garden, nor many of the wilde sorts, yet there are some, whose pleasant and delightfull aspect doth entertaine the beholders eyes with good content, and those I will set downe here for varietie, and adioyne vnto them some of the Linarias, or Tode Flaxe, for the neare affinity with them.

1. Linum siluestre flore albo. Wilde Flaxe with a white flower.

This kinde of wilde Flaxe riseth vp with diuers slender branches, a foote high or better, full of leaues, standing without order, being broader and longer then the manured Flaxe: the tops of the branches haue diuers faire white flowers on them, composed of fiue large leaues a peece, with many purple lines or strikes in them: the seede vessell as well as the seede, is like vnto the heads and seede of the manured Flaxe: the rootes are white strings, and abide diuers yeares, springing fresh branches and leaues euery yeare, but not vntill the Spring of the yeare.

2. Linum siluestre luteum. Wilde Flaxe with a yellow flower.

This wilde Flaxe doth so well resemble a kinde of St. Iohns wort, that it will soone deceiue one that doth not aduisedly regard it: For it hath many reddish stalkes, and small leaues on them, broader then the former wilde Flaxe, but not so long, which are well stored with yellow flowers, as large as the former, made of fiue leaues a peece, which being past, there come small flattish heads, containing blackish seede, but not shining like the former: the rootes hereof dye not euery yeare, as many other of the wilde kindes doe, but abide and shoote out euery yeare.

3. Linaria purpurea. Purple Tode Flaxe.

This purple Tode Flaxe hath diuers thicke, small, long, and somewhat narrowish leaues, snipt about the edges, of a whitish greene colour, from among which rise vp diuers stalkes, replenished at the tops with many small flowers, standing together one aboue another spike-fashion, which are small and somewhat sweete, while they are fresh, fashioned somewhat like the common Tode flaxe that groweth wilde abroad almost euery where, but much smaller, with a gaping mouth, but without any crooked spurre behinde, like vnto them, sometimes of a sad purple neare vnto a Violet, and sometimes of a paler blew colour, hauing a yellow spot in the middle or gaping place: after the flowers are past, there come small, hard, round heads, wherein are contained small, flat, and grayish seede: the roote is small and perisheth for the most part euery yeare, and will spring againe of it owne sowing, if it be suffered to shed it selfe, yet some hard Winters haue killed the seede it should seeme, in that sometimes it faileth to spring againe, and therefore had neede to be sowne anew in the Spring.

4. Linaria purpurea odorata. Sweete purple Tode Flaxe.

The lower leaues of this purple Tode Flaxe are nothing like any of the rest, but are long and broad, endented about the edges, somewhat resembling the leaues of the greater wilde white Daisie: the stalke is set at the bottome with such like leaues, but a little more diuided and cut in, and still smaller and smaller vpward, so that the vppermost leaues are very like the common Tode Flaxe, the toppe whereof is branched, hauing diuers small flowers growing along vpon then, in fashion and colour almost like the last described Tode Flaxe, but not altogether so deepe a purple: the heads and seedes are very like the former, but that the seede of this is reddish; the flowers in their naturall hot Countries haue a fine sent, but in these colder, little or none at all: the rootes are small and threadie, and perish after they haue flowred and seeded.

5. Linaria Valentina. Tode Flaxe of Valentia.

This Spanish Tode Flaxe hath three or foure thicker and bigger stalkes then the former, bearing small broad leaues, like vnto the small Centory, two or three together at a ioynt, round about the lower end of the stalkes, but without any order vpwards, at the toppes whereof stand many flowers, in fashion like vnto the common kinde, and almost as large, of a faire yellow colour, but the gaping mouth is downie, and the spurre behinde of a purplish colour.

6. Scoparia siue Beluidere Italorum. Broome Tode Flaxe.

Although this plant haue no beautifull flowers, yet because the greene plant full of leaues is so delightfull to behold, being in Italy and other places planted not onely in their Gardens, but set likewise in pots to furnish their Windowes, and euen with vs also hath growne to be so dainty a greene bush, that I haue thought it worthy to be among the delights of my Garden; the description whereof is as followeth: This pleasant Broome Flaxe riseth vp most vsually with one straight vpright square stalke, three foote and a halfe high or better in our Gardens, branching it selfe out diuers waies, bearing thereon many long narrow leaues, like the Garden Line or Flaxe, very thicke set together, like vnto a bush, or rather like vnto a faire greene Cypresse tree, growing broad belowe, and spire-fashion vpwards, of a very faire greene colour: at the seuerall ioynts of the branches, towards the tops, and among the leaues, there come forth small reddish flowers, not easily seene nor much regarded, being of no beauty, which turne into small round blackish gray seede: the rootes are a number of blackish strings set together, and the whole plant perisheth euery yeare at the first approach of any cold ayre, as if it neuer had beene so faire a greene bush.

The Place.

These kindes of wilde Flaxe doe growe naturally in diuers places, some in Germany, some in Spaine, and some in Italy. Those that delight in the beauty of natures variety, doe preserue them, to furnish vp the number of pleasant aspects.

The Time.

They all flower in the Summer moneths, and soone after perfect their seede.

The Names.

Their names are sufficiently expressed in their titles, yet I must giue you to vnderstand that the last is called of some Linaria magna, and of others Osyris.

The Vertues.

The wilde Flaxe hath no medecinable vertue appropriate vnto it that is knowne. The Tode Flaxe is accounted to be good, to cause one to make water.

CHAP. XLIIII.

Antirrhinum. Snapdragon.

There is some diuersity in the Snapdragons, some being of a larger, and others of a lesser stature and bignesse; and of the larger, some of one, and some of another colour, but because the small kindes are of no beautie, I shall at this time onely entreate of the greater sorts.

1. Antirrhinum album. White Snapdragon.

The leaues of these Snapdragons (for I doe vnder one description comprehend the rest) are broader, longer, and greener then the leaues of the Garden Flaxe, or of the wilde Flaxe set confusedly vpon the tender greene branches, which are spread on all sides, from the very bottome, bearing at the toppes many flowers, somewhat resembling the former Tode Flaxe, but much larger, and without any heele or spurre, of a faire white colour, with a yellow spot in the mouth or gaping place: after the flowers are past, there come vp in their places hard round seede vessels, fashioned somewhat like vnto a Calues head, the snout being cut off, wherein is contained small blacke seede: the rootes are many white strings, which perish in most places after they haue giuen seede, notwithstanding any care or paines taken with them to preserue them aliue, and yet they will abide in some places where they are defended in the Winter.

2. Antirrhinum purpureum siue roseum. Purple Snapdragon.

The purple Snapdragon is in stalkes, leaues, and flowers altogether like the former, and as large and great in euery part, or greater; the only difference is, that this beareth pale Stammell or Rose coloured flowers, with a yellow spot in the mouth, and sometimes of a paler colour, almost blush.

3. Antirrhinum variegatum. Variable Snapdragon.

This variable kinde is somewhat lesse, and tenderer then the last described, hauing also a reddish or blush coloured flower, lesser then the former, but much bigger then the middle kinde of Snapdragon (which is not set downe in this worke) the yellow spot in the mouth of it hath some white about it, and extending to both sides of the spot: the heads and seede are like the former: the rootes are smaller, but neuer will abide after they haue giuen flowers and seede.

4. Antirrhinum luteum. Yellow Snapdragon.

There is likewise another of these kindes, that beareth leaues as large as any of the former, & very faire yellow flowers, as large likewise as they, not differing in any thing else from the first; let not any therefore imagine this to be a Linaria or Tode Flaxe: for all parts are answerable vnto the Snapdragons.

The Place.

All these are nourished with vs in our Gardens, although in Spaine and Italy they are found growing wilde.

The Time.

They flower for the most part the second yeare after the sowing, from Aprill vntill Iuly, and the seede is quickly ripe after.

The Names.

The name Antirrhinum is vsually giuen to this plant, although it fully agreeth not eyther with the description of Dioscorides, or Theophrastus: It hath also diuers other names in Latine, as Orontium, Canis cerebrum Os Leonis, Leo herba, &c. In English Calues snout, from the forme of the seede vessels, and Snapdragon, or Lyons mouth, from the forme of the flowers.

The Vertues.

They are seldome or neuer vsed in Physicke by any in our dayes.

CHAP. XLV.

Chamænerium flore delphinij. The Willowe flower.

This plant riseth vp with many strong, woddy, round, brownish great stalkes, three or foure foote high, beset here and there without order, with one broad and long whitish greene leafe at a ioynt, somewhat like vnto a Lysimachia, or Willowe herbe, as also vnto a Peach leafe, but larger and longer: at the toppe of the branches stand many flowers one aboue another, of a pale reddish purple colour, consisting of fiue leaues, spread open with an heele or spurre behinde them, with many yellow threads in the middle, much larger then any flower of the Larkes spurres, and smelling somewhat sweete withall; it beareth a shew of long pods with seede, but I could neuer obserue the seede: the rootes are like the rootes of Lysimachia, or the ordinary yellow Loose-strife, or Willowe herbe, but greater: running and spreading vnder ground, and shooting vp in many places, whereby it filleth a ground that it likes quickly: the stalkes dye downe euery yeare, and spring againe in many places farre asunder.

The Place.

Wee haue not knowne where this Willowe flower groweth naturally, but we haue it standing in an out corner of our Gardens, to fill vp the number of delightfull flowers.

The Time.

It flowreth not vntill May, and abideth a long while flowring.

The Names.

It may seeme to diuers, that this is that plant that Dodonæus called Pseudolysimachium purpureum minus, and Lobel seemeth by the name of Delphinium buccinum to aime at this plant, but withall calleth it Chamænerium Gesneri, and giueth the same figure that Dodonæus hath for his Pseudolysimachium: But that is one kinde of plant (which hath smaller and shorter stalkes, and very narrow long leaues, whose flowers stand vpon long slender cods, full of downe, with reddish seede, like vnto the Lysimachia siliquosa siluestris, and rootes that abide many yeares, but creepe not) and this is another, much greater, whose true figure is not extant in any Author that I know. It is vsually called Chamænerium flore delphinij; but the name of Delphinium buccinum in my minde may not so conueniently be applyed vnto it. It is called in English, The Willowe flower, for the likenesse of the leaues, and the beauty and respect of the flowers.

The Vertues.

There is no vse hereof in Physicke that euer I could learne, but is onely cherished among other sorts of flowers, that serue to decke and set forth a Garden of varieties.

CHAP. XLVI.

Aquilegia. Colombines.

There are many sorts of Colombines, as well differing in forme as colour of the flowers, and of them both single and double carefully noursed vp in our Gardens, for the delight both of their forme and colours.

1. Aquilegia vulgaris flore simplici. Single Colombines.

Because the whole difference of these Colombines standeth in the varieties of the forme, and colour of the flowers, and little in the leaues, I shall not neede to make anie repetitions of the description of them, seeing one onely shall suffice for each peculiar kinde. The Colombine hath diuers large spread leaues, standing on long stalkes: euery one diuided in seuerall partitions, and roundly endented about the edges, in colour somewhat like the leaues of Celondine, that is, of a darke blewish greene colour: the stalkes rise vp sometimes two or three foote high, diuided vsually into many branches, bearing one long diuided leafe at the lower ioynt, aboue which the flowers growe, euery one standing on a long stalke, consisting of fiue hollow leaues, crooked or horned at the ends, turning backward, the open flower shewing almost like vnto a Cinquefoile, but more hollow: after the flowers are past, there arise small long cods, foure or fiue together, wherein are contained blacke shining seede: the rootes are thicke and round, for a little space within the ground, and then diuided into branches, ending in many small fibres, abiding many yeares, and shooting a fresh euery Spring from the round heads, that abide all the Winter. The variety of the colours of these flowers are very much, for some are wholly white, some of a blew or violet colour, others of a blush or flesh colour, or deepe or pale red, or of a dead purple, or dead murrey colour, as nature listeth to shew it selfe.

2. Aquilegia vulgaris flore pleno. Double Colombines.

The double Colombines differ not in leafe or manner of growing from the single, so that vntill they come to flower, they cannot bee discerned one from another; the onely difference is, it beareth very thicke and double flowers, that is, many horned or crooked hollow leaues set together, and are not so large as the leaues of the single flowers. The variety of colours in this double kinde is as plentifull, or rather more then in the single; for of these is party coloured, blew and white, and spotted very variably, which are not in the single kinde, and also a very deepe red, very thicke and double, but a smaller flower, and lesse plentifull in bearing then many of the other double sorts. These double kindes doe giue as good seede as the single kindes doe, which is not obserued in many other plants.

3. Aquilegia inuersis corniculis. Double inuerted Colombines.

These Colombines are not to be distinguished eyther in roote, leaues, or seed from the former, the flowers onely make the difference, which are as double as the former, but that the heeles or hornes of these are turned inward, and stand out in the middle of the flowers together: there is not that plentifull variety of colours in this kinde, as there is in the former: for I neuer saw aboue three of foure seuerall colours in this kinde, that is, white, purplish, reddish, and a dun or darke ouerworne purplish colour. These double flowers doe likewise turne into pods, bearing seede, continuing his kind, and not varying into the former.

4. Aquilegia Rosea. Rose Colombines.

The leaues and other parts of this kinde of Colombine, differ little or nothing from the former, the diuersitie consisteth likewise in the flowers, which although they stand in the same manner seuerally vpon their small stalkes, somewhat more sparingly then the former doe, yet they haue no heeles or hornes, eyther inward or outward, or very seldome, but stand sometimes but with eight or tenne smooth small plaine leaues, set in order one by one in a compasse, in a double rowe, and sometimes with foure or fiue rowes of them, euery one directly before the other, like vnto a small thick double Rose layd open, or a spread Marigold: yet sometimes it happeneth, that some of these flowers will haue two or three of the first rowes of leaues without any heele, and the rest that are inward with each of them a peece of a small horne at them, as the former haue: the colours of these flowers are almost as variable, and as variably mixed as the former double kindes. This likewise giueth seede, preseruing his owne kinde for the most part.

5. Aquilegia degener. Degenerate Colombines.

This kinde of Colombine might seeme to some, to bee but a casuall degeneration, and no true naturall kinde, happening by some cause of transplanting, or otherwise by the art of man: but I haue not so found it, in that it keepeth, and holdeth his own proper forme, which is like vnto the double Rose Colombine, but that the outermost row of leaues are larger then any of the rest inwardes, and is of a greenish, or else of a purplish greene colour, and is not altogether so apt to giue good seed like the former.

The Place.

The single kindes haue beene often found in some of the wooddy mountaines of Germany, as Clusius saith, but the double kindes are chiefly cherished in gardens.

The Time.

They flower not vntill May, and abide not for the most part when Iune is past, and in the meane time perfecteth their seede.

The Names.

Costæus doth call this plant Pothos of Theophrastus, which Gaza translateth Desiderium. Dalechampius vpon Athenæus, calleth it Diosanthos, or Iouis flos of Theophrastus, who in his sixth Booke and seuenth Chapter reckoneth them both, that is, Diosanthos and Pothos, to be Summer flowers, but seuerally. Dodonæus Leoherba, and Gesner Leontostomium. Fabius Columna in his Phytobasanos, vnto whom Clusius giueth the greatest approbation, referreth it to the Isopyrum of Dioscorides. All later Writers doe generally call it, eyther Aquileia, Aquilina, or Aquilegia; and we in English, generally (I thinke) through the whole Countrey, Colombines. Some doe call the Aquilegia rosea, Aquilegia stellata, The starre Colombine; because the leaues of the flowers doe stand so directly one by another, besides the doublenesse, that they somewhat represent eyther a Rose or a Starre, and thereupon they giue it the name eyther of a Starre or Rose.

The Vertues.

Some in Spaine, as Camerarius saith, vse to eate a peece of the roote hereof fasting, many dayes together, to helpe them that are troubled with the stone in the kidneyes. Others vse the decoction, of both herbe and roote in wine, with a little Ambargrise, against those kinds of swounings, which the Greekes call ἀδυναμία. The seede is vsed for the iaundise, and other obstructions of the liuer. Clusius writeth from the experience of Franciscus Rapard, a chiefe Physician of Bruges in Flanders, that the seede beaten and drunke is effectuall to women in trauell of childe, to procure a speedy deliuerie, and aduiseth a second draught thereof should be taken if the first succeede not sufficiently.

CHAP. XLVII.

Thalictrum Hispanicum. Spanish Tufts, Or Tufted Columbines.

From among the diuersities of this plant, I haue selected out two sorts for this my garden, as hauing more beautie then all the rest; leauing the other to be entreated of, where all in generall may be included. I haue in this place inserted them, for the likenesse of the leaues only, being in no other part correspondent, and in a Chapter by themselues, as it is most fit.

Thalictrum Hispanicum album. White Spanish tufted Colombines.

These plants haue both one forme, in roote, leafe and flower, and therefore neede but one description. The leaues are both for colour and forme so like vnto Colombines leaues (although lesser and darker, yet more spread, and on larger stalkes) that they may easily deceiue one, that doth not marke them aduisedly; for the leaues are much more diuided, and in smaller parts, and not so round at the ends: the stalkes are round, strong, and three foote high at the least, branching out into two or three parts, with leaues at the seuerall ioynts of them, at the toppes whereof stand many flowers, which are nothing but a number of threads, made like vnto a small round tuft, breaking out of a white skinne, or leafe, which incloseth them, and being vnblowne, shew like vnto little buttons: the colour of these threds or tufts in this are whitish with yellow tips on them, and somewhat purplish at the bottome, hauing a strong but no good sent, and abiding in their beautie (especially if they grow in the shade, and not too hot in the sun) a great while, and then fall away, like short downe or threds: the seed vessels are three square, containing small, long, and round seede; the rootes are many long yellow fringes, which endure and encrease much.

Thalictrum Montanum purpureum. Purple tufted Colombines.

This purple tufted Colombine differeth onely from the former, in that it is not so high nor so large, and that the colour of the flower or tuft is of a blewish purple colour with yellow tips, and is much more rare then the other.

The Place.

These grow both in Spaine and Italie.

The Time.

They flower in the end of May, or in Iune, and sometimes later.

The Names.

Some doe call them Thaliotrum, and some Thalictrum. Others Ruta palustris, and Ruta pratensis, and some Rhabarbarum Monachorum, or Pseudo-rhabarbarum, by reason that the rootes being yellow, haue an opening qualitie, and drying as Rubarbe. In English what other fit Names to giue these then I haue expressed in the titles, I know not.

The Vertues.

They are a little hot and drying withall, good for old Vlcers, as Dioscorides saith, to bring them to cicatrising: in Italy they are vsed against the Plague, and in Saxonye against the Iaundise, as Camerarius saith.

CHAP. XLVIII.

Radix caua. Hollow roote.

The likenesse of the leaues likewise of this plant with Colombines, hath caused mee to insert it next the other, and although some of this kinde bee of small respect, being accounted but foolish, yet let it fill vp a waste corner, that so no place be vnfurnished.

1. Radix Caua maior flore albo. The white Hollow roote.

The leaues of this hollow roote breake not out of the ground, vntill the end of March, or seldome before, and are both for proportion and colour somewhat like vnto the leaues of Colombines, diuided into fiue parts, indented about the edges, standing on small long footestalkes of a whitish greene colour, among which rise vp the stalkes, without any leaues from the bottome to the middle, where the flowers shoote forth one aboue another, with euery one a small short leafe at the foote thereof, which are long and hollow, with a spurre behinde it, somewhat like vnto the flowers of Larckes spurres, but hauing their bellies somewhat bigger, and the mouth not so open, being all of a pure white colour: after the flowers are past, arise small long and round cods, wherein are contained round blackish seede: the roote is round and great, of a yellowish browne colour on the outside, and more yellow within, and hollow vnderneath, so that it seemeth but a shell: yet being broken, euery part will grow: it abideth greene aboue ground but a small time.

2. Radix Caua maior flore carneo. Blush colourd Hollow roote.

The blush Hollow roote is in all things like vnto the former, but onely that the flowers hereof are of a delayed red or purple colour, which we call blush: and sometimes of a very deepe red or purple colour; but very rare to meete with.

3. Radix Caua minor, seu Capnos fabacea radice. Small hollow roote.

This small kinde hath his leaues of a blewish greene colour, yet greener and smaller then the former, growing more thicke together: the flowers are like in proportion vnto the former in all respects, but lesser, hauing purplish backes, and white bellyes: standing closer and thicker together vpon the short stalkes: the roote is solid or firme, round and a little long withall, two being vsually ioyned together, yellowish both within and without: but I haue seene the dry roots that came from beyond Sea hither, that haue beene as small as hasell nuts, and somewhat flat with the roundnesse, differing from those that growe with vs, whether the nature thereof is to alter by manuring I know not.

The Place.

The greater kindes Clusius reporteth he found in many places of Hungarie, and the other parts neare thereunto: the lesser in the lower Germany, or Low Countries, as we call them.

The Time.

These are most truely to bee reckoned Vernall plants, for that they rise not out of the ground vntill the Spring bee come in, and are gone likewise before it be past, remaining vnder ground all the rest of the yeare, yet the lesser abideth longer aboue ground then the greater.

The Names.

Concerning the former of these, there is a controuersie among diuers, whether it should be Thesium of Theophrastus, or Eriphium of Galen, but here is no fit place to trauerse those opinions. Some would haue it to bee Corydalis, and some referre it to Plinie his Capnos Chelidonia, for the likenesse it hath both with Fumeterie and Celandine. It is generally called of all moderne Writers, Radix Caua, and we in English thereafter, Hollow roote. The lesser for the firmnesse of his round roote, is vsually called, Capnos fabacea radice, and the Dutch men thereafter, =Boonkens Hollwortell=: we of the likenesse with the former, doe call it the lesse Hollow roote.

The Vertues.

Some by the bitternesse doe coniecture (for little proofe hath beene had thereof, but in outward cases) that it clenseth, purgeth, and dryeth withall.

CHAP. XLIX.

Delphinium. Larkes heeles.

Of Larkes heeles there are two principall kindes, the wilde kinde, and the tame or garden; the wilde kinde is of two sorts, one which is with vs noursed vp chiefly in gardens, and is the greatest; the other which is smaller and lower, often found in our plowed landes, and elsewhere: of the former of these wilde sorts, there are double as well as single: and of the tame or more vpright, double also and single: and of each of diuers colours, as shall be set downe.

1. Delphinium maius siue vulgare. The ordinary Larkes heeles.

The common Larkes heele spreadeth with many branches much more ground then the other, rather leaning or bending downe to the ground, then standing vpright, whereon are set many small long greene leaues, finely cut, almost like Fennell leaues: the branches end in a long spike of hollow flowers, with a long spurre behinde them, very like vnto the

[Sidenote: Varietas.]

flowers of the Hollow roote last described, and are of diuers seuerall colours, as of a blewish purple colour, or white, or ash colour or red, paler or deeper, as also party coloured of two colours in a flower; after the flowers are past, (which in this kinde abide longer then in the other) there come long round cods, containing very blacke seede: the root is hard after it groweth vp to seede, spreading both abroad and deepe, and perisheth euery yeare, vsually raising it selfe from it own sowing, as well as from the seede sowen in the spring time.

2. Delphinium vulgare flore pleno. Double common Larkes heeles.

Of this vulgar kinde there is some difference in the flower, although in nothing else: the flowers stand many vpon a stalke like the former, but euery one of them are as if three or foure small flowers were ioyned together, with euery one his spurre behinde, the greatest flower being outermost, and as it were containing the rest, which are of a pale red, or deepe blush colour: Another of this kinde will beare his flowers with three or foure rowes of leaues in the middle, making a double flower with one spurre behinde onely: and of this kinde there is both with purple, blew, blush, and white flowers, and party coloured also; these doe all beare seed like the single, wherby it is increased euery yeare.

3. Delphinium aruense. Wilde Larkes spurres.

This wilde Larkes spurre hath smaller and shorter leaues, smaller and lower branches, and more thinly or sparsedly growing vpon them, then any of the former: the flowers likewise are neyther so large as any of the former, nor so many growing together, the cods likewise haue smaller seede, and is harder to grow in gardens then any of the former, the most vsuall colour hereof is a pale reddish or blush colour, yet sometimes they are found both white and blew, and sometimes mixt of blew and blush, variably disposed, as nature can when she listeth; but are much more rare.

4. Delphinium elatius flore simplici diuersorum colorum. Single vpright bearing Larkes heeles of many colours.

The difference betweene this and the last is, that the leaues of this are not fully so greene, nor so large; the stalkes grow vpright, to the height of a man, and sometimes higher, hauing some branches thereon, but fewer then the former, and standing likewise vpright, and not leaning downe as the former: the toppes of the stalkes are better stored with flowers then the other, being sometimes two foote long and aboue, of the same fashion, but not altogether so large, but of more diuers and seueral colours, as white, pale, blush, redde deeper or paler, ashcoloured, purple or violet, and of an ouerworne blewish purple, or iron colour: for of all these we haue simple, without any mixture or spot: but we haue other sorts, among the simple colours, that rise from the same seede, and will haue flowers that wil be halfe white, and halfe blush or purple, or one leafe white, and another blush or purple, or else variably mixed and spotted: the seede and seede vessels are like the former but larger and harder.

5. Delphinium elatius flore pleno diuersorum colorum. Double vpright Larkes heeles of many colours.

These double Larkes heeles cannot bee knowne from the single of the same kinde, vntill they come towards flowring; for there appeare many flowers vpon the stalkes, in the same manner, and of as many colours almost as of the single, except the party coloured, which stand like little double Roses, layd or spread broade open, as the Rose Colombine without any heeles behinde them, very delightfull to behold, consisting of many small leaues growing together, and after they are fallen there come vp in their places three or foure small cods set together, wherein is contained here and there (for all are not full of seede, as the single kindes) blacke seede, like vnto all the rest, but smaller, which being sowen will bring plants that will beare both single and double flowers againe, and it often happeneth, that it variably altereth in colours from it owne sowing: for none of them hold constantly his owne colour, (so farre as euer I could obserue) but fall into others; as nature pleaseth.

6. Delphinium Hispanicum paruum. Spanish wilde Larkes spurres.

This small Larkes spurre of Spaine, hath diuers long and broad leaues next the ground, cut-in on both sides, somewhat like vnto the leafe of a Scabious, or rather that kinde of Stœbe, which Lobel calleth Crupina, for it doth somewhat neerly resemble the same, but that this is smooth on the edges, and not indented besides the cuts, as the Crupina is, being of a whitish greene colour, and somewhat smooth and soft in handling: among the leaues riseth vp a whitish greene stalke, hauing many smaller leaues vpon it that grow belowe, but not diuided, branching out into many small stalkes, bearing flowers like vnto the wilde Larkes heeles, but smaller, and of a bleake blewish colour, which being past, there come vp two or three small cods ioyned together, wherein is blacke seede, smaller and rounder then any of the former: the roote is small and thready, quickly perishing with the first cold that ouertaketh the plant.

The Place.

The greatest or first wilde kindes growe among corne in many countries beyond the Seas, and where corne hath beene sowne, and for his beauty brought and nourished in our Gardens: the lesser wilde kinde in some fields of our owne Country. The Spanish kinde likewise in the like places, which I had among many seedes that Guillaume Boel brought mee out of Spaine. The first double and single haue been common for many yeares in all countries of this Land, but the tall or vpright single kindes haue been entertained but of late yeares. The double kindes are more rare.

The Time.

These flower in the Summer onely, but the Spanish wilde kinde flowreth very late, so that oftentimes in our Country, the Winter taketh it before it can giue ripe seede: the double kindes, as well the vpright as the ordinary or wilde, are very choise and dainty many times, not yeelding good seede.

The Names.

They are called diuersly by diuers Writers, as Consolida regulis, Calcaris flos; Flos regius, Buccinum Romanorum, and of Matthiolus, Cuminum siluestre alterum Dioscoridis: but the most vsuall name with vs is Delphinium: but whether it be the true Delphinium of Dioscorides, or the Poets Hyacinth, or the flower of Aiax, another place is fitter to discusse then this. Wee call them in English Larkes heeles, Larkes spurres, Larkes toes, or clawes, and Monkes hoods. The last or Spanish kinde came to mee vnder the name of Delphinium latifolium trigonum, so stiled eyther from the diuision of the leaues, or from the pods, which come vsually three together. Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus calleth it, Consolida regalis peregrina paruo flore.

The Vertues.

There is no vse of any of these in Physicke in these dayes that I know, but are wholly spent for their flowers sake.

CHAP. L.

Balsamina fœmina. The Female Balsam Apple.

I haue set this plant in this place, for some likenesse of the flower, rather then for any other comparison, euen as I must also with the next that followeth. This plant riseth vp with a thicke round reddish stalke, with great and bunched ioynts, being tender and full of iuice, much like to the stalke of Purslane, but much greater, which brancheth it selfe forth from the very ground, into many stalkes, bearing thereon manie long greene leaues, snipt about the edges, very like vnto the Almond or Peach tree leaues; among which from the middle of the stalkes vpwards round about them, come forth vpon seuerall small short foot-stalkes many faire purplish flowers, of two or three colours in them, fashioned somewhat like the former Larkes heeles, or Monks hoods, but that they are larger open at the mouth, and the spurres behinde crooke or bend downewards: after the flowers are past, there come in their places round rough heads, pointed at the end, greene at the first, and a little yellower when they bee ripe, containing within them small round blackish seede, which will soone skippe out of the heads, if they be but a little hardly pressed betweene the fingers: the rootes spread themselues vnder ground very much from the toppe, with a number of small fibres, annexed thereunto: this is a very tender plant, dying euery yeare, and must bee sowne carefully in a pot of earth, and tended and watered in the heate of Summer, and all little enough to bring it to perfection.

The Place.

Wee haue alwaies had the seede of this plant sent vs out of Italy, not knowing his originall place.

The Time.

It flowreth from the middle of Iuly, to the end of August: the seed doth seldome ripen with vs, especially if the Summer be backward, so that wee are oftentimes to seeke for new and good seede from our friends againe.

The Names.

Some vse to call it Charantia fœmina, Balsamina fœmina, Balsamella, and Anguillara, Herba Sanctæ Katharinæ. We haue no other English name to call it by, then the Female Balsame Apple, or Balsamina.

The Vertues.

Some by reason of the name, would attribute the property of Balme vnto this plant, but it is not sufficiently knowne to haue any such; yet I am well perswaded, there may bee some extraordinary quality in so beautifull a plant, which yet lyeth hid from vs.

CHAP. LI.

Nasturtium Indicum. Indian Cresses, or yellow Larkes heeles.

The likenesse (as I said before) of this flower likewise, hauing spurres or heeles maketh me ioyne it with the rest, which is of so great beauty and sweetnesse withall, that my Garden of delight cannot bee vnfurnished of it. This faire plant spreadeth it selfe into very many long trayling branches, enterlaced one within another very confusedly (yet doth it not winde it selfe with any claspers about either pole or any other thing, but if you will haue it abide close thereunto, you must tye it, or else it will lye vpon the ground) foure or fiue foot in length at the least, wherby it taketh vp a great deale of ground: the leaues are smooth, greene, and as round as the Penniwort that groweth on the ground, without any cut or incisure therein at all in any part, the stalkes whereof stand in the middle of each leafe and stand at euery ioynt of the stalke, where they are a little reddish, and knobbed or bunched out: the flowers are of an excellent gold yellow colour, and grow all along these stalkes, almost at euery ioynt with the leaues, vpon pretty long foote-stalkes, which are composed of fiue leaues, not hollow or gaping, but standing open each leafe apart by it selfe, two of them, that be larger and longer then the other, stand aboue and the other two that are lesser belowe, which are a little iagged or bearded on both sides, and the first lowest: in the middle of each of the three lower leaues (yet sometimes it is but in two of them) there is a little long spot or streake, of an excellent crimson colour, with a long heele or spurre behinde hanging downe: the whole flower hath a fine small sent, very pleasing, which being placed in the middle of some Carnations or Gilloflowers (for they are in flower at the same time) make a delicate Tussimussie, as they call it, or Nosegay, both for sight and sent: After the flower is past, come the seede, which are rough or vneuen, round, greenish yellow heads, sometimes but one, and sometimes two or three standing together vpon one stalke, bare or naked of themselues, without any huske, containing a white pulpy kernell; the rootes are small, and spreading vnder ground, which perish with the first frosts, and must be sowne a new euery yeare; yet there needeth no bed of horse-dung for the matter: the naturall ground will be sufficient, so as you defend it a little from those frosts, that may spoile it when it is newly sprung vp, or being yet tender.

The Place.

This goodly plant was first found in the West Indies, and from thence sent into Spaine vnto Monardus and others, from whence all other parts haue receiued it. It is now very familiar in most Gardens of any curiosity, where it yearly giueth ripe seed, except the yeare be very vnkindly.

The Time.

It flowreth sometimes in Iune, but vsually in Iuly (if it be well defended and in any good ground) and so continueth flowring, vntill the cold frosts and mistes in the middle or end of October, doe checke the luxurious nature thereof, and in the meane time the seede is ripe, which will quickly fall downe on the ground, where for the most part the best is gathered.

The Names.

Some doe reckon this plant among the Clematides or Convolvuli, the Clamberers or Bindweedes; but (as I said) it hath no claspers, neither doth it winde it selfe: but by reason of the number of his branches, that run one within another, it may seeme to climbe vp by a pole or sticke, which yet doth but onely close it, as hauing something whereon to leane or rest his branches. Monardus and others call it Flos sanguineus, of the red spots in the flowers, as also Mastuerzo de las Indias, which is Nasturtium Indicum, by which name it is now generally knowne and called, and wee thereafter in English, Indian Cresses, yet it may bee called from the forme of the flowers onely, Yellow Larkes heeles.

The Vertues.

The Spaniards and others vse the leaues hereof in stead of ordinary Cresses, because the taste is somewhat sharpe agreeing thereunto, but other Physicall properties I haue heard of none attributed to it.

CHAP. LII.

Viola. Violets.

The Garden Violets (for the Wilde I leaue to their owne place) are so well knowne vnto all, that either keepe a Garden, or hath but once come into it, that I shall (I thinke) but lose labour and time to describe that which is so common. Yet because it is not onely a choise flower of delight, notwithstanding the popularity, and that I let not passe anything without his particular description, I must also doe so by this. And hereunto I must adde that kinde of Violet, which, although it want that smell of the other, goeth beyond it in variety of dainty colours, called Viola tricolor & flammea, or Harts eases.

1. Viola simplex Martia. Single March Violets.

The single Garden Violet hath many round greene leaues, finely snipt or dented about the edges, standing vpon seuerall small stalkes, set at diuers places of the many creeping branches, which as they runne, doe here and there take roote in the ground, bearing thereon many flowers seuerally at the ioynts of the leaues, which consist of fiue small leaues, with a short round tayle or spurre behinde, of a perfect blew purple colour, and of a very sweete sent, it bringeth forth round seede vessels, standing likewise vpon their seuerall small stalkes, wherein is contained round white seede: but these heads rise not from where the flowers grew, as in all other plants that I know, but apart by themselues, and being sowne, will produce others like vnto it selfe, whereby there may be made a more speedy encrease to plant a Garden (as I haue done) or any other place, then by slipping, as is the vsuall manner: the rootes spread both deepe and wide, taking strong hold in the ground.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

Of this kinde there is another that beareth white flowers, not differing in smell or any thing else from the former.

[Sidenote: Flore obsoleto.]

And also another, that beareth flowers of a dead or sad reddish colour, in all other things alike, sauing that this hath not altogether so good a sent as the other.

2. Viola Martia flore multiplici. Double March Violets.

There is no difference betweene this Violet and the former, in any other thing then in the doublenesse of the flowers, which haue so many leaues set and thrust together, that they are like vnto hard buttons. There is of this double kinde both white and purple, as in the single; but the white sort is seldome so thicke and double as the purple: but of the red colour to be double I neuer heard.

3. Viola flammea siue tricolor. Harts eases or Pansies.

The Harts ease hath his leaues longer, and more endented or cut in on the edges then the Violet hath, and somewhat round withall: the stalkes are vpright, yet weake, and ready to fall downe, and lye vpon the ground, set here and there with the like leaues, from whence come forth the flowers, of little or no sent at all, made like vnto a Violet, yet more open, and with larger leaues; but so variably mixed with blew or purple, white and yellow, that it is hard to set downe all the varieties; For some flowers will be more white, and but some spots of purple or blew in the two vpper leaues, and the lower leaues with some stripes of yellow in the middle: others will haue more purple in them then any other colour, both in the vpper and lower leaues, the side leaues blew, and the middle yellow, and others white and blew with yellow stripes, as nature listeth to distribute their colours: the seede is small, whitish, and round, contained in small round heads: the roote perisheth euery yeare, and raiseth it selfe vp plentifully by it owne sowing, if it be suffered.

4. Viola tricolor flore duplici. Double Harts ease.

We haue in our Gardens another sort, that beareth flowers with more leaues then the former, making it seeme to be twice double, and that onely in Autumne; for the first flowers are single that come in Summer: This is of that sort that beareth purple flowers: And it is to be obserued, that the seed of this kinde will not all bring double flowers, but only some, if the ground be fit and liking, so that if you haue once had of this double kinde, you shall seldome misse to haue double flowers againe euery yeare of it owne growing or sowing.

5. Viola flammea lutea maxima. The great yellow Pansie.

There is one other kinde of Harts ease, that decketh vp our Gardens not to be forgotten, whose leaues and flowers are like the former, but more plentifull in stalkes and branches, and better abideth our Winters; the flowers are larger then any of the former, of a faire pale yellow colour, with some yellower stripes now and then about the middle; for it is sometimes without any stripes; and also of a little deeper yellow colour: this is to bee encreased by slips, which will soone comprehend in a moist or moistened ground, for that I neuer could obserue that it bore seede.

The Place.

These plants were first wilde, and by manuring brought to be both fairer in colour, and peraduenture of a better sent then when they grew wilde.

The Time.

The Violets flower in March, and sometimes earlier, and if the yeare be temperate and milde, in Autumne againe. The double Violets, as they are later before they flower then the single, so they hold their flowers longer. The Harts ease flowreth seldome vntill May; but then some will abide to flower vntill the end of Autumne almost, especially if the frosts be not early.

The Names.

The Violet is called Viola nigra, purpurea, and Martia: In English, Violets, March Violets, and purple Violets. The Harts ease is called Viola flammea, Viola tricolor, Viola multicolor, and of some, Iacea, Flos trinitatis, and Herba clauellata: In English, Harts ease, and Pansies, of the French name Pensees. Some giue it foolish names, as Loue in idlenesse, Call mee to you, and Three faces in a hood. The great yellow Harts ease is so called, because it is like in forme, and is the greatest of all other, although it haue not that diuersity of colours in it that the other haue.

The Vertues.

The properties of Violets are sufficiently knowne to all, to coole and moisten: I shall forbeare to recite the many vertues that may be set downe, and onely let you knowe, that they haue in them an opening or purging quality, being taken either fresh and greene, or dryed, and made into powder, especially the flowers; the dryed leaues will doe the like, but in greater quantity. Costæus in his booke of the nature of all plants saith, that the distilled water of Harts ease, is commended in the French disease, to be profitable, being taken for nine dayes or more, and sweating vpon it, which how true it is, I know not, and wish some better experience were made of it, before we put any great confidence in that assertion.

CHAP. LIII.

Epimedium. Barrenwort.

This pretty plant riseth vp out of the ground with vpright, hard, round, small stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, or not two foote high at the highest, diuided into three branches for the most part, each branch whereof is againe diuided for the most part into three other branches, and each of them beare three leaues (seldome either more or lesse) set together, yet each vpon his owne foote-stalke, each leafe being broad, round, and pointed at the end, somewhat hard or dry in feeling, hayrie, or as it were prickly about the edges, but very tenderly, without harme, of a light greene colour on the vpperside, and a little whiter vnderneath: from the middle of the stemme or stalke of leaues doth likewise come forth another long stalke, not much higher then those with the leaues on them, diuided into other branches, each whereof hath likewise three flowers, each vpon his owne footestalke, consisting of eight small leaues a peece, yet seeming to be but of foure leaues spread or layd open flat, for that the foure vppermost, which are the smaller and being yellow, doe lye so close on the foure vndermost, which are a little broader and red, that they shew as if they were yellow flowers with red edges, hauing yellow threds tipt with greene, standing in the middle of the flowers: the vnderside of the lower leaues are of a pale yellowish red, striped with white lines: after the flowers are past, there come small long pods, wherin are contained flat reddish seede: the rootes are small, reddish and hard, spreading, branching and enterlacing themselues very much, and is fit to be placed on some shady side of a garden: the whole plant is rather of a strong then any good sent, yet is cherished for the pleasant varietie of the flowers.

The Place.

Cæsalpinus saith it groweth on the mountaines of Liguria, that is nigh vnto Ligorne, in the Florentine Dominion. Camerarius saith, nigh vnto Vicenza in Italie. Bauhinus on the Euganian hils, nigh vnto Padoa, and in Romania in shadowie wet grounds.

The Time.

It flowreth from Iune vntill the end of Iuly, and to the middle of August, if it stand, as I said it is fittest, in a shadowie place.

The Names.

It is of most Writers accepted for the true Epimedium of Dioscorides, though he saith it is without flower or seede, being therein eyther mistaken, or mis-informed, as he was also in Dictamnus of Candy, and diuers other plants. From the triple triplicitie of the standing of the stalkes and leaues, and quadriplicitie of the flowers, it might receiue another name in English then is already imposed vpon it: but lest I might be thought to be singular or full of noueltie, let it passe with the name Barrenwort, as it is in the title.

The Vertues.

It is thought of diuers to agree in the propertie of causing barrennesse, as the ancients doe record of Epimedium.

CHAP. LIIII.

Papauer satiuum. Garden Poppies.

Of Poppies there are a great many sorts, both wilde and tame, but because our Garden doth entertaine none, but those of beautie and respect, I wil onely giue you here a few double ones, and leaue the rest to a general suruey.

1. Papauer multiplex album. Double white Poppies.

The double white Poppy hath diuers broade, and long whitish greene leaues, giuing milke (as all the rest of the plant aboue ground doth, wheresoeuer it is broken) very much rent or torne in on the sides, and notched or indented besides, compassing at the bottome of them a hard round brittle whitish greene stalke, branched towards the toppe, bearing one faire large great flower on the head of euery branch, which before it breaketh out, is contained within a thin skinne, and being blowne open is very thick of leaues, and double, somewhat iagged at the ends, and of a white colour, in the middle whereof standeth a round head or bowle, with a striped crowne on the heade of it, very like a starre, compassed about with some threds, wherein when it is ripe, is contained small, round, white seede, disposed into seuerall cels: the roote is hard wooddy, and long, perishing euery yeare, and must bee new sowne euery Spring, if they doe not spring of their own sowing, which if it doe, the flowers are seldome so faire and double as they that are sowne in the Spring: the whole plant is of a strong heady smell.

2. Papauer multiplex rubescens. Double red or blush Poppies.

This other kind of double Poppy differeth not in any other thing from the former, but only in the colour of the flowers, which are of a bright red, tending to a blush colour, parted, paned or striped in many places with white, and exceedingly more iagged then the former, almost like a feather at the ends, the bottomes of all the leaues being white: the seede hereof is white as the former, which is not so in any other Poppie, that beareth not a full white flower.

3. Papauer multiplex nigrum siue purpureum. Double purple or murry Poppies.

This kinde varyeth both in flowers and seede, although neyther in leaues or any other thing from the first: the flowers are thicke and double, and some what iagged at the ends, in some more, in some lesse, eyther red or blush, or purplish red, more or lesse, or of a sad murrey or tawney, with browne, or blacke, or tawny bottomes: the seede is eyther of a grayish blew colour, or in others more blackish.

4. Papauer Rhæas flore multiplici. The double red field Poppie.

This double Poppie is like the wilde or fielde Poppie, which is well knowne to all to haue longer, narrower, and more iagged greene leaues then the former, the stalkes more hairy, and the flower of a deepe yellowish red colour, knowne to all. Now this differeth in nothing from it, but in the doublenesse of the flower, which is very thicke and double, but not so large as the former. This riseth of seede in the like manner as they doe, and so to bee preserued.

The Place.

From what place they haue beene first gathered naturally I cannot assure you, but we haue had them often and long time in our gardens, being sent from Italie and other places. The double wilde kindes came from Constantinople, which whether it groweth neere vnto it or further off, we cannot tell as yet.

The Time.

They flower in the beginning or middle of Iune at the furthest, the seede is ripe within a small while after.

The Names.

The generall knowne name to all, is Papauer, Poppie: the seuerall distinctions are according to their colours. Yet our English Gentlewomen in some places, call it by a by-name, Ione siluer pinne: subauditur, Faire without and fowle within.

The Vertues.

It is not vnknowne, I suppose to any, that Poppie procureth sleepe, for which cause it is wholly and onely vsed as I thinke: but the water of the wilde Poppies, besides that it is of great vse in Pleurisies, and Rheumatick, or thinne Distillations, is found by daily experience, to bee a soueraigne remedy against surfeits; yet some doe attribute this propertie to the water of the wilde Poppies.

CHAP. LV.

Nigella. The Fenell flower, or Nigella.

Among the many sorts of Nigella, both wilde and tame, both single and double, I will onely set downe three sorts, to be noursed vp in this garden, referring the rest to a Physicke garden, or a generall Historie, which may comprehend all.

1. Nigella Hispanica flore simplici. The great Spanish Nigella.

Spanish Nigella riseth vp with diuers greene leaues, so finely cut, and into so many parts, that they are finer then Fenell, and diuided somewhat like the leaues of Larkes heeles, among which rise vp stalkes, with many such like leaues vpon them, branched into three or foure parts, at the toppe of each whereof standeth one faire large flower, like vnto other single Nigella’s, consisting of fiue or six leaues sometimes, of a bleake blew, or of a purplish blew colour, with a greene head in the middle, compassed about with seuen or eight small blewish greene flowers, or peeces of flowers rather, made like gaping hoodes, with euery of them a yellowish line thwart or crosse the middle of them, with some threds also standing by them: after the flower is past the head groweth greater, hauing sixe, seuen or eight hornes as it were at the toppe, greater and longer, and standing closer together then any other Nigella, spreading very like a starre, or the crowne of the Poppy head, but larger and longer, each whereof being folded together, openeth a little when the head is ripe, which is greater aboue, and smaller below, and not so round as the others are, containing within them small yellowish greene seede, or not so blacke as the other sorts: the rootes are small and yellow, perishing euery yeare as the others likewise doe.

2. Nigella Damascena flore multiplici. Double blew Nigella, or The Fenell flower.

The double Nigella is in leaues, stalkes and rootes, very like vnto the former Nigella, so that the one can very hardly bee discerned from the other before this rise vp to flower, except it be that the leaues hereof are not fully so large as they: the flower consisteth of three or foure rowes of leaues, layde one vpon another, of a pale blew colour, with a greene round head compassed with diuers short threads in the middle, and hauing fiue or sixe such small greene Fenell-like leaues vnder the flower, to beare it vp (as it were) below, which adde a greater grace to the flowers, which at the first sheweth sometimes white, but changeth quickely after: the horned heads hereof are like vnto the heads of the other wilde kinde, which are somewhat rounder and greater, hauing within: them blacke vneuen seedes, but without any sent.

3. Nigella Citrina flore albo multiplici. Double white Nigella.

This double white Nigella hath such like leaues as the last hath, but somewhat larger, of a yellower greene colour, and not so finely cut and iagged: the flowers are somewhat lesse, and lesser double then the former, and in colour white, hauing no greene leaues vnder the flower, as the former hath, the head whereof in the middle is very like the head of the last double kinde, but not great, wherein is contained black seede for the most part, and sweete like the Romane Nigella, which only is sweet besides this: yet sometimes it is not so blacke, but a little more white or yellowish: the roote is yellow, and perisheth as the others euery yeare.

The Place.

All these, and the rest be found wilde in diuers Countreyes, as France, Spaine, Italie, &c. but wee onely cherish them in our Gardens for our delight.

The Time.

They flower in the end of Iune, and in Iuly, or thereabouts.

The Names.

They are called Melanthium, Gith, and Nigella, and of some Flos Diuæ Catherinæ. We may either call them Nigella according to the Latine name, or the Fenell flower, as some doe, because the double blew Nigella hath small Fenell-like leaues bearing vp the flower, as I shewed before in the description.

The Vertues.

These Nigella’s are nothing so hot in qualitie as the single Romane kind is, as may well be knowne by the smell of the seede thereof, and therefore are not fit to be vsed in the steed of it, as many ignorant persons vse to doe: for the single Romane seede is vsed to helpe paines, and cold distillations in the head, and to dry vp the rheume. Pena saith, that the pressed oyle of the seede as well taken inwardly as vsed outwardly is an excellent remedy for the hardnesse and swelling of the spleene.

CHAP. LVI.

Ptarmica siluestris flore pleno. Double wilde Pelletory.

The double wilde Pelletorie hath straight and slender stalkes, beset with long and narrow leaues, snipt round about the edges, in all points like vnto the single wilde kinde, that groweth common with vs almost euery where: on the toppes of the stalkes stand foure or fiue, or more white flowers, one aboue another, with a greene leafe at the bottome of the footestalke of euery one of them, beeing small, thicke, and very double, with a little yellowishnesse in the middle of euery flower, like both for forme and colour vnto the flower of the double Featherfew, but smaller: the rootes are many long strings, running here and there in the ground: this hath no smell at all, but is delightsome only for the double white flowers.

The Place.

It is only cherished in some few Gardens, for it is very rare.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of Iune or thereabouts.

The Names.

It is called of most Ptarmica, or Sternutamentoria, of his qualitie to prouoke neesing: and some Pyrethrum, of the hot biting taste. We vsually call it double wilde Pelletorie, and some Sneesewort, but Elleborus albus is vsually so called, and I would not two things should be called by one name, for the mistaking and mis-using of them.

The Vertues.

The properties hereof, no doubt, may well bee referred to the single kinde, beeing of the same qualitie, yet as I take it, a little more milde and temperate.

CHAP. LVII.

Parthenium flore pleno. Double Featherfew.

Featherfew that beareth double flowers is so like vnto the single kinde, that the one cannot be discerned from the other, vntill it come to flower, bearing broad, pale or fresh greene leaues, much cut in on the sides: the stalkes haue such like leaues on them as grow below, from the toppes whereof come forth many double white flowers, like vnto the flowers of the former wilde Pelletory, but larger, and like also vnto the flowers of the double Camomill: the sent whereof is as strong as of the single.

The Place.

We haue this kinde only in Gardens, and as it is thought by others, is peculiar only to our owne Countrey.

The Time.

It flowreth in the end of May, and in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

It is called diuersly by diuers: Some thinke it to be Parthenium of Dioscorides, but not of Galen; for his Parthenium is a sweet herbe, and is thought to bee Amaracus, that is Marierome: others call it Matricaria; and some Amarella. Gaza translateth it Muraleum, Theoph. lib. 7. cap. 7. It is generally in these parts of our Country called Double Feaverfew, or Featherfew.

The Vertues.

It is answerable to all the properties of the single kinde which is vsed for womens diseases, to procure their monthly courses chiefly. It is held to bee a speciall remedy to helpe those that haue taken Opium too liberally. In Italy some vse to eate the single kinde among other greene herbes, as Camerarius saith, but especially fryed with egges, and so it wholly loseth his strong and bitter taste.

CHAP. LVIII.

Chamæmælum. Camomill.

Ovr ordinary Camomill is well knowne to all, to haue many smal trayling branches, set with very fine small leaues, bushing and spreading thicke ouer the ground, taking roote still as it spreadeth: the toppes of the branches haue white flowers, with yellow thrummes in the middle, very like vnto the Featherfew, before described, but somewhat greater, not so hard, but more soft and gentle in handling, and the whole herbe to be of a very sweet sent.

1. Chamæmælum nudum. Naked Camomill.

We haue another sort of Camomill in some Gardens, but very rare, like vnto the former, but that it is whiter, finer, and smaller, and raiseth it selfe vp a little higher, and beareth naked flowers; that is, without that border of white leaues that is in the former, and consisteth onely of a yellow round thrummie head, smelling almost as sweete as the former.

2. Chamæmælum flore pleno. Double flowred Camomill.

The double Camomill groweth with his leaues vpon the ground, as the other single kinde doth, but of a little fresher greene colour, and larger withall: the stalkes with the flowers on them, doe raise themselues vp a little higher then the ordinary, and bearing one or two flowers vpon a stalk, which are composed of many white leaues set together in diuers rowes, which make a fine double flower, with a little yellow spot in the middle for the most part of euery one, and are much larger then any single kinde, smelling better, and more pleasing then the ordinary: this doth creepe vpon the ground as the other, but is more tender to be kept in the Winter. Yet if you saue the flowers hereof (and so will the double Featherfew also) when they haue stood long, and ready to fade, and keepe them dry vntill the Spring, and then breaking them or pulling them to peeces, sowe them, there will spring vp from them Camomill, and also Featherfew, that will againe beare double flowers.

The Place.

Our ordinary Camomill groweth wilde in many places of our Country, and as well neare London as in other places. The others are onely found in our Gardens, where they are cherished. Bauhinus saith, that the double flowred Camomill is found wilde about Orleance in France.

The Time.

The double kinde is vsually in flower in Iune, before the ordinary kinde, and most commonly past before it flowreth, which is not vntill Iuly or August. The naked Camomill flowreth betweene them both, or later.

The Names.

Camomill is called Anthemis, Leucanthemis, and Leucanthemum, of the whitenesse of the flowers; and Chamæmælum of the corrupted Italian name Camomilla. Some call the naked Camomill, Chrysanthemum odoratum. The double Camomill is called by some Chamæmælum Romanum flore multiplici.

The Vertues.

Camomill is put to diuers and sundry vses, both for pleasure and profit, both for inward and outward diseases, both for the sicke and the sound, in bathings to comfort and strengthen the sound, and to ease paines in the diseased, as also in many other formes applyed outwardly. The flowers boyled in Posset drinke prouoke sweat, and helpe to expell colds, aches, and other griefes. A Syrupe made of the iuice of the double Camomill, with the flowers and white wine, as Bauhinus saith, is vsed by some against the Iaundise and Dropsie, caused by the euill disposition of the splene.

CHAP. LIX.

Pyrethrum officinarum. Pelletory of Spaine.

I must needes adioyne vnto the Camomils this fine and tender plant, for some neare resemblance it hath with them in face, though not in quality. It is a small and lowe plant, bearing many fine greene leaues vpon his slender branches, which leane or lye down vpon the ground, diuided into many parts, yet somewhat larger and broader then Camomill, the stalkes whereof are bigger, and more iuicie then it: the flowers that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are single, but much larger then any Camomill flower, hauing a pale or border of many leaues, white on the vpperside, and reddish vnderneath, set about the yellow middle thrumme; but not standing so close together ioyning at the bottome, as the Camomill flowers doe, but more seuered one from another: it beareth small whitish seede, which is hardly found and discerned from the chaffe: the roote is long, and growing downe right, of the bignesse of a mans finger or thumbe in our Countrey, but not half so great where it groweth naturally, with some fibres and branches from the sides thereof, of a very hot, sharpe, and biting taste, drawing much water into the mouth, after it hath been chewed a while: the plant with vs is very tender, and will hardly or not at all endure the hardnesse and extremities of our Winters, vnlesse it be very carefully preserued.

The Place.

It groweth in Spaine wilde in many places, and in other hot Countries, where it may feele no frosts to cause it perish.

The Time.

It flowreth so late with vs, that it is not vntill August, that oftentimes we cannot gather ripe seedes from it, before it perish.

The Names.

The name Pyrethrum (taken from πὺρ, that is, ignis, fire) is giuen to this plant, because of the heate thereof, and that the roote is somewhat like in shew, but specially in property vnto the true Pyrethrum of Dioscorides, which is an vmbelliferous plant, whose rootes are greater, and more feruent a great deale, and haue a hayrie bush or toppe as Meum, and many other vmbelliferous plants haue. It is also called in Latin, Salinaris, of the effect in drawing much moisture into the mouth, to be spit out. We doe vsually call it Pelletory of Spaine.

The Vertues.

It is in a manner wholly spent to draw rheume from the teeth, by chewing it in the mouth, thereby to ease the tooth-ach, and likewise from the head, in the paines thereof.

CHAP. LX.

Flos Adonis flore rubro. Red Adonis flower.

Adonis flower may well be accounted a kinde of Camomill, although it hath some especiall differences, hauing many long branches of leaues lying vpon the ground, and some rising vp with the stalke, so finely cut and iagged, that they much resemble the leaues of Mayweed, or of the former Nigella: at the top of the stalkes, which rise a foote high or better, stand small red flowers, consisting of six or eight round leaues, hauing a greene head in the middle, set about with many blackish threads, without any smell at all: after the flowers are past, there grow vp heads with many roundish white seedes at the toppes of them, set close together, very like vnto the heads of seede of the great Oxe eye, set downe in the next Chapter, but smaller: the rootes are small and thready, perishing euery yeare, but rising of his owne seede againe, many times before Winter, which will abide vntill the next yeare.

[Sidenote: Flore luteo.]

Yellow Adonis flower is like vnto the red, but that the flower is somewhat larger, and of a faire yellow colour.

The Place.

The first groweth wilde in the corn fields in many places of our own country, as well as in others, and is brought into Gardens for the beauties sake of the flower. The yellow is a stranger, but noursed in our Gardens with other rarities.

The Time.

They flower in May or Iune, as the yeare falleth out to be early or late: the seed is soone ripe after, and will quickly fall away, if it be not gathered.

The Names.

Some haue taken the red kinde to be a kinde of Anemone; other to be Eranthemum of Dioscorides: the most vsuall name now with vs is Flos Adonis, and Flos Adonidis: In English, where it groweth wilde, they call it red Maythes, as they call the Mayweede, white Maythes; and some of our English Gentlewomen call it Rosarubie: we vsually call it Adonis flower.

The Vertues.

It hath been certainly tryed by experience, that the seed of red Adonis flower drunke in wine, is good to ease the paines of the Collicke and Stone.

CHAP. LXI.

Buphthalmum. Oxe eye.

Vnder the name Buphthalmum, or Oxe eye, are comprehended two or three seueral plants, each differing from other, both in face and property, yet because they all beare one generall name, I thinke fittest to comprise them all in one Chapter, and first of that which in leafe & seed commeth nearest to the Adonis flower.

1. Buphthalmum maius siue Helleborus niger ferulaceus. Great Oxe eye, or the yellow Anemone.

This great Oxe eye is a beautifull plant, hauing many branches of greene leaues leaning or lying vpon the ground for the most part, yet some standing vpright, which are as fine, but shorter then Fenell; some of them ending in a small tuft of green leaues, and some hauing at the toppes of them one large flower a peece, somewhat reddish or brownish on the outside, while they are in bud, and a while after, and being open, shew themselues to consist of twelue or fourteene long leaues, of a faire shining yellow colour, set in order round about a greene head, with yellow thrums in the middle, laying themselues open in the sunne, or a faire day, but else remaining close: after the flower is past, the head growing greater, sheweth it selfe compact of many round whitish seede, very like vnto the head of seede of the Adonis flower last described, but much greater: the rootes are many long blackish fibres or strings, set together at the head, very like vnto the rootes of the lesser blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote, but somewhat harder, stiffer, or more brittle, and seeming without moisture in them, which abide and encrease euery yeare.

2. Buphthalmum minus, seu Anthemis flore luteo. Small Oxe eye.

This plant might seeme to be referred to the Camomils, but that it is not sweete, or to the Corne-Marigolds, but that the stalkes and leaues are not edible: it is therefore put vnder the Oxe eyes, and so we will describe it; hauing many weake branches lying vpon the ground, beset with winged leaues, very finely cut and iagged, somewhat like vnto Mayweede, but a little larger; the flowers are like vnto the Corne Marigold, and larger then any Camomill, being wholly yellow, as well the pale or border of leaues, as the middle thrummes: the rootes are somewhat tough and long.

3. Buphthalmum vulgare. Common Oxe eye.

This Oxe eye riseth vp with hard round stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, hauing many winged leaues vpon them, made of diuers long and something broad leaues, snipt about the edges, set together somewhat like vnto Tansie, but smaller, and not so much winged: the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes, of a full yellow colour, both the outer leaues and the middle thrum, and not altogether so large as the last: the rootes of this kinde perish euery yeare, and require a new sowing againe.

The Place.

The first groweth in diuers places of Austria, Bohemia, and those parts, it hath beene likewise brought out of Spaine. The second in Prouence, a country in France. The last in diuers places, as well of Austria as Morauia, and about Mentz and Norimberg, as Clusius setteth downe. We haue them in our Gardens, but the first is of the greatest respect and beauty.

The Time.

The first flowreth betimes, oftentimes in March, or at the furthest in Aprill; the seede is ripe in May, and must be quickly gathered, lest it bee lost. The other two flower not vntill Iune.

The Names.

The first is called Buphthalmum of Dodonæus, Pseudohelleborus of Matthiolus, Helleborus niger ferulaceus Theophrasti by Lobel, of some others Elleborus niger verus, vsing it for the true blacke Ellebor, but it is much differing, as well in face as properties. Of others Sesamoides minus. Some haue thought it to be a yellow Anemone, that haue looked on it without further iudgement, and by that name is most vsually knowne to most of our English Gentlewomen that know it. But it may most fitly be called a Buphthalmum, as Dodonæus doth, and Hispanicum or Austriacum, for distinctions sake. We doe most vsually call it Helleborus niger ferulaceus, as Lobel doth: Bauhinus calleth it Helleborus niger tenuifolius Buphthalmi flore. The second is called Buphthalmum Narbonense: In English, The French, or lesser Oxe eye, as the first is called, The great Oxe eye. The last, The common Oxe eye.

The Vertues.

The first hath been vsed in diuers places for the true blacke Ellebor, but now is sufficiently knowne to haue been an errour; but what Physicall property hath, other then Matthiolus hath expressed, to be vsed as Setterwort for cattell, when they rowell them, to put or draw the rootes hereof through the hole they make in the dewe lappe, or other places, for their coughes or other diseases, I know not, or haue heard or read of any. The others likewise haue little or no vse in Physicke now a dayes that I know.

CHAP. LXII.

Chrysanthemum. Corne Marigold.

Although the sorts of Corne Marigolds, which are many, are fitter for another then this worke, and for a Catholicke Garden of Simples, then this of Pleasure and Delight for faire Flowers; yet giue me leaue to bring in a couple: the one for a corner or by-place, the other for your choisest, or vnder a defenced wall, in regard of his statelinesse.

1. Chrysanthemum Creticum. Corne Marigold of Candy.

This faire Corne Marigold hath for the most part one vpright stalke, two foote high, whereon are set many winged leaues, at euery ioynt one, diuided and cut into diuers parts, and they againe parted into seuerall peeces or leaues: the flowers growe at the toppes of the stalkes, rising out of a scaly head, composed of ten or twelue large leaues, of a faire, but pale yellow colour, and more pale almost white at the bottome of the leaues, round about the yellow thrumme in the middle, being both larger and sweeter then any of the other Corne Marigolds: the seede is whitish and chaffie: the roote perisheth euery yeare.

2. Chrysanthemum Perüuianum, siue Flos Solis. The golden flower of Peru, or the Flower of the Sunne.

This goodly and stately plant, wherewith euery one is now a dayes familiar, being of many sorts, both higher and lower (with one stalke, without branches, or with many branches, with a blacke, or with a white seede, yet differing not in forme of leaues or flowers one from another, but in the greatnesse or smalnesse) riseth vp at the first like vnto a Pompion with two leaues, and after two, or foure more leaues are come forth, it riseth vp into a great stalke, bearing the leaues on it at seuerall distances on all sides thereof, one aboue another vnto the very toppe, being sometimes, and in some places, seuen, eight, or ten foote high, which leaues standing out from the stemme or stalke vpon their seuerall great ribbed foote-stalkes, are very large, broad belowe, and pointed at the end, round, hard, rough, of a sad greene colour, and bending downewards: at the toppe of the stalke standeth one great, large, and broad flower, bowing downe the head vnto the Sunne, and breaking forth from a great head, made of scaly greene leaues, like vnto a great single Marigold, hauing a border of manie long yellow leaues, set about a great round yellow thrumme, as it were in the middle, which are very like vnto short heads of flowers, vnder euery one whereof there is a seede, larger then any seede of the Thistles, yet somewhat like, and lesser, and rounder then any Gourd seede, set in so close and curious a manner, that when the seede is taken out, the head with the hollow places or cels thereof seemeth very like vnto an hony combe; which seede is in some plants very blacke, in the hotter countries, or very white, and great, or large, but with vs is neither so large, blacke, or white; but sometimes blackish or grayish. Some sort riseth not vp halfe the height that others doe, and some againe beare but one stemme or stalke, with a flower at the toppe thereof; and others two or three, or more small branches, with euery one his flower at the end; and some so full of branches from the very ground almost, that I haue accounted threescore branches round about the middle stalke of one plant, the lowest neare two yards long, others aboue them a yard and a halfe, or a yard long, with euery one his flower thereon; but all smaller then those that beare but one or two flowers, and lesser also for the most part then the flower on the middle stalke it selfe. The whole plant, and euery part thereof aboue ground hath a strong resinous sent of Turpentine, and the heads and middle parts of the flowers doe oftentimes (and sometimes the ioynts of the stalke where the leaues stand) sweat out a most fine thin & cleare Rossin or Turpentine, but in small quantity, and as it were in drops, in the heate and dry time of the year, so like both in colour, smell, and taste vnto cleare Venice Turpentine, that it cannot be knowne from it: the roote is strongly fastened in the ground by some greater roots branching out, and a number of small strings, which growe not deepe, but keepe vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and desireth much moisture, yet dyeth euery yeare with the first frosts, and must be new sowne in the beginning of the Spring.

The Place.

Their places are set downe in their titles, the one to come out of Candy, the other out of Peru, a Prouince in the West Indies.

The Time.

The first flowreth in Iune, the other later, as not vntill August, and sometimes so late, that the early frosts taking it, neuer suffer it to come to ripeness.

The Names.

The first hath his name in his title. The second, besides the names set downe, is called of some Planta maxima, Flos maximus, Sol Indianus, but the most vsuall with vs is, Flos Solis: In English, The Sunne Flower, or Flower of the Sunne.

The Vertues.

There is no vse of either in Physicke with vs, but that sometimes the heads of the Sunne Flower are dressed, and eaten as Hartichokes are, and a accounted of some to be good meate, but they are too strong for my taste.

CHAP. LXIII.

Calendula. Marigolds.

Some haue reckoned vp many sorts of Marigolds, I had rather make but two, the single and the double; for doubtlesse, those that be most double, rise from the best seede, which are the middlemost of the great double, and some would be lesse double, whose seede is greater then the rest, according to the ground where it groweth; as also those that be of a paler colour, doe come of the seed of the yellower sort.

1. Calendula maxima. The great Garden Marigold.

Garden Marigold hath round greene stalkes, branching out from the ground into many parts, whereon are set long flat greene leaues, broader and rounder at the point then any where else, and smaller also at the setting to of the stalke, where it compasseth it about: the flowers are sometimes very thicke and double (breaking out of a scaly clammy greene head) composed of many rowes of leaues, set so close together one within another, that no middle thrume can bee seene, and sometimes lesse double, hauing a small browne spot of a thrume in the middle: and sometimes but of two or three rowes of leaues, with a large browne thrume in the middle; euery one whereof is somewhat broader at the point, and nicked into two or three corners, of an excellent faire deepe gold yellow colour in some, and paler in others, and of a pretty strong and resinous sweete sent: after the flowers are past, there succeede heads of crooked seede, turning inward, the outermost biggest, and the innermost least: the roote is white, and spreadeth in the ground, and in some places will abide after the seeding, but for the most part perisheth, and riseth againe of his owne seede. Sometimes this Marigold doth degenerate, and beareth many small flowers vpon short stalkes, compassing the middle flower: but this happeneth but seldome, and therefore accounted but lusus naturæ, a play of nature, which she worketh in diuers other plants besides.

2. Calendula simplex. The single Marigold.

There is no difference betweene this and the former, but that the flowers are single, consisting of one rowe of leaues, of the same colour; eyther paler or deeper yellow, standing about a great browne thrumme in the middle: the seed likewise is alike, but for the most part greater then in the double kindes.

The Place.

Our Gardens are the chiefe places for the double flowers to grow in; for we know not of any other naturall place: but the single kinde hath beene found wilde in Spaine, from whence I receiued seede, gathered by Guillaume Boel, in his time a very curious, and cunning searcher of simples.

The Time.

They flower all the Summer long, and sometimes euen in winter, if it be milde, and chiefly at the beginning of those monethes, as it is thought.

The Names.

They are called Caltha of diuers, and taken to be that Caltha, whereof both Virgil and Columella haue written. Others doe call them Calendula, of the Kalendes, that is the first day of the monthes, wherein they are thought chiefly to flower; and thereupon the Italians call them Fiori di ogni mese, that is, The Flowers of euery moneth: We cal them in English generally, eyther Golds, or Marigolds.

The Vertues.

The herbe and flowers are of great vse with vs among other pot-herbes, and the flowers eyther greene or dryed, are often vsed in possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality, gathered neere thereunto. The Syrupe and Conserue made of the fresh flowers are vsed for the same purposes to good effect.

CHAP. LXIIII.

Aster. Starre-wort.

Dioscorides and other of the ancient Writers, haue set forth but one kinde of Starre-wort, which they call Aster Atticus, of the place no doubt, where the greatest plentie was found, which was the Countrey of Athens: the later Writers haue found out many other plants which they referre to this kinde, calling them by the same name. It is not my purpose to entreate of them all, neyther doth this garden fitly agree with them; I shall therefore select out one or two from the rest, and giue the knowledge of them, leauing the rest to their proper place.

1. Aster Atticus flore luteo. Yellow Starre-wort.

This Starre-wort riseth vp with two or three rough hairy stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, with long, rough or hairie, brownish, darke greene leaues on them, diuided into two or three branches: at the toppe of euery one whereof standeth a flat scaly head, compared vnderneath with fiue or sixe long, browne, rough greene leaues, standing like a Starre, the flower it selfe standing in the middle thereof, made as a border of narrow, long, pale yellow leaues, set with a brownish yellow thrume: the roote dyeth euery yeare, hauing giuen his flower.

2. Aster Atticus Italorum flore purpureo. Purple Italian Starre-wort.

This Italian Starre-wort hath many wooddy, round brittle stalkes, rising from the roote, somewhat higher then the former, sometimes standing vpright, and otherwhiles leaning downewards, whereon are set many somewhat hard, and rough long leaues, round pointed, without order vp to the toppe, where it is diuided into seuerall branches, whereon stand the flowers, made like vnto a single Marigold, with a border of blewish purple leaues, set about a browne middle thrume, the heads sustaining the flowers are composed of diuers scaly greene leaues, as is to be seene in the Knapweedes or Matfelons, which after the flowers are past yeelde a certaine downe, wherein lye small blacke and flat seedes, somewhat like vnto Lettice seede, which are carried away with the winde: the roote is composed of many white strings, which perisheth not as the former, but abideth, and springeth afresh euery yeare.

The Place.

The first is found in Spaine, as Clusius, and in France, as Lobel say. The other hath beene found in many places in Germany, and Austria: in Italie also, and other places; we haue it plentifully in our Gardens.

The Time.

The first flowreth in Summer. And the other not vntill August or September.

The Names.

The first is called Aster Atticus flore luteo, Bubonium, & Inguinalis, and of many is taken to be the true Aster Atticus of Dioscorides: yet Matthiolus thinketh not so, for diuers good reasons, which hee setteth downe in the Chapter of Aster Atticus, as any man may vnderstand, if they will but reade the place, which is too long to bee inserted here. The other is thought by Matthiolus, to bee the truer Aster Atticus, (vnto whom I must also consent) and constantly also affirmed to be the Amellus Virgilij, as may be seene in the same place: but it is usually called at this day, Aster Italorum flore cæruleo or purpureo. Their English names are sufficiently expressed in their titles, yet some call the last, The purple Marigold, because it is so like vnto one in form.

The Vertues.

They are held, if they bee the right, to bee good for the biting of a mad dogge, the greene herbe being beaten with old hogs grease, and applyed; as also for swolne throats: It is likewise vsed for botches that happen in the groine, as the name doth import.

CHAP. LXV.

Pilosella maior. Golden Mouse-eare.

Some resemblance that the flowers of this plant hath with the former Golds, maketh me to insert it in this place, although I know it agreeth not in any other part, yet for the pleasant aspect thereof, it must bee in this my garden, whose description is as followeth: It hath many broade greene leaues spread vpon the ground, spotted with pale spots, yet more conspicuous at sometimes then at other; somewhat hairy both on the vpper and vnderside, in the middle of these leaues rise vp one, two or more blackish hairy stalkes, two foote high at the least, bare or naked vp to the top, where it beareth an vmbell, or short tuft of flowers, set close together vpon short stalkes, of the forme or fashion of the Haukeweedes, or common Mouse-eare, but somewhat smaller, of a deep gold yellow, or orenge tawney colour, with some yellow threds in the middle, of little or no sent at all: after the flowers are past, the heads carry small, short, blacke seede, with a light downie matter on them, ready to bee carried away with the winde, as many other plants are, when they be ripe: the rootes spread vnder ground, and shoote vp in diuers other places, whereby it much encreaseth, especially if it be set in any moist or shadowie place.

The Place.

It groweth in the shadowie woods of France, by Lions, and Mompelier, as Lobell testifieth: we keepe it in our gardens, and rather in a shadowie then sunnie place.

The Time.

It flowreth in Somer, and sometimes againe in September.

The Names.

It is called by Lobell, Pulmonaria Gallorum Hieratij facie: and the Herbarists of France take it to be the true Pulmonaria of Tragus. Others call it Hieratium flore aureo. Pelleterius Hieratium Indicum. Some Pilosella, or Auricula muris maior flore aureo. And some Chondrilla flore aureo. Dalechamptus would haue it to bee Corchorus, but farre vnfitly. The fittest English name we can giue it, is Golden Mouse-eare, which may endure vntill a fitter bee imposed on it: for the name of Grim the Collier, whereby it is called of many, is both idle and foolish.

The Vertues.

The French according to the name vse it for the defects of the lunges, but with what good successe I know not.

CHAP. LXVI.

Scorsonera. Vipers grasse.

Although there be foure or fiue sorts of Scorsonera, yet I shall here desire you to be content with the knowledge only of a couple.

1. Scorsonera Hispanica maior. The greater Spanish Vipers grasse.

This Spanish Vipers grasse hath diuers long, and somewhat broad leaues, hard and crumpled on the edges, and sometimes vneuenly cut in or indented also, of a blewish greene colour: among which riseth vp one stalke, and no more for the most part, two foote high or thereabouts, hauing here and there some narrower long leaues thereon then those below: the toppe of the stalke brancheth it selfe forth into other parts, euery one bearing a long scaly head, from out of the toppe whereof riseth a faire large double flower, of a pale yellow colour, much like vnto the flower of yellow Goates beard, but a little lesser, which being past, the seede succeedeth, being long, whitish and rough, inclosed with much downe, and among them many other long smooth seedes, which are limber and idle, and are carryed away at the will of the winde: the roote is long, thicke and round, brittle and blacke, with a certaine roughnesse on the outside: but very white within, yeelding a milkie liquor being broken, as euery other part of the plant doth besides, yet the roote more then any other part, and abideth many yeares without perishing.

2. Scorsonera Pannonica purpurea. Purple flowred Vipers grasse.

This purple flowred Vipers grasse hath long and narrow leaues, of the same blewish greene colour with the former: the stalke riseth vp a foote and a halfe high, with a few such like leaues, but shorter thereon, breaking at the toppe into two or three parts, bearing on each of them one flower, fashioned like the former, and standing in the like scaly knoppe or head, but of a blewish purple colour, not fully so large, of the sweetest sent of any of this kinde, comming neerest vnto the smell of a delicate perfume.

The Place.

The first is of Spaine. The other of Hungarie and Austrich: which now furnish our gardens.

The Time.

They flower in the beginning of May: the seede is soone ripe after, and then perishing downe to the roote for that yeare, springeth afresh before Winter againe.

The Names.

They are called after the Spanish name Scorsonera, which is in Latine Viperaria, of some Viperina, and Serpentina: Wee call them in English Vipers grasse, or Scorsonera.

The Vertues.

Manardus as I thinke first wrote hereof, and saith that it hath been found to cure them that are bitten of a Viper, or other such like venemous Creature. The rootes hereof being preserued with sugar, as I haue done often, doe eate almost as delicate as the Eringus roote, and no doubt is good to comfort and strengthen the heart, and vitall spirits. Some that haue vsed the preserued roote haue found it effectuall to expelling winde out of the stomacke, and to helpe swounings and faintnesse of the heart.

CHAP. LXVII.

Tragopogon. Goates beard.

I must in this place set downe but two sorts of Goates beards; the one blew or ash-colour, the other red or purple, and leaue the other kindes: some to bee spoken of in the Kitchin Garden, and others in a Physicall Garden.

1. Tragopogon flore cæruleo. Blew Goates beard.

All the Goates beards haue long, narrow, and somewhat hollow whitish greene leaues, with a white line downe the middle of euery one on the vpperside: the stalke riseth vp greater and stronger then the Vipers grasse, bearing at the toppe a great long head or huske, composed of nine or ten long narrow leaues, the sharpe points or ends whereof rise vp aboue the flower in the middle, which is thicke and double, somewhat broad and large spread, of a blewish ash-colour, with some whitish threads among them, shutting or closing it selfe within the greene huske euery day, that it abideth blowing, vntill about noone, and opening not it selfe againe vntill the next morning: the head or huske, after the flower is past, and the seede neare ripe, openeth it selfe; the long leaues thereof, which closed not before now, falling downe round about the stalke, and shewing the seede, standing at the first close together, and the doune at the toppe of them: but after they haue stood a while, it spreadeth it selfe round, and is ready to be carried away with the winde, if it be not gathered: the seede it selfe is long, round, and rough, like the seede of the Vipers grasse, but greater and blacker: the roote is long, and not very great, but perisheth as soone as it hath borne seede, and springeth of the fallen seede, that yeare remaining greene all Winter, and flowring the next yeare following: the whole yeeldeth milke as the former, but somewhat more bitter and binding.

2. Tragopogon purpureum. Purple Goates beard.

There is little difference in this kind from the former, but that it is a little larger, both in the leafe, and head that beareth the seed: the flowers also are a little larger, and spread more, of a darke reddish purple colour, with some yellow dust as it were cast vpon it, especially about the ends: the roote perisheth in the like manner as the other.

The Place.

Both these haue been sent vs from the parts beyond the Seas, I haue had them from Italy, where no doubt they grow naturally wilde, as the yellow doth with vs: they are kept in our Gardens for their pleasant flowers.

The Time.

They flower in May and Iune: the seede is ripe in Iuly.

The Names.

Their generall name is after the Greeke word Tragopogon, which is in Latine, Barbahirci: In English, Goates beard; the head of seede when it is readie to bee carried away with the winde, causing that name for the resemblance: and because the flower doth euery day close it selfe at noone (as I said before) and openeth not againe vntill the next Sunne, some haue fitly called it, Goe to bed at noone.

The Vertues.

The rootes of these kindes are a little more bitter and more binding also then the yellow kinde expressed in the Kitchin Garden; and therefore fitter for medicine then for meate, but yet is vsed as the yellow kinde is, which is more fit for meate then medicine. The distilled water is good to wash old sores and wounds.

CHAP. LXVIII.

Flos Africanus. The French Marigold.

Of the French or African Marigolds there are three kindes as principall, and of each of them both with single and double flowers: of these, some diuersity is obserued in the colour of the flowers, as well as in the forme or largenesse, so that as you may here see, I haue expressed eight differences, and Fabius Columna nine or ten, in regard hee maketh a diuersity of the paler and deeper yellow colour: and although the lesser kinde, because of its euill sent, is held dangerous, yet for the beauty of the flower it findeth roome in Gardens.

1. Flos Africanus maior siue maximus multiplex. The great double French Marigold.

This goodly double flower, which is the grace and glory of a Garden in the time of his beauty, riseth vp with a straight and hard round greene stalke, hauing some crests or edges all along the stalke, beset with long winged leaues, euery one whereof is like vnto the leafe of an Ash, being composed of many long and narrow leaues, snipt about the edges, standing by couples one against another, with an odde one at the end, of a darke or full greene colour: the stalke riseth to be three or foure foote high, and diuideth it selfe from the middle thereof into many branches, set with such like leaues to the toppes of them, euery one bearing one great double flower, of a gold yellow colour aboue, and paler vnderneath, yet some are of a pale yellow, and some betweene both, and all these rising from one and the same seede: the flower, before it be blowne open, hath all the leaues hollow; but when it is full blowne open, it spreadeth it selfe larger then any Prouince Rose, or equall vnto it at the least, if it be in good earth, and riseth out of a long greene huske, striped or furrowed, wherein after the flower is past, (which standeth in his full beauty a moneth, and oftentimes more, and being gathered, may be preserued in his full beauty for two moneths after, if it be set in water) standeth the seede, set thicke and close together vpright, which is blacke, somewhat flat and long: the roote is full of small strings, whereby it strongly comprehendeth in the ground: the flower of this, as well as the single, is of the very smell of new waxe, or of an honie combe, and not of that poisonfull sent of the smaller kindes.

2. Flos Africanus maior simplex. The great single French Marigold.

This single Marigold is in all things so like vnto the former, that it is hard to discerne it from the double, but by the flowers, onely the stalke will be browner then the double; and to my best obseruation, hath and doth euery yeare rise from the seede of the double flower: so that when they are in flower, you may see the difference (or not much before, when they are in bud) this single flower euer appearing with thrums in the middle, and the leaues, which are the border or pale standing about them, shewing hollow or fistulous, which after lay themselues flat and open (and the double flower appearing with all his leaues folded close together, without any thrum at all) and are of a deeper or paler colour, as in the double.

3. Flos Africanus fistuloso flore simplex & multiplex. Single and double French Marigolds with hollow leafed flowers.

As the former two greatest sorts haue risen from the seede of one and the same (I meane the pod of double flowers) so doe these also, not differing from it in anything, but that they are lower, and haue smaller greene leaues, and that the flower also being smaller, hath euery leafe abiding hollow, like vnto an hollow pipe, broad open at the mouth, and is of as deepe a yellow colour for the most part as the deepest of the former, yet sometimes pale also.

4. Flos Africanus minor multiplex. The lesser double French Marigold.

The lesser double French Marigold hath his leaues in all things like vnto the former, but somewhat lesser, which are set vpon round browne stalkes, not so stiffe or vpright, but bowing and bending diuers wayes, and sometimes leaning or lying vpon the ground: the stalkes are branched out diuersly, whereon are set very faire double flowers like the former, and in the like greene huskes, but smaller, and in some the outermost leaues will be larger then any of the rest, and of a deeper Orenge colour, almost crimson, the innermost being of a deepe gold yellow colour, tending to crimson; the whole flower is smaller, and of a stronger and more vnpleasant sauour, so that but for the beautifull colour, and doublenesse of the flower, pleasant to the eye, and not to any other sense, this kinde would finde roome in few Gardens: the rootes and seedes are like the former, but lesser.

5. Flos Africanus minor simplex. The small single French Marigold.

This single kinde doth follow after the last in all manner of proportion, both of stalkes, leaues, seedes, and rootes: the flowers onely of this are single, hauing fiue or six broad leaues, of a deepe yellow crimson colour, with deepe yellow thrummes in the middle, and of as strong a stinking sent, or more then the last.

The Place.

They growe naturally in Africa, and especially in the parts about Tunis, and where old Carthage stood, from whence long agoe they were brought into Europe, where they are onely kept in Gardens, being sowne for the most part euery yeare, vnlesse in some milde Winters. The last single and double kindes (as being more hardy) haue sometimes endured: but that kinde with hollow leafed flowers, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, is accounted to come from Mexico in America.

The Time.

They flower not vntill the end of Summer, especially the greater kindes: but the lesser, if they abide all the Winter, doe flower more early.

The Names.

They haue been diuersly named by diuers men: Some calling them Caryophyllus Indicus, that is, Indian Gilloflowers, and Tanacetum Perüvianum, Tansie of Peru, as if it grew in Peru, a Prouince of America; and Flos Indicus, as a flower of the Indies; but it hath not been knowne to haue beene brought from thence. Others would haue it to be Othonna of Plinie, and others; some to be Lycopersicum of Galen. It is called, and that more truely, Flos Tunetensis, Flos Africanus, and Caltha Africana, that is, the flower of Tunis, the flower of Africa, the Marigold of Africa, and peraduenture Pedna Pænorum. We in English most vsually call them, French Marigolds, with their seuerall distinctions of greater or smaller, double or single. To that with hollow leafed flowers, Fabius Columna giueth the name of Fistiloso flore, and I so continue it.

The Vertues.

We know no vse they haue in Physicke, but are cherished in Gardens for their beautifull flowers sake.

CHAP. LXIX.

Caryophyllus hortensis. Carnations and Gilloflowers.

To auoide confusion, I must diuide Gilloflowers from Pinkes, and intreate of them in seuerall Chapters. Of those that are called Carnations or Gilloflowers, as of the greater kinde, in this Chapter; and of Pinkes, as well double as single, in the next. But the number of them is so great, that to giue seuerall descriptions to them all were endlesse, at the least needlesse: I will therefore set downe onely the descriptions of three (for vnto these three may be referred all the other sorts) for their fashion and manner of growing, and giue you the seuerall names (as they are vsually called with vs) of the rest, with their variety and mixture of colours in the flowers, wherein consisteth a chiefe difference. I account those that are called Carnations to be the greatest, both for leafe and flower, and Gilloflowers for the most part to bee lesser in both; and therefore will giue you each description apart, and the Orenge tawnie or yellow Gilloflower likewise by it selfe, as differing very notably from all the rest.

1. Caryophyllus maximus Harwicensis siue Anglicus. The great Harwich or old English Carnation.

I take this goodly great old English Carnation, as a president for the description of all the rest of the greatest sorts, which for his beauty and statelinesse, is worthy of a prime place, hauing beene alwayes very hardly preserued in the Winter; and therefore not so frequent as the other Carnations or Gilloflowers. It riseth vp with a great thicke round stalke, diuided into seuerall branches, somewhat thickly set with ioynts, and at euery ioynt two long greene rather then whitish leaues, somewhat broader then Gilloflower leaues, turning or winding two or three times round (in some other sorts of Carnations they are plaine, but bending the points downewards, and in some also of a darke reddish greene colour, and in others not so darke, but rather of a whitish greene colour:) the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes in long, great, and round greene huskes, which are diuided into fiue points, out of which rise many long and broad pointed leaues, deeply iagged at the ends, set in order round and comely, making a gallant great double flower, of a deepe Carnation colour, almost red, spotted with many blush spots and strakes, some greater and some lesser, of an excellent soft sweete sent, neither too quicke as many others of these kinds are, nor yet too dull, and with two whitish crooked threads like hornes in the middle: this kinde neuer beareth many flowers, but as it is slow in growing, so in bearing, not to be often handled, which sheweth a kinde of statelinesse, fit to preserue the opinion of magnificence: the roote is branched into diuers great, long, wooddy rootes, with many small fibres annexed vnto them.

2. Caryophyllus hortensis flore pleno rubro. The red or Cloue Gilloflower.

The red Cloue Gilloflower, which I take as a president for the second sort, which are Gilloflowers, grow like vnto the Carnations, but not so thicke set with ioynts and leaues: the stalkes are more, the leaues are narrower and whiter for the most part, and in some doe as well a little turne: the flowers are smaller, yet very thicke and double in most, and the greene huskes wherein they stand are smaller likewise then the former: the ends of the leaues in this flower, as in all the rest, are dented or iagged, yet in some more then in others; some also hauing two small white threads, crooked at the ends like hornes,in the middle of the flower, when as diuers other haue none. These kindes, and especially this that hath a deepe red crimson coloured flower, doe endure the cold of our winters, and with lesse care is preserued: these sorts as well as the former doe very seldome giue any seede, as far as I could euer obserue or learne.

3. Caryophyllus Silesiacus flore pleno miniato. The yellow or Orenge tawny Gilloflower.

This Gilloflower hath his stalkes next vnto the ground, thicker set, and with smaller or narrower leaues then the former for the most part: the flowers are like vnto the Cloue Gilloflowers, and about the same bignesse and doublenesse most vsually, yet in some much greater then in others; but of a pale yellowish Carnation colour, tending to an Orenge, with two small white threds, crooked at the ends in the middle, yet some haue none, of a weaker sent then the Cloue Gilloflower: this kinde is more apt to beare seede then any other, which is small, black, flat, and long, and being sowen, yeelde wonderfull varieties both of single and double flowers: some being of a lighter or deeper colour then the mother plants: some with stripes in most of the leaues: Others are striped or spotted, like a speckled Carnation or Gilloflower, in diuers sorts, both single and double: Some againe are wholly of the same colour, like the mother plant, and are eyther more or lesse double then it, or else are single with one row of leaues, like vnto a Pinck; and some of these likewise eyther wholly of a crimson red, deeper or lighter, or variably spotted, double or single as a Pinck, or blush eyther single or double, and but very seldome white: yet all of them in their greene leaues little or nothing varying or differing.

Caryophylli maximi.

CARNATIONS.

Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo rubro-varius.

The gray Hulo hath as large leaues as the former old Carnation, and as deepely iagged on the edges: it hath a great high stalke, whereon stand the flowers, of a deepe red colour, striped and speckled very close together with a darkish white colour.

Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo ruber non variatus.

The red Hulo is also a faire great flower, of a stamell colour, deeply iagged as the former, and groweth very comely without any spot at all in it, so that it seemeth to bee but a stamell Gilloflower, saue that it is much greater.

Caryophyllus maximus dictus Hulo cæruleo purpureus.

The blew Hulo is a goodly faire flower, being of a faire purplish murrey colour, curiously marbled with white, but so smally to be discerned, that it seemeth only purple, it hath so much the Mastrie in it; it resembleth the Brassill, but that it is much bigger.

Caryophyllus maximus dictus Grimelo siue Princeps.

The Grimelo or Prince is a faire flower also, as large as any Chrystall or larger, being of a faire crimson colour, equally for the most part striped with white, or rather more white then red, thorough euery leafe from the bottome, and standeth comely.

Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus albus.

The white Carnation or Delicate, is a goodly delightfull fair flower in his pride and perfection, that is, when it is both marbled and flaked, or striped and speckled with white vpon an incarnate crimson colour, beeing a very comely flower, but abideth not constant, changing oftentimes to haue no flakes or strakes of white, but marbled or speckled wholly.

Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus Gallicus.

The French Carnation is very like vnto the white Carnation, but that it hath more specks, and fewer stripes or flakes of white in the red, which hath the mastrie of the white.

Caryophyllus maximus Incarnadinus grandis.

The ground Carnation (if it be not the same with the graund or great old Carnation first set downe, as the alteration but of one letter giueth the coniecture) is a thicke flower, but spreadeth not his leaues abroade as others doe, hauing the middle standing higher then the outer leaues, and turning vp their brimmes or edges; it is a sad flower, with few stripes or spots in it: it is very subiect to breake the pod, that the flower seldome commeth faire and right; the greene leaues are as great as the Hulo or Lombard red.

Caryophyllus maximus Chrystallinus.

The Chrystall or Chrystalline (for they are both one, howsoeuer some would make them differ) is a very delicate flower when it is well marked, but it is inconstant in the markes, being sometimes more striped with white and crimson red, and sometimes lesse or little or nothing at all, and changing also sometimes to be wholly red, or wholly blush.

Caryophyllus maximus flore rubro.

The red Chrystall, which is the red hereof changed, is the most orient flower of all other red Gilloflowers, because it is both the greatest, as comming from the Chrystall, as also that the red hereof is a most excellent crimson.

Caryophyllus maximus dictus Fragrans.

The Fragrant is a faire flower, and thought to come from the Chrystall, being as large, but of a blush red colour, spotted with small speckes, no bigger then pinnes points, but not so thicke as in the Pageant.

Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus varius.

The stript Sauadge is for forme and bignesse equall with the Chrystall or White Carnation, but as inconstant as eyther of them, changing into red or blush, so that few branches with flowers containe their true mixtures, which are a whitish blush, fairely striped with a crimson red colour, thicke and short, with some spots also among.

Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus carneus.

The blush Sauadge is the same with the former, the same root of the stript Sauadge, as I said before, yeelding one side or part whose flowers will be eyther wholly blush, or hauing some small spots, or sometimes few or none in them.

Caryophyllus maximus Sabaudicus ruber.

The red Sauadge is as the blush, when the colour of the flower is wholly red without any stripes or spots in them, and so abideth long; yet it is sometimes seene, that the same side, or part, or roote being separate from the first or mother plant, will giue striped and well marked flowers againe.

Caryophyllus maximus Oxoniensis.

The Oxeford Carnation is very like vnto the French Carnation, both for forme, largenesse and colour; but that this is of a sadder red colour, so finely marbled with white thereon, that the red hauing the maistry, sheweth a very sad flower, not hauing any flakes or stripes at all in it.

Caryophyllus maximus Regius, siue Bristoliensis maior.

The Kings Carnation or ordinary Bristow, is a reasonable great flower, deepely iagged, of a sad red, very finally striped and speckled with white: some of the leaues of the flower on the one side will turne vp their brimmes or edges: the greene leafe is very large.

Caryophyllus maximus Granatensis.

The greatest Granado is a very faire large flower, bigger then the Chrystall, and almost as bigge as the blew Hulo; it is almost equally diuided and stript with purple and white, but the purple is sadder then in the ordinary Granado Gilloflower, else it might bee said it were the same, but greater. Diuers haue taken this flower to bee the Gran Pere, but you shall haue the difference shewed you in the next ensuing flower.

Caryophyllus maximus Gran Pere dictus.

The Gran Pere is a fair great flower, and comely for the forme, but of no great beautie for colour, because although it be stript red and white like the Queenes gilloflower, yet the red is so sad that it taketh away all the delight to the flower.

Caryophyllus maximus Cambersine dictus.

The Cambersine is a great flower and a faire, beeing a redde flower, well marked or striped with white, somewhat like vnto a Sauadge, say some, but that the red is not crimson as the Sauadge; others say the Daintie, but not so comely: the leaues of the flowers are many, and thrust together, without any due forme of spreading.

Caryophyllus maximus Longobardicus ruber.

The great Lombard red is a great sad red flower, so double and thick of leaues, that it most vsually breaketh the pod, and seldome showeth one flower among twenty perfect: the blades or greene leaues are as large as the Hulo.

Carophylli majores.

GILLOFLOWERS.

Caryophyllus maior Westminsteriensis.

The lustie Gallant or Westminster (some make them to be one flower, and others to bee two, one bigger then the other) at the first blowing open of the flower sheweth to be of a reasonable size and comelinesse, but after it hath stood blowen some time it sheweth smaller and thinner: it is of a bright red colour, much striped and speckled with white.

Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis purpureus.

The Bristow blew hath greene leaues, so large, that it would seeme to bring a greater flower then it doth, yet the flower is of a reasonable size, and very like vnto the ordinary Granado Gilloflower, striped and flaked in the same manner, but that the white of this is purer then that, and the purple is more light, and tending to a blew: this doth not abide constant, but changeth into purple or blush.

Caryophyllus maior Bristoliensis carneus.

The Bristow blush is very like the last both in leafe and flower, the colour only sheweth the difference, which seldome varyeth to be spotted, or change colour.

Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis ruber.

The red Douer is a reasonable great Gilloflower and constant, being of a faire red thicke poudered with white spots, and seemeth somewhat like vnto the ground Carnation.

Caryophyllus maior Doroborniensis dilutus siue albus.

The light or white Douer is for forme and all other things more comely then the former, the colour of the flower is blush, thicke spotted with very small spots, that it seemeth all gray, and is very delightfull.

Caryophyllus maior Cantii.

The faire maide of Kent, or Ruffling Robin is a very beautiful flower, and as large as the white Carnation almost: the flower is white, thicke poudered with purple, wherein the white hath the mastrie by much, which maketh it the more pleasant.

Caryophyllus maior Regineus.

The Queenes Gilloflower is a reasonable faire Gilloflower although very common, striped red and white, some great and some small with long stripes.

Caryophyllus maior elegans.

The Daintie is a comely fine flower, although it be not great, and for the smallnesse and thinnesse of the flower being red so finely marked, striped and speckled, that for the liuelinesse of the colours it is much desired, beeing inferiour to very few Gilloflowers.

Caryophyllus maior Brasiliensis.

The Brassill Gilloflower is but of a meane size, being of a sad purple colour, thicke poudered and speckled with white, the purple herein hath the mastrie, which maketh it shew the sadder, it is vnconstant, varying much and often to bee all purple: the greene leaues lye matting on the ground.

Caryophyllus maior Granatensis.

The Granado Gilloflower is purple and white, flaked and striped very much: this is also much subiect to change purple. There is a greater and a lesser of this kinde, besides the greatest that is formerly described.

Caryophyllus Turcicus.

The Turkie Gilloflower is but a small flower, but of great delight, by reason of the well marking of the flower, being most vsually equally striped with red and white.

Caryophyllus Cambrensis Poole.

The Poole flower, growing naturally vpon the rockes neare Cogshot Castle in the Isle of Wight, is a small flower, but very pleasant to the eye, by reason of the comely proportion thereof; it is of a bright pale red, thicke speckled, and very small with white, that it seemeth to bee but one colour, the leaues of the flower are but smally iagged about: it is constant.

Caryophyllus Pegma dilutior.

The light or pale Pageant is a flower of a middle size, very pleasant to behold, and is both constant and comely, and but that it is so common, would be of much more respect then it is: the flower is of a pale bright purple, thicke poudered, and very euenly with white, which hath the mastery, and maketh it the more gracefull.

Caryophyllus Pegma saturatior.

The sad Pageant is the same with the former in forme and bignesse, the difference in colour is, that the purple hath the mastery, which maketh it so sad, that it doth resemble the Brassill for colour, but is not so bigge by halfe.

Caryophyllus Heroina dictus elegans Magistri Bradshawij.

Master Bradshawe his dainty Lady may be well reckoned among these sorts of Gilloflowers, and compare for neatenesse with most of them: the flower is very neate, though small, with a fine small iagge, and of a fine white colour on the vnderside of all the leaues, as also all the whole iagge for a pretty compasse, and the bottome or middle part of the flower on the vpperside also: but each leafe is of a fine bright pale red colour on the vpperside, from the edge to the middle, which mixture is of wonderfull great delight.

Caryophyllus albus optimus maior Londinensis & alius.

The best white Gilloflower groweth vpright, and very double, the blades growe vpright also, and crawle not on the ground.

The London white is greater and whiter then the other ordinary white, being wholly of one colour.

Caryophyllus maior rubens & minor.

The stamell Gilloflower is well knowne to all, not to differ from the ordinary red or cloue Gilloflower, but only in being of a brighter or light red colour: there is both a greater and a lesser of this kinde.

Caryophyllus purpureus maior & minor.

The purple Gilloflower a greater and a lesse: the stalke is so slender, and the leaues vpon them so many and thicke, that they lye and traile on the ground: the greatest is almost as bigge as a Chrystall, but not so double: the lesse hath a smaller flower.

Caryophyllus Persico violaceus.

The Gredeline Gilloflower is a very neate and handsome flower, of the bignesse of the Cloue red Gilloflower, of a fine pale reddish purple or peach colour, enclining to a blew or violet, which is that colour is vsually called a gredeline colour: it hath no affinity with eyther Purple, Granado, or Pageant.

Caryophyllus purpuro cæruleus.

The blew Gilloflower is neither very double nor great, yet round and handsome, with a deepe iagge at the edge, and is of an exeeding deepe purple colour, tending to a tawnie; this differeth from all other sorts, in that the leafe is as greene as grasse, and the stalkes many times red or purple: by the greene leaues it may be knowne in the Winter, as well as in the Summer.

Caryophyllus carneus.

The blush Gilloflower differeth not from the red or stamell, but only in the colour of the flower, which is blush.

Caryophyllus Silefiacus maximus Wittin.

Iohn Wittie his great tawny Gilloflower is for forme of growing, in leafe and flower altogether like vnto the ordinary tawny, the flower onely, because it is the fairest and greatest that any other hath noursed vp, maketh the difference, as also that it is of a faire deepe scarlet colour.

There are also diuers other Tawnies, either lighter or sadder, either lesse or more double, that they cannot be numbered, and all rising (as I said before) from sowing the seede of some of them: besides the diuersities of other colours both simple and mixed, euery yeare and place yeelding some variety was not seen with them before: I shall neede but onely to giue you the names of some of them we haue abiding with vs, I meane such as haue receiued names, and leaue the rest to euery ones particular denomination.

Of Blushes there are many sorts, as the deepe blush, the pale blush, the Infanta blush, a blush enclining to a red, a great blush, the fairest and most double of all the other blushes, and many others both single and double.

Of Reds likewise there are some varieties, but not so many as of the other colours; for they are most dead or deepe reds, and few of a bright red or stamell colour; and they are single like Pinkes, either striped or speckled, or more double striped and speckled variably, or else.

There are neither purple nor white that rise from this seede that I haue obserued, except one white in one place.

Caryophyllus Silesiacus striatus.

The striped Tawny are either greater or lesser, deeper or lighter flowers twenty sorts and aboue, and all striped with smaller or larger stripes, or equally diuided, of a deeper or lighter colour: and some also for the very shape or forme will bee more neate, close, and round; others more loose, vnequall, and sparsed.

Caryophyllus Silesiacus marmor-amulus.

The marbled Tawny hath not so many varieties as the striped, but is of as great beauty and delight as it, or more: the flowers are greater or smaller, deeper or lighter coloured one then another, and the veines or markes more conspicuous, or more frequent in some then in others: but the most beautifull that euer I did see was with Master Ralph Tuggie, which I must needes therefore call

Heroina Rodolphi florum Imperatoris.

Master Tuggies Princesse, which is the greatest and fairest of all these sorts of variable tawnies, or seed flowers, being as large fully as the Prince or Chrystall, or something greater, standing comely and round, not loose or shaken, or breaking the pod as some other sorts will; the marking of the flower is in this manner: It is of a stamell colour, striped and marbled with white stripes and veines quite through euery leafe, which are as deeply iagged as the Hulo: sometimes it hath more red then white, and sometimes more white then red, and sometimes so equally marked, that you cannot discerne which hath the mastery; yet which of these hath the predominance, still the flower is very beautifull, and exceeding delightsome.

Caryophyllus Silesiacus assulosus.

The Flaked Tawny is another diuersity of these variable or mixt coloured flowers, being of a pale reddish colour, flaked with white, not alwaies downeright, but often thwart the leaues, some more or lesse then others; the marking of them is much like vnto the Chrystall: these also as well as others will be greater or smaller, and of greater or lesse beauty then others.

Caryophyllus Silesiacus plumatus.

The Feathered Tawny is more rare to meete with then many of the other; for most vsually it is a faire large flower and double, equalling the Lumbard red in his perfection: the colour hereof is vsually a scarlet, little deeper or paler, most curiously feathered and streamed with white through the whole leafe.

Caryophyllus Silesiacus punctatus.

The Speckled Tawny is of diuers sorts, some bigger, some lesse, some more, and some lesse spotted then others: Vsually it is a deepe scarlet, speckled or spotted with white, hauing also some stripes among the leaues.

Caryophyllus roseus rotundus Magistri Tuggie.

Master Tuggie his Rose Gilloflower is of the kindred of these Tawnies, being raised from the seede of some of them, and onely possessed by him that is the most industrious preseruer of all natures beauties, being a different sort from all other, in that it hath round leaues, without any iagge at all on the edges, of a fine stamell full colour, without any spot or strake therein, very like vnto a small Rose, or rather much like vnto the red Rose Campion, both for forme, colour, and roundnesse, but larger for size.

The Place.

All these are nourished with vs in Gardens, none of their naturall places being knowne, except one before recited, and the yellow which is Silesia; many of them being hardly preserued and encreased.

The Time.

They flower not vntill the heate of the yeare, which is in Iuly (vnlesse it be an extraordinary occasion) and continue flowring, vntill the colds of the Autumne checke them, or vntill they haue wholly out spent themselues, and are vsually encreased by the slips.

The Names.

Most of our later Writers doe call them by one generall name, Caryophyllus sativus, and flos Caryophylleus, adding thereunto maximus, when wee meane Carnations, and maior when we would expresse Gilloflowers, which name is taken from Cloues, in that the sent of the ordinary red Gilloflower especially doth resemble them. Diuers other seuerall names haue beene formerly giuen them, as Vetonica, or Betonica altera, or Vetonica altilis, and coronaria. Herba Tunica, Viola Damascena, Ocellus Damascenus, and Barbaricus. Of some Cantabrica Plinij. Some thinke they were vnknowne to the Ancients, and some would haue them to be Iphium of Theophrastus, wherof he maketh mention in his sixth and seuenth Chapters of his sixth booke, among Garland and Summer flowers; others to be his Dios anthos, or Iouis flos, mentioned in the former, and in other places. We call them in English (as I said before) the greatest kindes, Carnations, and the others Gilloflowers (quasi Iuly flowers) as they are seuerally expressed.

The Vertues.

The red or Cloue Gilloflower is most vsed in Physicke in our Apothecaries shops, none of the other being accepted of or vsed (and yet I doubt not, but all of them might serue, and to good purpose, although not to giue so gallant a tincture to a Syrupe as the ordinary red will doe) and is accounted to be very Cordiall.

CHAP. LXX.

Caryophylli siluestres. Pinkes.

There remaine diuers sorts of wilde or small Gilloflowers (which wee vsually call Pinkes) to be entreated of, some bearing single, and some double flowers, some smooth, almost without any deepe dents on the edges, and some iagged, or as it were feathered. Some growing vpright like vnto Gilloflowers, others creeping or spreading vnder the toppe or crust of the ground, some of one colour, some of another, and many of diuers colours: As I haue formerly done with the Gilloflowers, so must I doe with these that are entertained in our Gardens, onely giue you the descriptions of some three or foure of them, according to their variety, and the names of the rest, with their distinctions.

1. Caryophyllus minor siluestris multiplex & simplex. Double and single Pinkes.

The single and double Pinkes are for forme and manner of growing, in all parts like vnto the Gilloflowers before described, sauing onely that their leaues are smaller and shorter, in some more or lesse then in others, and so are the flowers also: the single kindes consisting of fiue leaues vsually (seldome six) round pointed, and a little snipt for the most part about the edges, with some threads in the middle, either crooked or straight: the double kindes being lesser, and lesse double then the Gilloflowers, hauing their leaues a little snipt or endented about the edges, and of diuers seuerall colours, as shall hereafter be set downe, and of as fragrant a sent, especially some of them as they: the rootes are long and spreading, somewhat hard and wooddy.

2. Caryophyllus plumarius. Feathered or iagged Pinkes.

The iagged Pinkes haue such like stalkes and leaues as the former haue, but somewhat shorter and smaller, or grasse-like, and of a whitish or grayish greene colour likewise: the flowers stand in the like manner at the toppes of the stalkes, in long, round, slender, greene huskes, consisting of fiue leaues, very much cut in on the edges, and iagged almost like a feather, of a light red, or bright purple colour, with two white threads standing in the middle, crooked like a horne at the end, and are of a very good sent. Some of these haue not those two crooked threads or hornes in the middle, but haue in their stead many small threads, not crooked at all: the seedes of them all are like vnto the seedes of Gilloflowers, or the other Pinkes, that is, small, blacke, long, and flat: the rootes are small and wooddy likewise.

3. Caryophyllus plumarius albus orbe rubro siue Stellatus. Starre Pinkes.

Of this kinde there is another sort, bearing flowers almost as deeply cut or iagged as the former, of a faire white colour, hauing a ring or circle of red about the bottome or lower part of the leaues, and are as sweete as the former: this being sowne of seede doth not giue the starre of so bright a red colour, but becommeth more dunne.

4. Caryophyllus plumarius Austriacus siue Superba Austriaca. The feathered Pinke of Austria.

This kinde of Pinke hath his first or lower leaues, somewhat broader and greener then any of the former Pinkes, being both for breadth and greennesse more like vnto the Sweete Iohns, which shall bee described in the next Chapter: the leaues on the stalkes are smaller, standing by couples at euery ioynt, at the toppes whereof stand such like iagged flowers as the last described, and as large, but more deeply cut in or iagged round about, some of them of a purplish colour, but the most ordinary with vs are pure white, and of a most fragrant sent, comforting the spirits and senses a farre off: the seedes and rootes are like vnto the former. Some haue mistaken a kinde of wilde Campion, growing in our Woods, and by the paths sides in Hornsie Parke, and other places, to be this feathered Pinke: but the flowers declare the difference sufficiently.

5. Caryophyllus minor repens simplex & multiplex. Single and double matted Pinkes.

The matted Pinke is the smallest, both for leafe and flower of all other Pinkes that are nourished in Gardens, hauing many short and small grassie greene leaues vpon the stalkes, which as they grow and lye vpon the ground (and not standing so vpright as the former) doe take roote againe, whereby it quickly spreadeth, and couereth a great deale of ground in a little space: the flowers are small and round, a little snipt about the edges, whereof some are white, and some red, and some are white spotted with red, and some red spotted with white, all of them being single flowers. But there is another of this kinde, not differing in leafe, but in flower: for that the first flowers are but once double, or of two rowes of leaues, of a fine reddish colour, spotted with siluer spots: but those that follow, are so thicke and double, that they oftentimes doe breake the pod or huske; being not altogether of so deepe a red colour, but more pale.

6. Caryophyllus Mediterraneus siue Marinus maior. Great Sea Gilloflower or Great Thrift.

Vnto these kindes of Pinkes I must needs adde, not only our ordinary Thrift (which is more frequent in gardens, to empale or border a knot, because it abideth greene Winter and Summer, and that by cutting, it may grow thick, and be kept in what form one list, rather then for any beautie of the flowers) but another greater kinde, which is of as great beautie and delight almost as any of the former Pinkes, as well for that the leaues are like vnto Gilloflowers, being longer and larger then any Pinkes, and of a whitish greene colour like vnto them, not growing long or by couples vpon the stalkes as Pinkes and Gilloflowers doe, but tufting close vpon the ground, like vnto the common Thrift: as also that the stalkes, rising from among the leaues (being sometimes two foote high (as I haue obserued in my garden) are yet so slender and weake, that they are scarce able to beare the heads of flowers, naked or bare, both of leaues and ioynts, failing only in one place, where at the ioynt each stalke hath two small and very short leaues, not rising vpwards as in all other Gilloflowers, Pinkes, and other herbes, but growing downewards) and doe beare each of them a tuft or vmbell of small purplish, or blush coloured flowers, at the toppes of them standing somewhat like vnto sweete Williams, but more roundly together, each flower consisting of fiue small, round, stiffe or hardish leaues, as if they were made of paper, the bottome or middle being hollow, not blowing all at once as the ordinary Thrift, but for the most part one after another, not shewing vsually aboue foure or fiue flowers open at one time (so farre as I could obserue in the plants that I kept) so that it was long before the whole tuft of flowers were past; but yet the hoter and dryer the time was, the sooner it would be gone: the seede I haue not perfectly obserued, but as I remember, it was somewhat like vnto the seede of Scabious; I am sure nothing like vnto Gilloflowers or Pinkes: the roote is somewhat great, long and hard, and not so much spreading in the ground as Gilloflowers or Pinkes.

7. Caryophyllus Marinus. Thrift, or Sea Cushion.

Our common Thrift is well knowne vnto all, to haue many short and hard greene leaues, smaller then many of the grasses, growing thicke together, and spreading vpon the ground: the stalkes are naked of leaues a spanne high, bearing a small tuft of light purple, or blush coloured flowers, standing round and close thrusting together.

Double Pinkes.

The double white Pinke is onely with more leaues in it then the single which maketh the difference.

The double red Pinke is in the same manner double, differing from the single of the same colour.

The double purple Pinke differeth not from the single purple for colour, but only in the doublenesse of the flower.

The Granado Pinke differeth not from the Gilloflower of the same name, but in the smalnesse both of leaues and flower.

The double Matted Pinke is before described.

The double blush Pinke is almost as great as the ordinary blush Gilloflower, and some haue taken it for one, but the greene leaues are almost as small as Pinks, and therefore I referre it to them.

Single Pinkes.

The single white ordinary Pinke hath a single white flower of fiue leaues, finely iagged about the edges.

The single red pink is like the white, but that the leaues are not so much iagged, and the flower is of a pale purplish red colour,

The single purple Pinke is of a faire purple colour, like almost vnto the purple Gilloflower.

The great blush Pinke hath broader and larger leaues in the flower then any other Pinke, and of a faire blush colour.

The white Featherd Pinke hath the edges of the flower more finely and deeply cut in then the former.

The red or light purple featherd Pinke is like the former featherd Pinke, but only differeth in colour.

The Starre Pinke is a faire flower, finely iagged on the edges, with a faire red circle at the lower end of the leaues on the inside.

The white featherd Pinke of Austria is described before. The purple featherd Pinke of Austria is so likewise. The single matted Pinke is before described. The speckled Pinke is a small flower hauing small spots of red here and there dispersed ouer the white flower.

Those single flowers being like vnto Pinkes that rise from the sowing of the orenge tawney, I bring not into this classis, hauing already spoken of them in the precedent Chapter.

The Place.

These are all like as the former, nourished in Gardens with vs, although many of them are found wilde in many places of Austria, Hungarie, and Germany, on the mountaines, and in many other places, as Clusius recordeth. The ordinary Thrift groweth in the salt Marshes at Chattam by Rochester, and in many other places in England: but the great kinde was gathered in Spaine, by Guillaume Boel that painefull searcher of simples, and the seede thereof imparted to me, from whence I had diuers plants, but one yeare after another they all perished.

The Time.

Many of these Pinkes both single and double, doe flower before any Gilloflower, and so continue vntill August, and some, most of the Summer and Autumne.

The Names.

The seuerall titles that are giuen to these Pinkes, may suffice for their particular names: and for their generall they haue beene expressed in the former Chapter, beeing of the same kindred, but that they are smaller, and more frequently found wilde. The two sorts of Thrift are called Caryophyllus Marinus. The greater, Maior & Mediterraneus; In English, The greater or Leuant Thrift, or Sea Gilloflower. The lesser Minimus, and is accounted of some to be a grasse, and therefore called Gramen Marinum & Polyanthemum; In English, Thrift, Sea grasse, and our Ladies Cushion, or Sea Cushion.

The Vertues.

It is thought by diuers, that their vertues are answerable to the Gilloflowers, yet as they are of little vse with vs, so I thinke of as small effect.

CHAP. LXXI.

Armerius. Sweet Iohns, and sweet Williams.

These kindes of flowers as they come neerest vnto Pinkes and Gilloflowers, though manifestly differing, so it is fitted to place them next vnto them in a peculiar Chapter.

1. Armerius angustifolius rubens simplex. Single red sweete Iohns.

The sweete Iohn hath his leaues broader, shorter, and greener then any of the former Gilloflowers, but narrower then sweete Williams, set by couples, at the ioynts of the stalkes, which are shorter then most of the former, and not aboue a foote and a halfe high, at the tops whereof stand many small flowers, like vnto small Pinkes, but standing closer together, and in shorter huskes, made of fiue leaues, smaller then most of them, and more deeply iagged then the Williams, of a red colour in the middle, and white at the edges, but of a small or soft sent, and not all flowring at once, but by degrees: the seede is blacke, somewhat like vnto the seede of Pinkes, the roote is dispersed diuersly, with many small fibres annexed vnto it.

2. Armerius angustifolius albus simplex. Single white sweet Iohns.

This white Iohn differeth not in any thing from the former, but onely that the leafe doth neuer change brownish, and that the flower is of a faire white colour, without any mixture.

3. Armerius angustifolius duplex. Double sweet Iohns.

There is of both those former kindes, some whose flowers are once double, that is, consisting of two or three rowes of leaues, and the edges not so deeply iagged; not differing in any thing else.

4. Armerius latifolius simplex flore rubro. Single red sweet Williams.

The sweet Williams doe all of them spread into many very long traylng branches, with leaues lying on the ground, in the very like manner that the sweete Iohns doe: the chiefe differences betweene them are, that these haue broader, and darker greene leaues, somewhat brownish, especially towards the points, and that the flowers stand thicker and closer, and more in number together, in the head or tuft, hauing many small pointed leaues among them, but harmlesse, as all men know; the colour of the flower is of a deep red, without any mixture or spot at all.

5. Armerius latifolius flore rubro multiplici. Double red sweete Williams.

The double kinde differeth not from the single kinde of the same colour, but only in the doublenesse of the flowers, which are with two rowes of leaues in euery flower.

6. Armerius latifolius variegatus siue versicolor. Speckled sweete Williams, or London pride.

These spotted Williams are very like the first red Williams, in the forme or maner of growing, hauing leaues as broade, and browne sometimes as they, the flowers, stand as thicke or thicker, clustring together, but of very variable colours: for some flowers will be of a fine delayed red, with few markes or spots vpon them, and others will bee full speckled or sprinkled with white or siluer spots, circlewise about the middle of the flowers, and some will haue many specks or spots vpon them dispersed: all these flowers are not blowne at one time, but some are flowring, when others are decaying, so that abiding long in their pride, they become of the more respect: The seede is blacke, as all the rest, and not to be distinguished one from another: the roots are some long, and some small and threddy, running vnder the vpper crust of the earth.

7. Armerius latifolius flore rubro saturo holofericeo. Sweet Williams of a deepe red or murrey colour.

The leaues of this kinde seeme to be a little larger, and the ioints a little redder then the former, but in the flower consisteth the chiefest difference, which is of a deepe red, or murrey purple colour, like vnto veluet of that colour, without any spots, but smooth, and as it were soft in handling, hauing an eye or circle in the middle, at the bottome of the leaues.

8. Armerius latifolius simplex flore albo. Single white sweete Williams.

The white kinde differeth not in forme, but in colour from the former, the leaues are not browne at all, but of a fresh greene colour, and the flowers are wholly white, or else they are all one.

The Place.

These for the most part grow wilde in Italie, and other places: we haue them in our Gardens, where they are cherished for their beautifull varietie.

The Time.

They all generally doe flower before the Gilloflowers or Pinkes, or with the first of them: their seede is ripe in Iune and Iuly, and doe all well abide the extremitie of our coldest winters.

The Names.

They all generally are called Armerius, or Armeria, as some doe write, and distinguished as they are in their titles: Yet some haue called them Vetonica agrestis, and others Herba Tunica, Scarlatea, & Caryophyllus siluestris: Wee doe in English in most places, call the first or narrower leafed kindes, Sweet Iohns, and all the rest Sweete Williams; yet in some places they call the broader leafed kindes that are not spotted, Tolmeiners, and London tufts: but the speckled kinde is termed by our English Gentlewomen, for the most part, London pride.

The Vertues.

We haue not knowne any of these vsed in Physicke.

CHAP. LXXII.

Bellis. Daisie.

There be diuers sorts of Daisies, both great and small, both single and double, both wilde growing abroade in the fieldes, and elsewhere, and manured growing only in Gardens: of all which I intend not to entreate, but of those that are of most beautie and respect, and leaue the rest to their proper place.

1. Bellis maior flore albo pleno. The great double white Daisie.

The great Daisie with the double white flower, is in all things so like vnto the great single kinde, that groweth by the high wayes, and in diuers medowes and fields, that there is no difference but in the flower, which is double. It hath many long, and somewhat broad leaues lying vpon the ground, deepely cut in on both sides, somewhat like vnto an oaken leafe; but those that are on the stalkes are shorter, narrower, and not so deeply cut in, but onely notched on the edges: the flowers at the toppe are (as I said) white and double, consisting of diuers rowes of leaues, being greater in compasse then any of the double Daisies that follow, but nothing so double of leaues.

2. Bellis minor flore rubro simplici. Single red Daisies.

This single Daisie (like as all the rest of the small Daisies) hath many smooth, greene, round pointed leaues lying on the ground, a little snipt about the edges; from among which rise many slender round foote-stalkes, rather then stalkes or stems, about an hand breadth high at the most, and oftentimes not halfe so high, bearing one flower a peece, consisting of many small leaues, as a pale or border set about a middle thrumme: the leaues of this kinde are almost wholly red, whereas in the wilde they are white or whitish, enclining to red on the edges, the middle being yellow in both sorts: the rootes are many small white threads or strings.

3. Bellis minor hortensis flore pleno variorum colorum. Double Garden Daisies of diuers colours.

The leaues of all the double Daisies are in forme like vnto the single ones, but that they are smaller, and little or nothing snipt or notched about the edges: the small stalkes like wise are smaller and lower, but bearing as double flowers as any that growe on the ground, being composed of many small leaues, thicke thrust together, of diuers colours; for some are wholly of a pure white, others haue a little red, either dispersed vpon the white leaues, or on the edges, and sometimes on the backes of the leaues: some againe seeme to be of a whitish red, or more red then white, when as indeede they are white leaues dispersed among the red; others of a deepe or darke red colour, and some are speckled or striped with white and red through the whole flower: and some the leaues will bee red on the vpperside, and white vnderneath; and some also (but those are very rare) are of a greenish colour.

4. Bellis minor hortensis prolifera. Double double Daisies or childing Daisies.

There is no difference either in leafe or roote in this kinde from the former double Daisies: the chiefest variety consisteth in this, that it beareth many small double flowers, standing vpon very short stalkes round about the middle flower, which is vsually as great and double as any of the other double kindes, and is either wholly of a deepe red colour, or speckled white and red as in some of the former kindes, or else greenish, all the small flowers about it being of the same colour with the middlemost.

5. Bellis cærulea siue Globularia. Blew Daisies.

The likenesse and affinity that this plant hath with the former, both in the forme of leafe and flower, as also in the name, hath caused me to insert it, and another rare plant of the same kinde, in this place, although they be very rare to be met with in our English Gardens. This beareth many narrower, shorter, and blacker greene leaues then the former, lying round about vpon the ground; among which rise vp slender, but stiffe and hard stalks, halfe a foot high or more, set here and there with small leaues, and at the top a small round head, composed of many small blew leaues, somewhat like vnto the head of a Scabious: It hath bin found likewise with a white head of flowers: the roote is hard and stringie: the whole plant is of a bitter taste.

6. Globularia lutea montana. Yellow Daisies.

This mountaine yellow Daisie or Globe-flower hath many thicke, smooth, round pointed leaues, spread vpon the ground like the former; among which spring diuers small round rushie stalkes, a foote high, bearing about the middle of them two small leaues at the ioynts, and at the toppes round heads of flowers thrust thicke together, standing in purplish huskes, euery of which flowers do blow or spread into fiue leaues, starre-fashion, and of a faire yellow colour, smelling like vnto broome flowers, with many small threads in the middle compassing a flat pointell, horned or bended two wayes: after the flowers are past rise vp the seede vessels, which are round, swelling out in the middle, and diuided into foure parts at the toppes, containing within them round, flat, blacke seede, with a small cut or notch in them: the roote is a finger long, round and hard, with a thicke barke, and a woddy pith in the middle, of a sharpe drying taste and strong sent: the leaues are also sharpe, but bitter.

The Place.

The small Daisies are all planted, and found onely in Gardens, and will require to be replanted often, lest they degenerate into single flowers, & at least into lesse double. The blew Daisie is naturall of Mompelier in France, and on the mountaines in many places of Italy, as also the yellow kinde in the Kingdome of Naples.

The Time.

The Daisies flower betimes in the Spring, and last vntill May, but the last two flower not vntill August or September.

The Names.

They are vsually called in Latine Bellides, and in English Daisies. Some call them Herba Margarita, and Primula veris, as it is likely after the Italian names, of Marguerite, and Flor di prima vera gentile. The French call them Pasquettes, and Marguerites, and the Fruitfull sort, or those that beare small flowers about the middle one, Margueritons: our English women call them Iacke an Apes on horse-backe, as they doe Marigolds before recited, or childing Daisies: but the Physitians and Apothecaries doe in generall call them, especially the single or Field kindes, Consolida minor. The blew Daisie is called Bellis cærulea, and Globularia, of some Scabiosæ pumilum genus. The Italians call it Botanaria, because the heads are found like buttons. The yellow, Globularia montana, is onely described by Fabius Columna, in his last part of Phytobasanos, and by him referred vnto the former Globularia, although it differ in some notable points from it.

The Vertues.

The properties of Daisies are certainly to binde, and the roote especially being dryed, they are vsed in medicines to that purpose. They are also of speciall account among those herbes, that are vsed for wounds in the head.

CHAP. LXXIII.

Scabiosa. Scabious.

The sorts of Scabious being many, yeeld not flowers of beauty or respect, fit to bee cherished in this our Garden of delight; and therefore I leaue them to the Fields and Woods, there to abide. I haue onely two or three strangers to bring to your acquaintance, which are worthy this place.

1. Scabiosa flore albo. White flowred Scabious.

This white Scabious hath many long leaues, very much iagged or gasht in on both sides, of a meane bignesse, being neither so large as many of the field, nor so small as any of the small kindes: the stalkes rise about a foote and a halfe high, or somewhat higher, at the tops whereof grow round heads, thicke set with flowers, like in all points vnto the field Scabious, but of a milke white colour.

2. Scabiosa rubra Austriaca. Red Scabious of Austria.

This red Scabious hath many leaues lying vpon the ground, very like vnto Deuils bit, but not so large, being shorter and snipt, not gashed about the edges, of a light greene colour; yet (there is another of a darker greene colour, whose flower is of a deeper red) the stalkes haue diuers such leaues on them, set by couples at the ioynts as grow belowe, and at the tops small heads of flowers, each consisting of fiue leaues, the biggest flowers standing round about in the outer compasse, as is vsuall almost in all the kinds of Scabious, of a fine light purple or red colour: after the flowers are past, come the seede, which is somewhat long and round, set with certaine haires at the head thereof, like vnto a Starre: the roote is composed of a number of slender strings, fastened at the head.

3. Scabiosa rubra Indica. Red flowred Indian Scabious.

This (reputed Indian) Scabious hath many large faire greene leaues lying on the ground, iagged or cut in on both sides to the middle ribbe, euery peece whereof is narrower then that at the end, which is the broadest: among these leaues rise vp sundry slender and weake stalkes, yet standing vpright for the most part, set with smaller and more iagged leaues at certaine distances, two or three at euery ioynt, branching forth at the toppe into other smaller branches, bearing euery one head of flowers, like in forme vnto other Scabiouses, but of an excellent deepe red crimson colour (and sometimes more pale or delayed) of no sent at all; after which doe come small roundish seede, like vnto the field Scabious: the roote is long and round, compassed with a great many small strings, and perisheth vsually as soone as it hath borne out his flowers and seede: otherwise if it doe not flower the first yeare of the sowing, if it be carefully defended from the extremity of Winter, it will flower the sooner the next yeare, as I my selfe haue often found by experience.

The Place.

The first is sometimes found wilde in our owne Countrey, but it is very geason, and hath been sent among other rare seedes from Italy.

The second was first found and written of by Clusius, in Pannonia and Austria, where it is very plentifull.

The third hath been sent both from Spaine & Italy, and is verily thought to grow naturally in both those parts.

The Time.

The first and second flower earlier then the last, for that it flowreth not vntill September or October, (vnlesse it be not apt to beare the first yeare as I before said) so that many times (if none be more forward) it perisheth without bearing ripe seede, whereby we are oftentimes to seeke new seede from our friends in other parts.

The Names.

They haue all one generall name of Scabious, distinguished eyther by their flower, or place of growing, as in their titles: yet the last is called of diuers Scabiosa exotica, because they thinke the name Indica, is not truely imposed vpon it.

The Vertues.

Whether these kindes haue any of the vertues of the other wilde kinds, I know none haue made any experience, and therefore I can say no more of them.

CHAP. LXXIIII.

Cyanus. Corne flower, or blew Bottles.

Vnder the name of Cyanus are comprehended, not onely those plants which from the excellent blew colour of their flowers (furnishing or rather pestering the Corne fieldes) haue peculiarly obtained that name, and which doth much vary also, in the colour of the flowers, as shall be shewed; but some other plants also for their neere resemblance, but with seuerall distinctions. The Cyanus maior, Ptarmica Austriaca, Ptarmica Imperati, and many others which may be adioyned vnto them, do more fitly belong to the Garden of Simples, whereunto I leaue them, and will here only entreate of those that may most please the delight of our Gentle Florists, in that I labour and striue, to furnish this our garden, with the chiefest choyse of natures beauties and delights.

1. Cyanus vulgaris diuersorum colorum. Corne flower of diuers colours.

All these sorts of Corne flowers are for the most part alike, both in leaues and flowers one vnto another for the forme: the difference betweene them consisteth in the varying colour of the flowers: For the leaues are long, and of a whitish greene colour, deeply cut in on the edges in some places, somewhat like vnto the leaues of a Scabious: the stalkes are two foote high or better, beset with such like leaues but smaller, and little or nothing cut in on the edges: the toppes are branched, bearing many small greene scaly heads, out of which rise flowers, consisting of fiue or sixe, or more long and hollow leaues, small at the bottome, and opening wider and greater at the brims, notched or cut in on the edges, and standing round about many small threds in the middle: the colours of these flowers are diuers, and very variable; for some are wholly blew, or white, or blush, or of a sad, or light purple, or of a light or dead red, or of an ouerworne purple colour, or else mixed of these colours, as some, the edges white, and the rest blew or purple, or the edges blew or purple, and the rest of the flower white, or striped, spotted, or halfed, the one part of one colour, and the other of another, the threds likewise in the middle varying in many of them; for some will haue the middle thrume of a deeper purple then the outer leaues, and some haue white or blush leaues, the middle thrume being reddish, deeper or paler. After the flowers are past, there come small, hard, white and shining seede in those heads, wrapped or set among a deale of flockie matter, as is most vsuall, in all plants that beare scaly heads: the rootes are long and hard, perishing euery yeare when it hath giuen seede.

2. Cyanus floridus Turcicus. The Sultans flower.

As a kinde of these Corne flowers, I must needes adioyne another stranger, of much beautie, and but lately obtained from Constantinople, where, because (as it is said) the great Turke, as we call him, saw it abroade, liked it, and wore it himselfe; all his vassals haue had it in great regard, and hath been obtained from them, by some that haue sent it into these parts. The leaues whereof are greener, and not only gashed, but finely snipt on the edges: the stalkes are three foote high, garnished with the like leaues as are below, and branched as the former, bearing large scaly heads, and such like flowers but larger, hauing eight or nine of those hollow gaping leaues in euery flower, standing about the middle threds (if it be planted in good and fertile ground and be well watered, for it soone starueth and perisheth with drought) the circling leaues are of a fine delayed purple or blush colour, very beautifull to behold; the seede of this is smaller and blacker, and not enclosed in so much dounie substance, as the former (yet in our Countrey the seede is not so blacke, as it came vnto vs, but more gray) the roote perisheth likewise euery yeere.

3. Cyanus Bæticus supinus. The Spanish Corne-flower.

This Spanish kinde hath many square low bending or creeping stalkes, not standing so vpright as the former, but branching out more diuersly; so that one plant will take vp a great deale of ground: the leaues are broader then any of the rest, softer also, of a pale or whitish greene colour, and not much gashed on the edges: the flowers stand in bigger heads, with foure or fiue leaues vnder euery head, and are of a light pale purple or blush colour; after which come seede, but not so plentifully, yet wrapped in a great deale of flockie matter, more then any: the roote groweth downe deepe into the ground, but perisheth euery yeare as they doe.

The Place.

The first or former kindes, grow many times in the Corne fields of our own Countrey, as well as of others, especially that sort with a blew flower: but the other sorts or colours are not so frequent, but are nourished in gardens, where they will vary wonderfully.

The second as is before set downe, groweth in Turkie: and the last in Spaine, found out and first sent to vs by that industrious searcher of simples, Guillaume Boel before remembred.

The Time.

The first doe flower in the end of Iune, and in Iuly, and sometimes sooner. The other two later, and not vntill August most commonly, and the seede is soone ripe after.

The Names.

The first is generally called Cyanus, and some following the Ditch name, call it Flos frumenti. The olde Writers gaue it the name of Bapti sæcuba, which is almost worne out. We doe call them in English, Blew Bottles, and in some places, Corne flowers, after the Ditch names. The second hath beene sent by the name of Ambreboi, which whether it be a Turkie or Arabian name, I know not. I haue called it from the place, from whence we had it, Turcicus, and for his beauty, Floridus. The Turkes themselues as I vnderstand, doe call it The Sultans flower, and I haue done so likewise, that it may bee distinguished from all the other kindes, or else you may call it, The Turkey blush Corne flower, which you please. The last was sent by the name of Iacea Bætica, but I had rather to referre it to the Cyanus, or Corne flowers, because the flowers are like vnto the Corne flowers, and not vnto the Iaceas or Knapweedes.

The Vertues.

These had no vse in Physicke in Galen and Dioscorides time, in that (as it is thought) they haue made no mention of them: We in these dayes doe chiefly vse the first kindes (as also the greater sort) as a cooling Cordiall, and commended by some to be a remedy, not onely against the plague and pestilentiall diseases, but against the poison of Scorpions and Spiders.

CHAP. LXXV.

Iacea Marina Bætica. Spanish Sea Knapweede.

There are a great many sorts of Knapweedes, yet none of them all fit for this our Garden, but this only stranger, which I haue beene bold to thrust in here, for that it hath such like gaping or open flowers, as the former Corne flowers haue, but notably differing, and therefore deserueth a peculiar Chapter, as partaking both with Cyanus and Iacea. It hath many long and narrow leaues vneuenly dented or waued on both edges (and not notched, gashed or indented, as many other herbes are) being thicke, fleshie and brittle, a little hairy, and of an ouerworne darke greene colour, among which rise lowe weake stalkes, with such like leaues as grow at the bottome, but smaller, bearing but here and there a flower, of a bright reddish purple colour, like in forme vnto the Corne flowers, but much larger, with many threds or thrumes in the middle of the same colour, standing vp higher then any of the former: this flower riseth out of a large scaly head, all set ouer with small sharpe (but harmelesse) white prickles: the seedes are blackish, like vnto the Knapweedes, and larger then any of the former Corne flowers: the roote is great and thicke, growing deepe into the ground, fleshie and full of a slimie or clammy iuice, and easie to bee broken, blackish on the outside, and whitish within, enduring many yeares, like as the other Knapweedes, or Matfelons doe, growing in time to be very thicke and great.

The Place.

It groweth naturally by the Sea side in Spaine, from whence I receiued the seedes of Guillaume Boel, and did abide well in my garden a long time, but is now perished.

The Time.

It flowreth in the beginning of Iuly, or thereabouts, and continueth not long in flower: but the head abideth a great while, and is of some beauty after the flower is past; yet seldome giueth good seed with vs.

The Names.

It hath no other name then is set down in the title, being altogether a Nouelist, and not now to be seene with any sauing my selfe.

The Vertues.

We haue not yet known any use hereof in Physick.

CHAP. LXXVI.

Cnicus siue Carthamus sativus. Bastard or Spanish Saffron.

There are two or three sorts of Cnicus or bastard Saffrons which I passe ouer, as not fit for this Garden, and onely set downe this kinde, whose flowers are of a fairer and more liuely colour in our Country, then any hath come ouer from Spaine, where they manure it for the profit they make thereof, seruing for the dying of Silke especially, and transporting great quantities to diuers Countries. It hath large broad leaues, without any prickes at all vpon them in our Country, growing vpon the stalke, which is strong, hard, and round, with shorter leaues thereon vp to the toppe, where they are a little sharpe pointed, and prickly about the edges sometimes, which stalke riseth three or foure foote high, and brancheth it selfe toward the toppe, bearing at the end of euery branch one great open scaly head, out of which thrusteth out many gold yellow threads, of a most orient shining colour, which being gathered in a dry time, and kept dry, will abide in the same delicate colour that it bare when it was fresh, for a very long time after: when the flowers are past, the seede when it is come to maturity, which is very seldome with vs, is white and hard, somewhat long, round, and a little cornered: the roote is long, great, and wooddy, and perisheth quickly with the first frosts.

The Place.

It groweth in Spaine, and other hot Countries, but not wilde, for that it is accounted of the old Writers, Theophrastus and Dioscorides, to be a manured plant.

The Time.

It flowreth with vs not vntill August, or September sometimes, so that it hardly giueth ripe seede (as I said) neither is it of that force to purge, which groweth in these colder Countries, as that which commeth from Spaine, and other places.

The Names.

The name Cnicus is deriued from the Greekes, and Carthamus from the Arabians, yet still sativus is added vnto it, to shew it is no wilde, but a manured plant, and sowne euery where that wee know. Of some it is called Crocus hortensis, and Sarasenicus,from the Italians which so call it. We call it in English Bastard Saffron, Spanish Saffron, and Catalonia Saffron.

The Vertues.

The flowers are vsed in colouring meates, where it groweth beyond Sea, and also for the dying of Silkes: the kernels of the seede are onely vsed in Physicke with vs, and serueth well to purge flegmaticke humours.

CHAP. LXXVII.

Carduus. Thistles.

You may somewhat maruaile, to see mee curious to plant Thistles in my Garden, when as you might well say, they are rather plagues then pleasures, and more trouble to weede them out, then to cherish them vp, if I made therein no distinction or choise; but when you haue viewed them well which I bring in, I will then abide your censure, if they be not worthy of some place, although it be but a corner of the Garden, where something must needes be to fill vp roome. Some of them are smooth, and without prickes at all, some at the heads onely, and some all ouer; but yet not without some especiall note or marke worthy of respect: Out of this discourse I leaue the Artichoke, with all his kindes, and reserue them for our Kitchin Garden, because (as all know) they are for the pleasure of the taste, and not of the smell or sight.

1. Acanthus sativus. Garden Beares breech.

The leaues of this kinde of smooth thistle (as it is accounted) are almost as large as the leaues of the Artichoke, but not so sharp pointed, very deeply cut in and gashed on both edges, of a sad green & shining colour on the vpperside, and of a yellowish green vnderneath, with a great thicke rib in the middle, which spread themselues about the root, taking vp a great deale of ground. After this plant hath stood long in one place, and well defended from the iniury of the cold, it sendeth forth from among the leaues one or more great and strong stalkes, three or foure foote high, without any branch at all, bearing from the middle to the top many flowers one aboue another, spike-fashion round about the stalke, with smaller but not diuided greene leaues at euery flower, which is white, and fashioned somewhat like vnto a gaping mouth; after which come broad, flat, thicke, round, brownish yellow seede (as I haue well obserued by them haue beene sent me out of Spaine, and which haue sprung vp, and doe grow with me; for in our Countrey I could neuer obserue any seede to haue growne ripe) the rootes are composed of many great and thicke long strings, which spread farre in and vnder the ground, somewhat darkish on the outside, and whitish within, full of a clammy moisture (whereby it sheweth to haue much life) and doe endure our Winters, if they be not too much exposed to the sharpe violence thereof, which then it will not endure, as I haue often found by experience.

2. Acanthus siluestris. Wilde or prickly Beares breech.

This prickly Thistle hath diuers long greenish leaues lying on the ground, much narrower then the former, but cut in on both sides, thicke set with many white prickes and thornes on the edges: the stalke riseth not vp so high, bearing diuers such like thornie leaues on them, with such a like head of flowers on it as the former hath: but the seede hereof (as it hath come to vs from Italy and other places, for I neuer saw it beare seed here in this Country) is blacke and round, of the bignesse of a small pease: the roote abideth reasonable well, if it be defended somewhat from the extremity of our Winters, or else it will perish.

3. Eryngium Pannonicum siue Montanum. Hungary Sea Holly.

The lower leaues of this Thistle that lye on the ground, are somewhat large, round, and broad, hard in handling, and a little snipt about the edges, euery one standing vpon a long foote-stalke: but those that growe vpon the stalke, which is stiffe, two or three foote high, haue no foote-stalke, but encompasse it, two being set at euery ioynt, the toppe whereof is diuided into diuers branches, bearing small round rough heads, with smaller and more prickly leaues vnder them, and more cut in on the sides then those belowe: out of these heads rise many blew flowers, the foote-stalkes of the flowers, together with the toppes of the branches, are likewise blew and transparent, or shining.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

We haue another of this kinde, the whole toppes of the stalkes with the heads and branches, are more white then blew: the seede contained in these heads are white, flat, and as it were chaffie: the roote is great and whitish, spreading farre into many branches, and somewhat sweete in taste, like the ordinary Sea Holly rootes.

4. Carduus mollis. The gentle Thistle.

The leaues of this soft and gentle Thistle that are next vnto the ground, are greene on the vpperside, and hoary vnderneath, broad at the bottome, somewhat long pointed, and vneuenly notched about the edges, with some soft hairie prickles, not hurting the handler, euery one standing vpon a short foote-stalke; those that growe about the middle stalke are like the former, but smaller and narrower, and those next the toppe smallest, where it diuideth it selfe into small branches, bearing long and scaly heads, out of which breake many reddish purple threads: the seede is whitish and hard, almost as great as the seede of the greater Centory: the roote is blackish, spreading vnder the ground, with many small fibres fastened vnto it, and abideth a great while.

5. Carlina humilis. The lowe Carline Thistle.

This lowe Thistle hath many iagged leaues, of a whitish greene Colour, armed with small sharp white prickles round about the edges, lying round about the root vpon the ground, in the middle whereof riseth vp a large head, without any stalke vnder it, compassed about with many small and long prickly leaues, from among which the flower sheweth it selfe, composed of many thin, long, whitish, hard shining leaues, standing about the middle, which is flat and yellow, made of many thrums or threads like small flowers, wherein lye small long seede, of a whitish or siluer colour: the roote is somewhat aromaticall, blackish on the outside, small and long, growing downewards into the ground. There is another of this kinde that beareth a higher stalke, and a redder flower, but there is a manifest difference betweene them.

6. Carduus Sphærocephalus siue Globosus maior. The greater Globe Thistle.

The greatest of these beautifull Thistles, hath at the first many large and long leaues lying on the ground, very much cut in and diuided in many places, euen to the middle ribbe, set with small sharpe (but not very strong) thornes or prickles at euery corner of the edges, greene on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath: from the middle of these leaues riseth vp a round stiffe stalke, three foote and a halfe high, or more, set without order with such like leaues, bearing at the toppe of euery branch a round hard great head, consisting of a number of sharpe bearded huskes, compact or set close together, of a blewish greene colour, out of euery one of which huskes start small whitish blew flowers, with white threads in the middle of them, and rising aboue them, so that the heads when they are in full flower, make a fine shew, much delighting the spectators: after the flowers are past, the seede encreaseth in euery one, or the most part of the bearded huskes, which doe still hold their round forme, yntill that being ripe it openeth it selfe, and the huskes easily fall away one from another, containing within them a long whitish kernell: the roote is great and long, blackish on the outside, and dyeth euery yeare when it hath borne seede.

7. Carduus Globosus minor. The lesser Globe Thistle.

The lesser kinde hath long narrow leaues, whiter then the former, but cut in and gashed on the edges very much with some small prickes on them; the stalke is not halfe so long, nor the heads halfe so great, but as round, and with as blew flowers as the greater: this seldome giueth ripe seede, but recompenseth that fault, in that the roote perisheth not as the former, but abideth many yeares.

8. Carduus Eriocephalus siue Tomentosus. The Friers Crowne.

This woolly Thistle hath many large and long leaues lying on the ground, cut in on both sides into many diuisions, which are likewise somewhat vnequally cut in or diuided againe, hauing sharpe white prickles at euery corner of the diuisions, of a dead or sad greene colour on the vpperside, and somewhat woolly withall, and grayish vnderneath: the stalke is strong and tall, foure or fiue foote high at the least, branching out into diuers parts, euery where beset with such like leaues as growe below; at the toppe of euery branch there breaketh out a great whitish round prickly head, flattish at the toppe, so thicke set with wooll, that the prickles seeme but small spots or haires, and doth so well resemble the bald crowne of a Frier, not onely before it be in flower, but especially after it hath done flowring, that thereupon it deseruedly receiued the name of the Friers Crowne Thistle: out of these heads riseth forth a purple thrumme, such as is to be seene in many other wilde Thistles, which when they are ripe, are full of a flockie or woolly substance, which breake at the toppe shedding it, and the seede which is blackish, flat, and smooth: the roote is great and thicke, enduring for some yeares, yet sometimes perishing, if it be too much exposed to the violence of the frosts in Winter.

The Place.

The first groweth naturally in Spaine, Italy, and France, and in many other hot Countries, and growe onely in Gardens in these colder climates, and there cherished for the beautifull aspect both of the greene plants, and of the stalkes when they are in flower. The Carline Thistle is found both in Germany and Italy in many places, and as it is reported, in some places of the West parts in England. The others are found some in France, some in Hungary, and on the Alpes, and the last in Spaine.

The Time.

They doe all flower in the Summer moneths, some a little earlier or later then others.

The Names.

The first is called Acanthus sativus (because the other that is prickly, is called siluestris or spinosus) and Branea vrsina; In English, Branck vrsine, and Beares breech. The third is called Eryngium montanum, Alpinum, and Pannonicum latifolium: In English, Mountaine or Hungary Sea Holly. The fourth is called Carduus mollis, The gentle Thistle, because it hath no harmfull prickles, although it seeme at the first shew to be a Thistle. The fifth is called of diuers Chamæleo albus, and Carlina, as if they were both but one plant; but Fabius Columna hath in my iudgement very learnedly descided that controuersie, making Carlina to be Ixine of Theophrastus, and Chamæleo another differing Thistle, which Gaza translateth Vernilago. We call it in English, The Carline Thistle. The other haue their names in their titles, as much as is conuenient for this discourse.

The Vertues.

The first hath alwaies been vsed Physically, as a mollifying herbe among others of the like slimie matter in Glisters, to open the body; yet Lobel seemeth to make no difference in the vse of them both (that is, the prickly as well as the smooth.) The Carline Thistle is thought to bee good against poysons and infection. The rest are not vsed by any that I know.

CHAP. LXXVIII.

Fraxinella. Bastard Dittany.

Hauing finished those pleasing Thistles, I come to other plants of more gentle handling, and first bring to your consideration this bastard Dittany, whereof there are found out two especiall kindes, the one with a reddish, the other with a whitish flower, and each of these hath his diuersity, as shall be presently declared.

1. Fraxinella flore rubente. Bastard Dittany with a reddish flower.

This goodly plant riseth vp with diuers round, hard brownish stalkes, neare two foote high, the lower parts whereof are furnished with many winged leaues, somewhat like vnto Liquerice, or a small young Ashe tree, consisting of seuen, nine, or eleuen leaues set together, which are somewhat large and long, hard and rough in handling, of a darkish greene colour, and of an vnpleasant strong resinous sent: the vpper parts of the stalkes are furnished with many flowers, growing spike fashion, at certaine distances one aboue another, consisting of fiue long leaues a peece, whereof foure that stand on the two sides, are somewhat bending vpwards, and the fift hanging downe, but turning vp the end of the leafe a little againe, of a faint or pale red colour, striped through euery leafe with a deeper red colour, and hauing in the middle a tassell of fiue or six long purplish threds, that bowe downe with the lower leafe, and turne vp also the ends againe, with a little freese or thrume at the ends of euery one: after the flowers are past, arise hard, stiffe, rough, clammy huskes, horned or pointed at the end, foure or fiue standing together, somewhat like the seede vessels of the Wolfes-banes, or Colombines, but greater, thicker and harder, wherein is contained round shining blacke seede, greater then any Colombine seede by much, and smaller then Peony seede: the roote is white, large, and spreading many wayes vnder ground, if it stand long: the whole plant, as well roots as leaues and flowers, are of a strong sent, not so pleasing for the smell, as the flowers are beautifull to the sight.

2. Fraxinella flore rubro. Bastard Dittaine with a red flower.

This differeth not from the former eyther in roote, leafe or flower for the forme but that the stalkes and leaues are of a darker greene colour, and that the flowers are of a deeper red colour, (and growing in a little longer spike), wherein the difference chiefly consisteth, which is sufficient to distinguish them.

3. Fraxinella flore albo. Bastard Dittanie with a white flower.

The white flowred Fraxinella hath his leaues and stalkes of a fresher greene colour then any of the former; and the flowers are of a pure white colour, in forme differing nothing at all from the other.

4. Fraxinella flore albo cæruleo. Bastard Dittanie with an ash coloured flower.

The colour of the flower of this Fraxinella onely putteth the difference betweene this, and the last recited with a white flower: for this beareth a very pale, or whitish blew flower, tending to an ash colour.

The Place.

All these kindes are found growing naturally, in many places both of Germany, and Italie: and that with the white flower, about Franckford, which being sent me, perished by the way by long and euill carriage.

The Time.

They flower in Iune and Iuly, and the seede is ripe in August.

The Names.

The name Fraxinella is most generally imposed on those plants, because of the resemblance of them vnto young Ashes, in their winged leaues. Yet some doe call them Dictamus albus, or Dictamnus albus, and Diptamus albus, as a difference from the Dictamnus Creticus, which is a farre differing plant. Some would haue it to be Tragium of Dioscorides, but beside other things wheaten this differeth from Tragium, this yeeldeth no milkie iuice, as Dioscorides saith Tragium doth: We in English doe eyther call it Fraxinella, or after the other corrupted name of Dictamus, Bastard Dittanie.

The Vertues.

It is held to be profitable against the stingings of Serpents, against contagious and pestilent diseases, to bring downe the feminine courses, for the paines of the belly and the stone, and in Epilepticall diseases, and other cold paines of the braines: the roote is the most effectual for all these, yet the seede is sometimes vsed.

CHAP. LXXIX.

Legumina. Pulse.

If I should describe vnto you all the kindes of Pulse, I should vnfold a little world of varieties therein, more knowne and found out in these dayes, then at any time before, but that must bee a part of a greater worke, which will abide a longer time before it see the light. I shall only select those that are fit for this garden, and set them downe for your consideration. All sorts of Pulse may be reduced vnder two generall heads, that is, of Beanes and Pease, of each whereof there is both tame and wilde: Of Beanes, besides the tame or vsuall garden Beane, and the French or Kidney Beane, (whereof I meane to entreate in my Kitchen garden, as pertinent thereto) there is the Lupine or flat Beane, whereof I meane to entreate here, and the blacke Beane and others which must bee reserued for the Physicke Garden. And of the kindes of Pease some are fit for this Garden; (whereunto I will adioyne two or three other plants as neerest of affinitie, the flowers of some, and the fruit of others being delightfull to many, and therefore fit for this garden) some for the Kitchen, the rest for the Physicke garden. And first of Lupines or flat Beanes, accepted as delightfull to many, and therefore fit for this garden.

1. Lupinus sativus albus. The white garden Lupine.

The garden Lupine riseth vp with a great round stalke, hollow and somewhat woolly, with diuers branches, whereon grow vpon long footestalkes many broade leaues, diuided into seuen or nine parts, or smaller leaues, equally standing round about, as it were in a circle, of a whitish greene colour on the vpperside, and more woolly vnderneath: the flowers stand many together at seuerall ioynts, both of the greater stalke, and the branches, like vnto beanes, and of a white colour in some places, and in others of a very bleake blew tending to white: after the flowers are past, there come in their places, long, broade, and flat rough cods, wherein are contained round and flat seede, yellowish on the inside, and couered with a tough white skin, and very bitter in taste: the rootes are not very great, but full of small fibres, whereby it fasteneth it selfe strongly in the ground, yet perisheth euery yeare, as all the rest of these kindes doe.

2. Lupinus cæruleus maximus. The greater blew Lupine.

The Stemme or stalke of this Lupine is greater then the last before recited, as also the leaues more soft and woolly, and the flowers are of a most perfect blew colour, with some white spots in the middle: the long rough greenish cods are very great and large, wherein are contained hard, flat and round seede, not so white on the outside as the former, but somewhat yellower, greater also, and more rough or hard in handling.

3. Lupinus cæruleus minor. The lesser blew Lupine.

This kinde of wilde Lupine differeth not in the forme of leafe or flower from the former, but only that it is much smaller, the leaues are greener, and haue fewer diuisions in them: the flower is of as deepe a blew colour as the last; the cods likewise are small and long, containing small round seede, not so flat as the former, but more discoloured or spotted on the outside, then the greater kinde is.

[Sidenote: Minimus.]

There is a lesser kind then this, not differing in any thing from this, but that it is lesser.

4. Lupinus flore luteo. The yellow Lupine.

The yellow Lupine groweth not vsually so high, but with larger leaues then the small blew Lupine; the flowers grow in two or three rundles or tufts, round about the stalke and the branches at the ioynts, of a delicate fine yellow colour, like in fashion vnto the other kindes, being larger then the last, but nothing so large as the greater kindes, and of a fine small sent: the seede is round, and not very flat, but much about the forme and bignesse of the small blew, or somewhat bigger, of a whitish colour on the outside, spotted with many spots.

The Place.

The first groweth in many places of Greece, and the Easterne Countries beyond it, where it hath beene anciently cherished for their foode, being often watered to take away the bitternesse. It groweth also in these Western parts, but still where it is planted. The great blew Lupine is thought to come from beyond the parts of Persia, in Caramania. The lesser blew is found very plentifully wilde, in many places both of Spaine and Italy. The last hath beene brought vs likewise out of Spaine, whereas it is thought it groweth naturally. They all grow now in the gardens of those, that are curious louers of these delights.

The Time.

They flower in Summer, and their seede is ripe quickly after.

The Names.

They are generally called Lupini. Plautus in his time saith, they were vsed in Comedies in stead of money, when in any Scene thereof there was any shew of payment, and therefore he calleth them Aurum Comicum. And Horace hath this Verse,

Nec tamen ignorant, quid distent æra Lupinis,

to shew that counterfeit money (such as counters are with vs, or as these Lupines were vsed in those times) was easily knowne from true and currant coine. In English wee vsually call them after the Latine name, Lupines; and some after the Dutch name, Figge-beanes, because they are flat and round as a Figge that is pressed; and some Flat-beanes for the same reason. Some haue called the yellow Lupine, Spanish Violets: but other foolish names haue beene giuen it, as Virginia Roses, and the like, by knauish Gardiners and others, to deceiue men, and make them beleeue they were the finders out, or great preseruers of rarities, of no other purpose, but to cheate men of their money: as you would therefore auoyde knaues and deceiuers, beware of these manner of people, whereof the skirts of our towne are too pitifully pestered.

The Vertues.

The first or ordinary Lupine doth scoure and cleanse the skin from spots, morphew, blew markes, and other discolourings thereof, beeing vsed eyther in a decoction or pouther. Wee seldome vse it in inward medicines, not that it is dangerous, but of neglect, for formerly it hath beene much vsed for the wormes, &c.

1. Lathyrus latifolius, siue Pisum perenne. Pease euerlasting.

This kinde of wilde Pease that abideth long, and groweth euery yeare greater then other, springeth vp with many broade trayling branches, winged as it were on both the sides, diuersly diuided into other smaller branches, at the seuerall ioynts whereof stand two hard, not broad, but somewhat long greene leaues, and diuers twining claspers, in sundry places with the leaues, from betweene the branches and the leaues, at the ioynts towards the toppes, come forth diuers purplish pease like blossomes, standing on a long stemme or stalke, very beautifull to behold, and of a pretty sent or smell: after which come small, long, thin, flat, hard skind cods, containing small round blackish seede: the roote is great and thicke, growing downe deepe into the ground, of the thicknesse sometimes of a mans arme, blackish on the outside, and whitish within, with some branches and a few fibres annexed thereunto.

2. Orobus Venetus. Blew vpright euerlasting Pease.

This pretty kinde of Pease blossome beareth diuers slender, but vpright greene branches somewhat cornered, two foote high or thereabouts, hauing at seuerall distances on both sides of them certaine winged leaues, set together vpon long footestalkes one against another, consisting of six or eight leaues, somewhat broade and pointed, and without any odde one at the end: at the ioynts toward the toppes, between the leaues and the stalkes, come forth many flowers set together at the end of a pretty long footestalke, of the fashion of the former Pease blossome, but somewhat smaller, and of a purplish violet colour: after which come slender and long pointed pods rounder then they, wherein is contained small round grayish pease: the roote is blacke, hard or woody, abiding after seede bearing as the former doth, and shooting afresh euery yeare.

3. Lathyrus annuus filiquis orobi. Partie coloured Cichelings.

This small Pulse or wild Pease, hath two or three long slender winged branches, with smaller leaues thereon then the former, and without any claspers at all on them: the flowers stand single, euery one by it selfe, or two at the most together, the middle leaues whereof that close together are white, and the vpper leaues of a reddish purple colour: after which come long round flattish cods, bunched out in the seuerall places where the seedes lye, like vnto the cods of Orobus or the bitter Vetch, but greater: the roote is small and dyeth euery yeare.

4. Pisum quadratum. The crimson blossomd or square codded Pease.

This pretty kinde of Pulse might very well for the forme of the leaues, be referred to the kindes of Lotus or Trefoiles: but because I haue none of that kindred to entreate of in this Worke, I haue thought fittest to place it here before the Medica’s, because both pods and seedes are like also. It hath three or foure small weake stalkes, diuided into many branches, hauing two stalkes of leaues at euery ioynt, and three small soft leaues standing on a very small stalke, comming from the ioynts: the flowers stand for the most part two together, of a perfect red or crimson colour, like in forme almost vnto a Pease blossome; after which come long thicke and round cods, with two skinnes or filmes, running all along the cod at the backe or vpperside and two other such like filmes, all along the belly or vnder side, which make it seeme foure square, wherein there lye round discoloured Pease, somewhat smaller and harder then ordinary Pease: the roote is small and perisheth euery yeare.

5. Medica Cochleata vulgaris. Snailes or Barbary buttons.

The plant that beareth these pretty toyes for Gentlewomen, is somewhat like vnto a Three leafed grasse or Trefoile, hauing many long trayling branches lying vpon the ground, whereon at diuers places are three small greene leaues, set together at the end of a little footestalke, each of them a little snipt about the edges: at seuerall distances, from the middle of these branches to the ends of them, come forth the flowers, two for the most part standing together vpon a little footstalke, which are of a pale yellow colour, very small, and of the forme of a Pease blossome: after which come smooth heads, which are turned or writhen round, almost like a Snaile, hard and greene at the first, somewhat like a greene button (from the formes of both which came their names) but afterwards growing whiter, more soft and open, wherein lyeth yellowish round and flat seede, somewhat like vnto the Kidney beane: the roote is small and stringie, dying downe euery yeare, and must be new sowne in the spring, if you desire to haue it.

6. Medica spinosa maior. Prickly or thorny Snailes, or Buttons.

This kinde of Medica is in all things very like vnto the former, both in the long trayling branches, & three leaues alwaies growing together, but a little greater pale yellow flowers, and crooked or winding heads: but herein chiefly consisteth the difference, that this kinde hath his heads or buttons harder, a little greater, more closed together, and set with short and somewhat hard prickles, all the head ouer, which being pulled open, haue those prickles standing on each side of the filme or skinne, whereof the head consisteth, somewhat like vnto a fish bone, and in this kinde goeth all one way; in which are contained such like seedes for the forme, as are in the former, but great and blacke, and shining withall.

7. Medica spinosa altera. Small thorney Buttons, or Snailes.

This other kinde is also like vnto the last described in all other things, except in the heads or buttons, which are a little smaller, but set with longer and softer prickes vpon the filmes, and may easily bee discerned to goe both forwards and backewards, one enterlacing within another, wherein are contained such like flat and blacke shining seede, made after the fashion of a kidney, as are in the former, but somewhat smaller: the roote perisheth in like manner euery yeare.

8. Medica lata. Broade Buttons.

This kinde differeth not from the first in leafe or flower, the fruite onely hereof is broade and flat, and not so much twined as it.

9. Medica Lunata. Halfe Moones.

This is also a kinde of these Medicke fodders, hauing a trefoyle leafe and yellow flowers like the former sorts, but both somewhat larger, the chiefest difference consisteth in the head or fruite, which is broade and flat, and not twined like the rest, but abideth halfe closed, resembling a halfe Moone (and thereupon hath assumed both the Latine and English name) wherein is contained flat seede, kidney fashion like the former.

10. Hedysarum clypeatum. The red Sattin flower.

This red flowred Fitchling, hath many stalkes of winged faire greene leaues, that is, of many set on both sides a middle ribbe, whereof that at the end is the greatest of the rest: from the ioynts where the leaues stand, come forth pretty long small stalkes, bearing on them very many flowers, vp to the toppe one aboue another, of an excellent shining red or crimson colour, very like vnto Sattin of that colour, and sometimes of a white colour, (as Master William Coys, a Gentleman of good respect in Essex, a great and ancient louer and cherisher of these delights, and of all other rare plants, in his life time assured me; he had growing in his garden at Stubbers by North Okenden) which are somewhat large, and more closed together, almost flat and not open, as in most of the other sorts: after the flowers are past, there come rough, flat, round huskes, somewhat like vnto the old fashioned round bucklers without pikes, three or foure standing one vpon or aboue another, wherein are contained small brownish seede: the roote perisheth the same yeare it beareth seede, for oftentimes it flowreth not the first yeare it is sowne.

11. Scorpioides maius & minus. Great and small Caterpillers.

Vnder one description I comprehend both these sorts of Scorpions grasse, or Caterpillers, or Wormes, as they are called by many, whereof the greater hath been known but of late yeares; and ioyne them to these pulses, not hauing a fitter place where to insert them. It is but a small low plant, with branches lying vpon the ground, and somewhat long, broad, and hard leaues thereon, among which come forth small stalkes, bearing at the end for the most part, two small pale yellowish flowers, like vnto Tares or Vetches, but smaller, which turne into writhed or crooked tough cods; in the greater sort they are much thicker, rounder and whiter, and lesser wound or turned together then in the smaller, which are slenderer, more winding, yet not closing like vnto the Snailes, and blacker more like vnto a Caterpiller then the other, wherein are contained brownish yellow seede, much like vnto a Medica: the rootes of both are small and fibrous, perishing euery yeare.

The Place.

These are found seuerally in diuers and seuerall places, but wee sow and plant them vsually to furnish our Gardens.

The Time.

They doe all flower about the moneths of Iune and Iuly, and their seede is ripe soone after: but the second is earlier then the rest.

The Names.

The first is called Clymenum of Matthiolus, and Lathyris of Lobel and others: but Lathyris in Greeke is Cataputia in Latine, which is our Spurge, farre differing from this Pulse; and therefore Lathyrus is more proper to distinguish them asunder, that two plants so farre vnlike should not bee called by one name: this is also called Lathyrus latifolius, because there is another called angustifolius, that differeth from it also: It is most vsually called with vs, Pisum perenne, and in English Pease blossome, or Pease euerlasting. The second is called by Clusius, Orobus venetus, because it was sent him from Venice, with another of the same kinde that bore white flowers; yet differeth but little or nothing from that kinde he found in Hungary, that I thinke the seuerall places of their growing only cause them to bear seuerall names, and to be the same in deede. Although I yeeld vnto Clusius the Latine name which doth not sufficiently content mee; yet I haue thought good to giue it a differing English name, according as it is in the title. The third, because I first receiued it among other seeds from Spaine, I haue giuen it the name, as it is entituled. The fourth is called of some Sandalida Cretica, & Lotus filiquosus flore rubello, Lotus tetragonolobus, Pisum rubrum, & Pisum quadratum: We vsually call it in English, Crimson Pease, or square Pease. The Medica Cochleata is called of Dodonæus Trifolium Cochleatum, but not iudged to be the true Medica. Wee call it in English, Medick fodder, Snailes Clouer, or as it is in the title, and so the rest of the Medica’s accordingly. The Hedysarum clypeatum or Securidaca is called of Dodonæus Onobrichis altera, and we in English for the likenesse, The red Sattin flower, although some foolishly call it, the red or French Honysuckle. The last is called by Lobel, Scorpioides bupleurifolio, I haue called it minus, because the greatest sort which came to me out of Spaine was not knowne vnto him; in English they are generally called Caterpillers.

The Vertues.

The Medica’s are generally thought to feede cattell fat much more then the Medow Trefoile, or Clouer grasse, and therefore I haue known diuers Gentlemen that haue plowed vp some of their pasture grounds, and sowen them with the seedes of some Medica’s to make the experience. All the other sorts are pleasures to delight the curious, and not any way profitable in Physicke that I know.

CHAP. LXXX.

Pæonia. Peonie.

There are two principall kindes of Peonie, that is to say, the Male and the Female. Of the male kinde, I haue onely known one sort, but of the Female a great many; which are thus to be distinguished. The male his leafe is whole, without any particular diuision, notch or dent on the edge, & his rootes long & round, diuided into many branches, somewhat like to the rootes of Gentian or Elecampane, and not tuberous at all. The Female of all sorts hath the leaues diuided or cut in on the edges, more or lesse, and hath alwaies tuberous rootes, that is, like clogs or Asphodill rootes, with many great thick round peeces hanging, or growing at the end of smaller strings, and all ioyned to the toppe of the maine roote.

1. Pæonia mas. The Male Peonie.

The Male Peonie riseth vp with many brownish stalkes, whereon doe grow winged leaues, that is, many faire greene, and sometimes reddish leaues, one set against another vpon a stalke, without any particular diuision in the leafe at all: the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes, consisting of fiue or six broade leaues, of a faire purplish red colour, with many yellow threds in the middle, standing about the head, which after riseth to be the seede vessels, diuided into two, three or foure rough crooked pods like hornes, which when they are ful ripe, open and turn themselues down one edge to another backeward, shewing within them diuers round black shining seede, which are the true seede, being full and good, and hauing also many red or crimson graines, which are lancke and idle, intermixed among the blacke, as if they were good seede, whereby it maketh a very pretty shew: the roots are great, thick and long, spreading in the ground, and running downe reasonable deepe.

2. Pæonia fæmina vulgaris flore simplici. The ordinary single Female Peonie.

This ordinary Female Peonie hath many stalkes, with more store of leaues on them then the Male kinde hath, the leaues also are not so large, but diuided or nicked diuersly on the edges, some with great and deepe, and others with smaller cuts or diuisions, and of a darke or dead greene colour: the flowers are of a strong heady sent, most vsually smaller then the male, and of a more purple tending to a murrey colour, with yellow thrumes about the head in the middle, as the male kinde hath: the heads or hornes with seed are like also but smaller, the seede also is blacke, but lesse shining: the rootes consist, as I said, of many thicke and short tuberous clogs, fastened at the ends of long strings, and all from the head of the roote, which is thicke and short, and tuberous also, of the same or the like sent with the male.

3. Pæonia fæmina vulgaris flore pleno rubro. The double red Peonie.

This double Peonie as well as the former single, is so frequent in euerie Garden of note, through euery Countrey, that it is almost labour in vaine to describe it: but yet because I vse not to passe ouer any plant so slightly, I will set down the description briefly, in regard it is so common. It is very like unto the former single female Peony, both in stalkes and leaues, but that it groweth somewhat higher, and the leaues are of a fresher greene colour: the flowers at the tops of the stalkes are very large, thicke and double (no flower that I know so faire, great, and double; but not abiding blowne aboue eight or ten daies) of a more reddish purple colour then the former female kinde, and of a sweeter sent: after these flowers are past, sometimes come good seed, which being sowne, bring forth some single flowers, and some double: the rootes are tuberous, like vnto the former female.

4. Pæonia fæmina flore carneo simplici. The single blush Peony.

The single blush Peony hath his stalkes higher, and his leaues of a paler or whiter greene colour then the double blush, and more white vnderneath (so that it is very probable it is of another kinde, and not risen from the seede of the double blush, as some might thinke) with many veines, that are somewhat discoloured from the colour of the leafe running through them: the flowers are very large and single, consisting of fiue leaues for the most part, of a pale flesh or blush colour, with an eye of yellow dispersed or mixed therewith, hauing many whitish threads, tipt with yellow pendents standing about the middle head: the rootes are like the other female Peonies.

5. Pæonia fæmina flore pleno albicante. The double blush Peony.

The double blush Peony hath not his stalkes so high as the double red, but somewhat lower and stiffer, bearing such like winged leaues, cut in or diuided here and there in the edges, as all these female kindes are, but not so large as the last: the flowers are smaller, and lesse double by a good deale then the former double red, of a faint shining crimson colour at the first opening, but decaying or waxing paler euery day: so that after it hath stood long (for this flower sheddeth not his leaues in a great while) it will change somewhat whitish; and therefore diuers haue ignorantly called it, the double white Peony: the seedes, which sometimes it beareth, and rootes, are like vnto the former female kindes, but somewhat longer, and of a brighter colour on the outside.

6. Pæonia fæmina Byzantina. The single red Peony of Constantinople.

This red Peony of Constantinople is very like in all things vnto the double red Peonie, but that the flowers hereof are single, and as large as the last, and that is larger then either the single female, or the male kinde, consisting of eight leaues, of a deeper red colour then either the single or double Peonies, and not purplish at all, but rather of the colour of an ordinary red Tulipa, standing close and round together: the roots of this kinde haue longer clogs, and not so short as of the ordinary female kinde, and of a paler colour on the outside.

The Place.

All these Peonies haue beene sent or brought from diuers parts beyond the Seas; they are endenized in our Gardens, where wee cherish them for the beauty and delight of their goodly flowers, as well as for their Physicall vertues.

The Time.

They all flower in May, but some (as I said) abide a small time, and others many weekes.

The Names.

The name Pæonia is of all the later Writers generally giuen to these plants, although they haue had diuers other names giuen by the elder Writers, as Rosa fatuina, Idæus dactylus, Aglaophotis, and others, whereof to set downe the causes, reasons, and errours, were to spend more time then I intend for this worke. Wee call them in English, Peonie, and distinguish them according to their titles.

The Vertues.

The male Peony roote is farre aboue all the rest a most singular approued remedy for all Epilepticall diseases, in English, The falling sicknesse (and more especially the greene roote then the dry) if the disease be not too inueterate, to be boyled and drunke, as also to hang about the neckes of the younger sort that are troubled herewith, as I haue found it sufficiently experimented on many by diuers. The seede likewise is of especiall vse for women, for the rising of the mother. The seede of the female kinde, as well as the rootes, are most vsually sold, and may in want of the other be (and so are generally) vsed.

CHAP. LXXXI.

Helleborus niger. Beares foote.

There are three sorts of blacke Hellebor or Beares foote, one that is the true and right kinde, whose flowers haue the most beautifull aspect, and the time of his flowring most rare, that is, in the deepe of Winter about Christmas, when no other can bee seene vpon the ground: and two other that are wilde or bastard kindes, brought into many Gardens for their Physicall properties; but I will only ioyne one of them with the true kinde in this worke, and leaue the other for another.

1. Helleborus niger verus. The true blacke Hellebor, or Christmas flower.

The true blacke Hellebor (or Beare foote as some would call it, but that name doth more fitly agree with the other two bastard kindes) hath many faire greene leaues rising from the roote, each of them standing on a thicke round fleshly stiffe greene stalke, about an hand breadth high from the ground, diuided into seuen, eight, or nine parts or leaues, and each of them nicked or dented, from the middle of the leafe to the pointward on both sides, abiding all the Winter, at which time the flowers rise vp on such short thicke stalkes as the leaues stand on, euery one by it selfe, without any leafe thereon for the most part, or very seldome hauing one small short leafe not much vnder the flower, and very little higher then the leaues themselues, consisting of fiue broad white leaues, like vnto a great white single Rose (which sometimes change to be either lesse or more purple about the edges, as the weather or time of continuance doth effect) with many pale yellow thrummes in the middle, standing about a greene head, which after groweth to haue diuers cods set together, pointed at the ends like hornes, somewhat like the seede vessels of the Aconitum hyemale, but greater & thicker, wherein is contained long, round, and blackish seede, like the seede of the bastard kindes: the rootes are a number of brownish strings running downe deepe into the ground, and fastened to a thicke head, of the bignesse of a finger at the toppe manie times, and smaller still downewards.

2. Helleboraster minor. The lesser bastard blacke Hellebor, or Beare foote.

The smaller Beare foote is in most things like vnto the former true blacke Hellebor; for it beareth also many leaues vpon short stalkes, diuided into many leaues also, but each of them are long and narrow, of a blacker greene colour, snipt or dented on both edges, which feele somewhat hard or sharpe like prickes, and perish euery yeare, but rise againe the next Spring: the flowers hereof stand on higher stalkes, with some leaues on them also, although but very few, and are of a pale, greene colour, like in forme vnto the flowers of the former, but smaller, hauing also many greenish yellow threads or thrums in the middle, and such like heads or seede vessels, and blackish seed: the rootes are stringie and blackish like the former.

The Place.

The first groweth onely in the Gardens of those that are curious, and delight in all sorts of beautifull flowers in our Countrey, but wilde in many places of Germany, Italy, Greece, &c.

The other groweth wilde in many places of England, as well as the other greater sort, which is not here described; for besides diuers places within eight or ten miles from London, I haue seen it in the Woods of Northamptonshire, and in other places.

The Time.

The first of these plants doth flower in the end of December, and beginning of Ianuary most vsually, and the other a moneth or two after, and sometime more.

The Names.

The first is called Helleborus, or Elleborus niger verus, and is the same that both Theophrastus and Dioscorides haue written of, and which was called Melampodion, of Melampus the Goateheard, that purged and cured the mad or melancholicke daughters of Prætus with the rootes thereof. Dodonæus calleth it Veratrum nigrum primum, and the other secundum: Wee call it in English, The true blacke Hellebor, or the Christmas flower, because (as I said) it is most commonly in flower at or before Christmas. The second is a bastard or wilde kinde thereof, it so nearely resembleth the true, and is called of most of the later Writers, Pseudoelleborus niger minor, or Helleboraster minor, for a distinction betweene it and the greater, which is not here described: and is called in English, The smaller or lesser Beare foote, and most vsed in Physicke, because it is more plentifull, yet it is more churlish and strong in operation then the true or former kinde.

The Vertues.

The rootes of both these kindes are safe medecines, being rightly prepared, to be vsed for all Melancholicke diseases, whatsoeuer others may feare or write, and may be without danger applied, so as care and skill, and not temerary rashnesse doe order and dispose of them.

The powder of the dryed leaues, especially of the bastard kinde, is a sure remedy to kill the wormes in children, moderately taken.

CHAP. LXXXII.

Elleborus albus. White Ellebor or Neesewort.

There are two sorts of great white Ellebors or Neeseworts, whereas there was but one kinde knowne to the Ancients; the other being found out of later dayes: And although neither of both these haue any beauty in their flowers, yet because their leaues, being faire and large, haue a goodly prospect, I haue inserted them in this place, that this Garden should not be vnfurnished of them, and you not vnacquainted with them.

1. Elleborus albus vulgaris. White Ellebor or Neesing roote.

The first great white Ellebor riseth at the first out of the ground, with a whitish greene great round head, which growing vp, openeth it selfe into many goodly faire large greene leaues, plaited or ribbed with eminent ribbes all along the leaues, compassing one another at the bottome, in the middle whereof riseth vp a stalke three foot high or better, with diuers such like leaues thereon, but smaller to the middle thereof; from whence to the toppe it is diuided into many branches, hauing many small yellowish, or whitish greene starre-like flowers all along vpon them, which after turne into small, long, three square whitish seede, standing naked, without any huske to containe them, although some haue written otherwise: the roote is thicke and reasonable great at the head, hauing a number of great white strings running downe deepe into the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened.

2. Elleborus albus præcox siue atrorubente flore. The early white Ellebor with reddish flowers.

This other Ellebor is very like the former, but that it springeth vp a moneth at the least before it, and that the leaues are not fully so thicke or so much plaited, but as large or larger, and doe sooner perish and fall away from the plant: the stalke hereof is as high as the former, bearing such like starry flowers, but of a darke or blackish red colour: the seede is like the other: the roote hath no such head as the other (so farre as I haue obserued, both by mine own and others plants) but hath many long white strings fastened to the top, which is as it were a long bulbous scaly head, out of which spring the leaues.

The Place.

The first groweth in many places of Germany, as also in some parts of Russia, in that aboundance, by the relation of that worthy, curious, and diligent searcher and preseruer of all natures rarities and varieties, my very good friend, Iohn Tradescante, often heretofore remembred, that, as hee said, a good ship might be loaden with the rootes hereof, which hee saw in an Island there.

The other likewise groweth in the vpland wooddy grounds of Germanie, and other the parts thereabouts.

The Time.

The first springeth vp in the end or middle of March, and flowreth in Iune. The second springeth in February, but flowreth not vntill Iune.

The Names.

The first is called Elleborus albus, or Helleborus albus, the letter H, as all Schollers know, being but aspirationis nota: and Veratrum album flore viridante, of some Sanguis Herculis. The other is called Elleborus albus præcox, and flore atrorubente, or atropurpurante. We call the first in English, White Ellebor, Neesewort, or Neesing roote, because the powder of the roote is vsed to procure neesing; and I call it the greater, in regard of those in the next Chapter. The other hath his name according to the Latine title, most proper for it.

The Vertues.

The force of purging is farre greater in the roote of this Ellebor, then in the former; and therefore is not carelessly to bee vsed, without extreame danger; yet in contumatious and stubborne diseases it may bee vsed with good caution and aduice. There is a Syrupe or Oxymel made hereof in the Apothecaries shops, which as it is dangerous for gentle and tender bodies, so it may be very effectuall in stronger constitutions. Pausanias in Phocicis, recordeth a notable stratagem that Solon vsed in besieging the Citie of Cirrheus, viz. That hauing cut off the riuer Plistus from running into the Citie, he caused a great many of these rootes to be put into a quantity thereof, which after they had steeped long enough therein, and was sufficiently infected therewith, he let passe into the Citie againe: whereof when they had greedily drunke, they grew so weake and feeble by the superpurgation thereof, that they were forced to leaue their wals vnmand, and not guarded, whereby the Amphyctions their enemies became masters of their Citie. The like stratagems are set downe by diuers other Authors, performed by the helpe of other herbes.

CHAP. LXXXIII.

Elleborine. Small or wilde white Ellebor.

The likenesse of the leaues of these plants, rather then any other faculty with the former white Ellebor, hath caused them to be called Elleborine, as if they were smaller white Ellebors. And I for the same cause haue ioyned them next, whereof there are found many sorts: One which is the greater kinde, is of greatest beauty; the other which are lesser differ not much one from another, more then in the colour of the flowers, whereof I will onely take three, being of the most beautie, and leaue the rest to another worke.

1. Helleborine vel Elleborine maior, siue Calceolus Mariæ. Our Ladies Slipper.

This most beautifull plant of all these kindes, riseth vp with diuers stalkes, a foote and a halfe high at the most, bearing on each side of them broad greene leaues, somewhat like in forme vnto the leaues of the white Ellebor, but smaller and not so ribbed, compassing the stalke at the lower end; at the tops of the stalkes come forth one, or two, or three flowers at the most, one aboue another, vpon small short foote-stalkes, with a small leafe at the foote of euery stalke: each of these flowers are of a long ouall forme, that is, more long then round, and hollow withall, especially at the vpper part, the lower being round and swelling like a belly: at the hollow part there are two small peeces like eares or flippets, that at the first doe couer the hollow part, and after stand apart one from another, all which are of a fine pale yellow colour, in all that I haue seene (yet it is said there are some found, that are more browne or tending to purple) there are likewise foure long, narrow, darke coloured leaues at the setting on of the flower vnto the stalke, wherein as it were the flower at the first standeth: the whole flower is of a pretty small sent: the seede is very small, very like vnto the seede of the Orchides or Satyrions, and contained in such like long pods, but bigger: the roots are composed of a number of strings enterlacing themselues one within another, lying within the vpper crust of the earth, & not spreading deep, of a darke brownish colour.

2. Elleborine minor flore albo. The small or wilde white Ellebor with a white flower.

This smaller wilde white Ellebor riseth vp in the like manner vnto the former, and not much lower, bearing such like leaues, but smaller, and of a winter greene colour, almost of the colour and fashion of the leaues of Lilly Conually; the top of the stalke hath many more flowers, but lesser, growing together, spike-fashion, with small short leaues at the stalke of euery flower, which consisteth of fiue small white leaues, with a small close hood in the middle, without any sent at all; the seede and seede vessels are like vnto the former, but smaller: the rootes are many small strings, dispersing themselues in the ground.

3. Elleborine minor flore purpurante. The small or wilde white Ellebor with blush flowers.

The leaues of this kinde are like vnto the last described, but somewhat narrower: the stalkes and flowers are alike, but smaller also, and of a pale purplish or blush colour, which causeth the difference.

The Place.

The first groweth in very many places of Germany, and in other Countries also. It groweth likewise in Lancashire, neare vpon the border of Yorkeshire, in a wood or place called the Helkes, which is three miles from Ingleborough, the highest Hill in England, and not farre from Ingleton, as I am informed by a courteous Gentlewoman, a great louer of these delights, called Mistris Thomasin Tunstall, who dwelleth at Bull-banke, neare Hornby Castle in those parts, and who hath often sent mee vp the rootes to London, which haue borne faire flowers in my Garden. The Second groweth in many places of England, and with the same Gentlewoman also before remembred, who sent me one plant of this kinde with the other. The last I haue not yet knowne to growe in England; but no doubt many things doe lye hid, and not obserued, which in time may bee discouered, if our Country Gentlemen and women, and others, in their seuerall places where they dwell, would be more carefull and diligent, and be aduertised either by themselues, or by others capable and fit to be imployed, as occasion and time might serue, to finde out such plants as growe in any the circuits or limits of their habitations, or in their trauels, as their pleasures or affaires leade them. And because ignorance is the chiefe cause of neglect of many rare things, which happen to their view at sometimes, which are not to be seene againe peraduenture, or not in many yeares after, I would heartily aduise all men of meanes, to be stirred vp to bend their mindes, and spend a little more time and trauell in these delights of herbes and flowers, then they haue formerly done, which are not onely harmlesse, but pleasurable in their time, and profitable in their vse. And if any would be better enformed, and certified of such things they know not, I would be willing and ready to my best skill to aduertise them, that shall send any thing vp to me where I dwell in London. Thus farre I haue digressed from the matter in hand, and yet not without some good vse I hope, that others may make of it.

The Time.

The two first flower earlier then the last, and both the first about one time, that is, in the end of Aprill, or beginning of May. The last in the end of May, or in Iune.

The Names.

The first is called Elleborine recentiorum maior, and Calceolus Mariæ: Of some thought to be Cosmosandalos, because it is Sandali forma. In English we call it our Ladies Slipper, after the Dutch name. The other two lesser kinds haue their names in their titles: I haue thought it fit to adde the title of small white Ellebors vnto these, for the forme sake, as is before said.

The Vertues.

There is no vse of these in Physicke in our dayes that I know.

CHAP. LXXXIIII.

Lilium Conuallium. Lilly Conually.

The remembrance of the Conuall Lilly, spoken of in the precedent Chapter, hath caused me to insert these plants among the rest, although differing both in face and properties; but lest it should lose all place, let it keepe this. It is of two sorts, differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers, the one being white, and the other reddish, as shall be shewed in their descriptions following.

1. Lilium Conuallium flore albo. The white Lilly Conually.

The white Conuall or May Lilly, hath three or foure leaues rising together from the roote, one enclosed within another, each whereof when it is open is long and broad, of a grayish shining greene colour, somewhat resembling the leaues of the former wilde Neesewort, at the side whereof, and sometime from the middle of them, riseth vp a small short naked foote-stalke, an hand breadth high or somewhat more, bearing at the toppe one aboue another many small white flowers, like little hollow bottles with open mouths, nicked or cut into fiue or six notches, turning all downewards one way, or on one side of the stalke, of a very strong sweete sent, and comfortable for the memory and senses, which turne into small red berries, like vnto Asparagus, wherein is contained hard white seede: the rootes runne vnder ground, creeping euery way, consisting of many small white strings.

2. Lilium Conuallium flore rubente. May Lillies with red flowers.

This other May Lilly differeth neither in roote, leafe, nor forme of flower from that before, but onely in the colour of the flower, which is of a fine pale red colour, being in my iudgement not altogether so sweet as the former.

The Place.

The first groweth aboundantly in many places of England. The other is a stranger, and groweth only in the Gardens of those that are curious louers of rarities.

The Time.

They both flower in May, and the berries are ripe in August.

The Names.

The Latines haue no other name for this plant but Lilium Conuallium, although some would haue it to be Lilium vernum of Theophrastus, and others Oenanthe of the same Author. Gesner thinketh it to be Callionymus. Lonicerus to be Cacalia, and Fuchsius to be Ephemerum non lethale: but they are all for the most part mistaken. We call it in English Lilly Conually, May Lilly, and of some Liriconfancie.

The Vertues.

The flowers of the white kinde are often vsed with those things that help to strengthen the memory, and to procure ease to Apoplecticke persons. Camerarius setteth downe the manner of making an oyle of the flowers hereof, which he saith is very effectuall to ease the paines of the Goute, and such like diseases, to be vsed outwardly, which is thus: Hauing filled a glasse with the flowers, and being well stopped, set it for a moneths space in an Ants hill, and after being drayned cleare, set it by to vse.

CHAP. LXXXV.

Gentiana. Gentian or Fell-wort.

There are diuers sorts of Gentians or Fell-wortes, some greater, others lesser, and some very small; many of them haue very beautifull flowers, but because some are very suddenly past, before one would thinke they were blowne open, and others will abide no culture and manuring, I will onely set forth vnto you two of the greater sorts, and three of the lesser kindes, as fittest, and more familiarly furnishing our gardens, leauing the rest to their wilde habitations, and to bee comprehended in a generall Worke.

1. Gentiana maior flore flauo. The great Gentian.

The great Gentian riseth vp at the first, with a long, round and pointed head of leaues, closing one another, which after opening themselues, lye vpon the ground, and are faire, long and broad, somewhat plaited or ribbed like vnto the leaues of white Ellebor or Neeseworte, but not so fairely or eminently plaited, neyther so stiffe, but rather resembling the leaues of a great Plantane: from among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, three foote high or better, full of ioynts, hauing two such leaues, but narrower and smaller at euery ioynt, so compassing about the stalke at the lower end of them, that they will almost hold water that falleth into them: from the middle of the stalke to the toppe, it is garnished with many coronets or rundles of flowers, with two such greene leaues likewise at euery ioynt, and wherein the flowers doe stand, which are yellow, layd open like starres, and rising out of small greenish huskes, with some threds in the middle of them, but of no sent at all, yet stately to behold, both for the order, height and proportion of the plant: the seede is browne and flat, contained in round heads, somewhat like vnto the seede of the Fritillaria, or checkerd Daffodill, but browner: the rootes are great, thicke and long, yellow, and exceeding bitter.

2. Gentiana maior folio Asclepiadis. Swallow-wort Gentian.

This kinde of Gentian hath many stalkes rising from the roote, neere two foote high, whereon grow many faire pale greene leaues, set by couples, with three ribs in euery one of them, and doe somewhat resemble the leaues of Asclepias or Swallow-wort, that is, broade at the bottome, and sharpe at the point: the flowers grow at the seuerall ioynts of the stalkes, from the middle vpwards, two or three together, which are long and hollow, like vnto a bell flower, ending in fiue corners, or pointed leaues, and folded before they are open, as the flowers of the Bindeweedes are, of a faire blew colour, sometimes deeper, and sometimes paler: the heads or seede vessels haue two points or hornes at the toppes, and containe within them flat grayish seed, like vnto the former, but lesse: the rootes hereof are nothing so great as the former, but are yellow, small and long, of the bignesse of a mans thumbe.

3. Gentiana minor Cruciata. Crosse-wort Gentian.

This small Gentian hath many branches lying vpon the ground, scarce lifting themselues vpright, and full of ioynts, whereat grow vsually foure leaues, one opposite vnto another, in manner of a Crosse, from whence it tooke his name, in shape very like vnto Saponaria or Sopewort, but shorter, and of a darker greene colour: at the tops of the stalkes stand many flowers, thick thrusting together, and likewise at the next ioynt vnderneath, euery one of them standing in a darke blewish greene huske, and consisting of fiue small leaues, the points or ends whereof only appeare aboue the huskes wherein they stand, and are hardly to be seene, but that they are of a fine pale blew colour, and that many grow together: the seed is small and brown, hard, and somewhat like vnto the seed of the Marian Violets, or Couentry bels: the roots are small and whitish, dispersing themselues diuersly in the ground, of as bitter a taste almost as the rest

4. Gentianella Verna. Small Gentian of the Spring.

The small Gentian of the Spring hath diuers small hard greene leaues, lying vpon the ground, as it were in heads or tufts, somewhat broade below, and pointed at the end, with fiue ribs or veines therein, as conspicuous as in the former Gentians, among which riseth vp a small short stalke, with some smaller leaues thereon, at the toppe whereof standeth one faire, large, hollow flower, made bell fashion, with wide open brimmes, ending in fiue corners or diuisions, of the most excellent deepe blew colour that can be seene in any flower, with some white spots in the bottome on the inside: after the flower is past, there appeare long and round pods, wherein are contained small blackish seede: the rootes are small, long, pale yellow strings, which shoot forth here and there diuers heads of leaues, and thereby encrease reasonable well, if it finde a fit place, and ground to grow, or else will not be noursed vp, with all the care and diligence can be vsed: the whole plant is bitter, but not so strong as the former.

5. Gentiana Autumnalis siue Pneumonanthe. Calathian Violet or Autumne Gentian.

This Gentian that flowreth in Autumne, hath in some places higher stalkes then in others, with many leaues thereon, set by couples as in other Gentians, but long and narrow, yet shewing the three ribbes or veines that are in each of them: the toppes of the stalkes are furnished euery one with a flower or two, of an excellent blew purple colour, ending in fiue corners, and standing in long huskes: the rootes are somewhat great at the top, and spreading into many small yellow strings, bitter as the rest are.

6. Saponaria flore duplici. Double flowred Sopeworte.

Vnto these kindes of Gentians, I must needes adde these following plants, for that the former is of some neere resemblance in leafe with some of the former. And because the ordinary Sopeworte or Bruiseworte with single flowers is often planted in Gardens, and the flowers serue to decke both the garden and the house; I may vnder the one describe them both: for this with double flowers is farre more rare, and of greater beautie. It hath many long and slender round stalkes, scarce able to sustaine themselues, and stand vpright, being ful of ioynts and ribbed leaues at them, euery one somewhat like a small Gentian or Plantane leafe: at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers, consisting of two or three rowes of leaues, of a whitish or pale purple colour, and of a strong sweet sent, somewhat like the smell of Iasmin flowers, standing in long and thicke pale greene huskes, which fall away without giuing any seede, as most other double flowers doe that encrease by the roote, which spreadeth within the ground, and riseth vp in sundry distant places like the single.

7. Plantago Rosea. Rose Plantane.

This other plant is in all things like vnto the ordinary Plantane or Ribworte, that groweth wilde abroade in many places, whose leaues are very large: but instead of the long slender spike, or eare that the ordinary hath, this hath eyther a thicke long spike of small greene leaues vpon short stalkes, or else a number of such small greene leaues layd round-wise like vnto a Rose, and sometimes both these may be seene vpon one and the same roote, at one and the same time, which abide a great while fresh vpon the roote, and sometimes also giueth seede, especially from the more long and slender spikes.

The Place.

Some of these Gentians grow on the toppes of hils, and some on the sides and foote of them in Germany and other Countreyes: some of them also vpon barren heaths in those places, as also in our owne Countrey, especially the Autumne Gentian, and as it is reported, the Vernall likewise. The single or ordinary Sopeworte is found wilde in many places with vs, but the double came to vs from beyond the Sea, and is scarce known or heard of in England. The Rose Plantaine hath beene long in England, but whether naturall thereof or no, I am not assured.

The Time.

They flower for the most part in Iune and Iuly, but the small Gentian of the Spring flowreth somewhat earlier, and that of the Autumne in August and September.

The Names.

Gentiana is the generall name giuen to the Gentians. We call them in English Gentian, Fellworte, Bitterwort, and Baldmoney. Saponaria taketh his name from the scouring qualitie it hath: Wee call it in English Sopewort, and in some places Bruisewort. Some haue thought it to bee Struthium of Dioscorides, or at least haue vsed it for the same causes, but therein they are greatly deceiued, as Matthiolus hath very well obserued thereon, and so is Dodonæus, that thought it to be Alisma. The Rose Plantaine is so called of the double spikes it carrieth.

The Vertues.

The wonderfull wholsomnesse of Gentian cannot bee easily knowne to vs, by reason our daintie tastes refuse to take thereof, for the bitternesse sake: but otherwise it would vndoubtedly worke admirable cures, both for the liuer, stomacke and lunges. It is also a speciall counterpoison against any infection, as also against the violence of a mad dogges tooth: wilde Sopewort is vsed in many places, to scoure the countrey womens treen, and pewter vessels, and physically some make great boast to performe admirable cures in Hydropicall diseases, because it is diureticall, and in Lue Veneria, when other Mercuriall medicines haue failed. The Rose Plantaine no doubt hath the same qualities that the ordinary hath.

CHAP. LXXXVI.

Campanula. Bell-flowers.

Under the title of Bell-flowers are to bee comprehended in this Chapter, not only those that are ordinarily called Campanula, but Viola Mariana, and Trachelium also, whereof the one is called Couentry, the other Canterbury Bells.

1. Campanula Persicifolia alba, vel cærulea. Peach-leafed Bell-flowers white or blew.

The Peach-leafed Bell-flower hath many tufts, or branches of leaues lying vpon the ground, which are long and narrow, somewhat like vnto the leafe of an Almond or Peach tree, being finely nicked about the edges, and of a sad greene colour, from among which rise vp diuers stalkes, two foote high or more, set with leaues to the middle, and from thence vpwards, with many flowers standing on seuerall small foote-stalkes, one aboue another, with a small leafe at the foote of euery one; the flowers stand in small greene huskes, being small and round at the bottome, but wider open at the brimme, and ending in fiue corners, with a three forked clapper in the middle, set about with some small threds tipt with yellow, which flowers in some plants are pure white, and in others of a pale blew or watchet colour, hauing little or no sent at all: the seede is small, and contained in round flat heads, or seede vessels: the roote is very small, white and threddy, creeping vnder the vpper crust of the ground, so that oftentimes the heat and drought of the Summer will goe near to parch and wither it vtterly: it requireth therefore to be planted in some shadowie place.

2. Campanula maior, siue Pyramidalis. The great or steeple Bell-flower.

This great Bell-flower hath diuers stalkes, three foote high or better, whereon grow diuers smooth, darke, greene leaues, broade at the bottome, and small at the point, somewhat vneuenly notched about the edges, and standing vpon longer footestalkes below then those aboue: the flowers are blew, and in some white, not so great or large as the former, but neare of the same fashion, growing thicker and more plentifully together, with smaller leaues among them, burning thicke below, and rising smaller and thinner vp to the toppe, in fashion of a Pyramis or speere Steeple: the roote is thicke and whitish, yeelding more store of milke being broken (as the leaues and stalks also doe) then any other of the Bell-flowers, euery one whereof doe yeelde milke, some more and some lesse.

3. Viola Mariana flore albido vel purpureo. Couentry Bels white or purple.

The leaues of Couentry Bels are of a pale or fresh greene colour, long, and narrow next vnto the bottome, and broader from the middle to the end, and somewhat round pointed, a little hairy all ouer, and snipt about the edges: the stalkes rise vp the yeare after the sowing, being somewhat hairy also, and branching forth from the roote, into diuers parts, whereon stand diuers leaues, smaller then the former, and of a darker greene colour: at the end of euery branch stand the flowers, in greene huskes, from whence come large, round, hollow Bels, swelling out in the middle, and rising somewhat aboue it, like the necke of a pot, and then ending in fiue corners, which are either of a faire or faint white, or of a pale blew purplish colour, and sometimes of a deeper purple or violet: after the flowers are past, there rise vp great square, or cornered seede vessels, wherein is contained in diuers diuisions, small, hard, shining, browne, flat seeds: the roote is white, and being young as in the first yeares sowing, is tender, and often eaten as other Rampions are; but the next yeare, when it runneth vp to seede, it groweth hard, and perisheth: so that it is to be continued by euery other yeares sowing.

4. Trachelium maius flore albo vel purpureo. Great Canterbury Bels white or purple.

The greater Canterbury Bels, or Throateworte, hath many large rough leaues, somewhat like vnto Nettle leaues, being broad and round at the bottome, and pointed at the end, notched or dented on the edges, and euery one standing on a long footstalk: among these leaues rise vp diuers square rough stalkes, diuided at the toppe into diuers branches, whereon grow the like leaues as grow below, but lesser; toward the ends of the branches stand the flowers, mixed with some longer leaues, euery one in his seuerall huske, which are hollow, long and round, like a bell or cup, wide open at the mouth, and cut at the brimme into fiue corners, or diuisions, somewhat lesser then the Couentry Bels, in some of a pure white, and others of a faire deepe purple violet colour, and sometimes paler: after the flowers are past, come smaller and rounder heades then in the former, containing flat seede, but blacker, and not so redde as the last: the roote is hard and white, dispersing it selfe into many branches vnder ground, not perishing euery yeare as the former (although it loseth all the leaues in winter) but abiding many yeares, and encreasing into diuers heades or knobs, from whence spring new leaues and branches.

5. Trachelium maius flore duplici albo & cæruleo. Canterbury Bels with double flowers both white and blew.

Of this kinde of Throateworte or Canterbury Bels, there is another sort, not differing in any thing from the former, but in the doublenesse of the flower: For there is of both the kindes, one that beareth double white flowers, and the other blew: Of each whereof I receiued plants from friends beyond the Sea, which grow well with me.

6. Trachelium Giganteum flore purpurante. Pale purple Giants Throateworte.

This Bell-flower, although it hath a Gigantine name, yet did I neuer perceiue it in my garden, to rise vp higher then the former, the epithite beeing in my perswasion, only giuen for difference sake: the leaues whereof are not so rough, but as large, and dented about the edges, somewhat larger pointed, and of a fresher greene colour: the stalkes beare such like leaues on them, but more thinly or dispersedly set, hauing a flower at the setting on of euery one of the leaues, from the middle vpwards, and are somewhat like the great Throateworte in forme, but of a pale or bleake reddish purple colour, turning the brims or corners a little backwards, with a forked clapper in the middle, sufficient eminent and yellow: the seede hereof is white, and plentifull in the heads, which will abide all the winter vpon the stalkes, vntill all the seede being shed, the heads remaining seeme like torne rags, or like thin peeces of skin, eaten with wormes: the roote is great, thicke and white, abiding long without perishing.

[Sidenote: Flore albo.]

There is another which differeth not any thing but in the flower, which is white.

7. Trachelium minus flore albo & purpureo. Small Throateworte or Canterbury Bells both white and purple.

The lesser Throateworte hath smaller leaues, nothing so broade or hard as the former great kinde, but long, and little or nothing dented about the edges: the stalkes are square and brownish, if it beare purple flowers, and greene if it beare white flowers, which in forme are alike, and grow in a bush or tuft, thicke set together, more then any of the former, and smaller also, being not much bigger then the flowers of the fielde, or garden Rampions: the roote is lasting, and shooteth afresh euery yeare.

8. Trachelium Americanum flore ruberrimo, siue Planta Cardinalis. The rich crimson Cardinals flower.

This braue plant, from a white roote spreading diuers wayes vnder ground, sendeth forth many greene leaues, spread round about the head thereof, each whereof is somewhat broade and long, and pointed at the end, finely also snipt about the edges; from the middle whereof ariseth vp a round hollow stalke, two foote high at the least, beset with diuers such leaues as grow below, but longer below then aboue, and branching out at the toppe aboundantly, euery branch bearing diuers greene leaues on them, and one at the foote of euery of them also, the toppes whereof doe end in a great large tuft of flowers, with a small greene leafe at the foote of the stalke of euery flower, each footestalke being about an inch long, bearing a round greene huske, diuided into fiue long leaues or points turned downwards, and in the midst of euery of them a most rich crimson coloured flower, ending in fiue long narrow leaues, standing all of them foreright, but three of them falling downe, with a long vmbone set as it were at the backe of them, bigger below, and smaller aboue, and at the toppe a small head, being of a little paler colour then the flower, but of no sent or smell at all, commendable only for the great bush of so orient red crimson flowers: after the flowers are past, the seede commeth in small heads, closed within those greene husks that held the flowers, which is very like vnto the seede vessels of the Viola Mariana, or Couentry Bels, and is small and brownish.

The Place.

All these Bell-flowers do grow in our Gardens, where they are cherished for the beautie of their flowers. The Couentry Bels doe not grow wilde in any of the parts about Couentry, as I am credibly informed by a faithfull Apothecary dwelling there, called Master Brian Ball, but are noursed in Gardens with them, as they are in other places. The last groweth neere the riuer of Canada, where the French plantation in America is seated.

The Time.

They flower from May vntill the end of Iuly or August, and in the mean time the seed is ripe: But the Peache-leafed Bell-flowers, for the most part, flower earlier then the other.

The Names.

The first is generally called Campanula Perficifolia, in English Peach-leafed Bell-flower. The second is called Campanula maior, Campanula lactescens Pyramidalis, and Pyramidalis Lutetiana of Lobel, in English, Great or Steeple Bell-flower. The third is vsually called Viola Mariana, and of some Viola Marina. Lobel putteth a doubt whether it be not Medium of Dioscorides, as Matthiolus and others doe thinke; but in my opinion the thicknesse of the roote, as the text hath it, contradicteth all the rest. We call it generally in English Couentry Bels. Some call it Marian, and some Mercuries Violets. The fourth and fift are called Trachelium or Cervicaria, of some Vvularia, because many haue vsed it to good purpose, for the paines of the Vvula, or Throate: Yet there is another plant, called also by some Vvularia, which is Hippoglossum, Horse tongue, or Double tongue. The sixt hath his title to descipher it out sufficiently, as is declared. The seuenth is called Trachelium minus, and Ceruicaria minor, of some Saponaria altera; in English, Small Throateworte, or Small Canterbury Bels. The last hath his name in the title, as it is called in France, from whence I receiued plants for my Garden with the Latine name: but I haue giuen it in English.

The Vertues.

The Peach-Bels as well as the others may safely bee vsed in gargles and lotions for the mouth, throate, or other parts, as occasion serueth. The rootes of many of them, while they are young, are often eaten in sallets by diuers beyond the Seas.

CHAP. LXXXVII.

Campana Cærulea siue Convolvulus Cæruleus. Blew Bell flowers, or blew Bindeweede.

There are two other kindes of Bell-flowers, much differing from the Tribe or Familie of the former, because of their climbing or winding qualitie, which I must needes place next them, for the likenesse of the flowers, although otherwise they might haue beene placed with the other clamberers that follow. Of these there is a greater, and a lesser, and of each likewise some difference, as shall be declared.

1. Convolvulus cæruleus maior rotundifolius. The greater blew Bindweede, or Bell-flower with round leaues.

This goodly plant riseth vp with many long and winding branches, whereby it climbeth and windeth vpon any poles, herbes, or trees, that stand neare it within a great compasse, alwaies winding it selfe contrary to the course of the Sunne: on these branches doe growe many faire great round leaues, and pointed at the end, like vnto a Violet leafe in shape, but much greater, of a sad greene colour: at the ioynts of the branches, where the leaues are set, come forth flowers on pretty long stalkes, two or three together at a place, which are long, and pointed almost like a finger, while they are buds, and not blowne open, and of a pale whitish blew colour, but being blowne open, are great and large bels, with broad open mouths or brims ending in fine corners, and small at the bottome, standing in small greene huskes of fine leaues: these flowers are of a very deepe azure or blew colour, tending to a purple, very glorious to behold, opening for the most part in the euening, abiding so all the night and the next morning, vntill the Sunne begin to growe somewhat hot vpon them, and then doe close, neuer opening more: the plant carrieth so many flowers, if it stand in a warme place, that it will be replenished plentifully, vntill the cold ayres and euenings stay the luxury thereof: after the flowers are past, the stalkes whereon the flowers did stand, bend downwards, and beare within the huskes three or foure blacke seedes, of the bignesse of a Tare or thereabouts: the rootes are stringy, and perish euery yeare.

2. Convolvulus trifolius siue hederaceus purpureus. The greater purple Bindeweede, or Bell-flower with cornered leaues.

The growing and forme of this Bindeweede or Bell-flower, is all one with the former, the chiefest differences consisting in the forme of the leafe, which in this is three cornered, like vnto an Iuie leafe with corners; and in the flower, which is of a deeper blew, tending more to a deepe purple Violet, and somewhat more reddish in the fiue plaites of each flower, as also in the bottomes of the flowers.

3. Convolvulus tenuifolius Americanus. The red Bell-flower of America.

Although this rare plant (because wee seldome haue it, and can as hardly keepe it) be scarce knowne in these cold Countries, yet I could not but make mention of it, to incite those that haue conueniencie to keepe it, to be furnished of it. It springeth vp at the first from the seede with two leaues, with two long forked ends, which abide a long time before they perish, betweene which riseth vp the stalke or stemme, branching forth diuers waies, being of a brownish colour, which windeth it selfe as the former great Bell-flower doth, whereon are set at seuerall ioynts diuers winged leaues, that is to say, many small narrow and long leaues set on both sides of the middle ribbe, and one at the end: from these ioynts arise long stalkes, at the ends whereof stand two or three small, long, hollow flowers, fashioned very like vnto the flowers of a Bindeweede, or the flowers of Tabacco, and ending in the like manner in fiue points, but not so much laide open, being of a bright red colour, plaited as the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers before they be open, with some few threads in the middle, which turne into long pointed cods, wherein is contained long and blacke seede, tasting hot like Pepper: the roote is small and stringy, perishing euery yeare, and with vs will seldome come to flower, because our cold nights and frosts come so soone, before it can haue comfort enough of the Sun to ripen it.

4. Convolvulus cæruleus minor Hispanicus. The Spanish small blew Bindeweede.

This small Bindeweede hath small long leaues, somewhat broader then the next that followeth, and not so broad as the common small Bindeweede (that groweth euery where wilde on the bankes of fields abroad) set vpon the small trayling branches, which growe aboue two or three foote high: from the middle of these branches, and so vnto the toppes of them, come forth the flowers at the ioynts with the leaues, folded together at the first into fiue plaites, which open into so many corners, of a most excellent faire skie coloured blew (so pleasant to behold, that often it amazeth the spectator) with white bottomes, and yellowish in the middle, which turne into small round white heads, wherein are contained small blackish cornered seede, somewhat like the former, but smaller: the roote is small and threddy, perishing as the former euery yeare: this neuer windeth it selfe about any thing, but leaneth by reason of the weaknesse of the branches, and dyeth euery yeare after seede time, and not to be sowne againe vntill the next Spring.

5. Convolvulus purpureus Spicæfolius. Lauander leafed Bindeweede.

This small purple Bindeweede, where it naturally groweth, is rather a plague then a pleasure, to whatsoeuer groweth with it in the fields; yet the beauty of the flower hath caused it to be receiued into Gardens, bearing longer and smaller leaues then the last, and such like small Bell-flowers, but of a sad purple colour: the roote is liuing, as the common kinds are, and springeth againe where it hath been once sowne, without feare of perishing.

The Place.

The first two greater kindes haue beene sent vs out of Italy, but whether they had them from the East Indies, or from some of the Easterne Countries on this side, wee know not: but they thriue reasonable well in our Country, if the yeare be any thing kindly. The next came out of America, as his name testifieth. The lesser blew kinde groweth naturally in many places both of Spaine and Portugall (from whence I first receiued seedes from Guillaume Boel, heretofore remembred.) The last groweth wilde in the fields, about Dunmowe in Essex, and in many other places of our owne Countrey likewise.

The Time.

The three first greater kindes flower not vntill the end of August, or thereabouts, and the seede ripeneth in September, if the colds and frosts come not on too speedily. The lesser kindes flower in Iune and Iuly.

The Names.

The first is called of some Campana Lazura, as the Italians doe call it, or Campana cærulea, of others Convolvulus cæruleus maior, siue Indicus, and Flos noctis. Of some Nil Auicennæ. The second, is called Convolvulus trifolius, or hederaceus, for the distinction of the leaues. In English wee call them eyther Great blew Bell flowers, or more vsually, Great blew Bindeweedes. That of America is diuersly called by diuers. It is called Quamoclit of the Indians, and by that name it was sent to Ioachinus Camerarius out of Italy, where it is so called still, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, and as my selfe also can witnesse it, from thence being so sent vnto mee: but Andræas Cæsalpinus calleth it, Iasminum folio Millefolij, supposing it to be a Iasmine. Camerarius saith, it may not vnfitly be called Convolvulus tenuifolius, accounting it a kinde of Bindeweede. Columna entituleth it Convolvulus pennatus exoticus rarior, and saith it cannot bee referred to any other kinde of plant then to the Bindeweede. Hee that published the Curæ posteriores of Clusius, giueth it the name of Iasminum Americanum, which I would doe also, if I thought it might belong to that Family; but seeing the face and forme of the plant better agreeing with the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers, I haue (as you see) inserted it among them, and giuen it that name may bee most fit for it, especially because it is but an annuall plant. The lesser kindes haue their names sufficiently expressed in their titles.

The Vertues.

We know of no vse these haue in Physicke with vs, although if the first be Nil of Auicen, both he and Serapio say it purgeth strongly.

CHAP. LXXXVIII.

Stramonium. Thorne-Apple.

Vnto the Bell-flowers, I must adioyne three other plants, in the three seuerall Chapters following, for some affinity of the flowers: and first of the Thorne-Apples, whereof there are two especiall kindes, that is, a greater and a lesser, and of each some diuersity, as shall be set downe.

1. Stramonium maius album. The great white flowred Thorne-Apple.

The greater Thorne-Apple hath a great, strong, round greene stalke, as high as any man, if it be planted in good ground, and of the bignesse of a mans wrest almost at the bottome, spreading out at the toppe into many branches, whereon stand many very large and broad darke greene leaues, cut in very deeply on the edges, and hauing manie points or corners therein: the flowers come forth at the ioynts, betweene two branches towards the toppe of them, being very large, long, and wide open, ending in fiue points or corners, longer and larger then any other Bell-flowers whatsoeuer: after the flowers are past, come the fruit, which are thorny long heads, more prickly and greene then the lesser kindes, which being ripe openeth it selfe into three or foure parts, hauing a number of flat blackish seede within them: the roote is aboundant in fibres, whereby it strongly taketh hold in the ground, but perisheth with the first frosts; yet the seede that is shed when the fruit is ripe, commeth vp the next yeare.

2. Stramonium maius purpureum. The great purple flowred Thorne-Apple.

This purple Thorne-Apple is in largenesse of leaues, thicknesse and height of stalke, greatnesse and forme of flowers and fruit, euery way equall and correspondent vnto the former, the chiefe differences be these: the stalke is of a darke purple colour; the leaues are of a darker greene, somewhat purplish, and the flowers are of light purple or pale Doue colour, enclining to white, and whiter at the bottome.

3. Stramonium minus seu Nux Metel flore albo. The smaller Thorne-Apple with a white flower.

The smaller Thorne-Apple riseth vp with one round stalke, of the bignesse of a mans finger, and neuer much aboue two foote high with vs, bearing a few large, broad, smooth leaues thereon, without any branches at all, which are vneuenly rent or torne about the edges, with many ribs, and smaller veines running through them, yet lesser by much then the greater kinde: at the ioynts where the leaues stand, come forth long and large white flowers, with broad or wide open brims, folded together before their opening, as the other former Bell-flowers or Bindeweedes, but hauing their fiue corners more pointed or horned then either they, or the former Thorne-Apples: after the flowers are past, succeed small fruit, rounder and harder, set with harder, but blunt prickes then the former, wherein is contained brownish yellow flat seede, sticking to the inward pulpe; the roote is not very great, but full of strings, and quickly perisheth with the first frosts.

4. Stramonium minus flore geminato purpurante. The small double flowred purple Thorne-Apple.

In the flower of this plant, consisteth the chiefest difference from the former, which is as large as the last, pointed into more hornes or corners, and beareth two flowers, standing in one huske, one of them rising out from the middle of the other, like vnto those kindes of Cowslips and Oxelips, called double, or Hose in hose, before described, which are of a pale purplish colour on the outside, and almost white within: the fruit is round like the last, and beareth such like seede, so that vntill it bee in flower, their difference can hardly bee discerned: this is more tender then the last, although euen it is so tender, that it seldome beareth ripe seede with vs.

[Sidenote: Flore duplici.]

Sometimes (for I think it is not another kind) the flower will haue as it were double rowes of leaues, close set together, and not consisting of two, rising so distinctly one aboue another.

The Place.

All these kindes haue been brought or sent vs out of Turkie and Egypt; but Garcias, and Christopherus Acosta, with others, affirme that they grow in the East Indies. The lesser kindes are very rare with vs, because they seldome come to maturity; and therefore we are still to seeke of new seede to sowe. The greater kindes are plentifull enough in our Gardens, and will well abide, and giue ripe fruit.

The Time.

The smaller kindes flower later then the greater; and therefore their fruit are the sooner spoyled with the cold ayres, dewes, and frosts, that come at the latter end of the yeare: but the greater kinds neuer misse lightly to ripen.

The Names.

Both the greater and smaller kindes are generally called Stramonium, Stramonia, Pomum spinosum, and Datura. Bauhinus vpon Matthiolus his Comentaries on Dioscorides, calleth it Solanum fætidum spinosum. Some learned men haue referred it to Nux Metel, of the Arabian Authors. Wee call them generally, in English, Thorne-Apples, and distinguish them by their titles of greater and letter, single and double.

The Vertues.

The East Indian lasciuious women performe strange acts with the seed (of the smaller kinde, as I suppose, or it may be of either) giuing it their husbands to drinke. The whole plant, but especially the seed, is of a very cold and soporiferous quality, procuring sleep and distraction of senses. A few of the seeds steeped and giuen in drinke, will cause them that take it to seem starke drunke or dead drunke, which fit will within a few houres weare away, and they recouer their senses againe, as a drunken man raysed after sleep from his wine. It may therefore (in my opinion) be of safe and good vse to one, that is to haue a legge or an arme cut off, or to be cut for the stone, or some other such like cure to be performed, to take away the sense of paine for the time of doing it; otherwise I hold it not fit to be vsed without great caution. But the greene leaues of the greater kindes (as also the lesser, but that with vs they are not so plentifull) are by tryed experience, found to be excellent good for any scalded or burned part, as also to take away any hot inflammations, being made vp into a salue or ointment with suet, waxe, and rossin, &c. or with Axungia, that is, Hogs larde.

CHAP. LXXXIX.

Tabacco. Indian Henbane, or Tabacco.

There hath beene formerly but three kindes of Tabacco knowne vnto vs, two of them called Indian, and the third English Tabacco. In these later yeares, we haue had in our gardens about London (before the suppressing of the planting) three or foure other sorts at the least, and all of the Indian kinde, hauing some especiall difference, eyther in leafe, or flower, or both: And in regard the flowers of some of these carry a pretty shew, I shall only entreate of them, and not of the English kind.

Tabacco latifolium. Broade leafed Tabacco.

The great Indian Tabacco hath many very large, long, thicke, fat and faire greene leaues, standing foreright for the most part, and compassing the stalkes at the bottome of them, being somewhat pointed at the end: the stalke is greene and round, sixe or seuen foote high at sometimes, and in some places, in others not past three or foure foote high, diuided towards the toppe into many branches, with leaues at euery ioynt, and at the toppes of the branches many flowers, the bottomes hereof are long and hollow, and the toppes plaited or folded before they are open, but being open, are diuided sometimes into foure, or more vsually into fiue corners, somewhat like vnto other of the Bell-flowers, but lying a little flatter open, of a light carnation colour. The seede is very small and browne, contained in round heads, that are clammy while they are greene, and pointed at the end: the roote is great, whitish, and woody at the head, dispersing many long branches, and small fibres vnder the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened, but perisheth with our violent frosts in the winter, if it be left abroad in the garden, but if it be housed, or safely prouided for against the frostes, the rootes will liue, and spring afresh the next yeare.

There is of this kinde another sort, whose leaues are as large and long as the former, but thicker, and of a more dead greene colour, hanging downe to the ground-ward, and scarce any standing forth-right, as the former, vnlesse they bee very young: the flowers of this kinde are almost whole, without any great shew of corners at the brims or edges, in all other things there is no difference.

There is another, whose large and thicke flat leaues doe compasse the stalke at the bottome, and are as it were folded together one side vnto another: the flowers are of a deeper blush, or carnation colour, and with longer points and corners then in any of the former; and in these two things consisteth the difference from the others, and is called Verines Tabacco.

Another hath his leaues not so large and long as the first, and these haue short footestalkes, whereon they stand, and doe not compasse the stalke as the other doe: the flower hereof is like the first, but smaller, and of a little paler colour.

Tabacco angustifolium. Narrow leafed Tabacco.

This kinde of Tabacco hath somewhat lower, and smaller stalkes, then any of the former: the leaues hereof are smaller and narrower, and not altogether so thicke, but more pointed, and euery one standing vpon a footstalke, an inch and a halfe long at the least: the flowers hereof stand thicker together, vpon the small branches, somewhat larger, of a deeper blush colour, and more eminent corners then in any the former; the seed and roots are alike, and perish in like manner, vnlesse it be brought into a cellar, or other such couert, to defend it from the extremitie of the Winter.

The Place.

America or the West Indies is the place where all these kindes doe grow naturally, some in one place, and some in another, as in Peru, Trinidado, Hispaniola, and almost in euery Iland and Countrey of the continent thereof: with vs they are cherished in gardens, as well for the medicinable qualities, as for the beauty of the flowers.

The Time.

It flowreth in August, seldome before, and the seede is ripe quickly after. If it once sowe it selfe in a Garden, it will giue next year after young plants: but for the most part they will spring vp late, and therefore they that would haue them more early, haue sowen the seede vpon a bed of dung, and transplanted them afterwards.

The Names.

This plant hath gotten many names. The Indians call it in some places Petum, in others, Picielt, and Perebecenuc, as Ouiedus and others doe relate. The Spaniards in the Indies first called it Tabacco, of an Iland where plenty of it grew. It hath in Christendome receiued diuers other names, as Nicotiana, of one Nicot a French man, who seeing it in Portugall, sent it to the French Queene, from whom it receiued the name of Herba Regina. Lobel calleth it Sancta herba, & Sanasancta Indorum. Some haue adiudged it to be an Hioscyamus, and therefore call it Peruvianus. The most vsuall name wherby we call it in English, is Tabacco.

The Vertues.

The herbe is, out of question, an excellent helpe and remedy for diuers diseases, if it were rightly ordered and applyed, but the continuall abuse thereof in so many, doth almost abolish all good vse in any. Notwithstanding if men would apply their wits to the finding out of the vertues, I make no doubt but many strange cures would bee performed by it, both inward and outward. For outward application, a Salue made hereof (as is before recited of the Thorne apple leaues) cureth vlcers, and wounds of hard curation: And for inward helpes, a Syrupe made of the iuice and sugar, or honey, procureth a gentle vomit (but the dryed leafe infused in wine much more) and is effectuall in astmaticall diseases, if it bee carefully giuen. And likewise cleanseth cankers and fistulaes admirably, as hath beene found by late experience. The ashes of Tabacco is often vsed, and with good successe, for cuts in the hands, or other places, and for other small greene wounds.

CHAP. XC.

Mirabilia Peruviana. The Meruaile of Peru.

This plant yeeldeth in our Gardens fiue or sixe seuerall varieties of beautifull flowers, as pure white, pure yellow, pure red, white and red spotted, and red and yellow spotted. But besides these, I haue had some other sorts, among which was one, of a pale purple or peach colour: all which, comming vnto mee out of Spaine with many other, seedes in an vnkindly yeare (an early winter following a cold summer) perished with mee; yet I plainely might discerne by their leaues, and manner of growing, to be diuers from them that we now haue and keepe. I shall need therefore (because the chiefest difference consisteth almost in the flowers) to giue only one description of the plant, and therein shew the varieties as is before declared.

Admirabilis. The Meruaile of the World.

The stalke of this meruellous plant is great and thick, bigger then any mans thumbe, bunched out or swelling at euery ioynt, in some the stalkes will bee of a faire greene colour, and those will bring white, or white and red flowers: in others they will bee reddish; and more at the ioynts, and those giue red flowers; and in some of a darker greene colour, which giue yellow flowers; the stalkes and ioynts of those that will giue red and yellow flowers spotted, are somewhat brownish, but not so red as those that giue wholly red flowers: vpon these stalkes that spread into many branches, doe grow at the ioynts vpon seuerall footestalkes, faire greene leaues, broad at the stalke, and pointed at the end: at the ioynts likewise toward the vpper part of the branches, at the foote of the leaues, come forth seuerall flowers vpon short footestalkes, euery one being small, long and hollow from the bottome to the brimme, which is broade spread open, and round, and consist but of one leafe without diuision, like vnto a Bell flower, but not cornered at all: which flowers, as I said, are of diuers colours, and diuersly marked and spotted, some being wholly white, without any spot in them for the most part, through all the flowers of the plant; so likewise some being yellow, and some wholly red; some plants againe being mixed and spotted, so variably either white and red, or purple, (except here and there some may chance to be wholly white, or red or purple among the rest) or red and yellow through the whole plant, (except as before some may chance in this kinde to be eyther wholly red, or wholly yellow) that you shall hardly finde two or three flowers in a hundred, that will bee alike spotted and marked, without some diuersitie, and so likewise euery day, as long as they blow, which is vntill the winters, or rather autumnes cold blastes do stay their willing pronenesse to flower: And I haue often also obserued, that one side of a plant will giue fairer varieties then another, which is most commonly the Easterne, as the more temperate and shadowie side. All these flowers doe open for the most part, in the euening, or in the night time, and so stand blowne open, vntill the next mornings sun beginne to grow warme vpon them, which then close themselues together, all the brims of the flowers shrinking into the middle of the long necke, much like vnto the blew Bindeweede, which in a manner doth so close vp at the sunnes warme heate: or else if the day be temperate and milde, without much sunne shining vpon them, the flowers will not close vp for the most part of that day, or vntill toward night: after the flowers are past, come seuerall seedes, that is, but one at a place as the flowers stood before, of the bignesse (sometimes) of pease, but not so round, standing within the greene huskes, wherein the flowers stood before, being a little flat at the toppe, like a crowne or head, and round where it is fastened in the cup, of a blacke colour when it is ripe, but else greene all the while it groweth on the stalke, and being ripe is soone shaken downe with the wind, or any other light shaking: the roote is long and round, greater at the head, and smaller downwards to the end, like vnto a Reddish, spreading into two or three, or more branches, blackish on the outside and whitish within. These rootes I haue often preserued by art a winter, two or three (for they will perish if they be left out in the garden, vnlesse it be vnder a house side) because many times, the yeare not falling out kindely, the plants giue not ripe seede, and so we should be to seeke both of seede to sow, and of rootes to set, if this or the like art to keep them, were not vsed; which is in this manner: Within a while after the first frosts haue taken the plants, that the leaues wither and fall, digge vp the rootes whole, and lay them in a dry place for three or foure dayes, that the superfluous moysture on the outside, may be spent and dryed, which done, wrap them vp seuerally in two or three browne papers, and lay them by in a boxe, chest or tub, in some conuenient place of the house all the winter time, where no winde or moist ayre may come vnto them; and thus you shall haue these rootes to spring a fresh the next yeare, if you plant them in the beginning of March, as I haue sufficiently tryed. But some haue tryed to put them vp into a barrell or firkin of sand, or ashes, which is also good if the sand and ashes be thorough dry, but if it bee anything moist, or if they giue againe in the winter, as it is vsuall, they haue found the moisture of the rootes, or of the sand, or both, to putrefie the rootes, that they haue beene nothing worth, when they haue taken them forth. Take this note also for the sowing of your seede, that if you would haue variable flowers, and not all of one colour, you must choose out such flowers as be variable while they grow, that you may haue the seede of them: for if the flowers bee of one entire colour, you shall haue for the most part from those seedes, plants that will bring flowers all of that colour, whether it be white, red or yellow.

The Place.

These plants grow naturally in the West Indies, where there is a perpetuall summer, or at the least no cold frosty winters, from whence the seede hath been sent into these parts of Europe, and are dispersed into euery garden almost of note.

The Time.

These plants flower from the end of Iuly sometimes, or August, vntill the frosts, and cold ayres of the euenings in October, pull them down, and in the meane time the seed is ripe.

The Names.

Wee haue not receiued the seedes of this plant vnder any other name, then Mirabilia Peruvians, or Admirabilis planta. In English wee call them, The meruaile of Peru, or the meruaile of the world: yet some Authors haue called it Gelseminum, or Iasminum rubrum, & Indicum: and Bauhinus Solanum Mexicanum flore magno.

The Vertues.

We haue not knowne any vse hereof in Physicke.

CHAP. XCI.

Malua. Mallowes.

Of the kindred of Mallowes there are a great number, some of the gardens, others wilde, some with single flowers, others with double, some with whole leaues, others with cut or diuided: to entreate of them all is not my purpose, nor the scope of this worke, but onely of such whose flowers, hauing beautie and respect, are fit to furnish this garden, as ornaments thereunto. And first of those single kindes, whose flowers come neerest vnto the fashion of the former Bell-flowers, and after to the double ones, which for their brauery, are entertained euery where into euery Countrey womans garden.

1. Malua Hispanica flore carneo amplo. The Spanish blush Mallow.

The Spanish Mallow is in forme and manner of growing, very like vnto our common fielde Mallow, hauing vpright stalkes two or three foote high, spread into diuers branches, and from the bottome to the toppe, beset with round leaues, like vnto our Mallowes, but somewhat smaller, rounder, and lesse diuided, yet larger below then aboue: the flowers are plentifully growing vpon the small branches, folding or writhing their leaues one about another before they bee blowne, and being open consist of fiue leaues, with a long forked clapper therein, of the same colour with the flower: the chiefest difference from the common consisteth in this, that the leaues of these flowers are longer, and more wide open at the brimmes (almost like a Bell flower) and of a faire blush or light carnation colour, closing at night, and opening all the day: after the flowers are past, there come such like round heads, with small blacke seede, like vnto the common kinde, but somewhat smaller: the roote is small and long, and perisheth euery yeare.

2. Alcea vulgaris flore carneo. Vervaine Mallow with blush flowers.

There is a Mallow that hath long stalkes, and flowers like vnto the common wilde Mallow, and of the same deepe colour with it, so that you can hardly know it from the ordinary kinde, which is found growing wilde together with it, but onely by the leafe, which is as round and as large as the former, but cut into many fine diuisions, euen to the stalke that vpholdeth it, that it seemeth to consist onely of ragges, or peeces of leaues: Of this kinde I take a plante for this garden, growing in all respects like vnto it, but differing onely in the colour of the flowers, which are of the same blush or light carnation colour, or not much differing from the former Spanish kinde, with some veines therein of a deeper colour: the root hereof liueth, as the root of the common wilde kinde doth.

3. Alcea peregrina siue vesicaria. Venice Mallow, or Good night at noone.

The Venice Mallow hath long and weake stalkes, most vsually lying or leaning vpon the ground, hauing here and there vpon them long leaues and somewhat broad, cut in or gashed very deepely on both edges, that it seemeth as if they were diuers leaues set together, euery one standing on a long footestalke: at the ioynts of these stalkes, where the leaues are set, come forth seuerall flowers, standing vpon long footstalkes, which are somewhat larger then any of the former flowers, consisting of fiue leaues, small at the bottome, and wide at the brimmes, of a whitish colour tending to a blush, and sometimes all white, with spots at the bottomes of the leaues on the inside, of a very deepe purple or murrey colour, which addeth a great grace to the flower, and hauing also a long pestle or clapper in the middle, as yellow as gold: these flowers are so quickly faded and gone, that you shall hardly see any of them blowne open, vnlesse it bee betimes in the morning before the Sunne doe grow warme vpon them, for as soone as it feeleth the Sunnes warme heate, it closeth vp and neuer openeth againe, so that you shall very seldome see a flower blowne open in the day time, after nine a clocke in the morning: after these flowers are past, there rise vp in their places thinne, round, shining or transparent bladders, pointed at the toppe, and ribbed down all along, wherein are contained small, round, blackish seede: the roote is long and small, and perisheth euery yeare.

4. Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea. Cinquefoile Mallow.

The stalkes of this Mallow are very long, hard or wooddy, more then of any of the other Mallowes: at the lower part whereof, and vp to the middle, stand diuers leaues vpon long footestalkes, parted or diuided into fiue parts or leaues, and dented about the edges; but vpwards from the middle to the toppe, the leaues haue but three diuisions: among these leaues stand large wide open flowers, of the colour of the common Mallow: the seede is smaller then in any other Mallow, but the rootes are great and long, spreading in the ground like vnto the rootes of Marsh Mallowes, and springeth vp afresh euery yeare from the roote.

5. Sabdarifa seu Alcea Americana. Thorney Mallowe.

This Thorney Mallowe hath greene leaues next vnto the ground, that are almost round, but pointed at the end, and dented very much about the edges; the other leaues that growe vpon the stalke are diuided into three parts, like vnto a trefoile, and some of them into fiue diuisions, all of them dented about the edges: the stalke is reddish, with some harmelesse prickles in sundry places thereon, and riseth vp three or foure foote high in a good ground, a fit place, and a kindly yeare, bearing plenty of flowers vpon the stalkes, one at the foote of euery leafe, the toppe it selfe ending in a long spike, as it were of buddes and leaues together: the flowers are of a very pale yellow, tending to a white colour, spotted in the bottome of each of the fiue leaues, with a deepe purple spot, broad at the lower part, and ending in a point about the middle of the leafe, which are quickly fading, and not abiding aboue one day, with a long pestle in the middle diuided at the toppe: after the flower is past, commeth vp a short prickly podde, set within a small greene huske or cup that bore the flower, wherein is contained whitish, or rather brownish yellow seede, flat and somewhat round, like vnto the seedes of Hollyhocke: the roote is stringie, and quickly perisheth; for it will hardly endure in our cold Country to giue flowers, much lesse seede, vnlesse (as I said before) it happen in a kindly yeare, and be well planted and tended.

6. Bamia seu Alcea Ægyptia. The Mallow of Egypt.

This Mallow is also as tender to nourse vp as the last, hauing the lower leaues broad like a Marsh Mallow, and of a fresh greene colour; but those that growe vpon the stalke, and vp to the toppe, are diuided into fiue parts or points, but are not cut in to the middle ribbe, like the former Thorney Mallow, yet dented about the edges like vnto them: the flowers growe at the setting to of the leaues, like vnto a Mallow for forme, but of a whitish colour; after which come long fiue square pointed pods, with hard shels, wherein are contained round blackish gray seede, as bigge as a Vetch or bigger: the roote perisheth quickly with vs, euen with the first frosts.

7. Althæa frutex flore albo vel purpureo. Shrubbe Mallow with a white or purple flower.

There are diuers sorts of shrubbe Mallowes, whereof some that haue their stemmes or stalkes lesse wooddy, dye downe to the ground euery yeare, and others that abide alwayes, are more wooddy: Of the former sorts I intend not to speake, referring them to a fitter place; and of the other, I will onely giue you the knowledge of one or two in this place, although I doe acknowledge their fitted place had been to be among the shrubbes; but because they are Mallowes, I pray let them passe with the rest of their kindred, and their descriptions in this manner: These wooddy kindes of shrub Mallowes haue somewhat large, long, and diuided leaues, of a whitish greene colour, soft also, and as it were woolly in handling, set dispersedly on the whitish hard or wooddy stalkes: their flowers are large, like vnto a single Rose or Hollyhocke, in the one being white with purple spots in the bottome; in the other either of a deepe red colour, or else of a paler purple, with a deeper bottome, and with veines running in euery leafe: they are somewhat tender, and would not be suffered to be vncouered in the Winter time, or yet abroad in the Garden, but kept in a large pot or tubbe, in the house or in a warme cellar, if you would haue them to thriue.

8. Malua hortensis rosea simplex & multiplex diuersorum colorum. Hollihockes single and double of seuerall colours.

I shall not neede to make many descriptions of Hollihockes, in regard the greatest difference consisteth in the flowers, which are in some single, in some double, in some of one colour, and in others of other colours: for the lowest leaues of Hollihockes are all round, and somewhat large, with many corners, but not cut in or diuided, soft in handling; but those that growe vp higher are much more diuided into many corners: the stalkes sometimes growe like a tree, at the least higher then any man, with diuers such diuided leaues on them, and flowers from the middle to the toppe, where they stand as it were a long spike of leaues and buds for flowers together: the flowers are of diuers colours, both single and double, as pure white, and pale blush, almost like a white, and more blush, fresh and liuely, of a Rose colour, Scarlet, and a deeper red like a crimson, and of a darke red like blacke bloud; these are the most especiall colours both of single and double flowers that I haue seene: the single flowers consist of fiue broad and round leaues, standing round like vnto single Roses, with a middle long stile, and some chiues aboue them: the double flowers are like vnto double Roses, very thicke, so that no stile or vmbone is seene in the middle, and the outermost rowe of leaues in the flowers are largest, the innermost being smaller and thicke set together: after the flowers are past, there come vp as well in the double as single, flat round heads, like flat cakes, round about the bottomes whereof growe flat whitish seede: the roote is long and great at the head, white and tough, like the roote of the common Mallowes, but greater, and will reasonably well abide the Winter.

The Place.

The first groweth wilde in Spaine. The second in our owne Countrey. The third is thought to growe in Italy and Venice; but Lobel denieth it, saying, that it is there onely in Gardens, and is more plentifull in these parts then with them. The fourth Clusius saith he found in many places of Germany. The fifth is supposed to be first brought out of the West Indies, but an Arabicke name being giuen it, maketh me somewhat doubtfull how to beleeue it. The sixth groweth in Egypt, where it is of great vse, as Prosper Alpinus hath let downe in his Booke of Egyptian plants. The seuenth groweth in some parts both of Spaine and France. The last is not found but in Gardens euery where.

The Time.

The first, second, third, fourth, and last, doe flower from Iune vntill the end of Iuly and August. The rest flower very late, many times not vntill September or October.

The Names.

The first and second haue their names sufficiently expressed in their titles. The third is diuersly called, as Malua horaria, Alcea versicaria, Alcea Veneta, Alcea Peregrina, and of Matthiolus, Hypecoum. The most vsuall English name is Venice Mallow. The fourth is called Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea, and Cannabinifolio, or Pentaphyllifolio: In English, Cinquefoile Mallow. The fifth hath been sent vnder the name of Sabdarifa, and Sabdariffa, and (as I said) is thought to be brought from America, and therefore it beareth the name of that Country. The sixth is called in Egypt, Bamia, or Bammia, and by that name sent with the addition del Cayro vnto it: In English, Egyptian Mallow, or Mallow of Egypt. The seuenth is called Althæa frutex, and of some Althæa arborea: In English, Shrubbe Mallow, because his stemme is wooddie, and abideth as shrubbes and trees doe. The eight and last is called Malua hortensis, Malua Rosea, and of some Rosa vltra marina: In English, of some Hockes, and vsually Hollihockes.

The Vertues.

All sorts of Mallowes, by reason of their viscous or slimie quality, doe helpe to make the body soluble, being vsed inwardly, and thereby helpe also to ease the paines of the stone and grauell, causing them to be the more easily voided: being outwardly applyed, they mollifie hard tumours, and helpe to ease paines in diuers parts of the body; yet those that are of most vse, are most common. The rest are but taken vpon credit.

CHAP. XCII.

Amaranthus. Flower-gentle.

We haue foure or fiue sorts of Flower-gentle to trimme vp this our Garden withall, which doe differ very notably one from another, as shall be declared in their seuerall descriptions; some of which are very tender, and must be carefully regarded, and all little enough to cause them beare seede with vs, or else wee shall bee to seeke euery yeare: others are hardy enough, and will hardly be lost out of the Garden.

1. Amaranthus purpureus minor. The small purple Flower-gentle.

This gallant purple Veluet flower, or Flower-gentle, hath a crested stalke two foote high or more, purplish at the bottome, but greene to the toppe, whereout groweth many small branches, the leaues on the stalkes and branches are somewhat broad at the bottome, and sharpe pointed, of a full greene colour, and often somewhat reddish withall, like in forme vnto the leaues of Blites (whereof this and the rest are accounted species, or sorts) or small Beetes: the flowers are long, spikie, soft, and gentle tufts of haires, many as it were growing together, broad at the bottome, and small vp at the toppe, pyramis or steeple-fashion, of so excellent a shining deepe purple colour, tending to a murrey, that in the most excellent coloured Veluet, cannot be seene a more orient colour, (and I thinke from this respect, the French call it Passe velours, that is to say, passing Veluet in colour) without any smell at all, which being bruised giueth the same excellent purple colour on paper, and being gathered in his full strength and beauty, will abide a great time (if it be kept out of the winde and sunne in a dry place) in the same grace and colour: among these tufts lye the seede scattered, which is small, very blacke, and shining: the rootes are a few threddy strings, which quickly perish, as the whole plant doth, at the first approach of Winter weather.

2. Amaranthus Coccineus. Scarlet Flower-gentle.

The leaues of this Flower-gentle are longer, and somewhat narrower then the former; the stalke groweth somewhat higher, bearing his long tufts at seuerall leaues, as also at the toppe of the stalkes, many being set together, but separate one from another, and each bowing or bending downe his head, like vnto a Feather, such as is worn in our Gallants and Gentlewomens heads, of an excellent bloudy Scarlet colour: the seede is blacke, like vnto the former: the roote perisheth quicklier, because it is more tender.

3. Amaranthus tricolor. Spotted or variable Flower-gentle.

The chiefest beauty of this plant consisteth in the leaues, and not in the flowers; for they are small tufts growing along the stalke, which is nothing so high as the former, especially with vs, and at the ioynts with the leaues: the leaues hereof are of the same fashion that the former are, and pointed also; but euery leafe is to be seene parted into greene, red, and yellow, very orient and fresh (especially if it come to his full perfection, which is in hot and dry weather) diuided not all alike, but in some leaues, where the red or yellow is, there will be greene, and so varying, that it is very pleasant to behold: the seede hereof is blacke and shining, not to bee knowne from the former.

4. Amaranthus Carnea spica. Carnation Flower-gentle.

There is another more rare then all the rest, whose leaues are somewhat longer, and narrower then the first, and like vnto the second kinde: the spikes are short, many set together, like branches full of heads or eares of corne, euery one whereof hath some long haires sticking out from them, of a deep blush, tending to a carnation colour.

5. Amaranthus purpureus maior paniculis sparsis. Great Floramour, or purple Flower-gentle.

The great Floramour hath one thicke, tall, crested, browne red stalke, fiue or six foote high, from whence spring many great broad leaues, like vnto the former for the forme, but much larger & redder for the most part, especially the lowest, which brancheth forth into diuers parts, & from between these leaues, & the stalks or branches, as also at the tops of them, stand long, spikie, round, & somewhat flat tufts, of a more reddish purple colour then the first, and diuided also into seuerall parts, wherin when they are full ripe, are to be seen an innumerable company of white seed, standing out among the short thrums, and do then easily fall away with a little touching; euery one of these white seed hath as it were an hole halfe bored through therin: the root is a great bush of strings, spreading in the ground, whereby it is strongly fastened, yet perisheth euery yeare, after it hath giuen his seede.

The Place.

All these plants growe in the Easterne Countries, as Persia, Syria, Arabia, &c. except the greatest, which hath been brought out of the West Indies, where it is much vsed, especially the seede: they are all, noursed vp with much care in our Gardens, and yet in a backward or cold yeare they will not thriue, for that they desire much heate: but the greatest doth alwayes giue ripe seede euery yeare.

The Time.

They beare their gallant tufts or spikes for the most part in August, and some not vntill September.

The Names.

The name Amaranthus is giuen to all these plants, taken from the Greeke word ἀμαραντίνος, non marcescens, or non senescens, that is, neuer waxing old, and is often also imposed on other plants, who haue the same property, that is, that their flowers being gathered in a fit season, will retaine their natiue colour a long time, as shall be shewed in the Chapter following. Diuers do thinke the first to be Phlox, or Flamma of Theophrastus. The third is called Gelosia, or Celosia of Tragus. Spigelius in his Isagoges saith, it is generally taken to be Sophonia, whereof Plinie maketh mention; and Lobel, to bee the Persians Theombroton of Plinie. The Italians, from whom I had it (by the meanes of Mʳ. Doctor Iohn More, as I haue had many other rare simples) call it, Blito di tre colori, A three coloured Blite. The fifth, which is the greatest, hath been sent from the West Indies by the name of Quinüa, as Clusius reporteth. The name Flower-gentle in English, and Floramour, which is the French, of Flos amoris, and Passe velours, as is before said, or Veluet flower, according to the Italian, Flor veluto, are equally giuen to all these plants, with their seuerall distinctions, as they are expressed in their titles.

The Vertues.

Diuers suppose the flowers of these plants doe helpe to stay the fluxe of bloud in man or woman, because that other things that are red or purple doe performe the same. But Galen disproueth that opinion very notably, in lib. 2. & 4. de simpl. medicament. facultatibus.

CHAP. XCIII.

Helichrysum, siue Amaranthus luteus. Golden Flower-gentle, Goldilockes, or Gold-flower.

The propinquity of property (as I before said) hath caused the affinity in name, and so in neighbourhood in these plants, wherein there are some diuersity; and although they differ from them before in many notable points, yet they all agree with themselues in the golden, or siluer heads or tufts they beare; and therefore I haue comprised them in one Chapter, and will begin with that which commeth nearest vnto the Helichrysum of Dioscorides, or Aurelia (as Gaza translateth it) of Theophrastus.

1. Helichrysum. The Golden flower of life.

This first Golden tuft riseth vp with many hard, round, white stalkes, a foote and a halfe high, whereon at certaine distances stand many fine cut leaues, or rather one leafe cut into many small fine parts, almost as small as Fenell, but grayish, like vnto the Cud-weedes or Cotton-weedes (whereof certainly these are speciall kindes) at the toppes of the stalkes stand many round flowers, of a pale gold colour, in an vmbell close together, yet euery flower vpon his owne stalke, and all of an euen height, which will keepe the colour, being gathered, and kept dry for a long time after, and are of a hot and quicke sent: the roote is small and wooddy, spreading vnder the vpper crust of the earth, and liueth long in his owne naturall place, but very hardly endureth the cold of our Winters, vnlesse they be milde, or it be well defended.

2. Helichrysum Creticum. Candy Goldilockes.

Candy Goldilockes hath two or three small slender white branches, set here and there very scatteringly, with small, long, and narrow hoary leaues, hauing yellow heads of flowers at the tops made into vmbels or tufts, not so round and euen as the former, but longwise one aboue another, the heads being made as it were of scales, loosly, and not so closely set together, as in the next following, which when they are full ripe, doe passe into doune, and are blowne away with the winde, hauing a small reddish seede at the end; but will abide a long time, as the other in his beauty, being gathered in time, as the rest will doe.

3. Helichrysum Orientale siue Amaranthus luteus. Golden Flower-gentle.

This most beautifull plant is very like vnto the former Candy Goldilockes last described, but growing vp higher, with many more branches, and more hoary, white, and woolly, hauing also long and narrow white leaues, but somewhat broader, and thicker set on the branches: the tufts of flowers or vmbels likewise doe consist of longer and larger heads, more scaly, and closer compact together, of an excellent pale gold yellow colour, and shining, with some yellow threads or thrummes in the middle: the roote dyeth not euery yeare, but liueth long, especially in the South and East Countries, where no colds or frosts are felt; but will require extraordinary care and keeping, and yet scarce sufficient to preserue it in these cold Countries.

4. Chrysocome siue Stæchas Citrina. Golden tufts or Golden Cassidony.

This Golden flower is somewhat like the former of these two last described, hauing hoary stalkes and leaues, standing confusedly on them, being long, and narrower then any of the former: the tops of the stalkes are diuided into many parts, each bearing a small long yellow head or flower at the toppe, with some yellow thrummes in them, which heads being many, are diffusedly set together, like a loose or sparsed vmbell, keeping their colour long before they wither, and when they are ripe, haue thinne small reddish seede, like Mariorome seede, but smaller; the roote is small and blacke: the whole plant, as well leaues and flowers, as rootes, are of a strong sharpe sent, yet pleasant.

5. Argyrocome siue Gnaphalium Americanum. Liue long or Life euerlasting.

This siluer tuft or Indian Cotton weede, hath many white heads of leafes at their first springing out of the ground, couered with a hoary woollinesse like cotton, which rising into hard, thicke round stalkes, containe still the same hoarinesse vpon them, as also vpon the long and narrow leaues which are set thereon, especially on the vnder side, for the vpper sides are of a darke shining greene colour: the stalkes are diuided at the toppe into many small branches, each whereof haue many scaly tufted heads set together, couered ouer with cotton before their opening, and then diffeuering one from another, abiding very white on the outside, when they are fully growne, but with a small yellow thrume in the midde of euery flower, which in time turne into yellow doune, apt to be blowne away with euery winde: the roots are long and black on the outside, creeping vnder ground very much.

6. Gnaphalium montanum flore albo & flore purpureo. White and purple Cats foote.

This small Cudweede or Cottonweede, hath many small white woolly leaues growing from the roote, which is composed of a few small blackish threds, and lying vpon the ground somewhat like vnto the leaues of a small Mouse eare, but smaller; from among which riseth vp a small stalke of halfe a foote high or thereabouts, beset here and there with some few leaues, at the top whereof commeth forth a tuft of small flowers, set close together, in some of a pure white, in others of a purple or reddish colour, in some of a pale red or blush, and in others of a white and purple mixt together, which for the beauty is much commended and desired, but will hardly abide to be kept in Gardens, so vnwilling they are to leaue their naturall abiding.

7. Gnaphalium Roseum. The Cotton Rose.

This little rose Cotton weede hath many such like woolly leaues, growing as the former from the roote vpon small short branches, not full an hand breadth high, in fashion somewhat like vnto Daysie leaues, but lesser, and round pointed: at the toppe of euery stalke or branch, standeth one flower, composed of two rowes of small white leaues, layd open like a Starre or a Rose, as it beareth the name, hauing a round head in the middle made of many yellow threds or thrumes, which falling away, there riseth vp a small round head, full of small seedes: the root is small, long and threddy.

The Place.

The foure first plants doe grow naturally in many of the hot Countries of Europe, as Spaine, Italie, and Prouince in France; as also in Candy, Barbary, and other places, and must be carefully kept with vs in the winter time. The Liue long was brought out of the West Indies, and groweth plentifully in our gardens. The two last doe grow as well in the colder Countries of Germany, as in France and other places.

The Time.

They all flower in the end of September, if they will shew out their beauty at all with vs, for sometimes it is so late, that they haue no faire colour at all, especially the foure first sorts.

The Names.

Variable and many are the names that seuerall Writers do call these foure first sorts of plants, as Helichrysum, Heliochrysum, or Elichrysum, Eliochrysum, Chrysocome, Coma aurea, Amaranthus luteus, Stoechas Citrina, and Aurelia, with others, needlesse here to be recited: it is sufficient for this worke, to giue you knowledge that their names are sufficient as they are expressed in their titles: The fift is called Gnaphalium by Carolus Clusius, from the likenesse of the vmbels or tufts of heads, though greater and white: for as I said before, the Cotton weedes are of kindred with the golden tufts: It hath been called by our English Gentlewomen, Liue long, and Life euerlasting, because of the durabilitie of the flowers in their beautie. The two last are called Gnaphalium, according to their titles; and in English they may passe vnder those names are set downe with them.

The Vertues.

The foure first are accounted to bee hot and dry, and the three last to bee cold and dry: yet all of them may to some good purpose bee applyed to rheumaticke heads. The former foure are likewise vsed to cause vrine, and in baths to comfort and heate cold parts. They are also layd in chests and wardrobes, to keepe garments from moths; and are worne in the heads and armes of Gentiles and others, for their beautifull aspect.

CHAP. XCIIII.

Canna Indica. The Indian flowring Reede.

There are two kindes or sorts of this beautifull plant, the one with a red flower, the other with a yellow, spotted with reddish spots, both which in some kindly yeares haue borne their braue flowers, but neuer any ripe seede, and doth not abide the extremities of our winters, eyther abroade or vnder couert, vnlesse it meete with a stoue or hot-house, such as are vsed in Germany, or such other like place: For neyther house nor cellar will preserue it, for want of heate.

Canna Indica flore rubro. Red flowred Indian Reede.

This beautifull plant riseth vp with faire greene, large, broade leaues, euery one rising out of the middle of the other, and are folded together, or writhed like vnto a paper Coffin (as they call it) such as Comfitmakers and Grocers vse, to put in their Comfits and Spices, and being spread open, another riseth from the bottome thereof, folded in the same manner, which are set at the ioynts of the stalke when it is risen vp, like vnto our water Reede, and growing (if it runne vp for flower) to be three or foure foote high, as I haue obserued in mine owne garden: the flowers grow at the toppe of the stalke one aboue another, which before their opening are long, small, round, and pointed at the end, very like vnto the claw of a Crauise or Sea-Crab, and of the same red or crimson colour, but being open, are very like vnto the flower of Gladiolus or Corne-flagge, but of a more orient colour then at the first, and standing in a rough huske, wherein afterwards standeth a three square head, containing therein round blacke seede, of the bignesse of a pease: the roote is white and tuberous, growing into many knobs, from whence arise such other leaues and stalkes, whereby it encreaseth very much, if it be rightly kept and defended.

Canna Indica flore flauo punctato. Yellow spotted Indian Reede.

This Reede groweth vp with leaues and flowers, in all points so like vnto the former, that it cannot bee knowne from it, vntill it come to flower, which is of a yellow colour, spotted with reddish spots, without any other difference.

The Place.

These plants grow naturally in the West Indies, from whence they were first sent into Spaine, and Portugall, where Clusius saith he saw them planted by the houses sides, flowring in winter, which might be in those warme Countreyes. We preserue them with great care in our gardens, for the beautifull aspect of their flowers.

The Time.

They flower not with vs vntill the end, or middle of August, at the soonest.

The Names.

They are called of some Canna Indica, and Arundo Indica, of others Cannacorus, and of some Flos Cancri, because the colour of the flowers, as well as the forme of the buds, are so like vnto a Sea-Crabs cle, or claw.

The Vertues.

There is not any vse of these in Physicke that I know.

CHAP. XCV.

Mandragoras. Mandrake.

The Mandrake is distinguished into two kindes, the male and the female; the male hath two sorts, the one differing from the other, as shall be shewed; but of the female I know but one: The male is frequent in many gardens, but the female, in that it is more tender and rare, is noursed vp but in a few.

Mandragoras mas. The male Mandrake.

The male Mandrake thrusteth vp many leaues together out of the ground, which being full growne, are faire, large and greene lying round about the roote, and are larger and longer then the greatest leaues of any Lettice, whereunto it is likened by Dioscorides and others: from the middle, among these leaues, rise vp many flowers, euery one vpon a long slender stalke, standing in a whitish greene huske, consisting of fiue pretty large round pointed leaues, of a greenish white colour, which turne into small round apples, greene at the first, and of a pale red colour when they are ripe, very smooth and shining on the outside, and of a heady or strong stuffing smell, wherein is contained round whitish flat seede: the roote is long and thicke, blackish on the outside, and white within, consisting many times but of one long roote, and sometimes diuided into two branches a little below the head, and sometimes into three or more, as nature listeth to bestow vpon it, as my selfe haue often seene, by the transplanting of many, as also by breaking and cutting off of many parts of the rootes, but neuer found harme by so doing, as many idle tales haue beene set downe in writing, and deliuered also by report, of much danger to happen to such, as should digge them vp or breake them; neyther haue I euer seene any forme of man like or woman-like parts, in the rootes of any: but as I said, it hath oftentimes two maine rootes running down right into the ground, and sometimes three, and sometimes but one, as it likewise often happeneth to Parsneps, Carrots, or the like. But many cunning counterfeit rootes haue bin shaped to such formes, and publickly exposed to the view of all that would see them, and haue been tolerated by the chiefe Magistrates of the Citie, notwithstanding that they haue beene informed that such practices were meere deceit, and vnsufferable; whether this happened through their ouer-credulitie of the thing, or of the persons, or through an opinion that the information of the truth rose vpon enuy, I know not, I leaue that to the searcher of all hearts: But this you may bee bold to rest vpon, and assure your selues, that such formes as haue bin publickly exposed to be seene, were neuer so formed by nature, but only by the art and cunning of knaues and deceiuers, and let this be your Galeatum against all such vaine, idle and ridiculous toyes of mens inuentions.

There is likewise another sort of these male Mandrakes, which I first saw at Canterbury; with my very louing and kinde friende Iohn Tradescante, in the garden of the Lord Wotton, whose gardiner he was at that time; the leaues whereof were of a more grayish greene colour, and somewhat folded together, when as the former kind that grew hard by it, was of the same forme that is before described, and ordinary in all others: but whether the apples were differing from the other, I know not, nor did they remember that euer it had borne any.

Mandragoras fæmina. The female Mandrake.

The female Mandrake doth likewise put vp many leaues together, from the head of the roote, but they are nothing so large, and are of a darker greene colour, narrower also and shining, more crumpled, and of a stronger sent: the flowers are many, rising vp in the middle of the leaues, vpon slender stalkes, as in the male kind, but of a blewish purple colour, which turne into small round fruite or apples, and not long like a peare (as Clusius reporteth that saw them naturally growing in Spaine) greene at the first, and of a pale yellowish colour, when they are full ripe; of a more pleasing, or if you will, of a lesse heady sent then the apples of the male, wherein is contained such like seede, but smaller and blacker: the rootes are like the former, blacke without and white within, and diuided in the same manner as the male is, sometimes with more, and sometimes with fewer parts or branches.

The Place.

They grow in many places of Italie, as Matthiolus reporteth, but especially on Mount Garganus in Apulia. Clusius saith hee found the female in many wet grounds of Spaine, as also in the borders of those medowes that lye neere vnto riuers and water courses. The male is cherished in many Gardens, for pleasure as well as for vse; but the female as is said, is both very rare, and farre more tender.

The Time.

The Male flowreth in March, and the fruit is ripe in Iuly. The Female, if it be well preserued, flowreth not vntill August, or September; so that without extraordinary care, we neuer see the fruite thereof in our gardens.

The Names.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us